Jetsettersblog

As one of the fastest-growing family and vacation destinations in the nation, the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina currently attracts an average of 14 million visitors annually along with thousands of new residents to the destination each year. Known affectionately as “The Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach has grown more than 35 percent over the past decade and continues to evolve and expand, giving way to an entirely “New” Myrtle Beach area of accommodations, attractions and events. Here is a sneak peek at some of the newest developments anticipated in 2011.

~ Air Service~

Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines will begin non-stop flights betweenMyrtle Beachand five new cities on May 5, 2011. Spirit Airline will feature daily non-stop flights from Washington, DC Reagan National Airport, non-stop flights four times per week fromPlattsburgh,N.Y.and Latrobe, P.A., and three times a week fromNiagara Falls,N.Y.andCharleston, W.V. Spirit’s new non-stop trips will lead to a growing number of residents traveling toMyrtle Beach. For information on booking flights, please visit www.spiritair.com.

Porter Airlines
For the second year, Porter Airlines is providing non-stop seasonal service fromToronto,Canada. Porter is providing four weekly roundtrips, increased from two last year, betweenBillyBishopTorontoCityAirportandMyrtle BeachInternationalAirport, beginning February 17 with service through May 23, with flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. For information on booking flights, please visit www.FlyPorter.com .

~Attractions and Exhibits~

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
May 2011 will mark the grand opening ofMyrtle Beach’s new attraction, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. The giant attraction will stand at 196 feet (60 meters) and 18 stories high and span 2 ocean front lots alongOcean Boulevard, on the north side ofPlylerPark. It has been specifically designed to include 42 glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas manufactured inSwitzerlandthat can hold six people. The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is an exciting new addition to the Grand Strand area, along with the newly renovated Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. Plans for the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach’s upcoming launch include a full service Jimmy Buffett’s Landshark Bar and Grill restaurant, observation deck overlooking the ocean and gift shop. The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach will also incorporate a complete light show in the evening. The only one of its kind in theUnited States, this family-friendly attraction is sure to become an iconic staple forMyrtle Beach. The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is owned by Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, LLC, a joint venture between Koch Development Co. and Pacific Development, both ofSt. Louis,Missouri.

Wonderworks Science Center
Wonderworks – a hands-on science attraction – opened in Myrtle Beach in the spring of 2011. The attraction is housed at family favorite Broadway at the Beach, and includes peculiar yet whimsical sights such as an upside-down building, a volcano, a lighthouse, and an Egyptian pyramid. Wonderworks, based in Orlando, F.L. has two other locations in Orlando and in Pigeon Forge, T.N., and two others planned at the Meadowlands Xanadu in New Jersey and in Panama City, F.L. The Myrtle Beach site is one of the largest, with about 35,000 to 40,000 square feet of attractions that allow people to feel what it’s like to be in an earthquake and hurricane, fly a NASA space shuttle or fighter jet, or ride a virtual rollercoaster. WonderWorks also features two outdoor adventures. The zipline takes participants soaring 50 feet above water on a course that travels 1,000 feet between towers. The pirate-themed ropes course stands a staggering 40 feet tall and spans three levels. For more information visit www.wonderworksonline.com.

Wheels of YesterYear
The Wheels of Yesteryear’s collection of muscle and classic cars is currently in the process of being rotated and augmented. With over 50 cars and trucks currently on display, a portion will be moved out to make room for additional automobiles. Among the new cars, there will be one of only 35 1969 Mercury Cyclone Dan Gurney Special Spoiler II cars and a rare 1984 Pontiac Fiero Indy Pace Car. The new and improved collection will be available to view beginning February 2011. For more information, visit www.wheelsofyesteryearmb.com.

Brookgreen Gardens Exhibitions
BrookgreenGardensreleased its 2011 exhibition schedule featuring new history and sculpture exhibitions. The first history exhibition opened January 10 – February 28, followed by sculpture exhibitions that will run from May through October, 2011. For more information regarding exhibition schedules, please visit www.brookgreen.org.

Butterfly Exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens
BrookgreenGardens’ new Butterfly House displays dozens of species of butterflies that are native to the Southeast and will support the organization’s mission to exhibit and educate visitors about the animals, ecology and plants in theMyrtle Beacharea. All of the visitors’ senses will be engaged in this exhibit through fragrance (flowers and other plantings), sound (sound system, water-fall feature), sight (flying butterflies and colorful plants), and touch (natural boulder seating, overhanging plants, butterflies who come to rest on individuals). The exhibit will be open to the public through the month of October 2010 and will re-open the in the spring of 2011. Spineless Wonders, a company based in Minnesota that specializes in turn-key butterfly exhibits will build the structure which will include a planted butterfly garden area 36 feet by 78 feet, plus an entrance and exit vestibule approximately 9 feet by 20 feet. The total footprint would be 100 feet by 36 feet. Spineless Wonders will supply all materials- including 500 native species pupae, water features, ambient sound system, lighting, graphics, all native plants and USDA permits to build the butterfly house and will train the staff to manage the exhibit once it is open. The exhibit is estimated to cost $125,000. For more information, visit www.brookgreen.org.

~Entertainment~

Pat Boone Family Theater
This spring, the Pat Boone Family Theater will open in place of the former NASCAR Café. The exterior façade of the building will remain intact with the addition of a few signs, but the interior will be transformed from a café to a 600-seat theater. Pat Boone, who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s and continues to record, will help book acts and also perform several times a year. There will be up to 1,400 performance slots at the venue, 500 of which will be open to resident illusionist, Morgan Strebler, along with local gospel groups and regional singers.

Pirates Voyage
Dolly Parton sets sail and is opening a new show in Myrtle Beachin June of 2011. Guests will truly experience the wonder, excitement and spirit of the pirates who docked on the shores of Myrtle Beach. In an interactive experience, viewers will start out in the Pirate’s Lair and Crow’s Nest and then make their way in the Crimson and Sapphire pirate’s camps in the main arena. Not only does the show feature brand new music by Dolly Parton and Mark Brymer, but the presentation also includes acrobatics and live animals. This new adventure attraction will receive over $11 million in production upgrades. Dolly’s current show, Dixie Stampede will start its move out after a Christmas Spectacular on December 31, 2010 in Myrtle Beachand will make its way to Pigeon Forge, Tennesseeand Branson, Missouri. For more information and ticket reservations, call (843) 497-9700 pr visit www.dixiestampede.com  or www.piratesvoyage.com.

Legends in Concert
The Legends in Concert show inMyrtle Beachis the greatest live, celebrity show of impersonators. The show features some of the best musical legends of our time. Since 1995, the show has had a successful run at itsSurfsideBeachlocation, but after 15 years, it’s time for some change. The show renovated a commercial building near Broadway at the Beach, next to Planet Hollywood in Myrtle Beach, and officially opened on March 11, 2011. For more information and ticket reservation, visit http://www.legendsinconcert.com/locations/myrtle-beach/.

