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Oct 22

Frank Lloyd Wright House on Crystal Bridges grounds to open Nov. 11, 2015

Originally published by Group Tour Magazine – September 18, 2015

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In 2014, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced the acquisition of a rare Frank Lloyd Wright house originally built in 1954 along the Millstone River in New Jersey. Since then, the house has been disassembled, transported 1,200 miles across the country and meticulously reconstructed on the grounds of the museum.

Construction is now in the final stages and the house is scheduled to open to the public on November 11, 2015, the fourth anniversary of Crystal Bridges’ opening.

Crystal Bridges Executive Director Rod Bigelow said, “We are excited to share this historic object that embodies our mission to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites art and nature. As the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Arkansas, it enhances our region’s offerings with unique engagement opportunities for schools, families and individuals with an interest in architecture, all at no cost to the public.”

Known as the Bachman-Wilson House, the home was threatened by repeated flooding at its original location. The previous owners, architect/designer duo Lawrence and Sharon Tarantino, determined that relocating the house was the best option for preservation. After their multi-year search, Crystal Bridges acquired the house in 2013, and the house arrived in Northwest Arkansas in April, 2014.

The house is now situated a short distance from the museum, along the trails, with views overlooking the native woodlands and Crystal Spring.

The Frank Lloyd Wright house will open to the public on November 11, 2015, with no admission cost, during the same hours as the museum’s art galleries.

“Our goal is to provide as much access as possible while being responsible stewards of the house,” said Crystal Bridges Chief Engagement Officer Niki Stewart. “To that end, we will welcome visitors to see the house on their own with general admission, or take a guided tour. Because of the intimate size of the house, we are requiring reservations to enter, while the grounds around the house are accessible without a ticket.”

Beginning November 2, tickets may be reserved online or by calling 479-657-2335. Crystal Bridges’ members will have an opportunity to preview the house in advance of the public opening. Member preview tickets may be reserved in person at Guest Services or by calling the Member Priority Line at 479-418-5728.

Guided tours will be offered five days per week (no tours Tuesday or Friday) as an hour-long indoor and outdoor experience led by specially trained volunteer tour guides.

General admission will be a self-guided experience, available each day except Tuesday.

Jul 22

Colorado Springs, CO – More than you can imagine!

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Located near the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is one amazing city. It is a big city with a uniquely small town feel and is the perfect destination for your next charter bus outing. It is often overshadowed by Denver, the ski resorts and Rocky Mountain National Park; however Colorado Springs is an ideal place to relax and unwind this summer.

Your bus driver can get you safely to one of the most beautiful places in all of Colorado; the Garden of the Gods. The Garden is a public park and a National Natural Landmark. The red rock formations that make up the park were created millions of years ago and to this day they astound and amaze every visitor. The park is used extensively for hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding. Most people though enjoy taking a day to wander through the natural formations. Start with a visit to the Visitor’s and Nature Center and then explore at your leisure. Kissing camels, Gateway Rock and Balanced Rock are some of the more famous geological formations within the park. Spectacular views of Pike’s Peak are available throughout The Springs (as the locals call it) but are particularly beautiful from the Gardens.

Since Pike’s Peak is right there near The Springs then why not go straight to the top? Well, your charter bus probably does not want to make that trip, but your bus can easily get you to the Manitou and Pike’s Peak Railway, better known as the Cog Train. The Cog Railway has been in operation since 1889 and is the highest railroad in the United States. Your charter coach can drop you off at the Cog Depot and you can take the leisurely climb to over 14000 feet above sea level. While you ride you will be able to see the splendor and beauty of the mountains.

Depending on when you go you are likely to see various forms of wildlife from the comfort and safety of the train. Be sure to bring some warm clothes because it will be cold when you reach the top. And while at the top be sure to enjoy one of the world famous Pike’s Peak donuts at the Summit House.

