North Carolina itinerary: Discover all the ways to find your country in Onslow County

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March 20, 2018

Welcome to Onslow County, a caring community steeped in military history and tradition. Regardless of the season, it is always a good time to visit and discover the many ways to find your country at the beautiful coast of North Carolina.

Day One
Country Cruising

Photo: Onslow County Tourism
Huffman Vineyards, Richlands, N.C.

Start off an afternoon with a stop at the Onslow County Museum. Located in the heart of Richlands, the state-of-the-art facility showcases Onslow Countys special moments in history and provides a 4,000-year overview of the land from prehistoric times to present day.

Head up the road on Highway 258 toward Kinston, and stop at one of the countys newest treasures, Huffman Vineyards at Mirey Creek. Participate in a wine tasting from more than 21 varieties sweet, semi-sweet or dry. Visitors also enjoy the gift shop and hand-painted murals found throughout the winery.

From the winery, cruise down the country road to Mikes Farm. Enjoy a true family-style dinner with some of the best home cooking in eastern North Carolina. Mikes Farm is known for its hayrides, educational programs, petting zoo, seasonal produce and special events, like Festival of Lights. The farm also has a gift shop and a phenomenal bakery.

Day Two
Swansboro Shopping Spree

Photo: Onslow County Tourism
Swansboro, N.C.

Visit historic downtown Swansboro and shop at a variety of gift shops at over 40 unique locations. Located right on the waterfront, Swansboro is a beautiful place to spend several hours.

Have breakfast at Yanas Ye Olde Drug Store Restaurant, where locals and visitors are known to wait an hour to sample famous homemade fruit fritters in the morning. For lunch and dinner, there are several unique restaurants Saltwater Grill, Church Street Deli, White Oak River Bistro, Icehouse Waterfront Restaurant and Boro Café & Bakery.

Between April and October, head to Hammocks Beach State Park and enjoy a 40-minute round trip ferry ride to Bear Island for a peaceful walk along the white sandy beaches and some shelling. Or, check out Lady Swan Boat Tours in Swansboro for a sunset cruise or a history tour on the water.

Day Three
Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Downtown Jacksonville & North Topsail Beach

Photo: Onslow County Tourism
9/11 Memorial, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Jacksonville, N.C.

Jacksonville is home to Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base, and is steeped in military history. Lejeune Memorial Gardens is a gorgeous, yet quiet and retrospective location nestled in the North Carolina pines, with azaleas. The Beirut Memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives in 1983 in Beirut on a peacekeeping mission. The 9/11 Memorial is a piece of the Twin Towers and was brought to Jacksonville to thank Marines for their service. The Vietnam Memorial is only one of two in the United States that lists the names of every person lost. The newest monument is the Montford Point Marines Memorial that honors African American Marines that served the country during World War II.

When leaving the memorials, groups will see the Freedom Fountain, dedicated to active-duty personnel. Stop by Jacksonville/Onslow Council for the Arts and then enjoy lunch at Barley Wine Cafe.

In the afternoon, head over to North Topsail Beach and stop along the African American Heritage Trail to see Ocean City Beach, one of the first coastal communities where African Americans could enjoy living.

For a fresh seafood lunch or dinner, stop by The Marina Café, located on the riverfront in Jacksonville. If groups visit on a Friday night, they can take a river cruise after the meal.

ASK
Onslow County Tourism
910-347-3141
OnlyinOnslow.com

Walt Disney Family Museum shares ‘man behind the magic’

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Courtney Birchmeier, Editor in Chief

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March 19, 2018

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Walt Disney Family Museum shares 'man behind the magic'

Gallery 9: Disneyland & Beyond, Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco, Calif.

With 40,000 square feet of imagination between its walls, Walt Disney Family Museum tells the fascinating and inspiring story of the 20th-century American icon, Walt Disney. Located in the Presidio of San Francisco, the museum combines art, innovation, storytelling and history.

“Contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits are narrated in Walt’s own voice, and feature early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, more than 200 video screens, and a spectacular model of Disneyland,” said Emily Vann, senior business development coordinator.

Ten interactive galleries showcase the stories of Disney’s life, creativity, family and the innovations he brought to his art. Highlights include original drawings Disney made in his youth, the earliest known drawings of Mickey Mouse, storyboards and Disney’s 26 individual Academy Awards.

Groups are recommended to allow for a minimum of one to two hours to explore the museum. Vann said Storytelling Tours are the most popular option for groups. Self-guided discovery also is encouraged.

“These tours present an inspirational journey through Walt Disney’s life, and provide them with a unique and specialized tour of our galleries,” Vann said. “Storytellers share special stories, facts and memories within each gallery room, helping our guests discover more about the life and legacy of Walt. Our Storytelling Tours are designed to educate guests about Walt’s legacy, and inspire them to heed their imagination and persevere in pursuing their own goals.”

Free motorcoach parking is available in a lot directly across from the museum.

For more information, call 415-345-6815 or visit waltdisney.org/visit/groups.

Illinois itinerary: Chicago Southland

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Group Tour Magazine

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March 8, 2018

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Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios, Crete, IL

Conveniently located just beyond the city limits of Chicago rests the 62 south/southwest suburbs known as the Chicago Southland. Whether you are looking for exciting historic downtown shopping sprees, wonderful arts and culture, religious or historic itineraries, the Chicago Southland has it all.

Enjoy great art, along with cooking demonstrations and classes on a two-day culinary experience. Your group will experience the thrill of watching magnificent works of art being created by the world famous Lotton family, Raise your spirits at a Frankfort Spirits tour and tasting event, enjoy the culinary art of cooking with renowned Chefs at Moraine Valley Community College and take in Chicagos Magnificent Mile packed with things to do and see, including Chicagos best attractions and more than 50 landmark structures.

Stop 1
Lotton Art Glass Studio & Gallery

Photo: Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios
Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios, Crete, IL

The studios of Charles Lotton began in 1970 with prayers and dreams when Charles began in his backyard, teaching himself the art of glassblowing. Today, you can find Charles experimenting with some of the most breathtaking colors in the world. Watch the unique process as Charles, or a member of his team, works on a piece of art starting with sand. Today Charles’ works grace hundreds of museum collections.

Stop 2
Chucks Southern Comforts Café

Photo: Chuck Pine, Chucks Southern Comforts Café
Chucks Southern Comforts Café, Burbank, IL

Enjoy lunch and demonstration with Chuck at Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe. Chuck Pine spent 2.5 years at Topolobampo under the tutelage of Rick Bayless before striking out on his own, opening a small barbecue shack in Burbank. If you havent been to Chucks, youre missing out on one of Chicagos most inspired blend of Mexican, Cajun-Creole, good old southern cookin and the BEST slow cooked smoked barbecue youve ever had!

Stop 3
Frankfort Spirits

Photo: Frankfort Spirits
Frankfort Spirits, Frankfort, IL

Your group will experience Emil Stimple Straight Bourbon & Verdict Vodka at Frankfort Spirits at CD & ME in Frankfort. Raise your spirits in the Chicago Southland at a Frankfort Spirits tour and tasting event. Tour the distillery, learn about tasting spirits and what makes craft spirits special and then explore and taste sensational cocktails.

Stop 4
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Photo: Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Naperville, IL

Enjoy handcrafted wine and modern casual dining at Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant. The concept is unique a signature menu with a selection of dishes designed to pair perfectly with Coopers Hawk’s wines, made in their private winery. The Coopers Hawk concept includes four distinct components: an upscale casual dining restaurant, full-service bar, private barrel-aging room, and Napa-style tasting room and retail gift store all under one roof.

