Credit Amiee Stubbs – Nashville Zoo

Sunny Music City isn’t just the birthplace of country music; it’s also the home of a fabulously progressive, conservation-oriented 188-acre zoological park -  a place “where animals, nature and fun converge” – and the stately Grassmere historic home, open for daily guided tours. The  Nashville Zoo swung wide its gates in 1991 and has since become the area’s #1 attraction, hosting nearly 750,000 visitors annually; its demographic is comprised of more than 6,000 fascinating residents – some 339 species – all thriving in healthy, happy and daily-enriched environments; special exhibits encourage guests’ participation in  a diversity of entertaining and educational interactive experiences. Highlights include the recently debuted “Kangaroo Kickabout” where adventurous “mates” step out on a zippy walkabout through red ‘roo stomping grounds, Critter Encounter – which tenders an opportunity to snuggle, feed and be photographed with super-affable residents, and “Lorikeet Landing”, where patrons treat resident winged rainbows to cups of nourishing nectar. The Zoo participates in myriad Species Survival Plan programs, and proudly persists at the forefront of Clouded Leopard Conservation efforts; with a little luck, you’ll have a chance to observe these stunning rare creatures, enjoy their unique lingo and meet the newest “Cloudy” babies! Need refueling? Snack huts and kiosks are conveniently located to ensure a well-fueled expedition; post-lunch, a train ride through uncharted territories, a turn on the wild animal carousel or a swing through the canopy on Soaring Eagle – the Zoo’s thrilling two-way zipline experience – lets you recharge while you rest those barkin’ dogs!

Groups on Nashville holiday will enjoy exploring this renowned Tennessee plantation, once the home of Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Some years after moving with his wife into the “Indian-fortified” two story log farmhouse he purchased from Nathanial Hays in 1804, (which he promptly remodeled to his considerably extravagant tastes and dubbed “Hermitage,”) Jackson enlisted a troop of skilled contractors, carpenters and masons to construct a new, federal-style, two-story brick mansion, as well as brick slave dwellings and a dazzling formal garden for his wife Rachel to enjoy. Today, Andrew Jackson – “Old Hickory” – is not only remembered as a hot tempered Scots-Irish rabble rouser and daring duelist, backwoods attorney, successful merchant, formidable General, the first Governor of Florida, American hero and the only US President to have ever paid off National Debt before departing office, but as a very wealthy and successful plantation owner who had more than 160 slaves working on the farm at the time of his passing. Guests of the meticulously restored and maintained Hermitage Plantation, once Jackson’s refuge from the public eye, are afforded a glimpse of the seventh president’s time on the “farm” (as he called it) where he pursued a most comfortable, self-sufficient existence as well as his life’s passion of raising racehorses. Wonderfully informative and fascinating tours let you study the mansion, wander the beautiful acreage and spectacular gardens, view the enslaved memorials and thousands of slavery-related artifacts and visit what remains of the original historic log home as well as the stately tomb where he and his wife Rachel are buried. Wagon rides and seasonal evening tours are also available.

Nashville’s most popular ziplining outfitter expects guests to show up ready to rock and roll, and wild things on Music City excursion down for anything awesome will happily kick off those dusty cowboy boots, lose the shopping bags, lace up those Asics and grab a safety helmet. Perfect for adding a splash of excitement to any travel itinerary, Adventureworks offers a variety of exhilarating zip tours and aerial treks tendering groups of all ages in search of the ultimate outdoor/fitness activity an exceptional teambuilding experience as they soar through the lush green Tennessee canopy or “rise” to the challenge of action-packed Aerial Trek obstacle courses. Eco Canopy Zips average 90 minutes in duration and feature nine lines up to 85 feet high and 800 feet long; special Full Moon and Firefly (viewing) tours let your group zip the light fantastic. Planning to travel once temps cool down a bit? Several nights in October an exclusive Haunted Forest Zip whisks more intrepid souls on Nashville getaway quietly through the deep, dark autumnal woods on the land where Middle Tennessee manufacturing magnate Montgomery Bell lived and died for a glimpse of the area’s most notorious ghost. As you slice through the chilly night air, you’re regaled with tales of his life and times; you’ll want to keep a sharp eye out for his restless specter, frequently spotted searching for lost buried treasure. Special add-ons like Quantum Leap and Giant Swing are the sprinkles and cherry atop an absolutely energizing, multi-tiered treetop adventure!

