Culture, nature, science and entertainment collide at Balboa Park in San Diego, California. Originally known as “City Park” but later renamed for Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the 1,200-acre property provides experiences and entertainment for groups no matter their size or interests.
The park’s history as the site of the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition, which commemorated the opening of the Panama Canal, set the foundation for the park’s infrastructure and vision today. Groups can tour and experience museums, exhibits and programming throughout many of the original Spanish Renaissance-style buildings constructed specifically for the exposition.
Today, the park is home to a variety of performing arts venues, public gardens, walking trails and museums preserving and honoring the history of local and regional stories from past and present. More than 17 museums and cultural buildings and over a dozen unique gardens can be found on-site. From the San Diego Zoo to history in aviation and transportation to prominent arts and culture exhibits, the park boasts a diversity of collections and attractions.
“We have all different kinds of groups who come to Balboa Park — everything from small private tours to large school groups from around the state and country,” said Jordan White, visitor services manager at Balboa Park Visitors Center. “We offer 60- to 90-minute walking tours of the park’s grounds, sharing stories about its history and origin, and information about our gardens, horticulture and architecture found throughout the park.”
Some of the most popular destinations at the park include the San Diego Natural History Museum; the Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art and cultural exhibits at Centro Cultural de la Raza; the historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design exhibits at the Mingei International Museum; and the Women’s Museum of California, which inspires present and future generations about the contributions by many diverse and prominent women in history.
Japanese Friendship Garden Credit: San Diego Tourism Authority
Groups from around the world travel to Balboa Park to view its array of pristine and lush gardens. Colorful roses, old-growth trees and an abundance of green space filled with prickly cactus, seasonal blooms, lotus blossoms, orchids and water lilies decorate the landscape throughout the park. Groups can book a variety of docent-led tours within the more than a dozen gardens, simply set up a picnic or enjoy a self-guided walking tour.
General admission to Balboa Park and the Botanical Building is free. Admission prices for the cultural attractions and museums vary, and, in most cases, are managed by nonprofit organizations supporting the attractions.
“In partnership with the nonprofit group Forever Balboa Park, the city of San Diego, cultural organizations and the park itself work in collaboration to educate the public and provide maintenance and care for the park,” White said. “Our goal is to help community members understand that Balboa Park is more than just buildings — it’s a representation of our community’s longstanding relationship with the park and its importance as a resource we hope continues to thrive for as long as possible.”
To learn more about pricing, programming and sched- uling tours in advance, group tour planners should contact the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.
For more information on Balboa Park, call 619-239-0512 or visit balboapark.org.
Main image: Sculpture Garden, Balboa Park; Credit: San Diego Tourism Authority
Check out the latest youth travel industry updates.
Louisville Celebrates Major Sports Industry Award
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—TFN’s Run 4 The Roses, the largest girls’ youth basketball tournament in the country, was recognized by SportsTravel Magazine as the Best Amateur Event in 2022. Hosted at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC), July 5-8, 2022, the tournament smashed attendance records, with more than 40,000 female athletes, spectators, and coaches representing 1,400 teams hailing from 48 states and four countries.
As the host site, KEC used 84 courts, which officially cemented this year’s Run 4 The Roses as the largest youth basketball tournament in history.
SportsTravel Magazine recognized TFN’s Run 4 The Roses youth basketball tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky, as the Best Amateur Event in 2022. Credit: Louisville Tourism
“We are so proud that Run 4 The Roses has become the cultural highlight of the girls’ grassroots travel season,” says Tucker Neale, president and CEO of Ohiobasketball. We’re always looking for ways to grow and enhance the event in order to provide the best experience possible for our athletes and families. I want to thank our Louisville support system—the Louisville Sports Commission and Louisville Tourism team along with the Kentucky Exposition Center—as they are all a huge part of our success.”
