August 2017 Leisure Group Travel

LEISURE AUGUST 2017

GROUP TRAVEL

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Top Stops on Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway

Mountain lore, outdoor adventure and a great city

California Fun After Sundown From stargazing to whale watching

East Coast Casino Buzz Latest developments in New England and the Mid-Atlantic A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com

Birdwatching Meccas Witness the wonders of winged species at Midwestern sanctuaries

A D V E R T O R I A L

Register for

WTM LONDON 2017 WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, has opened registration to WTM 2017

W

TM London 2017, which takes place between Monday, November 6, and Wednesday, November 8, is poised to be the most successful yet. The leading global event for the travel industry will again be a three-day event following the overwhelming success of last year’s WTM London. WTM London 2016 was three days for the first time and attracted a record 51,500 attendance, including an all-time high of buyers (9,900). A record £2.8 billion of business will be conducted due to last year’s event.

It is expected WTM London 2017 will be the catalyst for an even greater amount of business, as an extra speed networking event has been added to the second day of the event, meaning all three days will host a speed networking event.

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Monday, November 6, will see 200 buyers seated based on the geography they purchase.

Tuesday, November 7, will see the buyers seated by sector, including responsible tourism, gastronomy, adventure tourism and weddings and honeymoons.

Wednesday, November 8, will see the renamed Digital Influencers’ Speed Networking (formerly called Bloggers’ Speed Networking) take place. The event has been renamed to reflect the increase in bloggers and Instagrammers attending WTM London.

Speakers already confirmed include easyJet CEO Carolyn McCall and Travelocity founder Terry Jon es. The WTM Inspire Theatre – a 300-seater amphitheater – returns to the exhibition floor following last year’s successful introduction.

Around 80 conference seminars will take place throughout the three days covering all the key sectors, including aviation, hotels, gastronomy, weddings and honeymoons, responsible tourism, blogging, social media and travel technology.

Monday, November 6, will remain an exhibitor invite-only day, allowing exhibitors to conduct business meetings with key suppliers.

Tuesday, November 7, is the new day for the UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit.

Wednesday, November 8, is the new day for World Responsible Tourism Day,

“WTM London continues to improve every year, with 2017 poised to be the most successful yet.”

— WTM London Senior Director Simon Press

keeping sustainability at the heart of the event. WTM London 2017 will conclude with the WTM Festivals, which will see a number of exhibitors hosting parties showcasing their culture, music and cuisine.

WTM London’s senior director, Simon Press, said “WTM London continues to improve every year, with 2017 poised to be the most successful yet. With 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions conducting business deals with almost 10,000 buyers forming the WTM Buyers’ Club, we expect business deals to reach £3 billion.” LGT

To pre-register visit: wtmlondon.com/register.

To book discounted hotels through HotelMap, please visit: wtmlondon.com/discounts. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

6-8 6-8 Nov Nov 2017

Discover Discover Meet the world's WTM London 2016 attracted mor more e than

5,000 exhibitors

travel trav vel b buyers uyers in

3d days ays

51,500 senior travel pr ofessionals* professionals

london.w wttm.com london.wtm.com

CONTENTS

August 2017 • Vol. 27, No. 4

LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL

22 Scenic sights on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia include Roanoke River Gorge.

FEATURES

10 12

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL BY VANESSA DAY A look at voluntourism and the responsible travel movement

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Jeff Gayduk reports on immersive activities in Las Vegas

TAKE FIVE With Aaron Wolf of Adventures Accessed

DESTINATIONS

16

WEST

18 20 22

CALIFORNIA BY RAIL BY RANDY MINK Vintage trains lend a fun twist to group tour itineraries

24 26 28

COASTAL VIRGINIA SPACE ATTRACTIONS BY DAVE BODLE Two NASA visitor centers tell the story of space exploration

32

CENTRAL

CALIFORNIA NATIONAL PARKS BY DAVE BODLE Joshua Tree and Channel Islands reflect some real diversity

CALIFORNIA FUN AFTER SUNDOWN BY JASON PAHA From bowling and mini golf to star-gazing and whale-watching

SOUTH 8 TOP STOPS ON VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Mountain scenery, outdoor activities and an iconic gristmill

DAVE BODLE

A REVOLUTIONARY EXPERIENCE IN VIRGINIA BY DAVE BODLE The brand new American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

EAST

HIGH-FLYING BIRDWATCHING MECCAS BY MILES DOBIS Witness the wonders of winged species in Midwestern sanctuaries

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ON MY MIND

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ON TOUR

August 2017

BY

BY

JEFF GAYDUK

MARTY SARBEY DE SOUTO, CTC

Sam Dean Photography/Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge

CASINO BUZZ BY GRACE SAMUELSON Latest developments in New England and Mid-Atlantic gaming

COLUMNS

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

2017 SNOWBOUND MAGAZINE ur signature publication for ski and board group planners, the 2017 Snowbound provides profiles on trending ski resorts, planning advice and new equipment offerings. Now is the perfect time to begin planning and Snowbound Magazine will help get you on the slopes faster.

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Check out the online version or download a print copy at: http://boundforsnow.com/2017-snowbound-magazine/

ONLY ON LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM STILL HUNGRY FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT? Check out our recent Online Exclusives at bit.ly/2uK063d • Texas Hospitality and Impressive Attractions Lure Groups to Fredericksburg • New Chicago Museum Celebrates Great Writing • Vibrant Fall Foliage Views in the Northeast lso, we have a favor to ask. It is the time of year again when we open our Group Intentions Survey to collect information from you that will help guide us in 2018 and provide you with benchmark industry information.

Please head over to bit.ly/2uJNVn7, stand up and be counted!

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et weekly digests of all the best online content with InSite, our free Friday e-newsletter, at: bit.ly/2nJBpje

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*

ON THE COVER: The Roanoke Star overlooks the Virginia city of Roanoke.

(Photo courtesy Sam Dean Photography/Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge)

August 2017

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ON

Vol. 27, No. 4 August 2017

MY MIND

By Jeffrey Gayduk

Editorial & Advertising Office

We’d Like to Get to Know You Better I t seems like everyone is survey happy

covering, but how we are approaching the

these days. Get your oil changed, the next

market. Take, for example, last year’s inaugural

day the dealer wants to know if your floor

Group Intentions survey of Leisure Group

mats are clean. Buy something online, chances

Travel magazine readers. As a result of your

are the next time you check email a customer

comments, we shifted our stance on some

satisfaction survey awaits. Call the cable com-

long-held beliefs about how things were done

pany and they want to know if you’re happy or

and altered certain editorial coverage as a

not (let’s just assume not). It’s understandable

result. While these weren’t “baby with the

that we all get a little jaded that everyone

bathwater” shifts, it’s important for us to stay

wants to know our opinion.

on top of what challenges and opportunities

Part of this, frankly, is to head off potential negative reviews on social media and sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor and Better Business

our customers face so we can address them

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

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Associate Editor – Jason Paha jason@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

editorially.

We’re at it again with the second annual

Vice President – Theresa O’Rourke

Bureau. If companies can nip a problem in the

Group Intentions survey. What’s interesting

theresa@ptmgroups.com

bud, it prevents a potential viral social media

about this year is that we have a benchmark to

Regional Business Development Managers

episode of the wrong kind. The other part is

compare results against. So as we tabulate

more altruistic. Companies that use surveys

this year’s results, we can see how things may

Mid-Atlantic/New England/ Wisconsin/Indiana/Kentucky – Ellen Klesta

are concerned about customers and want to

have changed, grown, shrunk or if there’s a

use these interactions to benchmark success or

statistical anomaly in our data collection.

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com

service pain points.

We put a lot of work into producing what we hope you find as the best group travel

YOU ARE OUR EYES AND EARS We love surveys here as they give us an insight as to what’s happening on the front

publication, website and e-newsletter in the market. But we can’t do this without your help.

Please take a few minutes of your time

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

lines. While we talk with readers at trade

and tell us what’s on your plate and on your

Southwest – Dolores Ridout

shows and read your emails and social media

mind by completing the Group Intentions

posts, these are all anecdotal stories and

survey that is attached to this edition. It will

P 281.762.9546 dolores@ptmgroups.com

may not reflect what’s happening in the

help us create a better Leisure Group Travel.

industry at-large. This past year we’ve surveyed audiences at Leisure Group Travel, Student

Happy Traveling,

Travel Planning Guide, Reunions Workbook, Religious Travel Planning Guide and Sports Planning Guide.

The results are shaping not only what we’re

Jeff Gayduk Publisher

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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publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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ON TOUR

Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC

Boston Harbor Association

The Boston skyline as seen from HarborWalk in the South Boston Waterfront District

Mini-Tours May Fill The Bill ave you tried offering mini-tours? That is, short, single-destination trips right here in the U.S., perhaps long weekends or four-day, three-night offerings?

You may find that you can pick up new clients – those who have not had the time or money for longer trips. Or, those who have just never thought of “going away” but would do it if it wouldn’t mean their being away for an extended period of time. You could even offer a series throughout the year – maybe one each season, so that folks could enroll in just one or in a few, depending on their time, budget and need to get away for a change of pace. Here are a few suggested destinations: MIAMI. Include Little Havana and the Calle Ocho area, the Seaquarium, the wonderful Art Deco district, and, of course, trendy South Beach. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with its Baroque architecture is of interest. This Miami package could be offered by itself or with an optional seven-day Caribbean cruise.

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BOSTON. A wonderful family destination featuring historic stops everywhere: the Freedom Trail, Harvard University across the Charles River in Cambridge, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Beacon Hill, and the Tea Party ships and museum. In summer consider nearby Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony, or Boston’s Old Town Trolley Tours.

MEMPHIS. Music, music and more music. The city’s famous for blues, soul and rock and roll; those who’ve recorded here include Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash. Memphis in May International Festival features the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Top Memphis attractions include the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio, Presley’s Graceland mansion and National Civil Rights Museum.

