Group Travel Scoop - Groople.com

Jazz Festival Group Travel

For my musically inclined groups…

Surely, some of you will be attending the 29^th annual Montreal Jazz Fest, June 26^th to July 6^th?

The festivities start at noon each day and go till midnight. This promises to be quite the spectacle with several city blocks shut down for the event. Expect to see art galleries, street performers, a musical park for the kids, and a wide variety of musicians.

Headliners include: Aretha Franklin, Woody Allen, Leonard Cohen, Return To Forever, Abbey Lincoln, Dianne Reeves, James Taylor, Lee "Scratch" Perry, The Wailers, David Murray, Michel Donato, Guy Nadon, Ravi Coltrane, Coral Egan, Steely Dan, Katie Melua, Yael Naim and a double program with Al Green and Lizz Wright.

Visit http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/  for more details.

Group Scoop Spotlight: Banff and Lake Louise Canada

Banff maybe a little funny to say and spell but trust me, it’s no joke. Banff and nearby Lake Louise are some of the most beautiful places in North America. For this edition of the Group Travel Scoop Spotlight we take you up the continental divide into Canada.

Banff is a Canadian national park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is located on the Alberta side of the continental divide. Banff traces its roots back to 1885 and the discovery of the Cave and Basin hot springs. Banff is Canada’s most famous national park because of its sheer beauty, fauna diversity, and geographic brilliance. Banff has meadows, hot springs, lakes, and canyons. It features over fifty species of large mammals like elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, wolfs, coyotes, and of course, caribou. What would Canada be with out caribou, and mountain lions.

“Lake Louise” means more than one thing. To some it means one of the world’s most singularly beautiful places. A deep-green lake with the most vivid colors to be found anywhere in the world. The colors are so vivid because of the way the sun reflects off the nearby glaciers. To others “Lake Louise” means the largest ski area in Canada. Ski resorts immersed in beauty and challenging runs. They have more than 7,700 miles of skiable terrain, 240 runs, wide open bowls, and skill levels from beginner to expert-expert.

If camping isn’t your thing both Banff and Lake Louise have corresponding towns that offer great accommodations. Banff town center is a fairly metropolitan place that can be very busy at times. Banff is a town where “a river runs through it” and it and Lake Louise could hardly be in a more beautiful setting.

Group Scoop Can’t Miss Banff

Castleguard Caves- limestone cave network that is famous for its beautiful remote wilderness setting

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel- modeled after a Scottish castle, a majestic mix of luxury and wilderness

Group Scoop Can’t Miss Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise- spoil yourself with overwhelming comfort and beauty with its on the lake location

Lake Louise Mountain Resort- largest ski area in Canada, 4000 miles of skiable terrain

Group Travel Spotlight: Florida Beaches

Florida Dreamin’ on such a winter day.

The need around my house for the extra heat provided by a space heater recently convinced me of the fact that winter is here. The increase of turtle necks and hot chocolate also make the point. We still need to get you thinking about group travel destinations even though it’s cold. So what’s better than suggesting a place that is warm!

Moreover, what’s a better distraction at a cold time like this than thinking of the beach. And when it comes to beaches and America, on one does it better than Florida. In the continental US, Florida is the place to go to enjoy the beach.

An interesting travel culture icon is the annual "Dr. Beach" top ten American beach list. The exact "science" behind the list is a trademarked secret but it must be very technical, he is "Dr. Beach" after all. The Tampa Tribune-Times said of Dr. Beach, " Leatherman's list of America's Best Beaches has become to seashore what the Oscar is to actors and movies." Florida’s beaches perennially dominate the list. In his 2007 list Florida has three of the top ten beaches in the United States.

In honor of Dr Stephen Leatherman’s (Dr. Beach) top ten list we dedicate this portion of the group travel spotlight to the Florida beaches that made the list: Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin, Lighthouse Point Park in Daytona Beach, and Siesta Beach in Sarasota.

Florida’s Top Group Travel Beaches

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, FL- this place is one of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast. You can only get to it by private boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park. The beach is unique because of its combination of calm crystal clear waters and pristine setting. The park surrounding the beach is teaming with over 300 species of birds and the water itself is home to the spectacular site of jumping dolphins.

