Oct 12

Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival Student Days

Originally published by Group Tour Magazine – Oct. 8, 2015

GOLD CANYON, Ariz. — Discoveries made in science during the Renaissance era not only changed the world, but continue to influence modern-day society. The SciTech festival is a proud presenter of the Arizona Renaissance Festival Age of Discovery Student Days, March 1, 2016 and March 3, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Student Days were created to highlight the educational aspects of the Renaissance. Language, science, exploration, mannerisms, customs, comedic theater, jousting tournaments, artisan demonstrations and music are just some of the learning opportunities that await students.

Explore the festival’s 30 acre, 16th-century European Village. Roam the streets and pathways where students can talk to Galileo about Astronomy. Observe, in awe, as artisans craft their wares using scientific techniques, demonstrating blacksmithing, glassblowing, shoemaking and weaving. Go to the CROFT-Local Yokel Village and watch aspects of chemistry at work in the daily chores of 16th-century life. Speak to Da Vinci about his sketches and technical drawings, or pose as Mona Lisa would have. Learn about what Arizona was like in the 16th century.

The festival also includes a 13-stage theater, an arts and craft fair and a jousting tournament. Students will enjoy Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, among many other people-powered rides and games.

Visit renfestinfo.com for more information.

Sep 21

Tis the season to fall in love with Little Rock

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Nothing is more exciting than feeling the summer temperatures slowly begin to drop and seeing the leaves begin to turn. What better way to enjoy the beauty of fall than by experiencing the changes in the beautiful state of Arkansas? From numerous trails and picnics to comedy clubs and concerts, Little Rock offers something for everyone.

Begin your fall get-away in the heart of Little Rock, the River Market. From May to October, the Farmer’s Market opens at 7am on Tuesdays and Saturdays to provide you with some of the freshest fruits and vegetables you’ve ever seen (let alone tasted)! Next stop is breakfast at one of the best places in town! The Root Café is open Tuesday-Friday from 7am-2:30pm, Saturday 8am-3:30pm, and Sunday 9am-2pm. Don’t let the drab-looking exterior dampen your spirits or fool you. It’s the only way the owners could disguise the awesomeness that awaits inside! The unique atmosphere is best for smaller groups, as the dining area is not the largest in Little Rock. Even though the Eggs Benedict and pancakes are definitely worth the wait, it’s best to get there early to avoid a long line! If you happen to miss breakfast, no worries! You won’t be disappointed with the fried okra appetizer as you wait for a mouth-watering mushroom sandwich or a burger like you’ve never had before!

While in the River Market area, make sure to check out some of the great local museums such as The Historic Rock Museum, The Arkansas Arts Museum, The MacArthur Museum of Military History, and The William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum. Many of these museums offer free admission. The Clinton Presidential Library & Museum sits on almost 30 acres that it shares with The Clinton School of Public Service and The Clinton Foundation. The museum contains over 100,000 artifacts, documents, and pictures. At any given time, the museum has on display over 500 artifacts, 200 documents, and 1400 pictures pertaining to the life and presidential career of former President Clinton. There are 3 exhibit levels containing fascinating history surrounding the timeline of Clinton’s career, letters and gifts, his limousine while in office, events and celebrations during his time at The White House, replicas of The Oval Office and Cabinet Room, and more! Excluding major holidays, this museum is open Monday- Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Senior adults 62+: $5, Adults 18+: $7, Children 6-17: $3, children under 6 and active military: free admission. Admission rate for groups of 20+ is $5/person. College and retired military admission is $5 with ID. Hand-held audio tours are available for an extra $3 and are extremely worth the additional fee! The museum also houses a small restaurant, Café 42, which overlooks the Arkansas River. It is open weekdays from 9am-4pm for coffee and lunch from 11am-2pm.

Another great scenic attraction is the Big Dam Bridge. It’s free and full of beauty! It’s the nation’s longest bridge specifically built bicycle and pedestrian bridge. It took 8 years from design to finished structure. There are approximately 20 miles of scenic riverside trails through Little Rock and North Little Rock that the outdoors person will love! Being easily accessible to the River Market and museums makes it in a great location, too!

Hungry, yet? Another great dining option in the River Market is Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro. This local restaurant will quickly become a family favorite! Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm, this colorfully casual restaurant has a menu item for everyone! The patio area overlooks the market and is the perfect place to snack on Dizzy’s infamous cheese dip or homemade salsa! Yum! Craving something specific? If you’re in the mood for some famous Arkansas BBQ, I know just the place! Whole Hog Café offers the best BBQ beef, pork, or chicken you can imagine! With 7 different sauces and 6 sides, the options are endless at this award-winning restaurant! Open Sunday- Thursday from 11am-8pm and Friday-Saturday from 11am-9pm.

