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DELIVERING BUSINESS ESSENTIALS TO NTA MEMBERS DECEMBER 2018

Greatest hits Music hot spots, festivals and heritage at six destinations PAGE 20

THE PILGRIMS’ PILGRIMAGE PAGE 18

HOLIDAY SPECIAL: HO-HO-HOTELS GUIDE PAGE 35

DREAMS TO FOLLOW PAGE 48

Austin City Limits Music Festival OVER 5,000 TRAILS BLAZED DAILY. Your next opportunity is a flight away. Just ask the 170 million passengers who choose to fly to one of our 327 destinations.

Based on average number of Delta flights per day in the March 2016 schedule. Includes flights operated by our Delta Connection® carriers: Compass Airlines, Endeavor Air, Inc., ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., GoJet Airlines, Shuttle America, and SkyWest; Delta Shuttle® carriers: Shuttle America and Compass Airlines.

001082_NatlTourAssn2016_Ad_8.375x10.875_v1.indd 1 8/8/16 4:56 PM December 2018

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

4 From the Editor

6 Voices of Leadership

Business

8 Relating to Government A number of issues impacting the travel industry will be important to the 2019 U.S. Congress, which finds the 18 Republicans in control of the Senate and the Democrats having the majority in the House of Representatives following The Pilgrims’ pilgrimage the 2018 midterm elections. The Faith Travel Association’s recent product development trip covered places in England and the United States that are significant to the 10 How to keep your group in the loop Pilgrims’ voyage on the Mayflower in 1620. Participants learned about Social media expert Catherine Heeg offers four tips to help product options as a lead-up to the 400th anniversary that will be generate momentum before, during and after a tour. commemorated in 2020. 12 What’s On San Francisco serves up Disney, a dungeon and a submarine Stop your blubbering Cashing in on Fairbanks’ thriving arts scene

Resources

35 Courier’s Guide to NTA-member Lodging Properties

20 Community Greatest hits Every place has a song to sing and and a variety of venues and voices 46 Meet the Members that celebrate musical artistry. But what would it look like if a destination John Hall’s Alaska compiled an album of their greatest hits? We did it for six spots. Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau

47 New Members/NTA Events Calendar

Courier has used images existing in the public domain or made available from sources including, but not limited to, Flickr and Wikimedia Commons under a Creative Commons Attribution Generic License. The full text of the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License is available at bit.ly/1gDYjzM. Images used may have been altered by cropping or adjusted for contrast, saturation, size, color, clarity or otherwise digitally manipulated to meet design specifications. Courier’s use of Creative Commons and public domain images does not constitute or suggest the licensor’s explicit or implied endorsement of Courier, its content, staff, contributors, advertisers or any other use by Courier.

NTAonline.com 1 AD INDEX Volume 45, Issue 9 December 2018 | ★ New advertisers NTA President ACISO–Associacao Empresarial Ourém-Fátima...... 33 Pam Inman [email protected] aciso.pt Editorial Aon Affinity Insurance Services...... Inside Back Cover berkely.com Editor in Chief Bob Rouse [email protected] Managing Editor Pat Henderson [email protected] Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association...... 9 Writer Kendall Fletcher [email protected] blackhillsbadlands.com

Writer Gabe Webb [email protected] Chicago The Musical– Contributors Catherine Heeg, Pam Inman, Laura McFadden, Kami Risk, Kay Saffari, The Signal Group National Artists Management Company...... 3, 21 Graphic Design Jeff Quire chicagothemusical.com

Advertising Cody Country Visitors & Convention Council...... 29 President, NTA Services Inc. Kami Risk [email protected] codyyellowstone.org

Senior Account Executive/Eastern U.S. & International Beth Engel [email protected] Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 5 Account Executive/Western U.S. Kelley Burchell [email protected] visitcos.com Account Executive/Central U.S. & Canada Gina Mulvany [email protected] Coral Castle...... 14 Senior Manager, Marketing Ashley Fish [email protected] coralcastle.com

Country Music Hall of Fame PLANNING AHEAD & Museum...... 23 countrymusichalloffame.org To view the 2019 editorial calendar, visit NTAonline.com/advertising. NTA members can submit tour product information or editorial queries to [email protected]. And for advertising information, contact Delta Air Lines...... Inside Front Cover Kendall at +1.859.264.6559 or [email protected]. delta.com

FEBRUARY ISSUE MARCH ISSUE ★Explore Logan, Utah...... 13 explorelogan.com DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS Atlantic Coast Four Corners U.S. Graceland & Guest House Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah at Graceland...... 24 Virginia Ontario, Québec and Niagara Falls graceland.com Great Frontier U.S. Canada and U.S. ★Hampton Inn Durango...... 38 Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming Africa hamptoninn.com Western Canada Greece, Italy and Turkey Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, History Colorado...... 31 historycolorado.org Saskatchewan, Yukon SPECIAL COVERAGE Historical Homes and Gardens City Spotlight: Fort Worth ★Hotel Zephyr at Guide: Sightseeing Rail Fisherman’s Wharf...... 37 SPECIAL COVERAGE hotelzephyrsf.com Sightseeing, River and Big Ship Cruises DEADLINES Guide: Sightseeing, River and Big Ship Cruises Space: Jan. 4 | Material: Jan. 14 Lord Elgin Hotel...... 36 lordelgin.ca DEADLINES Space: Nov. 30 | Material: Dec. 10 The National World War II Museum...... 27 nationalww2museum.org

Paducah PUBLISHED BY NTA SERVICES, INC. Email: [email protected] Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 15 paducah.travel COURIER (USPS 602270, ISSN 0279-4489)(Vol. 45, Issue 9) published nine times a year by NTA Services, Inc., 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509. Periodicals Postage Paid at Lexington, Kentucky, and additional mailing offices. Potawatomi Hotel and Casino...... 44 Subscription rate is $60 per year. paysbig.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Courier, 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509. COURIER is the official licensed publication of NTA®, an international trade association of the packaged travel industry. Copyright© 2018, NTA Royal Gorge Bridge and Park...... 30 Services, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way or by any royalgorgebridge.com means, electrical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of Courier, except for quotations made for purposes of a review. All inquiries should be sent to Courier magazine, 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509, +1.859.264.6559. Additional subscriptions can be purchased by calling +1.859.264.6559. Printed in USA. Strater Hotel...... 38 strater.com Advertising rates are available upon request. For a change of address, subscribers may notify Courier directly, by email or letter. U.S. Space & Rocket Center...... 26 COURIER’S MISSION STATEMENT spacecamp.com Courier aims to facilitate member-to-member partnering by spotlighting member product and destinations worldwide, to provide information on current industry trends and issues, and to inform members about NTA initiatives, events and benefits. Visit Billings...... Back Cover visitbillings.com

Courier is printed on 100% recyclable material Visit Savannah...... 16–17 visitsavannah.com

2 December 2018 B:8.625” T:8.375” S:8.125” B:11.125” S:10.625” T:10.875”

AMBASSADOR THEATRE · 49TH STREET AT BROADWAY · CHICAGOTHEMUSICAL.COM NTAonline.com 3

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Job info Approvals Fonts & Images Job CH_106_P_IN_WHERE Art Director None Fonts Client CHICAGO Copywriter None Champion (HTF Middleweight) Media Type None Account Mgr LISA Live 8.125” x 10.625” Studio Artist Billie Images Trim 8.375” x 10.875” Proofreader None CH_106_P_IN_WHERE_COV- Bleed 8.625” x 11.125” ER_7.875x10.5.psd (CMYK; 301 ppi; 106.11%), Pubs None Notes CRIMINAL_LOGO_CMYK.psd (CMYK; 1570 ppi; 38.19%), SHUBERT_ORG_BUG.ai (5.84%) None

Inks Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black FROM THE EDITOR

Bob Rouse Editor in Chief 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350 Lexington, KY 40509 USA +1.859.264.6548 [email protected]

PICTURED AT RIGHT is the only thing that trended down at For our next Travel Exchange in Milwaukee. Exiting the convention floor for number, cue up the the last time, your NTA staff was exhausted … and exhilarated. Compass section: The escalator went down, but everything else was on the Tour through the rise: smiles, tweets, Contact registrations, compliments, hugs, Gulf Coast states in CTP enrollments, thumbs ups, membership renewals, etc. Kendall Fletcher’s You’ll see a few photos from Milwaukee on page 45, but we story on pages 25–27. didn’t have enough time to prepare our annual recap for this Read about Rocky issue. So be patient, please. You’ll see more images from Travel Mountain states and Exchange ’18 in the January issue, which will include a full provinces—courtesy recap. And check out the online gallery of Norm Huberdeau’s of Gabe Webb—start- photos from Milwaukee: bit.ly/2B8TwbT. ing on page 28. And NORMAND HUBERDEAU You’ve got great stories in this issue. I’ve been hearing about see what Pat Henderson learned from members in Spain, the two halves of a product development trip my colleagues Portugal and Scandinavia, pages 32 and 34. took, and now I’ve got it in writing. Kay Saffari and Kami Following a thorough guide of NTA-member hotels, read Risk share highlights of their journey through history on two what NTA staffer Laura McFadden discovered—or rediscov- tours—in England and Massachusetts—that commemorate the ered—out west on her honeymoon. 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ voyage on the Mayflower. Nearly the whole staff traveled to Milwaukee last month to put Their Plymouth/Plimoth memories are on pages 18 and 19. on a convention for you. As a writer, I’m all too familiar with the I once composed a list of the Top 100 Songs of My Life, so anxiety of investing mental and emotional energy into a project it’s only natural for me to imagine that any place could put … and then waiting to see how it’s accepted. We go through a together a greatest-hits album, except with venues and events similar process as a staff when we plan for Travel Exchange. instead of songs. I asked six destinations, and sure enough, Your smiles and hugs told us all we need to know. Pictured they could. Big ups to our graphic designer, Jeff Quire, who at right, we’re waving … to you. really makes this feature sing (pages 20–24). Read on,

December Courier Destination Index

Alabama 27 Massachusetts 14, 19 Alaska 15, 46 Mississippi 26 Alberta 21, 28 Montana 31 British Columbia 30 Norway 34 California 12 Portugal 32 Colorado 20, 29 Spain 32 England 18 Tennessee 24 Florida 26 Texas 23, 25

Germany 22 Utah 22 On the cover: Iceland 34 Virginia 46 The Austin City Limits Music Festival made the (imaginary) Texas greatest hits Idaho 28 Wyoming 48 album. See more collections in our music Louisiana 25 feature that starts on page 20. Photo: Travel Texas

4 December 2018 TOP 10 REASONS TO TOUR COLORADO SPRINGS Colorado Springs is a year-round tour destination boasting mild temperatures, more than 300 days of blue skies and spectacular scenery. Create intriguing tours at unforgeable destinations like Garden of the Gods Park and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

It’s Colorado Springs With unparalleled natural beauty, Arts Scene Enjoy hundreds of public sculptures, 1 clients will be thrilled with the stunning scenery. 6 galleries, art walks, classes and performances. Western Heritage Discover the deep roots of the Pikes All Seasons From colorful fall days to spring blooms, 2 Peak or Bust Gold Rush exploring old and active mines. 7 the region shines with a year-round mild climate. All Aboard Trek through Cripple Creek and along the Olympic City USA See where Team USA dreams are 3 Arkansas River in the Royal Gorge on a historic train. 8 born at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. Cultural Experiences Soak in the region’s multi-faceted 55+ With more than 55 unique aractions, it’s easy to 4 culture at museums, historic sites and festivals. 9 plan multi-day itineraries in the Pikes Peak region. The Great Outdoors Adventure is always close by Easy Access Located in the center of the country, it’s easy 5 with thousands of miles of trails and open spaces. 10 to drive or ﬂy straight into COS, 15 minutes from downtown.

PLAN YOUR TOUR Floy Kennedy, Director of Travel Industry Sales [email protected] | Direct: 719-685-7635 VisitCOS.com/tours NTAonline.com 5 VOICES OF LEADERSHIP NTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Chair Paul Larsen Ed-Ventures [email protected] Pam Inman Vice Chair President Jim Warren, CTP 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350 Anderson Vacations [email protected] Lexington, KY 40509 USA +1.859.264.6551 Secretary [email protected] Jorge Cazenave, CTP Cazenave Argentina [email protected] New connections I’M STILL GLOWING from seeing all the Immediate Past Chair great connections you made in Milwaukee— Engage: We launched NTA’s virtual community plat- J. Chris Babb form during Travel Exchange, and your colleagues The Group Tour Company and seeing through your eyes a city that immediately started exploring ways to connect with [email protected] some had never visited before. What a great each other to pitch product and discuss challenges. DMO Director job Visit Milwaukee did to make Travel Dave Nitkiewicz Exchange memorable! And your NTA Board NTAchinapartner.com: The China Preferred Partner Experience Grand Rapids of Directors and staff delivered an awesome Program, which I mentioned above, has its own [email protected] experience with changes that gave you even website with tools and resources to help you tap Tour Supplier Director more opportunities to build relationships. into an ever-expanding market. Dan Flores Maverick Aviation Group During the annual business meeting at Courier online: We rolled out NTAcourier.com early [email protected] Travel Exchange, I shared exciting updates this fall, and the team keeps adding outstanding about programs NTA created in 2018 that original content—both new material and articles Directors will enable you to make even more meaning- from past issues. It offers a great way to share info Debra Asberry ful connections with colleagues and part- about your destination. Women Traveling Together [email protected] ners. Here’s a recap: Events: Our website dedicated to Travel Exchange Kelly Dean was a big help as members prepared for Milwaukee, New programs Ottawa Tourism and now you can learn about Contact ’19 in Tucson: [email protected] Loyalty Program: By staying involved with NTA, you NTA contact.com has info about sightseeing, semi- can earn points that entitle you to significant dis- Angela Harness, CTP nars and schedules for the March 27–30 event. Tanger Outlets counts on events and membership. [email protected] If you have questions about any of these China Preferred Partner Program: Launched in Ashley Kingman November as an add-on to regular membership, exciting initiatives, email us (headquarters@ Travel Portland this program provides enhanced exposure to the ntastaff.com), and we’ll give you all the details. [email protected] Chinese travel trade, along with exclusive discounts I’m grateful for the ideas and feedback Cory Mace and marketing assistance. you’ve shared during the past year, and we’ve North Central Group – Hilton & got magnificent momentum heading into 2019. Marriott Hotels Concierge Program: For corporate supplier mem- [email protected] bers and members with multiple properties, we’ll Fraser Neave, CTP make it easier for operators to find all your loca- Wells Gray Tours tions on NTA Online searches. [email protected] Chase Poffenberger Academic Travel Abroad [email protected] Monique van Dijk-Seppola Scandinavia Tours [email protected] Jerry Varner Making Memories Tours [email protected] Christina Werner, CTP Custom Holidays [email protected] Director at Large Lydia Fields Delta Air Lines

NORMAND HUBERDEAU [email protected]

6 December 2018 We’re covering Travel Exchange ’18

We couldn’t pull our Travel Exchange recap together in time for this issue, but watch for it in January. And to see the online gallery of images from Milwaukee—and there are lots of photos—visit bit.ly/2B8TwbT.

