by Janet Dickelman
Our conference and convention is loaded with workshops, seminars and meetings. One of the questions I receive most often is about our tours. We have tours to please everyone: sports lovers, adventurers, history buffs, and those of us who love to eat!
Dates, times and prices are still being worked out. Here is a sampling of what will be available.
Cincinnati Tour
- Reds game:
Visit the Cincinnati Reds' Hall of Fame and enjoy a hands-on tour. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a game at Great American Ballpark where the Reds will take on the World Series-winning San Francisco Giants.
- Museum Center at Union Terminal:
Not a baseball fan? Enjoy this customized tour of the history and science museum. This tour will be personalized for ACB members. Docents will re-enact various periods of history while conducting this tactile tour. Also visit the science museum and see and feel marvels of science.
Tecumseh
Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s. The huge, outdoor stages of the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre afford the audience a unique experience. You will sit beneath the stars in the beautiful Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre as sheer spectacle surrounds you with a herd of galloping horses, live military cannon in action, and the most dazzling battle sequences offered on the American stage. Audio description will be available.
City Bus Tour
Quickly becoming a "foodie town," Columbus is filled with Midwest history, amazing architecture, and more. You'll hear about Columbus' rich history spanning 200 years.
Wyandotte Winery
Sit down and sample some of the wines while discovering the interesting history of this winery. There is a variety of wines to please any palate. Dry to sweet, red to white, grape to fruit, no matter what kind or style of wine, you can be assured of the highest quality wines. After the wine tasting, have a wonderful lunch on the outside patio.
The Works and Velvet Ice Cream
The Works museum houses countless history exhibits dedicated to the progression of Licking County through transportation, manufacturing, and industry. You will be able to get hands on a large steam engine and a restored interurban railway car that were manufactured in this historic building.
The next stop is the Ye Olde Mill, an authentic 1800s mill, for lunch. While there, you will experience what it takes to produce 6 million gallon of ice cream every year. You will visit the interactive museum, and, of course, the gift shop.
Hocking Hill Zipline
Higher, longer and faster, you start from a 75-foot tower; launching two at a time from the platform, you will plunge into the green forest and fly through the tree canopy until the bottom drops out at the edge of a rock cliff. Swoop down the middle of the Hocking River, all this while in a "super hero" flying position. This zip will reach speeds of 50 mph over a quarter mile. You will have two trips down the zip line. The weight limit is 250 pounds.
Santa Maria
Columbus was not named after him, but in 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail searching for a direct trade route to the Indies. Carrying him was the Santa Maria, a 98-foot wooden "nao," or typical cargo ship. In this private tour of the world's most authentic, museum-quality replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship, you will be able to dramatize the daring and determination it took for these explorers to set out on their mission. Touch replicas of equipment used by the sailors.
Anthony-Thomas Candy
This sweet tour will visit the state-of-the-art candy factory of this family-owned and operated candy companies in the Midwest. Walk along a comfortable, glass-enclosed, suspended "Cat-Walk" and observe eight lines producing 25,000 pounds of chocolates per shift. Our experienced tour guides explain each process step by step, from the kitchen to the final packaging. The tour finishes in the retail shop.
American Whistle Factory
American Whistle Corporation is the ONLY manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States! This tour will show you a thriving, small, American manufacturing plant and entertain you with interesting information about whistles and fascinating machinery. Best of all, everyone leaves with a shiny new "American Classic" whistle!
The 2013 conference and convention will be a great venue to bring your family. There will be events for youth and - new this year - events for teens and young adults. Stay tuned for more information.
Food for All
On the first floor of the Hyatt Regency as you enter the convention center, which is connected to the hotel, is a wonderful food court. What a great place for you and your family to have low-cost meals! Here is the current list of establishments in the food court, provided by the Columbus convention bureau.
Charley's Steakery
A Columbus original, Charley's specializes in freshly grilled Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, hand-cut fries and lemonade. For more information, or a look at the menu, visit www.charleyssteakery.com.
Chicken 'N Eggs
From breakfast items to rotisserie and fried chicken along with pot pies, don't take time debating which came first. Enjoy all their poultry items.
