2017 February Leisure Group Travel

LEISURE FEBRUARY 2017

GROUP TRAVEL

5EastGreatCoast

Food Markets From gourmet baked goods to artisan cheeses, tasty treats abound Where It Grows Agritourism opportunities in the West

Inspiring U.S. Museums A collection of cultural gems A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com

Spain’s Foodie Paradise Gastronomy reigns supreme in Basque Country

CONTENTS

February 2017 • Vol. 27, No. 1

LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL

FEATURES

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT American Group Travel Awards honors high achievers at New York gala

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TAKE 5 With Luke Diorio and David Spindler, American Institute of Architects

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GUIDE TO INSPIRING MUSEUMS SCENIC RAIL EXCURSIONS

DESTINATIONS

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EAST

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SOUTH

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CENTRAL

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WEST

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INT’L

5 GREAT EAST COAST FOOD MARKETS BY RANDY MINK With Americans’ expanding taste horizons and interest in other cultures, adding a food hall to your tour itinerary is an easy call

12 TOP SPOTS FOR BBQ BY DAVE BODLE A meat-lover’s to best barbecue restaurants in the South

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE BY MILES DOBIS Midwest wine regions cater to newcomers and connoisseurs alike

WHERE IT GROWS BY SUE ARKO From cattle ranches and wineries to herb gardens and vegetable farms, the Western states abound with agritourism opportunities

COLUMNS

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ON MY MIND

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ON TOUR

February 2017

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JEFF GAYDUK

MARTY SARBEY DE SOUTO, CTC

Visit Napa Valley

SPAIN’S FOODIE PARADISE BY RANDY MINK Gastronomy is a vital part of everyday life in Basque Country

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

SAY CHEESE longside this edition of Leisure Group Travel we release the third annual Circle Wisconsin Tour Planner. This 76-page guide covers the state from head to toe with feature articles including Savor the Flavors of Wisconsin, Natural Splendor and Historic Main Street Communities.

7 regional itineraries and detailed listings of over 100 Circle Wisconsin members round out the publication.

Check out the online version at http://leisuregrouptravel.com/ circle-wisconsin-2017-tour-planner/

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ONLY ON LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM

High above the vineyards in California’s Napa Valley

DAILY DOSES OF INSPIRATION ou’re familiar with the magazine you receive in the mail every other month, but did you know we’re producing content daily on LeisureGroupTravel.com? Last year over 300 new destination articles, itineraries, advice columns, videos and breaking news were published on the #1 site in the group travel market.

Make LeisureGroupTravel.com your first stop when researching your next great idea!

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LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! oin our community of group travel professionals by liking our page. We share inspirational stories, videos and curate the best content from Leisure Group Travel and our other niche markets directly on our Facebook page. Stay tuned for a spring contest! Facebook.com/LeisureGroupTravel

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

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ON THE COVER: Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia.

(Photo courtesy A. Sinogoga/ Visit Philadelphia) February 2017

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ON

Vol. 27, No. 1 February 2017

MY MIND

By Jeffrey Gayduk

Editorial & Advertising Office

7 Things I Learned at This Year ’s ABA s the group travel market’s first trade show of the year, the American Bus Association is a great test of one’s industry knowledge and New Year’s resolutions (insider tip: stay off the show floor if you resolve to reduce fatty treats). This was my 12th ABA and each year I become more impressed at the quality of the programming, commitment from the host destination (thanks Cleveland!) and strides the group sector is taking to stay relevant in the competitive travel industry.

Here’s what I learned from this year’s show: I’m not nearly as productive as I could be. Apparently I’ve been doing everything backwards, at least according to Joshua Seth, author of Finding Focus in a Busy World. I attended his high-energy seminar and picked up a number of valuable tips on how to reduce stress, be more productive, and balance work and life better. Top takeaways include chunking important work in uninterrupted, 25-minute periods followed by a five-minute reward break; systemizing your morning routine to eliminate decisions about what to eat and wear; tackling most important tasks early (eliminates decision fatigue later in the day); and focusing on the process, not the goal. I’m ready!

Itineraries are on everyone’s mind.

The educational seminar I hosted on the show floor broke attendance records (sadly, I didn’t get a plaque). For DMOs and tour operators I covered the “7 Deadly Sins of Itinerary Creation” and the “7 Heavenly Virtues That Can Save You.” We focus a lot of attention on itineraries at Leisure Group Travel because we know how important they are. It was encouraging to see our colleagues following suit.

The charter bus landscape is shifting.

Call it the Uber effect; as ride-sharing services have taken a bite out of their customer base, limousine companies are upsizing their fleet by adding full-size motorcoaches, thus increasing competition (and lowering prices) in the bus charter market. At the same time, new services like Rally Bus, Sub Out, Wanderu, Shofur and Flix Bus are modernizing the way people book charter, event and point-to-point motorcoach services. While this has buoyed many small coach companies that didn’t have

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tech to compete, confusion over who’s friend or foe is dominating member forums.

Print’s not dead. I already knew this, but it’s good to confirm beliefs, right? For the first time I can remember, we nearly ran out of collateral. Foot traffic at our booth was steady all four days, with delegates picking up copies of our latest custom publishing guides (Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin), and our home-grown titles - Leisure Group Travel, Student Travel Planning Guide, our always-popular Group Travel Directory and others.

Optimism reigns. Depending on where you are in the country, the price of oil, soybeans or the state of your dysfunctional local government, the current economic climate may be challenging. That being said, people I talked to were overly optimistic about future prospects. If you’re down, there’s nowhere to go but up; if you’re up, the sky is the limit.

2017 should be a good year.

Gatlinburg is ready for a comeback.

While devastation was significant in some areas due to the historic wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town of Gatlinburg, plus nearby Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, are open for business and ready to welcome your groups. Let’s get back there.

Tech really can be a lifesaver on tour.

Imagine you’re leading a tour group in Washington, D.C. You’re loading the bus and counting heads, but where’s Johnny? Don’t panic, there’s an app for that! The folks at Group Travel Videos this spring are adding a new feature to their popular photo-sharing app that locates all members of your group, so if you have stragglers or lost travelers you’ll know exactly where to find them.

In between handshakes and hugs, hellos and how-are-ya’s, there are always high doses of wisdom being transmitted across the show floor. As long as you’re willing to listen.

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 Staff Writer – Miles Dobis miles@ptmgroups.com Editorial Coordinator – Danielle Golab danielle@ptmgroups.com

Chief Development Officer – Lance Harrell lance@ptmgroups.com

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

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

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

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

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

Southeast – Eric Moore P 352.391.3314 eric@ptmgroups.com

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

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

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

Send Address Change to: Happy Traveling in 2017!

Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

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Jeff Gayduk Publisher

publication

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

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

ON TOUR

Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC

In planning big-city trips, consider major museums like New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Putting Together Your 2017 Group Travel Schedule W

ith the new year here upon us, you should have your schedule of 2017 trips set up and ready to go. All you need is the travelers to fill them.

But in reality, are you really set up for the year? Do you know how many cruises, international tours and local weekend minitrips you’re going to offer? Do you have your calendar up showing when your deposits are due to hotels, coach companies and other suppliers to hold your space? Now’s the time to think through the year’s plan – not wait until each trip is upon you.

those who’ve not traveled with your organization previously or those on a tight budget.

Maybe you should offer one trip that is new, different or exotic to catch the eyes of those who’ve “already been everywhere.”

This may very well be the year for Cuba or the trip for the client wanting to celebrate retirement. How about a trip to enjoy a family being together the last time before the kids are off to college? My personal doctor did just that – took his wife and two teen-aged daughters on a summer trip to Italy before they headed to college.

FAR AWAY OR CLOSE TO HOME? Are you offering a variety of destinations?

Maybe one to Europe and another to an Asian or Latin American destination? You should probably have several one- to three-day quickies not too far from home to appeal to

PRIVATE TRIP? OR BUY IN? So your decision is whether to book a private tour yourself, making all the reservations for hotels, flights, local sightseeing and motorcoaches, or work through a cruise line or wholesale tour operator specializing in

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Tagger Yancy IV/NYC & Company

specific world areas or clientele. If you only hope to gather a small clientele, you may be better off putting them on an existing tour program or cruise, mixing in with the company’s clients and paying the published tour rate. On the other hand, if you “own” the trip, designing and handling it for your clientele only, you may plan the itinerary and price it as you think best with the expenses and the profit potential at your discretion – and at your risk.

WHAT CUSTOMERS LOOK FOR Do bear in mind that your trip can be designed for those with many different desires and needs. Often travelers find that safety and protection are one of their first needs. A second one is the hope of finding friendship and camaraderie on the trip.

Delicious food can be a strong motivation.

A knowledgeable tour leader and local guides can make a huge difference for many tour members, particularly those who are anxious to learn the history of the area and its culture: theater, music, festivals and the arts. Quite often there will be tour members interested in children, schools and the education system.

And, of course, shopping, shopping and sometimes more shopping! While the men generally would rather make better use of their time, the women truly appreciate the opportunity to shop for unusual gifts for friends, family and for themselves.

All in all, your travel program should reflect a variety of possibilities; a cruise, a stay-in-one-place-abroad kind of trip or an escorted land tour. You’ll want to offer what’s best for the age, energy level and perhaps the previous travel experience of your potential travelers. You may even want to consider one adventure-style trip perhaps with hiking and appreciation of the outdoors. Consider all possibilities and do your homework in selecting the type of trip, destinations, reputation of the operator and price level before deciding what your offerings will be. 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

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Hospitality Champions Crowned at 3rd Annual American Group Travel Awards

Happy winners clutching their trophies pose for the cameras at the big event in New York City.

tars of the group travel

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industry came out in New York City on November 14

for the 3rd annual American Group Travel Awards. Presented

by HotelPlanner, the event honors outstanding performance in the field. Awards in 23 categories were given during the evening event, which was held at the Diamond Horseshoe Theatre at the Paramount Hotel in Manhattan.

Addressing gala attendees is Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest seller of online group travel.

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Congratulations to the 2016 American Group Travel Award Winners and Runners-up!

BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

BEST THEME PARK

BEST INDEPENDENT HOTEL BRAND

Winner: Las Vegas Premium Outlets Runner-up: Mall of America

Winner: Disney World, Orlando Runner-up: Universal Orlando

Winner: Westgate Resorts Runner-up: Ayres Hotels

BEST CAR RENTAL COMPANY

BEST WEDDING HOTEL

BEST DESTINATION RESORT BRAND

Winner: Hertz Runner-up: Enterprise

Winner: Waldorf-Astoria New York Runner-up: The Drake Hotel, Chicago

Winner: Iberostar Hotels & Resorts Runner-up: Holiday Inn Club Vacations

BEST GROUP GROUND TRANSPORTATION

BEST CONVENTION HOTEL

BEST HOTEL BRAND – LUXURY

Winner: SuperShuttle Runner-up: US Coachways

Winner: Hyatt Regency Chicago Runner-up: Sheraton Boston Hotel

Winner: Waldorf-Astoria Hotels & Resorts Runner-up: JW Marriott

BEST CITY DESTINATION

BEST CASINO HOTEL

BEST HOTEL BRAND – FULL SERVICE

Winner: Las Vegas Runner-up: New York City

Winner: Bellagio Las Vegas Runner-up: Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

Winner: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Runner-up: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

BEST STATE/DISTRICT

Winner: Washington, D.C. Runner-up: California

BEST ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY BEST GOLF AND SPA RESORT

Winner: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples Runner-up: Streamsong Resort • Golf • Spa

Winner: Expedia Runner-up: Priceline.com

BEST BEACH DESTINATION

Winner: San Diego Runner-up: Nassau, Bahamas

BEST SPORTS TEAM TRAVEL HOTEL BRAND

Winner: Best Western Hotels & Resorts Runner-up: Days Inn & Suites

BEST AIRLINE

Winner: United Airlines Runner-up: American Airlines

BEST HOTEL BRAND - LIMITED SERVICE

Winner: Comfort Inn & Suites Runner-up: Holiday Inn Express

BEST OCEAN CRUISE LINE

Winner: Princess Cruises Runner-up: Carnival Cruise Line

BEST EXTENDED STAY BRAND

Winner: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Runner-up: Candlewood Suites

BEST LIVE STAGE PERFORMANCE

Winner: The Lion King Runner-up: Hamilton

BEST HOTEL BRAND – BOUTIQUE

Winner: TRYP by Wyndham Runner-up: W Hotels

Spectacular entertainment wowed the AGTA audience

Mark Your Calendar! iqoncept/Bigstock.com

The hottest trade shows and familiarization trips are found exclusively@ LeisureGroupTravel.com/trade-shows LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

February 2017

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Luke Diorio and David Spindler American Institute of Architects Budapest

Architectural Adventures he American Institute of Architects isn’t the first association to offer tours, but they are unique in that architecture plays such an important role in some of the world’s most significant historical sights. Learn how this association is leveraging its stellar reputation to create member-based tours from our conversation with Luke Diorio and David Spindler.

