There is no set path to exploring theWest. You can follow migration routesof birds, butterflies and whales, or re-trace historic footsteps of NativeAmericans, Lewis & Clark, conquista-dors, Spanish missionaries or Northernfur traders. More contemporaryroutes may lead to Hollywoodfilming sites or culinary adventuresthat savor the latest trends in foodand wine. The West’s vibrant artsscene appeals to groups who ap-preciate museums, theater andmusic. The West’s traditions are cele-

brated in every town. Each area hasa distinctive personality as seen inits architecture, foods, lifestyles andfestivals. From powwows androdeos to Route 66 celebrations,don’t be surprised by the range ofreasons Westerners embrace whenorganizing a festive gathering.Perhaps the most cherished and

distinctive activity is to experiencethe vast wilderness areas with theirprotected wildlife habitats andawesome landscapes. Names likeYellowstone, Yosemite, Death Valleyand Mount Rainier offer just a hint of thehundreds of millions of acres of publiclands waiting to be explored.Groups enjoy the diversity of Ari-

zona, from the desert to the mountains,from cosmopolitan cities to NativeAmerican lands. And don’t forget theGrand Canyon. New Mexico, a blend of

Spanish, Native and Anglo cultures, hasan artistic legacy dating to ancienttimes. Texas landscapes range from vastplains to coastal communities to bigcities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Houstonand San Antonio.

Colorado abounds with mountain re-sorts that provide recreational opportu-nities year-round. The state’s touristrailway lines are one of its great symboliclinks between the past and present. Notrip to Colorado is complete without avisit to Denver, the Mile High City.Wyoming, the Cowboy State, con-

Go West into Wide Open Spaces

74 June 2009 LeisureGroupTravel.com

Santa Fe

Mesa

New Mexico

WEST

The Western horizon is filled with incredible sights and contrasts. At allpoints of the compass you find the scenery spectacular, the history col-

orful. The people, representing a diverse blend of cultures, arrived in searchof adventure, riches and new roots.

Arizona

LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2009 75

jures up romantic images of the greatfrontier�ranches, rodeos, railroads andmajestic plains. It is home to Yellow-stone National Park, Grand Teton Na-tional Park and Devils Tower. Cheyenne,its capital, is best known for CheyenneFrontier Days, a summer celebration ofall things Western, and boasts attractionslike Terry Bison Ranch, the WyomingState Capitol/State Museum, Nelson Mu-seum of the West and the world’s largeststeam locomotive.Montana also claims part of Yellow-

stone and encompasses Glacier Na-tional Park in its northwest corner, nearthe Canadian border. Tours in vintagebuses, sightseeing cruises and white-water float trips are just some of thechoices at Glacier. Idaho is also a greatplace for rafting adventures, pictur-esque lakes and mountain vistas.Utah has its share of natural splendor,

especially in Red Rocks Country, homeof Bryce Canyon, Arches, Zion andCapitol Reef national parks. In neigh-boring Nevada, try your luck at casinosin gaming meccas like Las Vegas, Laugh-lin and Reno.In the Pacific Northwest, Washing-

ton and Oregon are blessed withstunning coastlines, mountain rangesand vineyard-studded slopes. Learnabout the apple industry in Washing-ton’s Wenatchee Valley or enjoy thelaidback lifestyle in Seattle, famousfor its coffeehouses, bustling harbor-front and skyline punctuated by theSpace Needle.California beckons with dreams of

cruising down coastal highways, romp-ing around Disneyland, sampling winesin the Napa and Sonoma valleys, andvisiting national parks like Yosemite andSequoia. Urban excitement awaits inSan Francisco, Sacramento, Los Ange-les and San Diego.Welcome to the West…see, experi-

ence, enjoy and celebrate every step ofyour journey. LGT

SATISFY YOUR SOUL IN A CITY WHERE THE CULTURE IS HIGH-VOLUME AND THE ATTITUDE IS LOW-KEY.

WHERE THE STORY OF OUR ROCK-AND-ROLL ROOTS BLENDS HARMONIOUSLY WITH A CLASSIC

CULTURAL SCENE. THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART & THE OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER.

