The 2007 Official Alabama Vacation Guide is in the Montgomery office and ready for distribution. More than a thousand places to visit and a thousand places to stay are listed in the new guide. The number of hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and campgrounds numbers 1,172 and includes many new hotels and attractions.
ABTT Publications Coordinator Marilyn Stamps said the new vacation guide features two different covers: golf and the beach. She said, in keeping with ABTT's theme for 2007, the Year of Alabama Arts, the magazine-size guide contains articles on historic movie houses and annual theatre productions such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Miracle Worker." A feature section on Alabama's Art Ambassadors lists their accomplishments.
The guide also contains feature articles on Alabama's Civil Rights Museum Trail, Civil War History, golf, and shopping as well as special sections on each of the state‚s four regions -- Mountains, Metro, River Heritage, Gulf Coast-- and sidebars on art-related trivia. A new section is the Alabama Trail Quail.
The guides are available free by contacting the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel at 1-800-ALABAMA (252-2262) or check web site www.800Alabama.com
Alabama Folk Art Exhibition Opened
The premiere event of the Year of Alabama Arts is open in Birmingham and can be seen through December 30, 2007. The Birmingham Museum of Art, in conjunction with the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel, have opened the doors of a newly-designed annex to feature the most comprehensive exhibition of works by Alabama's premier folk artists including internationally-recognized artists Bill Traylor, the Quilters of Gee's Bend, Thornton Dial, Lonnie Holley, Charlie Lucas, Jerry Brown, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Mose Tolliver, Nora Ezell, Yvonne Wells, Benjamin Franklin Perkins, and Howard Finster, among others. Alabama, recognized as the epicenter of the 20th -century folk art movement, boasts more folk artists than any other state in the country.
This rich artistic legacy will be celebrated throughout The Year of Alabama Arts, 2007, and will be represented by more than 100 paintings, drawings, sculpture, quilts and pottery. The exhibition, Alabama Folk Art, will be installed in 10,000 square feet of gallery space in the historic Young and Vann Building in downtown Birmingham. The art will be drawn from the Museum's permanent collection and loaned from private collections, from within Alabama and without. New objects will rotate into the exhibition during the year to explore multi-layered relationships between artists and works.
For more information on the exhibition, check web site www.artsbma.org
Birmingham picked as one of 12 top places to visit for Black History Month
Birmingham joined the likes of Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. as the Top 12 Travel Destinations for Black History Month as selected by SoulOfAmerica.com. The Web site noted that Birmingham is "a major backdrop to the civil rights struggle," has the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and is also home to the Eddie Kendricks Temptations Memorial.
First Lady to Host Garden Tour
This event is not to-be-missed -- for the First Lady will be hosting garden tours of the State Capitol when the bulbs she previously planted are in bloom. Save the dates -- March 31-April 1, from 1-4 P.M. each day.
Huntsville Botanical Gardens Galaxy of Lights
The 2006 Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden set records for number of cars, visitors, and gate receipts. Additionally, a record number of display and event sponsorships allowed the Garden to raise more money than ever before.
"With over 23,000 cars and multiple tour buses going through the display, we estimate that we entertained over 123,000 visitors this year", said Lynn Carden, Chairperson of the 2006 Galaxy effort. "We are so pleased to be able to provide a record contribution for the Garden. The volunteers and staff at the Garden have done a spectacular job ensuring the success of Galaxy," she continued.
This 300-year old Port City has an aura of excitement year round. Why? Because the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Mobile and Fowl Rivers provide not only great natural resources to the area, but great educational and recreational activities for visitors. With three adventurous sightseeing cruises, the historic Cotton Blossom Riverboat, the fun and fast Wildland Expeditions, and the soothing and romantic Southern Belle at Alabama Cruises, Mobile is the perfect place for adventure by boat. The Cotton Blossom Riverboat, an authentic paddle wheeler and one of only four boats featured on the National Register of Historic Places, propels guests up the Mobile River for relaxing sightseeing and discovery cruises. Tour Twelve-Mile Island, where Mobile was founded in 1702 and view the unique natural resources of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Also explore one of the unique ecosystems here and view wildlife, such as dolphins, alligators and an occasional bald eagle, all native to this area. For an evening away from the crowds, The Fowl River also sets the stage for romantic dinner cruises featuring a three-entrée buffet and live music for listening or dancing. Every Friday and Saturday night, year-round, guests can enjoy great food and music along with the tranquility of nighttime on the river.
For more information on these and other Mobile cruises, contact the Mobile Convention & Visitors Corporation, One South Water Street, Mobile, AL 366091; 1-800-5-MOBILE or web site www.mobile.org.
Alabama's First Lady Gets Her Hands Dirty for State Capitol
Alabama's First Lady, Patsy Riley, doesn't mind getting a little dirt on her hands when it comes to making the State Capitol a more beautiful place for visitors. Mrs. Riley got on her hands and knees to assist in planting 3,000 spring bulbs on the Capitol lawn. Many of the bulbs were donated to her beautification project by spouses of state legislators, State Treasurer Kay Ivey and members of her staff, staffers in the Governor's office, Elmore and Autauga County gardeners, and the Xi Beta Chi chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. The bulbs include daffodils, Dutch iris, hyacinths and tulips. They'll bloom in the spring.
For more information check web site www.al.com.
Alabama's Wide Variety of Offerings During Year-long Celebration
Travelers often search for the intangible "something" that makes each trip unique. Most often it's found in one special moment - a musician humming a folk tune, the sun reflecting the brilliant colors of blown glass in a shop window, a quiet corner in an art museum gallery. The sights and sounds that stay with you for years or bring you back to a place again and again are those that embrace a specific culture. They lift the spirit and renew your interest in traveling.
This year search out those special places in Alabama, Gov. Bob Riley has announced 2007 will be the Year of Alabama Arts, and the focus will cover an enormous range of activities. Why the arts? Tourism director Lee Sentell said, "Art and culture are what sets various regions and states apart from one another. In choosing this year's theme, we looked for arts exhibitions and music as specific subjects to highlight all year long. "When people ask what is our definition of arts, it's everything from architecture to dance."
Sentell said his staff and statewide tourism representatives discussed which arts are most abundant in Alabama . "We selected folk art as a focus because many of our folk artists are internationally known from the artists at Gee's Bend to Mose Tolliver and others." Visitors to the state in 2007 can choose from hundreds of arts events and attractions. They will be guided by arts ambassadors who will attend public functions throughout the year.
Arts ambassadors include singer Taylor Hicks, actress Courtney Cox Arquette, ballet stars Wes Champman and Roger Van Fleteren, novelist Fannie Flagg, Pulitzer Prizewinning author Rick Bragg, novelist Winston Groom, singer Lionel Richie, painter Dale Kennington, artist and photographer William Christenberry, folk artist Thorton Dial, furnishings designer Raymond Waites, bronze sculptor Frank Fleming, writer and storyteller, Kathryn Tucker Windham, the women quilters and artists of Gee's Bend, and members of the band Alabama.
Gov. Riley also announced that state has named Artists of the Month. A different artist and his/her work will be featured each month on the Alabama Arts section of the state tourism Webs site. They include: painter Even Wilson, recording artist Eric Essex, Willie King, photographer Chip Cooper, sculptor Casey Downing, classical music artist Rebecca Luker, architect Paul Rudolf, country music legend Hank Williams, writer Zelda Fitzgerald, musician and composter W.C. Handy, painter Betty Grisham and satirical painter Woodie Long.
Complete and detailed information and a new state guide, Must-see Arts Destinations in Alabama , including 100 art destinations, can be obtained on the state tourism at www.800alabama.com.
Alabama's Great Things to Do
A trip to Alabama can include everything from deep sea fishing at Gulf Shores to mountain hill climbing near Scottsboro. Crisscross the state on major highways and back roads, and you'll also find incredible cornucopia of arts. If your time is limited, check out the "must see" sights marked with a star in the new guide. Highlights of the 2007 Year of Alabama Arts include: Berman Museum of World History, Anniston , a collection of sacred and secular Asian art, 18th-century European Sculpture, decorative swords and other exotic objects once owned by an American husband- and-wife spy team, 840 Museum Drive, Anniston, (256) 237-6261.
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University, with works by Audubon, O'-Keefe, Chagall, Renoir, Dala as well as the Advancing American Art Collection and Carlisle Collection of Irish Belleek porcelain, 901 S. College St., Auburn, (334) 844-1484.
Alabama Folk Art Exhibition by the Birmingham Museum of Art opened in February and features works by the folk artists from all regions of the state. Young & Vann Building at First Ave. N. and 18th St. , Birmingham , (205) 326-0863.
Alabama's Official Folklife Play, Come Home, It's Suppertime, at the We Piddle Around Theater on Main Street in Brundige, (334) 735- 3125.
Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman, featuring 125 detailed architectural miniatures of sites such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Roman Colosseum, covering a hillside at St. Bernard Abbey, 209 Claiborne St., (800) 722-0999.
Kentuck Art Center at Northport on the banks of the Black Warrior River celebrating artistic styles ranging from folk to contemporary.
And the Kentuck Festival of the Arts the third weekend in October, Kentuck Park , (205) 758-1257.
Panoply in Huntsville, an arts festival with five performance areas, a juried marketplace and global village, the last weekend of April in Big Spring Park downtown, (256) 519-2787.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery, attracts 300,000 visitors a year and produces 14 shows annual, including three works by William Shakespeare. The Palladian-style theater with two stages is set in a pastoral English park. 1 Festival Drive. (334) http:// www.asf.net.
Music fans will enjoy following the Hank Williams Trail crisscrossing U.S. 65 from Mount Olive where Hank was born to Birmingham. Included is the Hank Williams Boyhood Home and Museum in Georgiana. 127 Rose St.
Another fascinating music stop is FAME Recording Studio at Muscle Shoals. Established in 1959, FAME is world-famous for creating the "Muscle Sound" created by a large group of background musicians in the 1950s, '60s and '70s that influenced the music of the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Cher and others. Originally built as a casket warehouse, the studio has been restored is active studio and museum, 603 E. Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals, (256) 381- 0801.
Information on the Year of Alabama Arts as well as details on outdoor sports, gardens, hotels, restaurants and other attractions is available at web site www.800ALABAMA.com or by calling (800) ALA- BAMA (252-2262).
The 2006-2007 Fairbanks Winter Guide is now available for free. The 32-page, full-color booklet with winter activity listings and a full slate of events offers a lighthearted and informative look at winter in Interior Alaska and the Arctic.
Fairbanks is one of the top spots in the nation for cross-country skiing. As host to the likes of the US Ski and Biathlon teams and national championships, Fairbanks has world-class facilities for world-class skiing. With a six-month season, enjoy recreational and competitive programs for all ages including group tours, youth programs, instructional clinics and races. 2007 marks the 20th Sonot Kkaazoot, a 20K to 50K race beginning and ending on the Chena River downtown.
The Greatest Show in Ice marks this year’s theme of the World Ice Art Championships and Kids Park happening through March 25, 2007. Be amazed at the artistry of world-renowned ice sculptors as they take the “Arctic Diamond” and create larger-than-life-sized ice sculptures in three sculpting competitions. Kids Park is a winter favorite for families with slides, twirlees and mazes all crafted from pure crystal blue ice.
As a bonus, Fairbanks provides one of the best spots on the globe to see the Northern Lights for it sits beneath the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped region around the North Pole, with displays visible an average of 243 days during the year when there is sufficient darkness and clear skies. No guarantees, but visitors that are in Fairbanks for four days, have a 97% chance of seeing an aurora.
For a free copy of the 2006-2007 Fairbanks Winter Guide, contact the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, 550 First Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701, 1-800-327-5774 or 907-56-5774; or order the guide on line at web site www.explorefairbanks.com.
