Travel South Spotlight

on location: travel south O

randy mink

Travel South

Spotlight

The renovated Louisville Slugger Museum in downtown Louisville sports a new look inside.

IF YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED LATELY, DOZENS OF DEVELOPMENTS ARE

IN LOUISVILLE, THE enhanced Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory has racheted up its visitor appeal, and a new Abraham Lincoln statue will be unveiled

TRANSFORMING THE TOURISM SCENE

June 4 on the Ohio riverfront. Thomas Jefferson’s

IN THE 12 MEMBER STATES OF TRAVEL

visitor center. Consider the Viking Cooking School

Monticello in Charlottesville boasts a sparkling new opening this summer in Ridgeland, Miss., or the new

SOUTH USA. DOWNTOWNS ARE BEING REVITALIZED. NEW ATTRACTIONS ARE POPPING UP, AND OLD FAVORITES ARE

culinary tour in Clarksville, Tenn. Get ready for the inaugural Christmas celebration at Busch Gardens Williamsburg or the Ferris wheel at Kings Dominion near Richmond. If your group is into ghosts, check out the Paraplex complex in New Orleans.

TAKING ON A NEW LOOK. Tour planners are freshening up their 2009 itineraries with these crowd-pleasers and have an eye on what’s looming on the horizon. State tourism offices, destination marketing organizations, tour operators and indi38 April 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

vidual attractions will be spotlighting the latest developments at the 2009 Travel South Showcase, set for April 4-8 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. [travelsouthusa.org] The following state-by-state reports provide just a sampling of the many new things to see and do in the South.

Visitors to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile can perform virtual cardiac surgery and hold a beating holographic heart in their hands in the new permanent exhibit My BodyWorks. The gallery fills the museum’s first floor with nearly 50 hands-on

Mobile’s Gulf Coast Exploreum offers a new take on health.

health exhibits, plus a health and biology laboratory that features dynamic demonstrations and changing programs.

C:MI HIDE### 6 8>IN C:6G NDJ

[251-208-6873, exploreum.com] Also in Mobile, the Hank Aaron Museum and Learning Center opens in April at Hank Aaron Stadium at GasLight Park, home of the minor league Mobile Bay Bears, an AA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The baseball great’s boyhood home has been moved from the Toulminville area and is being restored to its 1942 appearance.

The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change®

[mobilebaybears.com] The Alleyway project, an entertainment district at least five years in the making, aims to be the dining, nightlife and corporate hub of downtown Montgomery when it officially opens in 2010. Dreamland BBQ and SaZa’s Pizza and Italian plan to open this spring. Conversion of the alley will include specialty boutiques and possibly a rooftop bar for spectators LeisureGroupTravel.com

Id Wdd` ndjg \gdjeh XVaa idaa [gZZ

--- BIB"I@IH ---"+-+"-*-, lll#BZcdeVjhZI]ZBjh^XVa#Xdb

April 2009 39

travel south O

watching the minor league Biscuits play baseball. Also being planned is a Hank Williams “saloon-type” bar to complement the Hank Williams Musuem next door to The Alley, and the Alabama Children’s Museum under construction plans to open in December 2010. Another addition to downtown’s revitalization was the recent return of the Harriott II Riverboat, which underwent renovation in Savannah, Ga. [800-2409452, visitingmontgomery.com] Ground has been broken on Country Crossings, a multi-million-dollar country music destination resort near

Drop by the Fort Chaffee Barbershop Museum to see where Elvis Presley got his first Army haircut.

Dothan, the “Peanut Capital of the World.” Partners in the 10-venue project include a Nashville record producer and numerous country music stars. Celebrity restaurants will include George Jones’ Possum Holler Dinner Theater & Restaurant, Tracy Lawrence’s BBQ,

Crystal Bridges Museum of American

Center. The Fort Chaffee Barbershop

John Anderson’s Seminole Wind Buffet,

Art opens in 2011 in Bentonville. Lo-

Museum is the site where Pvt. Elvis

Darryl Worley’s Worley Bird Cafe and

cated in a forested valley with gar-

Presley got his first military haircut

Lorrie Morgan’s Diner. The 15,000-seat

dens and trails, the museum will

when he was inducted into the Army

Mandolin Grove Amphitheater will be

showcase art from the Colonial pe-

in March, 1958. The Enchanted Doll

open year-round for concerts and

riod to the 20th century, including

Museum showcases more than 5,000

events. Also included will be a bowling

Native American art. Founded by

antique dolls. Vietnam Veterans

center, themed resort hotels, shops, a

Alice Walton, an heiress of Ben-

Museum contains Vietnam War mem-

water park and RV park. Plans call for

tonville-based Wal-Mart, the striking

orabilia. The nature center overlooks

Phase 1 to open later this year. [coun-

glass-and-wood museum, within

Wells Lake. [800-637-1477,

trycrossingalabama.com]

walking distance of downtown, will

fortsmith.org]

exhibit such masterworks as George Alabama Adventure in Bessemer will

Washington portraits by Charles Will-

The exhibition World of the

soon unveil UpSurge, a $1-million addi-

son Peale and Gilbert Stuart, the

Pharaohs: Treasures of Egypt Re-

tion to Splash Beach water park. Ex-

Hudson River School Kindred Spirits

vealed runs from Sept. 25, 2009, to

pected to open in mid-April, the new

by Asher B. Durand and Spring by

July 5, 2010, at the Arkansas Arts

attraction will feature a 47-foot tower

Winslow Homer. [479-418-5703,

Center in Little Rock. The first exhi-

that riders will plummet down in single

crystalbridgesartmuseum.org]

bition of Egyptian art to come to

or double inner tubes through 216 feet

Arkansas (from the Museum of Fine

of dark bends, twists and turns before

Fort Smith’s new Chaffee Crossing

Arts in Boston) features more than

going back up a vertical half-pipe and

Museum District, located on the for-

200 objects, including a majestic

ending in a 25,000-gallon splash pool.

