Country Sights to City Lights

Lake Michigan is truly the greatest nat-ural asset of Chicago, the Midwest’slargest city. Boat rides on the lake orChicago River spotlight the Windy City’sstunning skyline. The lakefront museums(Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Mu-seum of Science and Industry, Art Insti-tute of Chicago and Adler Planetarium)are some of the best on the planet.

Suburban Chicago is a destination initself, offering a wealth of cultural at-tractions and shopping opportunities inquieter settings. Several hours away areCentral Illinois’ Amish Country, the Abra-ham Lincoln sites of Springfield and thescenic hills of Northwest Illinois.

The Midwest’s ethnic heritagereflects the story of immigrationto America. Visitors to Minnesotaand Wisconsin will encountertowns that celebrate their Scan-dinavian and German roots. Iowakeeps its large Czech and Slovakheritage alive with special eventsand historic sites. The nation’slargest Amish population innortheastern Ohio and NorthernIndiana’s Amish settlements offera slower pace of life, reflected inthe horse-drawn buggies rattlingdown country roads. Tourist at-tractions showcase Amish andMennonite ways, and restaurantsspecialize in down-home coun-try food.

In Michigan, Dutch heritage

takes center stage in Holland, while Ger-man traditions dominate in Franken-muth. The Detroit area gives visitors achance to learn about the automotiveindustry. To really get away from it all,escape to the wilderness of Michigan’sUpper Peninsula.

Lakes and rolling dairy land paint thelandscape of Wisconsin, which extendsfrom the Illinois border to NorthernMichigan, from the shores of Lake Michi-gan to the Mississippi River. You can’tleave without stocking up on cheese.

Come to the Midwest and find yourfield of dreams. LGT

Chicago

With thousands of lakes, vibrant cities, charming villages and friendlypeople, the Midwest welcomes visitors from around the world.

Though these heartland states are landlocked, water is never far away,whether you’re talking about the Great Lakes or great rivers like the Missis-sippi or Ohio.

MIDWEST

58 June 2009 LeisureGroupTravel.com

Plains, Trains & Automobiles in McHenry County McHenry County, Illinois

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience America’s largest railway museum: Illinois Railway Museum

• Fabulous Volo Auto Museum & Antique/Specialty Malls

• Explore historic small-town communities

• Take in a live theater performance

• Great destination dining with outstanding group services

CONTACT: McHenry County Convention & Visitors Bureau� Cort Carlson • www.visitmchenrycounty.com5435 Bull Valley Rd., McHenry, IL 60050Phone: 888-363-6177 • Email: execdir@mchenrycountycvb.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Volo Auto Museum in Volo has over 300 muscle, classic andcollector cars on display (and for sale). It is the home of the GeorgeBarris Hollywood TV and movie car collection. The complex alsoincludes the Combat Zone and Military Museum, which honors thosewho made the ultimate sacrifice for America and features military vehi-cles, realistic battle dioramas and personal effects of those who haveserved from the Civil War to current military engagements. Volo hassomething for everyone! Don’t miss the five antique and specialtyshopping malls featuring over 250 dealers. Visit the extensive gift shop and food court for a quick snack.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch and take time to explore the historicWoodstock Square. La Petite Creperie serves sumptuous crepes ina historic setting overlooking the square. The brick-paved streets of theWoodstock Square are home to dozens of shops, galleries and restau-rants and boast the 1889 Gothic-style Woodstock Opera House and1857 Old Courthouse Arts Center. The park-in-the-square is the settingfor weekly municipal band concerts, farmers markets, festivals andyear round special events. The 1993 movie Groundhog Day starringBill Murray was filmed here, and the city celebrates its role with anannual Groundhog Days celebration, including the prognosticationby Woodstock Willie. In 2007 Woodstock was named a DistinctiveDestination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and offerswalking tours of the square. You’re invited to take a tour of the historicWoodstock Opera House and hear of the great names that havewalked its stage, including a very young Orson Welles, Geraldine Pageand Paul Newman. The Opera House offers a full season of local,regional and national performances.

Dining options are many in McHenry County. Try alfresco at PortEdward along the Fox River or Polish-American fare at the Warsaw Inn,

both local favorites. Make it a special evening with a wine-tasting dinner at Corkscrew Pointe Winery along the Fox River in downtownMcHenry. The shop specializes in and carries a large selection ofIllinois wines. After dinner take in a performance at the WoodstockOpera House or the newly restored Raue Center for the Arts.

McHenry County has a fine selection of quality hotels, including full-and limited-service national brands. Enjoy a good night’s sleep andtake a morning splash at the indoor pool.

DAY 2:

Explore a museum in motion, the Illinois Railway Museum in Union.America’s largest railway museum includes streetcars, interurbans,steam, diesel and electric locomotives, passenger and freight cars.Ride through the rolling Illinois farmland on a 10-mile roundtrip on anelectric interurban train, a mighty steam locomotive or a 1950s dieselpassenger train. Annual special events include the Vintage TransportExtravaganza, Diesel Days and Happy Holiday Railway. The Diner Caris available for lunch and the gift shop for the railway enthusiasts.While in Union visit the McHenry County Historical Museum tolearn more about the fascinating history of the area.

