Jetsettersblog

LEE COUNTY, FL (USA) – If a tropical vacation is calling out to you, head to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel on the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors explore many barrier islands off this southwest Florida paradise by land or by boat.

Some of the 100 coastal islands are uninhabited mangrove clusters while others impress with their beautiful beaches.

Island hopping by land!

With 590 miles of shoreline and the warm Gulf waters, the area’s islands have plenty of character – sunsets, shelling, great dining and picnicking, water sports, boating, biking and exploring. Best known are Sanibel and Captiva islands, connected to the mainland by a three-mile causeway. They are connected to each other by a bridge.

Sanibel & Captiva islands

Sanibel is known worldwide for its abundant shelling – more than 400 varieties of shells. Collectors enjoy hours of sun along some of North America’s best shoreline. “Must-see” sites include the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the 1884 Sanibel Lighthouse. More remote than Sanibel, Captiva Island’s main attractions are its laid back pace, several great restaurants, sunset views and beautiful beaches.

Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach

Estero Island, home of Fort Myers Beach, offers soft, white sand. During the winter, Estero Bay is home to an extensive shrimp and fishing fleet. The “must see” is Lovers Key State Park, just south of Fort Myers Beach.

Pine Island

Step back to old-time Florida on Pine Island. Accessible by land via “the fishingest bridge in the USA,” entertain yourself with several eclectic art galleries, while the Calusa Heritage Trail offers insight into the 2,000-year-old Indian tribe.

Gasparilla Island

Accessible by boat and car via a causeway, this island’s charming, turn-of-the-century harbor town, Boca Grande, was founded in the late 1800s. This sleepy, upscale town comes with small shops, cozy restaurants, waterside accommodations and beautiful beaches. Celebrities along with family members, enjoy annual visits, staying at the legendary, 1911 Gasparilla Inn & Club.

Island hopping by boat!

Hop on a water taxi, rent a boat, or take one of the scheduled services to the outer islands, such as Cabbage Key, North Captiva, and Cayo Costa. These narrated boat or guided kayak/canoe tours provide sightseeing, shelling, sealife encounters, dolphin watch cruises, nature and heritage cruises, and more.

Adventures in Paradise – www.adventureinparadiseinc.com.

Captiva Cruises – www.captivacruises.com

Tropic Star of Pine Island – www.tropicstarcruises.com

To explore on your own, area marinas offer private boat rentals with or without guides. http://fortmyers-sanibel.com/marinas

Island hop along the Great Calusa Blueway

A popular way to see the area and its wildlife is the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, with launch sites and landings around the 190-mile marked trail, as well as easy access to rental kayaks and canoes. www.calusablueway.com

For more information on island hopping or planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com ; Facebook:
www.Facebook.com/SocialLeeVCB ; Twitter:
www.Twitter.com/FtMyersSanibel @FtMyersSanibel; YouTube:
www.YouTube.com/FtMyersSanibel . The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel include: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres.

Celebrity stylist and TV star to kick off two-week shopping festival August 26th

The USA’s first shopping festival is being launched this summer by The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA), the same organization that produces The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris. That single day event attracts over one million visitors to The Magnificent Mile® district annually the weekend before Thanksgiving. In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival™ begins on Friday, August 26th with an interactive celebrity event featuring renowned stylist and television star, Carson Kressley, whose current projects include hosting the new make-over show Carson-Nation and co-hosting Your OWN Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star for Oprah Winfrey’s new OWN Network.

The large-scale celebration expects to include designer appearances, celebrity chef events, trunk shows, entertainment and more, concluding on September 8 with Chicago’s version of Fashion’s Night Out.

“The GNMAA has a great track record of identifying slow traffic times of the year and building events that positively impact business during those periods,” said John Chikow, CEO and president of the non-profit business association with nearly 700 members.

Chaired by Carrie Lannon, national director of public relations for ULTA and vice-chaired by Erica Strama, senior marketing manager for Macerich’s The Shops at North Bridge, the event’s committee roster also represents the top executives from The Magnificent Mile district’s fashion, retail, and hospitality arenas.