Ready for some night-life options? The Loony Bin is a must for comedy lovers. Shows performed Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30pm with an additional 10pm show on Friday and Saturday nights. Great food and drink menu available. Ticket prices depend on the comedian performing, but are always very reasonable. Be prepared to laugh yourself breathless! All shows are for ages 18+ or 21+.

If the bar/dance scene is more to your liking, Willie D’s is calling your name. Open Tuesday-Saturday 7pm-2am, Willie D’s offers more fun than you can imagine! Reservations are available to ensure room for your entire group of friends, family, or coworkers! Please make sure to give 48 hours advance notice for reservations. Split into 3 spaces, Willie D’s has a section for whatever mood you and your group are in. The main area offers dueling piano shows where you and your friends can make requests and sing along to your favorite tunes. With 2 full-service bars, a kitchen that serves until at least 11pm, nightly specials, and great service, what’s not to love? Prost is the name of another happenin’ section of Willie D’s that has a full-service bar, big screen TV’s, pool tables, and beer pong tables available. Don’t miss karaoke on Friday night! The last section, Deep, is only open on Friday and Saturday nights. If you love to shake your booty to Top 40 hits and hip hop, this is where you should be! This Little Rock favorite has been recently renovated to be better than ever before and the dance club is 100% smoke free!

When you’re finally ready to call it a night, staying in the area would be wise! Little Rock Marriott, Holiday Inn Presidential, Hampton Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, and DoubleTree are all great options in the River Market District. The Capital Hotel is a definite historic luxury hotel favorite! Many online booking sites have rates for these hotels listed from $85-$200/night. Most offer group rates and other discounts. Enjoy your stay in Little Rock and be sure to check back for more food, fun, and future adventure ideas!

Aug 21

Magic in the Mountains- Chattanooga, TN area

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Prepare yourself for a journey quite similar to how you felt as a child wandering through the magical world of Disney. Sights, sounds, and experiences you almost cannot put in words await for you! Chattanooga is known for its many Civil War museums, Nature Center, Ocoee River rafting, Tennessee Aquarium, and ghost tours. However, if you’re looking for attractions a little off the beaten path, follow me…..

Ruby Falls is great in any weather! Why? Because it’s always 60 degrees and never rains! Ruby Falls is over 1100 feet beneath the surface. At 145 feet tall, it’s the largest and deepest waterfall that is available for public viewing. Located deep inside Lookout Mountain, tours are available 8am-8pm daily. The tour guides are absolutely amazing at pointing out and explaining the different cave formations and interesting facts about the sites around you. You will definitely want to have your camera or phone ready to snap amazing pictures of colors and formations that can only be explained by a visual image! Adult tickets are $18.95 and children (3-12) tickets are $10.95. Lantern Tours are available on Friday nights at 8:30 pm March-September, and during the month of November. Two weeks’ notice is required, no one under age 8, and cost is $26 each.

Next stop on your journey is Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, GA. Prices are much like those for Ruby Falls. Only 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City Gardens offers free parking and an experience you will never forget. Prepare to become awe-struck by ancient rock formations, gardens showcasing over 400 native plant species, a 90-foot waterfall, a swing-bridge spanning over 180-feet overlooking the Chattanooga Valley, and one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see—“See 7 States”. Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia are all said to be visible from this landing in the sky. Café 7, located at Lover’s Leap, is a great place to enjoy a meal while overlooking the states. Starbucks, ice cream, pizza, and burger options are also available in the area.

Continuing the outdoor adventure, you will take about an 8 minute drive to Incline Railway. Open daily from 9am-7pm, the 15-minute (each way) enclosed trolley car ride offers more scenic views of this historic location. At a grade of 72.7%, be prepared for a unique ride in one of the world’s steepest passenger railways in the world! No worries, though; it’s completely enclosed, travels less than 10 mph, and is very safe! Upon arriving at the top, there is an observation deck overlooking the TN Valley, food options, and gift shops. Within a short walking distance, you will find Civil War attractions including Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map & Museum and Point Park, which is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Parks. There is also a half-price discount offered during the months of December, January, and February.

