Running Down the Hill

“When Clemson players rub that Rock and run down the Hill, it’s the most exciting 25 seconds in college football.”
Brent Musburger, ABC Sports 

Tradition at Clemson University isn't something that is taken lightly. From tiger rag, to singing the alma mater, to rubbing the rock Clemson has traditions that will last a life time. The most exciting 25 seconds of college football is a tradition which started out of convenience in the beginning, but now has turned into something bigger. Since 1942 the football team has been running down the hill to enter Death Valley at the start of each game. The dressing room for the football players was at the Fike Field House, which was closes to the east end zone. Because of the location it made more sense for the players to run down the hill to get into the stadium. For some people rubbing a rock and running down a hill seems insignificant, but to the Clemson Tigers it's a tradition.

Disney's Pandora: The World of Avatar

Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World & Groups Daily

SUMMER of 2017, Disney Parks and Resorts, will go live with a new expansion to Disney's Animal Kingdom: Pandora—The World of Avatar.

In collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing the mythical world of Pandora to life. The expansion will feature two new signature attractions for guests to explore the world of Pandora. Guests could fly over the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, or enjoy a family-friendly boat ride through the bioluminescent forests on Na'vi River Journey.

Visit Groups Daily and The World of Avatar

Savannah Tour of Gullah Culture

Day Clean Journey tour guide Amir Jamal Toure is known for his engaging style and thorough knowledge. — Photo courtesy of Day Clean Soul

Savannah is known for its eclectic heritage and Southern charm. From its antebellum mansions and mossy, tree-lined streets to the fountains and statures scattered throughout the city, the city is filled with attractions and historical hotspots.

The Pin Point Heritage Museum offers informational and interactive programs designed to capture Gullah/Geechee culture firsthand. Located in an old oyster and crab factory on the banks of the Moon River, the museum tells the story of an African -American community that thrived in isolation for nearly 100 years and was founded by first generation freedmen. In addition, some of the museum exhibits explore the lives of former residents such as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Another great way to learn about Gullah culture in Savannah is to take the Gullah/Geeche tour offered by Day Clean Journeys. The name Day Clean itself is a Gullah phrase meaning “new day” or “dawn.” Led by tour guide and historian Amir Jamal Toure, the two-hour tour takes guests to several spots around Savannah, including the First African Baptist Church, one of the first black churches in North America and a stop on the Underground Railroad, and Factors Walk, an area near River Street that once was the center of the city’s slave trade. The tour also visits the Garden of Eden restaurant, which specializes in soul food and Southern fare.

Too Busy to Vacate?

Glacier National Park, GNT Group Tour

Alaska Cruise

Christmas in NYC!

“I don’t have time to plan a trip or spend time with friends!” 

The truth is, you’ll be busy whether you take a vacation or not. A vacation restores your mind, body and spirit so that when you return you can tackle your workload, improve your productivity in the long run. The seemingly limitless destination possibilities on the Web can feel overwhelming. Here are 3 ways to streamline travel and connect with friends.  By definition, we all need to VACATE.  va·cate /ˈvāˌkāt/verb 1. leave (a place that one previously occupied):

1. Travel Professional Connect with a local travel company or one online like www.goodnewstravels.com and embark on a pre-planned excursion with friends (yes, they still exist) and tell the expert your vacation goals, preferences, timing, and budget. You'll receive several amazing vacation options right away or by email if you wish. Decide and go!

2. Take a Cruise. Cruising has become one of the most popular ways of taking vacations for good reasons. Each cruise has a fixed itinerary with onboard activities scheduled from day to night plus tours you can take during stops at ports-of-call. It's a floating vacation that you can book in an instant.

3. Consider Holiday Packages. Booking a vacation that combines flights, hotel, and activities will save you time and money. On a booking site or through your favorite airline or hotel, they will lead to to many options driven by price not experience.  We can help you book confident in your destination.

