26April 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com O john kloster nic trains. Boone is also home to the Iowa Railway Museum, which is in the planning stages for a brand new facility to expand its offerings. (scenic- valleyrr.com) a motorcoach, and motorcoaches are convenient and outfitted for sight- seeing and comfort. But you should consider getting off the coach and ex- ploring other means of getting your pas- sengers around. Georgia Department of Economic Development
V irtually every group tour involves a motorcoach, and motorcoaches are convenient and outfitted for sight- seeing and comfort. But you should consider getting off the coach and ex- ploring other means of getting your pas- sengers around. BY RAIL The Branson Scenic Railway in Branson, Mo. offers a 40-mile trip through the Ozarks from its base at the historic downtown depot. The exact route changes depending on the com- mercial traffic on the tracks, but either route offers views and territory other- wise inaccessible to visitors. Highlights include tunnels, trestles and extinct communities that disappeared early in the 20th century. Trips are offered daily from March through November, ex- cept on Sundays. All excursions are sightseeing only, except for the dinner trains on Saturdays from April through October. (bransontrain.com) The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Rail- way outside of Cleveland, Ohio runs through Cuyahoga National Park and along the Cuyahoga River. In the park walk along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and see the canal lock and Canal Visitor Center, a canal-era structure offering a look into the past. The train also goes to Akron, where coaches are available to visit the Akron Art Museum, Akron Zoo or Hale Farm and Village. The southern termi- nus of the railway is Canton, where you can visit the William McKinley Presi- dential Library and Museum, the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the Canton Museum of Art. Trains operate Wednesday through Sunday June through October and weekends only from November through May. (cvsr.com) In Iowa, the Boone & Scenic Val- ley Railroad traverses the Des Moines River Valley with its distinctive canary yellow locomotive and coaches from the 1920s. The train travels from Boone to the old mining town of Fraser to experience turkeys, deer or bald eagles. The railroad also offers the restored 1915 Charles City & Western electric interurban trolley through downtown Boone. For some- thing different, the valley trip is also available on 1950s-era first class cars for the popular dinner, dessert and pic- nic trains. Boone is also home to the Iowa Railway Museum, which is in the planning stages for a brand new facility to expand its offerings. (scenic- valleyrr.com) BY WATER Vista Fleet in Duluth, Minn., of- fers two-hour sightseeing cruises of the Duluth and Superior, Wis. harbor on Lake Superior. The scope of this giant commercial harbor is world- class. Massive ore boats ply the waters delivering their loads to the commer- cial docks here. Cruises are offered weekends from May to early October and daily during the summertime. (vistafleet.com) Soo Locks Boat Tours offers a very unique excursion through the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The Soo Locks is the largest waterway traf- fic system on earth and the two-hour narrated trip actually goes through the lock alongside large freighters. The ship is lifted 21 feet up to the level of Lake Superior. The ship then sails under the International Bridge to Cana- dian waters to see a steel plant and then returns to the lower harbor through the 26 April 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com Georgia Department of Economic Development ❖ john kloster Hop aboard Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or take a harbor cruise in Duluth. 26 June 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com Midwest Rail and Cruise Options MIDWEST
Transcript
Virtually every group tour involvesa motorcoach, and motorcoaches
are convenient and outfitted for sight-seeing and comfort. But you shouldconsider getting off the coach and ex-ploring other means of getting your pas-sengers around.
BY RAIL The Branson Scenic Railway in
Branson, Mo. offers a 40-mile tripthrough the Ozarks from its base at thehistoric downtown depot. The exactroute changes depending on the com-mercial traffic on the tracks, but eitherroute offers views and territory other-wise inaccessible to visitors. Highlightsinclude tunnels, trestles and extinctcommunities that disappeared early inthe 20th century. Trips are offered dailyfrom March through November, ex-cept on Sundays. All excursions aresightseeing only, except for the dinnertrains on Saturdays from April throughOctober. (bransontrain.com)
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Rail-way outside of Cleveland, Ohio runsthrough Cuyahoga National Park andalong the Cuyahoga River. In the parkwalk along the Ohio & Erie Canal
Towpath Trail and see the canal lockand Canal Visitor Center, a canal-erastructure offering a look into the past.The train also goes to Akron, wherecoaches are available to visit the AkronArt Museum, Akron Zoo or HaleFarm and Village. The southern termi-nus of the railway is Canton, where youcan visit the William McKinley Presi-dential Library and Museum, the ProFootball Hall of Fame or the CantonMuseum of Art. Trains operateWednesday through Sunday Junethrough October and weekends onlyfrom November through May.(cvsr.com)
In Iowa, the Boone & Scenic Val-ley Railroad traverses the Des MoinesRiver Valley with its distinctive canaryyellow locomotive and coaches fromthe 1920s. The train travels fromBoone to the old mining town ofFraser to experience turkeys, deer orbald eagles. The railroad also offers the restored 1915 Charles City &Western electric interurban trolleythrough downtown Boone. For some-thing different, the valley trip is alsoavailable on 1950s-era first class carsfor the popular dinner, dessert and pic-
nic trains. Boone is also home to theIowa Railway Museum, which is inthe planning stages for a brand newfacility to expand its offerings. (scenic-valleyrr.com)
BY WATERVista Fleet in Duluth, Minn., of-
fers two-hour sightseeing cruises ofthe Duluth and Superior, Wis. harboron Lake Superior. The scope of thisgiant commercial harbor is world-class. Massive ore boats ply the watersdelivering their loads to the commer-cial docks here. Cruises are offeredweekends from May to early Octoberand daily during the summertime.(vistafleet.com)
Soo Locks Boat Tours offers a veryunique excursion through the SooLocks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. TheSoo Locks is the largest waterway traf-fic system on earth and the two-hournarrated trip actually goes through thelock alongside large freighters. The ship is lifted 21 feet up to the level ofLake Superior. The ship then sailsunder the International Bridge to Cana-dian waters to see a steel plant and thenreturns to the lower harbor through the
26 April 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com
Georgia Department of Economic Development
� john kloster
Hop aboard Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or take a harbor cruise in Duluth.
26 June 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com
Midwest Rail and Cruise OptionsM
IDW
EST
Canadian Lock and past the St. Mary’sRapids before docking back in the city.The line also offers luncheon cruises,dinner cruises and unique lighthousecruises along the St. Mary’s River.These cruises go past the Cedar PointLighthouse, the remains of the RoundIsland Lighthouse and then to the re-stored Point Iroquois Lighthouse builtin 1871. From there the trips entersCanada for the Gros Cap Reefs Light-house and on to the Lakeshore-Shal-lows area and the picturesque beachesand summer cottages at Pointe AuxPins. (soolocks.com) LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2011 27
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
For more scenic rail and sight-
seeing cruise ideas in the Mid-
west, log on to http://leisuregrouptravel
.com/?p=23749.
