2016 Oct Leisure Group Travel Magazine

LEISURE OCTOBER 2016

GROUP TRAVEL

Our Inaugural Women’s Travel Issue

Girlfriend Getaways on the Gulf Sun, sand, shops and spas lure groups to Alabama’s sun-kissed coast A Premier Travel Media publication LeisureGroupTravel.com

Midwest Shopping Magnets Retail revelry in Chicago, Milwaukee, Columbus, Indianapolis and the Twin Cities

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Women’s Retreat Destinations

Get in touch with nature at life-changing centers in the West

CONTENTS

Ladies on tour, like this trio at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, look forward to their shopping time.

October 2016 • Vol. 26, No. 5

LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL

FEATURES

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TAKE 5 With Debra Asberry, Women Traveling Together Designer Duds at a Discount (pg. 11) HELPING WOMEN EMPOWER THE FUTURE BY LANCE HARRELL A charity in Costa Rica champions economic opportunity INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Momentum continues for Spotlight on the Southeast after a successful three-day event in Asheville, North Carolina

DESTINATIONS

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CALIFORNIA ITINERARY IDEAS Art museums, whale-watching and fun festivals

6 WOMEN’S RETREAT DESTINATIONS BY LISA KASANICKY Your group will find peace, relaxation and simple pleasures at welcoming hideaways from Washington to Texas.

OKLAHOMA: A KALEIDOSCOPE OF CULTURES BY SUE ARKO Intriguing attractions and festivals reflect the state’s diversity OREGON’S COVERED WAGONS TO COVERED BRIDGES Seven trails preserve the past and embrace the future

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SUE ARKO

CENTRAL MIDWEST SHOPPING MAGNETS BY MELINDA HUGHEY Retail revelry on city sidewalks and malls in Chicago, Milwaukee, Columbus, Indianapolis and the Twin Cities Milwaukee Festivals (pg. 35)

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EAST

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SOUTH

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ALABAMA ADVENTURES Girlfriend getaways, horticultural hotspots and music heritage

REMEMBER THE LADIES BY ELISSA GILBERT Historical attractions chronicle the story of women in America

COLUMNS 6 ON MY MIND BY JEFF GAYDUK 8 ON TOUR BY MARTY SARBEY DE SOUTO, CTC 55 ON RETREAT BY LISA KASANICKY 4

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North Myrtle Beach CVB

PACKAGING LADIES GOLF TRIPS BY DAVE BODLE Tour planners should be optimistic about packaged golf’s future and women’s golf in particular

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

50 STATES OF GREAT STUDENT ADVENTURES f you’re planning trips for schoolage children, get your free copy of Student Travel Planning Guide.

Published by the same folks who bring you Leisure Group Travel magazine, this resource publication includes over 500 fun, engaging activities for students and scouts across all 50 states. Our team goes beyond the obvious to hone in on unique attractions with special attention given to places where groups can perform. This 64-page guide is available free of charge in print or easy download.

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Get yours today by visiting www.StudentTravelPlanningGuide.com

ONLY ON LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM tay at the head of the pack with Group Travel Essentials, a tutorial video series built to educate and enhance your skillset. Join Stuart Cohen for lively sessions brimming with fresh ideas.

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e inspired by Site InSpections, uncovering new destinations, niche travel opportunities and hidden gems.

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ut costs and ease hotel booking stress with a unique reverse RFP model guaranteeing the lowest group hotel rates.

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et weekly digests of all the best online content with InSite, our free Friday e-newsletter.

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ON THE COVER: Camaraderie overflows on a ladies trip to Iceland.

(Photo courtesy Women Traveling Together)

October 2016

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ON

Vol. 26, No. 5 October 2016

MY MIND

By Jeffrey Gayduk

Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

No Men Allowed

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com

hether you hail from a blue state, red state or you’re in a red-white-andblue state of mind, one thing’s apparent this election year – everyone’s vote counts.

While some are quick to voice their opinions about which candidate they’re rooting for, others are lying in the weeds – maybe with their head covered!

Here at Leisure Group Travel we need your opinion. Not on whom you’re voting for, but in our 2016 Group Intentions survey.

Your feedback is important as we shape our editorial coverage for the coming years to reflect the interests and travel patterns of our readership.

We’re all aware of the changes that are happening in the market. It’s our goal to maintain our position as the voice of the group travel industry, but we need you to speak up in order for us to better understand what’s happening on a grass-roots level.

We included a hard copy of this survey in the August edition of the magazine. If you haven’t told us about your travel program and patterns, please return that paper copy to our office, or for faster access, visit www.leisuregrouptravel.com/group-intentions-survey and complete the short, five-minute questionnaire. Your response is due by October 15. Thanks in advance for helping us create a better magazine!

October marks a significant milestone at Leisure Group Travel as it’s the first time that we’ve dedicated an entire issue to

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women’s travel. I’m happy to boast that we’ve packed this edition with great editorial topics covering the sector. In this month’s Take 5 interview, Debra Asberry discusses some of the challenges she’s faced creating the largest women’s-only tour company in North America, Women Traveling Together.

Helping Women Power the Future is a cause very near and dear to us. This charity’s purpose is to empower Central American women by championing economic opportunity, human rights and environmental sustainability. The foundation is headed by Lance Harrell, who doubles as our Chief Development Officer.

Industry Spotlight shines bright on the only trade show series run exclusively by women, Spotlight Travel Network and their most recent successful event in beautiful Asheville, NC. Even our destination articles cover some traditional (shopping, spas) to non-traditional (golf) vacations designed exclusively for women. And this month’s guest columnist, Lisa Kasanicky, provides insight on women’s retreats. I hope you find some inspiration in one or more of these features.

Thanks for reading Leisure Group Travel.

Happy Traveling,

Jeff Gayduk Publisher

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Staff Writer – Miles Dobis miles@ptmgroups.com Editorial Coordinator – Danielle Golab danielle@ptmgroups.com

Chief Development Officer – Lance Harrell lance@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com

Vice President – Theresa O’Rourke theresa@ptmgroups.com

Regional Business Development Managers Ohio/Pennsylvania – Harry Peck P 330.830.4880 • F 630.794.0652 harry@ptmgroups.com

Mid-Atlantic/New England/ Wisconsin/Indiana/Kentucky – Ellen Klesta P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com

Southeast/West Coast – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com

Southeast – Eric Moore P 352.391.3314 eric@ptmgroups.com

Southwest – Dolores Ridout P 281.762.9546 dolores@ptmgroups.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406) is published bi-monthly by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations.

Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular subscription price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

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ON TOUR

Blount Small Ship Adventures

Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC

Cruising Here At Home e love to think of taking a cruise as “going away” – far away – perhaps to the Mediterranean, the South Pacific or to other alluring waters. But did you ever think of offering a cruise close to home in American waters?

It’s just as much fun, isn’t so hard to get to, and we have some really interesting ports of call along the rivers and coastal waterways of our own USA. Let’s take a quick look at several possibilities you might consider.

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BLOUNT SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES When engineer Luther Blount started designing vessels with a retractable pilot house, he could suddenly take his travelers to formerly inaccessible spots like the Erie Canal.

Now celebrating 50 years in business, his fleet of small ships offers one- or two-week cruises on a variety of homegrown itineraries.

In the hands of daughter Nancy Blount, new itineraries have blossomed. Blount Small Ship Adventures offers one-week sailings such as “The Islands of New England” up the Hudson River to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Newport. “Southern Treasures” goes to 8

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Charleston, Savannah, Beaufort and St. Augustine. A two-week trip that ventures into Canadian waters to Quebec and Montreal is particularly popular, especially in the fall when the leaves are turning. A Great Lakes itinerary departs from Chicago.

With a friendly all-American crew, casual atmosphere and sit-anywhere dining arrangement, it’s a winner. These ships (Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner) take fewer than 100 passengers; accompanied children 14 years and over are welcome.

Shore excursions and airfare to/from the ship are additional cost. Oh – and by the way – it’s strictly BYO (Bring Your Own alcoholic beverages). (blountsmallshipadventures.com) AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT COMPANY If you’ve ever wanted to take a group up (or down) the Mississippi, this is your opportunity.

You cruise from one historic battlefield or antebellum mansion to another and do it in modern-day comfort. It’s aboard a vessel painted glistening white with a huge scarlet paddle wheel, a wrap-around deck with white

rocking chairs, and a Victorian decor (with one of the most expansive collections of Tiffany glass in existence).

Constructed in the mid-1990s, the American Queen carries 436 passengers and a crew of 160. And while the ship may look like the paddlewheelers of days gone by, its comforts and onboard programs are up to the requirements of today’s most demanding traveler.

Many of the departures are themed cruises such as Big Band Swing, Antebellum, Civil War, Presidents and Politics and Mark Twain.

And if you have music-lovers among your clientele, they will love the piano sing-alongs or evenings of ragtime, bluegrass, jazz, blues and country music.

Guest historians (called Riverlorians) are aboard each sailing to help passengers relive a tale from Mark Twain or enjoy a recounting of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Complimentary “Hop On, Hop Off” guided tours are provided in port. This cruise is a great option for your mature travelers or for those who might like to get away during the holidays on especially festive cruises. The company’s American Empress paddlewheeler plies the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. (aqsc.com) OTHER OPTIONS American Cruise Lines has added several new ships to its fleet in the last few years, offering a variety of Mississippi, Columbia/ Snake and East Coast sailings. Other cruisingat-home possibilities might include Norwegian Cruise Line’s one-week Hawaiian Islands itinerary on board the Pride of America. It operates Saturday to Saturday year-round from Honolulu, visiting Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai. Norwegian, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have some excellent Pacific Coast cruises worth checking out – particularly repositioning cruises heading north to Alaskan waters in late spring and heading southward in early fall back to the warmer waters of Mexico or the Caribbean for their winter season. LGT Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) with a long history in the travel/tourism industry. She has been a tour operator, worldwide trip leader, college tourism instructor and textbook author. Her consulting firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com).

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Debra Asberry Women Traveling Together Debra Asberry at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

New Horizons in Women’s Travel

ebra Asberry was on the ground floor of the women’s-only travel movement in the late 1990s. As the leader of the largest women’s-only tour company in the U.S., Debra and her team produce and ship nearly 70 tours per year.

Learn the secrets to her success in this edition of Take 5.

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Leisure Group Travel: How did you get started doing tours for women?

Debra Asberry: I had a personal interest in traveling, but I didn’t want to do it alone.

There were probably four or five women-only adventure travel companies, and if I could have found the trip that I was particularly interested in—which was to raft the Colorado

River through the Grand Canyon—I might have taken it. I liked adventure travel, but also liked visiting beautiful cities, architecture and art. What I noticed was that they were absent from these choices.

LGT: How did you go from this idea of wanting to go on a Colorado rafting trip to creating a company specializing in women-only tours?

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DA: Before I started Women Traveling Together, I was a publisher of a regional magazine in the Washington, D.C. area called Fifty and Forward. I used our editorial to ask if there were women that had a similar situation as I had. I was overwhelmed by the response, so I just felt like there was a need out there to be met.

LGT: When did you feel the women-only travel business became an entire movement?

DA: A generation ago when I started this company, it was not socially acceptable for a woman to go off and travel by herself. So we stayed relatively small doing a lot more domestic than we did international. As 20 years have gone by, the number of women that have large salaries has changed dramatically and I think women today just have a mindset of “Hey, if this is what I want to do with my money, then I am going to do it.”

LGT: Can you give a snapshot of your typical traveler?

DA: Our typical traveler is a woman who has discretionary income. She is typically beyond her child-rearing years, so her kids are generally in college or beyond that. We also have women that never had children or that are divorced, widowed, as well as married whose husbands don’t travel. We tend to appeal to the woman in her mid-40s up to her mid-60s—that’s the bulk of our travelers.

LGT: What’s different about the experience on your tours that a traditional tour doesn’t offer?

DA: When you have an all-women’s tour where everybody is traveling solo, they are meeting for the very first time face to face at the beginning of the tour. You feel like it’s, “Hey, we are in this together, we are all going to cooperate together to have a great time.” What I’ve observed over the years is in that first 10 minutes at the welcome meeting, they’re starting to share a little bit about themselves and they’re already bonding as a group. Ultimately, when people see this group on the street, they think they’re looking at a bunch of women that have known each other for years.

