Jetsettersblog

Pine Avenue for Classic Long Beach

It has all the international flair and bravura of a classic European quarter, yet its name—Pine Avenue—speaks of its uniquely American roots.

Nestled amid the high rises that form Long Beach’s metropolitan skyline, and located only minutes from Los Angeles and Orange County, Pine Avenue has emerged as the city’s premier business district. The revitalized commercial quarter has resumed its role as the focal point of downtown Long Beach business and social activity, following an extensive 20 year redevelopment effort.

Pine Avenue also offers visitors one of the best selections of fine dining and entertainment choices found in Southern California. A sampling of the area’s restaurants, many of which offer patio dining, include Rock Bottom Brewery, The Madison, L’Opera, Smooth’s Sports Grille and King’s Fish House. Entertainment options are equally impressive with nightclubs like Alegria and Café Sevilla, which feature live flamenco dancers; Cohiba offers nightly, live entertainment and dancing; and the nationally known Blue Café which offers live entertainment nightly. The Vault 350 is Pine Avenue’s versatile entertainment venue, presenting famous comedians and a wide range of musical concerts from hip hop to country western.

In many ways, today’s Pine Avenue shares many similarities to the Pine Avenue of turn of the century Long Beach. Back then, Pine Avenue was a bustling business district, flanked on its southern end by the world famous Pike Amusement Park, and beyond that, the cool, blue waters of the Pacific. Families would stroll along Pine Avenue, buying everything from house wares, to clothes, to furniture. Often, they would finish off their outing by sampling the Pike’s many exciting attractions such as the Salt Water Plunge, Pleasure Pier or Cyclone Racer. For the less adventurous, there was the Pike’s Walk of a Thousand Lights, the Dancing Pavilion or the Pacific Aquarium.

Thanks to a successful business venture between the Pike’s founder, Colonel Charles Drake and railroad magnate Henry Huntington—the two of whom connected downtown Long Beach to Los Angeles via the celebrated Red Car Line—Long Beach quickly became the year round convention and resort destination of California’s Pacific Coast.

Grand hotels, including the exclusive Virginia Hotel, were known throughout the country for their lavish accommodations and beautiful views. Pine Avenue and the Pike remained a favorite Los Angeles area destination until the mid 1950s, when, like in many American cities at the time, residents and businesses began moving out of the inner city to suburbia’s green knolls. For nearly 20 years, Pine Avenue and the rest of Long Beach’s downtown became virtually silent. The Pike, once a famous city landmark, fell into disrepair and was finally closed in 1973.

In the late 1970s, a large portion of downtown Long Beach—421 acres—was officially deemed a redevelopment area. The goal of the revitalization plan was to restore the spirit and vitality to the once robust commercial center. The process began with the development of the Ocean Boulevard corridor. It was during this period that most of the city’s first class hotels were constructed, including the Hyatt Regency, Westin (then a Sheraton) at Shoreline Square, the Long Beach Renaissance and Hilton. Class A office buildings such as the World Trade Center, Shoreline Square Tower and Landmark Square were also built during this period.

By the late 1980s, with Ocean Boulevard well on its way, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency turned its attention to Pine Avenue. In 1990, the Redevelopment Agency collaborated with Janss Corporation to develop Pine Square, a mixed use theater/retail/residential complex. Less than 24 months later, the first 16 screen AMC Theater in Southern California made its home on Pine Avenue. It also signaled the opening of several new retail shops and restaurants such as Johnny Rockets.

In 1990 the opening of the Metro Blue Line signaled the return of light rail transportation to Long Beach. Now visitors can once again travel swiftly between downtown Los Angeles and downtown Long Beach, and like its Red Car predecessor, the Blue Line connects with the other Metro

Exploring Pine Avenue light rail lines.

Pine Avenue is booming thanks to the multi million dollar expansion and reopening of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific in nearby Queensway Bay increases activity along Pine Avenue. The 120,000 square foot Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific represents the first of a multi phased master plan to transform Queensway Bay and downtown Long Beach into one of the nation’s premier waterfront destinations.

