Courtesy Albany County CVB
Albany, New York
A scenic start to your group’s time in Albany, New York, is a visit to the observation deck on the 42nd floor of the Corning Tower, the tallest building in New York state outside of New York City.
“It’s the best way to not only see breathtaking views of Albany and the Hudson River, but the surrounding mountain ranges,” said Schuyler Bull, marketing manager for the Albany County CVB.
River-lovers can enjoy lunch or dinner aboard the J.P. Cruise Line, a four-deck vessel that boasts some of the best skyline views. The Dutch Apple offers historical narrated cruises past the city’s industrial port and continue on to the region’s natural setting.
“The last time I did this, I saw two bald eagles,” said Bull.
Tours are available of the USS Slater, the only Destroyer Escort still afloat.
“You can host a breakfast here — wouldn’t that be great for bank members who are veterans?” said Bull.
Located on the banks of the Hudson is the Crailo State Historic Site, a home built in the 18th century that showcases the lives of early Dutch inhabitants of the upper Hudson Valley. The famous tune “Yankee Doodle” was written at the fortified house.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Tucked between the mountains of southwest Tennessee and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga has a long list of accolades for beauty and hospitality.
“Groups can choose from a variety of cruising opportunities,” said Candace Davis, marketing and public relations manager for the Chattanooga Visitors Bureau. “The Southern Belle Riverboat offers lunch, dinner and themed cruises, and the Blue Moon offers ecotours that highlight the abundant wildlife.”
The River Gorge Explorer is a high-speed vessel that cruises from the downtown riverfront to the Tennessee River Gorge, part of the riverfront Tennessee Aquarium. Groups can tour the venue to see what swims, flies and crawls in their natural habitats.
“You can even touch stingrays and have interaction with owls and turtles,” said Davis.
Built on a 90-foot-high limestone bluff overlooking the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art showcases 100 years of architecture and is touted as home to the finest collection of American Art in the Southeast.
