The National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC's and the nation's greatest springtime celebration, is quickly approaching, running over three weekends from March 27 through April 11. The National Park Service today announced that the famed cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin are forecasted to hit their peak bloom April 3-8 and Destination DC, the city's official convention and tourism corporation, is inviting travelers to experience spring beauty in the nation's capital by booking cherry blossom and spring break-themed getaways. Hotel packages are available at Washington.org/cherryblossom or by calling 800-422-8644.

HOTEL PACKAGES

DC's hotels always join in the springtime excitement, offering fantastic packages with a cherry flair starting as low as $128/night during the Festival.* Consider The Liaison Capitol Hill's package, which includes overnight accommodations, two all-day Metro passes, a live cherry blossom branch to take home, a bag of goodies from in-house restaurant Art and Soul and artisan handmade chocolates starting at $181/night. Or, the luxe Fairmont Washington, D.C.'s package, which includes overnight accommodations, a box of cherry blossom note cards and complimentary valet parking starting at $176/night. Families will enjoy the spacious Georgetown Suites' package, which includes complimentary parking, free WIFI and complimentary continental breakfast starting at $128/night. And at the new and chic Dupont Hotel, visitors can book packages including complimentary full breakfast for each adult at Cafe Dupont starting at $122.71/night.  For more information on these and other themed packages, visit Washington.org/cherryblossom.  

*Rates starting at $99 for suburban hotels and on select non-festival dates.

CHERRY-INSPIRED RESTAURANT OFFERINGS

More than 70 DC restaurants participate in the National Cherry Blossom Festival by serving up "Cherry Picks" - themed menu-items delightfully flavored with cherries and inspired by the blossoms. Festive cocktails, succulent entrées and delectable cherry desserts show off the talents of the city's top chefs. For the 2010 promotion, offerings include Roasted Lamb with Celery Root Puree and Cherry Lamb Jus at Urbana Restaurant & Wine Bar, or CommonWealth Gastropub's Tempranillo Cherry Ice Cream Sandwich. A complete list of participating restaurants, along with their specialty menu items, can also be found at Washington.org/cherryblossom.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 27-April 11) takes place over three weekends, and here are Destination DC's picks for can't-miss events:

• Family Day & Opening Ceremony: Mar. 27, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., National Building Museum -- Hands-on activities and free entertainment will be offered at Family Day, taking place before the Festival's official Opening Ceremony, which begins at 4 p.m. (Free)
• Fireworks Show: Apr. 3, 8:30 p.m., Southwest Waterfront -- Watch fireworks light up the sky in celebration of the blossoms. The best viewing areas are at 6th and Water Streets, SW (across from Arena Stage) or East Potomac Park.  A musical prelude and other family activities will be held on the Southwest Waterfront beforehand, beginning at 5 p.m. (Free)
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®: Apr. 10, starts at 10 a.m., Constitution Ave. between 7th & 17th Sts. -- Floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons and international performing groups will wind their way down one of America's most popular avenues. (Free)
• Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival: Apr. 10, 11 a.m. -6 p.m., 12th St. NW & Pennsylvania Ave. -- A showcase of culture, crafts and cuisine, this Festival features martial arts demonstrations, restaurant offerings, a Japanese beer garden, vendors selling traditional crafts, pop culture must-haves and more. (Free)

And consider rounding-out your DC vacation with any of these tours, happening through the duration of the Festival:

• Blossoms by Bike: March 27-April 11 - weekdays at 3 p.m.; weekends at 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. -- Bike and Roll celebrates the arrival of spring with a two-hour bike ride specifically designed to showcase DC's natural spring beauty. ($32/adults; $22/children)
• National Park Service Ranger-Guided Lantern Walks: March 27-April 11 - daily at 8 p.m. -- On this evening walk, a knowledgeable National Park Service Ranger will guide visitors through the five-mile perimeter of the Tidal Basin against the backdrop of lantern-lighting. (Free)
• Cherry Blossom Photo Safaris: March 27-April 11 - daily at 6:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. -- Washington Photo Safari's professional photographers will use the blossom-adorned Tidal Basin as the canvas for teaching travel photography techniques to amateurs. Topics covered include tips on proper lighting, composition, exposure and camera usage. ($64-$99/person for 6:15 a.m. tour; $59/person for 3 p.m. tour)

For more information and a complete list of National Cherry Blossom Festival events, visit Nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Springtime is a period of renewal and rejuvenation, and it is the perfect season for all ages to celebrate at sandestination. This popular vacation destination is located on Northwest Florida's Beaches, recently named one of the top 12 international destinations by Frommer's. Sandestination visitors will discover a unique combination of beach and bay front activities, shopping, dining, recreation, events, spas and a variety of accommodations ranging from national brand hotels to expertly-designed estates for families, leisure travelers, business travelers and groups. This destination offers guests everything they need, so visitors can enjoy their stay without needing to leave sandestination.

