south itineraries

Throughout the Southeast it’s “allaboard” for touring with a twist as

groups set sail with near-endless op-portunities to see the sights via riverand rail.

Scenic railway excursions and sight-seeing cruises provide groups welcomerelief from “road routine,” allowingthem to gain not only a refreshing per-spective on their tour destination butaccess to sights that many times can’tbe experienced any other way.

CRUISE OPPORTUNITIESThe Pickwick Belle is an authentic

paddlewheel riverboat cruising Pick-wick Lake between Florence, Ala. andPickwick, Tenn. Various themedcruises are offered for sightseeing,lunch or dinner. She can be charteredfor large groups. (pickwickbelle.com)

The Savannah River Queen andGeorgia Queen kick it up a notchwith their “Murder Afloat MysteryCruise,” “Gospel Dinner Cruise” andnew “Haunts and Hags Tour” that ex-plores mystical legends surroundingthe South Georgia Coast. Sightseeing,meals and entertainment can bearranged on these boats moored on

River Street in downtown Savannah.(savannahriverboat.com)

The General Jackson, America’slargest showboat, is back in action afterNashville’s disastrous May 2010“Thousand Year Flood” that took theboat out of commission for weeks af-terward. Daily buffet lunch cruises fea-ture musical entertainment with SteveHall & Shotgun Red, while dinner fea-tures the final season of Country MusicUSA. (generaljackson.com)

AND FROM RIVER TO RAILMy Old Kentucky Dinner Train is

based in historic Bardstown, the secondoldest town in the state. Exceptionaldining and spectacular scenery are thehallmarks of this excursion as the vin-tage train cars make their way through14,000-acre Bernheim Forest to Lime-stone Springs Junction on the Jim BeamAmerican Outpost. (rjcorman.com)

Tennessee Valley Railway in Chat-tanooga operates excursions year-round,but is best known for its Autumn LeafSpecials. Missionary Ridge Local tripsand the nearly full-day ChickamaugaTurn trip are staged aboard vintage1950s-era trains. (tvrail.com)

The Collis P. Huntington RailroadHistorical Society oversees the world-renowned New River Train excursionsthrough the New River Gorge insouthern West Virginia. As one of thenewest national parklands, the “GrandCanyon of the East” along the NewRiver is aglow in fall colors in mid tolate October. It is during this peak au-tumn foliage time that the train trav-erses the former Chesapeake & Ohiomainline from Huntington to Hinton,providing a front-row seat to some ofthe most spectacular scenery in thecountry. New River Train excursions in2011 operate the weekends of Oct. 15-16 and 22-23. Each trip is an all-day,300-mile-long roundtrip trek. Stops inSt. Albans and Montgomery give pas-sengers the option of three boardinglocations. At Hinton a street fair isheld each day with local food stands,arts and crafts, entertainment, a rail-road museum and other attractions.(newrivertrain.com) LGT

52 April 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com

Georgia Department of Economic Development

� melinda hughey

Groups enjoy fine food aboard My Old Kentucky Dinner Train and Nashville’s General Jackson showboat.

52 June 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com

South-Seeing by River & RailS

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HISTORIC FREDERICKSBURG Fredericksburg, Virginia

HIGHLIGHTS

� Original George Washington family homes

� Charming Old Town Fredericksburg – a shopper’s delight and restaurants to suit any palate

� Four Civil War battlefields

� Classic Broadway musicals at Riverside Dinner Theater

� Wine tastings and food pairing demonstrations

CONTACT: Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership � Lura Hill, Manager Tourism Sales • www.VisitFred.com

706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401Phone: 540-372-1216/866-405-3046 • Email: [email protected]

LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2011 53

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

George Washington influenced not only Fredericksburg’s history, butalso the new nation he helped form. At Ferry Farm you’ll see the siteof Washington’s boyhood home before journeying to the home he pur-chased for his mother, the Mary Washington House, and his sister’shome, Kenmore, known for its beautiful plasterwork. His brother, Charles,sold his home and it later became the Rising Sun Tavern, remainingtoday as a lively interpretive site with costumed 18th century tavernwenches. Lunch can be enjoyed on your own in Old Town or at anyof a wide variety of group-welcoming restaurants. Spend the eveningat Potomac Point Winery learning about and sampling the award-winning wines and the food that is paired with them.

DAY 2:

Strategically located midway between the capital of the Confederacyin Richmond and the U. S. capital in Washington, D. C., Fredericksburgwas the scene of four of the most devastating battles of the Civil War.A local guide will join you as you visit Chatham Manor, a Georgianplantation home that served as a vital Federal headquarters, commu-nications center and hospital. Visitor centers at Fredericksburg andChancellorsville feature museum exhibits, videos and short walkingtours that tell the story of the four battlefields in the region. Enjoyevening entertainment at Riverside Dinner Theater, which possessesstate-of-the-art facilities and seats 452 guests. Riverside boasts gourmetcuisine, a choice of four entrees served at your table and a commit-ment to classic Broadway musicals.

DAY 3:

There are many unique sites in the area that have an ambience all theirown. Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmontwas the home of thisAmerican Impressionist artist. Your senses will delight in not only thewonderful artwork and furnishings, but also the gardens on the 27-acreestate. No visit to the area would be complete without some free timefor shopping in Old Town Fredericksburg. After lunch on your own in oneof the independently owned restaurants, spend time browsing thegalleries, antique shops, boutiques and craft stores that line the bricksidewalks, a portion of the 40-block National Historic District. After lunchvisit Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center housed in twohistoric buildings and discover thru the eyes of local residents the region’srich and varied past. Or perhaps you need medical treatment. AlthoughDr. Mercer may not be in at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, hisapprentice will be certain to have a treatment for whatever ails you.

Your group will depart the Fredericksburg region with many fond memo-ries and an appreciation for one of the most historic cities in America.We welcome you to experience it for yourself.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Art, Romance, Mystery, Fashion—Immerse Yourself� Of Wine and Roses

SPIRIT OF FIRE & STRENGTH OF STEELCorinth, Mississippi

and Shiloh, Tennessee

HIGHLIGHTS

� Stand at the 16 most important square feet of the Confederacy

� See the place where the Battle of Shiloh was planned

� Taste the delights found at Mississippi’s oldest family drug store/soda fountain.

