Jetsettersblog

Adventures by Disney, named the “World’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator” by the 2009 World Travel Awards, has added a new line of itineraries to its list of family vacations for summer 2010.

“Known as the Gateway Collection, these itineraries provide guests with more time on their own to explore the destinations and sites at their leisure,” the company says.

In conjunction with the added time, travelers receive the benefits of Adventures by Disney’s Adventure Guides who are the concierges for each trip and are available to provide recommendations and schedule reservations.

Departing in summer 2010, these itineraries feature, “Gateway to London and Paris,” “Gateway to Italy” and “Gateway to Costa Rica” with dates in June, July, August and September.

“Our new Gateway Collection is ideal for guests looking for a vacation that balances just the right amount of leisure time and freedom to explore destinations on their own with the benefits of Adventures by Disney’s guided tours and VIP hassle-free travel,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line & New Vacation Operations.

All Gateway Collection itineraries feature Adventures by Disney’s special touches called the “Disney Difference” and some VIP access into popular tourist attractions.

On “Gateway to Costa Rica,” for example, families will become immersed in their surroundings when they embark on a jungle cruise through Tortuguero National Park with a naturalist, exploring the many canals and rich wildlife of the Mangrove.

Chef E. Bernard, owner and executive chef of Bernard’s Bistro, celebrates Valentine’s Day with a romantic candlelit evening featuring a five-course meal of signature items.

The menu items include “Be My Valentine,” a blood orange tomato soup garnished with Cointreau coconut chutney; “Fleur de Lys,” smoked salmon with crème fraiche and caviar in dill truffle oil; “Two Hearts Beating as One,” heart-shaped artichoke ravioli with mascarpone cheese and asparagus in a cabernet sauvignon sauce; “Love Me Tender,” a brandy flamed filet mignon with foie gras in Morel Porto sauce served with potatoes Au Gratin and petite legumes;

“Romeo & Juliette,” a duet of red peppercorn-crusted lamb loin and rack of lamb served with polenta-spiced apricot in Madeira wine sauce; and “Togetherness,” two quail in zinfandel sauce served with caramelized pears and truffled sweet peas. Special vegetarian entrees are available also.

Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bernard’s Bistro
The Village Lake Las Vegas
15 Costa di Lago
Henderson, NV 89011

The five-course meal is $75 per person.

Please call 702-565-1155 to make reservations.

Overnight stays are available at MonteLago Village Resort and Vacation Villas.

To book a special weekend package at the Resort, please call 1-888-600-2688 or visit www.montelagovillage.com

For Vacation Villas, please call 702-568-1174 or visit www.lakelasvegasrentals.com

Highly regarded fishing magazine Trout & Salmon has published a list of the top mail order suppliers for flies.

Highly regarded fishing magazine Trout & Salmon has published a list of the top mail order suppliers for flies.

The magazine carried out an undercover survey of a number of sellers in the hope to offer their readers an unbiased and informative result as to who were the better suppliers.

Whether you tie your own flies, or buy readymade ones, quality is high on the agenda for the serious fisherman, as it can make the difference between a satisfying day on the river or an empty net.

Trout & Salmon chose a number of key factors to think on when ordering their flies. Staff knowledge, politeness and helpfulness as well as the delivery time on orders were all taken into consideration alongside the quality and correctness of the fly itself.

Three types of fly were chosen:

Ally’s Shrimp http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/shop/ty_410-salmon-shrimps-doubles-and-trebles/

Dunkeld http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/search/2808-dunkeld.html

Adams http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/search/2286-whiting-farm-winged-adams.html

These were then scrutinised to ensure faithful reproductions of original dressings as well as quality and good choice of materials, neatness and proportions.

One of the online retailers that were targeted was John Norris of Penrith (http://www.johnnorris.co.uk  ).

Based in Penrith in Cumbria, and with over 35 years experience of selling fishing equipment from top brands and manufacturers, John Norris has an extensive showroom only a couple of minutes travel from junction 40 of the M6 on the edge of the Lake District stocked with their great range of fishing products, including all kinds of fishing flies.

Trout & Salmon’s comments regarding John Norris’ customer service stated:

“Order processed without any problem. Very helpful, efficient and knowledgeable”

The fishing flies sent by John Norris were all well received despite the smaller order, each were well proportioned and used a good range of materials.

A spokesperson for John Norris commented on the magazine article by saying:

“We are very pleased with the outcome of Trout & Salmon’s findings”

“Here at John Norris, we have a full range of flies and fishing tackle with significant reductions on RRP.

Those interested in taking advantage of these special offers can visit us at http://www.johnnorris.co.uk

Las Vegas, Nev – Enjoy Valentine’s Day weekend at Stratosphere Hotel & Casino, one of the most romantic and popular spots in Las Vegas.