Originally established in 2009 with 29 teams, the tournament has experienced 13 years of growth and is a huge economic boost for Louisville’s local economy. In 2002, the tournament resulted in an estimated $22.3 million in economic impact for the city. This past July, youth basketball events alone generated nearly $30 million and brought over 57,000 visitors to Louisville.
“Louisville has become an affordable and central hub for hosting youth amateur sporting events, and we are especially proud to host the largest girls’ youth basketball tournament in the country. KEC’s ability to provide more than 80 basketball courts all under one roof is unparalleled and affords us the opportunity to host large-scale tournaments like Run 4 The Roses,” says Cleo Battle, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism. “We are thrilled to be a part of growing this exposure tournament and congratulate Tucker and his team for this outstanding recognition.”
WonderWorks Destiny Offers Educational Programs for Central New York Students and Teachers
SYRACUSE, N.Y.—WonderWorks Destiny is offering unique fall 2022 programs that align with its mission of sparking the imagination and inspiring the next generation of scientists, leaders, and creatives. The programs provide students and teachers opportunities to showcase their talents, learn new things, and visit the attraction for free.
“Our annual student art contest is already a favorite of both our guests and the WonderWorks team, even though it’s a relatively new program,” says Jonathan Cascella, general manager of WonderWorks Destiny. “We can’t wait to see what our local students have created.”
WonderWorks Destiny offers more than 100 hands-on exhibits, activities, and experiences. All exhibits relate to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and provide guests of all ages with hands-on entertainment.
Fall 2022 special programs include the Youth Art Contest, Teacher Wonder Days, Homeschool Days, and educational field trips.
Local youth artists are invited to enter the annual art contest for a chance to have their work displayed in the CNY-ART: New York Youth Art Gallery inside WonderWorks. The theme this year, “Brought to Light” focuses on what happens when ideas and theories get a chance to shine. Students or their teachers can submit artwork online until Dec. 14, 2022.
New Science Center Set for American Museum of Natural History
NEW YORK—The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is taking shape at the American Museum of Natural History, and the soaring, light-filled spaces are scheduled to open to the public on Feb. 17, 2023.
Designed by Studio Gang, the international architecture and urban design practice led by Jeanne Gang, the 230,000-square-foot Gilder Center project invites exploration of the far-reaching relationships among species that comprise life on Earth and reveals connections across the museum’s rich collections, trailblazing research initiatives, educational programs, and exhibition galleries. Physically, the Gilder Center connects many of the museum’s buildings, creating a continuous campus across four city blocks as envisioned more than 150 years ago. Intellectually, it provides a dramatic embodiment of one of the museum’s essential messages: All life is connected.
“In a time when the need for science literacy has never been more urgent, we are thrilled and proud to be nearing the long-awaited opening date for the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, a major new facility that will transform both the work of our museum and the cultural landscape of New York City,” says Ellen V. Futter, museum president. “In its exhibits and programs, and in the astonishing architecture that presents them to the world, the Gilder Center weds evidence-based thinking and transporting experiences that capture exploration and innovative scientific discovery.”
The Gilder Center will feature: the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium; the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Research Library and Learning Center; the five-story Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Collections Core; the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium; the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium; the 360-degree immersive science-and-art experience “Invisible Worlds;” and 18 newly built, renovated, or repurposed classrooms.
TORONTO—The ingenuity of First Peoples from North America is celebrated in the exhibition “Indigenous Ingenuity: An Interactive Adventure,” now on view at the Ontario Science Centre. Created by the Montreal Science Centre and designed in collaboration with knowledge bearers from First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities, the exhibition celebrates the knowledge, culture, and history of Indigenous peoples.
“The Ontario Science Centre is excited to host ‘Indigenous Ingenuity,’” says Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “By exploring Indigenous inventions through the lens of science and hands-on activities, this visiting exhibition showcases how Indigenous science is timeless and continues to influence our society today. We welcome everyone to enjoy this exhibition and learn, play, and discover together.”