� Walk the path of freedom with former slaves

� Find a “place of peace” at Shiloh

CONTACT: Corinth Area Convention & Visitors Bureau � Kristy White • www.corinth.net

215 N. Fillmore St., Corinth, MS 38834Phone: 800-748-9048 • Email: [email protected]

54 June 2011 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARYDAY 1:

Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Alcorn County WelcomeCenter with a complimentary coffee break and rest stop. A step-onguide will then present the sights of Civil War Corinth: CrossroadsMuseum at the Depot, where the railroads crossed thrusting Corinthinto the national spotlight in the 1860s and home to an impressive col-lection of local relics; C&D Jarnagin Company, a leading outfitter ofCivil War reenactment uniforms and supplies; Verandah Curlee House,the site where Special Order #8 was given for the launch of the Battleof Shiloh; and Civil War Earthworks, the best preserved in the nation.

Lunch: So as not to miss a moment of Corinth’s history, we will be treated to lunch at the Weaver Center, a private dining facility trimmedwith a fine, private collection of Civil War artifacts.

Afternoon: Corinth’s premier attraction, the Corinth Civil WarInterpretive Center, a National Park Service site, is next on the list. Itfeatures interpretive films, interactive exhibits and a marvelous outdoorcourtyard and fountain. Ranger programs are also available. Then it isoff to the Corinth Contraband Camp, the site of early freedom formany African-Americans even before the Civil War ended. The groupwill next be treated to a driving tour encompassing Corinth NationalCemetery, Antebellum Homes and Historic Businesses. As an after-noon treat, a visit to Borroum’s Drug Store has been added. Openedby a Confederate veteran in 1865, Borroum’s is Mississippi’s oldest,continuously family-operated drugstore. An old-fashioned soda foun-

tain is a bonus featuring cherry Cokes and chocolate malts. While atBorroum’s, view the Confederate monument on Court Square dedicat-ed to Col. William Rogers, the hero of the Battle of Corinth.

Evening: Dine on the porch of the Generals’ Quarters Inn, an 1870shome in the heart of the historic downtown residential district.

DAY 2:

Morning: We will get an early start with complimentary breakfast atthe host hotel where a guide will be on hand for a tour of ShilohNational Military Park. As we make our way into the park, either aranger or professional guide will join the tour at the Visitor’s Center togive an in-depth view of the pivotal points of the battle includingstops at the Hornet’s Nest, Peach Orchard, Bloody Pond, AlbertSidney Johnston Death Site and Pittsburg Landing.

Lunch: Catfish, hushpuppies and sweet tea abound as the tour iscapped off with lunch at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, a historic Tennesseeriverfront restaurant just yards from the Shiloh Battlefield.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� A Feast for the Senses � A Birthplace of Freedom

WHERE TRUE GRIT HAPPENED Fort Smith, Arkansas

HIGHLIGHTS

� Fort Smith National Historic Site

� “The Medicine Show on Hanging Day” musical/comedy

� Railway excursion through the Ozarks

� Tour/tasting in Arkansas Wine Country

� Chaffee Barbershop Museum

CONTACT: Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau � Carolyn Joyce • www.fortsmith.org

2 North B St., Fort Smith, AR 72901Phone: 479-783-888 or 800-637-1477 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Afternoon: Miss Laura’s Visitor Center—Tour the former bordello,the first to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Withprior arrangements, “Miss Laura” will be in costume to greet and givethe tour! Pre-arrange for refreshments of sarsaparilla and peanuts. Step-on guide can join group for driving tour of Historic District.

Fort Smith National Historic Site—Tour Hangin’ Judge Isaac C.Parker’s Courtroom, the old jail known as “Hell on the Border,” and seereplica of famed gallows where 79 men met their fate.

Evening: Dinner—The Lighthouse Inn on the banks of the ArkansasRiver and enjoy Miss Laura’s Players in The Medicine Show onHanging Day, an original musical/comedy in its 17th year of produc-tion. Step back into a colorful past, both novel and entertaining!

DAY 2:

Morning: Darby Home—Boyhood home of the founder of famedWorld War II “Darby’s Rangers,” restored to the early 1940s; containslots of World War II memorabilia.

A & M Railway—Excursion north through the beautiful Ozarks. One-way or roundtrip available. Box lunch can be pre-arranged.

Afternoon: “High Tea” at the Clayton House—Circa 1850srestored home of William Clayton, Judge Parker’s prosecuting attorney.Contains authentic Clayton family and period pieces. “High Tea”/tourmust be pre-arranged. Return to hotel.

Church Tours—First Lutheran and Immaculate ConceptionChurch have beautiful stained glass windows and fascinating history.

Fort Smith Museum of History—150 years of Fort Smith history;learn the city’s role in the early frontier, Civil War and the area’s late19th century lawlessness. Enjoy old-fashioned soda at the workingdrug store/soda fountain.

DAY 3:

Morning: Fort Smith Art Center—Fine paintings, sculptures and artexhibits or Farm Tour—Working farm in operation for over 60 years bythree generations of a family. Learn about farming in the region andcrops such as soybeans/rice/corn. Stroll through pecan groves; seehoneybees at work.

St. Scholastica—Tour the facility and get insight on life in a convent.Artwork by Sisters dating back to early 1900s.

Electric Trolley—Nostalgic ride through downtown on a restoredelectric trolley (1926 Birney).

Lunch: The Park at West End—Dine in restored rail car; ride a clas-sic 1935 Ferris wheel (in the 1930s World’s Fair in San Diego); take insights/sounds of an old-time calliope.

Taliano’s Italian Restaurant—locally owned and operated, home ison the National Register of Historic Places with original chandeliers andstained glass.

Chaffee Barbershop Museum—History of Fort Chaffee, built in 1941to train World War II recruits. Restored barbershop where many recruitsgot their first ‘buzz” cut, including Elvis Presley in 1958!

