2019 Group Travel Destinations

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2019 GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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www.LeisureGroupTravel.com/gtd

Great Ideas For Groups,

Coast-to-Coast!

A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com/gtd

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9.95

Hundreds of Things To Do REGIONS

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Group Travel Destinations

O

ur goal is to make planning group trips easy. We do this through a variety of vehicles like magazines, newsletters, custom travel guides and a series of websites, all under the Premier Travel Media

brand.

For over 10 years, one of our most popular resources was Group Travel Directory. This year-end publication had extensive state-by-state lists of travel suppliers who were friendly to groups. While this was a cherished product, as times changed, the directory diminished in size and value.

Recognizing this, early in 2018 we pivoted our directory product for a new type of guide that placed a strong emphasis on better content, better images and better stories. Enter Group Travel Destinations, a better product for you.

WHAT’S CHANGED? We’ve reorganized the entire guide by hyper-local regions, so you can hone in on resources you need. Along those lines, we’ve partnered with state tourism offices to identify new and noteworthy tourism developments across the U.S., so each regional intro section is full of “new” stuff. Region-by-region, state-by-state, you’re in the know when you’re plotting new itineraries.

Most noticeably, we’ve taken out the old phonebook-type style of listings. In their place, we’ve written unique descriptions for each of our partners, and included images and their contact information so you can get down to business.

Finally, we’ve introduced Site InSpections to provide deep dives into specific brands and destinations, giving you the inside scoop on what your travelers will experience while there.

Change is never easy, but it’s a necessary evil of growth. I’m proud of our team and what we’ve created with the new Group Travel Destinations.

I hope you enjoy this resource and use it throughout the year.

Good news, we’re already looking at ways to make this product more useful. Watch for future announcements on the LeisureGroupTravel.com site during 2019.

Happy traveling,

Jeff Gayduk, Publisher

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

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle

dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Associate Editor – 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 Midwest, Frontier/Mountain West P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 theresa@ptmgroups.com

Regional Business Development Managers Midwest, Mid-Atlantic/New England – Tom Tobiason

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 tom@ptmgroups.com

South/West Coast – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@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.

Group Travel Destinations is an annual resource for subscribers to Leisure Group Travel magazine, published bimonthly 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 $9.95 each.

Send Address Change to:

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

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

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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Welcome to Group Travel Destinations!

Editorial & Advertising Office

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REGIONS

6 New England 12 Mid-Atlantic 26 Southeast 44 Southwest 48 Midwest 68 Frontier/Mountain West 76 West

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SITE INSPECTIONS

18 22 24 40 42 51 55 72 74 80 82

Atlantic City, NJ Colonial Williamsburg, VA Virginia Beach, VA Fayetteville, NC ATL Airport District, GA Harrison County, IN Joplin, MO Colorado Springs, CO Sioux Falls, SD Redding, CA Sacramento, CA

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

COVER PHOTO (iStock.com/scibak)

CONTENTS

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Cruising America’s highways and byways by motorcoach means hassle-free travel and group camaraderie.

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GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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NEW ENGLAND

New developments range from casino attractions to a museum dedicated to dogs

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INSIDE

Connecticut

Maine

STATEWIDE – The axe-throwing trend has hit Connecticut, with three dedicated venues opening in 2018. They are Pine & Iron Axe Throwing in Hartford, sharing space with Hog River Brewing; Blue Ox Axe Throwing in Wallingford; and Montana Nights Axe Throwing in Newington, Visitors receive coaching lessons before settling into their lane for a few hours of fun and competition, racking up points based on where their axes hit the bullseye. Package options for groups are available.

MASHANTUCKET – Foxwoods Resort Casino recently opened Monza World Class Karting, one of the longest and fastest indoor kart runs ever constructed. Featuring dramatic elevation changes and hairpin turns, the European-style track joins Foxwoods Thrill Tower and HighFlyer Zipline as the latest addition to Foxwoods Extreme Adventures. Also new at Foxwoods is Stony Creek Brewery, which includes a stage for live entertainment, a beer garden and a deck with a view into the brewhouse.

MYSTIC – The exhibition Death in the Ice: The Mystery of the Franklin Expedition runs through April 28, 2019, at the Mystic Seaport Museum. It explores the mysterious fate of two Royal Navy ships and their crew of 129 who disappeared into the Arctic in 1845 never to be seen again. Included are artifacts recovered in 2014 by Parks Canada from the expedition flagship HMS Erebus.

UNCASVILLE – Mohegan Sun will soon welcome Comix Roadhouse, an expansion of Comix Mohegan Sun with a country entertainment twist. It will feature live comedy and country music, line dancing, mechanical bull riding, Texas-style food and over 30 craft beers on tap.

Set to open in June at Mohegan Sun is Game-On!, a restaurant & bar with an eight-lane bowling alley, hi-definition TV screens, karaoke, arcade games and a stage for live entertainment.

BETHEL – The new Maine Mineral and Gem Museum showcases geological history and houses the finest collection of Maine minerals and gems. It also has one of the world's foremost collections of extraterrestrial rocks, including meteorites from Mars, the moon and the asteroid belt.

ROCKLAND – Bixby & Co. recently expanded by opening a new retail room and launching its new premium Bean to Bar Craft Chocolate. Visitors to the factory and retail space learn about the process of making chocolate from scratch and taste samples while enjoying beautiful ocean views.

BOOTHBAY – Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has improved its group tour offerings and now offers several new dining options. Groups can arrange an expert-led tour followed by a platter or boxed lunch. The parking area accommodates five buses and is only steps away from an exclusive group entrance.

PORTLAND – Soon after Bon Appetite named Portland the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year, Maine Foodie Tours added the Bon Appetite Culinary Walking Tour. On this new walking tour, guests "will visit seven of the bright new stars while highlighting all the culinary pioneers in a thriving new area for wining and dining." The tour joins the company’s classic foodie tours and brand new Boothbay Harbor Festive Holiday Food Tour, which is the perfect accompaniment to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens holiday event Gardens Aglow.

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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

PLYMOUTH – Festivals and special events in Plymouth and throughout the state will be part of Plymouth 400 in 2020, a year-long commemoration of the Pilgrims’ voyage on the Mayflower and founding of Plymouth Colony in 1620. The Mayflower II in Plymouth will be the centerpiece of the June 27-28 maritime salute, which will feature a regatta of wooden ships, official vessels, work boats, native mishoons and pleasure craft that will culminate in a traditional New England lobster dinner at the waterfront. The Native American perspective will be represented by a traveling exhibition on the history of the Wampanoag people.

BOSTON – Faneuil Hall Marketplace is proposing a dramatic overhaul of the historic property that would create a new boutique hotel and revitalize the shopping experience. The proposal would transform the crowded central food court into more open retail spaces, bars and sit-down restaurants. It would add several glass pavilions for shopping and dining, and the South Market building would get a 180-room hotel.

Time Out Market, a food-hall style emporium, is coming to the Fenway area’s Landmark Center in 2019. The market will have 16 food offerings, two bars and a cooking academy, along with shopping and outdoor patios.

Bow Market is partially open in Union Square, where a former storage building has been turned into two stories of small storefronts clustered around a public courtyard. The market features retail, food and drink.

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston has opened The Watershed, 15,000 square feet of free and immersive waterfront gallery space. In addition to housing exhibitions, the raw industrial space has an orientation gallery introducing visitors to the historic shipyard complemented by a waterside plaza that serves as a gathering place with stunning harbor views.

Encore Boston Harbor, America’s first 5-star urban gaming resort, is slated to open June 24, 2019. The property consists of 13 acres of gross floor area with a 29-floor luxury hotel tower overlooking the Boston skyline. There will be 671 deluxe guest rooms, 13 restaurants and lounges, and 200,000 square feet of gaming space.

JAMAICA PLAIN – Samuel Adams Brewery has debuted a new 80-seat tap room at its Jamaica Plain headquarters. This new space encourages visitors to stop by the brewery before, after or in place of a tour for some pints, shuffleboard and sampling of their more experimental brews.

In addition to drinking and games, the Sam Adams Tap Room hosts weekly events like trivia and karaoke as well as food trucks and small food businesses.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD – Groups can experience the magic of oysters first hand with Farm.Field.Sea. Guests will set sail for Cottage City Oyster Farm and see the harvest process in action. The adventure is topped off with a shucking demo of fresh oysters, a sampling and a sunset sail around the Oak Bluffs harbor.

NORTH ADAMS – The Museum of Dog has opened in the Berkshires as an artistic tribute to man’s best friend. Located in a former hardware store, the museum houses a private collection of dog-inspired paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and dog-related collectibles, including dog hand puppets and rare dog collars that date back to the 1800s.

New Hampshire CORNISH – A nationally recognized professional opera company brings its entertainment to Blow-Me-Down Farm next summer. Opera North will transform the 42-acre farm, a National Historic Landmark, into a campus for the performing visual arts.

DALTON – Groups can now experience a high-speed ride in an authentic rally car with a Team O’Neil Rally School instructor on over six miles of private dirt roads. Groups of up to 20 can also book driving courses geared towards private and corporate groups.

Vermont WEST DOVER – Mount Snow ski resort just unveiled its new $22 million Carinthia Base Lodge for the 2018/2019 season. Conveniently located at the base of Carinthia Terrain Park, the lodge is five times the size of the old lodge it is replacing and features a coffee bar, sit-down restaurant, two bars and a large multi-station cafeteria.

KILLlNGTON – Enhancements for the new ski season at Killington Resort include a new six-person, high-speed bubble chairlift, new lift service at South Ridge, significant upgrades to the K-1 Express Gondola, additional availability of intermediate trails, improvements to existing intermediate runs, and resort-wide infrastructure upgrades including the addition of hands-free lift access validation with RFID technology at both Killington and Pico.

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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Massachusetts

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NEW ENGLAND

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‰WHAT TO DO

WHERE TO STAY

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

CambridgeSide

Mohegan Sun

This aquarium, located in the South Norwalk section of Norwalk, Connecticut, contains more than 75 live exhibits featuring more than 2,700 marine animals of 300 species. The aquarium is home to harbor seals, river otters, sharks, jellyfish, turtles and many other animals living in recreations of their natural Long Island Sound habitats. The aquarium also has an IMAX Theater with a screen six stories tall and the equivalent of eight stories wide.

Established in 1990, CambridgeSide is Massachusetts’ leading outlet shopping destination, featuring more than 100 stores and restaurants. CambridgeSide invites groups to shop, dine and experience all that is happening at this retail hotspot, with designer names such as Aldo, Ann Taylor, Guess, Express, H&M and J. Crew. After your group shops until it drops, choose between The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s or World of Beer, a kitchen and bar offering 60 craft beers on tap, 500 in the cooler and a mouthwatering menu.

Mohegan Sun, created in 1996 by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, offers some of New England's finest dining, hotel accommodations, retail shopping, live entertainment and sporting events. Boasting three world-class casinos, Mohegan Sun is also host to two luxurious spas, world-class meeting facilities, a stateof-the-art poker room and three major entertainment venues with seating from 350 to 10,000. People from across the globe come to see live concerts with some of today's top headliners, as well as major sporting events, including the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.

10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT 06854 Maggie Curlee, 203-852-0700, Ext. 2206 reservations@maritimeaquarium.org www.maritimeaquarium.org

Portland Museum of Art With an extensive collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine. The museum boasts significant holdings of American, European and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine— highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The museum is the largest and oldest public art institution in Maine and maintains a steadfast commitment to its region and city.

7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101 Group Sales, 207-775-6148, info@portlandmuseum.org www.portlandmuseum.org

Berkshire Tour Company

100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge, MA 02141 Melissa LaVita, 617-621-8668 mlavita@nedevelopment.com, www.cambridgeside.com

Museum of Russian Icons Opened in 2006, the Museum of Russian Icons, a nonprofit museum in Clinton, Massachusetts, inspires the appreciation and study of Russian culture by collecting and exhibiting one of the world’s largest collections of Russian icons-sacred paintings used for veneration in the Orthodox tradition. With more than 1,000 icons and related artifacts spanning six centuries, the museum offers a unique and personalized experience rich with art, history and culture.

203 Union St., Clinton, MA 01510 Mary Delaney, 978-598-5000 mdelaney@museumofrussianicons.org www.museumofrussianicons.org/group-tours

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Berkshire’s longest-operating and most experienced group tour planner can help travelers with their needs in the Berkshires and all of New England. Berkshire Tour Company offers lovely tours that include visiting the rocky coast of Maine; the Moose Trax of New Hampshire, where guests can see moose in their natural habitat; the trains of New England, which travel inland and through gorgeous mountains; and the Cape Cod seashore.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire is a narrated three-hour roundtrip train ride to the summit of Mount Washington on a historic railway. The ride is around one hour each way, and patrons have 60 minutes to explore the summit of Mount Washington, including the Sherman Adams Visitor Center. Inside the Visitor Center is a museum, post office, small snack bar and 360-degree views of the surrounding areas including up to five states, Canada and the Atlantic Ocean.

10 Chestnut St., Stoneham, MA 02180 Nancy Hickey, 781-438-8620, berkshiretour@aol.com www.berkshiretourco.com

3168 Base Station Rd., Marshfield Station, NH 03575 Rebecca Metcalf, 800-922-8825, becky@thecog.com, www.thecog.com

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT 06382 Stephen Olender, 860-862-8988 solender@mohegansun.com, www.mohegansun.com

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Request Information Online 1. Visit leisuregrouptravel.com/gtd 2. Fill out your contact information 3. Select the suppliers you’d like to hear from 4. Click the request information button

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Fill out our print or digital Reader Service Card by following the instructions in the gray box

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Our dedicated team sends your request to the corresponding suppliers and puts you in contact with their group specialists

Request Information By Mail 1. Turn to the last page of February’s Leisure Group Travel to find the form 2. Fill out your contact information 3. Select the suppliers you’d like to hear from 4. Tear out the page, fold it and mail it to the pre-printed address

The group specialists reach out to you with information, deals and resources to help you plan your best trip yet

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MID-ATLANTIC The region is bursting with new group-friendly attractions, and there’s more on the horizon

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INSIDE

Delaware

Maryland

WINTERTHUR – Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library will be featuring the exhibition Costuming THE CROWN from March 30, 2019, to January 5, 2020. It will display 40 iconic costumes based on the Netflix Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning series on Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Items on display include the queen’s coronation robe, Princess Margaret’s wedding dress, royal crowns and tiaras, and medals and military ribbons. The exhibition Follies: Architectural Whimsy in the Garden, showcasing whimsical and classic garden structures, will be featured through January 5, 2020.

HALETHORPE – The Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House, the first ever purposebuilt Guinness brewery in America, has opened about 10 miles southwest of downtown Baltimore. It brews Guinness Blonde American lager and other beers, but not the classic Guinness stouts. There are tours and beer sampling, plus a restaurant.

BOONSBORO – The new National Road Museum showcases the history of the National Road, the first major east-west route that carried early settlers from the historic seaport in Baltimore to Illinois, and its impact on the development of transportation technology.

BALTIMORE – Illuminating Baltimore with literature and ideas during the day and world-class light art and performances at night, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is uniting two of its marquee events—Baltimore Book Festival and Light City—to create a 10-day international event from November 1-10, 2019. Magnificent light installations, music on two stages, pop-up performances, and exhibitor and bookseller tents will enliven the Inner Harbor. Port Covington, a 235-acre waterfront site, is undergoing major development, and will include a park, 630-room hotel, residential units, nearby retail and restaurant space, office space and an entertainment complex. Sagamore Spirit Distillery and Rye Street Tavern restaurant are already residents of the neighborhood.

SALISBURY – The National Folk Festival, set for September 6-8, 2019, will feature musicians, dancers, foods and craftsmen from around the country in this celebration of American culture. Salisbury also will be the free festival’s host city in 2020.

District of Columbia WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Spy Museum will reopen in spring 2019 at a new facility with completely reimagined, state-of-the-art exhibits that provide a behind-the-scenes look at intelligence-gathering.

The new building, located in L’Enfant Plaza, a short walk between the National Mall and The Wharf, is twice the size of the museum’s former home. The exhibition Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture will be on view through June 2019 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The National Law Enforcement Museum has opened at the Motorola Solutions Foundation Building, just steps from the National Mall, with “walk-in-the-shoes” experiences and exhibits ranging from the meticulous and messy world of forensics and DNA analysis to how law officers are portrayed in pop culture. The Kennedy Center’s $250 million expansion, called the REACH, adds classrooms, open rehearsal spaces, a restaurant, manicured acres for outdoor concerts and movies and picnicking, and a pedestrian bridge that connects the performing arts center to the path along the Potomac connecting Georgetown to the Lincoln Memorial.

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

New Jersey ATLANTIC CITY – The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has opened on the Boardwalk, adjacent to Steel Pier and just north of Resorts Casino, with 2,200 slots, 125 table games, fine dining restaurants and casual eateries.

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International Spy Museum, Washington D.C.

New York

Pennsylvania

NEW YORK CITY – The $70 million Statue of Liberty Museum will feature interactive displays, exhibit galleries and an immersive theater experience when it opens in 2019.

The Perelman Center for the Performing Arts will open at the World Trade Center in 2020.

Constructed of translucent marble and glass, the venue will glow at night with internal light from performances inside its three theaters. Bringing a major cultural presence to Lower Manhattan for the first time, it will be a hub for dance, music and theater.

The exhibition In Praise of Painting: Dutch Masterpieces at The Met brings together some of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s greatest paintings through October 4, 2020. Roughly 65 Dutch paintings from the Golden Age of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer are organized thematically and orient visitors to key issues in 17th century Dutch culture.

Manhattan’s second-tallest skyscraper, One Vanderbilt, will debut at the end of 2020 at more than 1,400 feet. It will include an indoor-outdoor observation deck at 1,100 feet above street level, featuring stunning views of the nearby Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal below.

A museum honoring the athletic and social achievements of Brooklyn Dodgers star Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) is expected to open in 2019 in Lower Manhattan. The Jackie Robinson Museum will recount a historic moment in sports history when on April 15, 1947, Robinson took a major step for civil rights in breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

NIAGARA FALLS –The new Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is an experiential museum that reveals authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls. It is located in the former 1863 U.S. Customs House attached to the new Amtrak station.

PHILADELPHIA – A permanent Reconstruction-era exhibit, opening in spring 2019 at the National Constitution Center, is the first in the country devoted to exploring the constitutional legacy of the Reconstruction Amendments—the 13th, 14th and 15th—which ended slavery and promised equality to all Americans in the years after the Civil War. Come summer, a new theater performance dramatizes the Reconstruction era and ratification of the 14th Amendment.

The Independence Visitor Center, Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor center and the gateway to Independence National Historical Park, completes its $15 million improvement project in spring/summer 2019.

Fashion District Philadelphia, three city blocks transforming the old Gallery mall into a retail, dining and entertainment destination, opens in September 2019 with stores like Columbia, Forever 21, H&M, Levi’s, Polo Ralph Lauren and Skechers.

PITTSBURGH – The National Aviary has introduced the new multimedia free-flight show Amazing Amazon. Running twice daily in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone Theater, it highlights the world’s rainforests and the birds and wildlife native to these endangered habitats. The aviary’s Tropical Rainforest recently emerged from a $1.2 million renovation.

Virginia STATEWIDE – American Evolution is the name of Virginia’s 2019 commemoration marking the 400th anniversaries of North America’s first representative legislative assembly at Jamestown, the arrival of the first Africans in English North America and the recruitment of English women in significant numbers to the Virginia Colony. Special events and exhibitions are scheduled all year in many cities.

JAMESTOWN – TENACITY: Women in Jamestown and Early Virginia, a special year-long exhibition at Jamestown Settlement being staged as part of the state’s American Evolution commemoration, explores little-known personal stories of women (English, Indian and African) in the early Virginia colony. The Jamestown Settlement Exhibition Gallery is going through a $10.6 million refresh, with completion set for spring 2019.

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GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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WHERE TO GO

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Experience Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake from a unique perspective—the water. In the upcoming year, Wisp Resort and a local boat rental company are partnering up to take tour groups for a boat ride on Deep Creek Lake (weather permitting). After a day on the lake, groups can enjoy time in the quaint town of Oakland— nationally known as one of the best towns for fall foliage—and dine at one of the many restaurants opening their doors in 2019.

15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541 Jen Durben, 301-387-4386 jen@garrettchamber.com, www.deepcreekgroups.com

Ocean City CVB Whether you are looking for the perfect spot for a beach wedding or family vacation, Ocean City is your perfect bet, with 10 miles of pristine beach.

It has all kinds of options to suit your needs: luxury hotels, modern camping grounds, bed and breakfasts and a lot more. If you are the kind of person who enjoys water sports, then you are in for a treat—this beach offers the best of your imagination.

4001 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD 21842 Norma Dobrowolski, 800-626-2326 ndobrowolski@ococean.com, www.ococean.com

Visit Hagerstown Located in the crossroads of the Civil War, Washington County, Maryland is home to South Mountain State Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield and the July 1863 Battle of Hagerstown. Hagerstown’s Arts & Entertainment District is home to the Maryland Theatre, which offers year-round performances and events such as Maryland Symphony Orchestra concerts. The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, located in scenic City Park, boasts an outstanding permanent collection and an active schedule of exhibitions.

16 Public Square, Hagerstown, MD 21740 301-791-3246, info@visithagerstown.com www.visithagerstown.com

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Visit Montgomery County

Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau

Montgomery County, Maryland presents an endless array of art, entertainment, attractions and historical sites minutes from Washington, D.C. Admire old-fashioned vehicles at the National Capital Trolley Museum, tour home of Red Cross founder Clara Barton and enjoy a performance at the Music Center and Mansion at Strathmore. With over 50 hotels, Montgomery County can accommodate groups of any interest or budget.

The mountains and lakes of Upstate New York are welcoming to groups during all four seasons. Enjoy the region’s rugged beauty from the spectacular hiking trails of Adirondack Park or sail the open waters of Lake Champlain. The charming streets of Plattsburgh are brimming with art and culture; enjoy live music at the Strand Center Theatre, browse the 65 specialty shops in the Champlain Center or sample farm-fresh meals and craft beer in the downtown area.

