With sports tourism generating more than $45 billion annually in the U.S., cities with strong, diverse sports attractions are drawing an increasing number of visitors.
Among them is Louisville! From baseball to boxing to horse racing, the city offers one of the most dynamic and immersive sports experiences in the country—and continues to be recognized as such on a national stage.
Louisville continues to make headlines in the sports world as four local attractions have been nominated for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Attraction for Sports Fans. The nationwide list includes 20 museums, venues, and iconic sporting destinations. Louisville is the only city in the country with four attractions, further cementing its reputation as a premier hub for sports tourism.
Read more about the four nominated Louisville attractions below:
The world-renowned racetrack, National Historic Landmark, and home of the Kentucky Derby for 151 years offers an unmatched blend of tradition, sport, and spectacle.
"Home to 'The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,' Churchill Downs is proud to be recognized as one of the country's top sports attractions," said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. "As the site of the longest continually held sporting event in the U.S., this honor reflects Louisville's rich tradition of sports and hospitality. We're thrilled to stand alongside other iconic destinations that make our city such a dynamic place to visit."
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Derby Museum ranked no. 3 on USA Today 10Best's 2024 list. It's the only place where fans can experience the thrill of Derby every day—celebrating 151 years of champions, fashion, culture, and racing history.
"We're thrilled to be nominated for the third year in a row—going for our own Triple Crown—and proud to stand alongside our partners in the city's sports and tourism scene," said Patrick Armstrong, President & CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum. "This nomination puts Louisville on the map as one of the best places in the country for sports fans to explore, learn, and celebrate their passions."
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY
Ranked no. 5 on last year's 10Best list, the museum gives baseball fans a behind-the-scenes look at how America's most legendary bat is made, while honoring some of the sport's greatest players.
"We're thrilled to be back in the lineup once again," said Deana Lockman, Vice President, Executive Director of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. "It's an honor to be in such great company with our partners who help make Louisville an iconic destination where legendary stories are told and unforgettable memories are made every day. From baseball to Ali to horse racing, Louisville truly is a dream destination for sports fans."
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this November, the Ali Center is a powerful cultural attraction that honors the life, values, and legacy of Muhammad Ali—Louisville's native son and global sports icon.
"As the home of The Greatest of All Time, it's an honor to be recognized as one of the top destinations for sports fans," said DeVone Holt, President & CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. "We hope this nomination showcases the work our team does every day to provide the Greatest experience within our museum. We invite everyone to show their support with a vote for the Ali Center."
While planning a trip to Louisville, visitors can download a copy of Louisville Tourism's annual Visitor Guide or explore attractions, events, lodging, and dining options at Louisville Tourism.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Louisville Tourism.
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Thinking of taking your group deep in the heart of Texas?
Given it's the second largest U.S. state in both population and area, you'll have a lot of ground to cover! Good thing we have the inside scoop for you on the top places to go—and attractions to see. Let's jump in!
El Paso has a number of draws, whether it's enjoying wine, food, music, and picturesque views at nearby wineries or getting your thrills with a guided UTV tour through scenic Red Sands. Franklin Mountains State Park is another favorite, with 100-plus trails to hike, including El Paso Tin Mine Trail or a trek to Aztec Caves. There are opportunities for biking and rock climbing, too.
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is also great for hiking and rock climbing, as well as bird watching. And, before leaving Sun City (it does boast about 300 days of sunshine yearly!), be sure to check out El Paso Mission Trail, recently ranked by the Texas Travel Awards as the best historic site in Texas. In addition to Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and the Presidio Chapel of San Elizario, there are several restaurants, art galleries and shops along the trail.
Situated perfectly amid greater Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is Mansfield. It's more than just a jumping off point for its neighbors, though! Groups will want to take a free tour of the Man House Museum—a renovated home of one of the city's founders that provides a view into life in 1890s Texas. And, see a show at historic Farr Best Theater or soak up the great outdoors at Oliver Nature Park—an 80-acre nature preserve.
For dining and refreshments, our friends at Mansfield CVB recommend Our Place for classic Texas fare and Dirty Job Brewing, which has ample seating and live music regularly.
Dallas is just a short drive from Mansfield, and there's plenty to do and see there. For the arts and culture crowd, top picks include Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas Museum of Art, and Nasher Sculpture Center. For those more interested in recreation, check out Sandy Pickle, an all-in-one spot for pickleball, sand volleyball and golf simulation; Good Surf for pickleball and yard games, plus a surfing machine; Bowlounge for classic bowling; and Electric Shuffle, which offers high-tech shuffleboard. All four have food and drinks, too.
Photo courtesy of Visit Dallas.
Other fun things to do include taking a guided pub crawl with Dallas Party Bike, watching live programming on Cosm Dallas' immersive dome screen, or getting creative at Tiles Workshop. Strolling Dallas Farmers Market and grabbing a bevvie at Katy Trail Ice House are also popular options.
They don't call DFW a Metroplex for nothing! Another big part of this 11-county, North Texas area is Fort Worth. Whether you see a cattle drive at the Stockyards or tour Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky tonk, your group will have an authentic Texas experience. Add to the charm by getting fitted for custom boots at Leddy's and a custom hat at Flea Style or Best Hat Store.
Photo courtesy of Visit Forth Worth.
Foodies can tour the Near Southside and art lovers can spend a day in the Cultural District. And, Bass Performance Hall, Jubilee Theatre and Circle Theatre all offer live theater shows. Definitely take time to shop the boutiques along Magnolia Ave and South Main Street, and have a meal at Lonesome Dove, Provender Hall or Panther City BBQ.
Also in the DFW region is Grapevine. Groups are invited to take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and explore historic Main Street, home to several late-1800/early-1900 buildings repurposed into galleries, boutiques, cafés and winery tasting rooms. A visit to Nash Farm to learn about 19th-century farm life is in order, as well.
Photo courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Grapevine Mills is, in itself, a destination to discover. In addition to being a bustling shopping center, it is home to the Meow Wolf Grapevine immersive art installation experience and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium. And, don't leave the city without seeing a classic movie or a live tribute performance at the 1920s-era, arch-ceiling Palace Theatre on Main Street.
San Antonio is a cultural hub with beloved attractions that include the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Witte Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, Japanese Tea Gardens and McNay Art Museum. It's also known for its 15-mile River Walk, considered a must-do while in the city. The largest urban ecosystem in the country, the River Walk has numerous distinct points of interest along the way.
Photo courtesy of Visit San Antonio.
Another group-friendly activity is a river cruise or charter with Go Rio River Cruises. There are a number of themed cruises, many of which feature dining, entertainment and vibrant views of the River Walk from the water. Or, take a hands-on, chef-instructor led course in cooking, baking, wine and more at Culinary Institute of America San Antonio.
Next up, Amarillo—the largest city on Texas Route 66! There's clearly an automobile theme going on here, with Bill's Backyard Classics, a car museum with 90-plus vehicles on display; Cadillac Ranch, which has 10 brightly painted Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field; and, similarly, Slug Bug Ranch, with its graffiti-adorned Beetles, Global Art Wall, picnic area, gift shop and other amenities.
Photo courtesy of Visit Amarillo.
Group travel planners will also want to consider horseback riding and chuckwagon events with Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West, a Jeep tour at Palo Duro Creek Ranch, and a stop at Buc-ee's—a Texas icon. After a full day, wind down at Old Tascosa Brewery or Paramount Recreation Club speakeasy. And, many visitors rave about seeing TEXAS Outdoor Musical held at nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park, about a 30-minute drive from Amarillo.
Known as the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin, of course, attracts visitors for its music scene. But there's so much more to do, including a variety of historic and city tours, a sunset bat cruise (you read that right!), and tons of outdoor recreation, from hiking and cycling to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racetrack and entertainment venue is also an area hot spot.
Photo courtesy of Jim Livingston.
Dining is on the menu in Austin, too, with 44 of its restaurants recognized in the MICHELIN Guide Texas. And, of course, Austin is known for its festivals, such as SXSW in spring and Austin City Limits Music Festival in fall—to name just a couple.
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the Jul/Aug '25 issue of Groups Today.
Main photo courtesy of Visit El Paso.