LGT: What destinations are most popular with your travelers?

DA: We have three types of travelers. There’s the person that either has never traveled before or a little in college and Women Traveling Together, the largest women’s-only tour company in the U.S., offers trips to popular domestic and international destinations like New Orleans (top) and Iceland. It runs nearly 70 trips per year.

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

they are getting out there and seeing the world for the first time. Their tendency is to see the iconic places. After they’ve done that, they’re ready to move on to places like Peru and Patagonia, China and South East Asia. Then you’ve got very top tier—they want to go to Madagascar, raft the Snake River.

They want to try destinations that are a little on the fringe.

We design our tours so that we have got that broad base as an introduction to women traveling together. 72% of all the women that travel with us will take their second tour within three years, most of them are repeat travelers who take one or two trips a year.

LGT: Where do you find new destination ideas?

DA: It is a combination of a million things. Obviously, we look at the magazines like yours that come into our office to see what’s new out there, but ultimately the way we make decisions is we have something called pre-reservations for tours under construction. We’ve been using this to determine if there is an interest in specific destinations without spending an enormous amount of time in the building of a tour.

For example, in 2017, we posted pre-reservations because we want to get people who are interested in taking our tours to say, “Yes I want to pre-reserve for this trip.” But it also gives us an opportunity to take a look-and-see, “Hey, I have this crazy idea.” When we see that we have got 138 people that have pre-reserved for that, we can develop that tour.

That is the reason why we don’t cancel tours because if I see something is lagging we just won’t even develop it. That has served us and our clients exceptionally well.

LGT: How have you been successful in finding new customers?

DA: We typically find that Facebook is a great place to have a free-form conversation and post pictures from our tours. But if I had to say where the majority of our new clients come from, they come from our Google AdWord campaigns. Bottom line is our business advantage comes from the understanding that until a woman decides that she’s fed up and is going to make a decision to solve the problem of not being able to find someone to travel with, all the advertising in the world isn’t going to motivate her.

You can connect with Debra Asberry at 800-795-7135, or women-traveling.com. LGT

DESIGNER DUDS AT A DISCOUNT

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verybody likes a bargain, and great deals abound at America’s top outlet centers. Here are some favorites with group tour planners:

Asheville Outlets Asheville, North Carolina Save up to 70% at over 70 stores on brand favorites: Coach, J. Crew Factory, Nike Factory Store, SKECHERS, Vera Bradley, Cole Haan, RH Outlet, Dillard's Clearance Center, Field & Stream and more.

Asheville Outlets has a covered bus unloading/reloading area and is conveniently located at the intersection of I-40 and I-26 at Brevard Road (Route 191). Plus, special discounts and gifts for all group tour guests, coordinators and drivers. To schedule your group, contact tours@shopashevilleoutlets.com. (shopashevilleoutlets.com)

CambridgeSide Cambridge, Massachusetts CambridgeSide is an urban shopping center, perfect for tour groups, with a waterfront location boasting more than 120 stores and restaurants. Enjoy three levels of shopping offering some of Boston’s favorite stores such as Forever 21, Best Buy, Macy’s, H&M, T.J. Maxx, American Eagle, Old Navy, J.Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, GAP, ALDO, Banana Republic, Sephora and many more.

Register your group and receive a free gift and coupon book, as well as convenient bus parking. (shopcambridgeside.com)

Outlets at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas Featuring over 65 outlets including Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Clarks Outlet, Cole Haan, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap Factory Store, LOFT Outlet and Old Navy Outlet.

Outlets of Little Rock has excellent highway access, at the intersection of I-30 and I-430 and easy coach drop off with complimentary designated coach parking. Register at tours@outletsoflittlerock.com and each person in your group receives a free gift and coupon book worth hundreds more in savings. (outletsoflittlerock.com)

Outlets at Tejon Tejon Ranch, California This attractive new center, with its California Mission Ranch design, offers big savings on designer fashions and home goods at more than 70 stores, including Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, Columbia Sportswear, H&M, Nike, Pottery Barn, As Seen On TV and New York & Company.

Located between Los Angeles and Bakersfield at the junction of I-5 and Hwy. 99, the upscale mall has a food court, and sit-down restaurants are nearby. Tour members receive a free VIP coupon booklet and tote bag. (tejonoutlets.com)

Palm Beach Outlets West Palm Beach, Florida Save up to 70% at over 100 outlets including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Nike Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap Factory Store, Under Armour, Cole Haan and more. Plus, 20 additional shops at Marketplace at the Outlets including Nordstrom Rack.

Palm Beach Outlets is conveniently located off of I-95, exit 71. Enjoy easy coach drop-off and free designated parking. Register your group at tours@palmbeachoutlets.com and each person receives a free gift and coupon book. (palmbeachoutlets.com) LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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Helping Women Power the Future

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By Lance Harrell ince I was a teenager, I’d devoted my life to becoming a scientist because I loved understanding problems and solving them. I have always felt that it is everyone’s responsibility to give more than we take in this life, to leave the world a little better than we found it, and science was going to be my way of doing that.

During graduate school, though, I became disillusioned. I’d assumed that at this advanced level we’d be working together for the betterment of all, but I eventually realized that politics, competition and economics prevented that from happening. So, I decided to leave academia and began building my own vision, where I could employ my skills as a scientist to fuel my passions for equality and environmentalism. That vision became Empowered Biofuels.

I am just as passionate about this young organization as I am about my everyday work as chief development officer of Premier Travel Media, the publisher of Leisure Group Travel. We are pleased to have been chosen as the charity to represent women’s issues in this magazine and appreciate the chance to tell our story.

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Each of our projects works closely with a local patron, like Gretel in Miramar, Costa Rica, to help grow the project and engage the community.

A charity centered around biofuel production in Costa Rica champions economic opportunity, human rights and environmental sustainability 12

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Why We Do What We Do Having lived in Latin America for over a decade, I’ve witnessed first-hand the second-class status women are given and the double standards they endure.

Especially in rural areas, women are discouraged or outright excluded from non-domestic roles. Education and skill training are powerful influencers in women’s ability to fight against the oppression they face and allow them to reach their full potential.

Our desire to help these women rise out of oppression dovetails with our grassroots environmental initiatives.

The dangers and realities of climate change are well documented and the developed world often preaches the need to live sustainably. However, for most people in underdeveloped countries, earning a living trumps living sustainably, and the two are seen as mutually exclusive.

By serving as an example and an educational center, we are working from the bottom up by teaching individuals and small communities in Costa Rica how to use a local, native, renewable resource to produce and consume energy in a more sustainable way and show them that they can earn a living from sustainable enterprises.

Likewise, through our international volunteering program, we are enlightening and educating others from around the world about the plight of Latin American women and how to achieve a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

How We Help Our grassroots approach means that we go where the people are and therefore operate multiple project locations across Costa Rica.

For biofuel production, we focus on a native tree species called Jatropha, which is ideal for this type of movement and is already well established in the country both in the wild and for use as a living fence by many of the local people.

Above: Two volunteers take a satisfying break after helping to install a fence around our nursery in Miramar, Costa Rica. Below: Our volunteers get to meet and interact with the local women we are helping.

Our basic plan is straightforward: 1. We choose a project location where we can have the most impact.

2. We find a Patron that believes in our cause and develop them into a community leader.

3. We use existing Jatropha in the area while planting more where we are able.

4. We train local women how to harvest the bio-oil and convert it to usable products.

5. We use the proceeds from selling these products to help pay for continued education for the women in marketable skills.

6. After two years in our program, the women are ready to seek gainful employment through the assistance of fellow organizations.

How You Can Help There are so many ways to get involved!

On a corporate level, Costa Rica is a wonderfully rich destination and while we have volunteering opportunities for small groups, we could use your expertise to help build and promote packages. We could also assist in local fundraisers and, of course, donations are always needed. To make an impact, please visit us at EmpoweredBiofuels.org and Facebook.com/EmpoweredBiofuels or email me at Chairman@EmpoweredBiofuels.org

Lance with young Jatropha

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

The Biltmore Company

Spotlight on the Southeast is on a Roll Momentum continues for this annual conference after a successful three-day event in North Carolina ith the largest turnout since its inaugural effort in 2014, Spotlight on the Southeast Tourism Conference convened in Asheville, North Carolina July 11-13, bringing tour operators from throughout the U.S. and Canada to meet with suppliers from eight Southeastern states.

Conference organizers Melinda Hughey of The RH Factor in Tennessee and Sue Arko

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of Free Spirit Vacations in Arizona expressed gratitude for the meeting's continued growth.

"We couldn't be happier or more humbled with the response," Hughey said. "Since our first outing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast three years ago and followed by last year's show in Louisiana, we've seen this thing just get bigger and better. We can't say enough about Explore Asheville and the way they

pulled out all the stops in making this the best Spotlight yet."

During the conference, Hughey and Arko announced show dates and locations for 2017 and 2018. Ridgeland, Mississippi will host the show July 10-12, 2017, while Birmingham, Alabama is where the show will celebrate its fifth anniversary July 9-11, 2018.

"We have been inundated with requests >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Spotlight on the Southeast brought U.S. and Canadian tour operators to Asheville, North Carolina, where they compared notes, gathered itinerary ideas and met with suppliers.

from destinations all over the Southeast to host our show," Hughey said. "We take that as confirmation that people are seeing the value in our unique concept."

Tour operators, travel planners and bank club directors gathered at the Doubletree Biltmore Farms Hotel in Asheville to network with suppliers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Virginia. A trade show was followed by an itinerary-planning session where both groups sat down to plan themed itineraries that were then distributed to the group at large. Eight ready-to-sell itineraries were formulated during the show.

Keynote speaker Cory Ramsey of Map Dot Kentucky wowed the group with his presenta-

"We have been inundated with requests from destinations all over the Southeast to host our show. We take that as confirmation that people are seeing the value in our unique concept."

—Melinda Hughey, The RH Factor tion extolling the importance of rural tourism development, while North Carolina Tourism Commission Executive Director Wit Tuttell updated delegates on all that's new during a state-sponsored luncheon.

Prior to the conference, more than 20 buyer delegates took part in a pre-fam hosted

by Visit Charlotte, Visit Cabarrus (Concord), Visit Hendersonville, NC, Lake Junaluska/ Haywood County and Biltmore.

Spotlight on the Southeast is part of the rapidly-growing Spotlight Travel Network, the brain-child and creation of Arko, who has staged Spotlight on the Southwest for the past 20 years. The expansion of the franchise into the Southeast in 2014 is followed this year by the inaugural Spotlight on the Northwest in Albany, Oregon Sept. 18-20 and in 2017 by the inaugural Spotlight on the Mid-Atlantic Oct. 27-29 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Information on all the Spotlight conferences can be found at spotlighttravelnetwork.com. LGT

Trade Show and Conference Calendar Through March 2017 World Travel Mart November 7-9, 2016 The leading global event for the travel industry to meet industry professionals and conduct business deals. www.wtmlondon.com USTOA December 5-9, 2016 Scottsdale, AZ The only U.S. travel industry event that brings together the leading North American travel companies with tourism suppliers and destinations from around the globe in an intimate and exclusive setting. www.ustoa.com American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace January 14-17, 2017 Cleveland, OH Every January, ABA welcomes the travel and tourism community to the first conference of the year – the industry’s premier business event. www.buses.org/events/event/marketplace-2017

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Educational Travel Community (ETC) Conference February 15-16, 2017 St. Louis, MO The Educational Travel Conference brings travel planners together with established operators, destinations, and suppliers serving the alumni, museum, and nonprofit travel market. http://travelearning.com/Main_Conference_Page

Heritage Clubs International (HCI) Peer Group March 13-17, 2017 Essex Junction, VT The nation’s only organization dedicated to bank travel clubs hosts its annual member conference in Vermont. http://www.heritageclubs.com

Travel Exchange (NTA + FTA) February 26-March 2, 2017 St. Louis, MO Travel Exchange brings together NTA and FTA members on one floor to offer travel professionals from around the world the best business-building show in the industry. http://businessbuilder.ntaonline.com/convention/ Home.aspx October 2016

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OUTSIDE THE COMFORT ZONE

6 Women’s Retreat Destinations Your group will find peace, relaxation and simple pleasures at welcoming hideaways from Washington to Texas The Great Stupa of Dharmakayaka, a Buddhist shrine, is the heart of Shambhala Mountain Center, a modern retreat campus nestled high in the Colorado Rockies.

