Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE

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Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Shopping
 GROUP TOUR

                 2020
              PLANNING
                 GUIDE
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Chicago, Illinois
ADVERTORIAL

              SHOP AND DINE IN CHICAGO NORTHWEST
                   Your group members have arrived
              in the Chicago Northwest suburbs
              eager to stretch their legs and fill their
              bellies! Immerse your group in all things
              Chicago — enjoy a traditional Italian
              beef with sweet or hot peppers from
              Johnnie’s Beef, share a deep-dish pizza
              at Giordano’s or a savor a Chicago-style
              dog from Portillo’s. (Sorry, friends — no
              ketchup allowed!) Weber Grill Restaurant
              is a must if you own your own Weber
              Grill! Make your group’s night with an
              interactive class at the Weber Grill
              Academy. Learn from the expert chefs of
              Weber Grill Restaurant who know all the
              ins and outs to their famous kettle grills.
              Trust us — you won’t go home hungry.
                   Arlington Heights
              — home of Arlington
              International Racecourse
              — is a foodie
              adventurers heaven.
              Over 40 walkable                                                                            distance. Italian Pizza Kitchen offers the
              restaurants to tantalize                                                                    best of both worlds — pizza and Italian
              your taste buds are                                                                         food! Its thin-crust pizza is the best! This
              in the downtown                                                                             hip and industrial space is the latest
              area. Hey Nonny,                                                                            addition to Main St. Roselle. Your taste
              one of the newest                                                                           buds might even be sending you signals
              restaurant attractions                                                                      to try out Asian-fusion. 8,000 Miles
              to Chicago Northwest,                                                                       features traditional Chinese, Japanese
              is a gastropub featuring                                                                    and Korean foods with American flare.
              farm-to-table freshness                                                                     Find yourself nibbling on Shredded
              with their unique menu. The attraction        Northwest is Main St. Roselle. Start at       Beef with Chinese Garlic Sprout or Hot
              also features an intimate listening room      Illinois’ oldest winery, Lynfred Winery,      Wok Chili Chicken. Pollyanna Brewing
              for great live music on Fridays, Saturdays    where your group will head downstairs         Company-Roselare is a block down Main
              and Sundays. Passero is steps away from       for a tour and tasting of award-winning       St. and features locally brewed craft beer.
              Hey Nonny; it also brings the Midwest to      vintages. You’ll be amazed at the             If you would rather sample a flight on-
              its Italian-American dishes by sourcing       production process in this historic home-     site, you can order from 8,000 Miles or
              locally.                                      turned-winery. Be sure to ask about the       Italian Pizza Kitchen and have it delivered
                   Spend the entire evening in              winery’s four B&B guest rooms!                to the brewery!
              downtown Arlington Heights by taking               After you’ve immersed yourself with           Chicago Northwest definitely fits
              in a theater or musical production at         all the smells of a winery, head down the     the food bill with over 400 restaurants
              Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.            street for some unique shopping. Plan to      in our sophisticated eight-community
              Dueling pianos are not just in Downtown       spend some time in Little Red Ribbon and      region. The best part of visiting is never
              Chicago, you can find them right here         Prospect Street Market, two boutique gift     spending a penny on motorcoach parking
              in Arlington Heights, too. Head down          shops with truly something for everyone       at any of our hotels or restaurants. The
              the stairs to the intimate Big Shot Piano     in your life. Take a couple of passes         drive to Chicago Northwest is convenient
              Lounge for a night of singalongs from         through these shops as there are items in     because we are at the crossroads of
              the classics to contemporary pop songs.       every corner!                                 several major highways.
              There’s always something to do in the              As you finish your gift shopping, it’s
              Downtown Arlington Heights area of the        time to start thinking about where your       Meet Chicago Northwest
              Northwest Suburbs.                            group will dine. Spread the group out         800-847-4849
                   Another feature of Chicago               in several locations all within walking       chicagonorthwest.com

   2           GROUP TOUR    Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Get a Taste of Shopping
                 at its Best

Give your group an experience to remember at Woodfield Mall — one
of America’s premier shopping destinations. They’ll enjoy the exclusive
Signature Meet and Greet Service, valuable Savings Pass discounts, and
free trolley to nearby shopping districts. And of course, you'll never pay
a penny for bus parking.
Call 800.847.4849 now to plan your group tour to exciting Woodfield Mall
or visit chicagonorthwest.com/group-tours.

