Select Traveler Spring 2026

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THE MAGAZINE FOR GLOBAL AFFINITY TRAVEL

FOOD FESTIVALS | MASSACHUSETTS MOMENTS | SAVORING THE SOUTH

Invite your group to discover a powerful story of hope at the Billy Graham Library. Together, you can retrace Billy Graham’s journey of faith as you explore multimedia presentations, displays, photos, and memorabilia. Come

Iconic views

Come to where the picture-perfect moments happen.

View Boston Observation Deck

Essential France

“Taffinity

ime waits for no man.”

Of all the memorable lines in the classic Coen brothers’ film, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” the one that makes me pause is delivered by an old man on a hand-driven railcar somewhere in the Mississippi Delta. He lays that truth on George Clooney’s character and his hapless comrades when he confronts the folly of their youth. I am turning 71 as I write this and am embarking on a retirement journey that presently seems more puzzling than liberating. I have good friends who planned their retirements for years to spend their winters in Florida. I have other friends who, like me, have created something they love and must reconcile turning it over to the next generation.

As a typical boomer, I’m not retiring because I dislike working. I’m retiring because I think it’s best. I’ve watched more than one fellow boomer work beyond his best years, and it’s not pretty. My companies have been my obsession for 35 years, and now I’ve decided to take the off-ramp to find some new obsessions. That sounds unhealthy, I know, but the idea of trying to become well-rounded now seems like a lot of work.

Because of my wife’s career, we

moved to Bardstown, Kentucky, years ago. Bardstown is more than an hour’s drive from my office in Lexington. My friends cannot fathom that kind of commute for even one year, much less 30, but I’ve cherished it. There’s something comforting about that hour of solitude at the end of each working day.

I frequently get a surge of optimism by driving into a rising sun. My commute has been northeast in the mornings and southwest in the afternoons. In the best conditions, bright skies have allowed me to start the day watching the sun rise and end that day watching it set. It’s no wonder that my personal prayer time has been during that drive to work.

I’ll still be involved in some work activities, including most of the media aspects of the Select Traveler Conference. Charlie Presley and I created this conference in 1996, three years after we created the magazine that preceded it. We’ve weathered economic downturns, the horrific attacks of 9/11, the creation of the internet, the COVID-19 pandemic and now the arrival of AI. But all in all, it’s been a blast.

George Clooney’s character in “Oh, Brother” was obliviously optimistic. The old man on the railcar was an unsentimental sage. I’m shooting for both in my retirement.

Mac Lacy — Publisher

Email me anytime with your thoughts at maclacy@grouptravelleader.com.

going places

WITH ASHLEY RUNYON

It’s Smart to Bring Your Customers into the Digital World

If you still rely on snail mail, in-person meetings and other old-school communication methods, you and your travelers are missing out.

Sure, there’s something charming about mailing a letter, and it’s always nice to spend some time with a client in the office. But when it comes to sharing important trip information, these methods no longer get the job done.

I know this may be hard to hear — and for some of your customers, it’s likely to be even harder. Many don’t like change. If you tell them your trip communications in the future will all be electronic, some will push back. But in my experience, although they may complain, they will eventually adjust. And, in the end, the change will benefit both them and you.

Take it Slow

Switching your travel organization to all-digital communications will save you and your customers time and money. But like all big changes, it’s best to take this one slow. You have to ease into the change.

A great way to start this process with your travelers is to give them some kind of incentive to switch from paper to electronic communications. Or you can appeal to their sense of time and explain how much faster they will get the information. You should also express that there are some communications you simply cannot send by mail, and you don’t want them to miss out on these important messages.

Here’s where things get tricky: Many people are protective of their email addresses and don’t like sharing them with businesses. Some older customers might tell you that they don’t have an email address. Trust me — they do. But they don’t want to communicate with you by email because they like hearing from you on the phone or stopping by the office to chat.

Those things can still happen, of course. But through

email, you can communicate more frequently and share more helpful information with them than you ever could in the past. This is important because you want to give your travelers access to all the information available for their trips and the places they’ll be traveling.

International Considerations

Electronic communications will be critical if you’re taking groups abroad this year and beyond. Most countries now require visas or travel authorization, and many of them require applications to be filled out online. Moving your travelers to digital communications prior to international travel will ensure they are equipped with the knowledge they need and have quick access to any forms they need to complete.

When I have a group traveling internationally, I create an email just for their visas and travel authorizations with helpful links and videos on how to complete the online forms or apps. Some countries are moving toward appbased visa processes, so it’s also important for travelers to have a smartphone when traveling.

My international travelers receive emails regarding preand post-night stays. I also send ideas for helpful travel items, fun facts or videos about upcoming destinations, info about how or where to book optional tours, and more. Using digital communication allows you to offer all these additional tips and resources that wouldn’t be possible by mail.

Pre-Trip Webinars

Believe it or not, I like webinars better than in-person gatherings for pre-trip meetings.

Before all my tours, I offer a pre-trip webinar. I use Microsoft Teams, but there are many other platforms you can use to create a webinar.

So, why do I like the online version better than the in-person one? While I love socializing and seeing my travelers face-to-face, offering an online option is a better alternative.

Ashley Runyon is a longtime bank and travel club planner. She lives in Ashland, Kentucky, with her family of six.

For any in-person event, there will be a number of people whose schedules don’t permit them to attend. But more travelers can make an online meeting work with their schedules. Additionally, you can invite vendors or tour companies to speak about what your travelers will encounter. Everyone will be able to clearly hear what you are saying. And you can record the event and send it so that those who missed it still get all the details — and those who forget things can refresh their memories.

Final Documents

I also prefer email over snail mail for final documents. Emailing final documents and important information required for the trip ensures everyone receives the information in a timely manner. I have been in too many situations where the final documents were sent through the post office but didn’t make it to a traveler — or didn’t arrive in time

for the trip. It’s frustrating and embarrassing. Sending final documents via email gives travelers critical information faster and ensures the transfer is successful. Yes, there are things like bag tags and other physical items we like to give to our travelers, but most major tour companies now hand those out in person. If cruising, you already must have your travelers print a luggage tag. Making the change to email saves quite a bit of money on postage costs.