CAPTIVATING & CASUAL. BOLD & BEAUTIFUL.

V ISITOKC.C OM

Rock history exhibit “Another Hot Oklahoma Night!” rocks into the Oklahoma History Center through fall 2010!

Houston

Savor the Flavor of the Wenatchee Valley Wenatchee, Washington

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Ice Age Floods Geological Trail…discover the cataclysmic ice age floods remnants

• Miss Veedol…working historic replica plane that completed the first transpacific flight

• Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center…showcasing regional history

• Ohme Gardens…nine acres of lush alpine greenery

• Rocky Reach Dam…renewable energy, museum, fish ladder

CONTACT: Wenatchee Valley Visitors Bureau� Marcia Janke • www.wenatcheevalley.org

5 S. Wenatchee Avenue, Suite 100, Wenatchee, WA 98801Phone: 509-663-3723 or 800-572-7753 • Email: Marcia@wenatcheevalley.org

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Ice Age Floods Geological Trail� Culture along the Columbia River

76 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: East Wenatchee & Wenatchee, WA

Follow the 30 or 164-mile Ice Age Floods Geological Trail and viewremnants left by the cataclysmic floodwaters as it raged through theValley 17,000 years ago. Explore Downtown Wenatchee and choosefun activities such as a walking tour of the outdoor Art on theAvenues sculptures, shopping in downtown antique stores andspecialty shops, or enjoying ice cream at the historic Owl SodaFountain. Stroll across the RiverWalk Crossing into Riverfront Parkand the Apple Capital Loop Trail or take a walking tour of the down-town historical buildings and signs. Enjoy wine tasting and dinner atChateau Faire le Pont Winery, a state-of-the-art gravity flow winerythat creates world-class, ultra-premium wines from locally growngrapes and is housed in a superbly restored 1920s fruit warehouse.

DAY 2: East Wenatchee & Wenatchee, WA

The Bridge of Friendship Japanese Garden is a partnershipbetween the Sister Cities of Misawa, Japan, East Wenatchee andWenatchee. The garden features a reflecting pool, pagoda andauthentic Japanese artifacts. Visit the “Miss Veedol” Hangar wherehistory comes alive! Hear the spine-tingling story of Clyde Pangbornand Hugh Herndon’s struggle to complete the first non-stoptranspacific flight and get a firsthand look at a working replica of the plane that made the flight in 1931. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch at Saint Laurent Winery, where the winery and its uniqueEuropean landscaped gardens overlook the Wenatchee Valley.

The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center features four floors of regional historical exhibits and is home to six of the

original Clovis tools discovered in the valley in 1987. Stroll throughOhme Gardens’ nine acres of lush alpine beauty, sit beside a tumbling waterfall or wander along cool and serene rock walkwayswith stunning views of the Columbia River and the Wenatchee Valley.The 42-acre Tiny’s Organic Farm in East Wenatchee grows a widevariety of vegetables and fruits with names like Arctic Snow nec-tarines, Indian blood peaches and DapplDandy pluots (a hybridbetween a plum and an apricot).

DAY 3: Wenatchee & Cashmere, WA

“Look a Salmon in the eye” in the fish viewing room or explorethe Museum of the Columbia and the Gallery of Electricity.Outside Rocky Reach Dam marvel at the giant water pipe thattransports juvenile salmon around the face of the dam and deposits them downstream into the Columbia River. Stop byStemilt’s Bountiful Fruit for a crisp juicy apple or other in-seasonfruits. The WA Apple Commission Visitor Center is full of historicphotos, interactive displays and an informative video about theapple industry. Reserve your seat at the Town Toyota Center for amemorable concert, thrilling hockey game, wild sports action orspectacular family entertainment. This multi-purpose arena offers it all. The Aplets and Cotlets Factory Tour incorporates savoryWashington apples, ripe apricots and crunchy English walnuts intoAplets and Cotlets Candy, top sellers since 1920! Apple Annie’sAntique Mall has 70,000 sq. ft. of antique treasures to tempt you and Studebaker’s 50’s Diner cooks up nostalgia with a 100% Angus Beef burger, crispy fries and oodles of memorabilia.

