Clifty Inn at Clifty Falls State Park
Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks
Indiana State Park Inns offers seven full-service hotels surrounded by the beauty of Indiana’s State Parks. Located across the state, each hotel is nestled in and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Hoosier state. Guests wake up just steps from the trails, nature centers, and year-round activities each park has to offer. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and make memories naturally!
Turkey Run State Park Suspension Bridge Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks
Guests can enjoy guided hikes, cascading waterfalls, nature and animal programs, and additional activities that might include to visit to a beach, a thrill ride on our refrigerated toboggan run, or making s’mores fireside. Several properties are just minutes away from quintessential downtown areas bustling with shopping, dining, and enter-tainment. Indiana State Park Inns also offers a championship Pete Dye Golf Course for groups wanting to test their skills.
Each location offers a unique experience that you will love! If you’re looking for an experience or program for your group, professionally trained Park Naturalists encourage discovery of the outdoors and learning activities at each of the parks.
Breakfast at Clifty Inn Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks
Dine at one of the inns’ restaurants or have a private meal at one of the available meet ing spaces, and be sure to order a famous Indiana tenderloin sandwich!
Indiana State Park Inns offers overnight lodging in majestic settings and quiet relaxation or adventurous exploration. Indiana State Parks and State Park Inns are the attraction, hotel, and dining options all rolled into one convenient package.
Hardin County Convention & Visitors Bureau 495 Main St Savannah, Tennessee 38372-2039 Phone: 731-925-8181 Fax: 731-925-6987 Email:beth@tourhardincounty.org Web:tourhardincounty.org
Found in the center of the state about an hour and a half from the Twin Cities, Sauk Centre, Minnesota, is a treasure trove of history that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. One of the historic places to add to your itinerary is the Sinclair Lewis Boyhood Home, a National Historic Landmark where famed author Sinclair Lewis spent his childhood. As the first winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930, visitors can participate in 25-minute narrated guided tours to see where the novel writer first sparked his creativity. To continue your tour of this charming small town, be sure to go shopping on Main Street. Clad in old-fashioned brick buildings, guests can get in some retail therapy at Restock New & Vintage, Sprinkle of Joy clothing boutique, and Heaven and Earth Essentials, where groups can stock up on oils and fragrances.
SEE
To add some visual appeal to your Sauk Centre trip, take your group in for a lesson at 510 Art Lab. They’ll get the chance to let their creative juices flow through classes that teach participants quilting, macrame, travel photography, and glass fusion, among others. For another way to get inspired, your group can take the “Mural Tour” of Sauk Centre. With several murals created by local artists, the murals, spotlighting anything from “The Wizard of Oz” scenery to town history, can be found on Main Street, the side of a thrift store, and the Bandshell in Sinclair Lewis Park.
SAVOR
The nearby Redhead Creamery, which specializes in artisan cheeses that can only be found in the Midwest, offers farm tours, a tasting room, and a cheese shop. Looking to sample local libations? Then head to Panther Distillery for a tour and to taste delicious spirits, including bourbon and whiskey in flavors like maple syrup, honey, and apple.
Metropolitan Park
Photo courtesy of Stay Arlington
Are you dreaming about a “Spring Awakening”? Wanting to travel someplace with events, concerts, art festivals, dining experiences, and an all-around cornucopia of things to do this spring? Well, guess what: You can do them “All in Arlington.”
Chock-full of cultural experiences, historic discoveries, unexpected adventures, and downright adorable neighborhood charm, Arlington is a destination that demands to be seen.
Experience the national history and local flavor. First, some monumental favorites: the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and Air Force Memorial are just a few of the city’s many American treasures that Arlington is so proud to share.
In May, come to QuarterFest Crawl, featuring live music and culinary specials that showcase the spirit of Ballston, one of Arlington’s many neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own personality and vibe. Clarendon is a cool mix of home-grown shops and popular brands. Crystal City and Pentagon City, just steps from the Potomac, run on high octane and innovation.
Buena Vida Photo courtesy of Stay Arlington
After strolling an array of lively neighborhoods, expect to have worked up an appetite. Head on over to Columbia Pike and choose from an eclectic selection of ethnic restaurants. Continue your food adventure in Rosslyn and find everything from diverse global cuisines to American favorites. From casual, to white tablecloth, to international food halls, check out Arlington gems like Buena Vida, Lebanese Taverna, Our Mom Eugenia, Texas Jack’s Barbecue, or Quarterdeck. And for nighttime activities, there are pubs, wine bars, sports bars, and live music venues, too. So, when it comes to wining and dining, come to Arlington.