I can go on and on about why digital communications are more helpful for travelers, but the most important consideration is how helpful it will be for you. Sure, transitioning your travelers from paper to email may require an up-front investment of time and effort. But in the long run, it cuts back your stress, frees up your time and saves a lot of money.

Your travelers get much more information. And you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your people have everything they need.

CLAREMORE HAS THE HORSEPOWER

connection

Williamsburg Awaits

2026 SELECT TRAVELER CONFERENCE CONVENES FEBRUARY 15–17

BY MAC LACY

America’s 250th anniversary will be celebrated in hundreds of places across 50 states this summer, but probably none more fitting than Williamsburg, Virginia. This Colonial-era favorite can expect massive visitation during the nation’s landmark year and will be a focal point for travelers from around the globe who want to experience the excitement of this red, white and blue occasion.

Williamsburg will also host this year’s Select Traveler Conference, February 15–17.

“Our delegates are going to feel very special to be there for sure,” said Jennifer Ferguson, general manager of the Select Traveler Conference. “Williamsburg is such a well-known American destination that previewing the excitement of our

country’s 250th birthday there will provide a lasting memory for anyone attending this year’s conference.”

The area’s early American history is famous in Colonial Williamsburg, but the entire region serves to illustrate this chapter in our nation’s development. Virginia’s Historic Triangle, which includes Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, preserves many original English settlements that are among America’s most revered destinations. These centerpieces have fascinated travelers for centuries. Dating to 1632, Colonial Williamsburg alone features dozens of 18th-century structures and illustrates the period using authentically dressed interpreters who offer personal encounters with our country’s Colonial heritage.

SIGHTSEEING AND SOCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

“America’s 250th anniversary celebration in Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle is going to be memorable, and attendees will get a wonderful glimpse of it,” said Ally Ramello, group sales manager for Visit Williamsburg. “Colonial Williamsburg offers a day-to-day living history experience, and visitors this year will learn so much about American life 250 years ago.

“We have a fun opening evening planned for everyone,” Ramello said. “We’ll have a reception at Williamsburg Lodge followed by what we’re calling A Patriotic Event, with live music by the Good Shot Judy band. We want all our delegates to

wear red, white and blue and come ready to enjoy each other’s company and this great band. Williamsburg Lodge will be the headquarters hotel for our delegates.”

Delegates who have not been to Virginia’s Historic Triangle in a few years will find a new appreciation for its dramatic depiction of Colonial history.

“We’re offering sightseeing tours on the second afternoon of the conference that will include Colonial Williamsburg, our Muscarelle Museum of Art that is affiliated with the College of William and Mary, and some Jamestown highlights,” Ramello said. “Our post tour for buyers after the conference features Yorktown and the Yorktown Battlefield national park, the Williamsburg Winery and Kingsmill Resort.”

KEY SESSIONS AND MARKETPLACE APPOINTMENTS

The Select Traveler Conference features six-minute appointment sessions to assure a dynamic business atmosphere between buyers and sellers. New buyers who have not attended similar marketplaces will find the sales format fast-paced but effective for meeting with numerous destinations over the event’s three days. Sellers do not burden planners with literature in the marketplace; follow-up takes place after the event, primarily with digital resources.

“Business appointments are the bottom line at the Select Traveler Conference,” Ferguson said. “Destinations come to book groups, and buyers come to build their bottom lines. This is where the rubber meets the road.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Brian Jewell, CEO and executive editor of The Group Travel Leader Inc., a Lexington, Kentucky-based media company that publishes three national magazines: The Group Travel Leader, Select Traveler and Going On Faith. Jewell also produces and hosts the company’s international podcast, Gather & Go.

The keynote address takes place on Sunday afternoon, February 15. Jewell’s presentation is titled, “Untapped: Travel’s hidden power to solve people’s deepest problems.”

“Far beyond sightseeing and souvenirs, today’s consumers are looking for experiences to meet deeper needs and fulfill deeper desires,” said Jewell, a frequent speaker to industry groups throughout the country. “This session will explore how tourism professionals can leverage their undiscovered potential to deliver transformational experiences and create lifelong customers.”

The buyer breakout session in Williamsburg takes place early on Sunday afternoon and will be moderated by two veteran travel planners who have attended the conference numerous times over their careers. Karen Noble of Good News Travels in Sullivan, Indiana, and Donna Adams, of Grace Tours in Wichita Falls, Texas, will lead the discussions for all travel planners in attendance. Topics to be covered include trends in group travel management, emerging destinations for groups, selecting travel vendors and tour operators, marketing trips, and others.

“This traditional session at the Select Traveler Conference serves as a great kickoff for many buyers’ years,” said conference partner Mac Lacy. “Its most notable feature for attendees is its structure that allows travel planners to compare notes with other planners in a non-competitive environment. Many lasting Select Traveler friendships have begun at a table in this breakout session.”

DYNAMIC DRAW

Williamsburg and the surrounding area are proving their merits as a nationally known travel destination for leisure groups, as registrations for the conference are running well up over 2025.

“Our buyer attendance is 20% ahead of last year’s conference, which is exciting for our destination delegates and

“We’ve created the Great American

Birthday

Quilt.

We’ve invited citizens across America to submit a quilt block for inclusion in a huge, finished quilt.”

— ALLY RAMELLO, VISIT WILLIAMSBURG

speaks volumes about Williamsburg as a host city,” Ferguson said. “I’m sure we have travel planners who want to refresh their itineraries in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, and this conference offers them a perfect opportunity to come do that. America’s 250th anniversary’s ties to this area makes attending a smart business decision for those buyers.”

Ramello sees the significance of hosting this group prior to many of the activities on tap in her destination for America’s 250th celebration.