McHenry County is an easy drive northwest of Chicago and is convenient to Milwaukee and Lake Geneva, WI; Rockford, IL; and theentire Chicagoland area. Extend your stay in McHenry County andenjoy the surrounding sites.

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 59

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� Jen Brooks • www.visitjoliet.org

150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432Phone: 1-877-4-JOLIET • Email: jbrooks@jolietcity.org

60 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Joliet, 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: Joliet, 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

Fall in Love with Fond du Lac County Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• “Little Everglades of the North” – Horicon Marsh Blue Heron Landing.

• Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center.

• Villa Loretto – Ranch run by Nuns.

• Lakeside Park and Lookout Lighthouse.

• Larson’s Famous Clydesdales.

CONTACT: Fond du Lac Area CVB� Linda A. Ott, Sales Director • www.fdl.com

171 S. Pioneer Rd., Fond du Lac, WI 54935Phone: 800-937-9123 ext. 92 or 920-923-3010 • Email: lott@fdl.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more

Fond du Lac Area itinerary ideas

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 61

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: The Quiet Side

Start your morning in the “Little Everglades of the North” – the 32,000acre, world-famous Horicon Marsh. Enjoy a one-hour narrated sight-seeing pontoon boat ride from Blue Heron Landing. Observe the dif-ferent bird species, plant life and animals in their natural habitat. Breakfor lunch at Ginger’s Hide-Away. Head over to Widmer’s CheeseCellar in Theresa, Wisc.; one of the few original, family-owned storesthat makes Wisconsin so famous for cheese. For more than 80 years,Widmer’s has produced some of the finest Brick, Cheddar and Colbycheese in the world. Continue your afternoon with a scenic drivethrough the glacier carved Kettle Moraine. Visit the Henry S. Reuss IceAge Visitor Center. Learn through film, exhibits, and panoramas howthe glaciers of the last Ice Age shaped the landscape of the KettleMoraine area. Overnight in Fond du Lac with dinner and entertainment.

DAY 2: The Wild Side

Return to the time of stagecoach travel and see a community whereYankee refinement met the Wisconsin wilderness - The Wade House.Meander down the winding country roads to pet a llama or see thefainting goats at the Villa Loretto. This unusual ranch run by nuns is partof the retirement complex they operate. The nuns supply the quaintgift shop with handmade items. Enjoy lunch in the The Rosa Cafe or atreat from the "Nun Better Bakery." A short distance down the road tourthe top of a glacial drumlin surrounded by 36 acres of fields, prairie,organic vegetable and flower gardens and an old oak savanna at theSunseed Eco-Education Center. Fond du Lac County is bountiful inharvest and beautiful in color. Taste the flavors of fall, as you dip yourown caramel apples or enjoy hot apple pie and cider at the Little

Farmer Orchard. Take a hayride into a field and pick your own pump-kins. Relax on the drive along the shores of Wisconsin’s largest inlandlake, Lake Winnebago. View the fall colors of 400-acre showcaseLakeside Park through a telescope from the top of the LookoutLighthouse. Finish off your day with a relaxing dinner and overnight inFond du Lac.

DAY 3: The Heart of Fond du Lac

Begin your day in the heart of Fond du Lac at St. Paul’s Cathedral.View one of the finest collections of German and American woodcarvings in the United States. The four-foot carved angel rodbeams, beautiful stained glass and old church lore are not to bemissed. Shop Fond du Lac’s Kristmas Kringle Shoppe. This two-storyBavarian-style shop resembles streets of quaint European shops, lined with themed Christmas trees, collectibles for all seasons, animated figures, and imported ornaments. Stop for an early lunch atSchreiner’s Restaurant, famous for their homemade bakery, dailyspecials and New England-style clam chowder. Travel to the countryfor change of scenery at Larson’s Famous Clydesdales Ranch, wherethe gentle giants live. There is no other show like it in the United States.See demonstrations and hear the story of a little lady’s love for the gentle giants. This is an experience your group won’t forget.

Stained Glass Sanctuary & Floral Fantasy St. Cloud, Minnesota

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• St. John’s Abbey – a contemporary concrete structurewith a 112-foot-high bell tower

• Hill Museum – home of the St. John’s Bible project, which is all handcrafted

• Munsinger/Clemens Gardens – located along the Mississippi River

• Stearns History Museum – home of the PanTown automobile

• Grasshopper Chapel – the original chapel built in 1876 was destroyed by a tornado

CONTACT: St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau� Jean Robbins • Email: jean@granitecountry.com • www.granitecountry.com

525 Highway 10 South, Suite 1, St. Cloud, MN 56304Phone: 800-264-2940 ext 129 or 320-202-6729 • Fax: 320-656-0401

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Let the Good Times Flow - The Great River Road� Go West, It’s Simply the Best!

62 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Once known as the “Nitty Gritty Granite City,” St. Cloud used this taglinefor a 1921 advertising campaign. Today we are known as “GraniteCountry USA!” In addition to granite, St. Cloud and the Central LakesArea offer much to satisfy all senses…even your sixth sense!