ASK
Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tobie Fitzpatrick, Tour Market Manager
888-895-3211
Tobie@VisitChicagoSouthland.com
TourChicagoSouthland.com

Find Georgia O’Keeffe’s work in Santa Fe

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Group Tour Magazine

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March 7, 2018

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InSight Foto Inc., Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Gallery Visitors, 2016. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Photo: © Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe provides visitors with an opportunity to view iconic paintings of New Mexico, plus a few surprises.

“The museum’s collection includes over 3,500 items, including 140 O’Keeffe oil paintings, nearly 700 drawings, and hundreds of additional works, as well as personal materials,” said Micaela Hester, public relations programs manager. “Throughout the year, visitors can see a changing selection of these works.”

Within the galleries, the rotation of O’Keeffe’s work, including a few on loan from private collections, provides an opportunity to be introduced to earlier and rarely seen works and personal items.

“Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is the only museum devoted to a single female artist,” Hester said. “A few fantastic museums devoted to single male artists are out in world — Norman Rockwell, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol — but as far as female artists are concerned, we’re it.”

Since the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum opened nearly 21 years ago, it has welcomed almost 3.5 million visitors. An introductory video provides an overview for the remarkable O’Keeffe and her art. The museum welcomes groups of 15–20 visitors at a time so all guests can comfortably enjoy the galleries.

InSight Foto Inc., Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Exterior, 2016. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum — InSight Foto Inc., Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Exterior Photo: © Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

“A 30-day notice for a large group is fine, and we will reserve space on our visitation calendar,” Hester said.

For optimal flexibility, the museum provides tour operators with the option to process payment in advance, and to receive personalized and dated passes for a visit at their leisure while wandering the nearby plaza to shop and dine.

A recently added exclusive tour designed for small groups (with a maximum of eight visitors) highlights the research collections on select weekday afternoons.

“Visitors can join research center associate and library technician Tori Duggan on a tour through selections of Georgia O’Keeffe’s artist materials, personal libraries and papers for a closer look into O’Keeffe’s life and artistic practice,” Hester said.

For more information, call 505-946-1000 and okeeffemuseum.org.

Article by Becky Lindhardt

Philadelphia Pennsylvania itinerary

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Group Tour Magazine

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February 27, 2018

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From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the founding of Americas first hospital, botanical garden, zoo, lending library and more, the Philadelphia region is rich in attractions that tell the countrys story. In addition to offering countless opportunities to explore the citys history, Philadelphia has top-notch art and science museums, the largest city park in the United States, and hands-on opportunities for fun at unique and educational destinations. Philadelphia also offers many entertaining and quirky group tours to experience the vitality of Americas birthplace. Explore the citys history with constitutional tours, ghost tours and choose-your-own-adventure style scavenger hunts. Tour some of the citys thousands of murals. The Taste of Philadelphia Food tours focus on some of Philadelphias iconic foods such as cheesesteaks. Theres even a tour for Rocky fans and numerous walking, biking and Segway tours.

STOP 1
“Old Masters Now” exhibit A secret window into conservation

Photo: John G. Johnson Collection, 1917, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pa.
Railroad Bridge, Argenteuil, 1874, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pa.

In 1917, the most famous lawyer of his day left his astonishing trove of European art to the city of Philadelphia. One hundred years later, groups can take a new look at one of this country’s most remarkable collections. Bring the group to Philadelphia Museum of Art and see treasures by the likes of Botticelli, Bosch, Titian, Rembrandt, and Monet and see how art historians keep making new discoveries about the collection. Get a behind-the-scenes look at a living, breathing collection and uncover the secrets and mysteries about it.

STOP 2
One Liberty Observation Deck

One of Philadelphias must-see attractions, One Liberty Observation Deck is a tourism landmark featuring 360-degree panoramic views of Philadelphias skyline. Located at the peak of Phillys most iconic skyscraper, One Liberty Place, The Deck offers breathtaking views morning, noon and night. Book a guided Philly From The Top Tour and learn about the history, culture, sports and legacy of the city of Brotherly Love, a perfect addition to any group visit!