mer Fort Chaffee Army base, includes

colossus of Ramesses II, jewelry,

[205-481-4750,

three museums and the Janet Huck-

stone vessels, statues and funerary ar-

alabamaadventure.com].

abee Arkansas River Valley Nature

tifacts. [501-372-4000; arkarts.com]

40 April 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

6 W D\ D W ' H * U D\

ARKANSAS’S ISLAND RESORT LODGE

Book your next tour at Arkansas’s resort state park in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Here on scenic DeGray Lake, resort amenities combine with outdoor adventure including sunset lake cruises, swimming, hiking, golf, tennis and nature programs. Your group will love this resort’s island lodge and its sweeping views.

2QH RI $UNDQVDV 6WDWH 3DUNV ‡ 'H*UD\ FRP

Something for everyone Every member of your ‰”‘—’ ‹• †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?–Ǥ ”‘Â? •’‘”–• –‘ ‘—–†‘‘”• –‘ ÂƒÂ”Â–Â•ÇĄ ’”‹Â?‰†ƒŽ‡ ‘ƥ‡”• •‘Â?‡–Š‹Â?‰ ˆ‘” ‡˜‡”›‘Â?‡Ǥ ‘‘– ˆ‘” –Š‡ ‘”–Š™‡•– ”Â?ƒÂ?•ƒ• ƒ–—”ƒŽ• ƒ– ”˜‡•– ƒŽŽ’ƒ”Â?Ǥ ‹†‡ ƒ ”‡•–‘”‡† ”ƒ‹Ž…ƒ” –Š”‘—‰Š –Š‡ •…‡Â?‹… ‘•–‘Â? ‘—Â?–ƒ‹Â?•Ǥ –‡’ „ƒ…Â? ‹Â? –‹Â?‡ ƒ– –Š‡ Š‹Ž‘Š —•‡—Â? ‘ˆ œƒ”Â? ‹•–‘”›Ǥ ‘’‡ ‹Â? ƒŽŽ –Š‡ Š‹‰Šnj‡Â?‡”‰› ”‘†‡‘ ƒ…–‹‘Â? ƒ– ƒ”•‘Â?• –ƒ†‹—Â?ÇĄ Š‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ ‘†‡‘ ‘ˆ –Š‡ œƒ”Â?•Ǥ Â‹Â”Â•Â–ÇŚÂ…ÂŽÂƒÂ•Â• Š‘–‡Ž•ǥ ”‡•–ƒ—”ƒÂ?–• ƒÂ?† •Š‘’• ƒ”‡ …‘Â?˜‡Â?‹‡Â?–Ž› Ž‘…ƒ–‡† Â?‡ƒ” ƒŽŽ ƒ”‡ƒ ƒ––”ƒ…–‹‘Â?•Ǥ

•’”‹Â?‰†ƒŽ‡Ǥ…‘Â? Čˆ Í•ÇŚÍœÍ”Í”ÇŚÍ?͖͛nj͖͚͕͛

GcXe Xe <oZ`k`e^# Le`hl\ Xe[ 8]]fi[XYc\ ^\kXnXp `e 8IB8EJ8J N\cZfd\ kf 8ibXejXj# fe\ f] k_\ dfjk X]]fi[XYc\ ^iflg kiXm\c [\jk`eXk`fej `e k_\ Jflk_% ?`b\ kf jZ\e`Z m`jkXj `e k_\ FqXib DflekX`ej# Ă&#x2022;fXk k_\ lejgf`c\[ nXk\ij fe k_\ 9l]]Xcf EXk`feXc I`m\i fi `e[lc^\ `e jflc ]ff[ Xe[ Ycl\j dlj`Z `e k_\ 8ibXejXj ;\ckX% J_fg ]fi Xik Xe[ le`hl\ ^`]kj `e <li\bX Jgi`e^j% ;`jZfm\i ]XjZ`eXk`e^ dlj\ldj ]fi Xcc X^\j Xe[ `ek\i\jkj# `eZcl[`e^ C`kkc\ IfZbĂ&#x2039;j :c`ekfe Gi\j`[\ek`Xc :\ek\i Xe[ GXib% <ogcfi\ 9cXeZ_Xi[ Jgi`e^j :Xm\iej fi YXk_\ `e k_\ eXkliXc k_\idXc nXk\ij f] ?fk Jgi`e^j% 8ibXejXjĂ&#x2039;j d`c[ ]fli$j\Xjfe Zc`dXk\ dXb\j ]fi gc\XjXek kiXm\c p\Xi$ifle[% =fi dfi\ `e]fidXk`fe fe ^iflg kiXm\c `[\Xj fi kf m`\n jXdgc\ `k`e\iXi`\j# m`j`k 8ibXejXj>iflgKiXm\c%Zfd%

travel south O

Orlando’s Universal Studios this spring will open a new roller coaster, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit. The high-tech, multi-sensory experience will include audio and special effects with onboard and offboard LED-screen videos for riders to create a unique experience by choosing which song they will hear while on the roller coaster and compil-

An underwater experience enhances SeaWorld Orlando’s new Manta coaster.

ing it into a take-home music video when the ride is over. The ride reaches

tion that transitions riders from air to

which provides floor-to-ceiling window

speeds up to 65 m.p.h. and stands 17

sea. Guests will experience underwater

views of more than 300 rays, including

stories tall. [407-363-8000,

animal habitats, soar face-down in a

shark rays, spotted eagle rays and leop-

universalorlando.com]

horizontal position at nearly 60 m.p.h.,

ard rays. [407-351-3600, seaworld.com]

and come within inches of the ocean.