DESTINATION ALL AROUND ALTON Alton, Hartford, Jerseyville, Elsah,
Village of Godfrey and Grafton, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS� Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
� Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Confluence Tower
� National Great Rivers Museum and Melvin Price Locks & Dam
� Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail with Dinner at Lincoln’s Table
28 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Begin your travels along the Meeting of the Great Rivers NationalScenic Byway at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center andNational Trail Site #1 in Hartford, IL. Hear the story of the Corps ofDiscovery and learn about the five months they spent preparing forthe journey. Next, stop at the new Lewis & Clark Confluence Towerand check out the view of the confluence of the Missouri andMississippi rivers from the platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet. Then,enjoy lunch in Historic Downtown Alton at one of the quaint home-town restaurants on Alton’s Antique Row, or for those art lovers,have lunch catered in at the Jacoby Art Center and watch the artistsat work. It’s time to watch the barges come in at the National GreatRivers Museum and the Melvin Price Locks & Dam. See tows andbarges as they push their way through this incredible structure. Fordinner get ready for some side-splitting laughter at the Die LaughingDinner Theater. Choose from several different shows served with afour-course meal and an extra serving of laughter.
DAY 2:
Let one of Alton’s step-on guides lead your group on a HistoricAlton Tour, an Underground Railroad Tour or Alton’s Lincoln &Civil War Legacy Trail. Then, have lunch at one of the region’s manygroup-friendly restaurants. Visit the Alton Museum of History & Artto view special exhibits relating to the Civil War and Alton’sUnderground Railroad connections. Next take a 30-minute drive northto Jerseyville, where we tour the Col. Fulkerson Mansion and viewthe Civil War artifacts of this Union military leader. Cap off your daywith Dinner at Lincoln’s Table at My Just Desserts in Alton. Enjoya meal that would have been served at Lincoln’s table. Guests will be engaged as they read aloud their souvenir name card, making connections with the many people that dined with Lincoln and MaryTodd through the years.
DAY 3:
Back on the Byway, your first stop will be the dragon-like beast thatdecorates the river’s bluffs. The legendary Piasa was noted in thejournals of Father Marquette and Louis Joliet during their explorationof the Mississippi River in 1673. Next take a guided tour of Elsah, “the village where time stood still,” and Principia College, the onlyChristian Science college in the world. The campus and the buildingsare a masterpiece of breathtaking scenery and architectural beauty.It’s time for lunch in Grafton, where riverside restaurants can tailor amenu to your group with a scenic view of the confluence of theMississippi and Illinois rivers. Plan a stop at one of the many wineriesfor a taste of the local flavors. The final stop on this tour will be PereMarquette State Park, the largest state park in Illinois. The center-piece of the park is the Lodge and cabins built in the 1930s by theCivilian Conservation Corps.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Gardens, Grapes & Galleries� Barn Quilts of Calhoun County
GRAND LADIES OF THE LAKESCharlevoix, Sault Ste. Marie and
Mackinaw City, Michigan
HIGHLIGHTS� See the beacons of the lakes that guide the freighters
� Cruise through the busiest international waterway – Soo Locks
� Casino fun included in your package
� Tour an actual freighter aboard the Museum Ship Valley Camp
� See the third oldest city in the country – Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
CONTACT: Circle Michigan� Janet Kasic • www.circlemichigan.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARYLove Lighthouses and the Great Ships of the Great Lakes?
Step aboard Keweenaw Excursions’ exclusive package that embod-ies the majesty of the Great Lakes, the massive freighters, and thebeacons of the lakes that guide these beautiful ships.
DAY 1:
The trip departs from the port of Charlevoix, Michigan. Board theKeweenaw Star for a beautiful boat ride north through the Grey’sReef Passage and then east under the Mighty Mac, the world’slongest suspension bridge. This evening arrive in the historic city ofSt. Ignace, Michigan. Along the way you will see the lights at theCharlevoix Pier, Ile Aux Galets, Grey’s Reef, Waugoshance Shoal,White Shoal, and St. Helena Island. Tonight arrive at the KewadinCasino for fun and entertainment.
DAY 2:
A full breakfast buffet at the casino this morning before heading tothe marina. Step aboard the Keweenaw Star for another day of anexciting adventure. From St. Ignace head east through Round IslandPassage past historic Mackinac Island and continue toward Detourwhere we will enter the St. Mary’s River. The river acts as an interna-tional border between Michigan and Ontario, Canada. As you navi-gate your way up the river to the historic city of Sault Ste. Marie, theoldest city in Michigan and one of the oldest cities in the UnitedStates, you’ll have great views of the lights of Round Island Passage,Bois Blanc, Martin Reef, and Detour Reef. While traveling up the St.Mary’s River you will be near some of the world’s largest freighters
that navigate the tight channels and various ranges of the river. Afterarriving in Sault Ste. Marie, a coach will pick you up and bring you tothe Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie for the night.
DAY 3:
The following morning you will get the opportunity to pass throughthe locks at Sault Ste. Marie aboard one of the Soo Locks Boat TourBoats, a national historic landmark. The Soo Locks has been referredto as one of the great wonders of the world. Experience a ridethrough the lock system – chances are a freighter will be in the lockswith you – it is a spectacular sight! More tonnage passes throughthese locks than the Panama and Suez canals combined. Afterwards,tour the Museum Ship Valley Camp. At this freighter-turned-museumyou’ll learn what it was like to live aboard a working vessel on theGreat Lakes. Discover the extensive nautical collection highlighted bythe lifeboat from the famed shipwreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Enjoy lunch in historic downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Explore the shopsand boutiques in the city named by Father Jacques Marquette. AFrench missionary, he came to this area in the 1600’s and named SaultSte. Marie in honor of the Virgin Mary. Afterwards board your coachfor a short trip back to Mackinaw City for a tour of the Coast GuardCutter Mackinaw. Mackinaw City offers great shopping venues andentertainment too. Explore downtown for an array of restaurants andattractions. Overnight in Mackinaw City.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Pig Iron, Pasties and the U.P.� Quilts, Quakers & Collies
EXPERIENCE GENEVA Geneva, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS� Indulge in a chocolate tour
� Shop at over 150 unique shops
� Relax at the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Gardens
� Lunch and fashion show at Atrium Café
� Historic walking tour
CONTACT: City of Geneva� Jamie Heflin • www.genevadowntown.org
22 S. First St., Geneva, IL 60134Phone: 630-938-4555 • Email: [email protected]
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Breakfast: Start your morning at one of Geneva’s many diners orcafes – or save your appetite because you’ll be taking a ChocolateTour of Geneva!
9:30am-Noon: Indulge your sweet tooth with a fun and education-al Geneva Chocolate Tour. This guided walking and tasting tour ofchocolate shops, bakeries and cafes includes traditional and non-traditional chocolate locations.
Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch accompanied by a fashion show at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Cafe.
Afternoon: Explore the 36 specialty themed rooms in The LittleTraveler and discover treasures from around the world in this land-mark “department store” dating back to 1922. Step outside and over150 specialty shops are within walking distance along picturesquetree-lined streets. Many of the shops are tucked away in architecturalgems that were once homes.
3:00-4:00pm: Geneva’s History Center will give you a behind-the-scenes look at Geneva’s past. Choose a bus tour with a step-ontour guide dressed in period attire or take a walking tour of the“haunted streets” of downtown Geneva.