                           Discover the new 820-seat Dining Pavilion! Perfect for tour groups.
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Shopping
                     GROUP TOUR

                                                2020
                                                PLANNING GUIDE

4   GROUP TOUR   Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
2
     Meet Chicago
     Northwest
     chicagonorthwest.com

6
     Enjoy Eagan,
     Minnesota
     eaganmn.com

 8
     Lehman’s
     lehmans.com

 9
     Sevierville CVB
     visitsevierville.com

10
     Outlets at
     Tejon
     tejonoutlets.com

12
     Mall of America
     mallofamerica.com

14
     Greater Saint
     Charles CVB
     discoverstcharles.com

16
     Douglasville CVB
     visitdouglasville.com

17
     Laredo CVB
     visitlaredo.com

18
     Windsor Crossing
     Premium Outlets
     windsorcrossing.com
                             grouptourmagazine.com   5
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Eagan, Minnesota
ADVERTORIAL

              FIND FANTASTIC SHOPPING
              IN EAGAN, MINNESOTA
                   Eagan is your ultimate destination        receive a complimentary VIP Coupon
              for fantastic football, fashion, food and      Book featuring exclusive deals.
              fun! As the proud new home of the                   Just a five-minute drive from Twin
              Minnesota Vikings, Eagan invites you           Cities Premium Outlets is one of the
              to immerse yourself in the Viking Lakes        most-visited tourist destinations in
              experience, which includes the state-of-       the world — Mall of America. Its four
              the-art Vikings Museum and the Vikings         million square feet is comprised of
              Locker Room — your connection to the           dazzling hallways that lead you to
              very best Vikings merchandise. Find            over 520 world-class stores, more
              purple and gold apparel in all sizes and       than 60 restaurants and an impressive
              styles, including Vikings jerseys, T-shirts,   array of attractions. Mall of America
              hats, personalized apparel and more.           is home to the largest indoor theme          voucher, which offers deals and discounts
                   For even more sports gear plus            park, Nickelodeon Universe®, offering        on hundreds of stores. Don’t forget Mall
              everything from designer purses to             approximately 30 rides and attractions       of America is only five to 10 minutes
              home goods, head over to the largest           for all ages to enjoy. You’ll find other     from all 18 Eagan hotels and most offer
              outlet mall in the Upper Midwest —             great attractions and stores at the mall     complimentary shuttle service to and
              Twin Cities Premium Outlets. This              including SEA LIFE® Mall of America,         from the mall and MSP Airport — score!
              upscale retail haven in Eagan features         FlyOver® America, Crayola Experience,             The “shopportunities” don’t end
              over 100 unique stores and world-              Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy,              there! When you’re looking for worry-
              famous brands such as Calvin Klein,            The Escape Game, Moose Mountain              free and convenient retail therapy,
              Fossil, Kate Spade, Levi’s, Nike and Saks      Adventure Golf and much more!                Central Park Commons is the answer.
              Fifth Avenue OFF 5th. Don’t let the                 Averaging 40 million guests each        Eagan’s newest shopping wonderland
              sometimes-unpredictable Minnesota              year, the mall is a one-of-a kind shopping   is a perfect mix of specialty shops and
              weather get in the way — covered               experience. It’s the only place you          dining establishments. Your group will
              walkways will ensure a worry-free              can shop for designer items all while        love the variety of goodies to be bought
              shopping experience. Complimentary             hearing delighted screams from a roller      at DSW, Marshalls, Sierra, HomeGoods
              Wi-Fi as well as a full-service information    coaster nearby. It is the only attraction    and many more. Not only does Central
              desk also create a space for you to have       where you can walk from Macy’s to            Park Commons offer an amazing
              fun and shop to your heart’s content!          the Rotunda and see your favorite            shopping experience, its landscape was
              Join the VIP Shopper’s Club for even           celebrities for a meet and greet. The        strategically designed to encompass
              more deals and discounts and always            savings don’t stop when you shop at          the CPC Village, which just so happens
              remember, clothes and shoes are TAX            MOA as Enjoy Eagan provides groups           to be fully stocked with flavor-packed
              FREE! As an added bonus, groups also           with a complimentary MOA coupon book         lunch and dinner options including Café
                                                                                                          Zupas, Hawaii Poke Bowl, R Taco, Piada
                                                                                                          Italian Street Food, Punch Pizza and Naf
                                                                                                          Naf Grill.
                                                                                                               And when it comes time to
                                                                                                          refuel and relax, Eagan boasts over
                                                                                                          100 spectacular restaurants and 18
                                                                                                          incredible hotels with a low lodging tax
                                                                                                          of 3% — most featuring complimentary
                                                                                                          breakfast and shuttle service. Eagan is
                                                                                                          THE place to book a fantastic group tour
                                                                                                          no one will ever forget!
                                                                                                               For a complete listing of stores and
                                                                                                          all the latest and greatest information
                                                                                                          about Twin Cities Premium Outlets, Mall
                                                                                                          of America, Central Park Commons and
                                                                                                          other shopping in the Eagan area, visit
                                                                                                          eaganmn.com/shopping.

