Courier December Courier | Page 71

Ocean City MD CVB OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND NTA contact: Norma Dobrowolski, destination sales and marketing manager Office phone: +1.410.289.2800 Website: ococean.com NTA member since: 1979 What’s new and exciting in Ocean City? Our festivals continue to wow folks as does our new performing-arts center. We have had some great acts, and we hope to expand on that so planners can do trips to OC to see shows. Just near us is Salisbury, which is hosting the National Folk Art Festival for the next three years. We look forward to work- ing with them on this unique event. What are some of the must-see attractions in your area? A new area attraction is the Harriet Tubman State and National Park Visitor Center, which is a short drive from Ocean City near Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. It is a mecca of history and environmen- tal learning, and a cultural treasure. It’s so well done, it’s free, and it’s great for groups, family reunions, students … just everyone. Also, our famous boardwalk, of course, and the iconic wild ponies of Assateague Island. What destination is at the top of your travel bucket list? I think Viking Cruises’ long- boats in Europe would be a fabulous experience. What do you like to do in your spare time? I have recently adopted two rescue horses whom I adore. It is a great feeling to help give these magnificent animals a second chance at life and improve their conditions. I can see them on the way to work each day now, and I’m delighted I could bring them to the Ocean City area to retire and enjoy themselves. For more information, contact Dobrowolski at [email protected]. FIELDS TRIPS KITCHENER, ONTARIO NTA contact: Kelly Fields, owner Office phone: +1.519.894.8687 Website: fieldstrips.ca NTA member since: 2017 What led you to start your company? After starting as a tour escort in the late 1980s during a college co-op, I worked for a few tour operators. Then, an excel- lent opportunity presented itself, and I purchased an existing tour operation in 2014 and rebranded it as FIELDS TRIPS. Talk about your focus an agricultural tours. With a name like FIELDS TRIPS, we are certainly in the same league as fellow agricultural tour operators. Our inbound ag tours differ from the outbound trips we offer due to the high level of tech- nical visits that are included. With our ag tours we need to constantly strike a balance, though, between the technical visits and opportunities to see well- known tourist sites. Visit Clarksville Frances Manzitto +1.931.245.4345 | 800.530.2487 [email protected] visitclarksvilletn.com What are a couple of your most popular tours? Farmers love a great rodeo, and we use it as a hook for tours, such as our “Texas & Oklahoma Loop,” which highlights many ag sites in those states. Each July, the Calgary Stampede is a huge draw for those who want to see chuckwagon races and a world-class rodeo. The stampede, coupled with the Canadian Rockies as a back- drop, is a five-day staple. What is your favorite vacation memory from growing up? When I was 17, I got my sky- diver’s license—it was cheaper than a plane ticket and so much fun. The same year I convinced my parents and best friend to take a trip to Venezuela for March Break. This was the first time we’d flown, and while I’d taken off in a handful of planes, landing in Caracas marked the first time I flew and did not jump out of the plane! For more information, contact Fields at [email protected]. From our picturesque and historic downtown to our rolling countryside, Clarksville welcomes you with open arms. Bringing your group to Clarksville means a trip full of Southern hospitality, unique attractions and shopping, great food and memories that will last a lifetime. Find out more at visitclarksvilletn.com. NTAonline.com 67