Because of its role as downtown’s centerpiece, Pine Avenue hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach also attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year as the world’s best drivers compete for right to be crowned “king of the beach”.

Other large scale downtown annual events include the Concours D’Promenade, which kicks off Grand Prix week, is held annually on Pine Avenue and the Promenade, between First and Third Streets. In addition, the Promenade is the site of the weekly Downtown Marketplace, which attracts a number of visitors who take advantage of the marketplace’s farm fresh produce and handmade crafts.

Pine Avenue is the classic blending of the best of Long Beach’s past and its future. And as downtown’s business anchor, it proudly displays the outward signs of vitality and strong growth once again.

Wyoming’s Fall Fishing and Hunting

Buffalo Chamber of Commerce and Johnson County Tourism Association
TEL: 307-684-5544
margaretdunfee@buffalowyo.com
www.buffalowyo.com

BUFFALO, Wyoming—Summer will quickly come and go, and the fall fishing and hunting season in Buffalo, Wyoming will be in full swing. Buffalo and Johnson County are nestled between the rolling plains of the “Old West” and the foothills of the breathtaking Big Horn Mountains and Big Horn National Forest. This area offers endless outdoor adventure opportunities like hunting and fishing for those that want a fall getaway that includes fresh air, active freedom, and endless action in this vast outdoor playground.

Hunting

Johnson County offers marvelous hunting opportunities for several types of big game species including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion and pronghorn antelope. There are also a variety of upland game birds. Outfitters in the area are available for guided hunts, but visitors can also choose to go on a hunting expedition solo. With the crisp mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and the advantages of not having to deal with overcrowded hunting spots, Buffalo is a great hunting vacation find.

Fishing

There are over 200 lakes in the Big Horn Mountains and Bighorn National Forest and provide ample opportunities for fishing adventures. Some lakes are easily accessible by hiking - others are best accessible by horseback. Guided fishing trips, pack trips and drop camps are available in the Buffalo area. Many of the area’s streams and lakes provide excellent trout fishing. Fish species include brook, brown, and cutthroat trout, and grayling. Fishing opportunities abound in the Middle Fork of the Powder River near Kaycee, area reservoirs, and the mountain streams and lakes within the Bighorn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness Area near Buffalo. Two of the most popular fishing sites near Buffalo are Lake DeSmet and Healy Reservoir.

More Information

Hunting is allowed on National Forest lands but, Wyoming statute requires that nonresidents must have a licensed guide or resident companion to hunt big or trophy game in national forest wilderness areas. The resident companion will need to obtain a free non-commercial guide license from a G&F office. The law does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds or coyotes in wilderness areas. Only nonresident big and trophy game hunters must have a licensed guide or resident companion.

For Wyoming License information, telephone (307) 777-4600.

For more information or to plan your hunting and fishing getaway, contact Margaret Dunfee at 307-684-5544 or visit the website.

Bridge & Wickers introduces Canada Vacations

Australia and New Zealand independent travel specialist Bridge & Wickers has introduced a Canada programme.

The operator has published a 36-page dedicated Canada brochure covering the west coast including the Inside Passage and Alaska, the Rockies and Vancouver. Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa and the wild Atlantic seaboard are also offered as well as the St Lawrence Gulf and the Maritime Provinces.

Bridge & Wickers co-director David Wickers said: “Canada, with its remarkable scenic assets, will be a perfect complement to our existing Australia and New Zealand programme. Despite the ease of access, with the east coast comparable to flying to Egypt or the Canaries, the destination is still relatively little-known in Britain compared with the US, and with the current cost of travel in the Euro zone, Canada has become a very affordable option.”

The operator has a lead in price of £1128 per person without flights for a 11-night trip to Quebec.

XC Championships Set For Anchorage

PARK CITY, Utah - Anchorage, one of the leading cross country ski markets in America, will host the ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships at Kincaid Park for the next two years, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association announced July 7. The annual national championship races held the first week of January will challenge America’s best cross country skiers as they compete for the title of best in the U.S.