By Lisa Kasanicky h, the cushy luxury resort where your options are endless and you simply need to lift a manicured fingernail to have a cream puff delivered to your upgraded deluxe room. On any given day, you and your traveling cohorts could golf, spa, shop, hike, eat (again), nap by the enormous pool or sip cocktails (again). The possibilities are … well, exhausting. And another girls getaway slips by with little to show for it but a sunburn and a maxed out spending budget.

For women looking to travel inward minus the mindless distractions of modern life, these six destinations merge the simple beauty and quietness of nature with soul-stirring programs and fulfilling takeaways.

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SEDONA MAGO RETREAT SEDONA, ARIZONA

Sedona Mago Retreat offers a literal offthe-beaten-path experience. Accessible only by a bumpy 10-mile dirt road, the 163-acre retreat center is run by the Tao Fellowship— a foundation for those seeking an “openminded, integrative and practical spiritual direction for changing their lives.” Fringed

by Sedona, Arizona’s red-rock buttes, the meticulously maintained property is laced with meandering trails leading to gardens, a tranquil lake, labyrinths, statues that embrace the world’s religions, meditative spaces, a pool, Jacuzzi, gift store and interestingly, a memorial burial site of Lester

Levenson, the founder of the Sedona Method healing release technique (a fascinating story, be sure to ask about it). The modern, minimalist-style rooms are conducive to relaxation while the communal dining hall offers self-serve pesca-vegetarian dishes with a lively social area and a separate “whisper room” for mindful eating.

Programs such as the Revitalizing Detox Retreat and Tao Spiritual Spa Retreat are offered throughout the year along with special events with guest artists and authors.

Retreat class sizes are limited and prices are inclusive of meals and accommodations. (sedonamagoretreat.org) >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

SEDONA MAGO RETREAT

SHAMBHALA MOUNTAIN CENTER RED FEATHER LAKES, COLORADO

Framed by northern Colorado’s Rocky Mountain valley and just a few hours’ drive from Denver, the 600 pristine acres of Shambhala Mountain Center evoke a peaceful mindset of inward reflection. Established in the 1970s by a Tibetan meditation master and teacher, the property inspires mindfulness through its botanical gardens, hiking trails, bird sanctuary, meditation halls, and, most markedly, the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, a 108-foot-tall spired Buddhist shrine.

Lodging varies from Zen-inspired single and double rooms to dormitory-style rooms, and in the summer, platform tents with shared bathhouses. Program offerings range from weekend-long meditation retreats to special events and workshops for everything from yoga to aspiring artists and writers. For women who want to create their own experience, self-guided getaways with optional meditation instruction are available. (shambhalamountain.org) DEER LAKE LODGE RESORT & HEALTH SPA, MONTGOMERY, TEXAS Send your group off for a walk in the woods and mind-body cleansing at Deer Lake Lodge & Spa. Less than an hour from Houston, the 50-acre woodland retreat invites guests to reset their health through clean eating and self-guided detox programs.

Guests won’t have to completely disconnect as suites and cabins do have flat-screen TVs, telephones and Wi-Fi along with organic organic cotton towels, bedding, pillows, robes and slippers. The communal Fasting Lounge is the central meeting place while the heated saltwater pool, jetted spa and outdoor fireplace also invite lounging and sharing.

From three-, four-, five- and eight-day detox

programs, guests can personalize their experiences to include colon hydrotherapy treatments, yoga classes, life enhancement classes, nutritional classes and cleansing therapies. (deerlakelodge.com) B BAR RANCH, EMIGRANT, MONTANA As one reviewer put it, B Bar Ranch is a “nature lover's, photographer's, hiker's, explorer's paradise.” That it is, and so much more. Set against the expansive blue Montana skies and 10,000-foot peaks of the Gallatin mountain range, the 9,000-acre working ranch sits on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. Heirloom vegetables and herbs grow in the high-altitude garden while a herd of rare Ancient White Park cattle graze the pastures.

Guests can stay at the lodge or one of the cozy A-frame cabins, each of which sleeps four. The cabins have a porch, living room, bedroom, bath and loft and are just a stroll from the open-air hot tub. The lodge is the ranch’s social center and houses the dining room, a sunny deck, barn-loft yoga studio, gift shop, and living room area with a wood stove and handmade log furniture. B Bar hosts a variety of group retreats throughout the year, most notably Big Sky Yoga Retreats for women (bigskyyogaretreats.com) as well as photography, wilderness and horse therapy workshops. (bbar.com) CLOUD MOUNTAIN RETREAT CENTER CASTLE ROCK, WASHINGTON

A peaceful soundscape of trickling water, rustling forest and songbirds of all kinds supports the quest for quiet mindfulness at this 15-acre retreat center in southwest Washington. Founded in 1984, the meditation center grounds are dotted with a complex of buildings, ponds and gardens tucked into the lush forest canopy and connected by meandering

rock-lined gravel paths. Cloud Mountain is purposely free of distractions (expect no cell service or Wi-Fi) to cultivate mindfulness and encourage guests to travel deeply inward and connect to their present-moment experience.

Rooms are clean, comfortable and deliberately spartan while simplicity carries through to the dining hall where shared vegetarian meals are nourishing yet uncomplicated. The center hosts a variety of themed retreats throughout the year, most of which are appropriate for individuals of all degrees of meditation experience, from novices to experienced practitioners. (cloudmountain.org) SPIRIT ROCK, WOODACRE, CALIFORNIA The vast spaciousness and stillness that blankets the 411 serene woodland acres of Spirit Rock invite guests to quiet the mind and let go of the busy trappings of everyday life. About 45 minutes northwest of San Francisco in the San Geronimo Valley, Spirit Rock was established in 1989 as a place of refuge to practice mindful awareness through silent meditation retreats. The centerpiece of the grounds is the new Great Hall, a meditation and community space with a soaring 41-foot-high ceiling and seating for 400 people. The building includes communal gathering space with tea service, an outdoor terrace with bench seating for meal breaks, an expansive, light-filled bookstore and private meeting rooms. Accommodations are on the monastic side and vegetarian meals are carefully prepared by the Spirit Rock kitchen. Programs in a variety of formats are offered—from two-hour, drop-in classes and daylong events to silent residential retreats lasting from three days to two months. Most programs are five to 10 days long and are suitable for beginners and experienced students alike. (spiritrock.org) LGT CLOUD MOUNTAIN RETREAT CENTER

CALIFORNIA ITINERARY IDEAS

5 Southern California Art Museums Discover artistic genius in hushed galleries and even amidst the desert sands

The San Diego Museum of Art, located in the center of Balboa Park, has a wide range of offerings, from Italian and Spanish old masters to contemporary works.

o often we visualize Southern California as a land of beaches, movies and perhaps as la la land in general, never looking beyond the images portrayed on TV and the big screen. Truth be told, some of the most intriguing art museums are located here. Let’s take a look at a few: Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena. This gem is home to a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gaugin.

It’s also noted for its monumental bronze sculptures by Rodin in the front garden.

In summertime, there’s a free concert series at 5 p.m. on select Saturdays as well as a program of lectures and classes worth investigating. The museum’s store offers a selection of great take-home gifts for friends, family and self: stationery, posters, comic books, drawing lesson art kits. (nortonsimon.org) The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino. Devoted to three core facets—books, art and gardens —the Huntington is noted for its collection

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Huntington Portrait Gallery

of rare books and manuscripts, including Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, a Gutenberg Bible and a world-class collection of early editions of Shakespeare’s works. It’s also an important center for the study of the American West, particularly the Gold Rush and development of Southern California.

The art collections in elegant settings are in three separate galleries on the Huntington grounds, home to Blue Boy by Gainsborough and Mary Cassat’s Breakfast in Bed. The extensive botanical gardens (120 acres) include the Desert Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden. (huntington.org) Geffen Museum of Contemporary Art

The Huntington Library

S

San Diego Museum of Art

(MOCA), Los Angeles. Committed to presenting art created since 1940, with all media considered, this museum occupies a former police car warehouse in L.A’s Little Tokyo Historic District and has been renovated by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Note that there’s more than one venue; another is in the nearby beach town of La Jolla. Works are by notables such as Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Joan Miro, Andy Warhol and Max Ernst. (moca.org) San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park, San Diego. houses a broad collection with particular strength in Spanish art. Exhibition texts are written in both English and Spanish.

The special “Art After Hours” from 5-8 p.m.

Friday evenings has become the “go to” place. (sdmart.org) Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum, Joshua Tree. Located in the high Mojave Desert, this is the most unusual museum. More than 100 works of assemblage sculpture grace the sands and await the surprised visitor. (noahpurifoy.com) —Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Small-Town Festivals, Big-Time Fun Few weeks pass when Californians aren’t celebrating something.

There’s no better way to experience the culture of their communities than to visit during festival days.

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or visitors and locals, California’s small-town festivals are full of fun.

Here are three examples:

PALM SPRINGS PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, JAN. 2-15, 2017 This popular oasis welcomes visitors to its Native American heritage, Hollywood legacy and mid-20th century architecture. Outdoor adventure, along with gaming, entertainment, and arts and culture have all contributed to Palm Springs’ appeal. Dining to satisfy the most discriminating tastes, shopping options galore and a variety of accommodations make itinerary planning a breeze.

Make plans to attend the 28th Palm Springs International Film Festival. The world-renowned event features 200 diverse films from more than 60 countries featuring the best international cinema. The red-carpet Awards Gala on Jan. 2 attracts some of the world’s biggest stars. Both on-screen and behind-screen talent is honored. The Opening Night screening and reception is scheduled for Jan. 5 at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Public screenings are ongoing from Jan. 5-15 with “Best of the Fest” picks screening on Jan. 16.

OXNARD CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL MAY 20-21, 2017 The casual, seaside community of Oxnard is just 60 miles from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and only 11 miles from Channel Islands National Park. A rich agricultural community, Oxnard has grown to offer a wealth of visitor options. The National Marine Sanctuary is a delightful 90-minute boat ride.

Boating, kayaking and sport fishing are all part of the community’s fabric. For land lovers LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

there are abundant museums and shopping to fill more than one day on the itinerary.

The annual California Strawberry Festival is getting ready to celebrate its 34th year. It continues to be ranked among the top outdoor festivals nationwide. More than 1.5 million strawberries will be consumed in every imaginable recipe offered at more than 50 food booths. All the booths are non-profit, with 100 percent of their sales supporting charitable causes. More than $4.5 million in contributions have benefited the area. There will be live entertainment on two stages, celebrity-chef cooking demos, and more than 200 fine arts and crafts booths.

Castroville Artichoke Festival

CASTROVILLE CASTROVILLE ARTICHOKE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL, JUNE 3-4, 2017 When planning a trip to the historic attractions and wine country of the Monterey area, consider those early dates in June that honor the artichoke. Most of the residents in Castroville (pop. 6,000), the second oldest town in Monterey County, claim some Hispanic heritage. Small shops, restaurants and churches all portray a Mexican flavor. Still an agricultural community, the town is known for strawberries, lettuce and, of course, artichokes.

Accounting for 75 percent of artichokes grown in the United States, Castroville is deservedly the “Artichoke Center of the World.” Having outgrown its downtown site years ago, the 58th Castroville Artichoke Festival brings its half-century tradition to the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

A parade and classic car show kick off the celebration in late April. The June weekend is filled with artichoke-cooking demonstrations, farm tours, themed art and souvenirs, a wine exposition and live music.

—Dave Bodle

Palm Springs International Film Festival California Strawberry Festival

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CALIFORNIA ITINERARY IDEAS

Whale-Watching Excursions

Spotting giants of the deep will add a big splash to any California itinerary Stagnaro Charters

From Santa Cruz, Stagnaro Charters’ 60-foot Velocity takes passengers to the heart of whale territory in Monterey Bay. The humpback is the most commonly seen species.

unique option available at many points along the California coast can be a highlight of your group’s trip – a whale-watching excursion. They’re safe, fun for all ages and extremely educational.