We will make our first stop at St. John’s University. Founded in the1860s, the jewel of the college is the Abbey. Designed by MarcelBreuer, the current Abbey was finished in 1961. The church is made of concrete and faced on the outside with local granite. Our next stopis the Hill Library, home to the St. John’s Bible. It is the only hand-written and illuminated Bible commissioned in the Western worldsince the advent of printed books more than 500 years ago. All OldWorld traditions were used to create this Bible. Lunch at St. John’s isthe perfect match. We can either dine in the cafeteria or we can havea more intimate setting with a catered lunch. St. John’s Arboretumfocuses on the native flora and fauna. The Chapel Trail is a three-mileroundtrip hike (perfect after lunch) to Stella Maris Chapel locatedalong the bank of Lake Sagatagan. The trail takes us through a forestedoak and maple tree savanna.

An early afternoon check-in at one of our hotels allows a little time torelax before we dine at one of the many locally owned restaurants that have created affordable group tour friendly menus. Steak, chicken,seafood, and American, Italian or Mediterranean cuisine―it’s all abouta dining experience just for you!

Before we retire for the evening, we will take a stroll through the beautiful Munsinger and Clemens Gardens. Located along theMississippi River, the gardens offer a beautiful bouquet of color. Thecalming of the river and overall beauty of the gardens is sure to tickleall of your senses including your “sixth” sense.

DAY 2:

Early to rise! Most of our limited-service properties offer an extensivecomplimentary continental breakfast. But save some room because we are planning a stop at Cold Spring Bakery. Fresh baked goodshave been a tradition for the past 55 years! A tour of the bakery is amust with cake decorating being the most popular. We continue ourjourney to the Grasshopper Chapel. Let’s just say the only food thegrasshoppers didn’t like were peas. This compelling story takes usback to 1877 to our German heritage.

Granite used in your home or in your garden, both choices are verypopular. Monumental Sales’ tour offers the opportunity for you toexperience etching on granite. They also offer a tour of their facility that includes granite fabrication and memorials.

With so many choices, there’s no way you could hope to see it all with-out a little help. The St. Cloud CVB would be happy to assist you in planning your trip to Granite Country USA! Take home rock-solidmemories from Granite Country USA.

Guardians of the Land Ag Experience

�� 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: jkessinger@bwcvb.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

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

Four Counties in Northwest Illinois

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 63

Around the World St. Charles, Illinois

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Breakfast in a traditional Irish pub and Himalayanfood for lunch

• Italian dinner in a restored 1850’s church

• Popular American performance at Steel Beam Theatre

• 1850’s (working) Dutch windmill tour

• Exquisite marble carvings at America’s largest Hindu Mandir

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

311 N. 2nd St., Suite 100, St. Charles, IL 60174Phone: 800-777-4373 or 630-377-6161 • Email: jenny@visitstcharles.com

64 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Visit St. Charles, Illinois and experience a bit of the world! Kick offyour tour with an authentic Nepalese lunch at Taste of the Himalayas.Next, head to the Fabyan Villa and Japanese Gardens. Remodeledin 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright, George and Nelle Fabyan’s riversidehome is now a museum. Filled with their private collection of Asianartifacts and natural history specimens, the mansion museum boasts agarden designed by Taro Otsuka, a Japanese landscape architect.Enjoy this garden tour and learn how you might add beauty to yourown backyard. A short walk takes you to an 1850s Dutch windmill,another treasure of the Fabyans. This five-story, 68-foot windmill is fullyrestored to operate by natural wind energy. Next, experience Hinduculture at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in nearby Bartlett, whereyou will enjoy hours of discovery and peace. Over 7,000 tons of ItalianCarrara marble and Turkish limestone were hand-carved by skilledcraftsmen in India and assembled in just 16 months right here in thestates. A taste of Italy awaits at Onesti Dinner Club & Italian ChopHouse. Housed in a former Catholic church and built in 1851, Onesti’sis a truly unique experience for dinner.

DAY 2:

Experience Ireland with a traditional breakfast at McNally’s Irish Pubbefore heading to St. Charles’ Pottawatomie Park to enjoy good ol’American fun on a Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise! Enjoy a scenicFox River cruise, from May-October, aboard a Mark Twain replica paddlewheel boat. Private charters are available as well as lunch anddinner cruises. Or choose to cruise in the evening, with a French wineand cheese night. You’ll enjoy hearing about St. Charles’ rich historyand culture from our historian who will board your motorcoach for acomplimentary driving tour. Ever wonder who invented barbed wire

and why? This and more will be included in a trivia quiz – completewith prizes. Stop at our museum, too. Next stop is…Chicago-stylepizza at Gino’s East! A trip to the Windy City isn’t complete without aslice of famous, deep-dish pizza. After lunch, receive a guided tour of the beautiful Hotel Baker, listed on the National Register of HistoricLandmarks, and then spend free time in downtown St. Charles. Shopat a collection of unique shops in Century Corners Shopping Districtor visit Arcedium Coffeehouse, where coffee is roasted on site. Renta bicycle and enjoy over 30 miles of bike trails or take a stroll along the Fox River. Enjoy Greek cuisine for dinner at Odyssey AuthenticGreek Taverna. Let your journey to flavor begin with flaming saganakiand end with Grecian sea bass, de-boned right at your table. Forevening entertainment, see live theater at one of four theaters in St. Charles. Choose from Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort;the quaint, 80-seat Steel Beam Theatre; the beautiful 1926 ArcadaTheatre; or Norris Cultural Arts Center.