CHARLESTON. This elegant South Carolina port city dates back to 1670 and is

known for its cobblestone streets, horsedrawn carriages and pastel antebellum houses. Women particularly fall in love with the French Quarter, plantations, homes and gardens. Southern charm and hospitality are on display. Many like to visit in February and March when the azaleas and magnolias are blooming. Across the harbor lies Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. The Old City Market is a focal point for shoppers wanting to return home with a taste of this and that.

SANTA FE. Combining the best of Spanish and Indian cultures, Santa Fe has become the third-largest art market in the U.S. after New York and Los Angeles. Many attractive hotels offer rooms with a fireplace and stunning decor featuring local arts and crafts, including textiles, embroidery and silver. Because the city’s elevation is over a mile high, it may not be appropriate for your travelers with breathing difficulties.

SAN FRANCISO. One of the most visited and loved cities is a change of pace from all others. With its hills, great restaurants, and hidden nooks and crannies, it is best seen with a knowledgeable local guide. You’ll want to show your participants not just the usual sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Union Square, Chinatown and North Beach with its Italian history. Some of the best is actually outside the city such as charming Sausalito and Tiburon by the Bay or the small towns of Napa Valley.

Berkeley and its renowned campus across the Bay or a trip south to the Silicon Valley, where many of the world’s major high-tech companies are located, each make for a fulfilling day trip. San Francisco is a yearround city, but be sure to check with the city’s CVB before settling on plans as many hotels fill up months in advance during special events.

All in all, there are many wonderful spots worthy of a short, single-destination trip. Try your hand at it! You (and your clients) may love it. 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

My Bucket List

1. STAR IN A WINNING STORY

#

Put Atlantic City At The Top Of Your List!

Imagine all of the things you could check off your Bucket List when you visit Atlantic City. From our world-famous beach and Boardwalk to brand name tax-free shopping, award-winning dining and non-stop entertainment, Atlantic City provides the perfect setting for a memory ďŹ lled getaway.

Heather Colache is available at 609-449-7151 or hcolache@meetac.com to help you discover everything there is to experience in Atlantic City.

TourAtlanticCity.com

RESPONSIBLE

TRAVEL

Dominican Republic Onwards

Traveling for A Cause When it comes to responsible travel, not all tour companies are created equal.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before booking a trip.

By Vanessa Day

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Some Background on Responsible Travel and Voluntourism Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the industry, let’s get some perspective on what these trends are and how they have grown.

First, a lesson on terms. The term responsible travel was defined at the World Summit

Operation Groundswell programs focus on education and cultural immersion in countries like Ghana.

Operation Groundswell

e’ve all seen them. The images of orphans living in extreme poverty in developing countries. The desire to help, in any capacity, has likely crossed our minds. And the good news is, you can. Some tour companies offer travelers the opportunity to journey to these orphanages in far-off countries to lend a hand. The concept sounds wonderful, in theory. But is helping out at the orphanages really the best solution? Will it actually help? Or does it do more harm than good?

These are just a few of the questions people should be asking when considering taking a voluntourism trip. Even if someone isn’t looking to volunteer, but is simply interested in traveling in a responsible way or with a company that gives back to the communities it visits, there are some crucial factors to consider.

The responsible tourism movement has gained momentum over the last few years.

As more people seek to do good while traveling the world, throngs of companies are hopping on the voluntourism train. However, not every organization lives up to the stellar image it portrays.

on Sustainable Development back in 2002 and is said to be about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.” Sustainable travel is defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Volunteer tourism, or voluntourism, takes responsible travel to the next level, with people conducting acts of service in destinations in the hopes of bettering places in need.

The voluntourism market has grown significantly, and demand continues to rise.

The increase can be attributed to a few factors, according to Pippa Biddle, a writer who is currently working on a book about the past, present and future of voluntourism.

“One is economic. When the economy is (relatively) good, more people have the opportunity to travel,” says Biddle, who serves on the board of Onwards, a nonprofit that invests in communities to develop >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Operation Groundswell, which offers volunteer backpacking tours, has projects around the world, including reforestation in Guatemala.

Good for Community and Participant These experiences should be about continued engagement with a community that promotes sustainable development rather than just a quick fix. This creates a more fulfilling encounter for everyone involved.

Seek out the organizations that give a handup to a community, rather than a hand out, says Stayton. At 4tunate Adventures, the main goal is to create a positive impact on the community and the individual. “We look to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding,” Stayton says.

It’s important to look for companies that aim to educate and immerse travelers in local culture, as opposed to shouting a message of “delivering change” or “saving the world.”

Operation Groundswell, which offers volunteer backpacking tours, has forged deep relationships with local NGOs, while keeping education and cultural immersion at its core. They don’t claim to be able to fix the world’s problems, but it’s a step in the right direction. Operation Groundswell and other select companies are moving “toward a more nuanced understanding of what it means to help,” says Biddle. “How help can be given, and what the true purpose of travel is: connection.”

The responsible travel trend has caused a shift in the way we travel. The traditional tours of old have given way to more immersive experiences. The industry has its flaws, but at the heart of most travelers is a desire to help. With the right intentions and thorough research, travelers can find a tour with educational elements and an ethical purpose. LGT

Do Your Research Many organizations tout their ability to provide influential volunteering opportunities and support for local communities, but don’t just take them at their word.

Be sure to ask penetrating questions.

Stayton encourages people to investigate the history of the organization: Have they been in the community long? What work have they accomplished so far? Do they have a plan for the future of their project or program? Are they timely and transparent in their responses and ability to explain the work you’ll be doing?

As you research travel companies, be aware of some discernible factors. “If you are traveling with a tour operator, confirm that they prioritize staying at locally owned hotels/guest houses, eating at local restaurants and hiring local guides,” says Biddle.

“If there is no one from the country on their team, that’s a red flag.”

Other warning signs are if they can’t tell you what portion of the trip cost is being spent locally, or if you will be spending most your time behind hotel walls or in an air-conditioned bus.

Onwards

Ask Yourself Some Questions If you’ve been thinking about volunteering abroad, make sure it’s really what you want out of your travel experience. Biddle says that if people want to volunteer, they should consider the following questions: “Why do you want to go? What skills can you offer that are not already present in the community you want to visit? And how much time are you willing to commit to the project?”

It may sound pessimistic to question your good intentions, but the fact is that many communities have experienced negative effects from unqualified or short-term volunteers.

Operation Groundswell

locally owned, sustainable, tourism-based businesses. Another factor, Biddle notes, is the increased global visibility of poverty, due to the immense power of social media.

The awareness of global issues and the effects travelers can have on communities is becoming more widespread. “People have a growing desire to connect and understand the world around them in unique, handson ways,” says Tracy Stayton, founder of 4tunate Adventures, a travel organization emerging from 4tunate.org, which encourages people to perform at least four acts of service per year.

This kind of mentality is important, especially as people continue to travel, and in higher numbers. According to the United Nations, there were close to 1.2 billion international travelers in 2015, and that is expected to grow to 1.8 billion people by 2030. This increase is part of the reason the U.N. designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

If we want to travel, we need to make sure the impact we make is a positive one.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Onwards’ voluntourism programs take place in underdeveloped destinations such as the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.

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Aaron Wolf Adventures Accessed

Nature as a Means of Therapy T

his former Marine found his true calling in the great outdoors and is now sharing his passion with urbanites in need of a break from busy lives with his new company, Adventures Accessed.

Leisure Group Travel: How did you go from advertising agency to adventure outfitter?

Aaron Wolf: I was in the Marine Corps and was used to having a certain level of responsibility. When was I stressed out in the service, it was a whole different level than when I worked in the advertising industry.

The stress I was getting at the agency was very superficial. It was frustrating, so I started spending a lot of time outside.

After my first backpacking trip with some buddies, I started listening to myself and realizing that my happiest and best self is when I'm immersed in thousands of acres of wilderness. I started thinking that every time I wanted to go out camping I was kind out of luck because my friends didn't have equipment. We didn't have cars and when we did go, it was to the same places. There is so much more in the Midwest, and I threw it upon myself to find these places within less than a half day's drive. I wanted to share my passion with nature, but I realized that no one else had the ability to travel like this.

So I outfitted myself, got a ton of equipment and bought a 12-passenger van so I could move people and haul the gear and start the company.

LGT: How would you describe your trips, do you frequent popular camping spots?

AW: I'm thankful for all of our local preserves and state parks, but my goal was building this connection to nature. It's my philosophy that we cannot do this by camping on a concrete pad or in the state parks. I

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Aaron Wolf takes great pleasure in showing city folks the wonders of the natural world.

work with the National Forest Service to get people into nature. We park the van and we bushwhack. We take a map and compass and we go to the middle of nowhere. You have to be willing to let go of the concrete plans.

We can follow a trail, but the point is to get people away from everybody else and form this tight-knit cohesive group for sharing an experience unique to only the people in that group. And the things they see off the trail

are always better than anything else seen on the trail.

LGT: When somebody signs up for one of your adventures, what's included?

AW: I like to say that people only need to show up with a toothbrush and change of socks. We include your tent, your sleeping bag and your pack. Your pack covers an array of items, a camp stove, lamps, hydration systems, water filters and first aid. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Aaron Wolf of Adventures Accessed feels at home in Midwestern wilderness settings.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

single person I have ever worked with in advance of the trip. I am asking people to take time off work and ultimately spend money on something they are not entirely comfortable doing. Outside of that, it's all about building relationships with organizations.

“

It’s a commitment of time and energy.

You better be prepared, and if you think you’re prepared, then nothing should stop you.

“

We provide a very basic menu, but we can provide a backcountry chef. We provide the transportation and a very qualified field guide to not only interpret the natural world and what we're seeing but also to help you to match with nature through certain exercises that we conduct depending on the program that we are running.

LGT: How physically fit does somebody need to be to go on one of your trips?

AW: You should be fit enough to walk on uneven terrain for at least three miles a day.

If the group isn't comfortable hiking eight hours a day, we won't. If the group wants to stick to trails and cover ground that way, we can do that, too.