To help couples celebrate, Stratosphere is featuring unparalleled room and dining specials all weekend.

Due to popular demand for Top of the World restaurant, Stratosphere has added Dining With a View, a private room seating located on level 104 of the Tower.

The Top of the World chef has created a special menu specifically for Dining with a View in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Suite Hearts

Stratosphere is offering three impressive and affordable room packages for a memorable Valentine’s Day. All packages receive a free upgrade to a premier view room.

Valentine’s Day Three-Night Package – Feb. 12,13,14 –

Loved ones can celebrate the entire weekend together with this package featuring three nights stay in a premier view room, champagne toast at Level 107 Lounge, brunch at Top of the World, private seating for Valentine’s Day dinner and $25 off an in-room massage from Roni Josef Salon & Spa.

Rates are $629 inclusive based on double occupancy.

Valentine’s Day Two-Night Saturday and Sunday Package – Feb. 13,14 – Enjoy each other’s company with this package offering two nights stay in a premier view room, private seating for Valentine’s Day dinner and $25 off an in-room massage from Roni Josef Salon & Spa. Rates are $445 inclusive based on double occupancy.

Valentine’s Day Two-Night Sunday and Monday Package – Feb. 14,15 – The holiday will be one to remember for those who choose this package with two nights stay in a premier view room, private seating for Valentine’s Day dinner and $25 off an in-room massage from Roni Josef Salon & Spa.

Rates are $349 inclusive based on double occupancy.

For reservations call Stratosphere at 1-800-99-TOWER (1-800-998-6937).

Wine and Dine

In addition to the room packages, Stratosphere will feature specials to please any palate.

Level 107 Lounge Sweetheart Package – Toast to the holiday with a glass of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries at Level 107 Lounge on Friday, Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The music of Afterglow and the breathtaking views of the city in the background set the mood for an enchanting evening. Price is $22.70 per person and includes tax and gratuity.

Top of the World Brunch – After a night of romance, enjoy a decadent brunch at Top of the World restaurant on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The three-course meal starts with a choice of lobster bisque or market greens salad.

For the main course, guests have mouthwatering options of roasted free range chicken breast, seared organic Scottish salmon or ricotta gnocchi bolognese.

An assortment of mini desserts offers the perfect ending to the meal. Brunch prices are $36.57 per person and include tax and gratuity.

Valentine’s Day Dinner – Dining with a View will have two seatings on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

While sipping on a complimentary glass of champagne, guests can indulge in appetizers of roasted red pepper and lump crab tartlet, tomato bisque shooter with a Valentine smoked cheddar grilled cheese sandwich and ahi tuna carpaccio with wasabi caviar.

The Top of the World chef has specially prepared a dinner presentation beginning with a shrimp and scallop love puff with shiitake mushrooms and a baby frisee salad with dried cranberries, roasted red apple and champagne vinaigrette. Diners will feast on a duet of oven baked petite lobster tail filled with an artichoke risotto and a char-grilled filet of beet with peppercorn sauce accompanied by chef’s vegetable selection for the main course.

Decadent red velvet Valentine cake with raspberry coulis and crème anglaise completes the meal. To commemorate the day, ladies will be presented with a single rose. Dinner prices are $108.89 per person and include tax and gratuity.

Reservations are required at Top of the World and Dining with a View. Call (702) 380-7711 to enjoy a great Valentine’s Day brunch or dinner.

The Stratosphere Hotel & Casino is located at 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South. For more information, call 702-380-7777 or toll free at 1-800-99-TOWER (998-6937) or visit www.stratospherehotel.com

Bayfield is preparing to go to the dogs

With near perfect snow conditions the
15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race schedule is packed well

The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau is eagerly preparing for what is certain to be successful Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race on February 6th and 7th.

“We always have near perfect snow conditions in Bayfield, and this year is no exception! All the early snow in the Midwest this year means that the mushers and dogs are sharing another wonderful season,” explains John Theil, owner of Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing,

“The best thing about a sled dog race is that you can feel the excitement in the air! The dogs love it, the mushers love it, the volunteers love it and all that energy ignites the crowd.”

Theil has been actively involved in assisting in the planning of this race for 15 years.

The Bayfield Chamber is also very excited to be welcoming over 40 “Voluntourists” to Bayfield to help out as volunteers for the races this year.

“The voluntourism program has become such an amazing success. We have again increased our numbers over 2009 greatly, and we even have people coming back to experience these races for a second time,” explains Kristen Sandstrom, Marketing & Events Manager for the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau.

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to come and cheer on the teams and experience a bit of the energy this event exudes.

