M.W. Itineraries

WATERLOO, IOWA

BRING YOUR TOUR TO LIFE: DISCOVER WATERLOO HIGHLIGHTS arts and crafts created by Midwest artists. Just steps away, it’s time for a fresh and innovative lunch at the ArtHouse Café. Following lunch, take a behind-the-scenes tour of a thirdgeneration business, Petersen & Tietz Florist and Greenhouses. Wrap up the afternoon with a tour of Kenny Kass’ Private Tractor Collection, the fifth largest in the United States. In the evening, head downtown to Hope Martin Theatre, home of the Waterloo Community Playhouse/ Black Hawk Children’s Theatre. Sit back, relax and enjoy one of their outstanding performances!

■ Take a free trolley tour through the John Deere Tractor Assembly Plant ■ Enjoy a meal below the breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling at the Galleria De Paco ■ Learn about life on the home front at the Five Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum ■ Experience dining, gaming and entertainment at the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ■ Engage in arts and culture at the Waterloo Center for the Arts and Phelps Youth Pavilion ■ See historic artifacts and exhibits at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum ■ Buy fresh and locally-grown food items at the RiverLoop Public Market Co-op and Café

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Waterloo Begin your tour of Waterloo at the John Deere Tractor Assembly Plant and take a free trolley ride through the factory to see first-hand how the large green tractors are manufactured.

Afterwards, stop by Deere Crossing to pick up your John Deere merchandise and souvenirs. Next, travel a short distance to the world-famous Galleria De Paco, and enjoy a tour and meal below the breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling. The artist, Paco Rosic, created this masterpiece with 5,200 cans of Krylon spray paint as he worked on scaffolding for 4 months. A few blocks away is the Grout Museum District, where you can “Touch, See, and Feel” the history. Then on to the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, which honors Waterloo’s military heroes – The Fighting Sullivans, five brothers who perished on the same ship during WWII. This museum features interactive exhibits, displays and oral histories for all conflicts from the Civil War to present day. Check into the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, where you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations as well as dining, gaming and entertainment.

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Waterloo Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Isle Buffet before you begin your fun-filled day in Waterloo. Artistry at its best! The Waterloo Center for the Arts presents a full program of exhibitions and works from its permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibits of works by regional and international artists. Your group can get creative with a hands-on workshop or class in drawing, pottery, jewelry making, digital photography, or video editing! Be sure to check out their Gift Store, which sells original fine Day

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Show Me the Green

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This Land was Made for You and Me

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Gardener’s Delight

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Waterloo Enter a world of discovery at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. The museum preserves the history of mankind’s oldest sport through historic artifacts, exhibits and a library. The Hall of Fame completes the tribute to some of the most memorable wrestlers in American history. Step back in time with a visit to Waterloo’s oldest Victorian mansion, the Rensselaer Russell House.

Next, travel down the road to the RiverLoop Public Market Co-op and Café for lunch. This year-round market and café sells fresh and locally-grown food items.

After lunch, enjoy a hands-on farm experience at Hansen’s Dairy Farm. See the process of getting milk from the farm to your table, feed a calf, milk a cow, or perhaps pet a wallaby. Top your day off with a horse-drawn wagon ride and home-cooked meal at Heritage Farm.

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Waterloo Start your final day with a visit to the Historic Church Row Neighborhood.

Tour up to seven of these 100-year-old churches all located within a two-block area. Complete your tour of Waterloo with a group luncheon at the historic Snowden House.

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CONTACT: Waterloo CVB ➤ Lonnie Elmore www.travelwaterloo.com 500 Jefferson St., Waterloo, IA 50701 Phone: 800-728-8431 Email: lonnie@travelwaterloo.com LeisureGroupTravel.com

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

CATCH OUR SPIRIT from Illinois to Iowa and on to Utah, see the pioneer clothing, hand carts, and more. Then travel on to the Lewis and Clark Monument overlooking rail yards, the Missouri River Valley, and Eppley Airport in Omaha.

HIGHLIGHTS ■ An historic character will relate stories of the Lewis & Clark expedition.

■ Historic character, Mary Marks, will tell of her “girls” and her husband who ran a gambling house.

The Old Lincoln Highway will take you to Loess Hills Winery for a tasting and relaxing conclusion to the day.

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■ Historic characters tell of hardship endured on the river, as a pioneer wife and as a woman who ran a Harvey House for the railroaders.

■ Hear from a mail sorter the story of how a 4 year old girl was “mailed” to her grandparents.

■ Historic character, Lettie Dodge, will talk about her dad, General Grenville Dodge, dubbed as the greatest railroad builder.

■ An escapee from the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail will relate the conditions experienced while incarcerated.

■ Ditmars Orchard will take you on a tour; you can even eat a fried apple pie or a donut and sample wine.

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Soar & Explore

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On, In, Up and Down

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Living Loess

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Don’t Get Wet – Get Tanked LeisureGroupTravel.com

Begin your day at RailsWest Railroad Museum where a mail sorter will relay amazing stories of a time gone by. Lettie Dodge, daughter of General Dodge, will welcome you to her spectacular Victorian Mansion, and tell of her dad, “the greatest railroad builder” and Civil War General, and life in early Council Bluffs.

Then make a brief stop at Haymarket Square that still has the fountain where horses drank and people mingled.

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DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Experience Council Bluffs in a whole new way as costumed characters take you on a journey, telling stories, revealing secrets and making you laugh. Step on board your bus to “Catch Our Spirit!”

At Western Historic Trails Center, meet William Clark or advance scout George Shannon of the Lewis & Clark expedition and hear amazing stories of that experience.

Then, enjoy vistas lakeside as you circle Lake Manawa State Park, known in the early 1900’s as the “Coney Island” of the Midwest. Hear from one of the town’s elite citizens who camped at the lake all summer bringing servants, chauffeurs and fine articles of furniture.

Travel on to Ben and Mary Marks “Hog Ranch”, their home and popular casino. Mary, a successful madam and a considerable character in her own right, will tell her side of things. As you travel to downtown Council Bluffs for lunch, you’ll pass by Wabash Trace and Mormon Trail markers.

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A visit to our Victorian Block you’ll see turn-of-thecentury postcards reproduced in brickwork. Then step inside the renovated 1917 Hughes Irons Building for lunch at Dixie Quicks restaurant. The Union Pacific Museum downtown will vividly tell more about our railroad history. At the unique three story rotary Historic Squirrel Cage Jail, built in 1885, you’ll hear from an escapee as to the conditions there. Bayliss Park, 2.5 acres of beautiful green space, provide a great photo opportunity. Then, views from the Lincoln Monument and the beautiful homes on Oakland Avenue transport you back to the turn of the century.

End the day at Ditmar’s Orchard with an orchard tour, “fried apple pie or donut”, and a wine tasting.

Costumed characters will tell of hardship endured on the river, as a pioneer wife, and as a woman who ran one of the Harvey Houses for the railroaders during your lunch at one of our hometown favorites – Tish’s Restaurant.

