Important Tour Information

Please read the following information completely.  It will answer many of your tour-related questions and will help you have a more enjoyable tour experience.

1. All tours depart from the main exit across from the front desk located in the Suites Tower. Times listed in the program are bus departure and approximate arrive time back to the hotel.  Please be at the bus departure area and ready to board the bus 15 minutes prior to the listed departure times.

2. The first two rows of seats on both sides of the bus are reserved for the tour coordinators, volunteers and people with mobility difficulties.  If you sit in those seats, you will be asked to move.

3. All buses are fully ADA-equipped. If you have mobility difficulties, or use a wheelchair and require the lift to access the bus, you MUST check the appropriate boxes on the pre-registration form in order for us to plan for necessary accommodations.  If you are able to transfer from a power or wheelchair into a regular bus seat, your chair will be placed underneath the bus for the duration of the ride.

4. Indoor facilities are air-conditioned unless indicated, but many tours include significant outdoor time.  Dress appropriately and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, and water bottle for your comfort and safety.

5. Space is limited on all tours. ACB reserves the right to cancel a tour should ticket sales fall below required minimums. Tickets will be collected at the bus. Buses will not be delayed while forgotten tickets are retried.

6. All return times are approximate.  If you have dietary scheduling concerns, bring a light snack in case we are unavoidably delayed. We ask that you board the bus quietly, quickly and safely to avoid any delays.  We plan 15 minutes to load and unload the bus.  Please do not schedule back to back events based upon the return time of the tour as we cannot plan for traffic and road condition delays.

7. A limited number of volunteers will accompany each tour. While they will help as much as possible, ACB volunteers are not personal guides or personal care attendants.  If you need individual help, plan to attend the tour with a friend who can act as your guide or PCA, push your wheelchair, etc.

8. Most tour destinations are ADA-accessible.  Some tours that are NOT ADA-accessible may include long walks, steps, and steep grades.  If you have any concerns, please let it be known ahead of time.

9. Some activities may involve strenuous activities. If you have a medical conditions that may limit your involvement or participation, please let it be known ahead of time and use common sense when making your selections.

10. Some tour activities will require liability waivers to be signed in order to participate.  The waivers will be distributed either on the bus or once we arrive at the site.

11. The tour leader will have a list of all paid attendees and the waiting list for each tour. The leader will be stationed at the door of the bus and will take your ticket at that time and mark you present on the check list.  Please do not board the bus until the tour leader has completed this task.

12. If registration for a tour event exceeds its capacity, a waiting list is created based on the date and time your registration was processed.  If you are on a waiting list, you will be asked to stand in a designated area until called.  Prior to the bus departure, any vacant seats will be given out based on the order of the names on the waiting list.  If you are not present when your name is called, the next person on the waiting list will be called.  You may not give your place on the waiting list to another person.

13. If you arrive late and have a ticket, or your name has already been called from the waiting list, your ability to secure a seat will be entirely dependent on the number of vacant seats remaining on the bus.  No one who has a ticket or has answered the call from the waiting list will be asked to give up their seat.

14. If there is no waiting list, or if the waiting list has been satisfied, any remaining vacant seats will be sold to walk-up traffic.  Such vacant seats will be sold for cash only- a ticket will not be issued.  To purchase, you must have a valid name badge, a day pass for the current day, or other proof of registration.

15. If you have paid for and are issued a tour ticket and do not appear at the designated time and place, no refund will be made.  If you are on a waiting list and are not able to get on the bus, the tour leader will report this to the registration office and you will be able to secure a refund the next day after the tour.  Should you not be present at the convention the day after the tour, or if the convention has ended, please call the Minneapolis office by July 31st to arrange for a refund via check or credit card.

Friday, July 6

6:30 AM - 11:30 AM  Backstretch Breakfast & Museum - $42 ($45)
Experience the early morning at historic Churchill Downs.  A hearty Southern breakfast is followed by an outdoor discussion of the Thoroughbred racing business.  Stand close to the rail and you might even hear horses breezing past.  Visit the world-famous Kentucky Derby Museum for an exclusive touch tour designed especially for ACB.
 