Leisure Group Travel: Why did you decide to start a tour program?

David Spindler: The idea of architectural travel has been floating around the institute for a while. As part of our new business development team we took the idea and started to really think it through. We quickly realized through both qualitative and quantitative market research that while other educational travel programs do have some tours that are focused on architecture, none really have a full program dedicated to learning about architecture. So we saw that gap and decided to work on seeing how we could fill it.

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LGT: Who are your members?

Luke Diorio: We are closing in on nearly 90,000 members including those that are in what you would call the path to licensure.

So those folks who have graduated from an accredited program and have applied to go and take their architectural register exam.

LGT: Are the tours designed exclusively for members of the organization or can you be an aficionado of architecture and participate in one of the trips?

Luke: You absolutely can be an architectural enthusiast and participate in one of our trips.

We are of course marketing trips through our channels to our membership, but we are also marketing this to the general public with the idea being that of course there are those who are passionate about lifelong learning and are architectural enthusiasts. Building off of the notion that at one point those who aren’t architects said, “you know, I always wanted to be an architect.” So, yes, these are readily available to the general public.

LGT: How are you getting the word out?

Luke: There are a couple different channels that we’re using such as social media, email and direct mail. Through email, direct mail and lead generation we’re reaching out to those who have identified themselves as enthusiasts or are interested in architecture who are not members. Amongst our membership, we have 250-plus chapters across the globe. They are connected with centers for architecture or architectural foundations, and they really have a strong pulse on the general public in their local areas that are passionate about architecture. So we have begun to work with them to promote our tours and use them as a test-bed to ensure that we are delivering the product that the market wants.

LGT: How do you envision the components of these trips being different from a standard tour? What would participants get outside of a traditional tour environment?

David: One of the key ways we are differentiating ourselves in the marketplace is >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

through having an architectural expert accompany each tour. We went through a very careful selection process to identify experts that have a deep knowledge of that particular region’s architecture. These tours are embedded in the history and culture of the various destinations. Several of our trips are custom-built, which means that we created the itinerary from scratch to really focus on the architecture and the culture and history of the region through the context of the architecture. Through our experts, we are able to gain some pretty exclusive features to the tour such as behind the scenes, visits after hours and other exclusive perks.

LGT: Are you working with one single tour operator, a series of operators, or local ground handlers in destination?

Luke: We are working with a handful of tour operators who obviously have strong relationships with the ground operators in the various regions. Depending upon that tour operator and of course the location we’re going, we have worked closely with them to customize the trips, to get those behind-thescenes components of the travel experience.

LGT: Understanding that you’ve got professionals and people who are architecture enthusiasts, what do you think is going to surprise people most about these trips?

Luke: Experiencing the built environment is different for everybody and to be able to experience the built environment in the context of a trip like these and with an expert in architecture, in the region, I think are really going to impress people. These are not your cookie-cutter trips where you’re going to walk in a museum and see the Mona Lisa. These are going to be really interactive trips where you’re going to walk into a building and have a study leader who’s able to answer those questions that will help people really understand better how that architecture fits in that region. Hopefully they will be able to take that home and recognize and appreciate architecture more when they’re walking around their neighborhood.

LGT: How would you gauge early reaction?

Luke: Extremely positive. Of course there’s a lot of affinity for group travel out there and much of the feedback we perceived was “Oh, wow, I didn’t realize that the AIA was doing this – what a great idea.” We receive inquiries about trips every few hours. We’ve been lucky enough to have a few trips where our members have ties to that area via family and to be able to go to that region and see LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Stairs in Melk Abbey, Austria

that part of the world, experience the architecture and also have a little bit of their own personal history as part of that has been great. We’ve also received a lot of interest from all demographics. We’ve been able to reach our members all across the spectrum, all ages, all income levels, all backgrounds who are really excited about the opportunity to go to Cuba or go to the Veneto region and experience Palladian architecture.

LGT: You have 10 destinations for 2017, which is pretty heavy on international. How do you see this evolving over the years? Are there other domestic ideas you’re looking at or do you see this being more of an overseas destination program?

Luke: I think we’ll continue to have a

strong mix of overseas destinations with at least two domestic trips on an ongoing basis.

We are in the midst of planning our second domestic trip for the fall of 2017 to New Orleans, so that will be a really exciting trip.

New Orleans is a really fascinating destination for architecture because every block drops three inches as you move away from the river.

So it has a unique heritage and strong design in terms of its architecture, and of course the multicultural aspect of New Orleans itself sets it apart.

I would say that we’re doing our best to commit to a balance domestic with a strong mix of other global trips, be creative and mix it up. I’m assuming there will be a few trips that will be very, very popular and we will continue to do year over year. And then every year we’ll do our best to add and replace other regions that can showcase different parts of architecture, art and culture.

This is a program for the architectural enthusiast. Obviously if you are an architect you’re naturally enthusiastic about architecture and you should absolutely be included. Then there are others who are not architects but are really passionate about it as well, and our hope is that they find it of interest. We hope that we are able to set ourselves apart from the other trips that are out there. LGT

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5 Great East Coast Food Markets

EAST

REGION

With Americans’ expanding taste horizons and heightened interest in other cultures, including a food hall in your tour itinerary is an easy call

By Randy Mink burgeoning foodie culture that embraces fresh and local, along with an insatiable appetite for ethnic fare, has put culinary tourism on the front burner. Nothing is hotter when it comes to travel trends. Curious about regional foods and seeking to flex their taste buds, more and more vacationers, especially millennials, place discoveries in good eating high on their list of priorities.

Letting your travelers roam a market for an hour on their own is the ideal lunch solution—they’ll like the chance to try regional specialties and appreciate the wide range of food choices. Plus, many markets sell crafts and other non-food items—everyone likes to shop. Food halls are also great for interacting with people, taking pictures and just feeling the pulse of a city. Here are five East Coast emporiums that won’t disappoint the epicure or casual grazer.

A Dig into a roast pork sandwich at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.

A. Sinogoga/Visit Philadelphia

QUINCY MARKET Boston

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For foodies, Quincy Market is the centerpiece of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston’s premier gathering spot—and one of the world’s top venues for street performers. More than 130 shops, pushcarts and eateries can be found in an ensemble of three long buildings dating from 1826—Quincy Market, South Market and North Market.

Across the plaza is 1763 Faneuil Hall, a scene of political meetings in Revolutionary times and a starting point for Freedom Trail tours led by National Park Service rangers. It’s a five-minute walk to >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Visit Baltimore

Fresh seafood from Chesapeake Bay is a big draw at historic Lexington Market in Baltimore.

sights like the New England Aquarium, Old State House and Paul Revere’s House.

The 535-foot-long colonnaded hall of Quincy Market, once Boston’s wholesale and retail center for produce and meat, today is filled with nearly 40 stalls serving up international and specialty foods. Whether you’re looking for a burrito, gourmet cookie, Indian curry or New England clam chowder in a bread bowl, this is the city’s best spot for grazing. Take your food to a bench on the cobblestone promenades or to tables underneath the classical dome in the rotunda of the granite, Greek Revival-style landmark named after Josiah Quincy, an early Boston mayor. Faneuil Hall Marketplace’s food voucher program for groups makes it easy to dine at select Colonnade vendors. The Meal Voucher is $10 a person, a Snack Voucher $5.50 (with one free for every 50 ordered).

Besides quick-food purveyors, the complex includes 18 sit-down restaurants, pubs and cafes, while the North and South Market buildings contain locally owned boutiques and nationally known retailers like Ann Taylor, Coach and Samsonite. Outdoor entertainers range from jugglers and contortionists to magicians and musicians. (faneuilhallmarketplace.com)

CHELSEA MARKET New York City Fittingly, New York’s premier indoor food hall occupies the former Nabisco plant, where the first Oreo cookies were baked in 1912.

Indeed, some of Chelsea Market’s best shops are bakeries. Treat yourself to a melt-in-yourmouth brownie at Fat Witch Bakery, indulge in crusty, chewy breads at Amy’s Bread or savor a sugary, bite-size morsel hot off the conveyor at the Doughnuttery. Maybe it will be a divinely decadent cookie at Eleni’s New York or a to-die-for sticky bun at Sarabeth’s.

Beyond dough, Chelsea Market’s three LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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Noshers can dine underneath the classical dome in the rotunda of Boston’s Quincy Market.

dozen vendors purvey everything from soup to nuts, cheese to cheesecake. Located in Lower Manhattan’s trending Meatpacking District, it’s a gourmet’s paradise covering a whole city block, with shops selling select ingredients (spices, olive oils, Italian pastas) and eateries offering meals and snacks.

Satisfy hunger pangs with a lobster roll (or sushi) at The Lobster Place, Australian meat pies and sausage rolls at The Tuck Shop, a steaming bowl at Hale & Hearty Soups or a Nutella crepe at Bar Suzette Creperie. In the mood for American comfort classics?

Consider a corn dog, burger or griddled PB&J at Chelsea Creamline. Lucy’s Whey, which deals in artisanal cheeses, serves up grilled cheese delights, toasty and perfectly melted, from white cheddar and fig jam to gruyere with rosemary ham. Li-Lac Chocolates, Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, makes 140 items in small batches.

On a nice day, you might take your Chelsea Market snack to a bench on the nearby High Line, the wildly popular linear park built a few years ago on an old elevated train track.

Foods of New York Tours (foodsofny.com) offers private, three-hour Chelsea Market tours with eight tastings (enough for lunch) and time in the neighborhood, including the High Line.

Wandering through the market’s industrial-chic setting, with its exposed pipes, brick walls and massive support columns, you’ll also come across some nonfood shops, like an independent bookstore, a Moroccan imports emporium and Bowery Kitchen Supply, where serious home cooks can find the tools and gadgets they need.

One section, a bazaar called Artists & Fleas, features 30 artisans and collectors who market art, fashion and vintage items.

Chelsea Market also houses the TV production facilities of the Food Network. (chelseamarket.com)

READING TERMINAL MARKET Philadelphia Located in a former train station next to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the 80stall Reading Terminal Market opened its doors in 1892 and bustles with Old World energy. The last train left the terminal in 1984.

More than 30 sit-down eateries are scattered throughout a cavernous space laid out in a grid pattern with 12 aisles and four larger avenues. Chefs from Philadelphia’s top restaurants come to stock up on the best ingredients and farm-fresh products.

Amish merchants from Lancaster County’s Pennsylvania Dutch Country are a significant presence with their meats, produce and baked goods. At Miller’s Twist, watch Amish bakers twist and bake soft pretzels and then try one still warm from the oven. You can also get a pretzel dog or a pretzel roll-up stuffed with bacon, egg and cheese. Or treat yourself to a cinnamon roll at Beiler’s Bakery. The market’s northwest corner is primarily devoted to Amish businesses, attracting the most merchants from Tuesday through Saturday.