Hooray for Hollywood at The Palace Theatre
Take a journey and relive some of the greatest movies and musicals from the last 50 years. Myrtle Beachis bringing Hooray for Hollywoodto the stage as a brand new production for 2011 at The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach, located at Broadway at the Beach. The show features some of the greats in Hollywoodfilm and music, such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Roberts, Judy Garland, Titanic, Friday Night Lights and Footloose! Viewers will watch the original on film and then watch as their favorites come to life on stage with this wonderful cast. Greatness is expected from the award winning producers that brought Myrtle Beachthe Spirit of the Dance and Le Grand Cirque. For more information, visit http://www.palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com/shows-hollywood-overview.cfm.

~Major Construction Projects~

Myrtle Beach International Airport Extension
To accommodate growing numbers of visitors arriving by air, Myrtle BeachInternationalAirportis planning to expand with the recent addition of a new general aviation terminal, which opened in 2010, and the continued expansion of a new passenger terminal. The massive projects, which will expand the passenger terminal from seven to 12 gates, are expected to increase the airport’s capacity and efficiency for vacationers, business travelers, and locals alike. M.B. Kahn Construction is serving as the program manager for the $130 million-passenger terminal expansion which began in June 2010 and will be completed in 2012. For more information visit: http://www.flymyrtlebeach.com/expansion.cfm.

Summit Shores on the Waterway
SummitShoreson the Waterway, a new 33-acre, multi-use complex, is currently in development across from theMyrtle BeachAirport.SummitShores, an urban concept similar to the Market Common, will be built near the existing Lauderdale Bay Villas and Yacht Club. Table ofCuba, a new Cuban restaurant, is a confirmed addition to the development. The restaurant will serve upscale Cuban/Calusa/Spanish fare and is planning to open in the spring of 2011. For renderings of the project, visit www.myrtlebeachrestaurantnews.com/files/Summit%20Shores%20Retail_brochure%202.pdf.

~Lodging~

Kingston Resorts Renovates Sports & Health Club
In the goal to bring new state-of-the-art equipment and an updated physical space to the facility, the Kingston Resorts has completed the first round of renovations to its 50,000 square-foot Sport & Health Club. Along with new equipment and updates to the space, the renovation also includes upgrades to the fitness center as well as renovations of the retail space. The space now houses a new coffee shop, the Caffeinated Fish, which features Starbucks coffee. The Sport & Health club is accessible not only to guests of the resorts, but also to the public. The facility, offering vast numbers of recreational activities, is a great resource for your fitness needs. For more information, call (800) 876-0010.

The Inlet Sports Lodge
The Inlet Sports Lodge, a new 30-unit resort geared toward sport enthusiasts, just opened its doors in Murrells Inlet this past November. A fractional ownership resort, the Inlet Sports Lodge contains studios and two-bedroom luxury suites and truly caters to sporting. The resort’s amenities include a fish cleaning station, a courtyard with grills and a fire pit, and ample storage space for golf and fishing gear. The development also features a pool, tiki bar, and Bliss restaurant along with an owner’s club room and concierge services to help plan fishing trips and sporting outings. The Inlet Sports Lodge also caters to eco-tourists, since Murrells Inlet is a natural spot with a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy. For more information visit www.inletsportslodge.com.

Surfside Beach Resort
SurfsideBeachResort, adjacent to the Surfside Pier is currently undergoing major renovations throughout the hotel that will be completed by spring 2011. Visitors can look forward to a redesigned interior complete with a new color scheme, furnishings, and fixtures. Plans also call for reconfiguring guest rooms to take advantage of the scenic oceanfront views, as well as upgrading room types to include double queens and king-sized beds. Although plans are still in the works, Surfside Beach Resort also aspires to include a new, independent restaurant to replace the Surfside Beach Café that resided in the lobby. For more information visit www.SurfsideBeachResort.com.

Aqua Beach Inn
Located in the former Blue Bay Resort property near the 14th Avenue Pier and new downtown boardwalk, this property is currently undergoing a complete renovation and is planning on opening Spring 2011; they will offer family accommodations with large balconies and fully equipped kitchens. www.AquaBeachInn.com

~Dining~

Sunray Health Market
The former Winn-Dixie space in the VillageSquareShopping Centeris undergoing renovations in its 13,000-square-foot space to become the new Sunray Health Market, which has plans to open this spring. Some of the store’s produce, soap and breads will be sourced from local farmers and suppliers, and it will sell organic and natural produce, baked goods, health supplements, beauty products, meat, beer and wine and other items. The space will also feature indoor and outdoor seating for its deli, an educational center for yoga classes, healthy cooking seminars and other events. This will be the first of five eventual Sunray stores to open in the Carolinas, which is owned by a Carolinasbusinessman. More information will be available at the future website www.sunrayhealthymarket.com.

Jimmy Buffet’s Landshark Bar and Grill and Landshark Surfshack Retail Shop
Slated to open in May 2011, the new LandShark Bar and Grill will be located on the new oceanfront boardwalk next to the planned SkyWheel Myrtle Beach observation wheel. Inspired by the great “beach joints” that once dotted the Atlantic coast, LandShark Bar & Grill will be the perfect blend of ocean breezes, boardwalk action, spectacular views, great food, generous drinks, your favorite beach tunes and good old fashion fun. The LandShark Surfshack will offer an array of merchandise themed around the popular beer brand, LandShark Lager, as well as a selection of Sky Wheel souvenirs. LandShark’s laid back atmosphere, casual dining, bar and entertainment will soon be a favorite with both tourists and the Grand Strand’s local residents.

Nacho Hippo
The newest restaurant from Divine Dining Group opened inMyrtle Beachon December 15, 2010. The Nacho Hippo Cantina Maximo, which replaced Roy & Sid’s American Kitchen, features cuisine not only from The Carolinas, but also includes a variety of international influences. Chef Sean Christenson prepares a menu to appeal to all taste buds, creating unique twists on classic favorites like tacos and barbeque. Even the ambiance has a flare of the international, includingCaribbeanelements. Restaurant goers will not be disappointed in the funky, fun and delicious new restaurant. For more information, call (843) 839-9770 or visit www.nachohippo.com.

Mykonos
Just opened on December 31, 2010, Mykonos is a new casual dining restaurant and bar with a menu featuring Greek and Mediterraneancuisine. Two-time award winning celebrity chef, Andreann Geise serves as the Executive Chef. Her Mediterraneanand French fusion recipes led her to The Ultimate Recipe Showdown hosted by the Food Network’s Guy Fieri. The Great Taste Challenge at the famous Bon Appetite Supper Club is where she won her 2nd title that led to a recent adventure with Chef Fabio Viviani. The restaurant will also have a stage for live regular entertainment. For more information, call (843) 839-1965 or visit www.dinedrinkanddance.com

DURANGO, CO – Americans are ready to go on vacation this summer. In a recent USA Today/Gallup poll, six out of 10 say it’s important to get away this year, with 36% responding that it is very important, even though they know it’s going to cost them more than in recent years. More will drive to a big city destination, coincidentally, where the deals are on DestinationCoupons.com.