SeaWorld Orlando is nearly finished

Visitors who choose not to ride can in-

Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, Fla., fresh

with Manta, a new roller coaster attrac-

stead experience the attraction itself,

from a multi-million-dollar renovation,

Only Hot Springs gives you luxury and excitement like this – from sunup to well after the sun goes down. Bring your group to the South’s famous Spa City, home of historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park. Play the ponies at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming, one of America’s oldest racetracks, now with an all-new gaming center. Shop for art and charming gifts in one-of-a-kind boutiques. Explore all the glories of nature at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Enjoy all of this and a whole lot more in America’s First Resort.

For a free Group Tour Planner, call 1-800-922-6478 or visit www.hotsprings.org.

44 April 2009

LGT/09

LeisureGroupTravel.com

travel south O

Florida, cont. just opened with the production of Jesus

50 tons of ice. Every six months, ICE-

alligators and other animals. There are

Christ Superstar. Upgrades to the theater

BAR Orlando’s interior is transformed

also two sky-bridges that pass over a

include additional restrooms, installa-

into a new theme. Admission is $30 and

forested wetland. [866-854-3837,

tion of larger seating and improved

includes a premium vodka beverage in a

floridaecosafaris.com]

acoustics. Built in 1925, the Spanish

glass made of ice for guests 21 and older

Baroque theater is one of only four

and a non-alcoholic beverage for

Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte

Saenger theaters still operating in the

younger guests. [407-426-7555,

has completed renovations just in time

South and is listed on the National Reg-

icebarorlando.com]

for the upcoming baseball season. The

ister of Historic Places. [850-595-3880, pensacolasaenger.com]

Southwest Florida baseball facility, Zipline Safari is the newest attraction by

which is the new spring training home

Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida, a

of the American League Champion

ICEBAR Orlando, the first and largest

wildlife conservation area in St. Cloud.

Tampa Bay Rays, includes six major

permanent bar made of ice in the United

The two- and-a-half-hour experience be-

league-caliber baseball fields and has

States, has opened on International

gins with a short hike along a section of

added more seating, concessions, rest-

Drive. The ICEBAR experience takes

the Florida Trail, one of only eight Na-

rooms and a 360-degree concourse.

guests through the Chill Lounge, a bar

tional Scenic Trails in the United States.

When the facility is not being used by

featuring live entertainment, caviar

Upon arrival at the launching point on

the Rays during spring training, the fields are available for tournaments, concerts and other performances. In addition, the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center recently opened in downtown Punta Gorda. Aside from hosting performances and concerts, the event center holds sporting events such as the AAU State Gymnastics Championship, which took place in December.

[800-652-6090, charlotteharbortravel.com.]

Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers, Fla., recently debuted three new attractions: The Money Museum,

In a unique environment created by more than 50 tons of ice, ICEBAR Orlando offers a chilling experience in sunny Central Florida.

McShell Company Mining Rig and Lorikeet Aviary. The museum displays coins and notes from around the world, back to the Roman Empire. Visitors can

flights and premium beverage service in

the zipline course, an expert guide will

pan for gemstones or fossils in the min-

an upscale Nordic setting. This lounge is

lead guests as they fly above the wilder-

ing rig’s sluice or feed nectar to the col-

open to the public free of charge. Before

ness, reaching heights of 55 feet and

orful lorikeet birds. The 18-acre

entering the air-locked ICEBAR, guests

speeds up to 20 m.p.h. The Zipline Sa-

attraction offers shopping, animal dis-

are provided with a cape and gloves to

fari, which is the first and only zipline

plays, miniature golf, rides, arcade

stay warm during their 45-minute expe-

adventure in Florida, allows visitors to

games, a botanical garden and South-

rience. The exhibit is kept at 27 degrees

get near the animal interactions area,

west Florida’s largest seafood restau-

Fahrenheit, and the walls, tables, seat-

where they will see a puma (a close rela-

rant, Capt’n Fishbones. [239-995-2141,

ing, sculptures and bar are made from

tive of the endangered Florida panther),

shellfactory.com]

46 April 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Atlanta Botanical Garden will open a new LEED-certified visitor center and Georgia’s Antebellum Trail is celebrating

visitors will see exactly what it takes to

its 25th anniversary in 2009 with the

produce the show. The tour ends inside

the current parking lot will be replaced

first annual Georgia’s Antebellum Trail

the Morning Express with Robin Meade

with a new Edible Garden and outdoor

parking facility this summer. In 2010,

Pilgrimage, a series of three April week-

studio, where visitors can watch a por-

cooking demonstration kitchen. The

ends featuring tours of stately historic

tion of a live broadcast. [404-827-2300,

garden will also feature Canopy Walk,

homes, some of them private and not

cnn.com/tour]

generally open to the public. The spring

a 600-foot-long, 45-foot-high “skywalk” though the treetops of Storza

event, to be repeated in 2010, spotlights

Georgia Aquarium in downtown At-

Woods. [404-876-5859,

museums, homes, battle sites and vari-

lanta is adding a $110-million dolphin

atlantabotanicalgarden.org]