Accommodations

Cooperatively, sandestination offers nearly 2,500 accommodations, including Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard and Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, with a variety of comfortable suites, condominiums, villas and townhomes that will suit every person's preference and budget. A variety of accommodation atmospheres are available such as beach front, bay front, poolside, and golf course views. Visit www.sandestination.com for descriptions, contact information and Web sites of all sandestination properties to discover the perfect place to enjoy this spring.

Activities

Activities in sandestination are plentiful in the spring as the warm weather returns, such as the exhilarating water sports of parasailing, boogie boarding, sailing, surfing, Yolo boarding and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. The pristine sugar-white beaches and emerald green waters of sandestination delight guests, and the beach service staff is prepared to enhance a visitor's stay. Golf courses and tennis courts are available for athletic options, and bicycles are accessible to explore sandestination's beautiful landscape. Fitness Center facilities at the accommodations offer a great way stay in shape while experiencing the premier destination.

Since sandestination welcomes families, junior programs are available for recreation and daily activities. Boondocks Family Arcade and Baytowne Adventure Zone in the Village of Baytowne Wharf have exciting activities such as the miniature remote-control rowboats, Zipline, a Ropes Course, a Coconut Climb and the EuroBungy. Also, for some creative fun, sandestination offers watercolor workshops at the Donna Burgess Art Gallery and glass art demonstrations at Fusion Art Glass Gallery in Grand Boulevard, as well as pottery and jewelry workshops at Paint'n Place and magic shows at Rick Moore's Magic Shop in the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

For some much needed relaxation, guests will enjoy the high quality spa treatments of massages and facials, salon services and more at Sandestin Day Spa & Salon at Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort, Serenity by the sea at Hilton Sandestin(R) Beach Golf Resort and Spa and Fusion Spa Salon AVEDA in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin(R).

Shopping

The shopping venues at sandestination offer great diversity and value. Visitors may power shop this spring at Silver Sands Factory Stores, the nation's largest designer outlet center, and enjoy over 100 retailers that will satisfy all shopping needs, including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Coach Factory, Lacoste and Polo Ralph Lauren, just to name a few. Guests will enjoy eclectic stores with unique gifts, clothing, décor and home furnishings in The Market Shops at Sandestin(R) and in the charming atmosphere of the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin(R) is a pedestrian-friendly Town Center with a unique mix of nationally recognized retailers including Chico's, J. Crew-at-the-beach, Billabong, The Orvis Company, J. Jill, Coldwater Creek and more.

Restaurants

From casual to fine dining, sandestination offers ample restaurants and eateries to satisfy every guest's craving. The variety of dining options include P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Tommy Bahama's Restaurant & Bar, Marlin Grill, Bistro Bijoux, Smoke House BBQ, Another Broken Egg, Seagar's Prime Steaks and Seafood, Finz Beachside Grille, Mitchell's Fish Market and Cheeseburger in Paradise. From Caribbean flair, retro-style diners, a Greek taverna, Mexican gourmet, seafood delicacies, bakeries, and ice cream and candy shops, sandestination is sure to delight all visitors.

Visit www.sandestination.com for complete details.

sandestination is located on Northwest Florida's Beaches near Destin, Florida and is a 3 1/2 mile stretch along Emerald Coast Parkway. Sandestination is a four-season destination for people of all ages and all occasions and offers the most complete and memorable resort experience in North America. Visitors will discover a unique combination of beach and bay front activities, shopping, dining, recreation, events, spas and a variety of Destin accommodations ranging from national brand hotels to expertly-designed estates.

SOURCE Sandestination

For a limited time turn SeaWorld's 2010 music festival into a weekend getaway

Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld and SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld are both excited to invite guests to Orlando during the final days of SeaWorld Orlando's Bands, Brew & BBQ 2010 Music Festival.

Simply stay at one of these two family-friendly hotels near SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida and enjoy close proximity to SeaWorld, Aquatica and minutes from Universal Studios.