                                                                                                          Enjoy Eagan Minnesota
                                                                                                          866-324-2620
                                                                                                          eaganmn.com

  6            GROUP TOUR    Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
TWIN CITIES
PREMIUM OUTLETS                                                                        [ ENJOY EAGAN MINNESOTA ]

            WHERE FANTASTIC SHOPPING IS FOUND
            Eagan is your ultimate destination for fantastic football, fashion, food
            and fun! Widely recognized as a “retail powerhouse”, Eagan features an
            incredible array of tax-free shopping at Twin Cities Premium Outlets® —
            the largest outlet mall in the Upper Midwest. Plus, Mall of America® is
            right in the neighborhood and currently reigns as the nation’s largest
            shopping and entertainment complex. If that’s not enough, the Vikings
            Locker Room, Central Park Commons, Town Centre and Promenade
            Shopping Center also offer amazing “shopportunities” around every corner.

                                                                                         Dimensional
                                                                                         Innovations

 VISIT E AG AN M N.CO M O R C A L L DE NISE O L SE N FO R M O RE INFORM ATION
                       ENJ OY E AG A N • 86 6 -3 24-2620           grouptourmagazine.com                       7
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Kidron, Ohio
ADVERTORIAL

                                                                     VISIT LEHMAN’S FOR A
                                                                     SLICE OF THE SIMPLE LIFE
                                                                         Why were we voted the best place           Lehman’s is the perfect place to
                                                                     to visit in Amish Country four years in   bring your group tour — with free
                                                                     a row? Why is there “a store nowhere      parking, ample restrooms, the Cast Iron
                                                                     else” like us? Because we exist to        Café for snacks and sandwiches, and
                                                                     create a simpler life for you and your    35,000 square feet of unusual products
                                                                     loved ones.                               and antiques for visitors to enjoy. We
                                                                                                               suggest at least two hours for your visit
                                                                                                               because there is so much to see.
                                                                                                                    Visit lehmans.com/events for an

                            BEST
                 VOTED                                                                                         updated list of lifestyle workshops,
                                                                                                               special events and production

                    TINATIRYON
                 DESAMISH
                                                                                                               demonstrations. We have something
                                                                                                               fun going on every single Saturday!
                       IN COUNT                                                                                     Founded In 1955 by Jay Lehman to
                                                                                                               serve the local Amish with non-electric
                                                                                                               appliances, tools and supplies, today
                                                                                                               Lehman’s is a one-of-a-kind destination.
                                                                                                               The store is like a mercantile from a
                                                                                                               century ago.
                                                                                                                    There are multiple departments for
                                                                                                               delightful shopping within Lehman’s;
                                                                                                               the lobby features a pre-Civil War-
                                                                                                               era barn. Visit the north end of the
                                                                                                               store for the famous assortment of
                                                                                                               non-electric appliances, including
                                                                                                               wood heating and cooking stoves, and
                                                                                                               old-time hardware. Be sure to visit our

                             IF YOU HAVEN’ T BEEN
                                                                                                               Tiny House on a Tiny Homestead just
                                                                                                               outside the garden room.
                                                                                                                    Wander into the pantry filled with