Test a kayak’s center of gravity at “Indigenous Ingenuity.” Credit: CNW Group/Ontario Science Center
“Indigenous Ingenuity,” which runs until April 16, 2023, invites visitors to experience the innovative processes that give rise to Indigenous knowledge by observing nature, listening to knowledge bearers, experimenting with scientific principles, and sharing experiences with others. With a bear and trickster as guides, visitors can take part in a virtual canoe race, build an igloo, test a kayak’s center of gravity, and more.
Also on display is “REGALIA: Indigenous Pride,” created by photographer Roland Lorente and his partner, Aline Saffore, who traveled across Eastern Canada to attend over 20 powwows. The photography exhibition features 30 portraits and stories of men, women, and children from 14 different First Nations communities across Canada dressed in stunning and colorful regalia, which tell each dancer’s personal stories, as well as those of their people and their worldview.
Hersheypark Announces All-New Hybrid Coaster Coming in Summer 2023
HERSHEY, Pa.—Hersheypark amusement park announced it plans to open its all-new Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid coaster in the summer of 2023. One of 15 coasters at Hersheypark, the wood and steel hybrid will join one of the largest and most iconic coaster collections in the United States, 100 years after the first Wild Cat ride debuted at the park.
Wildcat’s Revenge adds an all-new steel track with unique elements to the existing wood framework for ride experience found only at Hersheypark. The hybrid coaster features a 140-foot hill, maximum speeds of 62 mph, and four inversions, including the world’s largest underflip.
“Based on our guest feedback, we knew coaster fans would love a hybrid at Hersheypark, and we’re thrilled to work with Rocky Mountain Construction on a custom wood and steel coaster with a nod to our history,” says Vikki Hultquist, general manager of attractions at Hersheypark.
Located in the Midway America region of the park, Wildcat’s Revenge features a fully renovated coaster station with a design that harkens back to the iconic 1923 Wild Cat station with low-pitched gables around the perimeter of the roof. Guests of Hershey’s height requirement and taller (48 inches and above) will sit in one of three custom trains, showcasing fully dimensional black, charcoal, and silver wildcats exacting revenge on their wooden predecessor.
Kiss the Bricks Tour, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Credit: Visit Indy
Get some inspiration for sports-themed youth trips in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“Most people know Indy for the iconic Indy 500 race; however, the city is not only booming with major sporting events but is also home to many other attractions, restaurants and venues that prove to be of interest to any sports fan. Whether you’re looking to get active or to learn the history of a particular sport, Indy’s sports and recreation scene is sure to impress.” –Nate Swick, senior communications manager, Visit Indy
DRIVE
At Speedway Indoor Karting (SIK), find out what it’s like to race on a two-level road course in a sporty kart, or find your speed on the oval course. Opened by former Indy 500 driver and team owner, Sarah Fisher, SIK also offers additional games and an adjacent full-service restaurant for both groups and individual dining.
TOUR
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum celebrates more than a century of motor racing at the speedway. Exhibits feature cars, trophies, photos and memorabilia. Then, tour the famed 2½-mile oval. Several tours are offered. The popular Kiss the Bricks Tour includes a stop at the “Yard of Bricks”at the start/finish line for a “Kiss the Bricks” photo.
LEARN
NCAA Hall of Champions Credit: Visit Indy
Two levels of interactive exhibits at the NCAA Hall of Champions can be used to teach students history, math and science. All 24 NCAA sports are represented and include trivia challenges, current team rankings, video highlights and artifacts donated from colleges around the nation. Box lunches can be ordered in advance.
PLAY
The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers young visitors the chance to play several sports on kid-size courts, fields and courses. These outdoor areas are open from March to November. Inside, there’s the National Art Museum of Sport and a wide array of exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to the power of children.
DON’T MISS
White River State Park is set in the heart of the city. Trails and waterways are matched with cultural and recreational attractions across 250 acres. Tour the park by pedal (bikes and other self-propelled vehicles may be leased from Wheel Fun Rentals), by boat (pedal boats and kayaks, also available at Wheel Fun Rentals), or by foot.
Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Credit: Visit Fairfax
Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Fairfax County, Virginia, offers an unexpected blend of picture-perfect natural surroundings and big-city amenities, positioning visitors in the heart of the Northern Virginia and the National Capital Region. Where else in the world can you watch kayakers take on Class V rapids in the morning, stand in a former president’s Colonial home or a Smithsonian museum in the afternoon, and dine under the stars at a concert on the grounds of a national park in the evening?
“Fairfax County has an incredible array of offerings that give groups a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Lori Scott, national and international sales manager at Visit Fairfax. “In addition to the immersive, educational, and hands-on activities and attractions located here, there are also 100-plus hotels to choose from, plenty of group-friendly dining options, and immediate access from two major airports that put you right in the middle of a memorable trip to Northern Virginia and the Capital Region.”
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Credit: Visit Fairfax
Explore
See for yourself why George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the most visited historic estate in the United States and why it was recently named one of the Top 10 Best Home Estate Tours in the U.S. by Fodor’s Travel. Tour the mansion and more than a dozen historic buildings, including blacksmith shops, stables, and more. The estate also features four separate gardens, the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, and Washington’s tomb.
Explore the fully functioning reconstructions of George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, and learn how Washington crafted his famous rye whiskey and how his distilling operations became one of the most profitable enterprises at Mount Vernon.
National Museum of the United States Army Credit: Visit Fairfax
Tour
The free and group-friendly National Museum of the United States Army is the first comprehensive and national museum to capture, display, and interpret the Army’s history by telling stories through the eyes of soldiers. Displays and interactive-learning exhibits illustrate the Army’s role in building and defending the nation, as well as Army humanitarian missions and technological and medical breakthroughs built on Army ingenuity. The museum, which opened on Veterans Day in 2020, also features a multisensory, 300-degree theater, a tranquil rooftop garden, and cafe.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Credit: Visit Fairfax
Discover
Located near Washington Dulles International Airport, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a must-see destination in Fairfax County. The museum’s massive exhibit space spans over three hangars. The first, the Boeing Aviation Hangar, showcases nearly 200 aircraft on display, including an Air France Concorde, the last remaining World War I-era Sopwith Camel built by the Sopwith Company, and the largest collections of Japanese and German World War II aircraft in the world. Next, any “space geek” that steps into the McDonnell Space Hangar will feel like a kid in a candy store when they get close to the center’s collection of space artifacts, including Space Shuttle Discovery, the Apollo 11 Mobile Quarantine Facility, space suits, rockets, satellites, and space toys. The third is a restoration hangar with an overlook for watching the conservation work underway on several artifacts.
The center’s Donald D. Engen Tower gives visitors the opportunity to watch planes take off and land at Dulles Airport and get a 360-degree view of the area while listening to a live feed of an air traffic control channel. The Airbus IMAX Theater shows short documentary films that relate to aviation and space exploration during the day and some of the latest Hollywood films in the evenings.
Great Falls Park Credit: Visit Fairfax
View
Great Falls Park should be on your “must-see” list if you love the outdoors or enjoy an incredible scenic view. Many park-goers also enjoy seeing the historic remains of the Patowmack Canal. The park’s most memorable treasures are the overlooks where visitors can take in different views of the Class V falls crashing over a series of jagged rocks. This national park site, set in Fairfax County, is one of the most visited natural attractions by locals and visitors.
Enjoy
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the only national park dedicated to presenting the performing arts, presents over 90 performances annually from late May to early September. The 7,000-seat Filene Center has seating under cover with open sides that look out onto the tall trees and rolling hills of the park or on its lawn where you can sit under the stars and enjoy a performance. During the winter months, The Barns at Wolf Trap play host to performances in an intimate atmosphere. The Barns, made up of two 18th-century barns from New York relocated to Virginia, were rebuilt in a manner that kept their rustic charm but offer superb acoustics and amenities.
