While your group is visiting Kansas City, you should stop by the Hallmark Visitors Center. You will find interesting exhibits that demonstrate the Enovation and creativity that go into making Hallmark products. Hallmark has called Kansas City home for over 100 years. The company creates greeting cards and other products in 30 languages that reach 100 countries around the world. One of the exhibits is known as Hallmark Live which is where you will meet the creators of some of Hallmark’s most popular products, such as their Keepsake Ornaments. There will be individuals such as a writer, designer, photographer, or sculptor at the exhibit to talk with the group. The Hallmark Art Collection is another interesting exhibit for the group to explore. Visitors will have the opportunity to view original works of art that were created for the covers of Hallmark cards. You will see works from individuals such as Saul Steinberg, Grandma Moses, and Sir Winston Churchill. The group will also learn the story behind Norman Rockwell’s famous painting which is known as The Kansas City Spirit. The original is at the Hallmark Visitors Center and there are prints available to purchase as a souvenir. The Hallmark Hall of Fame exhibit is fascinating and unique. Your group will have the opportunity to see an Emmy Award up close and watch classic clips from television’s most honored series – the Hallmark Hall of Fame. The exhibition showcases more than 60 years of award-winning television programming, along with the talented actors the series attracts.

During your adult group visit to Kansas City, you may want to explore the City Market. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions in an open-air setting. The City Market has been in operation for 150 years. They host concerts, festivals, and other special events during the year. If you want to shop until you drop, the City Market offers visitors a variety of locations to find interesting merchandise. You can shop at places such as Carollo’s Gourmet Grocery and Deli, Crossland International Market, the Taste of Brazil Market, So Young’s Fashions, and Emblazon Card and Gifts. When you shop at Crossland International Market, you will find imported items from Africa and the Caribbean. They have Halal Meats, wheat, dried beans, peas, and curry, and other seasonings. Emblazon Card and Gifts has home accessories and souvenirs in a variety of themed areas. You will find themes such as Egyptian, Native American, and wildlife. Are you searching for quality food? If so, the City Market has plenty of choices for the group to sample. You can dine at restaurants such as Minsky’s Café, Burrito Bros, Kaldi’s Coffee and Hungry Monkey Bites. When you visit Hungry Monkey Bites, the group can purchase delicious snack food and beverages. They offer Chicago Style cheese popcorn, seasoned candied pecans, and the Hungry Monkey signature cookie, which is known as the “Oat-Choc-Wal Cookie.” Burrito Bros offers a variety of Mexican food such as quesadillas, Mexican pizzas, salads, burritos and tacos. The City Market hosts several special events year-round for your group to attend. You can enjoy concerts, the Art of the Machine Car Series, and classes at the Farm to Table Kitchen. They also have a community yard sale on Saturdays and Sundays.

Historic Union Station opened its doors to the public on January 15, 1931 – one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States. This magnificent facility served millions of rail travelers and was world-renowned for its “modern” amenities and lavish style. Today, grand as ever, Union Station houses the wonderful Durham Museum, an institution dedicated to the preservation and display of important history of the American West, with permanent exhibits highlighting the history of Omaha and its surrounding regions, and impressive temporary exhibitions hosting collections of relevant and compelling subjects from partners such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, the Library of Congress and the Field Museum. See everything from numismatist Byron Reed’s massive coin collection, a replica storefront of a popular 1915 grocery, a fully-restored 1922 flatbed Mack moving truck, an 1890s Union Pacific 1243 Steam Locomotive and an authentic Omaha and Council Bluffs Railway and Bridge Company streetcar that actually taxied riders through the streets of Omaha more than 70 years ago to an array of fine antiques and a fantastic assemblage of souvenirs, photographs and other artifacts recalling the 1989 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. Be sure to stop by The Soda Fountain and Candy Shop for an old-fashioned taste treat, Omaha style!

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is located in Dallas, Texas. The location offers group tours to visitors of all ages. Your group will enjoy the animals and exhibits featured at the ranch. There are various tours offered. Featured tours include the following: the Adventure Tour, the Adventure Tour and Interactive Program, and the Adventure Tour Interactive Program and Lunch. The Adventure Tour is 2 hours in length. Guests will travel 400 acres of the Texas Hill Country. You will see over 50 species of animals while on your journey. The group will have the opportunity to feed, photograph and get up-close with the creatures. There is a Petting Barnyard that contains several different animals. They include the following: parrots, macaws, and giraffes. You may also make a stop at Lemur Island. During the Adventure and Interactive Program, your group will enjoy a class taught by an animal specialist. Guests will gain hands-on experience and hold, touch, and enjoy different animals. Topics discussed include: Similarities/Difference, Adaptations, Habitats and Taxonomy. Come with your group and enjoy the Wildlife of this fascinating location!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Dallas Tours

Medieval Times has a location in Dallas, Texas. The facility hosts a dinner and tournament. Your group will have the opportunity to enjoy a feast in a European-style castle. The dinner consists of four courses. You will get to watch a multi-million dollar production as well. Features in the show include the following: Andalusian stallions dancing, brave knights in jousting matches and games, exciting hand-to-hand combat, displays of amazing horsemanship and falconry. This is all part of a touching story that is set in Medieval Spain. The production will last 2 hours. There are other interesting services and locations at the Medieval Times Dallas Castle. Features include: an excellent bar, a dance floor, the Hall of Arms which displays medieval artifacts and a medieval torture museum. The menu for the 11^th century feast includes the following options: garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, spare rib, herb-basted potatoes, pastry of the castle, coffee and two rounds of select beverages. Vegetarian meals are available if they are requested. Come with your group and experience this one-of-a-kind dinner and production!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Dallas Tours