Now that you have explored two of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the area it is time to take in something uniquely American; the United States Air Force Academy. The campus is located just north of The Springs and is highlighted by the Cadet Chapel. When it first opened the design was considered controversial, but now the familiar spires and modernist architecture have become a symbol of the academy. Let the bus do all the work of getting you there and then enjoy a self-guided tour of the chapel and the nearby visitor’s center.

Well that is a lot to take in and by now if you have not had a good meal you definitely are in need of one. A great place for groups is the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company. Not only is this the oldest brewery in The Springs, but Phantom Canyon is known for fantastic meals and big portions. You can rustle up some really good grub here by starting with the house made pretzel bites served with beer cheese and whole grain beer mustard. For the main course you cannot go wrong no matter what you choose, but be daring and try the Lemon Tabasco Fried Chicken or the Lamb Belly Tacos. OF course, Colorado Bison Burgers are available and also delicious. If you have saved room for dessert the Goat Cheese Cheesecake is to die for. There is a full billiard room on the second floor and savvy guests know that pool is free on Monday nights with any food purchase.

Of course when a lot of people visit Colorado they want a good steak and there is no place better in The Springs than The Famous Steak House. The USDA Prime New York Strip with onion rings may well be the greatest steak you have ever tried. Tender and juicy, it is the steak that put famous in the restaurant’s name. Filet mignon is also available and also amazing. Surf and turf options a4re on the menu as well as the rack of lamb. Reservations are accepted and
necessary.

So when it comes time to charter a bus and head to the great state of Colorado be sure and make a stop for a few days in The Springs. The beauty of the land, the friendliness of the people and the dining options are among the best in the nation. Enjoy!

Jun 24

Music City, USA

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Nashville, TN is one of the great American destinations and is a perfect stop for your next chartered bus tour. Contrary to popular opinion, Nashville is not just for country music fans. The name “Music City” was earned for the many varieties of music that one can enjoy during a visit. In addition, Nashville has long been known as one of the most affordable cities to visit in the country. So what makes Nashville such a great destination? Let’s start with a visit downtown.

Your charter coach can drop you off at the world famous Ryman Auditorium. Originally built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, Ryman Auditorium was home for The Grand Ole Opry from 1943 – 1974. It is still used today for concerts and shows, but you can take a tour and see where history was made. Take a few minutes and stand on the stage where artists such as Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton made their Opry debuts. There are plenty of artifacts from the Opry on display throughout the auditorium. As you walk around you can really feel the history of this national landmark.

Just steps away from the Ryman is Broadway; however it’s nothing like the Broadway you’d find in New York City. This Broadway is a street where you can hear music from all manner of artists every night of the week. You can walk down the street and pass a seemingly endless line of restaurants, shops and bars where live music is always being played. No matter what your taste you are sure to find something to sit back and enjoy. Another must see place on Broadway is the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. This shop has been located at the same location since 1947 and still sells vinyl records. If you are a collector of vintage vinyl then you will definitely want to visit. And yes, they too will offer live music.

A couple of blocks away from Broadway you will find the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. All of the greats in the country music industry have been enshrined here with their own bronze plaques. You seriously do not need to be a fan of country music to appreciate the talents of the individuals honored here. The museum itself is filled with all sorts of memorabilia from the artists themselves and tells the history of country music.

You’re going to get pretty hungry wandering around downtown and there is no shortage of delicious places to eat and, of course, hear live music. Since you are in Nashville then you may want to partake in a bit of BBQ. There may be no better place than Rippy’s Ribs & BBQ. Rippy’s is only one block from Ryman Auditorium and they serve up some of the best BBQ in the city, if not the entire south. Try a slab of ribs with Rippy’s homemade BBQ sauce with a side of onion rings and coleslaw and you will think you were in hog heaven. Rippy’s can even organize a private party for you and your fellow bus travelers if you wish. You can enjoy live music in the main dining area, sports on flat screen TV’s in another or try the open air rooftop patio. Pulled pork, catfish, baked beans; you seriously cannot make a bad choice here.

