Jetsettersblog

San Diego County offers 458 hotel and motel properties, which represent over 56,625 rooms available to visitors.

Charming bed & breakfasts, popular casinos, health spas and country inns add an additional 96 properties and 1,117 rooms. San Diego’s accommodation properties range from historic landmarks like the world-famous Hotel del Coronado and THE US GRANT in downtown San Diego, to hip urban boutiques like the new San Diego Andaz and The Keating Hotel, which is the first hotel designed by Pininfarina who is responsible for the Mazzariti and Ferrari brands, to full-service luxury retreats like The Lodge at Torrey Pines and the new Grand Del Mar Resort & Spa, which offer world-class golf courses and spas.

Following are the newest hotel properties where guests can rest their heads in San Diego.

In June 2010, The Cosmopolitan Hotel will open in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in a historic building that dates back to 1827 and was once home to one of San Diego’s earliest settlers.

The property’s three-year, multimillion-dollar restoration will create 10 guestrooms, an indoor and outdoor restaurant and several meeting rooms for special occasions.

Recognized as one of the most historically significant buildings in California, many aspects of the original building structure will remain intact including Adobe brick walls dating back to the 1820s, wood exterior dating back to 1869 and a balcony that wraps around the building and once served as the perfect place to watch local bullfights in the streets below.

For more information, visit www.fiestadereyes.com

On June 21, 2010, a new management agreement with Hyatt Hotels will go into effect and the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad will become the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.

The 329-room, AAA Five Diamond property, located in the coastal community of Carlsbad, boasts an award-winning spa, excellent dining options, 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and TaylorMade Performance Lab. For more information, please visit www.fourseasons.com/aviara
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In February 2010, the former Ivy Hotel in downtown San Diego became Andaz San Diego after new management agreements with Hyatt Corporation.

While the hotel’s luxurious amenities, 159 guestrooms, rooftop bar, nightclub, restaurant and wine bar remain the same, Andaz San Diego has adopted the Hyatt brand and guest experience, including the Hyatt Gold Passport program that recognizes Hyatt’s loyal guests with exclusive benefits.

The Andaz brand offers a unique collection of Hyatt hotels that reflect the locale of its city locations, which also include London, West Hollywood and New York City’s Wall Street.

For more information, visit http://sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com

The 14-story, 240-room Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter opened in November 2009 in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. Providing a residential feel with strong sense of comfort, guestrooms feature all the amenities of home including a fully-equipped kitchen and pantry with refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, cleaning supplies, dining and cooking sets and grocery shopping service.

Other hotel features include 1,305-sq. ft. of meeting space, complimentary breakfast daily, pet-friendly guestrooms, rooftop pool, fitness center, full-service lounge, complimentary high-speed internet and Bar Vie, a full-service bar with dinner menu. For more information, visit www.marriott.com

In July 2009, Hotel Indigo San Diego, a new alternative to traditional hotels, opened in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego.

Catering to the style-conscious traveler, Hotel Indigo offers personalized service, affordable luxury and intelligent design to create a one-of-a-kind, welcoming environment.

The 12-story, 210-room hotel features open spaces, bold colors, unique textures, natural imagery and spa-inspired touches throughout the property.

In addition, public spaces and guestrooms will undergo seasonal transformations so that aromas, music, artwork, murals and other design elements correlate to match the four seasons.

Hotel Indigo San Diego also offers a bistro-style Golden Bean restaurant and Phi bar, each offering seasonal gourmet fare for breakfast and dinner.

A 24-hour “Phi”tness Studio, rooftop terrace with a reflection pool and fire pits, business center, over 6,000-sq. ft. of indoor outdoor meeting space and free wireless internet round out the amenities. Hotel Indigo is San Diego’s first LEED-certified hotel, and green building practices are seen throughout the property, including green roofs on its 9th and 12th floors.

