Leisure Group Travel August 2012

+ ention v n o C NTA XPO E h c a o otorc UMA M 2013 , 4 2 – 20 Januar y orida l F , o d Orlan

E T SI PLORE.

Discover the possibilities of attending two shows at once, and all for one price.

PAND.

Get everything you expect from the NTA Convention plus an additional Expo floor of potential business partners.

CEL.

Make the deals, shake the hands, absorb the information that will help you—and your company—move ahead.

Registration is op e

n now! Go to www .NTAonline.com/

Convention.

Travel Exchange Doubles the Size of NTA’s Convention NTA (National Tour Association) and UMA (United Motorcoach Association) are combining their annual Convention and Expo to create a travel industry event like no other: Travel Exchange – one show that puts the full spectrum of North American travel buyers and sellers on the same floor.

“NTA and UMA members are go-getters and always looking for more opportunities.

Combining the business-building of two shows and two strong organizations is going to deliver those opportunities on a much larger scale than we could in a single show,” said Lisa Simon, NTA president. “It’s like the old saying ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ Though… the sum of our parts is pretty good! We’ll be essentially doubling the size of our individual shows. And when you double the size, you double the opportunities for buying and selling, double the leads generation and double the networking.”

Travel Exchange brings together the:

• Itinerary designers and tour product developers • Equipment manufacturers and operators • Destinations, hotels, restaurants and attractions that delight and serve the clients so they can buy, sell, partner up, create, brainstorm, learn from each other, swap stories, share goals and

“NTA’s show opens up such a huge door, such a huge opportunity to meet so many of our partners and make new connections all in one place within a very saturated amount of time. As a buyer, to see everyone under one roof, and to have all these opportunities to network and meet new suppliers, to meet your colleagues, to also meet your competition is huge. There are plenty of new connections that are made every single year, and some of them are connections I didn’t think were possible or hadn’t thought of or didn’t even know they existed. NTA’s show is the one that yields the most positive results for me.”

— Aniseh Dalju Destination America

build their businesses.

Tour operators will have all the components of their business in one place and tour suppliers/DMOs will have access to a whole new community of buyers.

For more information on Travel Exchange, please visit www.NTAonline.com/Convention.

AUGUST 2012

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VOL. 22, NO. 4 • AUGUST 2012

contents COVER STORY 28 Illinois’ Cultural Cornucopia

28

by vernie wong, matt barry, faye marek & daniel morrill

Homes of famous people and a wealth of noteworthy museums enrich tour itineraries in the land of lincoln.

FEATURES

14

Top Gaming Destinations Raise Their Bets

20

Great American Museums

26

Discovering Ogden, Utah

36

Tastes of Ohio

43

New Jersey Museums

46

Touring Northwest Arkansas

by matt barry

by matt barry

by daniel morrill

by randy mink

by faye marek

by daniel morrill

COLUMNS

6

On My Mind by jeff gayduk

8

On Tour by marty sarbey de souto

10

On Girlfriend Getaways by lisa kasanicky

12

On the Record

51

On Marketing by dave bodle

ON THE COVER: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Springfield, Illinois.

(Photo Courtesy of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum)

20

NUMBER CRUNCHING

1931 The year gambling was legalized in Nevada

ON LOCATION Managing editor Randy Mink makes friends with a resident of The Farm at Walnut Creek, an exotic animal park in Ohio’s Amish Country.

Tiffany Gerber

WHAT’S ONLINE?

12 Casinos in Atlantic City

TELL US ABOUT THE BEST GROUP TRAVEL SUPPLIERS oting is open in Leisure Group Travel’s 10th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards, presented by Piccadilly cafeterias. it’s your chance to reward superior service by selecting your favorite domestic and international destinations, hotel brand, tour operator, broadway show, museum, rail trip and cruise line. cast your vote by returning this month’s Instant Info card (and update your subscription too!), or go online to www.LeisureGroupTravel.com and click on the Reader’s Choice logo.

V

10,185 Walmart stores and clubs around the world

EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE he story continues on leisuregrouptravel.com, with fresh new articles posted daily! look for this month’s online exclusives including Kentucky Adventure Travel by dave bodle, highlighting outdoor activities from the western waterlands to the appalachians. also online, Massachusetts Specialty Museums by vernie wong recaps a dozen noteworthy facilities around the state. cruise columnist cindy bertram chimes in on trends in shore excursions.

T

14 Alpine ski resorts in Utah

730,657 Population of Columbus, Ohio

1,093 Positively Cleveland

U.S. patents earned by inventor Thomas Edison we also write online exclusives to enhance articles that appear in the print magazine. look for the “online exclusive” tab in the gaming, arkansas, illinois, utah, new jersey and ohio articles in this edition for fresh ideas.

26 Miles of lakefront in Chicago

Instant Info Center AUGUST 2012

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❑ Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, Berlin, OH ❑ Arkansas Parks & Tourism ❑ Arlington Resort & Spa, Hot Springs, AR ❑ Atlantic City CVA, NJ ❑ Buffets Inc. Restaurants ❑ Burr Ridge Hotels, IL ❑ Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, Logan, UT ❑ Champaign County CVB, IL ❑ Chicago Southland CVB, IL ❑ Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville, TN ❑ Destination Toledo CVC, OH ❑ Discover Lehigh Valley, PA ❑ Effingham CVB, IL ❑ Experience Columbus, OH ❑ Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ ❑ Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, WI ❑ Hatfield & McCoy Country, WV ❑ Inn of the Mountain Gods , Mescalero, NM ❑ JFK Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas, TX

I prefer suppliers to contact me via:

❑ John Deere Pavilion, Moline, IL ❑ Lake County, IL ❑ Laughlin CVB, NV ❑ Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville, KY ❑ Mark Twain Museum, Hannibal, MO ❑ Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Mashantucket, CT ❑ McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton, NJ ❑ McHenry County CVB, IL ❑ National Quilt Museum, Paducah, KY ❑ Navy Pier, Chicago, IL ❑ Newseum, Washington D.C. ❑ Ohio Has It! ❑ Royal Caribbean International ❑ The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, Geneva, OH ❑ Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip, WA ❑ U.S. Tours ❑ Wayne County CVB, Wooster, OH ❑ Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center, Millville, NJ ❑ William J. Clinton Presidential Library, Little Rock, AR

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RESPOND BY S E P T E M B E R 15

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Let Instant Info Streamline Your Supplier Requests Planning itineraries is no easy task.

With multiple suppliers, contacts and forms to fill out, it’s a wonder day four doesn’t get intertwined with day two!

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Consider the ALL-NEW Instant Info from Leisure Group Travel, your itinerary planning assistant. This revolutionary new tool helps streamline supplier requests by organizing all tour supplier information in one area. From the one-click state-by-state map to the intuitive category or keyword search, you can email group sales departments, visit group web pages or request catalogs/brochures for long-term planning.

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Wait, it gets better. On Instant Info you can also link directly into the TourItineraries.com database of over 500 pre-planned group tour itineraries…here’s where new inspiration awaits.

Stop filling out multiple forms and resubmitting requests and start using Instant Info to streamline your itinerary planning.

Log on today: www.LeisureGroupTravel.com/Instant-Info and discover how easy tour planning can be!

on my mind ❖

On My Mind jeff gayduk

❖ jeff gayduk

It’s Your Choice

Vol. 22, No. 4 August 2012 Editorial & Advertising Office

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

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com The oTher daY in the office we were discussing our 10th annual Reader’s

e-newsletters and niche market websites.

Of all the tech initiatives we’ve

Choice Awards and it got me to thinking

launched, I really think you’ll like our

about how the industry has adapted to

latest tool best. Instant Info facilitates

transformational shifts in consumer

the RFI (request for information) process

behavior.

that’s so critical in the early trip planning

We’ve all seen our fair share of changes

and research phase. Nothing bogs down

in the group market – some companies

the process more than having to visit

have come and gone, while strong brands

multiple websites, scour for contacts or

have withstood the test of time. Even in

fill out general information forms, then sit

the group publishing sector, every one

and wait for a response.

of our competitors has gone through a

With Instant Info, you can research

re-branding, folded up their tent, or re-

destinations, attractions, tour companies

duced their frequency and circulation. I’m

and service providers – fill out one contact

proud to say we’ve not and that despite

form and send your request to multiple

challenges we all face, Leisure Group

suppliers. What’s best – you control the

Travel remains a strong brand.

Speaking of brands, they are the subject of our 10th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards, featured in the December 2012 Industry Forecast edition.

Eight categories are featured: Best

process. Tell them what you want, how you want to receive it and your request is delivered.

You’ll find the Instant Info link on the LeisureGroupTravel.com navigation bar, which opens up a clickable U.S. map

Domestic Destination, Best International

to display results by state, or you can

Destination, Best Tour Operator, Best

search by supplier category or keyword.

Cruise Line, Best Broadway Show, Best

We have also embedded Instant Info

Museum, Best Rail Trip and Best Hotel

directly into the 4,000 pages of content

Brand. Remember that we’re looking for

on LeisureGroupTravel.com. Say you’re

your group preferences here – we’d all

reading an article about the new Thimble

love to stay at Ritz-Carlton, but it’s pretty

Museum. Through a link in the article

hard on a budget of $100 p.p. per day!

you can request Instant Info about the

Cast your vote by mail by returning this month’s Instant Info card on the back

museum. It’s totally convenient and easy.

And if you’re not an online person, you

cover, or vote online @ LeisureGroup-

can use the Instant Info reader service

Travel.com.

card that’s found in each print edition.

We’re out to make tour planning easier

Need Tour plaNNINg INfo? geT IT…IN aN INsTaNT! Through the years we’ve pioneered

with Instant Info.

Happy Traveling,

Senior Editor – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com

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

Regional Business Development Managers Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota – Jim McCurdy

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 jim@ptmgroups.com

Northeast & Eastern Midwest/Canada – Harry Peck P 330.830.4880 • F 630.794.0652 harry@ptmgroups.com

Mid Atlantic/New England – Ellen Klesta

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com

Southeast/West Coast – Cheryl Rash

P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com

Southern – Dolores Ridout P/F 281.762.9546 dolores@ptmgroups.com Florida & Caribbean – Evelyn Stetler P 321.235.6002 • F 321.235.6094 evelyn@ptmgroups.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406) is published bi-monthly by Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular subscription price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.

Send Address Change to:

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A

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

a number of online tour planning tools – we were the first-to-market with a comprehensive online directory, a blog, 6 August 2012

Jeff Gayduk, Publisher LeisureGroupTravel.com

On Tour

❖ marty sarbey de souto, ctc

exploring the World of Special interest travel Are you trying to be all things to

leader, entree to certain behind-the-

all travelers? Offering tours that have

scenes activities, and hopefully, travel-

upscale grocery store in your town.

