Fun Travels Across the United States
KANSAS
NEWS
There's lots going on in Kansas during any season. Spring is for fishing, bird-watching, hiking, photograpohy, hiking or exploring the Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery, KS Arboretum and Garden Tours. Summer is the perfect time for sandy swimming beaches, fast boats, off road vehicles, evening cook-0outs, wading the river, kayaking, sailing or summer special events. Fall is when the colors change and is a great time to hike the Flint Hills, watch wildlife, outdoor pohotography and star-gazing. And don't forget winter -- That's for upland bird hunting, a big Christmas parade, visiting area museums and watgerfowl hunting and watching.
Check below for cities and towns offering this and a lot more!
DODGE CITY
American Bus Association Names Dodge City Days One of North America's 100 Best Events for 2011.
The American Bus Association (ABA) announced today that DODGE CITY DAYS, held on JULY 29-August 7, 2011, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2011 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that DODGE CITY DAYS offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to ABA.
With the release of the American Bus Association's 2011 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 29 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public. According to studies completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $13,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
ABA's 2011 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected DODGE CITY DAYS from among a record number of more than 650 event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.
The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org/top100
Boot Hill Casino & Resort to Host Grand Opening
New jobs and new opportunities are coming to Kansas with the opening of a new first-class tourist attraction, the Dodge City Boot Hill Casino & Resort.
Grand Opening festivities and a Ribbon Cutting ceremony took place on December 16th, officially opening the first phase of the two phase project. Among those officials attending the event were Governor Mark Parkinson, Senate President Stephen Morris, Ed Van Petten Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery, and others. Upon successful completion of the control play day and the approval to open the casino by the Kansas Lottery and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, the casino will be open to the public.
Featured attractions will be 584 electronic gaming machines, 12 table games, a 150 seat casual dining restaurant known as Firesides at Boot Hill , The Saloon for casual cocktails and a variety of imported and domestic draft beers, a snack bar for light fare on the go and a retail gift shop, Phase I of the project will be complete. Bringing the intrigue and excitement of the 1880’s Old West tradition to life, the project will mean significant economic growth for the region.
Phase II of the Boot Hill Casino & Resort project, scheduled for completion in February 2012, will see the addition of a 124 guest room hotel, indoor pool, 3,000 square foot salon and spa facility, a 20,000 square foot conference and entertainment facility, 15,000 square feet of additional gaming space and additional dining.
For more information about the new Boot Hill Casino & Resort, or information about careers please visit www.boothillcasino.com, or call 1-800-906-0777.
ABOUT BOOT HILL CASINO & RESORT
Boot Hill Casino & Resort, located on Highway 50 in Dodge City, is the first state run gaming facility in Kansas. A tribute to the legendary fame of the Old West, the property offers gaming, dining and entertainment in a setting reminiscent of the Wild West era. Phase I of the $90 million project will open in December 2009, with Phase II targeted for completion in February 2012. The Boot Hill Casino & Resort is managed by BHCMC, LLC, a subsidiary of BNSC, a Kansas corporation. The lottery facility games at Boot Hill Casino & Resort are owned and operated by the Kansas Lottery. The Kansas Racing Commission provided regulatory oversight for the casino
FLINT HILLS
JUNCTION CITY
Located in the 'Heart of the Flint Hills' -- Junction City is the hub for the many spokes of the Flint Hills. Few places capture the imagination quite so well as the Flint Hills of Kansas. Much remains in the native state, unpoiled by man. It is the home of America's largest remaining stand of tallgrass prairie. Here you can hike the KONZA Prairie, horseback ride at historic Sunrock Ranch, drive the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, tour Munson Angus Farms, visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Park and Bird Runner Wildlife Refuge, Cowboy Experience and Scenic Wagon Train rides.