For more information about Fairfax County, go to fxva.com.
Lead image: Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Credit: Visit Fairfax
Train buffs, history buffs and those who just enjoy riding the rails find an excursion on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is an exciting adventure. The nonprofit railroad in Cumberland, Maryland, offers “a unique experience visitors won’t get anywhere else,” said Charles Brotemarkle, passenger services manager for the railroad.
With an almost 17-mile climb up along the ridges of “Mountain Maryland,” the railroad’s Frostburg Flyer offers spectacular views, said Wesley Heinz, executive director at Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
“We have some of the most wonderful scenery in America,” Brotemarkle said. “We go through the Allegheny Mountains following a super scenic trail between Cumberland and Frostburg.”
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad recently added the restored steam locomotive No. 1309, the world’s largest operating mallet steam locomotive, to its lineup. The 1309 is now the line’s centerpiece.
Steam locomotive No. 1309 Credit: Courtesy of Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and its Supporters
“It’s definitely our top crowd pleaser,” Brotemarkle said. “Just watching the historic machine is magic.”
On Thursdays, historic diesel engines pull vintage passenger cars, but Friday through Sunday, the No. 1309 is the star of the show.
The 1309, built in 1949, is the largest engine of its type still operating in the world and the largest operating steam locomotive in the East, Heinz said.
For an additional fee, groups can charter the 1309 on days it does not normally operate.
Trains stop in Frostburg, where passengers have 1 1⁄2 hours to explore the downtown. On select dates, visitors can enjoy Evening Dinner Trains, including Murder Mystery Dinner Trains or Moonlight on the Mountain trips. Daytime trains take 4 1⁄2 hours, while dinner and evening trains take about 3 1⁄2 hours.
Groups of 15 or more get a 10% discount. Coach seating, deluxe dome car and lounge seating are available. Box lunches may be ordered in advance. Free motorcoach parking is available at the station.
For more information call 301-759-4400 or visit wmsr.com.
Main image and credit: Courtesy of Western Maryland Scenic Railroadand its Supporters
Check out the latest group travel industry news and updates.
Hop on in Franklin
FRANKLIN, Tenn.—A new vintage trolley hop-on, hop-off tour that will allow guests to experience Franklin and Leiper’s Fork at their own pace has launched from Gray Line Tennessee. The Franklin Hop takes guests on a 90-minute loop, with expert guides pointing out over 50 points of interest and sharing the many stories of Franklin and Leiper’s Fork along the way.
The vintage trolley will make five stops where guests can get off and explore, then simply get back on when the trolley returns 90 minutes later. Stops along Franklin Hop’s route include the Visitor Center in downtown Franklin, The Factory at Franklin, Carnton, Carter & Lotz Houses, and the village of Leiper’s Fork.
Franklin Hop Credit: Visit Franklin
Tickets for the Franklin Hop vintage trolley experience are available at the Visitor Center in downtown Franklin or can be purchased in advance online through FranklinHop.com.
Honoring No. 42
NEW YORK—The Jackie Robinson Museum recently opened in the One Hudson Square Building in New York City. This new cultural organization educates visitors about Robinson—athlete, activist, patriot, entrepreneur, and family man—and celebrates his contributions to the civil rights movement. The museum has 8,350 square feet of permanent exhibition space and 3,500 square feet for traveling exhibits and to serve as classroom space.
Group visits are self-guided, and all groups of 10 or more guests must book in advance. A discount is given for groups of over 25 people.
Main Gallery, Jackie Robinson Museum Credit: Jackie Robinson Museum
After 88 Years, Bonnie and Clyde Still a Popular Duo
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—Considered by some to be the most romanticized criminals in the country’s history, Bonnie and Clyde were killed by authorities in 1934. A posse of lawmen led by former Texas Ranger Frank Hamer opened fire on their vehicle, bringing the crime spree to an end. Despite the many decades that have passed, people around the country are still fascinated by the duo. Alcatraz East Crime Museum is offering a temporary exhibit on Bonnie and Clyde that runs through Sept. 30, 2024.