Getaway to the Golden State

Photo Courtesy of: asilomar.com

VISIT THE GOLDEN STATE.  Long known for its beautiful beaches, the Golden State is the perfect place for a seaside getaway for a corporate getaway, incentive travel or team building excursion. Known for picturesque scenery, rich history and incredible examples of early twentieth century architecture, this area is also home to some of the state’s more amazing beaches and beachfront properties. 

BUILD A GOLDEN TEAM at Asilomar Conference Grounds situated along the Monterey Penninsula. Asilomar partnered with Adventures by the Sea and can facilitate competitive and cooperative team building programs out on the beach or inside the grounds. Year-round, you can take part in a vast array of outdoor activities including cycling along miles of beautiful shore or gathering your group for a game of beach volleyball. You may even find yourself following a trail through the dunes or taking in views of crashing surf and turquoise-colored ocean water.

Team Building Activities Include:

• Kayak, bike and hiking adventures

• Scenic Scavenger Hunts

• Beach Olympics

• "Challenge by the Sea" Group Problem Solving

• The "Minute to Win It" Challenge

• Creative Custom Experiences

Asilomar's rich history dates back to its origins as a YWCA Leadership Camp built in 1913. Known as Monterey Peninsula's "Refuge by the Sea," the state park is located on 107 acres of state beach and conference grounds, within the quaint and scenic town of Pacific Grove. Asilomar is celebrated for its restored dune ecosystem and architectural significance, with cozy, historic structures designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan between 1913 and 1928.

Ark Encounter: Life-size Noah's Ark

Photo Courtesy of arkencounter.com

...and a flood covered the earth. 

Then the Flood began. The fountains of the deep broke open, and the windows of heaven were opened. Rain poured for forty days and forty nights. The waters rose until every high hill on the earth was covered. Everything that lived on land perished in the raging floodwaters (Genesis 7:17–24).

Meet the Ark Encounter. a world-class theme park featuring the most authentic full-size replica of Noah’s Ark in the world offers an opportunity to travel back in time. While you are there, take a wild adventure and soar across gorgeous valleys on a zip line tour or relax with your friends and family at their casual two-story restaurant.

Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old. Ark Encounter is situated in the beautiful Williamstown, Kentucky, halfway between Cincinnati and Lexington on I-75. From the moment you turn the corner and the towering Ark comes into view, to the friendly animals in the zoo, to the jaw-dropping exhibits inside the Ark, you’ll experience the pages of the Bible like never before.

Homewood Bats | Just because…

Photo Courtesy of HOMEWOODBAT.COM

BECAUSE THIS IS A BASEBALL TOWN

November 5-7, in partnership with the Chicago Southland CVB, Good News Travels will travel with area teachers to experience Chicago and surrounding areas first hand in search of art, science, manufacturing experiences that add value to the deep roots of the city. One of our stops along the way is Homewood Bats. Located only 20 miles south of Chicago, this hometown company was built on a passion for baseball, the manufacturing process and people. With two Professional teams, Chicago is a baseball town and this locally grown company loves baseball as much as the region it calls home.

BECAUSE THIS IS THEIR DREAM

Creating bats in a plant where visitors can see that process and customize their bat has been a dream many years in the making. Patience and prayer have made that dream a reality. The quality of each Homewood Bat show their commitment to creating a lasting product and we will experience the vision, engineering technology, and passion that brings every bat to life.

BECAUSE BASEBALL BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

For generations families, neighbors, and friends alike, have gathered in their local park, in Grandma's back yard, and in professional stadiums to enjoy a game of baseball...Homewood Bats continues the story as they craft each bat with you in mind.

Group Tours to Nova Scotia

Villa Rica Georgia- Custom Group Tour, Nova Scotia Fall, 2016

From this view at Peggy's Cove to Dinner on the Northumberland Ferry, serving up "the best scallops I have ever had," our church group experienced an unforgettable journey through Nova Scotia and beyond.  Can't wait for the next adventure!