Cultural exchange trips might

a little of this and a little of that in the

ing companions with interests similar

be possible by approaching your

hopes that everyone on the trip will

to their own.

local city officials to see if there’s a

find something of interest? That’s one

Each of the above may have many

“sister city” arrangement that could

way of looking at it – offering a series

sub-categories. Family travel could

of trips to varying destinations and of

be most anywhere, but most likely to

Or, perhaps you could approach

various lengths and costs so that

spots that would be of interest to

your local college or university to

there’s something for everyone.

children and teens as well as their

design a summer session traveling

parents and involving activity and

class. Many academic institutions

But there’s another way – and a

be augmented with a trip to that city.

way that’s being proven very popular

interaction with locals, not just sitting

have summer sessions that must

– and that’s to tailor certain trips to

on the bus and listening to the guide

stand on their own financially from

certain folks. It’s referred to in the

rattle on. Travel for women could

the rest of the academic year. They

trade as “special interest travel” and it

feature destinations with a cooking

might welcome a way to work with

requires your doing some solid market

class, theater performance, fashion

you to design a trip wrapped around

research on your potential market BEFORE you ever put pen to paper in drawing up an itinerary. And the beauty of it is that it narrows down

Traveling with like-minded people is one benefit of special interest travel

your marketing scope and expense instead of scattering your marketing budget to the winds.

Of course, there are many “special interests” out there. However, some of the most popular ones seem to be:

• Adventure travel • Family travel • Travel for women • Sports travel • Food & wine trips • Cultural exchange trips BeneFitS oF grouP trAVeL Many of these special interest trips

show, a school visit and other women’s interests. It would appeal particularly

the school’s professors who is eager

to women who may be single, divorced

to travel and eager to have a teaching

or newly widowed as well as to married

salary during the summer months.

women whose husband would prefer

All in all, the world is our oyster.

to go fishing with his buddies or hang

Perhaps it’s time for each of us to

out on the golf course while his wife

put on the proverbial thinking cap

goes antique hunting in England.

Sports travel might be participatory

and come up with 10 new ideas for focused, special-interest trips. Not all

such as running in a marathon or

of them will materialize. But, if only

merely sitting in the audience to

one of your 10 ideas comes to fruition,

watch the Olympics or cheer on the

it may lead to the second one the

local baseball team at spring training.

following year. And so on and so on.

Give it a try!

can be undertaken by independent

Food and wine tours can be deftly

travelers with no need to join a group.

wound around vineyard visits, meals

However, many may need a group

at astounding restaurants, and a

program to bring them introductions

select cooking class here and there

to the movers and shakers in a particu-

with a local chef at the helm. It could

lar field, tickets to certain key events,

be escorted by your local “name”

knowledge from a well-informed expert

chef and perhaps promoted by the

8 August 2012

a course taught en route by one of

Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor who designs and leads tours. Her travel industry consulting and educational firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com).

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Little did you know “VIP” stood for Very Important Planner.

Give people a cocktail party and they’ll probably give you a smile. Give people a cocktail party overlooking the Colorado River and a chartered dinner cruise, kayaking, waterskiing, championship golf 300+ days a year and spa facilities, all at an incredible value, and they’ll write a song about you. Plan a winning get-together by calling our Laughlin sales staff or filling out an RFP at VisitLaughlin.com/meetings/rfp.

❖ lisa kasanicky

On Girlfriend Getaways planning a Spa Vacation Walk up to any random woman on the street – pick the one bustling

saunas and whirlpools. texting: Mobile devices of any sort

accordingly. I usually pre-calculate the gratuity before my service because of

down the sidewalk with a laptop

are not appropriate at the spa. Yes,

that post-treatment wooziness (and so

bag slung across one shoulder, an

even texting is frowned on by spas be-

I don’t have to count on my fingers in

iPhone in one hand and a Starbucks

cause it creates a sense of guilt to

public).

and gluten-free muffin in the other –

those around you. If you must bring

Budgeting: Spa vacations can be

and ask her if she could be teleported

your gizmos, be sure to power them

pricy. Trim the fat from the trip by book-

anywhere right now, where it would

down completely so they don’t go off in

ing your stay off-season, calling the spa

be. Nine times out of 10, the answer

your locker and disturb other guests.

would be “the spa.” Now that’s not

to inquire about seasonal promotions

Canceling: Heaven forbid if you

or group discounts, or joining the spa’s

a scientific study by any means, but

have to cancel a spa appointment.

email list, if available, to get notified of

I can attest from personal experience

But if you do, call and cancel at least

special offers. Another advantage of

that women live for a good spa day.

24 hours in advance. You may be

off-season travel is that while the

Spa vacations are on the rise, and for good reason. Where else are you forced to trade your cell phone and frenzied pace for a pair of comfy slip-

Sharing the experience with girlfriends is the icing on that gluten-free muffin

pers, a soft terry robe and an itinerary laced with massages, facials and yoga? And, sharing the experience with like-minded girlfriends is the icing on that gluten-free muffin.

But first, the ground rules. If you’re

charged for your service otherwise.

Disrobing: Therapists learn some

weather might not be optimal, the waiting

nifty towel tricks in their training that

areas and locker

keep your private parts under wraps

rooms will be less

leading a group of women on a spa-

throughout the treatment. But always

crowded.

centric girlfriend getaway, be sure they

disrobe to your level of comfort. I

are armed with the following pre-trip

stash a two-piece bathing suit in my

any group, be sure

tips.

spa tote in case I’m overcome by a

to pre-assess their expectations. If

flash of modesty come treatment time.

everyone agrees that all they want to

Scheduling: Once you set your sights on a particular spa, be sure

Communicating: Let your thera-

that everyone has a spa menu and

pist know about any injuries, allergies

Finally, as with

do is spa the entire vacation away, look for all-inclusive spa destinations

makes their own appointment. That

or sensitivities before your treatment,

like Miraval, outside of Tucson, Arizona.

way, questions about the treatments

including preferences to touch, music,

If the group prefers to pepper the get-

can be discussed directly with the

aromas or lighting. If the pressure dur-

away with shopping and dining, look

spa concierge. It’s imperative to let

ing a massage gets too intense, give

for spas in metropolitan areas such

the spa know, for example, if you’re

the therapist a heads up. A good grunt

as the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

pregnant or have any health concerns

usually does the trick.

in Chicago.

at the time the appointment is booked.

tipping: Be prepared to tip your

arriving: On the day of your serv-

therapist between 18 and 20 percent

ices, arrive at the spa at least 30 min-

of the regular treatment price. If you

utes before your appointment to

book a spa package that includes

change and unwind. Better yet, check

multiple services, the gratuity may

in a few hours early to take advantage

already be included but if not, ask for

of amenities such as steam rooms,

a tip envelope and tip each therapist

10 August 2012

Lisa Kasanicky is author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Girlfriend Getaways (Alpha Books, 2009) and founder of AZSpaGirls.com — a girlfriend-to-girlfriend guide to spas, salons, beauty and wellness. The book offers travel details on more than 70 destinations in the United States and Canada ideal for female groups.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on the record ❖

On The Record Museums Worth a Visit – Coast-to-Coast Reader Picks FOLLOWING ARE ANSWERS from Leisure Group Travel readers who responded to the question: How have museum visits enriched your itineraries? What exhibitions, special activities and behind-thescenes tours have been especially meaningful to your groups? What unique museums have you visited that you would recommend to colleagues?

Wild West I highly recommend the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming.

It has something for everyone: 1. History buffs will go crazy.

2. Gun aficionados will love the over 1,500 guns dating back to the 1600s.

3. Children will love the visual impact of the West.

4. Art lovers will enjoy the Remingtons and all the rest in the art section.

5. The living action items, Indian villages and the settlers aspect bring the Old West to life.

6. Books, souvenirs, films and anything you can think of. It can be done in a day but leaves you hungry for more.

Darlene Cochran Horizon Coach Lines Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA

Vermont Gems We operate a tour that revolves around Lake Champlain and visits two museums to enhance the tour.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes is not widely used on many itineraries but is one of the 12 August 2012

deBBie daViS

CHRiS dOnneLLY

best small museums in Vermont.

You can board a replica of Benedict Arnold’s gun boat, The Philadelphia; visit the nautical archaeology center, which gives you the history of over 300 documented shipwrecks on the lake; and ride the boat Escape. This museum really gives you a feel for this historic body of water.

The world-renowned Shelburne Museum is one of the best in all of New England. It offers exhibits on

Randi WinTeR

San Francisco Treat I would absolutely recommend the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco and, as an added bonus, the Legion of Honor is included in the admission and just a 10-minute drive away.

Not only is the DeYoung a visually stunning museum inside and out, but it is across from the Academy of Science and near the Botanical Gardens. There is something for everyone, including hands-on programs. The 360-degree observatory

Nothing is more fulfilling than to see the students sit in awe and finally see what art and beauty are all about! fine arts, quilting, local artists, blacksmiths, railroading and the SS Ticonderoga, the last operating steamboat on the lake. Last year the vessel underwent a $2-million renovation. Talks by museum staff are given throughout the day and bring life to what it must have been like traveling the lake aboard this ship.

Chris Donnelly Sugar Tours, Inc., West Dover, VT

offers picture-perfect vistas of the city. The Friday night openings are very popular, and getting to see the city changing in front of you is magical.

Randi Winter Passionate Travel, Vancouver, BC

Civil Rights and More As someone who specializes in African American-oriented travel, I offer this list of culturally diverse LeisureGroupTravel.com

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For more reader responses regarding museums, log on to http://leisuregrouptravel.conm/?p=31083.

museums: Birmingham Institute of Civil Rights, Birmingham, Ala.; National Voting Rights Museum & Institute, Selma, Ala.; National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati; Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Baltimore; Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture; Baltimore; Motown Historical Museum, Detroit; Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Springfield, Ill.; Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale, Miss.; and DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago.

Pixie Weatherspoon Pixie Travel Unlimited Chicago, IL

Student Scavenger Hunts We own a student travel company and going to museums can be the student’s LEAST favorite part of the tour! We know how important museum visits can be and how educational they are, but we must be very selective about the type and very wise on just how much time should be spent in a museum.

For students, they must be able to relate in some way or the place must capture their interest and emotions immediately. For the museums that are a MUST—Louvre, British Museum, etc.—we put together a scavenger hunt with prizes for the winners. This way, all the highlights are seen, but in a fun and fast way!

It works and they remember not only the game, but what they have seen.

We want to please everyone, of course, so we cannot forget about the adults who have paid to travel with us. We arrange our day so that the adults can stay behind and take all the time they want, meeting up with us later for dinner; or we give LeisureGroupTravel.com

them information on how to visit museums that we might not take our students to (Uffizi, for example).

Finally, if there is one thing all ages MUST see is Michelangelo’s David!

Nothing is more fulfilling than to see the students sit in awe and finally see what art and beauty are all about!

ex-railroader. They have offered a scenic railroad excursion daily and a steam-powered train every Saturday during the season for many years. They also have a dinner train and a trolley ride.