Got a little down- time on your agenda of must-see, Virginia Beach attractions? Some of your favorite travel buddies finally getting on your nerves and have you craving a little stress-busting activity? It happens to the best of us! How about a few hours of intense laser tag to settle some scores, and maybe even determine whether your group will be splitting a few pepperoni pizzas-or dining on steak, lobster and cheesecake afterward? Laser Tag’s premise combines the good ol’ classic game of hide-and-seek with a modern, high-tech twist! The elements of flashing lights, swirling fog, high-energy music and multi-level arenas where the exciting threat of possible ambush lurks around every corner all converge to create the perfect adrenaline-pumping battle venue! Exciting packages to suit every group’s size, abilities and collective competitive natures are available and feature specialty games, themed games, team games and even an “Ultimate Quest”- “the” all-inclusive private Laser Quest extravaganza- or an “Overnighter Package” with unlimited specialty games and light morning refreshments served hard-core Laser Warriors only! Laser Quest of Virginia Beach features laser tag at its  rockin’ best!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

Do you dream of an exclusive little “beach” where seaweed, sharks and jellyfish are happily  absent and your flipflops and swimsuits are free of bothersome, gritty, grainy sand? Perhaps you’re just a big kid at heart and never got enough time in the wading pool before mom took it down at summer’s close…and you’re a sucker for the fun foods of lazy, hazy childhood days? If shady, tropical cabanas, frosty refreshments, a shrimp po’ boy and a sunny and colorful Caribbean ambiance are in your head but your sails are set for Virginia Beach, your group will want to spend a few hours at this foot-friendly family waterpark attraction! A little smaller than it’s mega-park brothers and sisters, Ocean Breeze is the perfect stop for an awesome afternoon splash-and-slidefest! Roll on down 1,000 foot Adventure River through Hideaway Cove- a mellow and relaxing tubing experience for floaters of all ages! Take the Pirate’s Plummet; cool off fast with Coconut Drops and Bamboo Shoots! Face the wicked, watery wrath of the rides of Neptune’s Revenge or wade the cool, refreshing waves of Runaway Bay…then head for the Palm Tree Grill for fresh classics or Shipwreck Subs for a light, healthy bite! Be sure to slide by the Island Trader gift shop and don’t forget to sneak in for a quick plundering of the Treasure Chest Candy Store-caramel fudge dipped apples, fresh fudge or chocolate covered strawberries, anyone?

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

Once the site of the illustrious Hollywood Hotel, this popular shopping mall and entertainment complex is situated conveniently at the corners of busy Hollywood Boulevard and bustling Highland Avenue in the star-studded Hollywood district of Tinseltown along the celebrated Walk of Fame; it’s one of the most visited destinations in all of LA! The center boasts fantastic views of the fabled Hollywood Hills and iconic Hollywood Sign to the North, (don’t forget your cameras!) Santa Monica Mountains to the West and energetic downtown Los Angeles to the East; an enormous three-story movie-themed courtyard serves as the centerpiece to the center’s multifarious sampling of mainstream-to-magnificent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The 387,000 square foot mall is also home to the opulent and beloved first-run movie theater, the TCL Chinese (Formerly Grauman’s) and Dolby Theater, Hollywood and Highland’s crown jewel and permanent host of the Academy Awards. Just steps away from other sizzling attractions, a trip to The Big Orange won’t feel complete without an excursion into the vibrant heart of all that is Hollywood -grab your group and catch a flick or get your shop on, celebrity-style; put down some authentic Mexican and top-notch margaritas at Cabo Wabo Cantina then roll into upscale Lucky Strike Lanes or dance the night away–and dinner off-at new hotspot OHM!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Los Angeles Tours

A whomping, big-boy kick into Magic-Kingdom overdrive awaits the Disneyland enthusiasts in your travel group at this out-of-this-world, over-the-top leisure and entertainment complex in sunny Anaheim, California! Pop on your mouse ears or pull on your Peter Pan suit and experience all the fantastic fun and familiar branding of the beloved Disneyland Parks in a conveniently located, bustling hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment options sure to fix the crave of the most die-hard Disney fans! Whether you’re looking to extend the magic of an inaugural all-day Disneyland Adventure or your fellow adventurers just aren’t down for the full “park experience,” a wander through this dazzling district offers everyone a fantastic compromise in the shape of a fabulous diversion from the standard tourist snares  with  its tantalizing offering of action and attractions, all themed accordingly, of course! Park for free the first three hours or first five with validation at participating businesses-a visitor’s perk of notable consideration when executing your Downtown adventure plans as this waterfront Mickey Mouse Mecca is popular with visitors and locals, alike! Stroll along the lively promenade jam-packed with fantastic eateries, boutiques and shops in a fabulously immersive Disneyland environment: dine at a colorful café where all the sights and sounds of an Amazon rainforest come to life around you, catch a cool live performance by the latest musical sensation, or stop into dockside Cap’n Jack’s just before sunset for a frosty batch of their specialty margaritas and wait for the legendary magic of nearby Disneyland’s fireworks to begin! This *shopertainment center* definitely delivers everyone in your group a perfect dose of the “Happiest Place on Earth!”