For more information, visit www.hotelindigo.com

Happy happens in San Diego. For more information on San Diego offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Web site at www.sandiego.org

POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pennsylvania – The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) announces that Jack Frost National, after its first full season, has earned a spot on Golfweek’s coveted “Best Courses You Can Play” list, which appears annually.

Hundreds of Golfweek raters play and rank thousands of courses nationwide on feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management, overall impressionability and similar criteria.

Stretching 7,256 yards from the tips, Jack Frost National plays to a manageable distance of 5,129 from the forward tees. The Terry LaGree-design is one of more than 35 options – ranging from challenging championship layouts to beginner-friendly par-3s – that proliferate the four-county region.

Different than most mountain landscapes, the 18-hole, par-72 course provides wide fairways, easily identified target areas, few uneven lies and no blind shots.

Among the 18 signature holes is the picturesque par-3, 169-yard No. 11 that tests the most skilled golfers. In the middle of a daunting five-hole stretch that can make or break a round, the 11th features an undulating green guarded by bunkers and a demanding back-right pin placement.

“Jack Frost National is an excellent addition to the Pocono Mountains golf destination,” said Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the PMVB. “Being named ‘Best in State’ is a significant award and wonderful reinforcement of the high-quality options we offer players.”

The Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret is home to iconic designs by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross and modern gems by Jack Nicklaus. Close proximity to many East Coast cities and value-laden packages make this region a popular choice for discerning travelers.

Away from the golf course, miles of marked and unmarked trails for hiking and biking, rivers and lakes for fishing and boating, luxurious spas, fine dining, shopping, and more await. Whether it is an overnight stay, a weekend trip or an extended vacation, people are increasingly discovering and remembering the Pocono Mountains.

For more information on Jack Frost National and other courses in the Pocono Mountains, call 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667), visit www.800poconos.com  or www.twitter.com/poconotourism

About the “Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret”

The Pocono Mountains has long been known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family friendly ambiance and romantic setting, as well as its fall foliage, winter skiing, spring-summer outdoor recreation options and natural beauty. Numerous lakes, parks and other environmental wonderlands are found throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region.

Attributes of the golf-and-resort properties and destination include:

* Home to more than thirty-five golf courses with hundreds of holes for beginners and avid golfers alike; close proximity gives golfers chance to play 36 in a day

* Two NASCAR races held annually
* Golden Era of Golf Architecture period designs strongly represented by legendary designers Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast
* Hiking, biking, camping, spas, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities
* Attractions, festivals and other special events
* Meeting and conference facilities
* Great food at a wide array of eating establishments and resort restaurants
* Bed & breakfasts, country inns and resorts
* Antique shops, outlet malls and other unique shopping venues

Free is certainly everybody’s favorite word. In a summer travel season when vacationers will certainly be looking to spread their money further, the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau has put together a list of free attractions in the destination for visitors to enjoy.

“Vacations should be enjoyable and not a burden on visitors’ finances,” said Norris Flowers, President of the Gettysburg CVB. “Our destination is still rich in free opportunities, which give our visitors a great, inexpensive experience.”

These attractions focus on both Gettysburg’s rich history and its other great attractions, including outdoor recreation, agriculture and the lighter side of Gettysburg:

Gettysburg National Military Park

Known by most as simply “the battlefield,” the Gettysburg National Military Park is the country’s largest history classroom. It remains one of the few free national historic sites in the United States and draws 2 million visitors annually.

With 6,000 acres of preserved battle ground, the park is a place where visitors come to honor and pay their respects to the fallen soldiers, reflect on a nation torn by war or learn about the most documented battle in U.S. history.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/gett

Gettysburg Train Station

When President Abraham Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg to deliver what would become known as the Gettysburg Address, this small Pennsylvania town was in the midst of a massive cleanup effort after the battle just four months earlier.

The train station – Lincoln’s first stop in Gettysburg – explains that story and demonstrates the world the 16th president would have seen when he stepped off that train on Nov. 18, 1863.

