PRE-01
POS-01
Grand Rapids: A Perfect Palate of Art, Fall, and Flavor
Experience the vibrant energy of Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city and one of CNN’s Top 10 Best American Towns (2024). This trip is a curated celebration of art, design, fall color, and unforgettable flavors.
Stay at the elegant Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, explore the internationally acclaimed Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a local apple orchard. Wander through downtown on a guided mural tour, step into the iconic Meyer May House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and ride the whimsical 1928 Spillman Carousel at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Other activities include sampling locally-inspired cuisine and exploring the city’s beer scene. Grand Rapids was crowned Best Beer City by USA Today for five years in a row. The city’s official brew trail lists 80 breweries.
Pre-tour: September 8-10 – See detailed itinerary here.
Post-tour: September 14-16 – See detailed itinerary here.
Actives: $100
Associates: $250
Emeritus/Guest: $350
PRE-02
Fall in Love with Ann Arbor
Destination Ann Arbor is excited to host a pre-conference FAM tour for the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) conference. This exclusive, small-group experience will immerse travel writers in the vibrant culture of Ann Arbor — home to the University of Michigan Wolverines, the 2024 College Football Playoff National Champions — while highlighting the destination’s blend of Big Ten energy, world-class dining, fall-themed outdoor recreation, and creative arts and culture.
Recently named the #1 Best Place to Live for Quality of Life in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report (2024), Ann Arbor offers a mix of small-town charm and globally recognized innovation, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.
Experience highlights include a Big 10 experience, fall-themed outdoor recreation, and a sampling of Ann Arbor’s award-winning food scene, including James Beard-recognized chefs and innovative new restaurants.
Teaser for newsletter: This fall-themed trip touches on two things everybody loves about fall – foliage and football – and other food-focused experiences with a sprinkling of creative arts and culture. Go behind the scenes at the Big House, the University of Michigan’s football stadium, discover the university’s art museum, learn about the design process at one of America’s premier tile studios, plus have free time to explore Ann Arbor, recently named the #1 Best Place to Live for Quality of Life in the U.S., on your own.
Food and beverage-focused experiences include visiting a cider mill, complete with homemade donuts, a cocktail-making class, and savoring food crafted by James Beard-recognized chefs.
Pre-tour: September 8-10 – See detailed itinerary here.
Actives: $500
Associates: $575
Emeritus/Guest: $600
PRE-03
POS-03
Windsor, Ontario
Valid Passport Required.
Get ready to raise a glass and hit the road! We’re inviting you on a three-day adventure from Sarnia to Windsor, Ontario, where craft beverage lovers and storytellers alike will discover the heart and soul of our region’s wineries, breweries, and distilleries. This exclusive tour is designed with travel writers in mind, offering not only exceptional tastings but also the rich stories behind each pour, straight from the passionate people who craft them.
From the moment you depart, you’ll be treated to a scenic journey through some of Southern Ontario’s most picturesque landscapes, where vibrant arts scenes, stunning waterfronts, and award-winning craft producers come together to offer something truly special. Along the way, you’ll stop at charming, off-the-beaten-path beverage producers, each offering something unique – from crisp local wines to bold small-batch spirits and innovative brews. Your evenings will be just as inspiring, with a stay at Caesars Windsor on the waterfront in the heart of Windsor, providing the perfect place to unwind, reflect, and recharge.
But this tour isn’t just about what’s in your glass—it’s about the full experience. You’ll enjoy curated visits to cultural attractions, immersive tastings, and the chance to explore the vibrant communities that bring these beverages to life. Whether you're hunting for your next big feature or simply seeking fresh inspiration, this journey through Ontario Southwest’s craft beverage scene is the perfect blend of story, flavor, and discovery.
Activities include a waterfront tour along the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River and Lake Erie, a visit to craft breweries including Walkerville Brewery, Refined Fool Brewing Co., Imperial City Brew House and Point Brewing Co., wineries including Oxley Estate Winery and Pelee Island Winery, and a Canada's southernmost distillery, Wolfhead Distillery, and North America's largest distillery, Hiram Walker & Sons.
Pre-tour: September 7-10 – See detailed itinerary here.
Post-tour: September 14-17 – See detailed itinerary here.
Actives: $250
Associates: $600
Emeritus/Guest: $625
PRE-04
The Detroit Way: Story, Space, and Equity
Hosted by Visit Detroit & Travel Unity | Presented by SATW’s DEAI Committee
When Detroit moves, the world moves. This immersive three-day pre-tour invites SATW members to move through Detroit and go beyond the headlines at the intersections of design, equity, innovation, and community resilience.
Through curated experiences, neighborhood exploration, and facilitated workshops, we’ll meet the Detroiters shaping the city’s future—Black entrepreneurs revitalizing commercial corridors, creatives animating cultural spaces, and leaders using storytelling and placemaking as tools for justice.
This program combines both learning and movement: you’ll ride the QLine, tour the Charles H. Wright Museum, explore the iconic Michigan Central innovation campus, and visit neighborhoods like Southwest Detroit and the Eastern Market District. Each stop connects to a bigger story about Detroit’s identity, challenges, and opportunities as the nation’s only UNESCO City of Design and one of only 43 in the world.
In addition to exploring these storytelling opportunities, workshops will be led by Travel Unity, the national nonprofit working to increase diversity and inclusion across the travel industry. Discussions will focus on inclusive storytelling, identity and representation, and how both content creators and destination professionals can apply DEAI principles in their work. Optional continuing education recognition may be available for those who complete a reflective assignment.
Who It’s For:
This pre-tour is open to SATW Actives and Associates who want to:
- Build stronger, more inclusive storytelling practices
- Understand Detroit through multiple perspectives
- Meet with local changemakers and deepen destination knowledge
- Connect with others committed to ethical, equitable travel
This is not your typical media tour. It’s an invitation to move through Detroit with intention, listen deeply, and bring forward the stories that matter.