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Queer Kentucky, a proudly LGBTQ+ led nonprofit, recently announced the return of Bourbon & Belonging, Kentucky's Queer Bourbon Week, taking place October 3–5, 2025.
Following a groundbreaking and widely celebrated inaugural year, the second annual event will once again shine a spotlight on Kentucky's signature spirit through the lens of inclusion, culture, and community.
Bourbon & Belonging is a statewide celebration designed to welcome LGBTQ+ Kentuckians and visitors alike into bourbon spaces and hospitality experiences across the Commonwealth. The 2024 event was a resounding success, welcoming visitors from across the globe while generating wide media attention and community enthusiasm across 60 events, eight cities, and an overall campaign reaching over six million people worldwide.
This year's festivities build on that momentum with a weekend full of curated events, distillery experiences, queer performances, and culinary offerings in cities across the state. Returning host regions include Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and Paducah.
"We are beyond proud to bring Bourbon & Belonging back for a second year," said Missy Spears, Executive Director of Queer Kentucky. "It's more than an event—it's a declaration that LGBTQ+ people belong in every space, including those deeply rooted in Kentucky's cultural identity."
The 2025 event will again feature collaborations with leading bourbon brands such as Old Forester, New Riff Distilling, Wenzel Whiskey, and Maker's Mark, as well as partnerships with host hotels committed to fostering welcoming spaces for all travelers.
"This isn't just about bourbon—it's about belonging," said Mary Quinn Ramer, President of VisitLEX. "Bourbon & Belonging celebrates our people, our pride, and our promise that Kentucky is for everyone."
Modeled after iconic events like Sonoma's Gay Wine Weekend and DC's QueerBeer Fest, Bourbon & Belonging has quickly become a beacon for inclusive tourism and cultural celebration in the South. All proceeds support Queer Kentucky's mission to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ Kentuckians through storytelling, education, and community programming.
"Bourbon & Belonging continues to be a shining example of how Louisville leads with hospitality mixed with our strong cultural heritage," said Cleo Battle, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. "This event not only celebrates our world-renowned Bourbon scene, but also reinforces our unwavering commitment to being a welcoming destination."
"We're honored to host Bourbon & Belonging again this year in Northern Kentucky," said Julie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of meetNKY. "It's a testament to Kentucky's reputation as a welcoming, world-class bourbon destination that blends heritage with fresh, exciting experiences."
To learn more about Bourbon & Belonging 2025, sign up for email updates, and explore partnership or sponsorship opportunities, visit bourbonandbelonging.com.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photos courtesy of Bourbon & Belonging.
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Remaining Galleries and Renovation Completion Scheduled for July 1, 2026.
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has announced the next phase of gallery openings at its flagship building in Washington, DC. Five new exhibitions, the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater and the museum's redesigned entrance on Jefferson Drive along the National Mall will open Monday, July 28. The project to renovate the entire museum began in 2018 and will culminate next year when the remaining galleries open July 1, 2026, the 50th anniversary of the museum in Washington and in time for the United States' 250th anniversary.
Thousands of artifacts will go back on display in the reopened galleries. Favorites such as the Spirit of St. Louis, the North American X-15, John Glenn's Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, Apollo Lunar Module 2 and the touchable moon rock will be back on view. Several artifacts new to the building in Washington will include the Sopwith F.1 Camel, Virgin Galactic's RocketMotorTwo, a Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule mockup and a Goddard 1935 A series rocket.
Galleries opening July 28:
"Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall"
"Futures in Space"
"Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight"
"World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation"
Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery
Galleries opening July 1, 2026:
"Textron How Things Fly"
"At Home in Space"
"RTX Living in the Space Age Hall"
"Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air"
"Modern Military Aviation"
"U.S. National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe"
Flight and the Arts Center
The museum's multi-year renovation includes redesigning all 20 galleries, complete refacing of the exterior cladding, replacement of outdated mechanical systems and other repairs and improvements including the addition of a new entry vestibule. The first phase opened in October 2022 with eight new galleries, the planetarium, the museum store and the Mars Café. Since then, nearly 5 million people have visited the museum.