ous activities in seven communities from

exhibit that will open by the end of

Macon to Athens. Included are Old

2010. The additional 84,000 square feet

Wild Adventures theme park in Valdosta

Clinton, Watkinsville, Eatonton, Madi-

of space and 1.3-million-gallon exhibit

has remodeled its Splash Island water-

son and Milledgeville. [800-709-7406,

will include dolphin encounters, viewing

park and unveiled Wahee Cyclone, a

antebellumtrail.org]

windows and dolphin shows. [404-581-

giant funnel ride. Four riders in a clover-

4000, georgiaaquarium.org]

leaf-like raft plummet through an en-

The Kangaroo Conservation Center (KCC) in Dawsonville, Ga., is offering a new tour called “Aussie Outing,” which allows visitors to explore the “Georgia Outback” and view kangaroos while riding the “KangaRanger” as well as a variety of animal shows and exhibits. Aside from the tour, the KCC has walking trails that allow visitors to view kangaroo habitats from a different angle and has an Aussie Outpost gift shop with unique gifts and eco-friendly items. Located in Northern Georgia, the KCC has the largest kangaroo collection outside of Australia and is dedicated to the preservation of kangaroo species and other wildlife through captive

Visitors to the Kangaroo Conservation Center get up close and personal.

breeding. Discounts for groups (30 or more) are available. [706-265-6100,

Athens, home to the University of Geor-

closed tube in complete darkness, then

kangaroocenter.com]

gia, a lively music and arts scene, and

free-fall into a huge funnel that rockets

fine examples of Victorian and neoclas-

them up one side and down the other

Inside CNN Morning Express Tour of-

sical architecture, will be celebrating all

until they are deposited through the end

fers Atlanta visitors the opportunity to

year with special events after being

of the funnel. Splash Island offers six

go behind the scenes of the cable chan-

named to the list of 2009 Dozen Distinc-

waterslides, tropical lagoons, a lazy river

nel’s HLN Morning Express with Robin

tive Destinations by the National Trust

and wave pool. Admission to the water-

Meade. On the new tour, which is of-

for Historic Preservation. [800-653-

park is free with general park admission.

fered Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m.,

0603, visitathensga.com]

[229-219-7080, wildadventures.net]

LeisureGroupTravel.com

April 2009 47

travel south O

Heart of the Game. [502-588-7228, sluggermuseum.com] The National Corvette Museum in

The newly renovated Louisville Slugger

Mint Julep Tours in Louisville has

Bowling Green will have a fresh new

Museum & Factory in downtown

added a tour that takes visitors to Blue

look when its 47,000-square-foot ex-

Louisville now offers more interactive

Grass Cooperage, where craftsmen cre-

pansion is completed in April. The re-

experiences and a chance to see more

ate barrels used for aging Kentucky

designed Corvette Boulevard and lobby

of its baseball memorabilia collection.

bourbon. The barrel company, which

will be a street scene covered by a bar-

Visitors can have their photos taken

previously had not been open to the

rel-roof archway that leads visitors on a

holding Louisville Slugger bats used by

public, makes whiskey barrels for

journey into the legacy of “America’s

such greats as David Ortiz, Mickey

Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist,

Sports Car.” The new Corvette Enthusi-

Mantle and Rod Carew or pose with

Early Times, Old Forester and Jack

ast area will offer hands-on interactivity

artifacts (bats, game gear, historic con-

Daniel’s. Mint Julep (formerly City and

with computer trivia and exhibits, and

tracts signed by Major League players)

Ccountryside Tours) also offers “Bour-

the relocated Corvette Hall of Fame will

from Grandpa Bud’s Attic. (Bud is Bud

bon Trail,” “Historic Louisville,”

showcase those who played a significant

Hillerich, the founder of Hillerich &

“Louisville Boutique Shop Hop,”

role in the heritage of Corvette. A new

Bradsby, which manufactures the

“Moonshine & Madness” and “Abra-

conference center will host meetings and

Lousiville Slugger.) Also new are ex-

ham Lincoln Bicentennial.” [866-986-

tour groups. [800-538-3883,

hibits of bats used by Joe DiMaggio

8779, mintjuleptours.com].

corvettemuseum.org]

(during his 56-game consecutive hit

Like your best customers,

our best events come back every year.

streak in 1941) and

The Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront

Babe Ruth, who

Park will be dedicated on June 4 in

made a notch for

Louisville as part of the two-year na-

every home run hit

tional celebration of the bicentennial of

with it. There will be

Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It will include

a new factory tour

a larger-than-life statue of Lincoln

video and an updated

seated on a rock and looking out over

version of the mu-

the Ohio River. Four bas-reliefs (stone

seum’s film The

sculpture made by chipping away from

Leave it to a city as unique as ours to host events as diverse as the

National Quartet Convention, Thunder Over Louisville and Abbey Road on the River. So many original adventures are possible in Louisville. Start planning now with your Group Tour Planners Guide and “Nothing But Original” Itinerary Booklet, packed with ideas and information. Visit us at www.gotolouisville.com or call 800-626-5646 and ask for Group Sales.