Don Maxwell Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society

Renee Rodgers/Dee Lord Globetrotter Travel, Dallas, TX

day Trip Haven I am fortunate that my business is centrally located to dozens of fabulous museums within a two-hour drive. However, a routine museum trip generally doesn’t have much appeal to my customers unless there is a special event or attraction associated with the visit. The King Tut exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in 2007 is the largest attended museum trip for my company to date.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. is well worth a visit. The exhibits are firstclass and the dining options include the Tun Tavern, a recreation of the 18th century public tavern in Philadelphia.

Debbie Davis, Owner Davis Day Trips, Pennsville, NJ

Railroad nostalgia I was very impressed by the railroad museum in Duluth, Minn., which is both indoors and outdoors and has an excursion train along Lake Superior. It is well done and right downtown. The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore is another gem worth visiting.

A museum that just opened in Boone, Iowa in a beautiful new building is really great. It includes a private collection of a 90-year-old

Huntington, WV

delightful depot Our group visited the railroad museum at Ellicott City Station in Ellicott City, Md. last spring. The town was the terminus for the Tom Thumb train. The museum is small but quite interesting, and the fact that the right of way is still in use and a number of trains passed while we were there added to the experience. We had lunch at a local restaurant prior to the tour, and the entire experience seemed to register with everyone.

Bill Ferguson National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Chapter 422 Laurel, MD

IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE of Leisure Group Travel, our On the Record column will look at culinary travel. Please send us your response to this question:

How have you spiced up itineraries with culinary features? What special meals, cooking classes or demonstrations, or culinary events have been a hit with your clients?

Along with your comments, please include your name, company name and location. Also for publication, send a high-resolution photo of yourself. A selection of responses will be printed in the October 2012 issue.

Thanks in advance for your valuable opinions.

Send to: Randy Mink, randy@ptmgroups.com August 2012 13

LAS VEGAS

ATLANTIC CITY

TOP GAMING DESTINATIONS RAISE THEIR BETS Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Tunica see bright days ahead he recession was hard on most of the country, and few in the tourism industry felt its effects more than those in the gaming sector. The economic downturn provided the jolt that many of America’s most popular gambling destinations, made overconfident by years of easy money, needed in order to convince them to reinvent themselves and lure in new streams of visitors. Now Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Tunica are all rolling out fresh or revamped attractions to convince visitors to once again take a chance on them.

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By Matt Barry

and the abandonment of construction projects that left the Strip littered with half-finished casinos and hotels. But with the sense of optimism that has always characterized the city, it presses on.

From the moment you land in Vegas, you’ll start noticing the changes. McCarren International Airport just opened its glitzy new Terminal Three, which will be serviced mostly by international carriers, but also by domestic airlines such as JetBlue and Virgin America. The new terminal should take pressure off of Terminal One, home to major domestic carriers.

Last year this gambling mecca in the desert drew 38.9 mil-

Caesars Palace opened its new hotel-within-a-hotel, Oc-

lion visitors, the second highest total ever. Never a city to sets

tavius Tower, in January with such perks as shorter check-in

its sights low, Las Vegas has set out to break the record this

lines and an iPhone app that allows you to order room serv-

year, with much of the growth expected to come from higher

ice without having to pick up a phone. It will only be the

numbers of international visitors.

newest thing at Caesars until October, though. At that time,

Such a rosy outlook is a far cry from the not-too-distant

the new Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace opens. A joint project

past, when a double-digit fall in casino revenues led to layoffs

between Caesars and celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the

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© 2012 JupiterImages Corporation

Las Vegas, Nevada

TUNICA

From Las Vegas’ over-the-top glitz to seaside nostalgia in Atlantic City and Southern charm in Tunica, Lady Luck lures fun-seeking groups.

new hotel will be Japanese-themed and feature a highly anticipated restaurant.

Even the world’s most famous tourism ad slogan has been updated to keep up with the times. A tongue-in-cheek cam-

In recognition of Vegas’ somewhat sordid past, not one, but

paign has recently been launched to encourage visitors to think

two museums devoted to the history of organized crime in

twice before posting anything on social media during their trip,

America have recently opened. The Las Vegas Museum of

in order to ensure that “what happens in Vegas, stays in

Organized Crime and Law Enforcement (or simply The Mob

Vegas.” (visitlasvegas.com)

Museum) is backed by the city and located in a historic courthouse. It officially opened on Valentine’s Day of this year, in

Atlantic City, New Jersey

commemoration of the 83rd anniversary of the St. Valentine’s

Formerly one of the nation’s top tourist destinations, Atlantic

Day Massacre. Among the museum’s holdings is the original

City has been hit hard by recession, high gas prices and the

wall from the St. Valentine’s killings, shipped brick by bullet

emergence of casinos in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. But

hole-ridden brick from Chicago.

the city that’s “Always Turned On” is aggressively defending

Competing with it is the Mob Attraction Las Vegas, located in the Tropicana Casino. After going bankrupt a year after it

its perch as the most popular gaming destination east of the Mississippi with a slew of new investments and renovations.

opened, it’s now back up and running under new management.

In a move to help Atlantic City revive its tourism industry,

For a long time Las Vegas was unusual among major Amer-

the state of New Jersey in 2010 took control of the tourist

ican cities in that it lacked a large performing arts center. That

zones from the municipal government. Regulations on casi-

deficiency has been rectified since the completion of the Smith

nos, such as minimum staffing rules and mandatory closing

Center for the Performing Arts in March. The center hosts

hours, were abolished and money funneled into marketing and

concerts and Broadway shows such as Million Dollar Quartet

redeveloping the city.

and Wicked.

Of great help was the success of HBO’s crime drama

It’s difficult to do something that has never been done in

Boardwalk Empire, set in the city’s Prohibition-era heyday and

Vegas before, but that might just be pulled off with the com-

starring Steve Buscemi as real historical mafia boss “Nucky”

pletion of SkyVue, an observation wheel similar to the famous

Johnson. The show helped to revive interest in the city and put

London Eye. It will be the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

it back on the national map.

The first phase of construction has recently been completed

Many were quick to capitalize. The Academy Bus Co.

and the attraction is set to open in 2013. The property will also

began running a trolley tour guided by an actor playing “Nucky,”

feature dining and shopping.

while a former vacant lot along the Boardwalk has seen a

LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 15

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For ideas on day trips from Las Vegas, see the article at http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=30853.

also has many feeling cautiously optimistic about the city’s future. Revel, a $2.4-billion resort and casino that includes 46 shops, 12 restaurants, three clubs and a private beach, officially opened this year and regularly hosts big-name acts such as Beyonce and Journey. The former Trump Marina was sold and put under new management. Now the Golden Nugget, the revamped casino and resort saw $150 million in new work done and celebrated a star-studded grand re-opening in April.

Revel, a mega-casino resort, is creating the latest buzz in Atlantic City.

façade put up attempting to re-create the set of the show.

New things are being added on the city’s historic Boardwalk as well. The iconic Steel Pier is being transformed

Resorts Casino Hotel, the first to open in Atlantic City fol-

into a year-round attraction. The first phase of work, set to be

lowing the legalization of gambling in the 1970s, was recently

finished next year, will add amusement park rides. The next

put under new management and rebranded with a Roaring

two phases will re-create the famous Marine Ballroom, once

Twenties theme that features cocktail waitresses in flapper

played by such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and the Rolling

dresses and period-inspired bars. Many suspect the move

Stones, and add a Ferris wheel and retail space.

was motivated by Boardwalk Empire’s popularity. Some $125

Another pier that had seen better days, the Garden Pier,

million was invested in a new tower that contains hundreds of

was partially demolished to remove a perennial eyesore from

luxurious guest rooms.

the view. What remained was given a facelift, with new lighting,

A wave of new openings and remodeling at other locations

decking and landscaping installed.

Discover a destination that keeps groups coming back for more.

Include Lehigh Valley on your itinerary this year and discover some of the most unique venues on the East Coast.

Built amid the towering blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel plant, the Sands® Casino Resort Bethlehem features live-table games, over 3,000 slot machines, a luxurious new hotel, premium retail shopping outlets and plenty of dining options – including three Emeril Lagasse restaurants. The Sands Bethlehem Event Center is a brand new luxury entertainment venue offering first class entertainment; including a-list musicians, comedians, boxing and more.

You can also offer your guests fun destinations in Lehigh Valley like the legendary Martin Guitar Museum and Factory Tour or one of many seasonal events and festivals.

To request a free group tour planner, call Marc Kaminetsky at 1-800-MEET-HERE or visit DiscoverLehighValley.com.

Allentown | Bethlehem | Easton

16 August 2012

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Tanger Outlets The Walk, the local outlet mall, has completed three phases of a planned four-part renovation. Phase Three, finished in 2011, added such stores as Columbia Sportswear and Chico’s. The next and final phase, Atlantic City Live!, will add restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Trying to hedge its bets with the casino business looking so uncertain, Atlantic City has also been attempting to market itself as a premier “foodie” destination for the East Coast and thus attract a different source of visitors. More than a dozen new restaurants have opened in recent years and the city has been home to a number of high-profile events such as the Food Network Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival. (atlanticcitynj.com)

FAST FACTS ABOUT GAMBLING IN AMERICA • Prior to 1989, just two states (Nevada and New Jersey) allowed commercial gambling. Within a decade, nine more had legalized it.

• Today, there are 15 states that allow commercial gambling, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tunica, Mississippi The average man on the street could probably identify Vegas and Atlantic City as the two biggest gaming destinations in the country without great difficulty. But what comes next?

The surprising answer is Tunica, Mississippi.

As recently as the 1980s, Tunica was so desperately poor that Jessie Jackson called it “America’s Ethiopia” and Fortune magazine labeled it “a national disgrace.” Only about one in

• Massachusetts is the most recent state to legalize casino gaming, with a bill having passed the state legislature in June of this year.

three teenagers was graduating from high school and the town’s best-known landmark was an open sewer called the Sugar Ditch.

• If states with Native American casinos, racetracks, and lotteries are counted, the total rises to 48 states. Only in Hawaii and Utah are all forms of gambling illegal.

Then, following the legalization of gambling, the town was dealt a new hand and the “Tunica Miracle” began.

From the opening of the first casino in 1992, the gaming

• In 1989, Americans spent $7.5 billion at commercial casinos. Ten years later, in 1999, that number was $22.2 billion

industry has exploded in Tunica. Now the town is home to nine

• Spending at casinos peaked in 2007, before the recession set in, at $37.5 billion. Today, spending has begun to climb again after years of falling and is now at $35.7 annually.

nual tax revenue. Infrastructure upgrades and the new sense

Vegas-style casinos that generate over a billion dollars in an-

• There are 445 commercial casinos in operation in America today, as well as 517 card rooms, 459 Native American casinos, and 47 racetrack casinos • 59.7 million Americans, over a quarter of the adult population of the United States, gambled in a casino at least once in the past year • 53% of Americans say electronic machines, like slots and video poker, are their favorite casino game. The next most popular are blackjack, poker and craps.

