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Crystal Cruises announces its 2012 World Cruise, a 94-day epic journey exploring the diverse cultures of the Pacific Rim.  On a rare course round-trip from Los Angeles departing January 18, 2012, Crystal's 17th annual World Cruise will visit 35 ports in five segments, with multiple overnight stays on Crystal Serenity's route through Hawaii, the South Pacific, eastern and western Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, British Columbia and San Francisco. 

For the first time, the ultra-luxury line is including a three-day inclusive overland adventure in Beijing; a maiden call in Newcastle, Australia; and a return to South Korea for the first time since 1994.

Three days in Beijing:  

The three-day inclusive Crystal Overland Adventure to Beijing visits the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.

Overnight stays:

Two-night stays in Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong and Beijing, and overnight stays in Honolulu, Sydney, Perth, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka and Yokohama.

A pre-cruise exclusive Bon Voyage Gala with luxury accommodations in Los Angeles launches the voyage for all full World Cruise guests.

"Travel connoisseurs consider a Crystal World Cruise to be the ultimate luxury vacation, comprised of exotic destinations, one-of-a-kind adventures and special events coupled with Crystal's renowned six-star service, enriching days at sea and attention to detail," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.  "The shorter overall length of the 2012 voyage makes this grand voyage even more attractive to those trying their first World Cruise experience with Crystal."

A detailed day-by-day is accessible at www.crystalcruises.com.  Crystal is accepting deposits for priority waitlist.  Fares and more details on the wealth of World Cruise amenities and enhancements are expected in the fall 2010.

Fleetwood RV, Inc., a leading producer of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles, today launched the 2011 Storm - a "crossover" motor home that features the sleeping capacity and value of a Class C motor home along with the roominess and storage capacity of a Class A motor home.

"The 2011 Storm is a special motor home because it includes the best aspects of both a Class A and a Class C motor home," said John Draheim, CEO of Fleetwood RV, Inc. "Storm is loaded with standard features and provides a great value at price that appeals to a wide range of RVers."

The 2011 Storm is available in three floor plans: a 28-foot single-slide, rear bedroom floor plan with walk-around queen bed and oversized wrap-around booth dinette (28MS); a 31-foot dual-slide, side-aisle floor plan with opposing dinette/sofa in the living room (30SA); and a 31-foot dual-slide floor plan with standard traditional bunk beds or the optional "Bunk Bed-n-Breakfast" space-saving two-person dinette with convertible bunk beds (32BH).

The innovative "Hide-a-Loft" feature, a queen-sized, electronic drop-down bed with air mattress located above the driver/passenger captain's chairs, is also an available option on all floor plans.

Standard features on the 2011 Storm include one-piece windshield, 82" interior height; Soft Touch Flexsteel® driver/passenger captain's chairs; Soft Touch Flair® sofa; convertible Dream Dinette with two cup holders; 26" LCD wide-screen TV with DVD player; pleated night shades; full extension drawer guides and transit-ship locks; high-gloss fiberglass sidewalls; full basement exterior with enclosed, heated holding tanks and luggage compartments; pass-through storage; Onan® 4.0kw MicroQuiet generator;15,000 BTU ducted air conditioner; patio awning; rear vision camera with monitor; power heated remote mirrors; power entry step; stainless steel wheel simulators; black tank sani-flush; exterior shower; Fantastic power roof vent; dual deep cycle auxiliary batteries; one-inch (inside diameter) water tank drain; and whole coach water filtration.

Base MSRP on the 2011 Storm starts at $82,000. For more information about Fleetwood RV and its full-line of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles, call 1-800-322-8216 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

STAR TREK LIVE, a new interactive stage show based on the popular science-fiction franchise, debuted to hundreds of guests at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on June 11, 2010, kicking off a summer of fun.  The show takes audiences on an exhilarating 30-minute journey offering an unforgettable live theatrical experience for fans of all ages. The show combines fun special effects, audience interaction and an exploration of real space-age technology.

Produced by Mad Science^® Productions, under a license from CBS Consumer Products, STAR TREK LIVE introduces a world of discovery by combining science with entertainment to teach and encourage scientific literacy. In the show, the audience portrays new Starfleet cadets assembled for the first day at the Starfleet Academy led by its best and brightest. The new cadets will have to learn quickly the intricacies of living and working in space, modern space travel and the latest in communication and technology.  

"We are thrilled to present the worldwide debut of STAR TREK LIVE at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex - only a few miles away from where history was made and mankind's greatest adventure began," said Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Chief Operating Officer Bill Moore. "NASA and Star Trek have a long, parallel history together, and we hope to inspire visiting families with the fun and educational story of space exploration through this engaging stage show. A sense of science has been given to science-fiction through Star Trek, and NASA transforms this incredible journey into reality."

STAR TREK LIVE is presented a minimum of three times daily at the 300-seat Astronaut Encounter Theater. For more information about the live action show, call Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Audience members of all ages join Starfleet Academy only to be unexpectedly whisked into an adventure steeped in the grand tradition of Star Trek. STAR TREK LIVE combines fun special effects, audience interaction, cool science and on-screen appearances from Captain Kirk and Spock themselves to create an exhilarating and unforgettable theatrical experience.

Eager to learn from Starfleet's best and brightest, cadets assemble, anxious to prepare for their first day at the Academy. As they are introduced to the Academy, the Earth itself comes under attack from a renegade Romulan, leaving the fate of the future itself in the hands of cadets. Cadets must quickly learn the intricacies of living and working in space, modern space travel and the latest in communication and technology as they draw on the achievements of science in the 21st century. It will require cadets' knowledge, ingenuity, logic and an exploration of science to discover what is happening and how to set things right before it's too late!

NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located just east of Orlando and is the gateway to a working space center and one of Florida's most popular destinations. It's a 70-acre arena of inspirational, educational and entertaining experiences.  Admission includes the new STAR TREK LIVE, Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter, all exhibits and shows, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft, simulator rides and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season.  The Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25 and certain launch days.  Admission is $38 + tax for adults and $28 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Who needs sand or even sun for a day at the beach? This Memorial Day weekend, pack the family in the car and head to LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg for a three-day indoor LEGO® Beach Party - complete with the opportunity to build sandcastles out of sand-colored LEGO bricks imported just for the occasion.

From Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, Schaumburg's biggest box of LEGO bricks, LEGOLAND Discovery Center will be transformed into a summer getaway from top to bottom. A LEGO beach will be set up for young LEGO architects to let their sandcastle imaginations run wild. The Center's popular MINILAND Chicago skyline will feature a beach scene starring Lake Michigan as the latest local landmark to be recreated LEGO-style. Beach bumming  staffers will be dressed in summer garb. Kids' finished sandcastle creations will even be photographed as mementoes of their fun in the LEGOLAND sun.  And you can also get a souvenir photo of your visit to LEGO Beach. Kids ages 12 and under will receive one free admission when accompanied by one paying adult* if they bring in a photograph of a past family vacation to add to the Center's collection.

Partygoers will also have access to all of the attractions in this two-story LEGOLAND Discovery Center. There's an eye-popping 4D Cinema where LEGO stories come to life, a Jungle Expedition populated with LEGO animals (and a few surprises), and a Dragon ride through a medieval castle filled with animated LEGO models. There's also a high-flying Technicycle ride driven by kids' own pedal power, a LEGO Factory tour where visitors 'make' their very own brick, ample opportunities for hands-on LEGO building including lessons from the Center's Master Model Builders, and much more - all providing hours of interactive family fun.

All attractions are included in the entry fee ($15 for children, $19 for adults at the door, with discounts for advance purchases, group visits and annual passes). Memorial Day weekend hours are 10 am-7 pm (last admission at 5 pm). For advance ticket purchases, regular hours or more information, visit www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com or call 847-592-9708.