Gators, Gardens, Gushers & Great Food Beaumont, Texas

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Gator Country Adventure Park – see and touch live alligators, dine on authentic Cajun cuisine

• Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center was just named among the 10 Greenest EcoProjects in the World

• Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum – watch world’s only replica gusher blow 100 feet in the sky, just like in 1901

• Spindletop Steakhouse – Take a culinary tour in Beaumont’s historic downtown

CONTACT: Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau� Elizabeth Eddins, Director of Tourism • www.beaumontcvb.com

505 Willow St., Beaumont, TX 77701Phone: 866-822-0245 • Email: eeddins@ci.beaumont.tx.us

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� The Faith Trail� Nature Trail

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Treat yourself to a scrumptious breakfast at Rao’s Bakery & CoffeeCafe, where you’ll find freshly brewed coffee and piping hot croissantsand breakfast burritos.

Take a short drive over to Spindletop-Gladys City BoomtownMuseum, where you’ll step back in time to witness Beaumont’s rich oilheritage as you watch the world’s only working replica gusher blowwater hundreds of feet into Beaumont’s blue sky. Follow the history of the "Cradle of the Petroleum Age" with a tour of the Texas Energy Museum and experience the fascinating world of oil exploration and refining!

Round out your tour of Downtown Beaumont with a trip to a couple of our other intriguing museums: the Art Museum of Southeast Texasand the Fire Museum of Texas. Don’t forget dinner at the legendary Crockett Street Entertainment District!

DAY 2:

Rekindle your sense of wonder at Shangri La Botanical Gardens &Nature Center, located just minutes from Beaumont. Observe nestingbirds in Shangri La’s Ruby Lake through a state-of-the-art bird blind.Explore more than 300 species of plants in one of the most Earth-friendlyprojects in the world.

See history come alive in any of our three historic homes: the John JayFrench House, the Chambers House and the McFaddin-Ward House.

After a busy day, relax at Spindletop Steakhouse on historicCrockett Street, where the tantalizing menu items will have yourmouth watering.

DAY 3:

Start the day by reconnecting with nature at the Big ThicketNational Preserve as you slice through the waters of Village Creek ina canoe. Enjoy great Texas BBQ at Willy Ray’s, where you’ll find an arrayof enticing sides to go along with their famous BBQ. Be inspired at St. Anthony's Cathedral Basilica, one of Beaumont’s many uniqueand historic places of worship on the Beaumont Faith Trail.

Feed your adventurous spirit at Gator Country—Texas’ only alligatortheme park. Have a hands-on experience by helping feed LIVE gatorsand take home a picture to prove it! View educational demonstrationsand see the jaw dropping half-ton alligator, lovingly named “Big Al.”End your day on a high note by grooving to the music of a local bayouband and feasting on Gator Country’s famous Cajun cuisine.

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 77

Grapevine – Vintage Texas Grapevine, Fort Worth, Dallas, Texas

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Wine tastings

• Convenient location in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth region

• An excursion aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad

• Artisan demonstrations, including glass blowing

• Excursions to the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and Southfork Ranch

CONTACT: Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau� Grapevine Tourism Department • www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com

One Liberty Park Plaza, Grapevine, TX 76051Phone: 817-410-3184 • Email: Tourism@GrapevineTexasUSA.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Grapevine Wine Trail� Christmas Capital of Texas

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Grapevine

Let us introduce your group to Grapevine’s history and heritage at theGrapevine Cotton Belt Railroad, Historic District and HistoricalMuseum. Here, you will also experience artisan demonstrations suchas glassblowing at Vetro Glass Blowing Gallery & Studio. Next, shopand sightsee in beautifully restored ca. 1900 buildings in HistoricDowntown Grapevine, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Shops and boutiques offer unique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds.Enjoy public art, like the “Coming Home,” “The Sidewalk Judge” and the“Nightwatchman,” that celebrate characters and events that shapedGrapevine’s spirit. Lunch can be enjoyed on their own at any numberof family-owned eateries in Historic Downtown Grapevine. This after-noon, follow the Grapevine Wine Trail! Tour several of the winery tasting rooms and learn about grape growing and winemaking in Texas as you savor the flavor of Texas wines! Dinner may be arranged at a winery, complete with entertainment, or at any one of a variety of steakhouses and group-friendly restaurants. For additional entertain-ment, try your skills with the Gaylord Texan Resort’s Murder MysteryDinner Theater. [B,D]