Historic Roundbarn

It was probably the most ingenious – yet expensive – barn design of its time – the Roundbarn.

Only a handful of them remain today – including the one outside Gettysburg in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Fruit Belt. Built in 1914, this Roundbarn now houses one of the best Farmer’s Markets in the region.

This rare structure has become one of Adams County, Pa.’s most popular landmarks. For more information, visit www.roundbarngettysburg.com

Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum

Speaking of landmarks … for many visitors to Gettysburg, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum is as much of a must-stop attraction as the battlefield itself.

Yes, the candy comes with a cost, but to see one of the largest collections of elephant figurines in the world won’t cost you a cent.

What started out as a simple wedding gift has turned into a nationally known museum with more than 10,000 elephants. For more information, visit www.mistereds.com.

Soldiers’ National Cemetery

Before Arlington, there was Gettysburg. It featured the most recognized dedication the country has ever seen. President Lincoln was asked to share “a few appropriate remarks,” and of course, those ten sentences – a mere 272 words – would become on of the most famous speeches of all time. And it happened here in Gettysburg.

The cemetery’s gates are now open for the world to enjoy. It’s not only a place to honor soldiers killed in Gettysburg but to appreciate the magnitude of what our 16th president said here.

Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve

There are many ways to enjoy Gettysburg’s countryside, but Strawberry Hill Nature Center is a remarkable experience and one that’ll challenge your body yet relieve you of the stress of your daily life. With 600 acres – plus a new adjoining 2,500-acre plot of preserved forest – Strawberry Hill is not just a hike in the woods. It’s an experience that will put visitors face-to-face with nature.

For more information, visit www.strawberryhill.org

Self-Guided Tours

The Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau has put together a collection of self-guided tours that enable visitors to explore on their own at their own pace.

The Scenic Driving Tour and the Historic Conewago Valley Tour take you out of town and into the great countryside of Adams County, Pa.

Along the way, you’ll find orchards, farmer’s markets, antique malls and plenty of picturesque stops.

Our Downtown (Gettysburg) Walking Tour and New Oxford Historic Walking Tour give our visitors a chance to stretch their legs, learn a bit of history and an opportunity to explore shops, galleries and diners along the tour. For more information, visit www.gettysburg.travel

Camp David Museum

Not far from Gettysburg, down U.S. Route 15 in Thurmont, Md., is one of the most unique places around – The Cozy.

It’s a restaurant, it’s an inn, but it also houses a museum you won’t find anywhere else, and it’s dedicated to the famous presidential retreat just a couple miles away. Inside, you’ll learn about the handful of presidents and international dignitaries who’ve stayed at Camp David, and you’ll see that the Cozy itself has played an important role in the vacation spot. For more information, visit www.cozyvillage.com

Willow Pond Farm

This 1760s vintage stone farmhouse is best known as the centerpiece of the Pennsylvania Lavender Festival, but outside those three days in June, Willow Pond Farm is a great place to enjoy a warm spring or summer morning, strolling through gardens of herbs. Varieties include culinary herbs, edible flowers, mint, scented geraniums, medicinal herbs and, of course, lavender. For more information, visit www.willowpondherbs.com.

“This list of free attractions showcases Gettysburg’s unique diversity,” said Flowers. “Certainly, we are rich in Civil War history, but Gettysburg and its countryside provide our millions of visitors with a well-rounded vacation experience.”

For more information on Gettysburg’s free attractions or other events and activities in Gettysburg, visit www.gettysburg.travel  or call (800) 337-5015.

Atlas Of The Civil WarIn 35 innovative views created especially for this book, the key moments of major Civil War battles are pinpointed by National Geographic”s award-winning cartographers using satellite data to render the terrain with astonishing detail.

One…two…three…. one…two… three…if your idea of relaxing is a nice five-mile jog, three-mile swim or meditating with 100 crunches on a hot day, then boy, have you found the right place.