Now that you have enjoyed downtown, let your bus take you to see the home of President Andrew Jackson; The Hermitage. Located just a short drive from downtown, The Hermitage is a fascinating place to visit. You can start your tour in the museum and then take a short stroll to the home where President and Mrs. Jackson resided. The tomb of Andrew and Rachel Jackson is located in the gardens by the home. Numerous log cabins make up the grounds and tour guides take you through the home and provide you with historical facts.

One of the best things about Nashville and the surrounding areas is that it is easily accessed by bus which will make your visit here all the more comfortable and enjoyable. Why fight for a place to park downtown when the bus can take you there and pick you up when you are done? Get the group together, get on the bus and head to Nashville this summer. You will have grand ole time.

May 21

A Most Pleasant Journey

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Point Pleasant, NJ is most often thought of as a summer destination. And while the weather is often more conducive to swimming after the fourth of July, there is really no need to wait that long. Point Pleasant is still there in the spring and early summer and with smaller crowds it ends up being just that much more…well, pleasant.

Located in Ocean County, Point Pleasant has long been a popular getaway for those living in Philadelphia and New York City. It is a family-friendly spot loved by and designed for kids of all ages. In recent years as families have been looking for more places to go that everyone can enjoy, Point Pleasant has become just that much more popular. What is the best way to get there? Well by motorcoach of course.

Your charter motorcoach journey to Point Pleasant can drop you right off at the boardwalk so you can enjoy the crystal clean beach and all the amenities the boardwalk has to offer without the hassle of having to find a place to park or the expense and uncertainty of a local parking lot. There will be none of that for you because you planned ahead. But what to do once you arrive? That is the best part.

Start with Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, the centerpiece of the Jersey Shore. While there are boardwalks that have more popularity in New Jersey, none are as fun or as well maintained as Jenkinson’s. It is about one mile long and contains thrill rides, attractions, restaurants and arcades. If mini-golf is your idea of fun than look no further as there are three outstanding places to play; Rooftop Golf, Castaway Cove and my personal favorite, Lighthouse Point.

Looking for a little adventure and maybe a scream or two? Then you must try the Dark Ride at the South Beach Arcade. The Dark Ride is a 7D interactive experience that makes a 3D movie seem as exciting as using a View-master. They have two movies to choose from; Zombies and the all-new Gigamon. Why not try both?

If you’re looking for adventure of a different sort then you can check out the Point Pavilion Antique Center. The center is stuffed to the gills with antiques and collectibles. You may find more than you can take with you on the bus as you explore the two floors of treasures, but no worries there as you can always ship larger items to your home.

Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club provides year-round entertainment guaranteed to make you smile. While this club may not always be family-friendly, they do cater to groups and offer group discounts for both dinner and show packages. The top comedians in the nation are always featured at Uncle Vinnie’s.

Speaking of food, there are some wonderful places to dine in Point Pleasant. Naturally you can find all of the requisite boardwalk style food you could ask for including popcorn, cotton candy, sausage & peppers and ice cream. However if you want the best ice cream you want to make a stop at Hoffman’s. Hoffman’s serves up some 40 flavors of delicious ice cream and frozen yogurt and they offer tours as well to see how it is all done. They have all the traditional flavors, but get a little adventurous and try the Sea Salt Caramel Latte flavor.

When it is time for dinner you want something really good and not another serving of fries from boardwalk. If Italian food is of your liking then visit Spano’s Ristorant Italiano. Owned and operated by Chef Joseph Spano for over 15 years, the restaurant features authentic Italian food in an authentic atmosphere. Traditional dishes, such as lasagna and chicken Parmesan are available and very popular. Named for Joseph’s mother, one of the house favorites at Spano’s is the Chicken Zia Carmela; mushrooms, eggplant and roasted red peppers sauteed in a garlic tomato sauce, served over breaded boneless breast of chicken, topped with mozzarella cheese and their award winning marinara sauce. You will not leave here hungry.

So why not get the family and friends together, leave the car behind and charter a bus? You can make plenty of memories in Point Pleasant, NJ before the crowds arrive this summer. You may not want to swim in the ocean, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a nice walk on the beach.