Arkansas Wine Country—Visit one of several wineries for tour/tastingfollowed by dinner at Wiederkehr’s Weinkeller Restaurant, listedon the National Register of Historic Places.

Other activities available:• Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center; learn how “The Natural State” got its name.• Choctaw & Cherokee Casinos – Enjoy time at the slots!

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Take a Walk on the Wild West Side� Fort Smith, Arkansas – The West Starts Here!� 6-night Itinerary – check in and see our entire area with hub-n-spoke tours

OR

EVER-NEW AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

HIGHLIGHTS

� 7 Live Theaters

� Sharks to Shopping

� New SkyWheel

� New Pirates Voyage

� New WonderWorks

CONTACT: Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau � Sandy Haines • Visitmyrtlebeach.com

1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577Phone: 843-916-7248 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1: Arrive in Myrtle Beach, SC

• Check in at host hotel

• Savor the delectable dishes from Myrtle Beach's finest choice ofrestaurants that offer group rates

• Catch live entertainment at one of Myrtle Beach's renowned theaters

• Return to hotel and settle in for an evening of rest and peace

DAY 2: Myrtle Beach Area

• Breakfast at host hotel

• Visit Brookgreen Gardens and its new Low Country Center thatdepicts the history of the Low Country from its Native Americanbeginnings to its slave era and beyond; don't miss the entertainingand informative one-man show of Gullah native and historian RonDaise tracing the history of the Gullah people from Africa to SouthCarolina's Low Country (New Butterfly House, seasonal)

• Buffet or boxed lunch at Brookgreen Gardens

• Travel to Hopsewee Plantation for afternoon tea and tour

• Shop along the coast for cultural arts and crafts including: quilts,sweet grass baskets, dolls, wood carvings, collectibles and memora-bilia; also set up a craft class making sweet grass baskets or grass dolls

• Return to Myrtle Beach for a dinner and show on the town

• Rest at your host hotel

DAY 3: Coastal South Carolina


• Stroll along the New Boardwalk

• Ride the New SkyWheel

• Tour Broadway at the Beach

• New WonderWorks (at Broadway at the Beach)

• Ripley’s Aquarium

• Lunch at local restaurant featuring Southern cuisine

• Catch live entertainment at one of Myrtle Beach's New Shows

• Return to hotel; relax your weary bones and knotted muscles

DAY 4: Depart Myrtle Beach


• Depart from Myrtle Beach

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Postcards & Sharks Tour� Yellow Ribbon Tour

NEW ORLEANS PLANTATION COUNTRY River Parishes, Louisiana

HIGHLIGHTS

� Historic plantations with demonstrations

� Conveniently located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge

� Enjoy authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine

� Unique shopping and arts venues

� Experience a taste of New Orleans

CONTACT: River Parishes Tourist Commission � Kimmie Carlos • www.NewOrleansPlantationCountry.com

2900 Highway 51, LaPlace, LA 70068Phone: 985-359-2783, 866-204-7782 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1: Travel Through Time

Begin your tour in Vacherie at Oak Alley Plantation, one of the world’smost photographed plantations with its alley of 300-year-old oak treesand Civil War history. Spend a little time shopping Oak Alley’s vast giftshop on the grounds. Nearby St. Joseph Plantation is a workingCreole sugar plantation with tours provided by descendants of JosephWaguespack who acquired the property in 1877. After a full morningof touring, cross the river at Hwy. 641 and stop for lunch at Nobile’sRestaurant. Nobile’s was founded in 1895 during the logging boomand still serves authentic Louisiana dishes in an historic atmosphere.There are several historic churches in the area to tour before headingeast to Garyville, where the opulence of San Francisco Plantationwith its vivid colors and intricate architecture will stand in stark contrastto the more modest Creole homes. Leave time for shopping atRoussel’s Antiques in LaPlace or a Cajun Pride Swamp Tour beforedinner at Frenier Landing Restaurant & Oyster Bar. LaPlace-areahotels will provide comfortable accommodations for your group.

DAY 2: Touring and Swamp Tours

Take I-10 to Darrow for a tour of Houmas House Plantation & Gardens,stopping off at its lavish gift shop. Then take I-10 to Exit 220 andhead to tours at Ormond Plantation and Destrehan Plantation.Ormond is a West Indies-style plantation, and Destrehan is the old-est documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valleyand boasts skilled artisans and displays of the original LouisianaPurchase documents. Ormond Plantation serves lunch during theweekday, or Zydeco’s in Boutte is also a good option for groups.An exhilarating Swamp Adventures or Airboat Tours by ArthurMatherne will round out the afternoon. Dinner at Mario’s CypressCafé and another night’s accommodations in the area will leave yourefreshed for one more day of touring.

DAY 3: African American Heritage

Explore our African American heritage. Laura: A Creole Plantationhas tours based upon Laura’s detailed memoirs of life in CreoleLouisiana in 1805 and the interaction between the slaves and her fam-ily. This plantation is also noted as the place where the tales of Br’erRabbit were first recorded. A wide variety of gifts, including Laura’smemoirs are available in the gift shop. Stop for lunch at B&CSeafood Market & Cajun Restaurant, a quaint spot known for itsmouth-watering, down-home Cajun and Creole dishes. EvergreenPlantation in Edgard has the most intact plantation complex in the South with 37 buildings on the National Register of HistoricPlaces, including 22 slave cabins. Both Evergreen and Laura: A CreolePlantation are featured on the Louisiana African American HeritageTrail because of their dedication to preserving the true stories ofslaves, as well as their contributions to art, history and Louisianaculture. Then cross the Mississippi to Reserve to visit Our Lady ofGrace Church. Then head toward New Orleans or Baton Rouge alongthe River Road or I-10.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Churches and Cemeteries� Outdoor Adventures

OPSAIL 2012 – INTERNATIONAL TALL SHIP FESTIVAL Norfolk, Virginia

HIGHLIGHTS

� Wednesday, June 6: Military Parade of Sails – Navy War Ship/Grey HullsNoon to 4 p.m.