The no-commitment and no-cash deal site, at www.DestinationCoupons.com, offers savings on all things travel related, and just in time for summer travel planning. The site offers more than 70,000 exclusive coupons or discounts for attractions, dining, shopping, shows, museums, and sightseeing services, in addition to the best possible hotel and car rental rates in 7,000 worldwide destinations. Closer to home in America’s most popular summer vacation cities, DestinationCoupons.com has these deals posted:

Washington D.C. – Madame Tussauds – voucher for one free admission free with one purchased
Chicago – Legoland – voucher for 25% savings
New York City – CircleLine’s popular Beast ride – buy one ride and a friend goes along for half price
Orlando – Walt Disney World Resort – Magic Your Way packages for a 50% savings
San Francisco – California Academy of Science – voucher for a $5 savings and a $10 ticket for Night Life!, the hugely popular social event at the museum
Miami – Jungle Island for a day at savings of $18

DestinationCoupons.com also has deals on fun transportation in major cities; Blazing Saddles bike rentals in San Francisco and New York, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing bus tours in New York, plus two-for-one show options, and even savings on vacation favorites, such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, meal deals in Las Vegas and superb rates on car rental.
The site has no shopping cart and accepts no cash. Vacation planners simply choose a deal and download the voucher. When presented to the box office of the museum, attraction, ride or location, the visitor receives the stated discount. Unlike social media sites which require pre-payment, often on a specific day, time and item, vouchers from DestinationCoupons.com cost nothing to download and use. DestinationCoupons.com is like having a friend in every major city willing to recommend a show, do a city tour, and get the local’s deal at the theatre.

About DestinationCoupons.com
www.destinationcoupons.com is the free website offering worldwide discounts for hotels, car rentals, restaurants, shopping, activities, theatre, sightseeing and more through an a la carte, one-click coupon access. DestinationCoupons.com handles no transaction fees and offers a free monthly Hot Deals newsletter. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter.

HOLLYWOOD – Starline Tours, Los Angeles’ oldest and largest sightseeing tour company with more than 75 years in business, and Crime Scene Tours, are launching the first tour dedicated to the most infamous crime scenes in Los Angeles. Perfect for amateur sleuths and drama junkies who enjoy television’s most popular crime shows, Crime Scene Tours L.A. will take curious tourists to some of the area’s most sensational crime scenes. Each crime will be examined in depth and multiple locations will be visited that may include Studio City, backdrop to the oldest movie studios in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and the palatial mansions of the rich and famous, and the exclusive village of Brentwood, made famous by football star and convicted criminal, O.J. Simpson. The 2 ½ hour tour, created by former Los Angeles Police Department crime analyst Lonnie Levine, begins mid-June.

All tours will be escorted by either off-duty or retired law enforcement personnel who will share their personal anecdotes and insights to the crimes, the gun battles, the evidence and the trials. The most seasoned veterans in local law enforcement are part of the tour, with experience in Homicide, Robbery, Burglary, Financial Crimes, Fraud, Gang, Narcotic, Vice and Patrol. Custom-equipped, 24-passenger buses with video monitors will reveal actual news footage of the crime scenes.

This one-of-a-kind tour includes the North Hollywood bank robbery, one of the most infamous shootouts in Los Angeles history, the murder of Bonnie Lee Bakley, wife of Robert Blake, television star of “Baretta” and “Our Gang,” the murders of Ronald Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson, former wife of O.J. Simpson, the heinous crimes of the Night Stalker and the Hillside Strangler, the Manson family and the murders of actress Sharon Tate and Abigail Folger, heir to Folgers Coffee, and The Black Dahlia, one of the oldest unsolved murders in Los Angeles history.

Crime Scene Tours will operate twice daily, Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $69; available at the Starline Tours kiosk on Hollywood Boulevard or online at www.starlinetours.com. For more information, call Starline Tours toll free at 800-959-3131, direct at 323-463-9600 or Crime Scenes Tours at 323-580-6155.

About Starline Tours
Starline Tours is the oldest and largest sightseeing tour company in Los Angeles, having pioneered the famous Movie Star’s Homes Tour in 1935 – making this Starline Tours’ 76th operating year. The company offers a full range of sightseeing tours of Los Angeles, including a multi-lingual City Tour, a city-wide Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker tour and tours to Theme Parks, Movie Studios, San Diego and Tijuana, and pick up from more than 250 hotels in the Los Angeles area. Starline offers the Movie Stars’ Homes Tours and Malibu Movie Stars’ Homes Tours daily and now operates the all-new TMZ Hollywood Tour – Secrets and Celebrity Hot Spots, which is the TMZ show on wheels. Crime Scenes Tours L.A. is the newest tour offering. Starline Tours has locations throughout Hollywood, with its main terminal at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd. The company also has a sales office on Santa Monica Pier, starting point of the Malibu Stars’ Homes Tour. The company is privately owned and operated in conjunction with TourCoach – the company’s Bus Charter division.

Statewide Attractions Give Travelers New Reasons to Visit with New Rides and Programs

SACRAMENTO, Calif.,– Looking for thrills to chase away the summer blues? California’s theme parks and attractions have got you covered. From anniversary celebrations and new tours, to wild ride debuts and exhibit debuts, the biggest problem visitors have this summer is what to choose.

“For many travelers, having a blast with friends and family at California’s theme parks and attractions is a dream come true,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beteta of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC). “Even if they’ve visited before, there’s always a new attraction, ride, exhibit or tour to experience and create new memories.”

Southern California
This June Universal Studios Hollywood’s Studio Tour will debut new tour host, American comedian/talk show host Jimmy Fallon. Appearing on the ride’s hi-definition monitors, he will supplement live commentary by tour guides. Last summer the park unveiled King Kong 360 3D, the signature attraction thriller based on the Oscar-winning 2005 Peter Jackson film featuring the world’s largest, most intense 3D experience. Also coming to Hollywood this summer is a new show by the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil, which somersaults into the Kodak Theater on July 21 with their latest high-flying extravaganza, the Hollywood-themed “Iris.” The new show has a 10-year contract, which features a cast of 75 performers. The project, which cost $100 million, including theater renovation, is contracted for a minimum of 368 performances a year.

Over in nearby Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific will debut the Ocean Science Center this summer, featuring an immersive exhibit area for exploring ocean phenomena and the many ways societies depend on the world ocean. The focus of the experience is NOAA Science on a Sphere (SOS)®, a 6-foot global display that combines new technology to take visitors on a journey across the world to explore the atmosphere, ocean and continents. Down the street, the 71-year-old Queen Mary landmark ship was recently renovated for $6 million in technology upgrades, hotel room renovations and a kitchen modernization to improve the guest experience. The Queen Mary, which offers various themed tours from historic to paranormal, also finished renovations on all 314 of its staterooms, including nine suites, completing a significant renovation project that also included three of the ship’s restaurants, 18,700-sq. ft. of meeting space and the Royal Wedding Chapel.

The Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles’ only admission-free amusement park, is shaking things up this summer by introducing special Inkie’s VIP Pass, which features unlimited rides and discounts year-round. With 12 rides, 18 games and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Park has all the action high above the Santa Monica Bay.