Fame's Diner
Sample a variety of daily specials featuring fresh grilled sandwiches, soups, bagel sandwiches, salads and Indian cuisine, along with breakfast items served anytime.
Goodrich Famous Ice Cream Shop
Serving a full line of tantalizing ice cream confections such as malts and shakes, banana splits, specialty sundaes and fudge royales. For a look at the menu, visit www.goodrichicecream.com.
JaVa's Cyber Espresso Bar
Java's offers gourmet coffees, beverages, pastries and bagels, and computer kiosks to relax and browse the Internet or catch up on e-mail. Check out their menu at www.javas.com.
Kooma (West Garage)
Enjoy sushi prepared before you, as well as other Asian delicacies, at this sushi/karaoke bar. For a peek at the menu, visit www.koomacolumbus.com.
Krema Nut Company
The country's oldest peanut butter manufacturer, Krema, offers freshly roasted nuts, chocolates, candies, nut butters and jams, as well as a variety of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Visit www.krema.com for a sneak preview.
Mykonos Gyros
Experience a taste of Greece in Columbus. Mykonos specializes in Greek entrees, sandwiches, salads and desserts.
Noble Roman's
The better pizza people. Visit www.nobleromans.com to preview the menu.
Siam
Siam offers a variety of Asian entrees, soups and sushi.
Subway
Serving a variety of freshly prepared subs and salads.
Tony J's Mexican Grill
Mexican favorites, including steak, chicken and vegetarian tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas and salads.
Cucina Rossa
Cucina Rossa is the perfect answer to traditional pizza, sautéed pasta, classic salads and Italian specialty sandwiches.
Gourmet Grille
Nothing is better than a burger done just right, fresh off the grill. Gourmet Grille takes your traditional grill and turns it into a destination for a fresh, fast meal.
Java City
Start your morning off right with a specialty coffee or chai tea. Java City coffee is sure to get your adrenaline going.
The Sandwich Company
Enjoy a good deli sandwich. The Sandwich Company feels like a friendly neighborhood delicatessen with its made-to-order specialty sandwiches.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
(Main Concourse - Level Two)
Offers quick-serve breakfast and lunch items, including coffee, sandwiches and bagels.
In addition to the food court, the Hyatt Regency has 3 restaurants: Market Stand Café, Perks Coffee and More, and Big Bar on two. They all feature reasonably priced items. Menus for the food court and Hyatt restaurants will be available in braille, large print and electronic formats.
Local Restaurants
Thanks to the Columbus host committee, here is a peek at three local restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Ho Toy has been in business for decades. It offers a quiet place to have lunch or dinner during the week at a low price. The Chinese cuisine is always fresh, hot, and served with a smile. The restaurant is at 11 W. State St., six blocks south of the hotel.
For a more energetic atmosphere, try the Elevator Brewery and Drought Haus. The Elevator is only two and a half blocks from the hotel, at 161 N. High St. Whether you are in the mood for steak or just soup and salad, you will find it here. They are renowned for their microbrews.
At the corner of N. 3rd and Gay Streets is Latitude 41, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features classics and dishes to tempt more daring individuals.
Exhibitors, Advertisers, Sponsors and Volunteers
Online registration is now available on our web site, www.acb.org. We welcome your participation and hope to see you in Columbus!
Conference and Convention Pre-Registration
Pre-registration will be available online and via telephone on June 1st. We have worked with our web designer to make sure that the form is very user-friendly. Next month's article will have more details.
Hyatt Reservations
Don't miss out on all the fun, learning and camaraderie. Make your reservations at the Hyatt Regency today. Room rates are $89 plus tax for up to 4 people in a room. Reserve your room on-line; visit www.acb.org, follow the 2013 conference and convention link, and choose the direct link to the Hyatt for online reservations. Telephone reservations can be made by calling 1-888-421-1442; be sure to mention that you are with ACB so you receive the conference rate.
For more information, call the ACB national office at (202) 467-5081 or 1-800-424-8666, or contact Janet Dickelman, chair of the conference and convention committee, at (651) 428-5059 or [email protected].