DAY 3:

Since St. Charles is just one hour west of Chicago, extend your tour andvisit Chinatown or Greek Town in downtown Chicago!

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Summer Shines Through� Girlfriends Getaway� The Great Antique Hunt

Right in Your Backyard Quincy, Illinois

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Unrivaled architecture and historic districts

• Riverfront dining

• Lincoln-Douglas Debates City and Lincoln Talking Houses

• Great River Road, National Scenic Byway

• Golden Windmill

• Historic Nauvoo restored sites

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: info@seequincy.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: New Private Home Tours

Begin your day on Quincy’s majestic bluffs overlooking the MississippiRiver at the Villa Kathrine, Quincy’s own 100-year-old Mediterraneancastle. After touring the castle, home to Quincy’s Visitor InformationCenter, head east down beautiful Maine Street to tour three privatehomes of architectural significance in the East End Historic District.Each home showcases a unique variety of building style details and ismeticulously maintained. The homes on the tour are in neighborhoodgroupings of three, for ease of touring. The tours are given by the home-owners themselves. Enjoy lunch at the Pier Restaurant, cantileveredover the Mississippi, specializing in creative Midwestern cuisine. A step-on guide from the Quincy Altrusa Club provides a historical and architec-tural tour of Quincy’s German Calftown, Park Place and LawndaleHistoric Districts. Visit Underbrink’s Bakery for a behind-the-scenestour of this 1929 bakery, where many of the original recipes and equip-ment are still in use. Tour the Quincy Museum and its splendor, with 24ct. gold leaf woodwork in the grand parlor, and the first floor complete-ly restored to period 1890s style.

DAY 2: Golden Windmill and Nauvoo Restored Sites

The well-preserved Prairie Mills Windmill in Golden, Ill. was built in1872 and is the only smock mill that still has the original stones and gears in place. Explore the top of the mill or stroll through the WindmillMuseum and Gift Shop. Enjoy a group lunch on site. After lunch, travelthe Great River Road northwest 46 miles to beautiful Nauvoo, Ill. This dis-tinctively restored riverfront town on the Mississippi is complete withperiod furnishings and guides to over 65 restored shops and homes that

include the John Browning gunsmith shop and home, blacksmith shopand Monument to Women Gardens. Enjoy a horse-pulled wagon rideand educational tour of the city year-round. Dine at the nearby newlyrestored Warsaw Brewery on the banks of the Mississippi River. Returnto Quincy for the evening in one of the city’s many group-friendly hotels.

DAY 3: Abe Lincoln History and Illinois Agriculture

Begin the day with Quincy’s early history at the John Wood Mansion.The mansion was home to Quincy’s founder and 12th governor of Illinois,John Wood. Also on the grounds is the 1835 Pioneer Log Cabin, ParsonageMuseum and Friends in Council Club House, which is the oldest contin-uous women’s literary society in the United States. After touring the man-sion, dine at the beautiful Granite Bank Gallery across from WashingtonPark, where Lincoln and Douglas held their sixth presidential debate.Enjoy a quiet lunch surrounded by local artists’ works and a uniqueselection of home accessories. Drive to nearby Collver Family Wineryin Barry, Ill., just 30 minutes east of Quincy on Interstate I-72. This family-owned winery hosts sell-out murder mystery theaters and will give vis-itors a behind-the-scenes tour of the wine-making process. Travel 17miles east on I-72 to nearby Pittsfield, Ill. and explore the restoredPittsfield square and walk the streets where Abe Lincoln walked. Astep-on guide will provide a historical tour through the several blocksthat are connected to the Lincoln Talking Houses audio and plaquetour of Pittsfield.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for moreQuincy, Illinois itinerary ideas

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 65

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Expert tour guide service

• Show at a professional-grade theater

• Shopping at Amish businesses

• Shopping at Tanger Outlet Center

• Candy demonstration and truffle box

CONTACT: Amish Country Tours� Theresa Binion • www.amishcenter.com

111 S. Locust, Arcola, IL 61910Phone: 888-45-AMISH • Email: amishcenter@consolidated.net

66 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Amish Country Favorites� Treasures of Amish Country

Amish Country of Central Illinois

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arcola, the Amish and Sullivan: A Full Day of Fun

Begin in Arcola at the Dutch Kitchen to savor biscuits and Dutchsausage gravy with a cup of piping hot coffee. Next, travel into thecountryside with a step-on guide to experience the sights and smellsof Illinois’ largest Amish community. Stop at Beachy’s Bulk Foods, anAmish-owned store featuring a variety of spices, candies, organicfoods, and so much more, in addition to freshly baked goods. Thentravel to an Amish homestead for a delicious family-style meal, servingtwo soups, salad, homemade bread, and pies, prepared and servedby an Old Order Amish hostess in her home. On the way to the LittleTheatre on the Square in Sullivan, stop at Family Health Foods andfind a vast range of locally grown products, vitamins, spices, herbs,books and other products to supplement your diet. Take a break fromthe fine cuisine in the country to enjoy a show-stopping performanceat one of Amish Country’s favorite attractions.

