October 3-7, 2008 - DATE CHANGE
Central Florida's Polk County: "Celebrate Nature in Central Florida"

Come celebrate nature in Central Florida's Lakes District – where water, wings and wild things take center stage. Explore rare plants found nowhere else in the world at Bok Tower Gardens, enjoy feathered treasures at one of Central Florida's birding "hot spots" and take an airboat ride through one of their 554 lakes. Visit Florida's first theme park, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, and embrace historic botanical gardens and exquisitely manicured topiary creations. Take in the fall breeze at Circle B-Bar Reserve, a 1,267-acre environmental lands site known for scenic shorelines and abundant wildlife. Learn about Central Florida's vast nature-based recreational opportunities and other must-see attractions, while stopping at some of Central Florida's most unique dining venues. You won't want to miss the Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Country Inn, as they serve up savory entrees and "Moon Soup." And finally, get a real taste of Florida with the grapefruit pie at Lang Sun Country Groves! www.visitcentralflorida.org

Oct. 9-12, 2008 - THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL
Explore Southwest Louisiana's Gumbo Pot; Cajuns, Cowboys and the Coast

Put a little SPICE in your life with succulent crawfish, crabs, gumbo and seafood. A culinary tourism press trip to Southwest Louisiana/Lake Charles is sure satisfy your cravings for all things spicy and leave you begging for more. You'll experience Cajun dining at its best and tap your toe to the rhythmic beat of Cajun and Zydeco music. Taste offerings from authentic Cajun, French and Mediterranean restaurants in the area, where only the best handed-down secret recipes are used to make your mouth water. Experience fine dining served by people who take pride in their history and offer up southern hospitality at its best. Learn from area chefs what makes Louisiana food so delightful. If you're a writer who likes tongue-twisters, then we challenge you to order étoufée, boudin, jambalaya, or catfish courtboullion! No matter how you say it, you won't go home hungry. Vegetarians need not apply!

October 13-17, 2008 - THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL
Sevierville, TN: "Where Smoky Mountain (Family) Fun Begins!"

Sevierville, the hometown of Dolly Parton, has plenty to offer - especially when it comes to family fun. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, this destination offers countless treasures, from marvelous outlet shopping to exciting new attractions and events. The majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park will greet you with nature trails, lush foliage and inviting streams. While in town, see shows like the amazing Legends of China at Smoky Mountain Palace Theater. Learn about exotic animals at Rainforest Adventures, show off your racing skills at NASCAR SpeedPark and enjoy an educational and patriotic afternoon at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Wrap up your trip with a visit to Dollywood, for authentic Appalachian heritage and culture. This great theme park (Tennessee's #1 Attraction) is located just around the corner in Pigeon Forge. www.visitsevierville.com

October 27-31, 2008 - THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL
Atlanta Metro Area's "Holiday Hot Picks"

Just in time for the holidays! See the charming communities of Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Douglasville, Villa Rica and downtown Atlanta. On your visit you'll see all that these towns offer for the holidays. Tour historic town sqaures, "Gone with the Wind" Museum, historic plantation homes, art and cultural museums, gold mining towns, civil war history and eclectic shopping. Visit visitmetroatlanta.com to see the Top 100 Must Sees in Atlanta Metro.

November 5-9, 2008 - THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL
Albany, Georgia: "A lot to shout about!"

For such a quiet town, Albany is making a lot of noise these days. This charming Southwest Georgia town has been called home by Ray Charles, food diva Paula Deen and America's favorite naturalist Jim Fowler. With many of Albany attractions getting a spit shine, the city is getting downright noisy about sharing its unique story. While here you'll visit the newly-dedicated Ray Charles Plaza, hear the song of the famed "Freedom Singers" at the Civil Rights Institute, spend time outside with rhinos, cheetahs and alligators at the Parks at Chehaw and see the sites related to Paula Deen's life in Albany. For a great trip-extender we'll visit the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in nearby Plains, just an hour's drive away.

November 17-21, 2008
Daytona Beach, FL: "The Great Outdoors!"

