WATERLOO, IOWA

BRING YOUR TOUR TO LIFE: DISCOVER WATERLOO

HIGHLIGHTS arts and crafts created by Midwest I Take a free trolley artists. Just steps away, it’s time for tour through the a fresh and innovative lunch at the John Deere Tractor ArtHouse Café . Following lunch, take Assembly Plant a behind-the-scenes tour of a third- generation business, Petersen & Tietz I Enjoy a meal Florist and Greenhouses . Wrap up the below the breath - afternoon with a tour of Kenny Kass’ taking Sistine Chapel Private Tractor Collection , the ceiling at the fifth largest in the United States. In Galleria De Paco the evening, head downtown to Hope Martin Theatre , home of the I Learn about life Waterloo Community Playhouse/ on the home front Black Hawk Children’s Theatre . Sit at the Five Sullivan back, relax and enjoy one of their Brothers Iowa outstanding performances! Veterans Museum DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Waterloo Day I Experience Enter a world of discovery at the National dining, gaming and Waterloo Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Day 3 entertainment at the Begin your tour of Waterloo at the John Museum . The museum preserves the history Isle Casino Hotel 1 Deere Tractor Assembly Plant and take a of mankind’s oldest sport through historic artifacts, Waterloo free trolley ride through the factory to see exhibits and a library. The Hall of Fame completes the first-hand how the large green tractors are manufactured. tribute to some of the most memorable wrestlers in I Engage in arts Afterwards, stop by Deere Crossing to pick up your American history. Step back in time with a visit to Waterloo’s and culture at the John Deere merchandise and souvenirs. Next, travel a oldest Victorian mansion, the Rensselaer Russell House . Waterloo Center for short distance to the world-famous Galleria De Paco , Next, travel down the road to the RiverLoop Public the Arts and Phelps and enjoy a tour and meal below the breathtaking Market Co-op and Café for lunch. This year-round Youth Pavilion Sistine Chapel ceiling. The artist, Paco Rosic, created market and café sells fresh and locally-grown food items. this masterpiece with 5,200 cans of Krylon spray paint After lunch, enjoy a hands-on farm experience at I See historic arti - as he worked on scaffolding for 4 months. A few blocks Hansen’s Dairy Farm . See the process of getting milk facts and exhibits at away is the Grout Museum District , where you can from the farm to your table, feed a calf, milk a cow, the National Wrestling “Touch, See, and Feel” the history. Then on to the or perhaps pet a wallaby. Top your day off with a Hall of Fame Dan Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum , which horse-drawn wagon ride and home-cooked meal at Gable Museum honors Waterloo’s military heroes – The Fighting Sullivans, Heritage Farm . five brothers who perished on the same ship during I WWII. This museum features interactive exhibits, displays Waterloo Buy fresh and Day locally-grown and oral histories for all conflicts from the Civil War to Start your final day with a visit to the food items at the present day. Check into the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo , 4 Historic Church Row Neighborhood . RiverLoop Public where you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations as well Tour up to seven of these 100-year-old Market Co-op and as dining, gaming and entertainment. churches all located within a two-block area. Complete Café your tour of Waterloo with a group luncheon at the Waterloo historic Snowden House . Day Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Isle OTHER 2 Buffet before you begin your fun-filled ITINERARIES day in Waterloo. Artistry at its best! The Waterloo Center for the Arts presents a full program I Show Me the Green of exhibitions and works from its permanent collection, I This Land was as well as temporary exhibits of works by regional and CONTACT: Waterloo CVB Made for You and Me international artists. Your group can get creative with a ® Lonnie Elmore www.travelwaterloo.com hands-on workshop or class in drawing, pottery, jewelry I Gardener’s Delight 500 Jefferson St., Waterloo, IA 50701 making, digital photography, or video editing! Be sure Phone: 800-728-8431 I August Ag-venture to check out their Gift Store , which sells original fine Email: [email protected]

80 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

CATCH OUR SPIRIT

from Illinois to Iowa and on to Utah, HIGHLIGHTS see the pioneer clothing, hand I An historic carts, and more. Then travel on to the character will relate Lewis and Clark Monument over - stories of the Lewis looking rail yards, the Missouri River & Clark expedition. Valley, and Eppley Airport in Omaha. I Historic character, The Old Lincoln Highway will take Mary Marks, will tell you to Loess Hills Winery for a tast - of her “girls” and her ing and relaxing conclusion to the day. husband who ran a gambling house. Begin your day at Day I Historic characters RailsWest Railroad tell of hardship 2 Museum where a mail endured on the river, sorter will relay amazing as a pioneer wife and stories of a time gone by. Lettie as a woman who Dodge, daughter of General Dodge , ran a Harvey House will welcome you to her spectacular for the railroaders. Victorian Mansion , and tell of her dad, “the greatest railroad builder” I Hear from a mail DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY and Civil War General, and life in early Council Bluffs. sorter the story of Then make a brief stop at Haymarket Square that still how a 4 year old girl Experience Council Bluffs in a whole new way as has the fountain where horses drank and people mingled. was “mailed” to her costumed characters take you on a journey, telling grandparents. stories, revealing secrets and making you laugh. Step A visit to our Victorian Block you’ll see turn-of-the- I Historic character, on board your bus to “Catch Our Spirit!” century postcards reproduced in brickwork. Then step inside the renovated 1917 Hughes Irons Building for Lettie Dodge, will At Western Historic Trails Center , meet lunch at Dixie Quicks restaurant. The Union Pacific talk about her dad, Day William Clark or advance scout George Museum downtown will vividly tell more about our General Grenville Shannon of the Lewis & Clark expedition railroad history. At the unique three story rotary Historic Dodge, dubbed as 1 and hear amazing stories of that experience. Squirrel Cage Jail , built in 1885, you’ll hear from an the greatest railroad Then, enjoy vistas lakeside as you circle Lake Manawa escapee as to the conditions there. Bayliss Park , 2.5 builder. State Park , known in the early 1900’s as the “Coney acres of beautiful green space, provide a great photo I An escapee from Island” of the Midwest. Hear from one of the town’s opportunity. Then, views from the Lincoln Monument the Historic Squirrel elite citizens who camped at the lake all summer and the beautiful homes on Oakland Avenue transport Cage Jail will relate bringing servants, chauffeurs and fine articles of furniture. you back to the turn of the century. the conditions Travel on to Ben and Mary Marks “Hog Ranch” , their experienced while home and popular casino. Mary, a successful madam End the day at Ditmar’s Orchard with an orchard tour, incarcerated. and a considerable character in her own right, will tell “fried apple pie or donut”, and a wine tasting. her side of things. As you travel to downtown Council I Ditmars Orchard Bluffs for lunch, you’ll pass by Wabash Trace and will take you on a Mormon Trail markers. tour; you can even eat a fried apple Costumed characters will tell of hardship endured on pie or a donut and the river, as a pioneer wife, and as a woman who ran sample wine. one of the Harvey Houses for the railroaders during your lunch at one of our hometown favorites – Tish’s OTHER Restaurant. ITINERARIES At Kanesville Tabernacle , tour the recreated log I Soar & Explore structure where Brigham Young was elected as CONTACT: Council Bluffs CVB I On, In, Up and Down President of the church. Hear the stories of migration ® Diane Hestness www.councilbluffscvb.com I Living Loess 149 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Phone: 800-228-6878, ext 130 or Direct 712-256-5652 I Don’t Get Wet – Get Tanked Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2012 81 AURORA, BATAVIA, SANDWICH, PLANO, BIG ROCK, YORKVILLE – JUST BEYOND CHICAGO