Morning: According to many of us, the day doesn’t begin without our morning workout. And the Boardwalk is the perfect place to flex those muscles and work up some sweat.

From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. bicycling is the way to go on the Boardwalk. It may not be the Tour de France, but with more than four miles of boards to ride, it certainly can get the job done.

The Boardwalk is also where joggers go to get in their run, and they come from far and wide. It’s even the location of a yearly marathon in October.

Afternoon: It may be a sunbather’s paradise but the Atlantic City beach is also where you’ll find plenty of athletes and competitive opportunities.

Have a ball with a game of handball or volleyball, there are even several volleyball tournaments that take place throughout the summer.

The beautiful Atlantic Ocean offers an awesome opportunity to catch some waves, learn to surf, or even practice your breaststroke.

And for those runners who’ve caught the barefoot running bug, can you think of a better place to get some sand between your toes?

Four! Come on, you know you can fit in a game, especially with more than 20 golf courses in the Atlantic City area. In fact, the area is fast becoming a new golf mecca, with high-quality courses covering the breadth of golfing capabilities, from novice to pro.

Many of our courses are championship-caliber, designed by some of the top course consultants in the country. And if you’re looking for diversity, it lives at the heart of our golf world – ocean courses and bayside links, pine-bordered fairways and pristine greens, challenging bunkers and wind-blown sand dunes.

Vist Atlantic City Golf Vacations or call (800) GOLF-222 for more information about many of the courses, or to arrange tee times and book golf packages.

Evening: You probably made sure your hotel had a gym before you checked to see if there was a vacancy.

So make sure to take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness centers – complete with free weights, treadmills and more – located in most hotels and casino hotels in the area. A hair salon, usually accompanies them, as well as an indoor and/or outdoor swimming pool.

Of course, spas are a major attraction in Atlantic City, and they are located in the casinos and throughout the region.

Whether it’s a relaxing Swedish Massage or a Sports Massage, you may want to reserve your time early… you’re going to need it.

The Atlantic City “Shop-A-Holic” Itinerary

There are those who do a little shopping while on vacation, and then there are those that vacation to shop. For all of you shop-a-holics, this one is for you.

Morning: Grab a bit to eat at the Long Horn Steakhouse or Cavo Crepe Café before starting your day of shopping. Both of these enjoyable places are located at Atlantic City Outlets- The Walk on Michigan and Atlantic Avenues. Also located in The Walk are 100 national retail brand outlets stores such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Bass, Jockey, Harley Davidson, Borders, Banana Republic, Coach, Calvin Klein, Aeropostale, H & M and many more.

Afternoon: After you’ve walked The Walk, now it’s time to venture to another country. Tropicana Casino and Resort’s The Quarter brings the charm and sophistication of Old Havana to Atlantic City. Get some lunch and then shop till you drop because The Quarter features a mix of well-known retailers and unusual shops. Check out retail options like Rittenhouse Gift & Home, White House/Black Market, the Spy Shop, Jake’s Dog House, Tinderbox/Vino 100 and bluemercury apothecary. You may want to try out the bluemercury spa as well, if you need to rest those shoulders after carrying all your bags.

Evening: On to The Pier Shops at Caesars. A pier you ask? This isn’t just any pier, this is a pier without peer. From the makers of The Forum Shops in Las Vegas, the Pier at Caesars raises the bar on shopping in Atlantic City. You’ll find never before seen in Atlantic City retailers like A/X Armani Exchange, Bebe, Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Tommy Bahama’s Vilebrequin and the store that holds the famous little blue box, Tiffany & Co. For those who don’t consider shopping an art form, there’s IT’SUGAR and James’ Original Salt Water Taffy, among others. The complex’s third floor holds wonderful dining options like Trinity Irish Bar and Restaurant,

The Continental, Phillips Seafood Restaurant, Stephen Starr’s Buddakan and more.

Of course, there are plenty of unique shops on the Boardwalk to venture in and out off while strolling. But whatever your taste or budget, you’ll find something to soothe that shopping craving in Atlantic City.

Less than an hour north of San Francisco is some of the best bicycle riding in Northern California: flower-lined country roads that pass organic farms and under towering redwoods, quaint lanes past vineyards and wineries, and winding routes that follow the gentle Russian River to the wild Pacific coastline.

Sonoma County is synonymous with good riding. With 1,400 miles of lightly traveled secondary roads and a growing system of off-road bike trails, Sonoma County appeals to a wide variety of riders. Whether you are a dedicated cyclist attacking mountain passes or a weekend pedaler eager to sip wine and cycle through the vines, Sonoma County can provide you the perfect track. It’s no wonder Bicycling Magazine listed the area one of “The 7 Greatest Rides on Earth.”

Sonoma County is also home to an avid cycling community epitomized by star resident and professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer. Serious bicyclists come to train as well as to compete, and for the past two years the Amgen Tour of California, America’s answer to the Tour de France, has included Sonoma County in its seven stage route.

“I’ve ridden and raced all over the world,” says Gavin Chilcott, manager of the Amgen Race Team BMC, a new professional cycling team based in Sonoma County. “There’s no better place for cyclists. That’s why our team is based here. The quality of rides and the quality of life can’t be beat.”

Here’s how to explore Sonoma County by bicycle:

Challenge & Train

Two challenging rides in the county are the Kings Ridge-Tin Barn Road ride near Cazadero and Coleman Valley Road near Occidental. The Kings Ridge ride, favored by pro racer Levi Leipheimer, is a challenging, hilly course.

It is considered one of the most beautiful, fulfilling bike rides in the world. The Coleman Valley ride is a landmark climb in Northern California and was featured in this year’s Amgen Tour of California.

The Sonoma Coast 40-mile ride is best done in the early morning before the motorists hit Highway One.

It includes a couple of challenging hills. A good starting place is the town of Occidental through Monte Rio and Duncans Mills along Highway 116 to the fishing village of Bodega Bay.

The Geysers 50-mile loop (3500′ of climb) is very remote, with no services and very challenging terrain between Geyserville and Cloverdale. Fit, experienced riders only.

Sip & Cycle

Come for one of the popular wine-tasting rides, known as “sip and cycle,” where you can stop along the way every mile or so to taste wines at one of the more than 250 local Sonoma County wineries.

There are ideal places along the way to linger with a picnic of fresh wine country produce, breads, pasta, olive oil, fruit, cheese and chocolates.

The West Dry Creek Road near Healdsburg is a picturesque ride with a few rolling hills through vineyards and country roads. Many of the wineries are only minutes apart.

Another great route is Red Winery Road in the Alexander Valley between Healdsburg and Geyserville. This is a quiet, peaceful, flat and virtually traffic free area with beautiful oak dotted hills and miles of vineyards.

Bring the Whole Family

Explore the many paths as you pedal through Armstrong Redwoods under the giant trees in a truly tranquil and peaceful setting.

The Joe Rodota Trail, a segment of the West County Trail, is paved and runs between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol.

It’s built on an former railroad right-of-way; several bridges have been constructed over the old trestles. The trail is especially popular in the spring with the vivid blooming of the wildflowers. It is an excellent place for bird watching year-round.

The West County Trail between the towns of Sebastopol and Forestville is a paved path and relatively flat with a few gentle climbs. An unpaved horseback riding trail runs parallel. The West County Trail and the Joe Rodota Trail offer beautiful farm and agricultural views.

Leisure & Moderate Trails

The leisurely 20-mile Sonoma Valley ride explores the scenic Valley of the Moon.

Begin at the Sonoma Plaza, ride past the historic General Vallejo home and continue on back roads through the town of Glen Ellen to the Jack London State Historic Park. The winding roads and gentle climbs allow you to soak in the beautiful views of lush greenery, vineyards, streams and oak trees.