The Renegade Photo courtesy of Stay Arlington
Arlington is home to acclaimed companies, including the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre, Synetic Theater, and Avant Bard Theatre. Have a seat and be dazzled by a profusion of performing arts. But also visit the myriad museums, galleries, and other venues bursting with art events—more than 1,500 every year.
Mount Vernon Trail Photo courtesy of Stay Arlington
Arlington combines the best of big city amenities with the charm of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. What better place to bring family and friends, or maybe just treat yourself to a getaway where you can relax, rejuvenate, and unwind? Take in the beauty of the urban landscapes with 75 miles of trails and 1,100 acres of parks. No wonder Arlington has been voted “Fittest City in America” six times!
Although it’s been said before, it still bears repeating: All of this is “All in Arlington.” Visit Arlington this spring!
With a reputation as Las Vegas’ quirky sibling to the northwest, Reno, Nevada, has casinos galore for groups to explore. Try your luck with Peppermill Resort Spa Casino’s top-rated slot machines, explore Atlantis Casino’s 60,000 square feet of casino space filled with premier table games, or get a personalized group gaming experience from the casino hosts at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.
SAIL
Perhaps the most notable natural wonder of the Reno-Tahoe area is Lake Tahoe itself. Formed by tectonic plate movement more than 2 million years ago, the alpine lake straddles the California-Nevada border and is filled with gorgeous crystal blue waters that make the perfect canvas for a group sailing excursion. Tahoe Sailing Charters is based in Tahoe City, California, and offers group boating on its 36-foot Tahoe Dreamer yacht and its 50-foot Tahoe Cruz sailboat. The sailing company partners with The Board in Truckee, California, to offer catered, locally made charcuterie boards.
LEARN
UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center in Incline Village, Nevada, offers guided group tours for up to 15 that give insight into the lake’s ecosystem and natural makeup. Tours can include visits to a variety of interactive exhibits focused on wildlife, research, water movement in and out of the lake, conservation, and more. Visitors will learn about the latest findings, which touch on why the lake is changing and how to preserve it, from the research teams at the center.
From one end of the country to the other, places exist that serve as the hub, or gateway, to many other destinations to explore and experience. The hub destinations are great for tour groups because they allow everyone to get the most out of their trip: Planners can find all the amenities and offerings of a big city, but not far away find other places—or spokes—to put on their group’s itinerary.
Group tour planners seeking options for their clients have many to choose from. Not all hub destinations have the same type of spoke offerings either—although each usually provides ideas in the way of outdoor adventure. That’s another beauty about these types of trips: Clients can experience entertainment and culture, but also the country’s rugged side.
New York City, New York, for instance, is a hub for culture, exploration, and history, but is also a gateway to outdoor destinations, such as Niagara Falls. Likewise, Las Vegas, Nevada, at the other end of the country, offers entertainment (including an active nightlife) and recreation not terribly far away to toss on your itinerary.
Nevada
Speaking of, roll the dice in Vegas, then set about exploring other attractions, all within a day’s trip. According to Tracie Barnthouse, chief communications officer with Travel Nevada/Nevada Division of Tourism, it might surprise people just how much there is to experience and enjoy in the Silver State.
“Nevada is an amazing state full of so much diversity in landscapes, and I think people are often surprised of how much the state has to offer—especially for groups,” she says. “From the culinary scene to the outdoor recreation opportunities and the state and national parks in Nevada, there are plenty of activities and experiences for groups to explore.”
In fact, Travel Nevada has developed a road map to help visitors experience all that the Silver State has to present groups. “Our Neon to Nature road trip is developed as a hub-and-spoke from the Las Vegas area,” she says.
Outside the flashing casino lights of Vegas, Mother Nature has her hand in the colorful hues of the state, including those found at Valley of Fire State Park. The park lives up to its name with its fiery-looking sandstone formations, many of which contain petroglyphs carved into its ancient rock. The carvings are believed to be from the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the Moapa Valley some 2,500 years ago. The passing of time over centuries also has played a hand here with the interesting formations of petrified wood found in the area. Since you’re just about an hour’s drive away, why not visit iconic Lake Mead and Hoover Dam?