8:30 AM - 5:15 PM  Kentucky Bourbon Trail - $62 ($65)
Explore the rich tradition and 200-year history of Kentucky's legendary distilleries and bourbon industry.  The trail begins with a walking tour and box lunch at Woodford Reserve, Kentucky's oldest and smallest distillery that crafts the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.  Then learn about the bourbon-making process on a behind-the-scenes hard-hat tour at the Buffalo Trace distillery.  Both distilleries include gift shop and tasting room.  Lunch is included: options are chicken pesto and mozzarella, spicy bourbon pork loin, and Kentucky proud veggie.
 
4:30 PM - 11:30 PM  Stephen Foster Musical -  $74 ($77)
Follow in the footsteps of young Abe Lincoln, Daniel Boone, and even exiled French King Louis Philippe and dine at historic Talbott Tavern, said to be the oldest stagecoach stop in America.  Then travel back to the 1850s as music fills the air with the story and song of Stephen Foster, America's first great composer and the author of both the Kentucky and Florida state songs.  Hear great melodies such as "Oh Susanna," "Camptown Races" and "Beautiful Dreamer."  The play is outdoors, but moves inside in case of inclement weather.  Dinner is included: options are, prime rib, chicken philippe, and a vegetarian selection.
 
9:15 PM - 12:45 AM  Waverly Hills Sanatorium - $47 ($50)
A private tour just for ACB!  Built in the early 1900s, Waverly Hills was a tuberculosis hospital for children and adults.  Today many people believe its long-dead inhabitants still wander the grounds.  Be quiet and listen; you might even find a little boy in the hall who wants to play.  Limited to 27 ghost hunters.  Important: This tour includes much walking and several flights of stairs.  It is very strenuous for those who have breathing issues or cannot endure harsh weather conditions.  The building has no air conditioning, electricity or working elevators; be sure to bring a small flashlight.  No flash photography, headlamps or bright high-beam flashlights, or camcorders allowed.

Saturday, July 7

6:15 AM - 5:15 PM  Kentucky Horse Park -  $96 ($99)
Saddle up for a ride at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.  Attend the Parade of Breeds and a meet and greet session with trainers and their horses.  Visit the gift shop after a plated lunch.  Then participate in team-building and individual activities with horses at Ride for Hope.  Liability waivers required and available on bus.  Sponsored by the Buell Fund.  There are two levels offered, experienced and comfortable around horses and no experience.  Lunch is included: choose from pulled pork BBQ, marinated and grilled chicken, and a vegetarian selection.
 
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM  Louisville City Bus Tour - $19 ($22)
Whether you call it "River City" or "Derby City," you'll hear about Louisville's rich 200-year history and its famous people and places of interest.  No stopping.

10:30 AM - 4:00 PM  My Old Kentucky Lunch Train - $77 ($80)
All aboard the historic Old Kentucky Dinner Train near Bardstown for a delicious lunch served at your table for four.  The Bardstown railroad branch was built in 1860, and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad purchased it at a foreclosure sale in 1864.  R.J. Corman Railroad bought the 20-mile branch from CSX Transportation in 1987, and the Dinner Train made its first run in 1988.  The depot was constructed in 1860 of native limestone; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The four cars of the train were built in the late 1940s; one car was used in President Eisenhower's funeral train.  This tour is not wheelchair-accessible.  Lunch is included, choose from prime rib open-faced sandwich au jus, Kentucky Hot Brown (toasted bread topped with roasted turkey breast, mornay cheese sauce, bacon and tomato; baked until bubbly and golden brown), and vegetarian tortellini.

Sunday, July 8

8:45 AM - 4:45 PM  Huber's Family Farms - $62 ($65)
Everyone's family at Huber's.  Take a hayride around the farm.  Enjoy down-home cookin' served family style: southern fried chicken, honey ham, chicken and dumplings, southern-style green beans, mashed 'taters and gravy, fried biscuits and apple butter.  Save room for homemade fruit cobbler.  Visit the orchard and winery; you might get to pick peaches or other crops if Mother Nature cooperates.  End your day in the country at the Farm Market and Bakery, where you can purchase fruits and vegetables, jellies and jams, homemade cider, candies, fresh baked goods and crafts
 
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Louisville City Bus Tour - $19 ($22)
See Saturday's description.
 
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM  Louisville City Bus Tour - $19 ($22)
See Saturday's description.

Monday, July 9

12:30 PM - 5:00 PM  Stained Glass and Stoneware Tour - $17 ($20)
Shop at world-famous Louisville Stoneware for beautiful dinnerware, bakeware, serving pieces, and collectibles that will be cherished for generations.  A 30-minute hands-on tour is available if you choose not to spend the entire time shopping.  At Glassworks stained-glass studio, founded in 1875, browse the galleries for unique creations from prominent national and international artists.  A shopper's dream!
 
12:30 PM -3:30 PM  APH Factory and Museum Tour- $14 ($17)
Discover how Braille and large print books are produced and where your favorite narrator reads magazines and Talking Books.  Includes a short visit to the APH Museum.
 
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM  NABT Educational Products Tour - $14 ($17)
Especially for teachers.  Visit APH to check out new products and get tips for using them in the classroom.
2:30PM - 5:30PM  APH Museum Tour - $14 ($17)
Explore the history of the education of the blind through fun and interactive exhibits.  You'll find raised letter and tactile alphabets that preceded and competed with Braille.  Learn about Louis Braille, Helen Keller, first schools for the blind, and early educational materials for math, geography, science and more…
 
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM  Bargain Bash Shopping Tour - $17 ($20)
Clothes, shoes, purses, toys, gifts, records and CD's - you never know what you'll find at the Louisville ACB Thrift Store.  Shop ‘til you drop and bring home the deals and steals; you might find some extra luggage to pack up all your bargains.

Tuesday, July 10

12:30 PM - 2:45 PM  Sweet Tooth Tour - $14 ($17)
Schimpff's Confectionery in Jeffersonville, Indiana is one of the oldest, continuously operated, family-owned candy businesses in the United States.  Opened in its present location in 1891, it comes complete with a ‘50s soda fountain, old-fashioned candy jars and cases, and turn-of-the-century equipment.  Schimpff's is famous for its cinnamon Red Hots, hard candy fish, Modjeskas and chocolate turtles; lots of other old-fashioned favorites and sugarless candy, too.
 
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM  Louisville Mega Cavern Tram Tour - $23 ($25)
Board the SUV-pulled tram for an underground tour rich in history, geology, recycling, and green building technology.  The 4,000,000-square-foot man-made cavern with its 17 miles of corridors lies under the Louisville Zoo and all ten lanes of I-264, and is the largest building in Kentucky.  An all-weather attraction, the temperature inside the cavern is 58 degrees year round; bring a jacket.  Capable of shrugging off a 260-mph tornado, state officials in the 1960s planned to house 50,000 people in the cavern in case of nuclear attack.  Originally a massive limestone quarry, it is now a green commercial storage facility housing everything from buses to movies, potato chips and sand.  There's even an earthworm recycling and tasting room.
 
12:30 PM - 5:15 PM  Louisville Mega Cavern Zip Lines - $62 ($65)
A high-flying zip line adventure and the only underground tour of its kind.  A thrilling and exhilarating exploration into the secrets of this man-made cavern.  Learn about the geology and history of this unique attraction.  5 zip lines through 17 miles of passages under the city of Louisville.  Guaranteed to keep your heart racing and the adrenaline pumping.  You MUST sign a liability waiver in order to participate; forms available on the bus.  Not wheelchair-accessible.  Guide dogs cannot accompany you on the zip line; make arrangements for them in advance.
 
1:45 PM - 4:45 PM  APH Museum Tour - $14 ($17)
Explore the history of the education of the blind through fun and interactive exhibits.  You'll find raised letter and tactile alphabets that preceded and competed with Braille.  Learn about Louis Braille, Helen Keller, first schools for the blind, and early educational materials for math, geography, science and more.
 
2:00 PM - 5:15 PM  Louisville Mega Cavern Tram Tour - $23 ($25)
Board the SUV-pulled tram for an underground tour rich in history, geology, recycling, and green building technology.  The 4,000,000-square-foot man-made cavern with its 17 miles of corridors lies under the Louisville Zoo and all ten lanes of I-264, and is the largest building in Kentucky.  An all-weather attraction, the temperature inside the cavern is 58 degrees year round; bring a jacket.  Capable of shrugging off a 260-mph tornado, state officials in the 1960s planned to house 50,000 people in the cavern in case of nuclear attack.  Originally a massive limestone quarry, it is now a green commercial storage facility housing everything from buses to movies, potato chips and sand.  There's even an earthworm recycling and tasting room.
 