Apr 10

The Benefits of Charter Bus Travel

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For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. – Robert Louis Stevenson

Sometimes the best part of traveling is not the destination, but the journey itself. I have often traveled with my family and found myself missing out on things. I cannot recall how many times I heard someone say “wow, look at that” or “that is absolutely beautiful” and there I am with my eyes glued to the road and missing all the beauty. However, it does not have to be that way. Traveling by charter bus is an excellent way to see America and all she has to offer. No matter where you are headed, there is beauty to be found. Let’s take a few minutes and look at some of the benefits of charter bus travel.

As I mentioned the most obvious reason to go by bus is so that you can enjoy the journey. Whether it is the mountains, the plains, the wildlife or the stunning architecture of the big cities, you won’t have to miss a thing. Leaving the driving to someone else leaves you all the time to take in everything if you so choose. Just relax, sit back and enjoy the views. Don’t be in a hurry to get somewhere, but take the time to appreciate the odyssey.

Naturally weather can be a factor as well. Leaving the driving to someone else who happens to be a professional bus driver can give one incredible peace of mind. You see that driving rainstorm coming up ahead? No need to worry because your driver has everything under control. He/she has been trained to handle all sorts of situations and you can leave your worries to him/her. Plus there is very little chance of getting lost as your driver has likely taken this same trip many times.

It’s economical as well. Just add up what you would spend to rent a car and purchase fuel and you will see that going via charter bus will save you money. Once you stop somewhere for the night your lodging is often already included with what you paid for the tour so no worries in that department either. You’re not going to have to think about those no vacancy signs because your room is ready and waiting. In addition it is substantially more economical than airline travel.

When you leave the driving to someone else you have more time for yourself. Maybe you finally want to start reading that novel you’ve had to put off for so long. Well, by taking the bus you have plenty of time. Maybe you have a movie on your tablet you have been dying to see or a series you just want to binge watch. You certainly can’t do that if you’re sitting in the driver’s seat.

These days there are a lot of people that travel alone, not because they particularly want to do so, but rather by necessity. Once you’ve chosen your destination you can hop on that bus and suddenly you are not feeling like you are by yourself. What a great time to meet new people and make new friends. You’re obviously not going to be the only person on that bus and that is a good thing. Everyone has a story and just about everyone loves showing off photos of their family. You will have the opportunity to meet people you never would have met otherwise. I can say for myself that I have made lifelong friends from strangers sitting across the aisle. Maybe you’ll even want to travel together again one day.

Since chartering a bus is less expensive than you probably realize, it is also a fantastic way to get your family together for a special occasion. Whether you are looking to have a family reunion or to celebrate mom & dad’s 50^th wedding anniversary, you can all pitch in together and make chartering a bus your own private party. Pick a destination, pick a starting point and off you go. From a personal standpoint, I have to say that doing this was one of the best ideas we ever had. There is a very good possibility that your driver will become an honorary member of your family as well.

So don’t fear the charter bus. Yes, like everything in this life, it has its pros and cons. But just think of the memories you will bring home after a long journey on the road with someone else doing all the work. I can’t think of a more relaxing way to travel.

Mar 27

Let’s Eat!

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Everyone knows that besides choosing what destinations your group is travelling to, where and what to eat is just as important.

After deciding where you are going, visit that city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau for a listing of what restaurants are group friendly. They are a great resource and will have lots of suggestions and ideas of what to do and where to eat in their city.

Deciding on where you will dine, is just the beginning. The National Tourism Association suggests calling the restaurant’s manager and asking some of the following questions:

How much advance notice do you need for our group?
Is convenient tour bus loading/unloading available onsite?
Do you have room to park a charter bus?
Do you have special meal options specifically for large tour groups?
How will we be seated? Is there a banquet room on site?
Do you offer group discounts?
Do chaperones receive a free meal?
Do you require an advance deposit? If so, how much?
Is the deposit refundable?
What is your cancellation and refund policy?

With the answers to these questions, it will be easy to plan your group’s meal! Now all you need to do is sit down, relax and enjoy the meal!

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