After the tour you’ll have more time to enjoy Geneva’s historicdowntown. You can choose to shop, explore the historic district, orsimply rest on a bench and soak up the small town vibe.
Dinner: Geneva may have an abundance of small-town charm, butthe dining options are world class. From fine dining to friendlydiners, you’ll find the perfect option for your taste and budget.
DAY 2:
Morning: After enjoying a complimentary breakfast from one of ourfine hotels, spend a relaxing morning at the historic Fabyan ForestPreserve. Explore the latest exhibits at the Fabyan Villa Museum,featuring the Fabyans’ private collection of Japanese artifacts, scientific instruments and original furniture. Learn about the FrankLloyd Wright design features throughout the Villa Museum. Savor amoment of harmony with nature and soothe your spirit in theJapanese Garden, originally planted in 1910.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch on the sprawling estate of the Oscar SwanCountry Inn. The proprietors of the Oscar Swan will work with youahead of time to create a one-of-a-kind private luncheon on theireight-acre estate.
Afternoon: After lunch you’ll have a variety of options. You can renta bike and take a relaxing ride along the scenic Fox River Bike Trail.You can head back to the historic shopping district and explore all the shops you didn’t have time for the day before. Or you can visitthe lifestyle shopping center, Geneva Commons, for the bestnational apparel and home décor retailers. Looking for something alittle tastier? Take a Culinary Tour of Geneva and bake your own loafof bread, learn about spices, taste premium olive oils and balsamicvinegars, enjoy a tasting of hand-crafted beer, wines or coffees fromaround the world.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Art & Wine in Geneva� Crafter’s Getaway
30 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
EFFINGHAM…WE CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW YOU AROUND Effingham, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS
� My Garage Corvette Museum
� Cross at the Crossroads
� The Effingham Performance Center
� Ballard Nature Center
� Firefly Grill
CONTACT: Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau� Kim Jansen • www.VisitEffinghamIl.com
1505 Hampton Drive, Effingham, IL 62401Phone: 217-342-5305 or 800-772-0750 • Email: [email protected]
LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2011 31
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Corvettes and Motorcycles
Start the day out exploring the history of America’s sports car at MyGarage Museum, located on the campus of Mid America Motorworks.Located on the northeast side of Effingham, this one-of-a-kind museumhouses vintage Corvettes and thousands of pieces of Corvette historyand memorabilia. For more information, visit www.mamotorworks.com.
From the Corvette Museum, visitors can then swing by the Harley Barn,which is just down the road. Legacy Harley-Davidson houses new andpre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts andmuch more. This is a must see for motorcycle enthusiasts and a greatstop for those who are interested in unique stores. For more informa-tion, visit www.legacyhd.com.
After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a home-style meal at Niemerg’sSteakhouse where guests will enjoy great food and great service at rea-sonable prices. From chicken dinners, to steaks, to seafood, Niemerg’s iscertain to have something to please everyone. And, be sure to saveroom for their famous pie!
DAY 2: Dinner and a Show
The Firefly Grill in Effingham is much more than just a restaurant; it is aculinary experience that brings thousands of people each year to theEffingham community. The Firefly Grill has been recognized in severalpublications including the Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetite and the St.Louis Post for its unique atmosphere and its efforts to Go Green. TheFirefly Grill offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. Groups areinvited to explore the gardens where food is grown for the restaurant,
participate in demonstrations and spend time relaxing on the beautifulgrounds. For more information, visit www.ffgrill.com.
End the day with a show at the Effingham Performance Center. Thisis a 1,564-seat theater that hosts 40 performances a year. Local,regional and national acts are scheduled to perform, with categoriesincluding Country, Pop/Top 40, Contemporary Christian, Comedy, Jazz,Dance, Classical and Bluegrass. Several nationally recognized perform-ers will take the stage during the theater’s third season.
DAY 3: Art and Engineering
Effingham is a great place to explore the arts. Start the morning with awalk along the streets of downtown Effingham and take a tour of theSculpture on the Avenues. This outdoor exhibition features over 30works of art from some of the Midwest’s best known and unknownsculptors. Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the Cityof Effingham’s avenues into an art gallery!
From there, guests may take time to explore the Cross at the Crossroads.The 198-foot Cross is certainly an engineering wonder, but its greatestmiracle is its call to travelers from every faith, background and circum-stance, reminding them of the positive values shared and cherished byall. The Cross features a chapel, reception area, restrooms, a refreshmentcenter, and media room where visitors can view a video of the construc-tion of the Cross. For more information, visit www.crossusa.org.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Explore the Arts in Effingham� Museums and More
WHAT’S COOKING IN COLUMBUS Columbus, Ohio
HIGHLIGHTS� Get a real taste of Columbus on guided food tour
� Prepare tempting meals under the guidance of a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef
� Learn how to enhance your favorite recipes with herbs
� Figure out “whodunit” at the entertaining “Dickens of a Mystery” interactive dinner theater
� Take a cooking class with America’s most-awarded spicy foods creator
32 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Discover why Gahanna is known as the Herb Capital of Ohio. We’llmake herb-infused vinegars and oils at the Ohio Herb EducationCenter, and learn how to add the palate-pleasing flavor of herbs tofavorite recipes.
Continue our herbal experience at Teh Ku Tea Company in HistoricDublin, where we’ll sample teas from around the world. Or indulgewith a food and handcrafted wine tasting at Wyandotte Winery,which makes more than a dozen varieties onsite.
Taste handcrafted flavors like lime cardamom and cherry Lambic atJeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Chef/owner Jeni Britton Bauer’s hand-crafted ice creams have been touted in dozens of national publica-tions, including The New York Times that said her ice cream is “worththe drive to Ohio.”
Take a guided tour of the historic Worthington Inn before joiningthe award-winning chef for an in-depth hands-on cooking demon-stration. Help prepare a seasonal three-course meal, then enjoy ourcreations.
DAY 2:
Taste the results as America’s most-awarded spicy foods creatorJohn Hard, better known as CaJohn, uses chiles to make mild to fierycuisine during cooking school at the North Market.
Eat, drink and explore with Columbus Food Adventures. Get a realtaste of Columbus on guided food tours with stops at independ-ently owned businesses, complete with samples of their best menuitems. Explore new cuisines and learn about the history of Columbus’delicious neighborhoods.
Sip wine crafted the old fashioned way at Via Vecchia Winery, oneof just a handful of U.S. wineries that don’t add lab-created yeasts orsugars to its vintages. Depending on the season of our visit, the winescould be in the crush (as in stomping with our feet!), fermentation,aging or bottling phase.
Figure out “whodunit” at the entertaining “Dickens of a Mystery,” oneof four original interactive dinner theater shows at Ohio Village, there-creation of a Civil War-era town.
DAY 3:
Prepare tempting meals under the guidance of Tami Cecil, a CulinaryInstitute of America-trained chef, at Woodhaven Farm. Pick freshherbs from the organic garden, then prepare our meal in the state-of-the-art indoor kitchen or the outdoor kitchen. Take the recipes hometo re-create.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Go Green in Columbus� Girls’ Getaway Weekend
Because the only thing better than telling old stories is creating new ones.