Free timed-entry passes will still be required to visit the museum. Passes for the July 28 opening and beyond are available on the museum's website, in addition to more information about how the museum is transforming all of its exhibitions and revitalizing the building.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photos courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum.
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A group trip to New York City promises an incredible mix of iconic sights and thrilling activities.
Whether you're gazing at the majestic Statue of Liberty, reaching new heights at the Empire State Building, or enjoying a leisurely stroll through Central Park, the city offers endless experiences. Don't miss the chance for some retail therapy while shopping on 5th Avenue. And of course, a visit to the Big Apple wouldn't be complete without experiencing the magic of a Broadway show.
Broadway delivers a one-of-a-kind theatre experience that ignites the imagination and leaves audiences truly inspired. Attending a live performance in one of its iconic theatres means sharing in the joy and energy of the actors, orchestra, and fellow theatregoers. The lights, music, and atmosphere create a level of excitement you won't find anywhere else. With cutting-edge stagecraft and world-class talent, each show is a singular spectacle. To find the season's standout productions, turn to the Tony® Awards, as they shine a spotlight on the performances that truly rise above.
The Tony Awards, established in 1947, celebrate excellence in Broadway theatre, recognizing outstanding achievements across various aspects of production, including acting, directing, and design. Broadcasted annually, the televised ceremony not only honors the best talent but also offers viewers a sneak peek at some of the nominated shows. These performances from the nominees and winners give audiences a taste of the vibrant creativity and artistry that define Broadway, setting the stage for a memorable trip to the theatre.
Winning the Tony Award for Best Musical marks a show as one of Broadway's finest, celebrated for its creativity, impact, and standout performances. It's a clear signal: this is a must-see production. This year's winner is Maybe Happy Ending, a charming and tender musical about two out-of-date helper robots (Emmy winner Darren Criss and newcomer Helen J Shen) who discover unexpected love and meaning as they explore what it means to be human. In addition to Best Musical, Maybe Happy Ending took home trophies for its director Michael Arden, lead actor Darren Criss, its book and original score by Will Aronson and Hue Park, and its scenic design by Dane Laffrey and George Reeve—making it one of the most celebrated productions of the season.
Heading into Broadway's biggest night, Maybe Happy Ending wasn't the only standout among the nominees. While it claimed the top prize, several other acclaimed productions also took home Tony Awards—and are well worth adding to your must-see list.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
The musicals Death Becomes Her and Buena Vista Social Club were each tied with Maybe Happy Ending, all with 10 nominations across technical and performance categories.
Death Becomes Her, based on the 1992 cult classic movie, stars Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard as archrivals who will stop at nothing to maintain their youth and beauty. Both leading ladies were nominated in the Best Actress in a Musical category, but the show ultimately won its sole Tony for Paul Tazewell's glamorous and inventive costume design. This lively show is a great addition to any group itinerary, delivering an evening of laugh-out-loud moments and unforgettable entertainment.
Buena Vista Social Club is another crowd-pleaser that took home five Tony Awards this year. Inspired by the album and the documentary of the same name, the new stage musical brings the music of mid-century Havana to Broadway in a tale of four talented musicians navigating the twists and turns of the Cuban Revolution while holding onto their love for music. The show won Best Orchestrations for Marco Paguia, Best Choreography for Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, and Best Featured Actress for Natalie Venetia Belcon. The musical was also honored with a Special Tony Award, celebrating the musicians of the show's on-stage band. The rich storytelling and vibrant Afro-Cuban music make Buena Vista Social Club a must-see celebration of culture, rhythm, and resilience that will have audiences dancing in their seats.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy.
Winning a Tony Award can make any show a hot ticket, but Broadway Inbound is here to help you secure seats so your groups don't miss out on the best productions Broadway has to offer. As an authorized Broadway ticket seller, Broadway Inbound has the access and expertise to assist in securing tickets for large groups at discounted prices. Visit BroadwayInbound.com for more information on these shows and the many other great musicals and plays currently running on Broadway.
With the right tools and some thoughtful planning, the Tony Awards can inspire a theatre trip that's both meaningful and memorable, while Broadway Inbound manages the details, allowing you to fully enjoy the magic onstage.
Courtesy of Broadway Inbound.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
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