On the heels of the new Star Tours 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park Backlot (opening May 27, 2011), the first-ever attraction based on the Little Mermaid will swim into Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim June 2. “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” will feature many of the film’s memorable scenes and songs. Guests will be amazed at how the ride’s underwater effects will be brought to life without actually being underwater. The next day, Goofy’s Sky School, a steel wild mouse roller coaster, will also debut, and coming in 2012 is Cars Land, an attraction based on the 2006 Pixar film. These additions are all part of the park’s continuing $1.4 billion expansion. Nearby, Buena Park’s Knott’s Berry Farm theme park will reveal the WindSeeker this summer, a ride that spins two-person gondolas 30 stories off the ground, allowing for a remarkable bird’s-eye view of the entire park.

Down in Carlsbad near San Diego, the new LEGOLANDÒ Water Park is expanding on May 26 with a brand new area just for toddlers: Splash Zoo. The DUPLO- themed area, located next to DUPLO Splash Safari and Kid Creek, features interactive spray pads, fountains, a teeter totter and interactive DUPLO animals geared specifically for guests ages 1 to 3. The all-new Star Wars Miniland area at LEGOLAND California lets visitors take their family to a galaxy far, far away. Guests enjoy scenes from the six live-action Star Wars movies, plus one from the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” – made of a total of 1.5 million LEGO bricks. Interactive features, life-size LEGO models and more than 2,000 LEGO models delight guests young and old.

At SeaWorld San Diego, the all-new killer whale show “One Ocean” starts May 28. As visitors sit in Shamu Stadium, they’ll be immersed in the colors and sensations of the sea through colorful lights, giant fountains and beautiful underwater imagery on the panoramic LED screens.

Central California
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has an action-packed 2011 season in store. The historic seaside amusement park will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Looff Carousel, a local treasure and National Historic Landmark. The Boardwalk’s free beach concert series showcases top bands from the 1970s, 80s and 90s on the scenic Beach Bandstand on the Main Beach. Visitors bring their beach blankets and picnics to enjoy two free shows every Friday night from June 17 to September 2.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s new Open Sea exhibit opens July, featuring close encounters with seabirds, sharks, jellies, turtles, puffins and more. The popular Drifters Gallery, featuring delicate and beautiful jellies, will re-open May 27. New since last summer is the “Secret Lives of Seahorses,” which lets visitors get a peek into the fascinating lives of seahorses, such as males giving birth. More than 15 species of seahorses, sea dragons and pipefish beckon visitors into the elusive world of these charismatic creatures.

Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia has unleashed three new dynamic coasters, making the park one of the largest of its kind. “Green Lantern: First Flight” thrills guests with a vertical zigzag-patterned track and 360-degree upside down spins, while “Superman: Escape from Krypton” thrusts riders backwards sky-high at 100 mph. A third coaster will offer children a gentle, yet squeal-worthy, experience. About 90 minutes west, the Santa Barbara Zoo opened the new $7.5 million “California Trails” exhibit complex, featuring threatened or endangered California native species. The star attractions are the rare California condors, which soared when wooly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers roamed the earth and nearly went extinct within the last few decades. The condor is one of man’s great conservation successes, with 167 birds now flying free and another 160 in captivity.

Up in San Luis Obispo County, California State Parks recently announced a new way to see the legendary Hearst Castle, former home of newspaper baron William Randolph Heart. The new self–guided Gardens and Vistas Tour of the famous estate’s gardens and the Neptune Pool, available now through September, lets guests enjoy the Castle walkways and grounds at their own self–directed pace, giving them the opportunity to see and learn things they may not have before.

Northern California
Yosemite National Park recently launched Girls on Granite, a special two-night women’s climbing package led by the Yosemite Mountaineering School, which was established in 1969. Now through September, the program offers courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced climbers. Another great option this summer is the guided Glacier Point Stargazing Tour, featuring Delaware North Company interpreters leading a bus tour to Glacier Point, pointing out the park’s diverse natural and cultural history. At Glacier Point, visitors will have time to enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of Yosemite, Nevada and Vernal Falls and Half Dome, before the climax of the evening – an exciting one-hour astronomy program under the stars.

In the San Francisco Bay area to the west, the 150-foot-tall SkyScreamer, the newest ride at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, gives passengers a bird’s-eye view of the entire park. With up to 32 guests sitting two across in open-air swings, the “star points” upon which the swings are attached will climb to the top of the tower, spinning as it ascends while riders orbit around. At full swing, guests revolve in a 98-foot circle at speeds of 43 mph.

Down near San Jose, Great America Theme Park in Santa Clara, Northern California’s biggest theme park, celebrates 35 years of entertaining families with three new shows including Charlie Brown’s Pirate Adventure, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, and Don’t Stop the Music. In addition, Snoopy and his friends return in the summer ice spectacular Snoopy Rocks on Ice. California’s Great America is home to the most rides and most water rides in Northern California, and the only theme park in California to offer a complete water park inside – free with park admission.

Alcatraz in San Francisco, the former maximum-security federal island prison that once held behind bars the likes of gangster Al Capone and the famous “Birdman” Robert Stroud, now offers national park visitors a new way to see the island, which is also a bird sanctuary. The Alcatraz Garden Tours, docent-led tours of the island’s breathtaking and historic gardens, are offered twice a week on Friday and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m., starting at the Alcatraz dock. The tours lead visitors through all the restored gardens, including those that are off limits to most visitors – Officers’ Row and the Rose Terrace. The best time to visit the gardens of Alcatraz is from January to September, and especially in the spring. The gardens are open for viewing, however, year-round. Another lesser-known way to see Alcatraz is at night, which is decidedly spookier. The Alcatraz Night Tour features the same award-winning audio tour offered during the day, but with extra programs not available at any other time, such as special movies, ranger talks and eerie evening cell block demonstrations. Visitors can glimpse a rare treat – Alcatraz at sunset and under the stars – with a magnificent view of San Francisco’s glittery nightscape. Visitors who’ve tried the tour – with more intimate-sized groups – report chills running down their spines as they venture into dark corners of the notorious prison.

While in the city, stop by the California Academy of Sciences to explore the hopping, crawling, climbing and slithering world of lizards and snakes from around the world with “Snakes & Lizards: The Summer of Slither,” their newest exhibit. More than 60 new scaled reptiles have taken up residence, showcasing a variety of amazing squamate adaptations, including projectile tongues, deadly venom, remarkable camouflage, and sometimes surprising modes of locomotion. The exhibit will run through September 5.