Below is the full schedule of events for the 15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races:

Friday, February 5, 2010

6:00-7:00pm – “Meet the Mushers” Spaghetti Dinner (open to the public)
7:00pm – Mushers roll-call and meeting at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
8:00pm – Dr. Jerry Vanek (Cheif Veterinarian for the races) shares his experiences from the “Serum Run” in Alaska

At the Bayfield Inn

Saturday, February 6, 2010

10:00am – Race begins at the Echo Valley Gravel Pit
Located approximately 12 miles out of Bayfield along Highway 13

5:00pm – Musher Mixer at the Bayfield Inn – a lasagna dinner open to the public.

Race results will only be available here

6:00pm – Madeline Island resident Jim Ryder of Snow Ryder Dog Sled Adventures presents his “Arctic Adventure.” At the Bayfield Inn

Sunday, February 7, 2010

10:00am – Race begins at the Echo Valley Gravel Pit
Located approximately 12 miles out of Bayfield along Highway 13

4:00pm (Approx.) – Awards presentations at the Northern Edge Restaurant located just south of Bayfield on Highway 13

The 15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races are sponsored by; The Bayfield Inn, Harbor View Lodging, Northern Wisconsin Dog Mushers Association, Seagull Bay Motel, Silverwaves *Olas de Plata, Snow Ryder Dog Sled Adventures, Stonehouse Photography, Wolfsong Wear and Xcel Energy.

For more information on this and all other Bayfield information and events, visit www.bayfield.org  or call (800)447-4094 

Big Island Film Festival is proud to announce that John Cruz and his heart-strumming slack key will take the stage for “Best of the Fest,” Sunday, May 16, 2010.

ISLAND OF HAWAII — Music and movie magic go hand in hand in Hawaii, and the Big Island Film Festival is proud to announce that John Cruz and his heart-strumming slack key will take the stage for “Best of the Fest,” Sunday, May 16, 2010.

A lifetime Hawaiian musician from Palolo Valley on Oahu, Cruz serenaded four galas during President Obama’s inauguration. Acclaimed by Hawaii Magazine as 2008′s Best Singer Songwriter for his premiere CD, Cruz’s second album, “One of These Days” hit #1 in Hawaii, #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart for the Pacific Region and #6 on the Billboard World Chart and won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Contemporary Album of the Year.

Cruz is the official spokesman for Sprint Hawaii’s Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation which donates free ukuleles to school music programs in need. He visits classrooms and gives surprise performances to inspire kids to achieve and believe in themselves.

No stranger to the big screen, Cruz is the subject of the documentary film “Made of Music – The Story of John Cruz,” which debuted at the Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival in Honolulu, and was honored with the Aloha Visionary Filmmaker Award at the Molokai Film Festival. Jack Johnson, Jackson Browne, Kelly Slater and Jake Shimabukuro add color and insight to an already powerful story.

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival takes place May 12-16, 2010 at Mauna Lani Resort, “on location” in two luxury hotels, retail shopping center and restaurants. Rated one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals by MovieMaker Magazine, the 5th annual BIFF is a celebration of independent filmmaking with movies, special events, Hawaiian culture and music, all embraced by the spirit of Aloha, to help it grow into a premier event to share with the world.

Mauna Lani Resort will offer accommodations at two ocean front luxury resorts, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows and The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, along with unparalleled shopping at The Shops at Mauna Lani.

For information or to purchase tickets online, visit http://www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com.  (Please befriend our Facebook Fan Page and follow @BigIslandFilm on Twitter.)

LINKS
http://www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com
http://www.JohnCruz.com
http://www.MaunaLani.com
http://www.Fairmont.com/Orchid
http://www.ShopsAtMaunaLani.com

For tickets and information visit http://www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com

2010 promises to be a banner year for larger-than-life exhibits at LA’s premiere museums. Here’s a sampling:

Collections: MOCA’s First Thirty Years
MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Through May 3

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) celebrates its 30th birthday, with its largest installation ever. More than 500 works created during the past 70 years are displayed in chronological order throughout the museum’s two facilities.
www.moca.org

Renoir in the 20th Century
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Feb. 14-May 9

The study offers an unprecedented look at the last three decades of Renoir’s career, when he abandoned impressionism and turned to art that was decorative and classical. His paintings from this period have never before been studied, and the exhibit serves to bridge the divide between art of the 19th and 20th centuries.
www.lacma.org

Leonardo da Vinci and the Art of Sculpture: Inspiration and Invention
The Getty Center
March 23-June 20

The first display of works by Leonardo da Vinci in Los Angeles in decades, this major exhibition features original drawings by Leonardo and important works by artists who inspired him — and were inspired by him.
www.getty.edu

The Aztec Pantheon and the Art of Empire
The Getty Villa
March 24-July 5

Organized to celebrate the bicentennial of Mexican independence, this exhibit showcases masterworks of Aztec sculpture.