ASK
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
215-636-3300
DiscoverPhiladelphia.com

Michigan itinerary: Detroit. It’s GO time.™

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Group Tour Magazine

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February 21, 2018

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With a renewed energy and vitality, Detroit has been transformed with new boutique hotels, sought-after residential developments, innovative restaurants and thriving local businesses. With so much to see and do, Lonely Planet named Detroit number two in the world Best in Travel 2018 Top Cities.

Today, Detroit is alive with an incredible energy and vibe you cant find anywhere else in the world, said Larry Alexander, president of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. We are retooled, revved and ready to show off.

From world-class attractions to a world of tastes, here are just a few reasons why its time to experience Detroit for yourself.

STAY
Detroit Foundation Hotel and Apparatus Room

Photo: Joe Vaughn Photography
Detroit Foundation Hotel, Detroit, Mich.

Located in the historic former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, Detroit Foundation Hotel mixes iconic design and modern luxury. The Apparatus Room (its name a nod to its original purpose to house fire engines) is the new home of Michelin star-winning chef Thomas Lents and his distinctive New American cuisine rooted in Midwestern ingredients.

TOUR
Little Caesars Arena

Photo: Rob Kohn, The District Detroit
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Mich.

Explore behind-the-scenes VIP areas of the new Little Caesars Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. This entertainment center features state-of-the-art technology, amazing amenities and beautifully designed public spaces. It is part of The District Detroit that, when complete, will boast housing, retail, restaurants and a hotel in a contiguous, 50-block, walkable area.

LEARN
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Photo: Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau
“Driving America” exhibit, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Detroit, Mich.

Step into a world of past innovations that continues to fuel imaginations today at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. See the bus where Rosa Parks made history and explore the Wright Brothers achievements. Discover Americas greatest minds while immersing yourself in their fascinating stories.

DO
Shopping at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

Photo: Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Auburn Hills, Mich.

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is the largest outlet center in Michigan. The fully enclosed center has more than 185 shopping, dining and entertainment venues, 25 of which can be found nowhere else in the state. Enjoy family-friendly LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. Come ready to eat, play and shop.

ASK
Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-DETROIT (338-7648)
visitdetroit.com

Witness the art of glass blowing at these 5 locations

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Group Tour Magazine

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February 21, 2018

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Witness the art of glass blowing at these 5 locations

A stop at a hot shop offers a behind-the-scenes look at molten glass and how it moves from the furnace to finished art. Groups can observe the process via demonstrations or step-in with actual gloves-on help. While the process captures the imagination and skill of the artist, it mesmerizes onlookers. Magic? Maybe. But seeing is believing at any of these fabulous five glass havens in the United States.

1.Corning Museum of Glass
Corning, New York

Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, N.Y.
Photo: Courtesy of Corning Museum of Glass

Groups should be prepared to be awestruck by breathtaking pieces of glass as art, history, technology and craft at the Corning Museum of Art. Located in Corning, New York, the world’s largest glass museum displays 35 centuries of glass history and houses over 50,000 objects. A Fun with Glass experience (extra fee) leads groups through steps to create blown glass ornaments, shape molten glass into flowers, fuse glass into a sun catcher or sandblast a drinking glass. More than 40 demonstrations are offered daily.

“Our live Hot Glass show allows guests to watch art being created, and is often the highlight of the visit,” said Sally K. Berry, CMP, CTP, tourism sales and marketing manager for the museum. “I know I never get tired of watching our gaffers, or glassblowers entertain and delight our group tour customers!”

Docent-led tours complete an adventure-filled stop as part of a Finger Lakes region itinerary.

2.Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery
Grapevine, Texas

Groups visiting Grapevine, Texas, enjoy the city’s rich history, a vintage Texas experience and have an opportunity to create a work of glass to show-and-tell at home. Located in the historic downtown, Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery provides guests with the opportunity to watch artists in a state-of-the-art working studio from a seated gallery. Groups can help create a treasure or simply visit the Fine Art Gallery to select a one-of-a-kind glass memento of their visit. The gallery is filled with professionally crafted art.