LGT: What would you say has been your biggest challenge thus far?

AW: Reaching to the consumer. That is the biggest challenge. But once I talk to people they really like love the idea. My customers are a mix between millennials and Generation X. They are either entering the workforce or have recently entered it, and they're looking for different ways to spend their weekends.

I always tell people, "You should come out with me because Chicago will be there when you get back."

It's not just about going out and hiking around and seeing things. We do a lot of primitive activities. I love people who are looking to learn, who want something new to do with their weekend.

LGT: What programs have proven popular?

AW: Personal development and wilderness therapy programs are really growing. They incorporate a mix of mindfulness practices as well as team exercises. This is something that's really useful for corporate teams. It's a great decompressor. There's a sense of how you wake with the birds to reset your circadian rhythm, to watch the sunset and then retire to a bonfire, laying on a hammock to the sounds of the forest at night. The other programs we do are team building specifically for structured groups.

LGT: What has proven successful for you today as far as growing trips and finding new customers?

AW: Networking and meeting people face to face. I have seen and have met every

LGT: What is different about the stress of the corporate environment versus the Marines?

AW: It's totally different. In the Marine Corps, stress can very well end up being a life-and-death in a lot of ways. There is just a different level of accountability. When I was working in the agency, it was all spreadsheets. It was about saving one of the largest banks or largest research companies and saving them $200,000. And if it wasn't done, you were working overtime. It wasn't my idea of doing anything meaningful with my time. I loved my co-workers, but it was just that I would rather be taking people outside than sitting inside.

LGT: Where did your love of the outdoors come from?

AW: That's still a mystery. I didn't grow up camping, I grew up in the suburbs. I think I am a little more aware of what's outside and how our bodies tend to drive towards nature.

I feel a little more sensitivity towards the natural world and a little more curiosity, and through acting on my curiosity I am being able to develop this relationship with the outdoors.

LGT: Was there one specific point in time that inspired you to start Adventures Accessed?

AW: I went to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

to help a friend of a friend find his lost dog in the Porcupine Mountains. It was very rugged, absolute wilderness. He asked if I had some skills and equipment I could share with him in navigating the terrain. I really felt like I was valuable, that I was good at this, and then at the same time I felt good inside that I was in this beautiful place on the shores of Lake Superior. That trip really got me thinking about what I could do and that I'm a person who is good at this.

LGT: Do you see expanding beyond the Midwest?

AW: People are wrong in thinking that there's nothing worth seeing in the Midwest, so there are lots of opportunities here. But I do want to expand to provide more remote experiences for certain groups or organizations. I would like to get people doing more “mixed-use” outings where we're going to canoe down a river and then backpack to our campsite.

I think down the road we're going to be very consistent, and our team-building and wilderness therapy programs are going to be something of note. So in three to five years I definitely see us doing a lot of work for people to decompress and build trust with themselves and with each other and really see nature as a means of therapy.

LGT: What advice would you give to somebody considering a similar project?

AW: It's a commitment of time and energy.

You better be prepared, and if you think you're prepared, then nothing should stop you. My opinion is that money will come at some point. You can find a job and get whatever you want or need at some point, but you're going to have a point in life where starting your own business and pursuing your passion makes sense. You got one shot, not at business but in life. LGT Contact Adventures Accessed at: Email: aaron@adventuresaccessed.com Phone: 312-720-1539 Website: www.adventuresaccessed.com August 2017

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Leisure Group Travel’s Jeff Gayduk lives out his driving fantasies at Speed Vegas.

He is shown here with a Porsche 911.

Las Vegas’ Emerging Activity Scene Las Vegas-bound groups are venturing outside the casinos and finding plenty of immersive activities to their liking

By Jeff Gayduk miles per hour. Hit this speed on the interstate and it’s a felony ticket.

Do it at Speed Vegas, one of the many new group-oriented activities in Las Vegas, and it wins you bragging rights with your buddies.

On a recent trip to Sin City with a small group of friends, I zipped around a closed racetrack behind the wheel of two dream cars, a Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Huracan. Thanks to a professional driver/coach as my passenger, I navigated the tactical course at heart-pounding speeds. It’s just one element of an ever-growing series of YOLO (you only live once) experiences offered in Las Vegas.

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In fact, the entire tourism scene in Las Vegas has been revitalized. While a record 42.9 million tourists visited in 2016, what they are doing once they get there is changing.

While a generation ago 70 percent of monies spent in Vegas were at the casino, today that figure is closer to 30 percent. Groups are more apt to spend two hours watching Brittany Spears at Planet Hollywood or Celine Dion at Caesars Palace than in front of a slot machine.

“It is all about the experiences in the destination, and the more authentic those experiences are, the more photogenic and the more “story-worthy” >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

the better. Coming back from a trip and being able to share a compelling story with friends and co-workers is what everyone wants from their vacation,” commented Mike Schields, CEO of Destination America, the company that builds and operates programs for top guided-vacation brands such as Trafalgar and Insight Vacations.

“As an operator, our goal is to make our programs as interesting and compelling as possible so as to give our guests experiences that they might have not necessarily found on their own, or did not think or know about,” Schields added.

Increasingly, tour operators are skipping the four-hour city tour and providing options where guests can enjoy activities that appeal specifically to them.

“Attractions like Speed Vegas fit in well with Las Vegas’ fast-paced and high-roller image. A Ferrari or Lamborghini is well outside the reach of most of us in our lifetimes, but getting an opportunity to take one of these amazing machines on a real racetrack, under the supervision of a skilled driver instructor, is very hard to resist,” Schields said.

Frank Corto, president of SinCity VIP, a local tour and event company, said that while nightlife, dining and shows are still very popular, they’ve seen a shift towards adventure activities such as desert dune buggy tours, exotic race cars, modern gun ranges and skydiving.

“We offer customized vacation packages for small groups, and our most popular type of group is still the pre-wedding celebration tradition of the bachelor and bachelorette party.

Las Vegas will always be a favorite destination for this type of event and for good reason.”

GROUP DINE-AROUNDS The restaurant scene is booming in Las Vegas, with nearly 2,000 eateries in and around the city. Even popular resort properties like MGM Resorts brands are heavily invested in dining, operating 130+ restaurants in addition to their 50,000 hotel rooms on the Strip. Whether on the Strip or downtown, there’s constant shuffle in new trendy dining establishments.

So many choices can present itineraryplanning challenges. Enter the dine-around tour. “Groups love our tour because it’s more memorable than just dining at one restaurant.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

The Neon Museum in downtown Las Vegas displays vintage signs rescued from casinos, motels, stores and restaurants.

It gives everyone a chance to sit next to someone different at each restaurant, which is perfect for networking,” said Donald Contursi of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. Most people have never experienced five awardwinning restaurants in one night. With our tours they can.” Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has a variety of packages on the Strip, downtown and one that includes a helicopter tour.

And, of course, you have to capture all those memories. Instead of blurry thumb selfies, Photo Tours Vegas has created its own unique spin on photo tours. The operator will pick up your group from their hotel and take them on a one-hour trip by limousine, Hummer, party bus or disco bus, accompanied by a driver and professional photographer.

Your group stops at iconic locations to capture photos, and no one has to worry about using their cell phones or who’s left out of the photo.

The company has partnerships in place with many restaurants, shows and attractions, making the tour a component in an entire experience. Another product, “Simple Arrival,” welcomes your group as soon as they arrive at the airport. As they hop into a bus, they are served Champagne, then stop at the Vegas sign where a professional photographer captures the moment before they check into their hotel.

Even if your group isn’t into jumping out of airplanes or racecars, there are plenty of immersive tours and activities that you can take in at a slower pace. Popular group attractions like the Mob Museum, Neon Museum and Wayne Newton’s Shenandoah.

“Groups love Wayne Newton’s Casa de Shenandoah,” said John Meyer, sales executive for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. “The great thing is that they’ve

built this brand new visitor’s center right across the street from his property, so you’ll come into the visitor’s center, they talk about Wayne Newton and then you get on the bus, go across the street and go experience his property. There is an Arabian horse ranch on property. If you’re lucky, you can actually see Wayne Newton out there working with the horses.”

Meyer continued, “The Mob Museum is another one that’s been extremely popular because it’s taking you back through parts of Las Vegas’ history. The museum sits in the old post office and you can see where they held one of the famous Kefauver hearings and learn about organized crime.”

“Also, a lot of tour groups are attracted to the Neon Museum tour in downtown Las Vegas,” Meyer added. “It’s an outdoor venue where you’re taken on a tour of the old neon Las Vegas signs. They have a huge collection where they go through the history of the signs and history of the properties where the signs sat. The museum offers both daytime and nighttime tours, so there are two different experiences since a number of the signs have been restored and can be turned on.”

Whether on a racetrack, in a five-star restaurant or inside Wayne Newton’s house, Vegas continues to build on the foundation that makes it America’s #1 entertainment destination. LGT

Contact: Sin City VIP, sincityvip.com Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, vegasfoodietour.com Photo Tours Vegas, phototours.vegas/ Las Vegas CVA, travelpros.visitlasvegas.com/travel-professionals/ August 2017

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Adventures

Visit California/Michael Lanza

National Park

Odd-looking trees intrigue visitors to Southern California’s Joshua Tree National Park.

By Dave Bodle he higher western Mojave Desert portion of Joshua Tree National Park contains the best existing display of Joshua trees in the United States. Legend has it that early Mormons thought the unusual tree’s outstretched branches symbolized Joshua leading them to the Promised Land.

Early California explorer John Fremont had a different view. He found the tree to be “…the most repulsive tree in the vegetable kingdom.”

Regardless of your vision, outdoor adven-

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ture beckons where the Colorado and Mojave Deserts meet. From birding and geology to photography and stargazing, there are more than a dozen ways to experience Joshua Tree National Park. Ranger programs are often the best way to begin your visit.

Free walks, talks and evening programs share how wildlife, vegetation and humans have adapted and survived in the desert.