48 April 2009

Louisville artist Ed Hamilton is sculpting the city’s new Lincoln statue.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

a flat surface) will tell in four different stages of Lincoln's life and experiences in Kentucky, including how he developed his abhorrence of slavery while

The Mardi Gras Museum

standing on the banks of the Ohio in

of Imperial Calcasieu in

Louisville. Nationally renowned

Lake Charles just finished

Louisville artist Ed Hamilton is sculpt-

a major renovation. Mo-

ing both the Lincoln statue and bas-re-

tion-activated man-

liefs. The site will include an

nequins decked out in

amphitheater with granite seating

glittery costumes add to

carved with famous quotes from Lin-

the already impressive

coln. [louisvillewaterfront.com/

display of Mardi Gras

projects/lincoln/index.html]

costumes, the largest display in the world. [337-

Jim Beam, “the world’s finest bourbon,”

430-0043,

has announced plans for a new tourism

visitlakecharles.org]

center at its Clermont distillery, just south of Louisville. Scheduled to open in

Paraplex is a new para-

April 2011, the multi-million dollar at-

normal complex in New

traction will include displays of newly

Orleans, and the first of

Museum exhibits in Lake Charles highlight Mardi Gras splendor.

discovered historical documents, photos

its kind in the world. The

and a state-of-the-art welcome center

multi-million-dollar at-

that highlights the heritage of this top-

traction, located in a "haunted" three-

coming Walt Disney Animation Studios

selling spirit. [502-543-9877,

story mansion, features paranormal art

musical The Princess and The Frog,

jimbeam.com]

galleries, hands-on interactive psychic

which is set for release on Christmas.

testing exhibits, a simulated séance

The display will include themed rooms

Construction begins next year on the

room, a Ghost Experience Simulator

showcasing artwork and arranged

Kentucky Agriculture Heritage Center in

and a theater for workshops, documen-

chronologically by year of release.

Harrodsburg, a world-class facility that

taries and feature film screenings. Using

Alongside the artwork will be film clips

will offer interactive exhibits with live

its hi-tech observatory and recording

to show visitors how sketches and

animals, a model farm, a walking tour

lab, Paraplex will monitor all paranor-

paintings become the finished product.

of the year 1775 through the present,

mal activity that takes place in the com-

The exhibition will run until March 14,

and antique and high-tech equipment.

plex. [504-483-2350, paraplex.net]

2010. [504-658-4100, noma.org.]

the Kentucky History Center in Frank-

The New Orleans Museum of Art

Also in New Orleans, Mahalia Jackson

fort. [kyagheritage.org]

(NOMA) will be featuring a new exhi-

Theater of the Performing Arts recently

The attraction will be similar in scope to

bition starting Nov. 15 called Dreams

reopened after a $27-million renova-

The newly named National Quilt Mu-

Come True: Art of the Classic Fairy

tion. The theater, which was damaged

seum of the United States, formerly the

Tales from the Walt Disney Studio. It

during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has

Museum of the American Quilter’s Soci-

will have more than 600 original art-

a state-of-the-art sound system, a new

ety, and other venues in Paducah will

works that shaped legendary animated

orchestra shell and enhanced lighting.

showcase more than 500 quilts and wall

features such as Snow White, Sleeping

The calendar includes ballet, orchestra

hangings April 22-25 during the soci-

Beauty, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid

and opera. [504-525-1052,

ety’s 25th annual Quilt Show and Con-

and many others. Dreams Come True

mahaliajacksontheater.com]

test. [270-442-8856, quiltmuseum.org]

will also include artwork from the up-

LeisureGroupTravel.com

April 2009 49

travel south O

Jackson’s oldest building, the Old Capi-

for cooking and experience

tol Museum, gleams after a $16-million

the full Viking product line.

restoration that showcases the Greek

The school will offer classes

Revival masterpiece’s soaring interior

taught by expert instructors

spaces, craftsmanship and grand lime-

and local, regional and na-

stone exterior. Exhibits tell the story of

tional guest chefs. With

the building’s history as the seat of Mis-

demonstration-style and

sissippi state government from 1839

hands-on classes, there will

until 1903, explore the region's early

be something for cooks of

days, examine Mississippi’s other capital

all skill levels. Classes at the Viking

the newly renovated Harrah’s Casino

cities before Jackson and teach the im-

Cooking School will range from exotic

(formerly Grand Casino) in Tunica.

portance of historic preservation.

global cuisine to basic cooking skills.

Serving down-home food in an upscale

[601-576-6920, mdah.state.ms.us]

The facilities will be available for rent

atmosphere, the 560-seat restaurant is

for private events. [visitridgeland.com]

modeled after the Food Network star’s

Viking Cooking School in Ridgeland

The country’s only Paula Deen Buffet can be found in Tunica’s Harrah’s Casino.

own home and features recipes from the

opens in July, offering culinary enthusi-

Mississippi-born country music star

“Queen of Southern Cuisine.” The re-

asts the opportunity to fuel their passion

Marty Stuart recently unveiled the first

sort’s $45-million renovation included

marker in Merid-

all new rooms (1,350), a new casino

ian’s Walk of Fame,

floor (the largest between Las Vegas and

a project honoring

Atlantic City), a new bar called Sphere

Mississippi artists,

and the fine dining restaurant ’37. [har-

performers and

rahstunica.com]

writers. The marker saluting Jimmie

The Corinth Contraband Camp, a

Rodgers, the “Fa-

refuge for freed African-Americans after

ther of Country

President Lincoln issued the Emancipa-

Music,” lies in front

tion Proclamation, will be dedicated in

of the MSU Riley

June. A National Park Service property

Center, the city’s re-

in Corinth, the site began as a tent city

cently renovated

in 1863 and blossomed into a small city

grand opera

at a time when Union troops occupied

house. In the works

Corinth. Visitors to the commemorative

is a funding plan for

park will find a trail with seven life-size

the proposed Missis-

bronze figures that depict the life of the

sippi Hall of Fame

freedmen, who abandoned the site after

Museum. [888-868-

Federal troops left Corinth in January

7720,

1864. The residents of the camp farmed

visitmeridian.com]