Enjoy this rockin', smokin', saucy and sweet music festival that also features an all-you-care-to-eat picnic from 11:30-4:00 p.m. Live concerts then begin at 4:00 p.m.

For only $15.95 for adults and $8.95 for children ages three to nine, guests are invited to book online or call 888-800-5447. Park admission is required but not included. For more information about the SeaWorld Orlando Bands, Brew & BBQ Music Festival 2010, visit http://seaworld.com.

Then, after indulging in BBQ and ice-cold beer until bellies are full, retreat back to deluxe accommodations on International Drive and enjoy a family getaway that lets you relax and unwind surrounded by all the comforts of home.

About Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

Featuring complimentary shuttle service to attractions, this Orlando hotel near SeaWorld represents a premier Orlando family destination. Start the day off right with a complimentary continental breakfast before exploring exciting attractions surrounding this Orlando hotel near SeaWorld. For those looking to soak up some sun, look no further than the one-of-a-kind Shamu Pool and splash zone, an iconic feature of this family friendly hotel near SeaWorld in Orlando. For more information or to make a reservation, call 407-354-1139 or visit www.fairfieldinnandsuitesseaworld.com.

About SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

Experience the stylish design of an International Drive hotel offering 25% larger suites than comparably priced Orlando International Drive hotel rooms. Modern yet comfortable accommodations boast innovative design, stylish furnishings and plush bedding, while complimentary hotel perks include breakfast, high speed internet and on-site parking. Splash in the unique Shamu outdoor pool, play in the splash zone, or soak up some sun before enjoying delicious American cuisine at the SpringHill Bar & Grille. For more information or to make a reservation, call 407-354-1176 or visit www.Springhillsuitesseaworld.com.

SOURCE Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

Visitors to top Rocky Mountain resorts have a new way of renting a vacation home thanks to an innovative new web site called VacationRentalsByAuction.com.  This unique new service lets visitors bid on available dates on up to 1,000 privately owned vacation homes -- many of which still have open dates for this ski season. This site was created by Resortia LLC - the largest independent vacation rental agency in the Rockies.

The user-friendly site allows visitors to bid on specific time periods for privately owned vacation homes in 10 of the most popular resort communities - including Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Park City.  "The Vacation Rentals By Auction service takes some of the top features of proven Internet auction leaders, and popular rental advertising portals, and melds them into a satisfying vacation lodging experience at a great value," according to Resortia's CEO Larry Hoffer.  

"We've built on Southwest Airlines' successful model and eliminated any hidden booking and housekeeping fees.  Our quoted rates are all inclusive, predictable, and guaranteed.  They even include lodging taxes -- so visitors know exactly what their costs will be.  Plus we certify that all of the homes are exactly as promised, because one of our representatives personally visits each home to ensure that the pictures and information used to describe a residence are accurate," he says.

Opening minimum bids generally start at about a 40 percent discount, with some discounts exceeding 50 percent. All auctions are "No Reserve" -- meaning that visitors will win the auction regardless of how low the winning bid is.  Plus all auctions have a "Rent-it-Now" option allowing visitors to immediately secure the home for the time period being auctioned.

Resortia was founded in 2003 to develop profitable innovative business solutions that enhance the lives of visitors and homeowners in premier destination communities. Resortia currently operates rental agency businesses in Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Snowmass, Steamboat, Breckenridge, Winter Park and Telluride in Colorado, Park City and Deer Valley in Utah and in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  (www.VacationRentalsByAuction.com and www.resortia.com)

SOURCE Resortia LLC

13 teams attending the 20th Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships

Experience the visual wonderment of the creation and exhibition of snow art. The Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships return to Breckenridge for the 20th year from January 26-31, 2010.

Thirteen teams from around the globe have been invited to compete from seven countries including Canada (two teams), China, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Mexico, Russia and the USA. The United States teams invited include Alaska, Colorado (Breckenridge and Loveland), Idaho, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Snow Sculpting is attended annually by more than 30,000 people of all ages from across the USA and the world.

Each year, four-person teams are assigned 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of machine-made Colorado snow. These teams work within a five-day period to create their sculptures. From these blocks of snow, the teams often craft enormous pieces of whimsy, although some deliver powerful political or social commentary.

The finished pieces are achieved after a total of 65 intense hours of work without the use of power tools, internal support structures or colorants - just the ingenuity of the sculptors and a medium that lends itself, if only temporarily, to the persuasion of hand tools.

