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Bus Tours Magazine Volume XLVII

BTM September/October 2024

southforkranch.com

Come Experience The World’s

Most Famous Ranch Today!

Thank you to our sponsor of this digital issue

Southfork Ranch

Explore the Legendary Southfork

Ranch: A Journey into Television History and

Texan Charm

Imagine stepping into a world where

glamour, intrigue, and Texas hospitality con-

verge. Welcome to Southfork Ranch, a place

where the line between reality and ﬁction

blurs, bringing to life the iconic home of the

Ewing family from the hit television series

"Dallas." Nestled in the heart of Texas, just a

short drive from Dallas, Southfork

Ranch offers an unforgettable experi-

ence for fans of the show and new-

comers alike.

From the moment you arrive at

this legendary ranch, you're transport-

ed back to the glitz and drama of the

1980s, where larger-than-life charac-

ters lived, loved, and battled for

power under the vast Texan sky. As

you stroll through the beautifully

manicured grounds and marvel at the

sprawling mansion, you can't help but

feel a sense of nostalgia for the era

that made "Dallas" a global sensation.

Here, you can explore the very rooms

where J.R., Bobby, Sue Ellen, and the

rest of the Ewing family plotted their

next moves, and perhaps imagine

yourself as a character in your own

dramatic story.

But Southfork Ranch is more

than just a piece of television his-

tory—it's a vibrant destination that

offers something for everyone. Enjoy a guided

tour of the mansion, where you'll hear fasci-

nating behind-the-scenes stories from the

show, or take a leisurely walk around the pic-

turesque grounds, perfect for snapping memo-

rable photos. For those seeking a taste of true

Texan hospitality, the ranch hosts special

events throughout the year, including BBQ

cookouts, trail rides, and music festivals that

capture the spirit of the Lone Star State.

Bus Tours Magazine • www.bustoursmagazine.com

Ph: (815) 946-2341 • Fx: (815) 946-2347

Historical Attractions

& Museums

page 4

Places for

Summer 2025

page 16

Shopping, Dining

& Lodging

page 27

Volume XLVII, Number 1 • September/October 2024

STAFF

Editor & Publisher . . . . . . . . Larry Plachno

Business Manager . . Nancy Ann Plachno

Typesetting/Page Layout . . Sherry Mekeel

Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jake Ron Plaras

Bus Tours Magazine

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Phone: (815) 946-2341

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Web site: bustoursmagazine.com

Advertising

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central@busmag.com – (815) 946-2341

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bustoursmag@gmail.com – (815) 946-2341

tourgroups@busmag.com – (815) 946-2341

Southeast/International

southeast@busmag.com – (815) 946-2341

BUS TOURS MAGAZINE (ISSN 0199-6096) is published six

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Founded in 1979, BUS TOURS MAGAZINE is the oldest inde-

pendent magazine in the bus and group tour market. Circulation

includes bus and group tour planners in the United States and

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COVER PHOTO

The 1956 Elvis homecoming statue in Down-

town Tupelo commemorates Elvis’ 1956

Homecoming Concert just eight years after

his family moved to Memphis. Visitors from

around the world visit Tupelo to experience

this iconic landmark, often recreating the

memorable gesture of touching Elvis’ out-

stretched hands. TUPELO CVB.

Bus Tours Magazine / September, 2024 • 3

Guides

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS &

MUSEUMS

Everyone on the bus seems to enjoy

a trip back in time when visiting histor-

ical attractions and museums. Looking

at how things were back then gives us

an idea of how we got where we are

today.

PLACES FOR SUMMER 2025

Looking for one or two more tours to

ﬁll your 2024 catalog? Here are a cou-

ple of locations that are great for bus

groups and could give you an idea for

putting together another trip for next

year.

SHOPPING, DINING & LODGING

While dining and lodging are required

on bus tours, many bus tour passen-

gers also appreciate an opportunity to

go shopping. Here are a few locations

you might consider for your next bus

tour.

Guides (Continued)

STUDENT & SENIOR TOURS

Students and senior enjoy going on

bus tours and sometimes have special

interests. Here are some locations that

may be particularly attractive to your

student and senior groups.

Feature

ZOOS, AQUARIUMS & WILDLIFE

Everyone on the bus likes to visit and

see interesting animals and creatures.

Here are some locations you can

include in your next tour that will add

to the trip’s excitement and adventure.

SMALL TOWN AMERICA

Big cities may have their advantages,

but tour passengers already know that

great things can be found in smaller

communities. Here are a couple of

examples of places that are popular

with bus groups.

And More

PELLA, IOWA

TRIVIA QUESTION

ADVERTISERS INDEX

contents

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024

Volume XLVII, Number 1

The editorial staff at BUS TOURS MAGAZINE are always looking for news items and

editorial material on places that want bus tour groups to stop. Please phone (815)

946-2341 or send material to editorial@busmag.com.

George Bush Presidential Library

& Museum

West College Station, Texas

The George Bush Presidential Library &

Museum is ready for an exciting fall. Educa-

tional opportunities to learners of all ages are

provided. From new curricula for school groups

to exciting community programs to engaging

exhibits, there is always something new to see

and learn at the Bush Library & Museum.

In addition to the permanent exhibition

galleries, the museum features temporary

exhibits on a variety of topics, providing

repeat guests a new experience every time.

The Spirit of the Place exhibit is open

through March 30, 2025, in the Ansary Gallery

of American History. This exhibit explores

the path that led President Bush to choose

Texas A&M to be the home of his Presidential

Center. Additionally, The Spirit of the Place

offers information on the many ways that

George and Barbara Bush supported the

community that embraced them with open

arms. Using artifacts, documents, pho-

tographs and other materials, visitors get a

never-before-seen look at George Bush’s

vision for creating a world-class cultural insti-

tution dedicated to public service right in the

heart of Texas. Experience the legacy that

President Bush has left through his Presiden-

tial Center, discover its role in the community

and its impact on the world, and see how

that ongoing legacy is intertwined with the

Spirit of Aggieland.