THE AURORA AREA: THE BEST MIX OF URBAN & SUBURBAN

HIGHLIGHTS night for a variety of live entertainment options. Next, enjoy lunch inside a 1890s Columbian Exposition din - I Experience ing car attached to Bull Moose Bar & Grill and learn an international all about “Isabella.” Travel next to the Farnsworth architectural icon & House , Mies van der Rohe’s minimalist masterpiece learn the back-story and 20th Century architectural icon known as “The buzz. Glass House.” Visit “Smallville” (aka Plano) and tour the Superman Museum filled with props while hearing I Delve into the tales about the filming of the upcoming epic Mary Todd Lincoln’s motion picture and how Plano will never be the same. sanitarium stay in Big Rock & Yorkville, Illinois Batavia. Day Start your day with a guided group I Dig into the 3 kayak/canoe in Yorkville’s Cat 2 whitewater deep-rooted history, on the Fox River. Transform into a fiber artist art & architecture of at Esther’s Place Fiber Arts Studio via felting, spinning the Fox River Valley. and knitting workshops. Tour the 15 historic buildings of Lyon Farm and Village and view Chapel on the I Discover the Green , the oldest church in Kendall County. Indulge in Cobblestone’s Bakery & Bistro eclectic menu, mecca for antiquing sample artisanal wines and cheeses next door and dive and the supreme into the now-famous bacon-maple donut. Later, take in designer outlet a cabaret-style show at the Follies Theatre . shoppin g–only a short drive away. Day Batavia, Illinois Take a jaunt into picturesque downtown I Indulge in savory DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Batavia—once the 1958 subject of the leg - dining highlighted 4 endary Saturday Evening Post covers. Tour by the historic Aurora, Illinois the amazing Batavia Depot Museum and view the actual venues they occupy. Day Discover the enrichment & deep history of bedroom set Mary Todd Lincoln slept in during her 1 downtown Aurora. Tour the legendary 1930s sanitarium stay, learn the “City of Windmills” history and movie palace The Paramount Theatre check out the office equipment exhibit. Stroll along the and take in one of their Broadway Series shows. Take a gorgeous downtown river walk overlooking the tranqui l OTHER self-guided audio walking tour and be amazed by Fox River . Visit the quaint shops and get your art on at ITINERARIES the famous architects who contributed to this 175 the 16,000-square-foot Water Street Studios featuring year-old city. Indulge in 53,000 square feet of gaming 26 artist studios and two premier galleries. Tour the world- I Bikes, Boats & Boots at Hollywood Casino Aurora . Enjoy historic dining renown Fermilab , once home to the world’s highest- at either Two Brothers Roundhouse housed in the energy particle accelerator, and stroll the 1,000 acres of I All Aboard: oldest standing limestone roundhouse in the country or restored wetlands and prairie filled with American Train Enthusiasts’ Tour at Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant for savory Irish Bison, white-tailed deer and hundreds of butterfly and food served in a transformed 1880s coat factory. Be bird varieties. Take in a fabulous performance at either I Glass, Class & Grass prepared for some amazing deals at Chicago Premium the Albright Theatre or First Street Playhouse . Outlets —120 premium outlet stores at 25%-65% off I From Mies to regular prices and expect so much more when the Model Homes: A Study in Aurora Area Architecture upcoming expansion to add at least 30 new stores is complete. For the naturalist, hike, bike or paddle on some of the best land and water trails in Illinois!

Day Sandwich & Plano, Illinois Stroll into the shops of downtown CONTACT: The Aurora Area CVB Sandwich —an antiquing mecca. ® Joseph McCorvey 2 www.enjoyaurora.com From April through October, visit the 43 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60506 Sandwich Antiques Market . Take a guided tour of the Phone: 1-800-477-4369 1878 Opera House of Sandwich and return later that Email: [email protected]

82 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com FULTON, TAMPICO AND DIXON, ILLINOIS

A PRESIDENT IS BORN: THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS OF RONALD REAGAN

Travel the rural roads to President Reagan’s Birthplace in Tampico . The upstairs apartment where the future president was born has been restored to its early 1900s HIGHLIGHTS period. The adjoining gift shop and museum is open April through December or by appointment. I Explore the town where Reagan’s Continue to Dixon where you can check in to one of parents were born the town’s friendly hotels and motels. Dixon has many and married and his dining establishments ranging from well-known chain grandparents and restaurants to upscale fine dining venues. great-grandparents are buried. Day Dixon The first stop is the Dixon Historic I Tour an authentic 2 Center , formerly known as the South Dutch windmill Central School, where Ronald Reagan attended the fifth, sixth and seventh grades. Tour his I Tour Ronald restored sixth grade classroom and the Reagan family Reagan’s birthplace, museum. View the 6’ x 4’ portrait of Reagan made childhood home with 15,000 Jelly Bellies and donated by the Jelly Belly and visitor center Corporation in honor of the Ronald Reagan Association dedication. While traveling the short distance to your I Visit Reagan’s next stop, the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home , grade school, which be sure to notice the First Christian Church , where is now a museum Ronald Reagan was baptized and both he and his mother attended and taught Sunday school. Visitors are I Enjoy the guided through the restored Boyhood Home and are beautiful Rock River encouraged to go through the four-room Presidential while visiting the timeline exhibit, view the biographical video in the beach where a presentation gallery and visit the gift shop in the young Reagan DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY visitor’s center. Downtown Dixon boasts a number worked as a lifeguard of delicious restaurants to satisfy any tastes, from and saved 77 people Day Fulton and Tampico Thai and Mexican to Italian and American cuisine . This tour begins where Ronald Reagan’s I A stop at the 1 parents, Nellie Wilson and John A visit to the Dixon Welcome Center offers Dixon gifts Dixon Welcome Reagan, were married in the Immaculate and souvenirs, Ronald Reagan history and the Illinois Center includes the Conception Catholic Church in 1904. Continue to the Lincoln Highway Coalition interpretive exhibit. Across “Begins the Trail” site of the Reagan family plot where grandmother the street discover the Reagan statue entitled “Begins the life-size statue Catherine Reagan is buried, and Fulton Township Trail,” the centerpiece of the Heritage Crossing plaza. depicting Reagan Cemetery , the site of the Wilson family plot, including A short drive to the edge of Dixon will lead to Lowell on horseback grandmother Mary Anne Wilson and two of Ronald’s Park, where Ronald Reagan worked as a lifeguard favorite aunts, Sara Jane and Mary Lavina. Explore the and saved 77 people . Lowell Park offers 240 acres, a Martin House Museum with its Reagan History Nature Center, restrooms, parking, boat launches and OTHER Room , filled with photographs and other ancestral Rock River access, fishing, hiking, nature preserve, cross ITINERARIES memorabilia maintained by the Fulton Historical Society. country skiing, shelters, grills, playground equipment After lunch in one of the downtown restaurants visit and more. I Rock River Culinary Tour Fulton’s authentic Dutch Windmill . Although not Dutch, Ronald Reagan received the nickname “Dutch” I All Aboard! from his father, a name that stuck with him throughout A Train Experience his life. The windmill was prefabricated in the Netherlands and erected by Dutch craftsmen in Fulton. CONTACT: Blackhawk Waterways CVB I Dessert Diva’s Day Out Visit Fulton’s Windmill Museum and Gift Shop across ® Lori King www.bwcvb.com the street. I Sweet Boutique 201 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, IL 61064 Girls Day Out Phone: 800-678-2108 Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2012 83 CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE, ILLINOIS

WHERE HISTORY AND CULTURE MEET

HIGHLIGHTS the most prominent social reformers in 19th century America. She rallied support for temperance as well as I Visit the home many important reform movements including woman's of a former Vice suffrage, woman's economic and religious rights, prison President and reforms, education reforms and labor reforms. The home, Nobel Prize Laureate built in 1865, remains intact with artifacts of life in the 19th century and Willard’s groundbreaking work. I The Temperance Movement ignited Continue north on Sheridan Road as it winds its way here north along the shores of Lake Michigan. Take a moment to stop and view the Grosse Point Lighthouse , built I Famed Chicago by the U.S. government in 1873 as the lead lighthouse architect Daniel marking the approach to Chicago after several ship - Burnham lived here wrecks demonstrated its need. In 1999, Grosse Point Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark I The only light - by the National Park Service, the first lighthouse on the house in Illinois Great Lakes to carry that status.