1801 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, Rockville, MD 20852 240-641-6750, sales@visitmontgomery.com www.visitmontgomery.com

7061 Route 9 , Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Alyssa Senecal, 518-563-1000 alyssa@northcountrychamber.com www.goadirondack.com

Hudson County Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development

Lake George Area in NY's Adirondacks

This thriving county across the Hudson River from New York City features theater, shopping and dining options that rival the Big Apple. Walk in the shoes of Frank Sinatra at the Hoboken History Museum, admire the region’s street art on a Jersey City Mural Tour or take a short boat voyage to the Statue of Liberty. In the evening, indulge in authentic Cuban and Mexican cuisine in West New York or enjoy a puppet show at the Jersey City Theater Company.

Situated in upstate New York 50 miles north of Albany, the Lake George Area is easily accessible and a direct drive from New York City, Boston and Montreal. Enjoy a cruise on The Queen of American Lakes along 32mile-long Lake George; plan a scenic train ride along the mighty Hudson River; visit the iconic Lake George landmark Prospect Mountain for a beautiful 100-mile view; or seek thrills at Six Flags Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom amusement parks.

583 Newark Ave. , Jersey City, NJ 07306 Peggy Kelly, 201-459-2070 p.kelly@hcnj.us, www.visithudson.org

1340 State Route 9, Lake George, NY 12845 Tanya Brand, 518-761-6575 brandt@warrencountyny.gov, www.visitlakegeorge.com

Meet AC

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Offering high-rise resorts, extensive sandy beaches and entertainment for all ages, Atlantic City provides an unforgettable experience for every group. The Atlantic City Boardwalk is lined with beautiful beaches and seven major casinos, including Resorts Casino Hotel, Tropicana Casino and Resort, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Bally's Atlantic City and Showboat Hotel. To get away from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk, visit Sharrott Winery in Hammonton for a day of wine tasting and relaxing.

From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg, Virginia was the political, cultural and educational center of what was then the largest, most populous, and most influential of the American colonies. Relive what life was like for early settlers at America’s premier historic destination.

Explore the 301-acre town, browse world-class indoor museums and discover something new about the creation of America. Experience everything from live action in the Revolutionary City to modern art museums with an inclusive group package.

2314 Pacific Ave. , Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Heather Colache, 609-449-7151 hcolache@meetac.com, www.touratlanticcity.com

107 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Sheila Marsh, 800-228-8878, groupsales@cwf.org www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/grouptours

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Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership Learn about colonial practices and rich American history in the Fredericksburg region. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Located between Washington D.C. and Richmond, this area was center stage for significant historic events that shaped our nation’s history. Experience how colonial America once was and learn about the Civil War era while enjoying modern-day amenities.

Be whisked away to a land that will forever remain timeliness, right here within the Fredericksburg region.

706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Victoria Matthews, 800-260-3646 vamatthews@fredericksburgva.gov www.visitfred.com/groups-meetings

Virginia Beach CVB Famous for its iconic boardwalk, three distinct beaches, seafood, parks and waterways, Virginia Beach provides groups with the opportunity to experience all the city has to offer through customizable "Live the Life Adventures" in five categories. Groups can delight their taste buds with Culinary & Agriculture adventures, go behind the scenes with Arts & Culture, fly a WWII airplane with Military & History, kayak with dolphins through Outdoor & Eco-Adventures and reconnect during a Mind+Body+Spirit adventure.

2101 Parks Ave., Suite 500, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Jim Coggin, 757-385-6642 jcoggin@visitvirginiabeach.com www.visitvirginiabeach.com/groups/things-todo/live-the-life-adventures

Visit Fairfax County

3702 Pender Drive, Suite 420, Fairfax, VA 22030 Linda Horowitz, 703-752-9513 hlorowitz@fxva.com, www.fxva.com

Toronto

Buffalo New York

Cleveland Philadelphia Pittsburgh Baltimore

Dover

Columbus Washington, DC

OCEAN CITY

Richmond

800.626.2326

OCOCEAN.COM/GROUPTRAVEL

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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It’s hard to beat the natural beauty and historic attractions of Virginia’s Fairfax County. Groups won’t have a hard time finding things to do, which include museums and sprawling national parks. Visit Fairfax County will help you schedule special tours of Civil War sites and tastings at breweries. Spend time with family and friends at DC-area shopping destinations and local farmers’ markets. Arrive at Dulles International Airport and stay at the Westin Washington, just a short drive away.

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WHAT TO DO

The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton This place is for people from all walks of life who are interested in finding out about Ann Seton's life and discovering all the facts regarding her. A bunch of activities give you a thorough experience of the shrine. There is a 12-minute film for a brief introduction, and then there are 60-minute guided tours for those who are interested in a more detailed trip.

339 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Lissa Jungbluth, 301-447-6606 lissa.jungbluth@setonshrine.org, www.setonshrine.org

McCarter Theatre Center Located in Princeton, New Jersey, the McCarter Theatre Center champions award-winning shows that the whole group can enjoy. The theater collaborates with acclaimed playwrights and directors to bring something original to the stage every time. Book tickets to see shows like The Niceties, Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy and a host of musical talents in the coming season. Groups also have the potential to get educated in the arts at the theater’s interactive learning center.

91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540 Group Sales, 609-258-2787, groups@mccarter.org www.mccarter.org

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Atlantic City Ripley’s prime location on the Atlantic City Boardwalk is the only place your group can see the smallest car ever put into production, a roulette wheel made of jelly beans and halls full of optical illusions. The Odditorium features 14 themed galleries to explore, with everything from giant spiders made of scissors to shrunken heads behind every corner. The highlight of the Atlantic City location is the Lazer Maze challenge, where hundreds of laser beams block your route to the exit and flexibility is required to escape.

1441 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Group Sales, 609-347-2001, ripacac@aol.com www.ripleys.com/atlanticcity

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Adirondack Scenic Railroad With trains departing from two stations, visitors will be exposed to unique rail experiences at the Adirondack Scenic Railroad in New York State.

Embark on a culinary rail adventure on the Beer & Wine Train or the Soda Fountain Lunch Train from the Utica station. The Thendara station near Old Forge offers the Princess & Superheroes and Haunted History rides for those who crave action-packed entertainment. Continue the fun during the year on the Polar Express, Santa or Fall Foliage trains.

Groups of 25 or more may receive discounts.

321 Main St., Utica, NY 13501 Mark Piersma, 315-724-0700 development@adirondackrr.com, www.adirondackrr.com

Madison Square Garden/ Radio City Music Hall Calling all sports fanatics and music fans to Madison Square Garden, the “world’s most famous arena.” This $1.1 billion entertainment hub situated above Penn Station hosts concerts featuring Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Billy Joel, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and more, plus regularly sold-out New York Knicks basketball games. The Rockettes and other stars continue to shine at Radio City Music Hall throughout the season.

Book group tickets for a chance to see it all—you won’t want to miss the chance to see memories in the making.

2 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121 Group Sales, 212-465-6080, group.sales@msg.com www.msg.com and www.rockettes.com

Delaware & Ulster Railroad

National Baseball Hall of Fame

Embark on a leisurely excursion through New York’s Catskill Mountains on this historic locomotive. Round trips are 24 miles between Arkville and Roxbury and take approximately two hours to complete. Themed experiences include the Great Train Robbery (which includes a dramatic shootout between a team of deputies and the Catskills Bushwhackers and a Western-style barbecue) and Twilight on the Rails (an evening of live blues music aboard the train).

The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York invites lovers of America’s favorite pastime to explore baseball’s history through captivating installations. Visitors will go back in time to recall fascinating childhood memories and learn more about the sport that is now a “Field of Dreams” for aspiring players. Groups will also embark on in-depth tours of exhibitions complete with photo collages, restored artifacts and educational lessons—all of which take a look into baseball’s glorious past.

43510 State Hwy. 28, Arkville, NY 12406 Group Sales, 845-586-2929, tours@durr.org www.durr.org

Disney Theatrical Sales The Disney Theatrical Group offers the ultimate Broadway experience and excellent group rates for its slate of award-winning musicals. Experience the magic of smash hits such as Frozen, The Lion King and Aladdin.

Disney’s storytelling tradition, creative imagination, world-class talent and Broadway production values combine to create a one-of-a-kind experience like nothing your group has ever seen. Disney Theatrical Group’s sales department will create a customized experience to ensure your Broadway visit is unforgettable.

214 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036 Suzanne Gregory, 212-703-1040 dtg.group.sales@disney.com www.disneytheatricalsales.com

25 Main St., Cooperstown , NY 13326 June Dolhun, 607-547-0312 jdolhun@baseballhall.org, www.baseballhall.org

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square is where you will want to be when you visit the Big Apple.

The whole group will be mesmerized by the odd, bizarre and exotic at this attraction of more than 500 exhibits. Immerse yourself inside a black hole to take photos while pretending to submerge your head inside a cockroach-filled jar. Take a tour of Ripley’s comprehensive baseball exhibits or make your way through a colorful spinning vortex tunnel.

234 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036 Group Sales, 212-398-3133 groupsales@ripleysnewyork.com www.ripleysnewyork.com/nyc-group-discount-tickets

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MID-ATLANTIC REGION

American Music Theatre

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Enjoy an evening of live entertainment at American Music Theatre, located in central Pennsylvania on Route 30. Known for its “big-city production� filled with “small-town charm,� this group-friendly attraction performs award-winning classics yearround. For two decades, American Music Theatre has seen the best, from Grammy winners to Oscar legends. Book in time to see the theater’s yearly A Christmas Carol production, the most wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.

Dine and delight in lively shows at the Dutch Apple Theatre in the Amish Country of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For over 30 years, the Dutch Apple has served small and large groups seeking grand entertainment and mouthwatering meals. It hosts more than150,000 people a year. The theater seats 328 for shows like Annie, Camelot and Finding Neverland, all of which are scheduled for the 2019 season. Groups of at least 16 people receive special offers and discounts.

510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601 Jon Dahl, 717-898-1900 jdahl@dutchapple.com www.dutchapple.com

2425 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster, PA 17602 Meghan Young, 717-397-7700 sales@amtshows.com www.amtshows.com/groups

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Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial Pay tribute to all who sacrificed their lives on September 11 at Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pennsylvania. Groups can plan a variety of tours that will take them through the Visitor Center Complex, Memorial Groves walking trails and Memorial Plaza.

Each site is a reflective space with storytelling installations and natural scenery. Flight 93â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest and final component, called the Tower of Voices, is a 93-foot-tall monument with 40 chimes to honor the 40 passengers aboard during the terrorists attack on the American Airlines flight.

6424 Lincoln Hwy., Stoystown, PA 15563 Brooke Neel, 814-893-6322 brooke_neel@partner.nps.gov, www.flight93friends.org

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Bright Lights, Deep Roots and Never-Ending Action Ritzy high-rise casinos blend with family-friendly attractions, historical monuments and outdoor adventures, creating unparalleled entertainment for groups visiting Atlantic City

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he glitz and glam of the bustling Boardwalk and the deep heritage and traditions engage groups visiting Atlantic City. Located on the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, the city’s shimmering casinos and wide beaches offer the perfect backdrop for any group trip.

The Boardwalk and beaches of Atlantic City are famous and should not be missed when visiting the area. The renowned promenade was first built in 1870, undergoing many renditions throughout the years to become the historic icon it is today. Groups can stroll along the wooden boards, taking in the ocean on one side and rows of shops and restaurants on the other. Or head for the sandy shores for some water activities, including surfing, fishing and kayaking.

A waterfront attraction in Atlantic City that all groups should see is the Absecon Lighthouse. At 171 feet, it’s the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third tallest in the country. Groups can explore the historic, twoacre grounds or climb the 228 steps to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy beautiful views of the Jersey Shore.

Atlantic City is brimming with history and culture, with several attractions paying homage to both the city and the country’s past.

Groups can make their way to Brighton Park to see the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, an impressive sculpture dedicated to veterans

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

of the war, their proud service and the 822 New Jerseyans killed or missing in action. The Civil Rights Garden is a lovely public sculpture garden made up of 11 granite columns and inscribed sculptures related to the events and people of the civil rights movement.

Then make a visit to the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.

The museum boasts a collection of over 11,000 artifacts chronicling the African American experience in the 20th century. Groups can wander through permanent exhibits like Portraits of a People, showcasing decades-old portraits of an Atlantic City family, and check out some of the many rotating exhibitions.

Witness the creative process at work at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University.

The Arts Garage features more than 15 studios and shops, and groups can get a first-hand look at how the artists create their masterpieces. Many of the artists are available to answer questions, and most of their pieces are available for purchase.

Animal lovers and ocean enthusiasts will not want to miss the Atlantic City Aquarium.

Home to over 100 varieties of fish and marine life, the aquarium will keep groups entertained for hours. They will discover many exhibits with exotic sea creatures like the loggerhead sea turtle or the epaulette shark.

After leaving the aquarium, groups should spend some time exploring Gardner’s Basin.

This waterfront area features great shops, exhibits and restaurants where groups can grab a bite and watch the boats come and go from the inlet.

Atlantic City is known for its hip retail scene, with high-end boutiques to discounted brand-name outlets. Several top shops can be found on the Boardwalk, but there are many other stores to peruse at Tanger Outlets-The Walk, with more than 100 retail outlets, including H&M, Under Armour, Coach and Banana Republic.

It’s no surprise that Atlantic City is known for its casinos, and there are several for groups to experience. Play the penny slots at Bally’s Atlantic City, or head to the highstakes tables at Caesars at Atlantic City.

If gambling isn’t for your group, the casinos provide other entertainment options, including theater performances, concerts, chic lounges and bars, and relaxing spas. Not to mention some of the best dining options around.

With thrilling outdoor adventures, influential attractions and memorials, and a buzzing cultural scene, there’s no end to the fun and excitement your group can have in Atlantic City.

MEET AC

Heather Colache, Tourism Account Director hcolache@meetac.com, 609-449-7151 TourAtlanticCity.com

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OUR BOARDWALK A world of entertaining and exciting experiences awaits in Atlantic City. Up and down our world-famous Boardwalk, and throughout your entire Atlantic City stay, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll experience the ultimate in tax-free shopping,

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award-winning dining for every taste, fun amusements and great local attractions.

Atlantic City offers the perfect setting to experience an exciting getaway and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Atlantic City Expert Heather Colache is available at 609-449-7151 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced. Call today to book your Atlantic City Experience.

Meet AC received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

TourAtlanticCity.com

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WHAT TO DO

MID-ATLANTIC REGION

The Gettysburg Foundation

Pines Dinner Theatre

Quebec’s National Shrines

Remember one of America’s most famous battles at Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

Here, groups can tour the preserved battlefields that saw action during the Civil War in 1863. Exhibitions are dispersed throughout the Film and Museum Experience, Visitors Center and Cyclorama. You will also get a look at iconic monuments and statues of the nation’s brave soldiers, and learn about President Lincoln’s historic speech. Gettysburg Foundation provides discounts for groups of 16 plus.

This country-style playhouse offers hearty American meals and an entertaining variety of live musicals and comedies. Parties of 20 or more can receive a group package that includes a salad, bread, an entrée, coffee and dessert in addition to the show.

Upcoming productions include Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical, Around the Clock, Pump Boys and Dinettes and Clue: The Musical.

Bask in the beautiful architecture of Quebec’s National Shrines, a set of holy sites sprinkled throughout the gorgeous province. Among these religious sites are five churches that tell various biblical stories and host groups of all sizes. Visit Notre-Dame de Quebec, a symbol of Canada’s religious devotion, or the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, an ivory masterpiece that sees about one million visitors each year. Many of the shrines have walking trails for docent-led and self-guided tours.

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325 Lori Wright, 877-874-2478 lwright@gettysburgfoundation.org www.gettysburgfoundation.org/group-visits

448 N. 17th St., Allentown, PA 18104 610-433-2333, info@pinesdinnertheatre.com www.pinesdinnertheatre.com

412, boul. Saguenay Est, bureau 100 Chicoutimi, QC G7H 7Y8 Francois Jean Viel, 647-502-1161 francois@vielmarketing.com www.sanctuairesquebec.com

Rainbow's Comedy Playhouse One Liberty Observation Deck One Liberty Observation Deck welcomes guests from all over the world to see Philly like never before.

As Philadelphia’s tallest attraction, the Observation Deck will provide “Amazing” 360-degree views of Philadelphia and beyond, presenting a new view of “Philly From The Top”. The interactive environment teaches you about your view from every direction, providing a comprehensive multilingual educational experience in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and English.

1650 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 Diane Meglino, 215-845-4160 diane@phillyfromthetop.com, www.phillyfromthetop.com

Since 1984, Rainbow’s Comedy Playhouse in Paradise, Pennsylvania has brought Broadway shows to theater-goers. You’ll see comedies such as Funny Money, A Christmas to Remember and Divorce Southern Style. Groups will revel in the entertainment and feast on delectable meals from an all-you-can-eat buffet. Rainbow’s seats up to 300 people and provides space for motorcoach parking. Groups of 15 or more should call in advance and will receive a discounted offer.

3065 Lincoln Hwy. E., Paradise, PA 17562 Rachel Blauberg, 800-292-4301 sales@rainbowcomedy.com, www.rainbowcomedy.com

Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Take a journey of historic proportions at Jamestown Settlement and the new American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – two Virginia living-history museums that explore the story of America’s beginnings, from the founding of the first permanent English colony in 1607 to the Revolution and the establishment of a new nation almost two centuries later. Discover artifact-filled exhibition galleries and take part in activities in outdoor living-history areas to learn about life in the 17th and 18th centuries.

P.O. Box 1607, Williamsburg, VA 23187 Group Sales, 888-868-7593 sales@jyf.virginia.gov, www.historyisfun.org

Penn’s Peak

Mariposa Cruises

Penn’s Peak, known as “The Lehigh Valley and Pocono Mountains’ Premier Entertainment Venue,” awaits visitors from all over. This magnificent theater atop Pennsylvania’s breathtaking mountains offers group-friendly shows, concerts and other entertainment for audiences of up to 1,800. Marvel at the shows and grab a bite to eat at the venue’s restaurant and bar, named “Roadies” for all the travelers out there. In addition, Penn’s Peak has more than enough space to host your next special event.

Take your group on an excursion in Toronto Harbor with Mariposa Cruises. A popular attraction in one of Canada’s most visited cities, this luxury cruise line holds up to 560 guests and offers nearly every kind of boat tour you can imagine, from brunch and dinner cruises to fireworks celebrations and private charters.

You can also experience Mariposa on its public cruises or arrange group and FIT travel accommodations.

Tour operators and travel industry professionals are eligible for discounts.

325 Maury Rd., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 Deb Biege, 877-764-6328, dbiege@pennspeak.com www.pennspeak.com

Queen’s Quay Terminal, Toronto, ON M5J 1A7 Sue Vivanco, 416-203-0178, ext. 102 sue@mariposacruises.com, www.mariposacruises.com

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Find This Entire Directory Online At LeisureGroupTravel.com/gtd

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National Museum of the Marine Corps Established in 1979, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines – past, present, and future. Situated on 135 acres adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, the museum houses world-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology. It surrounds visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerses them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. The museum has undergone a major expansion, having completed construction and design on an additional 115,000 square feet of exhibit space.

18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle, VA 22172 Pauline Bonilla, 703-525-8861 theaterinfo@marineheritage.org www.marineheritage.org

BIG CITY SHOWS. SMALL TOWN CHARM. Located in the heart of Lancaster County, County American Music Theatre hosts more than 300 performances perfo f rmances each fo year on our incredible, state-of-the-art stage. Featuring high-quality, family-friendly original shows, our comfortable, convenient, and group-friendly theatre has something for everyone, including an unmatched ticket value, learning opportunities for students, nearby dining options, and plenty more.

Book your trip to AMT and see why we get a standing ovation from a quarter million guests each year.

The 2019 AMT Show: Ovation l May 1- October 4, 2019 The 2019 Christmas Show: Joy To The World l November 1-December 30, 2019

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

800-648-4102 | Sales@AMTshows.com 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA | AMTshows.com/Groups

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg, Virginia attracts audiences and artists from all around the U.S. Established in 1998, the theater has been a hub for musical and dramatic productions, presenting Broadway-quality musical theater production with a live orchestra. Indulge in local hospitality with crew members and actors hosting dinner tables. With plated meal servings and full bar service, your tour members will enjoy a fine dining experience.

95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Nancy Huffine, 540-370-4300, Ext. 214 groupsales@riversidedt.com, www.riversidedt.com/groups

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts Wolf Trap, an official partner of the National Park Service, provides both concerts and performances in a majestic natural setting, with over 100 performances across all genres every summer. Home to the architecturally stunning Filene Center and the charmingly intimate Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, the 117-acre park offers dining and hospitality amenities throughout the summer season and year-round recreational opportunities.

1645 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA 22182 Anne Janeski, 703-255-1851 groupsales@wolftrap.org, www.wolftrap.org

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GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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Colonial Williamsburg Enchants Groups with Glimpses of Early America The largest history museum in the world takes visitors back to the 18th century for an in-depth lesson in colonial America

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roups can easily spend a day at Colonial Williamsburg on Virginia’s eastern coast. On these magnificent 300-acre grounds, you will learn about the Revolutionary War and visit buildings reconstructed to preserve the history of the period. Begin your journey at the Historic Area, which will enlighten you on the daily lives of Virginians at the time. Here, you will find that colonial Virginians did everything with their hands, from manufacturing cabinets to binding books. Visitors will also experience baptism in the African-American community and tour John D. Rockefeller’s Bassett Hall, a farmhouse with exhibits of folk art from the 1930s onward.

At the Nation Builders exhibition, visitors will meet Americans who helped lead the nation during its beginnings. While names such as George Washington and James Madison might sound familiar, visitors will additionally get to meet monumental women, such as Edith Cumbo, one of the small number of free African-Americans during the 18th century, and revolutionary newspaperwoman Clementina Rind. Groups are invited to tour specific exhibitions and watch documentaries on these founders’ lives. When you complete this part of the visit, take your group on rounds of carriage rides for a relaxing break between exhibits.

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Other parts of Colonial Williamsburg include the area’s two fabulous art museums.