� Friday, June 8: Parade of Sails – International Tall Ships Noon to 2 p.m. in Downtown Norfolk

� Friday, June 8 through Monday, June 11: Opsail Festival is open with food, art and entertainment

� Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10: International Tall Ship Visits – 9 a.m. to noon

� Saturday, June 9: Wisconsin/Nauticus or Spirit of Norfolk Dinner and Fireworks – 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

CONTACT: VisitNorfolk � Melissa Hopper • www.VisitNorfolktoday.com

232 E. Main St., Norfolk VA 23510Phone: 800-368-3097 • Email: [email protected]


DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARYEach year Norfolk celebrates nautical history by displaying tall shipsfrom all over the world, along with maritime events, children's activi-ties, local, regional and national entertainment, delicious food and aspectacular fireworks display all along the downtown waterfront.Next year Norfolk expects over 20 International Tall Ships, 10 MilitaryGrey Hulls and ships from around the world with Opsail 2012!

DAY 1: Friday

Afternoon: Come aboard the Spirit of Norfolk or the Victory Rover forthe Parade of Sails. Watch tall ships from around the world sail downthe Elizabeth River in a spectacular two-hour parade. You will have thebest view of the harbor, with 700 boats and vessels to see, as well asmore than 20 international tall ships.

DAY 2: Saturday

Morning: Come explore an outdoor festival on the water at Opsail.Ships from countries around the world including Italy, Brazil, Ecuador,Spain and the Netherlands have been invited to Norfolk’s waterfrontfor this spectacular event. Enjoy live music and great food. Tall Shipsopen for tours giving visitors the opportunity to explore the decks andtalk to international sailors. Special private tours of the Tall Ships areavailable for groups from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday.Lunch: Stroll over to Granby Street, one block from Opsail. Experienceover 30 locally-owned and -operated restaurants from American bistroto tapas to Mexican. Whatever your taste buds are, Granby will satisfy.

Afternoon: Take a bus tour of the world’s largest naval installation,Naval Station Norfolk. A knowledgeable, active-duty Navy guidewill board your motorcoach and give a narrated tour of the base. Tourthe MacArthur Memorial and discover the life and career of a five-star General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur. Located in DowntownNorfolk’s restored 1850s City Hall, the complex contains a museum,theater and special exhibit galleries.Evening: Dinner, Fireworks and Ships! Sit in style for the fireworkson the tailfin of the Battleship Wisconsin. Before the fireworks, take atour of Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin and Hampton Roads NavalMuseum. Nauticus is a fun and exciting interactive science and tech-nology center exploring the power of the sea. It features more than150 exhibits, films and exotic aquatic life. Hampton Roads NavalMuseum introduces you to over 200 years of naval history in HamptonRoads. Located next to Nauticus is the Battleship Wisconsin, thelargest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin are located right next to Town Point Park. Endyour tour with a wonderful dinner at Nauticus. Do not forget you canalso jump aboard the Victory Rover or Spirit of Norfolk for the bestseat in the house for the fireworks!

DAY 3: Sunday

Morning: Take a fun-filled boat ride or tram tour at Norfolk BotanicalGarden. Explore the waterways or stroll the gardens and discover avariety of plants from the cultivated to the wild.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Virginia International Tattoo� Norfolk’s Annual Jazz Festival

SHOWTIME IN THE SMOKIES Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

HIGHLIGHTS

� Great Smoky Mountains National Park

� Dollywood

� Theaters & Dinner Shows

� Shopping

� Parkway Attractions

CONTACT: Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism � Joy McNealy, CTIS • www.pigeonforgetours.com

P.O. Box 1390, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868Phone: 800-285-7557 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Afternoon: Upon arrival in town, the towering ship-shaped muse-um attraction, Titanic Museum Attraction, is anchored and ready forboarding. Twenty galleries with priceless Titanic artifacts, the grandstaircase and the chill of an iceberg will have your group in awe.

Evening: The Smith Family Dinner Theater offers a wonderful variety ofmusic and fun by hometown entertainers, The Smith Boys. A Southerncooked meal rounds out the show. After dinner, the Tennessee Shindigis the place to go. A show that will bring back the memories of daysgone by!

DAY 2:

Morning: After a hearty breakfast at Wood Grill Buffet, it’s off toDollywood. Whether you come in the spring for Festival of Nations,summer for KidsFest, fall for National Gospel & Harvest Celebration or for Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival, Dollywood has great enter-tainment, master craftsmen and thrilling rides.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner and show at the Lumberjack Feud,the Smokies’ rowdiest good time dinner show! After dinner, go ondown the road where you’ll find the Smoky Mountain Opry — bigstage, big cast, big talent wrapped into one big show!

DAY 3:

Morning: Start your day with a step-on guide tour of the most visitednational park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark. This three-hour tour will give your group a look at its awe-inspir-ing beauty!

Afternoon: Have lunch at the Pottery House Cafe for soups, salads,sandwiches and spuds in the Old Mill Historic district! A matineeperformance at the Country Tonite Theatre delivers the best mix ofcountry classics and country hits of today.

Evening: It’s feudin’ fun at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud.Become part of the longest-running feud in history as they settle theirdifferences mountain-style OR settle the feud between the North and the South at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. It’s the Most FunPlace to Eat in the Smokies!

This itinerary is a perfect fit for any of our many festivals that are heldthroughout the year!

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Winterfest Magic� Autumn Colors

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Where every visit creates lasting memories

Motorcoach travelers know that Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to make memories. Could be because there’s so much to see and do here … shopping, shows, Dollywood® or the majestic beauty of our Smoky Mountains. Or it could be that warm welcome they receive, kind of like visiting an old friend. Whatever the reason, they know that every visit creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Motorcoach travelers know that Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to make memories. Could be because there’s so much

or the majestic beauty of our Smoky Mountains. Or it could be that warm welcome they receive, kind of like visiting an old friend. Whatever the reason, they know that every visit

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JANUARYWilderness Wildlife Week™

FEBRUARYSaddle Up!