Lighthouse Point Park, Daytona Beach, FL- located on the north side of Ponce Inlet this gorgeous place offers spectacular views of the beach and surrounding areas from an old lighthouse. The lighthouse point beach is an oasis amid a very loud Daytona urban clamor. A short drive to west is scenic Lake Ashby Park, which offers primitive camping

Siesta Beach, Sarasota, FL- Siesta beach could be home to the whitest, plushest sand in the world. It is called Siesta because that’s what people do there! Siesta. It is all so peaceful you’ll be lulled into a most enjoyable afternoon nap / relaxation. In Siesta Village there is the interesting Sunday tradition, the Siesta Key Drum Circle. Where visitors become family and the rhythm of drums, bongos, and maracas fill the air

Group Travel Spotlight: Atlantic City

Atlantic City is the older cousin twice removed of big time American gambling, or used to be. The times they are a changin'. Atlantic City was one of the premier destination getaways in America 100 years ago and it's coming back. In the last 100 years Atlantic City has waxed and waned in popularity. Currently Atlantic City has been on an uptrend recently and the trend looks to nothing but grow.

Atlantic City is aiming to regain its glory days as one of America’s top recreation stops for all sorts of travel, especially group travel. With a nice beachfront and historical flavor it has a nice head start to regaining its former glory. What’s helping it regain its former glory is a massive influx of capital investment.

In 2003, Atlantic city got its first Vegas style mega-resort, the Borgata. The Borgata will be joined in 2010 by Revel, a 3900 room resort that will feature the first casino wedding chapel in Atlantic City. Following soon after will be a multi-billion dollar resort from Pinnacle Entertainment built on the site of the old Sands Casino. The largest announced project is being spearheaded by MGM Mirage, a resort complex in the Marina district that will clock in with an impressive 5 Billion dollar price tag. All together announced building projects total 9 Billion in new infrastructure for the ever resilient Atlantic City.

No time like the present to be a part of history and see Atlantic City go under its metaphorosis. I personally got to see the change in Las Vegas as it kept evolving in to what it is today- fascinating. Atlantic City is vying to be Las Vegas east. 9 Billion dollars says they have a chance. If you’d like to travel with your group to Atlantic City be sure to take a look at this Atlantic City group travel mini guide:

Group Travel Attraction Guide to Atlantic City

Steel Pier – steps away from the Taj, this old time carnival atmosphere as something for everyone

Lucy the Elephant – even Dumbo thinks this large 65 foot elephant built in 1881 is strange (but worth a look!)

Absecon Lighthouse – one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, dating back to 1857

Group Travel Hotel Guide to Atlantic City

Taj Mahal – this place is deliciously tacky in all the right ways

Borgata Hotel – the only way to stay in style in Atlantic City

Holiday Inn Boardwalk – The best bet for the value conscience, location, location, location

Group Travel Spotlight: Colorado Ski Resorts

When most people think of Colorado, they think skiing. In the United States, Colorado is the king skiing destination. As a Colorado homer it’s hard not to talk about the other attractions that make Colorado a great place to be. But skiing is what Colorado does best, and today our job is to describe group travel to Colorado Ski Resorts.

Colorado has a population of around 4 million people but welcomes two to three times that many skiers a year. Seven of the ten busiest ski resorts in the United States are in Colorado. The resorts in Summit County are consistently ranked as the most popular skiing destinations in America. Speaking of consistency, Vail Ski Resort is consistently rated the top ski resort in the world.

Colorado ski resorts offer something for every type of skier. From the ultra-sheik slopes at Aspen to the more old school runs at Loveland. Colorado snow is known for being an almost perfect blend of fluffy powder that gives and unmatched downhill ride. Skiers enjoy this world class powder on ski slopes that run the gamut from never-put-on-skies-before beginners to gold-medal-olympic experts.

Colorado ski resorts are extremely well-equipped to accommodate groups. With an array of slope difficulty and ski classes galore, everyone in the group will be able to ski. If some in the group choose not to ski, the towns that house the top Colorado ski resorts are a winter paradise. High class shopping, day spas, hot springs, and top-tier rooms will see that non-skiers are not bored.

As we are want to do, we present you a mini-guide to for group travel to some of Colorado’s top ski resorts:

Steamboat Resort - Champagne powder lovers dream. The town offers some of Colorado’s most breathtaking views

Breckenridge Resort - ski here just to say you road the tallest ski lift in North America

Vail Resort - this beautiful place is number 1 for a reason

Arapahoe Basin - home to the steepest, craziest run in Colorado

Aloha! Group Travel Spotlight: Hawaii

Aloha! Aloha is the ultimate word in friendly human interaction, meaning hello, goodbye and all things positive. Aloha symbolizes the welcoming spirit of the most interesting state in the United States, Hawaii. Hawaii is one of the best places to plan group travel anywhere in the world.

