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.

Oct 12

Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival Student Days

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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.

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.

Jun 16

Say “I Do” and Go Motorcoach

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The magical day has arrived. You are getting married and all of your friends and family members are there to celebrate with you. Everything needs to be perfect. Of course no wedding ever goes off without a hitch, but there are some hitches that can be prevented. Surprisingly your friendly neighborhood charter coach can make a big difference. How? I’m glad you asked.

Have you ever noticed that wedding receptions are often notorious for poor behavior at the reception? It is no secret that alcohol consumption is a very typical occurrence at the wedding reception. Often times the drinking begins way before the actual ceremony. You want your guests to all be safe, but how can you do this when you have so many other things to worry about on the big day? You can do this easily by hiring a charter bus to take your guests from the ceremony to the reception and back to the hotel in complete safe.

Let’s say that the family and many of the guests are all staying at the same hotel. This is quite common especially with destination weddings. The ceremony may be several miles away at a beach, a local church or in some beautiful botanical garden. What better way to get all the guests there than by bus. There is no need for the guests to all hop in their own cars and fight for parking when your bus can get all of you there in complete comfort. No parking available? No worries at all because that bus you chartered is dropping everyone off and going away until it is once again needed. When the ceremony ends it is back on the bus and off to the reception, which could be held at any number of places.

Now here comes the fun part; your guests are free to relax without having to think about the drive home. They can celebrate merrily with the happy couple well into the night without worrying whether or not they had one too many. When the newlyweds escape the madness in their limousine they can do so knowing that their guests are all traveling back to the hotel under the watchful eyes of their skilled bus driver. Sure, the bus driver was given a nice meal at the reception, but did he/she have a drink? Nope. Your driver is a professional and takes his/her job seriously. You can rest assured that only beer the driver will have is a root beer.

Even if the hotel is not that far from the reception hall you can still benefit from using a bus. Go with a smaller motorcoach and you can shuttle your guests back to the hotel in shifts. Some guests may not be the party animals they thought they were and will want to get back and begin a restful night of sleep sooner than others.

And not only are you keeping your guests safe, but you are also keeping everyone else on the road safe as well. No one wants to hurt anyone else or be the cause of an accident and with your motor coach shuttling the guests then the roads are less crowded and safer for everyone.

A typical wedding these days’ costs thousands of dollars and what better way to ruin the entire day than by seeing your guests leave when they are not sober and in no condition to drive. By hiring a charter motor coach you can have peace of mind knowing that your guests will arrive safely at their destination.

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.

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!

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