“This event will solidify The Magnificent Mile as a destination of choice in the minds of both leisure and business consumers,” said Lannon. “The retail community has especially rallied around this event where the best of fall and winter trends can be showcased, and shoppers can get early access to great new styles, gadgets, and experiences,” she added.

As the first shopping festival of its kind in the United States, In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival takes the best of the shopping festivals that occur in international cities including Dubai, Singapore, Cannes and more. The event invites consumers to shop, dine, explore and stay for a schedule of special events and promotions. A raffle designed to reward visitors includes luxury prizes including a 5-night stay at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park valued at $20,000.

In-Fashion reinforces The Magnificent Mile’s reputation as a shopping mecca with large-scale celebrations and district-wide, in-store promotions. The event cuts across five primary categories of fashion and beauty, lifestyle, culinary, technology and culture. In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival will create excitement and motivate visitors as it brings together a roster of too-good-to-resist incentives and experiences.

Grant DePorter, chairman of the board for GNMAA and CEO for Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group explained that the annual nature of this event will allow GNMAA to strategically partner with international tour operators and audiences to build the international traveling audience as the event grows.

“This event’s timing is perfect for local and international visitors alike,” said DePorter. “The convention business is light, hotels have occupancy to fill and many children are off to school by the end of this festival, so parents can take a break, pamper themselves, renew and refresh. Add to that the fantastic weather and gorgeous gardens, this is a great time to show off The Magnificent Mile at its best,” he added.

Key events are being committed to by major players in the retail arena including ULTA, The Shops at North Bridge, 900 North Michigan Shops, Water Tower Place, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, American Girl Place, and others planning exclusive activities. Several other businesses including hotels, restaurants, cultural institutions including Broadway in Chicago Playhouse and other destinations will be presenting enticing offers, special events and celebrations that make this an must-attend event.

For information, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.

About The Magnificent Mile®
The Magnificent Mile® is Chicago’s premier destination, offering over 3.3 million square feet of retail space, 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 23,000 hotel rooms in 54 hotels, five unique museums and entertaining attractions to more than 18 million visitors each year. The Magnificent Mile district features world renowned shopping, dining and hotel accommodations, seasonal event campaigns and exceptional urban landscaping with more than 52 unique parkway gardens that reflect the changing seasons and complement the unique architectural beauty of Chicago. As One of The Great Avenues of the World, The Magnificent Mile generates $1.9 billion in annual retail activity alone. For more information, visit www.themagnificentmile.com

St. Pete/Clearwater, FL – Travelers looking to soak up the award-winning beaches and world-class museums of the St. Pete/Clearwater area can now get a high-tech preview from the comforts of their home.

Among the first U.S. destination marketers to employ this technology, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC) has launched its new 3-D “Two Treasures Tour”—a cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) experience that allows the user to interact with the area’s natural and cultural highlights.

By simply placing a printed “marker” in front of a computer webcam, visitors are now able to take an interactive 3-D tour, exploring the area’s world-class beaches (Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island and Fort De Soto Park) and two of downtown St. Pete’s most prominent arts destinations (the Dali Museum and the Chihuly Collection).

“With the vast majority of travelers researching potential vacation spots online, we wanted to offer them something to augment that experience and make it more enjoyable,” said Executive Director DT Minich. “This new, interactive approach complements both our Web site and our printed Visitor Guide, and it’s definitely a unique way to promote the area.”

Each stop includes clickable icons that feature boxes with fun facts, travel tips, images and links for more information. Destinations outlined on a nearby sign post provide the user with a road map as they navigate through the sights.

For a full demonstration of the tour, visit VSPC’s YouTube Channel.

Adorned with a silhouette of an iconic palm tree, the printed markers for the AR experience are included as inserts in VSPC’s new Visitor Guide (which can be ordered here). They can also be downloaded and printed out at home here.

The all-new Visitor Guide also includes a series of Quick Response (QR) codes—-barcode-like images that drive mobile users straight to enhanced online content such as videos and articles about the destination. These codes also appear in advertisements for hotels and attractions, allowing readers to access advertisers’ Web sites without having to type in a URL.