The weather, the people, even the colors, everything is warm in Hawaii. Impressive for a place that is one of the most isolated on earth. Hawaii is 2,390 miles from California, 3,850 miles from Japan, 4,900 miles from China, and 5,280 miles from the Philippines- it's the most isolated place on earth, save Easter Island.

If Hawaii being the most isolated population center on earth is not interesting enough for you, try this bit of geography on for size. Hawaii is not just one place. It’s a series of places that make up an archipelago. The Hawaiian Archipelago consists of over 130 points of land stretching 1,600 miles in length from the Kure Atoll in the north to the island of Hawaii in the south.

Hawaii’s main islands are: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island of Hawaii. All of which are probably 75 degrees and sunny right now.

Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing and home to the narliest waves found in America. From the Father of modern surfing Duke Kahanamoku to the brave amateur on vacation, surfing is king in Hawaii. The best surfing in Hawaii is found in the North Shore of Oahu. In the winter, 20 foot waves are a regular occurrence in the world famous North Shore. Perhaps most interesting is the fact that the oft used slang word, "Brah", short for bruddah ("brother"), comes from the Hawaiian surfing culture and is derived from the native speak, "pidgin."

Hawaii is a paradise if any exists. Getting your group to Hawaii is a must, the sooner the better. Go for the year round mid-70s weather, hundreds of beaches, volcanic adventures, breathtaking rainbows, stay for the friendly people where smiles are as a common as the exotic flowers. As is our custom here at the group scoop we’re going to highlight top sites to take your group. This time we do it by the island…

Group Travel to Maui

Iao Valley - featuring a pillar of stone rising 1200 feet, this is a sacred experience

Maui Ocean Center – dedicated to Hawaiian Marine life, this unique experience was voted the number one family attraction in Hawaii

Wailuku – the place for secluded tropical antique shopping

Group Travel to Oahu

North Shore – the finest surfing in the world, get loose "brah"

Kualoa Ranch – this is where they shot the opening scenes of Jurassic park, sold!

Pearl Harbor – the action of the day that will live in infamy happened here

Group Travel to Kauai

Waimea Canyon – can’t miss hiking in the grand canyon of the pacific

Gay and Robinsons Sugar Plantation – a working sugar plantation, the old world operating in the new one

Spouting Horn – famous for its loud growl and 50 foot bursts of salt water into the air

Group Travel to Hawaii

Waipio Valley – 2000 foot cliffs, coast line, and a river runs through it

Pacific Tsunami Museum – Hawaii’s experience with nature’s greatest disaster

Hapuna Beach Park – easily one of the best beaches in the entire world, double sold!

Group Scoop Travel Spotlight: Raleigh - Durham - Chapel Hill

The group scoop would like to take you into the Triangle: Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill.

The North Carolina cities Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill surround Research Triangle Park, a research district established in the late 1950s. Now, a bustling zone of research and economic development. Not to be confused with the Research Triangle, "The Triangle", is the nickname for the cities around Research Triangle Park, Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill. Simple, right? The Triangle is an area famous for its creative, entrepreneurial spirit, top Universities, and the diversity of culture between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

Before we move on to our main focus of group travel to Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill, college basketball, a few words on the group travel opportunities given by each city itself. We start with Raleigh.

Raleigh - They call themselves "hip without the hassle". For groups looking for pleasant weather, southern hospitality, fine dining, "without the hassle" Raleigh is your place. Be sure to visit the Natural History Museum to spy, Willo, the only dinosaur on display with a fossilized heart.

Durham – the official home to Research Triangle Park. Perfect for business group travel. Just be sure to keep an eye towards a chance networking opportunity with one of the city’s many creative entrepreneurs. One group scoop recommended can’t miss event in Durham is the Festival of the Eno (named for the Eno River), a music festival with so much genuine culture it should be in a museum.

Chapel Hill – This section of the Triangle is often voted one of the best places to live in America. It’s a college town through and through. No doubt the best group travel experience in Chapel Hill is attending a University of North Carolina Tar Heel basketball game versus one of the local rivals.

The Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill area is the hottest of all the college basketball hotbeds. The Triangle plus nearby Wake Forest is home to four of college basketball’s elite teams: NC Wolf Pack, Duke Blue Devils, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, North Carolina Tar Heels. It’s almost inconceivable how so much of college basketball’s power base, in a country the size of the United States, could be localized in only a few square miles. It is a site to behold!

Getting the group together and traveling to anyone of these campuses is a pilgrimage any sports fan should want to take. With so much basketball electricity in one small area, traveling with your group to Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill could be the experience of a sporting lifetime. On any given weekend, your group trip to Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill could see four teams in the top 25 all within a short drive of one another.

The clock on the college basketball season has started. Midnight Madness has come and gone. So for culture, research, or especially college basketball, the time is now to take your group to Raleigh – Durham – Chapel Hill.

Group Travel Spotlight: Las Vegas

Viva, Las Vegas! We here at the Group Scoop love Las Vegas. Like Vegas, what happens in this blog, stays in this blog. Sure, that expression is trite by now, but we couldn’t help ourselves. Only Las Vegas could produce a city slogan so effective that after only a couple years it’s been repeated so many times it’s already trite.

Las Vegas is the most surreal area in the United States. The proof of such a statement? The Canals of Venice, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Pyramid are all within walking distance of each other in Vegas. Ironically, most of these faux wonders of the world are not actually in Las Vegas. Most of what makes Las Vegas, "Vegas", the resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, are outside Las Vegas’ city limits. Most of the Strip is in the aptly named unincorporated township of Paradise, Nevada.

Paradise or Las Vegas? Does it matter? It’s a fun place by any name. Depending on who’s counting, Las Vegas is the number one or number two meeting / convention / expo destination in the United States. The point here is that Las Vegas does groups, and lots of them, all of the time. Every activity in the city is designed to accommodate group travel to Las Vegas of any size or variety.

Whatever you’re into, Las Vegas will accommodate you. World class day spas to cater to those looking for relaxation. Singers, comedians, showgirls, Broadway plays, or even magic to entertain. Some of the best restaurants in the world to eat in. What about indoor skydiving for you adrenaline junkies? Maybe you’re even considering group travel to Las Vegas for some activity that involves people yelling phrases like "Craps!", "Black Jack", and "Jackpot!"

As is our habit here at the Group Scoop, we’re going to sift through the hundreds of outta site things to do and see in Las Vegas down to a few choice selections. Without further ado, the group scoop guide to group travel in Las Vegas:

Top Las Vegas Hotels for Groups

The Luxor- there is something about being and sleeping inside of a pyramid, it is to be experienced, not explained

Bellagio- the first hotel to bring elegance to Vegas on a grand scale is still the best

Circus, Circus- this hotel is perfect for families on a budget. The slightly campy circus acts never fail to capture the imagination of kids

Group Scoop’s Top Las Vegas Shows

The Beatles LOVE: by Cirque du Soleil- everybody loves the Beatles and the mix with avante garde performance is inspiring, touching, and very entertaining

Rat Pack Las Vegas Tribute Show- celebrating the crew that were the original definition of cool. Not the biggest show in town, but its one of the best

Danny Gans- he may look a little goofy, but this impressionist is singularly gifted

Group Travel to Las Vegas for "Viva Las Vegas" Nights

Studio 54- the club so legendary it needed to be reborn in Vegas. How many other clubs have a Mike Myers movie made about them?

Paris, Paris- perhaps the calmest and most pleasant Casino in Las Vegas. Daiquiris served in huge plastic Eiffel towers can’t be beat

House of Blues- Here’s the drill. Catch the coolest sounds of the blues on a Saturday night then return Sunday morning for the jamn’n gospel choir

Get your group to Las Vegas!

Groups in New York? Anything in New York

Welcome to the Group Scoop’s spotlight of group travel to New York City, "The Big Apple". "The Big Apple" nickname is an interesting diversion. Why is New York called "The Big Apple?" A little research on the topic shows the answer is not definitive. However, New York’s finest minds point to two independent starting points that somehow converged to bring us the name. First comes to us from the world of horseracing. A columnist for the New York Morning Telegraph, John Fitzgerald, is credited for starting the "Big Apple" nickname from the horseracing angle. He called his column about New York City horse racing "Around the Big Apple". In reference to jockeys using the term "apple" to refer to racetracks. The second start of the nickname came independently from 1930s Jazz musicians who called New York the "Big Apple". Likely in reference to an old saying "there are many apples on the tree, but only one big apple". At some point the two references converged and the nickname, "The Big Apple" took. Thus ends this edition of group scoop historical trivia.