DAY 2: Grapevine / Fort Worth

Start your day with mega-shopping at Grapevine Mills mall.Grapevine Mills offers “shoppertainment” with over 200 stores, amuse-ment centers and themed restaurants. This afternoon, ride the rails ofnostalgia when you experience the Grapevine Vintage Railroad! Thetrain operates a seasonal schedule round-trip excursion fromGrapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards. At the Fort Worth Stockyards,see a Texas Longhorn cattle drive, shop Stockyards Station and visit

the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame before your return trip to Grapevine.Dinner tonight may be arranged at a variety of Grapevine restaurants.After dinner, enjoy world class musical performances at the GrapevineOpry! Every Saturday night experience the finest country music revueand special theme evenings at the Historic Palace Theatre on Main Streetin Grapevine. [B,D]

DAY 3: Dallas

Your day starts with a visit to The Sixth Floor Museum at DealeyPlaza, also known as the JFK Memorial Museum. Most people remem-ber exactly where they were the fateful day John F. Kennedy was shotin Dallas. At this museum you can view minute-by-minute accounts of what happened on that tragic day. Next stop, the Dallas Museumof Art, offering a collection that includes American masterpieces, contemporary art, European and impressionist art, and special tempo-rary exhibits on display throughout the year. Lunch can be arranged for your group at the Dallas Museum of Art. This afternoon, head overto the Dallas Arboretum, a 66-acre arboretum and botanical gardenshowcasing perennial fragrant gardens, towering trees and lush lawns.Cap off your visit to Dallas with a visit to Southfork Ranch, also knownas the home of J.R. Ewing and his family on the hit television series“Dallas.” Here your group will receive a guided tour of this famousranch, followed by an evening chuckwagon supper. [B,L,D]

78 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Old Town Albuquerque

• Sandia Peak Tramway

• Taos Pueblo

• Cumbres-Toltec Railroad

• Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe

CONTACT: New Mexico Tourism Department� Mark M. Trujillo, North America Tour Trade Director • www.newmexico.org

491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Phone: 505-827-5832 or 505-690-0999 • Email: Mark.Trujillo@state.nm.us

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for moreNorthern New Mexico itinerary ideas

Northern New Mexico

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

AM: Explore the shops, galleries and museums of Old Town, theoriginal heart of Albuquerque. Then visit the Indian Pueblo CulturalCenter, which tells the story of the 19 pueblos of New Mexico.PM: The National Hispanic Cultural Center features a visual artsmuseum, restaurant and gift shop. Visit the Albuquerque Aquariumand adjacent Rio Grande Botanic Garden. Ride 2.7 miles to the topof 10,400-foot Sandia Peak on the Sandia Peak Tramway, the world’slongest single-span tramway. Dinner and overnight in Albuquerque.

DAY 2:

AM: Depart Albuquerque for Santa Fe. Travel off Interstate 25 and visitarea pueblos, such as Cochiti, Sandia, Santo Domingo and Zia Pueblo.PM: Visit the 1610 Palace of the Governors, the nation’s oldest build-ing still in continuous use. Now a Southwestern history museum, it facesthe famous Santa Fe Plaza. Near the Plaza is the Georgia O’KeeffeMuseum. At Loretto Chapel see the “Miraculous Staircase” and learnthe legend of its construction. Dinner and overnight in Santa Fe.

DAY 3:

AM: Depart Santa Fe for Los Alamos, the scientific community thatplayed a major role in the development of the atomic bomb. BandelierNational Monument features hundreds of Anasazi ruins. PM: Depart Los Alamos for Chimayo. Santuario de Chimayo is a sacredsite believed to have miraculous healing powers. Dinner in Chimayo orTaos; overnight in Taos.