Serving America and President Bush: The U.S.

Foreign Service is on exhibit in the Fidelity

Gallery through February 2, 2025. This exhibit

commemorates the centennial of the founding

of the U.S. Foreign Service – the career diplo-

mats who advise the President on international

affairs and advance the nation’s interests serv-

ing in 165 foreign countries. The exhibit tells

the story of the origin, development and con-

tributions of the Foreign Service since 1924.

Along with the museum exhibits, a variety

of educational opportunitiesare offered for

all

ages.

Visit

Bush41.org

for

event and exhibit info and for all of the details

to plan your visit.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame

& Museum

Waco, Texas

“One riot, one ranger,” is a phrase made

famous by Texas Ranger Captain W.J. McDon-

ald in the very early 1900s. McDonald was

called upon by a mayor to stop a forbidden

prize ﬁght and ease an angry mob. When

stepping off the train by himself, the puzzled

mayor asked, “Where are the others?” To that

McDonald replied, “Hell, ain’t I enough?

There’s only one riot, isn’t there?”

It was the reputation of McDonald and

early Texas Rangers that personiﬁed an icon

of rugged individualism, courage, honesty

4 • Bus Tours Magazine / September, 2024

Historical Attractions

& Museums

George Bush Presidential

Library & Museum

Bus Tours Magazine / September, 2024 • 5

Guide: Historical Attractions & Museums

��

“Texas Ranger” Sculpture by Don Hunt

and virtue. They have created an image that criminals fear and children

idolize.

The legendary Texas Rangers are the oldest state law enforcement

agency. They celebrated their 200th anniversary in 2023. Tracing its

lineage back to 1823, Rangers have served through three centuries

under ﬁve ﬂags – Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the State of Texas,

Confederate Texas and the U.S. again.

The ofﬁcial Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum is conveniently

located off Interstate 35 at the Brazos River in Waco, Texas. Visitors

learn about the history of the Texas Rangers through exhibits, which

include badges, ﬁrearms, photographs and other artifacts on display.

In addition, children will enjoy a bandit hunt. The Texas Rangers,

with their cowboy hats and silver stars on their shirt pockets, remain

an important part of our heritage.

Sponsored by the City of Waco, more than four million persons

have visited its museum, hall of fame, research library, Ranger head-

quarters building and banquet facilities. Texas Highways magazine

readers ranked it one of the Best Texas Museums, USA Today called

it one of the nation’s outstanding Halls of Fame, and True West Mag-

azine titled it the Best Western History Museum in Texas.

The museum is open Monday through Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with

group rates available. Guided tours can be booked at least two weeks

in advance of arrival with staff availability. For more information,

phone (254) 750-8631 or visit TexasRanger.org.

6 • Bus Tours Magazine / September, 2024

Guide: Historical Attractions

��

Martinsburg-Berkely County

West Virginia

Shoppers and history enthusiasts ﬁnd

hours of entertainment in Martinsburg,

Berkeley County, West Virginia. The area's

rich history links to events from before the

Revolutionary War through the Civil War.

Martinsburg is surrounded by historical sites

and provides the perfect picturesque down-

town for hub-and-spoke tours or good old-

fashioned shopping sprees.

It is time to park the bus and let tour pas-

sengers explore. The peaceful and delightful

town of Martinsburg has great ﬁnds at every

turn. With innumerable shopping opportu-

nities, the quaint Norman Rockwellesque

downtown will charm visitors. The store

windows shine with artisan décor, unique

ﬁnds, spa-worthy luxuries and antiques

only available in such a historic place. Word

to the wise: pack an empty suitcase to carry

all the new treasures one will ﬁnd at the

downtown shops.

Bus Tours Magazine / September, 2024 • 7

Guide: Historical Attractions & Museums

travelwv.com

The stunning beauty of lovingly preserved

country manors surround the architecturally

rich downtown of Martinsburg as you explore

Berkeley County, West Virginia. The rich

history of our past is evident at every turn.

Hike our trails, paddle our lakes, and wine and

dine downtown.

always

present

here, our

past is

Martinsburg-Berkeley County

Are you feeling peckish after shopping? Groups find a selection

of tasty eats at Martinsburg's locally-owned restaurants. Choose

between world cuisines or go straight to dessert. Visiting DeFluri's

Fine Chocolates and Everything Cheesecake will satisfy anyone's

sweet tooth.

For more eclectic shopping and eateries, groups head 15 minutes

east to Shepherdstown, the oldest town in West Virginia. Groups vis-

iting Shepherdstown ﬁnd that hospitality is the only thing more alive

than the local arts scene.

It is easy to make a group tour historical in Berkeley County. Historic

sites like Morgan Cabin – the home of the area's ﬁrst white settlers;

General Adam Stephen House - the founder of Martinsburg and The

George Washington Heritage Trail pull history from the past and into

today. Groups can even see George Washington's outdoor bathtub

in nearby Berkeley Springs. There is an ample amount of Civil War

sites, as well. Groups can visit the Martinsburg B&O Roundhouse to

see the place once destroyed by Stonewall Jackson's troops in 1861.

Men, of course, are not the only participants in the war. Check out

the Berkeley County Museum, located in the home of Confederate

spy Belle Boyd, at the aptly named Belle Boyd House.

These opportunities and more wait for motorcoach tours in

Berkeley County. For information, visit travelwv.com or phone (304)

264-8801.

8 • Bus Tours Magazine / September, 2024

Guide: Historical Attractions

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