From the trivial to the mathematical. New York truly is the realization of the American melting pot ideal. New York has 170 languages spoken by people from 180 different countries, 36% of whom were born outside of the United States. New York is the United States’ most densely populated city with nearly 9 million in New York City proper and 22 million in the New York metropolitan area. New York would be the 16th richest country in the world if it was counted as an independent economy. 5 sub-cities called boroughs, make 1 city, "that never sleeps".

If it is true that number don’t lie, New York is mighty impressive. Those numbers add up to a place that is one of best places to visit in the United States. New York has more to offer in the area of group travel than is possible to list here. The biggest luxury of conducting group travel in New York, aside from variety, is transportation. Mass transit is everywhere. The subways are now safe and can take your group everywhere it wants to go. A typical subway day in New York might be riding from your hotel, to the Statue of Liberty ferry, to a Yankee game, to a hot Broadway show to cap the evening.

Many great spots are excluded, but we’ll try and give you a small group travel guide to NYC. Here are some top group travel destinations for your group next time you’re in New York City:

Group Travel New York with an Entertainment Twist

Broadway - The "Mecca" for the live performance buff, more high dollar shows here than anywhere else in the world

Times Square – Lights, cameras, action! This place is always jumpin’. The place to see shell shocked tourists taking in a big city that is more than they can handle

Yankee Stadium – One of the most historic sporting venues in America, it won’t be here forever, go see it now!

Group Travel New York with an Artsy Tilt

MOMA – Museum of Modern Art is beyond description. I’ll try one…It’s interesting

Metropolitan Museum of Art – one of the largest art museums in the world, has the best Egyptian art gallery on display anywhere

Guggenheim – more famous for its architecture than its exhibits, this is the one place that is a must see for any art lova

Group Travel New York for a uniquely "Big Apple" Experience

Chinatown – one of the most eclectic and electric Chinatowns in the nation, definitely uniquely New York

Central Park – This park is bigger than you can imagine, much of its charm comes from an idea that it just shouldn’t be there

Washington Square – A great place to go and watch some of the nation’s top street performers or to go challenge a local chess hustler at a game of speed chess

Group Travel Spotlight: Nashville

Music City USA, baby.

As they say on their official city website, "if you believe music is the only true barometer of a person’s soul, then you deserve a trip to music city". Nashville is pleased as punch over their music heritage and position in the modern music world. Not without reason. Music is everywhere in Nashville, from the echoes of its rich past to the stirrings on the Music Mile on a Friday night.

The emphasis on music begins from the very moment one arrives in Nashville. Nashville International is the only airport that requires you to walk through its main terminal on piano key patterned floors with local bands filling the air with music. From there it’s time for you to pick your musical poison. Country, Jazz, and Blues are the easiest to find, but I dare say nearly any type of music and a performance can be found in Nashville.

Did somebody say "Athens of the South"? Yes! There is more to Nashville than its music. Outside of music, much of the culture and life in Nashville is built around its status as an epicenter for many Universities and outposts of higher learning like Vanderbilt, Fisk University and many others. Nashville accordingly is forever young, always home to the energies and excitement of the University student. Don’t forget about the fact that Nashville is deeply rooted in the nation’s early history and civil war. Historical sites abound.

The group scoop is not forgetting our audience’s main concern, group travel to Nashville. We were just warming up to it. Nashville is a unique and terrific place to plan any type of group trip. What’s better than a live music performance to entertain a group of people? Music is nearly the universal form of entertainment. The live shows in the many honkytonks and music venues are designed to please a varied group of people. A country act will perform rock and roll songs, a rock and roll act will perform blues, blues acts might perform a country tune. Music is music in Nashville. It’s more about the experience than the final destination.

To make things a bit easier to understand we’re going to break down our suggestions for group travel landmarks not to miss by those that are musically inclined, excitement driven, and those that have an historical bent:

Group Travel to Nashville with a Musical Twist

Grand Ole Opry – anything with "Ole" in it should probably be a destination. This one is particularly cool as you can catch live performances given by country music’s biggest stars, recording music for a radio show that is more than 80 years old

Blue Bird Café – since 1982, one of the most prestigious launching grounds for Nashville’s local talent

Music Mile – the stretch between downtown and the famous music row. Catch 101 different live acts on this stretch while you’re walking on star paved sidewalks- this stretch contains the "Music City Walk of Fame"

Group Travel to Nashville with a Twinge of Excitement

General Jackson Showboat – daily escapes on a riverboat! Need we say more?