DAY 4:

AM: The artist colony of Taos offers a blend of Native American, Spanishand American cultures. View works by local artists at the HarwoodMuseum of Art, Millicent Rogers Museum and Taos Art Museum.Visit Taos Pueblo, inhabited for over 1,000 years.

PM: Depart Taos for Angel Fire, site of the Vietnam Veterans NationalMemorial. In Red River board the Red River Chair Lift Rides. Dinnerand overnight in Red River.

DAY 5:

Depart Red River for Chama. Enjoy a 64-mile scenic mountain ride on theCumbres-Toltec Railroad. Dinner and overnight in Farmington.

DAY 6:

AM: At the Farmington Gateway Museum, see exhibits on the FourCorners area and the area’s oil and gas industry. Depart Farmington forBloomfield and Salmon Ruins/Heritage Park. Aztec Ruins NationalMonument is a 450-room ancestral pueblo dating from the 1100s. PM: Depart Bloomfield for Chaco National Historical Park, a centerof Anasazi culture from A.D. 900-1100. Dinner and overnight in Gallup.

DAY 7:

AM: Gallup’s Red Rock Museum showcases Native American cultureand art. The Gallup Cultural Center features everything from sandpainting to Historic Route 66. At the Navajo Code Talkers Room, learnabout Navajo Marines who played a major role in World War II. PM: Depart Gallup for Grants. View ancient petroglyphs at El MorroNational Monument. Take a jacket into Bandera Ice Crater Caves.Dinner and overnight in Grants.

DAY 8:

AM: Tour the New Mexico Mining Museum. Then visit AcomaPueblo/Sky City, continuously inhabited for 2,000 years.PM: Depart Acoma for Albuquerque. Stop at Petroglyph NationalMonument.

Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Angel Fire, Red River,Chama, Farmington, Gallup, New Mexico

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 79

Tucson Highlights Tucson, Arizona

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Saguaro National Park

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

• Old Tucson Studios

• Sabino Canyon

• DeGrazia Gallery

• Pima Air & Space Museum

CONTACT: Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau� April Bourie, Tourism Sales Manager • www.visittucson.org

100 S. Church St., Tucson, AZ 85701Phone: 520-770-2159 • Email: abourie@visitTucson.org

80 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

This itinerary showcases some of the finest attractions that the metro-politan Tucson area has to offer. Enjoy our stunning desert setting atSaguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Sabino Canyon. Relive the excitement of many old Western movies at Old Tucson Studios. Discover our creative side at DeGrazia Galleryand learn about our military history at Pima Air & Space Museum. Asyou’ll discover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Tucson!

DAY 1:

Take a drive-through tour of Saguaro National Park West and get abreathtaking view of thousands of saguaros, the giants of the desert.Break for lunch and a tour at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum,which tells the unique story of the Sonoran Desert region. More than300 species of live animals and 1,400 species of plants indigenous to the Sonoran Desert are exhibited in naturalistic habitats. Stop at Old Tucson Studios, the famous movie location and theme park. Takea step back in time and enjoy watching a simulated gunfight and saloon show. Or visit the International Wildlife Museum, a world-class natural history museum, where you get a close-up view of morethan 400 different species of preserved insects, mammals and birdsfrom around the world. The museum features a variety of hands-onexhibits and interactive displays for all ages. For the evening, dine at one of Tucson's many steakhouses; some even offer authenticWestern entertainment.

DAY 2:

Enjoy the views at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, a true desert

oasis. The narrated ground-tram ride lasts 45 minutes and travelsthrough some of the most camera-worthy scenery in the Tucson area.Head west to DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, built to showcase theunique Southwestern art of Ettore "Ted" DeGrazia. The gallery is aunique adobe construction with beautiful decorative features andcontains rooms exhibiting DeGrazia originals on subjects such as Padre Kino, Cabeza de Vaca and Yaqui Easter. Break for lunch at La Encantada and experience an upscale outdoor specialty shopping center that celebrates the splendor of Old World Spanishtraditions alongside modern sophistication. It features plazas, fine dining, and the trendiest national and local retailers.