NORMAND HUBERDEAU/NH PHOTOGRAPHES NORMAND HUBERDEAU/NH See? We’ve got you covered.

NTAonline.com 7 BUSINESS RELATING TO GOVERNMENT INSIGHTS ON U.S. LEGISLATIVE ISSUES AND INDUSTRY TOPICS

Ahead for advocacy THE NATIONAL TOUR ASSOCIATION advocating for modernizing travel infra- advocated for a number of different structure across the country. While such priorities during the 115th Congress: improvements are generally a bipartisan increasing funding for U.S. national issue, Democrats and Republicans have parks, modernizing travel infrastructure, different views on how infrastructure expanding aviation consumer protections, investment should be funded. reauthorizing Brand USA and more. President Trump’s views on new infra- National parks funding has recently structure investment seem to align more bit.ly/2yInOk2 EASTON: FLICKR/ROBERT CC had bipartisan support, which was with Democrats than with Republicans set minimum leg room, width and length encouraging to see in a Republican- in several key ways. For example, requirements for passenger seats on com- controlled 115th Congress. The Restore President Trump has indicated his open- mercial flights; prohibiting cell phone Our Parks acts in the House and ness to the Democratic approach of the calls and the use of e-cigarettes on com- Senate, which were both introduced by majority of investment coming from mercial flights; and requiring air carriers to Republican members and have accumu- direct government spending. He also develop a one-page document—accessible lated 202 and 33 cosponsors respectively, has expressed open support for the idea on their website—outlining numerous are a positive indication of what could of raising the federal gas tax to pay for passenger rights, including compensation come during the next Congress. NTA will infrastructure, an idea Republicans have offered in the event of a flight delay, flight continue to advocate for legislators to resisted. NTA will continue to send a cancellation and lost bags. unite on a bipartisan front to address the message to Congress that a robust infra- Brand USA was authorized in 2014 by mounting maintenance backlog. structure package that makes further a Republican House and a Democratic The new fee increases and Commercial improvements to airports and modern- Senate to extend through 2020. The Use Authorization permitting pro- izes travel infrastructure across the Trump administration has taken a less- cesses at national parks have proven to country would be beneficial to the travel forward-leaning stance on Brand USA, be burdensome for tour operators, in and tourism industry as a whole. leading to an active push to drum up sup- many cases forcing them to drop certain port of the reauthorization of Brand USA parks from their itineraries. NTA has as the 115th Congress comes to a close. been in constant engagement with the With infrastructure 2019 will be a critical year in ensuring Department of Interior and the National poised to take on more that the public-private partnership formed Park Service on these issues and will under the bipartisan Travel Promotion work diligently to reduce the administra- significance in the Act of 2009 is reauthorized once again. tive and monetary burdens of these new new Congress, NTA NTA applauds the industry and Congress fees and processes on tour operators for continuing the dialogue on Brand USA throughout the 116th Congress. will be at the forefront and will continue to engage Capitol Hill During the 115th Congress, NTA advo- of advocating for on its importance to the industry. cated for robust funding streams for U.S. While many of NTA’s core issues airports and for modernizing the country’s modernizing travel gained traction this Congress, there is travel infrastructure. While the Federal infrastructure across still much more work to be done at the Aviation Administration Reauthorization start of the 116th Congress. NTA will Act of 2018, which was signed into law on the country. continue to advocate on behalf of mem- Oct. 5, contained robust airport improve- bers, and the industry as a whole, in an ment program funding, NTA hopes to see NTA’s advocacy for increased aviation effort to promote and ensure the contin- a comprehensive infrastructure package in consumer protections resulted in a big ued vitality of travel and tourism. the 116th Congress. win. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 With infrastructure poised to take contained an entire title of air service Signal Group is a Washington, D.C., lobbying on more significance in the new improvements across the board. These firm retained by NTA to advise members Congress, NTA will be at the forefront of changes included directing the FAA to about travel-related issues and legislation.

8 December 2018 NTAonline.com 9 SOCIAL MEDIA 4 ways to keep your group in the loop BY CATHERINE HEEG

PICTURE THIS: Your next group tour is all put together FACEBOOK and nearly sold out. GROUP (Great!) Now you want to keep your group in the loop: 1. Relay information to avoid PHOTOS answering the same question over and over. 2. Provide a sense of community before your group departs—a key part of its success on the road 3. Make the itinerary available for all participants, 24/7. I’ll give you four ideas. HASHTAGS Groups on Facebook While the pre-departure meeting and document party are mainstays in our industry, there’s another way to grow STORIES that sense of community: Facebook Groups are a perfect tool to build a sense of belonging among group members. use. An original hashtag will stand out of an iconic site. How about also creating Simply start a private or closed group and be found by the right people. a cardboard cut-out of a picture frame on Facebook and add each group mem- During your tour, encourage passengers that tour passengers can hold up in a ber. (How to create: bit.ly/FBgroupTvl). to use the hashtag when they post on their photo? Craft stores sell these frames, and Members can communicate with each social sites. You can then search by this all you have to do is add your company other by asking and responding to ques- hashtag and share posts or add comments. logo and the tour hashtag. tions as well as by posting photos. Toting this frame around gives your • Include only tour participants in Stories that live longer passengers the chance to post their own this group. This will keep the focus Did you know that Instagram Stories stay photos while providing you with a new- clear and help build relationships visible much longer than a regular photo school marketing opportunity. within the group. post? What a great way to give the images To gain even more traction with your • Post the itinerary as a document. from your group tour a longer shelf life photos, set up a geofilter for your Instagram • Encourage group members to ask so that passengers, as well as their family or Snap users. Most destinations will have a questions. You can answer one time and friends, can stay in the loop. geofilter you can use. If you want to create and the whole group can see it. Extending marketing opportunities your own, just Google “geofilter.” • Invite participants to share photos and building community while on tour within the group during the tour. is easy with Facebook and SnapChat sto- Keeping your group in the loop is not ries, too, and they operate in nearly the only strategic, it’s easy. There so many # = Hashtags = Community same way as Instagram Stories. Twitter great ways to inform group members Starting a new hashtag—on Facebook, Moments are similar in that you can pro- and to build community. Not only will Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat—for vide a magazine-like view of tweets from you build stronger relationships with each new tour departure gives group your own feed, as well as from others. your clients, you’ll extend your reach to members a chance to stay up to date a broader audience. before, during and after their tour. Plus Picture time it’s a great way for your travelers’ family You can keep your group in the loop Catherine Heeg, an international speaker and friends to follow along, and it can when you provide Kodak moments and trainer, focuses on social media entice new participants for future tours. (OK, that’s old-school term) or marketing strategies for the tourism and When considering a new hashtag, do “Instagramable” opportunities. hospitality industry. Connect with her a bit of research to see if it’s already in We’ve all taken a group photo in front socially and at cmsspeaking.com.

10 December 2018 Around the next turn

Life is a highway, and so is NTA. You hop on board because it’s better than traveling alone. The trip is never dull, and the road is always changing. So what’s next for NTA … and you?

You’re going to like where NTA takes you in 2019:

• A loyalty program with cost-saving rewards • An online community platform, Engage, that will strengthen connections • NTAcourier.com, where you can find and share articles … about you • The China Preferred Partner Program, exclusive to NTA • A Concierge Program that helps multi-property members excel

The NTA road is changing for the better. So keep your seat. Renew your NTA membership today and take advantage of everything your association has for you … around the next turn.

Online By mail By scan and email By phone or fax NTAonline.com National Tour Association [email protected] +1.859.264.6540 phone 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350 +1.859.264.6570 fax Lexington, KY 40409 USA

Make your move before January 1. PHOTO: CC FLICKR/DAVIDEGORLA: bit.ly/2yc6gMb FLICKR/DAVIDEGORLA: CC PHOTO: NTAonline.com 11 EVENTS, EXPERIENCES, EXHIBITS, ETC.

COMPILED BY KENDALL FLETCHER AND PAT HENDERSON

San Francisco serves up Disney, a dungeon and a submarine Among the many compelling attractions awaiting visitors in the Bay Area, here are three educational spots that offer a look at unique aspects of local culture:

Submarine USS Pampanito The decorated Pampanito made six patrols in the Pacific during World War II, and she sank six Imperial Japanese ships and damaged four others. Currently docked at Pier 45, the diesel-electric

powered submarine welcomes more than bit.ly/2GXQFGs TARRÍO: FLICKR/JACOBO CC 100,000 visitors a year, and customized tours cover the vessel from bow to stern. Student groups can take part in Submarine Science School, a more immersive half-day or overnight program led by crew members.

Walt Disney Family Museum The remark- able life story of Walt Disney, the man whose innovation and vision created a distinctly American legacy, is showcased at the museum in the Presidio. Visitors can learn more about his legacy as they explore interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits that feature early sketches, cartoons, short films, music, video screens and listening stations, some with nar- ration from Walt himself. Hands-on workshops and talks from animators are available.

The San Francisco Dungeon The audience is

part of the show during this 60-minute adven- MUSEUM DISNEY FAMILY THE WALT ture that details San Francisco’s storied history. Featuring numerous special effects, 360-degree sets and a cast of nine actors, the Dungeon experience exposes 200 years of the city’s sin- ister side, from the Gold Rush days to gangs to the Black Plague that gripped Chinatown in 1900. Combination tickets add on a Big Bus Sightseeing Tour or visits to Alcatraz or Madame Tussauds.

For more information, contact Daniel Schwartz of the San Francisco Travel Association at [email protected] or go to sftravel.com. —P.H. LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/GETTY IMAGES LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/GETTY

12 December 2018 To Heck with a Slogan, Just Come to Logan (Utah)!

83 miles north of Salt Lake City • 3 1/2 hours from Yellowstone and Grand Tetons • On the Yellowstone Loop • Affordable and undiscovered

Utah’s Heart of the Arts activities may include throwing tomahawks, writing with beer is the best! House-made gelato and a diverse a quill pen, panning for gold, milking a cow, making rag Western menu. Open Mon.-Sat. Three Historic Theatres in One Block dolls and more. Delicious Dutch oven meals available (barbecue chicken, cheesy potatoes, cobbler, etc.). Chuck-a-rama Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre Visitors Center boasts ample restrooms, historic exhib- 150 S. Main St. • 435-787-6241 • chuck-a-rama.com 435-750-0300 ext. 3 • utahfestival.org it, jaw-dropping view of the Wellsville Mountains and a Fresh buffet includes a variety of soups, salads, main Utah Festival presents talented musicians and per- small gift shop. dishes and desserts made from scratch. American formers who come from venues such as the Metro- Daytime and Evening Tours: Tuesday-Saturday, classics with international options that change daily. politan Opera and Broadway to perform four opera flexible but recommended hours are 11a.m.-2 p.m. or Try three Utah specialties: scones (sweet frybread), and Broadway productions with full orchestra in the 6 p.m.-9 p.m. fry sauce (a mixture of ketchup and mayo for fries and 1923 Ellen Eccles Theatre. More than 130 concerts, onion rings) and green Jello. Open daily. lectures, classes, breakfast with the stars, backstage Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Logan tours and more. First week in July through the first www.explorelogan.com/brochures The Bluebird Restaurant week in August. Stroll through Logan’s historic downtown for a glimpse 19 N. Main St. • 435-752-3155 • thebluebirdrestaurant.com of the past. Request a copy of the self-guided walking It’s the longest running restaurant in the state and Lyric Repertory Theatre tour or download the app featuring 14 buildings. Fun opened in 1914. Items from the original menu include 435-797-8022 • lyricrep.usu.edu shops and cafes. Local guides available. shrimp, pea and egg salad and teddy bear sundaes. One of the only true remaining repertory companies in Retro restaurant with marble soda fountain. Open the nation. The same lead performers star in a rotating Mon.-Sat. schedule featuring a musical, mystery, drama and Outdoor Adventure comedy. The 1913 Caine Lyric offers a splendid and Angie’s Restaurant charming view of America’s theater past. Mid-June Beaver Creek Lodge 690 North Main St., • 435-752-9252 • angiesrest.com through the first week in August. Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway, U.S. Hwy. 89 • 800-946-4485 • beavercreeklodge.com • On the road Classic American diner where every single thing is homemade. Famous for practically everything: giant Noon Music at the Tabernacle to Jackson and Grand Tetons cinnamon rolls, banana cream pie and especially the Catch a free concert in historic downtown. The popular Your guests will love exploring the Rocky Mountains on Kitchen Sink (mounds of ice cream, toppings and series presents a variety of performers from flutes to a guided off-road adventure. Polaris side-by-side RZRs bananas served in a metal kitchen sink). Your guests harps to banjo to barbershop. It’s something different (pronounced razors) and Ranger vehicles seat 4-6—a will love it! Open Mon.-Sat. every day. Concerts usually last about 45 minutes. fun, safe and comfortable way to explore the back The 1891 Tabernacle is a beautiful example of early country. Then, continue your adventure along beautiful Historic Downtown Logan Mormon pioneer architecture. Weekdays mid-May mountain trails on horseback like a true cowboy. Let your guests scatter in historic downtown Logan. A through July. Riders love the spectacular views, friendly horses and experienced guides. dozen cafes, sandwich shops and restaurants within a few blocks. Step Back in Time and Two-hour and four-hour options include the Sampler, Immerse Yourself where every guest has the opportunity to do both RZR Hotels in the Past riding and horseback riding, the best of both worlds. Or choose either an off-road RZR tour or a horseback New Hampton Inn opening January 2019. Other brands Living History at the American West ride. Four-hour options are identical, but also include a include Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn Express, Heritage Center boxed lunch. The Sampler package is only available for Marriott Spring Hill Suites, Comfort Inn and more. 4025 S. Hwy. 89-91 in Wellsville (7 miles south of tour bus groups and not the general public. Self-guided University Inn on the Utah State University is another Logan) • 435-245-3798 • awhc.org hiking trails are also available. great option. Hotel rates are much more affordable Your tour begins with a guided wagon ride into an than in Salt Lake City. If you’re headed to Yellowstone, authentic American Plains Bison (buffalo) herd. Fun Food Options consider overnighting here your way back. The airport View these majestic animals up close. Celebrate our is 90 minutes away. Western heritage from 1820 to 1920 through the lives Beehive Grill of mountain men, pioneers and turn-of-the-century 255 S. Main St. • 435-753-2600 • thebeehivegrill.com Let us custom design your ideal itinerary. farmers all dressed in period clothing. Hands-on Check out Logan’s only root beer brewery. Their root Call us and we’ll tell you where to go.