When the sculptures are finished on Saturday, January 30, a panel of well-known artists and patrons of the arts serve as judges. Awards are presented to the first, second and third place sculptures on Sunday, January 31. Awards are also given for People's Choice, Kids' Choice and Artists' Choice. There are no cash prizes; the artists instead revel in the reward of hard work, forged friendships, freedom of artistic expression and the satisfaction of long hours of preparation that lead to the event.

No one would have guessed 20 years ago that the first International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge would have grown into the renowned world-class event it is today, and that the founders of the event would still be passionately sculpting for Team Breckenridge 20 years later.

Featured Lodging Package during Snow Sculptures: Ski Free, Stay Free

Plan a ski adventure to Breckenridge during the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Book three nights of lodging and three days of adult lift tickets and receive FREE an additional night of lodging and an additional day of adult skiing. Prices start at only $128 per person, per night. Package offered January 5 - February 10, 2010.

Call the Breckenridge Resort Chamber at 877-593-5260 or visit gobreck.com for more information on the 2010 Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships and January lodging packages in Breckenridge.

SOURCE Breckenridge Resort Chamber

As China enters the depths of winter, travelers are making plans to visit the world renowned Harbin Ice & Snow Festival. The China Guide is currently booking tours to Harbin which include hotel, festival sights and activities, train or flight tickets and the opportunity to ski at China's best mountain resort. Harbin Winter Festival activities will be under way as of December 20th, with the official opening ceremony taking place on January 5th of next year.

Visitors to Harbin can spend time enjoying the massive snow and ice sculptures, strolling the city sights or skating on the Songhua River. In the evening the Snow & Ice World will be lit up, creating a colorful icy landscape. Great for all ages, visitors can walk through giant ice structures and sometimes exit on ice slides. At any time during the day, festival goers can stop to warm up to a cup of hot chocolate or steaming noodles inside an ice cafe. As an added winter bonus, The China Guide is including a skiing option in its Harbin itineraries. The Yabuli Ski Resort is located close to the city and makes a perfect addition to the festival.

Yabuli is the best and most complete ski resort in China, making it popular for locals and tourists. There are 17 cable car lifts, 22 ski runs and the resort boasts a 3800-meter long trail. The resort has areas for recreational skiing, professional alpine training and competitions. Skiers of all ages can find runs suitable for their experience levels. Recently there have been a lot of investment and improvements to the ski resort, making it a great place for a weekend ski trip, complete with a wide selection of hotel options.

"We like to combine the top sights and activities in a destination so that travelers can experience the best of China. The Harbin Ice & Snow Festival is becoming more popular among travelers, but they might not be aware of other activities such as the great skiing opportunities, and it's our job to introduce it," says Judy Huang, Travel Manager of The China Guide. "The Yabuli Ski Resort is a perfect combination with the Harbin Festival sights. The ski resort is about two hours from the city and has beautiful mountain scenery surrounded by pine forests. The best part is you can get everything you need right at the hill including equipment and suit rentals."

The China Guide's Harbin Winter itineraries are available for booking now. Their 4-day itinerary includes two days of Harbin Ice & Snow Festival sights and 2 days at Yabuli with overnight accommodation at the resort. For travelers short on time, there are 2- and 3-day options available.

Visit http://thechinaguide.com/harbin/index.html for destination information, photos and itineraries.

The China Guide

The China Guide, http://www.TheChinaGuide.com , is a Beijing based travel agency, American owned and operated. Specializing in western-style service and quality with hassle free web bookings, they work with clients to customize tours that match their travel style. Operating only in China, they have up to date knowledge and offer exciting experiences for travelers including their famous Sleep on the Great Wall tour. The China Guide avoids the common factory shopping stops that are not reflective of the true China.

SOURCE The China Guide

Unique travel experience integrates students of mixed hearing abilities for the learning adventure of a lifetime

Hear the World, a global initiative by hearing system manufacturer Phonak, combines forces with Global Explorers, a not-for-profit educational travel organization, to offer the first-ever Hear the World Expedition. The expedition will integrate students of mixed hearing abilities to raise awareness about hearing as a fundamental part of life that many take for granted.

Hearing loss affects one in every six people worldwide - the equivalent of the number of people who own a car. However, few realize the important role that hearing and sound play in day to day life. The acoustical environment of the Peruvian Amazon is a complex symphony exploding with life - where one's ability to listen is increasingly magnified. For that reason, it is the perfect setting to educate students about the importance of hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. Students with and without hearing loss will form an unlikely team that will work together and learn from one another while shattering expectations and learning to use adversity to their advantage.