Reading Terminal Market is also a good place to try a traditional Philly cheesesteak or roast pork sandwich. And for rich, dense and buttery ice cream, it’s Bassett’s, with the marble counters from 1892 and still owned and operated by the original owner’s greatgreat grandsons. Groups can arrange a private 75-minute market tour (tasteofphillyfoodtour.com) that tells the story behind cheesesteaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philadelphia favorites.

The vast bazaar sells non-edibles like imported crafts, gourmet cookware, Amish quilts, books and artisan candles. When The Gallery mall is finished being transformed into the three-block Fashion Outlets of Philadelphia in 2018, it will be conveniently connected to Reading Terminal Market. (readingterminalmarket.org) February 2017

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LEXINGTON MARKET Baltimore Loud, crowded and full of competing aromas, Lexington Market lies in a gritty part of downtown, quite a change of pace from the touristy Inner Harbor. A real slice of local color, the market attracts a mix of city workers, University of Maryland students and curiosity seekers looking to experience one of the East’s great food halls, known for its produce from nearby farms, freshly butchered meats and seafood from Chesapeake Bay. Established in 1782, Lexington Market has served nine generations and claims to be the oldest continuously operating market in the country. By the mid-19th century, it was unquestionably the largest, most famous market on earth, and Baltimore the country’s second largest city. When Ralph Waldo Emerson visited the market, he proclaimed Baltimore the “gastronomic capital of the world.” To update and expand the market, the iconic attraction is working with planners who have restored historic markets around the country. There will be more choices, larger vendor booths, widened aisles and a simplified layout, plus a new outdoor farmers’ market.

The 101 vendors include delis, raw oyster

stands and Asian takeout places. At Faidley Seafood, try the fabled crab cake, a freshly fried, golden brown portion the size of a softball. Fried chicken is another Lexington Market staple. For a sit-down meal there’s Memsahib Indian Restaurant, which has a Lexington Market

popular lunch buffet. Mary Mervis Delicatessen, in business since 1913 under only three owners, serves the kind of huge corned beef and pastrami sandwiches you’d expect to find at a classic Jewish deli. Or try the Wall Street Turkey (turkey, beef tongue and chopped liver). Satisfy your sweet tooth at Berger’s Bakery, famous for its Berger Cookie, based on a shortbread and fudge recipe going back to 1835. (lexingtonmarket.com)

EASTERN MARKET Washington, D.C. For well over a century, this historic venue has been a community gathering place in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, a cozy part of town with row houses on tree-lined streets.

The last surviving covered market in a city that once had many, the block-long brick building first opened its doors in 1873. With stalls selling everything from meats, cheeses and baked goods to fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, the Eastern Market is a feast for the senses six days a week (closed Mondays).

It’s at its liveliest on weekends, when the outdoor plaza welcomes more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, plus 20 or so growers peddling just-harvested produce from farms in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Rows of tents showcase paintings, handmade jewelry and soaps, clothing and antiques; artists and musicians add to the festive mix. There’s a weekend flea market across the street, with Sunday the busier day.

Inside the hall, Market Lunch, a Capitol Hill institution, serves up its famous blueberry buckwheat pancakes. With stools at a wooden counter and a handful of tables, Market Lunch also has great soft-shell crab sandwiches and crab cakes. (easternmarket-dc.org) LGT

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iscover the birthplace of the American Vacation. Reconnect, explore and escape to a timeless place of treasured moments, pristine wilderness, charming attractions and must-see attractions. Groups can tantalize their taste buds with this exciting itinerary featuring the local flair of the Lake George Area’s unique restaurants, breweries, micro-wineries and other exciting culinary experiences as well as enjoy the iconic attractions that make Lake George a favorite group tour destination.

WARREN COUNTY TOURISM DEPT. Tanya Brand 518-761-6575 • brandt@warrencountyny.gov

Lake George Area, New York

Taste of Our Towns Day 1 Board the Saratoga & North Creek Railway (www.sncrr.com) at the Saratoga Station for a scenic, two-hour rail excursion along the gorgeous Hudson River. The full-length dome cars are equipped with kitchens allowing for exceptional onboard dining prepared fresh to order. The railroad concept of food service focuses on the agricultural bounty of the Adirondack region, sourcing food within mere miles of the railroad and using providers who believe in sustainable agriculture. Disembark for a quick stop at the North Creek Depot Museum (www.thenorthcreekdepotmuseum.com) at the North Creek Station. This quaint venue offers exhibits that tell the tale of Teddy Roosevelt’s midnight ride to the station when he learned he was to be the 26th President of the United States after hiking in the Adirondacks as well as the history of the Adirondack Railway and its effect on the Gore Mountain Region. On your way to Lake George Village, be sure to stop in to Oscar’s Adirondack Smokehouse (www.oscarsadksmokehouse.com) to sample their famous smoked cheeses, meats and selection of local products such as mustard, maple syrup, goat cheese and sauces. Family-owned and -operated for decades, Oscar’s is truly the hidden gem of the North Country and touted by foodie celebrities such as Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri.

Evening free-time activities can include exploring all the Village of Lake George has to offer. The Village is bustling with unique culinary experiences and venues. A must-stop is The Adirondack Winery & Tasting Room (www.adirondackwinery.com) for a tasting of locally produced wine and cheese, along with a souvenir wine glass. Or drop in to the Adirondack Pub & Brewery and discover their

unique process of making authentic, barrel-aged beers and grab a bite for dinner or just relax and enjoy the scenery with a cool drink on a lakeside deck.

Day 2 Your culinary journey continues with a delicious brunch or lunch aboard one of the touring vessels navigating “The Queen of American Lakes” daily. Cruise the scenic waters of 32-mile-long Lake George with either Lake George Steamboat Company (www.lakegeorgesteamboat.com) or Lake George Shoreline Cruises (www.lakegeorgeshoreline.com). Dining aboard either the Lac Du St. Sacrament, Horicon or Adirondac while cruising Lake George will sure to be an experience your group will not forget. The afternoon can be spent exploring on your own or shopping at the nearby “Million Dollar Half Mile,” home to over 70 brand-name factory outlet stores.

Just down the road you will find Martha’s Dandee Crème (www.marthasdandeecreme.com), a Lake George landmark for over 50 years. Famous for not only its soft-serve flavors but also its roadside rooster, Martha’s has been featured on The Today Show and is recognized as one of the top 10 ice cream parlors in the nation on Trip Advisor. What does evening have in store? Be entertained at one of the many theater options in the area. The Lake Theatre (www.lakegeorgedinnertheatre.com) offers delicious meals and professional performances at the Holiday Inn Lake George in season. Laura Roth (https://laurarothmusic.wordpress.com) offers cabaret-style entertainment and dinner at several local venues, and a unique Polynesianthemed dinner show can be found at the Tiki Resort’s (www.tikiresort.com) Waikiki Supper Club.

VisitLakeGeorge.com

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GUIDE TO

INSPIRING

MUSEUMS

Visitors find peace in the Japanese Gardens at the Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Museums are a favorite among travelers and why wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they be?

They provide a journey through different time periods and other worlds.

They can take you into the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core, up into space or around the globe without ever leaving the building. Museums are the perfect addition to any group itinerary. No matter the age and background of your group, the following museums will captivate everyone through their one-of-a-kind artifacts, engaging art and interactive features.

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INSPIRING MUSEUMS

HUNTINGTON LIBRARY San Marino, California hat began in 1919 as Henry Huntington’s pursuit of his interests in reading, horticulture and the arts blossomed into one of the most varied museums in the United States. Visit the botanical gardens and wander through 120 rolling acres of rare flowers, idyllic ponds and breathtaking sculpture.

Head to the library where you’ll find rare works like Gutenberg’s Bible, then swing by the art galleries and enjoy pieces by American and European masters. (huntington.org)

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BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST Cody, Wyoming uffalo Bill Center of the West is home to five museums. The Buffalo Bill Museum is dedicated to giving an inside look into the life of Buffalo Bill. The Whitney Western Art Museum allows guests to experience the spirit of the West through painting, prints and sculpture. The Cody Firearms Museum is the most complete collection of American firearms in the world. The Draper Natural History Museum will immerse your group in the nature of Yellowstone. The Plains Indian Museum teaches the culture of the Plains Indians. Experience the true West here. (centerofthewest.org)

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BLUEGRASS RAILROAD MUSEUM Versailles, Kentucky he Bluegrass Railroad Museum in Woodford County Park offers visitors an 11-mile train ride that runs through the horse country of central Kentucky. Step into the past while riding coaches built in the 1920s and ‘30s. Inside the depot museum, groups will be immersed in railroad history when observing artifacts from the first railroad built in Kentucky.

They can interact with a working telegraph set and send Morse code messages. (bluegrassrailroad.com)

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INSPIRING MUSEUMS

COSMOSPHERE INTERNATIONAL SCIED CENTER & SPACE MUSEUM Hutchinson, Kansas ome to the world’s largest collection of U.S. and Soviet space artifacts, the Cosmosphere uses interactive experiences and world-class exhibits — including a Russian Vostok capsule and Apollo 13 command module — to tell the compelling stories behind man’s conquest of space. With live demonstrations and a state-ofthe-art digital dome theater and planetarium, the Cosmosphere experience brings history to life, ignites the imagination and inspires visitors of all ages. (cosmo.org)

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COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME Nashville, Tennessee ashville is most famous for country music, and there is no shortage of that at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Your group will be immersed into country music history with Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present, the core exhibit, which journeys from the 19th century to today.

Songwriter sessions, instrument demonstrations and film screenings will keep your group entertained. Unique group tour experiences are available. (countrymusichalloffame.org)

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GETTYSBURG FOUNDATION Gettysburg, Pennsylvania tart your visit off at the museum and visitor center where your group will find the Cyclorama, the country’s largest painting that depicts a battle of the Civil War, along with a film narrated by Morgan Freeman. The museum is complete with 11 exhibit galleries, artifacts and interactive displays. Groups will have a one-of-akind experience while touring the battlefield with a licensed guide. Don’t forget to visit the many special historic sites. (gettysburgfoundation.org)

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Discover

A meric a’s

Hallowed

Ground

Gettysburg

Spend National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center 45 minutes or a day!

EXPLORE the battlefield with step-on Guides.

VIEW the breathtaking Cyclorama painting.

EXPERIENCE the film, A New Birth of Freedom.

DISCOVER the world-class museum.

WALK in Lincoln’s footsteps at the David Wills House.

TOUR the Eisenhower National Historic Site.

SHOP for souvenirs in the Book Store.

DINE in the Refreshment Saloon.

Group Amenities Include: • Complimentary Tickets for Bus Driver and Group Leader • Bus Drop-Off and Pick-Up Area • Dedicated Bus Parking Lot • Separate Group Entrance • Group Restroom Area • Picnic Area TOP 10 Places to Visit

GETTYSBURGFOUNDATION.ORG | 1195 BALTIMORE PIKE, GETTYSBURG, PA 17325 | TOLL-FREE (877) 874-2478

INSPIRING MUSEUMS

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM Milwaukee, Wisconsin ome to a rich collection of more than 30,000 works of art, the Milwaukee Art Museum is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Its campus includes architectural wonders drawing visitors from around the world, including the Santiago Calatrava–designed Quadracci Pavilion. The museum’s Collection Galleries put a spotlight on nearly 2,500 worldclass works of art. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum presents regularly changing exhibitions. (mam.org)

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM Milwaukee, Wisconsin arley-Davidson motorcycles bring heart-thumping adventure, life-changing freedom and a bit of rebellion into the lives of people around the world. But whether you were born to be wild – or mild – makes no difference at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Much more than a nostalgia trip for motorcycle enthusiasts, the museum offers a glimpse of American history and culture like you’ve never seen it before – through the successes and trials of an iconic American company. Interactive, eye-catching exhibits present an unparalleled collection of legendary stories of our nation. (h-dmuseum.com)

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THE MOB MUSEUM Las Vegas, Nevada he Mob Museum, located in downtown Las Vegas, is devoted to telling the true stories of organized crime and law enforcement by taking visitors on an interactive journey through history.