Although there are many great lodging options, such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and The Read House Historical Inn and Suites, a mountain-view masterpiece named the Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast is in a category all to itself. Conveniently located across the street from Rock City and only minutes away from Ruby Falls and The Incline, Chanticleer Inn offers stone cottage type lodging featuring French country motif, hardwood floors, spectacular views, private patios, home-cooked breakfast, and luxury upgrades for many different occasions. From May 1-November 1, there is a 2-night minimum; however, single night stays are available occasionally. Rooms start around $150/night and are more than worth the price. Military and police discounts are always available. The Chanticleer Inn is a smoke-free and pet-free facility.

Many companies in Chattanooga offer discount packages that include these attractions. To save quite a bit of money, package options are highly recommended, and almost everywhere mentioned above offers group discounts with advance purchase. Many packages that include the three main stops mentioned above price around $48 for ages 13 and up, and $26 for ages 3-12. Package prices can vary greatly depending on group size, tours, catering, special times, etc. However, package pricing is always better than single purchases at each location! Be prepared to be amazed at the sights that you will see on this trip, and the amazing memories you will create with your friends and family!

Aug 06

Sip Your Way Through Southern Minnesota

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While researching different areas for things to do – we came across this great blog post from our friends at Explore Minnesota. Many travelers might not realize that Minnesota boasts over 34 wineries and 75 breweries. Grab your friends, hop on a motorcoach and sip your way through southern Minnesota. Your tastebuds will thank you for it!

Sip Your Way from Minnetonka to Waconia

By Grant Erler

The southwest corner of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is well known for its many scenic lakes and attractions like the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. And in 2016, the Ryder Cup will come to Hazeltine National Golf Course in Chaska. But did you know this area is quickly becoming a hot spot for beer, wine and spirits connoisseurs?

Check out all eight establishments, located between Minnetonka to the east and Waconia to the west, and get a taste of the local libations.

Lucid Brewing

As one of the premier new breweries in Minnesota, Minnetonka-based Lucid Brewing is a great place to start your trek. Be sure to sign up for the Saturday tour on the brewery’s website to get a fascinating look at the brewing process and, of course, some free samples. Lucid is well known for its wonderfully hoppy Foto IPA, as well as the crisp and zesty Silo Belgian Saison.

Excelsior Brewing Company

Located in the historic town center, Excelsior Brewing Company has quickly become a local favorite. The taproom has a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and is a great place to relax with friends after a day out on the lake or strolling on Water Street. Try the full-bodied Bridge Jumper IPA.

Not far away is the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, which runs from Hopkins to Victoria and also passes near Enki Brewing.

Enki Brewing

Located in the 100-year-old creamery building in Victoria, Enki’s taproom offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the winter and a relaxing patio in the warmer months. Enki has a full range of brews, from the citrusy Tail Feather IPA to the indulgently rich Cacao Porter.

Waconia Brewing Company

Just two blocks from the shores of Lake Waconia in the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown, you’ll find the latest addition to the southwest metro’s brewery scene. Waconia’s first brewery since 1890 offers a wide variety of taps including its flagships: Amber, Witbier, Kolsch and West Coast IPA, plus a rotating number of seasonal offerings.

Parley Lake Winery

Located among the rolling hills near Parley Lake, this winery offers a variety of wines including the ever-popular Frontenac Gris. The winery is right next to the Carver Park Reserve, which has a number of trails through the woods and prairies for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter.

Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery

Schram is the state’s first combination winery and brewery, located on a six-acre vineyard overlooking Reitz Lake, just southeast of Waconia. Enjoy a glass or bottle of wine or mead (honey wine), as well as the continuously rotating selection of beers in the tasting room. You can even try your hand at some bocce ball while you’re there

Sovereign Estates Winery

Situated on the north shore of Lake Waconia, along the popular Dakota Trail, Sovereign Estates features both indoor and outdoor tasting rooms, as well as an elegant bistro. The vineyard is on a south-sloping hill, offering beautiful views of the lake. A popular choice is the award-winning Talon Crest, a dry and fruity La Crescent white.

J. Carver Distillery

The Waconia-based distillery is named after Jonathan Carver, one of the first Europeans to explore and chart the area in 1766. Just like their namesake, the folks at J. Carver Distillery are exploring uncharted territory as they are set to become the first legal distillery to operate in the history of Carver County. Initially, they will produce gin and vodka and will eventually offer barrel-aged whiskey, bourbon, brandy and liqueurs.

Download a map of the “SW Minne Beer, Wine & Spirits Tour” and start your adventure, or learn more about the area from the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on these communities, please visit:

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!