1-800-882-4433 | explorelogan.com NTAonline.com 13 Stop your blubbering The maritime history of southeastern Massachusetts can be the Wampanoag tribe in the mid-17th century. Following the discovered at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical establishment of an English/Quaker settlement around 1700, Park. Located an hour directly south of Boston, the National the area became a hub for the whaling industry over the next Park Service-managed site is part of New Bedford’s 13-block 150 years. Today, the harbor supports New Bedford’s primary historical district. industry, fishing. The land that now includes the city was purchased from At the heart of this district is the park’s visitor center. Groups typically start in this historical building by watching a 20-minute introductory movie, “The City that Lit the World,” and viewing the exhibits on the city and its whaling heritage. Beyond offering a look at whaling history, the park’s attractions also shine a light on the influences of Native Americans, African-Americans and the Quakers, as well as the impact local residents such as Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville had on New Bedford. Ranger-led tours cover cultural sites in the downtown and harbor areas and include tales of seafaring whalemen, escaped slaves seeking freedom and hundreds of years of life along the Massachusetts coast. As they roam the area’s cobblestone streets, groups can see centuries-old buildings alongside modern galleries and contemporary restaurants. The historical park is open year-round, seven days a week, except from Jan. 1–March 31, when it is open Wednesday to Sunday. To learn more, call +1.508.996.4095 or go to nps.gov/nebe. New Bedford Whaling Museum CC WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/PB55: bit.ly/2ACzF4v WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/PB55: CC —P.H.

14 December 2018 Cashing in on Fairbanks’ thriving arts scene Fairbanks, Alaska, is filled with artists and art aficionados, and is alive with art-centric events, according to Amy Reed Geiger, director of communications with Fairbanks, Alaska–Explore Fairbanks. “Joyfully setting the stage for a wide variety of classic and contemporary art, theater and music events and exhibitions year- round, Fairbanks shines,” she says. “Local artists are captivated by the wilderness surrounding Fairbanks and create brilliant works of nature-inspired art. Our concerts and symphonies showcase prominent performers and concertmasters. Study-performance festivals attract instructors and students from around the world. Noted authors, illustrators and composers call Fairbanks home. There just is so much going in here when it comes to the arts.” Festival of Native Arts Some of Fairbanks’ annual arts programs and events include: FAIRBANKS ALASKA–EXPLORE SHERMAN HOGUE, FAIRBANKS,

Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre Festival of Native Arts Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival With a mission to expand the audience and This annual March event features art demonstra- This two-week event, held in July, encourages encourage performance of The Bard’s works, tions, cultural films, traditional songs and dances personal growth and art appreciation. Festival- the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre provides and other performances by Alaskan Native goers can take part in the event’s more than high-quality Shakespearean and classical the- peoples. What began in 1973 as a way to bring 180 workshops and demonstrations, and see ater productions throughout the year. The orga- together artists and performers in a celebration of more than 100 performances in music, visual nization also offers several summer camps for the various local cultures, has blossomed into one arts, dance, writing, theater, healing arts and students aged 6 to 17. of the area’s most highly anticipated festivals. culinary arts.

For more information, contact Geiger at [email protected] or visit explorefairbanks.com. —K.F.

Creativity. Heritage. Experience. Creativity is the common thread that connects people from around the world to Paducah, Kentucky’s rich American heritage and globally- celebrated culture. Create an itinerary with our collection of new and immersive tours, performances and hands-on Paducah Signature Experiences exclusively for groups!

For more event planning and group-friendly resources, visit Paducah.travel/groups Paducah Signature 1-800-PADUCAH Experience: “A Creative Stitch” at the National Quilt Museum

PCVB-NTA-Courier-HALF10-18.indd 1 10/11/18 3:08 PM NTAonline.com 15 16 December 2018 NTAonline.com 17 THE FIRST-EVER Faith Travel Association Product Development Trip was a two-part journey in England and Massachusetts. The trip offered the opportunity for tour operators to experience destinations related to the Pilgrims, who set sail on the Mayflower in 1620, and it offered a preview of the commemoration of the 400th anniversary in 2020 of this historical journey.

BY KAY SAFFARI

Like most Americans, I have heard the drew worshippers Thestory of the PilgrimsPilgrims’ and their Mayflower pilgrimage from neighboring vil- journey since my kindergarten days, but lages who walked for as I landed in England for the Mayflower miles to hear him. 400Following tour, I realized the that footsteps I really didn’t of theStanding Pilgrims on the very know many details about the Pilgrims. path where the villag- Luckily, this trip—sponsored by Emma ers once walked with Tatlow of U.S. Connections and orga- our guide Sue Allan nized by Keith Somers of Select Travel (in period attire), we Services—was about to increase my were able to imagine Pilgrim knowledge exponentially, leaving their determination to me in awe of the courage and determina- hear Clyfton’s contro- Scrooby Manor tion of this small group of people, so dedi- versial sermons. LI LYNN cated to their religious beliefs that they Because Clyfton were willing to leave all they knew behind deviated from the Church of England’s the Pilgrims spent two weeks in for a life in an unknown land—twice! teachings, he was removed as pastor in Southampton gathering provisions prior Although we visited 13 cities on the 1605. He and other like-minded church to their departure. English leg of the tour, I focus here on members chose to “separate” from the We visited two historical buildings the cities directly related to the Pilgrim church, thus becoming the Separatists here: Tudor House, a restored 900-year- story, from their origins to their depar- and sparking the Pilgrim movement. old home and the city’s most important ture for the New World. building, and nearby St. Michael’s Church, built in 1070 and still in use today. The Separatists began gathering and Despite the prominence of these two Here we visited the unassuming coun- worshiping in 1606 at Scrooby Manor, very old sites, Southampton had a more try church where Richard Clyfton, where Pilgrim Father William Brewster modern feel overall. That’s because 80 named church rector in 1586, shared lived. All that remains today of this once- percent of the port city’s buildings were his radical ideas from the pulpit and gloriousScrooby 500-acre property is the brick destroyed by German bombing raids dur- Babworth home built in 1493, but Scrooby Manor ing World War II. is significant to Pilgrim history because it was here that they planned their escape to Holland in search of religious freedom. The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth in 1620 with 102 Pilgrims onboard, and the Mayflower Steps, a columned archway In 1607 the Separatists walked 60 miles right by the water, memorializes this to the port of Boston, where they had departurePlymouth point. We all wanted a photo arranged to sail to Holland. Instead, they of where the voyage began. were betrayed, arrested and held at the During our tour of Plymouth, we vis- GuildhallBoston for a month. We toured the well- ited many places from the Pilgrim days: preserved rooms of the Boston Guildhall, St. Andrew’s Church, a Puritan church built in the 1390s, including the tiny cells that welcomed the Separatists for worship; where the Pilgrims were imprisoned and New Street, the oldest street in Plymouth; the courtroom where they were tried. and the historical Barbican area.

Kay Saffari is coordinator of the Faith After 12 years in Holland, and ready Travel Association at NTA. Reach her at Tour participants in Southampton KAY SAFFARI KAY to start anew in the New World, [email protected].

18 December 2018 Southampton STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAMI RISK

You’re seeking religious expression, so you stroll. Starting from the Plimoth Grist for a harbor tour, which is exactly what take your family and your belongings and Mill, we walked along Town Brook, stop- we did. board a wooden ship for a journey to an ping every so often to learn about the The bonus, though, was that our unknown world … and it’s 400 years ago. significance of this little waterway and hosts arranged for a Wampanoag guide, Faith,Now try family,to comprehend fellowship what the native … the found interaction in Plymouthit created between the Darius, to be with us. Darius described Wampanoag people, who’d lived in that Pilgrims and the native Wampanoag peo- the topographical features of the region. world for thousands of years, must have ple. We also learned of water power, land He spoke of how his ancestors inhabited thought when they encountered a new division and the beginnings of self-rule the land for thousands of years and how people—the Pilgrims—exploring the land and civil government for a new nation. in the 1620s they taught the Pilgrims they had farmed and hunted. It’s hard to what and when to plant, ultimately lead- imagine—to really know what they felt. ing to the first Thanksgiving. Fortunately, there are historians and tourism professionals who are passion- ate about sharing the story of what took place in the harbors of Massachusetts back then. And, thanks to trip spon- sor Gail Arndt with Tour Trends and tour host Rowena Drinkhouse with Reformation Tours and many others, I got to experience this inspiring place and people firsthand.

Next up was the nation’s oldest continu- ously operating public museum, Pilgrim Hall Museum. It offers not only the There’s something magical about this Stepstory ofback the inPilgrims, time but also that of the place. It could be the talented people at Wampanoag people. I could have spent Plimoththe NTA-member Plantation: attraction, who give hours reading and studying the artifacts each visitor an authentic experience. Or and collections of the families who itA could living be history the strategy museum of the organiza- embarked on this journey, as well as the tion and its partners to make sure that effect they had on the native people and travelers have the opportunity to learn the complexity of that relationship that the perspective of both the newcomers As with any journey, you want to be sure still exists today. Pretty powerful stuff. and the natives. It could just be that they you begin on a full stomach, and who could are incredible at preserving history. turn down a hearty feast from Hearth ’n Whatever the reason, I’m grateful to Kettle, located in Historic Plymouth. We have had the opportunity to explore this gatheredA hearty here feast the first evening to enjoy a attraction. One of my favorite parts was meal together and talk about our journey the Wampanoag Homesite. The native for the next couple of days. people who staff this exhibit are incred- ibly knowledgeable of the history and culture of the people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. But they will also speak to you about their modern culture, and that’s pretty cool.

And when you’re ready for a break, it’s That was just the beginning of my an easy walk down to the harbor to hop journey. To read my full article about aboard a Captain John Whale Watching the Plymouth 400 celebration, be sure and Fishing Tours excursion. This long- to check out the upcoming FTA Trip timeMixing NTA in member a little offers modern a variety of Planner, available on NTAonline.com. options, such as whale watching, deep The following day, Leo the Miller from sea fishing and sunset tours or setting Kami Risk is president of NTA Services. the Jenney Museum, took us on a guided sail on the Pilgrim Belle paddlewheeler Reach her at [email protected].

A historical walking tour NTAonline.com 19 “AN EMPOWERING MUSICAL Greatest hits OF THE HIGHEST ORDER!” Crank up the volume on six destinations that deliver music hot spots and heritage BY BOB ROUSE

EVERY PLACE HAS A SONG TO SING and lots of spots to celebrate musical artistry. The following six destinations have so many venues and voices, in fact, we imagined what compilations of their greatest hits would look like. And what would they sound like? Well, you’ll just have to go there … and listen up.

venue | festival | music district | music heritage attraction | local music hero

The Denver music scene is scorching. On any given night, you’ll find local and national artists playing a vast array of genres in clubs throughout the metro area. Music lovers travel to the DENVER Mile High City to attend some of the best concerts and music festivals in the state.

The Greatest Hits Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre A naturally Denver Day of Rock Free rock concerts formed, perfectly acoustic amphitheater on five Denver stages every Memorial Day hosts an outdoor summer concert series May weekend through October Nocturne Hip jazz venue in the RiNo (River Colorado Music Hall of Fame Located at North) Art District Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre—honors Colorado musicians Performers’ Hall of Fame Recognizes every musical act who has ever played at Red Velorama and Colorado Classic Colorado Rocks Classic bike race and three-day Velorama music festival—August The Fray Contemporary rock band—debut album, “How to Save a Life,” went double Dazzle Authentic jazz club experience in the platinum heart of downtown Denver John Denver Singer-songwriter, born Henry Producer: Jenna VanOort Colfax Avenue Eclectic mix of eateries, bars, John Deutschendorf Jr. [email protected] shops and music venues visitdenver.com Ophelia’s Electric Soap Box Former brothel Cover art: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre turned restaurant and live music venue

From covert toe-tappers to head bangers and flower children, everyone comes together as one big, lip-synching family during Alberta’s music festival season. Summer music events are so full of warm vibes, it almost doesn’t matter who’s playing. Pull up some lawn or throw down a tarp and meet your new favorite band.

Ears to Edmonton (the hottest spots in Beaumont Blues and Roots Festival town) Rogers Stadium in the new Ice District, World-class entertainment from Canadian The Oasis Centre, Sugar Swing Ballroom, artists—June Yardbird Suite Country Thunder Top country acts, such Calgary Chords Studio Bell, Saddledome, as 2019 headliner Jason Aldean, storm into Stampede Corral, King Eddie Hotel, The Calgary—August The Best of Blues Can, Garry Theatre Banff Summer Concert Series Artists and Beats in Banff/Lake Louise The Banff performers from around the world—June Centre & Shaw Amphitheatre, Hoodoo through August Lounge, Dancing Sasquatch Alberta Tongue on the Post Festival A full week of Jivin’ in Jasper Fairmont Jasper Park folk music in Medicine Hat—January Lodge, The Stand Easy Lounge, Athabasca Producer: Desiree Gibson Hotel (The Atha-B) Brett Kissel Flat Lake native named 2017 [email protected] Male Artist of the Year by the Canadian travelalberta.com Edmonton Folk Music Festival More Country Music Association than 60 performers in a broad musical Cover art: Edmonton Folk Music Festival mandate—August Tegan and Sara The indie-rock duo, twins born in Calgary, scored three Juno Awards THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL Calgary’s Music Mile Vibrant stretch of live in 2014 music venues in the heart of the city VISIT DENVER, ALBERTA: SEAN THONSON VISIT DENVER, ALBERTA: BROOKS ATKINSON THEATRE · 256 W. 47TH ST. · WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM 20 December 2018 “AN EMPOWERING MUSICAL OF THE HIGHEST ORDER!”

THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL

BROOKS ATKINSON THEATRE · 256 W. 47TH ST. · WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM NTAonline.com 21 Greatest hits

What do you associate with Germany? Maybe you think of enjoying good food, wine and beer at a traditional festival. Or visiting stately castles and monasteries surrounded by beautiful nature. Along with all that, the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region offers magical music experiences in unique and historical venues.