Starting and ending in Petaluma, the 30-mile Spring Hill-Chileno Valley ride is a pleasant tour of the dairy lands along the border between Sonoma and Marin Counties. Much of this trail is on quiet back roads and is very scenic; some sections offer moderate to fairly serious climbs.

These companies offer bicycle rentals or tours:

Getaway Adventures & Rentals
2228 Northpoint Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
707-568-3040
www.getawayadventures.com
Bike rentals or guided personalized tours; gourmet lunches available.

Rincon Cyclery
4927 Sonoma Hwy # H
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
707-538-0868
www.rinconcyclery.com

Located just blocks away from excellent riding sites – Spring Lake Park, Howarth Park and Annadel Park. Staff will help you find the right bike and the right trail or road to ride on.

Windsor Bicycle Center
830 McClelland Drive
Windsor, CA 95492
707-836-9111
www.windsorbikes.com

A popular starting off point for cyclists, the town of Windsor’s bicycle shop on the Town Green provides rentals, repairs and sales. Local restaurants and cafes make it a good spot to start, finish or just take a break from, a ride through the vineyards.

Other good places for cycling information:

Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition
PO Box 3088
Santa Rosa CA 95402-3088
707•545•0153
info@bikesonoma.org
www.bikesonoma.org

The coalition also has a bicycle map online, or available for purchase a printed map: http://bikesonoma.org/map.html

Santa Rosa Cycling Club
P.O. Box 6008
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
www.srcc.com
Excellent site for group events and rides.

Sonoma County, located 30 miles from San Francisco, is America’s premier wine, spa and coastal destination, featuring more than 300 wineries and 50 miles of stunning Pacific coast.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com  or call 800-576-6662.

Fun, Interactive, Creative, Educational……Be Amazed.

Creative destination marketing organizations (DMO’s) have partnered with the regional Southern Oregon Visitors Association (SOVA) to create innovative tours for individual visitors or groups of all ages to enjoy.

Over the Dunes and through the Woods – Coos County’s newest itinerary. Untamed Sand Dunes and unspoiled beaches delight all who visit. This tour will awaken the child within.

When was the last time you took a sand dunes tour, roasted s’mores, visited a working mill?

Rural Technical Tours….from Blown Glass to Fresh Berry Jams Glass Forge, Bear Hotel, Cary’s of Oregon, Llama Farm, Pacific Botanical, Fire Mountain Gems, Pennington Farms, etc. – Lunch or Dinner in the “Gardens” or Family Farm.

Do it Yourself…..Bake fresh scones on the farm, blow your own glass, make your own toffee…..learn the secret recipes…

Rogue River Exclusive: Raft, hike or fish or all three ……add a winemakers dinner, beer tasting, lodge accommodations or top –of-the-line camping accommodations, don’t forget the massage on the deck or privacy of your own tent.

Meet the Winemakers: One on one with the winemakers of four wineries ending with a dinner at the final winery…or starting with a lunch. Up close and personal.

From Inland to the Sea……30 minutes from Grants Pass enjoy an outdoor educational classes at John Wayne’s former ranch – photography, indigenous plants, forestry planning, hiking, rock and gems…to name a few.

Wine tasting at Bridgeview and lunch is next on your list. Travel along Hwy199 and stop at Stout Redwood Forest (segments of Star Warts was filmed here) and stretch your legs. In less than an hour you’ll be on the Southern Oregon Coast……

Pure Natures Beauty: Hike or view over thirteen waterfalls on your journey to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake. Travel along one of Southern Oregon’s National Scenic Byways. Lunch at Steamboat Inn, one of the areas top fly fishing lodges on the Umpqua River.

Gamble by Night…Wine taste by day. …..

Umpqua Valley Wine Tour: View a wine cave built into the side of a mountain, visit the oldest winery in Southern Oregon, and meet the owner of Henry Estates – creator of the vineyard trissel – all while traveling on the Seven Feathers Casino Trolley.

The Weird, the Unusual, the Magnificent: Oregon’s Vortex, Dogs for the Deaf, Rock Museum, Hike the Table Rocks, Tour the world’s largest shipping plant,

Experience Mt. Ashland during the Summer: Take the ski lift up Mt Ashland and enjoy a gourmet lunch overlooking the Cascades. Take the lift down to the lodge and hop on your reserve bicycle for the ride of your life. Hug the corners and drop over 4,000 feet. What a ride!

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker yesterday in Sevierville officially launched the Sunny Side Trail, a mapped driving route covering 12 East Tennessee counties—including nearly 300 points of interest. Today, opening festivities were brought to Greeneville’s General Morgan Inn.

Special recognition was given to Landair, a warehousing and distribution company based in Greeneville. CEO Scott Niswonger announced that 125 Landair trucks would display the Sunny Side Trail logo and web address (www.sunnysidetrail.com )  as part of the trail’s initial promotion.

“Landair is proud to act as ambassadors of East Tennessee and the Sunny Side Trail as we travel throughout America.

It’s a telling statistic from last year’s report that tourist spending grew faster in Northeast Tennessee than in any other part of the state,” said Niswonger. “We’re blessed with natural beauty, friendly people and a rich heritage, which a trail like this helps us share with visitors. And that can mean economic growth, which we firmly support.”

Sunny Side Trail is the second of 16 regional trails launching over the next several months as part of a statewide tourist development initiative, “Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways.”

The effort is the result of multiple agencies working together to showcase local gems such as wineries, historic main streets, quaint restaurants, and scenic spots for outdoor adventure.

The Tennessee Departments of Tourist Development and Transportation worked in partnership with Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and tourism organizations in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties to develop and launch Sunny Side Trail.

“The trails initiative is one of the most comprehensive marketing and branding initiatives ever to be launched from the state’s tourism department,” said Whitaker.

“Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways is an opportunity to showcase tourism’s major sites as well as our state’s exceptional off-the-beaten-path attractions which are some of Tennessee’s greatest assets.”

In celebrating the new trail, Commissioner Whitaker was joined by participating dignitaries Greene County Partnership/ Chamber of Commerce Chairman Randy Rumbley, Greene County Tourism Director Tammy Kinser, and Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association CEO Claudia Moody.

“The trail’s name was inspired by the Carter Family, one of the most famous performers from the Bristol Sessions. Their theme song on radio was the Christian hymn, “Keep on the Sunny Side,” said Moody.

“Because we truly feel Northeast Tennessee – with its beauty, heritage and Southern hospitality – offers the sunny side of life, “Sunny Side” is the perfect name for a trail that will showcase this area of Tennessee.”

Sunny Pickens, a rambling musician character created to promote the trail via social media will provide an insider’s guide to the best of the Sunny Side Trail at www.sunnysidetrail.com.

For more information on the state trails initiative, go to www.tntrailsandbyways.com

Move’ em up and head’ em out! Make your Colorado experience a treasured memory with the Mule Trail Ride at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Beginning May 2010, the park will offer Mule Trail Rides through Royal Gorge country starting at $25.00 for a half hour ride known as View Point Trail.

Mules are a cross between male donkeys and female horses (typically the male mule is called a jackass) and are well-suited for this trail ride adventure.

They are considered sure-footed animal, adept for rough terrains, steep climbs, descents and narrow paths. The mules and trail rides are provided by the experienced outfitter, Watt Mule Company, May through Labor Day.

Extended rides are available: View Point and Terrain Trail, a one hour ride, is $45. Ride the Rim of the Gorge Extreme Ride, a two hour ride is $90.

General admission to the park includes over 20 rides, shows, and attractions.

The Mule Rides are an extra pay feature over and above the admission price.

For more information please visit the website

www.royalgorgebridge.com

or call 888-333-5597.