Drive south to the Pima Air & Space Museum, where more than 250aircraft are on display, representative of America's aviation history. This impressive aircraft collection ranges from the first (a replica of theWright flyer) to the ultimate flying machine, the famous SR-71ABlackbird. Dine at a Tucson Originals restaurant, an organization ofmany of Tucson's best independent fine dining, casual and neighbor-hood restaurants preserving Tucson's culinary sense of place byencouraging the support of local establishments.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� A Birder's Paradise� Stellar Views; Astronomy

Cheyenne Full Day Itinerary Cheyenne, Wyoming

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Historic Attractions

• Trolley Tour

• Bison Ranch

• Western Shopping

• Western Entertainment

CONTACT: Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau� Darren Rudloff • www.cheyenne.org

1 Depot Sq., 121 W. 15th St., Ste. 202, Cheyenne, WY 82001Phone: 800-426-5009 or 307-778-3133 • Email: darren@cheyenne.org

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Frontier Days� Downtown Cheyenne

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Go downtown to the newly restored Cheyenne Depot. A NationalHistoric Landmark, the depot has been restored to its original gloryand is once again a center of activity in the community. Tour the artdeco lobby and visit the Cheyenne Depot Museum, which chroniclesthe railroad and its relationship to Cheyenne.

In the depot, purchase tickets for the Cheyenne Street RailwayTrolley (307-778-3133), which provides a 90-minute overview of thecommunity, its history, and attractions. The tour includes stops at various attractions, allowing riders to disembark for the attraction,and then reboard the next trolley 90 minutes later. Stops include the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum (307-778-7290),Nelson Museum of the West (307-635-7670), Wyoming StateMuseum (307-777-7022), Historic Governors’ Mansion (307-777-7878), Wyoming Capitol and Cheyenne Botanic Gardens (307-637-6458). (Trolley drivers are available as step-on guides for motor-coaches.)

Upon returning to downtown, spend some time at a couple of trueWestern stores. Try the Wrangler (307-634-3048) for jeans, boots,hats, and other Western apparel or Wyoming Home (307-638-2222)for its unique Western furniture and artwork. Or catch a ride on thefree downtown carriage rides.

Head south nine miles to the Terry Bison Ranch (307-634-4171) fora horseback ride or a train ride into the middle of the bison herd thatcalls the ranch home. Back in town, be sure to check out Big Boy4004, the world’s largest steam locomotive

(1.2 million lbs.) It was designed especially for the rugged Cheyenneto Ogden, Utah run.

End your day watching the Western skits and escapades of theCheyenne Gunslingers at 6:00 pm in downtown Cheyenne (June-July). Then enjoy the Bit-O-Wyo Horsebarn Dinner Theater in thebeautiful mountains west of town (May-Aug). Or catch the Old-Fashioned Melodrama (307-638-6543) at the Historic AtlasTheater, where you can cheer the hero and hiss the villain (July).

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 81

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• El Paso Mission Trail

• El Meson de Onate

• Licon Dairy

• Tigua Cultural Center and Museum

• Award-winning Cattleman’s Steakhouse

CONTACT: El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau� Leesy McCorgary, Tourism Sales Manager • www.visitelpaso.com

One Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901Phone: 800-351-6024 or 915-534-0600 • Email: lmccorgary@elpasocvb.com

82 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� The Great Outdoors � Downtown Museum Tour

Travel The Mission Trail

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

El Paso Mission Trail: Start your day by exploring the Mission Trail anddiscover the oldest continually active missions in the United States.Located in El Paso’s Mission Valley, this trail is rich in history dating back 400 years. The Ysleta and Socorro Missions and the San ElizarioChapel remain as living testaments to the faith of our Spanish and NativeAmerican ancestors.

Los Portales Museum and Information Center: Along the MissionTrail, just across from the San Elizario Chapel, the museum and informa-tion center are operated by the San Elizario Genealogy and HistoricalSociety. Exhibits focus on the rich and colorful historical legacies of SanElizario, including the “First Thanksgiving,” Spanish presidio, San ElizarioSalt War of 1877 and El Paso’s first county seat.