At Kanesville Tabernacle, tour the recreated log structure where Brigham Young was elected as President of the church. Hear the stories of migration

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CONTACT: Council Bluffs CVB ➤ Diane Hestness www.councilbluffscvb.com 149 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Phone: 800-228-6878, ext 130 or Direct 712-256-5652 Email: dhestness@councilbluffsiowa.com June 2012 81

AURORA, BATAVIA, SANDWICH, PLANO, BIG ROCK, YORKVILLE – JUST BEYOND CHICAGO

THE AURORA AREA: THE BEST MIX OF URBAN & SUBURBAN night for a variety of live entertainment options. Next, enjoy lunch inside a 1890s Columbian Exposition dining car attached to Bull Moose Bar & Grill and learn all about “Isabella.” Travel next to the Farnsworth House, Mies van der Rohe’s minimalist masterpiece and 20th Century architectural icon known as “The Glass House.” Visit “Smallville” (aka Plano) and tour the Superman Museum filled with props while hearing the tales about the filming of the upcoming epic motion picture and how Plano will never be the same.

HIGHLIGHTS ■ Experience an international architectural icon & learn the back-story buzz.

■ Delve into Mary Todd Lincoln’s sanitarium stay in Batavia.

Big Rock & Yorkville, Illinois Start your day with a guided group kayak/canoe in Yorkville’s Cat 2 whitewater on the Fox River. Transform into a fiber artist at Esther’s Place Fiber Arts Studio via felting, spinning and knitting workshops. Tour the 15 historic buildings of Lyon Farm and Village and view Chapel on the Green, the oldest church in Kendall County. Indulge in Cobblestone’s Bakery & Bistro eclectic menu, sample artisanal wines and cheeses next door and dive into the now-famous bacon-maple donut. Later, take in a cabaret-style show at the Follies Theatre.

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■ Dig into the deep-rooted history, art & architecture of the Fox River Valley.

■ Discover the mecca for antiquing and the supreme designer outlet shopping–only a short drive away.

Batavia, Illinois Take a jaunt into picturesque downtown Batavia—once the 1958 subject of the legendary Saturday Evening Post covers. Tour the amazing Batavia Depot Museum and view the actual bedroom set Mary Todd Lincoln slept in during her sanitarium stay, learn the “City of Windmills” history and check out the office equipment exhibit. Stroll along the gorgeous downtown river walk overlooking the tranquil Fox River. Visit the quaint shops and get your art on at the 16,000-square-foot Water Street Studios featuring 26 artist studios and two premier galleries. Tour the worldrenown Fermilab, once home to the world’s highestenergy particle accelerator, and stroll the 1,000 acres of restored wetlands and prairie filled with American Bison, white-tailed deer and hundreds of butterfly and bird varieties. Take in a fabulous performance at either the Albright Theatre or First Street Playhouse.

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■ Indulge in savory dining highlighted by the historic venues they occupy.

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Bikes, Boats & Boots

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All Aboard: Train Enthusiasts’ Tour

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Glass, Class & Grass

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From Mies to Model Homes: A Study in Aurora Area Architecture

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Aurora, Illinois Discover the enrichment & deep history of downtown Aurora. Tour the legendary 1930s movie palace The Paramount Theatre and take in one of their Broadway Series shows. Take a self-guided audio walking tour and be amazed by the famous architects who contributed to this 175 year-old city. Indulge in 53,000 square feet of gaming at Hollywood Casino Aurora. Enjoy historic dining at either Two Brothers Roundhouse housed in the oldest standing limestone roundhouse in the country or at Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant for savory Irish food served in a transformed 1880s coat factory. Be prepared for some amazing deals at Chicago Premium Outlets—120 premium outlet stores at 25%-65% off regular prices and expect so much more when the upcoming expansion to add at least 30 new stores is complete. For the naturalist, hike, bike or paddle on some of the best land and water trails in Illinois!

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Sandwich & Plano, Illinois Stroll into the shops of downtown Sandwich—an antiquing mecca.

From April through October, visit the Sandwich Antiques Market. Take a guided tour of the 1878 Opera House of Sandwich and return later that Day

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CONTACT: The Aurora Area CVB ➤ Joseph McCorvey www.enjoyaurora.com 43 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60506 Phone: 1-800-477-4369 Email: joseph@enjoyaurora.com LeisureGroupTravel.com

FULTON, TAMPICO AND DIXON, ILLINOIS

A PRESIDENT IS BORN: THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS OF RONALD REAGAN Travel the rural roads to President Reagan’s Birthplace in Tampico. The upstairs apartment where the future president was born has been restored to its early 1900s period. The adjoining gift shop and museum is open April through December or by appointment.

HIGHLIGHTS ■ Explore the town where Reagan’s parents were born and married and his grandparents and great-grandparents are buried.

Continue to Dixon where you can check in to one of the town’s friendly hotels and motels. Dixon has many dining establishments ranging from well-known chain restaurants to upscale fine dining venues.

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■ Tour an authentic Dutch windmill ■ Tour Ronald Reagan’s birthplace, childhood home and visitor center ■ Visit Reagan’s grade school, which is now a museum ■ Enjoy the beautiful Rock River while visiting the beach where a young Reagan worked as a lifeguard and saved 77 people ■ A stop at the Dixon Welcome Center includes the “Begins the Trail” life-size statue depicting Reagan on horseback

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Rock River Culinary Tour

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All Aboard!

A Train Experience

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Dessert Diva’s Day Out

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Sweet Boutique Girls Day Out

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DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Day

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Fulton and Tampico

This tour begins where Ronald Reagan’s parents, Nellie Wilson and John Reagan, were married in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in 1904. Continue to the site of the Reagan family plot where grandmother Catherine Reagan is buried, and Fulton Township Cemetery, the site of the Wilson family plot, including grandmother Mary Anne Wilson and two of Ronald’s favorite aunts, Sara Jane and Mary Lavina. Explore the Martin House Museum with its Reagan History Room, filled with photographs and other ancestral memorabilia maintained by the Fulton Historical Society.

After lunch in one of the downtown restaurants visit Fulton’s authentic Dutch Windmill. Although not Dutch, Ronald Reagan received the nickname “Dutch” from his father, a name that stuck with him throughout his life. The windmill was prefabricated in the Netherlands and erected by Dutch craftsmen in Fulton.

Visit Fulton’s Windmill Museum and Gift Shop across the street.

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Dixon

The first stop is the Dixon Historic Center, formerly known as the South Central School, where Ronald Reagan attended the fifth, sixth and seventh grades. Tour his restored sixth grade classroom and the Reagan family museum. View the 6’ x 4’ portrait of Reagan made with 15,000 Jelly Bellies and donated by the Jelly Belly Corporation in honor of the Ronald Reagan Association dedication. While traveling the short distance to your next stop, the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, be sure to notice the First Christian Church, where Ronald Reagan was baptized and both he and his mother attended and taught Sunday school. Visitors are guided through the restored Boyhood Home and are encouraged to go through the four-room Presidential timeline exhibit, view the biographical video in the presentation gallery and visit the gift shop in the visitor’s center. Downtown Dixon boasts a number of delicious restaurants to satisfy any tastes, from Thai and Mexican to Italian and American cuisine.

A visit to the Dixon Welcome Center offers Dixon gifts and souvenirs, Ronald Reagan history and the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition interpretive exhibit. Across the street discover the Reagan statue entitled “Begins the Trail,” the centerpiece of the Heritage Crossing plaza.

A short drive to the edge of Dixon will lead to Lowell Park, where Ronald Reagan worked as a lifeguard and saved 77 people. Lowell Park offers 240 acres, a Nature Center, restrooms, parking, boat launches and Rock River access, fishing, hiking, nature preserve, cross country skiing, shelters, grills, playground equipment and more.