Rheingau Music Festival Summer concerts Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet focus on classical music, but include jazz and Charming museum in Rüdesheim holds the cabaret world’s largest collection of self-playing instruments Johannisburg Castle Magical surroundings for all kinds of events, located in Bavaria Bingen Swingt International jazz festival in Bingen brings funky beats to this Rhine River FAVORITES FROM Brothers Grimm Festival The fairytales of city—June Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm come to life each summer in Hanau, birthplace of the Brothers Burgfestspiele in Dreieichenhain/ Frankfurt Grimm Offenbach Concerts throughout the summer on an open-air stage surrounded by the Rhine-Main Region Old Opera House Majestic building in the medieval walls of Hayner Castle city center of Frankfurt—a joy for the eye Built as Darmstadt’s first Producer: Charlotte Jakobsen Centralstation Michaelismesse (St. Michael’s Fair) Late electricity plant, it’s now a top event venue [email protected] summer folk festival, nestled between tourcomm-germany.com Miltenberg’s medieval city center and the Aschaffenburg Guitar Festival Now in its Cover art: Brothers Grimm Festival banks of the Main fourth decade, Guitar Festival strums up everything from chamber music ensembles Orangerie The focal point of social life in to flamenco concerts—Feb. 22–March 17 Bad Homburg since the mid-19th century Frankfurt Apple Wine Festival Local bands International Elvis Festival Celebrated provide music to sip along with as patrons each summer in Bad Nauheim, where the enjoy a variety of apple wines, blends and King of Rock ’n’ Roll lived during his military cocktails—Aug. 9–18 service—August

Play your way in Logan, Utah. Endless outdoor adventures await, plus fantastic music and THE VERY BEST OF performing arts, self-guided foodie treks and hands-on heritage experiences. Drive Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Bear Lake. Explore Logan—less than a day’s drive from Yellowstone National Park Jackson and Utah’s five LOGAN national parks. Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre Logan Tabernacle Built by Mormon Company Operas, American musicals and pioneers, offers free concerts at noon concerts with performers from around the weekdays from June through early August world—from late June to early August Summerfest Arts Faire Juried arts festival American Festival Chorus & Orchestra with great food, entertainment and headliner More than 200 singers and a 65-member concerts—Father’s Day weekend orchestra offer a vibrant musical repertoire throughout the year Utah State University Live music and theater performances year-round—plus summertime Lyric Repertory Company Musicals, music camps and courses. And enjoy famous dramas, mysteries, farces, comedies and Aggie Ice Cream while on campus classics performed by professional and student actors Fast-paced Producer: Julie Hollist Celebrate America Show Broadway-style show that takes you back to [email protected] Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous the big band era of the 1940s—September explorelogan.com Three-day event with Western musicians, Cover art: Cherry Peak Resort Summer cowboy poets, artisans, concerts and cowboy Cherry Peak Resort Summer Concert church—March Concert Series Series Brings popular musicians (the 2018 lineup included Clint Black, Restless Heart Utah Theatre Concerts and performances, and Phillip Phillips) to perform live outdoor as well as silent movies with live organ concerts in a beautiful mountain setting accompaniment, in a 1924 Art Deco theater Cache Valley Gardeners Market Live music, 1923 Ellen Eccles Theatre Hosts local, arts and crafts and local produce—Saturday regional and national touring productions— mornings, mid-May to mid-October one of three venues in the newly designated Logan Theatre District FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN REGION, EXPLORE LOGAN UTAH LOGAN RHINE-MAIN REGION, EXPLORE FRANKFURT

22 December 2018 Texas is a state that breeds talent, and it’s the home of legends like Stevie, Janis and Buddy. Every night you’ll find the same passion alive and kicking in every dancehall, nightclub, festival and lounge across the state. There’s something for every music lover here, from techno to Tejano and every style in between!

Billy Bobs Amazing live music and live bull Sixth Street Austin’s historical riding in an authentic Texas atmosphere entertainment district, home to live music, (Fort Worth) food trucks and iconic bars where you can dance the night away Austin City Limits Music Festival Different genres of live music and entertainment in the Roy Orbison Museum Features memorabilia Live Music Capital of the World—October from the singer’s boyhood and his musical career, including record albums and THE ESSENTIAL Buddy Holly Museum Memorabilia from Orbison’s trademark sunglasses (Wink) the iconic Texas singer’s life includes stage clothing, fan letters, postcards and audio- Round Top Festival Institute Students from visual graphics (Lubbock) around the world join distinguished artists TEXAS in summertime performances of orchestral, Gruene Hall Built in 1878, Texas’ oldest chamber and solo music. (Round Top) continually operating—and most famous— Producer: Debra Bustos dance hall (Gruene) Willie Nelson One of the most recognized [email protected] artists in country music, born in Abbott traveltexas.com Old Settler’s Music Festival Classic festival Cover art: Austin City Limits Festival with a taste of great music, food and drinks and Beyoncé Singer and actress, has sold more event camping around the area—April (Tilmon) than 160 million albums worldwide (solo and with Destiny’s Child), from Houston Toyota Music Factory New—opened in 2017—but still considered the soul of the Janis Joplin Among the most widely known DFW Metroplex with diverse music, food and rock, soul and blues singers and songwriters movies (Irving) of the late ’60s, born in Port Arthur

Selena Museum A remembrance of the short but impactful life of singer Selena Quintanilla Perez (Corpus Christi)

Waylon’s Way is your group’s backstage look at those deﬁant years, with stories and songs from Carter and Barny Robertson, who played and sang alongside Waylon Jennings—the country music pacesetter, dreamer, and singer who fronted the Waylors. From the tour bus to the studio and stage, this program transports audiences to the 1970s, to the Outlaw scene in Tennessee, Texas, and in-between.

Presented in support of the feature exhibit Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ‘70s.

DO IT WAYLON’S WAY. BOOK YOUR GROUP TODAY.

@CountryMusicHOF • 800.852.6437 CountryMusicHallofFame.org/Groups Downtown Nashville TRAVEL TEXAS/CHRIS ZEBO TEXAS/CHRIS TRAVEL

NTAonline.com 23 Greatest hits

From its very beginnings, Nashville grew from a foundation built on music. Music is the univer- THE sal language, and it is the common thread connecting the life and soul of the city and people.

The Bluebird Café Up-and-comers, along Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival Nashville with hit songwriters, perform in an intimate Builds cultural awareness and commemorates COLLECTION setting—more than 70,000 visitors annually the historical corridor with jazz, blues, funk, gospel, soul and R&B CMA Music Festival The ultimate country music fan experience, hosted by the Country Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th Music Association—June Free live music and family fun, including one of the country’s largest firework shows Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum The world’s largest popular music museum, Honky Tonk Highway The hub of showcasing country legends and today’s stars entertainment, where Music City was defined

“Grand Ole Opry” The world’s longest- The Station Inn Headquarters for bluegrass running broadcast, with more than 90 years music DOUBLE ALBUM of history Midtown Where locals go for the restaurants Printer’s Alley Where musicians once and bars, live performances and karaoke gathered at a day’s end to play jazz and rock ’n’ roll—music that’s still heard today Music Valley Known for outstanding entertainment, fun activities and great Ryman Auditorium The “Mother Church of shopping Country Music” The Listening Room Several singer/ Historic RCA Studio B Famous studio where songwriters play in-the-round and share the Elvis recorded more than 250 songs stories behind their songs

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival The George Jones Museum Offers a thorough largest festival of its kind in the world—April and intimate look into the life and career of the musical icon Patsy Cline Museum Celebrates the life of the legendary songstress and her indelible Elvis Presley Recorded more than half of his mark on country music catalogue of songs in Nashville, including his first hit, “Heartbreak Hotel,” in 1956 Exit/In Decades-old club that makes room for alternatives to country music: “rockers, Dolly Parton One of the most honored rappers, punks, DJs, metalheads, etc.” female country performers of all time

Producer: Laurel Bennett Musicians Hall of Fame Honors performers Fisk Jubilee Singers Touring in England in [email protected] from all genres of music—home to The 1873, the group played for Queen Victoria, visitmusiccity.com Grammy Museum Gallery who stated they must have come from “Music City” Cover art: Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight New Disc 1 Chris Young Year’s Eve live music, fireworks and a Music Disc 2 Chris Stapleton and Kings of Leon Note Drop at midnight to ring in the new year

Johnny Cash Museum Featuring the most Mix Tape comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash The hits just keep on coming at NTA-member artifacts and memorabilia music venues—including these four:

The Palace Theater A year-round performing arts dinner theater in Wisconsin Dells Kortnee Carroll | [email protected] | dellspalace.com VISIT American Music Theatre Concerts and ® Broadway-quality shows in Pennsylvania Dutch Country GRACELAND Alyssa Keshel | [email protected] | amtshows.com IN MEMPHIS The Stratford Festival Musicals, dramas, classic works and new plays—April to November in Ontario Featuring an Heather Martin | [email protected] | All-New, Immersive stratfordfestival.ca Entertainment GROUP Experience RATES Carnegie Hall Breakthrough artists and AVAILABLE veteran singers perform in this New York City landmark GRACELAND.COM/GROUPS • 800-238-2010 Rayna Bourke | [email protected] |

© EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2017 ABG EPE IP LLC carnegiehall.org/events/group-sales TOP: MATTHEW SIMMONS, BOTTOM: MICHAEL WEINTROB SIMMONS, BOTTOM: MATTHEW TOP:

24 December 2018 COMPASS A REGIONAL ROUNDUP OF ITINERARY IDEAS

Gulf Coast COMPILED BY KENDALL FLETCHER Texas, train tracks and tranquil rivers For a unique railroad experience and a substantial glimpse train car, passengers travel between the Rusk and Palestine into Texas train history, Texas State Railroad has multiple depots. The 25-mile ride goes into the scenic Piney Woods accommodations and lots of stories to tell. and hardwood creek bottoms, passes over 24 bridges (one “The fact that this rail line started out in the late 1880s as is more than 1,000 feet long), and cruises by wild forests, 1.7 miles of track to facilitate farming and industry within tranquil rivers and peaceful ranchlands that blend with mid- the walls of the Rusk, Texas, prison to now being 25 miles of century architecture and vintage transportation. Texas history makes us very proud to be operating it,” says She says the options most popular with groups are: Vice President of Passenger Services Teresa Propeck. Presidential Class This adult-only experience features comfortable, During the four-hour excursion aboard a vintage 1920s oversized seats, intimate tables for easy conversation, large picture windows and a private outdoor viewing platform. A complimentary Presidential Class passage champagne toast and appetizers are served, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

First Class This passage includes comfortable upholstered chairs, a personal car attendant, a champagne toast, beverage service and complimentary appetizers in climate-controlled cars that are ADA accessible.

Open-Air Coach This historically correct mode of travel includes vintage wooden bench seats in cars with no windows so the east Texas air flows directly through the car. This option is limited to certain seasons.

For more information, contact Propeck at teresa@

TEXASSTATERAILROAD.NET texasstaterailroad.net or visit texasstaterailroad.net.

Shoreline shopping in Jefferson Parish Known as the shopping capital of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish items, Jefferson Parish has a variety of experiences sure to features many bustling blocks of great shopping, of the famil- satisfy your shopping needs,” Vinnett says. iar brand and local kind. And with the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping program, “(Our) diverse culture lends to a variety of shopping Jefferson Parish has a refund center at the Louis Armstrong experiences, from independent boutiques along posh New Orleans International Airport where international shop- Metairie Road to outdoor farmers and art markets in the pers can present their receipts and receive a cash refund on-site. quaint historical districts, and to modern shopping malls,” For more information, contact Vinnett at paris@visit says Paris Vinnett, marketing communications manager for jeffersonparish.com or go to visitjeffersonparish.com. Visit Jefferson Parish. It’s home to the Lakeside Shopping Center and Clearview Center in the metropolitan district; Oakwood Mall; Terrytown; and The Esplanade Mall in Kenner. These places offer always-on-trend brand names like Coach, Steve Madden and Kendra Scott, and Mignon Faget, one of New Orleans’ premier fine jewelry designers. Unique spots include the newly opened Lego store and Zara. Jefferson’s historical districts of Gretna and Westwego feature produce, handcrafted items and artwork depicting life along the Mississippi River. “Whether you’re a fashionista who enjoys shopping at chic boutiques and metropolitan malls, a foodie who enjoys fresh Gretna Art Walk produce, or an art lover who can’t resist gorgeous handcrafted VISITJEFFERSONPARISH.COM

NTAonline.com 25 COMPASS GULF COAST Only at Beau Rivage Lots of learning Located on the coast of Biloxi, Leisure Sales Manager Linda Spruill. “If Mississippi, the luxurious Beau Rivage they want to do an historical trip, go along Florida’s offers many services exclusive to the shopping, do things on the water like Gulf Coast resort and to groups. kayaking, rest and relax, do gaming, The following NTA-member attractions Buses can park beneath the park- nature-type things like bird watching, offer a look into the lives of a prominent ing garage connected to a motorcoach (we can do that). We literally take it figure in art history and two American arrival lobby; it’s the only Gulf Coast from the beginning of contracting all the inventors: resort with this amenity. The lobby is way to the very end. It’s like a concierge staffed with motorcoach arrival person- service that we offer to those groups.” The Dali Museum nel who do not tend the main front With 1,740 guest rooms, the resort St. Petersburg, Florida desk—they work coach arrivals only. has a European health club, spa and This museum “We’re pretty versatile with what a salon, a beautiful pool deck and lots of celebrates the life group can do while they’re here,” says gaming options with its most recent and work of artist addition of the Sports Book & Bar. Salvador Dali, “We’re one of four jurisdictions in housing more America accepting sports betting,” than 2,100 of his Spruill says. “If you have a group com- works and offering ing in the spring and they’re thinking unique encounters baseball, they can go ahead and place for groups. those bets while they’re here, which is Private docent- bit.ly/2qjiSxP FLICKR/WALTER: CC rather unique.” led tours can target specific areas of interest, like For more information, contact Spruill science, psychology and religion. The Provoca at [email protected] or go to Tour focuses on the more provocative subjects of Dali’s works. The tours are about an hour and

BEAURIVAGE.COM beaurivage.com. are offered in several languages. Free with admission are the architecture tours, which examine the unique structure of the museum, and the Mathematical Garden,

® designed for visitors to explore the relationship between math and nature. For more information, contact Yvonne Marrullier TRAINEES WANTED at [email protected] or visit thedali.org. Edison & Ford Winter Estates Fort Myers, Florida In the late 19th century, American innovators Thomas Edison and Henry Ford established homes in a place where they could find relaxation and, most important, QUESY: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/QUESY CC bit.ly/2FduwUW warm weather. Visitors can now see the nine historical buildings on the property, abundant gardens, Edison’s original botanic research laboratory and the 15,000-square-foot museum housing hundreds of inventions and artifacts. Call 1-800-637-7223 today to book a group Groups can take the behind-the-scenes for this unique STEM-based adventure. Garden Tour, led by Edison Ford horticulturists, Call 1-800-637-7223 today to book a group of the 20-acre historical gardens. Tours also for this unique STEM-based adventure. are available each holiday season, when the estates are decorated with thousands of lights. SpaceCampUSA For more information, contact Lisa Wilson at www.spacecamp.com [email protected] or go to edisonfordwinterestates.org.