Of course we're known for the 23 miles of gorgeous beaches and the famous Daytona International Speedway, but more and more visitors are discovering another side of Daytona Beach when they come here – the Great Outdoors! The fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year and we'll show you some things you might not expect – deep sea fishing at Ponce Inlet, windsurfing lessons, snorkeling, horseback riding at Shenandoah Stables, sailing instruction on the Eagle Yacht, canoeing and kayaking on the pristine Tomoka River, as well as some spectacular birding. There will also be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beach and to experience the new spas and dining in town when the adventures end! www.daytonabeach.com

February 5-9, 2009
"Central Florida's Polk County: Gardens & Groves"

In Central Florida, the smell of orange blossoms is shadowed only by beautiful garden landscapes. The "Gardens and Groves" tour begins with a visit to Florida's first theme park – Cypress Gardens – where native plants have been combined with exotic species to create a horticulture masterpiece. Other garden visits include Hollis Garden on Historic Lake Mirror Park in Lakeland with more than 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs and shade trees, and Lake Wales' Bok Tower Gardens, including a 205-foot tower that houses a 60-bell carillon. We'll also explore the area's citrus industry, including tours of groves and a visit to the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), which provides technical advances to meet the needs of the Florida citrus industry through its research. And finally, get a real taste of Florida with the grapefruit pie at Lang Sun Country Groves! www.visitcentralflorida.org

February 21-25, 2009 - THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL
Southwest Louisiana/Lake Charles: "Mardi Gras and More!"

King cake, parades, glitzy flowing costumes of Mardi Gras splendor and the sweet sound of Zydeco music all add to the mystique of the 2nd largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana in Lake Charles. We'll arrive the weekend before Mardi Gras Day in time to enjoy other activities including a driving tour of the world-famous Creole Nature Trail All-American Road and a visit to the wonderful Mardi Gras Museum, home of the world's largest Mardi Gras costume display. Lundi Gras is celebrated with the Royal Gala, which is a spectacular sight to behold. The royal courts of more than 45 krewes will promenade in full Mardi Gras regalia for the public. No other city allows the public to view this event, so we'll have quite a treat. On Mardi Gras day, we'll put on our red hat's and ride on a real parade float in the Red Hat Society Parade. Next we'll attend the world's longest tail gate party in anticipation of the Krewe of Krewes Parade, of the area's more than 45 krewes. Enjoy Mardi Gras revelry at its finest! www.visitlakecharles.org

February 22-26, 2009
Houma, Louisiana: "Mardi Gras 2009"

Come be a part of a real Cajun Mardi Gras celebration! Located only 57 miles from New Orleans, Houma boasts that it has the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana. We'll take in several parades and go behind-the-scenes for a peek inside a "float den." Of course we'll sample that famous Cajun cuisine, as well as visiting interesting attractions like the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a stop on the America's WETLAND Birding Trail for a view of the vanishing wetlands; Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, an interactive museum honoring the economic, social and historical culture of the parish; and the Chauvin Sculpture Garden, an eccentric resident's work that is one of the top three finest examples of folk art in the world. We'll top it off by seeing "gators galore" on one of the region's best swamp tours. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!

March 9-13, 2009
Girlfriend Getaway in the "ARMS" of Atlanta

The ARMS (Alpharetta, Roswell & Marietta) of Atlanta invite you to participate in a girlfriends' getaway where you will experience shopping, spas, theater, outdoor activities and more.You'll begin the tour with a stop in Alpharetta, known for its great shopping. You'll experience award-winning parks, a taste of the city's seven unique shopping districts, a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue, then top the day off with a girlfriends' spa getaway. There will be plenty of opportunity to sample from the many fine restaurants in the area.The next day will find you in Historic Roswell, where you'll explore the historic district, visit antebellum homes and enjoy the lively shopping landscape with the period storefronts of the Shops of Roswell. After lunch, its time to enjoy the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. After viewing the backwaters of the gentle Chattahoochee River, you'll have the opportunity to savor the flavors of Roswell's cuisine. Last, but not least, spend the day in Historic Marietta. There, you'll experience a trolley tour aboard the Historic Marietta Trolley, then explore the museums of Marietta's Heritage Passport. After lunch, find out why its "hip to be Square," while shopping the eclectic shops on the Marietta Square. We'll top the evening off with dinner and theatre at one of Marietta's two live theatres – either The Atlanta Lyric Theatre at the Strand or Theatre in the Square.

April 1-5, 2009
Central Florida Lakes Country: "Savor the Flavor"

Take a detour from the daily grind and "savor the flavor" of life in Central Florida Lakes District - Polk County, located in between Orlando and Tampa. Drink in the natural beauty of Bok Tower Gardens and taste the thrill of air boats and airplanes. Stroll through the gardens of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, now restored to its original grandeur. Explore historic, eclectic downtowns. Play cowboy or cowgirl at one of the largest dude ranches in the southeast. Of course a media tour isn't complete without food, so satisfy your palate with fresh Florida seafood, mouthwatering barbeque and Mediterranean cuisine. Let us tickle your taste buds with some relaxing fun! www.visitcentralflorida.org