CONTACT: Blackhawk Waterways CVB ➤ Lori King www.bwcvb.com 201 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, IL 61064 Phone: 800-678-2108 Email: info@bwcvb.com June 2012 83

CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE, ILLINOIS

WHERE HISTORY AND CULTURE MEET HIGHLIGHTS

the most prominent social reformers in 19th century America. She rallied support for temperance as well as many important reform movements including woman's suffrage, woman's economic and religious rights, prison reforms, education reforms and labor reforms. The home, built in 1865, remains intact with artifacts of life in the 19th century and Willard’s groundbreaking work.

■ Visit the home of a former Vice President and Nobel Prize Laureate ■ The Temperance Movement ignited here

Continue north on Sheridan Road as it winds its way north along the shores of Lake Michigan. Take a moment to stop and view the Grosse Point Lighthouse, built by the U.S. government in 1873 as the lead lighthouse marking the approach to Chicago after several shipwrecks demonstrated its need. In 1999, Grosse Point Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes to carry that status.

■ Famed Chicago architect Daniel Burnham lived here ■ The only lighthouse in Illinois

Further along Sheridan Road, the gleaming, nearly 200-foot-high dome of the Bahá'í House of Worship comes into full view. Over 30 years of construction have resulted in this striking landmark, which overlooks Lake Michigan and is one of the most visited sites on all of Chicago's North Shore. Surrounded by nine formal gardens and fountains, it is one of seven Bahá'í temples in the world, and the only one in the Western Hemisphere.

■ One of Illinois’ Seven Wonders ■ North Shore is home to Chicago Botanic Garden ■ Sheridan Road – a byway not to be missed

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Begin your day at the Charles Gates Dawes House, home of former U.S. Vice President, World War I Brigadier General and Nobel Laureate Charles Gates Dawes.

The Dawes House was built in 1894-95 on the shores of Lake Michigan. Designed in the French chateau style by architect Henry Edwards-Ficken of New York, the threeand-a-half story mansion has 25 rooms, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and 11 fireplaces. Each room has its own "treasure bag" of objects that the family might have left behind from the 1920s. The Evanston History Center resides in the home.

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Roll up Your Sleeves for a Culinary Adventure

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Unique Museum Experiences

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Shop ’til You Drop

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Gardens Galore

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Next, take a docent-led tour of the neighborhood surrounding the Dawes House which features work by some of the 19th and 20th century’s renowned architects: Daniel Burnham, William Holabird, Myron Hunt, Dwight Perkins and Thomas Tallmadge. Nearby in Evanston, visit The Francis Willard House. Frances Willard was one of

As you continue your travels north on Sheridan Road, your tour day ends at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where you can experience 23 beautiful gardens and three natural habitats set on 385 acres of lush, rolling hills and tranquil lakes. Visitors can take guided walking tours of the garden or the popular tram tour. The trams wind through the far reaches of the garden and give you hidden views of select gardens.

CONTACT: Chicago’s North Shore CVB ➤ Caryn Shulman, Tourism Sales Manager www.visitchicagonorthshore.com Phone: 847-763-0011, ext. 25 Email: cshulman@cnscvb.com

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GENEVA, ILLINOIS

DISCOVER GENEVA Over 150 shops are within walking distance along picturesque tree-lined streets. Many of the shops are tucked away in architectural gems that were once homes.

HIGHLIGHTS

2:45-4:30 pm: After some shopping we’ll be ready for some chocolate! We will take a delightfully fun and informative guided walking and tasting tour of select chocolate shops, from secret treasures to famous favorites.

■ Shopping in Historic District ■ Chocolate Tour of Geneva

Dinner: We will enjoy dinner at one of Geneva’s fabulous restaurants. From fine dining to friendly diners, there truly is something for every taste and budget.

■ Ride along the Fox River Trail ■ Scavenger Hunt at The Little Traveler

Morning: After enjoying a complimentary breakfast from one of our fine hotels, we will grab our rental bikes and take a ride along the scenic Fox River Bike Trail.

We’ll ride through Island Park and over to Fabyan Forest Preserve, where we will stop to admire the Japanese Gardens. Those who might not be up for a bike ride can enjoy the beauty of Island Park from one of the many benches or meet us at the Japanese Gardens.

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■ Walking or Bus Tour of Historic Downtown ■ Lunch at Country Inn

Lunch: After our morning outdoors, we will enjoy lunch on the sprawling estate of the Oscar Swan Country Inn.

■ Wine Tasting at Gibby’s

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Art & Grapes

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Crafter’s Getaway

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Rivers & Trails

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Tasting Tour

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Breakfast: We’ll start the morning at one of Geneva’s many diners or cafes.

Afternoon: After lunch we’ll head back to the historic shopping district and visit some of the shops we didn’t have time for the day before.

2:45 pm: On our way out of town we’ll stop in at Gibby’s Wine Den for a wine tasting.

9:30-10:30 am: After breakfast we will learn about Geneva’s rich historic past. A step-on tour guide, dressed in period attire, will guide us through the streets of downtown Geneva as we learn about the historic figures that helped shape this quaint riverside community. Tours will end at the Geneva History Center where we will explore the museum and its current exhibits.

10:30-11:30 am: After our history tour we will visit The Little Traveler, downtown Geneva’s original “department store” dating back to 1922 and offering 36 specialty themed rooms. While there we will embark on a Scavenger Hunt designed just for our group.

Lunch: Following our Scavenger Hunt we will enjoy lunch at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Cafe. After lunch, we will spend some time exploring the unique shops in Geneva’s historic downtown shopping district.

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CONTACT: City of Geneva, Illinois ➤ Jamie Heflin www.genevadowntown.org 22 S. 1st St., Geneva, IL 60134 Phone: 630-938-4555 Email: grouptours@geneva.il.us June 2012 85

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, ILLINOIS

JINGLE BELLS Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women, the Pickwick Society menu pays homage to each of the characters in the novel. Stop at the Glenwood Oaks Rib & Chop House before heading to a holiday production at a Chicago Southland performing arts center or theatre. Glenwood Oaks Rib & Chop House evolved from a long history that began over a halfcentury ago. The restaurant reflects a cozy, intimate, casual, but elegant lifestyle with stunning architectural treatments and suburban interior décor.

HIGHLIGHTS ■ Enjoy an authentic German lunch at Christkindlmarket Chicago.

■ See the 45-foot Great Tree in the Walnut Room at Macy’s on State Street.

■ Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage.

■ Shop for candies and items from yesteryear at the oldfashioned Frankfort General Store.

■ Enjoy lunch at the Pickwick Society Tea Room.

■ Experience Christmas Around the World, with more than 50 trees.

■ Spend an enchanting evening at the Holiday Magic of Brookfield Zoo.

OTHER ITINERARIES ■

Bring the Grandkids

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So Much to See & Do!

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Shopping Extravaganza

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The Elements of Art

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Chicago Day Come celebrate Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier! Experience the warmth of winter inside an enchanted 170,000-sq.-ft. holiday hamlet! Attractions include: Chicago Blackhawks Ice Skating Rink, Bah Humbug Court, Ferris Wheel, Kringle Carousel and Winter WonderStage.

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After celebrating Winter WonderFest, enjoy some shopping and an authentic German lunch at Christkindlmarket Chicago. Each year, people from all over the world visit the Christkindlmarket. The unique shopping experience, typical German food and drinks, as well as diverse holiday entertainment make the Christkindlmarket Chicago a popular destination. Then move on to Macy’s on State Street, the first store to ever feature holiday windows created for the pure fun and joy of the season. Marvel at their 45-foot Great Tree decorated with over 1,200 themed ornaments and 25,000 dazzling lights in the Walnut Room.