400 acres of land and produced both cotton and vegetables that they sold to

50 April 2009

The country’s only

area citizens and soldiers stationed in

Paula Deen Buffet

and around the Corinth area. [Corinth

recently opened at

Area CVB: 800-748-9048, corinth.net] LeisureGroupTravel.com

travel south O

located near Lowe’s Motor Speedway, also features over 400 guest suites, an Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo

outdoor pool area, an upscale spa as

this spring will open the American In-

well as an ice cream-themed kid spa, a

dian Town and Cultural Education Cen-

technology center for teens, a 100-game

ter, a new historical interpretation

arcade with ticket redemption center

experience at the site of the first English

and a themed 18-hole miniature golf

colony in the New World (1585-1587).

course. [866-925-9653,

It will include a variety of true-to-scale

greatwolf.com/concord]

structures, role-play environments and places to explore, plant, build and play. The park’s centerpiece is the Eliza-

Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, N.C.

beth II, a replica of a 16th century Eng-

Bechtler Museum of Contemporary Art will be one of several attractions in the Wachovia First Street Project in Char-

lish sailing vessel. Costumed historians

lotte. The $18-million, 35,000-square-

at its Settlement Site demonstrate black-

lodge in Concord, offering one of the

foot museum is set to open in early

smithing, woodworking and games.

largest indoor waterparks in America.

2010. Also part of the new development

[252-475-1500, roanokeisland.com]

The four-story, 475,000-square-foot re-

will be the Afro-American Cultural Cen-

sort and conference center will feature

ter and the Mint Museum of Art’s new

Great Wolf Lodge is a brand new $100-

an 80,000-square-foot indoor water-

Center City building. [704-332-2227,

million, 36-acre, northwoods-themed

park, plus an outdoor park. The lodge,

charlottecentercity.org]

North Beach Plantation, a 60-acre

tures local cookbook author Sallie Anne

lifestyle development, just opened in

Robinson. The "Gullah, Gumbo and

North Myrtle Beach, Combining Old

Grits" day tour in Beaufort and St. He-

South charm with modern conveniences,

lena Island showcases Gullah storyteller

the self-contained luxury residential re-

Aunt Pearlie-Sue and a Gullah meal.

sort has 750 oceanfront condominiums,

New multi-day tours revolve around the

townhouses and single-family homes,

lighthouses of South Carolina and Geor-

plus upscale boutique shopping, gour-

gia. [888-842-9217, discover-tours.com]

met dining and the world-class Cinzia Spa and Wellness Center. [northbeachtowers.com]

Grand Strand Culinary Tours Huguenots, Revolutionists and Patriots,

Grand Strand Culinary Tours is a new

slaves and plantation owners. [843-293-

company offering a variety of food tours

1501, grandstrandculinarytours.com]

for groups in the Myrtle Beach area, a For groups of 20 and more, Discover

60-mile stretch from Little River down to

South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s

Tours of Hilton Head Island offers new

Georgetown. Tours range from a simple

most visited attraction, just opened the

culinary and food heritage tours that

traditional lunch in Myrtle Beach to a

temporary exhibit Penguin Planet. Guests

spotlight the West African-influenced

walking tour of historic downtown Con-

can see the four Magellanic penquins, on

Gullah culture of South Carolina’s coast.

way, 15 miles west of Myrtle Beach.

loan from SeaWorld, through windows

A day tour of Daufuskie Island, accessi-

Guides tell how the region’s culinary her-

that allow for underwater viewing.

ble only by boat from Hilton Head, fea-

itage has been shaped by the Spanish and

[843-720-1990, scaquarium.org]

52 April 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

cz uif ujnf uifz svo pvu pg uijoht up ep-

^ROcÂŞVV LO LKMU RYWO

Uif Ijmupo Ifbe boe Cmvggupo bsfb jt gvmm pg qsjtujof cfbdift boe mvti mboetdbqft up sfgsfti bozpof xip wjtjut/ Zfu jo boe bspvoe uijt jtmboe sfusfbu- zpvĂ&#x2013;mm Ă&#x;oe b tvsqsjtjoh wbsjfuz pg bdujwjujft up qmfbtf kvtu bcpvu boz hspvq/ Ebz.usjqt xjuijo fbtz sfbdi jodmvef uif ijtupsjd boe obuvsbm bsfbt pg Tbwboobi- Dibsmftupo- boe Cfbvgpsu/ Boe xjui obuvsf xbmlt- ejoofs boe epmqijo dsvjtft- tipqqjoh- bsut- Mpxdpvousz dvjtjof- Hvmmbi upvst- Ibscpvs Upxo boe uif mjhiuipvtf- fdpupvsjtn- boe npsf- Ijmupo Ifbe jt b xpoefsgvm qmbdf up foufsubjo hspvqt pg bmm ljoet/ :SO`\ []`S Ob 6WZb]\6SOR7aZO\R ]`U ]` QOZZ & # ! !!%!