DAY 2: Tastes Like Heaven in Arthur

Start the day off right with a homemade cinnamon roll and freshlybrewed coffee made by you! The Homestead Bakery will give ahands-on cinnamon roll demonstration before serving the fruits of yourlabor. Then, travel to the Rockome Restaurant to enjoy a sack lunchwhile taking in the sights of the beautiful rock formations and gardens.In the afternoon, experience downtown Arthur to sample cheese andgrape juice at Country Cheese & More, fudge at Aunt Susan’s, andan ice cream sundae or milkshake at Dicks Pharmacy. While down-town, enjoy a variety of locally-owned shops offering antiques, gifts,Amish-made furniture and gifts. In the evening, eat a delicious meal

at Yoder’s Kitchen. Yoder’s features Amish and Mennonite recipes on their buffet and menu, served by Old Order Amish and Mennonitewaitresses.

DAY 3: Tuscola: One of the Sweetest Places on Earth

Begin in the morning at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, a recently renovated,turn-of-the-century soda fountain and confectionery, for a mouth-watering candy demonstration. Take a box of truffles to enjoy on theway to lunch at Tuscany’s Italian Restaurant. Tuscany’s features thefinest Italian dining, friendly service, and an authentic atmosphere sureto bring the feeling of Italy to Amish Country. Walk off some of thosecalories at the Tanger Outlet Center, housing 45 brand name manu-facturer and designer outlet stores. For dinner, head next door to theAmishland Red Barn, featuring Amish-inspired foods, made with real,farm-fresh ingredients. Peruse the many Amishland Red Barn specialtyshops including items such as porcelain dolls, oak furniture, birdhous-es, primitives, oil paintings, and kids’ items.

Central Illinois

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: wdobrzynski@milwaukee.org

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

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 67

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

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.

Taste of Lake County Lake County, Illinois

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

5465 Grand Ave., Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031Phone: 800-525-3669 • Email: jayne@lakecounty.org

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Jelly Belly Tour: Discover the secrets of making these best-loved treats(made in North Chicago) during this "virtual" tour at the Visitor Center inPleasant Prairie.

Lambs Farm Shopping and Lunch: Come across locally made good-ies at the Country Store & Bakery. Lunch at the Country Inn Restaurantfeaturing their mouth-watering desserts.

Beer Tasting at Mickey Finn’s Brewery: A local favorite based upon aninfamous Revolutionary War figure. Taste some of the best local brewsaround - ales, lagers, stouts and seasonal beers on tap.

Valentino Vineyards & Winery: Tiptoe through the grapevines on a vine-yard tour and linger at a wine tasting in the villa or out on the spacious lawn.

Rest for a bit in one of Lake County’s 60+ hotels; choices include fourresorts, full-service hotels and limited-service hotels.

Dinner at Lovell’s of Lake Forest: Dine among the archives of Capt.James Lovell’s space missions in this beautiful French-styled mansion. Amajority of the menu items is deeply rooted in American culinary tradition.

Enjoy an outdoor concert at Ravinia Festival, garden walk at ChicagoBotanic Garden or a musical at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre.

DAY 2:

Long Grove Confectionery Chocolate Factory Tour: See firsthandhow these delicious handmade, gourmet chocolates are created andpackaged. A trip to the store completes this fascinating tour.

Lunch at Long Grove Cafe: American char house along with full barand extensive wine list. Overlook the mill pond and watch the ducks,relax on the deck or dine with the group in a private room.

Find unique specialty shops such as The Olive Tap and Apple Haus onthe cobblestone walks of Long Grove Historic Village.

Glunz Wine Tasting: Four generations of wine making at Lake County’sfirst winery. Now two locations to choose from - Long Grove and Grayslake.

The Nut and Candy House: Candy favorites and fresh nuts of all kinds.Stop in for just a bag or gift tin to bring home.

Shopping in downtown Antioch: Uncover the small-town feel of down-town Antioch - unusual gift stores, art galleries, diverse food items, teashop and famous china store and museum.

Cooking Class at Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center: Yourgroup can make and eat their own dinner! Pre-arrange the courses andamount of activity depending on what your group likes.

See a concert or musical at Genesee Theatre or a performance at avariety of local theaters or festivals!

D.W. Anderson’s or Oberweis Dairy and Ice Cream Store: Beforeheading back to your hotel, make a late-night stop at D.W. Anderson’s in Keylime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort for a kitchen sink sundae.Oberweis products are made in Illinois and includes delicious icecream, milk and other specialty products.

68 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for moreLake County itinerary ideas

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Jelly Belly tour

• Chocolate factory tour

• Shopping at Long Grove Historic Village

• Valentino Vineyards & Winery

• Shopping in downtown Antioch

Mystery Tour of the Eau Claire Area Eau Claire, Wisconsin

�� HIGHLIGHTS• Autumn Harvest Winery

• Chippewa Valley Outdoor Games

• Foster Art Gallery

• Chippewa Valley Railroad Museum

• Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

CONTACT: Visit Eau Claire � Jackie Boos • www.visiteauclaire.net

4319 Jeffers Rd., Suite 201, Eau Claire, WI 54703Phone: 1-888-523-3866 • Email: Jackie@visiteauclaire.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Arrive in Fall Creek and come discover nature! Ten miles east of EauClaire, Beaver Creek Reserve encompasses 400 acres of picturesquenatural habitat, hands-on exhibits, an observatory, butterfly house andmore. Unique to your group, the interpretive staff can provide a varietyof presentations designed to fit your topic of interest.