Anchorage, Alaska – Southcentral Alaska is home to world-class sport fishing, and Anchorage is the best place to begin any fishing trip. Anglers can pursue four species of salmon, as well as rainbow trout without even leaving the city.

Anyone can hook a monster King salmon under the midnight sun just steps from the streets of downtown, and in June they can take home more than just bragging rights and tasty filets.

From June 11-20, 2010, Anchorage is in a fishing frenzy for the Slam’n Salm’n Derby. Reeling in the big one at ship Creek – or a special tagged fish – can net great prizes. Last year’s biggest fish tipped the scales at 48 pounds.

Ship Creek is the epicenter of fishing activity, and is a five minute walk from bustling downtown Anchorage.

It’s not uncommon to see businesspeople step out of the office for their lunch hour, throw on a pair of hip waders, and head to Ship Creek to reel in a wild Alaska King or Silver salmon.

Comfort Inn is a few yards away from the creek and stocks rods and lures to loan to their guests. Several nearby shops also rent gear, which means anyone could set the hook on a legendary fish.

With breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains and hundreds of miles of trails, Anchorage offers many other fishing adventures minutes from downtown. Many Anchorage lakes are stocked with rainbow trout, landlocked salmon or Arctic char.

Knowledgeable fishing guides can provide transportation and expertise for half-day or full-day fishing adventures beyond the city.

All five species of pacific salmon are within a day’s drive or short flight away. The famous Kenai and Russian Rivers are known for big fish and “combat fishing,” anglers lined up shoulder-to-shoulder trying their luck. Prince William Sound, Resurrection Bay and Kachemak Bay offer unrivaled access to monster halibut and are less than a day away.

Anchorage’s Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world, grants unrivaled access to secluded lakes and rivers across Alaska for fly-in fishing trips to remote, unforgettable fishing spots.

Hook the big one. Explore fishing reports, find a guide, and start planning your fishing trip.

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (ACVB) mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by lodging associations.

One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund, and one-third to service the bond debt and operations of the Anchorage Convention Centers.

ACVB receives no state or federal funds. 2010 marks ACVB’s 35th year of bringing business to Anchorage. Explore www.Anchorage.net  for more information.

Think of the desert and pictures of swimming pools and golf courses come to mind.

But adventure?

For that you can take the 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride which begins at the Valley Station – elevation 2,643 feet and ends at the Mountain Station – elevation 8,516 feet and is the gateway to the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness area.

The top of the Tramway is transformed into a pristine snow covered playground during the winter.

Visitors can try their hand at cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, enthusiasts have found the area to be unsurpassed in its challenging trails. Didn’t bring your own? Rental equipment is available at the Adventure Center, which is open from mid-November until mid-April (snow conditions permitting).

For the more adventurous and well-experienced, snow camping offers a special way to spend a weekend or plunge into a good old-fashioned snowball fight.

During the summer months, when it is well into the 100s in the desert, the mountains offer more than 54 miles of hiking trails, camping and guided nature walks as a pleasant alternative to chilling out.

Remember it’s nearly 40 degrees cooler at the top.

Trails range from the awe-inspiring 5½-mile trek to the peak of San Jacinto, at 10,834 it is the second tallest mountain in southern California, to the one-mile nature walk through picturesque Long Valley, located just behind the Mountain Station.

Primitive campsites are located throughout the State Park. Wilderness permits are required for any hiking or backpacking and may be obtained from the Ranger Station located in Long Valley.

For those who are truly environmentally oriented, the Mount San Jacinto State Park Volunteers conduct free-guided nature walks each weekend during the summer.

The Natural History Museum located on the lower level offers maps and nature books for a nominal fee.

At the Mountain Station enjoy viewpoints, cocktail lounge, gift shop, Natural History Museum and two documentary style movies about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Dine at one of the two restaurants – it is a one of a kind experience.

Peaks Restaurant offers fine dining, while the Pines Restaurant offers an affordable self-serve alternative.