Courier July Courier | Page 37

Shelda Rees, director of tourism for the Chattanooga CVB, is always eager to brag about her city. And this year, she’s made two additions to her tout list: a guitar museum and a trolley tour. Songbirds Guitar Museum, which opened in March in the historical Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex, has the largest private collection of guitars in the world. Groups see a short video and then tour exhibits showcasing guitars dating from the invention of the electric guitar in 1950 to around 1980. “Tour operators can add a VIP tour that includes the Green Room and Vault,” Rees says. “They can also have a catered din- ner at the Choo Choo and then enjoy a singer-songwriter per- formance in the museum.” The Chattanooga Choo Choo also is the starting point for the Gray Line Sightseeing Trolley Tour, which provides a narrated talk and 10 stops, including the Bluff View Art District, NorthShore Historic District and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Rees also has suggestions for the best time to visit the Tennessee Aquarium (after 3 p.m.) and how to efficiently visit the attractions on Lookout Mountain. (Start early at Ruby Falls and have the motorcoach meet the group at the top of the incline railway.) Her tips help make tours successful for John Tribble, CTP, president of Good News Travels. “We appreciate the assistance and personal touch we receive from Shelda and her staff,” No shortage of suggestions for Chattanooga The recently opened Songbirds Guitar Museum features the world’s largest private collection of guitars. Tribble says. “We offer both student and adult programs to Chattanooga, and the variety of attractions, food, entertain- ment and lodging makes this an easy sell for us.” To get suggestions yourself, including how to get free Chattanooga Bakery MoonPies for your group, contact Rees at [email protected] or visit chattanoogafun.com. WELCOME TO A PLACE THAT MAKES MORE MEMORIES. Bring your group to a place that creates ear-to-ear smiles. A destination with more shows, more arts and crafts, more shopping, more exciting attractions, and more mountain views. A town fi lled with fun for everyone, every age. Welcome to a detour from the ordinary. P I G E O N F O R G E TO U R S .C O M • 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 8 5 -7 5 5 7 PFT000438_Mrr_NtaCourier_7x4.875.indd 1 6/7/17 4:25 PM NTAonline.com 35