“We couldn’t be happier to be able to call Anchorage the home of the ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships for the 2009 and 2010 seasons,” said Nordic Director John Farra. “Not only is Anchorage a center of cross country excellence, having the competition venue at sea level will help replicate expected conditions in the Callahan Valley for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. It will be an added benefit to our athletes headed to that competition.”

The Championships will be held in Kincaid Park, within the city limits of Anchorage, which is known for being one of the best cross country venues in the nation. The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (NSAA) will host the event which is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 3-8, 2009 and will help determine the 2010 U.S. Olympic cross country team.

“NSAA has a strong tradition of hosting high quality cross country competitions and Kincaid is an excellent competition venue,” USSA Vice President of Events Calum Clark said. “Members of the Anchorage community are passionate supporters of cross country ski racing and strong advocates of their home town athletes like Kikkan Randall [Anchorage].”

“At ConocoPhillips, we believe in creating a positive impact in communities where our employees live and work. Supporting the United States Cross Country Ski Championships in Anchorage gives our Alaskan athletes a chance to compete on a national level right here at home,” said Jim Bowles, president of ConocoPhillips Alaska. “And having over 450 athletes and coaches, plus their families, come to Alaska to compete is a real win for our local economy. We’re proud to be involved and will be cheering the athletes on.”

According to Clark, having the championships in such close proximity to a highly populated city will put an added focus on the excitement of cross country skiing.

“When we said we were in negotiations to host the event in Alaska, there was a huge sense of excitement from the cross country community,” Clark said.

 ”It’s a great way to bring the sport to the public, by having it in a metropolis. It’s going to be right on people’s doorsteps in Anchorage.”

The 2009 ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships will be a sporting blast. Here is the schedule:

Jan 3 - Sprint (Classic)
Jan 5 - 10/15km (Freestyle)
Jan 7 - 5/10km (Classic)
Jan 8 - Team Sprint (Freestyle)

NOURISH YOURSELF AT FOUR SEASONS SCOTTSDALE

Health-minded travelers can find a nourishing haven at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.

The resort’s two new programs are perfect for guests seeking fitness, tranquility and a connection to the Sonoran Desert. The Desert Preservation Hike combines exercise and environmental stewardship as resort guests embark on a short walk to nearby Pinnacle Peak Park where a guide leads an interpretive hike and teaches about the flora and fauna that have made their home in the Sonoran Desert.

The hike concludes with a hands-on experience where hikers have the opportunity to plant a cactus or native plant, doing their part to ensure the sustainability of the unique desert ecosystem.

After contributing to the well-being of the environment, guests can add to their own well-being with the new Healing Hiker therapeutic massage.

Sage and mountain arnica are combined in soothing oil that eases inflammation and soreness while purifying and uplifting the body. To help rejuvenate tired muscles, the treatment focuses specifically on massaging the legs – a great way to recoup from the hike through Pinnacle Peak Park!

For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale or call (480) 515-5700.

Top 10 Flemish Restaurants

Perhaps one of our best kept secrets is the fact that Flanders has some of the best restaurants in the world. Home to more Michelin stars per head than France, Belgium excels itself in the wide ranging, top quality restaurants it produces.

The Flemish region is brimming with excellent gastronomy at fantastic value for money. We’ve selected our top ten compiled to represent the best of Flanders. So if you’re heading to Europe this summer, it’s worth plotting a path via the Flemish cities to sample some of our gems.

Patrick De Vos “Zilveren Pauw”, Zilverstraat 41 – 8000 Bruges,

Set in beautiful surroundings in the heart of romantic Bruges. The Zilveren Pauw translates as the Silver Peacock and the charming interior compliments its excellent cuisine. www.patrickdevos.be

2. Dome – Grote Hondstraat 2, Antwerp 2018

Situated in the fabulous Zurenbourg district of Antwerp, Dome is housed in a splendid, round Art Nouveau building which was formally a teahouse, sewing school and police office! Enjoy fabulous cuisine such as monkfish with fresh spinach and pumpkin oil.