                             TO
                                                                                                               locally produced food, visit the toy

                                         LATELY,                                                               barn featuring imagination-drive toys
                                                                                                               and games, and don’t miss the lamp
                                                                                                               room (and the country’s only Aladdin
                                                                                                               Museum of Light). Browse through the
                               you simply haven’t been!                                                        apparel and home décor rooms, taking
                                                                                                               note of the year-round Christmas
                                                                                                               display. Spend at least half an hour in
               Invite your guests to our rambling retail store for a visit full of history                     the housewares room, with thousands
                                                                                                               of products for cooking, baking, and
                  and wonder. Shop thousands of new products and tour the new                                  food preparation and preservation. Pick
                   aspirational Tiny House on a Tiny Homestead only at Lehman’s                                up your favorite all-natural personal
                                       - FOR A SIMPLER LIFE.                                                   care products, such as goat’s milk soap,
                                                                                                               as well as all natural cleaning supplies,
                                                                                                               like our famous Beeswax Furniture
                                                                                                               Polish.
                    Visit Lehmans.com/bus-tours for all the group tour offerings                                    Enjoy thousands of museum-quality
                   and information. Please allow at least two hours for your visit.                            antiques and create memories to last a
                                                                                                               lifetime.
                                        SHOP ANYTIME AT LEHMANS.COM
                                                800.438.5346                                                   Lehman’s
                                                                                                               800-438-5346
                                 On the Square in Kidron, OH                                                   lehmans.com/kidron_store_bus_tours
                In the heart of Amish Country • Open every day except Sunday

  8            GROUP TOUR    Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Sevierville, Tennessee
ADVERTORIAL

              MAKE SHOPPING PART OF YOUR
              GROUP ITINERARY IN SEVIERVILLE
                  Sevierville, Tennessee, is the           nationwide and has an outlet store in
              Shopping Capital of the Smokies              Sevierville.
              and is known for a variety of stores
              that just can’t be found anywhere            Sevierville Convention
              else. From great deals on high-end            & Visitors Bureau
              designer mearchandise to outdoor gear,       800-217-1081
              kitchenware and even historic artifacts,     visitsevierville.com
              this Smoky Mountain town really
              delivers the goods.

              Outlet shopping fun
                  With over 100 high-end stores at
              Tanger Outlets Sevierville, the whole
              group should expect to find good deals.
              But the key to maximizing your groups’
              trip is to plan ahead. Spend prep
              time researching the stores available
              in Sevierville and reach out to mall
              management to receive special services
              including complimentary coupon books.
              tangeroutlet.com/sevierville

              Is it a museum or a mega store?
                   Pay a visit to Smoky Mountain
              Knife Works, where more than 108,000
              square feet of retail space is filled with
              museum-quality displays, practically
              every type of knife and cutlery in the
              world, kitchen gadgets, survival gear,
              historic artifacts, clothing and more.
              smkw.com

              There’s more in store outdoors
                  Sevierville outdoor mega stores
              such as Bass Pro and Orvis Company
              Store are great ways to help your group
              prep for a day in the mountains. Bass
              Pro often offers complimentary classes
              and seminars, which could easily be
              incorporated into a group visit. Orvis
              Company store offers complimentary
              beginner level fly-fishing classes.
              basspro.com, orvis.com

              Get cooking
                  KaTom Chef Supplies offers
              commercial quality merchandise
              available to the general public.
              Combine the high-end shopping
              experience with special chef-led
              cooking events throughout the year for
              a great shopping experience. Lodge
              Cast Iron is another shopping stop
              — the Tennessee product is known

                                                                                                   grouptourmagazine.com   9
Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Tejon Ranch, California
ADVERTORIAL