Alaska’s Boardwalk Lodge is a fishing paradise supplemented with multi-sport adventures. Located on Prince Wales Island, the unique setting creates fantastic saltwater fishing in the calm, protected waters of the famed Inland Passageway and offers exhilarating freshwater fishing in up to 23 lakes, streams, and rivers; all accessible by auto and within a one hour drive of the lodge. Alaska’s Boardwalk Lodge offers both excellent Freshwater and Saltwater fishing experiences and is one of only six lodges in Alaska that carries the famed Orvis Endorsement. Whale watching, mountain biking, kayaking and ice cave exploration are just a few of the additional adventures available. The luxurious rooms, amenities and gourmet dining also set the lodge a step above the norm.
The all-inclusive packages include lodging, gourmet food, most beverages, round-trip float plane (Ketchikan to Boardwalk Lodge dock), guided adventures, fishing licenses, fishing guides, waders, outerwear, plus all salt and freshwater fishing gear. Not included are gratuities, liquor and taxes. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and four guests per saltwater cabin cruiser or two guests per freshwater guide. 2007 rates range from $3995 for three nights to $6395 for seven nights. Additional nights are $900 each night. There is a per night surcharge for single occupancy. Discounts are available for non-fishing partners. Children under 12 receive a 25% discount; ages 12-15 receive a 10% discount. Children under 10 must have proper parental supervision. With accommodations for up to 20 guests, Boardwalk is the perfect family or corporate retreat, offering special, exclusive use booking prices.
For more information, check web site www.boardwalklodge.com.
Anchorage Brand Unveiled After Year-Long Development
After a year of development, a new Anchorage brand designed to appeal to residents, visitors and the business community was unveiled today before a crowd of more than 1,000 Anchorage civic and business leaders.
The brand, “Anchorage Big Wild Life,” seeks to express the unique, larger-than-life lifestyle of Anchorage residents. Whether skiing the Coastal Trail on a lunch hour, summer fishing for wild Alaska salmon at Ship Creek, hiking Flattop, enjoying a fine dining experience with a view of the Chugach Mountains or taking in a First Friday art exhibition, Anchorage residents lead a life that’s bigger and a little wilder than most.
The Municipality of Anchorage (MOA), Anchorage Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (ACVB) and the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) announced the new brand at AEDC’s 2007 Economic Forecast Luncheon at the Egan Convention Center. It was followed by a community celebration in Town Square featuring Alaska wildlife, Native American Music Award recipients, Pamyua, a figure skating exhibition by 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championships bronze medalist Keegan Messing and complimentary T-shirts hung in Town Square trees for the public. Two advertising firms, the Nerland Agency, Anchorage, and Stone Mantel of Colorado Springs, Colo., used existing research on Anchorage and new research including phone interviews with visitors, decision-maker interviews, a facilitated public forum and other research to help create the brand. The MOA, ACVB and AEDC spent $80,000 on developing the brand and the two advertising agencies donated $20,000 in work.
AEDC President/CEO Bob Poe explained that the brand was created with three concepts in mind: first, to reinforce for residents their choice of Anchorage as home – as a special place like no other; second, to answer for visitors, their call for an exotic, “wild” destination with accessible, one-of-a-kind adventures mingled amongst sufficient urban amenities and conveniences; and third, to relay to people and organizations looking to do business here that Anchorage can provide a high level of business infrastructure and convenience as well as a quality of life that attracts and keeps employees.
“Anchorage residents are fortunate to be able to live extraordinary lives in an unmatched setting which appeals to locals and visitors alike,” said Mayor Mark Begich. “This new brand captures that notion and will help us attract even more tourists and business investment to our community.”
Anchorage brand research results showed that Anchorage offers a unique, larger-than-life lifestyle. Nerland and Stone Mantel explained that extensive brand research unveiled the many benefits that Anchorage provides: Its functional benefits (convenience, access, beauty), social benefits (community, opportunity) and emotional benefits (wild, unpretentious, spirited, open-hearted) are all essential to the brand. And, though these are just a sample of the benefits offered, investigative conversations with the focus groups made clear the final brand strategy that inspired “Anchorage Big Wild Life” – abundance permeates everything here.
Anchorage residents, visitors and the business community can learn more about the brand and submit stories about how they live big, wild lives at web site www.BigWildLife.net .
“Residents in Anchorage have access to incredible, scenery, adventures and activities year-round that make living life on a grand scale a daily experience,” says Bruce Bustamante, president and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau. “An average weekend in Anchorage is the dream of a lifetime for many and the city and surrounding wild amenities provide a highly unique opportunity to translate this personal experience to visitors.”
Go hassle-free on a houseboat vacation with new free VIP Concierge Service, including groceries and equipment loaded ahead of time and boats fueled up and ready to go upon your arrival with a new program. All you have to do is arrive at Lake Powell, step aboard with your friends or family, and with the cupboards already stocked, water skis and inner tubes ready, and the fuel tanks full, leave the experienced employee assist you with anchoring, and off you’ll go for a trip of a lifetime. Lake Powell concessionaire ARAMARK has introduced its Concierge Service for those who rent an Admiral Class (59-foot) houseboat from Wahweap Marina this summer. So, where is this Lake Powell? — it’s located on the border of Utah and Arizona in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area between the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks to the west, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to the east. It is the second largest man-made lake in the US, boasting more than 90 major red rock canyons and nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline.
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas provides houseboat and powerboat rentals, lodging on the lake, and tours to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. More information about Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas can be found at www.lakepowell.com.
The world-famous Heard Museum always has something exciting on tap for visitors and locals. Upcoming exhibits include:
Life in a Cold Place: Artic Art from the Albrecht Collection --- On display through July 2007; Through a selection of prints, drawings and sculpture from the Albrecht Collection, this exhibit will examine the ways that artists depict their lives and survive in a cold environment. The art depicts themes of land, family, housing and traditional ways of getting food through hunting and fishing.
Sole Stories: American Indian Footwear --- On display through October 2007: Shoes as footwear and as art serve as the departure points for this exhibit about American Indian culture. The exhibit traces the history of shoes in American Indian culture utilizing early examples of shoes from the Heard Museum collection as well as contemporary art and footwear from a wide range of accomplished American Indians like Sioux medicine man Sitting Bull.
For more information on additional events, contact the Heard Museum, 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix; 602-252-8848 (between McDowell and Thomas). Fee charged.
Phoenix Golf Resort Specials
If you missed the Greatest Show on Grass tournament, don't worry! For those who want to live like a pro for a week-getting tips from renowned instructors and partaking of quirky indulgences like a warm golf-ball massage-this is the place to be.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
A massage with hot stones? That’s for cavemen. Serious golfers (and not-so-serious ones, too) prefer a more unique spa treatment after a day of hunching over putts and trying to drive par 3s. For them, the Four Seasons Spa has devised the “Golf Specialty Massage.” During this 50- or 80-minute treatment, guests relax as a therapist rolls warm rolls golf balls along the large muscles of the spine and neck. The massage also incorporates stretching and therapeutic massage techniques that relieve muscle tension and stress.
Pointe Hilton Resorts
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak and Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resorts, two mountainside resorts in Phoenix, offer customized golf-vacation packages that allow visitors to select from 33 courses in the area. And as long as golfers are in town for the FBR Open, they might as well work on their game at the Hilton Golf Academy, located at Lookout Mountain Golf Club at Tapatio Cliffs. The instruction team there will be offering a Skills Challenge for junior golfers on Feb. 3. During the training session a team of professionals will review participants’ driving distance and accuracy, as well as provide lessons in chipping and putting.
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
The 77-year-old Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is known as the “Jewel of the Desert” because of its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and 39 acres of picturesque grounds. The resort’s Golf package includes one-night accommodations, 18 holes of golf at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and breakfast. Golfers who want to be pampered might want to try the Golf & Spa package, which adds a 50-minute massage to the aforementioned mix.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort located within two miles of the FBR Open. It is offering a 10 percent discount off the total bill at The Rim lounge to anyone who presents his or her FBR Open ticket. The resort is home to Kierland Golf Club, which features three distinct nine-hole courses that are recognized by Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary Program.
The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa
The venerable Wigwam Golf Club, built in 1929 and recently spruced up with a $15 million renovation, offers two exclusive golf packages-the Classic and Timeless. The Classic package includes one round of golf per day and unlimited use of the club’s practice facilities. The Timeless package includes unlimited use of practice facilities and bag storage. Golfers might also to enroll at Jim McLean Golf School, which features instructors who have worked with players such as Ryan Armour, Jerry Kelly, Chris Perry, and Chris Smith-all of whom have a chance of competing in the FBR Open. U.S. News and World Report, CNN, and Travel + Leisure magazine have all praised the school, which features flat-screen monitors, JC Video swing-analysis computer software, and club fitting and ball-flight analysis in its Superstation instruction bays. Instruction rates start at $95 per hour.
Guests at L’Auberge de Sedona can experience the newest spa in the southwest. This new spa complements the romantic, secluded and naturally spectacular environment of the intimate creek side retreat. Offering Institut Esthederm, L’Occitane and ElizabethW products, guests of L’Auberge de Sedona can experience treatments in one of the spacious new spa treatment rooms or enjoy their sessions creek side in an airy spa cabana. For a more romantic experience, an in-cottage treatment allows guests to let the therapists come to them, bringing (upon request) such sumptuous goodies as chocolates truffles and champagne.
“L’Auberge de Sedona is a naturally beautiful place set in a lush forest, on the banks of Oak Creek and surrounded by Arizona’s famous red rocks,” said Spa Director Lisa Theriault. “People come here primarily for romance, relaxation and to take part in the outdoor adventures Sedona has to offer. We wanted The Spa at L’Auberge to enhance those experiences for all of our guests. The spa is a place for them to reconnect, unwind and be pampered.”
Special Signature treatments include “Deep Blue Lavender Embrace.” Locally grown lavender accompanies you through a gentle sequence of buffing, followed by a wrap of shea lavender, paraffin for the hands and feet and scalp massage. This treatment finishes with a 30-minute essential lavender oil massage. Also offered are Signature seasonal massages with aloe vera for optimal hydration, perfect after an active day in the outdoors of Sedona.
To ensure that The Spa at L’Auberge establishes itself as one of the most memorable in the southwest, Theriault and General Manager Joe Mottershead recruited the “Elite Eight.” These elite eight estheticians and massage therapists will provide guests with an experience that combines their first-rate professional expertise as well as the philosophy of the spa: reconnect, unwind and be pampered.
To reserve accommodations and spa appointments, call L’Auberge de Sedona at 800-420-1806.
Wintertime in Sedona is Perfect for a Vacation & Spa
The Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa has been awarded AAA's Four Diamond Rating and is one of Arizona's Best. To obtain the AAA Four Diamond rating, hotels must have refined and stylish surroundings and an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. More than 50,000 establishments throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean are inspected each year and yet, of those, only three percent of the lodgings are recipients of the Four Diamond Award.
Centrally located, Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa is minutes from Uptown Sedona, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village and Gallery Row. Sedona Rouge is also the ideal home base for exploring Sedona’s world of outdoor adventures where 1.8 million acres of the adjacent Coconino National Forest offer unlimited opportunities.
Each of Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa’s 77 richly appointed guest rooms, suites and spa rooms have been designed in the spirit of Andalusian luxury, with dramatic colors and richly textured fabrics. Rooms are appointed with custom king or double queen beds, goose down feather duvets, a chaise lounge, ornate desk and Syrian chest. Additional amenities include 32” LCD flat screen televisions and spacious walk-in showers with overhead rain-shower sprays. Many rooms feature vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and balconies with delicate ironwork from Tunisia. Complimentary wireless and high-speed Internet access are available throughout the property.
Additional amenities include the lavish Spa at Sedona Rouge, set apart from the main hotel, where guests can create their own custom treatments from cutting edge modalities in a luxurious setting.
Reds is Sedona Rouge’s cosmopolitan American bistro and bar known equally for its gourmet cuisine as for its delicious comfort foods. The extensive wine list features new and old world wines that will please the most discriminating of palates. Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa offers conference and event planners 4,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event facilities, including a fully appointed executive boardroom, a 2,000 square foot conference room, and a raised observation deck offering stunning Red Rock views, that can accommodate receptions of up to 50 people.