Santa Cruz, Monterey and Santa Barbara are among oceanfront cities that offer this unusual off-shore boat trip to individuals and to tour groups.

Whale-watching is a seasonal affair when whales are traveling south from the frigid waters of Alaska, passing along the California coast en route to warmer waters of Baja, Mexico. Gray whales are sighted frequently during their annual migration between December and April. The largest species, blue whales, on the other hand, can be seen from August to October. Other species frequently seen include orcas, humpbacks and sperm whales. Tour passengers also may spot schools of dolphins or porpoises, harbor seals, sea lions and various sea birds such as pelicans, terns and gulls.

Of course, society has known about these giants of the seas for years. Herman Melville’s Moby Dick featured a “great white whale”

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and the 1940 Walt Disney film Pinocchio brought us Monstro, the enormous sperm whale that swallowed whole ships.

Whales are not large fish; they are warmblooded mammals that breathe air into their lungs through blow holes on the top of their head. They vary in length up to 110 feet long and weigh up to 150 tons. Their life span is generally 20-40 years but can be up to 80 years; it varies with each species. Unlike most animals, whales “sleep” by resting only half of their brain at a time – something called “logging.” They are able to dive to great depths and can slow their heart rate to conserve oxygen.

A number of companies offer full-day and half-day excursions, giving us the opportunity to get up close to these wonderful animals of the sea and to learn more about their way of life. Whales have been known to teach, learn, cooperate, scheme, play and even grieve. They are now protected by international law so sightseeing boats, rather than pressing close to them, usually stop and let the curious whales slowly approach them.

When pre-booking an excursion for

your group, note that children under five and pregnant women may not be accepted.

Morning excursions are usually considered a better bet than those in the afternoon.

—Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC HINTS FOR YOUR TRAVELERS • Dress in layers and consider long pants, a hat, gloves and rubber-sole shoes – no open-toed sandals.

• Wear a warm jacket as even in summer it can get bitterly cold (and wet).

• If you bring a camera, be sure it has zoom features and keep it in a plastic bag (or consider a throw-away disposable camera).

• Consider binoculars, sun glasses, sun block, lip balm and a just-in-case seasick remedy.

RESOURCES • Santa Barbara: Condor Cruises, 805-882-0088; condorexpress.com • Monterey: Chris’ Whale Watching, 831-375-5951; chriswhalewatching.com • Santa Cruz: Stagnaro Charters, 831-427-0230; stagnaros.com

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

6 New Additions to the California Packaged Travel Inventory

SeaWorld San Diego’s Ocean Explorer

2017 promises to be an exciting year for packaged group travel to California with new accommodations, restaurants and attractions on the horizon. Here are just a few to pique your interest: SAN DIEGO ZOO’S AFRICA ROCKS EXHIBIT The $68-million exhibit complex will showcase Africa’s varied habitats and will feature the distinctive wildlife that calls Africa home. Endangered African penguins will have a special state-of-the-art habitat.

SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO’S OCEAN EXPLORER A three-acre aquarium-based attraction will feature five rides, including a three-minute submarine ride and a “wave swinger.”

Technology and graphics is key to interactive activities centering on exploration and adventure.

JAN SHREM AND MARIA MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM OF ART • U C DAVIS CAMPUS The UC Davis Fine Arts Collection contains more than 5,000 pieces including Old Master and East Asian prints.

The new museum opens Nov. 13, 2016.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

ARCHER HOTEL • NAPA With a spring 2017 opening, this new-built downtown Napa property features 183 rooms with one-of-a-kind rooftop views of N apa Valley. Charlie Palmer Steak by Chef Charlie Palmer restaurant will open with the hotel. Their team will oversee all culinary direction including the rooftop bar.

HOLIDAY INN HOTEL • WINDSOR Located in Sonoma County with a 2017 opening, the new, full-service hotel will have 100 rooms and an 80-seat restaurant.

968 PARK HOTEL • SO UTH LAKE TAHOE With the addition and renovation of an adjacent building, the property will expand from 58 to 168 rooms. A new restaurant and large outdoor terrace will service both buildings. A modern rustic décor will highlight this boutique hotel.

—Dave Bodle October 2016

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A color-splashed parade is part of Oklahoma City’s Red Earth Festival, a June event that also features one of the country’s top Indian art shows.

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Kaleidoscope

of

Cultures

Intriguing attractions and ethnic festivals reflect Oklahoma’s diversity

By Sue Arko ultures from all over the world are celebrated in Oklahoma at group-friendly museums, attractions and festivals throughout the state. From Native traditions to Western heritage, Oklahoma cherishes its rich beginnings. Over the years, influences from the Amish, Europeans (German, Czech, French, Italian, Greek, Polish and British), Hispanics, Asians and AfricanAmericans have added to the state’s flavor and diversity.

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Native American Culture Over 30 federally recognized tribes call Oklahoma home. Groups can share in Native American traditions by attending authentic celebrations or powwows. One of the most popular events is the Red Earth Festival, held each summer in Oklahoma City where over 100 Indian tribes from across North America compete in a dance competition and exhibit works from prominent artists utilizing techniques passed down for generations.

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

Western Heritage

Fiestas de las Americas, highlighted by a parade through Oklahoma City’s Historic Capitol Hill district, celebrates Hispanic heritage.

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to connect with Native American history. The story of the Chickasaw people is portrayed through performances, re-enactments, demonstrations, collections and exhibits.

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

Another festival to consider is the Cherokee Art Market, which takes place every October in Tulsa. Now in its 11th year, the event has grown into one of the finest Native American art markets in the country, featuring more than 150 elite artists from more than 50 tribes across the nation. Pieces include beadwork, pottery, painting, basketry, sculptures and textiles.

Further discovery of the American Indian culture can be experienced at one of the many tribal museums, such as the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah and Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur. The Cherokee Heritage Center includes outdoor museums and indoor exhibit galleries. The Diligwa Living History Village and Outdoor Museum features authentic reproductions of traditional homes from the 1700s with villagers demonstrating traditional Cherokee crafts. In addition, Adams Corner Rural Village recreates a 1890s setting to illustrate Cherokee society in Indian Territory. The Cherokee Heritage Center also offers world-class educational exhibits, such as the Trail of Tears exhibit, and nationally-recognized Cherokee art shows.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center, one of the largest and most extensive tribal cultural centers in the country, offers an opportunity

Oklahoma also offers an authentic look into the Old West, from nationally acclaimed museums to fun-filled events and festivals.

On any given weekend, groups can experience displays of ancient ranch practices at a rodeo or one of the many Western events throughout the state.

The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan is home of the Campfires, Cattle and Cowboys Poetry Gathering in November, featuring Western songs and poetry. Speaking of the Chisholm Trail, it will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017. The story of the trail is one of entrepreneurship, capitalism, struggle and American can-do spirit.

The Chisholm Trail, beginning in Fort Worth, Texas and ending in Abilene, Kansas, was first marked by Jessie Chisholm in 1867.

From 1867-1872, more than three million head of cattle were driven up this trail and by 1871 as many as 5,000 cowboys were paid off during a single day. Thus the beginning of the legend of the American cowboy.

In Oklahoma, US 81 has been designated as the Chisholm Trail Historic Route and boasts more than 400 trail markers. Waurika is home to the Chisholm Trail Historical Museum. The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center and the “On the Chisholm Trail” bronze statue are located in Duncan. The Trail Memorial Highway (US 81) continues through Yukon,

Vanessa Jennings, a member of Oklahoma’s Kiowa tribe, is a renowned regalia maker, clothing designer, cradle board maker and bead artist.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

home to country singer Garth Brooks and the Express Ranch, home to 15 beautiful Clydesdale horses.

Explore the West through its people, places and history at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. It contains vast displays of internationally renowned Western art by Remington, Russell and Bierstadt along with exhibits on everything from Native American culture to life as a ranch hand and singing cowboys of the Silver Screen. Other highlights include the Rodeo Hall of Fame and Prosperity Junction, a replica turn-of-the-20th-century cattle town.

The Amish Way of Life The Amish began settling in Oklahoma in 1910. The two Amish communities remaining today are Chouteau and Clarita (both are from the New Order). Since 1934 they have used tractors with rubber tires in farming the rocky, hard soil of Oklahoma.

The Amish School Auction, Crafts and Antique Show takes place every September at the Raymond Miller home in Coal County.

Breakfast is served followed by the auctioning off of hand-sewn quilts, antiques, glassware and furniture. Horses, poultry, farm-related items and plenty of homemade baked goods

OKC-ing is believing.

From whatever direction your tour approaches OKC, you’ll find the intersection of I-44, I-40, I-35 and Route 66 is a modern metropolis with loads of group-friendly attractions like the Bricktown Canal, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. If OKC isn’t already on your list, it’s time to stop and OKC what you’ve been missing.

Learn more at

#SeeOKC LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

of every kind are also available for purchase from over 200 vendors. This event is organized by a group of about 20 Amish families.

In early fall, Oklahoma celebrates its Amish heritage during Black Buggy Days in Chouteau. Dine on a variety of traditional Amish food, such as hot chicken and noodles, freshly baked breads and pies, cinnamon roll and smoked ribs. Other fair-type food is also available. Bluegrass music is performed by young Amish men throughout the event.

European, Asian and Hispanic Influences Many additional ethnic influences can also be experienced at festivals throughout Oklahoma. Lawton produces the International Festival every September to create awareness and appreciation of the city’s diverse heritage.

The festival provides groups and individuals an opportunity to display their culture through performances and demonstrations. There are free concerts, parades, plenty of food vendors, children's games and activities, and non-stop multicultural entertainment.

Germans began settling in Oklahoma in the early 1870s as farmers. As of the 2010 census, German is the largest ancestry group in Oklahoma.

Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa, a Bavarian-style bash patterned after the annual celebration in Munich, is one of the biggest Oktoberfests in the U.S., complete with beer tents, brats, schnitzel and strudel, plus oompah bands direct from Germany.

Choctaw Oktoberfest is a favorite for visitors wanting homemade German food, German beer (over 30 draught beers to choose from), international wines and German music.

This week-long event features live entertainment for all ages plus special appearances by German dance groups. Choctaw Oktoberfest also features a German car show, crafts and vendors.

Scottish heritage is also alive and well in Oklahoma. Yukon is home to the Iron Thistle Scottish Heritage Festival and Highland Games every spring. The festival begins on a Friday night with a traditional fire ceremony, a re-enactment of the gathering of the clans before battle. The official opening ceremony takes place on Saturday.

Throughout the festival, there’s something for everyone, Scottish or not. Entertainment includes rousing Celtic bands and pipe bands, Scottish and Irish dance troupes, traditional Scottish heavy athletics and sheep herding demonstrations.

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Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

Plenty of hearty grub is dished up at the Chuck Wagon Festival at the National Cowboy Museum & Western Heritage Center, Oklahoma City.

The Choctaw Nation’s coal mines attracted many Poles, and the population spread to the eastern half of the state.

The annual Prague OK Kolache Festival celebrates the Czech heritage with polka music, dancing, food, Czech costumes, a parade, beer garden, wine tasting booths and made-in-Oklahoma foods. Now in its 56th year, the festival attracts over 20,000 visitors to this town of 2,500. Kolaches, a sweet bread containing fillings like cherries, poppy seeds and apricots, are baked months in advance to prepare for the festival. A contest to determine the best homemade kolaches is held in conjunction with the festival. Activities begin with a costume contest followed by Prague Czech Folk Dancers. Entertainment continues throughout the day and one of Oklahoma's largest parades makes its way through downtown Prague. An arts and craft show features jewelry, wood art, ceramics and yard art.

Asian culture in Oklahoma has expanded over the last 50 years with “Little Saigon” in Oklahoma City becoming nationally known for its cuisine and shopping. Scores

of restaurants, Asian retail boutiques, supermarkets and Asian-oriented service outlets cater to the district's large Asian population as well as tourists. Visitors will find everything from traditional Hong Kong dim sum to Taiwanese bubble tea.

Hispanics are the third largest ethnic minority in Oklahoma. Immigration swelled shortly after the Mexican revolution of 1910. Popular events such as Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day (September 16) are celebrated throughout Oklahoma.