Your group will get a behind-the-scenes look at how law enforcement infiltrates the Mob, get an in-depth look at the Mob in Vegas and around the country and see how the Mob has influenced Hollywood. Your group will leave enriched in Mob history. (themobmuseum.org)

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BOOK YOUR GROUP TOUR TODAY • Explore the new Museum— newly renovated collection galleries and exhibition spaces • See world-renowned architecture • Customize your experience • Receive a significant group discount

414-224-3842 | grouptours@mam.org

INSPIRING MUSEUMS

NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM, PLANT TOURS & MOTORSPORTS PARK Bowling Green, Kentucky ee over 70 Corvettes in periodic settings, mint classics and one-of-a-kind prototypes.

Visit the Corvette swallowing sinkhole exhibit, then sit in a new Stingray Convertible. Displays and special exhibits continually rotate so no two visits are the same. Grab a souvenir from the Corvette Store, get a bite in the CafĂŠ, take a GM Corvette Assembly Plant tour, then race over to the Motorsports Park for a lap. Ask about group packages and dining options. (corvettemuseum.org)

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NATIONAL COWBOY AND WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM Oklahoma City, Oklahoma estern history, art and culture come to life at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which preserves and displays Western art and artifacts, along with teaching guests about the history of the American West. Galleries include Art of the American West, American Rodeo, Fine Firearms and the American Cowboy. New exhibits are never in short supply and highlight all topics related to the West. (nationalcowboymuseum.org)

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WEST TENNESSEE DELTA HERITAGE CENTER Brownsville, Tennessee his museum celebrates music of the Delta.

Explore Flagg Grove School, the one-room school Tina Turner attended as a child. Step inside the shotgun home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes and experience the Country Blues sound that grew from hard work in the cotton fields.

Discover other famous musicians of the region, such as Carl Perkins, Eddy Arnold and Hank Williams Jr. (westtnheritage.com)

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INSPIRING MUSEUMS

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! Atlantic City, Myrtle Beach, Niagara Falls, Times Square, Toronto ipley’s Believe It or Not! features 95 attractions all over the world.

Some of the oddest collections imaginable are housed in their famous Odditoriums. True to Ripley’s nature, these Odditoriums take residency in unusual looking buildings. Exhibits include illusions, interactive displays, videos, photos, wax figures, artifacts and top-rated special effects, all in bizarre themed settings. Works of art are made up of everything from everyday objects to incredible collections to strange hobbies. Each museum has its own exclusive exhibits. Your group will find a roulette table made from jelly beans in Atlantic City, two-headed animals in Niagara Falls and an albino giraffe in New York. Along with its Odditoriums, Ripley’s also has aquariums.

Its Toronto aquarium gives your group an in-depth look at the ocean, offering exhibits such as Canadian Waters, Rainbow Reef, Planet Jellies and Ray Bay. Your group can enter the Dangerous Lagoon to catch glimpses of sharks, stingrays and green sea turtles. End the visit at Shoreline Gallery where your travelers can touch stingrays and small sharks. Ripley’s Myrtle Beach aquarium gives guests a first-hand look at nature’s artwork like Pacific Giant Octopus, jellyfish and sea anemones at the Living Gallery. Watch divers feed stingrays at Ray Bay, and even get a chance to get up close and personal with them at the shallow end. Groups are also able to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the aquarium is run with Systems Control. (ripleys.com)

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RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Simi Valley, California ne of the most revered U.S. presidents of the 20th century is remembered in exhibits that give groups an inside look at the Reagan presidency. Your group can explore Air Force One and reflect at a section of the Berlin Wall.

Take a tour of the Oval Office and see Reagan’s personal touches. The newly renovated museum houses hundreds of artifacts and displays, like the president’s digital, handwritten diary. (reaganfoundation.org)

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FREE STATE TRAVEL GUIDES

LEISURE

GROUP TRAVEL

Looking Ahead To Our April Issue

Live Entertainment Top Aquariums Student & Youth Travel Market

See our page-flip edition & past issues at

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Impeccable Planning Resources Found Exclusively at LeisureGroupTravel.com

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

We can help showcase your business to groups.

Call us at 630.794.0696 or email advertising@ptmgroups.com

Discover The Huntington Group Tours Available | Pasadena Adjacent | huntington.org

February 2017

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5

Spectacular Locations to Amaze Your Groups!

NEW YORK

TORONTO

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ripley’s Impossible LaseRace groupsales@ripleysnewyork.com. 212-398-3133

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada groups@ripleysaquariumofcanada.com 877-773-1497 x 2642

NIAGARA FALLS

MYRTLE BEACH

ATLANTIC CITY

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ripley’s Moving Theatre and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks nfgroups@ripleys.com. 905-356-2238

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach mbsales@ripleys.com 843-916-0888 x 3237

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Laser Maze Challenge ripacac@aol.com 609-347-2001

For nearly 100 years, Ripley Entertainment has been a world leader in family fun. Built on a foundation of a tiny daily newspaper cartoon which debuted in 1918, the company now operates more than 95 world-class attractions on four continents.

Each attraction is UNIQUE in its architecture, its collection and presentation. Every Ripley’s attraction is built with interactivity in mind, from LaseRace adventures to underwater viewing tunnels…the longest one in North America being at the Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto!

Ask About our Special Trade and Group Rates: Book Your Groups Today!

Scenic Rail Excursions ver since the 1800s railroads have been an important part of American culture.

They have played a significant role in transporting everything from supplies to livestock to travelers. Railroads provide some of the most scenic views in the United States, often venturing into areas inaccessible by car. Each one is unique and will take your group on a journey unlike any they have experienced before. Groups will be able to experience the diversity of the country’s landscape through one of its oldest—and most relaxing—modes of transportation.

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The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway passes through forests of aspen and pine.

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SCENIC RAIL EXCURSIONS

DURBIN & GREENBRIER VALLEY RAILROAD ith nine different train options, Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad is sure to satisfy your group. Whether you prefer day-long trips into the Monongahela National Forest or short sightseeing adventures along the Greenbrier River, your group will be able to explore remote parts of the West Virginia mountains that cars cannot access. Special holiday trains, The Polar Express and Elf Limited, are available on select dates in November and December. (mountainrailwv.com)

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CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD he Cumbres & Toltec, located in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, is run by coal-fired, steam locomotives that worked the original Denver & Rio Grande Western Route. Get a glimpse into the past like never before by enjoying the scenery of the authentic West. Trips run from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October. Your group can choose from full-day, half-day, sunset and sunset dinner trips. (cumbrestoltec.com)

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THE BROADMOOR PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY he Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest cog railway, is open year-round and provides a one-of-a-kind experience for its passengers. Climbing 14,115 feet, this Colorado railway allows its guests to see five states on a clear day. Groups will begin their journey at 6,600 feet in Manitou Springs, then climb to the summit of Pikes Peak, all while witnessing beautiful waterfalls and traveling through forests of aspen and pine. (pikes-peak.com/ attractions/pikes-peak-cog-railway)

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SOUTH

REGION

12

TOP SPOTS FOR BBQ

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By Dave Bodle uestion 100 Southerners about the best barbecue restaurants and you’ll probably get 100 answers, each with its own passion. We each have a favorite sauce and a favorite joint, dive, or restaurant to get our smoke.

Heck, we can’t even agree how to spell the word —you’ll see “barbecue” and “barbeque,” “bar-b-q” and “BBQ,” among other variations.

One thing we all agree upon: barbecue is not what we do on our backyard grill. That’s called grilling. Barbecue comes from pits and cookers fired by hardwoods and cooked slow. Personally, put any meat you choose in the smoker, cook it slowly, serve with good sauce and I’m happy.

Here are 12 Southern spots, listed in no particular order, where you can find really good barbecue. With hundreds of barbecue restaurants (maybe more) in every Southern state, it’s impossible to determine which 13 are the best. Remember, ask 100 of us and you’ll get 100 answers.

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Google any Southern state and you’ll discover multiple listings for best barbecue restaurants. With more than 30 years living in the South, our associate publisher has visited many good ones but still has plenty of others yet to enjoy.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

LEXINGTON BBQ Lexington, North Carolina

BUZ AND NED’S REAL BARBEQUE Richmond, Virginia

DEM 2 BROTHERS & A GRILL Charleston, West Virginia

Established in 1962, Lexington BBQ specializes in pork barbecue cooked daily in the traditional pit way over oak or hickory coals. Choose your style – chopped, sliced or coarse. It is served with red slaw. With 15 barbecue restaurants listed on the Visit Lexington website and an annual late October festival so popular that the Amtrak Carolinian makes a once-a-year stop at the old depot, Lexington ranks high on all the Best BBQ City lists, and Lexington BBQ is a favorite. (lexbbq.com)

Although Richmond may be one of the best-kept secrets on I-95, Buz and Ned’s Real Barbeque has been no secret to city residents since 1992. But the story begins 150 years earlier. Buz was searching for the best barbecue, from Texas beef to North Carolina whole hog, when, in the mountains that join Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina, he discovered Ned smokin’ the best barbecue he’d tasted. Ned’s recipe had been handed down for more than 150 years and Buz is keeping the tradition alive. (buzandneds.com)

Here’s another really cool restaurant name. Chef and owner Adrian “Bay” Wright oversees everything from lighting the oak wood fire to the spicy barbecue sauce. One thing is a little different from other cue ̓ restaurants. Here the meats are grilled over oak hardwood for about 2½ hours, not slow cooked. The menu certainly features pork, sausage, chicken and “Big Ray’s Ribs,” but the addition of some great sides gives your meal a soul food taste. (dem2brosgrill.com)

A spicy barbecue sauce and great side dishes bring meat lovers to Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill in Charleston, West Virginia.

©iStock.com/AVNphotolab

BIG BOB GIBSON BAR-B-Q Decatur, Alabama

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In 1925 Bob Gibson was working on the railroad. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, he served some really good barbecue to friends and neighbors. From the simple beginnings of a hand-dug smoke pit and oak planks nailed to a sycamore tree for a table, Gibson opened the restaurant that’s lasted for 75 years. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is getting considerable notice lately and deservedly so.

There have been plenty of awards over the years, but it’s the Original White Sauce that guests have been enjoying for more than 90 years, long before Big Bob opened his restaurant. (bigbobgibson.com) February 2017

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For barbecue fans, this is a dream destination in Decatur, Alabama.

SWEET P’S BARBEQUE & SOUL HOUSE Knoxville, Tennessee You have to love the name. Take a Southern culinary tradition, blend it with a juke joint vibe and keep a family feeling by naming your new restaurant after your daughter (Sweet P). Opened in 2009, Sweet P’s is dedicated to the highest quality of meats cooked in the traditional low and slow method. Match your favorite meat with some outstanding sides and you have the makings of a memorable meal. (sweetpbbq.com)

MCCLARD’S BAR-B-Q Hot Springs, Arkansas So many Southern restaurant and diner stories begin and continue as a family business. In 1928 Alex and Alice McClard operated tourism-related businesses in popular Hot Springs. When a guest failed to pay his lodging bill, he offered a secret recipe for the “world’s greatest hot sauce.” The rest of the story is history and four generations later the family business is going strong. Try a side of tamales. It’s a house specialty. (mcclards.com)

SCOTT’S BAR-B-QUE Hemingway, South Carolina Since 1972 Rosie and Ella Scott and now their son Rodney have had a reputation for serving some of the best barbecue in the Carolinas. They’ve handcrafted their own wood-burning pits and slow cook whole hogs overnight. Plenty of love has gone into the cooking method and downhome sauces, but what makes this restaurant so special is the mom-and-pop feel when you walk in the door. Where’s Hemingway? Just an hour drive from Myrtle Beach. (thescottsbbq.com) Wiley’s Championship B•B•Q

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THE JOINT New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie’s dreamland. The city’s unique blend of cultures and culinary creativity has produced memorable restaurants. In 2004 along came Jenny and Pete Breen smokin’ everything from baby back and pork ribs to pulled pork, chicken and local Cajun sausage.