“We welcome the aspiring glassblower in everyone to help create something as unique as the craft itself,” said David Gappa, Vetro founder. “With various events throughout the year, guests can work alongside our artists to help create everything from Valentine’s glass hearts to festive fall pumpkins, and even keepsake Christmas ornaments,”

There are live glassblowing demonstrations and hands-on opportunities for groups to choose from.

3.Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle, Washington

At Chihuly Garden and Glass, three environments provide the background for the most comprehensive exhibition of the work of internationally recognized glass artist Dale Chihuly. The 1½-acre site at the base of Seattle’s Space Needle includes glass art from Chihuly’s illustrious 50-plus year career. The location is big; the installations are big and among his most significant. These include the Glass Forest, a Chandelier Room and other masterpieces installed in the property’s eight galleries.

Tours move from the galleries to the Glass House, which has long-term installations suspended above event space, into the gardens. There are 30-minutes guided tours, independent audio tours and short Spotlight Talks manned by exhibition hosts at various points spotted throughout the galleries. Check the website for night hours; the glass installations, the Glass House and the gardens provide a different perspective when illuminated.

4.Zimmerman Art Glass Factory
Corydon & Harrison County, Indiana

Zimmerman Art Glass, Corydon, Ind.
Photo: Zimmerman Art Glass

Winding west along the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, group tours make plans to pull over in the rolling hills of Indiana’s hometown, Historic Corydon and Harrison County. For 75 years, the Zimmerman family has been making history of its own as glass artists. Zimmerman Art Glass creates handmade glass products that range from paper weights to lamps, even olive oil bottles. A fifth–generation business, they still use the tools they learned to use as children.

“When a group arrives, owner Kerry Zimmerman will lead them through the process of how pieces are made,” said Melanie Uhl, group sales manager for Zimmerman’s. “We set aside a few minutes after the demonstration for questions.”

In all, there are 110 different pieces made at the glass factory. The inventory grows throughout the year; there are glass decorator items, fruit and holiday ornaments vases, baskets and specialty items.

5.Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Orange Beach, Alabama

The Hot Shop, Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Orange Beach, Ala.
Photo: Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

Groups travel to Alabama’s beautiful beaches for a waterfront experience at the shore. The recently rebuilt Coastal Arts Center campus overlooks Wolf Bay and offers many artistic activities with a breathtaking view.

“We are home to The Hot Shop, Alabama’s premier hot glass blowing studio where you can make your own glass piece,” said Desiree Blackwell, director. “The Coastal Arts Center cherishes its place in the rich history of our area while bringing new and innovative ideas in the arts — all in a warm and welcoming environment of Southern hospitality.”

The Art Center creative options include hot glass demonstrations and Make-Your-Own fused/blown glass in The Hot Shop, as well as pottery classes in The Clay Studio. Inside the fine arts gallery, the gift shop offers many glass art pieces as well as other two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork by artists from the Gulf Coast area.

Minnesota itinerary: Eagan brings a whole new level of excitement and opportunity

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Group Tour Magazine

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February 19, 2018

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Twin Cities Premium Outlets, Eagan, Minn.

Photo: Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Viking Lakes, Eagan, Minn.

Eagan, MN, just south of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, is thrilled to welcome the Minnesota Vikings! The newly opened headquarters and training facility, Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, is a state-of-the-art masterpiece sports fans wont want to miss. August 2018 will bring even more excitement as the Verizon Vikings Training Camp opens for the first time here in Eagan!

We love groups, says Denise Olsen, Sr. Tourism Director for the Eagan CVB. I believe our location makes us a great destination. We offer excellent shopping with Twin Cities Premium Outlets® and we are located just minutes from Mall of America®. I love to personally greet the coach and pass out Eagan goodie bags with coupons and other fun stuff. Now, with the Minnesota Vikings making Eagan their home, it brings a whole new level of excitement and opportunity.