End the day with the Grinch, at Dr, Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas - The Musical. Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage.

Chicago Southland Start the day with some holiday shopping!

From upscale to eclectic, the boutiques and stores in Downtown Frankfort offer unique selections and personal service that you won't find at the shopping malls. Your group will enjoy a relaxing shopping experience in the small-town setting.

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Then on to make lasting memories with holiday delights and wintry beauty among the trees at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world.

Lunch can be enjoyed at the Morton Arboretum’s Ginkgo Restaurant & Café. With floor to ceiling windows, visitors at the Ginkgo Restaurant eat gourmet specialties overlooking a stunning panoramic view of Meadow Lake.

To finish your holiday tour, enjoy an enchanting evening at the Holiday Magic of Brookfield Zoo. For the holidays Brookfield Zoo presents Holiday Magic, featuring nearly one million twinkling lights illuminating the zoo’s walkways, a dazzling Laser and Light Spectacular, ice-carving demonstrations, live musical performances, magicians, and much more.

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Lunch is served at the Pickwick Society Tea Room, Gifts & Antiques. Loosely based on Louisa May 86 June 2012

Chicago & the Surrounding Suburbs This morning, visit the honored Museum of Science & Industry. Celebrating its 76th anniversary this year, many of the exhibits have changed, but the Museum still celebrates the holidays with Christmas Around the World. More than 50 trees have been beautifully decorated by members of Chicago’s ethnic communities and scattered throughout the Museum’s halls.

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CONTACT: Chicago Southland CVB ➤ Kristy Stevens, CTIS, Sales Executive www.tourchicagosouthland.com 2304 173rd Street, Lansing, IL 60438 Phone: 888-895-3211 Email: kristy@visitchicagosouthland.com LeisureGroupTravel.com

EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS

EFFINGHAM…WE CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW YOU AROUND HIGHLIGHTS

Groups are invited to explore the gardens where food is grown for the restaurant, participate in demonstrations and spend time relaxing on the beautiful grounds. For more information, visit www.ffgrill.com

■ My Garage Corvette Museum ■ Cross at the Crossroads ■ The Effingham Performance Center ■ Ballard Nature Center ■ Firefly Grill

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Corvettes and Motorcycles Start the day out exploring the history of America’s sports car at My Garage Museum, located on the campus of Mid America Motorworks. Located on the northeast side of Effingham, this one-of-a-kind museum houses vintage Corvettes and thousands of pieces of Corvette history and memorabilia. For more information, visit www.mamotorworks.com.

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From the Corvette Museum, visitors can then swing by the Harley Barn, which is just down the road. Legacy Harley-Davidson houses new and pre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts and much more. This is a must see for motorcycle enthusiasts and a great stop for those who are interested in unique stores.

For more information, visit www.legacyhd.com

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Explore the Arts in Effingham

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Museums and More

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After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a home-style meal at Niemerg’s Steak House where guests will enjoy great food and great service at reasonable prices. From chicken dinners, to steaks, to seafood, Niemerg’s is certain to have something to please everyone. And, be sure to save room for their famous pie!

Dinner and a Show The Firefly Grill in Effingham is much more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary experience that brings thousands of people each year to the Effingham community. The Firefly Grill has been recognized in several publications including the Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetite and St. Louis Post for its unique atmosphere and its efforts to Go Green. The Firefly Grill offers an unforgettable experience for travelers.

End the day with a show at the Effingham Performance Center. This is a 1,564-seat theater that hosts 40 performances a year. Local, regional and national acts are scheduled to perform, with categories including Country, Pop/Top 40, Contemporary Christian, Comedy, Jazz, Dance, Classical and Bluegrass. Several nationally recognized performers will take the stage during the theater’s fourth season. For more information, visit www.theepc.org.

Art and Engineering Effingham is a great place to explore the arts. Start the morning with a walk along the streets of downtown Effingham and take a tour of the Sculpture on the Avenues. This outdoor exhibition features over 30 works of art from some of the Midwest’s best known and unknown sculptors.

Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham’s avenues into an art gallery!

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From there, guests may take time to explore the Cross at the Crossroads. The 198-foot Cross is certainly an engineering wonder, but its greatest miracle is its call to travelers from every faith, background and circumstance, reminding them of the positive values shared and cherished by all. The Cross features a chapel, reception area, restrooms, a refreshment center, and media room where visitors can view a video of the construction of the Cross. For more information, visit www.crossusa.org.

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CONTACT: Effingham CVB ➤ Jodi Jackson www.visiteffinghamil.com 1505 Hampton Drive, Effingham, IL 62401 Phone: 217-342-5305 or 800-772-0750 Email: jacksonj@ci.effingham.il.us LeisureGroupTravel.com

PIQUA, TIPP CITY AND TROY, OHIO PLUS SURROUNDING AREAS

GOURMET LOVER’S TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

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■ Be dazzled as custom handcrafted jewelry is made from raw materials ■ Feast on a pioneer meal after riding the Miami Erie Canal Boat ■ Visit a 4th generation chocolate shop located inside a historic hotel ■ Tour working grist mill, stand mixer factory and winery ■ Learn about and sample fresh, healthy olive oils and vinegars, bottled to order right in the store ■ Dine in unique, locally owned restaurants; share aromas, tastes, wonderful foods and delicacies to savor ■ Experience artisan breads, soaps, lotions, fresh teas and herbs—truly a feast for all of the senses!

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Discover Ohio’s Aviation Pioneers

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Goddess Getaway

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Birds, Bread, Boats and Berries

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Feed Your Inner Farmer

Troy and Greenville, Ohio Start the day at Bear’s Mill, a 160-year-old working grist mill—one of seven left in Ohio—offering their own freshly ground flours, grains and meals, plus gourmet foods, pottery and jewelry. Guests receive cornmeal and a cornbread recipe. Next is KitchenAid Stand Mixer factory tour & Retail Experience Store, with a live test kitchen. Guests participate in demonstrations & make-it/take-it projects. Lunch is served at the lovely and historic Inn at Versailles, where groups experience world-class dining in a French country atmosphere. After lunch, the Versailles Winery hosts a tour with wine and cheese tasting. End the day with dinner at the elegant Troy Hayner Cultural Center in Troy, a beautifully restored 1914 mansion, including a tour, catered meal and entertainment if desired.

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DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Piqua and Troy, Ohio The day begins with a visit to Winans Chocolates & Coffees at the grand Fort Piqua Plaza, the town’s historic gem. A former hotel, now a multi-use community building, this architectural treasure was recently restored to its former beauty. Lunch is served pioneer style at Johnston Farm, in an informal setting. The Miami Erie Canal awaits groups to ride aboard a working canal boat replica, gliding serenely on a re-watered section of the Miami Erie Canal, pulled by mules for an authentic and memorable experience. Visit the Historic Woodland Indian Museum and the 19th century Johnston Farm Home, whose owner was the Canal Commissioner & Indian Agent. This beautifully preserved home has a cider house, unique two-story spring house, outdoor kitchen used in hot summer months and a fruit kiln.

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Moving from historic heritage to present day, groups will be dazzled to visit the “back room” of the area’s largest full-service jewelry company, learning how stones are cut, polished, jewelry designed and created from start to finish. Certainly candy for the eyes! Dinner at a fine local restaurant, either The Caroline or La Piazza in downtown Troy, named one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns by Ohio Magazine.