“Our area’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary presents a real opportunity for these travel planners,” she said. “For instance, we’ve created the Great American Birthday Quilt, a nationally publicized quilting event that will interest tour groups. We’ve invited citizens across America to submit a quilt block for inclusion in a huge, finished quilt. When completed, it will be displayed at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center.” For details, go to visitwilliamsburg.com/Williams burg-250

“For information on celebrating the founding of Jamestown in May 1607 at any number of group-friendly events this year, go to jyfmuseums.org/events. For information on Sail 250 Virginia, a historic sailing vessel event, visit sail250virginia.com. The three-day celebration of historic sailing vessels includes a replica of the Godspeed, one of the original ships to arrive in Jamestown in 1607 that is based at Jamestown Settlement,” Ramello said.

“On July 4, in Williamsburg, we’ll host a celebration unlike any other in the country,” she added. “It will be centered on internationally known Duke of Gloucester Street, a living outdoor museum setting, and will include music, fireworks from the Governor’s Palace and many other activities that groups will never forget.”

visitwilliamsburg.com selecttravelerconf.com

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TRAVEL FOCUS

All in Good Taste

Take your foodies to a world-class food festival

BY BRIONA LAMBACK

One delicious experience may be the highlight of an entire trip.

Group travel planners have many things to consider when choosing times and places of their trips. One factor that deserves attention is the special events, celebrations and festivals that showcase a destination in all its tasty splendor.

From sipping wine in Washington to enjoying shrimp and grits in the heart of coastal Georgia or timing a visit to Michigan for cherry delicacies, there is something for every person and palate at these five food festivals happening from spring through fall in Washington, Hawaii, South Carolina, Michigan and Georgia.

TASTE WASHINGTON: THE GRAND TASTING

SEATTLE

MARCH 21–22

This spring, Taste Washington will host The Grand Tasting, the 26th edition of its annual food and wine festival, held indoors at the Lumen Field Event Center.

“Attendees can partake in various activities and events over multiple days, from educational seminars with national personalities, intimate wine and food events with celebrity chefs, or the Grand Tasting featuring 200 wineries, 75 restaurants and surprises around every corner,” said Heather Bradshaw, senior director of communications and constituent relations at the Washington State Wine Commission.

The festival’s culinary partners serve everything from handmade cheeses to barbecue, and the Bubbles & Bingo event unlocks the opportunity to taste special vintages of sparkling wines. Live cooking demonstrations, live mural painting and DJ sets take the experience to the next level, making it immersive beyond food and drink.

For travel planners looking to up the ante with an elevated festival experience, VIP tickets include early entry, a tote bag and a Taste Washington lanyard, plus VIP lounge access with exclusive wine and food offerings. Groups can plan their stay at the 282-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square at preferred rates as part of the festival room block and be within steps of the festival activities.

tastewashington.org

BLACK FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

APRIL 24–26

One of the country’s richest examples of African American foodways is in the Lowcountry, the coastal region of South Carolina where Charleston sits. Since 2021, it’s been home to the city’s two-day Black Food Truck Festival, a celebration featuring over 40 food trucks and supporting other Black entrepreneurs who help make the event possible. The featured trucks bring flavors from across the African diaspora, from soul food to West African dishes.

Groups planning to make a weekend out of the experience should plan an early arrival to attend the opening party, Rhythm and Booze, which is typically held at The International African American Museum in downtown Charleston. The black-carpet party features a DJ, live entertainment and light bites, and allows guests to see the museum’s exhibits, making it an ideal way for groups to dive into the city’s rich Black history before tasting their way through the culture at the festival.

Beyond the eats, the festival hosts multiple lounges, including a bar and hookah lounge and a mobile cigar lounge. Groups can bring attendees of all ages, as the festival is family-friendly and even features a kids zone. blackfoodtruckfestival.com

KAPALUA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

MAUI, HAWAII

JUNE

25–28

One of the oldest food and wine festivals in the U.S. is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year in Hawaii on the island of Maui. The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, started by the Kapalua Wine Society, brings together winemakers, celebrity chefs and local restaurant favorites for winemaker dinners and tasting seminars that feature global wines over the festival weekend.

Attendees can feel good about their ticket purchases, as the festival’s primary beneficiary is the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Culinary Arts Program, which supports local students with scholarships and program underwriting. During the festival, students receive mentorship through instruction and hands-on experiences as they work alongside celebrity and regional chefs. The

Posing in front of the Black Food Truck Festival sign

event also supports several local grassroots organizations, including the Lahaina Restoration Foundation and the Aloha Wine Foundation.

kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com

NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN JULY 4–11

As the U.S. celebrates its 250th year in 2026, the National Cherry Festival will mark its 100th anniversary with a centennial edition. The event began in 1926 as a group of local cherry growers celebrating the region’s thriving cherry industry and bringing the community together, but it has grown into something much larger.

“What started as a small, local celebration has grown into a nationally recognized festival that honors tradition, celebrates and promotes cherries, community involvement and the Grand Traverse Region, creating generations of fun,” said Mandy DePuy, marketing and communications manager at the Festival Foundation.

Held along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay, groups planning to attend this year’s festival can expect

a parade, air shows, amusement rides, fireworks, cherry pie-eating and pit-spitting contests, live music, and more. There’s even a cherry farm market on-site. DePuy said the festival gives groups the chance to experience Northern Michigan’s culture, cuisine and natural beauty in one trip. Given 2026’s centennial celebrations, the festival team recommends that groups plan several months in advance to secure accommodations and event access. The festival is 90% free to attend, but ticketed events have limited availability and may not offer group discounts. The Grand Traverse region offers a range of group-friendly hotels, resorts and vacation rentals, many within easy access to festival venues. Planners should contact Traverse City Tourism for more information. cherryfestival.org