The QR code technology was the cornerstone of February’s co-branded St. Pete-Clearwater/JetBlue sweepstakes in New York City, which drew visitors to a special landing page where they could enter to win weekly drawings for vacation packages. VSPC hit the streets of NYC—and what’s beneath them—to promote the contest and deliver sunny salutations via ads on double-decker buses, inside subways, in newspapers and on flat-panel monitors inside office building elevators.

More than 25,000 entries were received, with many people accessing the page though mobile QR codes located in branded train cars (pictured above right) and in AM New York, the city’s free daily newspaper.

VSPC will continue its consumer outreach with the multi-medium “100 Days of Summer” campaign. From May 29 through September 5, the promotion will highlight 100 special offers and 100 events, happenings and places to be, spotlighting a different set each day.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is the destination marketing organization for Pinellas County, Florida.

Talk about making vacation memories: In summer 2011, guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will begin embarking on adventures to places no one has ever gone – to the planets Coruscant and Tatooine, located in a galaxy as far away as imagination can carry you.

Or how about this: Vacationers on a Disney Dream cruise can embark on itineraries during which they get to bask in the fun and sun of Disney Cruise Line’s most popular port of call not once but twice. Or this: Disney Wonder cruise guests can venture to the “Land of the Midnight Sun.”

And back in the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park, guests can revel in the memories they’ve made, during a new nighttime show, “The Magic, The Memories, and You!”

Here are some of the details about what’s in store:

Star Tours launches new itineraries … and more
From the time Star Tours debuted at Disneyland Park in 1987 and at Walt Disney World Resort in 1989 until the attraction went dark for “reimagining” in fall 2010, guests embarked on a journey to the Moon of Endor and beyond, with a trainee pilot named REX at the controls of 40-passenger Starspeeder 3000 spacecraft.

Now the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida (scheduled to debut May 20 concurrent with the opening of Star Wars Weekends 2011) and at Disneyland Park in California (scheduled for early June) puts a whole new twist on virtual space travel with Starspeeder 1000 craft – predating the Starspeeder 3000 because the new show depicts an earlier chapter of the Star Wars saga than the original Star Tours did. But fear not: Techno-wizards are equipping passengers on the 1000 with the ability to experience the new adventure in eye-popping 3D – wherever that adventure may take them.

The destination is not necessarily what guests expect – unless they expect the unexpected – as C-3PO, a new pilot (by accident) takes the controls for a journey to the “metropolitan” planet Coruscant (pronounced /’kɔɹəsɑnt/) or to Tatooine (pronounced tætu’in), an arid planet on the “Outer Rim,” or to some other planet within Star Wars’ mythical universe. Even the outcome of the adventure may change from one “launch” to the next.

A ‘dream come true’ for fans of Castaway Cay, Alaska

The comments of Disney Cruise Line veteran cruisers make it clear: On itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean, a guest favorite is Castaway Cay, the cruise line’s private island. A common remark is that “it would be nice to have more time” at the remote paradise surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters as far as the eye can see.

Between May 29 and August 20, 2011, that vacation wish will be fulfilled on a dozen 5-night Disney Dream sailings out of Port Canaveral, Fla. Each 5-night cruise will include two stops at Castaway Cay separated by a day at sea and a day at Nassau. The new, 4,000-passenger ship will embark on 5-night cruises on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Meanwhile, the Disney Wonder has been repositioned from the Port of Los Angeles to Vancouver, B.C., where it will embark on 7-night Alaska sailings through August 30, 2011. The seven-night cruises call on Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, and mark the first time ever that Disney Cruise Line will sail to Alaska.

Guests will experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture. Available Port Adventures include a fun scavenger hunt through the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp in Skagway that sets the stage for a gold-panning expedition joined by beloved Disney characters, and the Glacier Dog Musher-for-a-Day experience in Juneau during which guests travel by helicopter over the massive Juneau Icefield where they will tour a sled dog camp and explore behind-the-scenes areas including the kennel, living quarters and veterinary clinic. Mushers and their dog teams then take guests out on the snow-capped glacier for an unforgettable sled trip through the pristine wilderness.

A dramatically different experience beckons back in the Bahamas, where 1000-acre Castaway Cay features powdery white sand beaches under foot, swaying palm trees and beautiful tropical flowers, providing the ultimate escape, whether a guest is seeking adventure, relaxation or quality time with the family.

Flying high above the island on a parasail adventure, snorkeling in a 12-acre lagoon, casting off on a fishing tour, building sand castles on the beach, bicycling around the island or swimming with Southern Stingrays are just a few of the activities that every member of the family can enjoy. There are water slides, rental watercraft, and enough other splashing-good fun that Castaway Cay has been depicted as “a water park with an ocean.”

Filling the night with memories

“The Magic, The Memories, and You!”, a dramatic new projection show filled with special effects and magic, transforms Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort and “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Resort into shimmering canvases for images of guests and the memories they made that day at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park.

In the nighttime spectacle, as many as 500 photos of guests – captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers in the park that day as guests create memories “smiling for the castle” – are projected larger-than-life among the spires and turrets of Cinderella Castle and on the towers and landmark replicas of “it’s a small world.” The show also features video and thousands of additional photos displayed on the iconic buildings by 16 projectors – all accompanied by stirring music and punctuated by fireworks.

The ten-minute experience dazzles park guests in ways never before experienced, themed to beloved Disney stories and with playful animated sequences that seem to defy the architecture of the buildings – and even “bring the architecture to life,” said Alan Bruun, associate creative director, Walt Disney World Entertainment. The spectacle is scheduled most nights with up to two shows per night depending on theme park operating hours and other special ticketed events.

So what else is new?

At Walt Disney World Resort, a “soft adventure” and four new entertainment experiences also are debuting in 2011 in time for summer vacation:

Guests wanting to venture off the beaten path at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have the chance during a new, immersive, add-on experience, Wild Africa Trek, that takes a small group of adventurers on personalized, guided excursions that include a bushwalk through unexplored areas of the forest along with over-landing in customized vehicles across an animal-filled savanna. On these expert-led treks, extended time is spent observing and learning about the wildlife. More information: www.Disneyworld.com/disneyafricatrek

Ever since ‘Playhouse Disney–Live on Stage!’ premiered in 2001, it has been a chance for younger guests to experience Disney Channel friends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As that circle of TV friends has grown and changed, the Disney entertainment gurus have endeavored to make those new friends part of the vacation fun, too. So here come Jake and the Never Land Pirates as part of Disney Junior–Live on Stage! The show also includes current favorites from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins. Guests should check their Times Guide for show times.

Guests calling on Mickey Mouse for a meet-and-greet at his permanent new location in Town Square Theater can obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. It marks the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Favorite Pixar pals perform in an all-new Disney’s Hollywood Studios parade,
Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!, showcasing appearances by four characters not previously featured – Remy and Emile from “Ratatouille” and Carl and Russell from “UP.” The parade is performed to a new musical track from the current Pixar parade at Disney California Adventure. The new show replaces “Block Party Bash,” which was presented between March 2008 and January 2011.

Guests will be able to take part in an energetic and fun-filled meet-and-play experience with Phineas & Ferb at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (scheduled to begin in May). Phineas and Ferb – from the popular television show of the same name – “know what they’re gonna do today”: they are going to make a movie all about their crazy adventures. With the help of guests and movie director Cletus Filmore, they will recreate some of their favorite moments…unless they are taking a break to meet with their adoring fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. The fun will take place near the exit of Muppet«Vision 3-D.

At Disneyland Resort, a new attraction and a new parade also are debuting this summer:

With the premiere of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure on June 3, Disney California Adventure will take guests “under the sea” to experience magnificent scenes and magical songs from the popular motion picture. The attraction represents the next big milestone in the ongoing expansion of the park.

Starting May 27 at Disneyland Park, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade will stomp, clang and drum its way down Main Street, U.S.A. Musicians, dancers and Disney characters join together in the explosive music festival that will bring to life some of the most beloved melodies from Disney films.

For more information visit www.disneydestinationstradenews.com  or www.disneyparks.com/blog

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment – the parent company of 10 parks including SeaWorld and Busch Gardens – unveils 10 new attractions across the country this year, the largest single-year capital investment in the company’s history.