Troy and Tipp City, Ohio Rise and shine—today’s first stop is Bakehouse Bread in historic Troy for a baking demo while guests sample a delicious cookie and coffee. One block away, visit Olive Oasis, specializing in a wide variety of fresh, healthy, high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

This unique shop offers samples of their products, and they bottle and label purchases on site, providing the freshest of products. Just down the street is K’s Restaurant, an historic diner that serves “the best” milkshakes to be found! Lunch in very quaint Tipp City at Harrison’s Restaurant. Then, groups enjoy another unique, sensory experience. Living Simply Soap offers handmade soaps, candles, lotions and creams – in flavors good enough to eat! Just a few steps away, The Golden Leaf has “uniques & antiques,” plus fine loose leaf teas and herbs. Save room for gourmet cupcakes at Sweet! By Kristy – over 50 flavors baked daily.

Fill a box of your favorites to take home!

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CONTACT: Miami County VCB

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➤ Kay Hamilton, Tourism Manager www.visitmiamicounty.org 405 S.W. Public Square, Suite 272, Troy, OH 45373 Phone: 800-348-8993 or 937-339-1044 Email: khamilton@visitmiamicounty.org special section

June 2012 89

COLUMBUS, OHIO

HOW DID THEY DO THAT? Select from dozens of fragrances before pouring your own custom-scented candle at The Candle Lab in Olde Worthington. While the candle hardens, stroll next door to sample a variety of labels before selecting your favorite bottle at House Wine.

HIGHLIGHTS ■ Pick herbs from the garden to make your own pizza at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

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■ Make your own greeting card at Igloo Letterpress

Watch step by step as chocolate candies are made, starting from the basic ingredients to the final packaging at Anthony-Thomas Candy Company, a familyowned confectionery founded in 1952. Taste the results—everyone receives a freshly made chocolate!

■ Pour your own custom-scented candle at The Candle Lab

Curious about how the ball gets inside a whistle? Find out at the American Whistle Corporation, the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the nation. You’ll even get your own American Classic whistle to take home.

■ Find out how wooden baseball bats are made for the pros at Phoenix Bat Company

Taste wines made with grapes from around the world at Camelot Cellars and create your own wine from start to finish. Begin at the fermentation process, then bottle, cork and even design the label for your own private wine reserve.

■ Create your own wine from start to finish at Camelot Cellars ■ Weave your own basket with one-on-one help from an expert at Longaberger Homestead ■ Blow your own glass ornament at The Works

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What’s Cooking in Columbus Go Green in Columbus Discover Ohio

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Find out how wooden baseball bats are made for the pros at Phoenix Bat Company and take home a customengraved mini bat.

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Stroll through the community garden at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and hand-select your own pizza toppings before creating a wood-fired pizza for lunch in the outdoor fire cooking theater. Take home a pizza dough recipe along with a small assortment of garden-fresh herbs.

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Head east out of Columbus to The Works in nearby Newark. Watch trained glass blowers creating glass art, then blow your own glass ornament or fuse glass for a sun catcher or jewelry.

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Weave your own basket with one-on-one help from an expert at Longaberger Homestead in Frazeysburg.

Get inspired by watching the professional basketmakers at work, then peruse the factory store.

Visit Krema Nut Company, the oldest manufacturer of peanut butter in the country. Krema roasts its nuts in small batches by hand — just as it did 100 years ago.

Save room for a handful of nuts.

Make your own greeting card at Igloo Letterpress the old-fashioned way, using wooden letters and an antique hand-operated printing press.

See ice cream being made at Graeter’s Ice Cream, which uses a French Pot process that makes just two gallons of ice cream at a time—for the ultimate in creaminess.

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CONTACT: Experience Columbus ➤ Brian Cheek ExperienceColumbus.com 277 W. Nationwide Blvd., Ste. 125, Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 614-222-6136 Email: bcheek@experiencecolumbus.com LeisureGroupTravel.com

Because Beca use the onl only ly l y thing thin better than telling old stories st ories iis s creating crea ating t ting new ones.

If you’ve ever been to Columbus, you know it isn’t your ordinary destination. Its one-of-a-kind festivals, unique hands-on attractions and freethinking attitude make it a city like no other and one your group is sure to love. So start planning your Columbus visit today at experiencecolumbus.com/tours or by calling 800-354-2657.

KANKAKEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

HISTORIC BARN QUILTS, FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT AND MORE HIGHLIGHTS

Kankakee, IL Wind down the Barn Quilt Tour on the east side of Kankakee County along the scenic Kankakee River. Make your last stop of the tour the Kankakee County Historical Society Museum, where you can explore a Barn Quilt display up close and photograph historic buildings on the museum campus. Take advantage of the educational tours at the museum and see exhibits including items from three Illinois governors that came from Kankakee County and how Dairy Queen got its start. The museum shop features Barn Quilt items in addition to other gift items. After taking a break at one of the nearby unique eateries, it is a short drive to Frank Lloyd Wright’s B. Harley Bradley House, situated in the heart of the Riverview Historic District. Guided one-hour tours are available to learn more about how this property marks the beginning of Wright’s Prairie School Style period. Afterwards, enhance your experience at the Stable Gift Shop that offers a large array of Wrightinspired items.

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■ Sample some of the more than 42 barns on the first county-wide Barn Quilt Tour in Illinois ■ Visit over 220,000 square feet of greenhouses and outdoor landscaping displays ■ Take a break in a historic downtown listed in the National Register of Historic Places ■ See a renovated one-room schoolhouse and learn about the birth of Dairy Queen ■ Visit the B. Harley House, considered the first Prairie-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright ■ Enjoy scenic views of the Kankakee River

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Artistic Escape

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Romantic Getaways

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Fun in the Sun

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Girlfriends Getaway

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Momence and Grant Park, IL Begin by exploring history, art and tradition on the Barn Quilt Tour where colorful quilt patterns are hand painted then displayed on historic barns and corn cribs in Kankakee County’s scenic countryside. Request a step-on guide and custom route to make the most of this unique experience. Stop to stretch you legs in Historic Main Street Momence, listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic integrity and reflection of the character of the district. Take a break for lunch or have a wine tasting at Off the Vine. Complete the day at Sunrise Greenhouse, Inc., with more than 220,000 square feet of greenhouses and a two-acre display garden to inspire new ideas. Arrange to meet staff gardening experts that can provide you with guided tours and insightful tips to help your blooms be the brightest.

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CONTACT: Kankakee County CVB ➤ Vicki Layhew, Sales & Marketing Manager www.visitkankakeecounty.com 1 Dearborn Square, Suite 1, Kankakee, IL 60901 Phone: 800-747-4837 Email: sales@visitkankakeecounty.com

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GURNEE, LAKE BLUFF, VOLO, LONG GROVE, BUFFALO GROVE AND WHEELING, ILLINOIS

CHEERS TO CHIC, CHARMING AND CHOCOLATE (JUST NORTH OF CHICAGO) HIGHLIGHTS Our day starts in quaint Volo at a pure shopper’s paradise, Volo Antique Village. Three malls and 30 acres are dedicated to antiques, collectibles, home furnishings and gifts.

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■ Gurnee Antique Center ■ Main Street shopping

Charming Long Grove Historic Village offers a lovely lunch at Seasons of Long Grove. This restaurant’s decor changes with the seasons and serves up a delicious buffet or ladies tea, complete with hats. We take some time to explore this delightful village for its unique shops and galleries.