26 December 2018 Marching to the beat of their own Drum There will be a celebration in 2019 at the USS Alabama Battleship USS Drum Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, as the attraction recognizes the 50th anniversary of having the USS Drum, a National Historic Landmark World War II submarine, at the park. On June 15, the USS Drum Living History Crew will perform reenactments on the oldest American submarine on display, and a new kiosk featuring photos and biographical information on the submarine’s crew will be unveiled. The park’s director of sales and marketing, Rhonda Davis, says by using the self-guided tours aboard the USS Drum and the USS Alabama, visitors can experience what life was like USSALABAMA.COM as a sailor during World War II. “The goal is to create an environment that tells the story “Along with the battleship and submarine, we also have of the day-to-day jobs of a sailor as well as telling the combat our Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion which houses military story. When you visit the ship’s post office you will see let- aircraft, like an airplane just like the Tuskegee Airmen flew. ters and packages with reproduction V-mail postage. In the You will find vintage military vehicles, like a 1921 Model T Gedunk, our ice cream parlor, you can see how important in the WWI exhibit, ‘The Great War,’” she says. the simple pleasure of ice cream would have been to the “For those interested in Vietnam artifacts, there is a PT boat men. The authenticity is amazing,” Davis says. and other military installations. The park is indeed a memorial There will also be WWII reenactments on select dates in to our military—all branches of service and all modern wars.” 2019, where visitors can experience a call to the battle sta- The diver’s exhibit is the park’s newest addition, featuring tions to defend the USS Alabama against aerial attacks by a newly restored diver’s suit and the ship’s first hologram. vintage airplanes. They’re also in the process of installing sound effects in 27 For more information, contact Davis at rdavis@ compartments of the ship. ussalabama.com or go to ussalabama.com.

PLAN YOUR GROUP VISIT TODAY!

In the wake of Japan’s attack, American soldiers marched into battle while citizens rallied on the Home Front. In ration lines and victory gardens and factories across the United States, they built an Arsenal of Democracy. Experience how the Home Front supported the front lines and helped win the war—at The Arsenal of Democracy, a new permanent exhibit at The National WWII Museum.

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18-0400_AoD_Courier_7x4.875_r1.indd 1 8/13/18 1:48 PM NTAonline.com 27 COMPASS

The Rockies COMPILED BY GABE WEBB Heritage Park rolls out a restored railcar Heritage Park Historical Village is Canada’s largest living- history attraction, and it excels at sharing the country’s story with the world. “As a Destination Canada Signature Experience product, we are fully export ready, and we provide a cultural experience while immersing guests in the history of Western Canada,” says Sandy Wilde, group tourism specialist for the Calgary, Alberta, attraction. “Heritage Park is equipped to welcome motorcoach groups, with complimentary bus parking and value adds for our guests,” says Wilde. “All groups of 15 or more receive a complimentary guided tour, and our unique historical venues are available for group meals all year.” “This summer, Heritage Park unveiled the newly restored Colonist Car with our Journey of a Lifetime exhibit,” Wilde says. “This railcar, one of only two of its type remaining, car- ried new settlers from where their ships landed in the east to establish lives in the new west.” VILLAGE HISTORICAL PARK HERITAGE Groups can also enjoy the River Forth Dining Car Wilde says. ”This involves ghost stories, a gourmet meal and Experience. Participants dine on a lavish three-course meal on whiskey tastings from local distillers.” board a restored 1920s train car as they’re pulled around the The attraction is also making improvements to its Natural park by a steam locomotive. Resource area, which will reopen in stages beginning in 2019. “Our newest culinary experience, Spirits of the West, will For more, contact Wilde at [email protected] or visit allow guests to experience the ‘essence’ of Alberta history,” heritagepark.ca.

Mines, museums and Craters of the Moon in Idaho Idaho scenery does not lack diversity, according to Laurie The state’s options for tour stops are diverse, too. She recom- McConnell, senior tourism communications specialist at mends these three: the Idaho Division of Tourism Development. “We offer • “The town of Wallace, in northern Idaho, is the self-pro- everything from desert canyons to lush fields, and to rugged claimed center of the universe.” The entire town is listed mountains, free-standing sand dunes, roaring rivers, crystal in the National Register of Historic Places, and local tours lakes and vibrant urban districts.” teach visitors about Wallace’s mining history and the Big Burn of 1910, which is thought to be the largest wildfire in U.S. history. • “The new Idaho State Museum, formerly the Idaho Historical Museum, just reopened after four years of renovation and expansion,” says McConnell. The Boise attraction relaunched in October, and it now features 46 interactive experiences that illustrate Idaho’s natural and human history. • Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017. The designation recognizes places around the world that have taken steps to preserve natural darkness, so visitors can expect to see stars. The park offers ranger-led full moon hikes in the summer, and its popular Star Parties in the fall and spring. For more about Idaho tourism, reach out to Sarah Flick, tourism specialist, at [email protected] or go to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve VISIT IDAHO visitidaho.org.

28 December 2018 The ART of river rafting Based in Cotopaxi, Colorado, Arkansas River Tours is a rafting and fly-fishing outfitter that has been in business for more than 40 years. “We have roughly 100 miles of river we operate on, and we provide everything from exhilarating whitewater rafting trips to spectacular scenic float trips in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range,” says Billy Marquis, the company’s owner. “We’re a small company, so all of our trips are more personalized. Guests build a relationship with their guides and come back year after year, request- Welcome ing the same guide.” But the company’s longevity doesn’t mean its staff members are content to the Middle of with rehashed river tours. They’re often adding fresh trips for their guests. “One new offering is a Nowhere Yoga and Raft experience,” says Marquis. “We start the morning with your yoga Like it. instructor, Emily Marquis, who will guide you through an Anusara elements class with a riverside medita- tion at our Cotopaxi base.” After yoga, guests enjoy a healthy lunch followed by a scenic or intermediate-level whitewater rafting trip. There’s only one place that’s home to a highway Teddy Another popular group option is the Roosevelt once called the ﬁfty most beautiful miles in America. Arkansas River Tours’ River & Rail trip. One place with a history museum known as the Smithsonian “In partnership with the Royal Gorge of the West. One place with scenic Yellowstone National Park Railroad Route, we offer a combina- right in its backyard. tion of a scenic rafting trip with a train It’s a place called Cody, Wyoming. ride through the Royal Gorge,” says Marquis. In addition to sightseeing as they navigate the river, groups can explore Cañon City before boarding the train’s traditional or open-air cars. “This trip is geared toward families with children as young as four as well as to seniors looking for a relaxing experience in nature,” says Marquis. For more on these and the company’s other rafting adventures, contact Marquis at billy@arkansasrivertours. Plan your trip today at CodyYellowstone.org com or go to arkansasrivertours.com. or call 1-800-393-CODY ARKANSAS RIVER TOURS ARKANSAS

NTAonline.com 29 COMPASS THE ROCKIES Taste and see the trails in Kamloops “Kamloops is known as a hub community,” says Lisa Strachan, director of destination development and trade relations for Tourism Kamloops. The British Columbia city is the intersection point for major Canadian highways and railroads, and it’s served by its own airport. “Only four hours from Vancouver, five from Jasper and six from Banff, Kamloops is the ideal midway point for tourists,” but travelers should be sure to explore the city and its surroundings, says Strachan. “[Visitors] are shocked by our climate and topography,” she says. “Kamloops has a semi-arid climate, including an inverted treeline, prickly pear cacti and hoodoos.” These unexpected environs make for excellent outdoor activities. Strachan recommends a VIP tour of the British Columbia Wildlife Park. “The park is an interactive wildlife experience specializing in rescue and rehabilitation of more than 45 indigenous species, and it’s the most successful breeder of burrowing owls in the world.” During experiences such as a cougar feeding, guests can view animals that are rarely seen in the wild. Alongside Kamloops’ hiking trails, guests can explore the city’s wine trail. “The Kamloops Wine Trail showcases three diverse wineries pioneering a new wine region in the Kamloops and Thompson Valley area.” The city also has several craft breweries, and will add two more brewpubs by early 2019. To learn more about Kamloops attractions, reach out to Strachan at Harper’s Trail Estate Winery

TOURISM KAMLOOPS TOURISM [email protected] or visit tourismkamloops.com.

You never know what you’ll come across at America’s Bridge.TM So come on. Come now. Fly into the sun. Laugh into the wind. Stop and hold hands while you stare o America’s highest suspension bridge. And we promise, you’ll come across something brand new. Open 365 days a year in Cañon City, Colorado. Buy tickets today at royalgorgebridge.com.

19-RGB-02615_PRINT_90th_7x4.875_4C_FNL.indd 1 10/12/18 2:17 PM 30 December 2018 Montana’s state parks celebrate a major milestone “Montana can offer a wide variety of experiences, so a tour “Montana is big,” Birrell emphasizes, “but so easy to travel operator can customize a trip to a variety of interests,” around. Our roads are uncrowded and offer expansive, scenic says Kim Birrell, travel trade coordinator for the Montana views. No wonder it’s referred to as Big Sky Country.” Office of Tourism, “A group can focus on historical events, For more information, contact Birrell at [email protected] such as Lewis and Clark’s exploration, early settlers, Native or go to visitmt.com. American heritage, mining or ghost towns.” There’s the state’s immense natural beauty, too. Makoshika State Park “Although we have two very popular national parks—Glacier and Yellowstone—our state parks also offer many unique cultural, historical and recreational experiences,” says Birrell. The state’s system of 55 parks will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2019. “Some of our most popular state parks are Lewis and Clark Caverns, where you can take a two-hour underground tour in one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest.” Pictograph Cave State Park also prominently features painted images, with some draw- ings that date back 2,000 years. Other popular options include exploring Montana’s best-preserved ghost town—at Bannack State Park—and the eastern Badlands of Makoshika State Park.

NTAonline.com 31 COMPASS

Portugal and Spain COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON

The town of Haro in Spain’s Rioja wine region A faith-filled Portuguese trio 2017 was a big year in Portugal, as the country’s famed pilgrimage site, Fátima, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The events surrounding the commemoration brought thousands of new visitors to the Centro Region, which is promoted by NTA-member ACISO–Associacao Empresarial Ourém-Fátima. According to ACISO’s Isabel Machado, while Fátima is its calling card, the area is home to other significant religious sites. “The Centro Region of Portugal surrounding Ourém defi- nitely has a lot to offer to groups apart from pilgrimages to Fátima,” she says. “It is very close to three important UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Monastery of Alcobaça, the Monastery of Batalha and the Convent of Christ in Tomar.” The Monastery of Alcobaça is one of the first Cistercian monastic foundations in Portugal, and the site boasts a group of unique medieval buildings. The Monastery of Batalha, which took more than 100 years to build, is one of the most impres- sive Gothic-style structures in Portugal. Groups visiting the circa 1160 Convent of Christ can learn more about the fortress that served as the headquarters of the Knights Templar until 1314 and for the Order of Christ from 1357 onwards. CC FLICKR/GRAEME CHURCHARD: bit.ly/2OJYob0 FLICKR/GRAEME CC Machado says these faith-based sites are easy to combine The long and wine-ding road with other local highlights. “Groups can admire an outstanding coastline and sunny Across Spain, DMC & Leisure Travel is a new NTA member beaches like Nazaré, Figueira da Foz and the Berlengas that specializes in group and FIT packages in its namesake Islands, but they also they can discover the forests, hills and country. The company, which was founded in 2004, also vineyards that are dotted with luxurious places—from palatial includes neighboring Portugal and Morocco on its itineraries. spas to converted castles, convents and mansions.” Thanks to a nearly endless stream of innovative chefs Reach out to Machado at [email protected] or go to and heightened interest in its renowned wine scene, Spain aciso.pt to learn more. has experienced a culinary renaissance over the past couple of decades. Across Spain’s Marta Rios says that reality has resulted in an increased focus on wine-themed tours. “American travelers are already great connoisseurs of Spanish culture and traditions,” says Rios, “and our great diversity of climates and soils make Spain a popular destination for wine lovers and culinary enthusiasts.” While many people were familiar with the country’s main wine regions—led by Rioja and Jerez—another eight to 10 areas have cropped up, due in part to new cultivation and processing techniques. And that expanded number of viticul- tural hot spots means travelers can take tours and do some wine tasting in most every corner of Spain. “Many wineries offer interesting tours to enhance the knowledge of visitors,” says Rios. “It depends on how deep a group is ready to dive in to the wine experience, as tours can offer a standard view or a serious, in-depth tackling of soils, grapes varieties, and food and wine pairings. These take place in our 12-15 wine regions like Catalonia, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Madrid, Jerez, etc.” To learn more, contact Rios at [email protected] or go Monastery of Batalha to across-spain.es. bit.ly/2zRU5Fk MAGNUSON: WILKIMEDIA COMMONS/KYLE CC

32 December 2018 NTAonline.com 33 COMPASS

Scandinavia COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON Hunderfossen Winter Park ‘Frozen’ adventures in Norway According to Monique van Dijk-Seppola, the 17th Olympic Winter Games in owner of Scandinavia Tours, the winter 1994, offers a number of options for is a wonderful time to visit Norway. winter enthusiasts. One of the main “In winter, much of Norway is usu- sites is Hunderfossen Winter Park, ally transformed into a snow-clad where activities range from tobog- paradise, and that means ideal opportu- ganing and children’s snowmobiles nities for fun in the snowy landscape,” to indoor adventures in the Fairytale she says. “Skiing has a special place in Castle and Caprino’s Fairytale Grotto. Norwegian culture and history and is Another stop is Maihaugen, a place the main thing, but there are plenty of van Dijk-Seppola says is also geared for other activities to enjoy.” travelers of all ages. The company found an audience for “The whole family can enjoy a day its “Frozen”-themed tours after the first out in Maihaugen’s safe and beautiful movie came out, and it has packages surroundings,” she says. “In this idyllic, that expand those offerings to other traditional open-air museum, children areas of Norway as a run-up to the can roam free and explore the old and November 2019 release of “Frozen 2.” new buildings. And, if conditions are “Scandinavia Tours offers a complete right, we recommend borrowing a kick- winter package in Norway inspired by the sled—the best mode of transport on a movies, and we have chosen Lillehammer sparkling winter’s day.” as a base for our latest fairy-tale journey,” To learn more, contact van Dijk- says van Dijk-Seppola. Seppola at [email protected]

HUNDERFOSSEN EVENTYRPARK HUNDERFOSSEN Lillehammer, which was the site of or go to scandinaviatours.no.

Three tours, two seasons, one Iceland Founded in 1929, Guðmundur Jónasson Travel Iceland has spent the last nine decades showcasing its native land to travelers from around the world. It offers a variety of pre-set itineraries, small-group/private tours and customized FIT packages, including the following three that are geared for groups: GJTRAVEL.IS

Iceland Country Life This nine-day tour, Guided Iceland Circle Offered in both the Northern Lights Exploration True to its name, available from June to September, includes summer and winter, this bestseller provides this winter favorite is geared for those hoping visits to the turf houses at a folk museum and a complete look at the island nation. As they to get a glimpse of the aurora borealis as it to a Viking Age Settlement museum. Travelers follow Iceland’s Ring Road, groups will go to illuminates the night sky. Offered from September also will sail between floating icebergs on a major towns such as Reykjavík, Egilsstaðir to April, the eight-day itinerary provides a 98 glacial lake, go on a whale-watching excursion, and Akureyri. Along the way they will hike to percent chance of seeing the northern lights bathe in a mineral-rich geothermal pool and waterfalls and a volcano, relax in the Mývatn by focusing on the more rural areas of western, take a stroll on black-lava beaches. Nature Baths and lay eyes on the spectacular southern and southeastern Iceland. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

For more details, contact GJ Travel’s Renato Gruenenfelder at [email protected] or go to gjtravel.is.