These behind-the-scenes views begin at the Visitors Center except for the “Keys Ranch Tour,” which starts at the ranch gate and

requires a pre-purchased ticket. (nps.gov/jotr/index.htm) If you’re looking for a more adventuresome experience, consider Joshua Tree Excursions in Joshua Tree, California. The conciergestyle tour company offers a variety of hiking, backpacking and cliff-hanging tours. The “Signature Single Day Journey” can be personalized to any group’s preference. It includes a private guide, park fees, water and trail snacks. Lunch options are available.

Additional offerings add another day or two

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

TOURING CALIFORNIA of hiking with backcountry camping. (joshuatreeexcursions.com) Desert Adventures’ Palm Springs office provides a more relaxing excursion that explores Joshua Tree National Park’s unique ecosystem. You’ll be traveling by SUV/van with a guide who tells the story of the park.

You will enjoy a one-mile guided hike to Hidden Valley, a spectacular photo opportunity.

Water, snack and a picnic lunch are included. (red-jeep.com/jeep-suv-tours/joshua-treenational-park-tour) Also operating out of Palm Springs, Big Wheel Tours takes visitors on a jeep exploration of Joshua Tree’s high desert portion.

On backcountry trail roads, experienced guides accompany groups of five or fewer per two jeeps. There is some hiking required, but it can be adapted to visitors’ preferences. Water, snacks and all park entrance fees are included. (bwbtours.com/tours/the-palm-springsjeep-tours) From the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park to Channel Islands National Park in the Pacific Ocean, the diversity of California’s

Anacapa Island

national parks is on display. Featuring five of California’s eight Channel Islands, the park is the ideal setting for aquatic and camping adventures. Summer and fall are great for kayaking and snorkeling, and summer is the time to see humpback whales in the deep

water. Starting in February and continuing through April, the grasslands of Santa Cruz Island in particular are rich with native flowers.

There are small visitor centers on Anacapa, Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara islands.

On the mainland in Ventura, the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center is the place to begin. Exhibits feature the character of each island in the park and a display of marine aquatic life. The movie Treasure in the Sea is shown throughout the day. A complete listing of events and park ranger programs is on display at nps.gov/chis/index.htm.

Access to the islands is by private boats and Island Packers, the park’s concessionaire.

Day trips to the islands, along with kayaking, dive, hiking, overnight camping and non-landing sightseeing trips, are available. Seasonal whale-watching cruises and regularly scheduled dinner cruises are other options offered by Island Packers. Note: Due to damage to the Santa Barbara Island landing pier, there are no planned trips to that island for 2017. (islandpackers.com) LGT

With nine national parks, more than any other state, California offers a wide variety of outdoor offerings for groups.

Joshua Tree and Channel Islands national parks bookend that diversity.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

August 2017

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TOURING CALIFORNIA

Roaring Camp Railroads operates a train that connects the Santa Cruz beach with redwood forests to the north.

California By Rail

Skunk Train

Vintage trains lend a fun twist to group tours alifornia abounds with magnificent scenery, and what better way to appreciate it than a train ride in vintage rail cars pulled by an old-fashioned locomotive.

It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much more scenic than Roaring Camp Railroadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; two routes in the forested coastal mountains north of Santa Cruz. On the narrated, one-hour roundtrip from the recreated 1880s logging town of Roaring Camp to the summit of Bear

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Mountain, a steam-powered train follows a winding path over a narrow gauge line through towering redwoods. The open-air coaches are perfect for viewing the big trees.

The three-hour roundtrip from Roaring Camp to the seaside boardwalk in Santa Cruz (or reverse) runs through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the San Lorenzo River Gorge and through an 1875 tunnel.

In Roaring Camp, with its steam-powered sawmill and other period buildings, groups >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

can arrange gold panning, candle making or a chuckwagon barbecue. (roaringcamp.com) The Mendocino Coast’s Skunk Train also spotlights California’s giant redwoods.

One-hour trips leave from the coastal town of Fort Bragg, while longer trips that cover more mountainous terrain depart from Willits. Both routes feature the redwood-thick Noyo River Canyon. The train, once used in the logging industry, got its name from the bad-smelling fuel used in the 1920s. (skunktrain.com) Outside the south entrance of Yosemite National Park is Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a restored segment of yet another lumber company train that hauled massive logs. The narrated, one-hour ride through the Sierra National Forest covers four miles and includes a brief stop at Lewis Creek Canyon. Moonlight specials include an al fresco chicken or steak barbecue dinner with live music at the station followed by a train ride and Lewis Canyon stop for a musical performance, melodrama or campfire singalong. The two steam locomotives date from 1913 and 1928. (ymsprr.com)

Napa Valley Dinner Train

In the suburbs north of Los Angeles, Fillmore & Western Railway offers threehour Saturday excursions through the citrus and avocado groves of the Heritage Valley,

with a shopping stop at Loose Caboose Garden Center & Gift Emporium near Santa Paula. Sunday trains go to Bennett’s Honey Farm and the quaint town of Piru, where many movies, TV shows and commercials have been filmed. The picturesque train itself, including the 1928 Powhatan Cafe parlor car, has appeared in more than 500 film productions. The diner is the setting for lunch and murder mystery lunch and dinner specials. The train is based in Fillmore, which is about 60 miles northwest of downtown LA and 25 miles east of Ventura. (fwry.com) For dining in style while riding the rails, there’s the Napa Valley Dinner Train. The three-hour, 36-mile roundtrip between Napa and St. Helena is a scenic journey past vineyards and wineries. Chefs working in three kitchens prepare gourmet meals, and the wine list is extensive. Guests dine in vintage Pullman rail cars restored with Honduran mahogany, brass accents, etched-glass partitions and comfy armchairs that evoke the spirit of luxury rail travel at the beginning of the 20th century. (winetrain.com) —Randy Mink

W O R L D P R E M I E R E - C L O S E S JA N 7 , 2 0 1 8

REAL STORIES. REAL ARTIFACTS. REAL PEOPLE.

First-of-its-kind exhibition not seen anywhere else before!

Experience real artifacts from the Titanic and items used in the discovery of the famed ship alongside props, sets and costumes from the blockbuster movie about the RMS Titanic!

Photo Courtesy of Jonas Sejr Thomsen

Groups of 25 or more will receive a group p discount. Inquire toda today! ay! y msalvesen@reaganfoundation.org msalvesen@reag 805-577-2704

Tick Tickets ets include admission to the Reagan Libr Library... ary y.... Walk Walk through the Oval Office, T ouch an actual part of the Berlin W all and climb aboard Air F orce One! Touch Wall Force 40 Presidential Drive • Simi Valley, CA 93065 • ReaganLibrary.com • 800.410.8354

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

t TELESCOPE VIEWING t INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS t FAMILLY FUN! www.lowell.edu (928) 774-3358 August 2017

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TOURING CALIFORNIA

The San Francisco skyline shimmers against the evening sky.

California Fun Doesn’t End When the Sun Goes Down The Golden State has plenty of options after dark ith its idyllic weather, pristine beaches and hardy redwoods, California is a utopian locale for lovers of seemingly endless sunshine and the great outdoors.

Eventually though, the sun does set and people’s entertainment cravings don’t vanish with the daylight. Which begs the question, what activities does California provide for group travelers when the street lights begin to glow? We’re glad you asked. Here are some tips for groups looking to embrace the Golden State’s burgeoning nightlife.

Luke Price

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SAN FRANCISCO An enchanting city possessing one of the finest skylines on earth, San Francisco is a perfect place to sightsee. Group travelers looking to savor the city’s beauty at dusk can drive to the top of Twin Peaks, where they can bask in its late-night radiance. This set of peaks is located near the center of San Francisco, offering 360-degree views of the city, the bay, its bridges and the ocean.

Those seeking a more active evening can knock down pins at the Presidio Bowling Center and Lucky Strike. Both bowling alleys

are open until midnight, except for Fridays and Saturdays when they extend their hours to 2 a.m. Another option that will get the blood flowing is miniature golf, which has a reputation as a daytime event, but Urban Putt suggests otherwise. Open on Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m. (open until midnight the rest of the week), Urban Putt features a 14-hole mini golf course and a variety of beer and wine options. If mini golf is too strenuous for a group’s tired legs, Clay Theatre has a Midnight Madness movie on Saturday nights while PianoFight hosts Night Moves, a mid>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

night comedy show on Friday nights. For music lovers, the Chapel is a live music venue, restaurant and neighborhood bar located in the heart of the Mission District that keeps its doors open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Naturally, almost everyone’s favorite latenight activity is eating. And San Francisco does not disappoint on that front. For pizza lovers, Golden Boy Pizza offers slices until 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, while Beretta provides thin pizza until 1 a.m. daily.

For those seeking a more diverse menu, the Revolution Café is a European-style café that’s open until midnight (2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday) and features beer, wine, food, coffee and live music. Groups with a collective sweet tooth are also in luck because Bob’s Donuts is a popular bakery with a variety of classic doughnuts and pastries, and is open 24 hours.

LOS ANGELES With views of the Pacific Ocean, the Hollywood sign and downtown Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory, which sits on Mount Hollywood, is one of the best spots in the city to watch a sunset. Admission to the building, grounds and telescopes is free, and the observatory is open until 10 p.m. The Hollywood Bowl overlook on Mulholland Drive also offers a sightly view of the stars (in the sky) while the OUE Skyspace LA, an open-air observation deck nearly 1,000 feet above downtown Los Angeles, features 360degree views of the city and is open until 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).

For groups seeking a more down-to-earth view of L.A. and its surrounding neighborhoods, the Santa Monica Pier is open 24 hours and is notable for its seaside amusement park and beautiful ocean view.

Other excellent locales for strolling are Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a mile-long Venice Beach street filled with fashion, art and food that stays vibrant into the wee hours; the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, which captivates with its array of neon lights that reflect off the Walk of Fame when the sun sets; and the Universal CityWalk, near Universal Studios in Hollywood, which closes at 11 p.m. on the weekend and is a hub of shops, eateries and nightclubs.