”Our guests expect thrilling, educational and inspiring attractions at our parks,” said Jim Atchison, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This year delivers our best and biggest line-up yet, from a new killer whale show that inspires guests to make a difference in our world, to an innovative, state-of-the-art coaster combined with an educational animal habitat. No one connects people to animals, the world – and to one another – like we do.”

Orlando, Fla.; San Diego, Calif. and San Antonio, Texas

All three SeaWorld parks: “One Ocean”

Opening at all three SeaWorld parks, “OneOcean” features majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of our natural world. The show educates and connects guests with these remarkable animals as it immerses them in the vivid colors and sensations of the underwater world. At the core of the show is the unifying message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect. “One Ocean” is now open at SeaWorld Orlando. It opens at SeaWorld San Diego on May 28 and SeaWorld San Antonio on June 10.

San Diego, Calif.

SeaWorld San Diego: Turtle Reef
In addition to the new killer whale show “One Ocean,” SeaWorld San Diego also debuts on June 18 Turtle Reef – an attraction that will allow guests to get an up-close look at 60 threatened or endangered sea turtles, as well as learn more about the threats sea turtles face in the wild. The attraction also will feature thousands of tropical fish, and a new ride that takes passengers on an exciting rescue mission of their own. The focal point of Turtle Reef is a nearly 300,000-gallon aquarium with a massive underwater viewing gallery.

San Antonio, Texas

SeaWorld San Antonio: Sesame Street Bay of Play
In addition to the new killer whale show “One Ocean,” this spring SeaWorld San Antonio opened Sesame Street Bay of Play, an all-new attraction for families featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends. SesameStreetBayof Play will include three acres of exciting rides, shows and play areas and will be home to a colorful carousel with all the friends ofSesame Street. Other kid-sized rides include Big Bird’s Spinning Reef, a delightfully playful Ferris wheel; Elmo’s Dolphin Dive, a vertical drop ride; and Abby Cadabby’s Rocking Wave, a ride that rocks forwards, backwards and sideways. Kids can also beat the summer heat at Little Bird’s Splash which features 22 water elements such as bubblers, geysers, jets and dumping buckets. At Big Bird’s 1-2-3 Smile with Me, everyone’s favoriteSesame Streetfriends will greet, hug and take photos, and make memories. The Happenings stage area features musical performances with Elmo, Abby Caddaby, Zoe and Cookie Monster.

Orlando, Fla.

SeaWorld Orlando: “One Ocean,” see description

Discovery Cove: The Grand Reef
In June, Discovery Cove opens The Grand Reef. This all-new area features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming adventures; from white sandy beaches and hammocks swaying in the breeze, to snorkeling among canyons inspired by reefs from oceans around the world. Guests can step into tranquil, shallow water to discover a below-the-surface world teeming with sea life, or they can snorkel in deeper water as thousands of exotic fish and graceful rays swim around them. Guests looking for an even more exhilarating adventure can take part in The Grand Reef’s innovative experience, SeaVenture, an underwater walking tour using dive helmets.

Tampa, Fla.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Cheetah Hunt and Cheetah Run
Opening May 27, Cheetah Hunt is a one-of-a-kind, multiple launch-point coaster that uses the force of repelling magnets to launch riders from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of seconds – not once, but three times. Cheetah Hunt sets a new distance record for aBuschGardens’ roller coasters at 4,429 feet of track.

Cheetah Run will set a new standard for bringing nature and humans together. This expansive new habitat will give visitors the opportunity to get closer to cheetahs than ever before with elevated, glass-paneled viewing areas. They can also witness the world’s fastest land animal in action during daily sprints conducted byBuschGardens’ trainers.

Williamsburg, Va.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Mäch Tower
This spring, guests will see the massive spire known asMächTower. The tallest ride in the park,MächTowerlifts up to 30 riders nearly 200 feet into the air.

After rotating at the top of the tower and getting a few seconds to take in the view, riders drop at breath-taking speed. State-of-the-art special effects include enhanced audio.