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, which opened 33 years ago, houses the largest collection of British ceramics anywhere outside Britain, plus the largest furniture displays in the world. Explore 15 galleries for a look at what tea parties and other fancy functions looked like in the 18th century. Marvel at the beautiful porcelain dishes imported from China and get a feel for 18th century clothing styles. In addition, the museum houses a Public Hospital from 1773. Displays of firearms are in a separate exhibition. Visitors can also experience educational activities or attend public talks in the evening.

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum allows you to take in some of America’s most cherished folk art pieces.

Most displays in this museum comprise folk paintings of American luminaries and Navajo blankets and tapestries. The museum pays special tribute to Mrs. Rockefeller, who started folk art in the 1920s, in the America’s Folk Art exhibit. Other exhibitions showcase German toys and paintings of American ships.

Music lovers will find 19th and 20th century instruments, such as fiddles, dulcimers and banjos.

Partake in Colonial Williamsburg’s evening

programs to revel in the attraction’s unique stories. Groups can book tickets to listen to Williamsburg’s oldest tales, observe the era’s most popular dancing techniques and watch sailors stand trial during the early 1700s.

One of the favorite evening activities is the haunted ghost walking tours, where you can learn about mysterious tales intertwined with romanticism and enemy feuds. Groups are encouraged to try the “Escape the King” challenge, in which you have an hour to escape your chamber before a British officer arrives.

Eat the way that 18th century Americans ate at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s restaurants. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern serves up American seafood dishes ranging from shrimp to crab cakes. Bond with your group over shared plates and beer at Chowning’s Tavern, which serves colonial favorites such as Welsh Rarebit, Brunswick Stew and Shepherd’s Pye. If you’re looking for more entertainment, the King’s Arms Tavern combines entertainment and comfort foods like roasted lamb and prime rib. Men dressed in 18th century garb are pleased to make your acquaintance.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Jennifer Witherspoon jwitherspoon@cwf.org, 757-565-8301 ColonialWilliamsburg.com

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YOU WANT TO SHOW THEM AMERICA.

START AT THE BEGINNING.

The past comes alive at the world’s largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg. Travel back in time to the 18th century, and experience the dawn of America. Learn how things were made, discover what the culture was all about and feel the passion of the people who turned a colony into a country.

Williamsburg, VA was ranked #6 in the Top 10 Student Travel Destinations

by SYTA

SPECIAL SAVINGS FOR GROUPS OF 15 OR MORE.

To begin planning your journey to the past, call 1-800-228-8878, groupsales@cwf.org, or colonialwilliamsburg.com/grouptours

F TAKE TIME TO GO BACK f © 201 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

1 -TIS-

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Virginia Beach: Where History and Fun Collide Beaches, boardwalk fun and wildlife can be found in this coastal city

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he historic city of Virginia Beach, Virginia is home to a thriving culinary scene, a variety of arts and entertainment options and numerous family-friendly attractions. Located in the Coastal Virginia region, Virginia Beach was once home to Native Americans until the establishment of Jamestown in 1607. With this rich history engrained in its soil, the city has evolved into a major tourism hub.

Historic Landmarks and Oceanfront Attractions Virginia Beach is famous for its iconic three-mile boardwalk and bustling beachfront resort area, but Virginia’s largest city boasts a total of three distinctive beaches (Resort, Chesapeake Bay and Sandbridge), 18,600 acres of parks and wildlife refuges, a thriving farming community and a lively metropolitan downtown.

The boardwalk is a 28-foot-wide marvel and features a separate bike path. Along the boardwalk resides a variety of outdoor restaurants and vendors offering bike and surrey rentals. Nautical sculptures adorn many of the side streets which lead to Atlantic Avenue. While there, don't forget to swing by and see King Neptune – a 24-foot, 12-ton bronze statue that stands at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park.

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has more than 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater displays as well as an outdoor aviary, nature trail and marshlands. It has hundreds of hands-on exhibits and a National Geographic 3-D Theater featuring a six-storyhigh screen. At Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium, take to the trees at the largest adventure course on the East Coast with 13 trails of zip lines and aerial rope obstacles soaring up to 40 feet in the air.

Visitors should also tour the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which serves as the entryway to Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse, located five miles northeast of Virginia Beach, is the first federally funded public works project of the U.S. government. Authorized by George Washington and dating back to 1792, the lighthouse guided sea travelers to safety for almost 100 years. The original lighthouse is open to the public and an unimpeded coastal view can be enjoyed from the 360-degree lantern room.

Groups of up to 12 can climb aboard with Pleasure House Oysters to tour its working oyster farm, learn the history of Virginia Beach’s famous Lynnhaven oysters and restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay, and sip the wine of their choice as they slurp bivalves straight from the water.

The fun continues through Cape Henry’s

2,888-acre First Landing State Park, where more than a million people hike, bike, swim and camp out every year. First Landing State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage. First Landing offers many recreational and educational activities and contains numerous intriguing habitats, including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest.

You don’t have to be an airplane aficionado to fly back in time at the Military Aviation Museum, home to aircrafts from both World Wars and one of the largest warbird collections in the world.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is set on 9,108 acres and is made up of barrier islands, dunes, marshes, maritime forests and ocean beaches. Established in 1938, more than 300 species call the park home, which affords some of the best bird-watching opportunities on the East Coast. Book a guided tour with Blue Goose Tram Tour through the refuge and False Cape State Park to the historic Wash Woods site.

VISIT VIRGINIA BEACH

Jim Coggin jcoggin@visitvirginiabeach.com, 757-284-9022 VisitVirginiaBeach.com

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SOUTHEAST

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INSIDE

Alabama

Georgia

STATEWIDE – Alabama celebrates its Bicentennial in 2019 with special events and commemorations. Also, three attractions will celebrate their 50th anniversary. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Huntsville will recognize the Apollo 11 moon mission. The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio turns 50 with memories of its major contribution to the music scene.

Talladega Superspeedway has been bringing 50 years of NASCAR racing to fans of racing.

SAVANNAH – The Owens-Thomas House through conservation and preservation efforts has reinterpreted the history of the home in a more thoughtful and holistic way.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta History Museum will open the 23,000-square-foot Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama in 2019, the new home of the Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama painting.

Arkansas FORT SMITH – The new modern art mural trail features the 30 murals that have been done since the inception of the annual Unexpected Project. The United States Marshals Museum is on schedule to open in fall 2019.

HOPE – Klipsch Museum of Audio History tells the story of the Klipsch Company and founder Paul Klipsch, an audio pioneer.

Florida ORLANDO – New attractions are coming to area theme parks in 2019; Star Wars Land and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Harry Potter Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Tigris at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have varying opening dates.

MIAMI – Norwegian Cruise Line will have a new high-design terminal in November 2019 to host the Norwegian Encore ship. Royal Caribbean is investing more than $200 million on its new terminal housing the Symphony of the Seas. Brightline, the nation’s only privately owned and operated high-speed intercity passenger rail service, eliminates traffic snarls by connecting West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and downtown Miami. Plans are in the works for service to Orlando and Tampa.

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Kentucky LOUISVILLE – The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center opened in August 2018 at the Frazier History Museum. Louisville will welcome ABA Marketplace January 26-29, 2019 to the expanded Kentucky International Convention Center.

STATEWIDE – Bourbon distilleries continue to proliferate, providing a significant addition to the Kentucky tourism product. More than a dozen new or expanded distilleries and breweries opened or will open in 2018 and 2019.

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From trails to roller coasters to entertainment and art murals, there is plenty that’s new in the Southeast U.S., with more to come in 2019

U.S. Marshals Museum, Fort Smith, Arkansas

Louisiana

South Carolina

NEW ORLEANS – On view at New Orleans Museum of Art through August 2019 are two current exhibitions – Ear to the Ground: Earth and Element in Contemporary Art and Mildred Thompson: Against the Grain. On view from March 15-June 2, 2019 will be Keith Sonnier: Until Today.

CHARLESTON – The South Carolina Historical Society Museum opened in September 2018 after a $6.8 million renovation to the building.

MYRTLE BEACH – Topgolf opened in December 2018. Frontier Airlines is now servicing Myrtle Beach from Denver, Long Island and Trenton. The Asher Theatre is the area’s newest live performance venue, featuring Disney and Vegas-style shows in an environment similar to the Cotton Club.

STATEWIDE – Travel South Showcase is coming to South Carolina February 24-27, 2019.

Host city Myrtle Beach will feature four City Tours, while operators will have two South Carolina pre-Showcase FAM opportunities.

Mississippi JACKSON – The new Mississippi Writers Trail honors the state’s rich literary history.

Similar to the state’s Blues Trail, Country Music Trail and Freedom Trail, the Mississippi Writers Trail will pay tribute to the state’s most acclaimed and influential writers.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

WILMINGTON AREA – In the wake of Hurricane Florence, most hotels, attractions and restaurants in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are open and welcoming visitors. Many of the area’s signature attractions, including the Riverwalk, Battleship North Carolina, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher experienced minimal damage.

CONCORD – The Mustang Owner’s Museum is on schedule to open in April.

OUTER BANKS – The renovated Visitor Center at the Wright Brothers National Memorial reopened in October 2018. New exhibits tell more of the story about Orville and Wilbur, their time at Kitty Hawk and other people who were involved. The Visitor Center itself is a National Historic Landmark.

PIGEON FORGE – Dolly Parton has chosen the Smoky Mountains as the site for her second Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. An original musical score by Parton and Mark Brymer add to the experience. The legendary Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group’s Pirates Revenge Dinner and Show sails into Pigeon Forge in summer 2019. Brand new technology is being designed for a show that includes a retractable stage. Dollywood has announced the theme park’s largest expansion ever. Set to open in 2019, the five-acre Wildwood Grove will have 11 new experiences, including six rides.

NASHVILLE – The NEW Tennessee State Museum, one of the largest of its kind in the United States, opened in October 2018 with presentations of art, furniture, textiles, and photography from the museum’s extensive collections.

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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North Carolina

Tennessee

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WHERE TO GO

SOUTHEAST REGION

Greater Birmingham CVB

Visit Dothan

Little Rock CVB

Birmingham has a storied history that is still on display today, from vaudeville-era theaters to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which features richly detailed exhibits that reveal slices of life in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present. The city also boasts an impressive cuisine scene, featuring award-winning chefs and the hottest up-and-coming talent that offer new twists on Southern classics, downhome soul food and European-inspired creations.

See agriculture, a Tuskegee airman, a singing cowboy and a wild riot. Prep your taste buds because you’re in for a treat. Enjoy fresh, local and Southern themes at home-grown eateries. Dothan, Alabama’s unique attractions allow you to taste test pure cane syrup and experience art and culture. Visit Dothan during its largest and most anticipated event of the year, the National Peanut Festival. Over 30 hotels will accommodate your stay.

Arkansas' capital city is a vibrant, growing, historic center that is just brimming with a host of events and festivals year-round. Check out a performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, relive history at the Clinton Presidential Center, encourage young minds at the Museum of Discovery or explore the food truck scene. Stroll through the many charming districts that offer stunning architecture, delicious cuisine and excellent opportunities to pick up local handicrafts.

220 Ninth Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 Sara Hamlin, 800-458-8085 shamlin@inbirmingham.com, www.inbirmingham.com

3311 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan AL, 36303 Katie Parrish, 334-794-6622 katie@visitdothan.com, www.visitdothan.com

101 S. Spring St., Little Rock, AR 72201 Kiki Mannear, 501-370-3230 kmannear@littlerock.com, www.littlerock.com

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Brimming with spectacular accommodations, awardwinning restaurants, amazing events, Southern hospitality and sugar-white sand beaches, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are situated along the Alabama Gulf Coast and feature an abundance of unique attractions, including championship golf, nature trails and water sports. The area’s beaches stretch 32 miles and are made almost entirely of quartz grains washed down from the Appalachian Mountains. Groups can explore Native American and fishing history at Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum or spend a day at Gulf State Park.

3459 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Amy Peralta, 251-974-4621, aperalta@gulfshores.com www.gulfshores.com

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Centrally located, Arkansas is a beautiful, affordable destination for group tours. It’s an easy drive from neighboring Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma. Once you arrive you will find many reasons why the Natural State works well as a group travel destination. Immerse yourself in art, history and culture in museums or get away from it all on tranquil trails and secluded lakes.

Exciting sample itineraries are available.

1 Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201 Jessica Ledbetter, 501-682-1219 jessica.ledbetter@arkansas.gov www.arkansasgrouptravel.com

Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel In Southwest Florida, warm gulf waters and clear blue skies surround visitors seeking to relax or enjoy nature’s offerings. Find seashells on miles of whitesand beaches or venture away from shore for fishing and water sports, like kayaking around Sanibel and the barrier islands. Activities also abound on land as protected coastlines, mangrove estuaries, inland pine forests and preserved islands invite guests to explore, while eclectic art galleries can be found across the islands.

2201 Second St., Suite 600, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Candice Cocco, 239-338-3500 ccocco@leegov.com, www.fortmyers-sanibel.com

Experience Kissimmee Huntsville/Madison County CVB

Fort Smith CVB

Visitors will find a slew of things to do in this Alabama area that has been nicknamed The Rocket City for its close association with U.S. space missions. Huntsville is home to the largest space museum in the world: the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, as well as an impressive arts and entertainment district. Huntsville also offers numerous spas, shops and a multitude of sites where visitors can stretch their legs and enjoy the great outdoors.

Fort Smith, Arkansas, has been described as “Where the New South Meets the Old West.” This frontier border town embraces its colorful heritage with historic attractions like the Fort Smith Museum of History and Miss Laura’s Visitors Center, which was once a famous Western bordello. With prior arrangements, groups can enjoy Miss Laura giving a tour of the famous establishment. The U.S. Marshals Museum will open in late 2019, honoring the 230-year history of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agency.

500 Church St. NW, Ste. 1, Huntsville, AL 35801 Pam Williams, 256-551-2204 pam@huntsville.org, www.huntsville.org

2 N. B St., Fort Smith, AR 72901 Carolyn Joyce, 800-637-1477 tourism@fortsmith.org, www.fortsmith.org

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

While Kissimmee, Florida is known as the Gateway to the Everglades, it is also closely located to such world-class resorts as SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, where families can enjoy countless hours of enjoyment. Another popular spot is the city’s Old Town, which enables visitors to stroll through 18 acres of beautiful tree-lined brick streets and peruse more than 70 affordable shops and restaurants. Towering more than 86 feet, Old Town’s iconic Ferris wheel offers spectacular views of Orlando and Kissimmee.

215 Celebration Place, Ste. 200, Kissimmee, FL 34747 Jadeine Shives, 407-569-4855 jshives@experiencekissimmee.com www.experiencekissimmee.com/reunions

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Drop by for a buffet BBQ lunch, some sweet tea, and you may be called “honey” or “darlin”! Don’t fret we don’t mean any disrespect, we are just glad you are here for a bit. JoCo has a wealth of day trip and overnight itineraries for your group including museums, outlet shopping, and Live @ The Rudy, a group favorite. Contact us or visit johnstoncountync.org/groups

1-800-441-7829

Visitor Center 234 Venture Drive Smithfield, NC 27577

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WHERE TO GO

St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra & the Beaches VCB Old World charm, culinary delights and a vibrant beach culture abound in northeastern Florida’s favorite vacation destination. For a relaxing getaway that offers the chance to experience some of America’s best waterfront, there is truly no place like this impeccable stretch of Atlantic coastline with 42 miles of beaches.

The charming, pedestrian-only streets of St. Augustine are perfect for shopping or enjoying some of the best cuisine in the Sunshine State.

29 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084 Evelyn Vazquez, 904-209-4431 evazquez@floridashistoriccoast.com www.floridashistoriccoast.com

ATL Airport District Just 10 minutes away from Atlanta, the ATL Airport District is home to everything big—from the world’s busiest airport to the second largest convention center in the state. Settling in is a breeze, as visitors can choose from several world-class hotels that total over 8,000 hotel rooms. Go the historic route and explore the area’s notable transportation museums and cultural centers. Or, take in the shopping scene and choose from over 100 stores. Whatever you do, don’t forget to indulge in authentic Southern cuisine.

2077 Convention Center Concourse, Suite 260 College Park, GA 30337 Todd Neal, 404-334-7505, tneal@atldistrict.com www.atldistrict.com

SOUTHEAST REGION

Visit Savannah

Natchitoches CVB

Savannah, Georgia may very well be one of the most picturesque destinations in all of America. With tree-lined cobblestone streets shadowed by towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, along with horsedrawn carriages guiding visitors down the narrow lanes, Savannah’s Southern charm and cuisine make this a perfect getaway. Visitor favorites include trips to the American Prohibition Museum and Savannah African Art Museum, riverboat cruises and exploring the stunning architecture in historic downtown.

Located in Central Louisiana, Natchitoches is the setting for the film Steel Magnolias. Here in the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, you’ll find the original French colony. Established in 1714, Natchitoches retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle. At the heart of this National Historic District lies Front Street, a brick thoroughfare where restaurants and shops are set along the Cane River Lake. Tour Fort St. Jean Baptiste, a replica of the 1732 French colonial fort.

101 E. Bay St.,Savannah, GA 31401 Mindy Shea, 912-644-6419, mshea@visitsavannah.com www.visitsavannah.com

Lebanon Tourism & Convention Commission Genuine charm. Inspiring serenity. The mere absence of hustle and bustle. That’s what your groups will experience when they journey to the Commonwealth’s heartland. For a slice of Americana that’s piled high with bourbon distilleries, Civil War history, one-of-a-kind small-town shopping and the ultimate in comfort food dining, bring your travelers to Lebanon – the Heart of Kentucky. Their first time won’t be their last time.

239 N. Spalding Ave., Suite 200, Lebanon, KY 40033 Group Sales, 270-692-0021, info@visitlebanonky.com www.visitlebanonky.com

Jefferson Parish Macon-Bibb County CVB Known as “The Heart of Georgia,” Macon is a true gem in the American South, and there is so much to love, from the beautiful streets and tasty cuisine to the rich history and musical roots. An ideal destination for group travel, Macon and Bibb County offer a variety of tours perfect for any itinerary. Learn more about the rock and roll history of Macon with a “Rock ’n’ Roll Stroll” tour or take a guided van tour to check out everything that makes Macon special.

450 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Macon, GA 31201 Steven Fulbright, 478-743-1074, Ext. 110 sfulbright@visitmacon.org, www.visitmacon.org

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Nestled next to New Orleans, Jefferson Parish sprawls over 60 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Its communities comprise historic homes, fishing piers, Mississippi River views and marshland. Enjoy a local fair or festival, celebrate at a Mardi Gras parade, taste delicious authentic Louisiana cuisine and shop the retail capital of Louisiana. Rich in culture and steeped in tradition, Jefferson Parish is waiting to be explored.

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 411 New Orleans, LA 70123 Angela Matherne, 504-731-7083, Ext. 209 angela@visitjeffersonparish.com www.visitjeffersonparish.com

780 Front St., Suite 100, Natchitoches, LA 71457 Kelly West, 800-259-1714, groups@natchitoches.com www.natchitoches.com/group-tours

New Orleans & Company Colors, music, costumes, and fanfare – the sights and sounds of New Orleans are festive year-round in this city whose heartbeat is influenced by the vibrant culture of Mardi Gras. Explore the charming French Quarter, dine on Cajun and Creole cuisine, and enjoy festivals and events for every season. Visitors will love the newly launched Riverboat City cruises, with jazz and Mardi Gras-themed outings that are sure to create incredible memories to last a lifetime.

2020 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130 Thu Tran, 504-566-5053, ttran@neworleans.com www.neworleans.com

St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission Where do you go to get away from it all in Louisiana?

Head to the state’s Northshore region, which has grown into a bustling community with a flourishing restaurant scene, lots of family-friendly attractions and plenty of ways to experience the great outdoors.

In St. Tammany Parish, visitors can enjoy boat tours in the diverse ecosystems – and maybe even spot a gator or wild boar. Shop in a variety of upscale boutiques, take classes in Cajun dance and cooking or go brewery hopping to sip on some local favorites.

68099 Hwy. 59, Mandeville, LA 70433 Tanya Leader, 800-634-9443 tanya@louisiananorthshore.com www.louisiananorthshore.com/groups

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Create a space of curiosity and discovery.

Engage using the wonders of science.

Inspire with the help of a word-class planetarium and three-level aquarium.

Looking for an unforgettable field trip or group activity? Book a thrilling day of adventure and exploration at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only planetarium, aquarium and science museum.

Explore at frostscience.org/groupsales. To plan your group visit, please contact 305-434-9564 or email groupsales@frostscience.org.

1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

@FROSTSCIENCE

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of MiamiDade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Frost Science is an accessible facility. All contents ŠPhillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. All rights reserved.

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WHERE TO GO

Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission “The Most Cajun Place on Earth” will bring joie de vivre to your next Louisiana group vacation. Located just south of Lafayette, the parish is populated by stately mansions and welcoming locals who will encourage your group members to adopt a slower Southern pace.

Taste the world's largest omelette at the Giant Omelette Celebration, learn colonial French history at several museums or tour a hundred-year-old church.

1905 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Abbeville, LA 70510 Alison Miller, 337-898-6600 director@vermilion.org, www.mostcajun.com

SOUTHEAST REGION

Visit Jackson

Visit NC Smokies

Jackson is a great destination for a relaxed getaway, with 29 unique museums and attractions, over 300 restaurants, hundreds of fun festivals, three historic cultural districts and thriving nightlife. Highlights include the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (which honors the brave men and women who fought for racial equality), the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (which celebrates the state’s biodiversity) and the Eudora Welty House and Garden (the former home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist).

The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and home to over 46 miles of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Haywood County is the ideal place for groups to have an authentic Appalachian experience.

Whether your group prefers to explore a variety of hiking trails, settle in for a farm-to-table meal or browse boutiques in the county’s many charming towns, Haywood County can tailor an unforgettable North Carolina visit.

111 E. Capitol St., Suite 102, Jackson, MS 39201 Mary Current, 601-960-1891 mcurrent@visitjackson.com, www.visitjackson.com

DeSoto County Tourism

Fayetteville Area CVB

Just miles from Memphis but with all the charm of small-town America, DeSoto County, Mississippi provides the perfect setting for your next group tour.