3:15 PM - 5:30 PM  Sweet Tooth Tour - $14 ($17)
See Saturday's description.
 
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM  GDUI 3 Dog Bakery Tour - $14 ($17)
Visit the country's largest 3 Dog Bakery Store, learn about their unique approach to nutrition and shop for those hard-working canines!

Wednesday, July 11

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM  APH Factory and Museum Tour - $14 ($17)
Discover how Braille and large print books are produced and where your favorite narrator reads magazines and Talking Books.  Includes a short visit to the APH Museum.
 
12:30 PM - 2:45 PM  Sweet Tooth Tour - $14 ($17)
See Saturday's description.
 
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM  Slugger Factory & Museum Tour - $23 ($25)
See the world's largest bat and a 17-ton ball glove crafted from Kentucky limestone.  Swing replicas of bats used by American baseball greats such as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.  Thrill to great plays as called by famous broadcasters.  Handle experimental bats from the past and observe the production of the bats from their bulky beginnings to their polished lacquer finish.  Receive a miniature Louisville Slugger at the end of the tour.
 
1:45 PM - 4:00 PM  Sweet Tooth Tour - $14 ($17)
See Saturday's description

Thursday, July 12

12:15 PM - 5:30 PM  Raft the Elkhorn Creek - $39 ($42)
Spend a lazy hot July afternoon rafting cool, slow-moving Elkhorn Creek.  4-mile guided trip on 4-person inflatable rafts on Class 1 water down the most secluded section of the creek.  For beginner and experienced adventure seekers.  The 35- to 90-foot-wide creek is full of wildlife; it runs over a rock bottom through a series of ripples, small rapids, and calm pools, and passes through a scenic, wooded valley scattered with rock beaches.  All equipment included; led by experienced sighted guides.  Limit: 20.  Signed liability waiver required; available on bus.  Guide dogs cannot accompany you on the raft; make arrangements for them in advance.
 
12:15 PM - 5:30 PM Thomas D. Clark Center for
Kentucky History - $27 ($30)
Explore Kentucky's diverse heritage through comprehensive and innovative interpretive programs.  This guided tour provides connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future.
 
12:15 PM - 5:30 PM  Toyota Factory Tour - $27 ($30)
Observe the assembly process of the Camry and the sub-assembly of its components on this guided, narrated tram tour of the Toyota plant at Georgetown, Kentucky.  A short movie will also help you understand how and why this popular car is built here.  Due to factory safety requirements, guide dogs will not be permitted on the tram.  Please make arrangements for them during this tour.
 
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM  APH Factory and Museum Tour - $14 ($17)
Discover how Braille and large print books are produced and where your favorite narrator reads magazines and Talking Books.  Includes a short visit to the APH Museum.
 
5:45 PM - 10:45 PM  Louisville Bats Dinner and Game- $39 ($42)
Family friendly Triple A baseball at its best!  The Louisville Bats (Cincinnati) are playing the Gwinnett Braves (Atlanta) in one of the premiere minor league ballparks in the country.  ACB President Mitch Pomerantz is throwing out the first pitch, and ACB member Bradley Mann is singing the national anthem.  Your ticket includes a two-hour all-you-can-eat dinner of traditional ballpark food in the air-conditioned Hall of Fame pavilion.  ACB will be recognized on the scoreboard; bring your radio for the play-by-play on 790 AM.

Saturday, July 14

6:00 AM- 5:30 PM  Amish Country Tour & Lunch - $67 ($70)
Travel to Montgomery, Indiana, the heart of Amish country.  Learn about this interesting way of life.  Visit a buggy shop, a quilt shop, an Amish bakery, and a general store.  You're invited into an Amish family home for a lunch fit for a king; loosen your belt for three or four meats, all kinds of vegetables, and homemade desserts.  A day in the country you won't soon forget!
 
6:15 PM - 9:30 PM  Spirit of Jefferson Dinner Cruise - $47 ($50)
Dress casual and relax after a week of meetings.  Enjoy a finger-lickin' good buffet-style dinner while cruisin' up the river in air-conditioned comfort.  Stay in the cool for after-dinner dancing, or sit out on the deck and sip mint juleps.  Alcohol sold separately.