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9.29.2006
Attractions in Macon Georgia for all seasons
One of the great historic cities of the American South, Macon Georgia offers an exciting variety of year-round attractions to explore. Experience the romance and charm of antebellum mansions, interactive museums, Civil War sites, Native American and African American cultures, along with tributes to Georgia’s music and sports legends. In addition to all this, you’ll find several small colleges, including historic Wesleyan University, a thriving business center, and ample opportunities for dining, culture and sporting events.
Start your tour downtown in the historic center of Macon with fabulous Civil War era homes to explore, such as the Cannonball House and Hay House, an extravagant Italian Renaissance Revival mansion that’s a definite must-see. Take in interactive history at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, where you’ll find mementos of famous Georgia athletes like Evander Holyfield and Hank Aaron; or the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to Georgia musicians of past and present, from Ray Charles and Little Richard to R.E.M. and the B-52s. Experience African American history at the Tubman African American Museum and the Historic Douglass Theatre.
Explore ancient Native American culture at the Ocmulgee National Monument which encompasses 683 acres of preserved archaeological remains dating back 12,000 years. Climb ancient Indian mounds, visit inside a ceremonial earth-lodge, hike along nature trails and study ancient artifacts.
The area surrounding Macon attracts tourists with the sandy beaches and sparkling waters of Lake Tobesofkee Recreation Area, which features 35 miles of pristine shoreline for boating, fishing, camping, swimming, water skiing and picnicking. Just north of Macon you can explore a 140 year old cotton plantation at the Jarrell Plantation Historic Site.
Whether you’re here on vacation or on business, you’ll never run out of things to do. Click here for a list of attractions in Macon, Georgia.
posted by luv2travel! at 1:59 PM
Fall Events in Sun Valley & Ketchum, Idaho
The Ernest Hemingway Festival, September 28 - October 1, 2006
The Ernest Hemingway Festival celebrates the life of the world-renowned writer in the town where the legendary author hunted and wrote on and off for 22 years, and where he is laid to rest. This year's festival will focus on Hemingway and Hollywood, and will include a screening of "Cooper and Hemingway: The True Gen," introduced by Gary Cooper's daughter Maria. Other events include speakers and workshops, theatrical presentations, a tour of Hemingway hangouts, and a dinner at Hemingway's house, among other things. For more information call (800) 634-3347, or go to www.ernesthemingwayfestival.org.
Swing 'n' Dixie Jazz Jamboree, October 18-22, 2006
Sun Valley's biggest event of the year attracts bands and fans from all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. Six thousand people come to Sun Valley for five full days of Ragtime, Jazz and Swing. For tickets call (877) 478-5277 or visit www.sunvalleyjazz.com . For other information call (800) 634-3347, or go to http://www.visitsunvalley.com/
Trailing of the Sheep, October 13-15, 2006
In keeping with the century-old tradition, sheepherders move their flocks from summer pastures in the mountains north of the resort towns of Ketchum and Sun Valley, south through the Wood River Valley and yes, right through downtown Ketchum. Trailing of the Sheep Festival events include a variety of cultural activities and programs relating to the history of sheep ranching in Idaho and the Wood River Valley, and the Basque and Scottish heritage of the region. The three-day event concludes with a chance to trail (walk) with local herders and their sheep through downtown Ketchum. For more information call (800) 634-3347, or go to www.trailingofthesheep.org.
posted by luv2travel! at 1:33 PM
9.28.2006
Mesa, a City on the Move
9/21/06 Exciting new things are happening in Mesa!
Passenger service has begun at Mesa Arizona's Williams Gateway Airport, the new Riverview development including the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is under construction, the Mesa Arts Center is set to kick off its second fabulous season after a smashing first year of performances, and new developments continue to provide an upscale shopping and dining experience.
Vision Airlines has begun passenger service between Williams Gateway Airport and North Las Vegas, just a short distance from The Strip. This is historic for the city of Mesa, as other airlines are in negotiations to begin passenger service to cities outside Arizona. Williams Gateway Airport and Mesa's Falcon Field Airport compliment each other. Falcon Field is one of the largest airports in the United States in terms of based aircraft and annual aircraft operations.