MARCHA Mountain Quiltfest™

MAYDolly’s Homecoming Parade

JULYPatriot Festival

AUGUSTCelebrate Freedom!™

OCTOBERHarvestfest

NOVEMBER–FEBRUARY Winterfest

EVENTS IN

PIGEON FORGET E N N E S S E E

NOVEMBER–FEBRUARY

FORGING FREEDOM: AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AND EMANCIPATION 150TH Richmond, Virginia

HIGHLIGHTS� Experience Richmond when our nation was at war

� Enjoy a narrated Canal Cruise

� See the largest collection of Confederate artifactsin the nation

� Drive along the nation’s only avenue designated aNational Historic Landmark

� Visit sites that tell the stories of enslaved Africans

CONTACT: Richmond Metropolitan CVB � Janie Lawson, CTIS, Tourism Sales Manager • www.VisitRichmondVa.com

www.OnToRichmond.com • 401 N. 3rd St., Richmond, VA 23219Phone: 800-370-9004 or Direct: 804-783-7409 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1: Richmond

• Begin your day at the American Civil War Center at HistoricTredegar, which tells the national story of the Civil War through threeperspectives: Union, Confederate and African American. • Continue to the Richmond National Battlefield Park and Civil WarVisitor Center, where a park ranger will orient you to the region’s sur-rounding battlefields and introduce the story of Richmond during theCivil War.• Explore the emancipation story at the Manchester Slave Trail. For40 years prior to the Civil War, Richmond was the nation’s center forthe export of slaves.• An afternoon tour of Historic Shockoe Bottom brings you to cob-blestone streets, Lumpkin’s Jail Site and the Reconciliation Statue.• Attend an Emancipation-themed dinner.

DAY 2: Richmond

• Tour the Virginia State Capitol, meeting place of the ConfederateCongress and where Gen. Robert E. Lee accepted his commission inthe Confederate Army.• Visit the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, whichhouses the largest collection of Confederate artifacts in the nation,and Jefferson Davis’ home. • After lunch, drive along Monument Avenue, the nation’s only avenuedesignated a National Historic Landmark. Most monuments are dedi-cated to Confederate leaders.• Enjoy a late afternoon visit to Hollywood Cemetery, the final restingplace of Jefferson Davis, 25 Confederate generals, 18,000 Confederatedead and two U.S. Presidents.• Visit the Virginia Historical Society, whose headquarters was constructed as a shrine to the Confederate dead. An AmericanTurning Point: The Civil War in Virginia relates personal experiencesof Virginia’s free and enslaved men, women and children.• Attend an 1862 Confederate dinner.

DAY 3: Richmond

• Take a Canal Cruise on the canal designed by George Washington.Don’t miss the Henry “Box” Brown exhibit along the canal. In 1849,Brown, a slave who worked in a Richmond tobacco factory, shippedhimself to Philadelphia in a box.• Visit the Chimborazo Medical Museum, the site of the largest military hospital in the world from 1861-1865, where 76,000 patientswere treated.• Tour the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church which was organizedby Rev. John Jasper, a former slave. Here lunch is available byappointment.• Visit Jackson Ward, a 40-block neighborhood once known as the“Harlem of the South.”• Visit St. Paul’s Church, an elegant example of Greek Revival architecture featuring Tiffany windows, and where Jefferson Davisreceived word from Gen. Lee to evacuate Richmond on April 2, 1865.• Enjoy dinner in a historical setting.

DAY 4: (Optional battlefield visits)

• Learn why the names of places such as Seven Pines, Petersburg,Gaines Mill, Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill are forever etched inAmerica’s memory by exploring some of the Richmond Region’s bestknown battlefields. Guided tours are available with a park ranger.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Footprints in Time: The African-American Story� 400 Years of History & Beyond!

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN York County, South Carolina and theCharlotte, North Carolina region

HIGHLIGHTS

� Afternoon at a day spa

� Antique shops, outlet stores and shopping malls with stores such as Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus andWhite House/Black Market

� Tour of Glencairn Garden and master gardening class

� Float down the Catawba River or whitewater rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

� Golf at one of York County’s premier golf courses

� Horseback riding at the Anne Springs Close Greenway

CONTACT: Rock Hill/York County CVB � Margaret Wallace • visityorkcounty.com

452 S. Anderson Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730Phone: 888-702-1320 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

With an afternoon arrival, begin the York County experience with an out-ing at a day spa…facial, massage, pedicure, and manicure. After unwind-ing at a day spa, enjoy a wine and cheese reception at the hotel, and thentop off the evening with dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 2:

After breakfast, Day 2 is full of options…spend the day doing whateverseems fun! One option is to enjoy a relaxing float down the pristineCatawba River. Bald eagles, deer, osprey and many other species call the Catawba River home. And a picnic along the river is as good as it gets.If a more exciting water ride sounds more fun, the U.S. WhitewaterCenter, home of the world’s largest re-circulating river, is the place to be.Novices and experts alike can enjoy flatwater or whitewater kayaking…rafting is also a part of this awesome experience.

Other outdoor opportunities include golf at one of York County’s pre-mier golf courses. Hiking or horseback riding is also available at AnneSprings Close Greenway, a 2,300-acre greenway filled with spaciousforests, rambling terrain, shimmering lakes and rolling pastures. And if fly-ing through the trees seems the thing to do, then Camp Canaan is theplace to be. A zip line canopy tour of this 100-acre island sends visitorszipping through 100-year-old oak trees and flying over the beautifulCatawba River.

Enjoy a tour of Glencairn Garden, an 11-acre garden displayingnature’s finest colors, textures and shapes; visitors can also spend some time improving their gardening skills with a master gardenerclass. A trip to the York County area would not be complete without a NASCAR experience…visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, ride on thetrack at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Richard Petty DrivingExperience.

And of course, no girlfriend getaway is complete without shopping.Spend time strolling through antique shops, outlet stores, and shoppingmalls with stores such as Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus and WhiteHouse/Black Market.

The evening can be spent enjoying the arts at a Winthrop Universitytheater or dance production, a live musical performance at theSylvia Theater in quaint downtown York or a show at the BlumenthalPerforming Arts Center in bustling Uptown Charlotte.