Mesquite, about 80 miles north of Vegas, serves as the gateway to these places, but it also has plenty of things to experience in town—including multiple championship golf courses designed by legendary golfers Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. These golf courses, Barnthouse says, offer “amazing views of the desert landscape.”
The riverside community of Laughlin, about 90 miles south of Las Vegas in the southernmost tip of Nevada, offers “access to the Colorado River, dinner cruises, and entertainment,” Barnthouse says. Among the offerings are hotel/resort casinos and their playgrounds, but with its proximity to the Colorado River there’s also dinner, jet boat, and riverboat cruises as well as Jet Ski rentals. Visitors can even take a water taxi. The Laughlin Riverwalk also connects travelers to Fisherman’s Access Park, the Laughlin Bridge to Arizona, and the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and its trails.
Douglas Corner Cafe, Nashville, Tennessee; Credit: Jeff Adkins
Tennessee
In the southern region, make way to Nashville for all things music, but don’t forget to put other Tennessee destinations on your list. To get a taste of history, visit the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, where guided group tours are available. Different tour options are offered, and visitors can learn about the history of Belle Meade from the early 1800s through the early 1900s.
Visitors also have the option to take the “Southern Food Traditions Tour,” during which participants of the tour will learn about the rich culinary history of the mansion and local food delights. Here, there’s a smokehouse and stream-powered dairy, as well as gardens and fruit trees.
A rather remarkable place sure to please tour groups is the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. Located in Manchester, the fort dates back some 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. By the time the European settlers arrived, it was unsure what exactly the place was used for, and they misnamed it a “fort.” Really, it is a study in geology. Here, groups can enjoy hiking and, as they traverse the trails, can learn the history of the area through 12 interpretive panels set up along the way. Depending on the time of year, there also are festivals and other activities in which to partake.
What’s a visit to Tennessee without a stop at Graceland? A nearly 14-acre site in Memphis, the mansion was the home of early rock star Elvis Presley. Today, the property is open to tours, where visitors can see where the talented singer not only lived but also where his body is buried.
Loess Hills State Forest, Iowa; Credit: Iowa Tourism Office
Iowa
Not to be overlooked when it comes to exploring hub and spoke destinations in the Midwest is the Hawkeye State. Start your journey in Des Moines, Iowa, where exploration and fun are only clicks away—literally, with the city’s many app-directed scavenger hunts. Put on your thinking cap and get started exploring the landmarks and hidden gems of the city while answering questions on the app that will reveal new clues. There are several themed apps to choose for hunts in and around Des Moines.
Also in the city are several places to enjoy the fine arts, including the Des Moines Art Center, a free museum that showcases modern and contemporary art from various genres and media. The State Historical Society of Iowa and the Salisbury House & Gardens also are located here. The latter has been described as a Tudor, gothic, and Carolean-style manor built in the 1920s by cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks and his wife, Edith Van Slyke Weeks. The house is open for tours and other occasions for both private and public groups.
After the book “The Bridges of Madison County” was published, a popular movie was also released based on the book, and, besides its romantic themes, got people curious about Iowa’s bridges. So, why not explore the covered bridges of southern Iowa? While on the road, drive one—or several—of the state’s 13 scenic byways while uncovering the beauty and overlooked wonders of the area.
For fun, did you know Iowa is home to the World’s Largest Grotto or manmade cave? The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, located in West Bend, is another site to put on your itinerary. Something else Iowa boasts is it being the home to the world’s largest fiberglass strawberry statue, located in Strawberry Point. Hint: Bring your camera.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, New York; Credit: Adobe/Casual-T
New York
You experienced Vegas, now hit the lights of New York City. If ever there was a mecca for art and entertainment, it is the Big Apple. You know Broadway, of course, but there are many other cultural experiences to explore here, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Academy Museum School of Fine Arts, and International Center of Photography. At the museums, learn the important history of the city, state, and country. Be sure to include the Jewish Museum and Museum of the City of New York on your list.
There also are all the iconic places here to take your tour group—Central Park, Niagara Falls, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and more. But once you’ve experienced the Big Apple, embark on the other adventures New York provides, including the Mohonk Preserve, a protected natural area that spans some 8,000 acres in the Shawangunk Mountains; Jones Beach State Park, home to more than 6 miles of white sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean; Storm King Art Center, an open-air-museum-turned-sculpture garden, home to the largest collection of outdoor sculptures in the United States; and, across state borders, the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, located in West Orange, New Jersey, where the famous inventor Thomas Edison helped change the world. These are all must-see stops while in the Empire State.
