Trip Planner 2017-18 Trip Planner For Group Leaders | Page 25

SALT LAKE CITY OREGON COAST Circles in the Sand in Bandon “Bring your blanket, binoculars and camera to make sure you will see our migrating whales and sea birds; all the marine mammals like otters, harbor seals and sea lions; or maybe just the herds of elk casually hanging out on just another day of life on the magnificent Oregon Coast,” says Marcus Hinz of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. He recommends the following three group-friendly attractions for travelers heading to the beach towns along the state’s stunning Pacific coastline. Tillamook Cheese Factory Guests can learn more about this renowned cheese-production facility along Oregon’s north coast during self-guided tours. Next summer the attraction is slated to open a new visitors center with expanded offerings. “Be sure to enjoy one of the Tillamook Cheese Factory ice cream cones and grilled cheese sandwiches while you are there,” says Hinz. Oregon Coast Aquarium This world-class marine educational attraction, nestled on beautiful Yaquina Bay in Newport, offers many ways for visitors to connect with and learn about the more than 250 species in its waters. Groups can take part in a number of daily activities, ranging from guided tours and special exhibits to animal feedings and keeper-for-a-day programs. Circles in the Sand Local artists have been creating sand labyrinths along the beaches near the city of Bandon since 2015. The unique walking paths have become a sensation, as more than 6,000 people have followed the trails, and countless others have seen them from the Face Rock Wayside overlook. To learn more, contact Marcus Hinz of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association at [email protected] or go to visittheoregoncoast.com. TOP ATTRACTIONS Whale Watching Center (Depoe Bay), Jerry’s Rogue Jets (Gold Beach), High Life Adventures (Astoria-Warrenton) TOP FESTIVALS Cannon Beach’s Stormy Weather Arts Festival (Nov. 3–5), Newport Seafood & Wine Festival (Feb. 22–25, 2018) Horseback tour at This Is The Place Heritage Park “Downtown Salt Lake City has many attractions, year-round cultural events, lodging options and local breweries, and it’s the center of our emerging culinary scene,” says Patton Murray, tourism marketing and communications manager for Visit Salt Lake. In addition to seeing iconic Temple Square and taking in views of the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains, Murray says groups can enjoy new activities at two of the city’s top attractions: This Is The Place Heritage Park and the Family History Library. Located on 450 acres overlooking the Salt Lake Valley, This Is The Place Heritage Park is now offering the Western Trail Ride. Veteran wranglers lead groups on these 60-minute horseback tours through the base of Emigration Canyon. Rides are available for ages 5 and up, and no previous experience is necessary. During a visit, groups also can see a large heritage village that includes more than 40 replica buildings, homes and shops much like the ones the area’s early settlers created. A number of crafts demonstrations and re-enactor programs offer a look at what life was like for those pioneers. This year, the world-renowned Family History Library debuted a series of new discovery experiences. As part of these interactive programs, families and individuals can find out the meaning of their names, learn what famous people they might be related to and discover what events took place the year they were born. Other high- tech areas allow guests to record family memories or stories, digitally dress in period costumes and more. To learn more, contact Patton Murray of Visit Salt Lake at pmurray@ visitsaltlake.com or go to visitsaltlake.com. TOP ATTRACTIONS The Natural History Museum of Utah, Temple Square, City Creek Center TOP FESTIVALS Utah Arts Festival (June 2018), Days of ’47 Rodeo (July 2018) NTAonline.com 23