DAY 3:

Sleep in and enjoy some girl coffee time. Then enjoy a delicious brunchat a local restaurant and return home refreshed and energized.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Thrills & Spills� Holiday Cheer

VICKSBURG: THE KEY TO THE SOUTH Vicksburg, Mississippi

HIGHLIGHTS

� Vicksburg National Military Park

� Old Court House Museum

� Vicksburg Battle Field Museum

� Biedenharn Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia

� Five Waterfront Casinos

CONTACT: Vicksburg Convention & Visitors Bureau � Sherry Jones • www.visitvicksburg.comP.O. Box 110, Vicksburg, MS 39181Phone: 601-636-9421 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Morning: Meet your licensed tour guide at the Vicksburg NationalMilitary Park’s Visitors Center and enjoy a film presentation thatdetails the Campaign for Vicksburg. Continue through the 1,800-acrepark, which features over 1,340 monuments that commemorate thecampaign, defense and siege of Vicksburg in 1863. Visit the ironcladgunboat U.S.S. Cairo with its thousands of artifacts that had beensubmerged on the bottom of the Yazoo River for 102 years. VicksburgNational Cemetery embraces 116 acres and holds the remains of17,000 Civil War Union soldiers, a number unmatched by any othernational cemetery.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious Southern-style lunch at the restaurant of yourchoice in one of our historic districts.

Afternoon: The Old Court House Museum will welcome you tostroll through its 15,000 square feet of exhibition space and an entirecity block of lovely grounds. The 1858 structure is considered to bethe city’s finest antebellum structure, and its exhibits showcase thou-sands of artifacts from pre-Columbian implements to the contents ofladies’ wardrobes in the Costume Room, and, of course, a plethora offine artifacts from the Civil War.

Discover a host of tour homes for your enjoyment. Our tour homesdate from the early 1820s through the turn of the 20th century. For atour of antebellum Vicksburg, visit Cedar Grove Mansion, wherecannonballs from Union gunboats are lodged in the floors and walls;Anchuca Mansion, which was the home of Jefferson Davis’ brotherJoseph; and Duff Green Mansion, which served as both a Union andConfederate hospital during the siege.

Evening: Vicksburg is home to five world-class waterfront casinoswhere you find the excitement of gaming as well as lavish eveningbuffets.

DAY 2:

Morning: The Vicksburg Riverfront murals by acclaimed artistsRobert Dafford and Martha Ferris feature life-sized depictions of the history of Vicksburg. Just across the street, enjoy a leisurely strollthrough the Children’s Art Park at Catfish Row.

Just up the bluff from the murals is the Biedenharn Museum ofCoca-Cola Memorabilia, where Coca-Cola was bottled for the firsttime in 1894. Those with a fascination for vintage dolls will surely wantto visit Yesterday’s Children Antique Doll and Toy Museum, whichis home to one of the largest U.S. collections of rare 19th and 20thcentury French and German bisque dolls.

Lunch: Choose from one of many restaurants located throughout thehistoric district offering specialties that range from down-home deli-cious to downright elegant.

Afternoon: Marvel at the majesty of Old Man River from one of ourscenic river overlooks high above the mighty Mississippi.

Your tour of Vicksburg will not be complete without a visit to the Churchof the Holy Trinity. View its 11 Tiffany stained-glass windows and theonly known set of stained-glass windows honoring the deceased ofboth the North and South.

SAVANNAH, EST. 1733 Savannah, Georgia

HIGHLIGHTS

� A unique city layout with an abundance of squares and parks

� River Street with over 100 restored cotton warehouses, restaurants, art galleries and shops

� Informative and fun tours offered through the Historic District

� Nighttime activities that include riverboat cruises and live musical theater

� Outstanding dining options including The Lady and Sons restaurant, home of famous Southern chef Paula Deen

CONTACT: Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau� Mindy Shea • www.visitsavannah.com 101 E. Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401Phone: 912-644-6419 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Savannah Welcome Center/History Museum: The Savannah HistoryMuseum showcases the city’s history from its founding to the presentday. The museum is home to exhibits that include Forrest Gump’sbench, one of Johnny Mercer’s Oscar Awards and a carriage ownedby the family of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low. Take a Tour: Get to know Savannah by experiencing a city tour, eitheron our period-style trolleys or with one of our highly trained step-onguides. The tour lasts about two hours and will help your group getbetter acquainted with our genteel Southern beauty. Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Savannah offers all types of casual andupscale dining options. We can help you determine which restaurantsare particularly “group friendly!”

DAY 2:

Riverboat Tour: Explore the Savannah River’s natural beauty on theSavannah Riverboat. This two-hour excursion shows you the city froma unique perspective. You might even spy playful dolphins swimmingalongside! Tasty Treats: Go behind the scenes to see the “masters at work” creating some of the most delicious candies and cookies in the South. Fantastic Tybee Island: Just 20 minutes from Savannah lies TybeeIsland, a uniquely charmed island that offers a change of pace andtaste. While there, take your group to the Tybee Light Station. Datingback to 1773, the lighthouse is one of America’s most complete his-toric light stations.

DAY 3:

African-American History: Take a tour that focuses on our rich blackheritage. Highlights include a church that was built by slave laborand served as part of the Underground Railroad. We’re also home to the state’s oldest continuous school for newly freed slaves as wellas a modern museum chronicling the civil rights struggle in Savannah.Military Might: From its beginning, Savannah has been fortified to protect its residents and strategic port. Today our eight forts stand asun-garrisoned but fascinating reminders of our military history as wellas striking memorials to our country’s struggles to remain free.Fright Night: Discover why Savannah has repeatedly been named“America’s Most Haunted City!” There are numerous touring options tochoose from, making this a great evening event for your group that’sentertaining, fun and informative, no matter the age.