Plan to attend an event at the Landers Center (which hosts everything from monster truck rallies to hockey games), spend an afternoon at the 100 stores at Tanger Outlets or indulge in some Memphis-style barbecue.

With over 40 hotels of varying sizes and levels of luxury, planning a trip to DeSoto County is easy.

Come experience Fayetteville, North Carolina, a place where history and heroes create a fun-filled adventure.

Cumberland County offers amazing opportunities to explore and revel in action-packed adventures. Stroll through the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, which is filled with exotic fauna and detailed model trains. History buffs will want to linger in the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, which chronicles the contributions of these specialized soldiers from World War II to the present.

4716 Pepperchase Drive, Southaven, MS 38671 Margaret Devine, 662-393-8770 mdevine@visitdesotocounty.com www.visitdesotocounty.com

245 Person St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 Jessica Bennett, 910-483-5311 jbennett@visitfayettevillenc.com www.visitfayettevillenc.com

Ridgeland Tourism Commission This city on the Natchez Trace offers discerning travelers an unexpected melding of outdoor adventure and upscale architecture. This spring, the Art, Ride and Wine Weekend will include beautiful crafts by local artisans, tastings by boutique wineries and Mississippi’s annual tandem rally, which showcases some of the state’s best trails. Also coming this spring is the Canton Flea Market, one of the largest outdoor craft markets in the South. Make the most of the holiday shopping season at the Chimneyville Crafts Festival and Wrap-it in Ridgeland.

1000 Highland Colony Pkwy., Suite 6006 Ridgeland, MS 39157 • Mina Thorgeson 601-605-5252, mina@visitridgeland.com www.visitridgeland.com

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Johnston County Visitors Bureau Conveniently located where I-95 and I-40 meet, Johnston County, North Carolina is home to heritage attractions like the Bentonville Civil War Battleground, Ava Gardner Museum, Tobacco Farm Life Museum and Uptown Selma Antiques. Shoppers will delight in over 95 retail outlets such as Coach, Ralph Lauren and Nike at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield.

After dinner, enjoy a Branson-style revue at the American Music Jubilee Theatre in Selma.

234 Venture Drive, Smithfield, NC 27577 Sarah Campbell, 919-989-8687 scampbell@johnstoncountync.org www.johnstoncountync.org/grouptours

1110 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751 Ben Wilder, 800-334-9036, ben@visitncsmokies.com www.visitncsmokies.com

Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism Take your groups to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for a memorable Smoky Mountains experience. Take in thrilling attractions along the Parkway. Discover more than 300 shopping adventures, exciting entertainment including over 20 live production shows, and extensive dining choices. Reconnect with nature in nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pigeon Forge offers a wide variety of lodging choices, from name-brand hotels to cabins and condos, allowing everyone in your group to have a good time.

P.O. Box 1390, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Group Sales, 865-453-8574 groupsales@mypigeonforge.com www.mypigeonforge.com

Find This Entire Directory Online At LeisureGroupTravel.com/gtd

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Waylon’s Way is your group’s backstage look at those defiant years, with stories and songs from Carter and Barny Robertson, who played and sang alongside Waylon Jennings—the country music pacesetter, dreamer, and singer who fronted the Waylors. From the tour bus to the studio and stage, this program transports audiences to the 1970s, to the Outlaw scene in Tennessee, Texas, and in-between.

DO IT WAYLON’S WAY. BOOK YOUR GROUP TODAY.

#PressPlayRecord • @CountryMusicHOF • Downtown Nashville CountryMusicHallofFame.org/Groups • 800.852.6437

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GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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WHAT TO DO

300,000 REASONS With over 20 festivals and events throughout the year, like the International Cherry Blossom Festival, boasting over 300,000 cherry blossom trees, it’s no wonder Macon is the Festival Capital of Georgia.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Outlets of Little Rock

Enjoy 65 acres of year-round floral pageantry in a Southern estate garden. Bellingrath Gardens and Home, located on the Fowl River near Mobile, Alabama, opened to the public in 1932. The site is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens feature live oaks, camelias, azaleas, roses and chrysanthemums year-round. The gardens celebrate the Christmas season with a display of more than 3 million lights in 13 themed spaces around the estate.

The only outlet shopping center in Arkansas features notable brand names such as Banana Republic, Levi’s, Nike and H&M. Other stores include footwear retailers (Converse, New Balance, Skechers) and home furnishings options (Kitchen Collection, Le Creuset, Uniq).

Located southwest of downtown at the I-30 and I-430 interchange, the complex is convenient to the Hilton Garden Inn West Little Rock and La Quinta Inn & Suites of West Little Rock. The elegant figure-eight design allows groups to browse through storefronts with ease.

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore, AL 36582 Shanna Bennett, 800-247-8420, Ext. 986 sbennett@bellingrath.org, www.bellingrath.org

11201 Bass Pro Pkwy., Little Rock, AR 72210 Teresa Deen, 501-707-3065 tours@outletsoflittlerock.com www.outletsoflittlerock.com

Celebrate with us at

VisitMacon.org 800.768.3401 sfulbright@visitmacon.org

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Alabama’s official railroad museum is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and operation of historically significant railroad equipment. The museum features operating standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, an indoor collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia and an outdoor collection of railroad cars, locomotives and cabooses. Heart of Dixie also offers themed excursion trains throughout the year such as the Santa Special, Superhero Express and Wild West Day. 1919 Ninth St., Calera, AL 35040 Cheryl White, 205-668-3435 tickets@hodrrm.org, www.hodrrm.org

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

SOUTHEAST REGION

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art Prepare to be dazzled by glittering jewelry, perfectly formed pottery, impeccable paintings and glass works, and so much more at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida. It is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including pieces from inside his impressive estate. Group tours led by experienced docents are a great way to get the most out of a visit to this stunning museum.

445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 Kris Steele, 407-645-5311, Ext. 312 ksteele@morsemuseum.org www.morsemuseum.org/plan-your-visit

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Merlin Entertainments/ Madame Tussauds Orlando

Since 1982, more than 800,000 students, teachers and families have attended Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Through simulated astronaut training and missions to the moon and Mars, Space Camp trainees learn the challenges of space exploration and the teamwork it takes to reach for the stars. Guests can also learn about NASA’s current plans to travel to Mars along with Huntsville’s history of developing rockets that put man on the moon.

Where else can you shake hands with the president, jump on stage with a pop idol, or take a selfie with your favorite actor? At Madame Tussauds in Orlando, hundreds of wax figures seemingly come to life, welcoming visitors who are looking to get up close and personal with some of their favorites. The museum recently took things up a notch with the unveiling of its most interactive exhibit to date: Justice League™: A Call for Heroes – don’t miss out on this experience of a lifetime.

1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Tom White, 256-721-7124 tom.white@spacecamp.com, www.spacecamp.com

8387 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 Greg Dotson, 407-270-8634 greg.dotson@merlinentertainments.biz www.madametussauds.com/orlando

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Enjoy 65 acres of year-round floral pageantry in a Southern estate garden.

251.973.2217 bellingrath.org

$2 off adult combo ticket Limit 4 admissions per coupon. Not valid with other discounts. Not valid during Magic Christmas in Lights.

When’s the last time you saw enough stars to make your own constellation?

Your first time won’t be your last time.

It’s the inspiring serenity that gives our town a certain something that other places just can’t quite capture. For enchanted evenings filled with bourbon, history, shopping and dining, go to visitlebanonky.com.

Leisure Group Travel Directory

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GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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WHAT TO DO

SOUTHEAST REGION

National Naval Aviation Museum

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Audubon Nature Institute

Take flight at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida – the largest of its kind in the world.

A visit is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the country’s rich history of naval aviation through more than 150 impeccably restored aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss the chance to test their air-to-air combat or stunt-flying skills in either of the two flight simulators – a totally unique experience made possible by 360-degree, pitch-and-roll technology.

This one-of-a-kind surf shop will create lifelong memories for your group. At 52,000 square feet, Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach proudly claims the title of World's Largest Surf Shop. The shop is open 24 hours so visitors are able to go with the flow and grab a souvenir at a time that’s most convenient for them.

Student performance groups can showcase their talents in the shop’s Performance in Excellence program.

Celebrate the power of the world’s ecosystems in New Orleans at the Audubon Nature Institute, where a zoo, aquarium, nature center, insectarium, and a variety of parks and centers make up an array of engaging and interactive opportunities to explore the world in which we live. Through April 2019, check out the aquarium’s spectacular exhibit Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, which is designed to educate a global audience about the threat that plastic pollution poses for the world’s oceans and waterways.

1750 Radford Blvd., Suite B, NAS Pensacola, FL 32505 Diane Bell, 850-453-2025 dbell@navalaviationmuseum.org www.navalaviationmuseum.org

4151 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Tracey Gray, 321-799-8880, Ext. 1048 traceyg@rjss.com, www.ronjonsurfshop.com

6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70118 Wallis Windsor, 504-212-5151 air@auduboninstitute.org www.audubonnatureinstitute.org/groups-field-trips

Ark Encounter Palm Beach Outlets This 440,000-square-foot outlet shopping center in West Palm Beach, Florida offers group tours of 15 or more a free coupon book filled with valuable discounts. Stores at Palm Beach Outlets include Abaco, Adidas, Calvin Klein, The Beef Jerky Outlet, Chico’s Outlet, Crocs, DKNY, Hurley, Nordstrom Rack and Steve Madden. After a morning of shopping, groups can stop for a bite at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse or Tobu Oriental Eatery.

1751 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Pamela Rada, 561-5154405tours@palmbeachoutlets.com www.palmbeachoutlets.com

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Spend a day of discovery at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami’s only planetarium, aquarium and science museum. From the fascinating science behind vibrant ecosystems to the miraculous human body and mind, a dazzling world of discovery awaits within each of the permanent and special exhibitions. Open 365 days a year. Special pricing offered when booking a group of 10 or more. Plan your group visit at frostscience.org/groups or email groupsales@frostscience.org.

1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132 Vanessa Herrero, 305-434-9600 groupsales@frostscience.org, www.frostscience.org

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Did you know that northern Kentucky is home to a life-sized replica of Noah's Ark and that it’s the largest timber-frame structure in the world? At the Ark Encounter, visitors are treated to an experience unlike any other as they learn how Noah and his family might have lived and how they cared for the animals. They also will marvel at the craftsmanship of the impressive ark. A zoo, zip line and restaurant help make the Ark Encounter, just south of Cincinnati, a perfect day trip or paired as part of a larger tour.

1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, KY 41097 Eddie Lutz, 888-582-4253, ext. 377 elutz@arkencounter.com, www.arkencounter.com

GRAMMY Museum Mississippi Opened in 2016 and located on the campus of Delta State University, the Grammy Museum Mississippi spotlights the contributions of musicians to American culture. Your group can explore 27,000 square feet of exhibit space that features “In the Studio” (an interactive area that places you right in the middle of a recording session) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame Gallery. Current exhibits explore the genius of iconic musicians like Michael Jackson and John Coltrane.

800 W. Sunflower Rd., Cleveland, MS 38732 662-441-0100, boxoffice@grammymuseumms.org www.grammymuseumms.org

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum & Museum of Mississippi History

Based in the heart of Kentucky, the Bluegrass Railroad Museum takes groups on historic rail excursions through the state. Embark on a 90-minute, 11-mile train ride to see sprawling horse farms and the glistening Kentucky River. Each ride stops at the nearly 130-year-old Young’s High Bridge, where visitors may take photos. Inside the museum, discover frictionbearing trains and the stones used to construct Kentucky’s first railroad. Groups will also find a Morse code-generating telegraph and interactive exhibitions that illustrate rail innovations from past to present.

The new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum houses eight galleries that focus on the state’s role in the civil rights movement from 1945 to 1976. Each gallery features interactive exhibits, artifacts and stories told by participants. Groups from 10 to 200 receive discounted admission, and lunches can be arranged in the museum’s cafe. The adjacent Museum of Mississippi History houses hundreds of artifacts in exhibits that explore the state’s native Choctaw people, history of slavery and contributions to modern industry.

175 Beasley Rd., Versailles, KY 40383 John Penfield, 859-873-2476 john_m_penfield@yahoo.com, www.bluegrassrailroad.com

222 North St., Jackson, MS 39201 Justin Ellis, 601-576-6776, jellis@mdah.ms.gov www.museumofmshistory.com www.mscivilrightsmuseum.com

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Welcome to a place that makes more memories.

Bring your group to a place that creates ear-to-ear smiles.

A destination with more shows, more arts and crafts, more shopping, more exciting attractions, and more mountain views. A town filled with fun for everyone, every age. Welcome to a detour from the ordinary.

PigeonForgeTours.com 1-800-285-7557 â&#x20AC;°

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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WHAT TO DO

SOUTHEAST REGION

Asheville Outlets

Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Idyllically situated just off of Highway I-26, Asheville Outlets in Asheville, North Carolina offers groups the option to reserve its free daily shopping shuttle for area hotels, convention locations and local attractions.

Stores include Abercrombie and Fitch, Dillard’s Clearance, Coach Outlet, Levi’s Outlet Store and Vineyard Vines Outlet. Asheville Outlets hosts events like the Wine & Jazz Fest, which showcases North Carolina musicians and wine-growers, and food truck and craft beer festivals. This is the only major retail center within 80 miles.

Ever seen a theater show in a barn? Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre in Nashville offers groups the perfect opportunity to spend an evening at the second oldest dinner theater in the country. Named a top 20 Nashville attraction, Chaffin’s is celebrating its next 50 years by putting on a variety of shows. Dine at the barn and then enjoy light-hearted family favorites or festive holiday shows. Groups of 12 or more will receive discounts.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad offers an interactive, historical experience that will add an extra dimension to your visit to Chattanooga. Take a trip back in time to a slower-paced era when railroad travel was a way of life. Relive the romance of the rails when vintage trains provided an escape from the everyday routine.

Aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad, you will ride a rolling time machine providing the sights and sounds of yesteryear.

4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421 Brent Lambert, 423-894-8028, lambert@tvrail.com www.tvrail.com

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800 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806 Tammy Cox, 828-333-6282 tours@shopashevilleoutlets.com www.shopashevilleoutlets.com

8204 Hwy. 100, Nashville, TN 37221 David Greer, 615-715-3925 david@chaffinsbarntheatre.com www.chaffinsbarntheatre.com

WHERE TO STAY

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens The Billy Graham Library The Billy Graham Library honors the famed American evangelist by telling the story of his life. Located in Graham’s birthplace of Charlotte, North Carolina, the library features interactive exhibits that preserve Gospel messages he spread to the world for over 70 years. Inside the 40,000-square-foot, barn-shaped house, tour Graham’s childhood home, participate in seasonal activities and observe multimedia displays.

A beautiful memorial garden completes the 20-acre grounds. Admission is free, so come just as you are.

Wander through the majestic Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, one of Nashville’s most luxurious attractions.

This 1930s Georgian-style estate covers 55 acres of gorgeous botanical gardens that house picnic grounds and mini-trains that pass through model villages.

Tour the mansion to view diverse art collections of international paintings, sculptures and porcelain objects. Other exhibitions pay tribute to Mabel and Leslie Cheek, the estate’s original owners. Group rates are available for 15 or more visitors.

1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205 Amanda Bjorklund, 615-353-6971 abjorklund@cheekwood.org www.cheekwood.org/visit/group-tours

4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217 Sonya Johnson, 704-401-3200 libraryevents@bgea.org, www.billygrahamlibrary.org

Hilton Birmingham at UAB Located in the heart of downtown, Hilton Birmingham at UAB puts visitors within walking distance of the Five Points area and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The hotel allows guests to unwind with an outdoor pool, a leisure area with fire pits and two restaurants with al fresco dining. Those seeking an active stay can utilize the hotel’s fitness room, business center and 17,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

808 20th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35205 Hope Pintado, 205-933-9000, hope.pintado@hilton.com birmingham.doubletree.com

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum NarroWay Productions Considered the “Broadway of Christian Entertainment,” NarroWay is a dinner theater that promotes wholesome Christian entertainment with extraordinary productions. The company’s major 2019 productions will include The Gospel According to Tennessee, The Fourth Cross, Geronimo, Samson and Lord of Light. NarroWay also produces mystery theater shows throughout the year where guests try to guess “whodunit.”

3327 Hwy. 51, Fort Mill, SC 29715 Adaiah Paul, 803-802-2300 fun@narroway.net, www.narroway.net

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

America’s most comprehensive archive of country music history is a must-see for groups. At CMHOF, groups celebrate country music from its roots to modern adaptations and learn about the influencers who shaped the genre. Group tours are customizable, and groups can add special exhibits and programs to their itinerary for a more enriching experience.

CMHOF’s current major exhibit, Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s, showcases the most compelling names from that era and will continue to capture groups’ attention until 2021.

222 Fifth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 Brad Henton, 615-416-2001 bhenton@countrymusichalloffame.org www.countrymusichalloffame.org

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort At Harrah’s Cherokee Resort it’s all about fun, play, eat and stay. The casino features an incredible 150,000 feet of table games like blackjack, roulette, craps and more of your slot favorites. Stay overnight at the 21-story hotel set against the backdrop of the beautiful western North Carolina mountains. Over 1,100 guest rooms provide breathtaking views. Twelve onsite restaurants tempt any palate, and the Ultra Star multi-entertainment center features bowling, billiards and an expansive arcade.

777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719 Beverly Web, 877-778-8138 bwebb@harrahs.com, www.harrahs.com

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History, Heroes and a Hometown Feeling A passionate love of country, respect for American traditions and genuine hospitality impress visitors to Fayetteville, North Carolina

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patriotic spirit and the friendly feel of a true hometown captivate groups touring Fayetteville, a history-filled city at the head of the Cape Fear River in southeastern North Carolina. The community is proud of it role in America’s story and honors the sacrifices made by our military heroes.

North Carolina Veterans Park in downtown Fayetteville is dedicated to veterans from all five branches of the military, with walking paths leading past monuments, water features and sculptures. Military history videos are shown in the visitor center, which has a chandelier made of 33,500 dog tags.

A highlight of any Fayetteville-area visit is a guided tour of Fort Bragg, the world’s largest airborne facility and one of the U.S. Army’s most important installations. Your group will see the headquarters of the Golden Knights parachute team and visit the JFK Special Warfare Museum and 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum.

Optional experiences include a parachute packing exercise and a Golden Knights video with question-and-answer session. Your group can arrange a lunch on post that includes dining with true American heroes.

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum, one of Fayetteville’s top sights, features rare aircraft, artifacts and life-size

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

dioramas depicting this special sector of the Armed Forces, covering historical periods from World War II to the Vietnam era to the ongoing war on terrorism. A 24-seat motion simulator places guests in the midst of parachute jumps. There’s also a large-screen movie theater.

Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex sheds light on regional history with two floors of exhibits, remains of an arsenal destroyed in the Civil War and the 1897 Poe House, the late-Victorian home of a wealthy businessman.

Out of the dozens of U.S. cities and counties named after the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, Fayetteville, North Carolina was the first. The carriage in which he traveled to Fayetteville 42 years after the city’s founding in 1783 is on display at the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Armory & Museum.

The past also comes alive at Heritage Square, a collection of three historic properties owned and maintained by the Fayetteville Women’s Club. Groups can arrange a catered dinner hosted by the club and tour the Sandford House, built in 1800; the Oval Ballroom, a freestanding single room built in 1818; and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House, constructed in 1804.

To enjoy the area’s natural beauty, take your group to Cape Fear Botanical Garden, which boasts blooms year-round. Enjoy a selfguided tour or explore with a docent along nature trails skirting waterways and steep ravines. The grounds include a gazebo, natural amphitheater and an 1800s farmhouse and tobacco barn.

For some outdoor action, consider ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure, which has eight ziplines and three canopy sky bridges. Your group will learn about the flora and fauna around Carver’s Falls while flying high above the forest floor.

Group-friendly restaurants also abound.

Your travelers can load up on barbecue, fried chicken and other Southern specialties at Fred Chason’s Grandson’s Restaurant. For something more upscale, schedule a dinner at Hilltop House, a restaurant occupying a 1910 home in the Haymont Historic District.

Heaping helpings of Southern hospitality, along with natural and historical treasures, keep groups coming back to Fayetteville, North Carolina, “America’s Hometown.”

FAYETTEVILLE AREA CVB

Jessica Bennett, Tourism Sales Manager jbennett@visitfayettevillenc.com, 888-98-HEROES VisitFayettvilleNC.com

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Deep Culture, Civil Rights Past and Contemporary Vibes Culture, history and cosmopolitan charm combine to deliver an educational and engaging experience for groups visiting the ATL Airport District

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he ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau offers one of the most convenient destinations for groups seeking new experiences. Just minutes from downtown Atlanta, the District has some unique assets that help set it apart from everyone else. The District offers more than 8,000 leading brand hotel rooms, including award-winning hotels from limited service to full service – many providing free breakfast and transportation to and from the airport. In addition to saving more than 30 percent on accommodation costs compared to downtown Atlanta, the District also features unique shops, local breweries and restaurants, and a thriving culture of its very own.

While in the District, groups can visit the Porsche Experience Center (PEC). The PEC offers an amazing experience for sports car enthusiasts that includes a test drive track, museum and a restaurant and lounge. Groups can also visit the Chick-fil-A home office.

Nestled in an 80-acre wooded campus full of beautiful landscaping and trails, the Chick-filA Backstage Tour includes the Chick-fil-A museum, photo opportunities, classic car display, and an appetizing test kitchen. As the largest hub to Delta Air Lines, the District serves as home to The Delta Flight Museum.

The museum collects, preserves, and shares aviation history and technology through

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

aircraft, collections and artifacts of Delta and more than 40 family airlines. Additionally, opening fall 2019 is the Gateway Center @ College Park, a new multi-purpose arena that will function as a sports and entertainment venue located just minutes away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The arena will seat up to 5,000 attendees for concerts and will also be home to the Atlanta Hawks G League developmental basketball games.

The District is only 10 miles from a variety of exciting attractions found in downtown Atlanta such as the CNN World Headquarters, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park. Groups can also visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which takes you on a journey through the American Civil Rights and Global Human Rights movements. The museum connects the events of the civil rights movement to the current battle for human rights. Each gallery features engaging and powerful imagery and interactive displays portraying the struggles of the people who fought to change the tapestry of U.S. civil rights.