Jul 06

GoMotorcoach to Comic Con? Why not?

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The days of a simple convention for comic book fans are long gone. With the increased popularity of comics, science fiction, gaming and the like, the comic con has become a huge spectacle across the country. Allow me to share a story of once comic con experience and let you know why we should have chartered a bus.

If you have ever attended a Con you know that they tend to be quite crowded with all sorts of people. People enjoy dressing up in imaginative costumes based on their favorite characters, books, movies, etc. This is known in the industry as Cosplay and the costumes can get very elaborate.

It was not all that long ago when my friends and I decided we wanted to attend a Con that was about a four hour drive from us. Since none of us owned a vehicle large enough for everyone we looked at two options; charter a bus or rent a large van. I can tell you now we made the wrong choice with the van. If only we had spent a few dollars more we’d have had a much better experience.

First of all the gas was expensive and the fuel economy was awful in that van. A charter bus would have alleviated our need to fork out all that cash each time we had to stop for fuel. Although the charter would have needed to stop as well, it most certainly would have done so while we were inside and enjoying the festivities.

But that really was not even the main concern. When we arrived the line to get into any of the nearby parking lots was longer than the lines inside to see an actor that once played a villain on an old Star Trek episode. We arrived in what we thought was plenty of time to park, get our costumes together and start enjoying ourselves. Instead we spent almost 90 minutes trying to park this huge van. Nearby we could see busses pulling up to the entrance to the convention center and dropping off their guests while we sat idle. It was frustrating to be sure, but at the end of the night the frustration was at its peak when we tried to leave and go to our hotel. Had we just chartered a bus like some of those other groups we’d have been well rested for the second day of the Con.

However parking was not the only reason the bus would have been better. Inside the bus there was room to move around thus giving riders plenty of room and time to get their costumes and make up done. Instead, we had to wait in line to get into the restrooms to take care of that. So before we could ever get started in enjoying the show and meeting the stars we had to impatiently wait for our turn in the bathroom.

A typical Comic Con can cost a lot of money to attend especially if you are the type to gather autographs and memorabilia. And just where is everyone going to find a place for all of that in the van? Unfortunately Dalek and R2D2 replicas takes up substantially more space than you’d think.

The charter bus experience is perfect for your group to attend a Comic Con. You’ll have plenty of room to walk around and get ready, you’ll get dropped off right at the front door and there will be plenty of room for a few extra friends on the way home. Add in the fact that if you have chartered a bus you can partake in a few adult beverages while enjoying the con and you have a win-win situation. So the next time you and your friends decide to travel across the state to see 100 people dressed like Doctor Who; take the bus. You’ll be very happy you did.

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 12

Take Us Out To The Ballgame!

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There are often times when group gets together and they want nothing more than to get away for a day. If you say “let’s take a charter bus” your family will probably give you a look as if you’d lost your mind. In reality they should look at you, thank you profusely and heartily agree with your wise decision. Taking a charter bus on your next day trip may be one of the wisest decisions you have ever made.

Let’s say, for example, that you and some friends and family members all want to take in a baseball game to see your favorite team. But the ballpark is a solid three hour drive away. Does it really make sense to pile into four different cars, get four different designated drivers and end up spending half your time at the game trying to stay awake after all that work? I didn’t think so. You should charter a bus and here’s why:

First of all the charter bus industry is regulated by the US Department of Transportation. This means that your driver is a professional and must adhere to certain guidelines in order to keep his/her job. Statistically, taking the bus is safer than driving your own car. Many charter companies will allow guests to be picked up in different locations. The bus has to start somewhere, but can easily make arrangements for a quick stop along the way to pick up your sister, your uncle or that friend from college that always makes everyone laugh. With this benefit at your disposal you will definitely gain a few brownie points. What if you made that three hour drive yourself? How easy is it to find parking at a major league baseball stadium if you’re not one of the season ticket holders? It is usually not easy at all. You not only have to leave your car in a lot where you have no idea if it will be safe, but then you have to trek through the elements just to get to the gate. The bus will get you there and leave you just mere steps from the gate before leaving for that area reserved for bus parking.