3. Pakhuis Brasserie- Schuurkenstraat 4, Ghent 9000

This is a magnificent restored 600 sq.m warehouse right in the heart of the historic centre of the city. Serving great food in a spectacular setting. Cuisine in traditional French-Italian style, plus contemporary creations and a wealth of oysters, shellfish and seafood www.pakhuis.be

4. Rouge Tomate Avenue Louise 190 – 1050 Brussels

Situated in the heart of fashionable Avenue Louise, Rouge Tomate serves up the best seasonal produce innovatively prepared with local ingredients. Bright and modern design compliment the fresh and nutritious menus which are altered on a regular basis.

www.rougetomate.com

5. De Blauwe Maan Mechelsestraat 22 – 3000 Leuven

Head chef Johan Gilbert serves combinations that please the eye as well as the mouth. Specialising in Italian food with a Flemish twist.Situated in the historical centre of Leuven, guests can enjoy a calm and relaxed dining experience. www.deblauwemaan.be

6. Folliez Korenmarkt 19- Mechelen

Gastronomic delights are the speciality of this Michelin starred Mechelen restaurant. Popular for lunch and dinner, the range of dishes is varied and caters for most tastes. An eye for detail and exceptional presentation make for mouth watering classic dishes with a Mediterranean accent using the finest fresh market produce.

www.folliez.be

Pegasus Restaurant – Guido Gezellestraat 7 - 8970 Poperinge

No visit to Flanders Fields country should be without a stop in this magnificent hotel/restaurant offering traditional dishes with a hint of the Mediterranean. Head chef Bert Recour is renowned for his originality and flair and its exceptional setting and beautiful décor make a meal at this restaurant unforgettable.

www.pegasusrecour.be

8. The Ostend Queen- West Helling 8400, Ostend

This well reputed fish restaurant sits in a prominent position offering stunning vistas of the Ostend promenade. Situated on the top floor of the Ostend casino, the chef, Pierre Wynants has created a stunning menu to match the view. Try specialities such as Sole “Belle Epoque” and the Zeevruchtenshotel( seafood platter) made with oysters, lobster, king crab, Ostend grey shrimp, black tiger prawns, mussels and winkles.

www.kursaaloostende.be

9. Het Pomphuis Siberiastraat z.n , 2030 Antwerp

Situated in the southern district of Antwerp is an old building which housed city pumps. The building was converted into a restaurant but the old pumps have been retained together with the glazing and high round windows which graciously illuminate this highly recommended restaurant.

www.hetpomphuis.be

10. Hostellierie St Nicolas Veurnseweg 532, 8906 Elverdinge

Based in Elverdinge, close to the city of Ypres, the restaurant Hostellerie St Nicolas is managed by Franky Vanderhaeghe and his wife Sandra Nys and has the prestigious honour of being awarded two Michelin stars. Situated in modern and pleasant surroundings, the restaurant prides itself in using fresh local and seasonal ingredients and represents excellent value for money given their various prestigious accolades.

www.hostellerie-stnicolas.com

Environment trips With Hands Up Holidays

Believing that every day should be Environment Day, Hands Up Holidays, the voluntourism specialist who blends holidays with worthwhile conservation activities, has selected five environmental projects around the world.

The Hands Up Holidays (www.handsupholidays.com)  trips are:

- Penguin conservation in New Zealand’s South Island- Rhino Monitoring in Borneo

- Plant Recording in Argentina
- Coastal clean up in Galapagos
- Seed planting in South Africa

SOUTHERN ENCOUNTER – 15 days – New Zealand - £1,950

Guests spend three days helping to maintain the habitat of the yellow-eyed penguins at the Catlins on the South Island that includes weeding, planting and pest control. The rest if the trip is spent sightseeing on New Zealand’s stunning South Island including a cruise of the Doubtful Sound, albatross, penguin and sealion viewing, taking part in adrenalin activities in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown and visiting Lake Wanaka. The next set departure dates are 15 November and 20 December 2008.

SABAH DISCOVERER – 15 days – Borneo - £2,300

Assist SOS Rhino tracking and monitoring the movements of the elusive Sumatran rhino, a highly endangered species where there are estimated to be only 25-50 left alive, in Tabin Nature Reserve. Then explore the natural environment of Borneo including visiting the famous Seliplok orangutan rehabilitation centre, viewing the endemic proboscis monkeys, visiting mud volcano and walking in pristine rainforest, plus white water rafting, cruising the Garama river and visiting Tunku Abdul Rhaman Marine Park. The next trip set departure dates are 9 August, 20 September, 25 October, 15 November and 13 December 2008.

NORTHERN EXPLORER IN STYLE – 14 days – Argentina - £2,300

Spend three days monitoring birds, recording orchid flowers, studying amphibians and reptiles, as well as helping with reforestation work in a park close to the impressive Iguaçu Falls dividing Argentina and Brazil. Sightseeing highlights include visiting the Brazilian side of the falls, exploring the sultry capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, staying on a traditional ranch near Salta and visiting Iruya, a small village perched precariously on a mountain. The next set departure dates are 25 October, 15 November, 6 & 27 December 2008.

GALAPAGOS & VOLCANOES – 15 days – Ecuador - £2,200

Spend seven nights in the remote Galapagos Islands off the coast of Darwin with three days spent helping the local fisherman hired by the Galapagos Foundation to collect debris and waste from the coastal areas and beaches. Sightseeing highlights include four further days in the Galapagos on a yacht excursion visiting the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, visiting the Equatorial Line to stand half in the southern and northern hemispheres, travelling on the Chiva Express to Riobamba and shopping in the colourful market town of Otavalos. The next set departure dates are 16 August and 6 September 2008.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY IN STYLE – 9 days – South Africa £3,350

Spend three days volunteering in one of Cape Town’s disadvantaged communities on a conversation project that includes trench digging and filling, planting of seeds and seedlings, building simple nurseries, plus making jams and chutneys using garden produce. Sightseeing highlights include visiting Table Mountain and staying in a luxury boutique hotel in Cape Town, visiting Cape of Good Hope and the Stellenbosch winelands plus a luxury ‘Big Five’ safari staying at a premier lodge. The next trip dates are 2 August, 13 September and 20 December 2008.

ALL PRICES for the set departure dates above include land based tour and volunteering projects as per itinerary, with bed and breakfast accommodation (luxury on ‘in style’ trips), all domestic transport, guide and entrance fees, and some lunches/dinners. International flights are NOT included. Hands Up Holidays can also organise bespoke itineraries with flexible departure dates for which prices are available on request.

Hands Up Holidays (www.handsupholidays.com tel 0800 783 3554) offers a selection of 158 trips to 36 destinations worldwide, blending travel with meaningful volunteering experiences and believes that travel can make a positive difference and that holidays should be both inspirational and rewarding.

Commenting on Hands Up Holidays, MD and company founder Christopher Hill said “We know that our holidays won’t change the world, but that should not be an excuse for not trying, for not making a contribution. For many travellers, Hands Up Holidays will be their first taste of volunteering and we hope that it will not be their last.”

Itineraries are suitable for anyone who has a sense of adventure and community spirit whether they be young professionals, single travellers, gap year students, parents who want to provide their children with memorable educational experiences, backpackers, the young at heart as well as honeymooners who want more than a ‘flop and drop’ holiday. Luxury lovers and companies seeking team building experiences are also catered for.

ALL CARBON EMISSIONS FROM FLIGHTS ARE OFFSET - Hands Up Holidays, which was launched in 2006, partnered with Climate Stewards, pays to have trees planted or for other energy efficient solutions to be provided to guests.

PUTTING PROFITS BACK – Hands Up Holidays gives at least 10% of its profits back to its project partners for further community development.

PARTNERS include Rotary International and the Tear Fund. Hands Up Holidays is also a founding member of the Ethical Tour Operators Group (part of Tourism Concern) and an affiliate member of Green Globe (an environmental standards organisation).

Traveller’s Latest Compendium Brochure

The Classic Traveller (0800 988 5843, www.theclassictraveller.co.uk) has released its latest Travellers’ Compendium brochure, featuring an exclusive selection of special offers (with savings of up to £900 per person) as well as additional departure dates for certain holidays.

The Travellers’ Compendium also includes advance notice of some exciting new itineraries which will become available for the first time in the forthcoming Worldwide Collection brochure, due to be published in September.

Keen pricing is synonymous with The Classic Traveller and the special offers promoted in the Travellers’ Compendium brochure mean that these holidays promise exceptional value for money.

The largest saving is to be found on the Mauritius to Madagascar cruise of the Indian Ocean, which visits these two island nations along with Kenya, the Seychelles and several remote island groups aboard the Costa Europe.

This 16-day odyssey in an E2 cabin (the highest grade) costs from £2,199 per person and offers an incredible saving of up to £900 per person from the cruise line’s original brochure price for this cabin class. The cost includes flights, full-board accommodation and all applicable taxes (though excursions, tips and service charges of €70 per
person are not included).

Two other fantastic cruise options with incredible savings are the Ancient Treasures tour of the eastern Mediterranean and the Riviera Highlights cruise of the western part of the Med. These 8-day voyages of discovery both cost from £599 per person in an E2 cabin – a price that offers a £700 saving per person on the cruise line’s original brochure price for that cabin class.

The first option takes in eastern Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia while the second covers western Italy, Spain and Provence, with the price including seven nights’ full-board accommodation and all port taxes. Flights, transfers, insurance, tips, service charges and excursions are not included in the price.

Sticking with the watery theme, one of the most popular holidays in the programme is the 8-day Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands itinerary. This luxurious escape to one of Italy’s finest and most romantic lakeside settings combines seven nights in a four-star waterfront hotel with an excursion to the nearby Borromean Islands and opportunities to discover verdant gardens, alpine scenery and even the cosmopolitan city of Milan. The holiday costs from £499 per person, to include flights, transfers, accommodation on a B&B basis and all necessary taxes.

Those looking for savings on land-based tours will also find plenty of interest in the Travellers’ Compendium brochure. The 11-day Legends & Landscapes of Japan itinerary, for example, is a fully-escorted tour that combines the colourful city of Tokyo with intoxicating natural landscapes, exotic temples and a relaxing cruise on beautiful Lake Ashi. Highlights of the tour include a journey on one of Japan’s legendary Bullet Trains and a visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum in Hiroshima – a fascinating but profoundly moving experience. Departing on 6 November 2008, the holiday costs £1,699 per person (a saving of up to £130 per person), with the price including flights, transfers, accommodation, some meals, various excursions and the services of a professional guide throughout.

In addition to these special offers, the brochure also includes details of some exciting, new itineraries that are being featured by The Classic Traveller for the first time. A particular highlight is a short break to Morocco; this 5-day Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains adventure costs from just £179 per person, to include four nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotel (with breakfast), in-resort transfers and a sightseeing tour of Marrakech. Optional extras include excursions along the Berber trails into the jagged peaks of the High Atlas or a visit to one of the impressive fortresses that afford a glimpse into Morocco’s colourful history.

Flights are not included in the price.

Also new is the fascinating 12 day Pyramids, Petra and the Red Sea itinerary, a unique cruise-and-stay combination that takes in some of ancient Egypt and Jordan’s most iconic monuments. The tour begins with a visit to the incredible Pyramids of Giza and their attendant Sphinx before embarking on a six-night cruise of the Red Sea.

A particular highlight of the cruise is an optional excursion to Petra, home to the famous Treasury whose intricate façade is cut into the red sandstone of a cliff-face. The holiday costs from £1,299 per person and includes flights, transfers, all accommodation, many meals and the services of professional guides throughout.For more information or to book call The Classic Traveller on 0800 988 5843 or visit the website at www.theclassictraveller.co.uk

It’s No Folly To Visit Seward, Alaska

By Morna Martin, Jetsetters Magazine Adventure Correspondent.

When United States’ Secretary William Seward decided in 1867 to purchase the Alaskan territory from Russia there was a public outrage. Critics accused Seward of being a fool for spending $7,200,000 on land, “…that contained nothing of value, but fur bearing animals…and would be not worth taken as a gift…”

“Seward’s Folly” as the incident is historically referred to, proved to be Seward’s mountain of gold. In the1890’s, large quantities of gold were discovered in Alaska.
William Seward was vindicated. In1912 a whole Alaskan town was named after the once ridiculed politician.

One of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities, Seward is located within the Kena i Peninsula Borough, 126 miles south of Anchorage. The breathtaking Mt. Marathon towers over the town whose beauty will enchant and haunt you for the rest of your life. It was voted All American City in 1963,1965, and again in 2005.

The town can be reached by car, ship, or rail. The Seward Highway National Scenic Byway and All-American road starts there and the drive from Anchorage is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Many cruises stop in Seward. The friendly Chamber of Commerce staff will meet you at the cruise ship terminal and help you make most of this unique destination. A one-of-a-kind trip can also be had by The Alaskan Railroad.

Once in Seward, you might be tired and not in the mood to check out the bustling harbor or the historic downtown district. A wide range of accommodations are available. Pay special attention to Andersen’s Evergreen Cabin, 6.5 miles North of Seward in the striking Bear Lake area. The cabin offers all comforts plus you will meet a mother and daughter who make the “Gilmore Girls” seem dull. Their friendliness and warmth will make you immediately take them into your heart . You will make friends for a lifetime. Should you be a recluse, have no fear, they will leave you alone and you will still have a stunning vacation.

There are many things20to do in Seward, some are an absolute must, however:

The Alaska Sea Life Center is a “non-profit marine science facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, and public education.” Their naturalistic exhibits are fascinating and enlightening as well. Among other things you can take a backstage tour of the facility and/or hand feed their many adorable puffins. You will have a prodigious learning experience.

Seavey’s Ididaride Sled Dog Tours, voted “Best Sled Dog Ride in Alaska.” At the home of Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey, you will learn about the Iditarod, Alaska’s legendary dog sled race. You will meet lots of energized sled dogs, hug loveable husky puppies and experience a two-mile dog sledding escapade Fun, Fun, Fun…

Let the “Exit Glacier Guides“ take you on a ice hiking tour to stunning Exit Glacier. The friendly guides will provide you with all that’s necessary for a safe trip and will also store your baggage. Hourly shuttle service to and from exit glacier in an environmentally friendly bus (it runs on cooking oil) is also provided.

Stop by the local library for a real treat. Everyday at 2 P M you can catch an out of this world movie about the devastating earthquake that nearly wiped out Seward in 1964. Cannot get enough about the earthquake? Find Seward native, Christina Pichotta and listen to her fascinating rendition of events.

Hungry? Seward offers many excellent restaurants and coffeehouses. Should you accumulate too many souvenirs at one of the many charming shops and art galleries, “Ray’s Reusables,” a wonderful second hand store, will rescue you with a variety of well priced suitcases.

For more information, check out: www.Seward.com

Take action. Travel to Alaska. You will receive the great gift of a glimpse of pure American history and breathtaking scenery. Unlike Mr. Seward, nobody will call you “a fool.”

AMA Waterways Christens Amacello, Amadante in Germany

AMA Waterways christened it two newest river ships, the Amacello and the Amadante, in the medieval town of Regensburg, Germany.

More than 80 percent of the ships’ staterooms feature French balconies. All of them feature plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; in-room “infotainment systems” with complimentary Internet access; marble-appointed bathrooms, spa-quality bath amenities; terry robes; and slippers.

Each vessel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a complimentary specialty coffee and tea station. Gourmet meals in the restaurant are accompanied by complimentary local wines. Each ship also features a fitness center, a beauty salon, a whirlpool, a walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. Next year, AMA will debut the Amadolce and the Amalyra; and two additional ships will join the fleet in 2010.

Call 800-626-0126 or visit www.amawaterways.com