I One of Illinois’ Further along Sheridan Road, the gleaming, nearly Seven Wonders 200- foot-high dome of the Bahá'í House of Worship comes into full view. Over 30 years of construction I North Shore is have resulted in this striking landmark, which overlooks home to Chicago Lake Michigan and is one of the most visited sites on Botanic Garden all of Chicago's North Shore. Surrounded by nine formal gardens and fountains, it is one of seven Bahá'í I Sheridan Road – temples in the world, and the only one in the Western Hemisphere. a byway not to be missed DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY As you continue your travels north on Sheridan Road, your tour day ends at the Chicago Botanic Garden , Begin your day at the Charles Gates where you can experience 23 beautiful gardens and Day Dawes House , home of former U.S. Vice three natural habitats set on 385 acres of lush, rolling 1 President, World War I Brigadier General hills and tranquil lakes. Visitors can take guided walking and Nobel Laureate Charles Gates Dawes. tours of the garden or the popular tram tour. The trams The Dawes House was built in 1894-95 on the shores of wind through the far reaches of the garden and give Lake Michigan. Designed in the French chateau style by you hidden views of select gardens. architect Henry Edwards-Ficken of New York, the three- and-a-half story mansion has 25 rooms, six bedrooms, OTHER seven bathrooms and 11 fireplaces. Each room has its own "treasure bag" of objects that the family might have ITINERARIES left behind from the 1920s. The Evanston History Center I Roll up Your Sleeves resides in the home. for a Culinary Adventure Next, take a docent-led tour of the neighborhood I Unique Museum surrounding the Dawes House which features work by Experiences some of the 19th and 20th century’s renowned architects: Daniel Burnham, William Holabird, Myron Hunt, Dwight I Shop ’til You Drop Perkins and Thomas Tallmadge. Nearby in Evanston, visit CONTACT: Chicago’s North Shore CVB I Gardens Galore The Francis Willard House . Frances Willard was one of ® Caryn Shulman, Tourism Sales Manager www.visitchicagonorthshore.com Phone: 847-763-0011, ext. 25 Email: [email protected]

84 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com GENEVA, ILLINOIS

DISCOVER GENEVA

Over 150 shops are within walking distance along picturesque tree-lined streets. Many of the shops are tucked away in architectural gems that were once homes. HIGHLIGHTS 2:45-4:30 pm: After some shopping we’ll be ready I Shopping in for some chocolate! We will take a delightfully fun and Historic District informative guided walking and tasting tour of select chocolate shops, from secret treasures to famous I Chocolate Tour favorites. of Geneva Dinner: We will enjoy dinner at one of Geneva’s I Ride along the fabulous restaurants. From fine dining to friendly diners, Fox River Trail there truly is something for every taste and budget.

I Scavenger Hunt Morning: After enjoying a complimentary Day at The Little breakfast from one of our fine hotels, we Traveler 2 will grab our rental bikes and take a ride along the scenic Fox River Bike Trail . I Walking or Bus We’ll ride through Island Park and over to Fabyan Forest Tour of Historic Preserve , where we will stop to admire the Japanese Downtown Gardens . Those who might not be up for a bike ride can enjoy the beauty of Island Park from one of the I Lunch at many benches or meet us at the Japanese Gardens. Country Inn Lunch: After our morning outdoors, we will enjoy I Wine Tasting at lunch on the sprawling estate of the Oscar Swan Gibby’s Country Inn .

Afternoon: After lunch we’ll head back to the historic DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY shopping district and visit some of the shops we didn’t have time for the day before. Day Breakfast: We’ll start the morning at one of Geneva’s many diners or cafes. 2:45 pm: On our way out of town we’ll stop in at 1 Gibby’s Wine Den for a wine tasting. 9:30-10:30 am: After breakfast we will learn about Geneva’s rich historic past. A step-on tour guide, dressed in period attire, will guide us through the streets of downtown Geneva as we learn about the historic figures that helped shape this quaint riverside community. Tours will end at the Geneva History Center where we will explore the museum and its current OTHER exhibits. ITINERARIES 10:30-11:30 am: After our history tour we will visit I Art & Grapes The Little Traveler , downtown Geneva’s original I Crafter’s Getaway “department store” dating back to 1922 and offering 36 specialty themed rooms. While there we will embark I Rivers & Trails on a Scavenger Hunt designed just for our group.

I Tasting Tour Lunch: Following our Scavenger Hunt we will enjoy CONTACT: City of Geneva, Illinois lunch at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Cafe . After lunch, ® Jamie Heflin www.genevadowntown.org we will spend some time exploring the unique shops 22 S. 1st St., Geneva, IL 60134 in Geneva’s historic downtown shopping district. Phone: 630-938-4555 Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2012 85 CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, ILLINOIS

JINGLE BELLS

Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women, HIGHLIGHTS the Pickwick Society menu pays homage to each of the characters in I Enjoy an authentic the novel. Stop at the Glenwood German lunch at Oaks Rib & Chop House before Christkindlmarket heading to a holiday production at Chicago. a Chicago Southland performing arts center or theatre. Glenwood Oaks I See the 45-foot Rib & Chop House evolved from a Great Tree in the long history that began over a half- Walnut Room at century ago. The restaurant reflects Macy’s on State a cozy, intimate, casual, but elegant Street. lifestyle with stunning architectural treatments and suburban interior décor. I Discover the Chicago & the Surrounding Suburbs magic of Dr. Seuss’ Day classic holiday tale DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY This morning, visit the honored Museum of as it comes to life 3 Science & Industry. Celebrating its 76th Chicago anniversary this year, many of the exhibits on stage. Day Come celebrate Winter WonderFest at have changed, but the Museum still celebrates the I Shop for candies 1 Navy Pier! Experience the warmth of holidays with Christmas Around the World . More than and items from winter inside an enchanted 170,000-sq.-ft. 50 trees have been beautifully decorated by members yesteryear at the old- holiday hamlet! Attractions include: Chicago Blackhawks of Chicago’s ethnic communities and scattered through - fashioned Frankfort Ice Skating Rink , Bah Humbug Court , Ferris Wheel , out the Museum’s halls. General Store. Kringle Carousel and Winter WonderStage . Then on to make lasting memories with holiday delights I Enjoy lunch at After celebrating Winter WonderFest, enjoy some shop - and wintry beauty among the trees at the Morton the Pickwick Society ping and an authentic German lunch at Christkindlmarket Arboretum in Lisle. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum Tea Room. Chicago . Each year, people from all over the world visit features magnificent collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, the Christkindlmarket. The unique shopping experience, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. I Experience typical German food and drinks, as well as diverse holiday Christmas Around entertainment make the Christkindlmarket Chicago a Lunch can be enjoyed at the Morton Arboretum’s Ginkgo the World, with popular destination. Then move on to Macy’s on State Restaurant & Café . With floor to ceiling windows, visitors more than 50 trees. Street , the first store to ever feature holiday windows at the Ginkgo Restaurant eat gourmet specialties overlooking created for the pure fun and joy of the season. Marvel a stunning panoramic view of Meadow Lak e. I Spend an at their 45-foot Great Tree decorated with over 1,200 enchanting evening themed ornaments and 25,000 dazzling lights in the To finish your holiday tour, enjoy an enchanting evening at the Holiday Magic Walnut Room . at the Holiday Magic of Brookfield Zoo . For the of Brookfield Zoo. holidays Brookfield Zoo presents Holiday Magic, featuring End the day with the Grinch, at Dr, Seuss’ How The nearly one million twinkling lights illuminating the zoo’s Grinch Stole Christmas - The Musical . Discover the walkways, a dazzling Laser and Light Spectacular, magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to ice-carving demonstrations, live musical performances, OTHER life on stage. magicians, and much more. ITINERARIES Chicago Southland Day I Bring the Grandkids Start the day with some holiday shopping! From upscale to eclectic, the boutiques I So Much to See & Do! 2 and stores in Downtown Frankfort offer unique selections and personal service that you won't I Shopping Extravaganza find at the shopping malls. Your group will enjoy a CONTACT: Chicago Southland CVB ® Kristy Stevens, CTIS, Sales Executive I The Elements of Art relaxing shopping experience in the small-town setting. www.tourchicagosouthland.com 2304 173rd Street, Lansing, IL 60438 Lunch is served at the Pickwick Society Tea Room , Phone: 888-895-3211 Gifts & Antiques . Loosely based on Louisa May Email: [email protected]

