Emily Reynolds
Emily Reynolds
Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism

Berea Tourism Group Tour Planner Emily Reynolds helps travel groups plan and book all details of their trip itineraries to and/or through Berea, Kentucky. Most commonly, Reynolds works with motorcoach groups, but she also helps plan conference visits, family reunions, school field trips, and more—in short, any group that would like to visit Berea can take advantage of Reynolds’ expertise.

Group Tour asked Reynolds what it is about Berea that keeps groups coming.

Q. How would you describe Berea to someone who has never visited before?
A. Berea, Kentucky, is a charming little town, rich with history, outdoor recreation, and art. Berea is the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital” of Kentucky, as well as home to the first co-ed and interracial college of the south. Berea is also a part of the Boone Trace, the first road to open up into Kentucky, carved by Daniel Boone.

Q. What makes Berea a great place for group tours?
A. Berea has many activities and venues that can host large groups of people. Berea caters to a wide variety of demographics: all ages and interests including music, outdoor adventure, history, art, and so much more!

Hawkeye Stages
Group Tour Planner Emily Reynolds ready to join a tour group for a driving history tour of Berea
Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism

Q. How does Berea Tourism help tour operators plan their group tours?
A. Services provided by Berea Tourism are 100% free. The group tour planner will contact any and all activities and locations in Berea to make for a smooth planning process for all parties involved. Berea is also centrally located on Interstate 75, making it the perfect location to visit while en route to other destinations.

cobwebber broom LearnShops class demonstration
Artist instructor Dustin Cecil teaching a cobwebber broom LearnShops class Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism

Q. Are there areas, themes, or activities you would like to promote to group tours? How and where can group tours discover and connect with those areas, themes, or activities?
A. Berea is the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital” of Kentucky, making it the perfect location for craft lovers. Guests can see artists at work while in Berea’s “Old Town Artisan Village” area. Guests can also take hands-on classes in numerous mediums with expert artists. It is also rich with Civil Rights history and the settlement of Kentucky, making it a wonderful place for history buffs. Outdoor enthusiasts also love Berea for the multiple outdoor recreation options it has to offer. Please go to visitberea.com for more info!

Q. What’s your long-term outlook for group tours in Berea?
A. Our long-term outlook for group tours at our destination is very optimistic. We aim to continually enhance and diversify our tour experiences to ensure that every visit offers something new, even for returning groups. By introducing fresh activities, unique themes, and interactive elements, we hope to keep our offerings dynamic and engaging. Our commitment is to provide memorable experiences that encourage groups to return, while also attracting new visitors who are eager to discover what we have to offer.

Walking trail with mountains in background
Two people taking a stroll on one of many multiuse trails
Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism

Q. Is there anything new or upcoming in Berea that group tours should know about?
A. We have added to our list of demonstrating artists, and unique LearnShop classes that guests can take part in.

Q. Is there anything else our audience of tour operators should know about Berea?
A. Berea can host groups for days on end, but we are also the perfect stop for short durations. We are centrally located on Interstate 75, and this makes us a perfect stop for food, a quick stop to stretch your legs with an activity, and/or a hub to spoke out to other destinations in Kentucky.

Learn More
Berea Tourism
visitberea.com

Lead image:
The Lindsay Gallery’s jeweler, Bob Mattingly, demonstrating for a tour group
Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism