PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio — Remember those childhood days?

You were closer to the ground with a huge imagination, perhaps dreaming up epic scenarios played out with a group of friends on a puddle or in a stream. Maybe you were a steely boat captain on the high seas caught in the perfect storm trying to deliver your catch on time. Or maybe you were a first mate trying to save your deck hands from going overboard

Fast forward. Turn that puddle or stream into Lake Erie. Your imaginary boat is the tall ship U.S.S. Niagara and you're a brave, musket-bearing American patriot fighting alongside U.S. Navy Commander Oliver Hazard Perry against the British in 1813.  

You're part of the Battle of Lake Erie. It is September 1813 during the War of 1812. The reality is the crew of 557 American patriots prevailed over the British fleet in the Lake Erie battle near Put-in-Bay in northwest Ohio. Their efforts are commemorated by the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial operated by the National Park Service.

Two centuries later, celebrate Perry's victory, United States sovereignty and the enduring peace between nations. The Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration runs Aug. 29 through Sept. 10, with participants and visitors from the U.S., Canada and abroad.

The two-week celebration includes a fleet of tall ships participating in the Tall Ships Festival Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

The events include a historic reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie on Sept. 2 (Labor Day) in Put-in-Bay; a grand Parade of Sail at 11 a.m. Sept. 1 in Put-in-Bay in conjunction with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard; and port festivals Aug. 29 in Amherstburg, Kingsville, Port Clinton, Catawba Island, Middle Bass Island, Pelee Island, Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island with 15 to 18 ships taking part, spokesman Chad Whaley said.

Visiting groups can tour ships, enlist as crew members for the reenactment or be part of the bicentennial celebration fleet or militia.

Along with tall ships activities, eventsinclude speakers, marching bands, fireworks, concerts, food, entertainment, arts, crafts, historical program and an International Freedom Celebration. 

There's also the Lake Erie Shore & Islands environs to embrace, with the limestone banks of South Bass Island, a rich history and unique location with kayaking, parasailing, waterfront dining and just plain ol' hanging out.

The 46th anniversary of Festival d’été de Québec in Québec focuses on quality, diversity and balance of music acts

QUÉBEC CITY, Québec — The waiting is over. The 46th edition of the Festival d’été de Québec returns to the city of Québec July 4 to 14, 2013.

This 11-day festival boasts 12 indoor and outdoor stages and will host more than 1,000 artists and close to 300 shows.

The Festival d’été de Québec has just released this year's outdoor shows in a program covering a broad range of musical genres.

Rock, French song, hip-hop, electro, jazz, classical music and world music greats — for festival fans, “choice” is the operative word.

The Black Keys, Bruno Mars, Tiësto, Wu-Tang Clan, Def Leppard, Weezer, Rush, Wiz Khalifa, MGMT, Foreigner, Bad Religion, Bassnectar, Belle & Sebastien, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Passion Pit and Ellie Goulding are just some of the big names on this year’s lineup.

“This depth can be seen in the number of shows that have a slate of big names from start to finish, and this goes for international and Francophone artists, whatever the style or the venue. It's one of the biggest plusses in this year's programming,” explained Program Director Louis Bellavance.

Here’s a look ahead at what you can expect.

Bell Stage on the Plains of Abraham

July 4: The entire festival opens with Quand le Québec chante. Five solid names in Québec song, Paul Piché, Daniel Lavoie, Richard Séguin, Michel Rivard and Laurence Jalbert, accompanied by a chorus of 400 voices, will be playing their most popular hits along with some of Québec's best-loved standards.

July 5: Legendary Wu-Tang Clan will be playing here for the first time. Big name rapper Wiz Khalifa is up just before the American group, along with Classified.

Anodajay, Dramatik, Koriass, Manu Militari and Samian, in a hip-hop celebration of the 10th anniversary of Disques 7e Ciel, will be opening the show.

July 6: The Black Keys are back on the Plains after their wildly popular debut festival appearance in 2011. Eagles of Death Metal and Father John Misty will be up first.