86 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS

EFFINGHAM…WE CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW YOU AROUND

HIGHLIGHTS Groups are invited to explore the gardens where food is grown for the I My Garage restaurant, participate in demonstrations Corvette Museum and spend time relaxing on the beau - tiful grounds. For more information, I Cross at the visit www.ffgrill.com Crossroads End the day with a show at the I The Effingham Effingham Performance Center . This Performance is a 1,564-seat theater that hosts 40 Center performances a year. Local, regional and national acts are scheduled to I Ballard perform, with categories including Nature Center Country, Pop/Top 40, Contemporary Christian, Comedy, Jazz, Dance, I Firefly Grill Classical and Bluegrass. Several nation ally recognized performers will DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY take the stage during the theater’s fourth season. For more information, visit www.theepc.org.

Day Corvettes and Motorcycles Start the day out exploring the history Day Art and Engineering 1 of America’s sports car at My Garage Effingham is a great place to explore the Museum , located on the campus of 3 arts. Start the morning with a walk along Mid America Motorworks. Located on the northeast the streets of downtown Effingham and side of Effingham, this one-of-a-kind museum houses take a tour of the Sculpture on the Avenues . This out - vintage Corvettes and thousands of pieces of Corvette door exhibition features over 30 works of art from some history and memorabilia. For more information, visit of the Midwest’s best known and unknown sculptors. www.mamotorworks.com. Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham’s avenues into an art gallery! From the Corvette Museum, visitors can then swing by the Harley Barn , which is just down the road. Legacy From there, guests may take time to explore the Harley-Davidson houses new and pre-owned motorcy - Cross at the Crossroads . The 198-foot Cross is cles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts and much certainly an engineering wonder, but its greatest miracle more. This is a must see for motorcycle enthusiasts and a is its call to travelers from every faith, background and great stop for those who are interested in unique stores. circumstance, reminding them of the positive values For more information, visit www.legacyhd.com shared and cherished by all. The Cross features a chapel, reception area, restrooms, a refreshment center, After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a home-style meal at and media room where visitors can view a video of the Niemerg’s Steak House where guests will enjoy great construction of the Cross. For more information, visit food and great service at reasonable prices. From chicken www.crossusa.org. dinners, to steaks, to seafood, Niemerg’s is certain to have something to please everyone. And, be sure to OTHER save room for their famous pie! ITINERARIES Day Dinner and a Show I Explore the Arts in The Firefly Grill in Effingham is much Effingham 2 more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary experience that brings thousands of people I Museums and More each year to the Effingham community. The Firefly Grill CONTACT: Effingham CVB has been recognized in several publications including ® Jodi Jackson www.visiteffinghamil.com the Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetite and St. Louis Post for 1505 Hampton Drive, Effingham, IL 62401 its unique atmosphere and its efforts to Go Green. The Phone: 217-342-5305 or 800-772-0750 Firefly Grill offers an unforgettable experience for travel ers. Email: [email protected]

88 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com PIQUA, TIPP CITY AND TROY, OHIO PLUS SURROUNDING AREAS

GOURMET LOVER’S TOUR

HIGHLIGHTS Day Troy and I Be dazzled as Greenville, Ohio Start the day at Bear’s custom handcrafted 2 Mill , a 160-year-old jewelry is made working grist mill—one of seven left from raw materials in Ohio—offering their own freshly I Feast on a ground flours, grains and meals, pioneer meal after plus gourmet foods, pottery and riding the Miami Erie jewelry. Guests receive cornmeal Canal Boat and a cornbread recipe. Next is KitchenAid Stand Mixer factory I Visit a 4th tour & Retail Experience Store , generation chocolate with a live test kitchen. Guests shop located inside participate in demonstrations & a historic hotel make-it/take-it projects. Lunch is served at the lovely and historic I Tour working grist Inn at Versailles , where groups mill, stand mixer experience world-class dining factory and winery in a French country atmosphere. After lunch, the DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Versailles Winery hosts a tour with wine and cheese I Learn about tasting. End the day with dinner at the elegant and sample fresh, Day Piqua and Troy, Ohio Troy Hayner Cultural Center in Troy, a beautifully healthy olive oils The day begins with a visit to Winans restored 1914 mansion, including a tour, catered meal and vinegars, bottled 1 Chocolates & Coffees at the grand Fort and entertainment if desired. to order right in Piqua Plaza , the town’s historic gem. A former hotel, now a multi-use community building, this Troy and Tipp City, Ohio the store Day architectural treasure was recently restored to its former Rise and shine—today’s first stop is I Dine in unique, beauty. Lunch is served pioneer style at Johnston Farm , 3 Bakehouse Bread in historic Troy for locally owned in an informal setting. The Miami Erie Canal awaits a baking demo while guests sample a restaurants; share groups to ride aboard a working canal boat replica, delicious cookie and coffee. One block away, visit aromas, tastes, gliding serenely on a re-watered section of the Miami Olive Oasis , specializing in a wide variety of fresh, wonderful foods and Erie Canal, pulled by mules for an authentic and memo - healthy, high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars. delicacies to savo r rable experience. Visit the Historic Woodland Indian This unique shop offers samples of their products, Museum and the 19th century Johnston Farm Home , and they bottle and label purchases on site, providing I Experience artisan whose owner was the Canal Commissioner & Indian the freshest of products. Just down the street is breads, soaps, Agent. This beautifully preserved home has a cider K’s Restaurant , an historic diner that serves “the best” lotions, fresh teas house, unique two-story spring house, outdoor kitchen milkshakes to be found! Lunch in very quaint Tipp City and herbs—truly a used in hot summer months and a fruit kiln. at Harrison’s Restaurant . Then, groups enjoy another feast for all of unique, sensory experience. Living Simply Soap offers the senses! Moving from historic heritage to present day, groups handmade soaps, candles, lotions and creams – in will be dazzled to visit the “back room” of the area’s flavors good enough to eat! Just a few steps away, OTHER largest full-service jewelry company , learning how The Golden Leaf has “uniques & antiques,” plus fine ITINERARIES stones are cut, polished, jewelry designed and created loose leaf teas and herbs. Save room for gourmet cup - from start to finish. Certainly candy for the eyes! Dinner at cakes at Sweet! By Kristy – over 50 flavors baked daily. I Discover Ohio’s a fine local restaurant, either The Caroline or La Piazza Fill a box of your favorites to take home! Aviation Pioneers in downtown Troy , named one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns by Ohio Magazine. I Goddess Getaway CONTACT: Miami County VCB I Birds, Bread, ® Kay Hamilton, Tourism Manager Boats and Berries www.visitmiamicounty.org 405 S.W. Public Square, Suite 272, Troy, OH 45373 I Feed Your Inner Farmer Phone: 800-348-8993 or 937-339-1044 Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2012 89 COLUMBUS, OHIO

HOW DID THEY DO THAT?