Additional event spaces, such as the Terrace and the Column Garden, have been designed as private oases for smaller gatherings, from business mixers to family parties, enhanced by dramatic vistas of brilliantly sunlit Red Rock outcroppings and lush green canyons. An executive chef and banquet and catering staffs are available to prepare full course breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa is located at 2250 West Highway 89A in Sedona, Arizona. The hotel can be reached by calling 928-203-4111 or toll free at (866) 312-4111. E-mail inquiries can be sent to info@sedonarouge.com. Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa or check web site www.sedonarouge.com.
If you want to be where the New South meets the Old West, plan a trip to Fort Smith -- famous for its hospitality, Blues, barbecue, Bach, broncos, belles and beautiful scenery. It's a city with a colorful and historic past which has grown into a meetinghouse for the past, present and future with its well-preserved frontier spirit. Arkansas's second-largest city, Fort Smith is located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border and near the junction of Interstates 40 and 540. Named after General Thomas A. Smith, commander of all military forces west of the Mississippi River in 1817, the city's birth year, Fort Smith is nestled along the banks of the Arkansas River and at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. While there, don't miss stopping in at "Miss Laura's." Once called the 'Riverfront Hotel" - just to be proper - this is the only former bordello listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built just before 19090, it was once the most popular place on the city's bawdy Front Street along the Arkansas River. The "house," later renamed "Miss Laura's," has been magnificently restored in Victorian splendor. You won't see the original 'ladies,' but you will be treated royally. (Located at 2 North B Street. Call 1-800-637-1477 for hours/admission.
After touring the house, check out Miss Laura's Players. Formed in early 1993, this talented local group presents an original musical comedy skit spoofing life in early Fort Smith during the time of "Hangin' Judge" Isaac Parker and "Miss Laura" herself. It's entitled "Medicine Show on Hanging Day," and the performers are dressed in colorful period costumes entertaining visitors in the dinner theater with a variety of songs, dances, and laughter. (Located at the above address. For hours/admission, call 1-800-637-1477).
At the Belle Grove Historic District, a 22-square block area bounded by North 5h Street, North H Street, North 8th Street, and North C Street, this area is near the downtown and was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in the early 1970s. Since then at least 40 homes that span 130 years of varying architectural styles have been restored, with some open for tours.
At the Fort Smith National Historic Site, you'll find two walk-in recreated frontier jails, and new displays and exhibits. The site also contains he remains of two military posts built to keep pace on the frontier when southeastern Indian Tribes were relocated to Indian Territory. The Visitor Center had served as the former barracks building for the second fort, built in the 1830s on the Belle Point area overlooking the Arkansas River. Later, the barracks housed the courtroom of the federal judge for the Western District of Arkansas. The courtroom has been completely restored, and visitors can walk around inside the early basement jail once considered so horrid it was called "Hell on the Border." Adjacent to the restored barracks building is the Commissary Building -- a major military supply center during the mid-1800s. Later, it was used as Judge Parker's chambers. During his 21-year tenure on the bench beginning in 1875, Parker was known as the "Hanging Judge." He presided over 13,000 cases and sentenced 160 men to hang. Of those, 79 died on the gallows which were capable of hanging more than six men at one time. (Located at Third Street at Rogers. For information/hours, call 479-783-3961.
There are many more sites and attractions. Contact Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2 North B, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901; 1-800-637-1477 for more information and free brochures.
Garrison Keillor’s Jazzman, Andy Stein, and His Blue Four
Will Perform at Hot Springs’ Horner Hall on Saturday, April 28
Andy Stein, the eclectic musician who has appeared with Garrison Keillor in two Hot Springs performances, will bring his band, Andy Stein’s Blue Four, to Horner Hall at the Hot Springs Convention Center on Saturday, April 28.
The performance will begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets will be $10 each, with all seats reserved. They will be available through Ticketmaster locations and at www.ticketmaster.com
Stein’s resume shows him to be a master of musical styles that encompass rock, country, jazz and classical. In Blue Four he fulfills a lifelong dream of merging his two favorite musical activities: playing swing and playing chamber music.
The group comprises accomplished musicians on violin, guitar, piano and reeds. Everyone takes a turn a being a soloist and everyone is in the rhythm section, since there is no bass or drums. In addition to Stein, members include guitarist Matt Munisteri, Scott Robinson on horns and pianist Conal Fowkes. Their repertory ranges from novelty tunes to hot jazz to beautiful jazz and popular ballads from the 1920s and ‘30s.
“Andy knocked people out with his playing when he was here twice before as part of Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion performances,” said Steve Arrison, executive director of the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, “so when we had a chance to have him bring his own band to town we jumped at the chance. Andy’s music covers every musical style, and I know his April 28 performance will be a knockout.”
Besides freelancing as a violinist/violist in chamber and orchestra groups in his native New York, Stein has recorded with Itzhak Perlman, Placido Domingo, Marilyn Horne, Frederica Von Stade, toured China with a string quartet, and performed concertos with orchestras in New York, Chicago, New England, Pacific Northwest, and the South. He was a founding member of the legendary rock Band Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen.
Stein has appeared on numerous television programs including Late Night with David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, Great Performances (PBS) and As The World Turns (CBS). He has also been a featured soloist in a number of Broadway shows, including the Lincoln Center production of "Anything Goes," and the 1990s Broadway revivals of "Guys and Dolls" and "Fiddler on the Roof." He has produced records of rock 'n' roll and jazz, and conducted on radio and television.
With Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, his distinctive style on violin and saxophone added a swing element to this beloved rock 'n' roll band of the early '70's. He subsequently worked with Asleep at the Wheel, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker Band, Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Alan Menken, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Smashing Pumpkins, Grover Washington Jr., Chakka Kahn, Diane Reeves, Barbara Cook, Audra McDonald, Dionne Warwick, Ray Charles, B. B. King, Memphis Horns, Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, Kathie Lee Gifford, Manhattan Transfer, Tony Bennett, Carol King, James Taylor, Michael Jackson and others.
He won a Grammy award for Best Country Instrumental in 1978. He has performed for two presidents of the United States, the president of the Dominican Republic, four mayors of New York, and for the Native American occupying force on Alcatraz.
In the jazz field Stein has been a featured soloist with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Paquito D'Rivera, Phil Woods, Manhattan Transfer, Jon Faddis, Dick Hyman, Jon Hendricks, Eddie Daniels, Turtle Island String Quartet, Vince Giordano's Nighthawks, Ken Peplowski, Bob Wilbur, Harold Ashby, Andy Bey, John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli and others.
For the last 18 years his violin and saxophone have been heard weekly on public radio nationwide, as he performs in the "house band" of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. He is also featured prominently in the Robert Altman film of the same name, both in the sound track and on screen, performing with Meryl Streep, Lindsay Lohan and others.
For more information contact Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
In-Woods Expo 2007 Hosts Prentice Loader Championship
In-Woods Expo 2007 will host the first of this year’s Prentice Loader Championships April 26-28 at its in-woods fairground near Hot Springs, Ark.
In-Woods Expo 2007, following up on the very successful 2004 event, will come back to Hot Springs this time on a 300-acre managed forest owned by Weyerhaeuser. Join 5,000 forestry professionals —-loggers, foresters, and landowners —- to interact with manufacturer and dealer representatives in a situation in which equipment can be demonstrated, in action, in a full-scale harvesting situation.
The Loader Championship will begin at noon on Thursday, April 26, and continue until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. The top five finishers from the regular contest will compete at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Championship Trophy Run to determine the final top five winners.
Several of last year’s Grand National competitors may try to continue their winning streaks at In-Woods Expo. At least one, Brent Hill of Lillington, N.C., who placed third in the Grand National, says he is going to go for the “Triple Crown” and try to win all three competitions this year.
In addition to live demonstrations of timber harvesting and processing equipment, and other product exhibitions, the three-day In-Woods Expo, a joint project of the Forest Resources Association and the Arkansas Timber Producers Association, will hold practical educational sessions directed to both loggers and landowners. The Southern chapter of the Council on Forest Engineering will hold its annual meeting, with seminars, on In-Woods Expo’s opening day, April 26. A Log A Load For Kids® fundraising dinner will be held in Hot Springs that evening.
For a registration form, contact FRA at 301/838-9385, fra@forestresources.org. A video preview is loaded at www.in-woods-expo.com.
In-Woods Expo 2007, April 26-28, 2007 in western Arkansas, is a joint project of the Arkansas Timber Producers Association and the Forest Resources Association. Please visit www.in-woods-expo.com.
2007 Timberwood Concert Series at Magic Springs
Sixteen blockbuster concerts, including performances by Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Blues Traveler, Jo Dee Messina, The Manhattans and John Kay & Steppenwolf, will thrill fans this summer when Magic Springs & Crystal Falls presents its 2007 Timberland Amphitheater concert series.
“We have a great lineup of concerts for our fans this season, with outstanding groups representing classic rock, country, Christian rock, R & B, blues rock, Hispanic and other styles of music,” said Aundrea Crary, marketing manager at Magic Springs. “And the great thing is that all 16 concerts are free for our 2007 season pass holders. For only $49.99, you can get unlimited visits to the Magic Springs ride park, the newly expanded Crystal Falls water park, plus 16 evenings of musical excitement. That’s an entertainment bargain that can’t be beat anywhere in America.”
Season passes are available for purchase at the park, at web site www.magicsprings.com or by calling 501-624-0100.
The concerts also are included as part of a daily admission ticket, Crary said.
She said regular single-day admission is $44.99; children under 52 inches tall and seniors 55 years or older $34.99; admission after 5 p.m. is $34.99, and children 2 years and under are admitted free.
Reserved seating for the concerts is $5 per concert, and reserved seats may be obtained now by calling the park at 501-624-0100 or by visiting the park ticket Sales office.
The 2007 Timberwood Concert Series will kick off on June 2 with a performance by rising country star Jason Aldean, who was named the Top New Male Performer of 2006 by the Academy of country music.
Here is the 2007 Timberwood Concert Series lineup. All concerts begin at 8 p.m., with the exception of the two Christian concert dates that begin at 7 p.m.
• June 2 — Jason Aldean, named Top New Male Vocalist of 2006 by the Academy of Country Music, for No. 1 hits, “Hicktown” and “Amarillo Sky.”
• June 9 — Heartland, a hot young country band from Alabama, which had a No. 1 single in 2006, “I Loved Her First.”
• June 16 — Christian Family Day at the park winds up with a concert by Point of Grace, the famed Christian music group that has been producing outstanding Christian music since its formation in 1992.
• June 23 — Loverboy, the classic rock group with such mega-hits as “Working for the Weekend” and “Queen of the Broken Hearts.”
• June 30 — Legendary R&B stars, The Manhattans, famous for such classic hits as “Kiss and Say Goodbye” and “Shining Star.”
• July 7 — Arkansas-reared country legend Tracy Lawrence, famed worldwide for such hits as “Sticks and Stones,” “Alibis” and “If the Good Die Young.”
• July 14 — Blues rock stars Blues Traveler will perform hits such as “Run-around” and “Hook.”
• July 21 — Classic rock superstars Creedence Clearwater Revisited will reprise hits from one of the best-known repertoires in music history, including “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising” and “Born on the Bayou.”
• July 28 — Little River Band, creators of such classic rock standbys as “Lady” and “Lonesome Loser.”
• August 4 — Christian Youth Day concludes with a concert by Christian rock stars Third Day.
• August 11 — Country star Neal McCoy, whose hits include “No Doubt About It.”
• August 18 — The Platters, one of the greatest R&B groups in the history of American music, will be the performers. Reminisce with tunes such as “Only You.”
• August 25 — John Kay & Steppenwolf who are out on their“farewell tour,” will perform their smash hits, “Born to Be Wild,” “Magic Carpet Ride,” “Monster: and others from a repertoire that sold more than 35 million records.
• September 1 — Jo Dee Messina, the country superstar, will perform hits such as “Heads Carolina Tails California” and “Bye Bye.”
• September 8 — The Memphis Soul Review reprises legendary R&B hits from the Memphis sound, including “Soul Man,” “Respect” and “Dock of the Bay.”