September 15 to October 15 has been established as Hispanic Month.

Fiestas de las Americas is a multicultural festival that celebrates Hispanic heritage in Oklahoma City. The Parade of the Americas exhibition travels through Capitol Hill. Groups can sample a wide variety of food, including tacos, shop at numerous vendors, and watch entertainers perform traditional song and dance in their colorful costumes.

So whatever culture you choose to explore, Oklahoma is waiting to welcome your group and showcase their history, traditions and hospitality. LGT

A MERICA’S

HOME TOWN

Blackwell Historical Museum

LOCATED

IN THE

HEART

OF

Oklahoma’s North Central Wild West Territory FARMING, FAMILY, BUSINESS & INDUSTRY WE HAVE IT ALL ...

Blackwell Chamber of Commerce 120 S. Main Blackwell, OK 74631

580-363-4195 www.blackwellchamber.org Blackwell Public Librar y

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

OREGON’S

Covered Wagons to Covered Bridges Seven Trails Preserve the Past and Embrace the Future

Gilkey Covered Bridge, built in 1939, spans Thomas Creek in Linn County, near Scio, Oregon. The Covered Wagons to Covered Bridges tour route has several of Oregon’s 50 historic covered bridges.

By Sue Arko regon’s pioneer country beckons.

The search is on for a new generation of pioneer travelers. Those who want to experience the great Western migration from the comfort of a motorcoach. Those who want to travel in the footsteps of dreamers who headed west in search of a new life. Oregon was the promised land for pioneers who left everything behind.

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LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Today, groups can relive this epic journey on the Covered Wagons to Covered Bridges (CW2CB) tour route while enjoying modern accommodations, new attractions, unique restaurants and wineries.

The full Covered Wagons to Covered Bridges journey begins in Idaho, includes Washington and Oregon, and covers 42 communities and more than 1,000 miles of incredible scenery. Promoted by numerous

CVBs and chambers of commerce, the route is divided into seven trails, each showcasing a portion of the full CW2CB journey.

Groups can choose to travel one trail or all seven, as they can easily be combined.

Each includes authentic experiences such as overnighting on a working cattle ranch, walking in ruts left by long-ago wagon trains and wandering through historic covered bridges.

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Pioneer days come to life at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City. Above: Color coding indicates the seven trails on the Covered Wagons to Covered Bridges tour route.

Trail 1: Boise to John Day This trail begins in Boise, Idaho and extends 238 miles through rugged country and stunning vistas to John Day, Oregon. The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City offers living history demonstrations, interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, special events, and more than four miles of interpretive trails. Groups can walk in the ruts made from wagon trains on the Oregon Trail. They can also enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Snake River through Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Suggested overnight destinations on this trail are Ontario, Baker City and John Day, Oregon.

Trail 2: John Day to Pendleton Beginning in John Day, Trail 2 travels north for 129 miles, concluding in Pendleton, Oregon, which is the recommended overnight destination. Mountain vistas, lush grazing lands, pristine rivers and abundant wildlife can be seen all along the way. Experience the Old West at Eastern Oregon’s top attraction, Pendleton Underground Tours (P.U.T.).

A non-profit corporation that started in 1989, P.U.T. gives tours of Pendleton’s history of legal and illegal businesses, including gambling, the Chinese, bootlegging and prostitution in the red-light district. Private 30

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whiskey tasting is also available in Pendleton at Oregon Grain Growers Brand Distillery, a family-owned and -operated establishment that is the first distillery in Pendleton since Prohibition. Groups can sample products, view the operations and purchase a bottle of vodka, gin or whiskey.

Trail 3: Pendleton to Fossil The trail from Pendleton to Fossil encompasses 230 miles and travels through Eastern Oregon’s cattle ranches and plains.

It is truly the heart of the Pacific Northwest breadbasket, featuring working cattle ranches, fabulous wines and delicious foods.

At the Sustainable Agriculture and Energy (SAGE) Center in Boardman, interactive exhibits show how food gets from farm to table. Fun activities include a simulated hot air balloon ride over farm land and a tractor simulator where you can plant virtual corn and compare your driving skills to GPS technology. Small groups should consider overnighting at the Wilson Ranches Bed and Breakfast in the beautiful Butte Creek Valley near Fossil. Experience pioneer hospitality at its best on this historic, 9,000acre cattle and hay ranch. Horseback riding is available. Overnight destination suggestions are Boardman and Fossil, Oregon, and Goldendale, Washington.

Trail 4: Fossil to Mitchell Trail 4 is a one-day tour traveling 221 miles from Fossil to Mitchell, Oregon.

The Painted Hills, located just outside Mitchell, are a geological wonderland and one of three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Spectacular colors and sublime patterns appear as if they had just been hand-painted by nature’s brush. Throughout the John Day Fossil Beds, discover what Oregon was like in pre-historic times, finding fossils all along the way.

Trail 5: Mitchell to Albany The next trail begins in Mitchell and travels 142 miles on the historic Santiam Wagon Road over the majestic Cascade Mountains to Albany, Oregon. While traveling the Cascades, drive the Over the River and Through the Woods Scenic Byway loop around Foster Lake. Covered bridges dot the peaceful countryside. In the Willamette Valley numerous restaurants offer tasty dishes created by nationally acclaimed chefs featuring locally grown food. At the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum see how carousel animals are made and painted. Suggested overnight destinations are Prineville and Albany, Oregon.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

The wide-open spaces of Baker County, Eastern Oregon

Trail 6: Albany to Eugene Travel 165 miles from Albany to Eugene, Oregon on Trail 6. Native American artisans create and sell arts and crafts along the coastal communities. Just outside Newport, climb to the top of Yaquina Head Lighthouse or just stand and admire the majesty of Oregon’s tallest lighthouse. Wind up in one of Oregon’s largest cities, and explore culture, art and history. Choose from the following suggested overnight destinations: Grand Ronde, Lincoln City, Newport, Florence or Eugene.

Trail 7: Eugene to Klamath Falls Trail 7, the longest of the trails (413, miles) begins in Eugene and ends in Klamath Falls. Explore waterfalls, wildlife, the Cascade Mountains and Klamath Basin on the final portion of the Oregon journey. Crater Lake National Park, the only national park in Oregon, is described as “Deep Water in a Sleeping Volcano.” The lake was formed over 7,500 years ago when a violent eruption caused the collapse of a towering volcano.

Crater Lake National Park protects the deepest and one of the purest and most pristine lakes in the United States. A drive completely around the lake is suggested.

While the West Rim Drive boasts outstanding views and a quicker route through the park, the East Rim Drive is just as spectacular and much more varied. Adventurous groups may enjoy a sunset kayak tour. Klamath Falls, located 60 miles from Crater Lake, is the suggested overnight destination. LGT For more information on the Covered Bridges to Covered Wagons tour route, visit coveredwagonstocoveredbridges.com.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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CENTRAL

REGION

Midwest

Shopping Magnets

Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashionable North Michigan Avenue is home to vertical malls like Water Tower Place.

Choose Chicago/Adam Alexander Photography

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Visit Milwaukee

Leave your group off at a retail hotspot and you’ll have a busload of happy campers One-of-a-kind clothing and accessories boutiques lure visitors to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, an easy drive from downtown Milwaukee.

By Melinda Hughey hop-til-you-drop!" may be the battle cry of girlfriend getaways the world over, but every genre of group tour can benefit from just the right amount of retail therapy. A sampling of group-friendly cities throughout the Midwest offers a smorgasbord of shopping from main-thoroughfare retail centers and designer districts to off-thebeaten-path boutiques and old-fashioned markets of the flea and farmer's variety.

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CHICAGO The Windy City is a shopper's paradise beginning with the Magnificent Mile – that section of Michigan Avenue stretching between Oak Street and the Chicago River – and extending over to State Street in the Loop.

New York City may boast Fifth Avenue, but Chicago can tout Michigan. Not only famed for being home to the massive Crate & Barrel flagship store, this length of retail heaven invites shoppers to stroll from store to store and step into vertical malls, perusing names like Nordstrom, Neiman-Marcus, Niketown, Burberry, Coach – the list is virtually endless.

Eye-catching near Water Tower Place are the bright red bags announcing the presence of the American Girl doll store, complete with a bistro for those fabulous grandmothermother-daughter lunches or teas.

If your appetite leans more toward really high-end goodies, visit nearby Oak Street, where famous names like Prada, Harry Winston, David Yurman and LaPerla reign supreme. Visiting Oak Street puts you steps closer to Rush Street, where some outstanding dining spots are located.

Exhausted by this non-stop retail running?

Duck into Fourth Street Presbyterian Church on North Michigan Avenue, where every LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Friday at precisely 12:10 p.m., free concerts are offered. Or step into the lobby of the John Hancock Center, board an elevator and jet 94 floors to 360 Chicago observatory.

Have a refreshing beverage with your views at the Signature Lounge at the 96th or meal at the Signature Room at the 95th.

Don't leave Chicago without making the short hike to State Street and a visit to the National Historic Landmark that used to be Marshall Field’s, but gave way to Macy's when the New York retail giant purchased the iconic Chicago retailer in 2005. Staple experiences, such as lunch at the Walnut Room, still lure groups and are worth the trip.

MILWAUKEE Offering everything for a group shopping experience from suburban malls – both retail and outlet – to antiques and more, Milwaukee provides a wealth of opportunities for travelers to fill their suitcases.

Margaret Casey of Visit Milwaukee recommends several shopping gems for groups, including the Historic Third Ward, located just south of downtown. The revitalization of this turn-of-the-20th century warehouse and manufacturing district has earned it comparisons to New York’s trendy SoHo neighborhood. The six-square-block area contains the city’s highest concentration of art galleries, as well as theaters and a selection of exclusive boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants and nightlife. The neighborhood was named a Top 12 ArtPlace in 2013 and is home to the award-winning Third Ward RiverWalk as well as the Milwaukee Public Market, a foodie haven.

The RiverWalk extends for more than 15 city blocks, sporting a variety of permanent and temporary public art displays along this scenic promenade of restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops. At the southeast corner of Wells

Street and the RiverWalk, group members are sure to jump at a thumbs-up photo-op with the "Bronze Fonz" – a life-sized statue of Henry Winkler’s iconic character "Fonzie" from the Milwaukee-based "Happy Days" TV show.

At the other end of RiverWalk is Old World Third Street, a historic landmark zone where Milwaukee’s German heritage is brought to life in the detailed facades of 19th century, European–style buildings lining this cobblestone street. Shopping at Wisconsin Cheese Mart, the legendary Usinger’s Sausage and The Spice House is a feast for all senses. And a visit would not be complete without a stop at the Old German Beer Hall and Mader’s, where famous German dishes have satisfied hungry patrons for more than 100 years.

Visit Milwaukee’s Casey also recommends Wauwatosa, just 15 minutes away from downtown Milwaukee as a unique, Europeanstyle village that offers a wide range of shopping options. Whether independent retailers or luxury national brands are the goal, it can be found in Tosa, as it’s known to locals. Charming and highly walkable, Tosa is filled with one-of-a-kind shops. Looking for a chic boutique? Find trendy accessories at Bangles & Bags or explore a number of other local shops featuring contemporary and urban women’s apparel and accessories, including designs from local artists as well as designers across the country.

After scouring the boutiques, head to Mayfair, Wisconsin’s most successful shopping center. Explore 180 shopping and dining retailers including Crate & Barrel, Coach, Pandora and Bare Escentuals. This Wauwatosa shopping destination is also home to the state’s first Nordstrom. Just up the street from Mayfair is The Mayfair Collection, completing the exciting fashionOctober 2016

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focused retail corridor. The Mayfair Collection is home to retailers like Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH and still expanding.

BLOOMINGTON, MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA In a region best known as the corporate home of popular retailer Target and for the goliath Mall of America, Minneapolis-St. Paul and nearby Bloomington, Minnesota might just well be the embodiment of shopping heaven.