From there, travel the beautiful countryside before a stop at The WoodShed. This Amish gift shop has over 15,000 square feet of Amish wood-work and folk art with Amish-created quilts, wall hangings, baskets, rugsand dolls. Plus, beautifully crafted furniture including sofas, lounge chairsand love seats. Board the tour bus for an extensive tour of the daily lifeof the area’s Amish families. The Amish came to America well over 250years ago and have been in Augusta since 1978. There are currently over150 families. Amish have changed very little in their beliefs and practicalway of life. For the most part, they are living the lives of our great- andgreat-great grandparents. Tours are available May through October.

Spend the evening at Cabin Ridge Rides in Cadott. Ride back by horse-drawn wagon to your secluded log cabin. Following dinner, enjoy themusic of a barbershop quartet or folk singer, hear the tales of a profes-sional storyteller, and/or learn about the history of Paint Creek and thepeople who have lived nearby for generations.

DAY 2:

Get a close-up look at how cheese is made at Cady Cheese Factory.Visitors who come to the cheese factory and gift shop can sample andpurchase any of their 100 varieties of cheese and sausage. Don't forgetto take home a pound of Wisconsin cheese! Yummmm....

In Menomonie stop at Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater, built in 1889

and found on the National Register of Historic Places. This building isunlike anything you ever have seen! You may take in a pipe organ con-cert or one of the many other entertainment options.

After lunch, stop at Crystal Cave and experience a unique hour-longtour the entire family will enjoy. Knowledgeable guides lead through amaze of well-lighted passages where glistening cave formations such asstalactites, stalagmites and rippling flowstone can be seen hanging fromthe ceiling or covering the ledges. Open weekends in April and May,then daily through October 31.

Relax a little before going to Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre for a sumptuousdinner and hilarious comedy. During intermission, feel free to roam thebuilding to view the elaborate seasonal decorations. In summer, strollthrough the beautifully groomed outdoor gardens.

DAY 3:

Start your day at the Chippewa Valley Museum, a nationally recognizedregional history center that tells the stories of the people, places andevents that shaped the Chippewa Valley. Next, the Paul BunyanLogging Camp offers an authentic representation of an 1890s loggingcamp. The Schlegelmilch House, built in 1871, is one of the city's firstbrick homes. It is filled with furnishings typical of the early decades ofits long history.

Before you leave town, visit the handcrafted chocolate shop, ObsessionChocolates, on Old Town Water Street near the University. In additionto truffles, candies and sauces, they also offer home-baked sweets.Obsession Chocolates is obsessed with quality ingredients; stop andsample while you relax in their European-style cafe.

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for moreEau Claire itinerary ideas

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 69

“Welkom” to Holland, Michigan Holland, Michigan

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• You don’t need a passport to visit Holland, Michigan

• Windmills, wooden shoes, Delftware and Dutch treats

• Fine art, fine food, and first-rate entertainment

• Charming galleries and boutiques in historic downtown Holland

• Soaring sand dunes and spectacular sunsets

CONTACT: Holland Visitors Bureau� Wendy Link • www.holland.org

76 East 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423Phone: 800-506-1299 • Email: wendy@holland.org

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Tulip Time� Dutch WinterFest

70 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Holland

Your “Welkom” to Holland includes a visit to Nelis’ Dutch Villagewhere you’ll experience the Netherlands of the 1800s. A guided tourtakes you through ten acres of authentic Dutch architecture, canals, and spectacular gardens. Enjoy the Klompen dancers as they twirl to the music of the Amsterdam street organ; take in wooden shoe and candle carving, Dutch crafts and artwork. Delight in a traditionalDutch lunch and then shop till you drop in the village’s specialty shops. Afterwards, check in to one of Holland’s fine hotels, where youcan rest up for the evening’s activities aboard the Holland Princess.On this beautiful Victorian-style paddlewheeler, you’ll cruise expan-sive Lake Macatawa and, weather-permitting, venture out into LakeMichigan. The dinner cruise includes the “Captain’s Feast”, relaxingmusic, and a cash bar.

DAY 2: Holland

A Dutch-costumed step-on guide will board your coach for a fun-filled tour. You’ll end up at the spectacular Windmill Island Gardens,with its 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes, and canals. Tour fivefloors of DeZwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the U.S., where you’ll learn about the grain-grinding process and see the giant wind-driven gears. Complete your tour of the Island with a Klompen dance performance and a walk through the littleNetherlands Museum. Be sure to sample the fudge, made fresh daily,on your way out. Lunch is on your own in award-winning DowntownHolland. In addition to many fine eateries, downtown features over 100 unique shops and galleries, tree-lined sidewalks, and beauti-ful bronze sculptures. After lunch and shopping, enjoy a guided tour

of the Holland Museum, where you’ll get acquainted with Holland’srich history. There are a variety of exhibits, including the spectacularnew Dutch Galleries featuring 17th, 18th, and 19th century art and fur-niture from a private collection. There’s no better way to complete thisday than with a sumptuous waterfront dinner at Piper Restaurant onthe shores of Lake Macatawa. You’ll also enjoy one of Piper’s manyentertainment options - a wine-tasting from our area’s award-winningwineries, a performance by the Holland Chorale, or a comedic theatreproduction.