• The gaming industry employs 339,098 people nationwide

*Note: The facts above were supplied by the American Gambling Association (AGA). “Commercial gambling” is defined by the AGA as a land-based, riverboat, dockside or racetrack casino. Native American casinos are not included in the total.

18 August 2012

The hotel tower at Gold Strike in Tunica features over 1,100 rooms.

Information on casino destinations across the country is available at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

LeisureGroupTravel.com

*As the graph at left shows, the number of commercial casinos peaked in 2007, according to the American Gambling Association. Native American casinos are not included.

Were they added in, the 2011 number would be 904 total casinos. An interesting side note: 256 of those “commercial casinos” are in Nevada alone.

The focus though, remains on the gaming. Tunica offers of hope in the air have made Tunica practically unrecognizable

what bigger destinations elsewhere cannot: Vegas-style ac-

to anyone who last visited in the 1980s. There are now more

tion combined with Southern hospitality. (tunicatravel.com) LGT

jobs than there are residents. Commuters come from three states to work in the town and its casinos.

In 2008, though, Tunica’s luck began to change again. Gaming revenues started falling as the recession cut down the number of visitors and flooding in 2011 forced the closure of all nine casinos, with devastating effects on the local economy.

Tunica, having survived much worse, soldiered on, undeterred. All of the casinos reopened within weeks of the flooding and work continued on a planned 10th, the Sportsman Casino and Lodge. Revenues are still lower than historical norms, but have rebounded from the flooding. “It’s getting better; they’re making a comeback,” Tunica County spokesman Larry Liddell said of the casinos.

To lure visitors back, Tunica has been pouring money into promoting a Tunica beyond the slot machine. One such example is Tunica RiverPark, a “one-of-a-kind interactive, interpretive museum” with a mixture of exhibits, aquariums and riverboat cruises.

Discover a better meeting de destination. stination.

After the flooding forced its closure, the op-

IIncredible ncredible cconvention onvention and meeting ffacilities acilities are are only the beginning of y our e xperience a your experience att Inn of the Mountain Gods. Fr om full casino action and a ward-winning dining From award-winning tto o championship golf and unpar alleled mountain sc unparalleled scenery, enery y, e ven y our kkeynote eynote speak er will be speechles s. even your speaker speechless.

erators took the opportunity to add new exhibits and remodel to make the museum more welcoming to group events. It reopened this past April with the claim that it was “better than ever.”

Recently opened for the first time is the Gateway to the Blues visitor center, a restored train station that now houses guitar displays, a gift shop and information about the region’s ties to the development of blues

273 suites >2 73 luxury rrooms ooms and suit es 45,000 flexible > 45, 000 sq. ft. of fle xible space meeting spac e > Championship golf ccourse* ourse* > Fine and casual dining

> Full casino > Ski Apache Apache** > Fishing* > Horseback riding*

InnoftheMountainGods.com InnoftheMountainGods.com 1-800-545-6040 Mescalero, Mescalero, NM near Ruidoso Booking info: info: jakazhe@innofthemountaingods.com jakazhe@innofthemountaingods.com

music. A 4,000-square-foot museum with exhibits and pieces of blues history is under construction and slated to open next year.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

FULL CASINO CASINO | LUXURY LUXURY RESORT RESORT | CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF |

*Weather Mustt be 21 or older tto enter casino.. T The Mescalero Tribe promotes *W eather permitting. Mus o ent er casino he Mescaler o Apache T ribe p romotes For rresponsible esponsible gaming. F or assistance, assistance, please call 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

(1-800-426-2537).

August 2012 19

â?– matt barry

Great American

Museums

Stunning creations dazzle visitors to the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky.

ome museums are so engaging that time just flies by.

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Your tour members get so wrapped up in the artifacts, the videos and the computer stations that it’s hard to

leave. But leave they must if the bus is waiting.

Museums inspire, educate and entertain. These repositories of knowledge and stuff shed light on the past and enchant us with nostalgic memories of days gone by. They may bring out the history buff, the sports fan, the music lover and the art aficionado in us. Highlighted here are a few of the great museums found all across America.

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Nashville, Tennessee

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum he Country Music Hall of Fame is a can’t-miss attraction for music fans visiting Nashville. Take a walk through a hundred years of country music and browse artifacts from some of the biggest names in the business. See Hank Williams’ Martin D-28 guitar, or browse the greatest albums in country history on the Gold Record Wall. Tour RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley first recorded “Heartbreak Hotel” and changed music forever. Even the architecture of the building is all about music—the front windows are in the design of piano keys. Current exhibits highlight Chet Atkins and Taylor Swift. (countrymusichalloffame.org)

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Harley-Davidson Museum he Harley-Davidson Museum features hundreds of thousands of artifacts, including 450 motorcycles from the Milwaukee-based company’s 100-plus years. The museum’s holdings include a 13-foot-long bike dubbed “King Kong” and the first Harley ever created, the 1903 Serial No.1, as well as bikes owned by Elvis and Evil Knievel. In the Experience Gallery, climb on a bike of your choice and simulate riding the great roadways of America, or build the Harley of your dreams at the Build-a-Bike exhibit. There is even an entire room just devoted to engines!

The museum is sure to be a hit for enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. (h-dmuseum.com)

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Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville Slugger Museum he Louisville Slugger Museum has something to offer baseball fans of all ages. It’s easy to find—the world’s largest baseball bat, measuring some 120 feet, leans against the building. Inside, see the bat where Babe Ruth carved notches for every home run he hit or go on the factory tour and see how Louisville’s most famous product is made. Enjoy the inspiring film The Heart of the Game or step into the cages to try out some of the latest models of bats. When you leave, you can follow the mile-long Walk of Fame featuring bronze plaques commemorating the game’s greatest sluggers, along with bronze casts of the Louisville Sluggers they used. (sluggermuseum.com)

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LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Hannibal, Missouri

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum xperience the place that started a young man then known as Samuel Clemens on a path towards literary immortality.

Tour the house where he grew up and see the white picket fence that inspired the famous scene in Tom Sawyer. A museum holds Clemens family artifacts, first editions of Twain’s works and interactive exhibits. Further immerse yourself in Twain’s world when you visit the nearby houses of the real-life inspirations for Twain characters Becky Thatcher and Huckleberry Finn. (marktwainmuseum.org)

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Mashantucket, Connecticut

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center he world’s largest Native American museum has drawn over a million visitors since its opening in 1998. Visitors can walk around a replica 16th century Pequot village complete with everyday scents and sounds or climb the 185-foot tower for panoramic views of the area. Exhibition galleries with interactive computer stations and videos cover tribal history from the Ice Age to today.

The museum also offers demonstrations of native crafts and a dramatic movie on how the tribe was all but decimated in the 1636-1638 Pequot War. Outdoors is a recreated Pequot farmstead. (pequotmuseum.org)

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Paducah, Kentucky

National Quilt Museum he world’s largest quilting museum has over 320 contemporary and traditional quilts in its permanent collection and displays many of them in the primary gallery. Continuous rotation of the quilts ensures that you’ll find something new on every visit. Two other galleries feature touring exhibits of quilts and fiber art. Browse some of the beautiful works and you’ll see why the museum draws quilters (and non-quilters) from all over the world. Located in historic downtown Paducah, the museum also offers educational programs for all ranges of quilting skills, from novice to expert. Within easy walking distance are specialty shops, restaurants and other museums. (quiltmuseum.org)

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Your Journey Begins

18,000 Years Ago AT THE MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM

“... one of the hidden gems of the state ... it rivals anything in the nation.” connecticutmag.com, March 2011

• • • •

Life-size 16th c. Pequot village 4 acres of interactive exhibits Guided tours Educational programs and craft workshops • 18-story observation tower • Libraries, gift shop, restaurant Open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 am–5 pm, last admission at 4 pm.

110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338 www.pequotmuseum.org

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Group rates: contact Kathy at (860) 396-6839 or kdavis@mptn-nsn.gov August 2012 23

Dallas, Texas

Tour Factory g in n in -W r Award Bat nir Minie v u o S r F REE ts Discoun r Group king oach Par c r to o M r F REE ll Ages un for A F n a ic r e r A ll-A m 8FTU .BJO 4USFFU t -PVJTWJMMF ,: t TMVHHFSNVTFVN DPN

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza he Sixth Floor Museum building is probably known better by its old name—the Texas School Book Depository. Here, in the very building from which President John F. Kennedy was shot in 1963, see exhibits relating to the assassination and its legacy.

The sixth floor is devoted to a permanent exhibition on the memory of our 35th president while the seventh hosts temporary exhibits dealing with different aspects of the assassination, Kennedy or life in the 1960s. (jfk.org)

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Hamilton, New Jersey

Grounds For Sculpture rounds For Sculpture (GFS) is a 42-acre sculpture park and arboretum on the former site of the NJ State Fairgrounds. Founded by sculptor and philanthropist Seward Johnson, the park opened in 1992 and has been enchanting the public ever since. Featuring over 270 outdoor sculptures and rotating exhibits in five indoor museum galleries, plus a robust lineup of concerts, performances, workshops, festivals year-round, there’s something for everyone at GFS. Add in fine dining at Zagatrated Rat’s Restaurant, a cafe, and gift shops and it’s easy to see why 150,000 people visited GFS in 2011. (groundsforsculpture.org)

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Washington, D.C.

Newseum

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he Newseum opened its doors in 2008 in a dazzling new $450-million building that is one of the most interactive museums ever. Star in your own newscast or ponder over journalistic dilemmas in the Ethics Center. Holdings include everything from an ancient cuneiform tablet to a huge section of the Berlin Wall. A display of Pulitzer Prize-winning photos and a moving gallery on September 11 are among the permanent exhibits.

When visitors to the museum get hungry, they’re in luck because there is a three-story Wolfgang Puck restaurant, The Source, on the premises. (newseum.org)

History Art Culture America GET BOOKED 1-877-HD-MUSEUM groups@h-dmuseum.com <77Ţ ./Ţ ) 'Ţ /- /ŢÂ&#x2020;Ţ $'3 1& \Ţ ŢŢÂ&#x2020;Ţ#p (1. 1([ *( ŢŢŢuŢŢŢ ŢŢŢuŢŢŢ ŢŢŢuŢŢŢ Ţ

Come See Where the Stories Started

Hannibal, Missouri 573-221-9010 marktwainmuseum.org

Clemens Family Artifacts Interactive Exhibits Original Rockwells Live Performances Twain Memorabilia Unique Gifts

Learn how a boy from Hannibal became Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved author!

At the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 25

on location: west ❖

daniel morrill

D i s cove r i n g

OGDEN

Utah Outdoor activities and Old West lore captivate groups in this year-round vacation kingdom Top-rated Snowbasin Resort, the site of several 2002 Winter Olympics events, is serviced by 12 lifts, including two high-speed gondolas.

F

or Chicago gangster Al Capone, who committed and ordered countless murders and crimes in his day, there were few things he couldn’t handle.

and Nordic cross-country skiing trails.