Participants will leave with fresh story angles, new sources, and a framework and an understanding of more inclusive storytelling.
Pre-tour: September 7-10
Actives: $350
Associates: $425
Emeritus/Guest: $450
POS-05
Jackson County – Coney Dogs, Fast Tracks, and Hidden History in Jackson, Michigan
With the honor of being the Birthplace of the Coney Dog, and a home to numerous museums, art, culture, and history, Jackson County, Michigan, welcomes you for a visit. During your tour, you’ll experience a city blanketed with over seventy Bright Walls Murals from artists around the globe and experience an outdoor electric biking adventure showing off the beauty of some of our rural roads and trails. On your visit, you will also experience a selection of our favorite unique culinary options. Discover the history of Jackson’s Underground Railroad and take a guided tour of Michigan’s First State Prison (founded in the 1800s) – complete with a solitary confinement experience. You’ll also experience a tour of Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR’s Fastest Track!
Post-tour: September 14-16 – See detailed itinerary here.
Actives: $300
Associates: $375
Emeritus/Guest: $400
POS-06
Southwest Michigan – Discover Kalamazoo and Calhoun County
Welcome to Calhoun County. Located in Southwest Michigan, we’re home to Battle Creek, the birthplace of Cornflakes. Don’t miss out on the summer Cereal Festival or the awesome things we have going on all year round. Including the cities of Marshall and Albion, we have world-changing history, lots of green spaces, giraffes to feed at the zoo, some of the best golf in the country, and a Vegas-style casino. And don’t miss out on all of the delightful restaurants and breweries. We are sure your visit will be full of great memories and good times.
When you visit Kalamazoo, you’ll find a vibrant community that welcomes curiosity. Whether it’s the hum of creativity in our art scene, the peace of a quiet trail, or the opportunity for a hands-on experience, Kalamazoo is a place that sparks something in everyone.
Expand your horizons and visit the world-class Air Zoo aerospace and science museum, or marvel at classic vehicles at the Gilmore Car Museum. Wander through our historic pedestrian mall, discovering local flavors and hidden treasures. And when you’re ready to recharge, the lakes, trails, and parks of Kalamazoo County are waiting for you.
Kalamazoo is where city energy meets laid-back charm. So what’ll it be? Morning hike through natural wonder? Lunch and a pint at Bell’s Brewery?
Fun awaits you in Kalamazoo!
Post-tour: September 14-16 – See detailed itinerary here.
Actives: $600
Associates: $675
Emeritus/Guest: $700
POS-07
Michigan’s Little Bavaria – Frankenmuth
From traditional heritage to modern-day adventure, Michigan’s Little Bavaria and Mt. Pleasant are destinations where culture meets fun. Experience the one-of-a-kind highlights that put both places on the map while also discovering hidden gems that will turn your magical moments into memories of a lifetime. Begin your Post-FAM in Frankenmuth, where the sights, sounds and tastes of German legacy come to life. Embrace the rich history of a town rooted from settlers in 1845 at a local museum, browse the World’s Largest Christmas Store, cruise along the scenic Cass River, shop and see quaint Bavarian boutiques, savor a hearty World-Famous Chicken Dinner, and unwind with a little FAM fun.
Then, venture to Mt. Pleasant to dive into the region’s rich Anishinaabe heritage. Take a guided tour of the Ziibiwing Cultural Center and immerse yourself in the stories and traditions of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Discover the special relationship between Central Michigan University and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the importance of their partnership. End the evening with a blend of cultural experiences and entertainment, including dinner at Camille's Prime, a locally owned farm-to-table steakhouse, and trivia at The Cabin, the first bar to get its liquor license after prohibition. Discover the beautiful balance of culture, exploration and fun, all set against the backdrop of welcoming hospitality, heart and spirit. Willkommen to Frankenmuth and Boozhoo to Mt. Pleasant — where your journey awaits!
Post-tour: September 14-16 – See detailed itinerary here.
Actives: $300
Associates: $1000
Emeritus/Guest: $1000
POS-08
The Gaylord Golf Mecca – America’s Premier Summer Golf Destination
A visit to the Gaylord Golf Mecca should be on every golf lover’s bucket list! This golf trip consists of rounds on three of the Mecca’s most stunning courses at Treetops Resort and Otsego Resort, two nights of resort lodging and meals at some of our most popular après golf restaurants. Driving tours of our charming Swiss-inspired downtown and several area attractions, including our City Elk Park, would be available as time permits before and/or after rounds of golf.
Please note, this is strictly a golf FAM tour. All attendees, including guests, must be able to play golf (clubs can be provided upon request); carts will be provided but you must be able to walk up hills, stairs and on uneven surfaces. Attendees should be ready to actively play three rounds in two days. The golf FAM will take place if there is rain, as long as courses are still open and there is not severe weather (thunderstorms). In the case of severe weather cancellations, alternative activities will be shopping, dining and elk viewing.
There is very limited free time with the proposed agenda. Attendees would need to provide their own transportation during free time via local taxi services.
Under the leadership of the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau, the Gaylord Golf Mecca is the second-longest running golf cooperative in the nation. With 38 years of partnership, 17 impressive golf courses and 20 lodging members, the Gaylord Golf Mecca is a dream golf destination. Our Mecca members believe in the philosophy of being stronger when united and are marketed as a destination as a whole instead of one individual course. Courses range from parkland style and walkable to impeccable valley views and drastic elevation changes, but all meet the high standards set by the Mecca.
Post-tour: September 14-16 – See detailed itinerary here.
Actives: $250
Associates: $350
Emeritus/Guest: $375