July 7: Trois Accords is the main event, known for their latest album J’aime ta grand-mère, and their concept show Les Trois Accords with a bunch of chicks. And they have more than one guest artist and surprise in store for the audience. They'll be preceded by French star M and Caféïne will be opening.

July 8: Pop superstar Bruno Mars takes the stage. His fans should also enjoy Ellie Goulding’s world-popular electro pop, and for Toronto's own Diamond Rings.

July 9: The festival features a hard-hitting lineup featuring Passion Pit, MGMT and Weezer.

July 10: Rush is back with a new, highly acclaimed super production, the Clockwork Angel Tour. Packed with impressive projections and special effects, this will be the tour's only stop in Québec.

July 11: ElectroFEQ

July 13: Def Leppard needs no introduction, and it goes without saying that this show will bring hardcore rockers out in droves. U.S. rock band Foreigner is up first.

ElectroFEQ

This year ElectroFEQ will feature shows at four different venues on four consecutive nights, starting at the Impérial and reaching a crescendo on the Plains.

July 8: With Le Matos, Keys N Krates and Austra at the Impérial

July 9: Listen to the world beat grooves of the Mexican Institute of Sound, 3Ball MTY and A Tribe Called Red at the Hydro-Québec Stage at Place d’Youville.

July 10: Dubstep takes over the Loto-Québec Stage at Parc de la Francophonie with Zeds Dead and Bassnectar headlining the show.

July 11: ElectroFEQ concludes at the Plains. Plug into Madeon, Martin Solveig and Wolfgang Gartner, with superstar Tiësto is the highlight of the show.

Loto-Québec Stage at Parc de la Francophonie

With the spotlight on French music, some of Québec's most popular artists are slated to play here this year.

Musical highlights performing on this stage include: Cœur de pirate, Lisa Leblanc, Bernard Adamus and Keith Kouna, indie band Belle & Sebastian, Born Ruffians, Parc de la Francophonie and folk legend Emmylou Harris. 

To close the festival, Robert Charlebois will sing hits from a career spanning 50 years.

Hydro-Québec Stage at Place Metro in Place d’Youville

A lively program of world beat, blues, soul, reggae, pop and electro music will have the Hydro-Québec stage hopping every evening this year.

Dance to the music of Amadou et Mariam, Kassav’, Fatoumata Diawara, Locos for Juana and the inimitable Balkan Beat Box. Afrobeat is out in full force with Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, a big name in Afro-funk, and The Souljazz Orchestra.

See soul funk legend Booker T. Jones in a lineup that includes The Dynamite featuring Charles Walker and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

If you want jazz don’t miss James Hunter, The Slide Brothers, and Dr. John, the Night Tripper.

The Hydro-Québec Stage will also host Socalled, Nomadic Massive, Nick Waterhouse, Charly Yapo, Sagapool, Coyote Bill, Kodiak, Gotta Logo Project, William Sevigny, Jeanphilip and Ampli de Québec artists Julielle, Maude, Équinoxe and The Seasons.

Geneviève Borne, President of the 25th Prix Miroir

The Prix Miroir, awarded at the end of the Festival d’été de Québec, recognizes the talent of local and guest artists. Geneviève Borne will preside over the jury in this 25th anniversary year.

Know before you go

Festival passes, day passes, hotel packages and indoor show tickets are currently on sale.

The Réseau de transport de la Capitale  (RTC bus system) will be providing more buses on more routes after 6 p.m.; late night services on Fridays and Saturdays; free parking areas to take Métrobus 800 and 801; and will have reserved bus lanes downtown, all to ease the burden of getting around during the festival.

For the complete program schedule check here. For the complete lineup (indoor and outdoor) click here. For further ticket information, call (855) 800-3347.

Safari Off Road Adventure offers group tours a wild, up-close experience in addition to the thrills at Six Flags

JACKSON, N.J. — Memorial Day weekend this year (May 25–27) just got a little bit wilder as New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure entertainment complex introduces the new, one-of-a-kind, themed attraction — Safari Off Road Adventure.

The 160-acre theme park and 350-acre Wild Safari animal park unite as one property to become the world’s largest theme park.

The park boasts 1,200 exotic animals from six continents, including lions, tigers, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, kanagroos, peacocks and lamas.

Safari Off Road Adventure promises an intense, up-close animal experience.

First, enter the amazing, fictional world of the Wilds Family, who have traveled the globe to bring the most interesting and exotic creatures to their home in Jackson. Once through the rustic loading station filled with artifacts from the Wilds’ global journeys, you will hop onto a rugged, open-air, safari vehicle with 34 other explorers.

Skilled, informed drivers will drive you off-road and up close to the animals as they splash through ponds, climb hills, cross bridges and venture over rugged terrain.

Tours run about 45 minutes to one hour long.

“Never before have guests been able to experience a journey so close to that of a true African safari here in the U.S.,” said John Fitzgerald, park president.

“By combining the world’s most exotic animals with Six Flags’ signature entertainment, the Safari Off Road Adventure will be the most incredible animal adventure anywhere. Where else can you ride a wave, go on safari, and soar on world-record breaking coasters?”

The massive renovation included a redesign of 11 simulated natural habitats and the creation of Camp Aventura — the main stop along the off-road excursion.

At Camp Aventura you will get to see small exotic animals up-close, and even hand-feed or pet them. You can also choose to fly through the air high above the animals on a new zip line for an additional fee.

“This is a monumental change for the Wild Safari and our guests,” said Dr. Bill Rives, safari director and chief veterinarian. “For nearly 40 years, people have dreamed of more up-close animal experiences with fewer boundaries, and now we can truly deliver a VIP experience to each and every one of our guests.”

Safari Off Road Adventure is included with general theme park admission and season passes in 2013, and it will be accessible via the Frontier Adventures section of the theme park.

Group information is available by calling (732) 928-2000, ext. 2845 or by visiting here.

As Saratoga Race Course kicks off its sesquicentennial season this year, it looks and feels much as it did 150 years ago. The venue is just one of New York State’s contributions to sporting history. Across the state, historic venues, museums and halls of fame memorialize the greats of baseball, boxing and many other sports.

Here’s a sampling of the sports history sites highlighted in New York State’s Path Through History, a program introduced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, building on New York’s already robust heritage tourism attractions. 

1. Horses in first place: Saratoga Race Course

While spectators no longer arrive in horse-drawn carriages, the Saratoga Race Course takes visitors back in time. This year, the “track” celebrates its 150th anniversary with events in Saratoga running from May through September.

Racing greats such as Man o’ War, Whirlaway and Secretariat are enshrined at the National Museum of Racing and Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. 

2. Hitting a home run: National Baseball Hall of Fame

Every year, the baseball world looks to Cooperstown in Central New York to see who will be the newest Hall of Famers, but year-round the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown pays homage to this American pastime. 

3. Enshrining their gloves: International Boxing Hall of Fame

When the townspeople of Canastota realized there was no boxing hall of fame to honor their two hometown heroes, Carmen Basilio, a former welterweight and middleweight champion in the late-1950s, and his nephew, Billy Backus, who won the world welterweight title in 1970, they worked to raise the funds and create the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Since opening in 1989, many New York boxing legends, including Muhammad Ali, Rocky Graziano, Jake LaMotta and Mike Tyson, have been inducted and honored. 

4. Rev those engines: Watkins Glen International

Across the state, Grand Prix, stock cars, midget and drag racing have long been a favorite pastime. One of the most notable raceways is Watkins Glen International, in the Finger Lakes region. “The Glen,” as it is known, has hosted road racing of nearly every class and still hosts national car events; visitors can lap “Thunder Road” with their own cars.

5. Sports history in the making: Golf galore

With nearly 1,000 golf courses, New York State is home to many golf firsts. Not only is it the birthplace of both the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and United States Golf Association (USGA), but it is also home to Saint Andrews Golf Course in Yonkers, recognized by many as the first golf course in the U.S. 

This summer, Rochester is uniquely positioned to secure another first as “Golf’s Titletown.” The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and PGA championships will be played just two months apart, marking the first time that the men and women will play major tournaments in the same community.