SHOP
Twin Cities Premium Outlets

Photo: Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Twin Cities Premium Outlets, Eagan, Minn.

Located in Eagan, Twin Cities Premium Outlets® is outlet shopping at its finest. Enjoy tax-free shopping on clothes and shoes at some of the worlds best brands. Shop more than 100 designer and name brand outlets stores including Coach, Michael Kors, Under Armour, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and more. Save even more with the VIP coupon voucher included in the Eagan goodie bag! ®

SEE
Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center/Viking Lakes

Eagan is now home to the Minnesota Vikings! This 40-acre headquarters and training facility is part of a larger 200-acre development known as Viking Lakes. Offering year-round activities including the opportunity to watch the team during Verizon Vikings Training Camp at the new 6,000-seat TCO Stadium, this new development will up the game in Eagan!

DO
Food, Drink and Craft Beer

Photo: Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Volstead House Whiskey Bar and Speakeasy, Eagan, Minn.

Eagans options for an evening of fun are endless. From the secret whiskey bar (Volstead Whiskey Bar & Speakeasy), a self-serve beer wall boasting 32 beers (Union 32 Craft House), a true supper club (Jensens Food & Cocktails) or a 50s themed diner (Zes Diner), there are more than 100 options to choose from. We have many group-friendly establishments for that relaxing end of day get-together.

EXPLORE
Padelford Packet Boat Company

Photo: Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Padelford Packet Boat Company, Saint Paul, Minn.

In the middle of a bustling downtown area, the Mississippi National Great River Park offers 72 miles of natural beauty. Travel back in time as you step aboard one of the truly authentic sternwheelers on the Mississippi River. Hear the history of the river as you get an unbeatable view of downtown Saint Paul.

ASK
Denise Olsen, Senior Sales Director
651-675-5542
denise@eaganmn.com
EaganMN.com

Michigan itinerary: Detroit

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Group Tour Magazine

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February 14, 2018

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With a renewed energy and vitality, the Detroit Metro area has been transformed with new boutique hotels, sought-after residential developments, innovative restaurants and thriving local businesses. With so much to see and do, Lonely Planet named Detroit number two in the world “Best in Travel 2018 Top Cities.”

“Today, Detroit is alive with an incredible energy and vibe you can’t find anywhere else in the world,” said Larry Alexander, president of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are retooled, revved and ready to show off.”

From world-class attractions to a world of tastes, here are just a few reasons why it’s time to experience Detroit for yourself.

STAY
Detroit Foundation Hotel and Apparatus Room

Located in the historic former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, Detroit Foundation Hotel mixes iconic design and modern luxury. The Apparatus Room (its name a nod to its original purpose to house fire engines) is the new home of Michelin star-winning chef Thomas Lents and his distinctive New American cuisine rooted in Midwestern ingredients.

TOUR
Little Caesars Arena

Explore behind-the-scenes VIP areas of the new Little Caesars Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. This entertainment center features state-of-the-art technology, amazing amenities and beautifully designed public spaces. It is part of The District Detroit that, when complete, will boast housing, retail, restaurants and a hotel in a contiguous, 50-block, walkable area.

LEARN
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Step into a world of past innovations that continues to fuel imaginations today at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. See the bus where Rosa Parks made history and explore the Wright Brothers achievements. Discover Americas greatest minds while immersing yourself in their fascinating stories.

DO
Shopping at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is the largest outlet center in Michigan. The fully enclosed center has more than 185 shopping, dining and entertainment venues, 25 of which can be found nowhere else in the state. Enjoy family-friendly LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. Come ready to eat, play and shop.