In just 15 years The Joint has won its share of national and local awards and press clippings. That’s pretty impressive for someone that in barbecue years is new to the block. (alwayssmokin.com)

ABE’S BAR-B-Q Clarksdale, Mississippi When traveling the Blues Trail through Mississippi’s Delta Region, a Clarksdale stop is sure to be on the itinerary. That’s where the story begins. Abe Davis opened in 1924 and his reputation for excellent barbecue spread across Northern Mississippi and the Mid-South.

Outgrowing his first location he moved to the corner of U.S. 49 & 61, where legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil and the blues was born. Many wonder if

Johnson might have been eating an Abe’s barbecue sandwich when he made that devilish deal. The only true legend is that Abe’s famous “The Come Back Sauce” will bring you back for more. (abesbbq.com)

OLD HICKORY BAR-B-QUE Owensboro, Kentucky Sometimes it seems the Bluegrass State doesn’t get the barbecue recognition it deserves. Old Hickory Bar-B-Q puts that thought to rest with six generations still cooking barbecue the way it should be done, the Charles “Pappy” Foreman way. Slow cooking over hickory wood and homemade sauces with distinct flavors, with no compromising or shortcuts, are behind their secrets to good barbecue. In addition to the pork, chicken, beef, ham and turkey staples, try a Kentucky favorite, mutton. (oldhickorybar-b-q.com)

WILEY’S CHAMPIONSHIP B•B •Q Savannah, Georgia The “Championship” moniker in the restaurant’s name is well deserved, as Wiley McCrary has been collecting accolades since the day he began as a caterer and champion

GET THE WHOLE

competitor in 1983 in Atlanta. In 2005 he and wife Janet moved to Savannah and since 2008 his restaurant has graced the Savannah restaurant scene. The meat on the menu is fine-tuned from years of award-winning competition and includes pork, chicken, smoked sausage, beef brisket, St. Louis Cut Ribs and a local favorite, burnt ends. (wileyschampionshipbbq.com)

NANCY’S BAR-B-Q Sarasota, Florida So you think Florida isn’t Southern enough for incredible barbecue? There are dozens of reasons that just isn’t true, but one we believe stands out. What’s not to like about a barbecue joint with a tractor in the yard and located in downtown Sarasota? Nancy Krohngold seasons Boston Butt with a 14-ingredient rub and slow roasts for 15 or more hours. The result is a dark, crisp coating with a nice smoked flavor. The menu rounds out with ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and delicious sides. (nancysbarbq.com) Give your travelers a true taste of the South by adding a barbecue restaurant meal to your next Southern itinerary. LGT

EXPERIENCE

Looking for a distinctive group tour destination with a culinary twist? Whether your groups are into seafood or history, craft beer or harbor cruises, our vibrant waterfront city is sure to delight.

Itineraries include food tours, beer and wine tours and culinary events, and much more!

To learn more, visit us online or contact Melissa Hopper, Associate Director of Tour & Travel.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

1-800-368-3097

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SI SITE INSPECTION

Tastes of the World hen you think international cuisine in America, there are certain cities that come to mind: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Fayetteville. Before you question the last one, think again. Fayetteville, North Carolina may not seem like the typical place to find a lot of international restaurants, but this city will leave you pleasantly surprised.

Its International Culinary Trail offers a wonderfully diverse selection of eateries that will impress any serious foodie. Here’s a list of top international restaurants for tour groups in Fayetteville:

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Sherefe Sherefe, pronounced “sherefay,” is known for its fresh, Mediterranean-style food. The restaurant name means “Cheers” in Turkish, and you will find some traditional Turkish items on the menu, plus other dishes from that part of the world. Sherefe features three dining rooms and three private rooms, giving groups plenty of space. Every month, the owner has a cooking—or more appropriately an eating—class, where groups can learn about fresh, real food and how it’s prepared.

Huske Hardware House Restaurant and Brewery If you fancy tastes from across the pond, this gastropub is the perfect spot to grab bangers & mash, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips. Huske Hardware House specializes in traditional UK fare, all washed down with handcrafted ales and lagers. For those who prefer American pub food, there’s plenty of that, too.

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Fayetteville, North Carolina’s culinary scene brings together a wide range of flavors from all over the world

Sushi Court

Thai Pepper Restaurant

This family-owned and -operated establishment serves authentic Japanese dishes and experiences. Groups can choose from a range of fresh sushi rolls, delicious hibachi, katsu, udon and much more.

Fayetteville’s oldest Thai restaurant has built its reputation on creating signature dishes like Tom Yum Soup, vegetable spring rolls, coconut milk rice pudding and Pud Thai.

Groups can dine in at lunch or dinner and enjoy a buffet of tasty Thai delicacies.

Max and Moritz German Bakery and Restaurant For traditional German fare, head to Max and Moritz any time of day. This quaint eatery has mouth-watering food and a great atmosphere, offering favorites like fresh broetchen for breakfast, schnitzel or bratwurst for lunch or dinner, and Black Forest cake for a sweet end to the meal.

Hilltop House Restaurant For fine dining, take your group to Hilltop House. With cuisine described as new Southern with French influences, Hilltop uses only the best and freshest ingredients. Start off with a plate of North Carolina cheeses or crab crostinis, and enjoy an herb-crusted salmon or braised short ribs for the main course.

Fred Chason’s Grandson’s Restaurant The name may be long, but the food is simple and straightforward. You’ll enjoy Southern comfort food, savory barbecue and decadent desserts. The restaurant, designed with barn-like decor, is a welcoming setting perfect for any group looking for a great meal at a reasonable price. Dine from the buffet or order a la carte.

Luigi’s Restaurant Treat your group’s taste buds to the flavors of Italy at this staple in the community since 1982. It features classic dishes such as zucchini fritti, veal marsala, chicken parmigiana and penne alla vodka. The restaurant can accommodate groups of all sizes in the main dining room or out on the patio.

Chris’s Steak & Seafood House This legendary restaurant opened over 50 years ago and has been serving the highest quality meats and seafood ever since. Besides prime steaks and fresh seafood, enjoy juicy pork chops, flavorful chicken, delicious salads and share-worthy appetizers. Chris’s can accommodate groups in its private dining areas.

As you can see, Fayetteville holds its own when it comes to international cuisine. No matter which of these—or the many other restaurants—groups decide to try, they will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity, freshness and quality of the dishes they taste.

VISIT FAYETTEVILLE Jessica Bennett, jbennett@visitfayettevillenc.com 910-483-5311

VisitFayettevilleNC.com >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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irginia Beach celebrates the gifts of land and sea with foodie adventures that get to the heart of the “eat local” movement. Bring your group tour to life with Virginia Beach’s customizable Live the Life Adventures.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sensational Virginia Beach Day 1

Day 3

Whet Your Appetite

Holistic Health and Healing

PM – Upon arrival in Virginia Beach, take your adventurous spirit to the Boardwalk where you will experience the sights, sounds and fresh smell of the ocean. Cozy outdoor cafes line the coast. Start your culinary journey right with a Boardwalk Food Tour.

AM – Wake up with a “Ray Ray” special at Doc Taylor’s, then head to Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment for lessons on Holistic Health and Healing. Discover ways to eat for a healthier lifestyle while enjoying tastes of health food that may surprise you.

Day 2

PM – Work your appetite back up and get your exercise by climbing one of our historic Cape Henry Lighthouses. Then gear up at Surf and Adventure Co. and kayak your way through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge on a sunset dinner tour ending with an authentic Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Feast at Blue Pete’s Restaurant.

Farm to Table and Craft Brews AM – Rise early and enjoy the beautiful ocean sunrise. Whet your appetite with the oceanfront’s fluffiest pancakes at Pocahontas Pancake House & Waffle Shop. Then head to the Farmers Market to meet your guide who will take you to the southern part of Virginia Beach for the Farm to Table Adventure. Learn some Virginia Beach history, meet the farmers, pick juicy Pungo strawberries and taste the local produce of the season.

VISIT VIRGINIA BEACH Jim Coggin 757-385-6642 • jcoggin@visitvirginiabeach.com

Day 4 Marine Mysteries AM – Depart for the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to experience a Marine Mystery adventure and discover more about the Virginia Beach marine environment.

PM – Enjoy a behind-the-scenes Craft Beer Tour and visit top local breweries. Then check out the Funny Bone Comedy Club or take in a performance at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

VisitVirginiaBeach.com

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January 2016 >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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aste the best of Fredericksburg with visits to a fun winery, cool distillery, top brewery and great restaurants. Sip and see how good wine, beer and whiskey are made, and meet winemakers, master distillers and brewers.

Learn to pair Virginia wines with food. Stroll and shop historic downtown filled with boutiques, antiques and confections. Take a trolley tour in one of America’s most historic small towns.

Take a candlelight tour of a Colonial tavern.

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Sip and Savor Fredericksburg Day 1

Day 3

Fredericksburg is not only one of America’s most historic small towns, it’s one of the most fun and tasty. What better way to start your visit than Potomac Point Winery where you will taste awardwinning wines and get a special guided tour. Dinner this evening is downtown at Kybecca, specializing in craft cocktails, wine and modern Virginia cuisine.

We’ll end our day with a candlelight tour of an authentic Colonial favorite, Rising Sun Tavern, where the tavern wench will acquaint us with the meaning of early colloquialisms such as “sleep tight” and “don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

Craft breweries are springing up all over Virginia creating a demand for a key ingredient, hops. We begin our morning with a visit to an area hops farm and learn how this blossom is cultivated.

Naturally, we want to see how hops are used so our next stop is at Spencer Devon Brewery. Tours and flighted tastings will be available and we’ll also have a delicious and fun lunch specially prepared by the head chef. George Washington grew up right across the river from Fredericksburg. We’ll tour his homestead, Ferry Farm, and learn what archaeologists are discovering about what the Washington family grew and ate. Mid-afternoon calls for refreshment at Carl’s Ice Cream, a National Historic Landmark serving old-fashioned frozen custard. Next up is a fascinating look at how premium spirits are made at Bowman Distillery.

A tour with the master distiller will be followed by a tasting of some of his outstanding product.

Save room for a bountiful German dinner at the Bavarian Chef, housed in the historic Fredericksburg Train Depot.

Day 2

HEART OF VIRGINIA TOURS AND RECEPTIVE SERVICES 804-678-9750 mlewis@hovtour.com HOVTour.com

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

We’ll start the day freewheeling on a fun trolley tour of the historic downtown. A major Civil War battle was fought here and George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and even Abraham Lincoln walked its streets. Bring your appetite along to Capital Ale House where we will have a private cooking demonstration and lunch. Afterwards you can stroll off a few calories downtown browsing the boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. It’s back on the bus for a quick ride into the country for a wine tasting and tour at Mattaponi Winery before coming back to town for dinner and a show at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

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CENTRAL

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in southern Illinois offers fixed-price progressive tastings featuring local cheeses and produce for groups of all sizes.

REGION

Through the

Grapevine

Five Midwestern winegrowing regions cater to newcomers and connoisseurs alike

By Miles Dobis merican wine drinkers typically imagine the West Coast as the premier location for tastings and tours, from the Chardonnays of the Pacific Northwest to the Zinfandels of Napa Valley.

While the Golden State may lure the most visitors, savvy travelers are quickly realizing the bounty of vineyards in America’s heartland. The Midwest boasts winery tours that rival the great winegrowing regions of Europe for quality, and often at significantly lower prices. Friendly growers and winemakers are on hand to demystify the process for those new to wine, and the exceptional offerings from these local outfits will impress even the snobbiest aspiring sommelier in your party.

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Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Illinois These 12 wineries, based in and around the Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois, evoke everything from the Tuscan countryside to Scandinavian spa country.

The only certified American Viticultural Area (AVA) entirely in Illinois, this winemaking territory takes advantage of its environmental features. The rich soil formed from the convergence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers mixes with a milder climate to provide the perfect conditions for an abundance of grape varieties. Drinkers who prefer their vino more robust and peppery can enjoy a hearty Cabernet Franc, while those who prefer more subtlety and citrus notes will want to try the area’s acclaimed Riesling harvest.

Throughout the year, the trail’s members open their doors to groups for weekend wine and food pairings, offering fixed-price progressive tastings. Local cheeses and fruits are paired with the wineries’ specialties, and the event gives each participant a souvenir glass and tasting cards to write personal reviews throughout the weekend.

Especially popular in the winter is the area’s Passport program, where groups receive discounts at every member winery and have the pleasure of touring during the off-season. The longer winter nights are a perfect time to the sample the region’s apricot brie or a bottle of Chardonel, a late-ripening hybrid grape uniquely suited for the Midwestern climate. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Lake Erie AVA, Ohio Less than an hour east of Cleveland lies the Lake Erie AVA, a long-established resort destination and a rapidly emerging market for Midwestern wine connoisseurs. The primary grape in the region is the Concord, often associated with jelly or juice, and many wineries in the area survived Prohibition by selling their crop to companies like Welch’s.

With the 18th Amendment far behind them, many growers are taking advantage of the Concord’s versatility and are attracting international attention with the nearly two dozen other varieties grown here.

Large parties looking to sample a wide

swath of Lake Erie’s offerings can best explore the area with The Lodge at Geneva Wine Shuttle. With a sober driver and access to many nearby wineries, your group can sample the signature Pinot Noir of M Cellars or fruity Merlot of Ferrante Winery without worrying about the return trip. Of course, the local growers are welcoming no matter your mode of transport, and almost all work with the Ohio Wine Producers Association to coordinate tastings with local bed and breakfasts and resorts. Whether your group prefers antiquated Victorians or luxury resorts, the region is sure to provide the right accommodations (and tastes).

Hermannhof Vineyards in Hermann, Missouri

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Hermann, Missouri German immigrants first planted grapes on the lush hills along the Missouri River in the 1830s, and with the innovations of early American wine developer George Husmann, Hermann became one of the largest wineproducing towns in the world. Husmann’s move to the West Coast and anti-German sentiment during World War I would eventually see most production shift to California, but what Hermann lacks in quantity and land, it more than makes up in charm. The region now produces 10 varieties, including the Norton, a full-bodied red hybrid unique to Missouri. The seven members of the Hermann Wine Trail often feature cozy patios or Alpine architectural features that perfectly capture a Missouri sunset, and many are happy to grant groups a walk through the fields for an in-depth look at the grape-growing process.

There are many notable stops along the trail, including the Adam Puchta Winery, now in its fifth generation of owners and crafter of the signature 1855 blend, a fortified after-dinner drink with caramel and nutty notes. Located in historic downtown, Hermannhof houses 10 cellars in one of the February 2017

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Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, Illinois

city’s oldest buildings and ferments everything from Vidal Blanc to champagne created in the traditional "méthode champenoise.”

Throughout the year, the wineries offer food and wine pairings perfect for large groups, from the Chocolate Wine Trail on Valentine’s Day weekend to bacon pairings in May, and special group tours can be arranged with many of the producers.

Indiana Wine Trail The early settlers of Switzerland County were the first Americans to cultivate wine grapes, and the tradition still runs through the six established wineries along the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana. When nearby Cincinnati was the largest wine exporter in America, the region developed its soil for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and today groups can sample those varieties and many others at the trail locations. Highlights of the area include the Thomas Family Winery, housed in an 1850s stable and carriage house, and Lanthier Winery, modeled after French countryside estates and complete with gardens and an art gallery. Both specialize in sweet wines, and you’ll want to sample Thomas’ Vidal Blanc, with its pineapple and honey notes, and Lanthier’s Native American Blush, which features strawberry and watermelon flavors.

Group members interested in local horticulture will want to stop at Stream Cliff Farm, which in addition to its 15 wine varieties also offers quilt-shaped flower gardens and three charming gardening shops on a Civil War-era farm owned for six generations.

Several area wineries offer packages with nearby bed and breakfasts, where groups receive weekend accommodations along with souvenir red or white bottles to bring to family back home. In addition to complimentary breakfast, you can sample the exceptional local cuisine at Ertel Cellars Winery Bistro, which integrates local cheeses and fruits with European-inspired entrees.

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Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Michigan Well known for its beautiful lake views, fine dining and casinos, southwestern Michigan is in the heart of the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, which produces more than half the state’s wines. In addition to sampling an aromatic Gewürztraminer or a spicy Syrah, your group can spend time in the numerous antique stores and galleries in lakeshore towns like South Haven.

Ideal for large groups is the Grape and Grains Tour, a private operator that picks up parties from New Haven or St. Joseph for a full-day, chartered bus tour of the region. Your group will sample the wines from four local producers and experience a gourmet lunch at the Round Barn Winery, a stunning postand-beam Amish structure built in 1881. Other stops on your tour will include Domaine Berrien, which specializes in boutique reds such as Marsanne and Roussanne, and Lemon Creek, which offers sweet dessert wines with cherry and green apple flavors.

With 19 distinct winegrowing regions, the Midwest is a cornucopia of options for travelers looking to take the vino plunge. Whether you want an intimate experience in a family-owned cellar or an expansive bus tour through an entire area, there is certain to be a Midwestern wine itinerary perfect for your group. LGT >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

SI SITE INSPECTION

8 Restaurants to Tempt Taste Buds in Columbus, Ohio olumbus is a vibrant, emergent city whose eclectic collection of eateries proves to be an essential part of the overall visitor experience. With authentic dining options, family-owned breweries and several locations showcasing riverfront scenery, it will be hard to choose just one of these top eight restaurants.

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Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant Featured on the television series Man v.

Food, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant offers a variety of German food, including the German Autobahn buffet, sauerkrautbratwurst balls, signature sausage platters and jumbo cream puffs. Voted the “Official Food of Columbus” by the Columbus Dispatch, the restaurant’s famous Bahama Mama sandwich is a must-have dish, where guests can choose between a grilled original or mild link served on a toasted New England splittop bun.

The Boat House at Confluence Park Situated on the banks of the Olentangy and Scioto rivers, the Boat House affords inimitable views of the waterfront and downtown Columbus. Guests can gaze upon boaters, kayakers and even the Ohio State University crew team, all while being served by a down-to-earth and friendly staff. With banquet rooms for large events, an extensive outdoor patio and live entertainment every LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Whether your travelers seek an ethnic gastronomical experience or a laidback atmosphere with a view, Columbus eateries are sure to suit their tastes.

weekend during the summer, the restaurant’s vivacious atmosphere won’t disappoint.

The Kitchen A participatory dining experience that blurs lines between patron and chef, The Kitchen focuses on dining events where chefs guide guests through every step of creating their meal. The Kitchen also hosts whimsical themed nights and Taco Tuesdays.

5th Avenue Fresh 5th Avenue Fresh offers two distinct services: personal chef service and intimate catering. Both services focus on executing all menu planning, shopping, preparation and fresh-packed delivery. Dishes include chicken, bleu cheese-and-berry salad, halibut with mango salsa and plantain chips, and deepdish lasagna.

Hubbard Grille Serving modern American cuisine in the hip Short North Arts District, Hubbard Grille offers casual dining with seasonal and chef-driven dishes. Signature dishes include jalapeño corn bread, Korean barbecued lamb chops and chimichurri hanger steak. Hubbard Grille has an extensive beer and cocktail menu.

Mozart’s A restaurant, bakery and piano cafe, Mozart’s provides guests with the rich flavors

and ambiance of classic Austrian cafes, featuring decadent pastries, savory entrees and live classical music. European-trained chefs offer guests a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and afternoon tea service. Signature dishes include beef stroganoff, chicken paprikash, wiener schnitzel and ratatouille.

M at Miranova With an outdoor terrace overlooking the Scioto riverfront, an incandescent bar and American cuisine influenced by the flavors of Europe and the Pacific Rim, M at Miranova provides a multifaceted gastronomical experience. In addition to signature dishes like veal mignon and sea scallops, there is an extensive sushi menu.

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Offering a casual, comfortable dining environment, this family-owned and -operated craft brewery and restaurant serves American cuisine with a promise of fresh and seasonal ingredients. Dishes include foie gras, duck breast, Faroe Islands salmon and stout-braised pork shank.

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

ExperienceColumbus.com February 2017

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

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

experiencecolumbus.com/tours

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nown for arts and agriculture, Champaign County, Illinois is home to the finest performance venues in the Midwest while its agriculture is the source for delectable dining you can't experience any place else. This two-day experience offers fresh farm-grown food, entertainment and a behind-the-scenes look at world-class performance venues.

Champaign County, Illinois

Cultivating Culture: Arts + Agriculture Day 1 Start your foodie experience with a homegrown lunch at Willow Creek Farms, which sources the popular farm-to-table restaurant V. Picasso in Champaign. The farm features a stunning event space where you’ll enjoy their fresh ingredients.

After lunch, head to the small town of Homer, where you’ll find the Homer Soda Company.

You’ll become nostalgic for the old days when you sample from over 250 flavors of glass bottled soda, including their own creation, Homer Soda Maple Root Beer.

The next part of the tour will take you to the second-largest fine arts museum in Illinois— Krannert Art Museum with over 10,000 works of art representing cultures from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Before dinner, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at Alto Winery and Vineyards.

End the evening at the European-inspired Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Built as a private residence in 1900, today Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a historical treasure owned by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Befitting a splendid Georgian manor house, the formal gardens feature extensive plantings and over 100 ornaments and sculptures for your group to discover. Enjoy a delicious group dinner in the mansion.

Day 2 VISIT CHAMPAIGN COUNTY Leah Longueville 217-351-4133 • leahl@visitchampaigncounty.org

VisitChampaignCounty.org

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Begin the day with a fascinating, behind-thescenes tour of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the largest performing arts center on a university campus.

You’ll return to nature at the University of

Illinois Pollinatarium, the first free-standing service science center in the nation devoted to flowering plants and their pollinators. Groups can explore beekeeping equipment, enjoy live demonstrations and play interactive games as they learn how pollination impacts our ecosystem.

Combine authentic Italian wood-fired pizza with a guided painting class at Pizza Antica in downtown Champaign. Attendees will learn the basics of painting on canvas as they create their own masterpiece. Walk off the meal at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, where you’ll learn about the first farmstead cheese-making facility in Illinois. This goat dairy will take you behind the scenes to meet the adorable goats who produce award-winning cheese and the only goat-milk gelato in the country.

Wrap up your experience with an abundance of culture. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the University of Illinois' Japan House. Discover the way of tea through a traditional Tea Ceremony, the time-honored art of Chado. Codified almost 400 years ago by Sen Rikyu, the greatest tea master, the four spirits of tea signify the highest ideals of the Way of Tea: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Its core elements involve the acts of serving and receiving a bowl of tea with the utmost sincerity, appreciation and attentiveness while bearing an attitude of single-mindedness and a keen awareness.

You’ll end the tour at the Spurlock Museum, which celebrates the people and places of our world. With approximately 45,000 objects covering six continents and one million years of human cultural history, the Spurlock Museum celebrates our shared humanity by collecting, preserving, documenting, exhibiting and studying objects of cultural heritage. Enjoy a guided tour through their collections.

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iew art in a whole new way, through the lens of everyday life. Get up close and personal with Amish artisans as you hear how they create their unique handcrafted pieces. See the works of some of America’s greatest artists and interact with three-dimensional public art. Enjoy sweeping views while dining on artfully crafted, delicious cuisine at a riverside cafe.