The Wegmans LPGA Championship (rising to major championship status in 2013) is returning to Locust Hill Country Club outside Rochester in June, and for the fourth straight year while the 95th PGA Championship will take place at nearby Oak Hill Country Club in August. 

6. Football first: Following in ‘Elmira Express’ Ernie Davis’ footsteps

African American athletes still faced racism when Ernest “Ernie” Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, playing for Syracuse University, in 1961. Sadly, he never played pro as he was diagnosed with leukemia. He now rests at the historic Woodlawn National Cemetery, in Elmira, where guided summer trolley tours also visit the graves of Mark Twain and other notables. 

7. Casting a line: Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum

The Catskills has often been called the birthplace of American fly-fishing. At the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum, visitors on group excursions can learn about the history, philosophy and techniques of the sport. 

8. A New Breed: The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame

The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, in the Hudson Valley region, presents the history of harness racing and a hall of fame for the American Standardbred horse breed. The museum, built around the stable on the site of the oldest harness track still in use, is a National Historic Landmark.

9. The beloved Bronx Bombers: Yes, we mean the Yankees

Major League Baseball’s Yankees, aka the Bronx Bombers, may have a new stadium, but their history is well preserved. The New York Yankees Museum, sponsored by Bank of America, tells the story of baseball and the Yankees with displays of artifacts and memorabilia. Before the game, ticket holders can visit Monument Park, a kind of open-air museum. On non-game days, the Classic Individual Tour includes a visit to the museum and Monument Park. 

10. Schussing into the Winter Olympics: Lake Placid

Lake Placid in the Adirondacks is one of only three places in the world to have hosted two Winter Olympic Games (St Moritz, Switzerland and Innsbruck, Austria are the others). It remains a prime year-round training ground for athletes thanks to facilities built for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Not to be missed is the thrill of bobsledding with a pro — on wheels in warm-weather months — down the Olympic track. Survivors are rewarded with a bobsled lapel pin and membership in the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.

NORTH WOODSTOCK, N.H. — Known for its natural beauty and hidden mysteries, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves on N.H. Route 112 begins another season May 11.

The Lost River runs high in early May, thanks to the melting snowpack from the surrounding slopes of Kinsman Notch. It affords visitors a thrilling experience as the roar of cascading waterfalls echo through the towering granite walls and glacial caves that make up Lost River Gorge.

This ancient wonder was formed some 25,000 years ago during the time when receding glaciers revealed what we know today as New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

“It’s like taking a trip through a geological time tunnel,” said Kate Wetherell, Lost River general manager.

“Our visitors can see up close how forces of nature worked, and are still working together to create this unique place. Caves, a river, waterfalls, beautiful scenery … it’s got all that and more.”

Lost River Gorge was discovered by brothers, Royal and Lyman Jackman in 1852. While on a fishing expedition, Lyman suddenly fell through a moss-covered hole into a cave (later to be named “Shadow Cave”) landing waist-deep in a pool of cold, clear water.  

The Jackman brothers continued their exploration finding many more caves. This mid-19th-century discovery makes Lost River Gorge one of New Hampshire’s oldest attractions. In 2012 the attraction celebrated 100 years of ownership by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.  

Since 1967, the White Mountains Attractions Association has operated and managed the popular tourist site.

The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves will be open daily May 11th through October 20th (weather permitting) for self-guided tours. On Mother’s Day May 12, every mom receives a free admission with the purchase of a child’s ticket and dads get the same on Father’s Day, June 16.  

Guided lantern tours start Memorial Day Weekend, then are available weekend evenings from mid-June through early September when 11 caves are lit by glowing lanterns and boardwalks are illuminated by head lamps worn by nocturnal explorers who will enjoy s’mores around the campfire at the conclusion of the tour.

Sluice mining, where everyone is guaranteed to find treasures to put into their gem mining bags, and the Ecology Trail and Nature Garden are popular must-dos for adults and kids. Daytime tours with interpretive programs are available to groups, as well the evening lantern tours.  

Visit www.lostrivergorge.com for detailed information and a complete schedule.

BAYFIELD, Wis. — Forget the hot dogs and beans!

Wilderness Inquiry, the Minnesota-based adventure travel company, is taking its popular kayak adventure to another level by exploring both the natural beauty and bounty of northern Wisconsin.

In partnering with food writer Beth Dooley, Wilderness Inquiry will be serving up a culinary adventure in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore this August that adds a foodie twist to this great outdoor adventure.

Highlights of the trip include kayaking through sea caves, hiking the islands, and mouth-watering meals fashioned from local and sustainable foods.  

The trip is slated to depart Aug. 1–4 and 8–11. Each day, trekkers will explore shipwrecks and sea caves in the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior by kayak and tour the Bayfield Peninsula’s farms and markets to harvest the evening’s meal. Travelers will have the opportunity to connect with the local community in chats around the campfire with some of the area’s most innovative farmers who are doing amazing things with food, like growing apricots in northern Wisconsin.

After a day of kayaking and exploring, the group returns to Wilderness Inquiry’s Little Sand Bay Basecamp to enjoy mouth-watering feasts fashioned from locally grown ingredients paired thoughtfully with local spirits. The menu features some of the best local foods the Bayfield area has to offer including: fresh caught whitefish served on the beach, fresh berry tartlets, local cheeses, and an abundance of local fruits, vegetables and herbs.

All the ingredients are sustainably grown and thoughtfully prepared by the trip’s guest chef, Twin Cities’ food writer and cookbook author, Beth Dooley.

This adventure is just one of many offered by Wilderness Inquiry. Founded in 1978, the company is an internationally recognized leader in the design and implementation of wilderness adventure programs for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, including persons with disabilities.

Nearly 100 wilderness trips are offered each year, from kayak tours in British Columbia and Costa Rica to dog sledding in Minnesota. Wilderness Inquiry works with pre-formed groups as well, creating custom adventure group tours both in the United States and abroad. Contact Lee Friedman to get started.

For more information, call (800) 728-0719 or visit www.wildernessinquiry.org.

Not far from the water parks, boat tours and shopping of the Wisconsin Dells, a quiet haven awaits.

A slice of prairies, tall grasses and other landscapes, it is a special place. It is the sole place on Earth that is home to all 15 species of cranes, long-necked and –legged birds.

The birds make their home at the 225-acre headquarters of the International Crane Foundation (ICF), located near Baraboo along U.S. 12.

“Even though there are 15 crane species found around the world, 11 of the 15 species are threatened with extinction. ICF believes that in order to save cranes, you must also save the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend,” said Kate Fitzwilliams, marketing/PR specialist for the ICF.”

The foundation’s guided group tours share about the cranes and conservation programs to protect them.

While some believe the foundation is located on a flyway and attracts all the cranes, the reality is concerted efforts have been made to gather, care for and sustain the cranes.

“We’ve been fortunate to travel the world in search of interesting sights,” said Anne Grant, a recent visitor from Chicago. “Little did we know that a three-hour drive would take us to a location where we could see and learn about all 15 crane species.”

In addition, ICF has 4½ miles of nature and birding that wind through restored oak savanna, prairie and wetland habitats along with a gift shop and visitors center.

It takes most groups 1½ to 2 hours to visit the International Crane Foundation.

“Our guided tours are entertaining and educational,” said Cully Shelton, interpretive programs manager at ICF. “There are wonderful opportunities for guests of all ages to explore our exhibits, view endangered cranes, or photograph beautiful wildflowers in our native prairies.”

The experience begins with a welcome and a multimedia slide show — watched from the covered pavilion. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the International Crane Foundation, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, as well as more about the birds and their habitats. 

From there, a naturalist guide takes groups on a walking tour through the crane habitats. It’s about a ¾-mile walk on a paved trail.

About 115 captive cranes live in the habitats, and more are part of the breeding program.

Tours should be reserved at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability. Groups enjoy discounted rates, with the tour leader and driver admitted free of charge.

The regular season for tours is weekends April 15 to Oct. 31. Groups can schedule tours at other times throughout the year by request. 

To find out more, contact the International Crane Foundation at (608) 356-9462 or www.savingcranes.org.

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — Frozen in flight perched on their wheels or poised ready to ascend, the 80 aircraft on display at New England Air Museum give a look at the wide range of planes and choppers that have traversed the wild blue yonder.