JEKYLL ISLAND SHRIMP & GRITS FESTIVAL

JEKYLL ISLAND, GEORGIA

OCTOBER 23–24

How many different ways can you enjoy shrimp and grits? Groups can do their best to find the answer at this festival. Live music, fireworks, crafts and, of course, food

will fill Georgia’s Jekyll Island this fall during the 20th annual Shrimp & Grits Festival. Launched in 2006, the festival’s humble beginnings included folks cooking in trailers and mom-and-pop-style vendors selling quilts. Now the celebration is the state’s marquee festival honoring the classic Southern namesake staple and draws over 45,000 people to the historic district of Jekyll Island. Entry into the festival is free, but attendees should be prepared to pay for specific activities and experiences inside the event. For groups, advance planning is essential because hotels tend to fill up fast. On the island, there are a few options to choose from, including the 187-room The Westin, Home2 Suites, or the neighboring Courtyard and Residence Inn properties. Many on-island hotels will shuttle guests to the festival entrance. jekyllisland.com

STATE OF MIND

Choose

Massachusetts

BY ZACH CHOUTEAU

Cambridge, just across the Charles River from Boston, offers a rich mix of culture and outdoor experiences.

The Bay State charms its guests

From Boston Harbor in the east to The Berkshires in the west, Massachusetts is a state laden with compelling history and culture — and enticing ways for groups to explore the bounty of the past.

Whether groups are exploring Beacon Hill before an elegant meal, bounding through The Berkshires and its bevy of artistic offerings or investigating all points in between, the state is a veritable trove of portals to the past that prompt fun times and connection. Massachusetts is simply hard to beat when it comes to charm, history and a timeless elegance that discerning travelers are certain to appreciate.

BOSTON AND CAMBRIDGE

Few cities in North America can match Boston’s bounty of old-world charm, making it an ideal escape for upscale groups on the lookout for elegant experiences and historical exploration.

Boston’s global name recognition carries immediate cachet with affluent travelers, said Emily Meehan, tourism sales manager for Meet Boston.

But what many groups might not be aware of is the city’s endless slate of group offerings that range from exclusive spectator sports to high-end cultural tours and elegant outings into Boston Harbor and beyond.

“This is a destination that understands luxury travel,” Meehan said.

Sports lovers will relish outings tied to the city’s storied athletic past, highlighted by options like VIP tours of TD Garden Sports Museum, home to the Celtics, and experiences at legendary Fenway Park, such as trying on authentic player uniforms and trying out an official MLB batting cage.

Getting on the water is always a memorable event, and groups can sail in sophisticated fashion with Classic Harbor Line, luxuriating aboard the 110-foot Northern Lights yacht or the 80-foot Adirondack sailing ship. Private cruises can even include catering, a bar and live music upon request, adding up to an enchanting and elegant soiree on the bay.

Across the Charles River, the city of Cambridge offers a “rich mix of culture, history and outdoor experiences,” said Candice Beaulieu, executive director for the Cambridge Office for Tourism. She added that groups also love the dining scene — boosted by eight restaurants highlighted in the Michelin Guide — as well as a lodging landscape showcasing “distinctive hotels that range from historic and boutique to full-service luxury.”

And for group outings that elevate an itinerary, she suggested a cruise with the Charles River Boat Company, taking in a live performance at Harvard’s acclaimed American Repertory Theater or a stroll through historic Mount Auburn Cemetery, America’s first garden cemetery. meetboston.com cambridgeusa.org

CAPE COD

Bill DeSousa-Mauk, public relations manager for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce for nearly three decades, truly has his finger on the pulse of the region and on its appeal for groups seeking seaside scenery and serenity.

“The cape is a pretty laid-back place,” he said. “When you think about Cape Cod, you think of beautiful beaches, seaports, 15 towns with period homes and architecture, and a place that is so traditional people have been returning for generations.”

When it comes to unforgettable group experiences, DeSousa-Mauk points out there’s an endless array, but a few truly stand out for making memories.

“Whale-watching tours are quite popular and quite dramatic,” he said. “I’ve even seen people crying on them, they’re such majestic animals. It’s really quite an experience.”

Another group trek sure to make an impression is hopping aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad and enjoying one of its special offerings.

“They have dinner trains, foliage trains and other themed outings where you can go through cranberry bogs and have dinner passing through various villages,” DeSousa-Mauk said.

He added that the cape’s various charming communities are a draw in themselves.

“There are 15 towns, and each one is completely different and distinctive. Provincial towns that look back to when people lived differently than they do now.”

In fair weather, he highly recommends Art’s Dune Tours, including the popular sunset outing, where dinner and a bonfire can be added onto the experience.

“Provincetown has these huge sand dunes a hundred feet high,” he said. “It’s like being on the moon — a truly unique experience.”

capecodchamber.org

SALEM

Only a short drive north of Boston on the North Shore, Salem is known for the witch trials held there in 1692 and 1693, but today the city is all about bewitching visitors with a blend of culture, scenery and sophistication.

“Salem pairs American history with a surprisingly refined, modern sensibility,” said Ashley Judge, executive director for Destination Salem. “It’s walkable, coastal and visually striking, but it also has real substance.”

What distinguishes Salem for upscale groups is its collection of elevated, only-here experiences, Judge said. The Peabody Essex Museum stands out for its world-class curation and modern design, offering private tours that feel both intimate and intellectually engaging. On the water, Sunset Sail Salem delivers a tailored coastal perspective that is relaxed, elegant and perfect for groups seeking something memorable. Culinary travelers gravitate toward Salem Food Tours, which weave together local flavor and history in a way that feels immersive rather than scripted.

The city also excels at offering unexpected, artful moments, she said. Workshops at The Sea Wych Salem and personalized aura photography sessions at Ascend introduce visitors to Salem’s modern spiritual culture with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Shopping is equally elevated, from Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry’s custom pieces to HausWitch Home + Healing’s modern approach to spiritual retail.