• September 15 — Spanish Heritage Day features a concert by Hispanic stars Sisters Morales and John Arthur Martinez. Martinez was a runner-up in the nationally televised show, “Nashville Star.”
Magic Springs opens for the 2007 season on April 7 and will be open weekends until May 26, when seven-day-a-week operations begin. Weekend operations resume from August 25 through October 28 on Saturdays and Sundays only (except for a three-day weekend for Labor Day).
Magic Springs & Crystal Falls is located at 1701 East Grand Avenue in Hot Springs, a 45-minute drive from Little Rock and within easy driving distance from Memphis, Shreveport, Northwest Arkansas and Tulsa.
For more information about the park or the concerts call Aundrea Crary at 501-624-0100.
Hot Springs National Park Season Tickets Now on Sale
Season passes for the 2007 Magic Springs & Crystal Falls season are now on sale.
“The Magic Springs season pass already is the greatest entertainment bargain in Arkansas, and we are maintaining the price for a regular pass at $49.99, the same low price as 2006,” said Dan Aylward, president and general manager of the park. “The pass allows unlimited visits to the park, which features some of the greatest thrill rides and family rides in America, plus the Crystal Falls water park,” Aylward said. “In addition the pass allows free admission to the nationally acclaimed Timberwood Amphitheater summer concert series: 17 exciting performances by world-famous performers in every facet of music.”
“We have been voted one of the top three family-friendly attractions in America by Better Homes & Gardens Magazine,” he said, “and we are constantly improving our product to make the season pass an unsurpassed bargain.” Aylward said the Magic Springs Gold Pass will cost $69.99, a $10 increase from last year, “but still an excellent way to add even more value to your entertainment dollar.”
The Gold Pass allows free admission to all rides, shows and attractions, including
17 concerts, plus free parking and a $200 coupon book for in-park offerings. Magic Springs is located on Highway 70 East in Hot Springs, 45 minutes southwest of Little Rock.
For more information and to purchase passes, call 501-318-5370 or check web site www.magicsprings.com . Magic Springs & Crystal Falls will open the 2007 season on April 7, operating weekends only through May 21 and opens daily on May 26.
EAST Returns to Hot Springs Convention Center for Nationally Recognized Conference
High-Tech Students Exemplify the Theme of “Limits Not Included”
Hot Springs Upcoming Events
March 31 — USARPS-Bud Light Garland County Rock Paper Scissors Championship at the Convention Center. Semifinals begin at 5:30 p.m., finals at 7:30 p.m. Sixty-four players throw down rock paper or scissors for the chance to go to Las Vegas for the national championship and $50,000 in prizes. Anyone is welcome to come and watch for free. Entrants must be 21 or older and pay a $3 entry fee, which will be donated to the Garland County Relay for Life. For more information call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
Through April 14 — Live racing at beautiful Oaklawn Park. America’s top Thoroughbreds compete in the nation’s most beautiful racetrack setting. Live racing is Wednesdays through Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1 p.m. Fine dining, electronic games of skill. Call 1-800-OAKLAWN or visit web site www.oaklawn.com
April 6 – 14 — Hot SpringFest, featuring concerts, horse racing, springtime activities. Call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
April 11 — KC & The Sunshine Band and Village People in concert starting at 7:30 p.m. at Summit Arena. Call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
Through April 18 — Tulip Extravaganza at Garvan Woodland Gardens. More than 93,000 tulips commingle with the springtime beauty of the woodland arboretum, including thousands of redbud trees and azaleas. Call 501-262-9300.
April 13 — Derby Dance featuring the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra in Horner Hall at the Convention Center. Classic Big Band dance begins at 7:30 p.m. All tickets $20. Call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
April 19 – 22 — Classic Corvette Weekend brings hundreds of the sporty cars to Hot Springs for car show, exhibits, scavenger hunt and more. Call Teresa Perciful at 501-851-8550.
Although the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park is well worth visiting, there's much more to see and do in Little Rock, the state capital. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the public parks, zoo, public and private golf courses, and the numerous hiking and biking trails. Sports persons will enjoy the professional basketball, football, NCAA Sun Belt Conference competition, and Ray Winder Field, home to the Arkansas Travelers AA baseball team. History buffs can check out the Old State House Museum, the Historic Arkansas Museum, the Arkansas Arts Center, and many more museums and historical landmarks. If music is your love, check out the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Arts Center.
For more information, contact the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Statehouse Plaza, P.O. Box 3232, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203; 501-376-4781, or check wet site www.littlerock.com.
Quail Botantical Gardens is always worth a half or full day. Here, among 30 acres of gardens in Encinitas you'll find unusual plant displays from all over the world and the Seeds of Wonder garden, specially designed for children. The price is $40 per person for an annual membership but day passes are given as well.
Legoland is a definite adventure where you can be a kid again.
Experience the more than 50 rides, shows and attractions with a special VIP Tour with a personal guide, front-of-the-line privileges, and special front-row seating at all shows. The price is $200 per hour in addition to admission.
Escondido Children's Museum
Escondido Children's Museum is where you can explore, experiment, and learn with an annual membership to the Escondido Children's Museum. Choose from a grandparent, family or patron membership starting at $25.
Wild Animal Park
Plan on a sleepover and spend the night listening to a pack of snoring rhinoceroses or wake up surrounded by sharks. These unique accommodations, available at many of the area attractions such as the Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld and the Birch Aquarium, provide overnight programs for visitors looking for a different way to experience these popular points of interest. Prices are from $50 up.
At the Cheetah Run Safari at the Wild Animal Park, journey to a rustic camp where you can witness the cheetah's explosive sprint reach up to 60 miles per hour, while chasing a mechanical rabbit lure. Price is $69, plus admission.
Or, at the Wild Animal park, take the Photo Caravan Safari. This is an intimate adventure inside the park's field habitats in open-air trucks. Close-up photography opportunities are the norm when Indian rhinocerros lumber alongside vehicles and giraffes peer into the camera lens from inches away. Price is $90-$130, plus admission.
Lake Tahoe: America’s Premiere Ski Destination
Record snowfall and ubiquitous sunshine left skiers and snowboarders worldwide salivating for more snow days last winter at Ski Lake Tahoe’s seven premier resorts. Good news: the 2006-07 winter season will be better than ever at Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Squaw Valley USA.
Bridging the border between California and Nevada, the Tahoe region isn’t just a ski destination, it’s a winter paradise with more rideable acreage in close proximity than any other U.S. destination, more than 300 days of sunshine per year, easy access from anywhere in the country through the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and more dining and entertainment outlets to appease all interests from the young-and-beautiful to families and empty nesters.
Resort Events - More than 400 events listed from pray-for-snow parties and rail jams in November to snow golf, wine festivals and swimsuit slaloms in May.
Deep Snow Phenomenon - Tahoe’s resorts average 35 feet of snow per season - an insane amount that dwarfs all other major ski destinations - yet the region gets extraordinary amounts of sunshine. Learn why this phenomenon exists and why bluebird days are the standard.
Expert Terrain - Steeped in powder and powered by steeps, Tahoe’s resorts offer a lifetime of challenging terrain for thrill seeking riders.
Travel Tips - Lake Tahoe’s resorts start at only 30-minutes up the road from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. The region is easy to access and package deals are available at the click of a mouse.
Family Fun - kids and parents don’t have time to be bored in Tahoe. Ski Lake Tahoe’s resorts offer extensive kids on- and off-hill programs to ensure everyone has fun.
Terrain Parks - Tahoe’s resorts feature 20-plus world-class terrain parks and halfpipes frequented by the ski and snowboard world’s top athletes.
Dining and Entertainment - Tahoe never sleeps. The North and South shores offer rock star night clubs, top-name entertainers, 24-hour casino parties and an equal amount of family friendly alternatives that complete the Ski Lake Tahoe experience.
Lake Tahoe continues upgrades and improvements from new construction and shopping villages to new clinics, backcountry tours, lifts and park and pipe features on the Hill. With more than $300 million in improvements and upgrades within the past few years and even more in store for the next five years, Lake Tahoe has gained international attention by balancing one of the world’s most naturally beautiful geographical regions with a state-of-the-art winter vacation experience.
All seven of the Ski Lake Tahoe Resorts (Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Squaw Valley USA) offer a view of the “Big Blue,” along with resort improvements ranging from entire town remodel projects at Heavenly and Northstar to new groomed trail patterns at Alpine Meadows and Mount Rose, to new ski and snowboard clinics at Squaw Valley USA and snow cat tours at Kirkwood. Terrain park lovers will be impressed with Sierra-at-Tahoe’s endless top-to-bottom runs touting features for all ability levels. Born from the vision of intrepid ski pioneers, Olympic competition, and San Francisco area outdoor enthusiasts, authentic roots prevail in the mountains of Lake Tahoe; and that traditional spirit of winter play has been enhanced by top-notch lift systems, the country’s best snowmaking facilities, lavish mountain villages, and a local culture unto its own. Winter 2006/2007 plans to welcome visitors from around the globe with new amenities that will perhaps play a hand in turning some of those visitors into the area’s newest locals:
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
Internationally renowned for its hike-to backcountry terrain, Alpine Meadows plans to add a little yin to its yang by enhancing and adding signature groomed runs. With the purchase of an additional grooming machine (called a winch cat), guests can experience different areas of Alpine’s wide open bowls and steeps on new, high-speed groomed routes. The new groomed trails (called high-angle groomers) will cater to everyone’s inner Bode Miller. Alpine Meadows will reinvent the definition of “terrain park” by offering features for all skiing and riding ability level from the very top of the mountain to the base lodge. Various table tops, roller jumps, rails and boxes will be designated to unique trail locale. In addition, the superpipe will move to a new location, offering a perfectly maintained feature for all jibbers on a daily basis. The second phase of Alpine’s base lodge remodel project will be finished for the start of winter 2006/2007, adding the same warm alpine lodge ambiance of the first floor foyer to the second floor fireplace and restaurant area.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Over the past few seasons, more than $200 million were poured into Heavenly’s mountain and village improvements – a gondola, new resort hotels, new lifts, better snowmaking, improved grooming, extensive lodge renovations, a world-class ski school facility, and a family adventure center that lets non-skiers join the fun! And Heavenly's not done yet. The resort is currently in the approval phase for a Master Plan that will bring a number of new improvements, beginning with a new lift on the Nevada side and an on-mountain, day-use lodge. The town of South Lake Tahoe continues to make improvements as well, and will break ground in spring of 2007 on a new development across the street from Heavenly's Gondola which will feature a 4,000-person convention center, 250 luxury hotel rooms and a pedestrian bridge to connect it with the Heavenly Village.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
If a visitor is looking for mind-bending steeps, groomed runs with exceptional pitch, and the area’s deepest snow, Kirkwood is a must-ski. The only resort to offer snowcat-only accessible terrain, winter zealots and powder hounds will appreciate the resort’s ability to serve up a bounty of fresh snow on off-the-beaten-path terrain. Part of the Expedition: Kirkwood series of backcountry tours, clinics, and educational camps, Kirkwood’s Powder Cat Tours are available twice daily to skiers and snowboarders of strong intermediate ability and above. In partnership with Burton Snowboards, Kirkwood is pleased to introduce the region’s first Women’s Learn to Ride Center. Specially designed equipment and proven teaching techniques help women start to link turns faster than ever before. Kirkwood’s incredible learning terrain offers perfect fall line and gentle graduated pitch, with the added bonus of not having advanced skiers and riders whizzing by.
Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe
Allowing early season access to the Slide Bowl, Mt. Rose has expanded its snowmaking system to include Silver Dollar run. Other improvements for 2006/07 include major parking improvements with 400 new spaces complimenting both the Main & Slide Lodge facilities. Knowing that one day is simply not enough, Mt. Rose has created a three day learning package appropriately titled the “Flight Plan.” Stemming from the already screaming $49 First-timer package, this all inclusive, multi-day product is only $99 and virtually ensures the guest will be well on their way towards achieving intermediate ability skills after three days of on snow experiences.
Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort
Continuing its destination development that has turned heads for the past two winters, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort has begun the next phase of its state-of-the-art project. Northstar Resort is investing $10.5 million in the next phase of mountain improvements which will result in the completion of two new Doppelmayr lifts for the 2006/07 winter season. The planned lifts include a high-speed six-pack which will dramatically improve access to Lookout Mountain and the Backside. The new lift will whisk riders up nearly 1,050 vertical feet in just five minutes. The new six-pack will access 13 total trails and 137 acres of total terrain, including 60 acres of new intermediate terrain. The second lift is a European-style surface lift to replace Salmon Tow, which transported guests over to the resort’s popular advanced terrain on Lookout Mountain. Phase One of the new Village at Northstar will be complete this upcoming winter, breathing a vibrant energy into the new Village. New shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants will complement the ice skating rink and nine fire pits located at the heart of the Village. Upon completion, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort will have invested a total of $30 million into these commercial improvements.
Boasting the largest snowmaking system on the North Shore, over 50 percent of the developed mountain is now covered with snowmaking, with expanded coverage off of Vista Express and the new six-pack lift. Northstar’s expanded cross-country center will be relocated to make room for the new Ritz-Carlton Highlands resort being built and will now offer more convenient and direct access to the resort’s scenic cross-country trails. Northstar plans to add a new parking lot containing 600 spaces and additional shuttle bus schedules will improve access to and from the resort.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Receiving top accolades from Transworld Snowboarding, Sierra-at-Tahoe’s six terrain parks will continue to offer new features at its top-shelf jibbing scene; however, the South Lake Tahoe youth action mountain will entice beginner park users with the all new Burton Progression Park. Simply put, the Progression Park is for all who have always wanted to try skiing or boarding in a terrain park, but haven’t quite worked up the nerve and/or shed their inhibitions. Sierra-at-Tahoe will team up with Burton Snowboards to introduce its Progression Park this season with boxes, jumps and rails all located mere inches from the ground, in a non-intimidating fashion. This will be the perfect training ground for those who have always wanted to test gravity, one inch at a time. Sierra-at-Tahoe will also offer lessons on these mini freestyle terrain features so that skiers/riders learn the proper technique when getting started.
Squaw Valley USA
Squaw Valley USA is once again gearing efforts toward improving the overall guest experience for the 2006/07 winter season. Environmental sustainability remains a primary focus; in an effort to preserve the area’s precious ecosystems, Squaw Valley is refraining from expansion beyond the natural footprint. With the ever changing daily conditions and events, a ski resort can be a confusing place. To ensure every guest gets the most out of their visit, Squaw Valley is introducing Squaw Valley TV. There will be plasma TVs placed in areas like the Cable Car lobby and the rental shop. At these Squaw Valley TV terminals guests can view real time lift updates, info on conditions and upcoming events and activities to ensure that they are dressed for the weather and never miss out on what’s going on at Squaw. On Squaw Valley TV, skiers and snowboarders can also learn tips from pros about anything from making powder turns to waxing their skis or boards.
Squaw Valley is stepping it up for the 2006/07 winter season with an increase in snowmaking. The Papoose beginner area at the bottom of the mountain and the popular Gold Coast intermediate area up top will both see increased snowmaking. Squaw Valley is expanding snowmaking efforts from 400 acres and 10 percent of terrain to 600 acres and 15 percent of terrain for the 2006/07 season. Squaw Valley USA is proud to introduce Squaw Sessions, a ski and snowboard camp for teens, offered during holidays and peak periods. Not your average ski school, Squaw Sessions will teach teens about the origins of the freeride movement at Squaw Valley, as well as tools to master terrain park and big mountain skiing and riding. Beginners need not apply; Squaw Sessions is for burgeoning rippers who are not afraid to shred off-piste. Specifically designed for ski and snowboard crazed 13 to 17 year-olds, Squaw Sessions will provide the newschool breed with the opportunity to experience Squaw Valley’s rich freeride culture firsthand. Teens will meet their coaches in the morning and be placed in groups based on ability. As a group, the teens will decide together what they want to work on that day. Whether they fantasize about conquering steep “big mountain” lines, like Shane McConkey or Jeremy Jones, or jibbing and jumping in one of Squaw Valley’s three terrain parks, like CR Johnson or Eric Messier, Squaw Sessions is the open window into a young shred-dog’s dream.
Last season Squaw Valley introduced an on-mountain Demo Center located at the top of the Funitel in the Gold Coast Lodge. The popularity of this convenient amenity has prompted additional improvements to the Demo Center including a new women-specific line to cater to the distinct intricacies of the female body. There will also be a brand new fleet of skis including the newest models of K2, Atomic, Volkl, Rossignol, and Salomon. From the shaped beginner ski for easy turning, to the fat ski for the frequent deep Squaw Valley powder day, to the twin tip park ski for rail sliding and “dropping in” switch, the Demo Center allows skiers to choose the perfect ski to fit their tastes and ability.
About Ski Lake Tahoe
Surrounding North America’s largest alpine lake, the seven resorts that make up Ski Lake Tahoe are Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Squaw Valley USA. Lake Tahoe boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, and last winter the region had the most snowfall in North America. The seven resorts, all offering unparalleled scenic vistas of panoramic mountain and lake views, are located less than an hour from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and two hours from Sacramento International Airport.
For further information, check web site www.skilaketahoe.com.
Lake Tahoe Greets Up to Five Feet of Snow
Lake Tahoe received abundant snowfall with a winter storm dumping an average of nearly three feet of powder on Ski Lake Tahoe resorts since Thursday with snowfall continuing today. Reporting up to five feet of powder at the highest elevation, resorts were blanketed in fresh snow, sending out the reminder that in Tahoe, snow is measured in feet, not inches.
With top-of-the-line snowmaking systems in place, Ski Lake Tahoe resorts have entertained skiers and snowboarders this season with snow packs offering amazing groomed runs and wide-open terrain parks as the sun continued to shine over the past several weeks. Sun or snow, Ski Lake Tahoe resorts continued to offer visitors great mid-winter conditions and scenic lake views that make Tahoe one of the world’s most unique ski destinations.
Those looking to spend their upcoming President’s Day weekend and spring break on excellent terrain, surrounded by sun and snow, should simply come to Tahoe. Unparalleled entertainment will keep visitors going all night, while the culture and relaxed and friendly attitude around the Lake will keep them going all day. Nowhere else can you be on the snowy mountains all day, enjoy world-class entertainment all night, and start all over again the next day, with so many nearby resorts to choose from.
About Ski Lake Tahoe
Surrounding North America’s largest alpine lake, the seven resorts that make up Ski Lake Tahoe are Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and Squaw Valley USA. Lake Tahoe boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, and last winter the region had the most snowfall in North America. The seven resorts, all offering unparalleled scenic vistas of panoramic mountain and lake views, are located less than an hour from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
For further information and to directly book travel, lodging and transportation for Ski Lake Tahoe resorts and its travel partners all in one web site, visit www.skilaketahoe.com.
Visit Los Angeles’ contemporary art scene
The Millennium Biltmore offers a Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) package, offering accommodations and two admission passes to the museum. Guests can view WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution (through July 16, 2007), billed as "the first comprehensive, historical exhibition" of feminist art. Rates begin at $189, valid through July 31, 2007.
American Girl ® At The Millennium Biltmore With A Special Package
Now every young girl’s dream of taking a vacation with their “best friend” is just a phone call away: The Millennium Biltmore is introducing its inaugural “American Girl” package.
The package features overnight accommodations for up to four persons (two adults and two children), American Girl amenities (bath/body product and story book), American Girl doll bed for in-room use, complimentary transportation to the American Girl store at the Grove Los Angeles Shopping Center and complimentary breakfast for up to two children in the hotel’s Smeraldi’s restaurant. The package is based on availability, valid through the end of 2007 with rates beginning at $249.
For reservations check web site www.millenniumhotels.com or call 800-245-8673.
The Millennium Biltmore is also displaying an American Girl doll which can be won by guests who book the “American Girl” package. Guests will be entered into a special drawing to win the American Girl prize.
About the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles
A landmark since its completion in 1923 and the “star” of numerous movies and TV shows filmed at the property, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, has long been the “host of the coast” for high society, celebrities and conventioneers from around the globe. Renowned for its exquisite Spanish-Italian Renaissance-style architecture, the stately 683-room property includes 48 suites and 70,000 square feet of elegantly designed meeting space with five ballrooms.
The Biltmore’s Crystal Ballroom was the site of several early Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences banquets, and the 11,546-square-foot Biltmore Bowl recently reopened after a $3 million renovation to prepare the grand venue for another century of memorable events. The hotel also features an Art Deco-inspired fitness center and indoor swimming pool, three restaurants (including one serving modern Asian cuisine), two lounges and 24-hour room service.
The Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, was designated a historical landmark in 1969 by the City of Los Angeles. The hotel showcases numerous fine works of art, including a ceiling masterpiece in the Crystal Ballroom painted by Giovanni Smeraldi of Vatican fame. Located just 30 minutes from LAX and Burbank airports, the property is conveniently located in the heart of Los Angeles amid the city’s business, financial and cultural centers, including the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall.
ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL
American Girl, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com), the world’s leading toy company. Since American Girl’s inception in 1986, the company has devoted its entire business to celebrating the potential of girls ages 3 to 12. American Girl encourages girls to dream, to grow, to aspire, to create, and to imagine through a wide range of engaging and insightful books, age-appropriate and educational products, and unforgettable experiences. In meeting its mission with a vigilant eye toward quality and service, American Girl has earned the loyal following of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators.
American Girl dolls, books and related products are sold exclusively through the company’s consumer catalogue, online at www.americangirl.com, and at American Girl Place®, its proprietary retail stores in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. To learn more about American Girl or to request a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005 or visit www.americangirl.com.
About Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), established in the United States in 2000, is the North American arm of London-based Millennium and Copthorne Hotels plc (MLC). The MHR portfolio includes 20 holdings in The Americas, and the company operates properties including: Millennium Broadway Hotel, New York City; Millennium UN Plaza Hotel, New York City; Millennium Airport Hotel, Buffalo, New York; Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles; Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, Chicago; Millennium Bostonian Hotel, Boston; Millennium Hotel, Minneapolis; Millennium Hotel, St. Louis; Millennium Hotel, Cincinnati; Millennium Harvest House, Boulder; Millennium Hotel, Durham; Millennium Alaskan Hotel, Anchorage; Millennium Resort, Scottsdale, McCormick Ranch; and the Millennium Maxwell House, Nashville.
MLC holdings outside of the Millennium brand include the Millenium Hilton Hotel in New York City. For further information on Millennium Hotels and Resorts, call 866-866-8086 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com.
Millennium and Copthorne Hotels comprises over 100 four and five star hotels with 24,681 rooms worldwide in 16 countries. Our World of Hospitality marketing alliance partner Maritim Hotels has 45 hotels with 13,069 rooms in 9 countries.
The celebrated Malibu Beach Inn will re-open in May 2007 after undergoing a multi-million dollar, head-to-toe remodel that will make it the only luxury hotel destination in Malibu.
The renovation, which began in October 2006, includes completely refinished interiors and exteriors, as well as the addition of a new dining room, expanded meeting space and a members-only beach club. While the hotel is closed, it is accepting reservations for its grand re-opening in late May.
“The hotel will offer a true Malibu experience,” says Managing Director Alan Goldschneider. “It will have a more sophisticated feel, but will also be the relaxed beach retreat our guests have come to know and love.”
The new Malibu Beach Inn is designed to complement its location on the sands of Malibu’s exclusive Carbon Beach by featuring clean-lined architecture and interiors, a beach-inspired color palette and natural materials. Rich woods, elegant stone, sleek glass and polished steel will be used throughout the hotel to create an organic indoor/outdoor experience that utilizes the setting’s unique marine assets.
At the heart of the renovation is a new guests-only 44-seat dining room, which will feature indoor and oceanfront terrace seating, both of which boast breathtaking views and the sound of the tumbling surf below. The hotel will offer a unique food and wine experience featuring an extensive list of hand-selected small-production wines from California’s premier wine regions paired with Mediterranean tapas and coastal California cuisine.