For those not quite ready for Olympic caliber runs, Wolf Mountain is one of the best places to learn to ski in the Amer-

Put Ogden, Utah on the list.

ican West. The soft-sloping mountain gives beginning skiers

In the 1920s Capone famously commented that the railroad

and snowboarders the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of

hub was too wild of a town for his liking. While Utah’s seventh

Western backdrops while not needing to be concerned about

largest city (pop. 82,825) has tamed down considerably since

extreme difficulty.

the days of Prohibition, a strong spirit of adventure remains.

Just 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City and nestled right up

Not to be overlooked is Powder Mountain, North America’s largest ski area with its over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain.

against the Wasatch Mountains to its east, Ogden is one of

Getting over 500 inches of “real” snow each year, the powder

the top skiing and snowboarding destinations in the United

that the mountain is named after consistently gets high ratings

States. Located on the west side of 9,500-foot Mount Ogden,

from those within the industry. “Pow Mow” visitors can enjoy

the nearby Snowbasin Resort hosted the 2002 Winter

over 144 runs, two terrain parks and backcountry ski tours.

Olympics’ men’s and women’s downhill, super G and com-

In summer Pineview Reservoir in the Ogden Valley is a

bined races. Today skiers and snowboarders can test out the

popular to place to fish, swim, water ski and wakeboard. Wind

same runs where gold medals were claimed a decade ago while enjoying another 2,800 acres of varied terrain, an 18’ superpipe, a showboat park, two terrain parks, a rail garden 26 August 2012

Obtain Utah visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Park City also offers year-round fun for groups in Utah. Get ideas at http://leisuregrouptravel.com?p=30933

through the area is minimal since it is surrounded by mountains, so the water

up. Built in 1924, the Egyptian-style audito-

in the reservoir is usually calm, glassy and perfect for water sports. Fishing

rium started out showing silent movies and

crowds are greeted with a wide selection of crappie, smallmouth bass, bullhead

now is a performing arts center. The building

catfish, trout and perch. Great hiking trails line the mountains surrounding the

was designed to look like a courtyard be-

Ogden Valley, leading to picturesque mountain-top views and waterfalls as high

tween two Egyptian temples.

as 200 feet.

The city of Ogden offers groups many year-round attractions of its own. The

True to its history, Ogden is still a city that enjoys its parties year-round. A full

Salomon Center has a wide range of unique indoor adventures. Its iFLY Utah

week in July is dedicated to the Pioneer

wind tunnel allows visitors to feel the rush of skydiving without ever having to

Days Rodeo festival. The old-time celebra-

get on a plane. Powerful fans at the base of the vertical chamber blow with

tion includes rodeos, concerts, parades,

enough power to suspend participants in midair, giving them the feeling of

fireworks, a Western art show and a Miss Rodeo Utah pageant. The saloons of old are brought to mind every fall during Oktoberfest, while in December the downtown area is transformed into a brilliant Christmas village.

So while Capone refused to step foot in this Utah gem, thousands of others who have will tell you not to make his mistake. As a great place for sporting, history and entertainment, make sure to put Ogden, Utah on your list. LGT

The Salomon Center lets extreme sports wannabes experience the sensation of skydiving.

weightlessness. The FlowRider, another of the center’s attractions, provides surfers and boogie boarders a constant stream of water for the longest waveriding experience of their life.

Downtown’s Historic 25th Street was once the site of the raucous saloons and nightlife that Capone wished to stay away from. Extending out from Union Station, the street greeted visitors from around the country since Ogden was the primary junction of the United States’ first transcontinental railroad. After a 1950s citywide cleanup, 25th Street was transformed into Ogden’s commercial hub.

Today a wide variety of businesses and restaurants make the street a great place to spend an afternoon shopping and dining.

Groups can still see the train station that so many cross-country travelers have passed through over the years. Three museums at Ogden’s Historic Union Station showcase different parts of the city’s history. The Utah State Railroad Museum examines the history of the transcontinental railroad, the John M. Browning Firearms Museum shows off original guns designed and manufactured by iconic firearms engineer John M. Browning, and the BrowningKimball Classic Car Museum features a variety of vehicles from different stages in American automobile history.

Visitors can see where the final two golden spikes were nailed into the transcontinental railway at the nearby Golden Spike Historical Site. The Last Spike Ceremony is reenacted every Saturday and holiday throughout the summer, while two working 1860s locomotives are on display from May to September.

Peery’s Egyptian Theater is another local landmark that is tough to pass LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 27

on location: midwest â?&#x2013;

vernie wong, matt barry, faye marek & daniel morrill

ILLINOIS Cultural Cornucopia

From Chicago to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern tip, museums, historic homes and other cultural attractions enrich Prairie State itineraries Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Springfield

28 August 2012

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prinkled among the skyscrapers, farm fields and Main

including a two-day-long Civil War reenactment held every

Street communities of Illinois are cultural oases that

May. Groups can qualify for such perks as special holiday

appeal to a wide range of interests. Some museums

tours of the Martin Mansion during the month of December.

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celebrate art or dig into the prehistoric past. Others recall pio-

(napersettlement.org)

neer life or pay homage to famous people. At Illinois museums your tour members can learn about Civil War heroes like Ulysses S. Grant or fictional heroes like Superman.

Following is just a sampling of what groups will find when traveling the Magnificent Miles of Illinois:

Place de la Musique, Barrington Hills. This spectacular private residence in northwest suburban Chicago holds the world’s largest

Museum Campus, Chicago.

collection of restored auto-

The downtown lakefront features

matic musical instruments,

three major museums within

including an 8,000-pipe theater organ and a piano that not

walking distance, on what is

only plays itself, but also three violins. The instruments are

known as Museum Campus.

mixed in with other mechanical antiques such as coffee

The Field Museum (fieldmu-

roasters and slot machines. The mansion that holds all of

seum.org) offers exhibits on nat-

these instruments, designed in French Second Empire style, is

ural and human history, including

open to visitors only during special events or private tours of

a large collection of Egyptian mummies and the most complete

50 or more. Another building showcases an 1890 European

T-Rex skeleton ever discovered. Nearby the Shedd Aquar-

salon carousel. (placedelamusique.org)

ium (sheddaquarium.org) holds some 25,000 fish and other aquatic creatures, including beluga whales and penguins.

Chicago Botanic Garden,

Dolphins star in the Oceanarium’s aquatic show. The other

Glencoe. Nature lovers can-

museum in the lakefront trifecta is the Adler Planetarium

not miss the Garden and its

(adlerplanetarium.org), the oldest planetarium in the West-

2.5 million flowers and plants,

ern Hemisphere. It is particularly known for the high-tech sky

scattered across 300 acres.

shows in its theaters and exhibitions on space-related topics.

The facility is divided into 24 smaller gardens, nine islands,

Outside of Museum Cam-

four natural areas and several

pus, go down in a replica coal

lakes. A Japanese garden that covers three islands is a high-

mine or board a captured

light. Those who wish to bike or walk through among the plants

German WWII submarine at

will find numerous trails. Frequent events, such as concerts

the Museum of Science and

and talks with naturalists, are offered. (chicagobotanic.org)

Industry (msichicago.org).

Or browse the works of the

Cuneo Mansion and

French Impressionists at the

Gardens, Vernon Hills. The

world-class Art Institute of Chicago (artic.edu/aic/).

former home of press magnate John Cuneo, a dazzling

Naper Settlement, Naperville.

specimen of Italianate archi-

Staff in period costumes immerse you

tecture, opened to the public

in the 19th century at Chicagoland’s

in 1991. Visitors can see the

largest outdoor museum. Visit a fort, a

mansion’s antiques, porce-

one-room schoolhouse and other

lains, tapestries and paintings by European masters. Outside

buildings from Naperville’s frontier

there are gardens designed by renowned landscape architect

past. Several rotating exhibition gal-

Jens Jensen and a small chapel with stained glass windows.

leries include one aimed at children

The house has been featured in several movies, including

under the age of 10. The museum

My Best Friend’s Wedding, starring Julia Roberts. Group tours

hosts a number of annual events,

are available for groups of 15 or more. (cuneomansion.org)

LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 29

on location: midwest ❖ Illinois Holocaust Mu-

Also in downtown Pon-

seum, Skokie. An orienta-

tiac is the Pontiac-Oakland

tion film, audio testimony

Museum, which features a

of Chicago-area Holocaust

collection of Pontiac and

survivors and more than

Oakland automobile brand

500 artifacts, documents

items, including dealer arti-

and photographs depict

facts and classic cars. (pon-

the story of the Holocaust

tiacoaklandmuseum.org)

during World War II. The largest artifact is a wooden, German-made rail car of the type

David Davis Mansion,

used to transport thousands of Jews to concentration camps.

Bloomington. This 1872

Upon entering the Room of Remembrance and Hall of Re-

mid-Victorian-style

flection, visitors are met with the names of the six million Jews

sion was home to David

who were killed. Their names are engraved in Hebrew, Yiddish

Davis, Abraham Lincoln’s

and English. Other exhibits discuss present day genocides.

campaign manager and a

(ilholocaustmuseum.org)

U.S. Supreme Court jus-

man-

tice. The three-story home Volo Auto Museum, Volo.

had 36 rooms and was one

This museum and showroom

of the most advanced

has a collection of cars that

houses of its day, complete

starred on TV and in the

with indoor plumbing, a

movies, including a 1966 full-

central furnace and gas

functioning “Batmobile” and

lighting. Original furniture and decorative arts from over 130

the Blues Brothers’ “Bluesmo-

years ago are on display. An 1800s barn, stable, carriage

bile.” While you might have

barn, foaling shed and gardens are also on the premises.

seen many of those cars in

(daviddavismansion.org)

action at some point, vehicles in the Hall of Fame Collection are guaranteed to be a first. A

Abraham Lincoln

guitar car, roller skate car, piano car and Marilyn Monroe car

Presidential Museum,

are among the curious vehicles on display. The museum’s 12

Springfield. The most-

separate buildings house more than seven miles of vehicle-

visited presidential mu-

lined aisles that also include military machines, vintage cars

seum in the country has

and a Ferrari 250 GTO, the most expensive car in the world.

many of the 16th presi-

(volocars.com)

dent’s personal belongings on display, including Illinois Route 66

his signature stovepipe

Hall of Fame and Mu-

hat. Lifelike vignettes of

seum, Pontiac. The

the Lincoln family and

museum contains arti-

the Springfield neigh-

facts associated with

borhood in which the

Route 66, known as

Lincoln Home is located

“The Mother Road.”

look at life in Honest

It boasts memorabilia

Abe’s day. The museum’s Presidential Library features a

like gas station pumps,

“Ghosts of the Library” hologram storytelling. You can also

vintage postcards, neon advertising signs, and the bus and

choose to visit Lincoln’s resting place at the Lincoln Tomb in

van of Route 66 artist and icon Bob Waldmire. The giant Route

Oak Ridge Cemetery. The recreated village of New Salem,

66 shield mural painted on the exterior back wall makes a good

where Lincoln lived as a young adult, is located in St. Peters-

photo op. (815-844-4566)

burg, a short drive from Springfield. (alplm.org)

30 August 2012

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on location: midwest â?&#x2013; John Deere Pavilion, Moline. Fresh from a major renovation, the pavilion now offers visitors a more up-close and personal look at the history and artifacts of John Deere. A full line of Deere products is on display with many of the machines placed in the environments they function in.