Two hometown heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Jimmy Carter, also have centers dedicated to their lives’ work.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change was established

by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Its mission is to ensure that Dr. King’s legacy lives on, remains relevant and is leveraged for positive change in today’s world. Groups can take a self-guided tour around the park, admiring the monuments erected in Dr. King’s memory.

And the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum offers a unique experience to visitors through immersive exhibits to learn more about Jimmy Carter, his presidency and his extensive human rights work around the world. Or if art is your thing, treat yourself to a renowned collection of classic and contemporary works at the High Museum of Art, considered the leading art museum in the southeastern U.S. Stroll through more than 15,000 works of arts, the many visiting exhibitions, or take in pieces from the permanent collections of photography, decorative arts and design, folk and self-taught art and African art.

Monuments to the past sprinkled amid exceptional attractions give groups visiting the ATL Airport District a variety of things to do to keep them all very entertained. The District is connected to everything you want to do, and convenient to everything you could need.

ATL AIRPORT DISTRICT CVB Todd Neal, Senior Sales Manager tneal@ATLdistrict.com, 404-334-7505 ATLdistrict.com

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SOUTHWEST Immersive NASA history, contemporary art and culinary adventures enhance group itineraries

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INSIDE

Texas

Oklahoma

DALLAS—Adjacent to the Texas Rangers’ future home, Texas Live! is a new 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex that includes pizza, barbecue and taco dining options in addition to a concert stage and dozens of screens to catch Texas sports. Part of the $55 million renovation of Toyota Stadium, the new National Soccer Hall of Fame features virtual reality, gesture technology and interactive digital video boards throughout to celebrate the players, veterans and builders of American soccer. The venue will also host Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

HOUSTON— Space Center Houston is restoring the historic Mission Control Center by consulting with NASA historians and collecting furnishings, books, notes and coffee mugs to recreate the room as it appeared in 1969.

In 2019, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston will complete the construction of the new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, which will feature two floors of gallery exhibition space, a theater, café, meeting space and a restaurant.

SAN ANTONIO—The Joker Wild Card, a 17-story pendulum ride and one of the tallest theme park attractions in the world, will debut at Six Flags Fiesta Texas for the 2019 season.

OKLAHOMA CITY— The new six-acre Sanctuary Asia expansion opened at the Oklahoma City Zoo in August 2018, creating an expansive environment where endangered animals from the continent can thrive. Animals include Indian elephants, Komodo dragons and cassowary birds, and a two-story building features private event space and a restaurant with expansive views. Also new is the Oklahoma City Streetcar, which links major attractions in the downtown area across 22 stops.

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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New Mexico

Arizona

ALBUQUERQUE— New Mexico’s popular Turquoise Museum has relocated to the former Gertrude Zachary Castle in downtown Albuquerque.

The new museum features exhibits including the science and geology of turquoise; turquoise mining; turquoise around the world and hundreds of examples of turquoise jewelry.

There is also a new research library, a café and a flower shop on site.

PHOENIX— Phoenix’s newest dining collective—the Churchill—opened in the summer of 2018 and houses 10 local businesses in an industrial-style food hall. Dining options include Provecho (which specializes in Central Mexican cuisine), Freak Brothers Pizza (which completes oven-baked Neapolitan-style pies in 90 seconds) and Pobrecito (which crafts tropical cocktails made with agave and cane spirits). Visitors to the Musical Instrument Museum will be welcomed by the new Northwest Coast and Plateau exhibit, which showcases a totem pole and box drum set that Native Americans use to communicate with the spirit world through song and dance.

TUCSON— The new City Park has opened on Congress Street in downtown Tucson. This multi-use complex houses a food hall, two restaurants, an entertainment venue with a bowling alley and a pinball arcade, a bar, a private event space and connecting ground-floor patios across five floors. Also new in 2018 was the Ignite Sign Art Museum, which houses over 250 clocks, signs and advertisements. The 7,000-square-foot museum also hosts events and classes on sign-painting, neon and other topics in addition to rotating exhibitions.

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GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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Miami Oklahoma CVB

Arizona Renaissance Festival

With more than 500 hotel rooms along Route 66 and Interstate 44, Miami, Oklahoma offers more than enough room for groups. Let the Miami Area CVB assist you with booking hotels and scheduling tours of historic sites. Included in its long list of attractions are nine Native American tribal lands, rodeo round-ups, casinos, shows at the Colman Theatre and seasonal festivals. Visitors can also embark on a downtown tour and visit the Dobson Museum, which preserves Native American artifacts.

Celebrate 31 years of magical moments at the 2019 Arizona Renaissance Festival. Filled with castles, sports and treasures, the 30-acre King’s Village invites groups to partake in 16th century fun. The Exclusive Pleasure Fest allows groups to feast like royalty on tables embellished in rich drapery and ornate silverware. Travel back in time with activities including jousting and 14 comedy stages. The festival team customizes tour packages and offers discounts for tour planners who book groups of at least 15 people. Join the fun on Saturdays & Sundays, February 9-March 31, 2019. Huzzah!

111 N. Main St., Miami, OK 74354 Sherry Spillers, 918-542-4435, sspillers@miamiokla.net www.visitmiamiok.com

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

‰ WHAT TO DO

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‰

‰ WHERE TO GO

12601 E. U.S. Hwy. 60, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 Group Sales, 520-463-2600, tickets@renfestinfo.com arizona.renfestinfo.com

Oklahoma City CVB

Dallas Summer Musicals

Oklahoma City has plenty of hustle without all the hassle. OKC offers all of the culture, cuisine, attractions and amenities you’d expect in a modern metropolis.

And with its rugged Western past, working stockyards and title as “Horse Show Capital of the World,” it’s rich in cowboy culture as well. From treasure-filled museums to fun and funky festivals, outdoor recreation to loads of shopping and so much more, there is much to discover in Oklahoma City.

Dallas Summer Musicals produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theater with performances in the North Texas area. Classics like Phantom of the Opera and Hello, Dolly! are presented along with modern masterpieces such as Hamilton and Dear Evan Hanson in iconic venues like Music Hall at Fair Park. Groups of 10 or more receive a 15 percent discount, while groups of 35 or more receive at 20 percent discount.

123 Park Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Sandy Price, 405-297-8913, sprice@visitokc.com www.visitokc.com

909 First Ave., Dallas, TX 75210 214-691-7200, groups@dallassummermusicals.org www.dallassummermusicals.org

Pearland CVB

Galveston Railroad Museum

If your group includes bird enthusiasts, shopaholics, food lovers or culture vultures, Pearland can quench their desires with care and affection characteristic of Texas. Experience rich heritage commodities like the Gulf of Mexico, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad depot and Old Settlers Cemetery, plus the New Sri Meenakshi Temple. Enjoy a variety of cuisines along with live music from local artists. Bask in the outdoors via a range of alfresco dining options. Price-friendly hotels.

Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, the Galveston Railroad Museum tells the story of the city's railroading past. A vast collection of locomotives, freight and passenger cars are on display, including two Santa Fe Warbonnets. Model train displays amaze visitors. All of the museum's buildings provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the history of Texas's railroads and the role they played in helping to shape the state and country as a whole. Come enjoy our seasonal train rides.

11200 Broadway St., Suite 1390, Pearland, TX 77584 Kim Sinistore, 281-997-5970, pearlandcvb@pearlandtx.gov www.visitpearland.com

2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX 77550 Jennifer Kelso, 409-765-5700, rrjen@sbcglobal.net www.galvestonrrmuseum.com

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conquer something

new

Ever dreamed of taking on a class II-IV whitewater rapids course in the middle of a city? Then hop in a kayak or raft and hit the water at OKC RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures, as the gleaming buildings of Oklahoma City gaze down on the action.

Prefer a slower pace? Stand-up paddleboarding and flatwater kayaking are waiting for you right next door on the river.

Whatever your speed, you’ll soon discover that our range of water sport attractions isn’t just new. It’s OKC new.

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MIDWEST

New museums and other attractions highlight the tourism scene

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INSIDE

Illinois CHICAGO – The Chicago Blues Museum opens in 2019 with interactive displays, tributes to local legends, and a performance lounge and restaurant. Plans are in the works for the National Museum of Gospel Music, a $37.2 million project expected to open in September 2020 in Bronzeville, an African-American neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The proposed site was once occupied by Pilgrim Baptist Church, known as the birthplace of gospel.

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) has moved into a new home fronting the Chicago River, just above the dock for the popular Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. Its dramatic Skyscape Gallery features a permanent exhibit on skyscrapers in Chicago and around the world. Hamilton: The Exhibition, an extension of the hit Broadway musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, will debut April 6, 2019, at Northerly Island on Chicago’s lakefront. Taking visitors into the life and times of Alexander Hamilton, the 360-degree, immersive exhibit will feature an audio tour narrated by Miranda and a mix of lighting, sound, multimedia, music and historical artifacts.

JOLIET – The castle-like Old Joliet Prison now offers hour-long tours on specific days of the week. Built of Joliet limestone in 1858 and closed in 2002, it was featured in the movie The Blue Brothers. The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum, set to open in 2019 in downtown Joliet, will honor and celebrate the musical contributions of Illinois to the world.

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Minnesota EAGAN – The Minnesota Vikings Museum has opened at the football team’s training facility in Eagan.

Featuring a 360-degree video theater, interactive exhibits and hundreds of artifacts, it chronicles significant moments in franchise history.

ST. PAUL – The Bell Museum, Minnesota’s official natural history museum, has opened a new $79.2 million facility on the campus of the University of Minnesota. At the heart of the building is a 120-seat digital planetarium surrounded by high-tech exhibits and the museum’s renowned wildlife dioramas.

Keg and Case West 7th Market is a new culinary and retail marketplace located on the grounds of the former Schmidt Brewery, which started brewing beer in 1855. Businesses include Clutch Brewing Co., Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, Bogart’s Doughnut Co., Sweet Science Ice Cream and Green Bee Juicery. Outside, a bustling park is the backdrop for music, pop-up markets and events.

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Missouri

Ohio

ST. LOUIS ¬– The Museum at the Gateway Arch opened in summer 2018 as part of the four-year project that has transformed the grounds of the riverfront’s Gateway Arch National Park. Oversized murals and jumbo digital maps tell the story of America’s westward expansion and the role St. Louis played. The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station will open in fall 2019 in the historic Union Station building and will be located in space under the massive steel train shed, a former shopping mall. It will feature thousands of aquatic species from the rivers and oceans of the world, including one of the Midwest’s largest collections of sharks. Other components of the new family entertainment complex will be the St. Louis Wheel, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel.

COLUMBUS – The new National Veterans Memorial & Museum is the first and only national museum in the United States dedicated to honoring veterans. The tribute to the sacrifices of servicemen and women and their families is told through photos, letters and personal effects, multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits. The museum and surrounding Memorial Grove occupy a site overlooking the Scioto River with views of the downtown skyline.

Wisconsin MANITOWOC – The recently opened Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center offers farm tours and interactive exhibits exploring how cheese, fruits, vegetables and other crops are produced. Besides educational displays and hands-on learning opportunities, the complex includes a Birthing Barn where visitors can watch calves being born and a cafe and country store featuring Wisconsin products.

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GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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WHERE TO GO

MIDWEST REGION

Chicago Southland

Visit Lake County

Adventures abound in Chicago Southland. Representing 63 municipalities, this bustling area is never short on group-friendly activities. Students will revel in performance opportunities and interactive activities, and they can witness the making of glass art at the Lotton Art Glass Gallery. Reflect on biblical teachings at the deeply moving Shrine of Christ’s Passion. Exciting equestrian competitions take place at HITS Chicago – Balmoral Park, while the brand new Accelerate Indoor Speedway and Events awaits go-kart lovers.

The shores of Lake Michigan sit right at the doorstep of Lake County, Illinois, where the outdoors await. Visitors can soak up the sun along the lake and go for a dip in its cool waters or experience adventure on land by grabbing bikes or hiking boots and hitting the trails for a chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife and the gorgeous foliage that changes with the seasons. And if that wasn’t enough, Lake County offers a flourishing arts and entertainment scene that welcomes Broadwaycaliber shows year around.

2304 173rd St., Lansing, IL 60438 Tobie Fitzpatrick, 888-895-3211 grouptour@visitchicagosouthland.com www.tourchicagosouthland.com

5465 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031 Jayne Nordstrom, 800-525-3669 jayne@lakecounty.org, www.visitlakecounty.org

Ottawa Visitors Center The first Lincoln-Douglas senate debate was held in Ottawa’s historic Washington Square on August 21, 1858, and visitors can walk in the footsteps of these iconic politicians in this charming Illinois city. Located two hours from Chicago along the Illinois River, Ottawa features many group-friendly attractions, including the historic Reddick Mansion, Tangled Roots Brewing Company and the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum.

1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL 61350 Donna Reynolds, 815-434-2737 director@pickusottawail.com, www.pickusottawail.com

Visit Champaign County Food has always played an important role in bringing people together, and Champaign County has truly embraced a culture based around amazing cuisine. In fact, this central Illinois county was recently recognized as Midwest Living's Greatest Midwest Food Town!

Groups can indulge in local delights like cheese, beer and nearly anything made with the region’s flourishing corn crop by booking tours at local favorites including Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery and Riggs Beer Company, where they can enjoy fresh goat cheese and gelato or sip on a nice cold local brew.

17 E. Taylor St., Champaign, IL 61820 Caitlyn Floyd, 217-351-4133 caitlynf@visitchampaigncounty.org www.visitchampaigncounty.org/groups

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Visit McHenry County In McHenry County, every season offers the perfect reason to plan group travel to this charming corner of northern Illinois that is filled with reasons to explore, eat and take in some of the local culture. Attractions such as the Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique", Richardson Adventure Farm, the Historic District and two state parks are just a few of the captivating stops perfect for any group itinerary. And whether visitors want to sleep under the stars or enjoy a night in five-star accommodations, McHenry County offers plenty of great places to rest your head.

11879 E. Main St., Huntley, IL 60142 Kristine Austin, 815-893-6280 sales@visitmchenrycounty.com www.visitmchenrycounty.com

Dearborn County Convention, Visitor & Tourism Bureau Southeast Indiana is the perfect place to play for tour groups. Garden centers, artists, farms, wetlands area, a brewery and feed mill offer one-of-a-kind group experiences and hands-on fun. Shop for vintage goods or crafts at an antique market. Stroll through historic mansions and museums. Enjoy live casino action.

The Dearborn County Convention, Visitor & Tourism Bureau offers group tour marketing support to tour operators and group leaders scheduling a visit.

320 Walnut St., Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 Sally McWilliams, 812-265-6999 smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com www.toursoutheastindiana.com

Harrison County CVB Caves & caverns, history & heritage, food & wine – the list of what makes Indiana’s Harrison County an ideal group travel destination is nearly endless. One of the most unique draws of the region is the vast cave system located right beneath the ground where visitors can take guided tours year around and explore natural structures dating all the way back to the Ice Age. Afterwards, cavers can head above ground and pay a visit to any one of the local wineries or microbreweries for a tasty treat.

310 N. Elm St., Corydon, IN 47112 Stacy Pirtle, 888-738-2137, stacyp@thisisindiana.org www.thisisindiana.org

Amish Country of Northern Indiana

Catch Des Moines

Take a break from the daily grind and experience the classic culture of Amish Country in Northern Indiana.

The region is comprised of seven unique and charming towns each with its own special character, and all offer an interesting mix of old and new. Dine at Indiana’s largest restaurant, Das Dutchman Essenhaus, for a true taste of Amish classics, check out the vibrant quilt gardens of over one million blooms or explore the Heritage Trail and the many incredible festivals happening year-round. Visitors will feel right at home taking in the sights and sounds of Amish Country.

Des Moines provides the perfect opportunity for you to meet up with friends and family for an unforgettable vacation. There’s plenty to do in Iowa’s capital, whether you’re watching a Cirque du Soleil show or touring the area’s plethora of breweries. Groups can embark on Adventureland’s jaw-dropping rides and get a taste of the city’s best produce at August’s Iowa State Fair. To add to the excitement, you will score motorcoach parking at several conveniently located hotels and receive assistance with customizing your group package.

219 Caravan Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514 Sonya Nash, 574-903-1148 sonya@amishcountry.org, www.amishcountrytours.org

400 Locust St., Suite 265, Des Moines, IA 50309 Katie Stien, 515-699-3432 katies@catchdesmoines.com, www.catchdesmoines.com

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Discover Harrison County’s Rich History With an extensive history and a vast collection of caves and wineries, Indiana’s Harrison County is a great place to explore

H

istoric Corydon and Harrison County, located in Southern Indiana, are ideal getaways for those seeking to learn about the state’s history, explore impressive caves, or simply enjoy the area’s many wineries, shopping districts, makers and musicians.

Visitors to Corydon can explore the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, where in 1816, 43 delegates met to draft the first state constitution. Much of their work was done under the shade of a large elm tree. The trunk of the tree, now known as “Constitution Elm,” is still standing.

Corydon, a National Historic District, features shopping and restaurants as well as Indiana’s only Civil War battlefield. The city

is also home to the Zimmerman Art Glass Factory, where guests can watch beautiful glass pieces being made right before their eyes. The White House Candy Company is a family-owned candy and gourmet popcorn shop located in an elegantly renovated early 1900 home. Visitors will find a variety of products, such as gourmet popcorn, chocolates, fudge, candied nuts, bulk candy and gift baskets.

Southern Indiana has earned a reputation for its excellent wineries, and one of the best is Corydon’s Turtle Run Winery, where walking through the front door puts you in the tasting room with the proud owners behind the bar. Turtle Run is part of the Upland Wine Region, with nine wineries across several

Southern Indiana counties welcoming groups to their tasting rooms.

The Binkley Cave System near Corydon is home to Indiana Caverns. Here, groups can embark on a walking tour and boat ride that descends 110 feet underground and includes stunning waterfalls and underground mountains. Squire Boone Caverns in Mauckport is an attraction that consists of a one-hour walking tour into the caverns and is also home to a working pioneer village and grist mill.

HARRISON COUNTY CVB

Stacy Pirtle, Director of Sales & Visitor Services stacyp@thisisindiana.org, 812-734-0065 ThisIsIndiana.org

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WHERE TO GO

MIDWEST REGION

Cedar Falls Tourism

Visit Mason City

Branson/Lakes Area CVB

There is no shortage of group attractions in Cedar Falls, located in Iowa’s Black Hawk County. During your stay, you will taste fresh produce at local restaurants and farms, and observe how it’s all cultivated. Tour historic museums to see early transportation models, the music of the state, military tributes and more. More adventures await downtown, which is filled with charming shops and lively festivals.

With all hundreds of options in mind, the Cedar Falls Tourism group will build tour itineraries catered to your guests’ interests.

Mason City is a must for groups looking to visit the central Midwest. Once an English settlement, this northern Iowa destination has adopted Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School style of architecture and is home to important moments in music history. The Visit Mason City CVB will help you create a group experience filled with entertainment. Whether it’s a round of mini-golf, a day at the motor speedway or an evening at the city’s performing arts center, you are sure to have an amazing time.

Broadway isn’t the only U.S. destination serving up shows worthy of a standing ovation. In Branson, Missouri, the music and entertainment scene thrives in a wholesome environment that provides a perfect getaway for all ages. Groups can enjoy musical theater, country music concerts, magic shows and performances made just for kids. And there’s more – check out a giant ship replica at the Titanic Museum or hit the hiking trails to get some fresh air and explore the gorgeous scenery of southwestern Missouri.

2021 Fourth St. S.W., Mason City, IA 50401 Lindsey James, 800-423-5724 ljames@visitmasoncityiowa.com www.visitmasoncityiowa.com

269 State Hwy. 248, Branson, MO 65616 Lenni Neimeyer, 417-243-2105 lneimeyer@bransoncvb.com www.explorebranson.com

6510 Hudson Rd., Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Becky Wagner, 800-845-1955 becky.wagner@cedarfallstourism.org www.cedarfallstourism.org

Dubuque CVB Dubuque, Iowa is filled with a rich culture that is worth exploring. The Dubuque CVB is here to tailor your upcoming trip to your needs with itineraries that include artistic tours, live music and outdoor fun.

Take in views of the scenic Mississippi River, go on a shopping spree and try your luck at any of the area’s vibrant casinos. The outdoors also await, as the city provides the ideal backdrop for bike rides near the river and through state parks.

300 Main St., Suite 120, Dubuque, IA 52001 Whitney Sanger, 563-845-7698 wsanger@traveldubuque.com, www.traveldubuque.com

Iowa Group Travel Association Need help planning a trip out to one of the Midwest’s best? The Iowa Group Travel Association has got you covered. This highly qualified team will use its expertise to guarantee a great time. Spend a day at museums honoring Herbert Hoover and Glenn Miller, or you can enjoy Prairie Meadows race track. Visit the American Gothic House or dine with the group at the Bloomsbury Farm. Your tour planners will connect you to Iowa’s CVBs and assist with getting affordable rates.

4122 98th St., Urbandale, IA 50322 Amanda Streeper, 641-420-9003 info@iowagrouptravel.org, www.iowagrouptravel.org

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Waterloo CVB

Explore St. Louis

Waterloo, Iowa welcomes groups to create lasting memories. The Waterloo CVB will arrange for you to tour attractions like the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum and John Deere assembly plants. The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum commemorates the nation’s protectors, while the Waterloo Community Playhouse offers popular theater shows. Dine and tour the Galleria de Paco, a downtown restaurant that resembles the Sistine Chapel. Included in a long list of affordable hotels is a new Courtyard by Marriott, only a few minutes away from all the fun.

St. Louis offers so much more than a famous arch.

The Gateway to the West is bursting with museums, restaurants and culture just waiting for your group to savor. Be sure to stop by Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and site of the 1904 Summer Olympics. Its nearly 1,400 acres includes the St. Louis Art Museum, the Turtle Park sculpture garden and the free St. Louis Zoo.