“Many people find this story captivating, back then and still today,” says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager for Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We have some intriguing artifacts on display for guests to check out in this exhibit.”
Some of the original objects that are a part of the display include a first-edition copy of “Fugitives: The Story of Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker” by Clyde’s sister Nell Barrow Cowan, an original Bonnie and Clyde wanted poster, and tile from Lancaster Bank, the only bank the Barrow gang robbed in Texas.
ORLANDO, Fla.—SeaWorld is scheduled to open a new first-of-its-kind coaster in each of its theme parks in spring 2023. They include the world’s first surf coaster in Orlando, the longest and fastest straddle coaster in San Diego, and the world’s first launched flume coaster in San Antonio.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster will open in SeaWorld Orlando. The unique surfboard ride vehicle gives riders an immersive experience when their seats rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding on a wave. SeaWorld San Diego’s newest family-friendly coaster, Arctic Rescue, will launch guests at up to 40 mph on a chilly adventure as they race through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger. SeaWorld San Antonio’s Catapult Falls will feature the world’s steepest flume drop, North America’s only vertical lift flume coaster, and the tallest flume drop in Texas.
Catapult Falls Rendering redit: SeaWorld
Real-Time Charter Bus Marketplace CharterUP Raises Funds
ATLANTA—CharterUP, the first fully integrated charter bus marketplace for corporations, consumers, and operators, announced it has raised $60 million in Series A led by Tritium Partners, an Austin, Texas-based investment firm.
Since its founding in 2018, CharterUP has experienced over 100% annual growth and recently surpassed an annual revenue run rate of $150 million in 2022. The company will leverage the Series A to aggressively invest in robust go-to-market strategies, expand its footprint in new and existing markets, and grow the company’s product and engineering teams.
CharterUP connects customers to more than 500 operating partners nationally on its proprietary, fully integrated technology platform. Promoting simplicity, transparency, and safety in the group booking experience, the company’s marketplace provides real-time data on all charter services, featuring on-demand quotes for custom itineraries, embedded payment capabilities, live trip tracking, and more.
For more information on CharterUP, visit charterup.com.
Adirondack Railroad, Utica
Credit: Oneida County Tourism
Groups love New York State. What other state can boast an itinerary that includes Atlantic Ocean beaches, Eric Canal cruises, high peaks vistas, Great Lakes, wine trails, island castles, the first presidential library, a spa with natural springs, 400-plus-acre sculpture parks, the Grand Canyon of the East, the natural wonder of the world that is Niagara Falls, a Broadway show on Broadway, and America’s only museums dedicated to baseball, glass, comedy, playing, and the 1960s and Woodstock? Experts in the state’s 11 beautiful vacation regions are waiting to assist, and each area hosts a free, state-of-the-art welcome center with interactive tourism kiosks and shops with New York treats. So come be a part of it and discover what you love in New York State. Read about western New York destinations here.
NY Energy Zone, Utica Credit: Oneida County Tourism
Oneida County Tourism
Located in the heart of Central New York, Oneida County is the perfect group getaway from all of the metro Northeast. Oneida County is an easy drive to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a half day to the Thousand Islands, and midway between New York City and Toronto. It is the perfect hub to explore the diverse group activities that Central New York has to offer. Oneida County Tourism makes planning your group tour easy. Offering a variety of lodging, dining, and attractions options, Oneida County Tourism can help you find the perfect fit for your group. Contact Madison Cermak (madison@oneidacountytourism.com), director of sales, to learn more.