Water Country USA: Vanish Point

Inspired by the point on a wave where water and gravity form a perfect partnership, Vanish Point supplies two wicked-wet ways to drop out of sight. The crest of this 75-foot tower challenges guests with two wave paths. They can step into a skybox and take a plunge when the floor drops out beneath their feet, or they can get horizontal on a 300-foot speed slide that drops them straight down as soon as they enter. Either way, it’s pure liquid adrenaline.

Langhorne, Pa. near Philadelphia

Sesame Place: “Neighborhood Street Party” and Elmo’s Cloud Chaser
Now open, the “Neighborhood Street Party” parade will allow guests to experience an energetic neighborhood block party on iconic Sesame Street with all of their favorite friends, including: Elmo, Count Von Count, Bert & Ernie, Abby Cadabby, Zoe, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Big Bird and Telly. The parade will feature familiar contemporary songs, as well asSesame Streetfavorites that are sure to get everyone joining in the fun. The park’s newest ride, Elmo’s Cloud Chaser, invites families to join Elmo up into the sky where the clouds are as close as their imagination.

To stay current on the latest attraction news, visit the parks’ blogs including: www.seaworldparksblog.com, www.buschgardenstampablog.com, www.buschgardensvablog.com, and www.sesameplaceblog.com.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX), operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. The 10 parks play host to 23 million guests each year and employ 20,000 people nationwide.

Scottsdale possesses a natural advantage over other destinations because this sophisticated oasis, located in the heart of the rugged Sonoran Desert, is surrounded by a rich legacy of mountains, parks, and wildlife, providing opportunity for adventure that is second to none. Soar through the cloudless sky in a hot air balloon amidst mountain peaks and towering Saguaro cacti as you race the rising sun, feel the rush of excitement when you maneuver a Chevrolet Corvette around a tricky corner at top speed, and fulfill your childhood dream of ropin’ and ridin’ like the best of cowboys. And, even though the Sonoran Desert is the ideal landscape for thrill-seekers, Scottsdale also is home to indoor adventures like rock-climbing and cart-racing that will make your heart pound.

MOUNTAIN BIKING, HIKING & BACKPACKING

Scottsdale is bordered by the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (www.mcdowellsonoran.org), 16,460 acres of protected land for mountain biking, hiking and backpacking. The Preserve offers guided hikes that range from three to more than eight miles in length. In May 2009, the Gateway opened as the main entrance, incorporating eco-friendly architecture and using rock and soil excavated from the area for the walls of its administration building. Currently, the Gateway is awaiting approval for the United States Green Building Council’s LEED certification.

Other favored trails can be found at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Squaw Peak and the Superstition Mountains.
www.aoa-adventures.com , www.360-adventures.com , www.desertbikingadventures.com , www.windwalkerexpeditions.com , www.takeahikearizona.com

ROCK CLIMBING & RAPPELLING

Professional climbing guides help you experience the thrill of recreational rock climbing and rappelling amidst some of the desert’s most beautiful scenery while building your self-confidence and enjoying a great sense of accomplishment.

The McDowell, Granite and Cholla mountains are hot spots for the booming sport of recreational rock climbing. Canyoneering might be a new word for your vocabulary but one experience will have you hooked.

Take a journey to the Roosevelt Lake area where you’ll be exposed to hiking, wading, swimming, scrambling and rappelling excursions through one of geology’s most impressive feats – the canyon.

www.360-adventures.com , www.aoa-adventures.com

OFF-ROAD TOURS & ON-COURSE RACING

Off road Jeep and Hummer tours are a thrilling way to enjoy the desert’s Old West history and experience its beautiful flora and fauna. Interpretive guides provide entertaining stories of the Old West (including a tall tale or two!) as well as interesting facts about the cacti, plants and animals that make up the desert’s delicate ecosystem.

Tour activities can include gold panning, pistol shooting, jeep/horseback and jeep/river rafting combinations, chuck-wagon cookouts, and more. Prefer to drive yourself? Desert Wolf Tours offers self-pilot tours using their fleet of Tomcars, originally developed as Israeli Defense vehicles. Drivers and passengers romp through the desert at their own pace and can even practice target shooting with a NRA certified rifle and pistol instructor.

www.roadrunneradventures.com , www.stellaradventures.com , www.azadventures.com , www.dshummer.com , www.desertwolftours.com

If loud engines and fancy cars are your thing, head over to the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving (www.bondurant.com), the largest purpose-built facility in North America that features a 1.6-mile road course and an eight-acre paddock.