The hotel’s 47 guest rooms, including six suites, each with ocean views, balconies and fireplaces, will feature custom-made furnishings, luxurious fabrics and the latest communications and entertainment systems. In-room amenities will also include a mini-bar stocked with Dean & Deluca favorites, wine rack with hand-selected California vintages, and skin and hair care products from Molton Brown.
Plans for the hotel also feature an expanded lobby and 5,000 square feet of oceanfront meeting space with state of the art technology and full catering capabilities, as well as high-speed wireless and cable data connections throughout the hotel, making the Malibu Beach Inn a perfect destination for meetings and intimate corporate retreats.
Upon its opening, the Malibu Beach Inn will debut its Carbon Beach Club, an exclusive limited-membership experience that offers residents and non-hotel guests access to the hotel’s private beach with luxurious amenities and services.
About the Malibu Beach Inn
The privately owned Malibu Beach Inn is the only luxury oceanfront hotel destination between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara. Located on famed “Billionaire’s Beach,” the 47-room hotel was built in 1989 and has become a beloved destination for both leisure and business travelers. After a complete contemporary makeover, the property will feature a guests-only dining room, private beach club and attentive European-trained staff. The Malibu Beach Inn Carbon Beach will offer guests the ultimate Malibu Experience.
For reservations or other inquiries about the Malibu Beach Inn and Carbon Beach Club, check web site www.malibubeachinn.com or call (800) 562-5428.
Captain's Inn at Moss Landing Celebrates Historic Centennial of Pacific Coast Steamship Company Building :
The Pacific Coast Steamship Company Building was built in 1906 following the big 1906 earthquake. This building is one of the oldest buildings in Moss Landing and is currently owned by Captain Yohn and Melanie Gideon. The Gideons are planning a series of centennial celebrations for the building in 2006 and 2007. Bed and breakfast guests can also choose to join in the celebration with special packages and weekly birthday cake.
For more information, call 831-633-5550 or e-mail res@captainsinn.com
Carmel Plaza
New stores are now open at Carmel Plaza, just in time for the holidays
including J. Crew, Anthropologie, and Wilkes Bashford. Tommy Bahamas will be
opening soon. Girlfriend getaway packages are also now available through
Carmel plaza. Spend a weekend with just the girls, and pamper yourself with
this indulgent Carmel vacation package. Allow your stress to melt away during
a 50-minute spa treatment, or reinvent your image with a personalized
makeover. After a wonderful day of shopping together, enjoy a delicious wine
and cheese tasting.
For more information, call 831 624-0138 or e-mail Ryan.Williams@Macerich.com
Carmel Valley Ranch Offers new Wine Focused Package
Carmel Valley Wine Experience draws Guests to Experience Flavorful Regional Varietals while Enjoying the Beauty of "Steinbeck Country". Located in the heart of Carmel Valley, Calif. -- a region renowned for its majestic landscapes and abundant wine offerings -- the Carmel Valley Ranch resort has created a package designed for guests wishing to sample the best of the area's bountiful offerings.
The Carmel Valley Wine Experience Package includes:
Luxury suite accommodations and daily breakfast for two. A welcome amenity
consisting of locally harvested Robert Talbot Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay
accompanied by artisan cheese and regional organic fruit. A tasting
experience in the resort's Lobby Bar comprising three locally harvested
vintages. A map of Monterey and Carmel wine tasting rooms. A half bottle of
Chateau Christina Pino to take home as a souvenir Through Dec. 21, 2007,
the package is priced starting from $259 per room, per night based on double
occupancy.
For more information, call 310 358-7744 or e-mail Acampbell@LuxuryResorts.com
Casa Munras Begins Hotel Restoration
Casa Munras, one of the oldest properties in Monterey, is in the midst of a
more than $7 million renovation to update the hotel's entrance, lobby,
meeting rooms, restaurant, pool area and bar and guest rooms. The
renovation will preserve much of the hotel's original style along with its
distinguished spacious gardens while implementing dramatic upgrades to its
existing facilities. The renovation is scheduled to be completed on June 1,2007.
For more information, call 831-375-2411 or e-mail rstark@larkspurhotels.com.
The National Steinbeck Center Hosts "The Forgotten Village."
The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas will showcase "The Forgotten
Village" photography exhibition from October 28, 2007 through April 29, 2007
in the center's Pearl Gallery. The exhibit consists of 13 original photographs
taken by Rosa Kline and Alexander Hackensmid while on location in Mexico
filming "The Forgotten Village" documentary with John Steinbeck in 1940.
Artifacts from the National Steinbeck Center archives will supplement the
exhibition and will include The Forgotten Village book, originally published in
1940. Clips from the film's location will be permanently on view inside the
museum.
For more information, call 831-775-4725 or e-mail aholder@steinbeck.org
Fairmont Hotel Coming to Seaside
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Seaside Resort Development, LLC are pleased
to announce a new luxury mixed-use development in Seaside on the Monterey
Bay in Northern California. Fairmont will manage the resort, scheduled to open
in 2009. The hotel will feature 330 rooms and suites, of which 160 will be
situated in bungalows secluded amongst the trees, 24,000 square feet of
meeting space, a 14,000 square-foot Willow Stream spa, dining outlets, an
outdoor pool and the existing 36-hole championship Bayonet and Black Horse
golf course facility that the property will manage. In addition, a residential
component is planned with 170 condominiums and 125 single-family lots.
for more information, call 212-715-7098 or e-mail lori.holland@fairmont.com
Renovation Planned for Hyatt Regency Montery
The Hyatt Regency Monterey recently commenced a $40 million renovation
project scheduled for completion in early 2008. Upon the property's
transformation, it will proudly become Hyatt Regency Monterey on Del Monte
Golf Course Resort and Spa. The new Hyatt Regency Monterey -- the only
hotel in the city of Monterey located adjacent to a golf course - will remain
the largest hotel between the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles. It will
feature a stunning new full-service spa and world-class amenities for guests'
enjoyment. Highlights of the renovation also include luxurious guestrooms
outfitted with new elegant furnishings and modern amenities, a new signature
restaurant, and upgraded on-site activities.
For more linformation, call 831-647-2001 or e-mail tstatz@hyatt.com
Westin Opens Condominium-Hotel in Napa Valley
The whole-ownership condominium-hotel is the latest development to break ground in the emerging Oxbow District in the heart of America's wine capital. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE: HOT) and Intrawest ULC announce the ground-breaking of The Westin® Verasa Napa Residences, one of the largest private developments in the city's evolving riverfront community. The property is owned by Intrawest and will be managed by Intrawest Hospitality Management Division under a long-term management agreement.
"The Westin Verasa represents a tremendous win as it further expands the hotel base in the downtown area, both in the Oxbow District and the Napa Valley. Visitors will now have one more reason to stay and play in America's wine capital," said Benno Nager, Vice President of Development for Intrawest. "We are grateful for the support of the community and the City who have supported this condo hotel and our efforts to contribute to both the downtown and Oxbow District story."
A rare real estate opportunity such as The Westin Verasa Napa Residences is the fruition of countless hours of planning and collaboration by the City of Napa and two industry leaders - Intrawest, a world leader in developing resort destinations and Westin Hotels and Resorts®, with world-renowned service executed with effortless style and a gracious attitude. This exceptional partnership between Intrawest and Westin once again brings together the visionary innovators of successful hotels and residences throughout North America.
The Westin Verasa Napa will serve as a vital cornerstone for the development of an exciting new district in downtown Napa. The riverfront development will serve to enhance the rich diversity of Napa's surrounding wineries, growers and culinary culture. The Oxbow Public Market - located next to the development - broke ground on September 28th and is a testament to the emerging region. The 40,000 square foot marketplace, which includes a scenic outdoor deck with seating along the Napa River, will feature a diverse tenant mixture of local food vendors, artisan cafes and organic farm stands. Steve Carlin, founder and CEO of the Oxbow Public Market confirms the significance of the partnership, "We welcome The Westin as a wonderful new addition to the community. Their exciting project is further evidence of the Oxbow District's growing attraction as a destination for tourists and locals alike."
"The Westin Verasa Napa's architecture, design and its infusion of surrounding natural elements into the property are reflective of Westin's goal of ensuring that guests feel renewed and at their personal best," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. "The hotel's location allows owners to experience and become a part of a truly unparalleled piece of Napa Valley."
Construction on the hotel will begin this year, with a planned opening in 2008. The Westin Verasa Napa will be the first full-service property to come to Napa in nearly five years. The property will also add 5,320 square feet of conference space to the Napa Valley. A downtown Napa presentation center showcases architectural models and interior design samples.
For more information about The Westin Verasa Napa, check web site www.westinnaparesidences.com.
This city that began as a small farming community, has blossomed into the largest town in this county and celebrated its 100th year birthday on June 30, 2003. Among the treasures to be found here is the Fillmore & Western Railway, (located in the eastern end of Ventura County), having introduced its new Antique Treasure Train.
You'll also find displays of classic, milestone and special interest vehicles at the Murphy Auto Museum, but it now couples the collectible cars with vintage clothing from all decades. Mannequins are dressed in clothes within the particular era and are placed at the vehicles side with a historical description.
If you're ready to explore the waters deep below in Oxnard, check out Sunfish Diving. Operated by Michelle & Andy Volaski, it's available for open parties and full and half-day charters to both Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, as well as for coastal dives. The fee includes air fills, fresh hot water shower, private dressing areas, and a self-service galley.
Contact the Railway at 800-773-8724 for train information. For more information on the area, contact the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-269-6273, or web site www.oxnardtourism.com.
Contact the Murphy Auto Museum, located at 2230 Statham Boulevard, for hours and suggested donation, or call 805-487-4333.
For diving reservations, call Sunfish Diving at 805-644-1499.
For the 2006-2007 Oxnard Visitors Guide containing the latest information on Oxnard's hotels, attractions and restaurants, call 1-800-269-6273 or download the guide from web site www.visitoxnard.com
Visitors travelling along the Central Coast will now be able to find out all they need to know about Oxnard, Ventura County, the Central Coast region and California as a whole -- because Oxnard now has a new California Welcome Center.
The Center is located at the Town Center Building at 1000 Town Center Drive, off Interstate highway 101 at Oxnard Boulevard, and this site will join 12 other similar agencies strategically positioned across California. The Oxnard Welcome Center offers a myriad of complimentary services and information about Oxnard, Ventura County and regional destinations, in addition to general information on California itself. Oxnard was awarded the designation by the California Travel & Tourism Commission after going through a lengthy bid process.
The new Center is open Monday through Thursdays from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Fridays from 8:30 am to 6 pm; Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.
For more information on the Welcome Center, contact the Oxnard CVB at 805-385-7545, ext. 224.
The historic Woolworth building in downtown Oxnard has been transformed into a new bakery and cafe. Fresh & Fabulous offers classic bakery goods such as cookies, biscotti, bundt cake and muffins in addition to several Mediterranean inspired selections such as Baklava. The cafe portion of the restaurant features homemade soup, specialty salads, gourmet sandwiches, panini grilled sandwiches as well as a variety of quiche and homemade Mediterranean-style choices including hummus, bruschetta, baba ganoush, tabbouleh and more.
In addition, the new eatery offers ready-to-cook meal kits to easily preapre gourmet meals within 30 minutes. The decor plays off the art deco style of the historic Woolworth building that was built between 1949-1950.
For more information, call 805-486-4547 or visit web site www.myfreshandfabulous.com.
Thunderbirds Take to the Sky in March
The Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will headline the 2007 Naval Base Ventura County Air Show scheduled for March 31 and April 1. The NBVC Point Mug gages will open at 8 am both Saturday and Sunday, with flight demonstrations starting at 10 am. The Thunderbirds have appeared in past Point Mugu air shows in 1973, 1989, 2001, and 2002. Free and open to the public, the Air Show features the latest in aviation with both current and vintage aircraft on display, food & beverage booths and great sourvenirs.