DAY 4:

Visit a Historic Home: Savannah’s past is told in the many housemuseums that populate the area. Your group will enjoy this immersioninto the lifestyles of our most famous founding fathers, exploring theirperiod homes, possessions and history. Savannah Souvenirs: Your group will enjoy spending their last after-noon in Savannah looking for that perfect signature Savannah souvenir.The city has a multitude of trendy shops and boutiques that are sure to have something for everyone. It’s Showtime!: Your group’s final night in Savannah is sure to be amemorable one as they experience the city’s live musical theater. Thetwo-hour production will have your group smiling, laughing, singingand tapping their toes to the melodies of well-known songs of the past and present.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Ladies of Leisure Girlfriends Getaway� Savannah’s African-American Heritage

THE DELTA MUSEUM MILE Greenville-Washington County, Mississippi

HIGHLIGHTS� Hebrew Union Temple History Museum

� Old #1 Firehouse Museum

� The Patriot

� 1927 Flood Museum

� The Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Museum

CONTACT: Greenville-Washington County CVB� Wesley D. Smith • www.visitgreenville.org

216 S. Walnut St., Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: 800-467-3582 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1:

Meet up with your Museum Coordinator and begin your journeythrough time.

Begin at the 1927 Flood Museum. Greenville is the epicenter of oneof the worst natural disasters in history. The break in the levee here putflood water over the roofs of houses 75 miles away. Tour this naturalphenomenon that changed landscapes, lives and politics in the oldeststructure in downtown Greenville.

Explore the impact of Greenville’s writers on Southern literature atGreenville Writers’ Exhibit at William Percy Memorial Library.Greenville is said to have produced more famous writers per capitathan any city in the country.

Housed in the restored Miller Building, Greenville History Museumprovides a glimpse into Greenville’s history from the late 1800s to the1970s. Memorabilia, artifacts, photos and news clippings take visitorsthrough each gripping day of the 1927 flood and give visitors aglimpse of how people lived, worked and played back in the day.

Ride with the brave firefighters of history in this restored vintage (circa1923) fire station at the Old #1 Firehouse Museum.

Lunch downtown

Gazing at the monolithic mounds at Winterville Mounds State Park,one can almost hear the tribal drums and chants of a civilization thatthrived a thousand years ago.

Greenville Air Force Base Museum was an Army Flying School,which instructed thousands of U.S. airmen and women. The museumtells their story from the darkest days of WWII through the Cold War.

Dinner around town at one of our unique restaurants.

DAY 2:

Breakfast at one of our memorable breakfast places – Jim’s or Bucks.

This is the very soil where the blues was born. The HWY 61 BluesMuseum chronicles the story of the Delta Blues through the music, folkart and artifacts of Little Milton, B.B. King, James “Son” Thomas and many more.

Long before Miss Piggy karate-chopped her way into our hearts, Muppetcreator Jim Henson was born in Greenville and played on the banks ofDeer Creek. A visit to The Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Museum isfilled with the creativity of Jim Henson and all his Muppet friends.

Lunch at Connie’s Kitchen in Leland, MS

Enjoy a walking tour of Greenville’s Historical Cemeteries. From HoltCollier (Teddy Roosevelt’s hunting guide) to The Patriot (a mysteriousknight), the cemeteries of Greenville have some of the most fascinatingstories to tell.

Experience regional cuisine at one of our local eateries.

DAY 3:

Greenville Cypress Preserve is one of the last virgin cypress pre-serves in the U.S. This 16-acre preserve showcases magnificent 100-year-old cypresses.

E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center and the Armitage HerschellCarousel are housed in the same building. The E.E. Bass Cultural ArtsCenter holds seven exhibitions per year, and Delta Center Stage hasproduced a subscription season of plays continuously for 29 years.The Armitage Herschell Carousel is beautifully hand-painted and oneof the two oldest working Armitage Herschellcarousels in the country.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� A Day In The Delta� Delta Man-Cation

THREE DAYS OF DISCOVERY Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, BaySt. Louis and Stennis Space Center, Mississippi

HIGHLIGHTS

� Ship Island Excursions – watch for dolphins as you catch a noon trip to the island, home of Ft. Massachusetts and beautiful beaches

� Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art – experience the creations of “Mad Potter” George Ohr and other coastal artists

� StennisSphere – discover outer space in a whole newinteractive way

� Old Town Ocean Springs – unique boutiques, galleriesand restaurants in a quaint artisan town atmosphere

� Biloxi Lighthouse – climb the restored lighthouse, an iconof the Coast

CONTACT: Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB � Janet Harrington • www.gulfcoast.org

P.O. Box 6128, Gulfport, MS 39506Phone: 888-467-4853, ext. 228 • Email: [email protected]



DAY 1: Savor the Flavor of Gulf Coast Culture

Morning: Start off the day soaking in the Coast history and culture.Experience the creations of “Mad Potter” George Ohr at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art complex. Travel back in time at the PleasantReed Interpretive Center, a replica of the original house built by former slave Pleasant Reed in 1887. Stop by the Hurricane KatrinaMemorial built by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Climb the restoredBiloxi Lighthouse, icon of the Coast, built in 1848. Explore Beauvoir,circa 1852, last home of President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davisand the origin of his memoirs. You won’t want to miss a tour through thenew Presidential Library at Beauvoir, scheduled to open late 2011.

Afternoon: If the Gulf of Mexico beckons, catch a noon trip with ShipIsland Excursions from the Gulfport Harbor. Watch for dolphins as youcruise to Ship Island, home of Ft. Massachusetts and beautiful beaches.Relax aboard the Biloxi Schooners, replicas of the oyster schoonersused from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Take in tales of shrimping,fishing and Biloxi history aboard the Biloxi Shrimping Trip and BiloxiHistoric Tour. Become a “foodie” for the afternoon with a culinarydemonstration or Southern tea offered by one of our local chefs.

Night: Enjoy excellent restaurants, top-name entertainment and excitinggaming at one of our first-class casino resorts.

DAY 2: Old Town and the Real McCoys

Morning: Travel east to Old Town Ocean Springs. Visit the manyboutiques and galleries of this quaint artisan town. Don’t miss theWalter Anderson Museum of Art, home of the distinctive works ofthis renowned Coast artist.

Afternoon: For a truly unforgettable experience, meet the real McCoys!Let Captain Lynn with McCoy’s River and Marsh Tours take you on thePascagoula River, one of the most pristine river swamps in America.Greet some gators at the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch, the oldest gatorfarm in Mississippi.