34 December 2018 Courier’s Guide to NTA-member Lodging Properties

The NTA membership includes hundreds of hotels Listings in this guide are based on a company’s and resorts that offer a number of great amenities membership category or profile selections. The for groups—welcome receptions, special room rates, information was provided by the member contact and was current as of Oct. 22. Companies with dining discounts and savings on other services. The more than one property are indicated by M (for companies on the following list represent many types multiple members—2 to 25 properties) and C (for of accommodations, ranging from national park corporate members—more than 26 properties). lodges, quaint rural inns and oceanfront hotels to chic Please check NTAonline.com for updated information on these members and to learn more downtown properties and luxurious casino resorts. about the variety of services they offer.

M CANADA Mayfair Hotels & Resorts Trailsman Lodge Cecilia Lau Maqbool Bhatti Vancouver, BC Baddeck, NS ALBERTA [email protected] [email protected] mayfairhotels.ca trailsmanmotel.com The Crossing Mike Fikowski Royal Scot Hotel & Suites ONTARIO Lake Louise, AB Greg Greene [email protected] Victoria, BC Comfort Inn Niagara South thecrossingresort.com [email protected] Anne Matiuschuk royalscot.com Mountain Park Lodges M Fort Erie, ON Bernhard Schneider [email protected] Sandman Hotel Group and comfortinnforterie.com Jasper, AB C [email protected] Sutton Place Hotel Company mpljasper.com Lou Yu Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls Vancouver, BC Heather Wolbert [email protected] Niagara Falls, ON PURSUIT sandmanhotels.com Eliza Fair [email protected] Canmore, AB nfcourtyard.com [email protected] NOVA SCOTIA pursuitcollection.com Four Points by Sheraton Dundee Resort & Golf Club Niagara Falls/Fallsview M Ramada Inn & Suites Canmore Sandippal Singh Grewal Rosetta Armeni Rose Chobaniuk Louisdale, NS Niagara Falls, ON Canmore, AB [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] dundeeresort.com fourpointsniagarafallsfallsview.com canmoreinn.com Gisele’s Country Inn Holiday Inn by the Falls BRITISH COLUMBIA Munawar Khan Teresa Adams Baddeck, NS Niagara Falls, ON [email protected] [email protected] Blue Horizon Hotel giseles.com holidayinnniagarafalls.com John Pritchard Vancouver, BC Holiday Inn Toronto [email protected] Old Orchard Inn Ltd. bluehorizonhotel.com Jane Manning Downtown Centre Wolfville, NS John Laabs M [email protected] Toronto, ON Hallmark Hospitality oldorchardinn.com Danny Najdovski [email protected] Vancouver, BC holidayinn.com/torontocentre [email protected]

DEPOSITPHOTOS/KALINOVSKY hallmarkhospitality.com

NTAonline.com 35 Courier’s Guide to NTA-member Lodging Properties

Québec’s Casinos M Desert Diamond Casino Hotel Anie Beauchamp Denys Marquez Montréal, QC Tucson, AZ [email protected] [email protected] casinos.lotoquebec.com ddcaz.com Fairfield Inn & Suites East Lord Elgin Hotel JAMAICA Kelcy Hambsch Flagstaff, AZ Amber Van Der Hoeven SeaGarden Beach Resort Ottawa, ON [email protected] Tricia-Ann Bicarie [email protected] fairfieldinn/flgff.com Montego Bay (St. James), Jamaica lordelgin.ca [email protected] Forever Resorts M seagardenjamaica.com The Lord Elgin is a well-oiled machine that has Michelle Kien hosting motorcoach groups down to a science Scottsdale, AZ because we have been doing it for 76 years. We UNITED STATES [email protected] offer special menus, buffets or boxed breakfasts for foreverresorts.com early departures, as well as complimentary on-site parking for up to four motorcoaches. ALASKA Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel Rich Milliron Rodeway Inn Fallsview Grande Denali Lodge/ Grand Canyon, AZ Robert Bignucolo Denali Bluffs Hotel M [email protected] Niagara Falls, ON Joe Merrill grandcanyonplaza.com [email protected] Anchorage, AK rodewayinnfallsview.com [email protected] Hampton Inn Hotel denalialaska.com Rich Rivers Silver Hotel Group Kayenta, AZ Marisol Pena Grand View Inn & Suites [email protected] Mississauga, ON Chevy Sharlow kayenta.hamptoninn.com [email protected] Wasilla, AK silverhotelgroup.com [email protected] Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tempe alaskagrandview.com Heather Nutt Travelodge Hotel by the Falls Tempe, AZ Jonathan George The Lakefront Anchorage [email protected] Niagara Falls, ON Greg Beltz hiexpress.com/tempeaz [email protected] Anchorage, AK travelodgebythefalls.com [email protected] Holiday Inn North Phoenix millenniumhotels.com/anchorage James McCarthy QUÉBEC Phoenix, AZ Major Marine Tours & [email protected] Atlific Hotels C Harbor 360 Hotel ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/phoenix/phxno/ hoteldetail Chantal Cardinal Jara Haas Montréal, QC Anchorage, AK [email protected] [email protected] Red Feather Lodge atlific.com majormarine.com Sue Finley Grand Canyon, AZ Best Western City Centre Centre-ville [email protected] ARIZONA redfeatherlodge.com Denis Cote Québec City, QC ARAMARK Parks and Destinations M [email protected] Robin Marquis ARKANSAS hotelquebec.com Page, AZ [email protected] Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Hilton Québec lakepowell.com Randy Wolfinbarger Guy Godin Eureka Springs, AR Québec City, QC Best Western Hotels & Resorts C [email protected] [email protected] Michelle Zajac innoftheozarks.com hiltonquebec.com Phoenix, AZ [email protected] DeGray Lake Resort State Park Hotel le Concorde bestwestern.com/groupsonline Linda Hodges Jackie Dussault Bismarck, AR Québec City, QC Best Western Premier Grand Canyon [email protected] [email protected] degray.com hotelleconcordequebec.com Squire Inn Freda Rahnenfuehrer Grand Canyon, AZ The Lodge at Mount Magazine/ Hotel Le Voyageur [email protected] Mt. Magazine State Park Helene Lacroix grandcanyonsquire.com Heidi H. Ryan Québec City, QC Paris, AR [email protected] [email protected] hotel-voyageur-quebec.com Cliff Castle Casino Hotel John LeDoux mountmagazinestatepark.com Camp Verde, AZ Le Nouvel Hotel [email protected] Ozark Folk Center State Park Sistina Damasio cliffcastlecasinohotel.com Michalle Stevens Montréal, QC Mountain View, AR [email protected] [email protected] lenouvelhotel.com ozarkfolkcenter.com

36 December 2018 CALIFORNIA The Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort Park Central Hotel Maegan Sullivan Henree Weiner Airtel Plaza Hotel & Conference Center Tuolumne, CA San Francisco, CA Patricia Aquino [email protected] [email protected] Van Nuys, CA blackoakcasino.com parkcentralsf.com [email protected] airtelplaza.com Hotel Corque Pechanga Resort & Casino Stormie Strickland Freddy Bi Apple Farm Inn & Trellis Court Solvang, CA Temecula, CA James Leigh [email protected] [email protected] San Luis Obispo, CA hotelcorque.com pechanga.com [email protected] applefarm.com Hotel Irvine The Queen Mary Evelyn Shimada Sandra Richardson Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe Irvine, CA Long Beach, CA Stephanie Hannah [email protected] [email protected] South Lake Tahoe, CA hotelirvine.com queenmary.com [email protected] tahoebeachretreat.com Red Lion Hotel Anaheim Resort Stella Pak Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim, CA Anaheim South [email protected] anaheimredlion.com Erica Perez Garden Grove, CA Hotel Zephyr at Fisherman’s Wharf Santa Barbara Hotel Group [email protected] Tony Swiecichowski Millie Matz embassysuitesanaheimsouth.com San Francisco, CA Santa Barbara, CA [email protected] [email protected] Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego – hotelzephyrsf.com sbhotels.com La Jolla As the newest boutique hotel on Fisherman’s Wharf, Brittany Aanestad Hotel Zephyr offers stylish guest quarters that are Santa Ynez Valley Marriott San Diego, CA outfitted with fun elements such as dart boards, Cynthia Guerrero [email protected] backgammon and other modern amenities in Buellton, CA sandiegolajolla.embassysuites.com select rooms, along with views of the iconic Golden [email protected] Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay. syvmarriott.com Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Spirited travelers enjoy the open community spaces Juliett Valencia throughout the property, including the hotel’s Soboba Casino Resort Indio, CA 1,610-square-foot game room and 8,000-square- Gene Stachowski [email protected] foot outdoor lounge and event space. Hotel Zephyr San Jacinto, CA fantasyspringsresort.com is also the closest hotel to PIER 39, Alcatraz, the [email protected] Ferry Landing and the new cruise terminal. soboba.com Hilton C Mayumi Florek Hyatt Palm Springs South Coast Plaza El Dorado Hills, CA LaDona Canevaro Brian Chuan [email protected] Palm Springs, CA Costa Mesa, CA hilton.com [email protected] [email protected] hyattpalmsprings.com southcoastplaza.com Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/ Garden Grove JBS Group Inc Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino Mitchell Hirschman Yang Sarah Gao Norma Schaefers Garden Grove, CA Arcadia, CA Lemoore, CA [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] anaheimhgi.com jbshotels.com tachipalace.com Holiday Inn Buena Park Marin Suites Hotel UC Santa Barbara Conference and Hotel & Conference Center Matthew Andress Hospitality Services Lafleche Barbeau Corte Madera, CA Whitney Morris Buena Park, CA [email protected] Santa Barbara, CA [email protected] marinsuites.com [email protected] hibuenapark.com conferences.ucsb.edu Marriott Hotels for California, Holiday Inn Golden Gateway Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, COLORADO Cecile Xian Oregon and Washington M San Francisco, CA Andre Barragan Clarion Inn of Grand Junction [email protected] Irvine, CA goldengatewayhotel.com [email protected] Colorado marriott.com Jessica Wallace Holiday Inns of Fisherman’s Wharf M Grand Junction, CO David Howarth Palm Garden Hotel [email protected] San Francisco, CA clarionhotel.com/hotel-grand_junction-colorado- Michelle de Bortnowsky co240 [email protected] Thousand Oaks, CA hifishermanswharf.com [email protected] palmgardenhotel.com

NTAonline.com 37 Courier’s Guide to NTA-member Lodging Properties

DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Junction CONNECTICUT Sound Hospitality Management M Mandy Freese Michele Drucker Grand Junction, CO Foxwoods Resort Casino M Miami, FL [email protected] George Yerger [email protected] grandjunction.doubletree.com Mashantucket, CT soundhospitality.com [email protected] Grand Vista Hotel foxwoods.com staySky Hotels & Resorts M Phyllis B. Veale Kelly Deremiah Grand Junction, CO Mohegan Sun Orlando, FL [email protected] Stephen Olender [email protected] grandvistahotel.com Uncasville, CT staysky.com [email protected] mohegansun.com GEORGIA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Best Western in Savannah’s Historic District M Hiltons of Washington, DC M Maggie Harley Renee Youngs Savannah, GA Washington, DC [email protected] Hampton Inn Durango [email protected] promenadesavannah.com Jenny Roberts washington.hilton.com Durango, CO B Historic Savannah [email protected] Holiday Inn Capitol Jami Smith durangoco.hamptoninn.com Eric Pittfield Savannah, GA Washington, DC [email protected] At Hampton Inn, we pride ourselves on our [email protected] bhistoricsavannah.com personalized service. We are thrilled to host hicapitoldc.com your group, and everyone is welcomed as a V.I.P. Jekyll Island Club Hotel Named the coolest small town in America, Durango FLORIDA Patty Henning sits in sunny, southwestern Colorado, and it is a Jekyll Island, GA gateway for all your itineraries. Your group can Dolphin Beach Resort & [email protected] enjoy Mesa Verde National Park, the Durango & jekyllclub.com/?nck=nta Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or any of the Conference Center outdoor activities that excite even the most novice Linda Rideout LBA Hospitality M adventurer. Leave it to us! We are here to help St. Pete Beach, FL Lauren Heldreth make yours the best trip possible. [email protected] Savannah, GA dolphinbeach.com [email protected] Hotel Engine lbaproperties.com Delmarshae Walker Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Denver, CO Universal Orlando North Point Hospitality [email protected] Bob Renka Stacy Sturgis hotelengine.com Orlando, FL Savannah, GA M [email protected] [email protected] Main Street Management hiuniversal.com northpointhospitality.com Cindy Goodrich Grand Junction, CO Holiday Inn Express and Suites Savannah Lodging [email protected] grandjunctionhamptoninn.com Orlando – South Lake Buena Vista (Savannah Historic District) Hania Rodriguez Janet Finnegan Kissimmee, FL Savannah, GA [email protected] [email protected] hiexpress.com/orlandoslbvfl savannahlodging.com Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista Lisa Ann Kukelka HAWAII Orlando, FL M [email protected] Aqua Hospitality LLC hiresortlbv.com Shirley Kawashima Strater Hotel Honolulu, HI Megan Reynolds Outrigger Beach Resort [email protected] Durango, CO aquaresorts.com [email protected] Eric Hoogstins strater.com Fort Myers Beach, FL [email protected] Courtyard by Marriott Kauai Built in 1887, the historic Strater Hotel is one of the outriggerfmb.com at Coconut Beach West’s iconic hotels and a prominent downtown Jaye Gayagas-Youn Durango, Colorado, landmark deep in the heart of Rosen Hotels and Resorts Inc. M Kapaa, HI the rugged San Juan Mountains and the San Juan Christina Ochoa-Braun [email protected] Scenic Skyway. The Strater Hotel is adorned with Orlando, FL kauaicourtyardresort.com beautiful handcrafted woodwork, period wallpaper [email protected] and the largest collection of American Victorian rosenhotels.com Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts M walnut antiques, which are used to decorate the June Pagdilao hotel and guest rooms. Lahaina, HI [email protected] hawaiianhotels.com