Lastly, perhaps you’ve read the book “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving. Now, groups can see the land where the fictional story takes place. The real Sleepy Hollow—no headless horseman here, though—is a unique and welcoming community filled with interesting architecture and historical sites. Among them are the Old Dutch Church, built in the 1690s, and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. There’s even the Headless Horseman Bridge in homage to the famous book and its author.
Sleepy Hollow is a tranquil area that still lives up to the description that Irving described, denoting it as “a little valley or rather lap of land among high hills, which is one of the quietest places in the whole world. A small brook glides through it, with just murmur enough to lull one to repose; and the occasional whistle of a quail or tapping of a woodpecker is almost the only sound that ever breaks in upon the uniform tranquility.”
By Andrew Weeks
Main Image: Lake Mead, Nevada; Credit: Travel Nevada/Sydney Martinez
Contrary to other travel sectors, agricultural tourism didn’t see the difficulties some industries experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The popularity of agritourism has been growing steadily,” says Xinyi Qian, director and state specialist of the Tourism Center at University of Minnesota. “The COVID-19 pandemic, which made clear the importance and benefits of local foods and being in nature, may not be all negative to agritourism. Its popularity has continued to grow, so far, post-pandemic.”
Agritourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and has become the lifeblood of many rural local economies. Nationally, according to the latest numbers by the U.S. Census of Agriculture, it is estimated that between 2002 and 2017, income from agritourism businesses increased from $202 million to $949 million. “This steady increase is part of a large global trend,” explains Sheila Everhart, executive director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA), noting that agritourism remains popular today. She sees it up close and personal in the Badger State. Wisconsin, a state rich in agriculture, offers much in the way of farm education and tourism.
“Wisconsin’s deep agricultural foundation in combination with its vibrant tourism industry fuel a powerful economic engine,” she says. “Agriculture contributes more than $104.8 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy. The state is home to 64,100 farms on 14.2 million acres, with an average farm size of 222 acres. Annually, 435,700 jobs, or 11.8% of state employment, are involved in agriculture.”
Sylvia Burgos Toftness, president of WATA, says agricultural tourism continues to grow in significance for several reasons: “The public is looking for a reconnection with the people who grow their food and fiber; the public increasingly seeks outdoor experiences for an afternoon, weekend, or week; and farmers are eager to welcome visitors to their farms,” she says. “There are also the economic benefits: Small family farms can realize a much-needed revenue stream by offering on-farm recreation, food, and entertainment. The economic boost is also usually felt by the nearby town as visitors extend their time and dollars during their trip. Local hotels/motels, restaurants, and other downtown businesses often report an uptick in business when individuals or groups attend on-farm events.”
However, echoing what Qian said about agritourism being nuanced by available activities, Toftness says finding places to go is at times perplexing. “One of the challenges for the general public is finding a farm they can visit,” she explains, noting WATA is proactive in its efforts to meet the challenge. “WATA has responded to this by continually updating a website especially designed to help people find farms providing the activities and foods they’d like. The website makes it easy to find farms by location or type of activities provided,” Toftness continues. “Interestingly, an additional challenge is sometimes helping elected officials understand that by encouraging agricultural tourism, they are supporting an economic engine with positive impact on local economies—especially rural communities.”
Everhart says any number of agricultural tourism opportunities are being planned in Wisconsin this year, including Weekend Ag-Venture Tours in March 22-24, Sept. 27-29, and Nov. 15-17.
Making herbal remedies at Herbal Safari, Bull Brook Keep, Clear Lake, Wisconsin; Credit: Sylvia Burgos Toftness
Toftness, who owns a ranch called Bull Brook Keep, is transitioning her property into an herbal farm. Named Herbal Safari, the farm welcomes visitors and offers tours of the property and its many medicinal plants. “My husband and I are transitioning from a cattle operation to a medicinal permaculture focus,” she explains. “This means I welcome visitors to guided herb walks—called herbal safaris—that include perennial plants, shrubs, and trees common to the Upper Midwest. The goal of an herbal safari is to help these ‘explorers’ see the many helpful plants that also grow in their own backyards.”
She says good things are in store for the industry, but also for her farm, and she looks forward to welcoming new and returning visitors. “In 2024, I’ll schedule four to five Safaris throughout the growing season because what’s in leaf, bloom, and fruit changes as we move from spring to summer to fall,” she says. “I also expect to hold both basic and more advanced Herbal Remedy Making classes.”