Spring and summer amplify Salem’s appeal even further. Brick sidewalks lined with cafe tables, sailboats filling the harbor, and historic homes glowing in late daylight forge a quintessential New England atmosphere. Waterfront dining at Finz or Sea Level Oyster Bar, rooftop evenings at The Hotel Salem, and the bustling Salem Farmers Market all offer seasonal coastal charm that feels made for groups.

salem.org

SPRINGFIELD AND PIONEER VALLEY

Springfield, the largest city in the Pioneer Valley region, shows off numerous ways to explore days of yore and counterbalances the area’s rural charms with its cosmopolitan flair.

“You have quaint New England towns and then a livelier big town like Springfield, with a casino and high-end steakhouse,” said Michele Goldberg, vice president of marketing for the Greater

“Provincetown has these huge sand dunes a hundred feet high. It’s like being on the moon — a truly unique experience.”

— BILL DESOUSA-MAUK, CAPE COD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Deerfield’s Yankee Candle Village at Christmas

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For a more active agenda, groups can visit Forest Park, a 735-acre outdoor oasis overlooking the Connecticut River, for breathtaking hiking, biking and other open-air fun. The park is home to aquatic gardens and ponds, wooded walking paths, sports and picnic areas, and even a zoo.

As for culture and history, groups need look no further than the Springfield Museums, which form a five-museum campus in downtown covering art, history, science and the world of Dr. Seuss. One admission grants access to all five museums, plus an outdoor art offering sure to captivate guests.

“There’s a beautiful sculpture garden with all the [Dr. Seuss] characters, an art museum, history museum, and one of the largest cloisonné collections around,” Goldberg said. She added that groups can admire works by Monet, creations by Currier and Ives, and much more — and that the museum grouping is a Smithsonian affiliate. Groups of 10 or more can even customize their own docent-led tour focused on a particular theme, such as art, history, science or Dr. Seuss.

“We have all these high-end cultural offerings in rural settings,” she said. “Groups can go from hiking in the woods to a fancy meal.”

On the cultural end, Schmid points out renowned options such as MASS MoCA in North Adams, one of the largest contemporary art museums in the nation.

“It’s a very cool campus, and they love working with groups,” Schmid said. “There’s a brewery, a little cafe, and they’ll craft experiences for groups. You can even do after-hours events.”

Also in the northern part of the region is the Clark Art Institute, set on 140 acres and an easy win for groups because it blends world-class art with a beautiful, walkable campus in Williamstown. Groups can enjoy guided tours tailored to their interests; explore galleries featuring European and American masters; and spend time outdoors on the expansive grounds that offer trails and reflecting pools.

In nearby Deerfield, Goldberg strongly recommended a visit to Yankee Candle Village, which has a natural pull for groups thanks to its mix of immersive spaces, hands-on activities and easy logistics. Guests can explore the Bavarian Christmas Village, enjoy make-your -own candle stations and wander through themed rooms that appeal to all ages.

She also touts Springfield’s central location near the middle of Massachusetts, resulting in a locale that feels removed without the necessity of major travel.

“We’re super easy to get to and very convenient to some major cities but without a lot of traffic,” Goldberg said. explorewesternmass.com

THE BERKSHIRES

Further west, The Berkshires claim a blend of culture and countryside that few regions anywhere can approach. This unique regional “juxtaposition” is what really put the location on the map for discerning travelers, said Lindsey Schmid, senior vice president of tourism and marketing and regional tourism council director for 1Berkshire.

A smaller but equally beloved offering is the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. The museum honors the famed artist, known for his iconic Saturday Evening Post covers, with permanent and changing exhibits, and the museum will feature a special Calvin and Hobbes collection on display this summer.

For an escape to an earlier time in New England, the Hancock Shaker Village is a veritable living museum that includes a farm and much more, always alive with activity. Schmid mentioned the venue’s allure has been even more heightened lately due to its status as the filming location for “The Testament of Ann Lee” movie, starring Amanda Seyfried.

There are also historic homes in the region open for tours and exploration, including The Mount, the home of author Edith Wharton, and Naumkeag, a Gilded Age mansion nestled on 48 acres.

For summer trips, groups should plan ahead for the massively popular Tanglewood Music Festival, showcasing classical tunes (including from the Boston Symphony Orchestra) in July and August. And for pure pampering, consider a spa day at the famed Canyon Ranch wellness resort in Lenox.

berkshires.org

Voyage En Groupe

JOIN A FEW FRIENDS IN FRANCE

BY WENDY HELFENBAUM

With its rich history and culture, legendary food and wine scene, and diverse natural landscapes that include majestic mountains and coastlines, lush vineyards and charming rural villages, France offers a wealth of options for groups.

France borders eight other European countries and is easy to get to from most U.S. cities or by train within Europe. Outdoor activities include hiking or skiing in the Alps, cycling in Provence, surfing in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region or kayaking in southeastern France in the Gorges du Verdon river canyon — known as “the Grand Canyon of Europe” — where a turquoise river cuts through limestone cliffs.

While many visitors focus on Paris, whether it’s exploring the Louvre or marvelling at the Eiffel Tower, there are many wonderful regions worth exploring outside that bustling capital, from the glitzy French Riviera or Côte d’Azur that includes Nice, Cannes and Monaco, to medieval towns with cobblestone streets and magnificent architecture.

Groups can devour classic French cuisine like fresh baguettes, cassoulet and crème brûlée and sample award-winning wines produced for centuries from varied terroirs across the country.

For groups seeking to learn about its storied history or enjoy its scrumptious croissants, there’s plenty to savor in this European gem.

can’t miss DESTINATIONS

Burgundy

Located in the central-eastern part of France, Burgundy’s rolling green valleys are dotted with picturesque villages and waterways running past abbeys, monasteries and castles. Four of France’s 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are here. The region has been producing wine since the second century from two of the world’s best-known grape varieties: chardonnay and pinot noir. New this year, La Route Gourmande en Bourgogne features 13 culinary road trips across Burgundy’s four corners. Groups can sample mustard, chocolate and wine in several towns on each trail. La Route de Cassis, an audio-guided walking tour from Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges, traces the history of black currants.