38 December 2018 IDAHO LOUISIANA Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Blake Hotel – New Orleans Bill Griggs Dee Dee McGowan Jenny Portera National Harbor, MD Worley, ID New Orleans, LA [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] gaylordhotels.com cdacasino.com blakehotelneworleans.com Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites M ILLINOIS Hampton Inn Hotels of New Orleans Ruth Rhynalds Waters Sara Bartlett Ocean City, MD Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro New Orleans, LA [email protected] [email protected] ocmdhotels.com Justine Egert neworleanshamptoninns.com Chicago, IL [email protected] National 4-H Conference Center cpwestloop.com Hotel Provincial Mary Stallings Kerri Donnelly Chevy Chase, MD Hard Rock International C New Orleans, LA [email protected] [email protected] 4hcenter.org Tara Hippensteel hotelprovincial.com Chicago, IL [email protected] MASSACHUSETTS hardrock.com Houmas House Plantation and Gardens Cape Codder Resort & Spa Hilton Lisle/Naperville Jesse Lambert Lynn Williams Brianna Villafuerte Darrow, LA Hyannis, MA Lisle, IL [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] houmashouse.com capecodderresort.com hiltonlislenaperville.com Nottoway Plantation DoubleTree by Hilton Boston Hiltons of Chicago Neil Castaldi Downtown White Castle, LA Michael Weinberg Brittany Grammer [email protected] Chicago, IL Boston, MA nottoway.com [email protected] [email protected] palmerhousehiltonhotel.com bostondowntown.doubletree.com MAINE Jumer’s Casino & Hotel Four Points by Sheraton Boston Hollie Myers Lafayette Hotels M Rock Island, IL Logan Airport Donald Haggett Brenda Diaz [email protected] South Portland, ME jumerscasinohotel.com Revere, MA [email protected] [email protected] lafayettehotels.biz Marriott International fourpoints.com/bostonairport M Midwest Region Sunday River Resort Hilton Garden Inn Lenox/Pittsfield Cheryl Hannemann Troy Munford Rebecca Brien St. Charles, IL Newry, ME Pittsfield, MA [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] marriott.com sundayriver.com lenoxpittsfield.hgi.com M Oakbrook Terrace Hotels Witham Family Properties/ Main Street Hospitality Group at The Miriam Blumenthal M Acadia Area Hotels Red Lion Inn – Independent Hotels in Oak Brook, IL Dede Daigle M [email protected] Ellsworth, ME The Berkshires oakbrookterracehotels.com [email protected] Michelle Murphy withamhotels.com Stockbridge, MA Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove [email protected] Amit Bansal mainstreethospitalitygroup.com/properties2 Elk Grove Village, IL MARYLAND The Midtown Hotel [email protected] M sheraton.com/suiteselkgrove B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group Gregg Bolduc Charis Harris Boston, MA Bethesda, MD [email protected] INDIANA [email protected] midtownhotel.com bfsaulhotels.com Amish Acres Nantucket Inn & Conference Center Becky Cappert Choice Hotels International Mark Manchester Nappanee, IN Jonathan Angelo Nantucket, MA [email protected] Rockville, MD [email protected] amishacres.com [email protected] nantucketinn.net choicehotels.com IOWA Red Jacket Resorts M Coakley & Williams Hotel Alan T. Bearse Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel Management Company M South Yarmouth, MA Diane Blomme Mike Parent [email protected] Tama, IA Greenbelt, MD redjacketresorts.com [email protected] [email protected] meskwaki.com cwhotels.com

NTAonline.com 39 Courier’s Guide to NTA-member Lodging Properties

Royal Sonesta Boston Treasure Island Resort & Casino NEVADA Cherie Allen Carla Nygaard Cambridge, MA Red Wing, MN Boyd Gaming Corporation M [email protected] [email protected] Jasmin Shaw sonesta.com treasureislandcasino.com Las Vegas, NV [email protected] MICHIGAN MISSISSIPPI boydgaming.com Best Western Greenfield Inn Beau Rivage by MGM Resorts Four Queens Hotel & Casino Suzanne Thomas International Pamela Dreyer Las Vegas, NV Allen Park, MI Linda Spruill [email protected] [email protected] Biloxi, MS fourqueens.com bestwesterngreenfield.com [email protected] beaurivage.com DoubleTree by Hilton Detroit – Mesquite Gaming M Dearborn Petra Jones MISSOURI Mesquite, NV Lattice Qualls [email protected] Detroit, MI Drury Hotels C mesquitegaming.com [email protected] Amy Defrancesco doubletree3.hilton.com St. Louis, MO Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa M [email protected] Grand Hotel Anna Soto-Vopalensky druryhotels.com Lake Tahoe, NV Julia Luckey-Ottenwess [email protected] Mackinac Island, MI Hilton St. Louis Frontenac montbleuresort.com [email protected] Jason Blackford grandhotel.com St. Louis, MO Silver Legacy Resort Casino [email protected] The Island House Kimberley Thorndike hilton.com Reno, NV Carol Halberg [email protected] Mackinac Island, MI Myer Hotels M [email protected] Kathy Baltajy theislandhouse.com Branson, MO NEW HAMPSHIRE [email protected] Island Resort & Casino myerhospitality.com Ocean Properties Ltd. Hotels & Cody Meshigaud Resorts M Harris, MI Radisson Hotel Branson Linda C. Haserot [email protected] Karen Foutch Portsmouth, NH islandresortandcasino.com Branson, MO [email protected] [email protected] oplhotels.com Kewadin Casino Hotel & radisson-hotel-branson.com Convention Center M NEW JERSEY Alecia Woodard MONTANA Sault Sainte Marie, MI BookMyGroup C [email protected] Paul DeMarco kewadin.com Best Western Butte Plaza Inn Melissa Bolton Fairfield, NJ Butte, MT [email protected] Michigan Vacation Destinations bookmygroup.com Marjaree Forbes [email protected] bestwestern.com/butteplazainn Mackinaw City, MI Hampton Inn & Suites Newark – [email protected] mackinawcity-mi.com Billings Hotel and Convention Center Harrison Riverwalk Jase Muri Gabriel Cardoz Murray Hotel Billings, MT Harrison, NJ [email protected] Marcella Pulte [email protected] newarkharrisonriverwalksuites.hamptoninn.com Mackinac Island, MI redlion.com/billings [email protected] M C mymurrayhotel.com Town Pump Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group Paula Marie Ruark Olivia Salinardo Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Butte, MT Short Hills, NJ [email protected] Melisa Brown [email protected] Mount Pleasant, MI townpumphotels.com [email protected] Resorts Casino Hotel soaringeaglecasino.com NEBRASKA Meg Lewis Atlantic City, NJ Hyatt Hotels Corporation C [email protected] MINNESOTA resortsac.com Cory Carlson Omaha, NE Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Tropicana Casino and Resort Heidi Keyho [email protected] hyatt.com Wanda Sosa Prior Lake, MN Atlantic City, NJ [email protected] [email protected] mysticlake.com tropicana.net

40 December 2018 Wyndham Hotel Group USA C Hudson Hotel Wellington Hotel Nancy Jepson Belkis Alvarado Lucille Yokell Parsippany, NJ New York, NY New York, NY [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] wyndhamhotels.com hudsonhotel.com/en-us wellingtonhotel.com

NEW MEXICO Millennium Broadway Hotel NORTH CAROLINA Brenda Worrell Best Western Rio Grande Inn New York, NY Biltmore Estate [email protected] Anthony Valentin Leslie T. Brewer millenniumhotels.com/ Albuquerque, NM Asheville, NC millenniumbroadwaynewyork [email protected] [email protected] riograndeinn.com biltmore.com New York Hilton Midtown Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder Iris Martin Blue Star Hospitality M New York, NY Diane Hunter Claire Anderson [email protected] Santa Fe, NM Fletcher, NC newyorkhiltonhotel.com [email protected] [email protected] buffalothunderresort.com bluestarhospitality.net Novotel Times Square Inn of the Mountain Gods Natasha Melesse Hampton Inns of Asheville M New York, NY Ray Anderson Resort & Casino [email protected] Asheville, NC Charles Meeks novotel.com Mescalero, NM [email protected] ashevillehotelgroup.com [email protected] Rocking Horse Ranch Resort innofthemountaingods.com Alison Herburger Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel Highland, NY Matthew Pegg [email protected] NEW YORK Cherokee, NC rockinghorseranch.com [email protected] Akwesasne Mohawk Casino harrahscherokee.com Michael Gleason The Roosevelt Hotel NYC Akwesasne, NY Juan Sepulveda Hilton Garden Inn Outerbanks/ [email protected] New York, NY mohawkcasino.com [email protected] Kitty Hawk theroosevelthotel.com Robin Rector Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue Kitty Hawk, NC Sheraton New York Times Square [email protected] New York stayhgi.com Alexander Emam Hotel M New York, NY Valerie Dillon La Quinta Inns & Suites C New York, NY [email protected] Jodie Murphy [email protected] citadines.com Cary, NC sheraton.com/newyork [email protected] Crowne Plaza Times Square lq.com/tours Gayle Richards Surfside on the Lake New York, NY Kris Dawson [email protected] Lake George, NY OHIO cpmanhattantimessquare.com [email protected] surfsideonthelake.com Hilton Columbus at Easton DoubleTree by Hilton NYC Joy Bressler Financial District The Tiki Resort Columbus, OH [email protected] Kathyann Falzon Kathleen Hafner hiltoncolumbus.com New York, NY Lake George, NY [email protected] [email protected] nycfinancialdistrict.doubletree.com tikiresort.com Wingate by Wyndham Cincinnati/ Blue Ash DoubleTree by Hilton TravelAdvocates Samir Gandhi Times Square South Robert Miller Blue Ash, OH New York, NY [email protected] Evanthia Papadimitriou [email protected] wingatecinci.com New York, NY traveladvocates.com [email protected] nytimessquaresouth.doubletree.com Turning Stone Resort Casino OREGON Jeremy Cadrette Hampton Inn Manhattan 35th/ Verona, NY Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites Empire State Bldg. [email protected] Karolina Lavagnino Darlene Klioris turningstone.com Ashland, OR New York, NY [email protected] [email protected] The Watson Hotel ashlandhillshotel.com manhattanempirestatebuilding.hamptoninn.com Joseph Rodriguez New York, NY DoubleTree by Hilton Portland [email protected] Krystin Dodge thewatsonhotelny.com Portland, OR [email protected] doubletreegreen.com

NTAonline.com 41 Courier’s Guide to NTA-member Lodging Properties

Driftwood Shores Resort & Lancaster Arts Hotel Regency Hotel Management M Conference Center Travis Stevens Gloriann Kueter Tami Clark Lancaster, PA Sioux Falls, SD Florence, OR [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] lancasterartshotel.com regency-mgmt.com driftwoodshores.com Omni William Penn Hotel Retsel Corporation dba Inn at the Commons Haley Deffenbaugh Grand Gateway Hotel Karolina Lavagnino Pittsburgh, PA Anna Vandegrift Medford, OR [email protected] Rapid City, SD [email protected] omniwilliampenn.com [email protected] innatthecommons.com grandgatewayhotel.com Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield/ M M LAM Hotels Best Western Gettysburg TENNESSEE Jennifer Morkert Nathan Mares Lake Oswego, OR Gettysburg, PA [email protected] [email protected] Clarion Inn Pigeon Forge Jon Bentley gettysburgqualityinn.com Pigeon Forge, TN Marine Discovery Tours [email protected] Fran Mathews SOUTH CAROLINA pigeonforgeclarion.com Newport, OR [email protected] Hampton Inn & Suites Oceanfront marinediscoverytours.com Fairfield Inn Properties Scott Murphy of the Smokies M Myrtle Beach, SC The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park Megan McClure [email protected] Pigeon Forge, TN Amy Bailey hamptoninn.oceanfront.com North Bend, OR [email protected] greatsmokiesgreatlodging.com [email protected] Lowcountry Hotels of Charleston themillcasino.com Betsay Painter Fontanel Attractions North Charleston, SC Monarch Hotel & Conference Center Carol Ziegler [email protected] Nashville, TN Tammy Thompson lowcountryhotels.com Clackamas, OR [email protected] fontanel.com [email protected] Palas Hospitality M monarchhotel.cc Stephen Clarke Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Resort Charleston, SC Rogue Regency Inn & Suites Tina Marie Abellanosa [email protected] Nashville, TN Maggie Groves thetownandcountryinn.com Medford, OR [email protected] gaylordhotels.com [email protected] Strand Hospitality C rogueregency.com Robin Hood-Grazioso Graceland & Guest House M Myrtle Beach, SC M Shilo Inns Suites Hotels [email protected] at Graceland Scott Hartcorn stranddevelopment.com Shirley Davis Conner Portland, OR Memphis, TN [email protected] [email protected] shiloinns.com SOUTH DAKOTA graceland.com

PENNSYLVANIA Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort Greystone Lodge at the Aquarium Michelle Patino Renee Spurling Deadwood, SD Gatlinburg, TN Country Inn of Lancaster [email protected] [email protected] Barry H. Kidd deadwoodgulchresort.com greystonelodgetn.com Lancaster, PA [email protected] Howard Johnson Inn & Suites countryinnoflancaster.com Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville Rapid City Airport Courtyard by Marriott Gettysburg Lyndsey Watson Larry Manghane Jeanne Hart Rapid City, SD Nashville, TN Gettysburg, PA [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] hojorapidcity.com nashvilleairportsuites.hamptoninn.com courtyardgettysburg.com LIV Hospitality M Hilton Worldwide Focused Service Heritage Hotel Lancaster Lynzie Montague Division C Lorraine Ruhl Rapid City, SD Convonta Stone Lancaster, PA [email protected] Memphis, TN [email protected] livhotelgroup.com [email protected] heritagelancaster.com hiltonmanagementservices.com Ramada Mt. Rushmore and Holiday Inn Harrisburg East Baymont Inn & Suites Keystone M Hotel Preston Lindsay Methlie James A. Sellars Courtney Hawkins Middletown, PA Keystone, SD Nashville, TN [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] holidayinn.com/harrisburge ramadamtrushmore.com hotelpreston.com

