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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.

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!

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.

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 24

Charleston, SC – Something For Everyone In The Group!

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The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page – Saint Augustine

So your group is ready to get together for charter bus tour this spring, but where should you go? You don’t want anything too hot and you certainly don’t want anything too cold which leaves Charleston, SC as the perfect destination.

Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina and is certainly the most historic. The city’s residents pride themselves on their hospitality and welcome visitors with open arms. It is the kind of place where you will never meet a stranger.

Quite simply, the best place to start any visit to Charleston is with a carriage ride in the historic district. There are several good companies to go with, but I have found the Old South Carriage Company to be the best. The drivers are courteous and incredibly knowledgeable and will tell you more about the city than you ever expected. All tour companies get busy, so an early start is recommended. All carriage tours begin and end in downtown Charleston and due to the unique system the city uses to direct carriage traffic; no two tours are exactly the same. Just sit back, relax and let the horse do all the work as you see beautiful homes, gardens and places of worship in The Holy City. After your tour be sure to take a moment to pose for a photo with your horse.

While on your carriage tour you would have passed by several restaurants, most of which are beautiful homes that have been converted to dining establishments. One such place is Poogan’s Porch. Located on Queen Street in a Victorian home built in 1888, Poogan’s Porch has been serving delicious meals since 1976. The restaurant is named after a dog that used to visit all the porches in the neighborhood looking for table scraps and served as the official greeter until his death in 1979. As far as the food goes you may never want to leave. The buttermilk fried chicken is a big favorite and so is the Ribs & Mac, but to me there is nothing better than the Chicken & Waffles. Crispy chicken breasts served over waffles with blueberry Texas Pete maple syrup? Yes please! Best of all, Poogan’s offers group dining so you can keep your group together for a special brunch.

Take a stroll to the Charleston City Market for some unique shopping. There you will find just about anything you can imagine including antiques, toys, artwork and plenty of souvenirs. The market is quite large and has many vendors, but be sure and take a few moments to watch the ladies weave the Sweetgrass Baskets. Originally used on plantations to free dirt from rice, the baskets are now works of art and make a fantastic collectible from your trip. You will be amazed at the artistry of these baskets and as many times as I’ve seen them made, I still can’t figure out how they do it.

You could literally spend days exploring the beauty of the homes and gardens of Charleston’s historic district, but what if you want to get away and see some other things? Not far from downtown is Fort Sumter, the site where the Civil War began. Just take the ferry to the island and start your tour. You can stand right there on the site where the first shot was fired. If that is not enough history for you, take your group to Patriot’s Point where groups of all sizes are welcome. Tour the USS Yorktown, visit the Medal of Honors Museum or see vintage aircraft all in one place.

More history can be seen in the many plantations that surround Charleston. The Boone Hall Plantation, the McLeod Plantation and the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are three of the best. All of them are great for tour groups and present a living history of the past. The Boone Hall Farms Market offers a variety of items including their famous jams and jellies plus they have a delightful café where you can enjoy what may be the best Chicken & Sausage Gumbo ever served. The signature sandwich at the café is Crab & Pimento Cheese Melt served with a fried green tomato on whole wheat bread.

If you’re looking for a great burger and a cold beer after that long day of sightseeing then stop in to one of the three locations of Sesame Burgers & Beer. Sesame serves up the best onion rings and hush puppies in all of Charleston, but the burgers are not to be missed. They have about a dozen burgers on the menu, but feel free to design your own delicious concoction. And for the vegetarian out there they serve up a black bean burger just for you.

The spring weather in Charleston cannot be beat. Take your group, hop on that charter bus and make your memories.

Jan 20

Who Needs A Treat?

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Every great adventure requires great snacks. Everybody has their favorites, some being healthier than others, but with so many snacks out there, it’s difficult to choose just one. Here are a few of our favorites!

Salty:

Potato chips are always a good snack. Quick and easy, tasty and crunchy, they will give your taste buds exactly what they are asking for. With literally hundreds of flavors to choose from, you can be assured that this snack is one that everyone will enjoy.

Most motor coaches have DVD systems with multiple television screens for playing movies. What goes well with movies? Popcorn! Popcorn is a snack that is not only delicious, it’s cheap! Pop some at home in the microwave before you leave and Voilà! You have a yummy, inexpensive, filling snack to go!

Trail mixes offer something for everyone. Most mixes include nuts, dried berries and chocolate or yogurt candies. Be aware of other travelers who may have nut allergies.

Sweet:

Fruit is “natures candy.” It’s easy to pack and filled with good fiber that will keep hungry travelers feeling fuller longer. Fruit is a great go-to snack that anyone can feel good about indulging in!

If your sweet tooth needs a bit more than an apple, you can always choose candy. Yep, we went there and although we don’t recommend gorging yourself on candy, a few pieces here and there won’t hurt. Whether you enjoy chocolate candies or fruity ones, there are plenty to choose from.

Traveling by motorcoach is a great experience and the snacks you choose will only add to that goodness!

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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