If you’ve ever been to Columbus, you know it isn’t your ordinary destination. Its one-of-a-kind festivals, unique hands-on attractions and freethinking attitude make it a city like no other and one your
group is sure to love. So start planning your Columbus visit today at ExperienceColumbus.com/tours or by calling 800-354-2657.
COMING IN 2012
KANKAKEE COUNTY – HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE TOUR Kankakee County, Illinois
One Dearborn Square, Suite 1, Kankakee, IL 60901Phone: 815-935-7390 or 800-747-4837 • Email: [email protected]
34 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Kankakee County
Hotel Check-In: Kankakee County offers affordable lodging accommo-dations including two full-service properties. Take a minute to settle into your hotel and freshen up for an evening of dining and entertainment.Be sure to pick up information and Barn Quilt Guidebooks from the front desk.
Barn Quilts: Use your Barn Quilt Guidebooks to learn the history ofrural homesteads in Northeast Kankakee County. There are many BarnQuilts scattered along the way to the Bennett-Curtis House MysteryDinner Theater.
Dinner Theater: At the Bennett-Curtis House your evening begins withappetizers and mingling with guests and cast. The cast is seated amongstyou as a five-course dinner is served. During the meal a murder is com-mitted. It's up to you to figure out who dunit!
DAY 2: Kankakee County
Morning: Enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your hotel.
Frank Lloyd Wright Tour: Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright left anenduring legacy in Kankakee County with two neighboring housesbeautifully set along the banks of the Kankakee River. The B. HarleyBradley House & Stable has been opened as a house museum.Designed in 1900, the Bradley House and its neighboring home, theHickox House (private residence), marked the beginning of Wright’sPrairie School style. Experience the history of the house and its owners,life in turn-of-the-century Kankakee and the birth of Frank Lloyd Wright’sPrairie School design. Tours are one hour and include both floors andthe Stable Shop gift shop.
Lunch/Cooking Demonstration: Take a seat for great service and asatisfying midday meal. Make reservations for a cooking demonstrationat America’s Bistro. Watch as the chef prepares a masterpiece for yourlunch and dessert.
Barn Quilts: Schedule a step-on guide or use the Barn Quilt Guidebookto do a self-guided tour. Each historic barn is marked by a beautiful,hand-painted quilt pattern. The tour celebrates history, art, culture andheritage.
Kankakee County Museum: Visit the Kankakee County Museum (alsoa Barn Quilt location). Take a tour of the museum, including the artgallery, historic 1855 Dr. A.L. Small House and the 1904 Taylor One-Room School House. Walk the paths of Governor Small Park and theMuseum's Column Garden and outdoor exhibit area. The museumhouses a gift shop with Barn Quilt gifts and collectibles.
Evening: End the day with a relaxing and delicious dinner at a uniquerestaurant. Contact the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureaufor a list of restaurants with private dining areas for large groups.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Kankakee County - Indoor and Outdoor Adventures� Kankakee County - Barn Quilt Tour
HIDDEN TREASURES, COUNTRY PLEASURES Lake County, Illiniois
HIGHLIGHTS
� Sanfilippo Estate, also known as Place de la Musique
� Gold Pyramid House
� Genesee Theatre
� Great Lakes Naval Museum
� Fort Sheridan and Adlai Stevenson’s Historic Home
CONTACT: Lake County, IL Convention & Visitors Bureau� Jayne Nordstrom • www.lakecounty.org
5465 W. Grand Ave., Suite #100, Gurnee, IL 60031Phone: 800-525-3669/847-662-2700 • Email: [email protected]
LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2011 35
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Wadsworth, Barrington, Lincolnshire & Waukegan
Tempel Farms – The intimate experience of watching our famousLipizzan horses in training.
Take in the exclusive shops at the Ice House Mall. Tucked inside isChessie’s/111 Grille, which gives a peek into Barrington’s past. See theformer Barrington train depot and dine in a train car.
Place de la Musique or the Sanfilippo Estate is a truly unique experi-ence. This 44,000-square-foot home contains the world’s largest pipeorgan (we provide a mini-concert), musical machines, Tiffany lamps andthe carousel building for more amazing machines. We give you a glimpseon how the Sanfilippo family made their fortune at the Fisher Nut Store.
Dinner is at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and just a short walkinside is our evening’s entertainment, a well-known or new musical atthe Marriott Theatre. Check into one of our newest hotels, SpringHillSuites Waukegan/Gurnee.
DAY 2: Lake Forest, Gurnee, Waukegan & Libertyville
At Elawa Farm/Wildlife Discovery Center we teach about the histo-ry and gardens of Elawa Farm and its peculiar residents.
The Popcorn Factory—the original popcorn in a tin company. Visitthe store, enjoy samples and have time to shop for delicious treats tobring home.
Keylime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort lunch – a splashtasticadventure isn’t just for kids. Have a fabulous lunch created by Chef Brianand take time to explore the resort’s wonderful shopping, goodies andParadise Mist Spa.
Take a glimpse back into time with a tour of our 1920s movie palace,the Genesee Theatre. Waukegan is the home of Jack Benny, who hadmany movie premieres at the theater.
Discover Egyptian treasures and life inside our unusual Gold PyramidHouse.
A home-cooked buffet dinner is waiting at The Country InnRestaurant at Lambs Farm. Learn about their 50-year mission andshop in their specialty stores.
Some free time to take advantage of all the savings and great stores atGurnee Mills is always popular. Your outdoor enthusiasts will enjoyBass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Last Call by Neiman Marcus pres-ents designer products that are always on sale.
Optional evening entertainment includes Ravinia Festival, GeneseeTheatre, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts and manyarea community theaters.
DAY 3: Great Lakes, Lincolnshire, Fort Sheridan & Wheeling
Explore 100 years of history at the new Great Lakes Naval Museum.Learn about the man, the mission and his home life during a tour ofAdlai Stevenson Home. Our Fort Sheridan’s legacy lives on with awindshield tour of the beautiful grounds and homes. A walk of thegrounds is available along with a great group photo opportunity in thered hawk nest sculpture.
A healthy lunch from Sweet Tomatoes and wine tasting at Illinois’ old-est winery – Lynfred Winery is one of the best ways to start the tripback home.
All these amazing sites are tucked away in Lake County, right in betweenMilwaukee and Chicago. Our Hidden Treasures and Country Pleasuresare just a short drive away!
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� A Honey of a Tour � Let the Ride Take You to Potawatomi Casino
AMISH COUNTRY OF NORTHERN INDIANA QUILT GARDENS TOUR ALONG THE HERITAGE TRAIL
� Master Gardener step-on guide for full-day Quilt Gardens guided tour
� Dinner at an Amish farm with Amish cooking class
CONTACT: Amish Country of Northern Indiana/Elkhart County CVB � Sonya L. Nash, CTP • www.AmishCountryTours.org
219 Caravan Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514Phone: 800-517-9657 or 574-262-8161 • Email: [email protected]
36 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Shipshewana and Nappanee, Indiana
Morning: Experience first-hand the Shipshewana Flea Market, theMidwest’s largest outdoor flea market with 900 booths covering 60acres. There are special finds at every turn. A shopper’s paradise!Afternoon/Evening: The 80-acre restored Amish farmstead, listed onthe National Register of Historic Places, is the focal point of AmishAcres in Nappanee. A farm wagon ride, documentary films and aguided historic farm tour give guests an overview of the Amish wayof life. Sample and taste wines from the Great Lakes region, then dine ina century-old barn restaurant enjoying the famous family-style ThreshersDinner. Top off the evening with live musical theater in the majestic 1911Round Barn Theatre offering Broadway-style musical productions.
DAY 2: Goshen and Middlebury, Indiana
Morning: Join your local Master Gardener step-on guide and getthe inside scoop on the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail. You’llhear local stories and see quilt patterns brought to life in vibrant colorsat such gardens as Flower Basket, Sunrise, Pinwheel and Hope Blooms.Up to 18 gardens and 18 murals in multiple communities are featuredalong the trail, dependent on the group’s specific interests and time. Lunch/Afternoon: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at The Trolley Cafelocated inside The Old Bag Factory in Goshen, featuring their signa-ture homemade quiche and orange muffins. Then shop in the artisancomplex of The Old Bag Factory, filled with pottery, furniture, candlesand unique gifts. Conclude your visit at the log cabin shop of QuiltDesigns, filled with exquisite, originally designed contemporary quilts.Meet owners and artisans Dave & Shirley Shenk, who explain their tech-nique and showcase their one-of-a-kind trademarked patterns thatpresent quilting as an art form.
Evening: Your adventure continues with an Amish Country experienceof a lifetime! Meet the Yoder family as they show you how to make someof the tastiest food around in an Amish Cooking Demonstration onthe Yoder family farm. Following the class, sit down to enjoy a heartyfamily-style Amish dinner.
DAY 3: Elkhart, Bristol, and Wakarusa, Indiana
Morning: Continue your Quilt Garden Tour journey at Wellfield BotanicGardens in downtown Elkhart followed by a guided tour of the elabo-rate Beaux-Arts mansion Ruthmere. The home is a time-capsule of awealthy lifestyle in 1910, filled with a collection of fine art includingRodin sculptures, Tiffany leaded glass and velvet window coverings.Lunch/Afternoon: Dine in Indiana’s largest restaurant, Das DutchmanEssenhaus in Middlebury, noted for tasty meals using family-favoriterecipes handed down through the generations and tasty treats worthevery calorie. Save room for pie – they offer 29 varieties! Following lunch,enjoy shopping in The Village Shops for gifts, baked goods and more.Then learn how to create your own backyard quilt garden in the QuiltGarden Basics class. Learn basic quilt patterns to incorporate into yourown backyard, including color placement and flower suggestions.Finally, end your experience with your own handmade quilt. Roz at TheQuilt Shop makes a little “quilt magic” without a needle in sight. Selectand complete your own 6” x 6” quilt block in no time flat. It’s a quick,easy and fun way to create a take-home souvenir from Amish Country.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Autumn Pleasures Along the Heritage Trail in Amish Country of Northern Indiana� Delicious Stitches in Amish Country of Northern Indiana
CENTURY-OLDE MILWAUKEE Milwaukee, Wisconsin
HIGHLIGHTS
� Shopping on Old World Third Street
� Gilded Age splendor at Pabst Mansion
� Miller Valley brewery tour
� Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum and Harley-Davidson Museum
� Basilica of St. Josephat’s and St. Joan of Arc Chapel
648 N. Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203Phone: 414-287-4222 • Email: [email protected]
38 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
Come experience history, traditions, architecture and entertainment thatspan more than 100 years.
DAY 1:
We will begin our tour with a visit to the Milwaukee Public Museum,which opened in 1882. The Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit area represents the city around the turn of the 20th century. Tonight enjoydinner at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center, a downtownlandmark built in 1889. It houses one of the largest private art collectionsin Wisconsin.
DAY 2:
This morning explore Forest Home Cemetery, established in 1850. Adocent-led tour will share the stories of some of our most famous citizens, including the Blatz, Schlitz and Pabst families, Alfred Lunt andLynne Fontanne, and the Davidson family. Travel a short distance to theBasilica of St. Josephat’s, which tells the story of Polish immigrantswho settled on the south side of Milwaukee. Lunch will be enjoyed atthe George Watts Tea Shop, which has been run by the family since1870. We will head over to Lake Park and the North Point Light Station,consisting of a 74-foot lighthouse tower and wood-frame keeper's quarters. This iconic structure played an important role in the region'smaritime trade for more than 120 years. Stroll, shop and dine on OldWorld Third Street, the last remaining portion of the original Germanretail district in Milwaukee. It features the Wisconsin Cheese Mart, theSpice House, Mader’s German Restaurant and Usinger’s Sausages,which has been located here since the late 1870s.
DAY 3:
Today explore the companies that have influenced our city, country andthe world. We’ll begin with a visit to the Bucyrus Museum, which
explores the rich heritage of a world leader in the design and manu-facture of mining equipment since 1893. Our next stop is the PabstMansion, the stately home of Maria and Capt. Frederick Pabst. Built inthe 1890s, it represents the epitome of Gilded Age splendor. We’ll con-tinue on to lunch at Best Place, located at the historic Pabst Brewery,first known as Best Brewery beginning in 1844. When you enter the BlueRibbon Hall, you will instantly be transported back in time. Onward toMiller Valley, home to more than 150 years of brewing history. Thebrewery tour includes the historic caves and a sample or two. From oneAmerican icon to another, we head to the Harley-Davidson Museumto learn about this celebrated brand dating back to 1903. The museumfeatures the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle and over 300others. The museum campus has two restaurants for your group to enjoy.
DAY 4:
Visit the Marquette University campus, home to the oldest church in theU. S., the St. Joan of Arc Chapel. This little Gothic oratory was built fivecenturies ago in France. You may recognize our next stop from a ’70s sit-com, but Milwaukee’s City Hall, built in 1895, was just named one ofthe top 10 most beautiful municipal buildings in the country. Enjoy adelicious lunch at the Pfister Hotel, which has been the premier down-town hotel for over a century. You’ll appreciate the extraordinary archi-tecture and Victorian art collection. We’ll end our stay with a visit to theMilwaukee Art Museum, a staple of our city for over 120 years.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Spirits of Milwaukee� Entertainment, Celebration & Fun
FUN AND GAMES IN THE PETOSKEY AREA Petoskey, Michigan
HIGHLIGHTS� Gaslight Shopping District –
Boutique & resort shopping galore
� Historical Museum – Discover the past of young Ernest Hemingway
� Odawa Casino – The finest in gaming, dining, crafts and entertainment
� Bay View – Our National Historic Landmark Summer Chautauqua
� Kilwins – Chocolate factory tours – making yummy confections since 1947
LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2011 39
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Arrival: Meet your local tour guide for a complimentary one-hour orientation and history tour of the area.
Hotel Check In
Dinner: Our small lakeside towns pride themselves on the varietyand quality of their many dining establishments. Your group will findjust the right blend of cuisine and service to please even the mostdemanding tastes.
Evening Entertainment: Odawa Casino Resort. The entrance ofOdawa Casino Resort is a one-of-a-kind architectural vision come tolife. Inside, guests will find more than 1,300 slot machines, dozens ofLas Vegas-style table games, unique shopping and some of thefriendliest people on Earth. Odawa Casino Resort has dining optionsthat will be sure to satisfy any palate and wallet. Waas-no-dé Buffetwill dazzle your senses with seating for 350, live-action food stations,a rotisserie, a wood-burning pizza oven and a dessert station with avast selection of tempting treats. Sage, Odawa Casino Resort’s finedining restaurant, combines a superior menu, impeccable serviceand a luxuriously intimate setting to provide you with an amazingculinary adventure.
DAY 2:
Breakfast: Enjoy a fresh and hearty Northern Michigan breakfast atyour hotel.
Bay View Association: This charming Victorian community besideLittle Traverse Bay has its roots in religious expression and culture. The
Methodist Church founded Bay View in 1875 as a summer retreat. The community's programs included lectures, concerts, recitals andSunday evening vespers. In 1987, Bay View's 440 cottages were designated as a National Historic Landmark, only the 17th such site in the state of Michigan. Many of these historic homes are still occupied in the summertime by descendants of the founding families.
Hemingway Tour: Discover the life, times, and influences NorthernMichigan had on the famous author during his youth as a summer resident on Walloon Lake.
Lunch
Kilwins Chocolate Factory Tour: One smell and you'll know whythis company ships its sweets all over the nation!
Shopping in the Petoskey Gaslight District: Flower boxes overflowwith color and the aroma of fresh-baked breads and pastries waftthrough the air while you stroll. Shops offer high fashion for men andwomen, children's wear, art and photo galleries and antiques. Whenyou are finished shopping, enjoy a leisurely walk along Petoskey'sone-mile waterfront on Little Traverse Bay. Bayfront Park offers a pavedtrail, covered gazebo and the Little Traverse History Museum.
Return to Hotel
Young Americans Dinner Theatre: The Young Americans handpicktop young talent from across the country to perform at BoyneHighlands, in July and August, just for you. Sophisticated cuisine andBroadway music combine to make an enchanting evening for youand your family or group. While you eat, The Young Americans singsongs from the time when Al Capone lived a few miles away, to more contemporary classic tunes that you know and love. Watch thevibrant young singers, dancers and actors dazzle on stage.
CONTACT: Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau� Peter Fitzsimons • www.PetoskeyArea.com
401 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey, MI 49770Phone: 800-845-2828 • Email: [email protected]
40 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Exclusive Private Home Tours
Wake up with coffee and a light breakfast at the impressive GraniteBank Gallery, formerly a savings & loan built of pink Missouri granite.Now home to a cafe, art gallery and home decor store, the gallery sitsacross from Washington Park, the hub of the sixth Lincoln-DouglasDebate.
Groups love our Private Home Tours of three architecturally significanthomes in the East End Historic District. Tours are given by homeown-ers themselves, in neighborhood groupings.
Enjoy lunch at the Pier Restaurant, cantilevered over the Mississippi,specializing in creative Midwestern cuisine. Take in a Behind-the-Scenes Theatre Tour at the Quincy Community Theatre. Visitors areexposed to improv, stage combat and even get a glimpse of the GreenRoom and Scene Shop.
Peruse local antique purveyors or the outstanding Quincy Museum(formerly the Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion) before heading to dinner atQuincy’s newest hotspot, ONE. In a restored theater, ONE is completewith original balconies, two bars and delicious fusion cuisine from anarray of cultures.
DAY 2: Great River Road Trip
Morning hours are magnificent on the Mississippi River bluffs, espe-cially from the vantage point of Quincy’s 1900 Mediterranean castle, theVilla Kathrine. Following our castle tour, head north on the Great RiverRoad to the historic Warsaw Brewery for lunch.
Admire the broad expanse of the river and its huge lily pads on theway to Nauvoo, IL. This distinctively restored riverfront town boasts65 shops and homes featuring period furnishings and knowledge-able guides. Horse-pulled wagon rides and tours of the city are avail-able year-round. Settle in for a bountiful buffet at the Historic Hotel
Nauvoo, nationally known for its award-winning fare, with five din-ing rooms, each reflecting a different era of Nauvoo’s rich history.
Return to Quincy for the evening in one of the city’s many group-friendly hotels.
DAY 3: Underground Railroad
Sweet start at Underbrink’s Bakery. Enjoy a “radio roll” or iced nut rollduring a behind-the-scenes tour of this 1929 bakery where many of theoriginal recipes and equipment are still in use.
A step-on guide will accompany groups on the amazing UndergroundRailroad trail in the area. Quincy was the first “station” across the borderfrom Missouri and was instrumental in the abolitionist movement.
Lunch in a restored “scale house” in rural Adams County at WindsongAcres, studio of artist Shelly Rasche. This inviting space is outfitted withoriginal details and fireplace. Meander to nearby Ridgeview Wineryand wind down with a relaxing glass of local wine at this scenic Illinoisvineyard.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Reds, Blues & Greens Golf Package� FAB Getaway: Eagle Package
EXPERIENCE THE BLACK HILLS AND BADLANDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA Rapid City, Hill City, Keystone, Wall
444 Mt. Rushmore Rd. N. Rapid City, SD 57701Phone: 605-718-8489 • Email: [email protected]
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Morning: This morning you will depart for Mount Rushmore NationalMemorial. Set in the natural beauty of the Black Hills, sculptor GutzonBorglum began a project that would become known as America’sShrine of Democracy. The faces of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington,Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln come to life on the granitemountainside.Lunch: Head to Hill City for lunch and to explore the quaint shopsalong Main Street. Afternoon: Board the 1880 Train and enjoy this scenic and historicride through the Black Hills to Keystone. Evening: This evening you will enjoy a fun-filled evening full ofWestern entertainment as you experience a Chuckwagon Supper andShow before returning to Mount Rushmore for the evening lightingceremony. Mount Rushmore takes on a magnificently different feelingin the evening as you witness the ceremony from the open, outdoorauditorium.
DAY 2:
Morning: This morning you will see the world’s largest sculpture-in-progress as you visit Crazy Horse Memorial. Sculptor KorczakZiolkowski officially started Crazy Horse Memorial on June 3, 1948, tohonor the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians. Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Crazy Horse Memorial’s Laughing WaterRestaurant.Afternoon: Continue on to Custer State Park, which encompasses71,000 acres and an abundance of wildlife. The natural beauty ofCuster State Park is filled with a wide variety of wildlife including oneof the nation’s largest herds of wild buffalo, which you will experienceup-close on the park’s Buffalo Safari.Evening: After returning from your Jeep tour through the buffalo, youwill have dinner at the Custer State Game Lodge, which is listed onthe National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1920, it served as the“summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge.