Night: On your way back through Ocean Springs, choose from a varietyof excellent restaurants, bars and pubs, all within walking distance.

DAY 3: From the Bay to Beyond the Milky Way

Morning: Spend the day in the Bay. Drive along Beach Boulevard andmarvel at the beautiful tree sculptures that decorate our coastal high-way. After a beautiful drive west along the Gulf, cross the Bay of St.Louis into a shopping and dining paradise. Mississippi’s West Coast ishome to more than 200 resident artists, creating the unique piecesexhibited in local galleries. Visit St. Rose de Lima, a Catholic churchwith a magnificent surprise! Stop by the historic L & N Train Depot,home to Hancock County’s CVB, for a rest and visitor information.

Afternoon: Intrigued by outer space? Blast off to StennisSphere anddiscover why America comes to NASA’s Stennis Space Center beforegoing into space. Begin your journey at the Launch Pad to prepare foryour mission. Travel on to a narrated tour through the nation’s largestrocket test complex where space shuttles’ main engines were tested.Stand by for the opening of the new interactive science museum,Infinity, where visitors will explore our earth, oceans and space witha hands-on, activity-based format.

Night: On your way back, stop in revitalized Downtown Gulfport,where restaurants, hot music spots and cozy bars are just steps awayfrom one another.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Student and Family-Friendly Itinerary� Eco-Tourism and Outdoor Adventures Itinerary

ou can relax when you plan a tour to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Where your tour options are many:Twenty-six miles of beaches, walkable bridges, glitzy casino resorts, headline entertainment, 24 hour gaming, fun-fi lled festivals, outdoor adventuring, coastal attractions, cruising, exciting museums, unique boutiques, artisan districts, and hidden galleries, shopping, Old Town strolling on tree-lined streets, fresh seafood and award winning dishes at group friendly restaurants, signature golf and fantastic charter boat fi shing.

And, help with your tour planning is a given:Customized itineraries, hotel lead service, referral service for step-on guides, group attractions, restaurants, special programs, digital imagery for your fl yers, online catalogs and local maps for your tour members along with genuine southern hospitality.

Call us about adding the Mississippi Gulf Coast to your tour schedule and plan to relax.

CONTACT:

Janet Harrington ManagerLeisure Sales & Group TravelMississippi Gulf Coast CVB

Phone: 888-467-4853Email: [email protected]

Add the Mississippi Gulf Coast to your next Deep South Tour and...RELAX!

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THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA: THE LAND OF KINGS

HIGHLIGHTS

� Accommodations, dining and casino gaming in Tunica

� Graceland, Sun Records and Beale Street in Memphis

� Clarksdale’s Delta Blues Museum and Ground Zero Blues Club

� B.B. King Museum in Indianola

� National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis

CONTACT: Tunica Travel� Bill Canter • www.tunicatravel.com

PO Box 2739, Tunica, MS 38767Phone: 888-488-6422 • Email: [email protected]



Just down the road in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, there is a spe-cial place that connects you to the legends, history and excitement ofSouthern Kings.

DAY 1: Tunica

Check into your luxurious Tunica Casino Resort Hotel. Your group mayenjoy any of the nine casino resorts with 24/7 gaming action in the South’sCasino Capital. Dinner recommendations: Paula Deen’s Buffet at Harrah’sCasino Resort (Y’all hungry?) or the Holywood Cafe, made famous in thesong “Walking in Memphis” and home of the fried dill pickle.

DAY 2: Tunica and Memphis Options

Tunica:Tunica RiverPark Museum. Aquariums, interactive exhibits and dioramasreveal the legends and life of the Mississippi River. Voted the SoutheastTravel Attraction of the Year. Tunica Queen Riverboat. Sightseeing cruises on the Mississippi River. Tunica Museum. Don’t miss Dr. Dick’s humorous and entertaining pres-entation on the history of Tunica and “King Cotton,” the crop that madethe Mississippi Delta famous.

Memphis: Graceland. Experience life as Elvis did at his estate, Graceland, with anaudio guided tour. Located just north of Tunica.

Lunch – many choices

Sightseeing Tour of Memphis may include:Sun Studio. Guided tour through the Birthplace of Rock ′n Roll. Hearouttakes from sessions, touch Elvis′ first microphone and hear the histo-ry of the studio that launched Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis,Carl Perkins, B.B. King and many more.

Peabody Hotel.Witness the tradition of the famous Peabody MarchingDucks. Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., a red carpet is unrolled and theducks march through crowds of admiring spectators to the tune of JohnPhilip Sousa's King Cotton March.National Civil Rights Museum. Located at the Lorraine Motel, theassassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the museum chroniclesthe legacy of the American civil rights movevement.

Return to Tunica for the evening, enjoy dinner at a casino resort or one ofthe local favorites. End the night with some fast-paced casino gaming.

DAY 3: Tunica – Clarksdale – Indianola

Enjoy breakfast at one of the spectacular casino buffets or the Blue andWhite Cafe, a mainstay on Hwy. 61 since 1937. Head south down his-toric Highway 61 to Clarksdale and on to Indianola. From the cottonfields, street corners and juke joints of the Mississippi Delta came a newkind of music – the blues. Considered by many to be the only trulyindigenous American music, this form that has influenced musiciansworldwide is deeply rooted in Delta soil. In Clarksdale, visit the interna-tionally acclaimed Delta Blues Museum or Hopson Plantation. TheDelta Blues Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretationof the blues. Displays include one of B.B. King's "Lucille" guitars, harmon-icas once owned by Sonny Boy Williams II and the log cabin that MuddyWaters lived in at the Stovall Plantation. This is blues heaven. Enjoy lunchat the Ground Zero Restaurant, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman.

Depart Clarksdale, continuing down Highway 61 and over to Indianola,birthplace of B.B. King and home of the new B.B. King Museum andInterpretive Center. The museum explores King’s 60-plus-year careerthrough objects from his life and work.

Return to Tunica for dinner.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more

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