The expedition team will be accompanied by Bill Barkeley, a world-class mountain climber and one of the 15,000 people in the United States with Type 2 Usher's Syndrome - the leading cause of deaf-blindness in the world. Bill's 2007 summit of Mount Kilimanjaro shattered expectations and confirmed his role as an advocate and inspiration for the hearing loss community.

"With the assistance of a Phonak hearing device, I was able to successfully accomplish what many deemed impossible," said Bill. "I am thrilled to be a part of this partnership between Global Explorers and Hear the World, and accompany these inspirational young people as a mentor on this incredible journey."

About Hear the World Expeditions

Hear the World Expeditions create a unique platform where groups of students explore science, culture, leadership and service while at the same time raising awareness about the importance of hearing. More than a simple trip, the Hear the World Expedition to the Amazon will include a pre-expedition training in the Spring of 2010, a two week international field workshop throughout the Peruvian Amazon (Iquitos, Peru) from July 8-17, 2010, as well as follow-up service projects and a large-scale public outreach campaign for students from around the world.

Expedition applications are currently being accepted through January 15, 2010. Applicants must be between the ages of 17-22 on July 8, 2010, enrolled as a full-time student either the semester before or after travel and experience hearing loss or have an expressed interest in hearing awareness and education. Fundraising assistance is available for those who qualify.

To learn more, nominate a student or apply, visit: http://www.globalexplorers.org/programs/destinations/hear_the_world_expeditions/.

SOURCE Phonak

Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort today announces that tickets for the 24th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival are on sale now with early bird ticket pricing. The acclaimed Sandestin Wine Festival at The Village of Baytowne Wharf is one of the hottest events of the year on the Florida Gulf Coast.

The 2010 Sandestin Wine Festival events start on Thursday, April 22 and run through Sunday, April 25.

Historically, thousands of people from around the country enjoy this special Sandestin area event. Wine novices are able to learn more about wines and sample from a comprehensive selection including the finest appellations from all major producing countries. Wine aficionados enjoy meeting winemakers, asking detailed questions and acquiring hard-to-get selections.

On Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25, The Sandestin Wine Festival features Grand Wine Tastings, the pouring of more than 600 domestic and international wines. Representatives from more than 80 vineyards from across the globe will be available to entertain questions, offering a rare opportunity to learn about the finest appellations from all major producing countries in all varieties, styles and price ranges. For tickets and schedule of events visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

    - Early bird ticket prices are available now while quantities last for
      $65 a day or $120 for both days.
    - Regular advanced tickets are $80 a day and $120 for both days.
    - Tickets can be bought the day of the event for $90 a day or $130 for
      both days.

In coordination with the Sandestin Wine Festival, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation holds concurrent events that appeal to passionate wine enthusiasts. The Destin Charity Wine Auction will be held Saturday, April 24 and will feature distinctive wines from internationally acclaimed vintners, poured and paired with fine cuisine created by a selection of the area's top chefs. While wining and dining, attendees will enjoy a silent auction and the excitement of live music. The night will culminate with a high-energy and entertaining live auction that will include rare and distinctive wines, spectacular trips and other incredible one-of-a-kind items. For more information visit www.dcwaf.org.

To book accommodations at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort during this spectacular event please call (800) 622-1038 or visit www.sandestin.com

Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort offers the most complete resort experience in North America. Located on Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, Sandestin is a 2,400-acre destination resort for all seasons and for all ages. A member of Beaches of South Walton, Sandestin invites guests to enter a world of 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,500 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations. The resort boasts more than seven miles of sugar-white sand beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village featuring boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife venues. Sandestin is part of Intrawest Hospitality Management (www.intrawest.com), a leader in destination resorts.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Relais & Châteaux, a collection of the world's finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants, announced its newest members at its annual Congress in Biarritz, France. A total of 31 properties have been accepted, bringing the total membership in the travel association to 475 members in 57 countries

Five of the newest Relais & Châteaux members are hotels located in North America: Windham Hill, in West Townshend, Vermont; Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia, Canada; Esperanza, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Hôtel St. Germain, in Dallas, Texas; and Sonora Resort in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, current member Hôtel Le Toiny, in St. Barthélemy, was named a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The addition this year of the Hôtel St. Germain in Dallas, along with Hotel Raphael in Rome and The Connaught in London -- represents a shift in strategy for Relais & Châteaux, which traditionally has had its roots in country hotel properties. The Association is in the process of identifying additional hotels in locations such as Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago as part of an initiative to expand its presence in cities worldwide.