Select from dozens of fragrances before pouring your

H I GHLIGHTS own custom-scented candle at The Candle Lab in I Pick herbs Olde Worthington. While the candle hardens, stroll next from the garden door to sample a variety of labels before selecting your to make your own favorite bottle at House Wine . pizza at Franklin Park Find out how wooden baseball bats Conservatory and Day Botanical Gardens are made for the pros at Phoenix Bat 2 Company and take home a custom- I Make your own engraved mini bat. greeting card at Igloo Letterpress Watch step by step as chocolate candies are made, starting from the basic ingredients to the final packaging I Pour your own at Anthony-Thomas Candy Company , a family- custom-scented owned confectionery founded in 1952. Taste the candle at The results—everyone receives a freshly made chocolate! Candle Lab Curious about how the ball gets inside a whistle? Find I Find out how out at the American Whistle Corporation , the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the nation. You’ll even wooden baseball get your own American Classic whistle to take home. bats are made for the pros at Phoenix Taste wines made with grapes from around the world Bat Company at Camelot Cellars and create your own wine from start to finish. Begin at the fermentation process, then I Create your bottle, cork and even design the label for your own own wine from private wine reserve. start to finish at Camelot Cellars Head east out of Columbus to The Works Day DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY in nearby Newark. Watch trained glass I Weave your blowers creating glass art, then blow your own basket with 3 Stroll through the community garden own glass ornament or fuse glass for a one-on-one help Day at Franklin Park Conservatory and sun catcher or jewelry. from an expert Botanical Gardens and hand-select your at Longaberger 1 own pizza toppings before creating a Weave your own basket with one-on-one help from an Homestead wood-fired pizza for lunch in the outdoor fire cooking expert at Longaberger Homestead in Frazeysburg. theater. Take home a pizza dough recipe along with Get inspired by watching the professional basketmakers I Blow your own a small assortment of garden-fresh herbs. at work, then peruse the factory store. glass ornament at The Works Visit Krema Nut Company , the oldest manufacturer of peanut butter in the country. Krema roasts its nuts in small batches by hand — just as it did 100 years ago. Save room for a handful of nuts.

OTHER Make your own greeting card at Igloo Letterpress ITINERARIES the old-fashioned way, using wooden letters and an antique hand-operated printing press. I What’s Cooking in Columbus See ice cream being made at Graeter’s Ice Cream , Experience Columbus I Go Green in Columbus which uses a French Pot process that makes just two CONTACT: gallons of ice cream at a time—for the ultimate in ® Brian Cheek ExperienceColumbus.com creaminess. I Discover Ohio 277 W. Nationwide Blvd., Ste. 125, Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 614-222-6136 Email: [email protected]

90 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com BBecauseBecaecause the onlyonlllyy thingthin better than telling old storiesstoriesories isis creacreatingatingtingt new ones.

If you’ve ever been to Columbus, you know it isn’t your ordinary destination. Its one-of-a-kind festivals, unique hands-on attractions and freethinking attitude make it a city like no other and one your group is sure to love. So start planning your Columbus visit today at experiencecolumbus.com/tours or by calling 800-354-2657. KANKAKEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

HISTORIC BARN QUILTS, FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT AND MORE

HIGHLIGHTS Day Kankakee, IL Wind down the Barn Quilt Tour on the I Sample some of 2 east side of Kankakee County along the the more than 42 scenic Kankakee River . Make your last barns on the first stop of the tour the Kankakee County Historical county-wide Barn Society Museum , where you can explore a Barn Quilt Quilt Tour in Illinois display up close and photograph historic buildings on the museum campus. Take advantage of the educational I Visit over 220,000 tours at the museum and see exhibits including items square feet of from three Illinois governors that came from Kankakee greenhouses and County and how Dairy Queen got its start. The museum outdoor landscaping shop features Barn Quilt items in addition to other gift displays items. After taking a break at one of the nearby unique eateries, it is a short drive to Frank Lloyd Wright’s I Take a break in B. Harley Bradley House , situated in the heart of a historic down - the Riverview Historic District . Guided one-hour tours town listed in the are available to learn more about how this property National Register marks the beginning of Wright’s Prairie School Style of Historic Places period. Afterwards, enhance your experience at the Stable Gift Shop that offers a large array of Wright- I See a renovated inspired items. one-room school - house and learn about the birth of Dairy Queen

I Visit the B. Harley House, considered the first Prairie-style DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Day Momence and Grant Park, IL Begin by exploring history, art and tradition I Enjoy scenic 1 on the Barn Quilt Tour where colorful views of the quilt patterns are hand painted then Kankakee River displayed on historic barns and corn cribs in Kankakee County’s scenic countryside. Request a step-on guide and custom route to make the most of this unique experience. Stop to stretch you legs in Historic Main Street Momence , listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic integrity and reflection of OTHER the character of the district. Take a break for lunch or ITINERARIES have a wine tasting at Off the Vine . Complete the day at Sunrise Greenhouse, Inc. , with more than 220,000 I Artistic Escape square feet of greenhouses and a two-acre display I Romantic Getaways garden to inspire new ideas. Arrange to meet staff gardening experts that can provide you with guided I Fun in the Sun tours and insightful tips to help your blooms be the brightest. I Girlfriends Getaway CONTACT: Kankakee County CVB ® Vicki Layhew, Sales & Marketing Manager www.visitkankakeecounty.com 1 Dearborn Square, Suite 1, Kankakee, IL 60901 Phone: 800-747-4837 Email: [email protected]

92 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com GURNEE, LAKE BLUFF, VOLO, LONG GROVE, BUFFALO GROVE AND WHEELING, ILLINOIS

CHEERS TO CHIC, CHARMING AND CHOCOLATE (JUST NORTH OF CHICAGO)

HIGHLIGHTS Our day starts in quaint Day I Gurnee Volo at a pure shopper’s Antique Center 2 paradise, Volo Antique Village . Three malls and I Main Street 30 acres are dedicated to antiques, shopping collectibles, home furnishings and gifts.

I North Shore Charming Long Grove Historic Village Distillery offers a lovely lunch at Seasons of Long Grove . This restaurant’s decor I Entertainment changes with the seasons and serves options: up a delicious buffet or ladies tea, Marriott Theatre, complete with hats. We take some time Citadel Theatre, to explore this delightful village for its Viper Alley, Ravinia unique shops and galleries.