Hundreds of performances are scheduled for the Mesa Arts Center including Kenny Loggins, Kenny Rogers, Vince Gill and Pat Boone. Many Arizonans already consider Mesa to be an arts and culture destination, but more is one the way. Last season Mesa welcomed the entertaining Dutton Family from Branson, Missouri. They have announced they will now call Mesa their winter home and have plans to build a theater in the area for their performances.
Bass Pro is an outdoor-lovers paradise and will be part of Mesa Riverview"s 1.3 million-square-foot project that will include restaurants, department and discount stores, specialty shops, and a 65-acre business park with 500,000 square-feet of office space. An autoplex and possible hotels are also planned for this site. Cinemark's 16-screen theaters and retail shops are open.
The Village of Dana Park and the Village of Las Sendas provide the very best in upscale shopping, and both continue to add fine restaurants.
Visit www.mesacvb.com for more information on things happening in Mesa for visitors and locals alike.
posted by luv2travel! at 2:42 PM
9.26.2006
Savvy travelers enjoy the "Secret Season” in the Pensacola Bay Area
Pensacola, Fla.- Even though most vacationers still hold to the tradition that summer is the prime time to get away, savvy travelers know fall and winter in the Pensacola Bay Area have a unique laid-back appeal. After Labor Day, plenty of time remains to enjoy time in the sun in this charming Florida seaside destination. Temperatures drop just a bit bringing on toasty days and cool nights while visitors experience the pleasures of summer in an easy, more economical way. The Gulf of Mexico's emerald waters in Pensacola remain warm and inviting and the area's numerous festivals begin kicking into high gear. Specials on lodging in Pensacola, another advantage of the Pensacola Bay Area's “shoulder season,” typically begin by mid-August and stretch until March. Following are a few highlights to show why many visitors consider fall and winter, our "Secret Season," the best of all times in the Pensacola Bay Area:
Lodging Specials*
Pensacola
Best Value Inn and Suites. Sept. 4–Dec. 31. Rates feature $64 per night for a double and $94 per night for a suite. Suites come with living rooms, separate bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens. 8240 N. Davis Hwy, (800) 962-9945, (850) 479-1099, http://bestvalueinnpensacola.com.
Comfort Inn NAS/Corry. Aug. 16–Dec. 31. Receive a $73 government rate for up to four people. 3 New Warrington Rd, (800) 554-3206, (850) 455-3233.
Fairfield Inn by Marriott. Low rates for fall and winter season starting at $55.80 + tax per night. 7325 N. Davis Highway, (800) 228-2800, (850) 438-4922, www.marriott.com.
Hospitality Inn. Fall and winter season. Receive a rate of $40 to $45 + tax per night. Hospitality Inn is conveniently located off I-10 Exit 7 on Mobile Highway, just minutes from NAS Pensacola, Corry Station, Saufley Field, downtown, beaches, and historic areas. (800) 845-7741, (850) 453-3333, www.hospitalityinns.com/pennas.
Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast. Fall and winter special! Receive a 10 percent discount for two nights or more. Must mention this special to book with a discount. 203 W. Gregory Street, (800) 370-8354, (850) 434-2818, www.pensacolavictorian.com.
Quality Inn North. Fall and winter special! Quality Inn Pensacola…it's not just a summer place. Fall & Winter Getaways feature rates of $71.99 per night, including complimentary breakfast, high speed Internet, refrigerators, microwaves and shuttle service. Centrally located to most area attractions including Sam's Fun City, Rave Motion Pictures, downtown Pensacola, beaches, Seville Quarter and Gallery Night. (Rates subject to availability and not valid during special events). 6550 Pensacola Blvd. (850) 477-0711, www.choicehotels.com/hotel/fl732.
Pensacola Beach
Comfort Inn Pensacola Beach. Nov.–Feb. $79.99–89.99, Mon.–Thu., and $89.99-99.99, Fri.–Sun. Make Comfort Inn Pensacola Beach your “Relaxation Destination.” Comfort Inn is most convenient location on the beach to begin your island adventure. 40 Ft. Pickens Rd. (800) 934-5470, (850) 934-5400, www.pensacolabeach.com/comfort.
JME Management Inc. Stay three nights with us and get the fourth one free through Feb 28th, based on availability. 1-800-24-BEACH, 1-800-554-3695, 850-932-0775, www.jmevacations.com.
Paradise Inn. Fall and winter deals – an affordable adventure in Paradise. Book your room now for as low as $69 per night when you stay two nights or more. Includes complimentary breakfast. All rooms are fully equipped, including memory foam mattresses, A/C, flat screen TV, cable channels including CNN, ESPN and HBO, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and telephone. Ideally located in the central part of the beach, Paradise Inn is also within walking distance to restaurants, shopping and nightlife. (Offer not valid during special events and holidays). (800) 301-5925 or www.paradiseinn-pb.com.
Portofino Resort. Aug. 14–Oct. 29. A two-bedroom Bay View Sky Home is $179 per night. A three-bedroom Bay View Sky Home is $234 per night. Also featuring a “Spring Break in Autumn” promotion, which lets our guests enjoy a free night in our resort when they buy the first three. (850) 916-5050 or (877) 484-3405.
Perdido Key Beach
Perdido Key Resort Rentals. Sept. 5-Feb. 28. Stay three nights and receive the fourth night free at your choice of more than 100 condos such as Beach Colony, Indigo, Windemere and Palacio. Make the time to enjoy the white-sand beaches, state and national parks, fresh seafood and fall festivals on Perdido Key Beach during the refreshing fall and winter seasons. (800) 598-1888, (850) 492-1148, rentals@perdidokeyresortrentals.com, www.perdidokeyresortrentals.com.
Grand Caribbean East & West. Sept. 5-Feb. 28. Book five nights and receive two nights free. Located just steps from the sugar-white beaches and Gulf Islands National Seashore. Each unit includes a fully furnished and equipped kitchen and a washer/dryer. Pool, hot tub, freshwater pond and picnic areas. (800) 598-1888, (850) 492-1148, rentals@perdidokeyresortrentals.com, www.perdidokeyresortrentals.com.
*Rates available during dates listed only, certain blackout dates may apply. Rates are based on availability, not inclusive of sales tax, and are subject to change without notice. Advanced reservations required. Please contact hotel directly for detailed information on rates and package.
posted by luv2travel! at 9:38 AM
9.21.2006
Scottsdale CVB website reaches expanding gay and lesbian travel market
September 13, 2006 The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched new marketing efforts in response to the soaring gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) travel market, which is expected to increase by more than $20 billion over the next five years according to Mintel research. With more than $76.5 billion expended annually, the GLBT segment is a booming niche travel market. Scottsdale’s luxury resorts, world-class shopping and dining, and its active art and cultural scene make it a popular travel destination for this niche. “The GLBT traveler is already part of Scottsdale’s demographic,” says Lauren Simons, vice president of marketing for the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are updating our Scottsdale visitor guides and Web site to ensure this travel segment can more easily access the experiences they are seeking while visiting Scottsdale.” Scottsdale is looking to increase exposure to the GLBT community through the launch of its new Web site, http://www.glbtscottsdale.com/ or http://www.lgbtscottsdale.com/. The site offers a list of Scottsdale shopping locales, restaurants, nightlife, arts and cultural offerings, and gay-friendly resorts. It also includes links to several resources like the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Echo and IONAZ magazines, Phoenix Pride, and the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association. The Scottsdale CVB also introduced an ad campaign on Gay.com and PlanetOut.com inviting the GLBT traveler to experience the warm hospitality and sophistication of Scottsdale. In addition, the CVB is looking to increase membership of businesses within the market that are geared specifically to the GLBT niche. Other marketing efforts include the addition of an article with activity and dining suggestions for the GLBT traveler within the 2007 Experience Scottsdale destination guide, which is scheduled for distribution in November 2006. The Scottsdale CVB is responsible for marketing Scottsdale as a premier travel destination to national and international target audiences, including meeting and incentive planners, travel agents, tour operators and individual tourists.
posted by luv2travel! at 11:42 AM
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