              MAKE OUTLETS AT TEJON A STOP
              ON YOUR NEXT TOUR
                   When sending your clients to
              Southern California, a “Must-Shop-Stop”
              is the Outlets at Tejon, conveniently
              located approximately an hour north of
              Los Angeles on I-5. You will find your
              favorite American brands with savings up
              to 65% at more than 60 upscale fashion,
              home goods and accessories stores.
                   Set amongst our beautiful rugged
              mountains, steep canyons, oak-covered
              rolling hills and broad valleys of Tejon
              Ranches, the Outlets at Tejon is a
              destination in itself. With a day not
              enough to shop all the stores, we
              welcome you to plan an overnight visit
              for your clients at any one of our three
              accommodations including the new 80-
              room Hampton Inn, which is in walking
              distance to the outlets. Or, stay at the
              Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham or
              the Best Western Liberty Inn. For hotel
              contact information, please write to
              carolyn@cjfJmarketinginternational.com.       features to the already stellar shopping
                   Your clients will love it when you add   destination.
              the Outlets at Tejon to their itinerary           • Stop by Camp Tejon! This fun play
              with all the group and FIT incentives we      area has a climbable tower structure and
              offer, such as:                               slide located inside the Hacienda Food
                   • FREE VIP coupon booklet with           Court where families can take a reprieve
              discounts up to 65% on top of our             from a day of shopping.
              already discount outlet prices.                   • Beat the heat! Our attractive new
                   • Special VIP Gift Tote Bag.             canopies offer shade and large fans to
                   • 20% dining discount for your group     keep shoppers cool while on the hunt for
              at Don Perico’s restaurant.                   the best deals and steals.
                   • Convenient and free bus parking for        • An 80-room Hampton Inn is now         wherever your California adventures
              large groups and tours.                       open adjacent to the outlets. Featuring     take you, the Outlets at Tejon welcomes
                   • For group Meet and Greets, please      an indoor pool and fitness center, the      groups of all sizes as well as FIT travelers.
              give us a 48-hour notice in writing to        hotel is ready to host travelers after a    Right on your route between Los Angeles
              rswiggum@tejonoutlets.com.                    day of fun-filled shopping, dining and      and San Francisco, we are ready to treat
                   Also, at the Outlets at Tejon, we love   more!                                       you to that perfect mid-trip shopping and
              our tour operators, tour guides and bus           • Bath and Body Works has joined        dining break, as well as to an overnight
              drivers! Book five trips, and you can earn    the Outlets at Tejon!                       retreat.
              a $50 Outlets at Tejon gift card. That’s          • Pottery Barn has also expanded            We’d love to be part of the itineraries
              on top of the $15 gift card for the driver    with Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn     and programs you offer visitors
              and two group leaders of a group of 15+.      Teens.                                      (both Groups and FITs) to Southern
              Please give us a 48-hour notice in writing        • Download the Outlets at Tejon         California. Please let us know what
              to rswiggum@tejonoutlets.com.                 app for the latest deals and news from      you need from us by writing to Becky
                   For a truly unique and fun product       your favorite brands. Access from home      Swiggum at rswiggum@tejonoutlets.
              that your clients will love, try our Shop     or at the Outlets at Tejon to learn about   com or Carolyn J. Feimster at carolyn@
              & Play Commissionable Package. For            events, new stores, center hours and        cjfmarketinginternational.com.
              details, visit: shopamericatours.com/         more. You can even win exclusive prizes
              outlets-at-tejon.                             instantly!                                  Outlets at Tejon
                   The Outlets at Tejon is excited              Whether traveling with friends and      661-858-2155
              to introduce a number of wonderful            family or colleagues and associates, and    tejonoutlets.com

     10        GROUP TOUR   Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE

                                                                                                                                                        52236-7_
your must-
         shop stop in
         California

                                   SAVE UP TO 65% AT OVER 60
                                     BRAND-NAME STORES
                      MICHAEL KORS • NIKE FACTORY STORE • POTTERY BARN OUTLET
                                  COACH • H&M • LEVI’S® OUTLET STORE • LE CREUSET
                                  BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY STORE • CALVIN KLEIN
                          EXPRESS FACTORY OUTLET • TOMMY HILFIGER • LE CREUSET
                                   OSHKOSH B’GOSH • AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS

         TEJONOUTLETS.COM                                           Located just 40 min. north of
                                                                    Los Angeles, off California's I-5.