IJMUPO IFBE JTMBOE ÂŚ CMVGGUPO EBVGVTLJF JTMBOE

03/16E/:9 6=B3:

27A1=D3@ B=C@A

6=:72/G 7<< =13/<4@=<B

>/@9 :/<3 6=B3: AC7B3A

VWZb]\VSORPSOQVeOZYV]bSZ Q][ &&& &"! " !$

RWaQ]dS` b]c`a Q][ &&& &" ' %

VWVWZb]\VSOR Q][ & " ! '&'%

VWZb]\VSOR^O`YZO\SV]bSZ Q][ &"! $&$ #%

Hsfbu hspvq sbuft boe dpnq qpmjdz" Xbml up uif cfbdi- tipqqjoh ' sftubvsbout/ B cfbdi hfubxbz zpvs hspvq xjmm usfbtvsf"

Bggpsebcmf hspvq upvs qbdlbhft gps dpbtubm Tpvui Dbspmjob boe Hfpshjb/ Ofx Dvmjobsz- Hvmmbi Ifsjubhf boe Ivc.O.Tqplf Upvst bwbjmbcmf/ Nfncfs pg OUB boe BCB/

Sfopwbufe jo 3119 gfbuvsjoh vqhsbefe bnfojujftgsff.gpsn qppm- HspvqfsĂ&#x2013;t ' Dpnqboz pdfbogspou sftubvsbou boe pvs mfhfoebsz cfbditjef Ă&#x201C;Ujlj IvuĂ&#x201D;/ Gsff npupsdpbdi qbsljoh"

Dpowfojfoumz mpdbufe nje.jtmboepvs bmm.tvjuf ipufm gfbuvsft gvmm.tj{fe ljudifot- ipu csfblgbtu cvggfu- dpnqmj. nfoubsz ijhi.tqffe joufsofu boe tfbtpobm cfbdi tivuumf tfswjdft/

1=;4=@B 7<< A=CB6 4=@3AB 03/16

6/;>B=< 7<< 67:B=< 63/2

Q][T]`bVWZb]\VSOR Q][ & # ! "

Xbml up uif cfbdi- tipqt boe sftubvsbout jo uif ifbsu pg Ijmupo Ifbe" Gfbuvsft ifbufe pvuepps qppm boe dpnqmjnfoubsz csfblgbtu/

VWZb]\VSOR VO[^b]\W\\ Q][ &"! $& %'

Ijmupo Ifbe jt uif qfsgfdu mpdbujpo gps zpvs ofyu hspvq fwfou/ Btl bcpvu pvs hspvq boe upvs qbdlbhft"

>/:;3BB= 2C<3A =13/<4@=<B @3A=@B

@3A=@B?C3AB 67:B=< 63/2

^OZ[Sbb]Rc\Sa Q][ &&& #$& '###

`Sa]`b_cSabVWZb]\VSOR Q][ & & $ $"'

Dvtupnj{fe qbdlbhft jodmvejoh bddpnnpebujpotsftpsu bdujwjujft- upvst- cpbujoh- gvmm.tfswjdf nffujoh gbdjmjujft boe npsf/ Xbufsgspou tipqqjoh boe ejojoh bu Tifmufs Dpwf Ibscpvs ' Nbsjob/

Hspvq tubz boe qmbz qbdlbhft- jodmvejoh mpehjoh- dpogfsfodf gbdjmjujft- hpmgufoojt- xbufs tqpsut boe npsf/ Xbml up sftubvsbout boe tipqqjoh/

Uijt jt opu bo bmm.jodmvtjwf mjtujoh pg uif bddpnnpebujpot ps tfswjdft bwbjmbcmf jo uif Ijmupo Ifbe Jtmboe bsfb/ Jogpsnbujpo jt qsppgfe gps bddvsbdz- cvu opu hvbsbouffe/

Dpoubdu Csfoeb Djbqboob- Tbmft ' Nbslfujoh Nbobhfs- bu pvs Wjtjups ' Dpowfoujpo Cvsfbv/

hspvqupvsAijmupoifbejtmboe/psh Ă&#x2019; qi/ 911.634.4484- fyu/ 479

travel south O

and-answer session with the cast and crew of the show. [800-792-4308, Graceland, the 1939 Memphis mansion

at one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular

that Elvis Presley called home, is cele-

shows. Their performance will be put on

brating its 70th anniversary with new

a DVD and made available for purchase

Pigeon Forge’s popular Smith Family

exhibits. Elvis in Hollywood spotlights

at the gift shop. After watching the two-

Theater, which opened in 2004, is

countrytonitetheater.com]

the singer’s movie career with memora-

hour show, students can take a back-

adding a Southern, buffet-style dinner

bilia from his silver-screen successes,

stage tour. Students also get the

and has renamed itself the Smith Family

while Elvis Lives: The King and Pop

opportunity to participate in a question-

Dinner Theater. The Smith Boys—

Culture showcases Elvis in action as he

Charlie, Jim and Charlie Bob—perform

entertains crowds in a video presenta-

in the remodeled 420-seat auditorium

tion. The Elvis Presley Auto Museum in-

where dinner is served. T.G. Sheppard

troduces new additions, including the

does shows on selected dates. [866-

six-door Mercedes Benz limousine fea-

399.8100, smithfamilytheater.com]

tured in the movie Elvis on Tour. [800238-8000, elvis.com]

The Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council offers a

Country Tonite provides student groups the chance to perform as the opening act

54 April 2009

The cast of Country Tonite

new culinary tour entitled “Biscuits, Bluegrass and Blackhawks.” The three-

LeisureGroupTravel.com

travel south O Tennessee, cont. night group itinerary includes a tour of Fort Campbell military base, home of the 101st Airborne Division’s Screaming Eagles (air assault), and its Don F. Pratt

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in

the-sky pendulum ride that sits up to 40

Memorial Museum, which displays vari-

Richmond will open a new five-level,

riders in a blue 1950s-style El Dorado

ous aircraft. [800-530-2487,

glass-and-limestone wing later this year.