I Volo DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY The late afternoon brings cravings for something sweet Antique Village – chocolate; the Long Grove Confectionery store fills We’re getting our chic on! Start the day at the bill. We agree, it’s the finest chocolate in the area Day I Long Grove the Gurnee Antique Center – 24,000 feet and a great place to shop for gifts for the ones we left Historic Village 1 of antique heaven. The center guarantees behind (for this trip…). and Long Grove that all items are at least 50 years old. Confectionery tour A stop nearby at Lynfred Winery’s newest store is a and shopping Lunch is at Salutos of Gurnee , where the house salad must. Illinois’ oldest winery features many varieties and dressing is a well-kept secret. This family-owned restau - a group wine tasting will help find everyone’s perfect I Lynfred Winery’s rant features homemade pastas, sauces and desserts. blend to bring home. Wheeling store The afternoon calls for a visit to one of many cherished The trip back to our hotel or B&B provides many won - Main Street communities – Antioch, Grayslake, derful Lake County restaurant choices. Many offer pri - Libertyville or Waukegan . We visit a variety of shops vate dining settings to give our group the VIP treatment. offering china, local artwork, culinary supplies, food - stuffs, craft supplies and so much more. Lake County has many other entertainment venues—the stars under the stars at Ravinia Festival , James Lumber Check into one of the more contemporary hotels – Center for the Performing Arts , shuttle to Potawatomi Hotel indigo or SpringHill Suites Waukegan/Gurnee . Bingo Casino —Milwaukee and more. We find the right Smaller groups will love the coziness of the Roxana nightlife for our group of gals. Hotel & B&B on Fox Lake. Go all out and rent an entire estate – Tir Na Nog , for the weekend! As we all settle back into our hotel rooms, the girls are cheering and thanking us for planning a getaway to OTHER The cheers initiate a wonderful evening starting at “cheers to chic, charming and chocolate.” It’s sure to ITINERARIES North Shore Distillery . Take a tour of Illinois’ first craft become an annual event! distillery since Prohibition and partake of full drink I For Music, Wine and Chocolate “Nuts” samples. Just a quick jaunt down the road is Lake County’s famous restaurant – The Silo . This rustic-style and I Hidden Treasures, friendly establishment is best known for its deep-dish Country Pleasures pizza and casual atmosphere.

I Hooked on the The night is still young; head over to the Marriott Theatre CONTACT: Visit Lake County Chain O’Lakes for a musical, The Citadel Theatre for a play, the ® Jayne Nordstrom Genesee Theatre for a concert or comedian, or an www.visitlakecounty.org I Lake Forest Treasures 5465 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031 intimate p erformance in an industrial-chic setting at our Phone: 800-525-3669 new Viper Alley . Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2012 93 MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS

A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS FROM DAYS GONE BY!

HIGHLIGHTS Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in one of McHenry County’s full- or limit - I Christmas 2 ed- service national brand hotels. music at Sanfilippo’s Place Explore Historic Woodstock Square to de la Musique find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Stroll through the Christmas tree display at the I Dinner with Woodstock Opera House and enjoy a tour all the Christmas of this historic building. Maybe even ride in trimmings a horse-drawn carriage. Your group can even make their own DecoMesh Wreath in a style I Christmas that is uniquely their own at Season’s by Peg . shows in historic Not the crafty type? They have that covered theaters too…browse their shop that is decorated from floor to ceiling with Christmas décor. Enjoy I Christmas trees hand-dipped ice cream or coffee while you and wreaths and take it all in. chocolate, oh my! Enjoy a Western-style lunch at Donley’s Old West I Relive a 1950s DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Steakhouse or stay in Woodstock longer and experience Christmas relaxed French dining at the cozy La Petite Creperie Day Stroll through Treetime’s Christmas tree & Bistrot . I Lunch on Historic shop, a place where people from near or French dining 1 and far come to find everything they need Don’t miss this year’s special Christmas exhibit at the for the holiday season, from artificial trees McHenry County Historical Society Museum . It’s to wreaths, garland and décor. Make your own fresh Christmas Eve in a 1950s living room somewhere in “My wreath at Richardson Christmas Tree Farm in their Town” McHenry County. Step into the room and be sur - Christmas tree barn while sipping hot cocoa and rounded by the sights and sounds of that decade. Enjoy nibbling donuts. holiday music and old-fashioned homemade cookies.

Dine overlooking the Fox River at the nautically themed There is something unique for everyone on your Port Edward Restaurant . Or enjoy a historic Christmas shopping list from Steel Heart to Ginger Blossom lunch at 1776 Restaurant . and from the quaint downtown shopping districts of Crystal Lake , Woodstock , Richmond , McHenry and The Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique" is known Hebron to the Huntley Outlet Center . And don’t worldwide for its magnificent collections of beautifully forget the chocolate! Anderson’s Candy Shop , restored antique music machines, phonographs, Riverside Chocolate Factory , Morkes and Ethereal gambling machines, chandeliers, the world's largest Confections make the finest anywhere! OTHER restored theater pipe organ and the most spectacular ITINERARIES European salon carousel in existence, all displayed McHenry County is an easy drive northwest of Chicago within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting. and is convenient to Milwaukee and Lake Geneva, Wis; I Plains, Trains Christmas music will be featured during this visit! Rockford, Ill; and the entire Chicagoland area. Extend your & Automobiles See the house all dressed up for Christmas! stay in McHenry County and enjoy the surrounding sites. I European Treasures, County Pleasures In the evening, enjoy a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at 31 North Banquet & Conference Center . I Quilting in the Country During dinner be entertained by a group of young violinists and then make your own chocolate truffles I Always a Groundhog, for a perfectly sweet end to your evening! CONTACT: McHenry County CVB Never a Bride ® Jaki Berggren www.visitmchenrycounty.com Take in a holiday show at The Raue Center for the Arts 600 Dakota St., Suite F, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 in Downtown Crystal Lake or at the Woodstock Opera Phone: 815-893-6280 House on the Historic Woodstock Square! Email: [email protected]

94 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com OAKBROOK TERRACE, ILLINOIS