Country Music Hall of Fame - visit this place for the crazy fashion revolutions in country music alone. They have the Elvis solid gold Cadillac…now that’s excitement

The Parthenon – we were shocked too. But yes the Athens of the South took that moniker literally when they built a full scale replica of Greece’s own Parthenon. This one’s not only eccentric but it gives group discounts…

Group Travel to Nashville for an Historical Experience

The Hermitage – home to Old Hickory himself, Andrew Jackson. After he was done beating the British in New Orleans, he called this place home

Ryman Auditorium – former confederate soldiers turned this tabernacle into the first famous music venue in Music City, and still one of the best

Stones River Battlefield – site of one of the bloodiest battles of the civil war. This battle was said to have the highest percentage of casualties on both sides. Horrifying and interesting

Texas in Technicolor: Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country could be one of the best kept secrets in the United States. People who take it in all agree Texas Hill Country is an American treasure. Everybody seems to have a slightly different description of what the Hill Country is. Some say it is a series of rolling hills that is characterized by some of the most vibrant colors found in the county. Others are taken in more by the romanticism of the slightly rugged hills and the charm of its small towns. Still others are most fascinated by, its karst geography. Yes, I said "karst". A rarely used word in our language that describes an area of irregular limestone, home to many sinks, ravines, fissures, caverns, and underground streams. Now use it in a sentence. "Texas Hill Country is ‘karst’." No matter how you describe it: colorful, romantic, or "karst" Texas Hill Country is place to see.

The undeniable beauty is only one reason Texas Hill Country is a perfect place for group travel. The Hill Country has so many places to visit and different scenes that it has something to accommodate any individual taste within a traveling group. 

Perhaps the best launching point for a group trip into the Texas Hill Country is Austin, Texas. The western suburbs of Austin is the key gateway to the views present in the Hill Country. Proximity is not the only reason Austin is a terrific choice as a home base for your Hill Country experience. For Austin is a unique experience in and of itself. We do not have the space to describe it properly here, but this little big city situated on the Colorado River is one of the most exciting in the nation- a college town with a musical and artistic bent. Austin presents many reasons to come back to your hotel after your serene days exploring the Texas Hill Country.

When you do get out of the great city of Austin and into the Hill Country the main activity should be exploring the terrain. As for specific destinations, here are four places perfect for group travel to Texas Hill Country:

Enchanted Rock- an icon of the Texas Hill Country. A granite dome that is as beautiful as it is rugged

Lost Maples- visit Lost Maples in October and November to see some of the most vibrant foliage this side of New England

Inner Space Cavern- no trip to Texas Hill Country would be complete without a trip to one of the many caverns. This one has saber tooth tiger remains. In the hot Texas sun, seeing that puts an interesting twist on any day

Wild Life Ranch- they call themselves "African Safari, Texas Style". They literally have a Rhino here. Seeing a Rhino in the wild in Texas? Yes, please

Looks like group travel to Texas Hill Country is a secret that is getting out. Shhhh.

Group Scoop Spotlight: Los Angeles

"I love LA!", "California Dreamin", and more recent hits like "City of Angels" show that Los Angeles, CA is the stuff of music legend. I don’t care to do the study, but I’d think Los Angeles has more pop music songs about it than any other city save maybe New York. Like many legends, fact does not always mirror fiction when it comes to Los Angeles. In other ways, the reality is more surreal and fascinating than the many songs and movies about the city. A tale of two cities: it was the fakest of times, it was the realest of times.

We here at the group scoop in the interest of full disclosure must say that we have a special affection for the city of Los Angeles. From the pleasant feeling that comes from a lively palm tree to the sharp glitzy corners of sunset blvd, the city is an interesting place to witness.

In many places, Los Angeles puts on a facade of greatness, trying to scheme its way to majesty rather than simply being great. However, it is also this very scheme, by a confluence of facade, which serves to create a majestic landscape of another kind. There is something special about the city's endless fakery trying to fool you that it is special (a convoluted point, but true nonetheless).

In other spots, the city, in a manner similar to Chicago, Boston, or New York displays singular big city greatness. The hallmark of Los Angeles will always be its Hollywood roots, which permeate and resonate through all parts of the city. The specter of the entertainment culture can be found in nearly all of LA’s landmarks.