The USA Pavilion at Expo Shanghai 2010 welcomed its 500,000th visitor today, only 15 days after it opened on May 1.

In a recent poll, the USA Pavilion was named one of the most anticipated Pavilions at Expo 2010. The USA Pavilion is expected to accommodate an estimated 35,000 visitors per day, or approximately six million guests over the six-month duration of Expo.

"I am amazed by what we were able to achieve in such a short time," said U.S. Commissioner General Jose H. Villarreal. "We are proud to have hosted 500,000 visitors from across China and around the world during the past couple of weeks. We appreciate the positive feedback from our visitors. We will continue to welcome all of our guests with warm American hospitality."

In addition to a series of multi-dimensional, content-rich, hi-tech presentations, the USA Pavilion also features a wide range of performances including jazz, pop, hip-hop, ska and classical music. The most up-to-date events calendar is easily accessible on the News & Events section of the USA Pavilion's official Website: http://www.usapavilion2010.com.

At more than 60,000 square feet (6,000 square meters), the USA Pavilion is one of the largest national pavilions at the Expo. With the theme of "Rising to the Challenge," the United States presence will showcase American culture, values, innovation and business in one of China's most dynamic cities, while celebrating the friendship and cooperation between the United States, China and the rest of the world.

VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales, invites travelers to visit the British sites that set the stage for this year's epic action-adventure from director Ridley Scott, Robin Hood, starring Oscar-winners® Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, in theaters May 14, 2010.  VisitBritain has just launched a Robin Hood-themed microsite, www.visitbritain.us/robinhood, which offers in-depth itineraries, behind-the-scenes location information and travel ideas. 

Visitors can follow in the legend's footsteps while walking Nottinghamshire's Robin Hood trail, stopping at 12 thematic locations along the way that explore the legend of Robin Hood.  Nottingham Castle has an exciting Robin Hood - The Movie exhibition of costumes, props and behind-the-scenes memorabilia from the new film, which was created by the movie's set designer, Sonja Klaus, and will be on display through October 2010.  May is Robin Hood month in Nottingham, with activities planned including, jousting, archery and medieval festivals (www.mynottingham.gov.uk/robinhood).  Travelers can also explore the stunning locations that provide the backdrop for the film, which was shot on location in England and Wales.

Nottinghamshire - Home of Robin Hood

In Nottinghamshire, travelers can embark on the Robin Hood trail using a simple and fun map that highlights 12 locations throughout Nottinghamshire.  Each location is relevant to the legend and includes places he lived, fought, hunted and preyed upon rich folk.  "In the Footsteps of Robin Hood," a free audio trail podcast is available for free download on the website.

(http://www.robinhoodbreaks.visitnottingham.com)  

Visitors to Nottingham Castle can tour the magnificent 17th century mansion built on the site of the original medieval palace, once the seat of power for the Sheriff of Nottingham.  Just a short distance away from the Old Market Square, this ducal mansion, which is in use as a museum and art gallery, houses most of Nottinghamshire's finest and decorative art collections.  Also at the foot of the castle is the seven-foot Robin Hood statue.

Travel back in time at the Galleries of Justice Museum and discover the days when Nottingham Shire Hall was the only place in the UK where a person could be tried, incarcerated and hanged on the front steps, all in the name of justice.  Travelers can see England's shocking history of crime and punishments come to life through actors, audio guides and more.  An underground dungeon has recently been identified as being the cell thought to be where Robin Hood was imprisoned by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.  (http://www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk)

City of Caves plays an integral part in Nottingham's history, as well as the time of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham.  Visitors can travel back in time at this popular attraction and explore the labyrinth of unique hand-carved limestone caves underneath the city, which once led to the Nottingham Castle. (www.cityofcaves.com)

Travelers can end their day in Nottingham by relaxing over a pint at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, thought to be the oldest pub in England and certainly one of the most fascinating.  Carved out of castle rock, it is thought that tales of Robin Hood were told here, helping to spread the word about the legend and his antics.  (http://www.triptojerusalem.com)  

Nearby, visitors should travel to Sherwood Forest and stop along the way in the village of Edwinstone.  Here, travelers can find the Church of St. Mary, where Robin Hood and Maid Marion were wed.  There is a statue of Robin and Marion in the town centre.  

Legends say Robin Hood lived in many parts of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve.  Here, visitors can find the famous Major Oak--the oldest living tree in the forest that some say was Robin Hood's hideout.  Visitors can also travel along exciting walking and cycling trails and stop by the new "Robin Hood-The Movie" exhibition, which appears like a medieval encampment deep in the forest.  A large wooden cart that was used in the film provides rustic seating to view behind-the-scenes footage.  In August, visitors can enjoy the annual Robin Hood Festival, which dramatically re-creates the Robin Hood legend with sword fighting, story telling and archery demonstrations.  http://www.sherwoodforest.org.uk

(www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/countryparks)    

British Film Locations used in Robin Hood

Freshwater West, in Pembrokeshire, Wales, served as the setting for the thrilling and brutal French invasion scene in Robin Hood.  This gorgeous, golden expanse of beach in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is ornamented by pools of rocks and bordered by enchanting low cliffs. You'll usually find surfers--rather than soldiers--here as this location has some of the best waves in Wales.  (www.visitwales.com)

It's no surprise the beautiful Virginia Water, also in Surrey, was one of the settings chosen for Robin Hood.  Located only a few miles outside London, it is part of The Great Park, which comprises thousands of acres of lush gardens, lakes and woodland.  The Great Park is recorded in Saxon documents as a hunting forest used by monarchs and nobles.  Adjoining the royal residence of Windsor, it has evolved over the centuries under the patronage of Kings and Queens.  Relax in the ornamental Savill Garden, explore the northern shore of Virginia Water with its flowering forest and exotic shrubs and see the award-winning Savill Building with its excellent art gallery.  (http://www.theroyallandscape.co.uk/)

A thundering battle scene featuring mounted warriors was filmed in the glens of Thorpe Pastures in Dovedale.  Visitors can discover this dramatic limestone ravine famous for its stepping stones that cross the River Dove.  This part of the Peak District is superb for walking, riding, cycling and climbing.  (http://www.derbyshireuk.net/dovedale.html)

In the film, the vividly realistic Tower of London was recreated via an elaborate set and digital effects, but visitors to London can visit the real Tower of London and get an authentic flavour of this brutal period in Britain's history.  This mighty fortress on the banks of the River Thames has been a royal palace, a prison, an execution site, an arsenal, a mint, a keep for wild animals and a jewel house.  You can see artifacts from every part of this extraordinary history on a visit.  See the crown jewels, awesome architecture, and fearsome arms and armour. (www.hrp.org.uk)

Think spring and "get out and go" to The Bernards Inn where a host of new Go! Getaway Packages (http://www.gourmetgetawaynj.com) allows guests to experience outdoor adventures, world-class dining and shopping, the ultimate in romance, and more - all close to home.

Already well-known for its gourmet getaways, the historic Bernards Inn is offering additional escapes for the sophisticated traveler that combine luxury accommodations and acclaimed dining with all that the Somerset Hills has to offer, including hiking, biking, fishing, shopping, spas and more. The Inn also enables travelers to design their own getaway with the assistance of personalized concierge services.

The AAA Four-Diamond property is located just a short car or train ride from New York City, Philadelphia, and all areas of NJ. A Somerset Hills landmark, The Bernards Inn welcomes guests with the style and elegance of a small European luxury hotel, while preserving the charm of a historic American country inn. The Inn recently underwent a multi-million dollar redesign as part of its centennial celebration.