For those looking for more artsy entertainment this summer, the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, which recently completed a $100 million, 125,000-sq. ft. expansion to enhance the visitor experience, now offers state-of-the-art education and program facilities, including a 260-seat auditorium and meeting center, studio art spaces, café, children’s interactive gallery and an enhanced gift shop. The renowned Oakland Museum of California recently underwent a $58 million “transformation” that touches almost every aspect of the 300,000-sq. ft. museum to create new opportunities for visitor participation. The collections are animated by innovative interpretive tools and interactive features. New gathering spaces and program areas engage visitors and encourage them to share their own perspectives, questions, and stories. This “reimagining” of the museum, which focuses on California art, history and natural sciences, will include a new Natures gallery that will open in May 2012.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, San Francisco Odditorium, a popular Fisherman’s Wharf attraction since 1967, recently reopened after undergoing a mega-makeover last year. With more than 70 new interactive and hands-on exhibits, it’s the most interactive Believe It or Not! Odditorium in the world. It is home to more than 300 exhibits, 80 percent of which are new, in 18 themed galleries, with a new emphasis on the Bay Area. Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze is where “mirror, mirror on the wall” goes to a whole new level, with more than 200 mirrors spread across nearly 2,000 square feet of space. Special lighting and sound effects make this a fun family activity. Ripley’s Candy & Toy Factory is a colorful, fun and tasty addition with a huge variety of candies of all kinds – from old-fashioned root beer barrels to the most current confections.
Over near Lake Tahoe, the new 300-sq. ft. Truckee Railroad Museum is housed in an old Southern Pacific Railroad caboose that was once used in the area. The museum is located next to the train depot and new California Welcome Center (CWC) in the heart of Truckee’s historic downtown. The depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in commemoration of the first Transcontinental Railroad, which reached Truckee on April 3, 1868. The museum includes mounted images, interactive displays and railroad artifacts depicting the impact of the railroad on Truckee’s history.

Way up on the northern coast, Redwood National Park recently opened a new 3.2-mile Berry Glen Trail to introduce visitors to a collection of stunning old-growth giants. The new trail was created with help from the Conservation Corps of California (CCC) and other youth groups under the leadership of National Park Service (NPS) trail crew supervisors. Since 1976, the CCC have built or maintained more than 9,205 miles of backcountry trails. Southeast on the other side of the state, Lassen Volcanic National Park debuted its first year-round, LEED-certified visitor center. The $10.2 million Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center includes a staffed information desk, exhibit hall, auditorium, bookstore, gift sales, food services, restrooms, amphitheater and an after-hours backcountry registration and orientation vestibule. The new Manzanita Camping Cabins (20) inside Lassen Volcanic National Park will be available for renting, the first new lodging in the park since 1972.

Background
CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $95.1 billion annually in California (18 percent of which is international), support jobs for 873,000 Californians and generate $6.1 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about CTTC and for a free California Visitor’s Guide, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com

The 2011 Nebraska Passport promotes opportunities for summer travel across the state.

“This is a good time to make plans to explore Nebraska, and the passport program is a great way to get started by highlighting travel opportunities,” Gov. Dave Heineman said. “Travelers will find that their lodging, dining and entertainment dollars go further in Nebraska. We encourage Nebraskans and those in surrounding states to get out and explore Nebraska this year.”

The 2011 Nebraska Passport highlights destinations across the state. Travelers are encouraged to pick up a souvenir passport at one of 33 participating locations and collect stamps from each location visited to win prizes. This year’s passport promotion builds on the 27 stops featured in last year’s Nebraska Byways Passport. Visitors returning a passport with 11 stamps receive a passport t-shirt; a $25 GROW Nebraska gift card for those with 22 stamps; and a Bushnell binocular digital camera for completing the tour. A grand-prize drawing for an Apple iPad will be held this fall. More information is available online at www.NebraskaPassport.com

The passport promotion highlights destinations including: the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, the Wildcat Hills Nature Center in Gering, Ponca State Park, the Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center in Ogallala, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Valentine, Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, and more than two dozen others.

The division has also launched a promotion encouraging golfers in neighboring states to “Get Driving” to Nebraska for a golf getaway. The campaign will raise awareness of the quality, variety and value of golf experiences that make Nebraska an attractive destination for golfers. There are nearly 200 public golf courses and other private courses across Nebraska.

Other vacation options include historic attractions, opportunities to take in scenic views along scenic byways, waterways and recreational trails, tours of the state’s 25 wineries, local festivals and other special events, and farms and ranches offering hunting and other sporting opportunities. Nebraska’s eight state parks and 65 state recreation areas provide additional opportunities for outdoor activities.

The tourism and travel industry has an important economic impact on the state. It continues to be the third largest revenue producer from outside the state, behind agriculture and manufacturing, and generates more than $3 billion a year. Total travel expenditures in Nebraska have increased by more than $2.4 billion from 1990 to 2010. In 2009, tourism accounted for more than 45,000 jobs statewide.

A one-percent lodging tax provides funding for the Division of Travel and Tourism at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, which promotes statewide attractions and attracts visitors to Nebraska. Lodging tax revenue reached a new high in 2010 totaling more than $3.8 million.

Nebraska remains one of the most cost-effective destinations in the nation for travelers. Interactive maps, road trip ideas, trip planners and more are available online at www.VisitNebraska.gov

Five Unique Regions Boast Towering Redwoods, Pristine Beaches and Awe-Inspiring Coastal Adventure

North Coast, CA – The tradition of “Going Green” is nothing new in Northern California. In fact, the heritage of living in harmony with nature goes back to the area’s first explorers, and still remains the integral to the lives of residents and visitors alike today. From the oldest living Redwood trees on planet Earth, to hundreds of miles of breathtaking coastline, to the world’s leading research centers for sustainability, Northern California is truly a mecca for green adventurers. And nowhere demonstrates this commitment to being green than the North Coast Region, comprised of Mendocino County, Sonoma County, Del Norte County, Lake County and Humboldt County.

Kick off your tour of “all things green” in Sonoma County, known well for wine, food and amazing natural beauty. Stop at Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve in Guerneville, with 800 acres of magnificent ancient redwoods, guided nature trails and the perfect setting for the ultimate picnic. The Redwoods here are the largest remaining old-growth forest in the County! Learn about how they put sustainability practices in action at the Bodega Marine Laboratory.

North of Sonoma County is picturesque Mendocino County. Just past the county line sits the world-renowned Solar Living Institute in Hopland, where the greatest minds in solar-power are hard at work studying and sharing energy tips. In fact, the interactive learning center offers classes, workshops and the Real Goods store provides your chance to pick up a solar powered generator for just about anything. You can even gas up your biodiesel car here.

From Hopland, head over to the Mendocino Coast, where (depending on the season) you can behold the wonder of whales. California Grays, Humpbacks and Orcas can be seen migrating north along the Mendocino Coast from March through April, and then returning south from late September through December. Four weekend festivals are dedicated to whales in March and April in Fort Bragg, Mendocino Village, Little River and Gualala.

Visit the Only Coastal Botanical Gardens on the Continent. Discover 47 acres of beauty and serenity while strolling in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens by the sea. An easy half-mile walk takes you from well-tended gardens, through a fern-filled canyon, to spectacular vistas at the ocean’s edge. A must for bird-watchers and picnickers alike!

Visit a drive-through tree, historical lighthouses, a rare animal sanctuary and enjoy activities like sea cave kayaking, beach horseback rides or some well-deserved relaxation at one of the many eco-spas.

Just north of Mendocino County lies Humboldt County, known globally as the home of the world’s tallest redwood tree. This world champion tree is more than 379 feet tall, almost six stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. Redwood National Park, and nearby Humboldt Redwoods State Park, are home to virtually all of the twenty tallest trees in the world! Many are more than 2,000 years old. Learn how the Humboldt County preserves this area and how locals live the greenest way possible.

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No stop to Humboldt County would be complete without a visit to the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. This is the perfect location to see more than 300 species of birds, animals and hundreds of indigenous plants. Humboldt State University Marine Laboratory offers amazing explorations of local ocean and beach ecosystems.