L.A.’s many food options are catered for the city’s late-night crowd as plenty of establishments stay open late. Among the best of LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Griffith Observatory

these hot spots are Pizzeria Mozza, which provides acclaimed wood-burning oven pizzas and antipasti until midnight; Pink’s Hot Dogs, arguably the most famous hot dog stand in America (open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday); and Father’s Office, a gastropub that has a highly-regarded burger and is open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

thanks to Hornblower Cruises, where they can potentially see thousands of gray whales migrating into Baja, California. Vacationers who prefer a more relaxing evening can visit the National Comedy Theatre (open until 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), a fabulous spot to enjoy an interactive comedy show that offers snacks and drinks.

Like San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Diego features a diverse slate of late-night eating options. In Mission Bay, surf and turf can be savored at Saska’s Steakhouse, which stays open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Turf Supper Club is one of San Diego’s oldest cocktail lounges and is a storied grill-your-own-steak spot that closes at 2 a.m. daily. Open until 1 a.m. nightly (except for Sundays when it closes its doors at midnight), Izakaya Masa is an intimate Japanese spot offering sushi, ramen and udon along with sake and beer. Hard-partying groups who want even later food options can visit Night & Day Café in Coronado, a 24-hour diner that serves American and Mexican cuisine along with beer and wine in a classic setting.

—Jason Paha

SAN DIEGO Considered by many the most beautiful city in the country, San Diego lays claim to impeccable weather and resplendent architecture. Groups looking to embrace its nighttime vibes can ascend Mount Soledad, the highest spot in San Diego, where they can look out over the city and enjoy the shimmer Big Bend National Park, TX of its lights. Those EcoTours. Hiking. Rafting. Birding in National Parks. with extra stamina Let Forever Resorts show you Lake Superior, the Colorado and can stay up until dawn Snake Rivers, West Texas, the South Dakota Badlands and more! and catch a picturEnjoy our relaxing in-Park lodging, dining and shopping venues. esque sunrise.

ACTIVITIES: LODGING: 877.386.4383 The San Diego Zoo Black Canyon River Grand Canyon Lodge–North Rim is one of the city’s most Adventures Hoover Dam, NV Grand Canyon, AZ (800.455.3490) Rock Harbor Lodge popular attractions, Southfork Ranch, Dallas, TX Isle Royale, MI and during summer (800.989.7800) Cedar Pass Lodge / Badlands Inn the zoo extends its Big Bend Overland Tours Badlands, SD operating hours until Big Bend, TX (800.848.2363) Chisos Mountains Lodge / Forever Adventure Tours, Big Bend Resort & Adventures 9 p.m., allowing visiKanab, UT (435.644.5700) Big Bend, TX tors to catch the sights Mad River / Scenic Bryce Canyon Lodge, Bryce, UT and sounds of nocturSafaris Jackson Hole, WY Parry Lodge / Denny’s Wigwam (866.275.8077), (888.734.8898) nal ani mals. Those Kanab, UT who want to brave the high seas in the dark from December until /travelforeverresorts March can enjoy a Forever Resorts is an Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service. midnight whale watch

EXPLORE FOREVER OUTDOORS

ForeverResorts.com

August 2017

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REGION

8 Top Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway Build an irresistible itinerary around the area’s musical heritage, mountain lore, spectacular scenery, wonderful attractions and outdoor activities.

By Dave Bodle

he Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited unit in the entire National Park Service system, and there are obvious reasons why.

The portion of the road that travels through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains provides some of the world’s best mountain

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scenery, offering stunning views around every turn and scenic overlooks to enhance the experience. It’s not unusual to see native wildlife.

In addition to admiring the parkway’s absolute beauty, groups can choose from a variety of outdoor options. Whether you’re

looking for physical challenges or something mild that assures you will not get your new sneakers dirty, you’ll find your answer along the Blue Ridge Parkway. (blueridgeparkway.org) Humpback Rocks (Mileposts 5-9.3) is on the parkway’s north end and a good spot to >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

VIRGINIA TOUR IDEAS

Your group might have a chance to do some mountain square dancing at the Blue Ridge Music Center, a great parkway attraction.

Picture-perfect Mabry Mill, a popular photo stop, has been making flour for more than 100 years.

begin your adventure. The visitor center has exhibits on mountain life and a ranger ready to assist; a historic farm is just a short walk away. Three hiking trails of mild difficulty and varying lengths lead to Humpback Rocks, Humpback Mountain and a picnic area.

Mountain Farm Trail has a gravel path and is LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

wheel chair-accessible. The summer concert schedule is worth checking out.

At an elevation of 3,950 feet, Apple Orchard Mountain (Milepost 76.5) overlook is the high point of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Accessible from both the parkway and Appalachian Trail, the mountain is a good hiking destination. Apple Orchard Falls is one of the trail’s most impressive features; keep watch for deer and black bears.

Peaks of Otter Lodge (Milepost 86), just off the parkway, is a favorite stop for lunch and shopping, with a variety of outdoor options for overnight guests. Five trails thread the area, while the “Peaks under the Stars” program is an evening option. To extend your stay, the group staff has itinerary options that include nearby Luray Caverns, Monticello and the National D-Day Memorial. (peaksofotter.com) The Roanoke River Gorge (Milepost 114.9) stop requires parking at the Roanoke River Overlook and a short walk to the bridge that spans the gorge. The scene is well worth the stop as you look down to the flowing river 900 feet below.

Just off the parkway, Explore Park (Milepost 115) offers hiking, biking, paddle boarding and canoeing. Part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, the trails range from easy to moderately difficult. Roanoke River access is available to those travelers wanting to make a splash. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Explore Park features a museum and gift shop and serves as the gateway to the Roanoke area. (explorepark.org) It’s simply inexcusable to get within 10 miles of Roanoke and not stop for a visit to this lively community. Just three miles off the parkway is the Roanoke Star & Overlook (Milepost 120.4.) It’s the largest, manmade

illuminated star in the world and a great photo opportunity. You’re just 10 minutes from downtown Roanoke and a wonderful assortment of attractions. Roanoke’s history as a railroad hub is on display at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, which showcases vintage rail cars and steam, diesel and electric locomotives. The O. Winston Link Museum has rare photography that documents the last days of steam engines. Five new bike share stations in downtown Roanoke are part of the growing outdoor amenities in the region. Download the Zagster app to get started. (visitroanoke.com) Be certain your camera batteries are fresh and the lens clean at Mabry Mill (Milepost 176,) the most photographed sight on the Virginia section of the parkway.

The iconic gristmill has been making flour for more than 100 years. National Park Service staff in the nearby interpretive area demonstrate blacksmithing, spinning, basket making and other pioneer skills. Folk and mountain music performances take place in summer. Mabry Mill Restaurant features country-style favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The gift shop sells Virginia crafts and Mabry Mill-inspired gifts. Bags of grits, cornmeal and buckwheat flour from the mill are available. (mabrymillrestaurant.com) The last Virginia stop before crossing into North Carolina is the Blue Ridge Music Center (Milepost 213). It includes an outdoor amphitheater where regional music is performed live during the summer months. Complete your visit with time allowed for the interpretive center/theater and The Roots of American Music, an entertaining and educational interactive exhibition highlighting the region’s music history and contributions to other genres. (blueridgemusiccenter.org) LGT August 2017

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VIRGINIA TOUR IDEAS

NASA Visitor Centers Tell the Story of Space Exploration From the Eastern Shore to Hampton Roads, coastal Virginia has played a big role in America’s space program Groups on a behind-the-scenes tour of the NASA Wallops Flight Facility might get a chance to see a rocket being refueled.

t’s awe-inspiring to think that in 1607 three ships carried the first English settlers to Jamestown, Virginia. Now, four centuries and 10 years later, the international space station, along with other missions, is being supplied from Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center, with exhibits on aeronautics, the

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facility’s history and current missions, is the place to begin. Allow time to view a movie on space exploration or earth/climate themes.

NASA Wallops Flight Facility is truly an attraction that’s perfect for all ages, appealing to adults who have grown up with U.S. space exploration and to student/youth groups looking for fun, educational programs with curriculum enhancement. Multiple STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) paths are available with hands-on activities, special presentations and movies. Rocketry, solar system, and earth and climate science are just a sampling of subjects.

A behind-the-scenes tour provides adults and students a close-up look at the Wallops Flight Facility’s diverse programs. Half-day and full-day tours are available Tuesday and Thursdays with a minimum of four weeks’ notice. Lunch is available at the employee cafeteria with notice, and a picnic area is available. Save time for the gift shop, which has NASA-themed items. If you’re fortunate, you’ll plan your visit on a day a rocket launch is scheduled.

While you’re on the Eastern Shore, nearby Chincoteague Island provides a serene addition to any itinerary. The gateway to Assateague Island and the Virginia Chincoteague wild ponies is best explored by boat. Custom experiences for large groups can be accommodated. (chincoteaguechamber.com) There’s still more space to explore in Virginia. It’s slightly more than a two-hour drive from the Eastern Shore across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Hampton, Virginia, the birthplace of America’s space program. Established in 1917, NASA Langley

Research Center was the agency’s original field center. The center gained considerable notoriety in December 2016 with the release of the movie Hidden Figures. The film shares the true story of three brilliant African-American NASA women who served as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn.

The Virginia Air & Space Center serves as the official NASA Langley visitor center, offering interactive exhibits spanning more than 100 years of flight. Thirty historic aircraft, space flight artifacts and a hands-on space gallery join IMAX films to tell the history of flight. The Cosmic Cafe and a gift shop are on site.

Through the Virginia Air & Space Center, NASA Langley is dedicated to fostering the growth of the nation’s youth. STEM is at the core of the NASA mission, and there are numerous resources available to teachers. (nasa.gov/langley/education/classroom) If you’re still in need of a flight fix, the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach is well worth a stop. There you’ll find the largest collection of World War I and II military aircraft in the world. Each plane has been fully restored to its prior military condition. The museum is a perfect addition to any Virginia itinerary. (militaryaviationmuseum.org) Nearby Williamsburg, Jamestown/Yorktown, Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach provide a wealth of group-friendly attractions, accommodations and dining.