■ North Shore Distillery ■ Entertainment options: Marriott Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Viper Alley, Ravinia ■ Volo Antique Village

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Day

■ Long Grove Historic Village and Long Grove Confectionery tour and shopping ■ Lynfred Winery’s Wheeling store

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We’re getting our chic on! Start the day at the Gurnee Antique Center – 24,000 feet of antique heaven. The center guarantees that all items are at least 50 years old.

Lunch is at Salutos of Gurnee, where the house salad dressing is a well-kept secret. This family-owned restaurant features homemade pastas, sauces and desserts.

The afternoon calls for a visit to one of many cherished Main Street communities – Antioch, Grayslake, Libertyville or Waukegan. We visit a variety of shops offering china, local artwork, culinary supplies, foodstuffs, craft supplies and so much more.

Check into one of the more contemporary hotels – Hotel indigo or SpringHill Suites Waukegan/Gurnee.

Smaller groups will love the coziness of the Roxana Hotel & B&B on Fox Lake. Go all out and rent an entire estate – Tir Na Nog, for the weekend!

OTHER ITINERARIES ■

For Music, Wine and Chocolate “Nuts”

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Hidden Treasures, Country Pleasures

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Hooked on the Chain O’Lakes

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Lake Forest Treasures

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The cheers initiate a wonderful evening starting at North Shore Distillery. Take a tour of Illinois’ first craft distillery since Prohibition and partake of full drink samples. Just a quick jaunt down the road is Lake County’s famous restaurant – The Silo. This rustic-style and friendly establishment is best known for its deep-dish pizza and casual atmosphere.

The night is still young; head over to the Marriott Theatre for a musical, The Citadel Theatre for a play, the Genesee Theatre for a concert or comedian, or an intimate performance in an industrial-chic setting at our new Viper Alley. special section

The late afternoon brings cravings for something sweet – chocolate; the Long Grove Confectionery store fills the bill. We agree, it’s the finest chocolate in the area and a great place to shop for gifts for the ones we left behind (for this trip…).

A stop nearby at Lynfred Winery’s newest store is a must. Illinois’ oldest winery features many varieties and a group wine tasting will help find everyone’s perfect blend to bring home.

The trip back to our hotel or B&B provides many wonderful Lake County restaurant choices. Many offer private dining settings to give our group the VIP treatment.

Lake County has many other entertainment venues—the stars under the stars at Ravinia Festival, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, shuttle to Potawatomi Bingo Casino—Milwaukee and more. We find the right nightlife for our group of gals.

As we all settle back into our hotel rooms, the girls are cheering and thanking us for planning a getaway to “cheers to chic, charming and chocolate.” It’s sure to become an annual event!

CONTACT: Visit Lake County ➤ Jayne Nordstrom www.visitlakecounty.org 5465 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031 Phone: 800-525-3669 Email: jayne@lakecounty.org June 2012 93

MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS

A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS FROM DAYS GONE BY! HIGHLIGHTS

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■ Christmas music at Sanfilippo’s Place de la Musique

Explore Historic Woodstock Square to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Stroll through the Christmas tree display at the Woodstock Opera House and enjoy a tour of this historic building. Maybe even ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Your group can even make their own DecoMesh Wreath in a style that is uniquely their own at Season’s by Peg. Not the crafty type? They have that covered too…browse their shop that is decorated from floor to ceiling with Christmas décor. Enjoy hand-dipped ice cream or coffee while you take it all in.

■ Dinner with all the Christmas trimmings ■ Christmas shows in historic theaters ■ Christmas trees and wreaths and chocolate, oh my!

■ Relive a 1950s Christmas

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Stroll through Treetime’s Christmas tree shop, a place where people from near and far come to find everything they need for the holiday season, from artificial trees to wreaths, garland and décor. Make your own fresh wreath at Richardson Christmas Tree Farm in their Christmas tree barn while sipping hot cocoa and nibbling donuts.

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Dine overlooking the Fox River at the nautically themed Port Edward Restaurant. Or enjoy a historic Christmas lunch at 1776 Restaurant.

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Plains, Trains & Automobiles

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European Treasures, County Pleasures

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Quilting in the Country

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Always a Groundhog, Never a Bride

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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in one of McHenry County’s full- or limited- service national brand hotels.

The Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique" is known worldwide for its magnificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines, phonographs, gambling machines, chandeliers, the world's largest restored theater pipe organ and the most spectacular European salon carousel in existence, all displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting.

Christmas music will be featured during this visit!

See the house all dressed up for Christmas!

Enjoy a Western-style lunch at Donley’s Old West Steakhouse or stay in Woodstock longer and experience relaxed French dining at the cozy La Petite Creperie & Bistrot.

Don’t miss this year’s special Christmas exhibit at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum. It’s Christmas Eve in a 1950s living room somewhere in “My Town” McHenry County. Step into the room and be surrounded by the sights and sounds of that decade. Enjoy holiday music and old-fashioned homemade cookies.

There is something unique for everyone on your shopping list from Steel Heart to Ginger Blossom and from the quaint downtown shopping districts of Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Richmond, McHenry and Hebron to the Huntley Outlet Center. And don’t forget the chocolate! Anderson’s Candy Shop, Riverside Chocolate Factory, Morkes and Ethereal Confections make the finest anywhere!

McHenry County is an easy drive northwest of Chicago and is convenient to Milwaukee and Lake Geneva, Wis; Rockford, Ill; and the entire Chicagoland area. Extend your stay in McHenry County and enjoy the surrounding sites.

In the evening, enjoy a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at 31 North Banquet & Conference Center.

During dinner be entertained by a group of young violinists and then make your own chocolate truffles for a perfectly sweet end to your evening!

CONTACT: McHenry County CVB

Take in a holiday show at The Raue Center for the Arts in Downtown Crystal Lake or at the Woodstock Opera House on the Historic Woodstock Square!

➤ Jaki Berggren www.visitmchenrycounty.com 600 Dakota St., Suite F, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 Phone: 815-893-6280 Email: jaki@mchenrycountycvb.com

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, ILLINOIS

CHICAGO’S OAK BROOK SHOPPING/ENTERTAINMENT SITE a unique state-of-the-art facility offering a variety of live theater, music, dance and visual arts for your evening's enjoyment. Relax in your comfortable hotel room in Oakbrook Terrace for a restful night’s sleep.

HIGHLIGHTS ■ Conveniently located just 20 miles west of Chicago’s Loop

Morning: Get ready for yet another megacenter, The Promenade Bolingbrook, with "Main Street" shopping and dining surrounded by more fabulous anchor stores, or take a trip through scenic Naperville before stopping to shop at Westfield Fox Valley center, a 3-level enclosed shopping center with 180 stores and restaurants in Aurora, just a couple miles west of downtown Naperville.

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■ Just minutes from Oakbrook Shopping Center, Illinois’ #1 shopping destination ■ Seven affordable, convenient, groupfriendly hotels with free parking

Afternoon: Make time for brand-name bargain hunting at Chicago Premium Outlets, where you'll find 120 designer and name brand outlets boasting huge everyday savings.

■ Complimentary pre-arranged shuttle service within fivemile radius ■ Over 40 restaurants within the City to choose from, including Ditka’s ■ Near Lynfred Winery, Morton Arboretum, DuPage Children’s Museum, Billy Graham Center Museum and 40 public golf courses ■ Easy access from major interstates and tollways

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Girls Shopping Getaways

Evening: Window shop and dine in Willowbrook Town Centre, then enjoy dinner at one of 40 restaurants in the City of Oakbrook Terrace, including Ditka’s, Volare or Costa’s. Unwind in your room at one of seven affordable hotels in Oakbrook Terrace.