“Connecticut is a huge state for aviation,” said Gina Maria Alimberti, the museum’s director of visitor services. “People don’t realize that before they visit.”

Tour guide-educators walk museum visitors including student groups through the timeline of flight, located in Windsor Locks.

The museum, which opened in its present location at Bradley International Airport outside Hartford,  in 1981, is operated by the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association, a non-profit educational institution.

The museum’s three exhibit hangars feature beauties such as a Sikorsky VS-44A Excambian Flying Boat, which can land and lift off in the water and was one of only three built in 1942 for American Export Airlines; and a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, a World War II bomber destroyed in a 1979 tornado that was fully restored.

Tours can include mini cockpit tours and hands-on demonstrations. The 58th Bomb Wing Memorial pays tribute to the thousands of men in the first unit to introduce the Boeing B-29 Superfortress into combat in World War II.

Other highlights include the Flight Sim Spot, an exhibit which puts visitors in the cockpit with controls, three large screens and stereo sound to simulate flights. The experience lets guests virtually fly anywhere and learn the basics of flying.

The average tour length for groups of 15 or more is two hours, though those can be lengthened or shortened to suit needs. A scavenger hunt is also available. For more details, visit online or call (860) 623-3305, ext. 311.

A tour of the area can also include the Connecticut Trolley Museum, which features a variety of streetcars from the 1890s to 1950s, many still taking passengers on rides. Groups of 10 or more enjoy special rates at the Connecticut Electric Railway Association’s museum, with additional discounts available for groups of 30 or more. For more information, visit online or call (860) 627-6540.

Michigan’s ingenuity and passion with respect to the automobile is unrivaled.

Even as the automotive industry has fallen on hard times in recent years, the legacy of Michigan as the leader in auto innovation is deeply rooted, with no signs of driving off into the distance.

Group travel planners motoring toward Michigan could conceivably base an entire itinerary on auto-themed destinations and attractions — from expansive museums showcasing rare and vintage cars to a massive, rolling car show featuring 40,000 classics that draws 1.5 million people annually.

Here are the best Michigan attractions to check out with your gear-head tour group.

The Henry Ford – Dearborn

A top Michigan group travel destination for years, there is truly something for everybody at this humongous, painstakingly maintained and updated favorite.

It comprises five distinct attractions: the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, the IMAX Theatre, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour and the Benson Ford Research Center.

Exhibits at the museum include “Automobiles in American Life,” “Presidential Vehicles,” “Your Place in Time,” “With Liberty and Justice for All” and “Heroes of the Sky.” Its new temporary exhibition, “Designing Tomorrow: America’s World’s Fairs of the 1930s,” runs through Sept. 2, 2013, and looks at six Depression-era fairs that influenced modernism and consumerism

The museum, which boasts 26 million artifacts, is home to not just popular Ford models, but also automobiles as off-beat as the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and Bill Elliott’s record-breaking race car that clocked in at more than 212 mph at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.

A variety of combo packages are available that are perfect for group tours, with special rates available for groups of 15 people or more and 10 percent off most admissions. (313) 982-6001, www.thehenryford.com

Woodward Dream Cruise – Detroit area

Slated for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 17 this year, this spectacle is an overnight success story.

When launched in 1995, organizers looked to relive and re-create the steely nostalgic heydays of the 1950s and ‘60s. That year, 250,000 participated — nearly 10 times the number expected.

The event now draws 1.5 million people and 40,000 cars annually from around the globe.

From elegant to muscular and classic to just plain weird, the cruise offers sights and sounds for all ages and interests. The event covers a 16-mile stretch of legendary Woodward Avenue, motoring through eight host communities including Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak.

There is no fee to watch the event. www.woodwarddreamcruise.com

R.E. Olds Transportation Museum – Lansing

More than 50 vehicles ranging from 1886 to 2003 await Oldsmobile enthusiasts at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing.

The attraction is dedicated to prominent inventor, entrepreneur, financier and automotive leader Ransom Eli Olds.

Its collection of rare and prized vehicles includes the 1906 “Mama” and “Baby” REOs. The Baby — a 1/4-scale miniature replica of the Mama — was the first fully functional miniature gas-powered car ever built.

An 1893 steam carriage built by Ransom E. Olds also is on display, as well as numerous items from the Olds household and a comprehensive collection of Michigan license plates.

The museum can accommodate groups of any size, but at least one-week’s notice is recommended. Reduced rates are available for groups of 10 people or more. (517) 372-0529, http://reoldsmuseum.org

GM Renaissance Center – Detroit

The brainchild of Henry Ford II, this group of seven interconnected skyscrapers located on the International Riverfront downtown was completed in 1977 to help revitalize Detroit’s economy.

The center received a $500 million renovation in 2004 as General Motors made it its new world headquarters. Its footprint totals 5,552,000 square feet.

A one-hour tour takes visitors through the “RenCen” and outlines GM’s history and that which it shares with Detroit.

Visitors see the GM Wintergarden, a tropical atrium overlooking the Detroit River; the GM showroom, an eclectic display of vintage, new model and concept vehicles; the GM Collection, featuring GM souvenirs and historical books; the Riverfront Plaza and Promenade and more. Tours conclude with a glass elevator ride to the 72nd floor of the Detroit Marriott Hotel.

Private group and motorcoach tours are available. (313) 567-3126, www.gmrencen.com

Gilmore Car Museum – Hickory Corners

Located just northeast of Kalamazoo, this one-of-a-kind museum recently underwent a major expansion, adding a 32,000-square-foot Automotive Heritage Center in 2012 that attaches to several existing buildings. It holds the main gallery, research library, theater and offices.

The entire historic campus is open from spring to late fall, when groups can see more than 300 vehicles. Its collection ranges from 1899 model cars to motor vehicles manufactured in the 1990s and 2000s

The museum also pays due homage to the Ford legacy. The Model A Ford Museum resembles a 1928 Ford dealership. There are actual parts in the parts department, clothing and advertising from the era as well as the first Model A Ford off the assembly line.

The campus also includes the Midwest Miniatures Museum, a motorcycle exhibit, a depot filled with hood ornaments and mascots and a 1940s-themed diner that is open April through November. (261) 671-5089, www.gilmorecarmuseum.org

TOLEDO, Ohio — A top zoo, art museum and botanical gardens make Toledo a popular destination.

The northeast Ohio city’s history includes names like Edward Libbey and Michael Owens, who opened glass manufacturing plants here in the 19th century.

“We’re still making glassware,” said Cathy Miller, director of tourism for Destination Toledo.

Libbey founded the Toledo Museum of Art and gave it his art collection, which included glass pieces. The Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art opened in 2006 and houses the museum’s extensive collection of glass art.

Self-guided or guided tours can include a glass-blowing demonstration.

When shopping at the 16,000-square-foot Libbey Glass Factory Outlet, group tour members receive a 15 percent discount.

At the Toledo Zoo, twin polar bear cubs are due to go on display in May.

The zoo is celebrating Australia this summer with “Wild Walkabout,” an experience featuring Australian animals.

Hollywood Casino opened in May 2012. The smoke-free facility has 125,000 square feet of gaming action.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is scheduled to open in September, Miller said.

The museum is to include the Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship and a maritime park. The freighter, launched in 1913, sailed on the Great Lakes for much of the 20th century.

Fort Meigs, located in neighboring Perrysburg, is a reconstructed War of 1812 fort with a museum and activities.

“The War of 1812 is often overlooked, but it opened up the western frontier of the United States,” Miller said. “It’s an important piece of U.S. history.”

Groups can take a behind-the-scenes tour at Fifth Third Field, the home ballpark for the Toledo Mud Hens, the Triple A minor league affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers, Miller said.

Most Toledo visitors have a meal at Tony Packo’s, the Hungarian restaurant made famous by the TV series M*A*S*H and its Toledo-native character Maxwell Klinger.

Tony Packo’s has a pre-set group menu.

“I recommend groups go to the original location on the east side to get the true experience,” Miller said.