From Virginia’s place in the settlement of English-speaking America to her leadership in space exploration, it has been a marvelous journey.

—Dave Bodle >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

VIRGINIA TOUR IDEAS

Discovering George Washington’s Ferry Farm A major historical attraction is emerging in Fredericksburg, Virginia Living history demonstrations take visitors back to colonial days at Ferry Farm, where George Washington spent his youth.

n a tobacco, corn and wheat plantation stretching along the Rappahannock River, the “Father of His Country” grew into manhood. While no structures remain from George Washington’s time, a replica of the first president’s boyhood home is under construction on its archaeological footprint as Ferry Farm is being developed into a living history museum.

Remains of the 1740s clapboard house and related artifacts were not uncovered until 2008, and excavations on the property are still underway. The eight-room, 1½-story house was one of the finest in the area. Also found were traces of two outbuildings—the kitchen and slave quarters—both of which

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Stafford Economic Development & Tourism Photos

Replica home under construction

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

will be reconstructed as well.

Ferry Farm’s visitor center has displays of colonial and Civil War artifacts found on the property, and on weekdays guests will see archaeologists working in the lab. On the grounds are gardens with plants representative of the 18th century. Hiking trails through a meadow with native grasses and wildflowers afford chances to see birds and other wildlife.

A self-guided iPad tour, “Uncovering George Washington’s Youth,” has videos and photos and is included in admission.

Washington’s family moved to the farm— they called it Home Farm—in 1738, and young George lived there from ages 6-19. It was there that the future general learned

skills as a surveyor. The farm also was the setting of the cherry tree legend created by an early biographer to illustrate young George’s honesty. While there was a Rappahannock ferry between the farm and town of Fredericksburg, it was not owned or operated by the Washingtons.

Ferry Farm, declared a National Historic Landmark in 2000, is part of George Washington Birthplace National Monument, which includes his Popes Creek birthplace site on the Potomac River, about 40 miles east of Fredericksburg. The farm is operated by the non-profit George Washington Foundation, which owns 113.9 acres of the original 600 acres. The foundation also owns Historic Kenmore, a Georgian manor house in Fredericksburg where Washington’s sister Betty lived with her husband, Col. Fielding Lewis.

During the Civil War the farm was a staging ground for the Union Army’s invasions of Fredericksburg. The house was gone by 1863, its wood probably used for fuel by the Union soldiers. The oldest structure on the property is a shed dating from the late 1800s.

Though George left the farm in the early 1750s, his mother, Mary Ball Washington, lived there until 1772, when she moved to Fredericksburg. The Mary Washington House is one of several attractions in the historic district, along with Rising Sun Tavern, built in 1760 as a private residence by Washington’s brother Charles and converted to a tavern in 1792.

For information on George Washington’s Ferry Farm, visit kenmore.org.

—Randy Mink August 2017

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VIRGINIA TOUR IDEAS

A Revolutionary Experience Unveiled this past spring, a new museum in Virginia’s Historic Triangle tells the story of America’s fight for independence xhibit galleries, films and livinghistory experiences await groups at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, formerly the Yorktown Victory Center.

Utilizing hundreds of objects, from military equipment and personal effects to paintings and engravings, galleries engage visitors through specific themes. “The British Empire and America” presents the culture and economy of the original 13 colonies. Divisions between the colonies and Britain are explored in “The Changing Relationship – Britain and North America.” The war from its beginning in 1775 to the Yorktown victory in 1781 is presented in “Revolution.” With victory came challenges that are addressed in “The New Nation.” How the struggle for independence impacted America and the world is portrayed in “The American People.”

The introductory film Liberty Fever takes visitors back to the late 18th century and prepares them for the galleries and livinghistory experiences. A 19th-century traveler who went around the new country gathering tales of the American Revolution tells the story. An experiential involvement, “The Siege of Yorktown,” transports visitors to 1781 and the Yorktown Battlefield, with wind, smoke, cannon thunder and gunfire confronting them on a 180degree screen.

The attraction’s expanded re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolutionary-era farm present a living history of the turbulent times. The 1st and 7th Regiments of the Continental Army are on hand with military demonstrations and re-enactments.

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Fife and drum sounds and other music from colonial times are featured throughout the day, including afternoon performances at the Artillery Amphitheatre.

The farm area portrays an 18th-century Virginia coastal region farm growing corn and tobacco. Vegetables and herbs are planted year-round, and there’s always visitor help needed in the gardens. Throughout the outdoor complex are ongoing demonstrations by artisans displaying their craftsmanship.

A Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation trained guide or educator can give your group an interactive and hands-on experience at the new museum. There are programs created specifically for adult groups with experiences geared to their interests. Student programs are correlated to Virginia Standards of Learning,

National Standards for History, National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies and Common Core. STEM objectives have been incorporated where appropriate.

For groups of 15 or more, there are more than 10 tours available, each requiring advance reservations. From the basic one-hour “Sampler Tour” and 2.5-hour “Colonial Life” tour to “Dig Deeper: Yorktown under Siege” and “Dig Deeper: Crack the Code Spycraft,” there’s an experience for every group.

For more information on group programs at the new American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, visit online at historyisfun.org/ learn/groups/yorktown-group-tours, or call 888-868-7593.

—Dave Bodle

The reinvented museum has engaging exhibit galleries and expanded re-creations of an army encampment and a colonial farm.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

mid the beauty of the Charlottesville-Albemarle County countryside you’ll discover the world-renowned architectural masterpieces of our nation’s third President.

Experience history, exceptional dining and a Virginia vineyard on this memorable tour.

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Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia

Virginia’s Man from Monticello Day 1 Arrive mid-afternoon in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia. The architectural aptitude of Thomas Jefferson is on full display. Part of the original “Academical Village,” the Rotunda was patterned after the Roman Pantheon. The Rotunda is still the Grounds’ centerpiece and a great photo opportunity. Next, visit the six Gardens at the University of Virginia.

If time permits, continue with a driving tour of Historic Charlottesville before checking into one of the area’s group-friendly hotels.

Depart for dinner at one of Charlottesville’s outstanding restaurants. Many are chef-owned, using fresh, local ingredients and located in a building with a rich history. You can dine with a U.S. president and experience a lively first-person interpretation from a Founding Father.

Day 2

CHARLOTTESVILLE ALBEMARLE CVB Brigitte Bélanger-Warner warnerb@chartottesville.org 434-970-3632 VisitCharlottesville.org

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing.

Arrive at Monticello, where you’ll tour the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. You’ll see Thomas Jefferson’s World, a 15-minute introductory film. At the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Gallery you’ll view a series of innovative exhibitions of Jefferson’s influences and beliefs. Next jump on a shuttle to tour Monticello, his mountaintop home and spectacular gardens.

Enjoy a late lunch at historic Michie Tavern.

Costumed wait staff serve hearty fare in this 200year-old converted log cabin. After lunch a tour gives groups a glimpse of the original inn and outbuildings.

Arrive for a tour of Highland, the home of Jefferson’s close friend James Monroe, the fifth

U.S. president. You’ll visit the early 19th century working plantation of a gentleman that held the most public offices of any president. Tour the newly renovated house and experience the life of a tireless public servant and his contributions.

Next, it’s off to Albemarle County for a tour and tasting at one of the award-winning wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail. The 30+ wineries are a tribute to Jefferson’s dream of Virginia being an ideal climate for grapes and winemaking.

Choose dinner tonight from an array of dazzling options. The Charlottesville dining scene competes with any major city. From European and Asian specialties to Southwestern and Southern favorites, in formal or casual settings, we have you covered.

This evening, stroll Historic Main Street, the Downtown Pedestrian Mall – a European-style shopping plaza with more than 120 shops, restaurants, art galleries and more. Historic Court Square is where Jefferson, Monroe and Madison practiced law.

Day 3 Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

Arrive at James Madison’s Montpelier and explore the home of the fourth president and architect of the Constitution, and his wife Dolley Madison. The Grills Gallery located inside the David M. Rubenstein Visitor’s Center has permanent collections and rotating exhibits of the Madisons’ lives and the Gilmore Cabin, the first freeman’s site in the United States.

Lunch at the Exchange Café at Montpelier of made-to-order sandwiches and salads.

Depart for home with fond memories and appreciation for Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers who built our nation.

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EAST

REGION

omplete with dining, entertainment, hotel accommodations, shopping and gambling, casinos are practically indoor amusement parks for adults, ready to provide everything your group could need and all under one roof. Here is a peek at recent developments and upcoming projects in New England and the Mid-Atlantic.

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CASINO

BUZZ Massachusetts With five casinos in full swing and three coming soon, Massachusetts gives group travelers plenty of options for gaming fun.

Scheduled to open September 2018, MGM Springfield will feature gaming, dining, 28

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entertainment, a 495-room hotel, residential living and retail facilities. Also under construction, Wynn Everett Casino is targeted to open summer of 2019 on the Boston Harbor. Groups will be able to enjoy close proximity to Logan International Airport, a

five-star waterfront hotel, high-end shopping, a harbor walk and an array of dining options.

First Light Resort & Casino is projected to make its debut in 2018 in Taunton. It will offer a family water park, entertainment venues, a hotel and a shopping center. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Take a look at what’s new on the East Coast gambling scene

By Grace Samuelson Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, one of Atlantic City’s top gaming destinations, just added over 350 guest rooms.

Guests at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun have a chance to strike it rich at more than 5,000 slot machines and 300 table games.

will be a great destination for your group.

Twin River Casino in Lincoln Park provides 162,000 square feet of gaming space with over 5,000 gaming positions. It will open a hotel adjacent to the casino next summer. The casino, located 10 minutes from Providence and less than an hour from Boston, has plenty of activities to satisfy a travel group.