52236-7_2016_8.375x10.75.indd 1                                                                     11/11/16 11:59 AM
Bloomington, Minnesota
ADVERTORIAL

              MALL OF AMERICA OFFERS
              UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

                   From leisure group tours to student     offers for tour operators.                   general admission to FlyOver Americac
              programs to family reunions, Mall of              When shopping isn’t quite enough,       — a gentle and immersive 4D flight
              America is ready to make your next           visitors can check out the wide variety      simulation ride that takes guests on
              group visit an unforgettable experience.     of attractions the mall has to offer.        an aerial tour over some of the most
              Each year, over 12,000 groups choose         Nickelodeon Universe is the nation’s         breathtaking landmarks of the United
              Mall of America as their destination, and    largest indoor theme park with over          States — as well as lunch at Fire Lake
              here’s why:                                  25 rides. Guests can also come within        Grill House + Cocktail Bar located inside
                   With over 520 stores to choose          inches of sea creatures including sharks,    the Radisson Blu Mall of America. The
              from, this is truly a shopper’s paradise.    sea turtles, sting rays and jellyfish at     total experience is around 90 minutes,
              Mall of America is anchored by Macy’s,       SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Behind-         leaving group members plenty of time to
              Nordstrom and L.L. Bean with miles of        the-Scenes tours also are available at       explore the rest of the mall on their own.
              storefronts to explore. Visitors will find   the aquarium. For the kids or kids-at-           Mall of America has a dedicated
              all the nationwide brands they love,         heart, guests can embark on a colorful       Tourism department that is always ready
              as well as a variety of flagship stores      adventure at Crayola Experience where        to help tour operators plan the perfect
              that offer unique experiences. The mall      color, chemistry and digital technology      group visit. Pre-registered groups are
              also adds around 25 new retailers each       combine to make a one-of-a-kind family       eligible to receive complimentary VIP
              year, so repeat visitors always have         attraction. The mall also features a         Shopping Packages for each of their
              something new to discover.                   newly renovated luxury movie theater,        group members, which includes a Mall
                   When it’s time to refuel, visitors      bowling alley, two mini golf courses,        of America Coupon Book and souvenir
              will find restaurants for every taste and    ropes course and zip line, and much          shopping bag — a combined value
              budget. There are over 50 places to          more. New in 2019, The VOID, a critically    of $17.95 per package. The mall can
              eat at Mall of America from fast casual      acclaimed global leader of immersive         also help tour operators with itinerary
              to fine dining. On South Street Dining,      virtual experiences, invites guests to       planning, meet + greet services and
              visitors can enjoy seafood and Southern      embark on journeys to fully immersive        much more.
              fare at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., catch         worlds with friends and family that, until
              dinner and a show at Benihana or enjoy       now, have only lived in the imagination.     Mall of America
              carefully crafted cocktails at Fire Lake          The most popular tour package           952-883-8643
              Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Many            with group tours coming to MOA is            tourism@moa.net
              restaurants in the mall offer discounted     the Senior Lunch Package. For one            mallofamerica.com/groups
              group menus as well as complimentary         low price, group members receive

    12         GROUP TOUR   Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
S H O P. D I N E .
  S T A Y . P L A Y.

        P L A N Y O U R T R I P, F I N D
  D I S C O U N T S + M O R E I N F O AT
M A L L O FA M E R I C A . C O M / G R O U P S

                      With over 520 stores

that have no sales tax on clothing or shoes,

 50+ dining options, 16 attractions and two

full-service luxury on-site hotels, it's all here.