Even with its 520 stores, 60 restaurants, indoor theme park, aquarium and other attractions, Mall of America is the country's second largest shopping mall behind King of Prussia in Pennsylvania. More than 12,000 groups flock here each year to enjoy sales tax-free shopping for clothing and shoes, not to mention tailor-made group experiences, such as Hard Rock (as in Cafe) Behind-TheScenes, SeaLife Aquarium's Behind-TheScenes, Dick's Last Resort's Scavenger Hunt and a multitude of culinary experiences.

These can be pre-arranged for groups by contacting the mall's group sales office in advance.

Beyond Mall of America, a very different shopping destination exists in nearby St. Paul on Grand Avenue, where shops boast a wide range of styles. Shoppers can expect to find some of the best apparel, accessories, shoes, spas, books, furniture, and gift shops in Minnesota.

Another crowd-pleaser is Midtown Global Market, an internationally themed public market offering groceries, food and gifts in a diverse setting that has characterized South Minneapolis for decades.

COLUMBUS, OHIO Known for pioneering the experiential tourism trend, Columbus, Ohio's vibrant neighborhoods are teeming with some of the best shopping in the Midwest.

Columbus is ranked #3 on the Fashionable Destinations list by USA Today. From boutiques in the Short North Arts District to its "Rodeo Drive of the Midwest" at Easton Town Center, Columbus lives up to its #3 USA Today ranking. It seems fitting (no pun intended), given that a wealth of clothing mega-brands, such as Victoria's Secret and the L Brands, are headquartered here.

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as "the art and soul of Columbus," is not just for the well-dressed, although it is described as teeming with one-of-a-kind and trendy clothing boutiques. This highly successful urban revitalization project is centered on the main strip of High Street immediately north of downtown and extending until just south of the Ohio State University campus area. It is an easy walk from the convention center or Nationwide Arena district. Shopping – from vintage to funky to chic to artsy – is on the menu, as are art galleries.

Located just south of downtown Columbus, German Village is one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the Midwest.

Originally built by German settlers in the mid-1800s, the lovingly restored brick houses, shops, streets and sidewalks are full of historic charm and modern swank. It's here that the 32-room Book Loft has been a favorite location to wander for generations, Helen Winnemore’s carries modern American crafts and Caterina stocks fine European wares.

Outside the city, the aforementioned

THERE’S A JUDITH IN EVERY GROUP. She’s happy to join in, but she wants ® options. Luckily for you and Judith, “The Waterpark Capital of the World! ” is a crowd-pleaser. With countless group and individual activities from live shows to scenic boat rides, Wisconsin Dells will keep the Judith in your group smiling – something everyone can get behind. Contact one of our destination specialists for complimentary planning assistance.

MeetInTheDells.com | sales@wisdells.com | (800) 223-3557

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Visit Milwaukee

Easton Town Center is a mammoth outdoor shopping experience offering everything from department stores, like Nordstrom, to smaller designer boutiques.

INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis is well known for its worldclass museums, but its shopping deserves a high ranking on a group's "to-do" list as well.

Described by Indy native & resident/retired educator/veteran group tour traveler Sharri Wagner as "the ultimate shopping area in Indy," Keystone at the Crossing (I-465 and Keystone Parkway) not only includes shops like Saks, Nordstrom, Crate & Barrel, J Jill, West Elm, Kate Spade, Urban Outfitters and WilliamsSonoma, but some great locally owned dining

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spots and a healthy number of chain eateries.

Only a mile-and-a-half from downtown Indianapolis, Fountain Square is located at the intersection of Virginia Avenue at Shelby and Prospect streets. The funky Indianapolis neighborhood is filled with independent restaurants, live music, working artists and specialty stores that sell food, fashion, comics, fresh flowers and more. Calling it the hottest area for foodies and shopping, Wagner says, "I was there recently and was just blown away with all the people and activity."

Among her favorite shops? Vintage Antiques, Wildwood Gourmet Market and Mass Avenue Knitting.

She also mentioned the abundance of locally owned dining establishments.

Massachusetts Avenue, or "Mass Ave" as it's known locally, is a five-block cultural district just northeast of downtown and packed with eclectic shops, theaters, galleries and dining. Wagner likes the variety and the fact that the neighborhood, which is termed "45 degrees from ordinary," is conveniently located and "very walkable."

Shops include Mass Ave Toys, Silver in the City, Arts-A-Poppin and Global Gifts, among many others. LGT

MILWAUKEE CELEBRATES LIKE NO PLACE ELSE hey call Milwaukee the “City of Festivals,” and it only takes a glance at the calendar to know why. The world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, nearweekly ethnic festivals and huge events like the Wisconsin State Fair fill the summer with music, food and fun. Great street festivals and special events continue all year, from the Milwaukee Film Festival in fall to vibrant holiday celebrations.

Henry Maier Festival Park, a 75acre expanse along the shores of Lake Michigan, plays host to many of the bashes. Best known as the site of Summerfest, the breezy downtown playground also becomes a portal to the world as some of the nation’s biggest ethnic celebrations draw crowds looking to be Italian, Irish, German or Polish for a day.

There’s always a party going on in Milwaukee – and groups are invited.

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xplore Milwaukee's beer heritage on this day-long tour to many of the city’s most historic brewing destinations.

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Comes See What's Brewing in Milwaukee Day 1

11:30 AM - Enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant along the Milwaukee River or a brew pub in the heart of downtown.

Or start your tour at Sprecher Brewery in the Rathskeller Museum where you are able to view brewing memorabilia from past Wisconsin breweries while waiting for your tour to begin. Next, visit the brew house and discover how Sprecher is reviving the Old World brewing traditions that once made Milwaukee famous. Travel through the lager cellar to see the Bavarian murals on display in the bottling room. After the tour, the next best thing to Munich is Sprecher’s indoor beer garden, with oom-pah music and samples from any of up to 10 beers and seven sodas on draught. Prosit!

1:00 PM - After lunch, visit Rock Bottom Brewery, Milwaukee Ale House, Central Standard Craft Distillery or Lakefront Brewery. Lakefront Brewery is a small, locally owned microbrewery specializing in handmade beers in the tradition of early Milwaukee brewers. Located along the Milwaukee River near downtown Milwaukee, Lakefront Brewery began in 1987 with only 60 barrels of production sold exclusively to taverns within rolling distance of the brewery. At the end of your tour, samples including their own special Maple Root Beer are available.

3:30 PM - Our final stop for the day will be Miller Brewery, the site of America’s oldest major brewery. Miller Brewing Company offers a free, entertaining tour, guiding visitors through the rich history and brewing process of Miller beers. The one-hour walking tour allows guests to experience an informative 3-screen video and provides an up-close look at the brewhouse, packaging center and historical caves. Tours conclude with hospitality at the historic Miller Inn or beer garden where guests can relax and enjoy a frosty beer sample (if 21 or older). Soda provided for guests under 21.

9:30 AM: Begin your visit to Milwaukee and learn the history behind Captain Frederick J. Pabst, the famous beer baron of Pabst Brewing, as you visit his home. The Pabst Mansion is the finest Flemish Renaissance Revival mansion in the U.S. You may be surprised by a personal visit from Captain Pabst himself.

VISIT MILWAUKEE Jill Hauck jhauck@milwaukee.org 414-287-4249 VisitMilwaukee.org/Tour-Operators

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deal for groups of 25+, this three-day itinerary offers a chance to go behind the scenes and see how things are made in Columbus, Ohio. Highlights include tours of ice cream, candy and baseball bat factories.Tour members receive product samples along the way.

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EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS Roger Dudley, CTA rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com 614-222-6136, 800-354-2657

Columbus, Ohio

Made in CBUS Day 1 Lunch: With help from master chefs at The Kitchen, create an Italian lunch party. Prepare a complete meal, and when the table is set, dig in!

Afternoon: Then, indulge your sweet tooth during a tour of world-famous, family-owned confectionery Anthony-Thomas Candy Company.

Everyone receives a freshly made chocolate.

Evening: Spend the evening in Old Worthington.

Craft your own card at Igloo Letterpress on an antique, hand-operated press. Pick from dozens of scents and hand-pour a Candle Lab candle. Sample wine at House Wine. Wind down during dinner at the historic Worthington Inn.

America’s only metal whistle manufacturer, reveals how these legendary whistles are made.

Then, travel back in time at Ohio History Center’s interactive “1950s: Building the American Dream” exhibit.

Evening: Discover how wine is made, then bottled, corked and labeled at Camelot Cellars or Wyandotte Winery. Afterward, enjoy unparalleled views of the Columbus skyline with dinner at The Boat House at Confluence Park. Or, explore the city's great neighborhoods – like the Short North Arts District or German Village – for a memorable dinner on your own.

Day 2

Day 3

Morning: Watch a solid chunk of wood become a baseball bat. Meet the maker of bats for the pros at Phoenix Bat Company and take home your own engraved mini bat.

Lunch: The best in Amish cooking shows how “comfort food” got its name. Savor a family-style buffet at Der Dutchman.

Afternoon: The American Whistle Corporation,

Morning: In the herb capital of Gahanna, learn how to use sweet, tart and pungent herbs to amplify everyday recipes.

Lunch: Venture to Ye Olde Mill, home of the Velvet Ice Cream Factory and Museum, to go behind the scenes on what Fodor’s calls “a Top Ten Ice Cream Factory Tour.” Taste fresh ice cream and have lunch at the vintage ice cream parlor.

Sarah Doodan, CTA sdoodan@experiencecolumbus.com 614-222-6146, 800-354-2657 ExperienceColumbus.com

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FEEDING GIRAFFES AT THE ZOO WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TOUR ‘TIL WE HIT THE DESSERT TRAY AT SCHMIDT’S

Great tours are Made in Cbus. Pair a visit to the zoo Jack Hanna calls home with a cream puff at iconic Schmidt’s in historic German Village. As a leader in experiential tours, Columbus is a perfect fit for a group of any size (or taste)!

experiencecolumbus.com/tours

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Remember the

Ladies

By Elissa Gilbert

s soon as Europeans began settling North America, women became part of the history of the United States. Most of those early settlements were on the East Coast, so it's no wonder the Eastern states are dense with historical sites reflecting women's impact on the country. Here are some of the places where you can explore their contributions to American history from the colonial period through the modern era.

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COLONIAL DAYS One of the earliest and most tragic events in American history was driven by the fear of women as witches. For more than a year, the residents of several towns in Massachusetts were terrified by tales of local men and women participating in covens, meeting Satan in the woods and casting spells on innocent townspeople. Women were the main accusers as well as the main victims; the Salem Witch Trials resulted in the executions of 14 women and six men.

Today, the town of Salem revels in spookery. Attractions include the Salem Witch Museum, The Witch House and the Witch History Museum, plus shops devoted to witchcraft and magic. Nighttime tours bring chills even to modern, disbelieving visitors. For less cheesy history, visit the House of the Seven Gables, which predates the witch trials and is the oldest remaining wooden mansion in New England.

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA The United States wouldn't exist as a country without the American Revolution.

Abigail Adams famously urged her husband, patriot and future president John Adams, to "remember the ladies" as the new nation formed. She continued sharing her opinions with him throughout his life and political career; the couple exchanged more than 1,000 letters. Today, you can explore her life through the homes where she lived in Massachusetts. Her birthplace in Weymouth dates back to 1685. Guided tours lead visitors through rooms furnished with period artifacts.

The Adams National Historical Park in Quincy includes the home where Abigail gave birth to future president John Quincy Adams and Peacefield, a mansion that was the "summer White House" for both Adams presidencies.

When the United States was founded, Betsy Ross sewed the first flag that came to symbolize the nation. Visitors to the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia get to know her not only as the seamstress but also as a businesswoman running her 18th century upholstery shop.

CIVIL WAR BATTLES The Civil War ripped the nation apart.

Women were a driving force in the abolitionist movement against slavery, one of the main issues leading up to the war. Women were also key participants in the Underground Railroad that led slaves to freedom in the North. One of the most famous "conductors" of that railroad was Harriet Tubman, herself an escaped slave, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in Maryland offers a self-guided driving tour with more than 30 historical sites related to slavery and the pull of freedom. The landscape is still much the same as when Harriet Tubman lived there. The byway heads north through Delaware and may eventually continue all the way to Canada, where the railroad ended.