Concept machines, like the autonomous tractor, can also be seen. Machine simula-

SEE THE WORLD OF JOHN DEERE...UP CLOSE

THE JOHN DEERE PAVILION

tors offer the chance to get behind the controls of Deere tractors. Admission is free. (johndeereattractions.com)

ZZZ -RKQ'HHUH$WWUDFWLRQV FRP 765

Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford. Focusing on the natural history of the Rock River Valley, Burpee Museum features a collection of over 70,000 paleontology, geology, biology and anthropology specimens on four floors. The collection includes rare items and specimens like Mazon Creek fossils that are over 300 million years old. A centerpiece is Jane, the 21-foot skeleton of a T-Rex. The exhibit Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur explores events during the 66 million years she was buried. (burpee.org)

LeisureGroupTravel.com

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Take a peek inside the new Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. Log on to http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=31104.

U.S. Grant Home State

side you can see antique fire trucks, airplanes, tractors and

Historic Site, Galena. The

automobiles including Ford Model Ts and an Indy racecar.

Italianate-style brick home

Vintage clothes, toys, bicycles, jukeboxes and clocks are

on Bouthillier Street contains

among the non-vehicle displays. Hands-on exhibits include

many of the actual furnish-

a fire truck siren, antique washing machines and a minia-

ings of the family of Ulysses

ture circus. (wheelsotime.org)

S. Grant, Civil War general and 18th president of the

Villa Kathrine, Quincy. Overlooking the Mississippi

United States. Tours are given by guides in period dress.

River, Villa Kathrine was built in 1900 as a home for world

(granthome.com/index.htm)

traveler W. George Metz, a Quincy native.

Wheels O’ Time Museum, Dunlap. Started by two

Metz lived in the villa

Peoria residents looking for a place to store classic cars,

with his mastiff named

this museum looks back

“Bingo” until he sold it

at early transportation.

in 1912. The exterior of

Outdoor displays feature

the villa was inspired

a steam train complete

by the Villa ben Ahben

with a Milwaukee Road

in Morocco and mirrors

combine car, TP&W ca-

its design. It is listed on

boose and a Plymouth

the National Register of Historic Places and Illinois Register of

switch engine train. In-

Historic Places. (villakathrine.org)

LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 33

on location: midwest ❖ Bishop Hill State Historic

home, a hand-built cabin on the river. Across the street is

Site, Bishop Hill. Settlers from

the Mansion House, later turned into a hotel. (cofchrist.org/js)

Sweden made this colony their “utopia on the prairie” in 1846.

MY Garage Museum,

The Steeple Building, Colony

Effingham. Located at

Church and other buildings in

Mid America Motorworks, a

the village have exhibits that

company started by Mike

document the settlement and

Yager back in the 1970s,

Swedish-American heritage. The Bishop Hill Museum dis-

the

plays the folk art paintings of Olof Krans, such as Corn Plant-

automotive collectibles like

ing, that depict colony life. Specialty shops are another reason

pedal cars, gas pumps and

for groups to visit the village, a National Historic Landmark.

model kits. There are many pieces of Corvette, Porsche and

(bishophill.com)

Volkswagen memorabilia. One highlight is an actual 1910

museum

spotlights

gas station that was moved to the museum. Car lovers also Joseph Smith Historic Site, Nauvoo. Guided group tours of the

community

shaped

enjoy collections of racing vehicles and various prototypes. (mygaragemuseum.com)

by

Joseph Smith, the founder of the

Super Museum, Metropolis. Known as the “Official Home

Latter Day Saints movement in

to Superman,” this Ohio River town revolves around a 15-foot

this Mississippi River town in the

color statue of Superman in front of the courthouse on Su-

early 1840s, explore the Smith

perman Square. Jim Hambrick, a Superman enthusiast since

family homes and burial sites. Walking tours begin at the visi-

he was five, runs the museum, which was opened in 1993 and

tor center with a short film. View Homestead, Smith’s first

holds more than 20,000 items. Hambrick’s collection consists

34 August 2012

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Obtain Illinois visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

of almost every Superman toy ever produced, the only George Reeves Superman costume still in existence, props from the movies and an array of collectibles. An annual four-day festival celebrates the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man of Steel.â&#x20AC;?

This celebration draws at least 30,000 people and includes amusement rides, live music and a $1,000 Superhero Costume Contest. (supermuseum.com) National Great Rivers Museum, Alton. Located at the Melvin Price Locks & Dam, the museum tells the story of the Mississippi River and how it affects the lives of people. It has more than 20 interactive displays on cycles of the river, water consumption, barge traffic and nature. Visitors also can see Power of the River, a 30-minute film. Guided tours feature the museum, locks and dam. (meetingoftherivers.org)

LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 35

on location: midwest â?&#x2013;

randy mink

TA S T E S O F

OHIO Enjoy sangria and tapas at Barcelona, a stop on Columbus Food Adventuresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; German Village tour.

Bring your appetite for a flavorful foray through the heart of the Buckeye State 36 August 2012

LeisureGroupTravel.com

T

here’s nothing I like more than pie—pecan, coconut cream, rhubarb, you name it. Anything with gravy sends me into culinary ecstasy as well.

So, I felt perfectly at home eating my way through Ohio’s

Amish Country, where I rejoiced in the buffet meals, invaded restaurant bakeries with a passion, and picked up fry pies and whoopie pies as I toured the countryside this spring. The Amish sure know how to make pie—and all the other old-fashioned comfort foods I like.

Besides reveling in stick-to-your-ribs fare in Amish Country, I stretched my culinary boundaries in Columbus, a foodie town if there ever was one. I nibbled and noshed on all kinds of artisan delectables, from pretzels to pizza. I also was well-fed in Cleveland, the starting point of my Ohio trip and a city that

Groups fill up on chicken and mashed potatoes at Dutch Valley Restaurant.

exceeded my expectations in many ways.

berger’s Farm & Bakery, located between Berlin and Charm.

AMISH COUNTRY

Besides homemade bread and other baked goods—yes,

The largest Amish community in the world (population about

there are free samples—it offers Amish-made jams and

50,000) offers a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy. Gen-

jellies, plus 27 kinds of egg noodles. Best of all, Hershberger’s

tly rolling land dotted with barns and dairy cows provide a pas-

has 16 varieties of its famous fry pies, semi-circular pockets of

toral backdrop for the Amish buggies clattering down the road.

glazed dough with apple, peach, blackberry, strawberry

There’s always something to look at, whether it’s a Swiss-style

rhubarb and other fillings. This popular place for bus groups

storefront, a horse plow cutting through the fields or a bunch of

has buggy and wagon rides, a petting barn, cafe and shop

Amish school kids playing ball. The bearded men in their

with farm-themed gifts. The morning tour also took us to an

broad-brimmed hats and women in prayer veiling remind you

Amish furniture shop.

this is a different world.

The grand finale of our half-day “Amish Backroads Tour”

Mary Beachy, a member of the Old Order Amish, is a Sug-

was lunch at the Sugarcreek home of Reuben and Katie

arcreek-based receptive operator who showed me around her

Shrock, on a farm next to the family’s sawmill and palette

neck of the woods one morning, pointing out the same things

shop. Guests of Shrock’s Country Cookin’ don’t sit around

she does as a step-on guide for motorcoach tours. (In addition

the dining room table, but on tables in a lower-level room

to offering Ohio Amish Country packages, her company, Swiss

(with kitchen) that might remind you of a church basement. I

Valley Tours, takes local groups to destinations throughout the

feasted on Katie’s fried chicken, glazed ham, salad, buttery

United States.)

Mary explains to groups the basics of Amish life, as outsiders are always intrigued by this self-providing Christian people who make do without electricity and certain modern conveniences. Lights, stoves and refrigerators are gas-powered. The Amish do not own televisions or drive cars. The lack of earthly distractions, Mary said, allows them to focus on prayer, discipline and family. Sunday religious services in It’s easy to keep families together, Mary said, because families eat meals together. In fact, some of her best childhood memories revolve around the dinner table.

“We enjoyed discussing our day,” she said. “We didn’t take our food and sit in front of the TV, though I tell people they’re not going to hell if they watch TV.” One of my favorite stops with Mary Beachy was HershLeisureGroupTravel.com

Holmes County Tourism Bureau

German are conducted in homes, not churches.

Tourists savor the slow pace and simple pleasures of Ohio Amish Country.

August 2012 37

Because the only thing better than telling old stories is creating new ones.

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on location: midwest ❖

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egg noodles in chicken broth and brown-butter mashed pota-

nished in white wicker. Guest rooms, most with Amish-crafted

toes with chicken gravy. There was homemade peanut butter

beds, are decorated in six different woodworking styles.

whip (blended with marshmallow cream) for spreading on the

The Carlisle’s conference room is the site of a new enter-

thick slices of wheat bread. Capping the meal—the best of my

tainment option for groups touring Amish Country. The Con-

trip—was a luscious slice of peanut butter cream pie. After-

fession: A New Musical, playing through Dec. 15, is a love

wards, Katie and her daughter sang hymns in German and

story about an Amish woman, adapted from the best-selling

English. Lunches and dinners for tour groups are $15 a person.

novel by Beverly Lewis.

The family gladly answers questions about the Amish lifestyle.

The village of Sugarcreek, with its chalet-style buildings, is

Hearty fare also awaits at the 450-seat restaurant at Amish

called the “Little Switzerland of Ohio.” Founded in 1882, it was

Door Village in Wilmot. Groups can fill up on

settled by Swiss immigrants who

broasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy,

felt at home here in the foothills of

and bread stuffing, just some of the buffet high-

the Appalachians. Many of the early

lights. And save room for pie—they make 22 fla-

settlers bought fresh milk from the

vors. Also check out the bakery, which offers an

Amish (who had moved here from

excellent apple fritter and the best cream tube

Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s) to make cheese.

Alpine Hills Museum, ensconced in one of the many SwissPumpkin is one of 22 pie varieties at Carlisle Inn’s Dutch Valley Restaurant.

style buildings on Main Street, has an antique copper cheese kettle from Switzerland in a reconstructed

1890 cheese house. Visitors delight in Sugarcreek’s animated outdoor murals of scenes reminiscent of the Swiss countryside. Created by house painter Tom Miller in the 1950s, they feature electronically controlled figures and vehicles, such as a skier gliding through the snow. Swiss music wafting through downtown almost makes you want to yodel. What is claimed as the world’s largest cuckoo clock is being assembled downtown and will be cuckooing again in late 2012.