There’s no better way to satisfy the need for speed than driving door-handle to door-handle at 100 miles per hour in a Chevrolet Corvette, Mustang GT or Cobra. Experience the art of high-performance driving and the thrill of driving from zero to 60 in less than four seconds.
AZ on The Rocks (www.azontherocks.com) is a 14,000-square-foot air-conditioned textured climbing terrain where climbers of all skill levels can experience a physical high while learning basic knot-tying and equipment usage as well as more advanced climbing skills to find out what it takes to make it to the top. The gym features more than 50 top ropes, lead climbing, a large bouldering (free climbing) area and an observation deck.

HORSEBACK RIDING & WILD WEST EXPERIENCES

Enjoy a sunrise horseback ride through the McDowell Mountains followed by a hearty cowboy cookout for breakfast. From high in the saddle, you’ll see exotic cactus, rolling desert foothills and crystalline streams. As you explore the pristine, natural habitats, your guide will entertain you with the stories and legends of Arizona’s first cowboys. “Greenhorns” and bowlegged caballeros alike will enjoy the quiet grandeur of the Sonoran Desert. www.fortmcdowelladventures.com

For those who are looking for more than trail rides and cookouts, Arizona Cowboy College (www.cowboycollege.com) offers students a unique first-hand experience of true cowboy life. Participants sleep in a bunkhouse for two nights while learning the ropes of horsemanship and participate in rigorous classes about cattle.

Then, they trade in their cot for a few nights on the desert floor under starry skies and partake in on-the-range lessons about cutting, branding, inoculating, dehorning and driving cattle on working ranches.

HOT AIR BALLOONING & AERIAL ADVENTURES

Hot air ballooning is a tranquil yet exciting experience for visitors of all ages. Sunrise and sunset flights provide magnificent vistas of desert terrain and towering mountain ranges. The view from the balloon’s handcrafted wicker basket is virtually unobstructed – a photographer’s dream!

Upon landing, you are welcomed back to earth in the traditional manner with flutes of champagne and breakfast, a custom dating back more than 100 years.

For the more adventurous, powerchuting provides another unforgettable airborne adventure. Fly low above the Sonoran Desert in a powered parachute to explore exotic plant and wildlife or high above the mountains for a panoramic vista, all at a constant 26 mph.

Or pick up the speed in a private plane for a scenic day trip to Sedona or the Grand Canyon. www.hotairexpeditions.com , www.theballoonpeople.net , www.unicornballoon.com  www.rainbowryders.com , www.arizonapowerchutes.com , www.westwindairservice.com

RIVER RAFTING, KAYAKING, FISHING & WATER SPORTS

In Arizona, rivers, streams, and lakes are lush, pristine oases surrounded on all sides by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert – perfect settings for water adventures of every kind! Rafting, kayaking and canoeing are popular ways to explore the lakes and rivers in the Scottsdale area. If you aren’t equipped with gear, several Scottsdale-based adventure travel companies provide raft and kayak trips on both the Salt and Verde rivers.

These excursions offer the opportunity to view the desert wildlife including eagles, herons, egrets, hawks and occasionally larger species such as coyotes, javelina and deer. Anglers will find largemouth bass, trout, crappie, catfish, yellow bass and sunfish populating local rivers and lakes. Find a quiet spot along the shore for bird and wildlife watching (raptors, songbirds and desert mammals are abundant). Experience the adventure of flying over the water on water skis or a parasail or lay back and relax while tubing down a river.

www.aoa-adventures.com , www.desertvoyagers.com , www.mild2wildrafting.com , www.cimarrontours.com

LEISURE WALKS & LAID-BACK ADVENTURE

Scottsdale offers many beautiful places for leisurely walks and romantic strolls. Browse through the Desert Botanical Garden’s (www.dbg.org) many exhibits including the Cactus House, Succulent House, Sonoran Desert Ecology Trail and more.