42 December 2018 The Park Vista – A DoubleTree Hotel UTAH Zion Lodge/Zion National Park Susan Brown Daisy Hobbs Gatlinburg, TN Conestoga Ranch Glamping Resort Springdale, UT [email protected] Cassie Birch [email protected] parkvista.com Garden City, UT zionlodge.com [email protected] M Wright Investment Properties conestogaranch.com VERMONT Tracy Uphold Memphis, TN Crystal Inn – Downtown Comfort Inn & Suites – Brattleboro [email protected] Salt Lake City M Amy Manning wrightinvestments.com Jadyn Bailey Brattleboro, VT Salt Lake City, UT [email protected] TEXAS [email protected] choicehotels.com crystalinns.com Aimbridge Hospitality C Jay Peak Resort, Vermont USA Amanda Thibeau Embassy Suites by Hilton Steve Vance Plano, TX South Jordan UT Jay, VT [email protected] Tyler Teran [email protected] aimhosp.com South Jordan, UT jaypeakresort.com [email protected] Hampton Inn & Suites Missouri City embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/utah/ Larkin Hospitality M Rebekah Sillman embassy-suites-by-hilton-south-jordan-salt-lake- Ed Sanders Missouri City, TX city-slcjoes/index.html South Burlington, VT [email protected] [email protected] Hospitality Management Services M larkinhospitality.com Hilton Garden Inn Live Oak Gina Giffin Caitlin Zarr Moab, UT VIRGINIA Live Oak, TX [email protected] [email protected] hmsmoab.com Best Western Oceanfront sanantonioliveoakconferencecenter.hgi.com Moab Lodging & Adventure Virginia Beach Hilton Houston Post Oak M Amy Miller dba Red Cliffs Lodge Virginia Beach, VA by the Galleria Judy Bane [email protected] Kimberly Hain Moab, UT bwvabeach.com Houston, TX [email protected] [email protected] redcliffslodge.com Best Western Plus Sandcastle houstonpostoak.hilton.com Moab Marriott Hotels and Activities Beachfront Hotel Jan Williamson Holiday Inn Northwest SeaWorld Craig Lindsey Virginia Beach, VA Samantha Wilson Moab, UT [email protected] San Antonio, TX [email protected] bestwesternsandcastle.com [email protected] marriott.com/cnyfi hisatx.com M Rockin’ R Ranch & Lodge Colonial Williamsburg Hotels Julie Fountain Holiday Inn Riverwalk Camille Ovard Williamsburg, VA Victoria Brock Sandy, UT [email protected] San Antonio, TX [email protected] [email protected] rockinrranch.com C hiriverwalk.com Crescent Hotels & Resorts Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at Temple Laura Elkin C Fairfax, VA MCR Hotels LLC Square Amanda Ekbom [email protected] Richard Williams chrco.com Dallas, TX Salt Lake City, UT [email protected] [email protected] Fort Magruder Hotel and mcrhotels.com plaza-hotel.com Conference Center M Presidian Hotels & Resorts Temple Square Hospitality M Susan Womack Williamsburg, VA Jaynie Zapata Neil Wilkinson [email protected] San Antonio, TX Salt Lake City, UT fortmagruderhotel.com [email protected] [email protected] presidian.com visittemplesquare.com Lansdowne Resort and Spa Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio USA Hotel Management Services M Cheng Hsiao Leesburg, VA Downtown Hemendra Patel [email protected] Lisa York La Verkin, UT destinationhotels.com San Antonio, TX [email protected] [email protected] sheratongunter.com Water’s Edge Resort at Bear Lake The Oceanfront Inn Cindy Grzesik Debbie Batt Virginia Beach, VA Garden City, UT [email protected] [email protected] oceanfrontinn.com thebearlakeresort.com

NTAonline.com 43 Courier’s Guide to NTA-member Lodging Properties

Quality Inn Mt. Vernon Mayflower Park Hotel feet of meeting and event space, and an on-site Carmen Fierro Leslie Womack 19-story luxury hotel. Plan your visit today to Alexandria, VA Seattle, WA experience the best in gaming and entertainment— [email protected] [email protected] all under one roof! choicehotels.com/virginia/alexandria/quality-inn- mayflowerpark.com hotels/va423?hotel=va423 Radisson Hotel & Conference Center – Red Lion Hotels C Green Bay Staybridge Suites Tysons Chuck Carter Amanda Lafave McLean Hotel M Spokane, WA Green Bay, WI Mark Welker [email protected] [email protected] McLean, VA redlion.com radisson.com/greenbay [email protected] staybridge.com/mcleanva Warwick Seattle Hotel Raymond Management Company Inc. C Tami Taylor Matthew Landgraf SunPower Hotels LLC Seattle, WA Middleton, WI dba Sleep Inn – Quantico Main Gate [email protected] [email protected] warwickhotels.com/seattle raymondteam.com Anthony Christian Dumfries, VA [email protected] Yakama Nation Legends Casino Hotel WYOMING choicehotels.com/virginia/dumfries/sleep-inn- Lisa Ortloff hotels/va327 Toppenish, WA Blair Hotels M [email protected] Quintin Blair legendscasino.com WASHINGTON Cody, WY [email protected] Crowne Plaza Hotel Seattle Downtown WEST VIRGINIA blairhotels.com Beth Harwood Seattle, WA Oglebay Resort & Conference Center Flying Saddle Resort [email protected] Deb Jones David Miller cphotelseattle.com Wheeling, WV Alpine, WY [email protected] [email protected] Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport oglebay-resort.com flyingsaddleresort.com Linda Botts Seattle, WA WISCONSIN Holiday Inn Sheridan [email protected] Elizabeth Ramsay cpseattleairport.com Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport Sheridan, WY [email protected] Joya Zamora holidayinn.com/sheridanwy The Davenport Hotels Milwaukee, WI Felicia Conklin [email protected] Spokane, WA crowneplazamke.com Mountain Modern Motel [email protected] Spencer Long thedavenporthotel.com Fairfield Inn & Suites Wisconsin Dells, WI Jackson, WY [email protected] Neal Castle mountainmodernmotel.com DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport Wisconsin Dells, WI Crisanta Callejo [email protected] Seattle, WA marriott.com/hotels/travel/msnwd-fairfield-inn- SureStay Plus by Best Western [email protected] and-suites-wisconsin-dells Buffalo WY seattleairport.doubletree.com Oxana Fowler North Central Group – Hilton & Buffalo, WY Embassy Suites Seattle/ Marriott Hotels M [email protected] bestwestern.com/en_us/book/hotels-in-buffalo/ North Lynnwood Cory Mace surestay-plus-hotel-by-best-western-buffalo/ Teresa Bitner Madison, WI propertycode.53001.html Lynnwood, WA [email protected] [email protected] ncghotels.com/motorcoach M embassysuiteslynnwood.com Town Square Inns of Jackson Hole Steve Meadows Emerald Queen Hotel & Casinos M Jackson Hole, WY [email protected] Marty Youngren townsquareinns.com Fife, WA [email protected] emeraldqueen.com Hilton Bellevue Justin Anderson Potawatomi Hotel and Casino Bellevue, WA Lisa Pederson [email protected] Milwaukee, WI bellevue.hilton.com [email protected] paysbig.com Lucky Eagle Hotel & Casino Ben Scholl Find your win at the Midwest’s No. 1 entertainment Rochester, WA destination. Open 24/7, this Milwaukee casino [email protected] features over 2,500 slot machines in the hottest luckyeagle.com themes, 100 table games, bingo, poker and off-track betting—just steps from seven unique restaurants, a 500-seat theater, over 60,000 square

44 December 2018 COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE NTA FAMILY NORMAND HUBERDEAU/NH PHOTOGRAPHES NORMAND HUBERDEAU/NH

Personality on parade Travel Exchange is a great place to get more business and new ideas, but it’s primarily a people place … and boy, are they fun to watch. The images here spotlight the stars of the show—you and your colleagues. A full recap of the event is coming in the January 2019 issue of Courier.

NTAonline.com 45 Meet the Members PRESENTED BY

John Hall’s Alaska ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

NTA contact: Elizabeth Hall, the support from the group market chief operating officer with our receptive services, and we Office phone: +1.651.345.1212 want to ensure that every organiza- tion visiting Alaska has the necessary Website: kissalaska.com resources to serve their clients. NTA member since: 2012 What’s your favorite place that Tell us about John Hall’s Alaska. you’ve visited? We’re a family company focused on pack- New Zealand aged Alaska tours, with receptive services throughout the state, as we operate our own You probably get this a lot: What do coaches. Our management team consists of you like most about Alaska? my father (the founder), John Hall Sr.; along There is always a new adventure to with my brother Joseph, our VP of fleet show our visitors, and I want to make operations; John Hall Jr., our VP of market- sure they love Alaska when they leave. ing; and I’m COO. Visitors love Alaska, but what do What’s new with your company? you love? This summer, our expansion included I love dogs, I love sports and I love opening up a large-vehicle maintenance working with my family. operation to service our coaches, as well as For more information, contact Hall at those of other tour companies bringing their [email protected]. motorcoaches north. We are excited about

Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA

NTA contact: Mary Jo Babbitt, vibrant and visionary CVB, but I also tourism development coordinator have the opportunity to share and Office phone: 877.892.3239 showcase our amazing attractions to the hundreds of group tours that visit Website: visitwytheville.com Wytheville each year. NTA member since: 1993 What do you like to do for fun? What’s an attraction or event that makes This may sound unusual, but my job Wytheville unique? is fun! I love dealing with the many The Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre is a year- groups that visit us, and I enjoy plan- round venue offering a four-course meal ning their itineraries. I also serve as followed by a Broadway-caliber musical pro- their step-on guide, so I not only plan duction. Groups love the theater’s entertain- the tours, I get to visit my attractions ing schedule of “All Musicals, All the Time.” and build the relationships face-to- face. We are a family, and we love to What’s your favorite season in Wytheville? have company! Since Wytheville is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the fall brings majestic col- If you could travel anywhere in the ors and breathtaking beauty. world, where would you go? I will visit Italy one day. My parents What makes your job the best? were born there, and my dream is to visit For more information, contact Babbitt at I not only have the ability to work for a each of their hometowns. [email protected].

CayTours CayTours is a locally owned and operated tour company in the Victor Johnson Cayman Islands with over five years of experience serving numerous 345.916.5523 new and repeat clients. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is well [email protected] versed in all things Cayman and really brings your tour to life as you 46 December 2018 caytours.com pass through the streets of Grand Cayman. NEW MEMBERS The following list shows organizations that joined NTA recently. Companies that also joined the Faith Travel Association have an FTA logo by their name. To access complete information on each of these new members, log on to NTAonline.com and go to the member searches.

TOUR OPERATORS VALAIS Matterhorn Region DMO Virginie Koulibaly 2018 Event LLC Seattle, WA 98104 USA Destination Northern Ontario J. Sanchez matterhornregion.ch Ian McMillan Cerrillos, NM 87010 USA Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6L6 Canada fireballrun.com YooYoo Tour Inc. destinationnorthernontario.ca Jiazi Liu Adventures to Tuscany La Puente, CA 91744 USA TRAVEL PLANNER Tommy Harpster Kunkletown, PA 18058 USA TOUR SUPPLIERS Riesmeyer Inc. adventurestotuscany.com (dba Travel Unrivaled) The Bartolotta Restaurants Robert Riesmeyer Marian Pilgrimages Cindi McLeod Wellington, MO 64014 USA Mattie Henry Milwaukee, WI 53212 USA travelunrivaled.com Hing-Ham, MA 02043 USA bartolottas.com marianusa.com Dundee Resort & Golf Club ASSOCIATES NKAR Travels & Tours (Pvt) Ltd. Sandippal Singh Grewal Janath De Silva Louisdale, NS B0E 3K0 Canada Etix Colombo, Sri Lanka dundeeresort.com Zarrin Alam nkartravelhouse.com Morrisville, NC 27560 USA hello.etix.com Rocking Horse Ranch Resort Open Roads Tour & Travel Solutions LLC Alison Herburger Kevin Murphy Highland, NY 12528 USA Skyview Apps Fair Oaks, CA 95628 USA rockinghorseranch.com Vanessa Boshoff ortts.com Bozeman, MT 59715 USA skyviewyellowstone.com Trailsman Lodge Urban Adventures Maqbool Bhatti David Naczycz Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0 Canada New York, NY 10013 USA trailsmanmotel.com urbanadventures.com

NTA EVENTS Save these dates in 2019 and beyond to connect with new partners and destinations. For more information on these events, click the EVENTS tab on NTAonline.com

Fort Worth Fort Lauderdale Dec. 8–12, 2019 Oct. 4–8, 2020 FORT WORTH CVB WORTH FORT GFLCVB

Washington, D.C. | April 10–11, 2019 Tucson, Arizona | March 27–30, 2019 VISIT TUCSON

Anchorage, Alaska | March 18–21, 2020 VISIT ANCHORAGE/JODYO.PHOTOS CC WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/DILIFF: bit.ly/1BLj5KD WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/DILIFF: CC

NTAonline.com 47 AFTERWORDS

Dreams to follow BY LAURA McFADDEN

Laura, during her first visit to Yellowstone National Park

THE TRAVEL BUG bit when I was in high So that’s what I did, and it put my life on to NTA. I don’t think my resume would school and my family and I took our first a path I could never have imagined. What I have stood out nearly as much without vacation “out west.” During our vacation thought would be one summer turned into that work experience, and now I truly from Kentucky to Idaho and back, we three years, and I made lifelong friends and believe I am where I’m supposed to be. crammed 13 states, a few national parks, lived in a place for years that most people In September, I went back to thousands of miles and a lifetime of mem- only dream of visiting for a week. Yellowstone with my new husband, ories into those 10 days in 2000. I grew up. I matured. I became braver Josh, on our honeymoon. I showed him We made two more trips to that part and my world widened. There is some- the place that was so special to me. of the country as a family, and I officially thing about tackling crazy adventures We spent the last five days of our hon- fell in love with the western United and climbing to the top of mountain eymoon in Paradise Valley, Montana, States. In the gift shop at the Grand peaks that make you realize you’re much which is just north of the park. It is now Canyon, at the front desk of the hotels more capable than you thought. the place that is special to us. in Glacier National Park, and in the After the first day of floating and fly- dining rooms in Yellowstone, I noticed fishing on the Yellowstone River, which there were young adults my age from all flows through the stunning valley, Josh over the world spending their summer started saying he could live there. My working in national parks. I wanted to first thought was that we would have to do that, but it seemed impossible. It was settle for repeat vacations because we 2,000 miles away from my home, my could never live there. family and all I had ever known. But then I started thinking “what if?” An interest in hospitality and tourism again. What if I could work remotely? had taken hold, but there weren’t tour- Josh is self-employed and can work from ism job opportunities in rural Kentucky, anywhere. Maybe when we retire? so I took the safe route and studied While I can say with certainty that we accounting in college, even though I won’t be moving to Montana anytime soon, really couldn’t picture myself working the dream is there. And it’s there because in that field. I muddled through and was The honeymooners, Laura and Josh travel opened my eyes to the possibility. lucky to get a job right after graduation. Through our day-to-day jobs in this After a year or so, while all my col- I worked in the reservation department industry, we allow guests, clients and lege friends were still looking for jobs, for Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the official customers to dream, and we open their I did the irresponsible thing and gave concessionaire of Yellowstone. That first eyes to things and places they may never my notice. I simply had no passion for year, I helped guests with their cabin, have thought were possible. the job and no long-term interest, and I camping and sightseeing reservations. And sometimes, those dreams rub off just wasn’t happy. I started another job The second and third years, I sold small on us. search, but nothing else looked appealing. group packages. It was a job I did have a I started thinking “what if”? If I was passion for, and it introduced me to the Laura McFadden is events and going to be changing jobs anyway, why hospitality, tourism and travel world. meetings manager at NTA. You not spend the summer working in Ultimately, I believe, those family vaca- can email her at laura.mcfadden@ Yellowstone, and then find a real job? tions and my work in Yellowstone led me ntastaff.com.

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