The Mary Kay Museum is located in Dallas, Texas. The museum is a tribute to Mary Kay Ash who was one of the most successful business women of her time. Visitors will find a rich and fascinating history as they take a walk through the location. Your group can take a tour of the facility. You may also go to the Museum Theater and listen to motivational speeches given by Mary Kay Ash whose legacy continues to inspire women for generations. The tour offered at the Mary Kay Museum is self-guided. You can get information at the front desk in the building. The location contains the Mary Kay Restaurant. Featured food items include the following: fresh salad, sandwiches, a variety of other entrees, and delicious gourmet desserts. The Mary Kay Museum was established in 1963. Visitors can view displays and travel through 30 years of history. There are also rewards that Mary Kay was known to bestow. These include the following: diamond pins, diamond rings, cars and the top prize given which is the Pink Cadillac. Come visit this fascinating location and learn more about the woman who has helped millions of women all over the country.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Dallas Tours

The historic port city of Galveston is famous for its humid subtropical climate and ideal island location; there is so much to see and do in this friendly favorite Gulf Coast destination, perfectly situated away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland yet just a short jaunt from Houston. Year-round “summertime” temps ensure perfect beach going weather whenever you arrive; here are a few of the local favorite sandboxes – so read on, then get packing for that Lone Star State getaway of a lifetime! Stewart Beach, named one of the ten best beaches for families by Family Vacation Critic, is Galveston’s premier family beach park, featuring top-notch amenities – including concessions, restrooms, showers and volleyball courts – in an alchohol-free setting – ensuring a perfectly peaceful day at the Texas shore. Seawall Boulevard, a popular urban park more than ten miles long offers plenty of warm, white sand as well as the nation’s longest continuous sidewalk — perfect for running, biking or plain ol’ people watching; its beaches afford easy access to the island’s best restaurants, resorts and tourist attractions, including the Historic Pleasure Pier. Outdoor types in search of a more eco-friendly experience will want to explore Galveston Island State Park, one of the top five “Best Gulf Coast Beaches” according to the Travel Channel – a serene oasis on the island’s West End where visitors can enjoy kayak tours, beach and surf explorations, camping, bird walks, nature excursions and fishing clinics – all at no cost. Looking for a good time? Hot-spot East Beach – at the far Eastern tip of the island -  is famous for its fabulous festivals and live concerts held throughout the summer months. This rockin’ beach park venue is home to a pavilion, boardwalk and entertainment stage as well as concessions, restrooms, showers and other amenities. Not to be overlooked, a variety of conveniently located “Pocket Parks” tender sun and sand seekers plenty of public parking, acres of clean seashore, a variety of amenities  and great access to local attractions; grab your group, get down to Galveston and get your beach on!

Ed Debevic’s is a 1950s burger joint where a borderline verbally abusive yet thankfully comedic wait staff is mandatory! Your group can expect such happenings as a costumed server demanding you try on his hat before you get your food, while in between tables mister “Biscuits” dances on the bar to familiar tunes like the YMCA! So slide into your retro booth with a hot fudge sundae accompanied by the best of 1950s radio and sip your beverages slowly because here at Ed’s, you’re on your own for a refill, hence the motto: “Eat and get out!”

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Chicago Tours

Historic Downtown Grapevine is located near Dallas, Texas. This destination is fun for your adult group to visit. It is a preserved historic area and contains many interesting locations. These include: winery tasting rooms, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, the Palace Arts Center, the Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower, shops, live entertainment venues, restaurants, and amazing Art Galleries. If you are looking for a great place to shop look no further because the Historic downtown Grapevine has everything you desire. Featured shops include the following: Shic Boutique, The Corner Store, Crowned By Grace, Dr. Sue’s Chocolates, the Grapevine Market, Carma Handicrafts, Main Street Station, the Gypsy Muse Studio, Rugs Floors And More, and the Texas General Store. The Grapevine Mills Mall is also in the area. Are you looking for quality cuisine? The group will find several locations at the destination. Restaurants include: Cozymel’s Coastal Mex, Aces Lobby Bar, Alex’s Greek Café, Asian Top, Big Daddy’s Ship Store, the Baja Grill, the Big Fish Seafood Grill & Bar, The Bistro, and Bob’s Steak & Chop House. There are several events and festivals to enjoy during the year. Events include: GrapeFest, Main Street Days, and Christmas Capitol of Texas. Come with your adult tour and visit this one-of-a-kind historic location.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Dallas Tours

Ghost Tours of Dallas is located in Dallas, Texas. Your group will be scared to the core as you participate in this haunting experience. There is a walking tour offered for adult groups. During the walking tour, the group will be guided by a professional. You will travel to downtown Dallas’ West End Historic District. The duration of the event is 90-minutes. Visitors will learn about the legends, myths, and “ghastly deeds” that lie beneath the twists and turns of the district’s “dark history.” The group will have the opportunity to explore one of Dallas’ oldest haunted buildings. Ghost Tours of Dallas offers a Fright & Bite dinner package prior to the group tour. They have partnered with Hellen’s Southern Kitchen which is located in the West End Historic District as well. Menu options include the following: Ellen’s House Salad, Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken Fried Chicken, Fresh steak, Breaded Chicken breast, a Pork Chop, Farm-Raised Catfish, Ellen’s Classic Meatloaf, and Ellen’s homemade desserts. Beverages include: brewed coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks. Come experience this scary haunted tour with your group!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Dallas Tours