Lunch at El Meson de Onate: Just a skip and a hop from the SocorroMission, El Meson de Onate provides an unforgettable experience thatcomplements the cultural Mission Trail. This local favorite will surpassyour expectations with its Comida Corrida (fast food). Favorites rangefrom Sopa de Fideo and Pico de Gallo, and don’t miss the famous RedEnchiladas.

Licon Dairy: Only four miles down Socorro Road and famous for itsasadero cheese, this working dairy is certainly a crowd pleaser! It boastsa very unusual petting zoo that includes exotic animals such as camels,goats, zebras and parrots. For some added fun, fish for catfish in thedairy’s pond.

Tigua Cultural Center and Museum: Founded in 1682, the Ysleta delSur Pueblo has over 300 years of history in El Paso’s Mission Valley.Situated across from the Ysleta Mission, the Tigua Indian Cultural Centerpromotes and educates the public on the Tigua culture. The Center’smuseum displays tribal artifacts, showcases tribal history and providesvisual displays and media regarding the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. The Centeris also home to several gift shops featuring Tigua handcrafted pottery,jewelry and fine art. On Saturdays and Sundays the tribal youth dancegroup performs tribal social dances. Special events include breadbreaking and powwows.

Dinner at Cattleman’s Steakhouse: Visit this legendary Texas steak-house on a real working ranch. Enjoy a Western atmosphere, miles ofdesert scenery and spectacular sunsets. This unique establishment pro-vides visitors with a truly remarkable experience that includes snakepits, an Indian Maze, a lake walk, buffalo, longhorns, and much more.And did we forget to mention, the steaks are the best in Texas!

El Paso, Texas

Best of the Northwest History and Scenery Vancouver, Washington

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

• Lewis & Clark Trail to the Pacific Ocean

• Mount Rainier National Park

CONTACT: Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau� Debbie Picard • www.SouthwestWashington.com

101 East 8th St., Suite 240, Vancouver, WA 98660Phone: 877-600-0800 • Email: dpicard@SouthwestWashington.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Loop Tour� Southwest Washington Heritage and Wine Trail

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 83

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Northwest History in Vancouver, WA

Take a guided tour of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, estab-lished in 1825 as the headquarters of the British-based Hudson’s BayCompany fur trading network in the Pacific Northwest. Visit PearsonAir Museum, located at one of the oldest continually operating air-fields in the United States, to learn about aviation history and view airplanes from pre-WWII. Tour Officers Row and the George C.Marshall House, built in 1886 for the commander of VancouverBarracks and named for its famous resident who resided there from1936 to 1938.

DAY 2: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Take a free tour of the famous Pendleton Woolen Mill to see firsthandthe state-of-the-art dye house and the spinning, weaving, and finish-ing of the distinctive Indian motif blankets. At the Columbia GorgeInterpretive Center, view over 11,000 square feet of exhibits that inter-pret the area’s cultural and natural history. Cross the Columbia River into Oregon and take a scenic river cruise on the Columbia GorgeSternwheeler, a triple-decker paddle wheeler, for 360-degree viewsof the magnificent Columbia Gorge. Then tour the Bonneville Damwith historical exhibits and an underwater fish viewing station. Stopand explore Multnomah Falls, the second highest year-round water-fall in the United States. Enjoy shopping at the Columbia GorgePremium Outlets, where you will find an exciting collection of over 45designer and name-brand outlet stores offering group discounts.

DAY 3: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Tour Mount St. Helens and learn about the May 18, 1980 eruption thatforever changed the landscape of this famous mountain. This world-class natural attraction offers year-round scenic and wildlife viewing

as well as educational visitor centers to help visitors comprehend thedramatic events of 1980 and the recovery that has followed.