GNT Nova Scotia group tours embrace the spirit of the perfect road trip!  Located in eastern Canada and almost completely surrounded by ocean, the province of Nova Scotia is a place where you can fall in sync with the rhythm of the sea and immerse yourself in culture that ranges from traditional to avant-garde, from bagpipes to world-class golf. 

Road Trip Nova Scotia! These are just a few of the fabulous adventures that are waiting for you to discover! Visit Featured Road Trips Nova Scotia.com

QT Luong’s Treasured Lands

QT Luong, the 1st to photograph all 59 US National Parks, shows us how to capture some of America's greatest treasures in his book Treasured Lands: A Photographic Odyssey Through America's National Parks. In an article by Kurt Repanshek on September 25th, 2016, NationalParksTraveler.com, Repanshek showcases the book and QT Luong photographic journey. National parks are far from one-dimensional. They hold history, beauty, and the natural world in all the nooks and crannies of their landscapes. Old-growth forests, canyons that streams and rivers have gnawed into the earth, colorful coral reefs, expansive lakes, and some of the first vestiges of human encounters with nature all are contained within the parks. This great diversity and intersections of nature are what draws QT Luong again and again into the National Park System with his cameras.

It was 2002 when the landscape photographer first completed a journey through all of the 58 "national parks" that existed at the time, an achievement no other large format photographer could claim. This feat was recognized by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan in their landmark documentary, The National Parks: America's Best Idea. With parks scattered across half the globe, from National Park of American Samoa in the Pacific to Gates of Arctic National Park and Preserve near the roof of Alaska and Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean, it would have been easy, and far less expensive, for Luong to celebrate the National Park Service Centennial this year with a new book of photographs pulled from his archives from his earlier adventures through the park system.  Read more

To view a full portfolio of QT Luong, visit terragalleria.com

What to Do in Washington, D.C.

Monuments and memorials, imagination and leadership, eclectic neighborhoods and true local flavor make Washington, DC a top destination for everyone. It’s your home away from home with free museums and America’s front yard and an unstoppable energy that is American History.  It seems that the D.C. landscape is constantly changing, improving and growing daily.  It is an educational journey into America's past, present and future that never runs dry.  Here are a few highlights that wrap up September.

Photo Source: Washington.org

September 24, 2016,  GRAND OPENING Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the only national museum devoted exclusively to African American culture, will open it's doors! Just on our way home from D.C., we experienced the planning of what is said to be one of the most elaborate museum openings in Smithsonian history. From tents, to chairs, port-a-johns and projectors, they have been setting up for weeks in preparation for this historic event.

washington.org

washington.org

washington.org

For more information on what to do in Washington DC visit www.washington.org

Chattanooga's Riverpark Extension

Photo Courtesy of Chattanooga CVB

A three mile, $16 million expansion of the Tennessee Riverpark along the Tennessee River from downtown to the city's Southside near the foot of Lookout Mountain was dedicated mid-August.  Since opening, Chattanooga’s linear park has been recognized as one of the best in the nation. CNN Travel named the Riverpark among the “World’s 10 Best City Running Trails”.

Unlike the openness of the first 10 miles, which leads trekkers through wetlands and wooded areas, the newest tract traverses a big chunk of the city’s industrial heritage.  HIghlights include:

• Riverpark Amphitheater at Blue Goose Hollow – site of Bessie Smith’s first home and where she began singing for coins as a young girl
• Chattanooga Bike Share station
• Landscaped trail and green spaces
• New vistas of the Tennessee River
• Pavilion
• Restrooms
• Public art: Two large, significant pieces by internationally renowned sculptor Albert Paley and three other art pieces will be installed later this year

The Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium, America's oldest planetarium, believes that ever since the first curious person looked up at the night sky, people all over the world have challenged themselves to uncover its secrets. What are stars? How did they get there? Why does our view of the sky change throughout the year? What holds the Universe together? The planetarium keeps space within our reach through innovative programs, interactive experiences

During your visit, you can follow the Universe from earliest days and see how galaxies, stars, planets—and all the atoms in your body—were created as the Universe multiplied. You can travel a billion light years from home and investigate objects deep in space through the eyes of ultra-high resolution telescopes.  The Adler Planetarium has a staff of "stars" that study, explore and move the needle on space study and exploration. 