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Morning: Your shopping odyssey begins at Oakbrook Center, the crown jewel of Oak Brook with over 160 specialty stores and major upscale retailers and restaurants in a lush outdoor setting. Spend a full morning shopping before stopping for a leisurely lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants in the center.

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Afternoon: Travel just a few miles west on 22nd Street to Yorktown Center in Lombard, where you will find more major retailers and another nearly 150 specialty shops in a mall-style venue surrounded by shops in a hip "lifestyle center" setting, as well as lots of restaurants and a multi-screen movie theater.

If you prefer smaller venues, continue west to Naper Boulevard, where just a few yards north you’ll find Town Square Wheaton, a lifestyle shopping center with leading shops, restaurants and services. Another option is Lombard Town Centre, where warm, friendly service and tree-lined streets provide the framework for the town’s retail and service district.

Evening: Visit the College of DuPage, where you can savor an amazing meal at its new Culinary Arts Center before enjoying the McAninch Arts Center (MAC),

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This morning, get a feel for true DuPage County hospitality in Elmhurst City Centre, offering great shopping and dining in a picturesque community setting, or Downtown Westmont.

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Afternoon: Enjoy a light lunch, then treat yourself to some well-earned pampering at one of DuPage County's luxurious day spas. Not ready to relax just yet? For a real adventure in shopping, head over to the 5 Star Indoor Swap Mart, Chicago's bargain hunters' paradise in Villa Park.

Evening: Spend your final evening in DuPage in style with dinner and a Broadway-style show at the awardwinning Drury Lane Theatre. End the evening with one more luxurious night’s rest in one of our name-brand hotels in the City of Oakbrook Terrace.

CONTACT: Oakbrook Terrace Hotels ➤ www.oakbrookterracehotels.com 915 Harger Rd., Suite 240 Oak Brook, IL 60523 Phone: 800-232-0502 Email: visitor@oakbrookterracehotels.com June 2012 95

DAVENPORT & BETTENDORF, IOWA ROCK ISLAND & MOLINE/EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS

SIMPLY QUAD CITIES Begin your day by experiencing some of the products here in the Quad Cities. Go on a free studio tour of Isabel Bloom. This locally owned company creates lasting memories with its statues. You will be able to explore what makes these collectibles so unique with their four-day process of creation. After shopping in the studio store we head over to see Rock Island’s own mustard factory. Let’s tour Boetje’s Mustard. This family-owned mustard company has won numerous international stone ground mustard competitions. Since we got our shopping in and now just tasted a champion mustard, we have to be getting thirsty. We will now head to LeClaire, IA for some fine spirits. Tour the Mississippi River Distilling Company. The local family-owned company will share its experience with you on what got them into crafting some of the Midwest’s top spirits.

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HIGHLIGHTS ■ Experience the sights and sounds of John Deere ■ Enjoy a riverboat on the Mississippi River ■ See what makes the Quad Cities such a unique location ■ Enjoy tours that highlight locally made products ■ Experience top-notch theater productions ■ Enjoy our Midwest hospitality ■ Drive along the Mississippi River on the Great River Road

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Misses on the Mississippi

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The John Deere Experience

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Rail, Road, and River

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Historical Quad Cities

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DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Begin your day at one of the largest factories in the United States, the John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois. Here you will be able to get up close to the John Deere Combine production lines.

Be sure to take in the stories of your tour guide as they were once on the lines during their service to John Deere. After seeing the screws and bolts put together on the massive machines, head over to the newly renovated John Deere Pavilion and experience the past, present and future of John Deere & Company.

Continue your day of John Deere as you visit the Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center, two homes that were built for the John Deere family. Today you can experience the beauty and elegance of these homes with guided tours.

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Today let’s experience the beauty and power of the Mighty Mississippi River.

The Quad Cities offers two riverboats that feature what life was like when the Mississippi River was a main artery of transportation.

Experience the 800-passenger Celebration Belle. You can choose from a two-hour sightseeing cruise all the way to an all-day cruise up or down river. Or you can choose to take a ride on the Victorian-style Riverboat Twilight. Experience this one-of-a-kind riverboat as you travel up river with entertainment and narration.

To finish off your tour of the Quad Cities, take in some of our live theater options.

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is the perfect location to have your dinner and entertainment. Circa ’21 offers top-notch professional productions and dinner options that appeal to all your senses. Want to have a laugh? Enjoy the Establishment Theatre and ComedySportz! Get ready for some laughs as the two teams take on each other for points and most laughs.

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CONTACT: Quad Cities CVB ➤ Dan Gleason www.visitquadcities.com 1601 River Drive, Suite 110, Moline, IL 61265 Phone: 800-747-7800, ext. 100 Email: dgleason@visitquadcities.com LeisureGroupTravel.com

ST. CLOUD, ALBERTVILLE AND KIMBALL, MINNESOTA

THE MORE BAGS THE BETTER

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■ No sales tax on clothing in Minnesota ■ Over 40,000 square feet of craft supplies, gifts and seasonal items ■ Unique boutiques, antiques and hand-crafted arts ■ Food demonstrations ■ Branson-style entertainment and various theater performances ■ Beautiful summer gardens

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Albertville and St. Cloud, MN There’s no denying the fun gals have when you combine shopping, spas, theater, great restaurants and libation.

Minnesota does not tax clothing, so that’s another great reason to come our way! After breakfast we’ll start our adventure at Albertville Premium Outlets.

Groups will receive complimentary VIP Coupon Books upon arrival. Find impressive savings at Adidas, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach and more. With over 100 stores, it’s sure to be one great shopping adventure.

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Our shopping continues in Historic Downtown St. Cloud, where the boutique shops can include used books, antiques, local designer pieces, art and more.

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Kids Just Wanna Have Fun

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Stained Glass Sanctuary & Floral Fantasy

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Let the Good Times Flow

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St. Cloud and Kimball, MN No rise and shine required…we’ll get started early, but not with the birds!

Crafts Direct draws customers from all over Minnesota. You can find crafts and home decor items that are unique to this store. There is always a seasonal section, material, scrapbooking supplies, beading and so much more.

The next stop is The Pantry, which has quality products from our area and offers the ‘Pantry Party’ featuring the opportunity to prepare products that are sold in the store. Located next door is The Liquor Learning Center.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a wine tasting, beer or specialty liquors. Be adventurous and learn something new. After lunch a visit to our destination quilt shop—Gruber’s Quilt Shop offers classes, quilting and knitting supplies. Not into quilting? Crossroads Shopping Center is located one block away, with indoor mall shopping at its best.

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HIGHLIGHTS

For many years the Model College of Hair Design has provided quality spa services at very reasonable prices. Prepare to be pampered choosing a pedicure, manicure or upper body massage just in time to get ready for an evening at the Paramount Theatre.

The theater has plays, Branson-style entertainment and such nationally known performers as the Gatlin Brothers, Don Williams and Lori Line. The theater has been restored to its original 1920’s decor and there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

Complete the evening with a stop at the Martini Bar featuring a menu of over 25 different martinis to choose from. Some of them taste just like candy!

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It’s late afternoon and time to wind down with a stroll through Munsinger and Clemens Gardens along the beautiful Mississippi River. The gardens are sure to please all of your senses! During the summer months about 2,000 people a day visit the gardens.