DAY 4: Lewis & Clark Trail and the Pacific Ocean

You’ll find pristine beaches and spectacular scenery on the PacificCoast, which is only a 90-minute drive from Vancouver. On the way,visit Cathlapotle Plankhouse, a full-scale replica of a Native Americancedar plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, hometo many species of spring and fall migrating birds. Stretch your legs atthe Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for White-Tailed Deer. Viewingplatforms allow you to see deer and elk species first described for science by Lewis & Clark. Take a tour of the Lewis & Clark InterpretiveCenter at Cape Disappointment State Park with exhibits interpretingLewis & Clark’s experience at the mouth of the Columbia River. In theseaside town of Long Beach, spend a few hours exploring theInternational Kite Museum, Marshall’s Free Museum, CranberryMuseum and the historic town of Oysterville.

DAY 5: Your Choice Of Northwest Destinations

Travel north to Mount Rainier National Park and view outstandingexamples of old growth forests and sub-alpine meadows. Take in theLongmire Museum and Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise. Or headsouth to Portland, Oregon, which offers many unique visitor attractions,including the Oregon Zoo, Oregon Museum of Science andIndustry and Portland Classical Chinese Garden.

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• The “Birthplace of Texas”—Washington-on the-Brazos State Historic Site

• Eat the best ice cream in the country – Blue Bell Creameries

• Spectacular spring wildflowers – bluebonnets and more

• Antique Rose Emporium, Ellison’s Greenhouses, Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, Burton Cotton Gin & Museum, wineries

• Halfway between Austin and Houston on Highway 290

CONTACT: Brenham/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau� Seneca McAdams • www.BrenhamTexas.com

314 S. Austin St., Brenham, TX 77833Phone: 888-BRENHAM • Email: Seneca@brenhamtexas.com

84 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Brenham, Presidents and Blue Bell

Brenham/Washington County: Blue Bell, Bluebonnets and the Birthplace of Texas

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Brenham

Roam the charming shops and boutiques on the historic downtownsquare of Brenham. After working up a bit of an appetite, choosefrom unique soup & sandwich shops to home-style, American grill orfusion food…. the choice is yours. Before leaving downtown, make sureand check out the Brenham Heritage Museum and Fire Museum.Next, head to Blue Bell Creameries for an incredible tour and end upwith a scoop in the ice cream parlor. Tour a working greenhouse atEllison’s Greenhouses. The plants change with the seasons, so thereis always something new to see. Book a tour at one of our two localwineries, Pleasant Hill Winery or Windy Winery.

DAY 2: Brenham & Chappell Hill

Begin the day with a tour of Brenham’s mansions, the Giddings-WilkinHouse and the Giddings Stone Mansion. Head for lunch in ChappellHill at Bever’s Restaurant and save room for pie! Enjoy a tour of theChappell Hill Museum and the historic churches. Hit the road andhead to the Chappell Hill Lavender Farm. Returning to Brenham, stop byand visit the Monastery of St. Clare’s Miniature Horse Farm. Makesure and plan to see a production at Brenham’s Unity Theatre after dinner.

DAY 3: Washington-on the-Brazos & Independence

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is known as the“Birthplace of Texas.” Fifty-nine courageous men signed the Declarationof Independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836, creating the Republic

of Texas as the war ravaged the Texans defending the Alamo. The nearly-300-acre park has a state-of-the-art Visitor Center, the replica of Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum and theBarrington Living History Farm, which transports you to the planta-tion of the last president of the Republic, Anson Jones. Pack a lunch forthe park or stop at the quaint R Place near the park’s entrance. Meanderto the village of Independence. See the Seward Plantation, owned by the same family for over 160 years. Tour the Independence BaptistChurch & Museum and Old Baylor Park and the John P. Coles home.Walk the lush eight-acre retail gardens of Antique Rose Emporium.

DAY 4: Burton & Round Top

Tour the Burton Cotton Gin & Museum and remember when CottonWas King! This cotton gin is the only one of its kind in the nation. See theWehring Home and Shoe Shop before heading to the square inRound Top for a bite to eat at Royer’s Cafe and shop at the CopperShade Tree Art Gallery in Bybee Square. Don’t miss the InternationalFestival Institute. The concert hall is reminiscent of its Europeancounterparts. Weekend concerts are not to be missed! Get your cow-boy fix at Nueces Canyon Ranch for a BBQ dinner and a cutting horseexhibition and hayride.

Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence, Washington, Texas