ASK
Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-DETROIT (338-7648)
visitdetroit.com

American Windmill Museum reveals evolution of wind power

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Group Tour Magazine

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February 14, 2018

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American Windmill Museum reveals evolution of wind power

In West Texas, students can trace back the history of windmills through a vast selection of photographs, models and over 160 windmills at the American Windmill Museum.

Windmill, American Windmill Museum, Lubbock, Texas

As one of the windiest cities in the world, Lubbock is home to a collection of rare and distinct windmills. The American Windmill Museum gives students the opportunity to understand the functionality of historic windmills, as well as the ones used today.

“We want the students to have an understanding of the importance of the windmill to the survival of people and animals in the pioneer days, and understand how we got from windmills to water pumps and simple wind turbines, to the modern-day giant wind turbines that produce today’s electricity,” said Tanya Meadows, director of marketing for the museum. “The average middle school or high school student has no concept of the importance of the windmill to American history. It is always interesting to see their faces when they realize this was, at one time, the only way to get water.”

Inside the museum, students can examine over 100 windmills. An additional 60 are located outside on the grounds of the museum, with a few pumping water. Windmills range from ones found on Texas farms to large European mills. Many students enjoy the 6,000-square-foot mural in the museum’s events area, while learning about the historic water-pumping windmills and stepping inside the Vestas V47 wind turbine, Meadows said.

In partnership with Texas Tech University, the museum is the lab for the Wind Science and Engineering department. The museum is internationally recognized as the premier facility for windmill preservation.

The museum is set up for self-guided tours, however docent-led tours are also available for groups. Guided tours can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more students, and should be booked at least two weeks in advance. Ample motorcoach parking is available.

For more information, call 806-747-8734.

-La Mode

Group Tour magazine

Day One Country Cruising

Day Two Swansboro Shopping Spree

Day Three Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Downtown Jacksonville & North Topsail Beach

Stop 1 Lotton Art Glass Studio & Gallery

Stop 2 Chucks Southern Comforts Café

Stop 3 Frankfort Spirits

Stop 4 Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

STOP 1 “Old Masters Now” exhibit  A secret window into conservation

STOP 2 One Liberty Observation Deck

STAY Detroit Foundation Hotel and Apparatus Room

TOUR Little Caesars Arena

LEARN The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

DO Shopping at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

1.Corning Museum of Glass Corning, New York

2.Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery Grapevine, Texas

3.Chihuly Garden and Glass Seattle, Washington

4.Zimmerman Art Glass Factory Corydon & Harrison County, Indiana

5.Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach Orange Beach, Alabama

SHOP Twin Cities Premium Outlets

SEE Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center/Viking Lakes

DO Food, Drink and Craft Beer

EXPLORE Padelford Packet Boat Company

STAYDetroit Foundation Hotel and Apparatus Room

TOURLittle Caesars Arena

LEARNThe Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

DOShopping at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

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TRENDING NOW

Day One
Country Cruising

Day Two
Swansboro Shopping Spree

Day Three
Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Downtown Jacksonville & North Topsail Beach

Stop 1
Lotton Art Glass Studio & Gallery

Stop 2
Chucks Southern Comforts Café

Stop 3
Frankfort Spirits

Stop 4
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

STOP 1
“Old Masters Now” exhibit A secret window into conservation

STOP 2
One Liberty Observation Deck

STAY
Detroit Foundation Hotel and Apparatus Room

TOUR
Little Caesars Arena

LEARN
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

DO
Shopping at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

1.Corning Museum of Glass
Corning, New York

2.Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery
Grapevine, Texas

3.Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle, Washington

4.Zimmerman Art Glass Factory
Corydon & Harrison County, Indiana

5.Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Orange Beach, Alabama

SHOP
Twin Cities Premium Outlets

SEE
Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center/Viking Lakes

DO
Food, Drink and Craft Beer

EXPLORE
Padelford Packet Boat Company

STAY
Detroit Foundation Hotel and Apparatus Room

TOUR
Little Caesars Arena

LEARN
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

DO
Shopping at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets