Midwest Group Travel Itineraries

TAKE A BITE OUT OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Marshall, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and New Buffalo, Michigan

HIGHLIGHTS

� Broadway fare at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre

� Gaming action at Firekeepers Casino

� Visions of yesteryear at Gilmore Car Museum

� Winery visit along the Wine Trail

� Fruit farm tour and picnic-style dinner

CONTACT: Circle Michigan� Janet Kasic • www.circlemichigan.com

P.O. Box 541, Trenton, MI 48183Phone: 800-513-6424 • Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2010 69

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Battle Creek - Marshall

Experience the Freedom Saga Tour. Witness the finest and largest dis-play of underground railroad sculptures in the entire country. Bronzesculptures bigger than life depict Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman andfamilies of slaves fleeing out of a forest and into a river. Riveting, dra-matic stories told by a guided city tour in Battle Creek.

The magic of Broadway-style theatre – brought to you by Cornwell’sDinner Theatre. Enjoying talented performers from across the coun-try, groups enjoy a traditional turkey meal with all the fixin’s accompa-nied by professional entertainment in an intimate setting.

From burning hot slots to scorching giveaways, you have more ways towin big at Firekeepers Casino. Like bonfire big! Enjoy your evening ofgaming at Michigan’s newest casino.

Newly renovated McCamly Plaza Hotel is the place to overnight. Warmhospitality and superior guest rooms make it tops for group tours!

DAY 2: Kalamazoo

Prepare for take-off this morning! The Air Zoo is a highly charged, multi-sensory atmosphere that goes beyond anything you’ve ever seen.Everything is designed to help you achieve the total flight experience.Strap in as you experience adventure and entertainment.

Nestled in Hickory Corners and built by cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg in1925, Kellogg Manor House is a classic Tudor-style home sitting high onbeautiful Gull Lake. Lunch will be at the stately residence. Afterwards,enjoy a tour of the home and lovely gardens.

What a unique experience among automobile attractions…..theGilmore Car Museum! Situated in the hilly countryside, the Gilmorehouses antique automobiles in historic red barns. Part of the MotorCities National Heritage, this is a “must see” on all tours. Take a spin ina vintage car or hop aboard a London double-decker bus. Round outyour visit with a stop in their Blue Moon Diner for an ice cream treat!

It’s cocktail hour with a stop at one of many wineries along the WineTrail. This region has more than 10,000 acres of grapes that are nestledamong the rolling hills and inland lakes. A superior culinary experience.Cheers!

DAY 3: St. Joseph - New Buffalo

Take a bite out of fresh farm fruits or vegetables in Michigan and you’llnever buy store-bought again. Over 60 roadside markets and fruitfarms offer sun-ripened goodness. The temperate climate has helpedMichigan to lead the nation in growing tart cherries and blueberries.Take a farm tour aboard a “folks-wagon” and hear the history of the farmand witness harvesting techniques. How about participating in yourown group cherry-pit spitting contest, too? Pick out your own assort-ment of fruits and veggies or jams, jellies and cider. Enjoy a picnic-styledinner at the fruit farm—and a big slice of homemade cherry pie.Yummy!

Your day ends along the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan with anovernight at Marina Grand Resort. Every room has a spectacular viewof the harbor.

Now go and ahead and catch some peaceful zzzz’s……

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Join the U.P. Fun Ship…An Adventure Awaits You� Paradise of Sugar Sand Beaches Lap the Shores of Lake Michigan

http://www.leisuregrouptravel.com

DISCOVER GENEVA Geneva, Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS

� Trip to Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Gardens

� Culinary tour of Geneva

� Guided bus tour of historic downtown

� Shopping in historic district

� Lunch at Mill Race Inn

CONTACT: City of Geneva� Ellen Divita or Jamie Heflin • www.genevadowntown.org

22 S. First St., Geneva, IL 60134Phone: 630-232-7449 • Email: [email protected]

70 June 2010 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com


DAY 1:

Breakfast: Start your morning at one of Geneva’s many diners orcafes―or save your appetite because you’ll be taking a culinary tourof Geneva!

9:30am – Noon: Take a culinary tour of Geneva and sample the vari-ous good eats along Third Street and State Street, or take a cookingclass and learn the ins and outs from the pros. Make your own loafof bread, learn about spices, taste premium olive oils and balsamicvinegars, enjoy a tasting of hand-crafted beer, wines or coffeesfrom around the world. End your tour with lunch at one of Geneva’smany restaurants. Or, take a cooking class with the renowned chefof Wildwood Restaurant, make delicious meals from scratch, andenjoy your hard work at the end of the class.

Afternoon: After lunch choose your history tour. A step-on tour guide,dressed in period attire, will guide you through the streets of down-town Geneva as you learn about the historic figures that helped shapethis quaint riverside community. Or take a walking tour of the “haunt-ed streets” of downtown Geneva on a guided ghost tour. Tours willend at the Geneva History Center, where you can receive a guidedtour of the museum and its current exhibits.

Afterwards, enjoy exploring the unique shops in Geneva’s historicdowntown shopping district with over 600 buildings on the NationalRegister of Historic Places. Over 150 shops are within walking distancealong picturesque tree-lined streets. Many of the shops are tuckedaway in architectural gems that were once homes. Don’t miss TheLittle Traveler, which offers a wonderful assortment of 36 specialty

themed rooms. Shoppers will discover treasures from around theworld in this landmark “department store” dating back to 1922.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of Geneva’s fabulous restaurants. Fromfine dining to friendly diners, there truly is something for every tasteand budget.

DAY 2:

After enjoying the complimentary breakfast from one of our finehotels, spend a relaxing morning at the historic Fabyan Forest Preserve.Explore the latest exhibits at the Fabyan Villa Museum featuring theFabyans’ private collection of Japanese artifacts, scientific instrumentsand original furniture. Learn about the Frank Lloyd Wright design fea-tures throughout the Villa Museum. Savor a moment of harmony withnature and soothe your spirit in the Japanese Garden, originally plant-ed in 1910.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Mill Race Inn, a Geneva landmark since1933. Mill Race Inn offers traditional American fare in a charming set-ting overlooking the Fox River. Feed the ducks!

Afternoon: After lunch the choice is yours to take a relaxing bike ridealong the scenic Fox River Bike Trail, take an invigorating kayakinglesson, or head back to the historic shopping district and explore allthe shops you didn’t have time for the day before.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Crafters Getaway in Geneva� Wine and Art in Geneva


TAKING THE STAGE IN ST. CHARLES! St. Charles, Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS

� Experience up to five live theaters in St. Charles!

� Tour a 900-seat former vaudeville house, built in 1926 – still using the original pipe organ!

� Participate in a hands-on art class

� Dine in a former church, built in 1851

CONTACT: St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau� Jenny O’Brien • www.visitstcharles.com

311 N. 2nd St., Suite 100, St. Charles, IL 60174Phone: 630-377-6161 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Upon your arrival in St. Charles, enjoy lunch along the Fox River atthe beautiful Hotel Baker. Built in 1928, this charming hotel offers agroup tour menu with a complimentary hotel tour. Listen up for the leg-endary stars who performed and stayed here in the early 1900s!

After lunch, take a journey through St. Charles with a step-onguide from the Visitors Bureau. End your tour at the St. CharlesHistory Museum and learn about all the magnificent people, placesand things mentioned during your driving tour!

Go behind the scenes with a tour of the Arcada Theatre. Built in1926, this landmark is one of only a handful of vaudeville-era theatersthat is still in its original splendor of the “Roaring Twenties” and to thisday uses the original pipe organ!

Next up… live theater! Enjoy dinner and a play at Pheasant RunResort. Laugh with award-winning Noble Fool Theatricals, showcasingprofessional Off-Broadway musicals and interactive comedies in theresort’s Main Stage or intimate Studio Theater. Ask about a MurderMystery dinner. Before the performance, check out the BourbonStreet Art Gallery!

DAY 2:

After breakfast, visit the Fine Line Creative Arts Center. The Fine Lineis one of only a few regional art centers in this country and is housed ina former barn! The center was recently featured in the book “Barns ofIllinois.” View the Fine Line Prairie as you approach the center for yourart experience! Prearrange a presentation, tour of the galleries or a shortclass with Fine Line Faculty. They offer many different types of art media!

Or…stroll through Sculptures in the Park in beautiful Mt. St. Mary’sPark. From May-October, enjoy this magnificent exhibition of original,unique sculptures. Then, enjoy a paddlewheel riverboat cruise

luncheon down the scenic Fox River! Enjoy a private charteredcruise with lunch during this popular group activity. Launches frombeautiful Pottawatomie Park.

Now it’s time for shopping in downtown St. Charles. Be sure tovisit our art, antique and boutique shops. For dinner, you will enjoya truly unique dining experience at Onesti’s Italian Steakhouseand Supper Club! Housed in a former Catholic church and built in1851, this restaurant is a favorite among tour groups.

After dinner, enjoy a performance at Steel Beam Theatre. Livetheater presentations in an intimate, historic setting with just 79 seats –not a bad view in the house!

DAY 3:

After breakfast, you will visit Norris Cultural Arts Center Art Galleryand Theater. This 1,000-seat live theater has provided family entertain-ment for over 20 years. The Norris Art Gallery has various art exhibitsthroughout the year. Or visit King’s Mill Refinishing for a discussion onwhat to look for when purchasing an oriental rug. King’s Mill specializesin fine furniture and antique restoration. A truly wonderful gem of a shop!

Depending on the time of year you are visiting, add one of these special events to your itinerary: Kane County Flea Market (March-December), St. Charles Fine Art Show (May), Concerts in the Park(Thursdays from June-August), Antique Collectible Toy and DollShow (April & October), Country Folk Art Festival (September),Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine & Juke Box Show(November), Christmas on the Fox (November) and Christmastime at the Fine Line (December).

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Scarecrow Festival – The 25th Anniversary! (Oct. 8-10, 2010)� Students on Stage – Ask about our Student theater program!


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]



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


GUARDIANS OF THE LAND AG EXPERIENCE Four Counties in Northwest Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS� Excursion to Muller’s Lane Farm to experience the old homestead way of life

� Grist Mill demonstration of stone-grinding techniques used in milling wheat

� Cooking demonstration & luncheon featuring organic produce & meat

� Tour of John Deere Historic Site, where the plow was invented

� Tour of Chaplin Creek Village, a restoration depicting a mid-19th century prairie settlement

CONTACT: Blackhawk Waterways CVB� Julie Kessinger, Group Tour Coordinator • www.bwcvb.com

201 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, IL 61064Phone: 800-678-2108 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1: Rock Falls & Sterling

Begin your ag-tour at Muller’s Lane Farm, where they use traditionalmethods and still farm using Belgian draft horses and steel-wheelmachinery. This farm will expose you to history still happening. Yournext destination is Behrens’ Muffins ’N More for a lunch of down-home cooking & homemade muffins and desserts. You can then exploreBehrens’ Country Village for unique gifts and floral items. Followinglunch, you’ll travel to Chief Shikshak Northwest Bison Ranch to viewbison, red deer, heritage waterfowl and peacocks. Guided humvee orwalking tours will take you for an off-road adventure to experience thescenic woodland habitat. You will return to Rock Falls and followingcheck-in at your hotel, evening dinner will be arranged at your choiceof local eateries ranging from elegant fine dining restaurants to cutemom and pop cafes serving local favorites. (L,D)

DAY 2: Milledgeville, Mt. Carroll, Grand Detour & Dixon

Day Two begins with a scenic drive through the country to visitRoger’s Creek Grist Mill in Milledgeville to tour this mill built fromreclaimed barn wood & mill equipment. Roger will demonstrate thestone-grinding techniques of yesteryear, and we will sample productsunder development such as various types of flours and mixes madeinto muffins and breads. After driving to Mt. Carroll you’ll join LearnGreat Foods chef Donna Duvall in her unique kitchen on the pictur-esque campus of Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies,where she will give a cooking demonstration using organic produceand meat followed by a five-course lunch. Following lunch you’ll

drive to Grand Detour to tour the John Deere Historic Site to visit therestored pioneer home and special archaeological exhibit of the orig-inal blacksmith shop. This is the site where John Deere invented theself-cleaning plow and revolutionized farming. The historic siteincludes a working blacksmith shop, gift shop and visitors center. Atthe end of Day Two you will travel to Dixon and check into your hotelbefore proceeding to dinner at one of Dixon’s fine dining establish-ments. (L,D)

DAY 3: Franklin Grove

Following breakfast, a tour of the Chaplin Creek Village in FranklinGrove introduces you to an evolving, full-scale historical restorationproject depicting a prairie settlement typical of the 19h century.Historically significant buildings and artifacts have been relocated fromthe surrounding area such as a blacksmith shop, a saltbox-style housebuilt in the mid-1800s and a typical country schoolhouse. A short tripto the Franklin Creek Grist Mill is followed by a down-home countrylunch served on this site located within the Franklin Creek Natural Area.A tour of the reconstructed timber-frame 1847 mill will allow partici-pants to watch the four-ton waterwheel as it powers pulleys and gearsto turn the millstone to grind corn. Also featured is a display of panelsof 43 native Illinois trees and a variety of fossils found in the stonewalls. (L) Itinerary options include historic architectural tours, tours ofmodern, state-of-the-art working farms or our Reagan Roots tour. Wecan personalize the Guardians of the Land Ag Experience to suitany group.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Rock River Culinary Tour� Sweet & Salty Saturday with a Chocolate Covered Sunday:

A Weekend on the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail


THE MANSIONS OF LAKE COUNTY Lake County, Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS

� Cuneo Mansion & Gardens

� Tempel Lipizzans

� Downtown Antioch

� Lehmann Mansion

� Gold Pyramid House

CONTACT: Lake County, Illinois CVB� Jayne Nordstrom • www.lakecounty.org

5465 Grand Ave., Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031Phone: 800-Lake-Now • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Shiloh House is an elegant 25-room mansion that was built by the Cityof Zion's founder, the Reverend John Alexander Dowie, who headedthe Christian Catholic Church. Artifacts of the period and many person-al items of the late Dr. and Mrs. Dowie are on display.

A leisurely lunch at Savanna House Restaurant fits in well with yourmansions tour. The restaurant takes its name from the lush green forest pre-serve it is located in front of, in the beautiful town of Wadsworth, Illinois.

Libertyville's most prominent building, the Cook Mansion, was built in1879 by Ansel Brainerd Cook. The two-story Victorian mansion servedas Cook's summer home as well as the center of his horse farm.

The Cuneo Mansion and Gardens is an historic mansion dating from1914 nestled on 74 acres of vistas and formal gardens. Owned by theCuneo family from 1937-1990, the museum reflects European architec-ture and decor, including furnishings and paintings. Due to its beauty,this mansion has been used for several movie locations.

Check into the newly remodeled Lincolnshire Marriott Resort andyou'll be impressed with the changes. The King's Wharf Restaurantis located right in the hotel for convenient dining and the MarriottTheatre has a year-round schedule of favorite and new musicals.

DAY 2:

Start the day with a Tempel Lipizzans performance (mid-June throughthe end of August) or their Tour & Training Session in the off-season.Either way you will experience these beautiful stallions that have per-formed for royalty and have been in several inauguration parades.

Head into the quaint Village of Antioch for some unique shopping -fine arts, chocolate, jewelry, home decor and more. Arrange for a stopat the local china outlet that has produced china for kings and queens.By now, everyone must be getting hungry, so take in the "royal treat-ment" at the downtown tea shop.

Or arrange a special lunch at Lehmann Mansion, which was con-structed in 1912 as a summer home for Edward J. Lehmann and hisfamily. The drive up to the mansion will take your breath away!

A "mansion" of another color, the Gold Pyramid House is the home toEgyptian artifacts, and your group can learn of life experiences inside apyramid.

During the summer, an evening of beautiful music reigns at RaviniaFestival. A gathering place for music lovers for over 100 years, Raviniaoffers classical, pop, jazz and kids concerts featuring world-classstars under the stars. Dinner can be as simple as on the lawn or a groupdinner inside for an elegant setting.

Whether you choose a one-day or two-day tour of Lake County, yourgroup will feel like royalty when they leave for home!

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Spooky Spaces� Green Spaces


WE DON’T HAVE PYRAMIDSIN COLUMBUS

But with everything else you can experienceyou won’t even notice.

Our experiential tours were created for the curious. Those who want to know what it’d be like to bottle their own wine, or interact with exotic animals, or

share the stage with a world-class jazz musician. Aren’t you a bit curious?

To learn more about our experiential tours, visitExperienceColumbus.com/tours or call 800-354-2657

EUROPEAN TREASURES, COUNTRY PLEASURES McHenry County, Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS� Magnificent antique music machines at “Place de la Musique”

� Fresh produce at the historic Woodstock Square Farmers Market

� Juicy apples at Royal Oak Farm Fruit Orchard

� Sweet Chocolate at Anderson’s Candy Shop

� Unique ethnic gifts at Ginger Blossom

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]



DAY 1:

Shop for locally grown and produced items at the WoodstockFarmers Market, operating in its 29th consecutive year. The market islocated on the Historic Woodstock Square, which is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places. In addition to the wonderfulFarmers Market, the brick-paved streets are very much alive with thefamed Woodstock Opera House, the Old Courthouse ArtsCenter, distinctive shops, unique restaurants and coffee shops.

Dine on Polish-American fare at Zubrzycki’s Warsaw Inn. Enjoy deli-cious home-cooked Old World food. The long buffet table is stockedwith Polish sausage, sauerkraut, fried chicken and fish, mashed pota-toes, stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, pierogi and blintzes.

The Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique" is known worldwide for its mag-nificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines,phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, chandeliers, the world'slargest restored theater pipe organ, the most spectacular Europeansalon carousel in existence, street and tower clocks and steam engines,all displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting.

In the evening, enjoy a custom wine dinner, pontoon boat dinner onthe Fox River or dine at a local favorite restaurant and then take in a the-ater performance at one of our historic theaters.

DAY 2:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning along with a refreshing splashat the indoor pool in one of McHenry County’s full- or limited-servicenational brand hotels.

Explore Royal Oak Farm Fruit Orchard on foot or via hayride. Thereare over 12,000 trees featuring 26 varieties of apples. Late summer and

fall raspberries as well as pumpkins, gourds and squash are also grownon the farm. Visit the Apple Barn for fresh-picked apples, raspberries,peaches, pumpkins. If you prefer, pick your own apples, raspberries orpumpkins. Visit the Bakery for homemade pies and fresh cider donutsand purchase a nice gift from the Country Market.

Enjoy lunch at the orchard in the Country Kitchen Restaurant. Eachday the chef creates tasty soups, sandwiches, entrees and salads thatwill satisfy your apple picking appetite and have you returning for more!

At Anderson’s Candy Shop, enjoy America’s finest homemade andhand-dipped chocolates and other delicious confections, lovinglymade since 1919 by the Anderson Family. Watch chocolates beingdipped as you browse the specialty shop and purchase sweets toenjoy later…if you can wait!

There is something for everyone and a story behind every item forsale at Ginger Blossom. When Ginger Blossom is not out traveling theworld in search of wonderful and unusual things for her business, sheis minding the store on the farm where she grew up.Inventory includesethnic and traditional crafts, rugs, furniture, sweaters, antiques andmore from around the world. All items are purchased under the guide-lines set by the Fair Trade Federation. McHenry County is an easy drivenorthwest of Chicago and is convenient to Milwaukee and LakeGeneva, WI; Rockford, IL; and the entire Chicagoland area. Extend yourstay in McHenry County and enjoy the surrounding sites.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Plains, Trains & Automobiles� Always a Groundhog, Never a Bride


GOURMET LOVER’S TOUR Troy, Piqua, Tipp City & surrounding areas in Ohio

HIGHLIGHTS

� Create a personal essence at a professional perfumery

� Be dazzled as custom handcrafted jewelry is made from raw materials

� Feast on a pioneer meal after riding the Miami Erie Canal boat

� Visit a 4th generation chocolate shop located inside historic hotel

� Tour working grist mill, stand mixer factory and winery

CONTACT: Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau � Kay Hamilton • www.VisitMiamiCounty.org405 SW Public Square, Suite 272, Troy, OH 45373Phone: 937-339-1044/800-348-8993 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Then it’s off to Bear’s Mill, a160-year-old working grist mill, one of seven left in Ohio. The gift shopoffers freshly ground flours, grains and meals, plus gourmet foods,pottery and jewelry. Guests receive cornmeal with cornbread recipes.

Next is KitchenAid Stand Mixer factory tour & Retail ExperienceStore, with a live test kitchen. Guests participate in demonstrations andmake-it/take-it projects.

Lunch at the lovely and historic Inn at Versailles, named Restaurant ofthe Month by Ohio Magazine, where groups experience world-classdining in a French country atmosphere. After lunch, Versailles Wineryhosts a tour with wine and cheese tasting.

Dinner at the elegant Troy Hayner Cultural Center, a beautifullyrestored 1914 mansion, includes tour, catered meal and entertain-ment if desired.

DAY 2:

After breakfast at the hotel, groups will visit and sample items atWinans Chocolates & Coffees, located in downtown Piqua at thegrand Fort Piqua Plaza, the town’s historic gem. A former hotel, thisarchitectural treasure is now a multi-use community building, recentlyrestored to its former beauty. After the tour, lunch is served at therestaurant in the Plaza or groups can opt for a more historic, pioneermeal at Johnston Farm in a very informal setting.

The Miami Erie Canal awaits groups for the next leg of the tour. Visitorsboard a working canal boat replica and glide serenely on a re-watered

section of the Miami Erie Canal, pulled by mules as in the days of yes-teryear, for an authentic and memorable experience. Guides share sto-ries of canal life.

After the canal boat ride, guests visit the Historic Woodland IndianMuseum and Johnston Farm Home, where costumed interpreterswill demonstrate and describe the life of early settlers.

Moving from the heritage of the Miami Valley to the present day, groupswill be dazzled at a visit to the “back room” of the area’s largest full-service, family-owned jewelry company, where they will see howstones are cut and polished and learn about the design and creation ofcustom jewelry, from start to finish.

Dinner will be at one of the fine local restaurants, either The Caroline orLa Piazza in downtown Troy, named one of Ohio’s Best Hometownsby Ohio Magazine.

DAY 3:

Rise and shine with breakfast at the hotel! Today’s first stop isFreshwater Farms of Ohio, the largest indoor trout and shrimp farmin Ohio. Tour the tanks, learn how the fish are raised, and samplegourmet smoked fish products and cheeses. They also have sturgeonthat appreciate a pat on the head and will even entertain on demand!

Lunch is in the very quaint downtown of Tipp City at Harrison’sRestaurant. Following lunch, groups will enjoy another unique, sensoryexperience! A professional perfumery will give a presentation on thesecrets of traditional perfume making, and guests will have the experi-ence of creating their own personal fragrance. The visit ends withshopping at the many specialty stores in charming downtown Tipp City.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Discover Ohio’s Aviation Pioneers� Feed Your Inner Farmer


PEORIA AREA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Peoria, East Peoria, Peoria Heights, Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS

� Welcome at Historic Riverfront Visitors Center

� FOLEPI's Lighted Winter Wonderland

� Spirit of Peoria Dinner Cruise

� Historic Home Tours

� Glass-blowing Demonstration and Tour of Toraason Glass

CONTACT: Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau� Cheryl Bockhold Sloan • www.Peoria.org

456 Fulton St., Suite 300, Peoria, IL 61602Phone: 800-747-0302 • Email: [email protected]


DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARYThe Peoria Area sparkles throughout the holidays! The East PeoriaFestival of Lights, celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2010, is one ofthe largest lighted nighttime festivals. Add beautifully decoratedmansions, glass-blowing demonstrations, theatrical performancesand you have a wonderful winter weekend getaway. Bring your groupto the Peoria Area for spectacular displays and add some sparkle toyour holidays.

DAY 1: Peoria and East Peoria

Start your morning at the Riverfront Visitors Center where you’ll finda plethora of area information, maps and brochures. Stroll along theriverfront to the Spirit of Peoria, a unique and historic paddle wheel-er, for a hot, homemade buffet and lively holiday entertainment.

After lunch, take a drive to Luthy Botanical Gardens, next to GlenOak Park and Peoria Zoo. With more than 1,000 poinsettias on dis-play and festively decorated Christmas trees, your holiday cheer willsurely elevate!

After dinner at your choice of area cafe, restaurant or pub, the holidaysparkles with the two-mile drive through FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderlandshowcasing numerous animated displays and LED lighted floats, withthe return of some favorites, the Starship Enterprise and theBudweiser Clydesdales. You won't want to miss the Narrated NativityScene and this beautiful handmade attraction. The life-size structurestake on a three-dimensional appearance at night. A two-minute narra-tion is available by tuning to radio station 1610 AM.

DAY 2: Peoria and East Peoria

After a delicious breakfast, tour Pettengill-Morron House and JohnC. Flanagan House. These two homes listed on the National Registerof Historic Places allow you to discover the lifestyles of times pastand are dressed for the holidays!

Stroll through the up-and–coming art warehouse district and encountera true art form: Glass-blowing at Toraason Glass! A local artisan, HiramToraason, will give a demonstration and will have Christmas ornamentsand other gallery pieces on display for purchase.

Take another unique look back in time while experiencing HistoricHoliday Traditions. The 129-year-old Doering Homeplace is decorat-ed for the holidays by the East Peoria Historical Society and show-cases 1800s-style handmade ornaments.

Relax and enjoy a delightful dinner at your choice of eateries in thearea. For dessert, enjoy the Andrew Lloyd Webber smash Broadwaymusical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at EastlightTheatre. This magical musical has been a Festival of Lights tradition for20 years!

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Peoria Industry and Historical Tour� Fall Treasures


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]



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


PRIVATE HOME TOURS Quincy, Illinois

HIGHLIGHTS

� Unrivaled architecture and historic districts

� Riverfront dining

� Lincoln-Douglas Debates City and Talking Houses

� Great River Road, National Scenic Byway

� Illinois Wine Country

CONTACT: Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau� Holly Cain • www.seequincy.com

532 Gardner Expressway, Quincy, IL 62301Phone: 800-978-4748 or 217-214-3700 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1: Extreme Architecture

Your day starts on the majestic Mississippi River bluffs at Quincy’s 1900Mediterranean castle, the Villa Kathrine. After touring the Villa, alsohome to Quincy’s Visitor Info Center, head east down beautiful MaineStreet to your exclusive Private Home Tour of three homes of archi-tectural significance in the East End Historic District. This tour is amaz-ing and has received rave reviews. Each home is an architectural stand-out. Tours are given by the homeowners themselves and are in neigh-borhood groupings of three, for ease of touring.

Enjoy lunch at the Pier Restaurant, cantilevered over the Mississippi,specializing in creative Midwestern cuisine. A step-on guide from theQuincy Altrusa Club provides a historical and architectural tour ofQuincy’s German Calftown, Park Place and Lawndale Historic Districts.

Tour the astoundingly detailed Quincy Museum (see the lion head inphoto) with 24-ct. gold leaf woodwork in the grand parlor and a rotat-ing exhibit on the third floor. Save time for Old Town Antiques, justaround the corner, in a 1915 limestone storefront. Old Town showcas-es some of the region’s finest 18th and 19th century furnishings.

DAY 2: Great River Road Trip

Sweet start at Underbrink’s Bakery. Enjoy a “radio roll” or iced nut rollwhile you take a behind-the-scenes tour of this 1929 bakery wheremany of the original recipes and equipment are still in use.

Stroll the Great River Road on 31 miles of rich Illinois bottomland tothe historic Warsaw Brewery. Enjoy lunch within the massive brickwalls of this recently restored structure on the banks of the Mississippi.

Admire the broad expanse of the river and its huge lily pads as youwind your way further north on the Great River Road a short 18 milesto Nauvoo, IL. This distinctively restored riverfront town is complete

with over 65 shops and homes that include period furnishings andguides. Enjoy a horse-pulled wagon ride and educational tour of thecity year-round. Complete your afternoon in Nauvoo with a bountifuldinner at the Historic Hotel Nauvoo, nationally known for its award-winning buffet. The restaurant boasts five dining rooms, each reflectinga different era of Nauvoo’s rich history. Return to Quincy for the eveningin one of the city’s many group-friendly hotels.

DAY 3: Art, Abe & Illinois Wine

Begin your day with Quincy’s early history at the John Wood Mansion,home to Quincy’s founder and 12th governor of Illinois. The groundsalso encompass the 1835 Pioneer Log Cabin, Parsonage Museum & GiftShop, as well as the Friends in Council Club House, which is the old-est continuous women’s literary society in the U.S.

After touring the mansion, lunch at the impressive Granite BankGallery, formerly a savings & loan built of pink Missouri granite. Nowhome to a cafe, art gallery and home decor store. The gallery sits acrossfrom Washington Park, the hub of the sixth presidential Lincoln-DouglasDebate.

Drive to nearby Collver Family Winery in Barry, IL, just 30 minutes eastof Quincy on I-72. This family-owned winery hosts sell-out murdermystery theaters and will give visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of thewine-making process.

Just 17 miles east, explore the restored Pittsfield Square and walkthe streets where Abe walked. A step-on guide will provide a histori-cal narrative of the Lincoln Talking Houses audio and plaque tour ofPittsfield.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Visit seequincy.com for more Quincy, Illinois itinerary ideas


ENTERTAINMENT, CELEBRATION AND FUN! Milwaukee, Wisconsin

HIGHLIGHTS

� Harley-Davidson Museum

� Fireside Dinner Theatre

� Discovery World

� Milwaukee Art Museum

� Ten Chimneys

CONTACT: VISIT Milwaukee� Wendy M. Dobrzynski, Group Tour Manager • www.visitmilwaukee.org

648 N. Plankinton, Suite 425, Milwaukee, WI 53203Phone: 800-231-0903 x4222 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Start your visit to Milwaukee by strolling a desert oasis, a tropical jungleand a special floral garden all indoors at the Mitchell Park Conservatory(The Domes) or perhaps enjoy the outdoors at the Boerner BotanicalGardens, an internationally-renowned horticultural showplace offeringgardeners and plant lovers the opportunity to take in the colors andscents of a variety of collections and gardens. For dinner, choose amonga variety of unique, ethnic and inviting restaurants in downtownMilwaukee. After dinner, take in a show at the Skylight Opera Houselocated in the Historic Third Ward.

DAY 2:

Today begin with a city tour and learn about the European immigrantsfrom Germany, Poland, Ireland and Italy who influenced this uniquelydiverse city. Include a stop at St. Josephat’s Basilica and step back intime as you marvel at the history and beauty of this testament of the PolishCatholic faith. See the world’s largest four-faced clock, fondly referred to as the Polish Moon, on the skyline of Milwaukee. Among the fantastic collections housed at the Milwaukee Art Museum, be sure to stop andenjoy the unique and modern architecture of the main entrance designedby Santiago Calatrava. Spend a few moments to watch the “wings” of theBurke Brise Soleil, which is a moveable, wing-like sunscreen that rests on top of the Museum’s vaulted, glass-enclosed Windhover Hall. Choosefrom a variety of restaurants with beautiful views of Lake Michigan forlunch on your own or as a group. Further enjoy the shores of LakeMichigan with a visit to Discovery World and experience an awesomejourney that will take you through technical wonders, mystical and inno-vative exhibits and natural splendor with the Reiman Aquariums.

DAY 3:

Embark on a short drive to Genesee Depot to explore Ten Chimneys,the estate lovingly created by theater legends Alfred Lunt and LynnFontanne. Ten Chimneys is a landmark unique among our national treasures, boasting diverse collections and enchanting décor comprised of original pieces handpicked by the Lunts in the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s.Created with the same humanizing wit and passion for perfection that distinguished their stage performances, Ten Chimneys is the Lunts’ most enduring and tangible artistic legacy. For decades, their retreat be-guiled the country’s finest actors, writers, designers, directors and artists.Continue on to enjoy a marvelous experience at the Fireside DinnerTheatre, one of the Midwest's most popular professional theaters located in Fort Atkinson, Wis. Browse the unique gift shops, enjoyaward-winning cuisine, and top off the evening with one of the bestprofessional theater experiences Wisconsin has to offer.

DAY 4:

Milwaukee’s newest attraction, the Harley-Davidson Museum™, allowsgroups to experience the people, products, culture and history ofHarley-Davidson Motor Company. It is a celebration of the company’srich history, the passion of the riders, and the stories of those who havecontributed to the Harley-Davidson legacy. A visit to Milwaukee wouldnot be complete without embracing the brewing history that beginswith a visit to the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion. Conclude yourMilwaukee experience with a tour of Miller Brewing or a microbrewerysuch as Lakefront Brewery or Sprecher Brewing Company. Prost! to adelightful visit to this jewel of the Great Lakes – Milwaukee.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more Milwaukee itinerary ideas


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Midwest Group Travel Itineraries