New Go! Getaways for two include:

Go To The Country! Go Take A Train - $259

Leave the city bustle behind for a tranquil retreat in the Somerset Hills that is near yet feels far away.

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Reimbursement of round-trip NJ transit train ticket or free parking
• Complimentary cocktail in the Library Piano Bar

Go Out! Go Hike, Go Bike, or Go Fish! - $269 - $285

Outdoor Adventures abound in the stunning countryside of the Somerset Hills. Go hiking, biking fishing, bird watching and more.

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Hiking, biking or fishing excursion that includes guided hike, bike rental or fishing license
• Healthy snack pak and bottled water

You Go Girl! Getaways - $259

Relax or rejuvenate with a spa visit or world-class shopping and reconnect with the essential women in your life. Perfect for girlfriends, sisters, and mothers and daughters.

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Shopping package includes Short Hills Mall VIP welcome amenity, including shopping discounts
• Spa package includes special rates with nearby spas

Go for the Romance! The Ultimate Indulgence - $695 including gratuities

Plan the perfect proposal or rekindle a romance in splendid surroundings acclaimed for romance.

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Ultimate Indulgence Couples Massage in the comfort and privacy of your own room
• Sparkling wine and decadent chocolate-covered strawberries in your room
• A la carte breakfast

Go Gourmet! Sumptuous Spring - $475 including gratuities

Award-winning food and wine take center stage during this epicurean escape. Feast on the freshest seasonal ingredients straight from the Inn's garden.  

• Overnight luxury accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room
• Pitcher of Chilled Blood Orange Iced Tea and platter of seasonal fruit and artisanal cheeses
• Four-Course Tasting Dinner from the spring menu paired with wines
• A la carte breakfast

Certain restrictions apply. All prices based on double occupancy. Rooms based on availability. State and local taxes not included. For more packages and amenities, call 908-766-0002 or visit http://www.gourmetgetawaynj.com.

Established in 1907, The Bernards Inn is an award-winning restaurant and inn located in the heart of downtown Bernardsville, New Jersey. Under the new ownership of Hampshire Destination Properties, The Bernards Inn recently marked its 100-year anniversary with a multimillion-dollar renovation and redesign. The Inn offers fine dining, wedding and banquet services, conference rooms, as well as 20 well-appointed guestrooms. For more information about The Bernards Inn, call 908-766-0002 or visit http://www.bernardsinn.com.

The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) will host the Fourth Annual Chicagoland Great American Mutt Show. The event will take place in Berwyn, IL on Saturday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Morton West High School, located at 2400 Home Avenue. Chicagoland DockDogs® will hold a two-day regional competition in tandem with the Great American Mutt Show (May 15 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and May 16 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.).

The Chicagoland Great American Mutt Show features a wide variety of entertainment-based competitions for mutts and purebreds alike. This year the Animal Care League was selected as the event's featured shelter as the event is also designed to promote animal rescue and pet adoption in the Chicagoland area. Onsite sponsors and vendors will feature pet products, services, training techniques, and education on proper pet care. What's more, a new "Interactive Zone" will provide participants and their pooches with the opportunity to test treats such as pupcakes, scrumptious dog-friendly cupcakes; exercise their creative sides in vying to be the next Pupcasso, the doggie version of Picasso with mess-free paw painting; and walk on the wild side by testing out doggie tattoos. Even if the family dog is not of the sporting kind, there will be plenty to taste, smell, and paw.

This year, the Westminster Kennel Club celebrated its 134th dog show honoring purebreds and touted a legacy as one of the longest continuously running sporting events in our country, second only to the Kentucky Derby. It seems that until recently American sporting culture left our everyday mixed-breeds -- accounting for 70% of all dogs in the US -- underserved in the world of canine competition. Enter Berwyn's Mutt Show. In 2007, the BDC established the Mutt Show to fill the unmet demands of dog lovers in the Chicagoland area who were searching for a venue to showcase the spirit and individuality of their dogs.

"The Great American Mutt Show is one of Berwyn's premier events and is a wonderful kick-off to the BDC's events season," said Paul Zimmermann, President of the BDC. "It is an event that brings together the whole family and truly celebrates the camaraderie that our pets inspire. Even if you do not have a dog, this event is highly entertaining," he added.

Chad Lopez of The Urban Mutt and formerly of HGTV's Designed to Sell will return this year as ringmaster for the event. In 2009, the Urban Mutt launched a web-series catering to Chicagoland dog-lovers and later opened a bricks and mortar store in Berwyn's Depot District, which serves a dog fancier's every delight from food and treats to toys and accessories. Visit their media website at www.theurbanmutt.tv to view a webisode featuring last year's show.

Dogs of all types are welcome in this year's show. However, only mixed breeds who win a contest can enter the Best in Show grand finale competition. A few of the contests open for registration include the following (subject to change pending registration results): Most creative pet trick, best rescue, best kisser, best dressed, and best dancer. New this year is the online "Cutest Mutt" Contest that will rely on votes from friends and family to make the cut for the day of the show. In conjunction with the Mutt Show, the Chicagoland DockDogs regional competition will feature a mounted dock and an above-ground water pool with two days of wave times, including big air, speed retrieval, extreme vertical and divisional finals. New jumpers are welcome.

The show is open to all dog lovers who wish to be part of the event. No dog? Come for fun! Interested contest participants, vendors, sponsors and volunteers can register to be involved in the Great American Mutt Show or Chicagoland DockDogs by calling 708-788-8100 or visiting www.muttshow.com and www.dockdogs.com. Become a fan of the "Great American Mutt Show" on Facebook.

The CHICAGOLAND GREAT AMERICAN MUTT SHOW is made possible by the Berwyn Development Corporation through permission and approval of name usage rights by NYC-based Tails in Need, Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting pet adoption and animal welfare.

Each year the Animal Care League helps more than 1,100 homeless animals in the near western suburbs and performs over 2,000 low cost spay/neuter surgeries in our Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic. For information on clinic services or adopting a new pet, please visit 1011 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL 60304, call 708-848-8155 or visit www.animalcareleague.org.

SOURCE Berwyn Development Corporation

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.

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

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

Chicago's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival(R) presented by Harris kicks off the 2009 Holiday Season, November 21-22

Plain White T's, Mitchel Musso of Disney Channel's 'Hannah Montana,' and Deborah Roberts of ABCs '20/20' and 'Good Morning America,' and Ashley Greene of 'Twilight' among those in the celebrity line-up

CHICAGO, Nov. 10

    WHO:   The 18th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® Presented
           by Harris...

    WHAT:  ...will mark the official start of the 2009 Holiday Season with
           more than one million people traveling from all over the U.S. to
           enjoy a weekend filled with free holiday activities along the
           world class Magnificent Mile®. Offering something for everyone,
           the event will feature a variety of celebrity entertainers,
           appearances by beloved Disney characters, interactive booths and a
           mile filled with holiday offers at North Michigan Avenue's famous
           shops, restaurants and hotels.

           The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris procession
           will commence on Saturday, November 21 at 5:30 p.m. The procession
           will feature more than 30 spectacular floats, marching bands and
           other performers, with Mickey Mouse from Disney Parks as the grand
           marshal who will illuminate more than one million lights on 200
           trees along The Magnificent Mile.

           Deborah Roberts of ABC's "20/20" and Good Morning America will be
           among the hosts of an hour-long nationally televised ABC 7 Chicago
           special on The Magnificent Mile that will air on Saturday, November
           21 from 6-7 pm CST.  In addition to showing highlights of the day's
           entertainment and the entire procession, special celebrity
           greetings will also be featured as part of the program.