The area has more than a dozen cheese factories and The Confession: A New Musical plays the Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek.

retailers, plus nearly 20 wineries. Heini’s Gourmet Market and Buckeye Wine Gallery in Sugarcreek has “cheeseballing”

(long john) I’ve ever had. Amish Door Village has a 52-room

and other classes in addition to wine and cheese tastings.

Victorian-style inn with an indoor pool, shops and a dinner

Another fun stop is Shisler’s Cheese Shop in Orrville, where

theater. Gospel concerts are presented monthly.

J.M. Smucker has its company store. Visitors to Smucker’s

The Carlisle Inn, part of Dutchman Hospitality’s collection

red-roofed barn can taste products, tour the museum, eat in

of restaurants, shops and inns, also provides a campus set-

the cafe, and shop for jelly, peanut butter, and ice cream

ting ideal for groups. The Sugarcreek complex includes the

toppings. “With a name like Smucker’s it has to be good!”

Dutch Valley Restaurant, gift shops and a specialty food store.

For Swiss and Austrian cuisine, groups should consider

It’s hard to pass through the bakery without picking up a cin-

Chalet in the Valley, a restaurant nestled between Berlin and

namon roll, cookie (I chose molasses) or whoopie pie. Motor-

Charm. In the private Valley View room they can savor spe-

coach groups can enjoy a family-style spread in the banquet

cialties like Schweinschnitzel (breaded pork cutlet) while being

room or choose the buffet in the main dining room. Pie-making

serenaded by polka music from a button box.

and other culinary demonstrations can be arranged.

Away from the dinner table, groups in Ohio Amish Country

The 69-room Carlisle Inn is lavishly appointed with chan-

will find many attractions. A must-see in Berlin is the Amish &

deliers, a grand staircase, pastoral artwork, and comfy sitting

Mennonite Heritage Center, home of an awesome cyclorama

areas with overstuffed sofas, armchairs and rockers. There’s

(circular mural) that tells the moving story of the Anabaptists

a library with fireplace and a second-floor breakfast area fur-

and the persecution they endured in Europe. Entitled Behalt,

40 August 2012

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it is one of only four cycloramas in North America and consid-

seeks out artisan products, ethnic foods and the freshest

ered the “Sistine Chapel” of the Plain People. Guided half-hour

produce…or is just plain hungry.

tours explain the significance of the epic, 265-foot-long paint-

North Market, just north of downtown, was first established

ing. (Behalt comes from the German word behalten, meaning

at this location in 1876. Groups can arrange tasting tours that

“to keep” or “to remember.”)

visit several merchants. Cooking classes in the retro, 1950s-

One of my favorite discoveries was Warther Carvings in

style demonstration kitchen are conducted by spicy foods guru

Dover, a family-owned factory that has made kitchen knives

John Hard of CaJohn’s Flavor and Fire, a shop that specializes

since 1902. In Kidron groups can have a field day exploring

in salsas, hot sauces and barbecue sauces.

Lehman’s Hardware, the place for old-fashioned house-

North Market tours and classes are among the food and

wares, appliances, hand tools and non-electric toys. Visit on a

wine options promoted in Experience Columbus’ experiential

Thursday and enjoy the Kidron Livestock Auction across the

lineup, as is North Market’s hour-long “Artisan Ice Cream,” a

street. On auction day, Amish housewives sell baked goods

tasting adventure with entrepreneur Jeni Britton Bauer, who

from their buggies.

launched nationally renowned Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream from the market. Her stuff is shipped by the gallons on dry ice to

COLUMBUS

celebrities around the country. Ice cream flavors include

How often do you get to drink mead? I tried some of this “honey wine” during a tour and tasting at Brothers Drake Meadery in Columbus, the state capital and home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The meadery uses all local products—Ohio wildflower honey, water, yeast, fruit, even flowers. The Pillow Talk blend, for example, is flavored with lavender and chamomile flowers. My favorite—the seasonal Apple Pie mead, aged for 12 months in a tank—is made with crushed apples, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Drake Brothers has the only bar in the world with mead on draft.

If mead is too sweet for you, go next door to Middle West Spirits, a micro-distillery. Groups can arrange a tour and taste I sampled a tamer beverage at the Ohio Herb Education Center in nearby Gahanna, the “Herb Capital of Ohio.” I never thought much about herbs and don’t really drink tea, but I en-

North Market

the whiskeys and vodkas.

Ohio farmers showcase their produce at North Market in Columbus.

joyed sipping the aromatic chamomile and mint tea and even tried horseradish ice cream during a tasting session with an

Whiskey and Pecans, Salty Caramel and Wildberry Lavender.

herb expert who really educated our group on all things herbal.

Jeni’s Bangkok Peanut combines peanut butter, honey, co-

The center is across the street from Creekside Plaza, a mod-

conut and cayenne pepper.

ern development that includes Mezzo Italian Kitchen & Wine,

Other food purveyors at North Market include Hubert’s

an innovative Italian restaurant that welcomes groups and of-

Polish Kitchen, the place for kielbasa sandwiches and pierogis;

fers an herb-infused lunch.

Brezel, for gourmet pretzels in flavors like toasted coconut;

The Ohio Herb Education Center is one of many Columbus-

Taste of Belgium, sugary Belgian-style waffles; and Clever

area attractions that participates in Experience Columbus’ ex-

Crow, famous for its cornmeal crust pizzas. For lunch-goers,

periential tourism program, which offers hands-on, immersive

there are tables on the mezzanine and outside.

adventures. “Herbal Infusion,” a two-hour program ($20 a per-

Groups with culinary interests should book a walking tour

son), involves making your own vinegars and oils. The one-hour

with Columbus Food Adventures. I took the German Village

“Thyme for Fun in the Kitchen” ($10) shows how to enhance

tour and learned about this historic neighborhood in between

recipes with herbal blends. Complement the herbal experience

grazing at six eateries.

with wine tasting at Wyandotte Winery or Sher-Bliss.

If I had to single out one place to visit to Columbus, it would be North Market, a paradise for foodies and anyone who 42 August 2012

Needless to say, I struck it rich on my very first trip to Central Ohio, a culinary gold mine. Had I only known, I would have swung by much earlier in my travel career. LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com

on location: northeast ❖ ew Jersey, known as “The Garden

N

State,” has plenty of scenic beauty,

from rolling hills and idyllic farmland to white sandy beaches. But the indoors has a lot to offer as well.

Museums that explore the past and present make ideal places for group travel. Here are 11 suggestions that might be worth incorporating into your next itinerary: Museum of American Glass at

faye marek

New Jersey Museums Choices abound for tour planners looking for cultural components to add to the mix

WheatonArts, Millville. The collection, with over 7,000 objects on display, is the most comprehensive exhibit of American glass in the world. The collection is

The Princeton University Art Museum has fine examples of art from the Maya culture.

arranged in chronological order beginning with glass from the first successful glass factory in America dating from 1739, to contemporary art glass. The sunlit galleries showcase early glass and bottles, paperweights, cut and engraved glass works, art nouveau, celebrated works by Dale Chihuly and other contemporary artists who work in glass, plus the world’s largest bottle.

Specially designed tours and packages are available for collectors, adults and students. The museum presents changing displays and special exhibitions throughout the year. (wheatonarts.org) Newark Museum, Newark.

The largest museum in New Jersey has been around more than 100 years and offers 80 galleries of priceless pieces of art. Work ranges from ancient Egypt, Asia and Africa to contemporary art. In addition, visitors can walk through a Victorian-era house to experience life in the 1800s.

A bonus is the Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium, where the night sky comes to life. (newarkmuseum.org) Bruce M. White

Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center, Long Beach. As a historical lighthouse, “Ol’ Barney” continues to beckon people to the top and the light LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 43

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For group-friendly attractions and activities on the Jersey Shore, see the Cape May article at http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=31023

still shines on a daily basis. The adjacent Interpretive Center depicts the history of the lighthouse and how it works. Cameras in the center transmit a live view so that visitors don’t have to climb the 217 steps to the top. (barnegathistoricalsociety.com) New Jersey State Museum, Trenton. This museum is four museums in one, displaying thousands of artifacts in the Archaeology & Ethnology, Fine Arts, Cultural History and Natural History sections. One exhibit contains a replica of a Hadrosaurus, a specimen found in 1858 in Haddonfield and chosen as the state’s official dinosaur in 1991. In addition, a 150-seat planetarium has sky shows and visual displays of the solar system. (njstatemuseum.org) Morris Museum, Morristown. More than 48,000 artifacts in the permanent collections include textiles, costumes, dolls, toys, rocks and minerals. Be sure to explore the “Dinosaur Den,” where visitors are able to touch a real egg and see what New Jersey looked like overrun with dinosaurs. One exhibit is dedicated as a memorial to Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, a long- time resident and philanthropist. Visitors also can see live play performances at the Blickford Theater, located in the museum. (morrismuseum.org) Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Monuments, accessible from Jersey City. Although the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are not in New Jersey, both New York and New Jersey share ownership. Visitors

Ferries from Jersey City go to Liberty and Ellis islands in New York Harbor.

can begin their trip on a ferry from Jersey City that goes to Ellis Island and then to the Statue of Liberty. Lineage discoveries can be made at the American Family Immigration History Center at the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration. Visitors are able to walk through the Great Registry Room, where millions of immigrants began their lives in America. The Statue of Liberty’s interior is closed for renovations until the end of 2012, but grounds are still open and staffed by National Park Service rangers. (nps.gov/elis, nps.gov/stli)

Groups can tour the USS Ling 297, a submarine at the New Jersey Naval Museum in Hackensack.

44 August 2012

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Obtain New Jersey visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

WHEATONARTS

New Jersey Naval Museum, Hackensack. The USS Ling 297, a 312-foot submarine, is permanently moored in Hackensack.

Tours of the vessel give visitors an idea of what a 95-person crew experienced in the tight spaces. Other artifacts include a WWII Japanese suicide torpedo and German Seahund submarine. (njnm.com) Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Atlantic City. On the Atlantic City boardwalk, visitors can gape and gawk at a genuine shrunken The library in a laboratory building at Thomas Edison National Historical Park, West Orange

head, the world’s smallest production car or a roulette table made of over 14,000 jelly beans. Marvel at more than 100 exhibits on

a self-guided, self-paced tour. (ripleys.com/atlanticcity) Thomas Edison National Historical Park, West Orange. Travel back into time and explore the famous inventor’s laboratory and house. Glenmont, Edison’s 29-room, Queen Anne-style mansion, is located on the 21-acre property next to the laboratory complex. On a self-guided tour visitors can learn about his pioneering breakthroughs, which ranged from the electric light bulb to phonographs, sound recordings, and silent and sound movies. Watch the 1903 silent

One of Southern New Jersey’s Most Popular Cultural Destinations!

Located Less Than An Hour From Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Cape May!

Museum of American Glass Special Exhibitions and Daily Tours

Interactive Artist Demonstrations Glass, Ceramics and Woodcarving

Award Winning Museum Stores One-Of-A-Kind Gifts! Free Packaging!