Connecticut

The three brand new casinos will join Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville and racinos (a combination racetrack and casino) Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville, Suffolk Downs in East Boston and Raynham Park in Raynham.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Rhode Island Rhode Island, the smallest U.S state, offers a prime coastal location for group travel in New England. Opening summer 2018 and projected to have 1,000 slot machines, 32 table games and a hotel, Tiverton Casino

While there are only two resort casinos in Connecticut, they offer more than enough entertainment for any group and are steadily expanding their offerings. Foxwoods Resort Casino is the largest resort casino in North America, offering 4,800 slot machines, 22 table games, a spa, golf course and a five-star hotel. Located close to the Rhode Island border, Foxwoods has everything a guest could want, including the thrill of the outdoors.

The resort will cater to adventure-seekers by introducing ecotourism, beginning with the addition of the 33-story, 3,750-foot-long HighFlyer zipline set to open this August.

Also in Connecticut is Mohegan Sun, located in Uncasville, just north of the coast. The casino offers over 5,000 slot machines, more than 300 table games and a realistic race gambling experience. Mohegan Sun’s 10,000seat entertainment arena brings in shows like Taylor Swift and sports events like NCAA basketball. Booking a stay will expose your group to Connecticut’s finest hotel accommodations, Add golf, a spa, dining and shopping, and Mohegan Sun makes a perfect one-stop group vacation.

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New York New York offers a few new and upcoming casinos ready to supply a great vacation for your group. In Bridgeport, 22 minutes outside of Syracuse, New York Oneida Nation is building its third casino, Point Place, which is scheduled to open in spring of 2018. The $40-million project is expected to have around 500 slot machines and 20 table games. About an hour away from Point Place, right outside of Albany, is Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady. The casino opened in February and recently completed its 165-room boutique hotel, The Landing.

New Jersey New Jersey is home to Atlantic City, the East’s most famous casino destination.

Attracting thousands of visitors a week, Atlantic City has many new options for groups to check out. The Trump Taj Mahal, closed in 2016, is set to be renovated and reopened as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Featuring a rock and roll theme, the Hard Rock is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend of 2018. TEN Casino is set to open in place of

Foxwoods Resort Casino’s brand new HighFlyer zipline takes thrill-seekers high above the Connecticut countryside.

the Revel Casino in early 2018. Each new casino is transforming the former casinos with state-of-the-art facilities. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, another great choice for groups, just expanded the hotel by adding over 350 rooms.

Pennsylvania As demand for gambling has increased, numerous renovations and additions have expanded Pennsylvania casinos. Arguably the state’s most successful casino, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem plans a $90-million expansion that will include more restaurants,

a new poker room and a larger casino floor.

Parx Casino in Bensalem recently announced a 45,000-square-foot expansion complete with two new restaurants and a 1,500-seat showroom featuring entertainment advertised as similar to that of Atlantic City. Harrah’s Casino in Chester has enhanced its appeal by adding a Food Network star restaurant, Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar. SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia recently opened Fishtown Hops, a beer garden located on the river walk. The waterfront experience is complete with food, craft beer, cocktails and live entertainment. LGT

Tempt Lady Luck at Mohegan Sun ith more than 300,000 square feet of gaming between three casinos—Casino of Earth, Casino of Sky and Casino of Wind—there is plenty of variety for your group at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun. More than 300 table games include classics such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps and poker. Over 5,000 slot machines will engage players and immerse them into the latest technology. Two luxury hotel towers with 1,563 rooms ensure that your group will have a comfortable stay. Visitors can catch some rest and relaxation at one of two world-class spas or at the indoor pool. Fun stretches beyond the casino floor at the Mohegan Sun Arena, a popular concert venue, and the Wolf Den, a 350-seat performance center. With over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, there is no shortage of dining options. This one-of-a-kind casino experience will impress everyone in your group. (mohegansun.com)

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

ALL ROADS LEAD TO

MOHEGAN SUN Sign up your group for a bus charter today

BONUS $30 CASINO INCENTIVE PACKAGE* Monday – Friday Package consists of: One $15 Meal/Retail Credit and One $15 Free Bet Coupon Meal/Retail credit can be used in any restaurant, a full buffet or shop at Mohegan Sun.

BONUS $25 CASINO INCENTIVE PACKAGE* Saturday – Sunday Package consists of: One $15 Meal/Retail Credit and One $10 Free Bet Coupon Meal/Retail credit can be used in any restaurant, a full buffet or shop at Mohegan Sun.

Group Leaders receive an additional $30 PACKAGE Contact Stephen Olender at 860.862.8988 or solender@mohegansun.com or visit mohegansun.com/charter to get your next outing on the road today. * In order to receive package, bus group must stay for a minimum of 5 hours. Packages and offer subject to change without notice. mohegansun.com

CENTRAL

REGION

By Miles Dobis

hat environment do you typically imagine for a relaxed day of birdwatching? An isolated island, old-growth forest or perhaps a serene prairie? The secluded woods and rivers of the Midwest are a haven for flying friends and visitors alike, with many staffed by avian experts and with nature centers that can accommodate large groups. The birdwatching outposts in these six Midwestern states are only a small sample of the locations where groups keep their eyes to the sky.

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Witness hundreds of winged species in these sanctuaries and nature centers

High-flying Midwestern 32

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

MINNESOTA Wabasha, a town 90 minutes southeast of the Twin Cities and located on a wide bend in the Mississippi River, attracts migratory birds with its rich fish supply. During the bald eagle’s tenure on the endangered species list, Wabasha was a rare area where the birds would consistently nest. Today, the town is home to the National Eagle Center, a building dedicated to educating the public on this symbol of American patriotism. Thousands of birdwatchers descend upon the town every autumn to witness the birds’ migration south, and the city’s many cliffsides offer prime views of the eagles catching fish in the river.

From October through March the center hosts outings in which your group, supplied with telescopes and a guide, can spot these magnificent creatures.

Those who prefer indoor warmth can still experience an eagle encounter.

Wabasha’s 15,000-square-foot interpretive center features rotating exhibits that explore local conservation efforts, birds of prey biology and local history. The building also houses injured bald and golden eagles and hosts daily programs for schoolchildren and coach tours to meet the friendly avian ambassadors.

Demonstrations led by volunteer naturalists will highlight the birds’ incredible sight, speed and talon strength, and presenters can field your group’s questions.

INDIANA Indiana Congressman Finly H. Gray in 1943 donated the property encompassing the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary to honor his daughter—an avid birdwatcher. Now overseen by the Indiana Audubon Society, the sanctuary covers over 700 acres of forest, meadows and ponds that attract songbirds and other wildlife throughout the spring and summer.

Nesting songbirds that return to the area include pileated woodpeckers, dark-eyed juncos and cerulean warblers, and visitors can spot deer and coyotes in the open prairie fields. Your group can spot the birds on the 10 miles of hiking trails or at four ponds where waterfowl converge. There are also two feeding stations where you can assist local volunteers band ruby-throated hummingbirds for tracking and identification.

The privately owned Potawatomi Wildlife Park outside of Bourbon, Indiana allows your group to hike along five miles of trail and through protected prairies free of charge. Gazebos and picnic pavilions are spread throughout the property, including the banks of the Tippecanoe River. This tributary to the mighty Ohio attracts orioles, waterthrushes and tanagers throughout the summer months, and a canoe landing is available for groups who wish to view the birds downstream.

The Great Migration sees millions of cranes, ducks and geese settling along the North Platte River every spring in central Nebraska.

Audubon Nebraska

OHIO Much of the area east of Toledo was once the Great Black Swamp, a 1,500square-mile network of wetlands and forests.

Industrialization has decimated much of the local environment, but 6,500 acres of protected wooded habitat remain in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Your group can choose dozens of trails that meander past creeks and estuaries that waterfowl call home and spot flocks of dunlin along the banks of the Metzger Marsh. Mudflats in the Crane Creek estuary and managed wetlands host large numbers of shorebirds, and wintering tundra swans are common in the coastal marshes. Binoculars and field guides are available for rent from the visitors center, and tours with a certified group guide can be arranged.

Groups that would prefer an urban birding experience can respectfully walk through the Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus—a property that attracts watchers from across the nation. The plot is nearly two centuries old and features eroding bridges and mature trees—perfect habitats for screech owls and winter finches. The gum produced by the cemetery’s mature trees attracts migrating pine siskin finches, famous for their yellowpatched tails and exceptional agility, and your party can hear their distinctive song among the oak trees. The Ohio Ornithological Society holds regular hikes through the property, and the guides can point out notable nesting areas among the tombstones of famous Ohioans.

Birdwatching Meccas LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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National Eagle Center

MICHIGAN The largest landmass in Lake Michigan, Beaver Island is a 12,000-acre birdwatching hotspot and a critical stopover site for migratory birds flying to and from Canada.

Familiar residents are chickadees, woodpeckers and grouse, while seasonal visitors include snowy owls, horned larks and longtailed ducks. In the spring, Iron Ore Bay is overtaken by palm warblers and whitecrowned sparrows as they rest before their

The exhibits in Wabasha’s National Eagle Center highlight the incredible sight, reflexes and power of these magnificent birds.

journey south, while your group can spot the endangered piping plover along the sandy beaches. More than 35 designated viewing sites (often equipped with feeders or birdhouses) are scattered across the island for your group to explore, while conveniently located pavilions are ideal for picnics and day-long excursions.

Groups who prefer a landlocked experience will discover 128 acres of rolling fields and kettle hole marshes at Michigan’s Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary. Located between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, the site is a critical habitat for the cerulean warbler, a songbird that annually migrates thousands of miles from the Andes Mountains. The species’ habitat is rapidly declining in South America due to increased land development by coffee growers, but here you can spot their beautiful blue plumage along with grasshopper sparrows and ospreys in the towering beech trees.