For more information, call the Naval Base Ventura County Information Line at 805-989-8786 or visit web site www.nbvc.navy.mil.
Scarlett Belle Paddlewheeler to Make its Debut this Spring
Oxnard's new Paddlewheeler, the Scarlett Belle will make its debut in Oxnard this spring. The 149-passenger paddle wheeler will be available for weddings, corprorate events, themed parties and family reunions.
--- New Grand Stay Residential Suites Opens:
The newest hotel in town is the GrandStay Residential Suites at 2211 East Gonzales Road. The 57-unit hotel offers all the comforts of home combined with the services of a grand hotel. Visitors are offered one and two-bedroom studio suites with full kitchens, each completely furnished to meet ones needs while traveling away from home. Besides offering comfortable accommodations, the GrandStay will be serving Afternoon Tea the first Sunday of the month, and will be offered to residents and visitors from 3-5 pm. The cost is $20 per person and will include a variety of tea, delicious scones, tea sandwiches, and an assortment of desserts.
For more information, call the GrandStay Residential Suites at 805-983-6808.
--- Play Detective in Historic Heritage Square:
Featuring some of the best Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in Ventura County, La Dolce Vita di Mare, located in the McGrath House in historic Heritage Square, is puttig a whole new spin on the term, "dinner and show." Joining forces with Whim Custom Adventures, La Dolce Vita offers "Heritage Haunts," consisting of a series of clue-laden dinners, in which guests can participate in after they dine. Patrons are given clues pertaining to Heritage Square and surrounding attractions including the Murphy Auto Museum, Herzog Wine Cellars, and GrandStay Residential Suites. The final clue directs the guest back to La Dolce Vita where they have an opportunity to win a grand prize consisting of an overnight stay at GrandStay Residential Suites, a wine basket from Herzog Wine Cellars, theater tickets to the Elite Theatre in Heritage Square, and dinner for two at La Dolce Vita. In addition to the mystery dining, La Dolce Vita also offers Cooking Classes the fourth Saturday of the month at 1 pm. Participants make four different types of food and enjoy their creations at the end of class. The cost is $40 per person.
For more information, call La Dolce Vita at 805-486-6878 or check web site www.ladolcevita.com.
--- New Eatery in Oxnard:
Visitors will now have another dining option in Oxnard as Ruby's Cafe has opened. The new restaurant, located on Fourth Street near the Oxnard Transportation Center, offers Mexican and other cuisines such as seafood, chicken and pastas. In addition to a wide menu, Salsa classes are offered on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday nights, and Salsa music on Fridays and Sundays.
For more information, call Ruby's at 805-486-2169.
--- New Art Museum Opens in Oxnard:
Featuring works by individuals as well as thematic shows, the Plaza Art Gallery has opened up in downtown Oxnard located on the historic plaza adjacent to the Carnegie Art Museum. Housed in an Art Deco buyilding at 329 North 5th Street, the new gallery presents works by both contemporary and modern artists, with an emphasis on Latino Art. Special exhibitions are offered on a rotating basis. Plaza Art Gallery is open Wednesdays thorugh Sundays from oon to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 805-486-6947 or visit web site www.plazaartgallery.com.
--- Sunfish Diving:
Explore the Pacific Ocean and take in the sights and sounds of sea life, sea birds, and sea breezes on a three hour sightseeing cruise with Sunfish Diving. While on board, view the beautiful topography of the Pacific Coast and the historical points of interest. Guests can also see all the sights of the busy Pacific coastal industry filled with fishing boats, beautiful yachts, sail boats, cargo boats, and more. The tour will also meander through Channel Islands Harbor and cruise by the luxurious homes while keeping an eye out for various bird species along the beaches, river and jetty's.
For more information, call 805-644-1499.
Get Ready for Whale Watching Season in Oxnard!
Grab a front row seat and get ready for an exciting opportunity to catch a glimpse of nature during Whale Watching Season taking place off the coast of Oxnard. The season officially began the day after Christmas. Both Island Packers and Channel Islands Sportfishing offer daily excursions from Oxnard to view these magnificent mammals that grace the ocean as they migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel.
Island Packers, Ventura County’s official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, offers 3 1⁄2 hour non-landing trips through early April. The fare is $26 for adults, $22 for seniors ages 55 & up, and $17 per child ages 12 and under. Trips are provided at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. Island Packers also offers regular full-day excursions to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, which include whale watching along the way. For information and reservations, call 805/382-1779 or check web site www.islandpackers.com.
Channel Islands Sportfishing Center in Channel Islands Harbor also offers whale watching excursions from January through March 2007 aboard the vessel, the Speed Twin. Two trips will be offered daily, Monday through Friday departing at either 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. The cost is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (55 and over), and $15 for juniors (12 and under). And, if no whale sightings occur on a particular excursion, Channel Islands Sportfishing Center will provide a Free Pass, good for another outing! For more information, call 805-382-1612 or check web site www.speedtwinsportfishing.com.
Several hotels are offering whale watching packages and discounted hotel rates during Whale Watching Season. The Casa Sirena Hotel, located in picturesque Channel Islands Harbor, offers visitors a $135 overnight stay in the Marina View accommodations, which includes two adult whale watching tickets.
For information, call the Casa Sirena at 805-985-6311.
The Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Resort, located directly on the beach, offers a whale watching package that includes either a one or two night stay in a deluxe suite, cooked-to-order breakfast each morning, hosted beverages in the evening, two half-day whale watching tickets with Island Packers, overnight self-parking and wireless Internet access. The one-night package is from $215 and the two-night starts at $384. The offer is valid through April 8, 2007.
For more information, call Embassy Suites at 805-948-2500.
The new GrandStay Residential Suites offers a “landing” whale watching package with Island Packers, (landing & hiking on Anacapa Island) consisting of a one bedroom suite with two adult whale watching tickets for $200, plus tax, or a two-bedroom suite with two adult whale watching tickets for $255 plus tax. A “non-landing” (North Shore Cruise of Anacapa Island) whale watching package is also available consisting of a one-bedroom suite with two adult whale watching tickets for $165 plus tax, or a two-bedroom suite with two adult whale watching tickets and two child whale watching tickets for $220. Each package consists of a one night stay and additional nights and tickets are available upon request.
For more information, call GrandStay Residential Suites at 805-984-6808.
Every year, an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 Pacific Gray Whales migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel on their way to and from the warm lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. The pregnant females lead the southern migration, passing by the Channel Islands in late December and early January. The mature males and nonpregnant females follow the pregnant females. The juvenile whales are last to head south, usually in February.
The average length of a Gray Whale male is 11m (36 ft), maximum 15 m (50 ft). Females are 12m (39 ft), maximum (50 ft). Average weight for males is 26 metric tons, and females are 31 metric tons with the maximum for the species at 34 metric tons. One of the few whales that lack a dorsal fin, the Gray Whale is a dark charcoal color at birth, but eventually turns a mottled gray due to the large number of barnacles and lice on their bodies.
For more information on Whale Watching Season in Oxnard, or to receive visitor or hotel information, call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-269-6273 or check web site www.visitoxnard.com.
Strawberry Festival
The 24th Annual California Strawberry Festival gets underway May 19-20 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park (3250 S. Rose Avenue) in Oxnard, California's Strawberry Coast. The event ranks among the nation's premier outdoor weekend celebrations and includes scrumptious strawberry foods, the Strawberry Promenade with cooking and berry decorating demonstrations, live concerts on two stages, the Strawberryland for Kids Fun Zone with jest in Time Theatre, gooey contests, the Star Berry Hunt, and an award-winning Fine Arts & Crafts showcase with more than 300 artisans!
Proceeds benefit over 15 southland charities. All-day fun is available for the geeral admission of $12, with seniors 63 and over at $8 and children ages 5-12 at $5. Kids 4 and under are free. Active military and dependents with ID are $8. The hours are 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 6:30 pm on Sunday. Parking is free, but visitors can use the handy Park & Ride4 Strawberry Express Shuttle from convenient locations off the 101 Freeway.
The California Strawberry Festival Information Line is 1-888-288-9242 or visit web site www.strawberry-fest.org.
Historic Wagon Wheel to Get New Look
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Motel, a roadside landmark in Oxnard for years, will soon be taking on a new look and feel. As part of a redevelopment plan, it is proposed that the site be rebuilt to include two 20-story residential towers, 1200 row houses and condominiums, and about 47,000 square feet of retail and commerical space. According to officials, the proposed development would transform the aging industrial and commerical property into a mixed-use community of high-density housing called, The Village. The updated European-style village design would encourage walking, interaction among neighbors and use of mass transit.
Nestled at the base of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, just 9 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is the city that feels like a village. From mountains caressed by the sun, through gardens radiant with roses, to extraordinary turn-of-the-century architecture, there is nowhere else quite like Pasadena. It's truly a pedestrian-friendly city. Visitors can stroll along beautiful tree-lined South Lake Avenue, known as Pasadena's premier shopping district. Old Pasadena, a 22-block historical area featuring 19th century structures and quaint alleyways, is one of Southern California's hottest main-street entertainment districts. With 200 specialty shops, antique havens, boutiques, bistros and entertainment venues, Old Pasadena offers something for everyone.
Paseo Colorado is Pasadena's three-block open-air urban village. With its Mediterranean architecture, lush pedestrian promenades, courtyards and terraces, it is anchored by Pacific Theatre's 14-screen cinema complex, Amadeus Spa and Salon, Macy's Department store, and Equinox Fitness Club. Its 65 distinct specialty retail shops and restaurants include Coach, BCBG Max Azria, J. Jill, Tommy Bahama, and the Yard House.
Drawing from its rich cultural heritage, Pasadena features numerous world-class museums and historical sites. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens offers an extensive collection of literary classics, 17th and 18th century British and French art, and 150 acres of lush gardens. Highlights include an original Gutenberg Bible, Ellesmere's manuscript of Canterbury Tales, the famous Pinkie and Blue Boy paintings, and an authentic Japanese garden.
Seven centuries of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century are on display at The Norton Simon Museum, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Degas, Rembrandt, and Picasso. The Pacific Asia Museum is dedicated to the promotion and understanding of the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific, while the Pasadena Museum of California Art features California art, architecture and design from 1850 to the present. In contrast, the Gamble House, built in 1908 is an architectural masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts era.
Pasadena's Rose Bowl is famous for championship events including five Super Bow football games, the 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer Championship, and the Rose Bowl Game. Today, the Rose Bowl is home to the UCLA Bruins football team.
After dark, the village takes on a whole new flavor. As the birthplace of Julia Child, it is home to some of Southern California's finest restaurants with over 500 to choose from, including Madre's, the chic Latin-style eatery owned by singer/actress Jennifer Lopez. Exciting nightlife ranges from hot jazz clubs and cool comedy at the Ice House to theater at the Pasadena Playhouse and musical performances at the renowned Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
A vast array of shops, restaurants and recreational opportunities lie within walking distance of Pasadena's hotels, with accommodations ranging from intimate inns to luxury resorts. Favorites include the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa, the Westin Pasadena, Hilton Pasadena, Sheeraton Pasadena, and the Old Pasadena Courtyard by Marriott.
With a population of only 140,000, Pasadena offers visitors a friendly and safe enclave. The city's mild Mediterranean climate also makes for ideal sightseeing conditions. Year-round temperatures average 76 degrees F.
For more information, contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau; 626 795-9311
or check web site www.pasadenacal.com
Hotel Cheval, New Stylish Boutique Inn, to Debut in April 2007
Paso Robles welcomes a new downtown luxury property with the opening of Hotel Cheval in April 2007. Influenced by the surrounding countryside and situated in America’s new prized food and wine region, Hotel Cheval will offer well-traveled guests an experience unlike any other in the Central Coast area featuring old-world hospitality and exceptional personalized service amidst thoughtfully designed and refined accommodations.