Get a backstage look at the beauty of a grand restored theater. Revel in the majesty and architecture of a Beaux-Arts mansion. Top it all off viewing a lively collection of contemporary quilts and hear the inside story on North America’s only Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail.

Amish Country, Northern Indiana

Art 'n Amish Tour of Northern Indiana elebrate and explore art in all its many forms.

Most don’t view the Amish as artists, but it takes an amazing amount of creativity to make gorgeous handwoven baskets or stunning gardens from foliage. Of course, art in its traditional form can be fun and interactive as well and touch our hearts and minds. New in 2017, groups have an opportunity to see everyday life in a whole new way through the Art n̓ Amish Country itinerary.

You’ll leave with an appreciation and understanding of how art and culture blend with everyday life.

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Day 1 You’ll discover art around every corner with a visit to the Shipshewana Flea Market, which lays claim to being the Midwest’s largest outdoor market with more than 1,000 vendors. Meet your expert local step-on guide who will lead you on a one-of-a kind artistic exploration of the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail showcasing 19 eye-popping, quilt-themed gardens packed with nearly 1 million blooms. Plus, in honor of the Quilt Gardens’ 10th anniversary, Seward Johnson’s epic art exhibition will be showcased at every garden. Along the trail, you’ll discover art as you stroll through a botanic garden, a museum filled with American art, a Beaux-Arts mansion and classic Gothic architecture at a century-old Episcopal church.

Lunch will be served at a riverside cafe, and an Amish feast and quilting bee will end the evening.

AMISH COUNTRY OF NORTHERN INDIANA Sonya Nash, CTP 574-262-8161 or 800-262-8161 • sonya@amishcountry.org

AmishCountryTours.org

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Day 2 Today you’ll soak in the Amish lifestyle and their simple, everyday, artistic creations as your guide

leads you on a backroads tour of the bucolic countryside. Your day includes authentic backroads stops and hands-on immersive experiences such as an Amish leathersmith, build-your-own birdhouse, hand-woven basket demonstration, and make-andtake fabric project at a shop filled with bolts of fabric and hand-made quilts. Lunch will be served at an Amish farmstead followed by a pie-making demonstration. After a busy day, you’ll ease into the afternoon with a wine tasting at a local winery and a tasty dinner at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Indiana’s largest restaurant located in Middlebury, and your choice of theater, shopping, mini golf, carriage rides or a weekly classic car cruise-in.

Day 3 After breakfast, start the day on an artistic exploration of locally handmade pottery. Step into the working studios of the area’s finest ceramic artists and watch and learn as they turn simple clay into works of art. In the afternoon, your group will head to the quaint town of Nappanee. Your first stop takes you the Nappanee Center where you’ll journey into the city’s past. Did you know Nappanee boasts more nationally known artists-cartoonists per capita than any other U.S. city? You’ll also see historical exhibits including “Hoosier” cabinets once used in the kitchen of Jacqueline Kennedy.

A short drive down the road takes you to Amish Acres, the nation’s only Old Order Amish farmstead listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Enjoy a family-style Threshers Dinner and a Broadway musical in the state-of-the-art Round Barn Theatre.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

WE ST

REGION

WHERE IT GROWS The Western states abound with agritourism opportunities

By Sue Arko

Gathering Together Farm in Philomath, Oregon, is an organic vegetable and fruit producer with a farm-to-table restaurant that offers creative meals made with fresh-as-you-can get ingredients.

gritourism, the place where agriculture and tourism intersect, is a booming business as farms, ranches and production facilities invite guests to get a taste of country living and enjoy their tasty products. Defined as any event that brings the public to visit a farm or ranch, agritourism covers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities, including corn mazes, pumpkin patches, field tours, petting zoos, farm-to-table dinners, farm stands and U-Pick.

The West features numerous opportunities for tour groups to explore the history and importance of food, connect with the local culture, and follow the path from farm to plate or bottle. Here is just a sampling of agritourism activities that will beef up any itinerary.

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LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Montana Montana wines have a truly local flavor, from huckleberry to Flathead cherry. Mission Mountain Winery, a small, family-owned winery located on the west shore of Flathead Lake (the largest natural fresh water lake west of the Mississippi), wins international awards. Its tasting room is open seven days a week from MayOctober.

The store at family-owned Cherry Creek Gardens and Farm in Kalispell offers farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, farm-fresh pork, hand-crafted jewelry, garden produce, and knit and crocheted crafts.

Groups can shop in the store and/or hand-pick fruits and vegetables.

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The Santa Fe School of Cooking offers hands-on classes and other programs that highlight the flavors of New Mexico and the Southwest. Red and green chiles form the basis of New Mexican cuisine.

Colorado When people think of Colorado, they first picture the majestic Rocky Mountains and snow skiing. But surprisingly, the foundation of the state is agriculture. The increasing popularity of farm-to-table cuisine and people wanting to know where their food comes from has had an amazing effect on farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; markets, which have grown to over 100 throughout the state.

The Living Farm Cafe in Paonia is one of the few true farm-to-table restaurants in Colorado, featuring farm-fresh and organic produce, meat, cheese and eggs from the farm. Their specialty is traditional osso buco, an Italian dish of veal steeped in vegetables, white wine and broth.

Texas

Working cattle and sheep ranches offer groups a taste of what life is like on a Wyoming ranch. Located just outside Sheridan, the Double Rafter Cattle Drive offers a one-of-a-kind experience. This activity is geared to the more adventurous groups as the camp moves with the herd to areas only accessible by horseback. The drive starts with a horsemanship clinic so all levels of riders can be accommodated.

Agritourism is becoming a large part of the Texas tourism industry as consumers become more aware of the importance of eating fresh, local and whole foods. In the Texas Hill Country, groups will find plenty of opportunities to tour local wineries, pick their own peaches, strawberries and blackberries, and sample fresh cheese, home-baked breads, local wine and seasonal produce at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market.

The Texas Hill Country is rapidly becoming a hotbed for lavender farms. Groups can tour the fields of blooming lavender, learn about the making of lavender products, and shop in farm retail stores for locally crafted lavender body lotions, bath washes, soaps, salts, oils and sachets.

Idaho

Utah

Idaho, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potato capital, produces more than 30% of all potatoes in the U.S. The Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot provides information on potato history, the growing and harvesting process, and nutrition, plus some fun trivia. Groups can learn about the evolution of the potato industry from the original potato planted in Idaho to the largest Pringles potato crisp.

Honey is a popular product in the Beehive State. Now in its fourth generation, Cox Honeyland in Logan specializes in pure, raw honey, gourmet creamed and flavored honeys, honey butters and caramel popcorns. From its humble beginning more than 100 years ago, it has become a true family business with sons and daughters involved in every aspect of honey production.

Washington State Apples

Wyoming

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Nevada Andelin Family Farm is a working farm in Spanish Springs, just outside of Reno, that invites groups to feed the animals, buy fresh eggs and honey, and pick pumpkins and other vegetables.

Every October the farm offers a pumpkin patch, a hay ride, corn maze, pony rides, pedal cart track and other activities.

Nestled on the southern side of Pahrump, about 45 minutes from Las Vegas, Sanders Winery offers panoramic mountain views, along with fine wines, attractive tasting rooms, warm hospitality and educational tours. Free wine tasting is offered seven days a week.

Andelin Family Farm

New Mexico No adventure in New Mexico is complete without experiencing the cuisine. Unlike any other, it is a blend of flavors from Spanish and Native American cultures that has been perfected over the course of 400 years. At the center of it all is the New Mexican chile, both red and green.

For more than 20 years, the Santa Fe School of Cooking has helped people from all over the world learn about the flavors of the Southwest.

Groups can participate in hands-on classes, creating delicious sauces or even complete meals. The school also offers three-day culinary boot camps and restaurant walking tours.

Norma Naranjo learned how to bake bread and pies as a child in a horno (beehive-shaped adobe oven) at the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Upon retiring, she started The Feasting Place, teaching others how to prepare the dishes typically prepared for a Pueblo feast, using local ingredients. Norma shares her cultural traditions during half-day classes that take place in her cozy Pueblo home in Espanola.

Arizona Yuma, located in the Western part of the state, is the nation’s third largest vegetable producer.

With rich soil, water access and more than 350 days of sunshine a year, Yuma County is the winter lettuce capital of the world, supplying 90% of the nation’s leafy vegetables between November and March. To commemorate the crop, Yuma celebrates Lettuce Days, the county's signature festival marking the end of the growing season. Designated the Best Special Event Urban at the Arizona Governor’s Conference, the Yuma Lettuce Days celebration offers the best of the region’s produce. Groups love the delicious creations by local restaurants and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. For non-foodies there is an agriculture-inspired art show, live entertainment and a vegetable-carving contest.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

OKC-ing is believing.

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

Learn more at

#SeeOKC February 2017

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In the Phoenix metro area, Queen Creek Olive Mill is a dynamic family-owned agritourism experience owned by Brenda and Perry Rea. It is Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill, with more than 7,000 trees. Groups can participate in an olive oil tasting, tour the facility and have a meal at the restaurant. Special weekend activities feature live music, wine tasting, arts and crafts shows, and food trucks.

Napa Valley

Oklahoma U-Pick farms, where groups can enjoy locally grown produce, abound in Oklahoma. From touring a winter wonderland of Christmas trees to picking fresh blackberries, there are many options to consider.

Oklahoma is home to over 35 wineries where groups can enjoy vineyard tours, tastings, harvests, grape-stomping and other wineryhosted events throughout the year. The state has produced 11 themed wine trails for groups to follow, such as “How Merlot Can You Go” and “Simply Zinful.”

California Many California winery tasting rooms are getting creative and offering new and unforgettable experiences. They're pairing wines with smoked trout, tacos or local cheeses, and putting guests in the vineyards on bikes, tractors and six-wheeled army trucks. From Napa Valley and Sonoma in the northern part of the state to Temecula in Southern California, thousands of wineries offer tastings and tours daily. Some are grand in scale and quite formal, while others are smaller and more relaxed. There is truly a winery for every personality and taste in California.

Indio, in Southern California desert, is famous for date production.

Shields Date Garden welcomes groups to wander the garden path in the 17-acre date farm, a trail with scenes and statues depicting Christ’s life. Afterwards, shop in the retail store and enjoy a delicious lunch in the Cafe. Hadley Fruit Orchard is another California Desert favorite, famous for date shakes made with local Deglet Noor dates.

UNIQUE LODGING

DINING

ADVENTURE TOURS

Winter Friendly!

Kanab Utah’s Parry Lodge joins the Forever Resorts family of properties hosting winter tours to National Park destinations in the Southwest, Wyoming and Texas. Visit Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell, Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Big Bend National Parks plus Dallas’ legendary Southfork Ranch.

Chisos Mountains Lodge, TX Big Bend Adventures & Resort, TX Parry Lodge/Denny’s Wigwam, UT The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, UT

Southfork Ranch, TX

Tours: 800.989.7800 Scenic Winter Safaris, WY

Tours: 888.734.8898

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February 2017

Washington It’s not autumn in the Northwest without a trip to pick apples.

Washington State accounts for about 60 percent of the nation's apple supply. Most of the region's apples, from super sweet to very tart varieties, are picked from orchards in the Wenatchee Valley, about two hours from Seattle.

The fruit trees in this part of Washington produce billions of apples annually, each one picked by hand. Varieties range from Red Delicious to sought-after heirlooms like Maiden Blush and Golden Russet to popular newcomers such as Honeycrisp.

Oregon The Thyme Garden Herb Company in Alsea is an eclectic, earth-friendly family business working with nature to provide organically grown herb seeds and herb plants, along with bulk dried herbs, herb teas, herb seasonings, hop rhizomes and herbal honey.

The beautiful display gardens offer groups an opportunity to experience over 750 varieties of useful herb plants from all around the world.

The Gathering Together Farm Restaurant in Philomath grows fresh, organic produce and serves it in a small, intimate setting. They make their own pasta, bake their own bread, and craft masterful dishes featuring seasonal food inspired by the best French and Italian traditions, with a Northwest twist.

