Trip Planner 2017-18 Trip Planner For Group Leaders | Page 22

I Want to Go There U.S. West Glacier National Park “There are few places as heavenly as Western Montana’s Glacier Country,” says Debbie Picard of Glacier Country Tourism. “Boasting breathtaking mountains, pristine rivers, abundant wildlife and famously friendly people, the area is also known for its rich culture, eclectic music scene and world-class cuisine.” She says Glacier National Park, known as the Crown of the Continent, is a “bucket-list” experience. During a visit to the park, travelers can ride along scenic byways, go hiking through the majestic mountains, partake in wildlife viewing programs, and enjoy guided tours on historical boats or in Glacier’s famous red jammer buses. Another popular recreational destination, Flathead Lake, is located south of the park. With 185 miles of shoreline, Flathead is the largest freshwater lake in the West and a prime spot for kayaking, sailing, fishing and guided boat tours. Visitors also can go to Wild Horse Island, the largest island on the lake, where they can see bighorn sheep, elk, deer and a few wild horses. Montana’s second-largest city, Missoula, is the area’s cultural hub. It sits at the confluence of three blue-ribbon trout streams and five valleys, and the Clark Fork River flows through downtown. Picard says hikers, bikers, shoppers and art enthusiasts often convene at the end of the day at one of the area’s numerous distilleries and microbreweries before eating at one of the many locally sourced restaurants throughout downtown. “If you can catch us at a time when morel mushrooms or huckleberries are on the menu, you’ll never forget it,” she adds. To learn more, contact Debbie Picard of Glacie r Country Tourism at [email protected] or visit glaciermt.com. TOP ATTRACTION Smokejumper Visitor Center in Missoula TOP FESTIVALS North American Indian Days (Browning, July 2018), Daly Days Festival (Hamilton, July 2018), Trout Creek Huckleberry Festival (August 2018) 20 NTA Trip Planner for Group Leaders GRAND JUNCTION Colorado National Monument Situated in western Colorado where the Rockies meet the high desert, Grand Junction offers a mix of activities for travelers. “You can savor your adventure each day with culinary experiences to include our produce and locally crafted wines, beers and spirits,” says Barb Bowman of the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau. “Take a stroll in Downtown Grand Junction to view Art on the Corner with its 100 mixed-media works along our tree-lined Main Street.” Visiting groups typically flock to the Colorado National Monument, which boasts steep cliffs and red rock canyons. As they follow the 23- mile historic Rim Rock Drive loop, they can see monoliths and other unusual rock formations that are spread across the park. Another way for groups to relax and take in the sweeping views is by booking a gourmet meal on a patio overlooking the canyons. “This culinary adventure has become one of our most sought-after options,” says Bowman. “There’s something surprising about the beauty of the red rocks coupled with a wonderful meal that just makes it the perfect combination.” Guests also can mix sightseeing and culinary options at Sprigs and Sprouts of Western Colorado. This lavender farm is located in nearby Palisade, a town known as Colorado’s Napa Valley based on its numerous orchards and vineyards. During tours, the attraction’s owners—Ruth and Linda—educate visitors on how they distill essential oils and hydrosols, propagate lavender and grow vegetables in a closed irrigation system via aquaponics. To learn more, contact Barb Bowman of the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau at [email protected] or go to visitgrandjunction.com. TOP ATTRACTIONS Art on the Corner, Colorado’s Wine Country TOP FESTIVALS Lavender Fest (July 2018), Colorado Mountain Winefest (September 2018) GLACIER COUNTRY