When your adult group travels to Gatlinburg, you may want to explore the Guinness World Records Museum which is part of Ripley’s Believe it Or Not. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the book come to life through interactive displays, videos, games, and trivia. The group can walk through the museum at their own pace and look at the various records that have been achieved in categories such as sports, space, animals, food, and human achievement. There are also themed galleries in the museum. The Guinness World Records Museum has over 1,200 fascinating exhibits for you to explore. Your group can see TV’s most famous car, Elvis’s one and only Hounddog Boat, the Longest Motorcycle, and memorabilia from other famous singers and sports figures. You can find out about the World’s Tallest Man, the World’s Oldest Man, and the World’s Heaviest Man. You will also learn about the Most Expensive Box of Chocolates that was ever purchased. Visitors will also get to examine artifacts pertaining to astronauts and outer space. The record games are entertaining and interactive. If you like Michael Jackson, the museum has a Thriller display for you to explore. If you enjoy interesting activities, you can try the computerized Stretchiest Skin activity. During the activity, you will take a photo of yourself and then stretch your skin out long and see how far it will expand. There is also a secret warehouse that has the World’s Smallest Bicycle. The group may also want to test your knowledge by playing some trivia games during the visit. You could spend several hours at the attraction if you choose to read all of the information displayed on the walls.

Is your group looking for some evening entertainment? If so, during the trip to Gatlinburg, you should spend the evening at the Dixie Stampede! This experience is action-packed and includes a four-course feast for you to enjoy. Visitors will be treated to live entertainment prior to the show at the Dixie Belle Saloon. The show consists of friendly North and South competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, spectacular special effects, and phenomenal musical productions. When the show begins, the trick riders all come together with a patriotic salute of Red, White, and Blue which includes Color Me America, written and recorded by Dolly Parton. You will be served a delicious meal during the show. Visitors will enjoy menu items such as Dixie Stampede’s Creamy Vegetable Soup, a mouth-watering rotisserie chicken, hot buttered corn on the cob, and unlimited Pepsi, tea or coffee. Prior to the show, your group can take a stroll alongside the open-air stables to see the horses up close and see their flawless lines. They are the stars of the show and there are 32 animals altogether. After your walk, you can listen to a live performance at the Dixie Belle Saloon. You will be entertained by the bluegrass and country music band, Mountain Ruckus. While you are at the saloon, your group can enjoy popcorn or peanuts. They also offer Pepsi and exotic fruit drinks which are served in a collector series Souvenir Boot Mug. Visitors spend about 90 minutes at the attraction. During the holiday season, the group can attend the Dixie Stampede Christmas show.

The four fantastic sections of mega-popular 26-acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark in sunny, historic Galveston feature more family-friendly attractions than you can shake a stick at, guaranteed to treat waterdogs of all ages to a splashtastic extravaganza of fun in – and out – of the sun! The 70,000 square foot Wasserfest area magically converts to an indoor water retreat featuring more than a dozen super-cool wet and wild adventures, select weekends from early Spring thru December, ensuring guests year-round access to a wonderful waterpark experience. Whatever your pleasure – tackling towering tube rides and speed slides like Cliffhanger or Bahnzai Pipeline, catchin’ some waves at Torrent Beach, braving the fierce, roaring rapids of Whitewater River , enjoying tropical refreshment at the Swim Up Bar in the Blastenhoff heated pool or drifting around the park on the lazy currents of an endless “Transportainment River System,” Schlitterbahn has what you’re after! Splash, slide, swim and ride – play to your heart’s content – then head to the hammock in your well-stocked private cabana or kick back in a comfy luxury lounger reserved just for you and enjoy the view from the shade.

Galveston’s conservation minded Moody Gardens debuted in the mid 80’s as a stable and hippotherapy riding arena – with a big dream in hand to create an unparalleled island tourist destination. Over the years, the implementation of special programs and gradual addition of new and exciting attractions – three massive interactive “Pyramids” including a world-class Aquarium Pyramid featuring more than 10,000 marine animals and a Tropical Rainforest Pyramid replete with a fascinating host of “native” flora and fauna, the challenging Sky Trail Ropes Course and Zip line, lovely “Palm Beach” with its imported white sands, crystal clear freshwater lagoons, water slides and wave pool, a resort-style, 18-hole seaside golf course, a paddlewheel cruise boat and some of the most technologically advanced theaters in the state of Texas – continued to augment the 228 acre theme park’s offerings, and today, along with providing horticultural therapy, and employment for persons with a wide range of physical and emotional disabilities, it has become one of the premier leisure facilities in the Southwest, certain to appeal to groups on Gulf Coast getaway looking for the ultimate immersive entertainment experience! Bands on the Sand, a popular concert series featuring breathtaking fireworks displays and showcasing the talents of local and regional groups entertains guests Friday and Saturday nights June through August, and for one week mid-Summer magician & Illusionist extraordinaire Curt Miller’s dazzling magic, music, and clean comedy show wows audiences of all ages. November through January, the spectacular Festival of Lights treats merry makers to an extravaganza of more than 100 lighted scenes, outdoor “Winter” activities, amazing ice sculpture displays, live entertainment, Holiday films and photos with Santa at one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the region. Year-round, classic concessions, a cozy café, full-service restaurant and renowned steak and seafood establishment satisfy every appetite, while the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center tenders guests a luxurious, restorative and relaxing stay amongst the complex’s lush tropical gardens and glimmering silhouettes of the towering pyramids.

The Veterans Memorial Museum is located in Huntsville, Alabama. The location contains public displays and offers educational programs. The theme in the museum deals with American Military men and women, specifically those individuals who were in World War I and other conflicts. There are various displays for your group to explore. Featured displays include the following: the Oldest Jeep in the World, the AVG 1941-1942, the 1942 Harley WLA Motorcycle, the AH-1 Huey Cobra, the 8th Air Force Briefing Room, and the Greyhound Armored Car. The AH-1 Huey Cobra was in service during the Vietnam War. The docents at the museum are friendly and will answer any questions. The museum contains a library with published written materials. There are also oral and written narratives from the families and veterans. There are several documents from World War II. Do you enjoy looking at Military vehicles? If so, the Veterans Memorial Museum contains a variety of them from various wars. The adult group will find 30 of these historic vehicles on display. There are also interesting artifacts and memorabilia to view dating back to the Revolutionary War. Featured artifacts include: guns, clothing, equipment, and other army artillery. The group will spend hours looking at the interesting vehicles and displays. During your group visit, you will want to take a look at the series of V-Disks. The records were cut after the end of World War II. They were recorded by a group of musicians who were on strike. Featured recordings include the following: HOMESICK THAT’S ALL by Frank Sinatra, IT MIGHT AS WELL BE SPRING by Margaret Whiting, WAIT AND SEE by Johnny Johnston, and I CAN’T BEGIN TO TELL YOU by Harry James. Bring your group to visit this amazing Memorial museum!

The Weeden House Museum is located in Huntsville, Alabama. The location was named after Maria Howard Weeden. She was a talented artist and poet. She made portraits and published at least four books during her life. She was born in July, 1846. The Weeden House Museum opened in 1981. The house was originally built in the year 1819. Visitors will find amazing architecture and learn about the life of Maria Weeden. The location contains several works by Weeden. It was the home to some early settlers of Huntsville. William Weeden purchased the property in 1845. The location also contains a beautiful garden. Maria’s mother loved to plant flowers. They include the following: heliotrope, peonies, lemon verbena, pinks, and hollyhocks. She enjoyed roses and took special care of the beautiful flowers. Maria captured their essence through her paintings and poetry. The museum contains period furniture and the portraits done by Maria Weeden. The group can take a tour of the house and the grounds. The staff members are helpful and will answer any questions. When your group arrives, you will visit in the parlor on the period furnishings. The tour is self-guided and includes the garden and surrounding area for your curiosity. Maria Weeden was near-sighted, and she used a brush with three horsehairs and helped support the family by selling her paintings. The family owned several slaves. In 1892, she attended the World’s Fair. When you look at her work, you will find unrivaled beauty and perfectly honed artistic talent. Come with your adult group and visit this amazing historic house and museum!

North Alabama’s leading visual arts center fills its seven galleries with a variety of traveling exhibitions and the work of nationally and regionally acclaimed artists. The nationally accredited museum also presents shows from its own 2,300 piece permanent collection. Named as one of the state’s “Top 10” destinations by the Alabama Tourism Department, the Huntsville Museum of Art has gained a reputation throughout the South for bringing high-caliber touring exhibitions to the region.

Taking a tour with a trained docent enhances the museum experience. A docent encourages groups to ask and answer questions about the art on view. Docents provide a great deal of background about the artist, the works, and the artistic movement to which the art belongs. By helping the group to observe, compare, and interpret, the docent provides groups the tools to evaluate art on their own.  Groups of ten or more may schedule a docent led tour with two weeks notice.

Burrit on the Mountain is located in Huntsville, Alabama. The site contains a mansion and a museum. There are educational programs for your student group to explore. The museum contains interesting exhibits. There are other events and activities that take place during the year. Children’s Educational Programs are a valuable way to learn about Burritt on the Mountain. Featured programs include Step Back in Time, Junior Pioneer, and other educational events. The location also offers field trips for students as well. Options include: Burritt’s Barnyard Buddies, Community Past & Present, Packhorse Librarian, and Native Americans of North Alabama. Burritt on the Mountain offers group tours. Featured options include self-guided tours and guided tours. During the guided tour, the group will learn from the staff members about the houses and animals. You will participate in hands-on activities and enjoy nature at the same time. The location has other interesting areas. These vary between nature trails, the Burritt Barnyard, and Historic Park. The group can hike on the Nature Trails where you will find historic coal mines and limestone rock formations. During your visit to Historic Park, you will encounter interpreters dressed in period costumes of the 19th century. They recreate farm life from that era. Your group can participate in demonstrations and hands-on activities. The park contains six log houses as well as other restored buildings. Featured structures include the Balch House, the Chandler House, Gardener Cabin, Old Madison Church, the Smith-Williams House, The Corn Crib, and The Schoolhouse. The interpreters conduct guided tours of the park. Bring your student group to visit this one-of-a-kind entertaining and historical attraction!

The Botanical Garden is located in Huntsville, Alabama. The location features several exhibits. Your adult group can take a tour of the beautiful landscape. There are several tour options to consider. Featured tours include the following: self-guided tours, docent guided tours, and Galaxy of Lights walking tours. During the docent-led tour, your group will be guided through the gardens. The group will learn about the location including the history. These tours can include a boxed lunch at the conclusion. The lunch includes the following items: a chicken salad or turkey sandwich, chips, pasta salad, lettuce, tomato, a cookie and a bottle of water. There are a variety of fascinating exhibits for the group to observe. Featured exhibits include the following: the Garden Railway, the Plant Collections, and the Wade Wharton Exhibit. The Garden Railway exhibit is the most popular display visited. The display consists of a European Village. Features include: a church, fire station, a restaurant, a waterfall, 2 ponds with fish, forests, a bog area, and a farm. The Botanical Garden also offers adult classes. Featured programs include the following: Landscape for Life, Fall Bird MIGRATION, Japanese Garden Design, Plant ID Walk, and Youtopia Lunch and Learn. The Landscape for life classes show the group how to work with nature in the garden no matter where you live. Topics include: the role of water in a sustainable garden, successful practices and the role of plant life in a sustainable garden, and practices and materials used to have a successful garden. Come visit with your adult group and enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing landscape!

Marshall develops space transportation and propulsion technologies, manages Space Shuttle propulsion elements and science aboard the International Space Station and pursues scientific breakthroughs in space that will improve human life here on Earth. These programs are available on a limited schedule and are subject to cancellation based on national security alerts. 

 

Activities include: 

International Space Station Payload Operations Integration Center
The Payload Operations Integration Center is responsible for NASA’s on board science operations for the International Space Station (ISS), and is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Payload Operations Center communicates with the astronauts on board the ISS on a daily basis and can remotely operate on board science and technology experiments. There is a viewing area at Marshall where group tours can observe the control room operations.

Heritage Gallery
The Heritage Gallery is a museum to learn about the history of Marshall. The gallery displays models, artwork, and multi-media productions to illustrate contributions the Center has made to the U.S. Space Programs. The gallery includes a full-size replica of the Lunar Rover Vehicle that Marshall developed for astronauts who travelled to the moon. The Gallery also focuses on the role Marshall will have in the nation’s future space programs.