500 Jefferson St., Waterloo, IA 50701 Annette Freeseman, 800-728-8431 annette@travelwaterloo.com, www.travelwaterloo.com

South Haven/Van Buren County CVB

701 Convention Plaza, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63101 Renee Eichelberger, CTP, CTIS, 800-916-9314 reichelberger@explorestlouis.com www.explorestlouis.com/groups-reunions

Greater Saint Charles CVB

Experience the majestic shores of Lake Michigan from the town of South Haven, where a charming and laidback atmosphere will make any group feel right at home.

Outdoor adventure is plentiful year around, whether it’s boating in the lake or hitting any of the countless local trails. Plan tasting trips to over 20 of the best wineries in Michigan or head inland to Van Buren County, where picturesque villages like Paw Paw offer group travelers the perfect hub to Southwest Michigan attractions.

Nestled in the historic Missouri River Valley and located 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Saint Charles is a city of charm and tradition perfect for group outings.

The Historic Main Street District is a 10-block nationally registered historic site with over 100 shops and 25 restaurants. Within the district are the First State Capitol Building, Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center and the Foundry Art Centre. For a fine arts experience, Lindenwood University hosts touring plays and concerts as well as its own student productions.

206 E. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079 April Garcia, 269-657-5395 pawpawareachamber@gmail.com www.stayinpawpaw.org

230 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301 Greg Maxon, 636-255-6104 gmaxon@historicstcharles.com www.discoverstcharles.com

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Rejoice • Relive • Reconnect

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the best way to get a glimpse of African American and African cultural experiences in one day!

The Wright Museum offers interactive traditional tours that promise to tantalize, educate, and entertain both your group and you!

Group Sales Contact Information: (313) 494-5808 • www.TheWright.org 315 East Warren Avenue • Detroit, MI 48201-1443

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WHERE TO GO

Jefferson City CVB

Visit Independence

With a skyline that includes the majestic Missouri River and Missouri State Capitol, “America’s Most Beautiful Small Town” boasts beautiful nature and history. Groups can stop by Lewis & Clark Trailhead Plaza to learn about the duo’s expedition to the Pacific, browse the charming storefronts on High Street and discover Missouri’s natural history at the Runge Nature Center. Be sure to arrange a State Capitol tour to admire the murals of Thomas Hart Benton and explore the Missouri State Museum.

Blaze the same trails as the pioneers did hundreds of years ago when they traveled over land on the Oregon Trail and experience the Midwest gem that is Independence, Missouri. History buffs will fall in love with the seemingly endless array of activities, including the Pioneer Trail that highlights the important monuments of the city, the sites that played a key role in the life of Independence native and former President Harry S. Truman, and the extensive array of information available at the Midwest Genealogy Center.

700 E. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65101 Jordan Rowles, 573-632-2820 jordan@visitjeffersoncity.com www.visitjeffersoncity.com

112 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64050 Kelsey Mortimer, 816-325-7816 kmortimer@indepmo.org www.visitindependence.com/things-to-do/visitorcenter-guides-and-tours/groups

Joplin CVB Joplin, tucked in the corner of southwestern Missouri, offers both a tranquil small-town lifestyle and an active urban area featuring a host of entertaining options. Visitors looking to drive iconic Route 66 can explore the Sunshine Lamp District, which is home to dozens of shops, restaurants and art galleries clustered together. Groups seeking an outdoor adventure should consider a visit to Grand Falls, the largest continuously running waterfall in Missouri.

602 S. Main St., Joplin, MO 64801 Erin Slifka, 417-625-4789, eslifka@joplinmo.org www.visitjoplinmo.com

St. Joseph CVB

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MIDWEST REGION

Akron/Summit CVB Visitors can enjoy the eclectic collection at the Akron Art Museum or catch a performance by the Akron Symphony Orchestra. The area’s other can’t miss features include the Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Hale Farm & Village and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Summit County is filled with delicious food, including Swenson’s Drive-in, which offers old-fashioned car-side service, and Chill Ice Cream, featuring a variety of tasty treats.

77 E. Mill St., Akron, OH 44308 Jim Mahon, 330-374-7560, jmahon@visitakron-summit.org www.visitakron-summit.org

Canton/Stark County

The original starting point for the Pony Express, St. Joseph is home to 17 museums, 12 annual festivals, amazing architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Kansas City Chiefs’ summer training camp. You’ll also find great outdoor recreation throughout 48 parks, 26 miles of beautiful parkway and countless outdoor concerts. Experienced staff at the CVB can help you plan a special tour unlike any other.

In northeast Ohio, guests can explore national historic sites, museums and attractions. Canton is best known as being home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but it also hosts a vibrant arts and music culture. Visitors can explore the downtown Canton Arts District, Canton Classic Car Museum, Beech Creek Gardens (which feature a butterfly house) and the 1,489-seat Canton Palace Theatre, built in 1926. Outdoor enthusiasts can find a series of 20 different caches that have been placed across Stark County for the Cache4Coins Geo Tour.

109 S. Fourth St., Saint Joseph, MO 64501 Jolene Dempster, 816-233-6688 jdempster@stjomo.com, www.stjomo.com

222 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702 Mary Vlahos, 330-454-1439, Ext. 107 maryv@visitcanton.com, www.visitcanton.com

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Joplin Abounds with Group-Friendly Attractions Tour planners have many choices in this friendly Missouri community

J

oplin, a city tucked in the corner of Southwest Missouri, offers both a tranquil small-town lifestyle and an active urban area featuring a host of entertaining options.

For those seeking to enjoy the great outdoors, Joplin can accommodate them with a trip to Grand Falls, the largest continuously running waterfall in Missouri. Grand Falls flows 12 feet down a 163-foot-wide ledge and over unusually thick layers of chert rock.

Visitors can also walk the trails in Wildcat Park, home to the last remaining chert glades, a globally unique habitat found only in this area. Wildcat Park also features Shoal Creek Conservation and Education Center, an environmental education and

conservation facility, opening in early 2019.

The center will showcase plants and animals found on the glades and surrounding habitats.

The George Washington Carver National Monument is the birthplace and childhood home of the famed scientist, educator and humanitarian. This land has been preserved inside a 240-acre national park, located about 15 minutes southeast of Joplin. The park consists of the 1881 Moses Carver house, Carver cemetery, a ¾-mile nature trail and a ¼-mile contemplative trail.

Visitors looking to drive the iconic Route 66 will find it cuts through the heart of downtown Joplin. Also known as the Sunshine Lamp District, downtown is home to dozens of shops, restaurants and art

galleries woven together by a tight bunch of city blocks. Historic Murphysburg District is home to many regal homes and is one of Joplin’s oldest neighborhoods. In 2015, the district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore Joplin’s numerous antique and vintage stores, including the Blue Moon Boutique, which sells clothing, jewelry and unique gifts, and the Fancy Flamingo Flea Market, which contains more than 300 booths filled with collectibles, antiques, furniture and home décor.

VISIT JOPLIN

Patrick Tuttle ptuttle@joplinmo.org, 800-657-2534 VisitJoplinMO.com

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WHERE TO GO

Destination Cleveland

Tuscarawas County CVB

Cleveland contains a slew of world-class activities and attractions for overnight group trips and inquisitive students. From grabbing a seat to an immersive film experience of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies to taking an interactive approach to art at the Cleveland Museum of Art, groups can quickly fill an itinerary. The city also contains top-notch sporting events in baseball, football and basketball and also offers a bevy of group-friendly dining and hotel options.

Historic Tuscarawas County has a wealth of activities for travelers. The county is home to Schoenbrunn Village, the first Protestant settlement in Ohio, as well as Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort (Fort Laurens). Visitors can also enjoy the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock in Sugarcreek and the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark.

With more than 20 museums and historic sites, the county has something for every budding historian.

334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114 Group Sales, 216-875-6607, groups@destinationcle.org www.thisiscleveland.com

24 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, OH 44663 Julie Levengood Stephon, 800-527-338 grouptour@traveltusc.com, www.traveltusc.com

Experience Columbus Experience Columbus, Ohio for your next group getaway. The state’s capital abounds with attractions of all kinds, from the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Complete your itinerary with a trip to the newly opened National Veterans Memorial and Museum, located on downtown Columbus’ Scioto peninsula. Here, visitors will get a chance to honor fallen heroes and express gratitude to those who serve the nation.

277 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 125 Columbus, OH 43215 Roger Dudley, 800-354-2657 rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com www.experiencecolumbus.com/tours

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

MIDWEST REGION

Wayne County CVB Known as the "Gateway to Amish Country," Ohio’s Wayne County and the surrounding area is home to the world's largest Amish population. Shop at one-of-akind retail stores such as Lehman's Hardware, P. Graham Dunn Gallery, Simply Smuckers and Everything Rubbermaid. From the Ohio Light Opera's nationally recognized theater in the summer to the Wayne Center Ballet Company's Nutcracker in the winter, there is something to satisfy every taste year-round.

428 W. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691 Martha Starkey, 330-264-1800 mstarkey@wccvb.com, www.wccvb.com

Steubenville Visitor Center

Circle Wisconsin

Steubenville, in eastern Ohio, boasts numerous significant sites including Historic Fort Steuben, a fully reconstructed 19th-century frontier fort; the First Federal Land Office; and many churches with stunning stained-glass windows. Known as “The City of Murals,” Steubenville has 22 larger-than-life portrayals of people and events painted on downtown buildings. In November, visit the Nutcracker Village, which contains more than 150 life-sized nutcrackers, an Advent Market, and holiday music, activities and events.

Wisconsin is a state surrounded by two great lakes, a mighty river and 15,000 lakes in between. Touring the state, you’ll find world-class museums, all forms of entertainment and beautiful scenery, from rolling rural vistas to urban surprises. The state is filled with breweries and wineries and has some of the best Native American casinos in the nation. Visitors can take time to explore the state’s Native American culture, from a buffalo overlook to the logging industry.

120 S. Third St., Steubenville, OH 43952 Judith Bratten, 740-283-4935 judy@oldfortsteuben.com www.visitsteubenville.com/group-tours

P.O. Box 20750, Milwaukee, WI 53220 Wendy Dobrzynski, 414-545-1100 wendy@circlewisconsin.com www.circlewisconsin.com

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WHERE TO GO

WHAT TO DO

Manitowoc Area VCB

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

The town of Manitowoc attracts thousands of visitors each year who want to explore the USS Cobia World War II submarine moored along the Manitowoc River.

The area is also known for the historic Rogers Street Fishing Village, which features relics of famous shipwrecks and a lighthouse that was built in 1886.

Visitors can explore 20 miles of spectacular Lake Michigan coastline featuring stunning parks, beaches and marinas and historic downtowns.

This popular Chicago attraction on the 94th floor of the 875 North Michigan Avenue building (formerly the John Hancock) offers groups the chance to experience breathtaking views from every angle—literally. At the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, admire the city’s beautiful landscapes, waterways and architecture on the 360-degree, rotating-view kiosks. No trip to the top is complete without a drink at the venue’s newly renovated BAR 94. Here, groups can enjoy world-class beverage options and lounge seating 1,000 feet above Chicago.

4221 Calumet Ave., Manitowoc, WI 54220 Kathryn Henning, 920-686-3077 khenning@manitowoc.info www.manitowoc.info

875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 Tony Wong, 312-751-3681 groupsales@360chicago.com, www.360chicago.com

American Writers Museum Wisconsin Dells VCB Wisconsin Dells has long been a destination for group tours looking for exciting activities and incredible accommodations. With the largest concentration of waterparks in the world, Wisconsin Dells has earned its reputation as "The Waterpark Capital of the World!®".

From gorgeous scenery to exciting activities, scenic tours, live entertainment, dining and shopping, Wisconsin Dells is one place everyone will agree on.

701 Superior St., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 Kyra Popp, 800-223-3557 sales@wisdells.com, www.meetinthedells.com

180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601 Sonal Shukla, 312-374-8790 general@americanwritersmuseum.org www.americanwritersmuseum.org/visit

Find This Entire Directory Online At

Broadway In Chicago Group Sales

LeisureGroupTravel.com/gtd

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Educating yet entertaining, the American Writers Museum highlights the country’s most celebrated writers.

Located in downtown Chicago on Michigan Avenue, the museum invites visitors to explore the many exciting worlds created by the spoken and written word. Explore the hall of American Voices, 100 authors that represent the evolution and flourishing of American writing.

Explore The Mind of a Writer, a gallery offering insights into how writers think and the daily discipline and habits needed to be a successful writer.

Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District and entertains over 1.7 million people annually.

Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theaters in downtown Chicago: the CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

17 N. State St., Suite 810, Chicago, IL 60602 Gemma Mulvihill, 312-977-1710 groupsales@broadwayinchicago.com www.broadwayinchicago.com

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Cultural experiences Quaint downtowns Unique cuisine Historic tours

For help planning your group tour: VisitMcHenryCounty.com/Group-Tours

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Celebration River Cruises

Shoreline Sightseeing

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

Climb aboard Celebration River Cruises’ “Celebration Belle, ” a 770-seat cruise ship that travels through Moline, Illinois (Quad Cities), Dubuque, Iowa and north to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Whether or not it’s your final destination, the Celebration Belle will bring on the fun with themed, dinner and holiday cruises.

The Captain’s Cruise invites you to dine with fellow passengers. Dance the night away to Motown hits and live bands on live entertainment-themed cruises. Capture the Midwest’s natural beauty from the ship’s decks.

Cruise the waterways of Chicago with Shoreline Sightseeing, one of the most popular ways to take in the sights and sounds of the Windy City. From the fleet’s open-air boats, groups have the option to experience the picture-perfect views of the city skyline while cruising on Lake Michigan or learn all about the historic architectural landmarks as they ride along all three branches of the Chicago River. Special group rates are available for parties of 20 or more, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Dine and marvel at theatrical masterpieces at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Situated in northwest Indianapolis, this luxurious theater has entertained groups of 20 to 450 for nearly 50 years. With seasonal plays and fantasies such as Elf, Rapunzel, Cinderella and the Million Dollar Quartet, Beef and Boards features shows at any time of the year. Audience members will be seated around the theater while indulging in fine dining and a full-service bar. Plenty of lodging accommodations are located just minutes away.

2501 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265 Susan Yarolem, 309-764-1952 susan@celebrationbelle.com, www.celebrationbelle.com

600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 Amy Hartnett, 312-373-3758 groups@shorelinesightseeing.com www.shorelinesightseeing.com/tours-taxis/group-tours/

9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268 Michelle Miller, 317-876-0503 groups@beefandboards.com, www.beefandboards.com

Group Theater Tix Chicago

Tempel Lipizzans

Derby Dinner Playhouse

Get a taste of authentic Chicago culture by adding a local production to your itinerary. Group Theater Tix is Chicagoland’s favorite group sales agency for off-Loop entertainment. For 16 years and counting, they’ve specialized in securing discounted seats and show buyouts for a variety of productions including plays, musicals, workshops, ballets, comedy shows, Broadway shows and more. Streamline the process of planning the perfect tour and ask about full itineraries that include unique restaurants and transportation referrals.

Be prepared for a jaw-dropping experience of beauty and grace unlike any display of artistry witnessed before with a visit to the Tempel Lipizzans. Performances at the farm have been taking place for almost 35 years, centered around a goal of preserving the Lipizzan horse breed and the “haute école” movements of classical dressage. For these magical shows, groups will only need to travel one hour north of Chicago and can take advantage of special offers on behind-the-scenes tours and performances all year around.

Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville, Indiana sets the stage for dinner and a show. The playhouse serves up a traditional home-style buffet and plenty of smiles with its renowned productions of popular plays and musicals.

Show-stopping desserts and a full bar are staples of the culinary experience at the theatre. Overnight hotel packages and recommendations to local attractions are provided to groups looking to spend time in the Kentuckiana area before or after the dinner show.

4240 W. Dempster St., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60076 Tami Manton, 312-423-6612 tami@grouptheatertix.com, www.grouptheatertix.com

17000 Wadsworth Rd., Old Mill Creek, IL 60083 Emily Riccio, 847-244-5330 emily@tempellipizzans.com, www.tempelfarms.com

Riverboat Twilight Looking for a truly authentic piece of Americana? What better way to experience the majesty of the country’s mighty Mississippi River and its iconic sights than to hop on board the Riverboat Twilight. Groups can book discounted tours ranging up to two full days, all of which travel within Iowa and offer incredible sights at every turn. For those looking to spend a night on the boat, the two-day cruise is chock full of onboard entertainment and delicious meals and is sure to provide a relaxing experience for passengers of all ages.

Front Street Pier, LeClaire, IA 52753 Carrie Stier, 800-331-1467 info@riverboattwilight.com, www.riverboattwilight.com

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, IN 47129 Missy Braun, 877-898-8577, Ext. 113 groups@derbydinner.com, www.derbydinner.com

American Queen Steamboat Company

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum

View the Mississippi River aboard the American Queen or new American Duchess and experience the North American landscape like never before. The American Queen Steamboat Company offers river cruises that run from five to 23 days and can include pre-cruise hotel stays, gourmet dinners and shore excursions. Enjoy richly appointed paddlewheelers and steamboats that offer beautiful staterooms and suites, restaurants and spacious decks for watching the river sights pass by.

On the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, your group will be treated to the dual experience of a trip across the Bass Point Creek High Bridge to the Des Moines River Valley, and a tour of the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum. The museum covers 9,000 square feet of exhibitions, including Streamliners Through Iowa, a story of rail transportation in its heyday. Groups will also witness the little red caboose’s huge impact on rail travel and partake in seasonal rail rides.

222 Pearl St., New Albany, IN 47150, 888-749-5280 info@americanqueensteamboatcompany.com www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com

225 10th St., Boone, IA 50036 Jenny Stevenson, 800-626-0319 info@bsvrr.com, www.bsvrr.com

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The Grand Opera House

Outlets of Des Moines

Tibbits Opera House

Those who visit The Grand Opera House in Dubuque, Iowa are in for a grand time in a magnificent theater venue. The Grand Opera House is always producing the classics, whether it’s The Nutcracker, The Lion King or a tribute to Frank Sinatra. While seated close to the stage, your group will get an amazing view of the actors and orchestral accompaniments from any angle. Conveniently located near more than 10 hotels and attractions, the theater is an ideal complement to your itinerary.

Groups of 15 or more will receive a free coupon book filled with valuable discounts when booking a group tour at Outlets of Des Moines, six miles from Iowa’s capital city. Household brand names at this leading outlet shopping center include American Eagle, Converse, Lane Bryant, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Bradley and Under Armour. The mall is conveniently located at the intersection of I-80 and US-65.

Step back in time and experience the power of opera inside this iconic theater, which stands as the secondoldest in the state of Michigan. It has stood the test of time and continues to offer visitors an unparalleled experience with a wide variety of performances year around that provide something for all ages. Group rates are available as well as customizable tours that make this the perfect reason to stop and explore the charming town of Coldwater.

135 W. Eighth St., Dubuque, IA 52001 Michelle Blanchard, 563-588-1305 boxoffice@thegrandoperahouse.com www.thegrandoperahouse.com/group-rates

801 Bass Pro Drive, Altoona, IA 50009 Julie Dawson, 515-380-7400 toursdsm@outletsofdesmoines.com www.outletsofdesmoines.com

14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater, MI 49036 Tirsha Odisher, 517-278-6029 boxoffice@tibbits.org, www.tibbits.org

Matchstick Marvels See monuments brought to life with more than 6.5 million matches (yes, matches) at Matchsticks Marvels in Gladbrook, Iowa. Since 1977 artist Patrick Acton has crafted 70 models of popular attractions that groups will have fun spotting throughout the museum. Among the wonders you will come across are Hogwarts from Harry Potter, the International Space Station and a two-headed dragon. With a tour you’ll receive two complimentary tickets along with admission for the bus driver.

319 Second St., Gladbrook, IA 50635 JoAnn Ruopp, 641-473-2410 glbktheater@iowatelecom.net www.matchstickmarvels.com

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Great River Shakespeare Festival

A powerful, moving experience is in store for visitors to Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. While the museum houses the world’s largest permanent exhibit on African American culture, it is more than just a place to learn about key pieces of American history. It is also a place where visitors come to embrace culture and diversity through exhibitions such as “And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture,” and “Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology.”

Iconic stories come to life thanks to the passion of Winona, Minnesota’s Great River Shakespeare Festival.

This makes for a perfect summertime activity, where groups can enjoy performances of their favorite stories such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, All’s Well That Ends Well and more. Each season brings something new and inventive along with additional festival events like concerts, workshops, panel discussions and the chance to explore the charming town of Winona. Group packages also offer the incredible opportunity for backstage tours and choreography workshops.

315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48201 Group Tours, 313-494-5808 tours@thewright.org, www.thewright.org

450 Johnson St., Winona, MN 55987 Eileen Moeller, 507-474-9376 eileenm@grsf.org, www.grsf.org

Holland Tulip Time Festival

Mall of America

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa allows groups to dive deep into Czech and Slovak history. Encounter rotating exhibitions that will take you through the lives and challenges of immigrants, soldiers, families and artists.

Visitors will also see replica items—think puppets, a Communist watch-tower and police car. The attraction reveals important facts about Czechoslovakia’s attempt to gain freedom from the Soviet Union.

Every year for nine spectacular days, Holland, Michigan comes alive in brilliant shades encompassing all the colors of the rainbow. Over five million tulips reach their peak bloom in May, and the town celebrates with a festival unlike any other. Dutch garb, hundreds of klompen dancers, tasty treats, carnivals and of course millions of captivating tulips are on display for visitors and locals alike. This nearly 100-year-old tradition makes May a perfect time to plan a visit to Holland and the surrounding region.

Inside the Mall of America you’ll find more than just your typical shopping experience. Entertainment, culinary delights and even a roller coaster are just a few of the highlights of this spectacular mall – the fifth largest of its kind in the United States, with more than 500 stores. Mall of America offers incredible deals to groups so they can enjoy sales, tax-free shopping and discounts at restaurants and attractions such as the zip line, ropes course, aquarium and more.