You’re in the stadium now. You can feel the excitement and you would like to have a few adult beverages. Go for it. You’re not driving home so any need to worry about having a couple of beverages has disappeared. But please do not overdo it; you should always drink responsibly. At the end of the day you’re tired. You just sat in a small, cramped stadium seat and the last think you want to do is get into your cramped little car. But you were smart and chartered a bus. Now all you need to do is walk out that gate and your charter bus is just waiting for you a few steps away. You hop on, sit down and recline in a comfortable chair and start talking about the game you just witnessed. No need to think about the traffic mess. You let the driver be concerned with the traffic. You never have to sit there with your foot on the brake wondering if someone will be nice enough to let you into the exit lane. Nope. Your driver has all of that covered so you can sit back and regale your friends with stories about how you would have made that diving play in the outfield.

But the ride isn’t over. Many charters now are equipped with Wi-Fi. So you can get online and check out the box score of the game and see how your rivals did as well. Then you can take a few moments and find a great place to stop for dinner or a late night snack before saying goodbye for the day.

With all of those benefits, plus the fact that taking a charter bus is economical and friendlier to the environment, why would you go any other way? Get your friends together, charter that bus and go enjoy America’s pastime. Play ball!

Apr 16

Stop the Bus and Smell the Roses – Portland, OR

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Whether you realize it or not, one of the greenest and most economical ways to see the USA is via a charter bus. And whether you want to travel near or far the motorcoach can take you there. So with a wink and a smile it is time to literally stop and smell the roses in Portland Oregon.

Portland is known as the “City of Roses” and it has been given this name for a very good reason; Portland is home to the International Rose Test Garden. The Rose Garden, located in Washington Park, is home to over 7000 rose plants of some 550 varieties. Your motorcoach can drop you off at the entrance so you can walk through the gardens on paved paths, enjoy the beauty of the flowers and get an outstanding view of the Portland skyline. There are fountains, statues, plenty of photo opportunities and the park has access ramps so no one is left out. Public tours are offered free of charge daily at 1:00 PM, but self-guided tours are always available. Groups of 11 or more can arrange for guided tours in advance.

Each year Portland is home to the annual Rose Festival from late May to early June. The festival includes activities for all ages. There are several parades including the nighttime Starlight Parade and the centerpiece of the festival, the Grand Floral Parade. But the fun does not stop there; concerts, golf tournaments and a rose show are also great activities to enjoy. A dragon boat race takes place every year on the Willamette River where over 80 teams compete for the title of champion. However, what may be the most enjoyable activity of the festival is the Milk Carton Boat Race. Both children and adults enter their homemade human powered boats that float only by recycled milk cartons and milk jugs to vie for the coveted Best in Show Milk Can. And yes, sometimes they sink.

Located right next to the Rose Garden is the beautiful and tranquil Portland Japanese Garden. It is a traditional Japanese Garden consisting of five sub-gardens spread over five and ½ acres. Be sure to put away your cell phones because they are not allowed in this land of peace and harmony. A stroll through these gardens will give everyone a deep connection with nature.

If animals are more of your liking the Oregon Zoo is about two miles away from the Rose and Japanese Gardens and features over 260 species to admire and enjoy. And right next to the zoo is the Portland Children’s Museum; the sixth oldest children’s museum in the world. Although designed for children, the museum is a joy for families of all ages.

One of the other benefits of visiting Portland is their unique light rail system known as MAX. Sometimes getting downtown in a large city is not always easy for a bus and that is where MAX comes in. MAX has four lines; Blue, Green, Red and Yellow, and all of them run through downtown Portland. So if you are up in the Washington Park area and want a bite to eat downtown you can easily hop aboard the Red or Green line and find yourself a great meal.

And speaking of great meals there is no shortage of delicious places to dine in Portland. Have you ever wanted to try a bison or elk burger? Well then Deschutes Brewery is where you want to go. It is a great place for large groups and the food and atmosphere all have a distinctive Portland flair. Start your meal off with the Fried Pickled Cauliflower and then just try and decide what you should have for your main course. If you are a fan of beer you will most definitely find several here to your liking.

If a little Italian food is what you are craving and you are not afraid of ghosts then Old Town Pizza is a fantastic place to din . Old Town Pizza sits in the original lobby of the old Merchant Hotel. You place your order at the hotel’s original reception desk. There is an old legend that tells us this place has been haunted for well over 100 years. Go for yourself, hear the story and enjoy the food. The pizza is all natural, local and handmade. The sauce is made from scratch daily and is indescribably delicious. If pizza is not your favorite then dive into a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, but whatever you do, do not leave without trying an order of garlic knots.

So why not get your family or maybe those old friends you’ve been meaning to get together with and charter a bus to Portland. The roses are waiting for you.

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.

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