Visit the Adler night or day and take flight into space!  For more information visit www.adlerplanetarium.com

Photo Courtesy of Adler Planetarium

Here's what Astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz had to say about working at the Adler.

Why do you love working at the Adler?
I love working at the Adler because I get to pursue cutting-edge research while being an “Ambassador to the Stars!”

How to Travel in Style

Knit Tank: MichaelKors.com // Cape: Cabionline.com // Sneakers: newbalance.com // Glasses: zappos.com // Tote: Longchamp.com // Cream: Amazon.com

With long hours in transit, cramped cabins and drastic temperature changes, dressing for travel isn't always easy. Here are some travel tools that will help keep you fashionable throughout your trip!

Layers

Pashminas, shawls, wraps, cardigans, sweatshirts, vests, and light jackets are perfect. You can even fold or roll soft items, like cotton jackets, and use them as makeshift pillows during flight. www.Cabionline.com is a great resource for versatile layers that look great on and off the plane.

Seasonless & Breathable Fabrics

According to Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing, "We're seeing designers address lighter-weight and transitional-weight fabrics, so that they're seasonless," he says, citing tropical wool and double-face cashmere. Downing continues. "Knit is a traveler's best friend. It's so easy. A jersey dress packs well because it doesn't wrinkle. And with a change of accessories, you can go to dinner and be very polished." Downing suggests trying jersey knits from designers like Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg and Stella McCartney.

Comfortable Shoes

Pack shoes you've already worn and know to be comfortable, for standing and sitting for long periods of time and for walking miles upon miles. For air travel, you'll want to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off when passing through airport security.  We recommend metro city style sneakers from New Balance, Addidas and Nike. Toms (for men and women), and higher-end Tieks (for women) are other really great alternatives.

Glasses

If you typically wear contacts, you might want to wear your glasses instead and pack a travel size contact solution and contact case for a quick change...especially on long flights.  Because air in plane cabins is dry—usually around 10 to 20 percent humidity—contacts become uncomfortable to wear if your eyes dry out in the cabin.

Travel is in the Bag

for women, French made, "Longchamp bags are really popular, because you can fold them up really tiny to fit in your pocket when they're empty, French-made bags that open up to a classy messenger-size tote.   You can use it like a briefcase and add a smaller wallet or clutch inside for easy access.

Travel Balms

Moisturize your face, lips and hands!  Just don't forget your clear, plastic baggie. Bioelements extra rich moisturizer & DCT by Blistex goes along way for lip protection as well.   Archepelago Hand cremes not only smell great, but get you ready for the next leg of the trip!

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit

Photo courtesy of The Monastery of the Holy Spirit

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, is a community of more than 40 monks spanning several generations, who live, work and pray together.

PHoto courtesy of the monastery of the holy spirit

A day at the monastery begins with organic Nicaraguan coffee brewing and a bustling kitchen baking up fresh biscotti.  By noon, the Trappist community are found leading mid-day prayers to groups and others.  During the day, the monks are found leading guided tours and caring for several rare species of Bonsai grown and cultivated by the monks for more than 35 years.  Love and dedication exists in all that the Trappist monks set out to do each day.  Visiting the Monastery of the Holy Spirit is an unforgettable journey connecting mind, body and spirit.  Set on more than 2300 Acres, serenity is found at every turn.  Highlights include:

• Visit the Abbey Church and join the monks for mass, mid-day prayer or vespers

• Experience A Day in the Life of a Monk- Monastic Museum

• Bonsai Garden & Nursery

• Take a Prayer Walk where you can learn about Cistercian Saints

• Enjoy the Monk's Bakery and leave with love!

The Monastery welcomes groups of all sizes and can help you plan a meaningful experience for a day or for an overnight trip. Senior and student field trips, business retreats, and tour groups visiting Atlanta are a few of the many types of groups who enjoy visiting the Monastery every year.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Photography courtesy of : Museum of Science +Industry Chicago

HAND ON.