The last stop on the tour is Lake County, home of the largest natural lake in California. The Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center is the base to explore the Mayacamas Mountain Range, where steam plumes waft up from the ridge tops, vestiges of Lake County’s volcanic past. A large chamber of magma lies beneath Mount Hannah, and today The Geysers is known as the world’s largest geothermal area.

Take in some great bird watching for amazing Great Blue herons, Clark’s and Western Grebes, Ospreys, Green Herons, Double-crested Cormorants, and Black crowned Night Herons, to name just a few.

Visit www.northcoastca.com  for further information regarding your “green” escape to the North Coast of California.

NEW YORK – For anyone who actually experienced the “Summer of Love,” or simply heard about it, it’s legendary for its spirit of freedom and fun.

That sense of liberation is recaptured during the Summer of Loews, as guests are enticed to “Come Invent Your Day.”

From May 19 through September 9, Loews concierges will become personal counselors, guides and gurus to help custom-craft a summer experience that’s as unique as each and every guest.

“Resort or city, land or sea, jam-packed or laid-back, everything there is to offer in and around all Loews Hotels is there for the choosing,” said Nancy Mendelson, Senior Vice President Branding & Communication. “Guests can chill out in a lounge chair, at the bar, or with a complimentary ice cream snack when the bell rings in the afternoon…that’s what Summer of Loews is all about – freedom and fun!”

To kick-off summer, Loews Hotels is offering a 20 percent discount on summer rates from 2 p.m. EST May 19th to 11:59 p.m. EST May 20. Reservations can be made online at www.loewshotels.com; some restrictions may apply.

Retro Food & Beverage
Even a free spirit needs to be nourished, so the chefs at Loews have created special menus that capture all the flavors of summer, like BBQs with all the “fixins” to Haute Dogs that elevate the casual dining experience. Some uniquely local inventions include the Sonoran Haute Hot Dog with bacon, guacamole and pinto beans served at Loews Ventana Canyon in Tucson, or a true New York classic, the Coney Island Haute Dog with chili, yellow mustard and Vidalia onion, served at the Loews Regency Hotel.

Guests can beat the heat and “skinny dip” with skinny cocktails and healthy dip, that is, such as homemade hummus dip with pita chips and sliced cucumber paired with a low-calorie Cruzan Blueberry Mojito. Or, for an indulgence, guests can treat themselves to a classic summer dish of a lobster roll and a cold beer.

To help guests chill out, ice cream will be served from the roving cart, plus restaurant menus will feature a variety of dessert delights including the option to ‘Invent Your Sundae’ with many toppings to choose from.

Summer of Loews will also feature complimentary signature (non-alcoholic) cocktails such as the Agave Margarita served daily in the lobby. Guests looking for a splash of fun will be charged at the bar if they’d like to add liquor.

Live For Today & Play To Win
Throughout the Summer of Loews, guests can truly live in the moment and get their “groove” on with special experiences for every age.

Baby Loves Disco, an internationally-acclaimed dance party for families with young kids, will make a stop at 12 Loews Hotels on their 2011 SuperHero Tour also presented by H&M. Little ones and their parents can get down to sounds from the ‘70s and ‘80s, play games, savor healthy snacks and enjoy good times while supporting community schools through www.DonorsChoose.org, the official charity of Loews Hotels. Donors Choose is a web-based not-for-profit that provides essential classroom tools to teachers across the country. For details on events, dates and times visit http://www.babylovesdisco.com/events

It’s game on, as guests of all ages can get ‘In It To Win It’ to test their skills, speed and stamina with games in the lobby of city hotels or poolside at resorts. Challenges like ‘Block Head’, where competitors stack Fisher-Price blocks onto a frisbee balanced on their heads to spell L-O-E-W-S, or a competitive game of paddle ball will offer a chance to win fabulous prizes including a Grand Prize Vacation of a Lifetime at any Loews Hotel.

Social Phenomenon

Not at Loews Hotels? Not a problem. Fans and followers can experience Summer of Loews vicariously through Facebook, Twitter and the new Loews Hotels YouTube channel and share summer highlights through the “How Loews Can You Go?” Facebook photo contest for a chance to win a Loews Vacation of a Lifetime. Simply visit www.Facebook.com/LoewsHotels and submit a photo that captures the essence of the “How Loews Can You Go?” caption.
For more information about Loews Hotels Summer of Loews experiences and special offers or to make a reservation at Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com

ABOUT LOEWS HOTELS
Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada, including the newest 414-room Loews Atlanta Hotel opened April 1, 2010. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. Loews boasts some of the industry’s most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com

Follow Loews Hotels on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Loews_Hotels.
Like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/LoewsHotels .
Watch us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/LoewsHotels.

ABOUT DONORSCHOOSE.ORG

Founded in 2000 by a social studies teacher in the Bronx, DonorsChoose.org is a nonprofit website where public school teachers describe specific educational projects for their students, and donors can choose the projects they want to support. After completing a project, the donor hears back from the classroom they supported in the form of photographs and student thank-you letters. Requests range from pencils for a poetry writing unit, to violins for a school recital, to microscope slides for a biology class.

In the past ten years of operation, residents of 50 states and 10 countries have funded nearly 200,000 student projects, channeling more than $82 million in resources to over 4.8 million students.

If superior golf is your number-one vacation criteria, swing into Tucson and Southern Arizona. The choices and challenges here captivate even the most discriminating golfers. Some of the sport’s biggest stars – Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Tom Lehman, Arnold Palmer – have either competed on or designed Metro Tucson golf courses. The legacy of professional golf tournaments played here, from the first Tucson Open in 1945 to the current World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, chronicles a longtime love and respect for the game.

In February, tune in to the televised World Golf Championships–Accenture Match Play Championship for a virtual tour of the event’s luxurious location, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, located northwest of Tucson in the community of Marana. Visit the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa, which for 30 years hosted the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) Tour.

Play on the Catalina Course and see why the par-4 18th hole is called one of the most challenging finishing holes on the PGA Tour. “That’s a serious hole; probably one of the toughest holes on Tour. It’s an amazing design,” said Geoff Ogilvy after capturing his first PGA Tour win there in 2005.

Nature plays a big part in many area golf course designs. Dubbed “the most photographed golf hole west of the Mississippi,” the par-3, third hole at The Mountain Course at Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club is tucked into its own canyon. This Tom Fazio-designed course is also one of the “Top 50 Courses for Women” as selected by Golf Digest magazine. At Arizona National Golf Club, the winding layout by Robert Trent Jones Jr. takes golfers through arroyos, sculpted rock formations, and desert flora. The lofty par-3 fourth hole overlooks the entire Santa Cruz Valley, offering southern views all the way to Mexico.

Tucson’s five municipal golf courses include two long-time tournament courses. Randolph North was set up for PGA Tour and then LPGA events so the greens vary greatly in slope and size, and present a real challenge for the serious stick. The adjacent Dell Urich course hosted LPGA tournaments in 2003 and 2004, and proved to reward strategic play. Karen Stupples holds the LPGA low raw score record of 258 on this course (2004), and the par-3 11th hole is the site of numerous holes-in-one.