convertible car. The two-minute ride ro-

clarksville.tn.us]

The project will add more than 165,000

tates riders to 85 feet in the air in two

square feet, increasing the museum’s

different directions. Both rides will be

In a major expansion, Casey Jones

gallery space by 50 percent. The expan-

located in the park’s Grove area, adja-

Home & Railroad Museum in Jack-

sion includes a four-acre sculpture gar-

cent to the Rebel Yell and Hurler roller

son is adding a replica 1890s train sta-

den, two new restaurants and group

coasters. [804-876-5000,

tion that will house exhibits, a theater

dining facilities. [804-340-1596,

kingsdominion.com]

and train-themed gift shop. Also ready

vfma.museum]

for this summer will be a Pullman rail-

For the first time in its 34-year history,

car that will be renovated into studios of

Kings Dominion theme park, north of

Busch Gardens theme park will welcome

American Family Radio’s local affiliate

Richmond, is opening its 2009 season

visitors to a holiday celebration, com-

and will be part of the museum tour at

with two new rides. Americana is a

plete with yuletide entertainment, shop-

Casey Jones Village, named for the

giant 110-foot Ferris wheel with 24 six-

ping, a million twinkling lights and

world’s most famous train engineer.

person gondolas. It is the first Ferris

nightly visits from Santa Claus. Christ-

[731-668-1222, caseyjones.com]

wheel at Kings Dominion in the park’s

mas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebra-

35-year history. El Dorado is a high-in-

tion will transform the park into a

56 April 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

at the new Thomas Jefferson

Education Center, where they have ex-

Visitor Center and Smith Ed-

clusive access to interactive exhibits,

ucation Center, which has

movies and artifacts. Mount Vernon

scheduled its grand opening

continues to offer groups a “Private

for April 15. On that date,

Evening Tour” that includes candlelight

the facility’s major interpre-

touring of the mansion and its rarely

tive features – four innova-

seen third floor. [703-799-6833,

tive exhibitions, a new

mountvernon.org]

introductory film and a Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town

hands-on discovery space –

In observance of Bermuda’s 400th an-

will be unveiled. [434-984-

niversary this year, Jamestown Settle-

9880, monticello.org]

ment presents the exhibition Jamestown and Bermuda: Virginia

winter wonderland from Nov. 27-Dec.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Company Colonies through Oct. 15.

27. Festivities will take place Friday, Sat-

Estate offers a new evening program

The exhibit explores the shared his-

urday and Sunday evenings from 4-9

for student groups. “After Hours: Stu-

tory and links between England’s first

p.m. and each evening Dec. 18-27.

dent Evenings at Mount Vernon” al-

two permanent colonies in the New

[christmastown.com]

lows groups to arrive as early as 3 p.m.

World, featuring objects from the un-

After touring the grounds and mansion,

derwater archaeological site of the

Monticello, the Charlottesville home of

students have time to shop and eat be-

Sea Venture, wrecked in Bermuda en

Thomas Jefferson, has begun operations

fore visiting the Donald W. Reynolds

route to Virginia in 1609, plus other

LeisureGroupTravel.com

April 2009 57

travel south O

Virginia, cont. art and artifacts. [888-593-4682, historyisfun.org] Norfolk’s Town Point Park, the back-

by a partnership that includes the

drop for many festivals and events since

Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and

it opened 27 years ago, will unveil a new

Visitors Bureau, City of Wheeling,

look this summer, the result of an $11.5-

Wheeling National Heritage Area Cor-

million renovation. During its grand

poration and Regional Economic Devel-

opening on July 4 weekend, guests will

opment Partnership. [800-828-3097,

be the first to enjoy the park’s new path-

wheelingcvb.com]

way system (offering greater access to Norfolk’s waterfront), new stage loca-

Capitol Music Hall

tions, enhanced lighting, interactive

The new West Virginia State Museum is slated to open this summer on the lower

water fountains and lush landscaping.

Downtown Wheeling’s legendary Capi-

level of the Cultural Center in the State

Festival favorites, including the Virginia

tol Music Hall reopens in September as

Capitol Complex in Charleston. Visitors

Arts Festival (April–May), Town Point

a venue for the Wheeling Symphony,

will follow a path on a chronological

Park Wine Festival (April and October)

Broadway shows, concerts, operas, co-

journey of West Virginia history.

and Harborfest (July). New this year is

medians and other national touring acts.

Themed settings will feature theatrical

the Antique Car and Boat Show in Sep-

The historic theater, dating back more

lighting, surround sound, narration and

tember. [norfolkcvb.com]

than 80 years, was recently purchased

artifacts. [wvculture.org] LGT

58 April 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

HYATT, Grand Hyatt,® names, designs and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2009 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

A MARVEL OF MODERN DESIGN. AN EQUALLY STUNNING LOCATION. INTRODUCING GRAND HYATT SAN ANTONIO: AN ENTIRELY NEW LEVEL OF SERVICE, CONVENIENCE AND LUXURY. Grand Hyatt San Antonio offers everything you would expect from a four star hotel. And then some. Like 115,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and function space that includes 5,200 sq. ft. of exceptional balcony space. Meeting rooms with natural light. A state-of-the-art business center and our 24-hour Stay Fit gym with a heated outdoor pool. WiFi everywhere. And rooms with flat panel TVs, plus our ultra-comfortable Hyatt Grand Bed ™. It’s everything you would have expec ted. And quite a few things you never knew to expec t. Feel the Hyatt Touch.® For more information, contac t your Hyatt Sales Representative at 210.451.6400 or visit grandhyattsanantonio.com.