A new Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center will open in March 2017, part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park on Marylandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eastern Shore; the small Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge gives an overview of her life â&#x20AC;&#x201D;besides her conducting duties, Tubman was also a spy and nurse during the war. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

THE STRUGGLE FOR WOMEN'S EQUALITY The political event with the biggest direct impact on American women was the women's suffrage movement of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Seneca Falls Convention, held in upstate New York in 1848, was the first women's suffrage convention, one of many events and rallies that continued until the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote in 1920. Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls tells the story of the struggle for the right to vote and honors the many women of the movement, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Elizabeth Cady Stanton's home is part of the park, with furniture and exhibits from its 1848 state, along with the Wesleyan Chapel where the convention was held.

The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester pays tribute to another prominent leader of the suffrage movement.

Above: The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester, New York, remembers the champion for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suffrage. Right: Maryland has several sites associated with Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist and former slave who was a leader of the Underground Railroad and in 2020 will become the first African-American featured on U.S. paper currency.

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THE DEPRESSION AND WORLD WAR II One of the most influential First Ladies was Eleanor Roosevelt. The years she and Franklin Delano Roosevelt spent in the White House were some of the most difficult years America faced, and the couple worked together to help Americans through both the Great Depression and World War II. Her home at Val-Kill, in Hyde Park, New York, is where she lived after FDR died.

She welcomed guests from all over the world, discussing with them such issues as world peace and human rights. Today, the house is part of the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. Visitors view a movie about her life and work, and enjoy a tour of the cottage home. The nearby Franklin D. Roosevelt House is also a National Historic Site, and both Roosevelts are buried on the grounds.

SHAPING THE MODERN ERA All of Greenwich Village, a New York City neighborhood, is a living tribute to Jane Jacobs. Jacobs was an influential grassroots urban activist who argued that major development projects planned in the

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National Susan B Anthony Museum & House/Walter Colley

From New England to Maryland, historical attractions chronicle the story of women in America, including renowned figures like Abigail Adams, Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony

1960s would destroy the neighborhood.

The protests she was involved with led to the cancellation of the Lower Manhattan Expressway project, and her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities still shapes urban planning thought.

Today, the street life Jacobs was so passionate about overflows the bounds of Greenwich Village. Instead of being swept away to make room for a highway that would have displaced residents, Greenwich Village's streets remain narrow, lined with trees and brownstones, and lively with pedestrians.

Jacobs' home is still standing in the neighborhood, in a mixed-use building, the kind she loved, with a shop beneath the apartments. Simply wander the streets to experience the energy of the neighborhood.

There's a youthful vibe, partly due to New York University's ever-growing presence in the area, and you'll find both fine dining and funky shopping. Spend time people-watching in Washington Square Park and you'll meet the characters that make Greenwich Village a vibrant, one-of-a-kind community worthy of preservation. LGT October 2016

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Overcoming Obstacles to Packaging Ladies Golf Trips

There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about packaged golf’s future and women’s golf in particular

By Dave Bodle t the 2016 PGA Championship, the director of the Professional Golf Association said on television that there are 30 million golfers in America. The National Golf Foundation (NGF) in a 2014 report stated that 19 percent, or more than 5.7 million, are women. That’s a strong target market, but it gets even better.

Although golf can be an expensive sport, the 2014 NGF report said golf attracts an average household income of $93,000. Millennials in particular are coming to the game in the largest numbers of any age group. Golf requires a cost and time commitment and that’s exactly why women’s packaged golf travel is a great fit for any tour planner. Everyday busy home and work schedules are not allowing enough time for their game. We know there’s disposable income for travel and what better way to spend vacation time than playing the game they love. It just seems logical for tour operators to offer— and destinations to feature— a “Fore Ladies Only Golf Getaway” package.

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North Myrtle Beach CVB

The 8,191-yard Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort in Birmingham is on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Fun options abound off the golf course in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Packaged golf, whether for men, women or couples, has not been embraced by the tour & travel industry. It’s time to put aside a few tour planner concerns from the past.

There’s no way I can get clubs and luggage on a coach. That was probably true 15 years ago, but today’s coaches have plenty of room for clubs and luggage. There are even TV monitors onboard for watching golf. Those large bags that resemble travel trunks you see the professional golfers using are not reflective of what the average lady golfer is carrying.

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I don’t play golf and know nothing about golf. Granted, but you probably are not very well versed in how a zoo operates or a Broadway show is produced, but you’re still sending your guests to both. You trust your supplier and you need to do the same with packaged golf. Just like any new package you’re researching, start at the local DMO level and follow their direction. Golf directors in every golf destination can be found at hotels, resorts and independent packagers. The local CVB can point you in the right direction.

Your CVB contact will assist in helping build the remainder of your itinerary – meals, attractions, spas, activities.

Alabama Tourism Department

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Golf packagers do not understand how tour & travel does business. That’s not totally incorrect, but certainly not as dire as it sounds. A good golf packager’s deposit requirements, final pairings and room list, and payment terms will not be unfamiliar policies to a tour planner. However, tour planners need to understand that golf courses have limited tee times each day. It’s not like visiting a 2,000-seat theater and deciding between matinees or evening performances.

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Lady golfers are not part of my customer base. You might be surprised how many of your customers are golfers. Golfers are like any other special interest group. Your customers that play golf are enjoying their activity with like-minded individuals. You can reach out to women and men golfers by attending a golf show. Beginning in January and continuing through early March, thousands of men and women attend North Coast Golf Shows in Philadelphia, Columbus, Washington, DC, New Jersey, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Long Island. Consider partnering with the destination/resort/course you’ll be featuring.

Finally, the Executive Women’s Golf Association has participating members in 100 chapters. You can find their members in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

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You’re good to go on your ladies golf getaway except for one minor detail. Where will you go? In much of the South, golf is a year-round activity. Here are three Southern destinations that roll out the red carpet for lady golfers.

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Nestled in the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World,” the area offers a cornucopia of reasons for ladies to pack their clubs. There’s the wide selection of quality golf courses, from traditional beach courses that attracted golfers decades ago to championship golf courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Each course takes advantage of what nature has provided, whether it’s the ocean, a waterway or marshland. Full-service hotels dot the beach, while condos offer ocean, waterway or fairway views. Maybe it’s a large beach house that fits the group needs.

Fun options abound off the golf course. Explore outlet and mall shopping and every golfer’s delight—Golfsmith and the PGA Tour Superstore. North Myrtle Beach has a variety of salon and spa services, from general massage to medical treatments. Horseback riding on the beach is always a favorite activity. Wine samplings at La Belle Amie Vineyard or Duplin Winery make a delightful afternoon activity.

Discover local dining favorites Sea Blue Restaurant and Midtown Bistro, or go for the area’s best variety at Captain Jacks Seafood Buffet.

Make sure to check out ONE The Show or visiting artists at the Tobacco Road Golf Course is about 20 minutes north of Pinehurst in the town of Sanford, North Carolina.

World Golf Hall of Fame

Alabama Theatre, or catch dinner and a concert at the House of Blues. To get started building the best ladies golf itinerary, visit the North Myrtle Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau at 877-332-2662 or visit explorenorthmyrtlebeach.com.

Pinehurst, North Carolina The Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area of North Carolina proudly and rightfully states they are The Home of American Golf ®. For more than a century they’ve hosted major championship tournaments, many on world-famous Pinehurst No. 2. Today, 40 courses welcome players of all levels with eight courses listed in the Top 20 Courses in North Carolina. Course ratings may vary, but the scenic beauty of the Piedmont region makes it a challenge to keep your concentration. Pinehurst-area lodging options range from well-known flag hotels to luxury golf resorts to bed & breakfasts.

After walking off the 18th green, there’s plenty to do before enjoying a sunset from your porch. North Carolina is well respected for its wine, and several Pinehurst-area shops offer wine tastings from both state and international collections. Going directly to the source, you can taste varietals from Cypress Bend Vineyards, Wagram Vineyard and Winery and Black Rock Vineyards and Winery. A pair of craft breweries features the best of Southern beers.

After golf, wine or beer, a spa treatment could be the perfect way to unwind, and a trio of nearby relaxation spots awaits the weary visitor. English-inspired gardens at Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, plus historic walking and equestrian tours, round out a day on or off the links. Outstanding local and European culinary expertise is on the table at area restaurants. Call 800-346-5362 or visit the CVB website, homeofgolf.com, to start your planning.

Jacksonville, Florida If you’re interested in the history and tradition of the game, the World Golf Hall of Fame should be the first stop before hitting the links. Artifacts and memorabilia combine with interactive exhibits to spotlight the history of golf and the top pros. In addition to the Hall of Fame and The Players Championship, golfers in Jacksonville and The Beaches find 50 courses designed by experts like Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Gary Player. Lodging options feature downtown flag hotels close to dining and entertainment to properties with fairway, river and ocean views. Who would have thought you could find great golf in Florida’s most populated and largest city at 840 square miles?

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vacation. Shopping mall options include The Avenues, River City Marketplace and the outdoor St. Johns Town Center. Eclectic boutique shopping can be found in neighborhoods throughout the city, while outlet malls are found nearby.

Jacksonville’s multi-cultural history is highlighted by self-guided tours and accompanying landmarks. Almost a dozen museums and galleries share Jacksonville’s love of history and art.

Evenings are a buzz at live theater and music venues, while festivals and events serve up great food and music. Discover all there is to see and do in Jacksonville by visiting online at visitjacksonville.com. More about golf in the area can be found at florida-golf.org.

Great golf destinations are found throughout the South. Hot Springs, Arkansas combines classic accommodations and world-famous spas and baths with outstanding golf. The Biloxi, Mississippi area seamlessly combines great beach golf and gaming with culinary delights. Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail encompasses a spectacular collection of 26 golf courses at 11 sites.

The next time you sit across from a supplier representing a Southern state, ask “What do you have for lady golfers?” LGT

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ALABAMA ADVENTURES

A lazy river is one of many amenities at Caribe, The Resort, which offers luxury condo vacation rentals.

Girlfriend Getaways on the Gulf Consider a group escape to the sun-kissed beaches of Alabama Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

here’s something pretty appealing about going out onto your beach house balcony with a morning cup of coffee and watching Gulf of Mexico waters gently lap the wide expanses of white sand.

With 32 miles of beaches extending from the Florida border to the western tip of

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Gulf Shores, Alabama’s coast provides the perfect getaway for girlfriends looking to reconnect in no-pressure surroundings.

While the beach is the biggest asset in the twin communities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, the area also offers plenty of chances to shop, sightsee,

exercise and indulge in some of the best seafood in America. Your first impression might be the friendly locals or perhaps the lack of chain stores and restaurants.

You’ll also notice the condominium towers, some rising as high as 30 stories above the beach. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

ALABAMA ADVENTURES chipotle-bacon ranch dressing. Besides fresh fish, Orange Beach-Gulf Shores restaurants take pride in their steamed royal reds, a cold-water shrimp from deep Gulf waters.

With a deep red color and sweet, delicate texture, royal reds are often served “peel and eat” with melted butter, corn on the cob and potatoes.

For information on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit orangebeach.com and gulfshores.com.

—Randy Mink

HOLIDAY LIGHT SPECTACLES lose out the year with these 2016 ABA Top 100 holiday light extravaganzas in Huntsville and Mobile.

They’re sure to brighten your season.

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THE GALAXY OF LIGHTS Shopping is a prime activity at The Wharf, an Orange Beach vacation village with boutiques, restaurants, entertainment and condos.

A rental condo or beach house, with multiple bedrooms and amenities like full kitchens and washer-dryers, makes an ideal hideaway for a group of ladies. Condo towers predominate in Orange Beach, while Gulf Shores abounds with beach houses, especially at its western end. Some vacation homes can sleep more than 20.

Your group might choose to stay at or visit The Wharf, an upscale community whose palm-lined Main Street abounds with clothing boutiques, gift shops, spas, bars and eateries right outside the door of the condo block where your balcony overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. Stop in for ice cream or candy at the Sugar Shack or get a caffeine pick-me-up at Southern Grind Coffee House.

Easily identified by its 112-foot-tall Ferris wheel (the tallest in the Southeast), this self-contained village in Orange Beach also has a cinema, mini-golf course and an amphitheater that attracts big-name acts.