Proprietors Robert and Sherry Gilson spent two and a half years refining the concept and location of Hotel Cheval. With a passion for good design, more than 20 years of experience in real estate and an interest in the hospitality industry, the Gilson’s were inspired to open their first hotel in downtown Paso Robles. Robert’s background in business finance coupled with Sherry’s talent for style and design makes these new hoteliers a dynamic husband and wife team. From the original blueprint, to the décor and selection of the amenities, they have immersed themselves in its development to create a memorable destination for their guests.
“We are inspired by the many properties we have visited and are drawn to the romanticism of hotels. The idea of giving guests a surprising and delightful experience is very exciting and fulfilling, especially in this new American wine country.” says Robert Gilson.
Each of the property’s 16 rooms is thoughtfully and individually composed with a classic and stylish flair featuring a hint of contemporary design. Cozy windows seats, fireplaces, outdoor patios, fountains and European artifacts are complimented by original artwork by Richard Tullis. Additional amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, flat screen televisions, complimentary Ethernet and wireless internet connections, DVD players, luxury linens and bathroom amenities by Temple Spa.
In keeping with an equestrian theme - “cheval” is French for horse - the rooms are named after famous racehorses throughout history. Guests can unwind in front of the fireplaces in the courtyard, curl up with a book in the library or have an early evening glass of wine in the Pony Club – the Parisian inspired horseshoe shaped zinc bar. For a unique and unparalleled experience, guests can enjoy complimentary carriage rides to dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings with Chester, Hotel Cheval’s Belgian draft horse.
Hotel Cheval is a stylish and sophisticated 16 room luxury Inn located in the superior downtown location of Paso Robles.
For more information on Hotel Cheval, visit web site www.hotelcheval.com .
San Diego Natural History Museum
There's lots going on at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Check Out the Great Hikes . . .
FREE GUIDED NATURE HIKES
Horsethief Canyon
Take a 400-foot descent to the canyon floor. A flat trail to Pine Valley Creek will lead you through live oaks, sycamores and wildflowers. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Saturday, May 5, 2007; 9 AM–1 PM
Torrey Pines State Reserve Extension
See rare Torrey pines, native chaparral plants, and wildflowers on this easy walk to a vista point overlooking Peñasquitos Lagoon and the ocean. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Sunday, May 6, 2007; 9–11 AM
Florida Canyon
Enjoy this central canyon preserved by Helen Witham Chamlee. Together with Docents of the San Diego Natural History Museum, Chamlee founded the Canyoneers in 1973. Learn more about the Canyoneers history. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Saturday, May 12, 2007; 5–6:30 PM
Iron Mountain
A steady uphill climb takes you through exceptional native vegetation. At the summit trail junction, choose to return (3 miles round trip) or continue to the summit (an additional 3.5 miles round trip) for a magnificent view of the mountains and valleys. There is a 1000-foot gain to the summit. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Sunday, May 13, 2007; 8 AM–12:30 PM
Agua Dulce Loop
This walk starts on the Old County Rd. then continues along the Aqua Dulce Creek to Laguna Meadow. There are a variety of unusual plants to be found on this loop. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Saturday, May 19, 2007; 9 AM–2:30 PM
Old Banner Road
This site offers a wide variety of wildflowers on a downhill walk to the Warlock Mine. Re-energize at lunch break before you begin your return, which is uphill all the way. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Sunday, May 20, 2007; 9 AM–1 PM
Crestridge Ecological Reserve
Join this pleasant hike in the community of Crest. The 2600-acre parcel, controlled by the Department of Fish and Game, includes coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian and oak woodland habitats. Cross a year- round stream then stroll under mature oak woodland habitat. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Saturday, May 26, 2007; 9–10:30 AM
Cottonwood Creek Falls
On this 2-mile hike in the Laguna Mountains, with a gain/loss of 500 feet in elevation, follow a draw to where the creek emerges from a narrow canyon to create waterfalls. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Sunday, May 27, 2007; 9 AM–noon
The museum is located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park. For details, call 619.232.3821. Admission is $11 for adults; $9 for seniors; $7 for military, youth 13–17, students; $6 for children 3–12. Free for members.
EXHIBITIONS AND GIANT-SCREEN FILMS at the SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM:
Permanent exhibition—Fossil Mysteries From dinosaurs to mammoths, discover the rich fossil history of our region. In this major exhibition created by the Museum visitors can play the role of paleontologist: ponder a mystery, examine the strong fossil evidence from the Museum’s collection, and use scientific tools to discover answers.
Traveling through a 75-million-year timeline, from the age of dinosaurs to the Ice Ages, visitors will experience an unfolding of the prehistory of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico.
Developed by the San Diego Natural History Museum. Major funding provided by the California Cultural and Historic Endowment; National Science Foundation; Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation; an anonymous donor; and generous support from the J. W. Sefton Foundation; the San Diego Foundation: Weingart-Price Fund and Carol and Henry F. Hunte Fund; San Diego County Supervisors Pam Slater-Price, Ron Roberts and Greg Cox; The Legler Benbough Foundation; THE PARKER FOUNDATION: Gerald and Inez Grant Parker; Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation; Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan; Carol and Dennis Wilson; Rice Family Foundation; Samuel and Katherine French Fund; Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation; and Sony Electronics Inc.
Through May 31 Art gallery and sale—VISIONS of the NATURAL WORLD through the LENS of the MASTERS Discover brilliant fine-art photography! VISIONS is a collaborative effort between the Museum and The Ordover Gallery, and is presented in a series of eight shows that feature nature-based photography of nationally recognized artists; sculpture and glass will also be exhibited. All of the artwork will be for sale, and a substantial portion of proceeds will benefit the Museum. For more information, visit www.sdnhm.org/exhibits. The last show in the series, open May 5–May 31, is titled Contemporary Expressions and will feature artists Art Myers, Nancy Keating, Lisa Ross, Lew Abulafia, Bill Evarts, Abe Ordover and Charles Sherman. For imagery, visit www.ordovergallery.com.
Through June Giant-screen film–Too Hot Not to Handle Heat waves. Melting glaciers. Rising sea levels. Catastrophic storms. Migrating viruses. Population displacement. Over the past 100 years, the mass consumption of fossil fuels, especially in America, has contributed to a dangerous warming of the earth that has adversely impacted the way we live. The cautionary documentary Too Hot Not to Handle offers a guide to the effects of global warming in the United States.
Ongoing Giant-screen film—Ocean Oasis Take a fascinating journey into Mexico’s beautiful Sea of Cortés and the Baja California desert. Ocean Oasis is the winner of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and the International Wildscreen Film Festival. For more information visit www.sdnhm.org. Produced by the San Diego Natural History Museum, Summerhays Films and PRONATURA A.C. Sponsored by Sempra Energy.
PROGRAMS
Sunday, May 6; 12:15 PM and 2:15 PM Free family performance—Wacky Science Sundays with Ms. Frizzle™ and The Magic School Bus© Wahoo! Join us for live performances EVERY Sunday at the Museum. Get ready to explore the wild and wacky worlds of mysterious creatures, fascinating habitats, and phenomenal hands-on science! FREE with
Museum admission. Call the Frizzle hotline 619.232.3821 ext. 8 or visit www.sdnhm.org/frizzle for the latest information.
Tuesday, May 8; 6:30–8 PM (Orientation) and Friday, May 18; 8 AM to Sunday, May 20; 6 PM Overnight expedition—East Canyon of the Sierra Juarez The east escarpment of the Sierra Juarez in northern Baja California has more native palms, pool-filled canyons, and greater contrasts of elevation than all the palm canyons in the U.S. combined! On this car-camping trip, explore the geology, archaeology, and natural history of two palm oases. Visit rock art sites and a garnet mine. Member $75 per vehicle; Nonmember $85 per vehicle. For more information or to register, visit www.sdnhm.org or call 619.255.0203.
Thursday, May 10; 11 AM Family program—Nature, Mommy, and Me Calling all budding naturalists! Come enjoy an imaginative journey into nature through dynamic readings and visits to exhibitions. Storytime is held every second Thursday of the month. Open to all ages with a parent (recommended for ages 1–5). FREE with Museum admission. For more information, visit www.sdnhm.org or call 619.255.0203.
Saturday, May 12; 8–11 AM Adult program—Birding by Sound One of the most important and interesting aspects about identifying birds is the ability to distinguish different species by their sounds. Hike into the eastern portion of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Park, through oak and willow woodland and past sage scrub and chaparral, and utilize popular birding field guides. Participants will meet at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Park. Member $15; Nonmember $20. For more information or to register, visit www.sdnhm.org or call 619.255.0203.
Sunday, May 13, 2007; 9 AM--–1:30 PM Family Program—Mother’s Day Glorietta Bay Kayak Open to ages 8 and up. Bring Mom and meet at Glorietta Bay on the Silver Strand for an introductory paddling lesson. Then launch for a scenic paddle under the beautiful Coronado Bridge to the Coronado Ferry Landing. Member $55 per adult; Nonmember $65 per adult. $20 per child age 6–12 paddling in a double kayak with a parent. For more information or to register, visit www.sdnhm.org or call 619.255.0203.
Sunday, May 13; 12:15 PM and 2:15 PM Free family performance—Wacky Science Sundays with Ms. Frizzle™ and The Magic School Bus© Wahoo! Join us for live performances EVERY Sunday at the Museum. Get ready to explore the wild and wacky worlds of mysterious creatures, fascinating habitats, and phenomenal hands-on science! FREE with Museum admission. Call the Frizzle hotline 619.232.3821 ext. 8 or visit www.sdnhm.org/frizzle for the latest information
Monday, May 14; 8 AM to Thursday, May 17; 6 PM Overnight expedition—Yosemite’s Water Works: A Natural History and Photography Tour In mid-May, waterfalls are vigorously flowing, there are juxtapositions of light and shadow, and a natural sense of form and texture. Photograph breathtaking Half Dome and El Capitan, watch for animals, look for wildflowers, and see yourself in a reflecting pool. For more information or to register, visit www.sdnhm.org or call 619.255.0203.
Saturday, May 19; 8 AM–7 PM Adult Program—Delicias de México: Tequila and Barbacoa Tequila, the national drink of Mexico, is an important ingredient in elaborate barbacoa (lamb barbecue). Spend the day in the garden of a beautiful Baja California restaurant and witness the preparation of this delicious meal. After lunch, learn about the agave plant, its uses, and the history of tequila. Then taste varieties of tequila to distinguish flavors and qualities. Member $82; Nonmember $92. For more information or to register, visit www.sdnhm.org or call 619.255.0203.
Sunday, May 20; 12:15 PM and 2:15 PM Free family performance—Wacky Science Sundays with Ms. Frizzle™ and The Magic School Bus© Wahoo! Join us for live performances EVERY Sunday at the Museum. Get ready to explore the wild and wacky worlds of mysterious creatures, fascinating habitats, and phenomenal hands-on science! FREE with Museum admission. Call the Frizzle hotline 619.232.3821 ext. 8 or visit www.sdnhm.org/frizzle for the latest information.
Sunday, May 27; 12:15 PM and 2:15 PM Free family performance—Wacky Science Sundays with Ms. Frizzle™ and The Magic School Bus© Wahoo! Join us for live performances EVERY Sunday at the Museum. Get ready to explore the wild and wacky worlds of mysterious creatures, fascinating habitats, and phenomenal hands-on science! FREE with Museum admission. Call the Frizzle hotline 619.232.3821 ext. 8 or visit www.sdnhm.org/frizzle for the latest information
Museum's JUNE 2007 FREE GUIDED NATURE HIKES
William Heise County Park
An uphill walk will take us through a mix of pines and oaks. Stellar’s and scrub jays, juncos, acorn woodpeckers, and gray squirrels can be seen and heard in this woodland. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Saturday, June 2; 10 AM–noon
San Elijo Lagoon County Ecological Preserve
This is an easy walk along the lagoon, except for a few steep steps down a small hill at the trailhead. Search for water birds at this marsh habitat and estuary. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.
Sunday, June 3; 5-7:30 PM
Garnet Peak
Garnet Peak offers dramatic views of the desert and the Laguna Mountain Range. On a clear day, the eastern view may include the Salton Sea. This trail takes you through Jeffrey pines to high chaparral. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619.255.0203.</