DAY 3:
Morning: After breakfast, you will head to Badlands National Park.People are drawn to the rugged beauty of the Badlands, containingthe world’s richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, acres of sharplyeroded buttes, pinnacles, spires and wildlife, all viewable from thepark’s scenic loop road.Lunch: No trip to the Badlands would be complete without a stop at Wall Drug. In 1931, the Wall Drug Store got its start during the Depression by offering free ice water to thirsty travelers. Today,the family-owned and run business offers a spectacular, 76,000-square-foot American experience, including the Western Art GalleryRestaurant, where you can try a local favorite, the buffalo burger.Afternoon: Returning to Rapid City, your next stop will be TheJourney Museum to experience the history of the Black Hills fromformation over 2.5 billion years ago to the continuing saga of theWestern frontier. After completing the museum tour, you’ll head todowntown and the City of Presidents, where you can have yourpicture taken with the life-sized bronze statues of our nation’s presi-dents, which line downtown streets. Experience unique shops likePrairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries and visit Main Street Squarewhile deciding which of Rapid City’s delectable dining establish-ments to enjoy for dinner.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� National Parks and Monuments� Native American History
LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2011 41
AROUND THE WORLD
HIGHLIGHTS� Unique dining experiences that include Italian, Mexican and Greek fare
� Tour an 1850s working Dutch windmill
� Exquisite marble carvings at America’s largest Hindu Mandir
� Live theater...choose from four St. Charles theaters
� And of course…Chicago-style pizza!
CONTACT: St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau� Jenny O’Brien • www.visitstcharles.com
311 N. 2nd St., Suite 100, St. Charles, IL 60174Phone: 800-777-4373 or 630-377-6161 • Email: [email protected]
42 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Visit St. Charles, Illinois and experience a bit of the world! Kick off your tour with an authentic Nepalese lunch at Taste of the Himalayas.Next, head to the Fabyan Villa and Japanese Gardens. Remodeledin 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright, George and Nelle Fabyan’s riversidehome is now a museum. Filled with their private collection of Asianartifacts and natural history specimens, the mansion museum boasts a garden designed by Taro Otsuka, a Japanese landscape architect.Enjoy this garden tour and learn how you might add beauty to yourown backyard. A short walk takes you to an 1850s Dutch windmill,another treasure of the Fabyans. This five-story, 68-foot windmill is fullyrestored to operate by natural wind energy. Next, experience Hinduculture at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in nearby Bartlett, whereyou will enjoy hours of discovery and peace. Over 7,000 tons of ItalianCarrara marble and Turkish limestone were hand-carved by skilledcraftsmen in India and assembled in just 16 months right here in thestates. Next, step into Italy with a wine tasting and tour at AcquavivaWinery, a family-owned, 40-acre estate vineyard and full-service win-ery. Stay for dinner at Acquaviva or head to a taste of Mexico at FatRosie’s, where you’ll enjoy traditional Mexican food with a gourmet flair.
DAY 2:
Experience Ireland with a traditional breakfast at McNally’s Irish Pub(breakfast served on weekends). Or enjoy an eco-friendly breakfast at Prasino, where organic agriculture is a priority. Head to St. Charles’Pottawatomie Park to enjoy good ol’ American fun on a PaddlewheelRiverboat Cruise! Enjoy a scenic Fox River cruise, from May-October,aboard a Mark Twain replica paddlewheel boat. Private charters areavailable as well as lunch and dinner cruises. Or choose to cruise in theevening, with a French wine and cheese night. You’ll enjoy hearing
about St. Charles’ rich history and culture from our historian who willboard your motorcoach for a complimentary driving tour. Ever wonderwho invented barbed wire and why? This and more will be includedin a trivia quiz – complete with prizes. Stop at our museum, too. Nextstop is…Chicago-style pizza at Gino’s East! A trip to the Windy Cityisn’t complete without a slice of famous, deep-dish pizza. After lunch,receive a guided tour of the beautiful Hotel Baker, listed on theNational Register of Historic Landmarks, and then spend free time indowntown St. Charles. Shop at a collection of unique shops in CenturyCorners Shopping District or visit Arcedium Coffeehouse, wherecoffee is roasted on site. Rent a bicycle and enjoy over 30 miles of biketrails or take a stroll along the Fox River. Enjoy Greek cuisine for dinnerat Odyssey Authentic Greek Taverna. Let your journey to flavorbegin with flaming saganaki and end with Grecian sea bass, de-bonedright at your table. For evening entertainment, see live theater at one offour theaters in St. Charles. Choose from Noble Fool Theatricals atPheasant Run Resort; the quaint, 80-seat Steel Beam Theatre; the beau-tiful 1926 Arcada Theatre; or Norris Cultural Arts Center.
DAY 3:
Since St. Charles is just one hour west of Chicago, extend your tour andvisit Chinatown or Greek Town in downtown Chicago!
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Summer Shines Through� Girlfriends Getaway� The Great Antique Hunt
St. Charles, Illinois
KIDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!St. Cloud, Little Falls, Cold Spring,Freeport, Royalton, Minnesota
HIGHLIGHTS
� Charles Lindbergh Home – Where the famous aviator spent his boyhood summers
� Hemker Park and Zoo – Look and learn close-up tour of the animals
� Summerland – Is fun for the entire family
� Make a great memory of your grandkid/grandparent adventure
� Treasure City – All things weird and wonderful
CONTACT: St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau� Jean Robbins • www.granitecountry.com
525 Highway 10 South, Suite One, St. Cloud, MN 56304Phone: 800-264-2940, ext. 129, or 320-202-6729 • Email: [email protected]
LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2011 43
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Morning: Creativity with all of the fun and none of the mess. Taking pic-tures is part of everyone’s vacation, but adding in a customized hand-painted picture frame makes the memory of the trip even better. Art AsYou Like It is where the fun begins.
Lunch: Voted as the best burger and fries – Five Guys Burgers andFries. All fresh products here, nothing is frozen.
Afternoon: After lunch we will explore the wild side at HemkerWildlife Park and Zoo. It’s a chance to get up close and personal withthe animals. A 90-minute guided tour of the grounds is a chance to seea wildebeest, musk ox, black swans, kudu, penguins and so muchmore. Hemker’s also provides animals to zoos around the country. Onthe way back to the hotel it’s a must to stop at Mr. Twisty for an icecream treat. The locals love Mr. Twisty—its trademark soft-serve conecomes with eyes… yes eyes!
Evening: A quick check-in at one of our great hotel properties andwe’re off to the Pizza Ranch for dinner…it’s an all-you-can-eat pizzabuffet, a favorite with everyone. Before retiring for the evening, youmay want to head out to Summerland for mini-golf, go-karts, kiddieboats, bumper boats and on a hot summer’s evening the waterslidefeels great. Or, take a leisurely stroll through Riverside Park andMunsinger/Clement Gardens located along the Mississippi River.
DAY 2:
After breakfast you will follow the Great River Road to CharlesLindbergh’s boyhood home located along the Mississippi River. Sit inthe plane the young aviator flew across the Atlantic and check out hisfavorite hiding spot in the house. The home has many of the originalfurnishings that were part of Charles’ early years. This is all part of theCharles Lindbergh Historic Site.
Lunch: For lunch it’s the Black and White Restaurant. This restauranthas been in business for the last 80 years in Little Falls. Savor the flavorat the Black and White, from a sandwich to prime rib, and yes, theyhave a kid’s menu.