Normandy

Groups can tour the beaches and memorials of Normandy, the region in northwestern France famed for the D-Day landings along its coast during World War II. Normandy is also the birthplace of Impressionism, and this year marks the 100th anniversary of famous painter Claude Monet’s passing. To mark the occasion, Normandy and the Paris region are hosting more than 100 events between March and December, and Monet’s garden in Giverny will feature 50 contemporary art projects by international artists paying tribute to him. During the Normandy Impressionist Festival, groups can discover Monet’s works at various museums featuring special exhibits, tour his homes and visit landscapes that inspired him.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

While many visitors come to France’s largest region to tour Bordeaux — where medieval history meets wine — the Dordogne, just east of Bordeaux, is known as the country’s “cornucopia” thanks to its range of outdoor and culinary experiences. Groups can tour the Lascaux IV caves, a UNESCO site celebrating its 10th anniversary with events, performances and exhibitions. Market visits and hands-on cooking classes allow participants to create classic French dishes, and in the town of Saint-Junien, which is known for its luxury leatherwork, the new Cité du Cuir offers an immersive experience with interactive leather workshops, talks and demonstrations. Other activities include cycling and canoeing along the Dordogne River.

France is home to 6,450 châteaux or castles, and some 300 line the 175mile Loire River Valley, two hours southwest of Paris. On tours, groups can learn about France’s architecture and history. The renowned Château de Chambord features 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and a double-helix staircase, all surrounded by Europe’s largest enclosed forest park.

With more than 1,000 different types of cheese — including brie, Roquefort and Pont-l’Évêque, which dates to the 12th century — France is a foodie paradise. Fifty-six varieties are classified, regulated and officially protected under French law, including Comté in the Alps, Camembert in Normandy or Époisses in Burgundy.

TREASURE

La Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the AuvergneRhône-Alpes region, features 80 volcanoes formed 95,000 years ago. To see the breathtaking view from the highest volcano, Puy de Dôme, groups can hike up or take the Panoramique des Dômes, an electric rack-and-pinion or cog railway.

SOUVENIR

The iconic green or white cubeshaped Savon de Marseille soap contains 72% vegetable oil and has been made the same way for centuries. Crafted in the heart of Provence at three soap factories in the city of Marseille, the gentle, scent-free soap can also be used for laundry or disinfecting small wounds.

Foodie Fare

Try these Michelin recognized restaurants in the South

Everyone knows the South is the land of good eats.

But now travelers and food critics alike have proof. In April 2025, Michelin announced it would be bringing the Michelin Guide to the American South to explore the region’s flavors, from the heat of Cajun cuisine to the rib-sticking goodness of soul food classics, as well as some less expected flavor combinations. The Michelin Guide includes several esteemed designations: stars, green stars, the Bib Gourmand award and general recognition in the guide. Michelin-star restaurants are inspected multiple times per year to ensure consistent quality.

Here are five Michelin-recommended restaurants just waiting to welcome groups.

Luminosa Asheville, North Carolina

In the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina, inside the newly reopened Flat Iron Hotel, Luminosa combines Italian cuisine with the flavors of Appalachia. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Green Star, which recognizes its sustainability efforts in addition to its culinary excellence. Daily trips to local farmers markets and in-house butchering of whole cows are just a few of the sustainable, zero-waste efforts.

Extending the cozy feel of The Flat Iron Hotel, Luminosa’s decor uses warm wood tones to create an inviting atmosphere. Groups can dine within several spaces, including the lower dining room, with a capacity of 20, or the Iron Works room, with a capacity of 60. Groups can also dine on the hotel’s rooftop, which has space for up to 40.

With its menu arranged in true Italian style, Luminosa offers several popular antipasti (appetizer) options, including bone marrow tater tots and apple brandy beef carpaccio. Its most lauded wood-fired pizza is the lemon pizza topped with smoked mozzarella, ricotta, fennel and basil. Highly rated first courses include rigatoni with Italian sausage, San Marzano tomatoes and Calabrian chili, as well as gnocchi with baby carrots, gorgonzola fonduta and upland cress. Options for the second course include

items like a bone-in pork chop with Habanada pepper jelly and wood-fired lion’s mane mushroom. For a sweet finish to the evening, guests are sure to be more than satisfied with Luminosa’s tiramisu, olive oil cake and flourless chocolate torte, as well as a seasonal soft serve ice cream, a selection of dessert wines, and vanilla or pistachio gelato.

The restaurant’s drink menu takes advantage of Asheville’s vibrant brewing scene with locally sourced beers on tap. High-quality wines, creative cocktails and equally flavorful mocktails round out Luminosa’s drink menu.

LUMINOSAAVL.COM

Hot and Hot Fish Club Birmingham, Alabama

The Pepper Place district in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, is known as a culinary hub, home to a Saturday farmers market and several local businesses and restaurants. One Pepper Place restaurant, Hot and Hot Fish Club, was recognized as a Michelin selected restaurant. While these haven’t technically earned a Michelin Star, they are recognized as promising spots that could potentially be eligible for higher distinctions in the future. Designed around a curved chef’s table where diners can sit and watch their food being prepared, the restaurant is a lively setting for a high-quality meal in the heart of the city.

Hot and Hot Fish Club features a rotating menu highlighting seasonal flavors with a European flair. Starters include delicacies like beef tartare, a shrimp bisque made with brandy and tarragon, and an heirloom beet salad

with whipped goat cheese. Mains include hearty choices like oven roasted black grouper, country fried steak, and a duck duo comprising seared duck breast and confit. A Meyer lemon posset, chocolate soufflé and bread pudding with white chocolate and raspberry are among the dessert options. The drink menu features craft cocktails and mocktails with fresh fruits and seasonal spices, as well as an extensive selection of wine.

Groups can dine in the Chef’s Room, which has two large windows offering views of the dining room, with optional drapery for privacy. Restaurant staff can design a custom meal experience for groups, complete with their own custom food and beverage menus.