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WISCONSIN The nonprofit International Crane Foundation complex south of the Wisconsin Dells houses the largest variety of cranes anywhere in the world—15 species in all. The center’s signature exhibit is “The Spirit of Africa,” an enclosure that tells the story of four species native to sub-Saharan Africa and how their oak savannah habitat is threatened by modern urban development. The friendly aviculture staff can guide you through the preserved prairies of bluestem grasses, while placards explain crane subspecies from China and Australia. Large parties are encouraged to register for a two-hour tour in which a staff member explains crane biology and conservation efforts abroad. The center also hosts numerous group-friendly events throughout the year, including the Cranes of the World Festival (which welcomes international bird experts) and keeper talks (where volunteers provide a behind-the-scenes look at the birds’ diet and medical needs).

Groups seeking an up-close look at Canada geese should venture an hour north to Fond du Lac County. Here they can explore Horicon Marsh, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the country and 32,000 acres of habitat for great blue herons, redheaded woodpeckers and purple martin swallows. At Blue Heron Landing, your group can climb aboard a pontoon and float through the natural “canals” that intersect the marshgrass and spot the 305 local species with a provided checklist. The friendly captain will point out tough-to-spot nests and explain the region’s history, from its glacier melt formation to its ancient Potawatomi residents.

NEBRASKA During a six-week period in February and March, nearly 80 percent of the world’s sandhill crane population passes through central Nebraska. Nearly 10 million ducks, geese, eagles and cranes spend their mating season in the Platte River Valley of Lincoln County, feeding off fish in the shallow estuaries and gathering in the barren fields.

While any group passing through can stop by designated viewing areas outside of North Platte during daylight hours, those looking for a more intimate experience should consider renting a “blind” through the Audubon Society’s Rowe Sanctuary. These camouflaged structures are placed overnight throughout the birds’ mating grounds, and you can view and photograph mating rituals through small slits that render groups invisible to the birds.

While this experience isn’t suitable for every group (the shelters have no indoor plumbing and participants cannot leave before daybreak), there is no better way to intimately observe these creatures.

Groups seeking a less extreme crane experience should consider the Iain Nicholson Audubon Center outside of Kearney. Tour guides will lead your group on a short hike to various lookout blinds along the river (no overnight stay required) and discuss the elaborate migration patterns of the cranes, which often travel in flocks of thousands.

Avid birders may also want to observe the prairie chicken spring courtship rituals. Male prairie chickens, found in the grasslands of central Nebraska, perform an intriguing courtship display characterized by stomping feet, towering leaps and resonant booming noises. LGT

Gaming Fun in Milwaukee ather your group and plan a trip to Potawatomi Hotel & Casino for highenergy gaming, award-winning dining, bars, live music and luxurious accommodations.

Housing nearly 100 table games and over 2,500 slot machines, this Milwaukee casino is sure to keep your group entertained for hours. Potawatomi offers an array of other entertainment such as free live music and comedy shows. The Northern Lights Theater hosts a variety of artists such as Wayne Newton and Jay Leno. Have a taste for something specific?

From sushi to Italian to steak, and of course the buffet, you’ll find everything your group is craving. Just blocks from downtown Milwaukee and open 24/7 every day of the year, this all-inclusive Midwest entertainment destination has something for everyone on your tour. (paysbig.com)

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

xplore the natural beauty of the Ozark foothills.

Discover a cascading waterfall. Walk winding trails at Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center or tour a national monument historical park.

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Joplin, Missouri

Fall in Love with Joplin Day 1 Arrive early afternoon at the George Washington Carver National Monument in nearby Diamond, Missouri. The land where famous African-American agronomist, educator and humanitarian George Washington Carver was born and raised has been preserved inside this 240-acre national park.

Receive a Joplin Welcome Gift when you check into your group-friendly hotel. Relax before departing for dinner at Granny Shaffer’s Comfort Food Cafe.

Enjoy home-style cooking and save room for pie.

Day 2

JOPLIN CVB Erin Slifka, Director of Sales eslifka@joplinmo.org 800-657-2534 JoplinMO.org

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel.

Arrive at one of the Joplin area’s U-Pick berry farms that offer berry picking in late spring and early s ummer. The Heritage Family Farm and Robertson Family Farm are both great choices. It’s always fun to bring your own berries to tomorrow’s breakfast.

The Webb City Farmers Market features local music and producer-only products. Plan your day around the market’s hours: Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. (AprilOctober); Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (April-October); and Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon (January-December).

It’s on to nearby Oronogo, Missouri, and Keltoi Winery. Established in 1997, Keltoi produces more than a dozen types of wines, including Iris Raindrops, a smooth, semi-sweet white wine that’s a customer favorite; the Norton, a superb dry red wine made from Missouri’s state grape; and fruit wines, such as apple and pear. A box lunch will be waiting. Picnic with a bottle of wine beside Little Northfork Creek or in the vineyard itself.

Complete the afternoon at Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Neosho, Missouri. Established in 1888, it is the oldest operating federal fish hatchery in the nation.

Return to your Joplin hotel for some relaxation before dinner at Club 1201. Using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, Club 1201 has a reputation for creating memorable meals.

Day 3 Breakfast at the hotel.

For decades visitors seeking the most scenic destination in the Ozarks have come to Grand Falls.

As the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri, “The Falls” plunges 12 feet down a 163-foot-wide ledge of solid chert before crashing into jagged crags and drifting southward.

Just a few minutes upstream from Shoals Creek, you’ll arrive at Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center. Wildcat Park sits next to some of the last remaining chert glades, a globally unique habitat found only in this area, and the biologically rich Shoal Creek, where migratory birds and other wildlife thrive. Groups can reserve a program with an Audubon staff member.

Next stop is Sandstone Gardens, a 50,000square-foot showroom of accents and accessories for home and garden. Lunch at Sandstone’s Bistro in this turn-of-the-20th-century estate features homemade entrees and desserts.

It’s on to more adventure at Water’s Edge Camping and Kayaking, 43 acres of raw southwest Missouri beauty. Shoal Creek meanders through the grounds. Swim, fish, kayak, canoe or float the afternoon away.

Return to your Joplin hotel for rest before departing for dinner. Wilder’s Steak House, located in a historic building (with stories to tell), has been doing business since 1929.

Day 4 Depart Joplin this morning with fond memories of fun and adventure.

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ver wonder how the ball gets inside a whistle or how the filling gets inside chocolates? Find out the answers on a special behind-the-scenes tour designed to reveal the tricks of “how did they do that” while exploring everything that is “Made in CBUS."

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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: Explore the shop at Krema Nut Company, where nuts have been hand-roasted and made into peanut butter for 100 years. Then, take a lesson in how essential oils are blended to create custom scents at Glenn Avenue Soap Company.

Weigh, blend and pour the ingredients for your own beer soap crafted with local brew.

Evening: Spend the evening in Old Worthington.

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

Day 2 Morning: Learn how chocolates are made at world-famous, family-owned Anthony-Thomas Candy Company. Then 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, 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: Head out on a Columbus Brew Adventures tour where beer and history collide, or discover the intricacies of vodka, gin or bourbon making at Watershed Distillery. Afterwards, 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 3 Morning: Begin the day discovering the charm and history of Columbus on a SegAway Tour or take a city tour with Columbus City Adventures.

Lunch: Before heading home, make a stop at Mrs. Turbo’s Cookies, a retro ‘50s pinup-themed bakery, famous for delivering all-natural, gourmet treats made from scratch, including their delicious whoopie pies.

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS Roger Dudley, CTA, rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com 614-222-6136, 800-354-2657 Sarah Doodan, CTA, sdoodan@experiencecolumbus.com 614-222-6146, 800-354-2657

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January2017 August 2016

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

WELCOME TO A PLACE THAT M A KE S M O R E M E M O R I E S. Bring your group to a place that creates ear-to-ear smiles.

A destination with more shows, more arts and crafts, more shopping, more exciting attractions, and more mountain views.

A town filled with fun for everyone, every age. Welcome to a detour from the ordinary.

P I G E O N F O R G E TO U R S .C O M â&#x20AC;˘ 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 8 5 -7 5 5 7

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Take a tour...

Before you plan your next tour!

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The reimagined LeisureGroupTravel.com is a fusion of the latest online technology and reader engagement concepts, steeped in a sleek, fully responsive design.

GROUP INTENTIONS 2017

LEISURE AUGUST 2017

Tell us a little about you and your packaged group trips by completing the Group Intentions survey below. Return via mail, fax or email by September 15.

1. How many overnight group trips do you/your company operate annually?

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 3. Average number of passengers per trip?

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2018 Colorado Group Tour Planner ❑ Arkansas River Tours, Cotopaxi, CO ❑ Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown, CO ❑ Chipeta Solar Springs Resort, Ridgway, CO ❑ Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Antonito, CO ❑ Delta County Tourism, CO ❑ Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, CO ❑ Durango Area Tourism Office, CO ❑ Grand Junction VCB, CO ❑ Holiday Inn Select, Denver, CO ❑ Lazy B Chuckwagon and Show, Estes Park, CO ❑ Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, CO ❑ Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City, CO ❑ Sky Ute Casino Resort, Ignacio, CO ❑ Tour Colorado ❑ Visit Denver, CO ❑ Visit Greeley, CO Please have suppliers contact me via:

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WHAT CAN YOU ACCOMPLISH IN

5 MINUTES?

LEISURE AUGUST 2017

GROUP TRAVEL

You could clean out your junk drawer, delete unused apps from your phone, or take out the trash. You could make your bed, clean the kitchen counter or empty the dishwasher. You could help Leisure Group Travel create a better magazine.

On the reverse side you’ll find Leisure Group Travel’s 2017 Group Intentions survey.

By understanding your travel patterns and needs we’re better able to shape our editorial coverage. We’re not bribing you with gift cards, asking you how much you love/hate us, or how many times you call advertisers – just a few questions about you and your travel program.

And if you find you don’t want or need Leisure Group Travel any longer, it will take less than 5 minutes to tell us to stop killing trees on your behalf. No hard feelings, promise. samotrebizan/Bigstock.com

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LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL

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