Agritourism in Michigan and Minnesota
In Northwest Michigan, visit Cotton Creek Farms, an alpaca farm located in Thompsonville that is both educational and entertaining. With a motto of “Our Farm is Where the Magic Happens,” it is a place that is enchanting for young and old alike. Cotton Creek is a working farm that offers alpaca breeding, sales, boarding, and mentoring. It also has an on-site farm store and offers guided alpaca tours. The animals at this farm are a mix of 4-H, hobby, pet, and show-quality alpacas; they even have names. Meet Adel, Amara, Daisy, Diva, Dolly, Faith, and Heartthrob, among many others.
A couple of other stops on your agricultural tourism trip to Michigan are Weiss Centennial Farm, Overhiser Orchards, and Uncle John’s Cider Mill. Providing fresh fruit since 1863, Overhiser Orchards in South Haven is a u-pick orchard that also has animals on-site. Among the tasty edibles to pick here are apricots, peaches, pears, and sweet and tart cherries. Weiss Centennial Farm, established in 1853 in Frankenmuth, is a great place to visit for farm tours and classes. And Uncle John’s Cider Mill, near St. Johns, offers seasonal experiences at the site. Besides the cider mill, there also is a tap room, pie barn, and gift shop.
Back in Minnesota, Qian says there are plenty of agricultural tourism options in her state, but the offerings depend “on a group’s interest, size, location, and the amount of time the group has.” Some of the possibilities include orchards such as Apple Jack Orchard in Delano, Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, and Keepsake Cidery in Dundas. As autumn approaches, there are plenty of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and u-pick farms to visit.
Located near Eden Valley, Minnesota, is A maze’n Farmyard that welcomes all types of groups, including those wishing to celebrate special events. Activities here are plentiful, including a 20,000-square-foot maze, different games to choose from, a 150-foot slide, petting and feeding barn, goldfish and duck pond, pony rides, a lifesize birdhouse in which to feed the parakeets, and a miniature golf course.
Qian, who is excited about the future of agritourism not only in her state but also across the country, says she sees momentum to help the industry even at the congressional level—“and I believe it will continue to grow.” As it does, even more opportunities will be available.
By Andrew Weeks
Main Image: Wild blue vervain at Bull Brook Keep, Clear Lake, Wisconsin; Credit: Sylvia Burgos Toftness
The AC Hotel Frisco is where modern meets the mountains! Very conveniently located off I-70 in the heart of the mountains, but only 70 miles from downtown Denver. On-site AC Kitchen offering breakfast and dinner daily. Year round activities include 6 World Class Ski Resorts all within 20 miles. We are between the Georgetown and Leadville railroads. Lake Dillon just across the main street offering outdoor recreational activities with a 26 mile recreation path circling the lake. The Frisco Bay Marina has boat rentals, beach front, and the Island Grill with live music. The charming Main Street Frisco is just one mile away offering shopping and bars and restaurants for all tastes.
Memberships: Tour Colorado, Destination Colorado
Nearby attractions:
Lake Dillon with Frisco Bay Marina
Frisco Adventure Park
Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mtn, Arapahoe Basin, Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts
Georgetown and Leadville railroads just 30 minutes drive
Charming and historical downtown Frisco
Seasonal Dates: Year Round with slower seasons in late April – May, and mid-October to mid-November Business Hours: 24 hours Bus Parking: Complimentary
Type of Lodging: Hotel, 133 rooms, 4 floors Lodging Tax: 10.725% Group Rates: We can provide one comp room for escorts, and a discounted rate for the driver. Deposit/Payment Policy: 50% deposit 60 days out Cancellation Policy: Less than 30 days forfeit deposit
Lodging Features:
Air conditioning
Fitness Center
Outdoor hot tub
Indoor swimming pool
Outdoor patio with fire pits
On-Site Restaurant serving breakfast and dinner
AC Hotel Frisco Colorado by Marriott Group Sales Contact: Donna Horii 1202 Summit Blvd PO Box 552 Frisco, Colorado 80443 Phone: 970.368.6280 ext 3 Email:Donna.Horii@acmarriott.com Web:acfriscocolorado.com
Valley Forge Tourism 1000 First Ave. Suite 101 King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406 Phone: 610-834-7979 Fax: 610-834-0202 Email:karl@valleyforge.org Web:valleyforge.org