Schenectady County is a destination for arts and entertainment, history, and natural beauty. Check out the biggest names in Broadway, music, and comedy at Proctors Theatre. Experience one of the many festivals, street fairs, and concert series. Play games, eat, drink, and test your luck at the Rivers Casino. For historic endeavors, take a guided tour of the 300-plus-year-old Stockade neighborhood, visit Mabee Farm Historical Site, or explore the Empire State Aerosciences Museum. For the nature lover, stroll through the Central Park Rose Garden, hike through the Potter Kill Preserve, or have a treetop adventure at the Mountain Ridge Adventure Park. Get a taste of Schenectady’s rich and diverse culture—from old-world Italian to bistros to Moroccan to Asian Fusion, classic steakhouse, and everything in between. Or get an Ale Trail pass to explore the area’s best brewers. Contact Elissa Fornasiero (elissa@discoverschenectady.com), director of sales and services at Discover Schenectady, to learn more.
Only 90 minutes from New York City, Sullivan County is in the southern part of New York, southeast of Binghamton, and southwest of Albany. Sullivan County has been a popular vacation spot since the 19th century, with fresh air and the great outdoors being among its top draws. Explore restaurants, events, arts, and nature in this rural and scenic county. Known for its history as the Borscht Belt, Sullivan County today is a vacation destination for families, couples, and people of all ages.
Westchester County—bordering New York City in the beautiful Hudson Valley—offers a variety of spectacular castles, historic homes, gorgeous gardens, great museums, exciting seasonal events, extraordinary cultural & culinary experiences, diverse recreational opportunities—and more—for group travelers to enjoy and explore. Nestled between the mighty Hudson River and scenic Long Island Sound, Westchester boasts thousands of acres of parkland, nature centers, farms, golf courses and trails—all within easy reach of the excitement of Manhattan and the convenience of major transportation routes and hubs. Learn more about access, accommodations, attractions and group itineraries on our website or contact Barry Surman (bsurman@visitwestchesterny.com), deputy director.
BibleWak Museum of Woodcarving Credit: Destination Mansfield-Richland County
Get some itinerary inspiration for group-tour activities in Mansfield and Richland County, Ohio.
“Whether your group enjoys following the famous Shawshank Trail, dining among blueberry fields, playing outdoors or exploring the area’s collection of eclectic attractions, groups will be pleasantly surprised with all that Mansfield-Richland County has to offer!” –Jodie Snavely, project director, Destination Mansfield-Richland County
ADMIRE
Kingwood Center Gardens, the historic estate of Charles Kelley King, is now open year-round. A new visitor center features terraces, a gift shop, an exhibit gallery and display greenhouses. The grounds are full of brilliant floral displays, while the French Provincial mansion contains many rooms decorated with King’s original furnishings. A variety of guided and self-guided tours is available for groups, as well as dining options.
EXPLORE
BibleWalk now has seven tours. The newest is the Museum of Woodcarving, which has the largest collection of woodcarvings in the world created by one man. It took Joseph Barta 30 years to carve his vision of Bible stories into 100 life-size figures. Barta spent over 4 years completing his life-size carving of TheLast Supper, spending two years on the face of Jesus. This collection also features over 400 miniature carvings of wildlife, pets and livestock.
Historic Ohio State Reformatory Credit: Destination Mansfield-Richland County
Walk the same halls as infamous prisoners while touring the Historic Ohio State Reformatory, used as a prison from 1886 until 1990. At the Shawshank Museum, be immersed in props, costumes and other treasures from “The Shawshank Redemption,” the 1994 movie that used the reformatory as a filming site.
See more than 30 species of native songbirds and raptors at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. Stroll along the brick walkways to view live bird displays and visit the songbird aviary to feed birds. Arrange a guided tour, a raptor program or both.
DO
Take a spin on the first new handcarved wooden carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the early 1930s at Richland Carrousel Park. The carousel offers flexible morning hours for groups as well as box lunches.
For the adventurous, book a canoe, kayak or ra! trip on the Mohican River with Mohican Adventures Canoe & Fun Center.
Inspired by an 1888 visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens near London, eminent botanists Nathaniel Lord Britton and his wife, Elizabeth Knight Britton, decided that New York City needed such a beautiful attraction.
Conservatory Courtyard Credit: Courtesy of The New York Botanical Garden
“The Brittons believed New York should have a great botanical garden to advance understanding of plants, be a repository of rare and valuable specimens, and lead original research in botanical science,” said Nicholas Leshi, senior director of communications for The New York Botanical Garden.
Established in 1891, the 250-acre garden — the largest in any city in the United States — is now a National Historic Landmark.
“Because of its picturesque terrain, freshwater Bronx River, rock-cut gorge and 50 acres of old-growth forest, the garden was situated on the northern half of Bronx Park,” Leshi said.
In addition to the natural attributes that attracted the Brittons, The New York Botanical Garden encompasses 50 specialty gardens and collections comprising more than 1 million plants. It also includes the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the nation’s preeminent Victorian-style glasshouse.
Lillian and Amy Goldman Stone Mill Credit: Courtesy of The New York Botanical Garden
“Highlights include the award-winning Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, the Native Plant Garden celebrating the diversity of Northeastern North American plants and 30,000 distinguished trees, many more than 200 years old,” Leshi said.
Groups receive benefits such as discount tickets, tours led by expert staff, tours of the entire 250 acres on the Garden Tram and dining options. Tourgoers can enjoy a box lunch, buffet, or elegant plated meal in one of the garden’s unique venues like the historic 1840 Lillian and Amy Goldman Stone Mill. All dining packages include admission and a guided tour.
An important goal of the garden is to be an advocate for the plant world, Leshi said.
“The garden pursues its mission through its role as a museum of living plant collections arranged in gardens and landscapes across its site, through its comprehensive education programs in horticulture and plant science, and through the wide-ranging research programs of the International Plant Science Center,” Leshi said.
For more information, call 718-817-8687 or visit nybg.org.
Main image: The Palms Gallery; Credit: Courtesy of The New York Botanical Garden
Gallery, Walt Disney Family Museum Credit: Walt Disney Family Museum
Get some inspiration for science and technology youth tours in San Francisco.
“San Francisco is one of the most exciting destinations and a leader in advanced science and technology. The city’s best-in-class museums include the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium, both of which oer dynamic exhibits and are among the most sustainably designed museums in the world.” –Hubertus Funke, executive vice president and chief tourism officer, San Francisco Travel Association
EXPLORE
Start at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Established in 1853, the one-of-a-kind institution holds an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and four-story tropical rainforest—all under one living roof covered by 1.7 million native plants. Lesson plans for a variety of subjects are available for students of all grade levels.
California Academy of Sciences Credit: San Francisco Travel Association
ENJOY
The Presidio, once a military post, is now a national park and National Historic Landmark District. Hike 24 miles of trails, check out eight scenic overlooks, and see how many of the 330 native plant species the group can identify.
Presidio Tunnel Tops, built over the tops of the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels, opened in July 2022 and add 14 acres of new national parkland to the Presidio. Presidio Tunnel Tops feature scenic overlooks with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, trails, picnic areas, gathering spaces, and gardens and meadows. The renovated Crissy Field Center and new Field Station—an indoor spot where students explore the Presidio through art, science, or simply their imagination—help engage people of all ages in self-guided and programmed activities.
The Walt Disney Family Museum on the Presidio’s Main Post chronicles Disney’s life. See how experiments with sound, imagery, and personality animation led to a creative revolution in art and technology.
LEARN
The Exploratorium, located on Pier 15, blends interactive activities and thought-provoking exhibits. At time of publication, the Exploratorium was not accepting field trip reservations; educators are encouraged to reach out for up-to-date information.
DON’T MISS
PIER 39 is a 45-acre waterfront complex featuring over 100 restaurants, shops, and attractions.
PIER 39 Credit: San Francisco Travel Association
ASK
San Francisco Travel Association 415-227-2693 sftravel.com
Main image: Gallery at Walt Disney Family Museum; Credit: Walt Disney Family Museum