"Our expansion into city hotels will enable us to offer more travelers a true Relais & Châteaux experience," said Jaume Tàpies, international president of Relais & Châteaux. "For many travelers, a city is often the first stop on their itinerary, and a Relais & Châteaux city hotel will welcome them to a new destination in a unique and extraordinary way. Our city hotels, like our other members, will be selected for their ability to convey a true sense of place to our guests, allowing them to recognize where they are in the world in a way that chain hotels cannot."

In addition to the North American properties, other new Relais & Châteaux members include 17 properties in Europe, two in Africa, five in Asia, one in South America, and one in Australia. Three countries, Hungary, Macao and Taiwan, are newly represented this year. Additionally, four of the 21 members have been awarded the title of Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux. All members are listed in the newly published 2010 Guide, which has been enhanced this year to include a section dedicated to family travel, highlighting activities for children.

Source: Relais & Châteaux

Magical Exhibit Features More Than a Mountain of Toy Trains

A playful special exhibit at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum will take visitors on a magical journey through the world of miniature trains when it rolls into town November 16 through January 10.

One of the largest such collections ever assembled, A Holiday Festival of Trains features a breathtaking landscape of toy trains, many whistling through tiny snow-covered turn of the century villages, a 1890 Bavarian castle, and forested mountain passes with over 5,000 miniature trees.

Additional highlights include:

• A "Mountain of Trains" featuring a multi-tiered platform 13' tall by 40' long by 32' wide running more than 16 trains on 1,500 feet of track.
• A sensational LEGO train display featuring a 20 ft long bridge and LEGO's famous Emerald Nigh Train, built by the LEGO Club of Southern California.
• Thrill to the "Chloe," a full-size sugar plantation engine formerly owned by Academy Award winning Disney animator, Ward Kimball.
• An exciting interactive 8x8 ft train display where youngsters can play conductor, stopping and starting trains, plus operating the crossing gate and warning signals.
• Rare combination of five gauges together in one exhibition, including: G, Standard, O, On30 and Ho.
• Colorful pre-WW II tinplate accessories by Lionel, American Flyer, Ives and Marklin.
• Locomotive, tender, and cars from the early 1930s.
• Modern classics including Polar Express and Thomas the Tank Engine.
• Photos of Walt Disney & Ward Kimball at their famous visit to the 1948 Chicago Rail Fair.
• Original pieces of the Blue and Red Monorail train enjoyed at Disneyland in the '50's, plus photos of the 1959 Monorail grand opening and ribbon cutting by Walt Disney and Vice President Nixon.
• A warm and scenic Santa Claus Village featuring miniatures from Dept. 56.
• Volunteers for the Train Collectors Association will be available on weekends to discuss the history of the various trains.
  

The exhibit was created through the pooled efforts and resources of the Western Division of the Train Collectors Association, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, and the Nixon Foundation.

The exhibit reflects months of work from local volunteers of the Western Division of the Train Collectors Association, the leading national organization of train enthusiasts whose 30,000 members worldwide are dedicated to the collecting, preservation, and running of toy trains.

Led by Western Division Project Coordinator Robert Lemberger and President Wayne Sheriff, local TCA volunteers are on-site assembling the tiny tracks, trestles, and holiday villages with many TCA volunteers logging 12-hour days around the multi-tiered platform with its 144-feet perimeter. Lemberger says the exhibit has been a labor of love for the TCA members.

The idea of a train exhibit reflects Richard Nixon's love of trains beginning in his childhood in Yorba Linda. He recalled in his Memoirs one of the earliest memories from his Yorba Linda boyhood: "In the daytime I could see the smoke from the steam engines. Sometimes at night I was awakened by the whistle of a train, and then I dreamed of the far-off places I wanted to visit someday."

A Holiday Festival of Trains will be on display from Monday, November 16, 2009 through Sunday, January 10, 2010, and is included with museum admission. The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is located at 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Yorba Linda, California 92886. The Library is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9.95 adults, $3.75 children 7 to 11, free for children 6 and younger; $6.95 for seniors 62 and up, and students; $5.95 for active military. Group tour discounts are available, contact Mindy Farmer at (714) 983-9138 or mindy.farmer@nara.gov. For additional information visit www.nixonlibrary.gov, or call (714) 983-9120; or www.nixonfoundation.org, or call (714) 993-5075.

SOURCE The Richard Nixon Foundation