           This year's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Presented by Harris
           also marks the launch of the first annual The Extra Mile: Acts of
           Kindness to Start the Holiday Season program. The program allows
           patrons of participating shops, restaurants and hotels to give to
           a variety of local, regional and national charity organizations
           through a host of day-long activities and deals. For a complete
           list of participants, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Event highlights include:
              -- Lights Festival Lane, an interactive, holiday wonderland
                 on Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue).
              -- A festive Culinary Pavilion brought to you by The
                 Signature Room at the 95th, which includes demonstrations
                 by several area restaurants like The Signature Room at the
                 95th and MARKETHOUSE.
              -- Musical performances on the Harris Stage from 11 am - 5 pm
                 featuring Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime
                 Players, Ralph's World, Radio Disney AM 1300 Road Crew,
                 Mitchel Musso presented by Radio Disney and the Plain White
                 T's presented by 101.9 FM THE MIX.
              -- Procession floats featuring Mickey Mouse and his friends from
                 Disney Parks and giant holiday-themed balloons, along with a
                 variety of performers including the famous NOGGELER
                 Guuggenmusig from Lucerne, Switzerland and numerous marching
                 bands. Ashley Greene of "Twilight" and Tony Esposito of the
                 Chicago Blackhawks will be among several of the celebrities
                 appearing in the lighting procession. The procession
                 culminates with Santa's arrival. A spectacular fireworks
                 display marks the grand finale.


           For a complete schedule and a list of activities and holiday
           offers, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Become a fan of The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Presented
           by Harris on facebook and follow real-time event updates and
           special deals on twitter at www.twitter.com/Lightmymile

    WHERE: One of the Great Avenues of the World...
           North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

    WHEN:  Friday, November 20
           Guests can settle in and begin to take advantage of all of the
           hotel, restaurant and retail holiday deals and offers listed in
           The Magnificent Mile Holiday Activity Guide. The guide will be
           available on site and is also available online at
           www.themagnificentmile.com.

           Saturday, November 21
           11 am - 5 pm: Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court is open
           with live entertainment and dozens of family friendly activities.
           5:30 pm: The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris
           lighting procession begins.
           6:55 pm: Fireworks display over the Chicago River at Michigan
           Avenue and Wacker Drive.

           Sunday, November 22
           Day-long shopping and dining deals offered benefiting a variety
           of charities as part of "The Extra Mile" program.

     To prearrange event day interviews and photo opportunities, and for
     a complete entertainment schedule, contact Denise O'Handley at
     847-648-2644.

SOURCE The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association

The National Park Foundation released today the 2009 list of the most photogenic parks for fall foliage. The announcement is made in partnership with Olympus, the proud sponsor of the Share the Experience photo contest, which is seeking this year's best photo of the 391 national parks. The grand prize winning photo will be featured on next year's Federal Recreation Lands Pass and will receive an Olympus E-3 Digital Camera.

The 2009 list of the most photogenic parks for fall foliage with expected time frames for peak colors:

• Acadia National Park, ME
  • Peak colors are expected now through October 15(th).
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
  • Peak colors expected the third and fourth weeks of October.
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PA
  • Peak colors are expected the weekend of October 17(th).
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN
  • Peak colors are expected during the last two weeks of October.
• Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, MN
  • Leaves are already turning; the peak is expected in the next ten days.
• Mount Rainier National Park, WA
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• New River Gorge National River, WV
  • Peak colors are expected during the third week of October, starting around the weekend of the 17(th).
• Saratoga National Historic Park, NY
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA
  • Peak colors are expected during the last two weeks of October.
    

To help amateur photographers make the most of the opportunities, Olympus offered the following tips to park-goers:

• Sun hiding behind the clouds? Don't be disappointed. Colors can often appear more vibrant in an overcast day. This type of even lighting is also great for displaying details in the shadows.
  

• Consider different perspectives for each photo. Look up toward the sky and down toward your feet. You'll be amazed by the number of interesting subjects available beyond eyelevel.
  

• Look for the small details. The landscape vistas will be beautiful with fall colors but close-up photos of small objects such as a single leaf or cluster of fall berries can also make for a striking photo.
  

• Think about backlighting your subjects on a sunny day. Backlighting is when you intentionally place the main light source behind your subject. Pictures of colorful leaves can be very striking when photographed this way. Also, don't let the sun shine directly into your lens.
  

• Bring a lens cleaning cloth. When capturing images outside, dust and moisture in the air can build up on the lens' glass surface. You'll want to keep it clean so that the light can pass through evenly.
  

Amateur photographers are invited to submit up to three photos to the Share the Experience contest through December 31, 2009. In addition, at the end of the submission period the public will be invited to vote for their favorite photo. Enter by visiting www.sharetheexperience.org or pick up a brochure and entry form while visiting a Federal Recreation Land this year. Great prizes include: Olympus digital cameras, trips to a federal recreation area, Federal Recreation Lands Passes and more!

Share the Experience is the official photo contest of America's national parks and federal recreation lands. Sponsored by Olympus and the National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service, the Share the Experience Photo Contest showcases the more than 500 million acres of Federal Lands and draws entries from all across the United States.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is an independent charitable organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to strengthen the connection between the American people and their 391 national parks. As the official national non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the Foundation raises private funds, makes strategic grants, creates innovative partnerships and increases public awareness about the need and opportunity for park philanthropy. In its 2008 fiscal year, the National Park Foundation distributed grants and program support of $27.3M.

SOURCE National Park Foundation

Longtime natives of the Asheville area in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its extended fall foliage season, will tell you that the best color displays come later -- toward the end of October. Celebrating the 75th anniversaries of Smoky Mountains National Park in 2009 and Blue Ridge Parkway in 2010, mountain families like Steve Woody's were moved from their homesteads in the 1930s for the creation of the park and are proud of the natural legacy they have left to us all.

Mountain Heritage Remembered

"If you talk to families from the area, there's a peace about the creation of Smoky Mountains National Park," says Woody, whose family was moved from their land in Cataloochee in Western North Carolina. "There was great sacrifice. They had to move from their forbearers' homesteads and livelihoods. But, today they wonder, had the Park not come, what would have happened to the land? You just have to look at other places to get an idea. Now, it is a pristine and wooded place that everyone can enjoy."

PBS Presents "America's Best Idea"

Stories like those of the Woody family are the kind that famed filmmaker Ken Burns had in mind when he began his latest documentary The National Parks: America's Best Idea, a six-part series coming to PBS this fall, beginning September 27. The documentary, regional anniversary celebrations and predictions of a healthy leaf season round-out an opportune time to appreciate and experience our natural history in full autumn glory.

Fall Color Predictions

"Every year is a good year for autumn color, depending on where you are in Western North Carolina. We finally had a normal rainfall year. As of September 1, the Asheville airport reports only one inch above 'normal' precipitation. With good growth on the trees, we have all the foliage we need for great fall color. As long as autumn develops normally with cool nights and dry days -- and October is typically one of our driest months -- it should be a colorful season." -- Biltmore Director of Horticulture, Parker Andes

"Drought-stressed trees show more color and turn, more or less, simultaneously. So, our wetter year could make the colors appear more gradually. We don't know what the weather will bring, but fronts that give us cold nights and bright sunny days will start the process in a couple weeks at high elevations, which will be vibrant very soon, and continue down to the low elevations. The later color from oaks and hickories will be nice at the end of October and early November." -- University of North Carolina Asheville Associate Professor of Biology, David Clarke

"Compared to when I was growing up, I think it tends to stay warmer and we see the color later in the season. This was a more typical summer, like the kind I remember as a kid... cooler and wetter." --Steve Woody, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gateway City Getaway

Located just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Asheville area is steeped in natural history and full of fall adventures. Extreme elevation variations and hundreds of deciduous tree species (the largest number in North America) combine to give Western North Carolina one of most extended and colorful leaf seasons in the country.