For our purposes, Los Angeles, I can say with authority, is a great place for group travel for the reasons listed above and for the attractions listed below. Anytime is a good time to visit the group scoop attraction recommendations:

Group Travel for Entertainment Culture of Los Angeles:

Paramount Studios- the best of the many movie studio tours

Grauman’s Chinese Theater- nothing is more fun than seeing just how small the hands and feet of Hollywood’s most famous people are

Hollywood Blvd- you’ve heard of the sidewalk with "stars" of the famous, go see it for yourself

Group Travel for the Culture of Los Angeles:

Venice Beach- from outrageous street performers to freaky roller skaters, this is world class people watching

Rodeo Drive- shopettes where you have to ring the door bell to get in

Sunset Blvd- windy road that follows some of the ritziest homes in America then blasts through a hot nightlife scene

Group Travel for Los Angeles Americana:

Griffith Park- unleash your inner rebel, no cause necessary

Santa Monica Pier- featured in many films, a pleasant year round pier carnival

Crystal Cathedral- come see the most famous church in America, Christianity meets show biz

My Kinda Town

"Perhaps the most typically American place in America"

     -James Bryce (British Author)

"I give you Chicago. It is not London and Harvard. It is not Paris and buttermilk. It is American in every chitling and sparerib. It is alive from snout to tail"

     -H.L. Mencken (American Intellectual)

The editors here at the Group Scoop include those quotes as an apt introduction to our topic du jour, the city of Chicago. No other city is a bigger, better, example of the essence of the "great American" city. Chicago goes big or goes home. Famous for fun fast food, its own style of pizza, and daytime baseball, Chicago truly is American through and through.

Chicago in one form or another has been around as long as American itself. The original Town of Chicago was founded in 1833, by only 350 citizens. Which, of course, is trivial nonsense until you need an interesting factoid at your next dinner party..."Did you know Chicago started in 1833 with only 350 people?"

Now Chicago has bloomed into a city of 10 million residents in the "Chicagoland" area. All of whom help contribute to what is a world class and diverse metropolitan area. There is something for everyone, an outlet for every taste. Including (lucky for us) many outlets for group activity. Chicago has countless venues that not only cater to group travel, they count on it. Here's your "scoop" on group activities in Chicago:

Some Free Chicago Group Travel Activity Ideas:

Magnificent Mile- the heart of the city's culture. A concentration of fabulous hotels, shops, pubs, and restaurants

The Loop- the central business district of Chicago, America's 2nd busiest. Strong competitor to the Magnificent Mile for your attention

Hyde Park- home to many grand (University of Chicago) and off the beaten path (The Renaissance Society) institutions

Inexpensive Ideas for Chicago Group Travel Activities:

Sears Tower Sky Deck- View the city from the 103rd floor. If it's good enough for Ferris Bueller, shouldn't it be good enough for you?

Navy Pier- Ferris wheel, cotton candy, and rides galore. Sold!

Hemingway Museum- definitely a cerebral stop. This is Hemingway's birthplace with exhibits and the author's life history

"Oh it's worth it!" Ideas for Chicago Group Travel Activities:

Cubs Baseball Game- Wrigley Field is one of the top three most historic locations in the world to see a baseball game (Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park are the others)

Chicago Theater- A treasure preserved from the 1920s. Original murals above the stage and on the ceiling, an American classic

Chicago Symphony- one of America's best concerts, see Pierre Boulez in action

So, when can I see you in Chicago?

Delaware and The Place to Be

Call it a myth, call it urban legend, call it blatantly false, but rumor has it Delaware is a boring place. In my west coast circle, Delaware has been the butt of jokes for being boring and "random" for quite some time.

The notion started for me when I was kid watching a scene from "Wayne’s World" where Delaware is mocked as essentially being the most uninteresting state in the union. Is this a fair joke? Surely not I thought. So investigate I did. What is there to do and see in Delaware? Is it a bland uninteresting vacation destination? Let’s find out!

Here are the results of my somewhat cursory investigation:

Firstly, I figured there is going to be no greater champion of Delaware, than Delaware. So off to the state website it was. Where at once I’m greeted by a message from the governor, Ann Miller, saying, "There is no place quite like Delaware". Alright! Let the myth busting begin!

Strictly speaking no place is like another place. So I need more than that. Luckily there is more, much more. I’ll spoil the suspense right now…Delaware ain’t half bad. Wayne just wasn’t right on this one.

Point by point why Delaware should bust the boring myth and you should book your hotel now.