    B LO O M I N GTO N M N .O RG

     /MALLOFAMERICA    @MALLOFAMERICA   @MALLOFAMERICA   MALLOFAMERICAUSA
Saint Charles, Missouri
ADVERTORIAL

              SHOPPERS REJOICE IN HISTORIC
              SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI
                   Just west of St. Louis, you’ll find      pioneers walked the very same streets.         toffee, homemade cookies, ice cream and
              St. Charles, Missouri, a river city with a    You’ll uncover some of St. Charles’ colorful   gooey butter milkshakes!
              unique historical perspective, beautiful      past and visit lovingly restored buildings         The Historic Frenchtown District
              sites, friendly people and a pace just        along the 18 stops of the tour.                offers a haven for antique lovers, where
              a little slower than that of the big city.        The 250-year-old Historic Main             a half dozen unique stores dot the
              Founded as Les Petite Cotes — the             Street is Missouri’s first and largest         beautiful neighborhood. Whether the
              Little Hills — by French Canadian fur         historic district. It lies closest to the      period is Americana, Victorian, 1904
              trader Louis Blanchette, St. Charles grew     Missouri River and St. Charles’ frontier       World’s Fair, the Depression era or
              into a thriving riverfront trading center     history. The brick-paved street leads to       mid-20th century, you’ll find authentic
              for young America. The people of St.          more than 125 one-of-a-kind shops. Dress       furniture, glassware, linens and antiques.
              Charles have labored lovingly to preserve     up your home with framed art, antiques,        Frenchtown also boasts an eclectic mix
              and share our treasured river heritage.       clocks, collectibles, stained glass, garden    of other shops including bridal boutiques,
              St. Charles is a place whose history          flags, quilts, silk florals and decorating     salons, florists and more. With the largest
              and hospitality make it the perfect           accents from every period. Or dress up         concentration of French Colonial style
              destination.                                  yourself with original clothing designs,       architecture in the Midwest, the district
                   St. Charles also is famous for           shoes, monogrammed items, leather              was placed on the National Register of
              being the starting point for Lewis &          goods, handbags, and fine and costume          Historic Places in 1991.
              Clark’s great expedition. The fact is, this   jewelry.                                           Welcome to St. Charles! Experience
              was the starting place for thousands of           Specialty food options abound in           the charm and beauty of a city that has
              Americans on their journey westward.          the Historic District. Help hone your          been welcoming visitors since 1769.
              A downtown walking tour will give you         culinary skills with spices, seasonings,
              an overview of life as it was in the early    mixes, hot sauces, extra virgin olive oils     Greater Saint Charles CVB
              days of St. Charles, when the Boone           and balsamic vinegars. Indulge your taste      800-366-2427
              family, Lewis and Clark and hundreds of       buds with handmade chocolates, fudge,          discoverstcharles.com

  14           GROUP TOUR   Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
grouptourmagazine.com   15
Douglasville, Georgia
ADVERTORIAL

              FIND THAT SIGNATURE HOMETOWN FEEL
              IN DOUGLASVILLE, GEORGIA
                  Douglasville is a city on the rise.   hometown charm.                            challenge your friends to a game of
              Conveniently located just miles west          Stroll through the city’s historic     Ping-Pong or cornhole in the downtown
              of Downtown Atlanta, you can easily       district and take in its culture. As you   gaming area.
              experience one of the region’s best-      wait for a table at one of the city’s          If you are looking for an outdoor
              kept secrets. You’ll find all the big     downtown restaurants, relax and read       adventure, head over to the most
              city amenities with our signature         a book from the lending library or         visited state park: Sweetwater Creek
                                                                                                   State Park. Or, if the weather isn’t
                                                                                                   ideal, spend an afternoon shopping
                                                                                                   at the busiest mall in West Georgia:

                                  Douglasville's history, dine our
                                                                                                   Arbor Place Mall.
                    Explore                                                                            Whether visiting for the night or
                                                                                                   taking an extended trip, you can rest
                many restaurants or spend the day shopping                                         easy in the many hotels our community
                                                                                                   has to offer. If you’re here on business,
                at the largest mall west of Atlanta, Georgia.                                      hold a meeting at the beautiful
                                                                                                   Douglasville Conference Center or
                                                                                                   make it an informal meeting on the links
                                                                                                   at West Pines Golf Course.
                                                                                                       No matter what brings you to
                                                                                                   Douglasville — if it’s a reprieve from
                                                                                                   the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, for
                                                                                                   work, or just passing through, we have
                                                                                                   every amenity to exceed your needs.
                                                                                                   Come visit us to create experiences
                                                                                                   that matter!