DAY 3: Holland

Your final day begins with a visit to Veldheer Tulip Gardens ablazewith over five million tulips in the spring, and beautiful perennials in the summer and early fall. You can take a little Holland home withyou too—bulbs for fall planting become available in August. Nextdoor, at DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory you’ll talk with theartists who mold, hand-paint, and glaze the only authentic blue andwhite delftware made in the U.S., and watch wooden shoe carving onmachines imported from the Netherlands. No trip to Holland wouldbe complete without a thrilling ride on the Dune Schooners. Explorethe hills and valleys of the incredible Lake Michigan dunes, wood-lands, and natural habitats of native wildlife. You’ll depart for homewith fond memories of a quaint Dutch community located along thepicturesque shores of Lake Michigan.

Effingham…We Can’t Wait to Show You Around!

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• My Garage Corvette Museum

• Cross at the Crossroads

• The Rosebud Theatre

• Sculpture on the Avenues Walking Tour

• Firefly Grill

CONTACT: Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau� Kim Wiedman • www.visiteffinghamil.com

201 E. Jefferson Ave., Effingham, IL 62401Phone: 217-342-5305 or 800-772-0750 • Email: wiedmank@ci.effingham.il.us

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Corvettes and Motorcycles

Start the day out exploring the history of America’s sports car at MyGarage Museum, on the campus of Mid American Motorworks. Locatedon the northeast side of Effingham, this one-of-a-kind museum houses vintage Corvettes and thousands of pieces of Corvette historyand memorabilia. (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 and pre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts, and much more. This is a must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts and a great stop for those who are interested in unique stores.(www.legacyhd.com)

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 our community. The Firefly Grill has been recognized in several publica-tions, including the Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetit and St. Louis Post-Dispatch for its unique atmosphere and efforts to go green. The FireflyGrill offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. Groups are invitedto explore the gardens where food is grown for the restaurant, partici-pate in demonstrations and spend time relaxing on the beautifulgrounds. (www.ffgrill.com)

End the day with a show at the Rosebud Theatre. This is a 1,564-seattheater that hosts 60 performances a year. Local, regional and national acts are scheduled to perform, with categories includingcountry, pop/Top 40, contemporary Christian, comedy, jazz, dance,classical and bluegrass. Several nationally recognized performers willtake the stage during the theater’s first season, with acts including

B.B. King, Marie Osmond, Charlie Daniels Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, Gin Blossoms, Bill Cosby, Ron White, Tracy Lawrence and MarkChesnutt. (www.therosebudtheatre.com)

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 walking tourof the Sculpture on the Avenues. This outdoor exhibition featuresover 30 works of art from some of the Midwest’s best known andunknown sculptors. Come explore the sculptures that have transformedthe City of Effingham’s avenues into an art gallery!

Artists from the region also have their artwork on display in exhibitionsall through the community. Seven exhibitions and three art galleriesallow visitors to see several different types of artwork, some which arealso for sale.

After exploring the arts, guests may take time to explore the Cross atthe Crossroads. The 198-foot Cross is certainly an engineering wonder,but its greatest miracle is its call to travelers from every faith, back-ground and circumstance, reminding them of the positive values shared and cherished by all. The Cross features a chapel, receptionarea, restrooms, a refreshment center, and media room where visitorscan view a video of the construction of the Cross. (www.crossusa.org)

Effingham, Illinois

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 71

International Food, FUN and Entertainment Chicago Style – April 8-11, 2010

Chicago Area, Illinois

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• Heartland International Music & Dance Tattoo

• Villages of Hoffman Estates, Long Grove and Skokie

• Ethnic eating, chocolate and boutique browsing

• Arboretum Center – food, shopping and activities

• Broadway To You – theater shows and concerts

CONTACT: FunME Events - Chicago � Jennifer McGhie, Group Tour Manager • www.funMEevents.com

P.O. Box 463, DeKalb, IL 60115Phone: 815-756-1263 • Email: Jennifer@FunMEevents.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:FunME Events will customize any Chicagoland itinerary to meet the tour group’s needs, from theater, concerts and sports tickets to complete programs.

72 June 2009 special section LeisureGroupTravel.com

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 (Thursday):

Arrive in the Chicagoland area and enjoy an afternoon of browsing atWoodfield Shopping Center or one of three other unique first-classshopping locations (Streets of Woodfield, Arboretum Center orCabela’s). After checking into the hotel, it is off to dinner at Berghoff’s(German) and then a Broadway show (or one of the great Off-Broadwayofferings – remember, Chicago has over 250 theaters). You will end theevening with a view of the city from the Hancock Observatory.