Agritourism activities provide the ideal way to connect with the land and the people that produce the foods and beverages we consume. Whether your group is looking for an opportunity to learn something new or just wants to get away from the stress of everyday life, a Western agri-experience will fit the bill. LGT >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Basque Tour

The bounty of Basque Country fields is on full display at farmers’ markets in towns big and small. The famous market in Ordizia, shown here, has taken place every Wednesday since 1512.

Spain’s Foodie Paradise Gastronomy is a vital part of everyday life in Basque Country LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

By Randy Mink s tourism to Spain goes, the Basque provinces in the north have few iconic landmarks and may be somewhat off the beaten path, but for those of us who seek the less-traveled path, that just adds to their allure. Perhaps the region is best known for its culinary prowess, and it has certainly capitalized on the growing interest in food and wine travel.

Celebrated for its inventive chefs and blessed with the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, this emerging destination has earned a reputation as the place to eat in Spain. In England’s most recent World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, four on the list were in Spain’s Basque Country. Group tours may not be able to budget $200 per person for haute cuisine at the top-rated temples of gastronomy, but even the simplest fare served up by anonymous chefs and neighborhood bars is worthy of raves.

Reputedly the oldest ethnic group in Europe, the Basques have farmed the green hills and valleys of their homeland for centuries, and their

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Tenedor Tours

Pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, are on the curriculum at Tenedor Tours’ classes in San Sebastian and laid out in all their glory at bars and cafes throughout Spain’s Basque Country.

deep-sea fishing industry goes back to the 1500s, when fearless fishermen traveled as far as Newfoundland in search of cod. Today the seafood from cold Atlantic waters and raw ingredients from pastures, gardens, orchards, and vineyards have given Basque Country a rich food culture. Indeed, gastronomy is a hallmark of Basque identity.

With a way of life all its own and a fierce independent streak, the Basque region of northern Spain is practically a country within a country. What really sets Basques apart is their language, Euskara. Speaking Euskara makes one a Basque. Unrelated to any other tongue, it appears bizarre and unpronounceable to those more familiar with the Romance or Germanic languages. You’ll see Euskara words on menus and road signs (often with the Spanish equivalents) and notice they are full of k’s, tx’s and z’s.

A highlight of touring Basque Country is indulging in one of the region’s signature treats—pintxos ( pronounced “PEEN-chos”).

The Basque equivalent of tapas, these exquisite little bites served at bars and cafes can range from unadorned slivers of dried Iberian ham on bread to miniature works of art reflecting the heights of nano-gastronomy.

Locals make an afternoon or evening of hopping from bar to bar, selecting one or two pintxos at each and washing them down with a small glass of beer or wine, all done stand52

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ing or sitting at the bar rather than seated at a table. It’s more a way of socializing than having a meal.

Bar counters piled high with platters of pintxos (usually skewered on sticks or toothpicks) are really something to behold; the sheer variety is mind-boggling. Most popular is a slice of Spanish omelette (tortilla de patata), a mixture of eggs and potato fried in oil. Everyone has a soft spot if their heart for their mother’s Spanish omelette. Also commonly found is the Gilda, an olive-anchovy-green chili pepper medley eaten in one bite. Other snack-sized morsels might include mayonnaise-based salads, grilled wild mushrooms, and the huevo frito, a heavenly, deep-fried pillow of dough filled with hot, runny egg, a slice of potato and a bit of bacon.

Seafood dominates Basque menus, and no one (except the Japanese) eats more fish per capita than the Basques. Cod (or bacalao) is the fish of choice, and hake comes next. Grouper, turbot, tuna, monkfish, jack mackerel, anchovies, baby eels, spider crab, lobster, octopus and baby squid are found everywhere as well. (Basque Country accounts for the world’s largest production of squid ink.) The classic dish bacalao pil pil is dried salted cod in a mayonnaise-like sauce of olive oil, chili and garlic. At any pintxo bar you’re likely to encounter salted cod, cod

Basque Tour

croquettes or crispy fried cod skin. A familiar restaurant dish is marmitako, a hearty fishermen’s stew of tuna, potatoes, and red peppers. Fish is often accompanied by chilled txakoli, a slightly acidic white sparkling wine.

In foodie havens like the coastal cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian, you might book your group on a walking tour of their respective Old Quarters, with stops for pintxos along the way. The walk in Bilbao may include passing through the stalls of Ribera Market, the largest indoor food market in Europe.

Aside from exploring the Old Quarter, the chief tourist activity in Bilbao is visiting the Guggenheim Museum, a repository of modern art more famous for its architecture than for the works inside. Designed by controversial architect Frank Gehry, the curvaceous jumble of gleaming titanium strips put Bilbao on the world map after its completion in 1997.

In San Sebastian, Tenedor Tours (tenedortours.com) can arrange culinary activities for groups from eight to 300. Besides pintxo walkabouts, the company’s New York-born owner, Gabriella Ranelli de Aguirre, can set up hands-on cooking classes, food market tours, farm visits, and wine, cider and craft beer tastings. Groups can also pick up some cooking secrets and enjoy lunch at a txoko, a traditionally male gastronomy club where men come together to cook and bond. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Basque Tour Photos

Many of the 300-plus wineries in the Rioja Alavesa region offer tours and tasting sessions. Groups in Basque Country also can arrange classes and demonstrations that share the secrets of Basque cuisine.

Memberships in these culinary fraternities are passed from father to son, and many participants have been friends since childhood.

(More clubs, though, have been opening doors to women, and a couple even have a female president.)

Today one of Europe’s most prestigious international film festivals (in September) and a collection of Michelin-starred restaurants enhance San Sebastian’s pedigree, lending the city an aura of sophistication.

(Along with Paris, San Sebastian is the only European city with three restaurants—Arzak, Akelarre and Martin Bersasategui—boasting three Michelin stars, the French gourmet critics’ highest rating.) Take a walk along the fashionable beachside promenade along Concha Bay and visions of Monte Carlo, Cannes and Nice come to mind.

A Basque Country tour is not complete without a foray into the famed Rioja Alavesa wine region, an hour-and-a-half drive south of Bilbao and San Sebastian. Tucked into a relatively compact area between the southern slopes of the Sierra de Cantabria and Ebro River are endless vistas of vineyards on terraced hillsides. Protected by the mountain range from coastal winds and moisture, the vines, mostly of the red tempranillo variety, thrive in a microclimate ideal for growing grapes. Rioja Alavesa also hosts a thriving olive industry; olive oil sampling and olive LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

mill visits can be arranged.

Many wine country tours visit Laguardia, a walled medieval town threaded with pedestrian lanes. Adorned with balconies, lines of drying laundry and religious shrines, the stone passageways invite random wandering. Underneath the fortified town are more than 200 wine cellars.

Just as ancient Laguardia rises ship-like over the sea of vineyards, a much newer landmark looms prominently on the horizon just four miles away. Dominating Herederos del Marques de Riscal winery is the undulating tangle of purple, silver and gold metal ribbons of the estate’s Frank Gehry-designed showpiece hotel, a building reminiscent of his Guggenheim Museum. The eruption of steel and titanium, according to one guidebook, “looks as if a colony from outer space had crashed in the middle of La Rioja’s oldest vineyards.” Dubbed “City of Wine,” Marques de Riscal is indeed the region’s oldest winery, dating from 1860. The luxury hotel features a one-star Michelin restaurant.

The town of Astigarraga, south of San Sebastian, is the center of apple-growing country. At a rustic 16th century cider house run by five generations of the Lizeaga family, visitors get a peek into another Basque tradition. Seated on benches at long tables with red-checked tablecloths, amid wood beams and stone walls, everyone feasts on

multi-course meals served family style. The fare might include chorizo sausages cooked in cider, a cod omelette, cod smothered in green peppers and steak served rare, with a typical dessert of cheese, walnuts and quince jelly. When the spigot of the cider barrel is turned on at the cry of “txotx!” diners line up with their glasses to catch the stream of cider spurting out. The wet floor doesn’t dampen the festive atmosphere, which is sometimes enhanced by singing and accordion music.

Farther south in the Basque Highlands, cheese lovers head to Idiazabal to learn about the prized Idiazabal sheep’s milk cheese.

On their way to the Idiazabal Cheese Interpretation Centre they’ll likely see sheep on the mountain slopes or even being herded through town. Sheep farms and artisan cheese dairies like World Cheese Awards-winning J. Aranburu—run by brothers Juan, Javier and Jose Aranburu—offer tastings and tours.

Whether you stick to the coast or venture into the countryside, a ramble through Spain’s Basque Country will give you a taste of this ancient culture and perhaps whet your appetite for second helpings on future travels to the Iberian peninsula.

For information on Spain’s Basque Country, contact Basque Tour (Basque Tourism Board) at basquecountrytourism.eus or the National Tourist Office of Spain, spain.info/en. LGT February 2017

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ind yourself amid a rare blend of elegance and Western charm that sparkles in the wintertime. Get up-close to wildlife on a delightful sleigh ride to the National Elk Refuge and view hundreds of elk in their natural habitat. In Yellowstone National Park, board a snowcoach and be transported over the snow-covered landscape and pass some of the park’s most stunning scenery. Take a brisk walking tour led by a local expert to learn the history of the famous Old Faithful geyser and view the amazing natural phenomenon in action. In Lamar Valley, be surrounded by complete tranquility in a favorite hangout for the park’s wildlife.

Travel through picturesque Caribou Targhee National Forest for stunning views of the Grand Tetons.

The endless natural beauty of a winter in Yellowstone will astound you.

F

Collette

Winter In Yellowstone Day 1 Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Tour Begins Your adventure begins in Jackson Hole, America’s most famous cowboy town. Find yourself amid its rare blend of elegance and Western charm that sparkles in the winter. Today dinner will be included.

Day 2 Jackson Hole - Grand Tetons - Yellowstone Snow Lodge Take a drive through the majestic Grand Tetons to the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Your Yellowstone winter adventure begins by boarding a snowcoach. This unique vehicle will transport you over the snow-covered landscape, past some of the park’s most stunning scenery — and on to Old Faithful. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 3 Yellowstone Snow Lodge Wake up just minutes away from Old Faithful and enjoy a brisk walking tour led by a local expert.

You’ll learn the history of this colossal geyser and view the amazing natural phenomenon in action.

Later, spend free time exploring on your own.

Perhaps you will choose to venture out on the trails with snowshoes or partake in some cross-country skiing. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 4 Yellowstone - Gardiner, Montana

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Board your snowcoach again for your transfer across the frozen landscape en route to Mammoth at the north entrance to Yellowstone. During your journey, view some famous areas of the park, including the Painted Mud Pots, Fire Hole Canyon and the Madison Warming Hut. Your day will be

filled with incredible scenery and plenty of photo opportunities. Depart Yellowstone and cross the border into Montana before arriving in Gardiner for the night. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 5 Yellowstone, WY - Lamar Valley - West Yellowstone, MT An early departure takes you back into Yellowstone en route to the remote Lamar Valley in the scenic northwest corner. You will traverse forests and meadows before arriving in the Lamar Valley where you will be surrounded by tranquility. This area of the park is not only breathtaking but it’s also an excellent habitat for the park’s wildlife. This is where, in the 1990s, previously endangered wolves were reintroduced to the park. There are now over 400 wolves living here. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6 West Yellowstone - Jackson Hole, Wyoming Today’s journey brings you south through Idaho to the picturesque Caribou Targhee National Forest. You will be amazed by the stunning views of the Grand Tetons as you make your way back to Jackson Hole. Get up-close to wildlife on a delightful sleigh ride to the National Elk Refuge and view hundreds of elk in their natural habitat.

Tonight, toast to the end of your winter adventure at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7 Jackson Hole - Tour Ends Today your tour comes to a close. You will depart with truly amazing memories of the region’s breathtaking winter backdrop. Today breakfast will be included.

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