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Captain Kidd and lighthouses. Delaware has both. Put them together and we have the makings of an interesting start to a story.

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du Pont’s family legacy. Delaware offers a chance to see old world French style chateaus in modern America. From the du Pont family elegant estates to colonial New Castle, much of Delaware can feel like a time warp to a simpler, more peaceful time.

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Famed east coast scenery with no crowds. Cruise through places like the Brandywine Valley and feel a bit more sophisticated. Delaware’s highways and byways offer the renowned beauty of east coast scenery in as serene a fashion as possible.

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Tax-free shopping statewide. Nothing boring about bargains.

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Delaware is #1. It’s the first state, besides interesting trivia, that’s important because it also means it has deep historical roots. Delaware is a wealth of preserved early American history. Dover is one of the few state capitols (if any others) where cobble stoned streets and colonial homes are functioning infrastructure.

Delaware also boasts of entertainment in historic theatres and opera houses unmatched by most any other state. For the historical and peaceful at heart, my look into Delaware leads me to a simple conclusion- Delaware should be on your list of places to experience.

Historical and peaceful atmospheres are not everyone’s cup of tea, so maybe the truth is that Delaware isn’t for everyone (like Wayne). Yet for many it’s sure to be a place to remember and the farthest thing from "boring".

Summer Mountain Getaways - Fantastic Destinations for Group Travel

The summer is a fun time to head up to the mountains. Many towns that are crawling with people during ski season are not nearly as crowded in the summer months. The great thing about it is that most of these mountain destinations are also a great warm weather destinations. I have a few personal favorite summer mountain destinations. Some are from Colorado, where I live, and others are places I visited as a child and over the years.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is one of my favorite towns in Colorado. During ski season, Telluride is a bustling ski destination. The main town is beautiful, with old victorian homes and great places to dine. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting. There are some amazing hiking and biking spots easily accessible from town. Bridal Veil Falls is a great hike to a gorgeous spot, and the trailhead is just outside the town.

Summer is a much slower time for Telluride, and it is an amazing time of year to visit. The natural beauty is awe inspiring, and there are lots of things to keep you busy: hiking, biking, fly fishing, photography, and festivals Telluride has a great film festival and is best known for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That is probably the busiest time for Telluride's summer season, but for much of the summer you can easily rent a condo or vacation rental right in town for a very reasonable price.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat is also at the top of my list for summer mountain trips. I live in Denver, and you can usually get to Steamboat in about three hours during the warm months. Steamboat Springs is a great destination whether you are taking a family vacation in a two-bedroom condo or are spending a week in the wilderness backpacking. The Yampa Valley is a beautiful vacation spot with lots of mountain activities.

The Elk River is a great fly fishing spot. I definitely recommend you give it a try if fishing is your passion. Some stretches of the Yampa River also offer quality angling.

Pearl Lake is a more secluded, quiet place you can check out when you vacation in Steamboat. The lake has crystal clear water, and you can bring your canoes, kayak's and small motor boats (the lake has a "no wake" policy, so go slow).

Summer in Steamboat Springs also means lots of hiking and biking opportunities on the mountain trails. Wildlife viewing, bird watching are a lot of fun, too.

Don't forget to include a visit to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. The water is hot, and there is a series of three cascading pools along the creek with a temperature to suit anyone, even children. The facilities are on the rustic side but very nice, and you can purchase massage treatments on-site, including watsu, a kind of water massage.

Mammoth, California

Mammoth, California is a memorable place from my childhood. I love it there, and I really hope to make a return visit soon. Near Bishop in Northern California, Mammoth offers a great summer vacation in a beautiful mountain setting. I can't tell you everything there is to do in the area, but here are a few activities and places that really stand out in my memory:

Devil's Postpile - This is an interesting and beautiful natural rock feature in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The formation is made of columnar basalt, which is a rare kind of rock formation. The tallest columns are 60 feet high are beautiful. Devil's Postpile National Monument is easily accessible from Mammoth.

Hot Creek - The hot springs at Hot Creek are maintained by the Park Service, and they are easy to get to from Mammoth. They are about 25 miles south of Lake Mono, and the access is good.

Schat's Bakery - This place has great bread and baked goods, plain and simple. Most people go through Bishop to get to Mammoth, and if you do I highly recommend you stop at Schat's for something to take with you. I absolutely love their bread, especially the chili cheese bread. Their fruit tarts are amazing, too. Give them a try.