DAY 2 (Friday):

After breakfast depart for a private jewelry demonstration at Blarney (Irishand Celtic). Continuing with our Celtic day, we visit an Irish shop, Paddy’sin Long Grove, and have lunch (American). Long Grove is known for itsunique boutiques and gift stores. After a visit to the local chocolate store (Swiss), we continue our day of food experiences with a cookingdemonstration and visit to an Old World deli (Russian) in Skokie. Thenenjoy a nice evening meal (Italian) and a special musical revue just for thegroup (it could be a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Kate Smith, Ella, Liza or some-one special).

DAY 3 (Saturday):

Enjoy breakfast and you are off to our reserved seats for the InternationalTartan Parade in Hoffman Estates. After this we venture to the ArboretumCenter for lunch and a chance to experience a bocce ball game (Italian).After lunch explore the Swiss and European method of hand-dippedchocolates. Then tour the museum at Cabela’s and see their collection ofunique animals, birds, and sea animals. Festival of Nations Celebrationoffers the group many international cultures and for the more adventure-some a chance to visit the International Beer Tasting event. Dinner at Millrose

(in the Scottish room) and then off to the Heartland InternationalMusic & Dance Tattoo (Scottish and Irish) at the Sears Centre Arena.This show features a cast of over 400 civilian and military entertainers.(www.HeartlandTattoo.org)

DAY 4 (Sunday):

Enjoy a late breakfast and then a morning comedy show. Lunch will beat one of Hoffman Estates’ finest restaurants and then depart for home.Or take time to explore one of the many fine museums in the Chicagoarea, even a private art gallery. Our step-on guides can showcase theChicagoland area in grand style, making learning about Chicago fun andentertaining.

We specialize in entertainment and ethnic itineraries. The HeartlandInternational Music & Dance Festival is just one of many events wepromote. Programs are available for adult and student groups for ALLChicagoland destinations. Other regional attractions: Sears Tower, AdlerPlanetarium, Navy Pier, Field Museum, Hancock Observatory, SheddAquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra,Broadway To You, Blue Man Group, Medieval Times, Skokie Theatre,Tommy Gun’s Garage, Magnificent Mile.

North Shore Wonders Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, Illinois

�� HIGHLIGHTS

• The new Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center now open!

• Tour traverses Sheridan Road, the most scenic drive along Lake Michigan

• Tram tour of Chicago Botanic Garden

• Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center

• Baha’i House of Worship–the only one in the Western Hemisphere

CONTACT: Chicago’s North Shore CVB� Caryn Shulman • www.visitchicagonorthshore.com

8001 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 715, Skokie, IL 60077Phone: 847-763-0011 ext. 25 • Email: cshulman@cnscvb.com

OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:� Obama Tour� Culinary Tour of the North Shore

�� DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Evanston

Enjoy a tour of the lakefront just north of the border of the City ofChicago. Sheridan Road, which hugs the lakefront, is a winding road thatoffers stunning views of the lake, breathtaking homes and architecturalsites of interest. The Grosse Point Lighthouse, a National HistoricLandmark, was built by the U.S. government in 1873. Less than a milenorth, the Baha’i House of Worship is one of only seven in the worldand the only one in North America. Next visit Spice House—knownaround the world as merchants of the highest quality, with hand-select-ed and hand-prepared spices and herbs, featuring hand-blended ethnic Chicago neighborhood seasonings. Time for Lunch!—The GreatHarvest Bread Company—Enjoy a fresh and satisfying lunch at theirCentral Street store in Evanston. After lunch visit the Evanston HistoricalSociety housed in the magnificent chateauesque mansion of former U.S. vice president Charles Gates Dawes located adjacent to LakeMichigan. [L,D]

DAY 2: Skokie

The new Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, designedby renowned architect Stanley Tigerman, is dedicated to preserving thelegacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who werelost and by teaching the universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudiceand indifference. The museum features an authentic early 20th centuryGerman rail car, an inspiring Hall of Remembrance for contemplationand reflection, a permanent exhibition chronicling life before, during andafter the Holocaust and more. The magnificence of the architecture andthe uplifting message of the importance of tolerance offer a one-of-a-kind experience. This center is the only one of its kind in the Midwest. [L]

DAY 3: Glenview

Start at The Grove—a prairie grove covering 123 acres of ecologicallydiverse prairie land preserved and maintained as the former home of the visionary horticulturist and educator Dr. John Kennicott. The Grove is a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers tours of two historic homes. A good appetite can be satisfied at Hackney’s, a North Shore institution for nearly 70 years. Homeof the legendary Hackney Burger and Onion Loaf but also serving fresh salads, tasty seafood and more. Next stop, The Glen Town Center forshopping. See the old Glenview Naval Air Base, which now is a charmingvillage with shops, galleries and restaurants. [L]

DAY 4: Chicago Botanic Garden

One of the premier tourist attractions in all of Chicagoland. View an exqui-site Japanese garden, a waterfall garden, the hidden rooms inside anEnglish Walled Garden, cross 11 bridges spanning sparkling lakes. TheChicago Botanic Garden is 385 acres and 23 gardens of wonder toexplore. Enjoy a guided tram tour of the garden highlights and a “Behind-the-Scenes” tour of the Production Greenhouses only open for viewing toVIP groups. Lunch and shopping discounts in the Garden Shop includedin fee for the day.

LeisureGroupTravel.com special section June 2009 73