1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Carrie Kriz, 319-362-8500, ext. 194 ckriz@ncsml.org, www.ncsml.org

74 W. Eighth St., Holland, MI 49423 Rachael Syens, 616-396-4221, Ext. 112 groups@tuliptime.com, www.tuliptime.com

60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425 Samantha Sommers, 952-883-8499 samantha.sommers@moa.net www.mallofamerica.com

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WHAT TO D0

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum Honoring America’s 33rd president and the only commander in chief from Missouri, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum spotlights the man who signed the Marshall Plan, formed the CIA and ended segregation in the Armed Forces. Groups who visit the museum in his hometown of Independence will see a replica of Truman’s Oval Office and hundreds of documents, photos and film clips that explore his extraordinary life.

500 W. U.S. Hwy. 24, Independence, MO 64050 Jennifer Vitela, 816-268-8200 jennifer.vitela@nara.gov, www.trumanlibrary.org

MIDWEST REGION

Clauson Family Music Show

Jelly Belly Candy Company

An afternoon of entertainment awaits at the Clauson Family Music Show as guests will experience a live music show in the Historic Barn Theatre in Coloma, Wisconsin. The April-December season features an array of themed shows ranging from country/western to 1950s and ’60s rock and roll and everything in between, including a special Christmas season. Enjoy a delectable dinner, browse in the gift shops and experience an entertaining show featuring a highenergy cast and exceptional live music.

Born in 1976 with eight flavors, Jelly Belly jelly beans have become a worldwide phenomenon ever since.

Jelly Belly offers free self-guided factory tours daily to the public in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, featuring videos that provide an up-close look at the company’s candy manufacturing, interactive exhibits and free samples.

10100 Jelly Belly Lane, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Joy Basco, 262-947-3891 pptours@jellybelly.com, www.jellybelly.com/wisconsin

W13412 County Rd. CC, Coloma, WI 54930 Brittney Clauson-Semrow, 715-228-2951 brittney@clausonfamilymusicshows.com www.clausonfamilymusicshows.com

Milwaukee Public Museum Saint Louis Art Museum

Dancing Horses Theatre

Located in the heart of historic Forest Park, the St. Louis Art Museum is one of the nation's leading comprehensive art museums, with collections that include works of exceptional quality from virtually every culture and time period. Permanent collections include paintings by van Gogh and Rembrandt, while rotating exhibits showcase contemporary artists. Beyond the collection, the museum offers unique shopping and dining experiences to help make your visit more enjoyable.

Located in beautiful Lake Geneva, Dancing Horses Theatre presents a dazzling spectacle featuring an array of horse breeds that perform alongside their trainers in this cavalcade of equestrian artistry. Visually stunning and performed in a state-of-the-art and intimate 300-seat theater, this live show is a must-see for any horse lover. The show’s entertainment roster includes performers who have worked for All the King’s Horses, Arabian Nights, Ringling Bros. and Walt Disney World.

One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, Saint Louis, MO 63110 314-655-5469, tours@slam.org www.slam.org

Cleveland History Center The Cleveland History Center houses exhibits that tell the story of northeast Ohio. Each artifact tells a story that personally engages individuals, young and old.

From the first map of Cleveland to LeBron James’ championship shoes, visitors can journey through Cleveland’s history from 1796 to today, perusing the center’s extensive collection and interactive exhibits.

Among a number of rotating and permanent exhibits are the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel and the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum.

10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106 Pat Nickols, 216-721-5722, Ext. 1108 hcgroupsales@wrhs.org www.wrhs.org/plan-your-visit/history-center/hcgrouptours

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Experience more at the Milwaukee Public Museum.

See free-flying butterflies in the Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium, prowling lions in Africa or even head back in time to walk among the dinosaurs in The Third Planet.

With a convenient location in downtown Milwaukee and tours of rare exhibits, the museum caters to all types of group interests. Explore exhibits from botany, history and geology to anthropology, zoology and photography. There is something for everyone.

800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 Tim Malenock, 414-278-6174 tim.malenock@mpm.edu, www.mpm.edu

5065 State Rd. 50, Delavan, WI 53115 Joyce Bicek, 262-728-8200 info@animalgardens.com, www.thedancinghorses.com

Fireside Dinner Theatre The Fireside Dinner Theatre is one of the Midwest’s most popular entertainment destinations. It is also the only Actor’s Equity dinner theater in Wisconsin. The Klopcic family is proud to celebrate more than 54 years of hospitality in the charming and historic city of Fort Atkinson. Guests are invited to browse through spectacular gift shops, relax in the lounge with a refreshing drink, enjoy a superb dining experience and finally, enjoy a live professional show in the intimate theater-in-the-round.

1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Jean Flynn, 800-477-9505 jean@firesidetheatre.com, www.firesidetheatre.com

Find This Entire Directory Online At LeisureGroupTravel.com/gtd

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WHERE TO STAY

At your service.

Always

Burr Ridge Hotels Make Burr Ridge your base camp when visiting Chicago. Let your groups play in the city by day then relax in Burr Ridge at night. Burr Ridge is nestled in the southwest suburbs at I-55 and County Line Road exit, close to downtown, just ½ mile south of I-294.

Plenty of free bus parking and easy access to all the hotels. Enjoy first-class restaurants, boutique shopping, and world-class spas. Distinctly Inviting. Uniquely Burr Ridge.

7660 County Line Rd., Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Phil Yaeger, 216-233-4560 contact@burrridgehotels.com, www.burrridgehotels.com

Is a Stop in Milwaukee in your plans?

Make it a stop to look forward to.

Visit An Art Deco Milwaukee Landmark.

Crowne Plaza Chicago SW The newly refurbished Crowne Plaza in Burr Ridge, Illinois is a luxurious home base for Chicagoland getaways. Situated just outside the city, this hotel is a haven of quiet relaxation after a day of hustle and bustle in the Windy City. It offers world-class amenities to make groups comfortable during their downtime.

The Crowne Plaza Chicago SW is just minutes away from upscale shopping and dining options in the Burr Ridge Village Center.

300 S. Frontage Rd., Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Group Sales, 630-325-2900, info@cpchicagosw.com www.cpchicagosw.com

Historic Park Inn Ambassador Hotel 2308 West Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53233 414.345.5000

ambassadormilwaukee.com

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Mason City, Iowa’s Historic Park Inn is a top-ranked hotel that accommodates visitors from near and far. Known as the last hotel that Frank Lloyd Wright created, this architectural masterpiece features the grand 1910 Lounge and a 100-year-old billiards table. There’s plenty to do inside the hotel, from learning about its history to dining in the main floor’s 1910 Grille. Book early for a chance to fill the Historic Park Inn’s 27 rooms, each of which is uniquely crafted.

7 W. State St., Mason City, IA 50401 Mellisa Leach, 641-422-0015, mleach@stayhpi.com www.historicparkinn.com

MIDWEST REGION

Best Western Plus The Charles Hotel Once a bustling frontier town, St. Charles, Missouri still retains that spirit of adventure with historic architecture, charming brick streets and landmark attractions. Be our guest and experience true comfort and convenience within walking distance of Historic Main Street. Located near the Ameristar Casino, Bass Pro Shop and Katy Trail. Easy freeway access to St. Louis.

Discover generous amenities like free breakfast and affordable rates in newly renovated rooms and suites.

1425 S. Fifth St., St. Charles, MO 63301 Monica Nelsen, 314-590-5655 mnelsen@bridgetonholdings.com www.comfortinnstl.com

Comfort Inn St. Louis – Westport The Comfort Inn in Westport has everything you need for a successful visit to St. Louis. With 170 rooms and suites furnished for comfort and convenience, it is just eight miles from Lambert International Airport.

The hotel provides a range of complimentary amenities for groups. Stay connected during your stay with free high-speed wireless internet access, wake up to a deluxe hot breakfast buffet and take advantage of complimentary van service within a two-mile radius.

12031 Lackland Rd., St. Louis, MO 63146 Monica Nelsen, 314-590-5655 mnelsen@bridgetonholdings.com www.comfortinnstl.com

Potawatomi Hotel and Casino Located in Milwaukee, Potawatomi Hotel and Casino offers a variety of entertainment options, including a 20-table poker room, multiple restaurants and dining options, a food court, the Northern Lights Theater, the Sky Lodge (a smoke-free casino) and a 500-seat two-tiered theater that combines entertainment and dining. The casino has one of the largest gaming floors in all of Wisconsin, with a bingo hall measuring 45,800 square feet, which can accommodate around 2,500 players. There are more than 3,000 machines for gaming as well as 100 poker and table games.

1721 Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 Lisa Pederson, 414-847-7982, lpederson@paysbig.com www.paysbig.com

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FRONTIER/ MOUNTAIN WEST

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Colorado

Kansas

DENVER—Elitch Gardens will debut Meow Wolf’s Kaleidoscape for the 2019 season.

Riders who journey on Meow Wolf’s Kaleidoscape will be transported with otherworldly motion, deep sound, wild color and interactive moments that create an immersive world around you. This intriguing attraction will be the first artist-driven dark ride the world has ever seen.

COLORADO SPRINGS—The U.S. Olympic Museum and Hall of Fame is set to open in 2019 and will house the artifacts and media that honor American Olympic athletes. Highlights will include the history of the Olympics and Paralympics, a state-of-the-art theater and a broadcast studio.

WICHITA—The new Original Pizza Hut Museum tells the story of the world-famous pizza chain started by two Wichita State University students. Inside, visitors can watch old Pizza Hut commercials and sit at an original Pizza Hut table under a vintage Pizza Hut stained glass lamp.

Thirty life-size animatronic dinosaurs will roam the new Field Station Dinosaurs theme park in the Wichita suburb of Derby. Visitors to the 14-acre dino domain can dig for fossils, walk the paths beside the life-like giants, learn about dinosaurs unique to Kansas and play a themed miniature golf course.

Exploration Place, the state’s signature science museum, has unveiled the new “Design Build Fly” exhibition that gives visitors a hands-on look at how airplanes are designed, built and flown.

BAXTER – The new Decades of Wheels museum is a tribute to beloved cars and motorcycles throughout history. It sits on Route 66 and is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the iconic highway and the golden age of automotive history. A private collection of over 300 vehicles will be kept on a rotation of 30 at a time.

Idaho BOISE—Nearby Bogus Basin Ski Resort has opened a new Glade Runner alpine mountain coaster. More than 4,000 feet of track carries riders at 25 miles per hour at top speed while rising to almost 40 feet in the air. Additional planned improvements include a ropes course, a canopy tour, summer tubing, a large amphitheater and bike skills area.

Jaialdi, the international Basque festival hosted every five years in Boise, will return in July 2020. Boise will host a week of events celebrating the Basque culture when visitors can experience Basque sports, food, wine, history and dancing.

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Montana BIG SKY—Big Sky Resort, America’s second-largest ski experience by area, has completed its 10-year renovation. New chairs include the Challenger Lift (a high-speed triple with conveyer loading) and the Ramcharger 8 (a heated bubble chair billed as the “most technologically advanced lift ever built”). The resort is also developing the Big Sky Town Center, a downtown area that will include shopping and gourmet dining experiences.

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Be among the first groups to experience the area’s new ski lodges, museums and outdoor adventures

Nebraska

Utah

OMAHA – Omaha plans to invest $290 million in its downtown convention district along the city’s riverfront. Features of the 90-acre revitalization project include a substantial sprawling green space in the middle of downtown with a performance pavilion, botanical gardens, cascading waterfalls, park-side cafes, a sculpture garden, a water cove and a promenade that leads to cantilever overlooks suspended over the river. Construction is expected to begin in 2019 and be completed in 2022.

ALTA—The long-awaited opening of Snowpine Lodge at Alta is slated for January 2019. The new resort, timed with the opening of the adjacent Snowpine ski lift, will become the first ski-in/ski-out luxury resort in town. Two convenient dining options will offer guests a choice between sophisticated and casual.

Swen’s Restaurant will feature an openkitchen display with floor-to-ceiling windows serving globally-inspired, regionally-sourced American cuisine paired with a curated selection of wines and beers, while the Gulch Pub is a more casual eatery with a full-service bar offering comfort foods and craft cocktails.

SIOUX FALLS – The new Arc of Dreams, a massive stainless-steel sculpture that will span the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls, will be installed this spring. A 15-foot gap at the center towers 70 feet above the river and represents the leap of faith visionaries take to make their dreams come true. The Arc serves as a capstone for the renowned Sculpture Walk, which features 58 new sculptures installed every May. The largest annual exhibit of public art sculptures in the country is free.

Wyoming LANDER—The third of its kind in the United States and the only one located on a Native American reservation, the new Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity to see more than 100 wild mustangs up close on a private tour. The sanctuary’s visitor center has an interpretive display that showcases the importance of horses in the culture and tradition of Wyoming’s First Nations as well as a history of wild horses in North America.

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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South Dakota

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‰WHERE TO GO

WHAT TO DO

Colorado Springs CVB

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

If you are looking for a place to have fun, then Colorado Springs is the place for you. Explore the beauty of the Broadmoor Seven Falls or go hiking on the Manitou Incline. For people who want to become one with nature, Colorado Springs is one of the best places to visit. North Cheyenne Cañon Park is one of the best places that you can visit in the winter.

An unforgettable 64-mile day trip that takes you through green meadows and desert landscapes is what this railroad is about. It takes you between the New Mexico and Colorado border with its canyon views. There are two options of cars available to you: a coach car or the deluxe parlor car. Both the car options offer a delicious lunch buffet with many food options for you to devour while you enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

515 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Floy Kennedy, 719-685-7635, floy@visitcos.com www.visitcos.com

Lincoln CVB Commonly known as the best-kept secret in the Midwest, Lincoln is a destination that is sure to exceed your expectations. Visitors from around the world fall in love with Lincoln’s small-town charm with big-city amenities. “Lincoln offers the true Nebraskan experience that groups are sure to find unique and enjoy,” according to Kelsey Meyer, Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau Sales Development Manager.

Whether your stay is one day, one week or longer, the tours in Lincoln put together for you will keep you quite entertained. Lincoln offers a wide variety of experiences and world-class attractions. See them today!

3 Landmark Centre, 1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68508 Kelsey Meyer, 402-436-2310, kmeyer@lincoln.org www.lincoln.org

5234 B Hwy. 285, Antonito, CO 81120 Corrine Williams, 575-219-3302 groups@cumbrestoltec.com www.cumbrestoltec.com/groups

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Named “One of the World’s Top Ten Most Exciting Train Rides,” the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, Colorado does not disappoint.

Groups enjoy year-round rides on this over-130-yearold train that takes you through some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes. While taking in pictureperfect scenes of mountains, waterfalls and animals, you will learn about the cowboys of the Old West and, depending on the package you choose, revel in wine experiences and holiday cheer.

479 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 Group Sales, 970-259-3372, info@durangotrain.com www.durangotrain.com

Buffalo Bill Center of the West Sioux Falls CVB Sioux Falls is the perfect getaway for people who want to escape their busy life and explore the scenic beauty of the United States. Visit the Falls Park, a picturesque location with natural waterfalls or explore the Great Plains Zoo to see the wildlife that is indigenous to the region. If you want to check out something unique, the Butterfly House & Aquarium is a fantastic place to visit.

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 102 , Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Jackie Wentworth, 605-373-2028 jwentworth@siouxfalls.com www.visitsiouxfalls.com/tours-are-here

Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West on your next group trip to Cody, Wyoming. Visitors will be engulfed in history as they tour various museums featuring national parks, Native American settlements and firearms manufacturing. Discover the diverse geography of Yellowstone National Park through life-like dioramas and contemplate artistry that embodies the spirit of the Wild West. Several exhibitions will take you back to Native American settlements, where you’ll encounter models of their homes and restored objects.

720 Sheridan Ave., Cody, WY 82414 Debra Elwood, 307-578-4114 debrae@centerofthewest.org www.centerofthewest.org/visit/group-sales

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WHERE TO STAY

Wyndham Vacation Rentals Mountain Collection Four seasons of fun and excitement await mountain visitors at these group-friendly condos and hotels spread across nine resorts. Whether your group prefers rustic vacation homes or chic hotel suites, Wyndham’s team can work with you to customize your ideal vacation. Wyndham properties employ friendly event services staff to maximize event space and help cater meals to ensure your mountain vacations will be unforgettable.

1060 W. Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon, CO 81620 Alan Cardenas, 970-688-5334, Ext. 105 groups@wynvr.com www.wyndhamvacationrentals.com/groups-meetings

YMCA of the Rockies YMCA of the Rockies offers groups a spectacular backdrop to rejuvenate, reconnect and relish in the beauty of nature and wilderness. Its two locations— Estes Park and Snow Mountain Ranch—are situated along the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park, and both are filled with scenic valleys, streams, majestic forests and wildlife. Lodging is affordable and groups can rent cabins or vacation homes to experience an authentic Rockies getaway.

The Y is ideal for vacations, reunions, spiritual retreats and adventure-minded groups.

Estes Park, CO & Winter Park, CO Group Sales, 888-777-9622, info@ymcarockies.org www.ymcarockies.org

Wind River Hotel & Casino It is the largest casino in the vicinity of Wyoming.

With 90 rooms in its hotel, it has the capacity for people looking to stay at the hotel and make some winnings in the casino. Spots like Yellowstone National Park are just within driving distance from the Wind River Hotel and Casino. You can even rent conference spaces if you have a work weekend with your colleagues.

10269 Hwy. 789, Riverton,WY 82501 Barbara Smith, 866-657-1604 bsmith@windrivercasino.com www.windriverhotelcasino.com

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Capture the Excitement in Colorado Springs Nestled in some of America’s most beautiful mountains, Colorado Springs offers year-round experiences at amazing heights

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roups will be enchanted by Colorado Springs’ mountains and more when they venture to the Rockies for an exhilarating time. Start the trip with a bus ride up Pikes Peak. Active groups can spend a day skiing, snowboarding or sledding, then relax in cozy cabins, rental homes and nearby hotels. Groups are also encouraged to bike or hike the area’s 25 other parks, which are home to exquisite flora and fauna. Walk through the popular Garden of the Gods Park, filled with postcard-worthy views of the red-rock formations. Or go rafting along the Arkansas River.

Although the Colorado Springs area is prized for its snow-capped mountains, groups will find many other pleasures. Take in the vibrant fine arts community at several stops, including the Cottonwood Center for the Arts downtown.

Encounter dozens of colorful paintings and interact with artists as they teach you how to create your own masterpieces or lead art walks. Find more local art at the Arati Artist Gallery, where 20 of Colorado’s finest artists display landscape paintings, pottery and glass fixtures inspired by the mountains. Whereas the Cottonwood Center and Arati Artist Gallery celebrate abstract and natural beauty, respectively, the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery houses sculptures, paintings and intricate displays of the state’s rich history, all crafted by Garman himself.

Speaking of history, Colorado Springs’ interesting past is not to be ignored. Once

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

the site of American Indian tribal lands, the area honors their culture in Historic Downtown Manitou Springs, where visitors will find outdoor art galleries and attend cultural festivals. Check out the Manitou Mineral Springs, eight natural springs once thought to radiate healing powers. Another must-see attraction is the Manitou Springs Incline, a walking trail that elevates to 2,000 feet in less than a mile. If you’re interested in our planet’s evolutionary past, then the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is the place for you. This attraction boasts life-sized versions of all your favorite dinos and gives you the chance to get up-close-and-personal with them. Ride on the Royal Gorge Railway for a scenic adventure around the dino land and the rest of the Colorado Rockies.

Colorado Springs runs on no shortage of museums, so be sure to tour at least a few on your next trip. The National Museum of WWII Aviation will elevate your visit with aircraft that served the nation. The Peterson Air and Space Museum also showcases aircraft, displaying nine missiles and 16 planes. The Miramont Castle Museum features restored Victorian architecture that dates back to 1895. Visitors usually frequent the Queen’s Tea Parlour Room and neatly groomed gardens.

At the U.S. Air Force Academy, guests may visit the Cadet Chapel, Field House, Arnold Hall and Honor Court. The striking chapel, with its 17 spires, is a campus landmark.

The visitor center presents a short film about cadet life at the academy.

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center celebrates art in all forms with several permanent collections between the 1800s to present. Included in these exhibitions are Haitian pieces and modern sculptures from Hispanic artists. Enjoy a night of entertainment at the Fine Arts Center’s theater.

Groups can arrange to see musicals or concert performances by student actors and professionals—all are guaranteed to impress.

Complete your trip with some retail therapy and delectable food in Colorado Springs.

Old Colorado City will expose you to multitudes of charming boutiques and shops.

Chapel Hills Mall, conveniently located near I-25 at exit 50, abounds with more 100 modern stores, plus a grand movie theater.

Foodies can get their fix at fine food stores that specialize in gourmet treats, such as Cacao Chemistry for all things chocolate and Cole’s Gourmet Popcorn & Treats for its colorful selection of flavored popcorn. Pikes Peak Lemonade Company switches things up by adding exotic flavors to traditional lemonade.

Colorado Springs offers all this and more, stretching beyond the traditional visitor experience to deliver an unforgettable one.

VISIT COLORADO SPRINGS

Floy Kennedy, Director of Travel Industry Sales Floy@VisitCOS.com, 719-685-7635 VisitCOS.com

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TOP 10 REASONS TO TOUR

COLORADO

SPRINGS

Colorado Springs is a year-round tour destination boasting mild temperatures, more than 300 days of blue skies and spectacular scenery. Create intriguing tours at unforgettable destinations like Garden of the Gods Park and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

1 2 3 4 5

It’s Colorado Springs With unparalleled natural beauty, clients will be thrilled with the stunning scenery.

Western Heritage Discover the deep roots of the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush exploring old and active mines.

All Aboard Trek through Cripple Creek and along the Arkansas River in the Royal Gorge on a historic train.

Cultural Experiences Soak in the region’s multi-faceted culture at museums, historic sites and festivals.

The Great Outdoors Adventure is always close by with thousands of miles of trails and open spaces.

PLAN YOUR TOUR VisitCOS.com/tours

6 7 8 9 10

Arts Scene Enjoy hundreds of public sculptures, galleries, art walks, classes and performances.

All Seasons From colorful fall days to spring blooms, the region shines with a year-round mild climate.

Olympic City USA See where Team USA dreams are born at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center.

55+ With more than 55 unique attractions, it’s easy to plan multi-day itineraries in the Pikes Peak region.

Easy Access Located in the center of the country, it’s easy to drive or fly straight into COS, 15 minutes from downtown.