Year Round Exhibits, Events & Programs Scenic Picnic Area Bake Shoppe & Café

Adult and Student Packages Available!

April through December Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10am to 5pm

wheatonarts.org 800.998.4552 | Millville, NJ 08332

film The Great Train Robbery. (nps.gov/edis) Montclair Art Museum, Montclair. Focusing on American and Native American art work, upcoming exhibits feature works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Saya Woolfalk. The museum has almost 12,000 pieces on exhibit, including traditional and contemporary Native American art encompassing textiles, weaving, pottery, wood carving and jewelry. (montclair-art.com) Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton. Works focus largely

on

geographical

areas:

Mediterranean, Western Europe, China, United States and Latin America. The museum is regarded for an outstanding exhibit of Greek and Roman antiquities that includes ceramics, marbles, bronzes and Roman mosaics. It is also known for its Chinese art, with significant bronzes, tomb figurines, painting and calligraphy; and Pre-Columbian art, with remarkable examples of art of the Maya. (princetonartmuseum.org) LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 45

on location: south ❖

daniel morrill

Touring Northwest

Arka Groups find there is lots to see between the trees The thickly-wooded Ozark Mountains region, with its lakes, rivers and deep valleys, provides stunning backdrops for outdoor activities.

f you’ve ever flown over Northwest Arkansas, chances

I

logical place to start a tour of the Ozarks. Established in 1817

are you didn’t see much more than the color green. The

as the region’s first military fort, Fort Smith has grown into a

Ozark Mountains that make up most of the region are

bustling economic hub. But the city on which the 1969 film

largely covered in forest. Picturesque lookout points

True Grit was based has managed to preserve its rich his-

from above the canopy, as well as the lakes and streams

tory, and some parts of the town still have an Old West feel

below, draw groups from around the country.

to them.

Nestled among the trees are many attractions that you may

The Fort Smith Museum of History gives groups a glimpse

not expect. History and art are as rich in Northwest Arkansas

into the city’s past through artifacts from the days of the Wild

as the natural beauty that surrounds the area. The region’s

West. Items such as an early 20th century soda fountain, a

most popular tourist stops are particularly well-suited for group

steam-powered fire pump and a 150-year-old cannon are on

travel.

display. Visitors can board a trolley tour from the museum to go

Fort Smith is the largest city in Northwest Arkansas and a 46 August 2012

through the city’s historic district.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

The Fort Smith National Historic Site features the remains of two frontier forts from the 1800s and includes exhibits

nsas

on law and order in the Old West and the Trail of Tears. Visitors can see how the military would have functioned through living history programs.

A picturesque drive through the Ozark forests and up I-540 will bring you to Fayetteville. Only slightly smaller than Fort Smith, the city is home to the University of Arkansas. The 140-year-old campus houses over 23,000 students during the school year, and a college football game in Fayetteville is the premier sporting event in Arkansas. The Razorbacks football program has won the 19th most games in NCAA history and is the only Division I program with two home stadiums, playing both at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville and at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Fayetteville features many attractions tailored to its student crowd but also quite a few that any group could enjoy. Groups always like exploring Dickson Street’s extensive strip of boutiques, galleries, clubs and restaurants.

Just southwest of Fayetteville lies Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. The still intact battlefield marks the spot of Northwest Arkansas’ final major Civil War battle. The park’s museum and visitor center offer interactive exhibits. Living history programs and battle reenactments occur at certain times.

War Eagle Mill, a working gristmill on the War Eagle River in Rogers, is a reconstruction of an 1873 mill.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

August 2012 47

on location: south ❖

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For a look at Northwest Arkansas’ Buffalo River National Park, log on to http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=30754.

Civil War history comes alive during re-enactments at Prairie Grove Battlefield. Right: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a hot new attraction.

Continuing on I-540 takes visitors to the historic town of

tober for the War Eagle Mill Arts and Crafts Fair. The fair

Rogers. The Rogers Historical Museum has replicas of sev-

features the work of hundreds of craftspeople who make

eral old storefronts, including a bank, barber shop and store.

everything from folk art and stoneware to potpourris, quilts and

The War Eagle Mill has been reconstructed to mimic the 1873

candles. Nearby War Eagle Cavern is as much of a historical

mill that burned down 88 years ago. Thousands of people

site as it is a natural one. The former home of American Indi-

from all over the country flock to Rogers every May and Oc-

ans, the massive cave features an underground stream and an interactive “Cave Maze.”

The Heart of Historic Hot Springs National Park

A 20-minute drive east on AR-12 will bring you to Hobbs State Park and Conservation Management Area. Arkansas’ largest state park shows off the ridges, valleys, streams, forests and wildlife that the Ozark region is best known for. Tree-branch-shaped Beaver Lake wraps around the park and provides the area with plenty of streams and waterfalls. The famous Van Winkle Trail takes visitors through a tunnel to the site of the former Van Winkle lumber mill. Other popular trails include the double-stacked Pigeon Roost Trail and ridgeline Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail.

Bentonville, not more than a 20-minute drive north of Rogers, is home to the new Crystal Bridges Museum of

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American Art. The museum’s permanent collection, free to view, chronicles American art from colonial to contemporary and features temporary exhibits from around the world. Outside the museum are six trails that weave through trees, sculptures and natural art.

Bentonville is also home to Walmart’s corporate headquarters and recently reopened visitor center. Groups can tour and shop at Walton’s 5&10, Sam Walton’s first store from which the retail giant began. The visitor center has interactive exhibits and videos about Walton and the rest of the company’s story.

Slightly off the beaten path and close to the Oklahoma LeisureGroupTravel.com

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WELCOMING THE WORLD. Since opening its doors in 2004, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center has welcomed more than two million visitors from around the world. The Center is an educational and cultural center offering a variety of special events, exhibitions, educational programs and lectures throughout the year.

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on location: south ❖

Obtain Arkansas visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

border is Siloam Springs, home to the annual Dogwood Fes-

fashioned town, tucked neatly among the trees, is home to

tival. An estimated 30,000 people from around the country

many country music shows throughout the year. Every Sun-

flood the downtown parks for the festival on the last Sunday in

day residents crowd the streets for a European-style farmers

April. Over 200 booths feature all-handmade arts and crafts, as

market. Arts, crafts and antiques are always in stock at Eureka

well as other miscellaneous items. Food vendors offer every-

Springs, and visitors are usually greeted by some form of live

thing from gumbo to bread pudding to kettle corn.

entertainment.

A final but crucial stop on a tour of the Ozark region is the

Just outside of town groups can see The Great Passion

Victorian-style mountain village of Eureka Springs. This old-

Play, one of the country’s theatrical spectacles. America’s best-

Christ of the Ozarks statue in Eureka Springs.

attended outdoor drama depicts the days preceding Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into Heaven. The massive stage represents a street in Jerusalem, featuring six full-size buildings. Over seven million people have seen the play during its 40-year history.

Attractions on the theater grounds include a section of the Berlin Wall, an exhibit honoring the life of King David and the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks, a statue of Jesus.

Whether it’s history, natural beauty, sports, theater, or arts and crafts, Northwest Arkansas has what your group is looking for. Its cities aren’t crowded, and many attractions cater to groups. And while the Ozark Mountains are as majestic as they are green, don’t get fooled into thinking that the top left corner of this state has nothing but forest. There is a lot to see between the trees. LGT 50 August 2012

LeisureGroupTravel.com

On Marketing

❖ dave bodle

Enhance Customer Satisfaction and Come Out Ahead WhilE prEpAring fOr this month’s

own personal horror stories about bad

ness but could care less what I have

column, which focuses on customer

customer service, let’s get on the same

to say. I guess I’ll just go elsewhere.

service, it seemed a wise place to

page with a definition.

start was a Google search. I have my thoughts and notions, but it’s always

Efraim Turban in Electronic Commerce: A Managerial Perspective

• Where does greed get you?

What would happen if your company position were - we do not want your

a good idea to see what others are

(Prentice Hall, 2002) defines customer

money unless you’re amazingly happy?

thinking about a given subject. In just

service quite simply: “Customer service

How many of us are willing to empower

21 seconds, more than 1.4 billion re-

is a series of activities designed to

our customers to the point of offering a

sponses appeared! Survey says – cus-

enhance the level of customer satis-

100 percent guarantee? We’d have to

tomer service must really be important.

faction – that is, the feeling that a

understand our customers well enough

product or service has met the cus-

to know they are genuinely nice people.

I discovered the “8 Rules for Good Customer Service,” “The Ten Com-

tomer expectation.” With that in mind,

mandments of Great Customer Serv-

here are a few thoughts to enhance

ice” and “Seven Steps to Remarkable

your customer’s satisfaction:

Customer Service.” Although I did not

• please answer the telephone. If

Here’s the point: Unless you can give your customer the warm feeling of knowing that “everything is going to go well,” what’s the best you can

review all 1.4 billion listings, there was

you’re a one-man shop, get call for-

hope? Will the customer hesitate

a considerable number of recognizable

warding. If you need to get an answer-

before buying, or simply not buy at all?

corporate names with contact informa-

ing service or hire additional staff, do

Understand that if you do not give a

tion. However, before we go off on our

so. People want to talk with someone,

full refund, many credit cards will.

not a recording.

I know a company that had the

Looking Ahead to Our

OCTOBER ISSUE

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Religious Travel Fall Foliage Alumni Travel Colorado Idaho Oregon Wisconsin Mississippi Alabama Louisiana New Hampshire Culinary/Agritourism

tomer to every friend, relative and neighbor after the bad experience.

ter how bad your issue might be she

• Employees need a little love, too.

was quite soothing. When connected

Regularly, you need to tell the employ-

to the party called, you were a much

ees who deal with the public that

happier person. She was replaced

they’re appreciated. Treating employ-

with a robotic-sounding recording, and

ees with respect carries over to how

both clients and suppliers miss her

they treat the customer. Empower them

voice. Now when calling, you better

to make decisions and then back

know the extension or at the very least

them up.

While on the subject of answering

See our page-flip edition & past issues at

LeisureGroupTravel.com We can help showcase your business to groups. Call us 630.794.0696 or advertising@ptmgroups.com

LeisureGroupTravel.com

most pleasant-sounding receptionist.

Her voice was like magic and no mat-

how to spell your contact’s last name!

• Vermont • Israel • Europe

Taking the high road before the sale avoids ranting and raving by a cus-

Have a career path for every customer service employee. Customer

the telephone, include responding to e-

service hires may not want to deal

mails on your list of important changes.

with complaints, or answer the same

I’m not thinking about responses to

questions all day long and into eternity.

employees, prospects or even cus-

Give them a stake in their job by

tomers. What I mean is this - do not

letting them know there is upward

sent out a mass e-mail reminder of an

career mobility.

event with a caption that reads, “Do not respond to this e-mail.” What I see here is someone who wants my busi-

Contact Dave at 843-712-1140 or email dbodle@sc.rr.com.

August 2012 51

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