Online Resources

• Weekly Fall Color Reports: Visit FallintheMountains.com (http://www.FallintheMountains.com) for expert fall color reports for Western North Carolina, budget travel info, scenic drives, events, value packages and insider tips
• Twitter: Area insiders "tweet" color updates and up-to-the-minute travel deals @FallColorHunter (http://www.twitter.com/FallColorHunter) and @AshevilleDeals (http://www.twitter.com/AshevilleDeals)
• GreatSmokies75th.org (http://greatsmokies75th.org/welcome-to-the-great-smokies-75th/)
• BlueRidgeParkway75.org (http://www.blueridgeparkway75.org/)
  

Fall Value Packages

• Fall is for Waterfalls Package (http://www.exploreasheville.com/deals/seasonal-packages/fall-is-for-waterfalls/index.aspx)
• Extreme Fall Color Whitewater Package (http://www.exploreasheville.com/deals/the-great-outdoors-packages/french-broad-river-12-day-rafting-package/index.aspx)
• Wheee! Fall Canopy Tours Zip Line Package (http://www.exploreasheville.com/deals/the-great-outdoors-packages/canopy-tours-package/index.aspx)

SOURCE Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau

Summer vacation may be over for the kids, but adults can still play this September with special offers for California Wine Month.

For wine lovers, there's no better time to indulge their passion than harvest time, when vintners from all over the state are lovingly guiding the process in hopes of creating the next great vintage. To help oenophiles in their quest, hotels, restaurants, events, wineries and tour companies from Temecula and Paso Robles to Napa and Sonoma are offering more than 75 great deals this month on hotel packages, tastings, winemaker dinners and tours.

"California is the leading destination for wine and food travel in the U.S.," said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of the California Travel & Tourism Commission and chair of the U.S. Travel Association. "We produce 90 percent of American wine and 350 different crops, making us a playground for the culinary arts, which translates to a gourmet paradise for foodies yearning for a deeper connection with California's great wine and fresh produce. California Wine Month is the ultimate time wine connoisseurs can enjoy the Golden State, and these special offers make it even more appealing."

For information on deals for California Wine Month, check out www.visitcalifornia.com/winemonth.

The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs -- in partnership with the state's travel industry -- that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $97.6 billion annually in California, support jobs for 924,000 Californians and generate $5.8 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California Visitor's Guide, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

SOURCE California Travel & Tourism Commission

Date night will never be the same again. Whether you're falling in love for the first time or simply looking to rekindle the romance with that special person in your life, the Renaissance Austin Hotel has the perfect Austin, Texas romantic getaway for you. Enjoy a special night's stay at the luxury Austin hotel complete with the following:

• Luxurious Texas Hill Country accommodations in a stylish, oversized room
• Two (2) complimentary Movie Passes
• Choice of two (2) complimentary appetizers or salads with the purchase of dinner at Banderas - A Texas Bistro
• Prices from $99 per room, per night
• Valid through September 30, 2009

For more information or to make reservations, call 512.343.2626 and ask for rate code to VLKY or visit www.renaissancehotels.com/AUSSH and enter rate code L9Z.

About Renaissance Austin Hotel

Encounter an Austin hotel unlike any other and discover the distinct style and diverse personality of the Lone Star State at the Renaissance hotel in Northwest Austin. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Texas Hills Country, this luxury hotel in Austin provides a tranquil environment surrounded by nature trails and 95 breathtaking acres. Enjoy close proximity to Downtown, University of Texas, Sixth Street, Austin Bergstrom International Airport and The Domain Shopping Center, less than two miles from this hotel in Northwest Austin, Texas. From the dramatic nine-story atrium to the stylish oversized rooms, this Austin, Texas hotel features upscale amenities to revitalize body and mind. Stunning outdoor North Austin hotel reception facility accommodates intimate or grand wedding receptions, while luxury Austin hotel meeting space is perfect for sophisticated corporate functions. Discover the charming grace and unique distinctiveness of the Renaissance Austin hotel and experience incomparable luxury.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 512-343-2626 or visit http://marriott.com/aussh.

*All dates are based on availability from June 1-September 30, 2009. Complimentary appetizers and/or salads must be utilized during stay, during dinner hours only, and does not include entrees, deserts, or beverages.

SOURCE Renaissance Austin Hotel

Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson's privately owned collection of award-winning luxury retreats, is delighted to collaborate with British Virgin Islands (BVI) Tourist Board, and offer guests the opportunity to experience a taste-infusing culinary tour with some of the world's leading chefs and winemakers.

Necker Island will host the very first 2009 Winemakers Dinner on the 16th July 2009, one of eight private dinners that will take place throughout July and December at selected exotic locations. The dinner at Necker Island will feature a seven course gourmet meal prepared by master chefs. Each course is paired with two fine wines selected by the very best winemakers in the world. One of the wines that will be poured at this dinner will be the Pio Cesare Barolo 2004 which was ranked #6 by the Wine Spectator in the top 100 Wines of the World in 2008.

Even more convenient is the fact that this special occasion takes place during only one of six 'Celebration Weeks' where Necker Island accommodates guests on an individual room basis.

Jon Brown, Managing Director of Virgin Limited Edition, commented: "We're thrilled to support the BVI Tourist Board on this project. Not only will guests be able to combine a stay on one of the world's most exclusive islands with such an unforgettable and unique culinary experience as the Winemakers Dinner, but they will be supporting the local community, as all net profits made from the event will go to the BVI charitable fund which benefits schools, youth programmes and the local Red Cross organisation."

To support this experience Virgin Limited Edition has created a special 'free night' offer for guests who wish to participate in the Winemakers Dinner on Necker Island. For arrivals on the 15th July 2009, guests can book to stay for four nights and pay for just three, or they can stay for eight nights and pay for seven nights, this offer is only valid for arrivals beginning on the 15th July 2009.

The price for a four night stay for two guests starts from US$12,900 and includes accommodation, all meals and drinks, as well as two special Winemaker dinners - one on Necker Island and the other on a neighbouring island

Sixty-five years ago, an estimated 130,000-150,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy in one of the most crucial military operations of all time. This September, travelers can be there to commemorate this historic event through a special seven-day, six-night D-Day Vacation Package offered by American Airlines Vacations (AA Vacations), a division of American Airlines.

AA Vacations is offering, for as little as $1,409 per person*, a total vacation package complete with a full-day D-Day Tour of the Normandy battlefields and landing beaches, together with a World War II Walking Tour, and Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour of Paris. The package includes airfare, six-nights hotel, tours and transfers. For a limited time, customers will receive a 5 percent discount on this special package plus any additional activities when booking at http://www.aavacations.com/dday65.

"The valor of the American troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy in 1944 is alive today in the hearts of all Americans," said Steve Blankenship, Director - Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance. "AA Vacations is delighted to offer this great vacation package to commemorate the 65th anniversary year of this heroic event."

Here is what awaits you on your D-Day tour:

D-Day Tour - Normandy Battlefields and Landing Beaches by Minivan. On this 12-hour D-Day Tour of the Normandy Battlefields and Landing Beaches, you will visit the American Cemetery in Coleville, Arromanches' artificial harbor, and the beaches of Omaha and Juno. Have lunch at the Ferme de la Ranconniere in the village of Crepon and watch the film, "The Price of Freedom," at the cinema Arromanches 360. The film is shown on nine screens in a circular room and combines historic footage taken in June 1944 by war correspondents together with current views of the same places where peace has been restored.

Paris Walking Tour - World War II. This guided two-hour World War II Walk will take you back to Paris' darkest hours. Explore subjects such as the invasion of France, the Resistance, life in Paris during the occupation, the D-Day invasion and, of course, the Liberation itself.

Paris City Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour. Discover Paris at your leisure with a two-day ticket on the Paris City Hop-on/Hop-off Tour. Create your own itinerary as you see the most popular sights of Paris, keeping your own personal timetable. Experience the cobbled streets of the Left Bank and the Napoleonic splendor of the Ecole Militaire. See the Eiffel Tower, Paris' most famous landmark. Stop off at the Arc de Triomphe and walk down the stylish Champs-Elysees. Become acquainted with some of the world's most famous artworks at the Louvre, including the mysterious Mona Lisa.

To book this great D-Day Vacation Package to Paris or for additional details, visit http://www.aavacations.com/dday65.

SOURCE American Airlines

Ski.com, North America's largest provider of mountain vacations, today announced the launch of Summer Mountain Travel, a one-stop shop for travelers looking for hassle-free mountain vacations in the spring, summer and fall.

Based in Aspen, Colo., Summer Mountain Travel offers the same value, attention to detail and personalized service for which Ski.com has been known since its inception in 1971. Summer Mountain Travel delivers the most dependable service from top-notch Mountain Vacation Specialists who average 15 years customizing mountain vacations. Each Specialist provides impeccable service and offers unmatched expertise when presenting travelers with the most diverse mountain resort and lodging options in the industry. By visiting one Web site, http://www.summermountaintravel.com, or by making just one phone call, travelers are able to customize a summer vacation package that can include discounted lodging, air, ground transportation, event tickets and activities.

"For the past 38 years our main focus has been to provide unrivaled winter skiing and snowboarding vacations," said Harry Peisach, Ski.com president and CEO. "With the launch of Summer Mountain Travel, we are now able to leverage our long-standing relationships with resorts, properties and airlines to provide the premier service for travelers who wish to experience their favorite ski towns from a different perspective during the warmer months."

The high country of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, California, British Columbia and Alberta provides unrivaled scenery, low humidity and comfortable temperatures perfect for festivals and endless ways for everyone to embrace the outdoors. Visitors enjoy activities like hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, Jeep tours, scenic gondola and chairlift rides, hot springs pools, fishing, alpine slides, mountain biking, golf, music, film and food festivals and so much more.

Because summer is a slower season in many ski towns, it is the perfect time to find a great deal, even on a luxury property. Vacationers are able to enjoy all the world-class amenities offered at the most exclusive properties and spas and luxuriate in total comfort at a fraction of the price - up to 40 percent less than the cost in the winter.

SOURCE Ski.com

In the hottest part of the summer, Marylanders and tourists can immerse themselves in cool jazz. From July 21-31, some of the brightest stars on the scene will teach and perform at the Maryland Summer Jazz Festival in Rockville, near the nation's capital.

For the fifth season, musicians can anticipate exciting workshops and jams to raise the bar on their playing. Jazz fans can look forward to four major concerts featuring acclaimed artists from the US and Canada.

The Artists

International trumpet sensation Ingrid Jensen makes her first appearance at the festival this year. The young Canadian Juno Award winner is one of the most sought-after performing artists in the world.

Fellow Canadian saxophonist and composer Jeff Antoniuk is known as Maryland's "Pied Piper of Jazz." With many popular recordings and continental tours under his belt, he is a teacher, performer and the artistic director of Maryland Summer Jazz.

This year guitar-lovers can enjoy two artists at the top of their game. Tim Miller offers a distinctive voice to the world of jazz guitar. Guitar Player Magazine characterized his playing as "pure melody consciousness with remarkable control." His career has taken him to Paris, New York and Boston, where he teaches at Berklee College of Music.

Steve Herberman returns to the Maryland festival with his unique seven-string guitar. Consistently lauded by critics, his latest release, Ideals, rose to No. 10 on the US jazz charts.

Trumpet player Tom Williams has toured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and was a featured soloist with the Jazz Ambassadors and Army Blues ensembles. He has also performed with Pattie LaBelle, Anita Baker and Stevie Wonder.

These artists will join over a dozen others onstage and in festival classrooms.

Jazz Camp for Grown-Ups

At the heart of the festival is a jazz day camp featuring two sessions of intensive instruction for adults. Scholarships and internships encourage younger talent from high school to college age.

Workshops are structured to help gifted amateurs and semi-pros improve technique and improvisational skills, moving them "from the basement to the bandstand." Teachers represent many university jazz programs and are the same fantastic players heard in the public concerts.

Public Performances

Public performances continue to expand. The event kicks off with a July 21 concert featuring Ingrid Jensen with Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update at Blues Alley, the nation's premiere jazz club, located in the Georgetown district of Washington, DC.

Co-sponsored by the City of Rockville, a free family-oriented community concert will be offered at twilight on July 23 at the Rockville Town Square.

Additional all-stars and student concerts will be held on both July 24 and 31 at Saint Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville at 10701 Old Georgetown Road.

The deadline for jazz workshop registration is June 30. Concert tickets are available May 1, 2009, and concert admission ranges from free to $25. Early purchase is recommended since all events sold out last year. For more information, call 443-702-7016 or visit website. 

From the verdant Salinas and Carmel valleys to the watery refuge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey County offers everything from farm to table and sea to sustainable platter year round. The unparalleled culinary tradition sprouts from a perfect mix of climate and geology that combine to nurture produce of all kinds. With 40,000+ acres of vines and nine different American Viticultural Areas (AVA's) this region's bounty of harvest outpaces entire states with its abundance of unique offerings. These gifts and the picturesque backdrop of the crashing surf and white sand beaches lend itself to Monterey County creating the ultimate in California cuisine.

"A" TABLE CHEFS

Monterey County proudly proclaims some of the most celebrated chefs in the world. Of the hundreds of restaurants in Monterey County, many have been honored with the food industry's highest awards, including DiRoNa (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) and Wine Spectator's awards for excellence.

Here you will find legendary culinary creators such as Cal Stamenov, Mark Ayers and Michel Richard and renowned restaurants such as Aubergine Restaurant, Anton & Michel, and Casanova. These chefs not only participate in the Pebble Beach Food & Wine -- an annual event that brings more than 60 legendary chefs from all over the world to the Monterey Peninsula, they also play a part in the Monterey Bay Aquarium's annual sustainable seafood conference -- Cooking for Solutions -- and forage the daily farmers markets and local fisheries. These chefs and others in Monterey County shine a light on what it means to be stewards of the land and sea by using fresh vegetables and sustainable seafood to create delicious delicacies such as Pisoni asparagus with a seared day boat scallop, black truffle vinaigrette and morel mushroom revealed that morning by a local fungi forager. www.bernardus.com/ www.pacificsedge.com www.citronelle.com/ www.laubergecarmel.com/ www.antonandmichel.com www.casanovarestaurant.com/ www.montereybayaquarium.org

TWICE ON SUNDAYS

Foodies can literally find a Farmers Market every single day of the week, and often twice on Sundays! A visit here delivers the heartbeat of the region, with farmers proudly displaying local artichokes, broccoli, herbs, micro-greens and an abundance of sealife. The county has a number of regular farmer's markets in Old Monterey, Monterey Peninsula College, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Marina, Soledad and Carmel. Visitors can purchase fruits and vegetables straight from the folks who grow them. Many of the outdoor markets also feature booths selling freshly prepared seafood, barbecue and foods from around the world. www.SeeMonterey.com

GREEN IS GOOD

Monterey County, and in particular the Salinas Valley, is perhaps known best as the "Salad Bowl of the World." The county is one of the nation's leading agricultural producers, and the third largest agricultural economy in California. A temperate climate, rich soils, and unparalleled infrastructure make the both Salinas and Carmel Valley an ideal place to grow cool-season vegetables like artichokes, raspberries, strawberries and flowers in every color and variety of the rainbow. Take an agricultural tour, wine trek or visit the nation's first (and largest) working organic farm -- Earthbound Farms. Monterey County also commands nearly 90 percent of the packaged salad and pre-cut fresh vegetable market. In short, agriculture is big business here. The Farm also offers a child-proof working farm providing insight into the daily drill that delivers America's freshest produce. Grab a fork and go! www.agventuretours.com www.thefarm-salinasvalley.com www.ebfarm.com/

INK THE DEAL

Since the arrival of Portuguese fishermen, local squid has been a mainstay in the waters off Monterey Bay. On a busy night, dozens of fishing boats can be spotted on the bay, trolling for these giant cephalopods. Much of the local catch goes to Japan and some is jet-set to San Francisco, but a large portion of the catch stays right here in Monterey, heading to local restaurants to be used in fried calamari and squid salads. Local chefs are trained and skilled in the proper preparation, to bring out the subtle tastes -- the squid is tender yet firm -- a pure white patty with a simple flavor. Perhaps no fish is more representative of Monterey Bay and can be enjoyed year round.

Farm-raised California Red Abalone is also sustainably raised by Monterey Abalone Company at the tip of Commercial Wharf #2. Here, visitors can purchase and take home fresh abalone in a hermetically sealed pack or dive into any local restaurant from the Sardine Factory to seasonal "Super Abs" tasting menu at The Highland's Inn. The U.S. market is primarily in California; hence travelers rarely find this delicacy elsewhere. Abalone is so succulent that a seared filet over cauliflower puree with lobster butter simply melts in the mouth. Paired with a delicious Robert Talbot Vineyard's chardonnay or Benardus Winery Sauvignon Blanc, this combo creates an explosion of decadence that is hard to replicate. www.montereyabalone.com www.talbottvineyards.com www.bernardus.com

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Known for the rugged coastal beauty of Big Sur and the charm of Carmel, Monterey lies within the Central Coast AVA and is home to nine distinct AVA's, including top-ranked Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Hames Valley, Monterey, San Antonio Valley, San Bernabe and San Lucas. The deep, cold waters of Monterey Bay deliver morning fog and strong cooling afternoon winds, making Monterey County particularly well-suited to cool climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Those interested in Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet and Merlot should visit Carmel Valley for a flight of outstanding varietals. A cache of certified organic vineyards also lay claim to this region including Heller Estate Organic Vineyards, Morgan Winery and DeTierra Vineyards.

Though local winegrowers have fostered extensive Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir programs, the region's diverse micro-climates and terroir allow growers and vintners to experiment with lesser-known varietals such as Syrah, Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio. "Here we have a great growing region, with a long cool growing season. With no real heat spikes in the summer, rain in the fall or frost in the winter, which creates the perfect climate for our temperate chardonnay and pinot noir," states Gary Francione from the Santa Lucia Highlands, "each varietal has different characteristics dependent on where it is grown, but the consistency and quality of our grapes is what differentiates our wines." It is the unique combination of inventiveness, craftsmanship and scenery that makes Monterey County the ideal destination for the adventurous wine and food lover. There are more than 65 Monterey County wineries, 30 of which have individual tasting rooms. www.montereywines.org www.SeeMonterey.com

VISITOR INFO:

Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 40,000 acres of premium vineyards, 25 golf courses and over 200 lodging properties. Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley. The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area's major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO). www.SeeMonterey.com.

SOURCE Monterey County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

The Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands, an alliance of the appellation's winegrowers and the wineries that rely on the district's world-class fruit, have announced the final pouring line-up for their third annual Gala tasting, taking place from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, May 16 at Hahn Estates.

 

This "Highlands' Fling" celebration will be a strolling wine tasting on the grounds of the scenic Hahn property. The event will feature the most prized vintages and special reserves of the S.L.H.'s artisan winemakers -- paired to delicacies prepared by award-winning chef Terry Teplitzky.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample rare wines poured by the vintners themselves; wineries scheduled to participate include Belle Glos, Bernardus, Boekenoogen, Cru, Hahn, La Rochelle, Lucienne, Manzoni, Martin Alfaro, Mer Soleil, McIntyre, Morgan, Novy, Parasio, Pelerin, Pessagno, Pisoni, Puma Road, Roar, Robert Talbott, Testarossa, Siduri, Six Strings, Tondre, and Tudor. Foghorn, Miura, and Wrath wineries will be making their first appearance as S.L.H. members.

Tickets are $85.00 per person and can be purchased online at http://www.santaluciahighlands.com/events

The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the crown jewels of California viticulture, growing and producing some of the state's best cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The appellation encompasses more than 5,000 acres of prime vineyards, planted on the terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range, overlooking the Salinas River Valley. The area's unique character was recognized with official A.V.A. status in 1991.

The Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands, formed in 2005, is a formal association of vineyards and wineries that grow grapes here or use this region's fruit to craft their wines. Their primary goal is to promote this unique viticultural district and increase awareness and appreciation of the Santa Lucia Highlands.

SOURCE Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands

Flowers take center stage as a cast of thousands welcome springtime at Biltmore's Festival of Flowers, April 4 - May 17. In concert with the opening, on April 4, of a suite of four restored rooms inside Biltmore House, the annual estate-wide event celebrates the beauty of George Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre property and its original design by Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape architecture.

Restored to their original splendor, this suite of rooms offers visitors the first opportunity to fully see the house as a family home and the Vanderbilts as parents. The Louis XV Room itself is perhaps the true heart of Biltmore. It served as birthplace of George and Edith Vanderbilt's only daughter, Cornelia, in 1900. Years later, it was where Cornelia delivered her own two sons, George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil and William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil in 1925 and 1928, respectively. Through family stories that span generations, and new blooms throughout the estate, Biltmore comes alive this spring.

Festival of Flowers showcases a stunning display of tulips, Iceland poppies, snapdragons and foxglove in the Walled Garden, vibrant colors in the 20-acre azalea garden and cascades of native and exotic blooms in the natural gardens and walking trails. Biltmore's gardens, Olmsted's final and most grand project, are in their 119th year, continuing to mature and becoming more beautiful every year.

This year's umbrella theme, "Preservation," ties in with the opening of the new rooms in Biltmore House. Floral displays inside the house will reflect the period of decoration of each room, or of decor during the Vanderbilt era. Guests will see elements of the Edwardian/Turn of the Century/Aesthetic Movement infused with bold and contrasting colors.

Festivities across the estate will include music in the house and various locations, tips from Biltmore gardeners, and innovative container garden displays in the Conservatory. Biltmore Winery celebrates with live music, wine tastings, seminars and children's activities. Seasonal Festival of Flowers wines are also crafted each year to mark the occasion. In addition, events are planned for adults and kids at River Bend Farm, and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and float trips are available at the adjacent Outdoor Center. Please visit http://www.biltmore.com/visit/calendar/spring.asp for the full schedule of events.

Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of Biltmore's unique surroundings by taking part in the Explore Biltmore program. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, carriage rides, Segway tours and a sporting clays program. Biltmore is also home to one of three Land Rover driving schools in North America. Guests looking for accommodations will enjoy the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, which provides a variety of packages.

SOURCE Biltmore

In a ceremony held Thursday, Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. introduced the new Pine Lakes Country Club after a $15 million, 20-month project restored Myrtle Beach's first golf course to its early 20th century grandeur.

Nationally-known golf restoration architect Craig Schreiner restored the course as closely as possible to Robert White's 1927 specifications. While preserving 16 of the original golf-view corridors, Schreiner enhanced the playability and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels by planting SeaDwarf(R) Seashore Paspalum grass, enlarging tee box areas, adding native waste areas and utilizing environmentally-friendly irrigation systems.

Burroughs & Chapin took extraordinary care to protect the integrity of the original Pine Lakes Clubhouse, which was designed by Henry Bacon McKoy after he completed the Lincoln Memorial. The majority of the clubhouse was saved, including The Snug Pub, the meeting place of Time Inc. editors in 1954 when they visited Pine Lakes to play golf and plan for a new weekly sports publication, Sports Illustrated.

In addition to a 6,000-square-foot wing that was added to the perimeter of the clubhouse to house the pro shop and locker rooms, the Robert White Pub, the grill kitchen and an outside patio, the History Hall was created to display memorabilia and artifacts from Pine Lakes' first days.

Thursday's ceremony also featured the induction of the inaugural class of the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame, which is located at Pine Lakes. Six individuals were recognized for their contributions to the Myrtle Beach golf industry and were honored with a permanent monument located in the Pine Lakes Country Club Hall of Fame Garden. The first class included Cecil Brandon, Clay Brittain, Jr., Carolyn Cudone, Jimmy D'Angelo, General James F. Hackler, Jr. and Robert White.

Pine Lakes Country Club, Myrtle Beach's first golf resort, has served as the epitome of the traditional golf resort since opening in 1927 as the Ocean Forest Golf Club. Designed by St. Andrews, Scotland native Robert White, Pine Lakes put Myrtle Beach on the map as the destination of choice for golfers and families. Owned and operated by Burroughs & Chapin Company Inc., Pine Lakes Country Club is the home of the new Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame.

SOURCE Pine Lakes Country Club

This year, springtime at Biltmore takes on a whole new meaning when a suite of four never-before-seen bedrooms opens to visitors for the first time in Biltmore House on April 4, 2009. These rooms provide a deep and revitalized connection between the two generations born at Biltmore and the visitors who come here to see George Washington Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre estate, a National Historic Landmark.

Coinciding with the start of Biltmore's 24th annual Festival of Flowers (April 4-May 17), the opening of the new rooms represents a major milestone in Biltmore's history, and one of the most revealing opportunities to date for Biltmore to tell the Vanderbilt family story.

Restored to its original splendor, this suite offers visitors the first opportunity to fully see the house as a family home and the Vanderbilts as parents. The Louis XV Room itself is perhaps the true heart of Biltmore. It served as birthplace of George and Edith Vanderbilt's only daughter, Cornelia, in 1900. Years later, it was where Cornelia delivered her own two sons, George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil and William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil in 1925 and 1928, respectively.

When guests tour through the suite, they will realize like never before that Biltmore was much more than a magnificent house when Vanderbilt opened it on Christmas Eve 1895. It was a home, alive with family, friends and children.

Biltmore's team of curators, conservators and craftsmen spent years researching and sourcing materials from around the globe to authentically restore a part of Biltmore House that's been closed to visitors for nearly 100 years.

The 250 furniture pieces and decorative objects in the suite are part of George Vanderbilt's collection, but have been tucked away in storage since the 1930s, away from public view. Liberal doses of gold and silk make these rooms literally shine on a sunny morning, said Leslie Klinger, curator of interpretation, which she suspects was the reason Edith Vanderbilt chose to deliver her daughter in the suite's Louis XV Room. "Seeing this incredibly beautiful furniture reunited with the rest of Vanderbilt's collection is really spectacular," Klinger said.

Biltmore's experts engaged in extensive detective work throughout the restoration process. This included:

• Piecing remnants of original wallpaper found underneath door moldings and drapery brackets to determine wallpaper patterns for the reproduction process;
• Traveling to France to collaborate with fabric and wallpaper company designers to ensure the original fabrics were reproduced exactly;
• Hours of cleaning and repairing the objects from George Vanderbilt's collection;
• Hand mixing of paints to match the original colors.

With the opening of the suite, interpretation of Biltmore House itself is now expanded to focus on the people who once lived and visited in the home, in addition to the architecture and art collection. The visitor experience will be enhanced by the placement of lifestyle elements - items of the period - to achieve a lived-in feeling, more authentically portraying the day-to-day living that once took place in Biltmore House.

Biltmore's Museum Services staff members studied biographies of the people who visited the Vanderbilts and stayed in Biltmore House to populate the rooms with antique objects that represent their interests and lifestyles. "Many of the Vanderbilts' guests enjoyed horseback riding, so period riding gear will be placed in at least one of the guest bedrooms," Klinger said.

This story and many others like it reveal the Vanderbilt family's life at Biltmore. Members of the Museum Services staff spent years researching Vanderbilt history to include tidbits like this on Biltmore's new self-guided audio tour, available when the suite opens.

Detailed descriptions about each of the new rooms, along with photos of the restoration process, may be found at www.biltmore.com.

SOURCE Biltmore House

Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, located in Carmel, Calif., today announced that it will host the inaugural Quail Motorcycle Gathering, a day-long celebration of the art of the motorcycle featuring the first Bonhams & Butterfields vintage motorbike auction in Carmel on Saturday, May 9, 2009.

 

Guests at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering will view 100 legendary prewar and postwar era sports and racing bikes elegantly displayed throughout the grounds of the resort. As they mingle with owners of the vintage motorcycles, guests will have access to leading manufacturers, dealers, accessories and lifestyle vendors. A barbeque lunch prepared by Quail Lodge's culinary team and live entertainment will make the event a fun family celebration for all ages.

An array of exceptional motorcycles will be on display and for sale, including a rare 1959 BMW R69, featuring a large capacity Hoske long-distance tank and a rare factory option tachometer; a 1920 ABC Sopwith TT, featuring an advanced wet-sump lubricated horizontal opposed twin; and a 1905 Orion single engine motorbike.

"We've created this event with vintage motorcycle aficionados and families in mind," said Sarah Cruse, General Manager of Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club. "In addition to viewing an impressive display of motorcycles, guests will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, a live auction and a beautiful spring weekend in Carmel."

Enthusiasts are invited to participate in The Quail Motorcycle Tour on Friday, May 8, 2009, to kick-off The Quail Motorcycle Gathering. The scenic tour, limited to 50 participants, will wind through the Monterey Peninsula coastline, and will finish with an exclusive dinner at Quail Lodge.

Tickets are $65 per person and include gourmet lunch, musical entertainment and access to the Bonhams & Butterfields auction.

SOURCE Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club

Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 River Oaks US Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston, Texas, taking place from April 6-12, 2009. This year, the highly-anticipated event has partnered with the host hotel - Renaissance Houston Hotel at Greenway Plaza, and has put together the exclusive Tennis Champ Pass Package.

 

Starting at $450, this not-to-be-missed Houston hotel package is sure to provide tennis fans with a memorable Easter weekend.

Enjoy world class men's tennis as James Blake, Lleyton Hewitt and the Bryan brothers compete for the 2009 title. The River Oaks Country Club is host to this world class event and has partnered with the Renaissance Houston Hotel to create the ultimate tennis experience.

The Renaissance Escape! Tennis Champ Pass package includes the following:

• Club inspired Texas lodging accommodations for two nights
• Valet parking at the hotel for both nights
• Breakfast buffet each morning in Bistro
• Reserved seat for the quarter-finals through the finals of the 2009 US Men's Clay Court Championship, a total of four sessions
• Rates from $450-$610

The River Oaks International began in 1931 at River Oaks Country Club and is still played today at the same venue on its original surface. Over 73 years of professional tennis, River Oaks has been the home to different tournaments including their own River Oaks International which has been a popular exhibition tournament for many years, and the Stanford Champions Cup. Visit http://www.mensclaycourt.com for more event information or to purchase tickets.