Dolphin-watching cruises leave from The Wharf’s marina, and there’s a water park complete with a wave pool, lazy river, hammocks and hot tub. For more shopping, try Tanger Outlets in Foley, a 20-minute drive 48

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from Gulf Shores.

If your group of girls wants to commune with nature and work up an appetite at the same time, consider a hike along the palmettolined paths through maritime pine forest in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, keeping an eye out for herons, pelicans, osprey and 300-some other migratory bird species. Active groups also might want to go ziplining or biking in Gulf State Park, kayaking on the Bon Secour River or stand-up paddleboarding. Or how about yoga on the beach—Glow Yoga will come to your condo or beach house and lead a class for your group.

If you’re looking for a place to have a drink and drink in some local color at the same time, a must is Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar, located right on the Alabama-Florida border. Have its signature, rum-based Bushwhacker, look over the graffiti and bizarre memorabilia, and listen to music at this classic beach bar and roadhouse. Across the street at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club, enjoy “five-star, flip-flop dining,” starting with the crab and parmesan hash puppies, deep-fried hash browns served with

Huntsville Botanical Garden Huntsville, Alabama Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2016 More than 30 displays contribute to Alabama’s largest holiday light extravaganza. Watch Santa fly over a winter village and enjoy nursery rhyme characters in traditional seasonal scenes.

The twinkling icicle forest is special.

This drive-through exhibition is sure to create lasting memories for all.

MAGIC CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS Bellingrath Gardens and Home Mobile/Theodore, Alabama Nov. 27, 2016-Jan. 2, 2017 As Magic Christmas in Lights celebrates its 21st anniversary, guests will stroll through displays featuring 15 scenes, 1,000 set pieces and three million lights. The Bellingrath Home is fully decorated and nightly choral performances entertain guests. USA Today in 2014 included Magic Christmas in Lights on its list of “10 Best Public Light Displays in America.”

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

ALABAMA ADVENTURES

Alabama Stops Where Beauty Reigns Year-Round

7

From Huntsville to Mobile, the seven stops on the Alabama Garden Trail are sure to inspire your sense of the horticultural. Visit one or visit all—you're always sure to find something spectacular in bloom.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens

Bellingrath Gardens

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN HUNTSVILLE Located near the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, this 112-acre masterpiece seamlessly blends specialty gardens, nature trails, an aquatic garden and plant collections. Maps are available for self-guided tours, and groups of 10 or more are invited to visit with a friendly, knowledgeable docent.

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS BIRMINGHAM Set at the base of Red Mountain, this 67.5-acre beauty is adjacent to Lane Park. More than 12,000 plants and flowers show well with 30 original outdoor art pieces. Groups from 10 to 50 can arrange tours with three weeks’ notice. Tours are designed to your interests and the time you have available.

Huntsville Botanical Garden

ALDRIDGE BOTANICAL GARDENS HOOVER The one-time home of nurseryman Eddie Aldridge, this 30-acre attraction is highlighted by a variety of hydrangeas.

Plantings are accented by outdoor art, constantly changing galleries and permanent entrant displays. Groups of 10 or more are invited. Plan to spend at least 45 minutes. There are plenty of benches along the way.

JASMINE HILL GARDENS AND OUTDOOR MUSEUM WETUMPKA Imagine a relaxing stroll through tranquil gardens accented with impressive statuary that portrays the Greece of

Olympic times. This 20-acre blend of art and floral near Montgomery welcomes groups with advance notice.

Tours and memorable dining options with breathtaking views are available.

DOTHAN AREA BOTANICAL GARDENS DOTHAN Approaching its 25th anniversary, the 50-acre farmland purchased in 1994 has evolved into 24 gardens.

Overlooking the Rose Garden, the Ralph & Carolyn Smith Botanical Center is perfect for botanical programs and catered receptions. The Demonstration Flower Garden, Herb Garden and Tropical Garden are popular spots.

MOBILE BOTANICAL GARDENS MOBILE In 1974 the 100 acres comprising today’s gardens was leased from the City of Mobile. Level pathways weave through eight signature gardens. The Woodland Trail highlights the area’s Longleaf Forest, but is less accessible for visitors unable to walk on uneven ground.

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME THEODORE The historic home and museum of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath are the keystone of this 65-acre garden estate.

From azaleas in the spring to camellias in the winter to roses in the summer and chrysanthemums in the fall, the Bellingrath gardens are always presenting their beauty.

—Dave Bodle >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

ALABAMA ADVENTURES

Alabama’s Music Heritage Runs Deep Historic sites throughout the state make Alabama perfect for a music lover’s pilgrimage. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

MUSCLE SHOALS MUSIC TRAIL The music scene in Muscle Shoals began in 1959 with the opening of Alabama’s first professional recording studio, FAME Recording Studios, Inc. The studio’s 1961 Arthur Alexander recording “You Better Move On” moved to #24 on the charts and the hits just keeps coming. R&B, pop and country artists with names like Aretha Franklin, the Osmonds and Jerry Reed have all recorded at FAME. Today’s artists continue with recording sessions that feature the current beat. Tours are available.

From the late 1960s through the ̓70s, Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon, the Staple Singers, Bob Seger and Bob Dylan each had a recording on the U.S. Pop Chart Top 25.

The one thing they all have in common— each was recorded at the original Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the studio is home to the Muscles Shoals Sound Studio Museum.

It’s a great photo op for any tour to the area.

Muscle Shoals Music Trail

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Hank Williams Museum

In nearby Tuscumbia is the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which represents all styles of American music. You’ll discover the stories portrayed in exhibits and memorabilia of Alabamians who made their mark on music. Muscle Shoals natives W.C. Handy (“Father of the Blues”), Percy Sledge and Sam Phillips (“Father of Rock and Roll”) are among the 1,000 stars portrayed. Private group tours are available.

In 1978 the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio moved into a converted Naval Reserve building, where the recording of gold and platinum records continued. The building is now the Cypress Moon Studio, a film production company. The historic recording studio is still being used today. Tours can be arranged.

This interesting community can be explored at Pathways: Walk Through the History of Muscle Shoals. Located in a designated corridor within City Hall, it’s a great introduction to the city’s history, including Muscle Shoals music.

HANK WILLIAMS TRAIL Alabamian Hank Williams, Sr. was one of the first people inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In only 29 years of life he composed and recorded classic hits like “Hey Good Lookin,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Cold, Cold Heart.” He was country music’s first big star and sold more than 10 million records from 1947 to 1953.

The Hank Williams, Sr. Boyhood Home & Museum in Georgiana offers a glimpse at the legend’s early surroundings through personal belongings and exhibits that chronicle the family’s hard times, a reason why Hank may have turned to music. It was a black street singer/ musician who taught Hank to play guitar.

The 38th annual “Salute to a Legend,” The Hank Williams Festival will be held June 2-3, 2017 on the grounds of Hank’s Boyhood Home & Museum in Georgiana.

The 2016 festival featured a dozen musical groups, including Mickey Gilley, Brad Magness and Jett Williams.

If you’re a country music fan, the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery is a must stop. It’s a journey into the life and times of this country music superstar. More than 35 showcases exhibit Hank Williams, Sr. memorabilia, including performance suits, portraits, guitars, sheet music, records and Hank’s 1952 Baby Blue Cadillac convertible.

His gravesite is in nearby Oakwood Cemetery.

Alabama’s music story doesn’t stop here.

For an unforgettable music tour, begin by logging on to alabama.travel/experiencealabama/music.

—Dave Bodle >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

HISTORIC ELEGANCE. DOWNTOWN CONVENIENCE. Stay in Royal style at the Renaissance Hotels of Mobile located downtown on Royal Street. The Historic, Four Diamond Battle House Hotel features luxury guest rooms as well as top-ranked restaurants. The Riverview Plaza Hotel is situated on Mobile Bay and is walking distance from many downtown attractions including the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, as well as Mobile’s entertainment district. Discover Mobile’s rich history and local flavor when you visit the Port City.

RENAISSANCE MOBILE RIVERVIEW PLAZA HOTEL t: 251.438.4000 renaissanceriverview.com THE BATTLE HOUSE RENAISSANCE MOBILE HOTEL & SPA t: 251.338.2000 renaissancebattlehouse.com

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Take You There Some of the best music in the world has been produced in the beautiful Shoals area of Northwest Alabama.

Donna Godchaux, famed back up singer, said it was in the waters. Experience a place that gave birth to an amazing sound. The Staple Singers sang, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Take You Thereâ&#x20AC;? in a famous recording from the Shoals.

www.coldwaterinn.com

ON RETREAT

Lisa Kasanicky

having my friends there was like free dessert on your birthday. They became my accountability partners and just a few months later, I had crafted an exit strategy from my job and set myself up to earn more money doing what I loved.

Women’s Retreats: The New R&R t was at a women’s retreat in Sedona, Arizona that a set of tarot cards and a wise pendulum shifted the direction of my life.

I know it sounds hokey but stick with me for a minute. I was one of 16 women who signed up for a three-day, two-night retreat promising to leave us “centered, clear, energized and inspired.” Surrounded by breathtaking redrock vistas and surrendering to minimalist accommodations and a meat- and alcohol-free diet, we embarked on an agenda painted with massages, meditation sessions, healing rituals, coaching sessions and group fitness classes.

Corrin, a Shamanic healer and reiki master, led me through my private intuitive session. The first couple tarot cards she pulled revealed nothing I didn’t already know—I was stuck in a lousy job short on joy and fulfillment and both my marriage and health were suffering.

After pulling a few more cards, a look of confusion came over her face.

“The cards say you have everything you need but something’s holding you back,” she said as she squinted at the cards.

Yup, I thought. Bills. A failing attempt at running my own business. Being an adult.

“Let me ask the pendulum.”

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LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

She pulled out her chained crystal and as it swung erratically back and forth in front of her, she began nodding her head in a mystical understanding.

“Uh-huh, yes, you were a nun. And you took a vow of poverty. You believe money is the root of all evil.”

Wait, what? Was she telling me I was a money-shunning, habit-wearing nun in a past life?

I was suddenly struck by a flood of memories: Me, as a teenager, hunched down in the backseat of my parents’ new Mercedes not wanting my friends to see me in this embarrassing display of materialism. Me, as a struggling business owner, going above and beyond for my clients but forgetting to invoice them.

Me, now, settling for a job that was painfully below my potential because it was the right thing to do.

HELLO CAPTAIN OBVIOUS Corrin then led me through a series of exercises to send my internal nun packing and reversing my poverty vow. When the session came to an end, I burst out of the room to find my two girlfriends waiting outside.

Overwhelmed by the sense of freedom and possibility, a messy flow of tears erupted and

TALK ABOUT A VACATION EXCEEDING MY EXPECTATIONS Women’s retreats are by no means new in the group travel industry. What’s changed recently is they’ve become less exclusive, less “weird.” Retreat centers are figuring out that if they wrap their offerings in a package of flavorful food, scenic surroundings and meaningful takeaways, travelers will be more apt to untie the ribbon. And the programs offered are more inclusive of women of every age and every end of the spiritual spectrum—from lifelong learners to New Age newbies.

Travelers are trending toward more immersive, meaningful adventures, too. A report by Amadeus North America, “Trending with NextGen Travelers,” found that modern travelers see themselves as explorers, not tourists, who are looking for “something different.” Across the board, from Millennials and Gen Xers to Boomers, travelers want to live the world, not just see it, and many are seeking out experiences that improve their lives through actions, not things.

Retreats promise all that and more.

Travelers don’t have to figure out the details because the itineraries are usually built into the program—breakfast is at 8, yoga at 10, massages are at 2 and so on. And groups are embraced. Women’s retreats invite travelers to be part of a shared journey where individual revelations and insights form a communal experience. Call it the new R&R—reset, reboot and realign. For women simply wanting to disconnect for a few days or possibly discover past blocks that only an intuitive and pendulum can reveal, women’s retreats take group travelers on the soul-stirring side street less traveled and they often emerge with an entirely new perspective on their lives. LGT Lisa Kasanicky is author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Girlfriend Getaways and founder of AZSpaGirls.com— a guide to all things spas, beauty and wellness. She is a freelance content writer and branding consultant for several thriving companies.

October 2016

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