Our evening concludes with a dinner and wine pairing event at Millner’s Heritage Winery. A three- or fourcourse meal is planned specifically to accompany the wines served. A complimentary cookbook of the entrees is included so you can create the same menu at home. Come visit Granite Country and take home rock-solid memories!

CONTACT: St. Cloud Area CVB ➤ Jean Robbins www.granitecountry.com 525 Highway 10 South, Ste. One, St. Cloud, MN 56304 Phone: 800-264-2940, ext 129 or 320-202-6729 Email: jean@granitecountry.com June 2012 97

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

EXPLORING MILWAUKEE largest collection of industrial art in the world at the Grohmann Museum “Man at Work.” View paintings and sculptures depicting man’s human achievements throughout time: from farming, mining and construction to brewing, medical/dental and so much more. Also enjoy a beautiful view of the city from the rooftop sculpture garden. Stop in at Great Lakes Distillery, Wisconsin’s first distillery since prohibition. Tour and sample the award-winning spirits. Perhaps dinner and show at one of the many restaurants and theaters in Milwaukee or enjoy The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson.

HIGHLIGHTS ■ Basilica of St. Josephat ■ Milwaukee County Zoo ■ Capt. Frederick Pabst Mansion ■ Grohmann Museum “Man at Work” Collection ■ Milwaukee Public Market

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY From the clean sparkling waters of Lake Michigan to our rich cultural heritage, Milwaukee has something for everyone – a multitude of exciting attractions, shopping, gardens, and ethnic and cultural events such as Polish Fest, German Fest and Irish Fest that have been named Top 100 Events by the American Bus Association. Old World charm mixed with New World vigor – this is Milwaukee!

Begin your visit to Milwaukee enjoying the beautiful gardens found within “The Domes”, the world's only conoidal glass houses. The three Domes—a Tropical Rainforest, a Desert and the changing “Show” Dome— are home to flowers and plants from around the world.

Each Dome is almost half a football field wide by seven stories tall. Twenty wildlife species including tropical finches, lizards, frogs, toads, fish, and turtles call the Domes their home. Check into your hotel. This evening enjoy dinner and gaming at Potawatomi Bingo Casino.

Feel the energy and prepare yourself for big-time fun with a broad lineup of games like blackjack, craps, roulette, Let It Ride Bonus® Poker, bingo and over 3,100 slot machines. Potawatomi also offers a variety of dining options including the newly expanded and improved Buffet, RuYi and the Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill.

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Century Olde Milwaukee

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Made in America

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Start your day seeing the sights and learning the history of Milwaukee with a city tour. Watch the “wings” open at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Visit the Capt.

Frederick Pabst Mansion, the stately home of one of Milwaukee’s beer barons. Lunch today at one of Milwaukee’s oldest family restaurants, Mader’s German Restaurant on Old World Third Street. Explore the

Begin your adventure in Milwaukee today with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Milwaukee County Zoo. Recognized as one of the country’s finest zoological attractions, the Zoo is a serene home to more than 2,275 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles with more than 330 species. Your tour guides you around animal exhibits and zookeeper areas in selected parts of the grounds. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing cruise on the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. Stop in at the Northpoint Lighthouse to learn the maritime history of Lake Michigan and perhaps climb to the top for a beautiful view of the city and lakefront.

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This morning explore the Forest Home Cemetery with a guided tour to learn about the “history” of cemeteries, Milwaukee and Wisconsin. You’ll hear about beer barons Pabst, Schlitz and Blatz; Alfred Lunt and Lynne Fontanne; General Billy Mitchell; and so many others. Afterwards, marvel at the stories and beauty of the Basilica of St. Josephat. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Geo. Watts Tea Room this afternoon. Before heading for home, stop in at the Milwaukee Public Market to stock up on Wisconsin cheeses and a variety of other products.

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CONTACT: VISIT Milwaukee ➤ Wendy Dobrzynski, CTIS, Group Tour Manager www.visitmilwaukee.org 648 N. Plankinton, Suite 425, Milwaukee, WI 53203 Phone: 414-287-4222 Email: wdobrzynski@milwaukee.org LeisureGroupTravel.com

WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN

FAMILY FUN IN “THE WATERPARK CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! ” ®

include live music, a drive-in theater, comedy club, 4-D experience theaters and a live circus show.

HIGHLIGHTS ■ The highest concentration of waterparks in the world with over 200 waterslides

Get in on the action at one of the Dells’ many interactive attractions.

The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory – Interactive Science Center features over 150 hands-on exhibits, including the Original Russian Space Station MIR and NASA’s Mercury Space Capsule. Or experience Wizard Quest, an interactive fantasy game where you search for clues to free Wizards.

Another family favorite is MagiQuest at Great Wolf Lodge. MagiQuest is a full-size adventure game that sends participants straight into a mythical Renaissance world. Other interactive attractions include historic and eclectic museums, game centers and paint-it-yourself pottery shops.

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■ Home to the nation’s largest combination indoor/ outdoor waterpark resort and largest outdoor waterpark ■ One of the world’s longest running live water ski shows ■ Tour the Original Russian Space Station MIR and NASA’s Mercury Space Capsule ■ Weatherproof fun with indoor mini golf, go-karts and amusement rides ■ Hair-raising rollercoasters ■ Scenic tours along the Wisconsin River of the Dells’ famous bluffs

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Grown-Up Getaways

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Youth Group Summer Getaway

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Senior Summer Tour

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Youth Educational Tour

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DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY There’s a reason Wisconsin Dells is known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”.

It’s where you’ll find Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark (Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center), America’s largest outdoor waterpark (Noah’s Ark Waterpark), the nation’s largest combination indoor/outdoor waterpark resort (Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort), and the highest concentration of waterparks on the globe. And be sure not to miss out on the expansive indoor/outdoor waterparks at resorts like Chula Vista Resort and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks. In the Dells, you’ll find every kind of water ride and slide there is – from extreme plunge slides to racing speed slides, and massive wave pools to lazy rivers – more than 200 waterslides in all! There’s no doubt, when it comes to putting the biggest splash in family fun, no place compares to Wisconsin Dells.

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A great way to relax after a day at the waterparks is to take in one of the area’s entertaining live shows. The famous Tommy Bartlett Show is a must. It’s been entertaining families – rain or shine – for 60 years with its daredevil skiers, death-defying acrobats and hilarious stage acts. Another favorite is the 90-minute magic extravaganza at the family-friendly Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. Bringing more magic to the Dells is Jeremy Allen’s Grand Illusions. Other entertainment options

The Dells is a great place to satisfy your need for speed. Rev up the fun at one of the area’s many go-kart tracks, like ADare Go Carts and Big Chief’s Go Karts. Believe it or not, you can also do your go-kart driving indoors at Knuckleheads Bowling & Indoor Amusement Park or the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park.

Keep your adrenaline pumping as you fly down the Hellcat Coaster at Timber Falls Adventure Park, featuring the second steepest drop in North America! Or try one of the six hair-raising roller coasters at Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Parks, including Hades, with the world’s longest underground tunnel. Want the adventure of a ride, but also a chance to view the scenic beauty of the Dells? Home to the world’s largest fleet of WWII amphibious vehicles, or “Ducks,” no Dells vacation would be complete without a land and water tour through the beautiful sandstone bluffs that made the Dells famous.

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CONTACT: Wisconsin Dells VCB ➤ Tifani Jones www.wisdells.com 701 Superior St., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 Phone: 800-223-3557 Email: tifani@wisdells.com June 2012 99