Just minutes south of downtown Tucson, the golf courses at Green Valley, Tubac, and Rio Rico offer rolling hills and buildings with Spanish colonial flair. Hollywood shot scenes for the 1996 movie Tin Cup at Tubac Golf Resort’s Rancho Nine course. It’s easy to recognize the par-5 fourth hole there with its menacing pond protecting the green.

Experience the get-away feeling of desert golf, and bring your clubs to Tucson and Southern Arizona. There are private and public courses to suit every style and budget. For more information or to request the Tucson Golf Guide, contact the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 638-8350, or visit www.visittucson.org/golf

Joie de Vivre Offers Travelers Sexy-Surfer-Chic Boutique Property Across From Huntington Beach Pier

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. – Bringing a decidedly sophisticated, yet free-spirited vibe toHuntington Beach, Joie de Vivre’s Shorebreak Hotel debuted in summer 2009. The boutique hotel juxtaposes modern beach culture and urban design to create a hotel that offers an alternate definition of luxury, one where guests feel like they are a part of a club ― but a club where shoes are optional.

The beachfront property offers 157 guestrooms, including 39 suites, styled so that guests feel like they are staying at a hip friend’s beach house. The guestrooms offer contemporary furnishings, plush beds with designer linens, and spacious tiled bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers. Jonathan Staub, senior designer at Philpotts & Associates, incorporates whimsical patterns, sculptural shapes, and dynamic artwork to create an interpretation of the beach culture vibe of Huntington Beach, with a surprisingly edgy and modern twist.

The hotel features photography by Art Brewer, who recreated the famous photo shoot he did for Beach Culture magazine in the late 1980s under the Huntington Beach Pier for the hotel and its Zimzala Restaurant. The photos of local and famous surfers, taken in October 2008, appear throughout the property. Additional artwork inspired by surf and sea, by artists such as Alex Weinstein, Jeff Canham, Andy Hughes, Andy Davis, Scott Richards, David Loyd and Ron Stoner, are also found throughout the hotel.

The nod to modern surf and beach culture in the design is reflected in the guest offerings. At night, guests can relax by courtyard fire pits and sip from a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. During the day, surf and sand aficionados can call on the hotel’s well-versed staff, who will arrange access to a variety of recreational activities, including surf lessons, beach volleyball and beach cruisers.

The Shorebreak Hotel’s prime location is within eyesight of the Huntington Beach Pier, which is one of the largest recreational piers in the world. There are 3.5 miles of pristine shoreline, as well as an eight-mile biking, inline skating, jogging, and walking trail stretching beyond Huntington Beach along the ocean. The hotel also offers onsite fitness facilities and a yoga studio.

Within the hotel, guests can indulge in modern amenities including flat panel high-definition televisions with a custom-designed media hub that enhances the Shorebreak Hotel experience in the room via music, images and on-demand movies. Other amenities include iPod docking stations, wireless high-speed internet access, executive work desks with ergonomic chairs, and private balconies with ocean or courtyard views.

Guests also enjoy complimentary gourmet coffee and tea, generously stocked refreshment centers, and 24-hour in-room dining.

Shorebreak’s Zimzala Restaurant and Bar is designed as a dining destination for locals and visitors alike with a beach-casual undertone. Zimzala offers casual cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, surf-inspired décor, and free-spirited good times. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, and Sunday brunch.

From executive retreats to corporate sales meetings, Shorebreak Hotel offers a superb setting. In addition to beautiful surroundings, Shorebreak’s extensive facilities include 8,000 square feet of total function space, including a stunning 3,000 square foot ballroom.

Highlights include a private dining room with wraparound terrace, an interior courtyard terrace with outdoor fire pits, corner boardroom suites, and an executive business center. The event space is supported by state-of-the-art technology and an experienced staff.

“The Shorebreak Hotel brings something entirely different to Huntington Beach – it is the area’s first lifestyle boutique hotel featuring four-star touches, modern guestrooms and suites with ocean views, and sophisticated casual dining,” said­ Joie de Vivre Regional Vice PresidentRick Patten.­­ “Shorebreak proves it is possible to embrace the relaxed Orange County beach culture without sacrificing style or luxury.”

Complemented by breathtaking oceanfront vistas amidst an energetic downtown beach setting, Shorebreak Hotel is the perfect locale from which to entertain, reward, inspire and create. For those that work hard and want to play harder, Shorebreak Hotel welcomes guests to experience modern surf and beach culture at its finest.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 877-744-1117 or visit www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/shorebreak.com

About Shorebreak,Huntington Beach,Calif.

Sexy-surfer-chic: The opening of the newly built Shorebreak Hotel in Summer 2009 heralds an exciting new era in Huntington Beach’s rich history, bringing a renewed joie de vivre to this Southern California community’s relaxed beach lifestyle. Stylishly designed guest rooms feature spectacular ocean views and innovative amenities.

The hotel speaks to a sophisticated audience who appreciates the hotel’s progressive beach culture and free-spirited, yet trend-setting ambience. Shorebreak’s Zimzala Restaurant and Bar is a popular attraction for locals and visitors, offering casual coastal cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, surf-inspired décor.

For more information, visit www.shorebreakhotel.com

When the dog days of summer meet the family, scratch the itch for freedom and take in the wide open spaces of Arizona. Twenty-two Native American Nations across the vibrant state entice families with limitless excursions and fascinating discoveries. Explore the enriching civilizations of the past. Connect with culture and combine family fun to capture the adventuresome spirit of Arizona.

Beside colorful high-soaring cliffs of sandstone, beyond small forests of Russian Olive and pine trees, uncover the ancient pueblo ruins of Canyon de Chelly. Reveal the many sights of the sprawling and secluded Navajo Nation by exhilarating jeep-tour across rugged terrain, or canter the canyon and ride horse-back through shallow washes and trails. Home to Natives for thousands of years, the living monument of Canyon de Chelly continues to sustain a community of Navajo people today.

Discover artifacts like petro glyphs and dwellings once covered in plaster, constructed of timber, and adobe style bricks. Hike in the shadows of Spider Rock, the sandstone obelisk towering 800 feet above ground also home to the mythical Spider Woman of Navajo stories. The top of Spider Rock is said to be white from the sun-bleached bones of misbehaving Navajo children! Camp-out at Cottonwood Campground and retell tales of Navajo lore, or stay at the nearby lodge. Canyon de Chelly is the perfect place for families to learn about the importance of preserving natural resources, history and culture.

Bring your family to marvel at each of the three ancient cliff dwellings on Navajo National Monument. Imagine them as once home to generations of Puebloan families. Constructed of sandstone, mud mortar, and wood, the dwellings known as Keet Seel, Betatakin, and Inscription House are still intact today.

Hike the 17 mile trail to Keet Seel for family fitness, get interactive on a guided tour, or walk the shorter trails behind the visitor’s center about a mile long.

The educational trails identify indigenous flora and fauna, and display their significance to the Native cultures of the Navajo and Hopi. Overlook the remains of an Ice Age old forest, as the trail leads to the Betatakin dwelling. Learn more while visiting the museum, or overnight outdoors at the campgrounds. Junior Ranger Programs are offered by Navajo National Monument at the visitor’s center. Encourage your wee ones to participate!