CHICAGO’S OAK BROOK SHOPPING/ENTERTAINMENT SITE

a unique state-of-the-art facility offering a variety of live theater, music, dance and visual arts for your evening's HIGHLIGHTS enjoyment. Relax in your comfortable hotel room in Oakbrook Terrace for a restful night’s sleep. I Conveniently located just 20 miles Morning: Get ready for yet another mega- Day west of Chicago’s center, The Promenade Bolingbrook , Loop 2 with "Main Street" shopping and dining surrounded by more fabulous anchor I Just minutes from stores, or take a trip through scenic Naperville before Oakbrook Shopping stopping to shop at Westfield Fox Valley center, Center, Illinois’ #1 a 3-level enclosed shopping center with 180 stores shopping destination and restaurants in Aurora, just a couple miles west of downtown Naperville. I Seven affordable, convenient, group- Afternoon: Make time for brand-name bargain hunting friendly hotels with at Chicago Premium Outlets , where you'll find 120 free parking designer and name brand outlets boasting huge every - day savings. I Complimentary pre-arranged shuttle Evening: Window shop and dine in Willowbrook Town service within five- Centre , then enjoy dinner at one of 40 restaurants in the mile radius City of Oakbrook Terrace , including Ditka’s, Volare or Costa’s . Unwind in your room at one of seven I Over 40 affordable hotels in Oakbrook Terrace . restaurants within the City to choose from, DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY This morning, get a feel for true DuPage Day including Ditka’s County hospitality in Elmhurst City Centre , Morning: Your shopping odyssey begins offering great shopping and dining in Day 3 I Near Lynfred at Oakbrook Center , the crown jewel of a picturesque community setting, Winery, Morton 1 Oak Brook with over 160 specialty stores or Downtown Westmont . Arboretum, DuPage and major upscale retailers and restaurants Children’s Museum, in a lush outdoor setting. Spend a full morning shopping Afternoon: Enjoy a light lunch, then treat yourself to Billy Graham Center before stopping for a leisurely lunch at one of the many some well-earned pampering at one of DuPage County's Museum and 40 excellent restaurants in the center. luxurious day spas. Not ready to relax just yet? For a real public golf courses adventure in shopping, head over to the 5 Star Indoor Afternoon: Travel just a few miles west on 22nd Swap Mart , Chicago's bargain hunters' paradise in I Easy access from Street to Yorktown Center in Lombard, where you Villa Park . major interstates and will find more major retailers and another nearly 150 tollways specialty shops in a mall-style venue surrounded by Evening: Spend your final evening in DuPage in style shops in a hip "lifestyle center" setting, as well as lots with dinner and a Broadway-style show at the award- of restaurants and a multi-screen movie theater. winning Drury Lane Theatre . End the evening with one more luxurious night’s rest in one of our name-brand If you prefer smaller venues, continue west to Naper hotels in the City of Oakbrook Terrace . Boulevard, where just a few yards north you’ll find Town Square Wheaton , a lifestyle shopping center OTHER with leading shops, restaurants and services. Another ITINERARIES option is Lombard Town Centre , where warm, friendly service and tree-lined streets provide the framework I Girls Shopping Getaways for the town’s retail and service district. CONTACT: Oakbrook Terrace Hotels ® www.oakbrookterracehotels.com 915 Harger Rd., Suite 240 Evening: Visit the College of DuPage , where you can Oak Brook, IL 60523 savor an amazing meal at its new Culinary Arts Center Phone: 800-232-0502 before enjoying the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) , Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2012 95 DAVENPORT & BETTENDORF, IOWA ROCK ISLAND & MOLINE/EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS

SIMPLY QUAD CITIES

Day Begin your day by experiencing HIGHLIGHTS some of the products here in the 3 Quad Cities. Go on a free studio I Experience the tour of Isabel Bloom . This locally sights and sounds of owned company creates lasting memories John Deere with its statues. You will be able to explore what makes these collectibles so unique with I Enjoy a their four-day process of creation. After shop - riverboat on the ping in the studio store we head over to see Mississippi River Rock Island’s own mustard factory. Let’s tour Boetje’s Mustard . This family-owned mustard I See what makes company has won numerous international the Quad Cities stone ground mustard competitions. Since we such a unique got our shopping in and now just tasted a location champion mustard, we have to be getting thirsty. We will now head to LeClaire, IA for I Enjoy tours that some fine spirits. Tour the Mississippi River highlight locally Distilling Company . The local family-owned made products company will share its experience with you on what got them into crafting some of the I Experience Midwest’s top spirits. top-notch theater To finish off your tour of the Quad Cities, productions Day DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY take in some of our live theater options. I Enjoy our 4 Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is the Midwest hospitality Day Begin your day at one of the largest perfect location to have your dinner and factories in the United States, the John entertainment. Circa ’21 offers top-notch professional I Drive along the 1 Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, productions and dinner options that appeal to all your Mississippi River on Illinois. Here you will be able to get up senses. Want to have a laugh? Enjoy the Establishment the Great River Road close to the John Deere Combine production lines. Theatre and ComedySportz! Get ready for some Be sure to take in the stories of your tour guide as they laughs as the two teams take on each other for points were once on the lines during their service to John and most laughs. Deere. After seeing the screws and bolts put together on the massive machines, head over to the newly renovated John Deere Pavilion and experience the past, present and future of John Deere & Company. Continue your day of John Deere as you visit the Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center , two homes that were built for the John Deere family. Today you can experience the beauty and elegance of these OTHER homes with guided tours. ITINERARIES Today let’s experience the beauty and I Misses on the Mississippi Day power of the Mighty Mississippi River . I The John Deere Experience 2 The Quad Cities offers two riverboats that feature what life was like when the I Rail, Road, and River Mississippi River was a main artery of transportation. Experience the 800-passenger Celebration Belle . You I Historical Quad Cities can choose from a two-hour sightseeing cruise all the CONTACT: Quad Cities CVB way to an all-day cruise up or down river. Or you can ® Dan Gleason www.visitquadcities.com choose to take a ride on the Victorian-style Riverboat 1601 River Drive, Suite 110, Moline, IL 61265 Twilight . Experience this one-of-a-kind riverboat as you Phone: 800-747-7800, ext. 100 travel up river with entertainment and narration. Email: [email protected]

96 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com ST. CLOUD, ALBERTVILLE AND KIMBALL, MINNESOTA

THE MORE BAGS THE BETTER

St. Cloud and HIGHLIGHTS Day Kimball, MN No rise and shine I No sales tax 2 required…we’ll get on clothing in started early, but not with the birds! Minnesota Crafts Direct draws customers from all over Minnesota. You can find crafts I Over 40,000 and home decor items that are unique square feet of craft to this store. There is always a seasonal supplies, gifts and section, material, scrapbooking seasonal items sup plies, beading and so much more. The next stop is The Pantry , which I Unique has quality products from our area and boutiques, antiques offers the ‘Pantry Party’ featuring the and hand-crafted opportunity to prepare products that arts are sold in the store. Located next door is The Liquor Learning Center . I Food DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY It doesn’t matter if it’s a wine tasting, beer or specialty demonstrations liquors. Be adventurous and learn something new. After Albertville and St. Cloud, MN lunch a visit to our destination quilt shop— Gruber’s I Day Branson-style There’s no denying the fun gals have Quilt Shop offers classes, quilting and knitting sup - entertainment and 1 when you combine shopping, spas, plies. Not into quilting? Crossroads Shopping Center various theater theater, great restaurants and libation. is located one block away, with indoor mall shopping performances Minnesota does not tax clothing, so that’s another at its best. great reason to come our way! After breakfast we’ll I Beautiful summer start our adventure at Albertville Premium Outlets . It’s late afternoon and time to wind down with a stroll gardens Groups will receive complimentary VIP Coupon through Munsinger and Clemens Gardens along the Books upon arrival. Find impressive savings at Adidas, beautiful Mississippi River. The gardens are sure to Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic, Calvin please all of your senses! During the summer months Klein, Coach and more. With over 100 stores, it’s about 2,000 people a day visit the gardens. sure to be one great shopping adventure. Our evening concludes with a dinner and wine pairing Our shopping continues in Historic Downtown event at Millner’s Heritage Winery . A three- or four- St. Cloud , where the boutique shops can include used course meal is planned specifically to accompany books, antiques, local designer pieces, art and more. the wines served. A complimentary cookbook of the entrees is included so you can create the same menu For many years the Model College of Hair Design at home. Come visit Granite Country and take home has provided quality spa services at very reasonable rock-solid memories! prices. Prepare to be pampered choosing a pedicure, manicure or upper body massage just in time to get OTHER ready for an evening at the Paramount Theatre . ITINERARIES The theater has plays, Branson-style entertainment and such nationally known performers as the Gatlin I Kids Just Wanna Have Fun Brothers, Don Williams and Lori Line. The theater has I Stained Glass Sanctuary been restored to its original 1920’s decor and there & Floral Fantasy isn’t a bad seat in the house!