Floy Kennedy, Director of Travel Industry Sales

Floy@VisitCOS.com | Direct: 719-685-7635

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Create Your Own Adventure in America’s Heartland For history buffs, outdoor explorers and foodies, there is adventure around every turn in Sioux Falls

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it the open road and set course for America’s heartland. Named one of the Top 5 Best Value Cities by Trivago, Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a haven for group travel with its diverse array of activities for every interest and budget.

A trip to Sioux Falls wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to the city’s namesake – the Falls of the Big Sioux River. A whopping 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the falls every second, making for a juxtaposition of nature’s power set against the laid-back town skyline. For a better look, climb the five-story viewing tower for breathtaking views of the park and city.

Abundant nature and historic adventures await at Good Earth State Park. The largest Oneota Tradition Peoples heritage site in the upper Midwest, this area features hiking trails that border the Big Sioux River and opportunities for snowshoeing and birdwatching.

The Great Plains Zoo is another group favorite, allowing visitors to get a close look at more than 1,000 animals and even come face-to-face with goats, camels, sheep and more at the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm. From anteaters to zebras, come see it all at the Great Plains Zoo. For a free arts experience in the downtown area, follow the SculptureWalk. This art exhibition showcases over 50 new sculptures

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

and local artists every year and highlights the city’s architectural beauty. The city’s permanent and most iconic public art installation will soon be the Arc of Dreams, which opens in 2019. This stainless-steel arch will span across the Big Sioux River with an 18-foot gap in the center that will represent the leap of faith dreamers take to see their dreams come true.

At the Butterfly House & Aquarium, there are more than 800 butterflies from five continents fluttering around inside a giant butterfly house enclosure that is kept at a balmy 80 degrees year-round. Groups can then visit the adjacent aquarium where hundreds of fish and coral live in more than 20,000 gallons of water. Two touch pools and interactive exhibits are fun ways to learn more about the fresh- and salt-water creatures inside the aquarium.

Learn more about the city’s rich history at the Pettigrew Home & Museum, by touring the gorgeous 1889 Queen Anne-style house that was home to South Dakota’s first fullterm senator, R.F. Pettigrew. Join a guided tour and explore the museum’s galleries for insights into the early years of Sioux Falls as told through photographs and videos.

A visit to the Old Courthouse Museum will take visitors back in time to the 1800s through carefully-preserved rooms, a clock

tower and wall murals. The variety of permanent and changing exhibits in the museum tell stories of the Siouxland region that are key to understanding the events that shaped the area as we know it.

In 2014, the New York Times featured Sioux Falls as an emerging culinary scene, and dining options range from local gourmet game and freshwater fish to international flavors like Ethiopian and Japanese. Groups with a sweet tooth should stop by CH Patisserie for fresh macarons, cookies and chocolate bars. The sweet shop also offers brunch items such as croissants and beignets. Group members seeking glutenfree, vegetarian or vegan options should seek out Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean, which also offers hearty kabobs and beef kibbeh.

Other excellent options here include tabbouli salad, fatayer and hummus spreads.

Sioux Falls offers groups a myriad of options – from rustic to luxurious – when it comes to lodging. Whether you are looking for proximity to attractions and exploration or quick affordability, Sioux Falls is sure to offer options that fit the bill.

VISIT SIOUX FALLS

Jackie Wentworth, Sales Manager jwentworth@siouxfalls.com, 605-373-2028 VisitSiouxFalls.com/MysteryTour

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Isn’t it time you visit with your family or friends in a beautiful location everyone can enjoy?

With a premier selection of group-friendly condominium hotels and private homes, located in nine western mountain resorts, pick a central location and plan your visit today.

Resort locations include; Breckenridge, Keystone, Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, Steamboat, Snowmass, Whistler, and ParkCity.

Winter or summer, a Wyndham group mountain retreat is waiting for you!

Learn more about your location of choice at www.wyndhamvacationrentals.com or E-mail us at Groups@wynvr.com ©2018 Wyndham Vacation Rentals North America, LLC. Wyndham Vacation Rentals and related marks are registered trademarks and/or service marks in the United States and internationally. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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WEST

Groups find thrilling views, agritourism adventures and a brand new ballpark

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INSIDE

California

Nevada

LOS ANGELES—OUE Skyspace LA (California’s tallest open-air observation attraction) just debuted its new full-service bar. Hyper-locally sourced beers, hand-crafted cocktails and creatively-prepared bites nod at the city’s cosmopolitan landscape in view from the space’s 360-degree observation deck.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences plans to complete the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in the heart of Los Angeles in 2019. Designed by legendary Italian architect Renzo Piano, the six-story structure will contain galleries, exhibition space and movie theaters that chronicle film history.

Los Angeles will welcome the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which will consist of about 10,000 paintings and illustrations from George Lucas’ personal collection, including works

by Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth and Robert Crumb in addition to Hollywood memorabilia from films such as Star Wars and The Ten Commandments. The planned 275,000-square-foot museum will be located in downtown LA’s Exposition Park.

SAN DIEGO—The San Diego Zoo (one of the most acclaimed zoological parks in the world) has begun construction on its new $69 million children’s zoo. More than 100 species will reside in the new area, and groups will be able to venture through four ecosystems that inspire creativity, exploration and empathy for nature through play.

SeaWorld San Diego’s new roller coaster, Electric Eel, opened in May 2018 and is San Diego’s tallest, fastest roller coaster. The triple-launch experience thrusts riders forward and backward, accelerating to more than 60 mph and rocketing skyward nearly 150 feet while offering an upside-down view of Mission Bay. Riders and non-riders can also learn about the elusive eel through an interactive game and by checking out an exhibit with California moray eels.

SAN FRANCISCO—Salesforce Tower, America’s second-tallest building west of the Mississippi, has opened its observation deck to the public. Guests can admire stunning 360-degree Bay Area views from the 61st floor and see the building’s nine-story rooftop LED art installation.

LAS VEGAS—“Britney: Domination”, Britney Spears’ new Las Vegas residency, will run for select dates from February to August 2019 at Park MGM’s Park Theater. The show is expected to be a tech-heavy visual spectacle that showcases Spear’s many top 40 hits.

Also coming in 2019 is Kind Heaven in the Linq Promenade. Described as a “journey of transformation,” this virtual reality train ride will create an immersive environment of sights, sounds and tastes inspired by the culture of Southeast Asia. The 100,000-square-foot attraction will use holographic special effects to create lush forest environments and a sanctuary inspired by the temples of Nepal.

Las Vegas Ballpark, the new home of the AAA Las Vegas 51s, will debut for its first season in spring 2019. In addition to thrilling baseball action, the complex will feature a wide range of seating options such as suites, party zones and decks and will include a kids zone, bars and a pool beyond the outfield wall. Esports fans can spend time in the new Esports Arena Las Vegas, a 30,000-square-foot multilevel arena partnered with the Luxor Resort & Casino. The complex features a competition stage, 50-foot LED video wall, console gaming stations and virtual reality platforms. A free section of retro games such as Pac-Man and Street Fighter are available to play, and gamer-friendly portable food is available from award-winning chef José Andrés.

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Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma

Oregon

Washington

PORTLAND—The city is currently constructing the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, a 600-room, LEED-certified project anticipated to open in late 2019. The complex will be a short walk from shopping and dining in the Lloyd neighborhood and professional sporting events at the Rose Quarter.

Groups interested in a DIY agritourism adventure can explore the new North Shore Food Trail, which showcases 60 visitor-ready farms, fisheries and breweries in northwest Oregon.

Meet the cows that supply dairy for Oregon-made cheese, learn to forage for mushrooms, pluck fresh Dungeness crab from the ocean or sample a local craft brew.

BEND—Riff Cold Brewed Coffee will open the world’s first taproom dedicated to cold-brew coffee. Riff’s innovative 18-tap-tower pouring system will serve a wide variety of cold-brew variations, including nitro, sparkling, cold-brew cocktails and culinary collaborations with other craft beverage companies.

SEATTLE—The Museum of Flight will host key Space Race artifacts from the Smithsonian Institution to honor the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Seattle is the last stop on the four-city, two-year tour for Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission from April 13, 2019 through September 2, 2019. Seattle will be the host on the actual 50th anniversary date: July 20, 2019. The museum is also introducing Apollo: The Exhibit, which will display the long-lost rocket engines of the Saturn V moon rockets that sat at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean for 43 years. The exhibit will also feature artifacts such as moon rocks, a Viking Mars lander and the first Apollo command module.

TACOMA—The new Pacific Seas aquarium at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium showcases underwater species from the Pacific Ocean. Environments include Baja Bay (a 280,000-gallon exhibit that houses hammerhead sharks, rays and sea turtles), the Tidal Touch Zone (a tactile area highlighting species native to Puget Sound) and Coastal Kelp Forest (which replicates the kelp forests of Southern California).

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GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

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Fairplex This nearly 500-acre campus, located just an hour east of Los Angeles, captivates tourists and locals through arts and entertainment, agriculture and education. Visit the NHRA Motorsports Museum and experience the nearly 100-foot-long Union Pacific Centennial dieselpowered locomotive at the RailGiants Train Museum.

Watch up to 23 different model trains run on 10,000 feet of operating track at the Fairplex Garden Railroad.

Fairplex is the site of the LA County Fair.

1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 Yesenia Alegria, 909-865-4050, groupsales@fairplex.com www.lacountyfair.com

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‰WHERE TO GO

WHAT TO DO

Visit Tillamook Coast An ideal small-group destination for outdoor recreation, culinary and agritourism, and cultural heritage, Oregon’s Tillamook Coast is rich with sandy beaches, rivers, bays, farmland and forests, with ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, scenic views and performing arts. Restaurants feature fresh and local foods, and groups have the option of reserving private guides for dairy tours, beer and wine tours, fishing charters and hikes. The region’s Oregon Scenic Byway guides groups from Banks, Oregon through Tillamook Forest, past Tillamook’s iconic dairy farms and ending with stunning Pacific Coast views from Cape Meares Lighthouse.

4506 Third St., Tillamook, OR 97141 Nan Devlin, 503-842-2672, nan@tillamookcoast.com www.tillamookcoast.com/meetings

The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens A collections-based educational and research institution established by Henry E. Huntington, Huntington Library, Arts Collections and Botanical Gardens is located in San Marino, California and is one of the largest and most complete research libraries in the nation. The library features a collection of rare books, manuscripts, prints, photographs, maps and other materials in the fields of British and American history and literature.

In 2016, the library even launched a crowdsourcing project to transcribe and decipher a collection of Civil War telegrams between Abraham Lincoln, his cabinet and officers of the Union Army.

1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, CA 91108 Jane Sandmeier, 626-405-2240, tours@huntington.org www.huntington.org

Visit Redding Picturesque Redding serves as a Northern California outdoor playground for groups. National and state parks as well as educational and historic sites surround the sunniest city in California. Informative guided tours take groups from caves and volcanoes to lakes and waterfalls. More than two dozen attractions and sightseeing options are available, including the iconic Sundial Bridge. With more than 300 restaurants catering to all tastes and 22 group-friendly accommodations, Redding is effortless to book.

844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA 96001 Jennifer Fontana, 530-225-4010, jennifer@visitredding.com www.visitredding.com

Travel Tacoma + Pierce County Groups won’t run out of things to do in Tacoma and Pierce County, Washington, a region lying on the banks of Puget Sound with unique communities throughout. Tacoma has an unparalleled glass-art scene, while Sumner is known for its rhubarb pie and Puyallup for its antique shops. A rich maritime culture can be found in Gig Harbor, and majestic gardens depict the essence of Lakewood. Downtown Tacoma has six major museums.

1516 Commerce St., Tacoma, WA 98402 Lisa Barker, 253-284-3270, lisa@traveltacoma.com www.traveltacoma.com

Outlets at Tejon Less than two hours north of LAX, this is an outlet shopping haven for name-brand lovers. Shop brands like Banana Republic, Adidas, Disney and many more.

The Outlets at Tejon feature convenient bus parking, ample restroom facilities, an integrated food court and plenty of nearby sit-down restaurants. The center offers your tour guests a free VIP coupon booklet, tote bag and daily sales from select retailers. Ask about perks for the driver and group leader with advance bookings.

5701 Outlets at Tejon Pkwy., Tejon Ranch, CA 93203 Rebecca Swiggum, 661-663-4213 rswiggum@tejonoutlets.com, www.tejonoutlets.com

Visit Sacramento Sacramento is buzzing with possibilities for group tours and has become a hotspot for history, culture and culinary delights. Enjoy the charming architecture of the Old Sacramento Waterfront, admire masterpieces at the Crocker Art Museum and learn about Golden State history in Capitol Park. Younger visitors will enjoy Fairytale Town, where children can explore oversized playsets based on Mother Goose and Peter Rabbit. Sacramento is also known as “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital” thanks to its proximity to farmland that produces amazing seasonal flavors.

1608 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Nick Leonti, 916-808-1482 nleonti@visitsacramento.com www.visitsacramento.com/groups

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Find This Entire Directory Online At LeisureGroupTravel.com/gtd

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway The world’s largest rotating tram car, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports groups to the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park through a two-and-one-half-mile ride along the cliffs of Chino Canyon. Riders gaze upon spectacular views of the valley below. When approaching Mountain Station, guests can dine at either of the station’s two restaurants, take a leisurely guided nature walk or check out the natural history museum.

1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Gabriele Madison, 760-969-4357 gmadison@pstramway.com, www.pstramway.com

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WEST REGION

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum At this must-see attraction in Southern California, groups can step aboard the same Air Force One that flew President Reagan over 660,000 miles, see an exact replica of the Oval Office, Reagan’s memoirs and a tribute to First Lady Nancy Reagan. The museum has hundreds of artifacts and dozens of interactive displays for visitors of all ages to explore; 18 galleries pay tribute to America’s 40th president and his accomplishments.

40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065 Melanie Salvesen, 805-522-2977 msalvesen@reaganfoundation.org www.reaganlibrary.com

The Mob Museum Located in downtown Las Vegas, this museum offers a provocative look at the battle between organized crime and the law through high-tech theater presentations, hundreds of one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive exhibits, The Mob Museum invites guests to partake in private guided tours, audio tours, scavenger hunts and Mob Mystery games. New exhibits at the museum include a handson Crime Lab, Use of Force Training Experience, an interactive Crime Today exhibit, and a working speakeasy and distillery.

PR ESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

300 Stewart Ave. , Las Vegas, NV 89101 Sabine von Henning, 702-724-8631 sales@themobmuseum.org, www.themobmuseum.org

One of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations!

Ask about our docent-led group tours Two restaurants available with tour group options

Tour Through Air Force One 27000

View a Full Scale Replica of the Oval Office

Touch an Authentic Piece of the Berlin Wall

40 Presidential Drive • Simi Valley, CA 93065 • 805.577.2704 • ReaganLibrary.com

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SI SITE INSPECTION

Great Adventures in UpState California The official sunniest city in California, Redding is surrounded by state and national parks and teems with natural attractions, historical sites and learning opportunities

T

he air is clear, the sun is shining and with more than 300 sunny days there’s never a bad time to visit what Orbitz.com labeled “California’s best-kept secret.” Groups of all sizes and interests are beginning to discover Redding.

Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the Sundial Bridge spans 710 feet across the Sacramento River and reaches 217 feet into the sky. The glass-decked suspension bridge is for pedestrians and bicyclists and is an easy access point for Redding’s trail system.

The environmentally-conscious design leaves the salmon-spawning habitat below undisturbed, and the structure is also the world’s largest working sundial.

Along the banks of the Sacramento River sits the 300-acre campus of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The park is a museum, forestry & wildlife center, arboretum and botanical garden. Inspiring wonder, exploration and appreciation of our world, the park shares the story of the region and its people. The museum includes the Visible River Aquarium, Native American history, interactive experiments and visiting exhibitions. The impressive McConnell Arboretum is across the river via the Sundial Bridge.

Groups will want to explore the striking landscapes of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The park’s unique geography was developed by volcanic activity and layered porous basalt formations developing over centuries. The centerpiece of the park is certainly the 129-foot Burney Falls,

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

possibly the most beautiful waterfall in the state. Inside the park, water emerges from underground springs, where it flows at 100 million gallons every day. This compelling site is best experienced on the Falls Loop trail that encircles it, which includes a lookout point and a picnic area that can be reserved.

Thermal wonders and incredible mountain scenery highlight Lassen Volcanic National Park. Less than one hour from Redding, Lassen is worth the drive. With thermal wonders similar to those of Yellowstone, Lassen has geothermal features fed by rain and snow and all four volcano types. The spring-like temperatures yield dazzling wildflowers throughout most of the summer.

When visiting Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, the journey is part of the adventure. Your visit begins with a catamaran cruise across Shasta Lake followed by a bus ride with a fun narrative to the cave entrance. A comprehensive tour of one of the country’s most beautiful limestone caves follows. Customized programs for groups are available, including lunch/dinner cruises highlighting the beauty of the lake.

Forming the largest manmade reservoir in California, Shasta Dam crosses the Sacramento River and is 602 feet high. A visit can include a pleasant walk across the dam or a free guided tour that includes a 428-foot elevator ride its base. With 360 miles of shoreline Shasta Lake covered five towns, most located too deep for even scuba divers to reach. Resorts and restaurants surround the

lake, and all varieties of boats are available.

Both geologically and historically Lava Beds National Monument has a fascinating story. During the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions created a landscape with more than 700 caves. About two dozen caves with varying degrees of challenge are available for exploration. In one of the most continuously occupied areas of North America, rock art from the Modoc Native Americans is seen in some caves. The Modoc War, homesteaders, ranchers, early cave explorers and the Civilian Conservation Corps all add to the story.

Besides all there is to see and do during the day, nighttime in Redding can be special as well. The Cascade Theatre is a fully restored 1930s Art Deco venue with a diverse array of arts and cultural events. The Redding Civic Auditorium hosts a diverse performance selection that includes live music and comedians, annual Broadway in Redding series and Shasta Community Concerts Association.

More than 300 restaurants and 22 groupfriendly accommodation options make booking your Redding tour a breeze. The Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to assist you in planning an itinerary that fits your group’s activity level and interests.

VISIT REDDING

Industry Relations & Group Coordinator jennifer@visitredding.com, 530-225-4010 VisitRedding.com

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SI SITE INSPECTION

Past Meets Present in California’s Historic Capital With days of the Wild West in the past, Sacramento today thrives as a hub of arts and culture that offers visitors insights into a unique history

A

s the capital of one of America’s most populous states, Sacramento is buzzing with possibilities for group tours visiting the area, and the city has become a hotspot for history, culture and culinary delights. For young and old alike, Sacramento has a charm that comes from its important place in history and a local community dedicated to making the city a dynamic place to be.

No visit to Sacramento would be complete without exploring Old Sacramento Waterfront, a National Historic Landmark District located along the river and the core of the city’s attractions. Charming architecture, cute shops, a picturesque setting – it’s the perfect place to begin any visit to Sacramento.

Walk along the boardwalk, take a boat ride on the river or learn more about the city’s history by booking one of the popular underground tours.

Capitol Park is a must-see for any group paying a visit to Sacramento. Learn more about the history of how this Sacramento site came to be the seat for the government in 1869 through free guided tours that are offered hourly and led by friendly, knowledgeable guides. There is also an on-site museum with lots of interesting artifacts that all have an important role in the state’s history.

And remember to leave time to walk the gorgeous grounds of the park, with its various

‰ GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

memorials and diverse array of flora and fauna that is beautiful throughout the year.

On the edge of Old Sacramento Waterfront sits one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, the California State Railroad Museum. Celebrating one of the greatest innovations of the 19th century and one that helped to connect California to the world, this museum is both interactive and informative.

Visitors can check out the restored locomotives, learn about the impact trains had on the West's commerce, and between April and October even hop aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad for a 40-minute trip along the river. For more of the city’s history, including the important role the Gold Rush played in shaping the city’s identity, head to the Sacramento History Museum where education and fun come together to provide a truly unique insight into this historic capital city.

Art lovers can easily spend the day at the Crocker Art Museum. The longest continuously-operating art museum in the West, it offers an impressive depth of American, Asian, Africa and Oceania art, all dating back to the time of the American gold rush. Speaking of art, Sacramento is home to over 600 murals that can be found throughout the city. Spend time walking the streets of Midtown and Old Town and see the varied designs of local and visiting artists who have left their work to be

enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

The Sacramento Zoo is small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality and charm. Within the park’s 14 acres visitors will find more than 500 animals, many of which are endangered. Towering giraffes, vibrant flamingos, bounding kangaroos – the list goes on, and the zoo’s relaxing atmosphere is a great place to spend some time in the fresh California air.

For groups traveling with young children, Fairytale Town offers the perfect place to engage young minds and have some fun, as kids act out their favorite fairytale on more than 25 oversized play sets that recreate the adventures of Peter Rabbit, Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty and others.

Sacramento is known as the "America’s Farm-to-Fork" capital thanks to its proximity to farmland that produces some incredible local flavors and amazing seasonal treats.

Check popular restaurants such as Ella or Grange. The city also shines with its abundance of international dining options, including Thai, Moroccan and Persian.

The food scene in Sacramento is diverse and thriving.

VISIT SACRAMENTO

Nick Leonti, Director of Tourism NLeonti@visitsacramento.com, 916-808-7304 VisitSacramento.com/groups

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FEED YOUR SOUL AMERICA’S FARM-TO-FORK CAPITAL Your motorcoach passes endless rows of orchards when you see a fruit stand by the side of the road. You wish the driver would stop. But in just a few minutes you arrive in Old Sacramento. You forget about the fruit stand because you’re enthralled with the history and the stories of California’s beginnings. Over dinner, you tell your new friends your little secret. They laugh because they all had the same thought.

The meal comes and on your plate is the freshest and tastiest asparagus you’ve ever had. For dessert, a pear tart melts in your mouth. The next day aboard the coach, the group makes a slight change to the itinerary. Stop at fruit stand. Life is sweeter in Sacramento. Come feed your soul.

Book your group tour at VisitSacramento.com/GroupTravel

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Rich in history and mystique, Falls Park features a triple waterfall cascading over sparkling pink quartzite rock.

Unlock a new mystery tour.

VisitSiouxFalls.com/MysteryTour