MIND BLOWING EXHIBITS

Between the World War II submarine, five-story movie screen, 40-foot tornado and the 727, you might wonder how we fit this much discovery inside one museum!  The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago—one of the largest science museums in the world—is home to more than 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.  Explore more

Tornados to Tesla coils, ancient boats to futuristic 'bots—the interactive and award-winning exhibits at MSI bring science to life.  With exhibits for all ages, related to all subjects including Chemistry, Design, Energy, Environmental Science, Health, History and more, you are poised for innovative thinking, discovery, exploration and invention.  Explore Exhibits

November 5-7, we will have the unique opportunity to visit and experience this incredible museum with teachers and group leaders in the Southeast.  In partnership with Chicago Southland CVB, we are able to explore Chicago and surrounding areas in an enriching an unforgettable way.  Bring your tablet...there's lots to discover!   @msichicago @chicagosouthland

National Museum of African American History and Culture

PHoto courtesy of smithsonian.com

September, 2016

Washington, D.C. welcomes the National Museum of African American History and Culture located adjacent to the Washington Monument. 

According to Smithsonian.com, the museum and its 35,000 treasured artifacts are telling a new story about America. In what will likely be the last new building on the National Mall, the museum represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reintroduce important ideas and themes to an eager public.   Take an Interactive Tour

“I think the museum needs to be a place that finds the right tension between moments of pain and stories of resiliency and uplift. There will be moments where visitors could cry as they ponder the pains of the past, but they will also find much of the joy and hope that have been a cornerstone of the African-American experience. Ultimately, I trust that our visitors will draw sustenance, inspiration and a commitment from the lessons of history to make America better. At this time in our country, there is a great need for contextualization and the clarity that comes from understanding one’s history. I hope that the museum can play a small part in helping our nation grapple with its tortured racial past. And maybe even help us find a bit of reconciliation.”

— Lonnie Bunch, Musuem Director

The NTA reports that galleries will include objects, photographs, moving images, documents and art from many perieods of American history, such as the era of slavery, the post-Civil War Reconstruction years, the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement. @ntaonline @smithsonianmagazine @NMAAHC #whatsnew #gntandyou

Booker T. Jones @ Freedom Hall

photo by Sean Davey; bookert.com

Another highlighted Chicago P.E.R.K. must see event, Booker T @ Freedom Hall, Park Forest, IL, November 5, 2016. In partnership with Chicago Southland CVB, GNT will deliver Southeast educators an unforgettable night of blues with modern R&B flair.

According to bookert.com, creatively, his new album, Sound The Alarm is another bold new step in a career that has witnessed a striking resurgence in recent years. It can be argued that it was Booker T. Jones who set the cast for modern soul music and is largely responsible for its rise and enduring popularity. Sound the Alarm, finds Booker T. laying down distinctive bedrock grooves amid a succession of sparkling collaborations with some of contemporary R&B’s most gifted young voices. 

Booker T took home Best Pop Instrumental Album GRAMMY Awards for both 2010’s Potato Hole, his head-turning collaboration with The Drive-By Truckers and 2012’s The Road From Memphis, his critically acclaimed album with The Roots.  Read More

Lotton Art Glass

Lotton Art Glass began in 1970 with prayers and dreams when Charles Lotton began teaching himself the art of glassblowing in his backyard.  The chemistry of Charles' glass is unique to Lotton Glass.  Located in Chicago and Crete, IL, Lotton Art Glass is one of the very few studios in the world to start with elements of the earth like sand, soda ash, lime, borax, zinc and metals resulting in some of the most breathtaking colors that you will ever see. 

GNT will lead a P.E.R.K. trip visiting Lotton Art Glass with teachers & administrators as they scout out new and exciting educational travel experiences for students!  Lotton Art Glass is a great example of science and art colliding to create the "finest art glass in the world" made in the U.S.A.

For more information visit Lotton Art Glass