HOTANDHOTFISHCLUB.COM

Herbsaint

New Orleans

The Big Easy is known for a cuisine as diverse as its cultural medley, so it’s no surprise that New Orleans is home to several Michelin-recognized restaurants and even a few that were awarded Michelin stars. One group-friendly Michelin-recognized restaurant is Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant, which can be found on Historic St. Charles Avenue, just blocks from popular group attractions like The National WWII Museum. The restaurant was established in 2000 and combines French, Southern and Italian cooking.

Herbsaint’s small but mighty menu includes soups and salads like gumbo, fried green tomatoes and an arugula salad with spice walnuts and an apple cider vinaigrette. Its selection of small plates features cornmeal fried oysters, beef short ribs with horseradish cream, house-made spaghetti with a fried-poached egg and bluefin tuna tartare. Its hearty mains include the fish of the day, Louisiana jumbo shrimp, a Muscovy duck leg confit with dirty rice and a grilled wagyu bavette with chimichurri. Traditional cocktails, a selection of beer and ciders, and an eclectic wine list round out the dining experience.

Several private dining options are available for groups. They

can reserve the restaurant’s semi-private dining space, which accommodates up to 16, or do a full buyout of the restaurant if their group includes 34 people or fewer. Large parties will choose from a preset, seasonal food and beverage menu. Groups larger than 34 can dine at Herbsaint’s designated private event venue, Calcasieu, above its sister restaurant, Cochon. HERBSAINT.COM

Scoundrel

Greenville, South Carolina

The once-quaint town of Greenville, South Carolina, has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to a downtown revitalization that brought abundant urban greenspaces and parks, as well as walkable shopping and dining districts. With that growth comes good food. Scoundrel, founded in 2022, is a French restaurant inspired by the upscale American steakhouse and French bistro experiences. It was awarded one Michelin star in 2025 to mark its culinary excellence and a consistent standout dining experience. It was also a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2024. Featuring exposed brick walls, high-end finishes and a moody atmosphere, it’s a chic find on Greenville’s North Main Street, a short walk from the city’s hotels, shopping and nightlife.

to restaurants that offer great food for great value. Table & Main, located on a modest former homestead, is one of just 50 restaurants in the South to earn this distinction. It offers a neighborhood clubhouse vibe and aims to make guests feel like they’re dining at a friend’s house.

The menu begins with hors d’oeuvres, which include Parisian delicacies like escargot, yellowfin tuna carpaccio, broiled oysters, beef tartare, deviled blue crab and osetra caviar. Scoundrel’s popular specialties include a tomahawk ribeye and steak frites. Other entrees include the roasted half chicken, pork ribs, aged Timberock duck breast, Virginia striped bass and the “Dirty Rotten Scoundrel” — a burger with two black angus patties, cheddar, lettuce and scoundrel sauce. Sides include duck fat fries, melted broccoli rabe and candy roasted squash. Scoundrel serves plenty of Greenville-based brews, international wines and upscale craft cocktails.

Groups of seven to nine can enjoy the restaurant’s full menu in its intimate private dining room. Parties of 10 or more can order from a preset menu and dine family style.

SCOUNDRELGVL.COM

Table & Main

Roswell, Georgia

Thirty minutes north of Atlanta, Roswell, Georgia, is an affluent suburb jam-packed with group-friendly attractions, from historic house museums to the Chattahoochee Nature Center. There are also plenty of local food and beverage spots, including one that earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction in 2025. Bib Gourmand is awarded

The restaurant is known for its upscale Southern cuisine with a seasonally focused selection. The menu features appetizers like fancy cornbread with honey butter spread, a mushroom and pecan bisque, boiled peanut hummus, habanero meatballs, and chicken salad croquettes. Some of its most popular entrees include fried chicken; shrimp and grits with Creole brown gravy and pork andouille sausage; a burger with pimento cheese and bacon jam; and market fish with farro and butternut squash risotto and crispy sage. There’s also Georgia blackened catfish and a vegetable plate loaded with the diner’s choice of seasonal vegetables. Guests can finish their meals with a choice of vanilla or bourbon butter pecan blondie ice cream or a seasonal sorbet; apple pie bread pudding; chocolate pudding with a brownie and topped with meringue; or boiled peanut cheesecake with a cola reduction topped with whipped cream.

Groups can enjoy a prix fixe or family style menu. They have the option of buying out one of the restaurant’s many spaces. Groups smaller than 32 can reserve the main dining room, while groups with fewer than 45 people can reserve the patio. Groups as large as 74 can arrange a full restaurant buyout.

TABLEANDMAIN.COM

Getting Out There

BY RACHEL CRICK

Active groups flock to these outdoor adventures

Under open skies, travelers will enjoy experiences of a lifetime.

Thanks to limited distractions and a shared sense of adventure, outdoor experiences unite groups and create lasting memories. But outdoor activities aren’t just for the most daring travelers; tours exist to accommodate every traveler’s skill level, whether they’re on a slow-paced stargazing tour under brilliant night skies or navigating river rapids in the Appalachian Mountains.

From its beaches and backwaters to its lush forests and parks, the landscapes of the South are waiting to be explored. Here are five exceptional outdoor experiences for groups of all ages and activity levels.

Swimming with Manatees Crystal River, Florida

Known for their gentle temperaments and large, slow-moving figures, manatees are affectionately called “sea cows.” They’re the ocean’s largest herbivores, often measuring nearly 14 feet long and weighing up to 3,000 pounds. Though these gentle giants are no longer considered endangered, they are still a protected species. In addition to the danger they face from boat strikes, they are susceptible to the cold, so in the winter months they migrate to the consistently temperate waters of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida. This small community is the only place in the U.S. where it’s legal to swim with manatees, allowing travelers to check off a unique item on their travel bucket lists.