When your adult group travels to Los Angeles, you may want to consider visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Reagan’s career expanded more than five decades and inspired Americans to achieve more than they could imagine. The events and exhibits at the museum focus on his values, actions, and spirit of determination. Your group can take a tour of the facility as part of the visit. The exhibits at the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum are informative and entertaining. Visitors can check out exhibits which include Secret Service, the Oval Office, and the Ronald Reagan Library. The Air Force One Aircraft is also located in the museum. The Oval Office gallery is a full-sized reproduction of the office as it looked during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. The library also has archives with items such as photographs, speeches, personal papers, and audiovisual collections. The Audiovisual collections consist of the Whitehouse Photograph Collection, the Whitehouse Television Collection, and a collection of Whitehouse Communication Agency videotapes. The Air Force One pavilion at the museum is a must-see while your group is visiting. Guests will have the opportunity to walk on board the famous aircraft that flew President Reagan 660,000 miles – to 26 different countries around the globe. The plane was the flying Whitehouse for seven U.S. presidents from 1973 until 2001. Group members will also have the opportunity to view one of Reagan’s presidential limousines and secret service suburbans as part of an exhibit on presidential motorcades. Visitors can also walk around an actual Marine One helicopter that flew President Johnson.

Credit Carol Highsmith

Grauman Theater’s awe-inspiring, palatial presence and flamboyant history has been a cornerstone of the Hollywood experience since its grand opening in May of 1927-the most spectacular new theater debut in motion picture history! The most sought-after venue in all of Tinseltown for studio premieres, the magnificent Chinese is also a beloved local and star tourist attraction: declared a cultural-historic landmark in 1968, more than four million visitors per year flock to the ornate movie palace’s events, hoping to catch a glimpse of arriving stars flanked by the ubiquitous entourage of big-gun glitterati gliding up the red carpet and into the theater. The magnificent coral-columned, bronze-roofed, jade dragon-and-Heaven dog-guarded theater is adorned with all manner of lavish and authentic Chinese artifacts and statuary. The elaborate forecourt of the stars, surrounded by 40 foot walls and copper-topped turrets, a fabulous tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood and icons of today, and days gone by-replete with glamorous ten foot fountains and intricate traditional Chinese artistry bordering concrete blocks of celebrity handprints, footprints and signatures welcomes star-struck guests of the opulent theater inside the wonderful world of Hollywood romance, fantasy and magic. The Chinese is not only a grand stage for glamorous affairs but an actual working theater with regular shows scheduled daily, a fabulous old-school concession with the best popcorn in town and an interior rivalling the outside in grandeur. You know, it’s been said: “To visit Los Angeles and not see the Chinese is like visiting China and not seeing the Great Wall;” be sure and pencil in a stop at this venerable La La Landmark-grap a few photos and treat yourself to some decadent silver-screen time!

Cape Cod’s Provincetown, the “Original Artist’s Colony,” is not without its very own version of a “main street”-stroll this beloved and often-bustling thoroughfare richly imbued with local culture and color and feel for yourself the eclectic-to-eccentric pulse of waterfront P-town! Legendary Commercial Street is a veritable visitor’s smorgasbord-a seaside, sensory kaleidoscope serving up an absolutely unique experience-your heart’s desires, powers of observation and sense of adventure determine your menu! Browse kitschy-to-classic boutiques, sample the fine fare of simple-to-sensational, traditional eateries and restaurants; window-shop or dive right into enticing storefronts beckoning and brimful with antique-to-modern treasures; souvenirs, trinkets and lovelies abound! Detour here and there down little alleyways and exits to discover a veritable treasure chest of hidden gems-wonderfully colorful pint-sized emporiums and trading posts, coffee shops, bookstores and cafes just waiting for you and your travel group to discover! Wander and feast your eyes on the richly historic local architecture and bask in the quaintly comforting ambience that is Provincetown charm. All that meandering have your dogs barking? Pull up a bench, dust off your shades and indulge in a little people watching, Commercial Street style!