I Let the Good Times Flow Complete the evening with a stop at the Martini Bar featuring a menu of over 25 different martinis to choose CONTACT: St. Cloud Area CVB from. Some of them taste just like candy! ® Jean Robbins www.granitecountry.com 525 Highway 10 South, Ste. One, St. Cloud, MN 56304 Phone: 800-264-2940, ext 129 or 320-202-6729 Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2012 97 MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

EXPLORING MILWAUKEE

largest collection of industrial art in the world at the Grohmann Museum HIGHLIGHTS “Man at Work.” View paintings and sculptures depicting man’s human I Basilica of achievements throughout time: from St. Josephat farming, mining and construction to brewing, medical/dental and so much I Milwaukee more. Also enjoy a beautiful view of County Zoo the city from the rooftop sculpture garden. Stop in at Great Lakes I Capt. Frederick Distillery , Wisconsin’s first distillery Pabst Mansion since prohibition. Tour and sample the award-winning spirits. Perhaps I Grohmann dinner and show at one of the many Museum restaurants and theaters in Milwaukee “Man at Work” or enjoy The Fireside Dinner Theatre Collection in Fort Atkinson. DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY I Begin your adventure in Milwaukee today Milwaukee Day Public Market From the clean sparkling waters of Lake Michigan to with a behind-the-scenes tour of the our rich cultural heritage, Milwaukee has something for 3 Milwaukee County Zoo . Recognized as everyone – a multitude of exciting attractions, shopping, one of the country’s finest zoological gardens, and ethnic and cultural events such as Polish Fest, attractions, the Zoo is a serene home to more than German Fest and Irish Fest that have been named Top 100 2,275 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles Events by the American Bus Association. Old World with more than 330 species. Your tour guides you charm mixed with New World vigor – this is Milwaukee! around animal exhibits and zookeeper areas in selected parts of the grounds. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing Begin your visit to Milwaukee enjoying cruise on the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. Stop Day the beautiful gardens found within in at the Northpoint Lighthouse to learn the maritime 1 “The Domes” , the world's only conoidal history of Lake Michigan and perhaps climb to the top glass houses. The three Domes—a Tropical for a beautiful view of the city and lakefront. Rainforest, a Desert and the changing “Show” Dome— are home to flowers and plants from around the world. Day This morning explore the Forest Home Each Dome is almost half a football field wide by seven Cemetery with a guided tour to learn stories tall. Twenty wildlife species including tropical 4 about the “history” of cemeteries, finches, lizards, frogs, toads, fish, and turtles call the Milwaukee and Wisconsin. You’ll hear Domes their home. Check into your hotel. This evening about beer barons Pabst, Schlitz and Blatz; Alfred Lunt enjoy dinner and gaming at Potawatomi Bingo Casino . and Lynne Fontanne; General Billy Mitchell; and so many Feel the energy and prepare yourself for big-time fun others. Afterwards, marvel at the stories and beauty of with a broad lineup of games like blackjack, craps, the Basilica of St. Josephat . Enjoy a delightful lunch at OTHER roulette, Let It Ride Bonus ® Poker, bingo and over 3,100 Geo. Watts Tea Room this afternoon. Before heading ITINERARIES slot machines. Potawatomi also offers a variety of for home, stop in at the Milwaukee Public Market dining options including the newly expanded and to stock up on Wisconsin cheeses and a variety of I Century Olde Milwaukee improved Buffet, RuYi and the Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill. other products. I Made in America Start your day seeing the sights and Day I Holidays in Milwaukee learning the history of Milwaukee with a 2 city tour. Watch the “wings” open at the Milwaukee Art Museum . Visit the Capt. CONTACT: VISIT Milwaukee Frederick Pabst Mansion , the stately home of one ® Wendy Dobrzynski, CTIS, Group Tour Manager www.visitmilwaukee.org of Milwaukee’s beer barons. Lunch today at one of 648 N. Plankinton, Suite 425, Milwaukee, WI 53203 Milwaukee’s oldest family restaurants, Mader’s German Phone: 414-287-4222 Restaurant on Old World Third Street. Explore the Email: [email protected]

98 June 2012 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN

FAMILY FUN IN “THE WATERPARK CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! ®”

include live music, a drive-in theater, comedy HIGHLIGHTS club, 4-D experience theaters and a live circus show. I The highest concentration of Get in on the action at one of the Day waterparks in the Dells’ many interactive attractions. world with over 3 The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory 200 waterslides – Interactive Science Center features over 150 hands-on exhibits, including I Home to the the Original Russian Space Station MIR and nation’s largest NASA’s Mercury Space Capsule. Or experience combination indoor/ Wizard Quest , an interactive fantasy game outdoor waterpark where you search for clues to free Wizards. resort and largest Another family favorite is MagiQuest at Great outdoor waterpark Wolf Lodge . MagiQuest is a full-size adventure game that sends participants straight into a I One of the mythical Renaissance world. Other interactive world’s longest attractions include historic and eclectic running live water museums, game centers and paint-it-yourself ski shows pottery shops.

I The Dells is a great place to satisfy your Tour the Original Day Russian Space Station DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY need for speed. Rev up the fun at one MIR and NASA’s 4 of the area’s many go-kart tracks, like Mercury Space ADare Go Carts and Big Chief’s Go Capsule Day There’s a reason Wisconsin Dells is known Karts . Believe it or not, you can also do your go-kart as “The Waterpark Capital of the World! ®”. driving indoors at Knuckleheads Bowling & Indoor I Weatherproof 1 It’s where you’ll find Wisconsin’s largest Amusement Park or the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park . fun with indoor mini indoor waterpark ( Kalahari Waterpark Keep your adrenaline pumping as you fly down the golf, go-karts and Resort Convention Center ), America’s largest outdoor Hellcat Coaster at Timber Falls Adventure Park , featuring amusement rides waterpark ( Noah’s Ark Waterpark ), the nation’s the second steepest drop in North America! Or try largest combination indoor/outdoor waterpark resort one of the six hair-raising roller coasters at Mt. Olympus I Hair-raising (Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort ), and the highest Water and Theme Parks , including Hades, with the rollercoasters concentration of waterparks on the globe. And be world’s longest underground tunnel. Want the adventure sure not to miss out on the expansive indoor/outdoor of a ride, but also a chance to view the scenic beauty I Scenic tours waterparks at resorts like Chula Vista Resort and of the Dells? Home to the world’s largest fleet of along the Wisconsin Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks . In the Dells, WWII amphibious vehicles, or “Ducks,” no Dells vacation River of the Dells’ you’ll find every kind of water ride and slide there is – would be complete without a land and water tour famous bluffs from extreme plunge slides to racing speed slides, and through the beautiful sandstone bluffs that made the massive wave pools to lazy rivers – more than 200 Dells famous. waterslides in all! There’s no doubt, when it comes to OTHER putting the biggest splash in family fun, no place compares to Wisconsin Dells. ITINERARIES A great way to relax after a day at the I Grown-Up Getaways Day waterparks is to take in one of the area’s I Youth Group 2 entertaining live shows. The famous Summer Getaway Tommy Bartlett Show is a must. It’s been entertaining families – rain or shine – for 60 years with I Senior Summer Tour its daredevil skiers, death-defying acrobats and hilarious CONTACT: Wisconsin Dells VCB stage acts. Another favorite is the 90-minute magic ® Tifani Jones I Youth Educational Tour www.wisdells.com extravaganza at the family-friendly Rick Wilcox Magic 701 Superior St., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 Theater . Bringing more magic to the Dells is Jeremy Phone: 800-223-3557 Allen’s Grand Illusions . Other entertainment options Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2012 99