Road trip from Grand Rapids to Winter Haven

Kalamazoo's New Vic Theatre was founded in 1966 by Kalamazoo residents Ted & Mary Jo Kistler. For over 45 years, The New Vic Theatre has entertained Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana audiences carving a unique place for itself in the economy and theatrical tradition of the area.The New Vic's original production of "A Christmas Carol" (recipient of a "Special Tribute" from The State of Michigan in 1999) and the annual Christmas Concerts featuring The New Vic Theatre Chorus are among Kalamazoo's oldest on-going holiday presentations and have become an integral part of the holiday season for thousands of Southwest Michigan theatergoers.Located close to the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, the theatre's comfortable cabaret-style seating and intimate size, enhanced by a concession that serves a variety of hot & cold non-alcoholic beverages, lend to its unique atmosphere.The New Vic's flexible modular auditorium allows for innovative staging ranging from the complete round to conventional proscenium format. Efficient central heating and air conditioning allows for comfortable year-round operation.Of The New Vic's more than 325 productions to date, over 80% have been plays introduced to Kalamazoo audiences for the first time. Several plays ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Green Julia" by Paul Abelman, "Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been" and "The Memoirs Of Pontius Pilate" both by Eric Bentley) were presented to New Vic audiences prior to their Broadway premieres.The New Vic Theatre's season of productions begins in early February and runs through December 29 each year. January dates are normally reserved for the New Vic's popular January Concert Series, featuring a variety of musical groups or individual performers.Playing primarily weekends only -- except during the holidays when the performance schedule is greatly expanded -- and with only 100 available seats for each performance, The New Vic plays to over 10,000 theatre patrons annually bringing thousands of dollars to the downtown Kalamazoo area.The New Vic is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation (New Vic Theatricals, Inc) and owns its own facility at 134 E. Vine St. in Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo's only shop making hand crafted truffles and other confections exclusively from Fair Trade, organic certified chocolate. Chocolatier Dale Anderson's original recipes contain fresh local fruits, honey, and maple syrup. Vegan and gluten free options are always available. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is designed to bring history to life. It includes a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” chronicling the state’s rich history and leading visitors though the Museum’s permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a state-of-the art digital learning center and a two-story Grand Hall. Exhibitions include significant artifacts related to the state’s history, along with displays of art, furniture, textiles, and photographs produced by Tennesseans. The Museum's Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation.There is no admission charge for visitors. Hours are subject to change. Please check our website at tnmuseum.org for the most up to date information on parking, exhibitions and events.

This 19 acre park in the heart of Nashville serves as a monument to the bicentennial celebration of the State of Tennessee. This park offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the long history of Tennessee while having a great experience in a beautiful green space. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Lane Motor Museum in Nashville features the largest European collection of cars and motorcycles in the United States. Admission for adults aged 18-64 is $15; Admission for Youths aged 6-17 is $3; Admission for seniors 65+ is $10; Children under 5 are always free. There is plenty of FREE parking.

Craft and art collections.

Known as “the city beneath the city,” Underground Atlanta has been the cultural heart of Downtown Atlanta since the 1900s. From basement speakeasies to the annual Peach Drop (where an 800-pound peach is dropped from the top of a building to ring in the new year), this arts, entertainment, and retail district has seen it all. Today, Underground Atlanta offers a multifaceted cultural experience featuring a virtual reality gallery, music clubs, and restaurants. travelers can also enjoy outdoor concerts, festivals, artisan markets, and more. This vibrant hub is conveniently connected to the Five Points train station, and just a short stroll from the scenic Broad Street Boardwalk. – Tripadvisor

Depot Park is a signature city park in downtown Gainesville providing a space for unique public outdoor enjoyment. Depot features a children's adventure play area with a custom splash pad of waterfalls, water soakers, and ground jets. A water's edge promenade hosts special events like food truck rallies, art festivals, and musical performances. The park is fully staffed and free of charge.

Island H2O Water Park is your place for family fun! Tube slides, raft riding & splash zones, plus luxury cabana rentals at a sprawling water park.