Afternoon: Cap off the day with a stop at Treasure City. It’s proba-bly the most eclectic store a kid can spend some time in just brows-ing through the trinkets, toys, T-shirts and some unusual items…justgood clean fun at Treasure City.
The best time for this tour is the summer months. Preferred ages: 4-12years old. Welcome to Granite Country USA!
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Stained Glass Sanctuary & Floral Fantasy� Let the Good Times Flow – The Great River Road
QUILTING IN THE COUNTRY McHenry County, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS� Northern Illinois Quilt Fest –
“Travel the Trail from Barns to Bedcovers”
� McHenry County Historical Society Museum Quilt Exhibits
� Grace Farm Studios – Organically Grown Raspberries and a Working Icelandic Fiber Art Studio
� Shop Hop Through Six Quilt Stores
� Hidden Treasures Around Every Corner
CONTACT: McHenry County Convention & Visitors Bureau� Jaki Berggren • www.visitmchenrycounty.com
5435 Bull Valley Rd., Suite #324B, McHenry, IL 60050Phone: 888-363-6177 • Email: [email protected]
44 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARYWhether you visit McHenry County in July, August and September of2011 for the Northern Illinois Quilt Fest or at another time complete-ly, quilt-related sightseeing and shopping is abundant! See amazingquilts, quilted barns, quilt gardens, art exhibits, quilt shops and specialevents you won’t want to miss. As you explore McHenry County, travel the scenic byways past barn quilts, porch quilts, quilt gardens,quilt shops, quilt shows and quilt displays! Stop off at one of our coun-ty’s many farm markets for fresh seasonal produce and shop for hidden treasures throughout McHenry County at Ginger Blossom,Steelheart, Downtown Crystal Lake, the Historic WoodstockSquare and Huntley Outlet Center.
DAY 1:
Visit Grace Farm Studios in Woodstock, home to an Amish-stylebarn quilt, “Crown of Thorns," the whimsical 2011 “Great Berry Quilt-Off” exhibit, “Irene’s Morning” (“Best Use of Embellishment,” 2008Pennsylvania Quilt Extravaganza), organically grown raspberries anda working Icelandic fiber art studio.
Start your shop hop with three of our quilt shops including:Woodstock Quilts and Hopscotch Square in Woodstock and Quiltin Joy in Huntley.
Enjoy your lunch Wild West style at Donley’s Old West Steakhouse,Wild West Town & Museum. Cowboy, law & order, mining and CivilWar memorabilia, and an antique phonograph and music box collec-tion judged by the Charles Edison Foundation as one of the finestEdisonia displays in the U.S.
Visit the quilt exhibits at the McHenry County Historical SocietyMuseum in Union. Exhibits will include: "Quilting Optimism:Depression Quilts," "Going Crazy: Crazy Quilts" and "Seeing Red" (anexhibit on political quilts). Union is also home to the Illinois RailroadMuseum, America’s largest railway collection. For dinner, try al frescoat Port Edwards Restaurant, a nautical dining experience since 1964.
DAY 2:
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning along with a refreshingsplash at the indoor pool in one of McHenry County’s full- or limited-service national brand hotels.
Continue your shop hop to three more quilt shops including:Sunshine & Shadow Quilt Shoppe in McHenry, Pieceful Gatheringin Fox River Grove and Material Girl in Crystal Lake.
Spend your lunch hour…or two…relaxing on the Fox River! TheSnuggery offers lunch river cruises on their very own pontoon boats. Stop in at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake and enjoy theirquilt displays and quilt garden.
View the quilt garden at Countryside Flowershop, Nursery &Garden Center.
See the downtown “Porch Quilts” in Marengo. While there, stop inat Flatlander Market for a great selection of Illinois wines, a sweettreat or grab a gourmet box lunch to go for a yummy meal to enjoyon your way home!
Enhance your quilt experience in McHenry County with our very ownlocal AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser, quilt historian, teacher andquilt maker, Sandy. She offers half-day, one-day and two-day quiltlectures and workshops on a number of quilt-related topics. Herfavorite topics are how to protect and safeguard newly-made andolder quilts and the importance of labeling your quilts.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� European Treasures, Country Pleasures� Plains, Trains & Automobiles
JOLIET’S JOLLY HOLIDAYS Joliet, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS
� “White Christmas” Holiday Celebration at the Abbey Dinner Theatre
� Talk & Tour of Jacob Henry Mansion
� Overnight Accommodations
� Poinsettia Show at Birdhaven Greenhouse
� Organ Mini-Concert & Tour at the Rialto Square Theatre
CONTACT: Joliet Visitors Bureau� Ben Benson • www.visitjoliet.org
150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432Phone Ctc: 815-724-4460 • Email: [email protected]
LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2011 45
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Joilet, Illinois
Be personally greeted upon arrival at the Jacob Henry Mansion,where you will receive a Welcome Reception in the Drawing Room, the main room of this National Historic Landmark. Enjoy assorted horsd’oeuvres and a cash bar as you are treated to a talk and tour of the1873 Victorian home before departing next door for dinner. You willmarvel at the craftsmanship and warmth of the mansion with 40 roomsthat feature Old World fixtures and Victorian charm. From Novemberthrough mid-January, the Jacob Henry Mansion celebrates its annualVictorian Holiday. The holly, evergreen and mistletoe are abundant inVictorian custom and each room is decorated in its own special way.
Located on the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate, the Abbey DinnerTheatre combines the best in homemade meals, heartwarming musi-cal productions and family hospitality. Join us for our annual holidaycelebration, “White Christmas,” inspired by the classic film WhiteChristmas. This spectacular holiday concert will take you on a musicaljourney from a World War II performance for the troops to the glamourof a Florida nightclub and finally the charm and simple beauty of a New England town. Please visit www.landmarkdestinations.com to view the complete schedule for the Abbey Theatre.
Depart for one of Landmark Destinations’ motorcoach-friendly hotelproperties to enjoy the indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center, orhead off to one of Joliet’s two Vegas-style casinos.
DAY 2: Joilet, Illinois
Start off your day with a relaxing extended continental breakfast atthe hotel before heading off for Pilcher Park.
Arrive at Birdhaven Greenhouse to view spectacular poinsettiasamongst the sparkling lights of the holiday. Make sure to bring a cam-era! Poinsettia plants are available for purchase. The Greenhouse &Conservatory was constructed at its current site in the early 1900s. TheItalian Renaissance-style facility features spectacular floral shows with seasonal motifs during fall, winter and spring. A tropical house,cacti room and show house are offered year-round.
Your next stop of the trip will be at the Rialto Square Theatre, located in Joliet’s City Center. This beautifully restored 1920s vaudeville theater will have you in awe as you walk through the esplanade fashioned after the Palace of Versailles, the rotunda based on thePantheon of Rome and take in every twinkle of the 22-footCzechoslovakian hand-cut crystal chandelier. You will be treated to aprivate organ mini-concert on the world renowned Barton GrandeTheatre Pipe Organ.
Before heading home, enjoy lunch at one of Joliet’s fine dining establishments.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Joliet’s Stars & Stripes� Joliet Kicks on Route 66