Actor Jamie Farr, who played the crazy corporal in the series, grew up on the east side of Toledo. He mentioned the Mud Hens and Tony Packo’s in seven episodes of M*A*S*H.

Just southwest of Toledo, Grand Rapids offers groups a step back in time with a ride on the restored Miami & Erie Canal and tours of Isaac Ludwig Mill.

“The mule-drawn canal boat rides are super popular with groups,” Miller said.

Contact Destination Toledo by phone at (800) 243-4667.

PHILADELPHIA — The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) announced  a new campaign — Philadelphia Neighborhoods — that spotlights 14 of the visitor-ready areas surrounding Center City.

The campaign encourages locals and visitors to explore the neighborhoods' storied streets, buzzed-about restaurants, emerging art galleries, independent shops, intimate music venues, plentiful parks and annual festivals.

“Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and attractions from museums and music to restaurants and historical venues, not to mention great shopping,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter said.

“Our goal is to encourage visitors and residents alike to look at what all of Philadelphia has to offer, beginning with these 14 vibrant neighborhoods surrounding Center City.”

The neighborhoods included in the project are: Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Callowhill, Spring Garden, Fairmount, Queen Village, Bella Vista, Pennsport, East Passyunk, Graduate Hospital, University City, Powelton Village, Spruce Hill and Cedar Park.

These neighborhoods form a ring around Center City, and are within a 15-minute walk or ride from Center City hotels.

The website VisitPhilly.com/neighborhoods serves as the go-to spot for visitors including group tours looking to plan time in one of the 14 neighborhoods featured.

The site features more than 600 new attraction listings, along with itineraries, maps, videos and photos to provide a full view of the city’s happening neighborhoods.

Another fun and useful feature: user-generated content will feed into the site via Instagram and Foursquare, enabling people to see what other visitors are doing and experiencing in the city's neighborhoods.

For more travel and group tour information about Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com; or call  the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

IPSWICH, Mass. — Olde Ipswich Tours' Jean Moss has coordinated and led small group tours of southern France and northern Italy each spring for more than 15 years.

This year, the Ipswich, Mass.-based group tour operator is changing that up some during a May 26 to June 9 trip through southern France and northern Italy to include Venice, Italy, and coincide with the June 1 opening of the 55th Venice Biennale (la Biennale di Venezia in Italian). The exhibition runs through Nov. 24.

Dating to 1895, the international arts exhibition draws artists from around the world and draws more than 370,000 visitors.

Moss and her husband, John, an attorney, have been organizing and leading culturally rich tours for groups of eight to 16 people in Europe — Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Ireland — for more than 18 years. Olde Ipswich also offers group tours in New England and southeast Asia.

With a bachelor’s degree in French from Colby College and a master’s degree in French from  Middlebury College earned through the University of Paris, Jean Moss has lived in Paris; Normandy, France; and Cuernavaca, Mexico, in addition to Massachusetts. Certified by the San Francisco-based International Tour Management Institute, Moss is also fluent in Spanish with travel, history, fine wine and great food among her passions.

Moss has an unabashed affinity for Venice.

“Admittedly, there is something romantic about the ‘City of Water’ overflowing with character, as it were, and visitors and locals alike making the most of this adventure,” she says.

While the biennial exhibition’s opening is the prime reason for her decision to overlap Olde Ipswich’s spring France-Italy tour, another is that her stepson, artist Davis Thompson-Moss, is part of a crew installing sculptor Sarah Sze’s work for Venice Biennale.

Educated at Bard College and Wesleyan University, Thompson-Moss spent 3½ years as the Asia Society Museum’s installation manager. Efforts are underway by Thompson-Moss’ crew in Venice to install the works by Sze, a New York-based contemporary artist and Boston native who creates intricate sculptures from everyday objects and minutiae.

“As an artist myself, this is my favorite way to experience art: installing it,” he says. “… It’s a fantastic environment; there’s a lot of problem solving, team work and first hand experience with some of the most precious pieces of the world’s art. This process of installing art is an integral part of my own life and art practice.” 

As for Moss, she adds she’s thrilled to soon be visiting Venice again “enjoying all the natural enchantment and romance of the city.”