Along the scenic shores of Lake Powell is the Navajo Nation owned and operated, Antelope Point marina. Boasting a beautiful backdrop and more shoreline to explore than the entire west coast of the U.S, Lake Powell offers a playground of family fun. Splash through the best boating waters by jet-ski, speed boat, or navigate the lake from the comforts of a custom houseboat rental, fully equipped with flat screens, and furnishings.

Water slide, cannon- ball, or cast lines for a family catching contest. Go fish- for stripe bass, largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, black crappie and catfish. Antelope Point offers rentals of all varieties, a full service launch, a fishing dock, the world’s largest floating restaurant, and guided tours to nearby Antelope Canyon.

The rising and falling sandstone curvatures of Antelope Canyon create gorgeous sloping angles not to be missed. Enjoy the sunshine hitting your family’s faces. Watch the natural light glow through the slot canyon during sunrise or sunset.

Time after time Antelope Canyon creates amazing photo opportunities….Perfect for a new family portrait! Go your own wake, and make memories to last a lifetime in Page, AZ on Lake Powell.

Experience the journey of family life by way of the Navajo. Gain a new perspective from The Explore Navajo Interactive Museum in Tuba City, AZ.

Explore many engaging exhibits for children and adults alike. The quadrants of the museum represent the significance of the number four to Navajo culture. Walk in the footsteps of the Natives traveling clockwise from quadrant to quadrant, East, South, West, and North. With every bend experience a new introduction to the land, language, history, culture, and ceremonial life of the Navajo.

Whimsy and peace define the Tribal Lands of the Havasupai and their wonderful, cascading, blue-green water-falls. Awaiting your family for an unforgettable adventure, discover the captivating sanctuary of Havasupai Falls. Feel first hand, the spray of what may be the most photographed water-fall of the world, Havasu Falls.

Mooney Falls roars as it plunges a thundering 200 feet to the pools beneath its path. Truly an oasis, the five falls can only be accessed by hike, horse, or helicopter.

The hike to Havasupai Falls requires a trek of about 10 miles beginning at Hualapai Hilltop, found on the Hualapai Reservation located just north of Peach Springs. Camping and lodging reservations must be made in advance, but are well worth the wait! The trail carves its way down through narrow canyons, steep switchbacks and the village of Supai. Just beyond the village create your home away from home at the campgrounds. Arrive to the campsite and enjoy rewarding R and R after a long haul. Lull to sleep while listening to the sounds of the falls!

Peach Springs, AZ, is the tribal capital of the Hualapai, and is a great starting point to the family venture you envision. From here journey the landscape by way of river raft, off-road tour, or hike. Choose the Grand Canyon quest right for you and yours! North of Peach Springs, at Grand Canyon West, visit the SkyWalk at Eagle Point. Walk over the glass bridge, kids and fam hand and hand, while 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. Be sure to keep close, while looking to the depths of the canyon below!

Translated as “desert people,” The Tohono O’odham Tribal Lands are located in southern Arizona. With wonderful mountains and gorgeous starry skies, the Tohono O’odham Nation, offers a wealth of family friendly explorations.

Among these mountain ranges find the sacred Baboquivari Peak and Kitt Peak, both of which are sacred to the O’odham. Vistas and starry skies from these vantage points can be compared to no other. Admire the Milky Way, share dreams, and remember to shoot for the stars! View the same stars so significant to Native American culture through special viewing programs at Kitt Peak National Observatory. The observatory has the greatest number of telescopes in the world!

Resorts upon our Native Lands in Phoenix and the surrounding valley provide great getaways, summer winter fall or spring! From golf, and five-star dining, to horseback riding, cultural centers, spas and shopping, what more could the modern family want? Chandler, AZ offers The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, on the Gila River Indian Community. Featuring three swimming pools, and a waterslide over 100 feet tall, stay cool poolside. Create a cannonball contest or rest afloat during a “dive-in” movie on the big screen! The Radisson Fort McDowell Resort of Fountain Hills is another great stay for strengthening family ties. Surrounded by the Sonoran desert the tribe offers cowboy games, adventures for kids and championship golf at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. Talking Stick Resort, on the eastern border of Scottsdale, highlights a collection of postmodern art including pieces by artists of Native American descent. Experience tribal culture and Wild West wonder during a resort stay with attractions for every member of your family.

And who says pooches aren’t people too? Bring even your best friend along to the doggie friendly Radisson and Sheraton resorts.

If shoveling all winter long leaves you longing for a way to enjoy the slosh and snow, visit Sunrise Mountain. A wonderful place for a wintertime wilderness retreat, Sunrise is located in the White Mountains on the Apache Reservation.

Get cozy and share stories fireside at the lodge. Benefit from some of the best skiing in the Western U.S! Welcoming all levels and types of expertise the mountain has 65 ski runs, as well as separate snowboarding, and bunny runs. Snowmobiling, cross country skiing, hunting, hiking, ice fishing, sledding and sleigh rides make Sunrise a recreational paradise and the perfect place to get active when it’s cold outside. Summertime in Sunrise offers just as much to enjoy with a marina and full service boat dock on Sunrise Lake. With plentiful Rainbow, Brook, and Apache Trout, the lake is a premier fishing destination.

Freedom, excitement and variety are signature signs of an Arizona trip, always keeping visitors returning for more adventure. Leave the mountain vistas and native lands behind with a fresh point of view and new sense of fulfillment until the next time!

See the official Arizona travel and vacation guide from the Arizona Office of Tourism at www.arizonaguide.com

Find in-depth AZ visitor information and videos about visiting the state of Arizona, including comprehensive directories of Arizona hotels, dining and shopping, as well as things to do and places to visit throughout the Grand Canyon State.

Hyperlink Directory
Canyon de Chelly http://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm
Jeep Tours http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/canyon-de-chelly-jeep-tours.php
Tours by horseback http://totsoniiranch.com
Camping http://www.nps.gov/cach/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm
Lodging http://www.tbirdlodge.com/index.html

Navajo National Monument http://www.nps.gov/nava/index.ht-
Hiking http://www.nps.gov/nava/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=444873
Guided Navajo Tours http://www.nps.gov/nava/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
Antelope Point Marina http://www.antelopepointlakepowell.com/
Lake Powell http://www.arizonaguide.com/search?search=lake+powell&x=0&y=0

Explore Navajo Interactive Museum http://www.explorenavajo.com/go2/home_page.cfm

Havasupai Falls http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/havasupai.htm

Peach Springs http://www.arizonaguide.com/places-to-visit/arizona-s-west-coast/peach-springs

The Tohono O’odham Tribal Lands http://www.tonation-nsn.gov/
Kitt Peak National Observatory http://www.noao.edu/kpno/

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa http://www.wildhorsepassresort.com /
 Radisson Fort McDowell http://www.radisson.com/scottsdale-ftn-hills-hotel-az-85264/azmcdowe
Talking Stick http://www.noao.edu/kpno/

Sunrise http://www.sunriseskipark.com/