In the 16th century, European colonization of the Americas coincided with the Renaissance rediscovery of classical antiquity and parallels were routinely drawn between the Aztec and Roman empires.

www.getty.edu

Celebrate this year’s St. Valentine’s Day with a difference by whisking your loved-one away for a romantic European city break. Specialist tour operator, Dertour offers a range of long weekends, including historic Vienna, the colourful city of Cologne and cosmopolitan Geneva.

VIENNA £369pp – Depart 12 February from London Heathrow for two nights in romantic Vienna, staying at the three star Hotel Graben. The hotel is family-run, designed in Art Nouveau style and situated close to many boutiques and antique shops right in the centre of the city, with St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Imperial Palace very close by. Priced from £369 per person, based on two people sharing on bed and breakfast basis, including return flights.

COLOGNE £299pp – Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and there is lots for romantic couples to see and do, including the Chocolate Museum and the breathtaking Cathedral. Depart 12 February from London Heathrow for a two night stay on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Hotel Konigshof, a family-owned hotel in the heart of the city. Price also includes return flights. Based on two people sharing.

GENEVA £329pp – Geneva is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city in the French speaking part of Switzerland, framed by the stunning Alps and situated at Europe’s largest lake, Lake Geneva, so it provides an ideal romantic backdrop for a Valentine’s weekend.

Depart 12 February for a two night break staying on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Hotel Longchamp located a short walk away from Lake Geneva. Price also includes return flights. Based on two people sharing.

For more information or to book please contact DERTOUR on 0207 290 1111,

www.dertour.co.uk

The iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame turns 50 this year and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is planning a yearlong birthday bash.

The excitement kicks off with the “Ringo Starr Ceremony,” Feb. 8 — scheduled 50 years to the day of the start of construction of the Walk of Fame (Feb. 8, 1960).

This elaborate observance will honor the music industry legend as he receives his Star on the Walk of Fame; and introduce production elements that will give the Star Ceremonies a new look for the next 50 years. On July 25, the “Community Festival of the Stars” will showcase the Walk’s five categories: motion pictures, television, radio, recording and live theatre.

It’s currently envisioned as a daylong event on Vine Street featuring outdoor stages with live music, live theatre and radio personalities, indoor venues showing past Star Ceremony clips, and food and game booths for the whole family.

The excitement culminates with the “Gala – 50 Years of Walk of Fame Stars,” a black-tie fundraiser on Nov. 3, in the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.

It will recognize all Walk of Fame Star honorees and raise funds for the Walk’s ongoing restoration and maintenance.

“Of course, we will continue to add to the Walk of Fame, with new star ceremonies throughout 2010,” said Leron Gubler, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Conceived by the Hollywood Chamber in 1953, the Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiled its demonstration stars in August 1958, the first being in honor of actor Preston Foster.

The Walk was officially dedicated in November 1960.

The Walk of Fame now features 2,393 stars, and is one of LA’s top attractions and one of the world’s most recognizable images of Hollywood.

www.hollywoodchamber.net

EBook; a 213-Page Resource Guide Including Contact Information for 10,500 U.S. Golf Course Facilities

For more than 15 years Golf Yellow Pages has published the only “phone book” directory of golf courses and businesses. Now you can get a special insider’s guide to 50 golf discount programs PLUS a directory of every public course in the U.S.

Golf Yellow Pages announces the availability of the 2010 Guide to Golf Discount Programs. The 213 page PDF eBook reviews 50 course discount resources and includes contact information for 10,500 U.S. Public Golf Course Facilities.

It can be purchased by visiting http://www.golf-discounts.us

The 2010 Guide to Golf Discount Programs may also be sold by affiliate marketers belonging to Clickbank.com.

Visit http://www.golf-discounts.us/golf-affiliate-programs  for details.

This special guide helps golfers save money and play golf at a discount over standard rates. Resources are divided into four types of discount categories:

• Annual purchase programs. These range from physical books to membership cards. You buy the book or join a program by paying a one-time fee and enjoy savings and other benefits during the program’s time period.

• Coupon & Discount Programs. Visit these companies because they have printable coupons or free membership that gives you access to discounts.

• Online Booking (aka Tee Time Reservation Systems). This is a great resource for tee time discounts especially last minute deals.

• Voucher Programs. Voucher programs are similar to online booking of tee times but differ in that you usually don’t pick a precise tee time. You pay for the round, receive a voucher, and call the course to redeem it.

The 2010 Guide to Golf Discount Programs covers all these and also includes:

1. A list of regions where the discounts can be used
2. Number of participating courses
3. Whether the company discloses the names of the courses
4. Website address and telephone number
5. Whether the program charges, and how much

As a bonus you also receive contact information for 10,500 public golf course facilities in a fully searchable PDF format.