                                                                                                   Douglasville CVB
                                                                                                   770-947-5920
                                                                                                   visitdouglasville.com

                                   Create Experiences
                                      that Matter
                            VisitDouglasville.com | 770.947.5920

  16           GROUP TOUR   Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
Laredo, Texas
ADVERTORIAL

              SHOP ON THE EDGE
              IN LAREDO, TEXAS
                  Laredo, Texas, is located at mile        South Texas border a
              marker 1 off Interstate 35. Once in          home-away-from-home
              Laredo, you’ll feel the warmth of the        experience. Whether you’re
              South Texas heat on your skin, you’ll        looking for a historic hotel
              find cultural offerings all around and the   in downtown Laredo or a
              most important decision you’ll have to       suite just a few minutes
              make is where to stop for a refreshing       from the airport, Laredo
              margarita.                                   offers a wide variety
                  When visiting Laredo, making a           of accommodations to
              stop along the import shops located          match your pocketbook
              on San Bernardo Avenue is a must.            and travel needs. Our                       plants and flowers common to South
              This is your opportunity to pick up          city boasts nearly 4,000 hotel rooms,       Texas or view the splendor of rare birds
              authentic “Made in Mexico” items such        we look forward to extending a warm         in their natural habitat.
              as clothing, leather goods, pottery,         “Bienvenidos a Laredo” to you and your          The Laredo Convention and Visitors
              kitchen tools, and the list goes on          group.                                      Bureau is the city’s best-kept secret.
              and on. If retail shopping is more your          Want to take a time out from            The friendly and efficient staff is ready
              passion, you’ll have your choosing from      shopping? Sit down, relax and do some       to assist you in your planning needs.
              a variety of boutiques all around town,      bird-watching. Birding in Laredo has
              Mall del Norte and The Outlet Shoppes        attracted people from all across North      Laredo Convention
              at Laredo.                                   America to visit. Bird-rich trails range     and Visitors Bureau
                  You can count on Laredo’s lodging        in difficulty from leisurely to moderate.   800-361-3360
              facilities to make your stay on the          Enjoy a scenic walk viewing native          visitlaredo.com

                                                                                                                          grouptourmagazine.com    17
Lasalle, Ontario
ADVERTORIAL

              WINDSOR CROSSING PREMIUM OUTLETS:
              GREAT BRANDS, OUTLET PRICES
                  Windsor Crossing is an open-               Ambassador Bridge or Detroit Windsor      promotions, events and exclusive
              concept hybrid-outlet center, which            Tunnel from Detroit in just 25 minutes.   coupons available in our Customer
              boasts an attractive tenant roster             Visit Windsor Crossing today to take      Service office.
              of national and international brands           advantage of our amazing deals with the
              featuring both full and off-price retailers.   added benefit of USD/CAD exchange!        Major tenants
                  The mall is located in Lasalle,                Make sure to visit our website            Aldo, Banana Republic, Bench,
              Ontario, which is easily accessible by the     windsorcrossing.ca for the latest         Carter’s, The Children’s Place, Cleo/
                                                                                                       Ricki’s, Coach, Columbia Factory, GAP
                                                                                                       Factory, Guess Factory, Levi’s Outlet,
                                                                                                       Maurices, Puma, Reitmans, Roots,
                                                                                                       Stitches, Tommy Hilfiger and many more!

                                                                                                       Bus tours
                                                                                                           If you are planning a bus tour or a
                                                                                                       group event in the Windsor Essex Pelee
                                                                                                       Island area, include a full or half day of
                                                                                                       shopping at Windsor Crossing Premium
                                                                                                       Outlets as part of your itinerary.
                                                                                                           Our group tour services include an
                                                                                                       informative “meet & greet,” promotional
                                                                                                       bag with coupons, $15 gift card for
                                                                                                       the tour group leader and free on-site
                                                                                                       motorcoach parking.
                                                                                                           Please ensure that you make
                                                                                                       reservations three to four days prior
                                                                                                       to your visit by contacting info@
                                                                                                       royalcourtyards.com.

                                                                                                       Windsor Crossing Christmas Market
                                                                                                            Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets is
                                                                                                       offering much more than incredible deals
                                                                                                       this holiday season! Join us December
                                                                                                       4, 11 and 18, 2019 for three nights of
                                                                                                       indoor Christmas Market with wonderful
                                                                                                       vendors and family fun. Get unique gifts,
                                                                                                       taste amazing food and take pictures
                                                                                                       with Santa. Free Admission. Contact
                                                                                                       Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets for
                                                                                                       2020 dates and information.

                                                                                                       Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets
                                                                                                       905-503-6633
                                                                                                       windsorcrossing.ca

  18           GROUP TOUR   Shopping 2020 PLANNING GUIDE
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