Many outlets in the Crystal River area facilitate manatee experiences, including Plantation on Crystal River Adventure Center, which can accommodate groups of up to 48. Tours begin with instructions on safely interacting with manatees; “passive observance” lets guests come face to face with the manatees while obeying the law, though if they’re lucky, some guests might be approached by a curious or playful manatee. Groups will then don their wetsuits and snorkel gear and head out on Kings Bay. Tour guides will point out the manatees. A few dozen manatees stay in the area year-round, but during colder months, the waters might be home to hundreds of these fascinating creatures. If they don’t want to swim, Plantation on Crystal River Adventure Center also offers scenic cruises with just as many manatee sightings.

PLANTATIONADVENTURECENTER.COM

Horseback Riding on the Beach

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Horseback riding on the beach is an experience that’s both relaxing and cinematic. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ways to experience the sand and the surf, and it’s remarkably well-suited to beginner riders because of the broad, flat terrain of the beach. While beach rides are offered at various outlets along the East and Gulf coasts, few places are as ideal for groups as Inlet Point Plantation in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, thanks to its location near a private barrier island and its abundance of horses. These tours are sure to add an adventurous flair to any trip to the Myrtle Beach area.

The plantation has a long history dating back to the Revolutionary War, though it was also significant during the Civil War and may have even played host to a few infamous outlaws. It’s adjacent to Waites Island, the 1,400-acre private island along the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Guided beach horseback tours take guests to the pristine shores of the island, either for sightseeing or sunset tours. These rides last approximately an hour, and no prior riding experience is required — individuals will be matched to horses based on temperament and skill level. The plantation is home to nearly 50 horses, including Tennessee Walkers and Appaloosas. Nature-loving groups will also appreciate the island’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty. While they’re trotting on the beach, groups will hear tales of the plantation’s storied past and learn about the ecology of the area. Inlet Point Plantation also offers shaded strolls along the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. These tours offer shadier stretches than the beach rides, which can be a great alternative during warmer months, though guided horseback tours are offered both on the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway year-round.

INLETPOINTPLANTATION.COM

Whitewater Rafting

Hartford, Tennessee

Adventurous and active groups love the heart-pumping thrill of riding the rapids while white-water rafting. In addition to getting one’s adrenaline flowing, it’s a fun, easy-tolearn activity that doubles as a sightseeing trip and a workout. It’s also a great way for group members to bond with one another, thanks to the team nature of rafting. Eastern Tennessee has many rafting outlets near the Smokies and closer to Chattanooga, but one that’s especially well-versed in groups is Smoky Mountain River Rat, which can be found not far from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation’s most visited national park, as well as charming towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Its location in Hartford, Tennessee, offers rafting trips along the Pigeon River that range from “mild” to “wild.” The most mild trips are perfect for all ages and involve class I and II rapids, while the most wild trips involve class III and IV rapids. Each trip begins with a safety talk, and each raft has an experienced guide at the helm to teach groups the rafting basics. Rafts have a capacity of seven, but groups can take multiple rafts per trip to accommodate groups as large as 80. Discounted pricing is available for groups of 20 or more.

For something a bit gentler than white-water rafting, Smoky Mountain River Rat also has an outlet in Townsend specifically for tubing. Both locations offer bus parking, on-site lunch options, picnic areas and changing rooms, and the rafting site also offers hot showers.

SMOKYMTNRIVERRAT.COM

Astronomy at Stephen C. Foster State Park Georgia

Situated just north of the Georgia-Florida border, Georgia’s Stephen C. Foster State Park is the primary entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp, a shallow wetland comprising more than 430,000 acres. The swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in America and is home to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, a protected habitat for animals such as alligators, black bears, deer, and a wide range of birds, amphibians and reptiles. It’s even home to a few rare and endangered species, including the indigo snake and the red-cockaded woodpecker.

Stephen C. Foster Park offers a variety of activities for outdoor adventure-seekers, from fishing to kayaking, but another incredible opportunity can be found simply by looking up. The park is a certified International Dark Sky Place by DarkSky International; it was the first place in the state of Georgia to receive accreditation as part of the International Dark Sky Places Program and remains the only dark sky park in the Southeast. DarkSky International aims to combat light pollution and minimize its negative effect on natural ecosystems. As a result, parks that receive the designation are frequently stunning wildlife habitats, and Stephen C. Foster State Park is no exception. Amateur stargazers and astronomy experts alike will delight in some of the best night sky views on the East Coast. To experience the beauty of the stars within the park, groups of 25 or more can arrange a private, one-hour guided astronomy experience led by park staff. Groups can also join prescheduled programs, such as full-moon hikes or sunset swamp tours, where they’ll get another chance to see the park’s beautiful night skies. Groups will get to see stunning views of the Milky Way and might see familiar constellations in a whole new light after spying them through the lens of a telescope.

GASTATEPARKS.ORG

Honey Island Swamp Tours Slidell, Louisiana

In eastern St. Tammany Parish, near Slidell, Louisiana, Honey Island Swamp awaits outdoor enthusiasts. Considered one of the most pristine swamplands in the country, the 70,000-acre swamp was named for an abundance of honeybees. It’s known for a beautiful landscape of mossdraped cypress trees and lots of wildlife, from deer and small woodland mammals to alligators, turtles and waterfowl. Honey Island Swamp Tours, a tour operator dedicated to educating visitors about the ecosystem since 1982, offers interpretive boat tours.

Groups will glide through shallow and deep portions of the swamp. In warmer months, they’ll be surrounded by the lush greenery of abundant plant life, while the landscape turns otherworldly — though no less beautiful — in the winter. Year-round, they’ll see alligators sunning themselves on logs or enjoying a marshmallow at their tour guide’s discretion. They can also see feral hogs, otters, beaver, mink, blue herons, snowy egrets, bald eagles and a range of other fauna.

Private tours can be arranged for groups of 16 or more on covered or uncovered boats. These narrated tours last about two hours and educate passengers about Louisiana’s landscapes. They’re perfect for nature photography and birding. Transportation to and from New Orleans hotels is offered by the operator.

HONEYISLANDSWAMP.COM