Carnival brings new cruises to Cuba in 2020
Virginia
Carnival, a Miami-based cruise line, has announced new cruises to the Bahamas and Cuba that will deploy from downtown Norfolk in 2020. The two ships, Carnival Radiance and Carnival Sunrise, will undergo renovations to prepare for their voyage. Renovations include upgrades to the onboard experience, new dining at Big Chicken – Shaquille O’Neal’s Las Vegas based restaurant, and more. The Carnival Reliance will offer one six-night and one five-night cruise to the Bahamas as well as two seven-day trips to Havana, Cuba. The Sunrise, formerly the Carnival Triumph, will offer one six-night and two five-night cruises to the Bahamas. (visitnorfolk.com)
Bodies Human exhibition returns to Myrtle Beach
South Carolina
An eye-opening and educational exhibition comprised of actual human bodies and organs will make its return to Myrtle Beach. Known as the most sensational exhibition of our time, BODIES HUMAN: Anatomy in Motion will be on display at Broadway at the Beach this coming summer through September 29, with the option of extending the exhibition based on demand.
BODIES HUMAN: Anatomy in Motion exposes the inner workings of human anatomy by presenting actual human specimens, anatomical displays, reproductions of historic anatomical artwork and much more. By presenting an artful, compelling and dignified environment, guests will connect with the human artifacts on a personal level that will help them to better understand their own bodies. The exhibit includes more than 100 specimens including organs and full bodies. Advanced tickets are on sale now at (bodiesmyrtle.com).
Exhibit Salutes Mother-Daughter Duo
Tennessee
In an exhibit running through July 14, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville takes a fresh look at the story of The Judds—mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna—using rare artifacts, original manuscripts, unpublished photos and keepsake costumes. The Judds: Dream Chasers follows the popular duo from their mother-and-child beginnings as Diana Judd and daughter Christina Ciminella to their chart-topping career peak as one of the most successful duos in country music history. In the 1980s and and early ’90s, the Judds scored 20 Top Ten hits, including 14 No. 1s. They won five Grammys, nine CMA awards and seven ACM awards. (countrymusichalloffame.org)
TourSmokies.com to Provide Group Tours
Tennessee
U.S. Tours and Smoky Mountain Resorts Receptive have merged their Smoky mountain portfolios to form TourSmokies.com. Dollywood, World Choice Investments and all affiliated theaters, Ripley’s Attractions of the Smokies, Titanic Museum and Circle Events have joined as marketing partners. New packages and events will be developed that work to make the partners’ products prevalent and direct group traffic to each member. Exclusively TourSmokies.com will provide group tours for the National Quartet Convention September 23-29, 2019. (TourSmokies.com)
Toursmokies.com
Welcome Home Veterans Celebration
Tennessee
The Fifth Annual Welcome Home Veterans Celebration hosted by Visit Clarksville and the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition will take place September 18-22. Activities for the 2019 event include the Remember Our Fallen photographic exhibit, the American Traveling Tribute Wall at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery, a veterans tribute flag display, a wreath laying and massing of the colors, a hero breakfast, a valor luncheon, a valor run, welcome home parade and a Lee Greenwood performance. (welcomehomeveteranscelebration.com)
Blake Shelton Opening Ole Red Restaurant and Entertainment Complex
Tennessee
Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality announced they are opening an Ole Red Restaurant and Entertainment Complex in Gatlinburg, Tennessee this spring. Shelton is a renowned country singer, Grand Ole Opry member, multiple award-winner and coach on the popular television show, “The Voice.” (www.olered.com)
Country Music Hall of Fame releases schedule
Tennessee
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, has unveiled the balance of its exhibition schedule for 2019. Exhibits on Kacey Musgraves (July 3), Brooks & Dunn (August 9) and Country Music Hall of Fame members Boudleaux and Felice Bryant (October 4) will join previously announced exhibit Keith Whitley, which opened May 3. (countrymusichalloffame.org)
Artwork returns to Cheekwood
Tennessee
Dale Chihuly’s artworks will be returning to Cheekwood in 2020, marking the 10th anniversary of the Chihuly at Cheekwood exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee. Chihuly at Cheekwood 2020 opened April 25 and will run through November 1, 2020 and feature new works being created specifically for Cheekwood. (cheekwood.org)
ArtFields to Take Place in 2020
South Carolina
ArtFields, a nine-day epic Southern arts festival held in the spring, brings over 400 established and emerging artists from across the Southeast to compete for more than $120,000 in cash prizes. Stores and businesses in Lake City, South Carolina bustle with visitors viewing artwork while live performances and artist discussions abound. Restaurants fill with diners talking up their favorite artwork while enjoying farm-to-table daily specials. Once considered one of South Carolina’s most prosperous agricultural communities, Lake City has become a living art gallery showcasing the artistic talent of the Southeast. ArtFields will take place April 24-May 2, 2020. (Visitflo.com)