Moonlight walks and outdoor evening concerts are offered during the warmer months. Walking and biking trails abound in Scottsdale’s signature greenbelt area along the Indian Bend Wash.

The park includes a small lake for fishing, a playground, picnicking, swimming pool and more. Located in the eastern foothills of the majestic McDowell Mountains, McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers picnic tables, easy walking trails and up-close access to the Sonoran Desert. www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell

Scottsdale’s SonoranDesert, only one of four major deserts in North America, is the most lush desert in the world.

Try greeting the sun with an early morning hike up Pinnacle Peak or through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve – soon to be one of the nation’s largest preserves encompassing more than 36,400 acres. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Take a desert Jeep or Hummer tour through the craggy mountains or see the desert from a daring angle in a hot air balloon. www.mcdowellsonoran.org , www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/pinnacle , www.ExperienceScottsdale.com

. The Alaska Railroad Corporation is unveiling its latest package-tour offering for the 2011 season to highlight the best of Alaska on the rails and off.

The Alaska Railroad.s new, 10-day .Rails and Trails. package will take visitors to Anchorage, Seward, Girdwood and Talkeetna with a focus on backcountry adventure while relieving travelers of the logistical hassles of planning it themselves. The itinerary includes hiking, kayaking and rafting in addition to rail travel from point to point throughout the trip.

You’ll hike on a glacier and ramble through Chugach State Park, the third largest state park in America. You might not see another person in its half million acres. Then there’s a stay at a backcountry lodge in Denali, complete with mountain biking, photography and gold panning in the shadow of the .Great One,. Mt. McKinley. From the quietude of the park, the railroad transports you to a roaring jetboat ride out of Talkeetna to navigate the muscular waters of Devil’s Canyon and the Susitna River. Your conductor will drop you off at Spencer Glacier for a remote float trip down the Placer River, and the train magically picks you up at the end of your tour. The train ride to Seward ranks among the top 10 in the world, and takes you to a small boat cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay, complete with a visit to Fox Island.

The new 10-day offering is one of many adventure packages available through the Alaska Railroad.

Travelers enjoy the comfort of modern rail cars featuring on-board dining and reserved seating while offering panoramic views from the Railroad.s signature glass-domed cars. Travelers on any of the Alaska Railroad.s trains have the option to upgrade their trip by choosing the Alaska Railroad.s GoldStar Service, where riders enjoy bi-level dome cars with reserved seating, dining service, a full-time bar attendant and a private outdoor viewing platform exclusive to GoldStar coaches.

Bookings for this vacation package and others can be made by contacting an Alaska Railroad Vacation specialist at 907-265-2494 or 800-544-0552. More information on the Alaska Railroad and Alaska Railroad Vacation packages can be found at www.alaskarailroad.com

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Florida’s Historic Coast has been welcoming vacationers for more than 125 years, but as any recent visitor will tell you “Our History Is Not the Same Old Story”. Located midway betweenDaytona Beach andJacksonville, summer visitors to these special 42 miles of northeastFlorida coastline will quickly find there is much that is new and exciting to experience. Whether visiting the nation’s oldest city ofSt. Augustine, playing the world class golf courses of Ponte Vedra or soaking up the sun at one of theHistoricCoast’s beach communities, exciting new attractions and amenities await.

For example:

Crocodile Crossing: Visitors can discover their inner Indiana Jones traversing this fun and challenging zip line above the canopy of trees and swamps that are home to hundreds of alligators and crocodiles at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Open for less than a month, this adventure is providing thrills to intrepid souls who “zip” between more than 50 platforms scattered throughout the seven-acre course. The world’s first zip line located above a zoo, Crocodile Crossing offers a thrilling adventure that is truly one-of-a-kind.

St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum: Less than six months old, this new shrine to everything piratical has already proven to be a major attraction in the Oldest City. Located across from the Castillo de San Marcos, the Spanish fortress built in 1672 to stop pirates from pillaging the town, the museum not only houses the world’s finest private collection of pirate artifacts, it features a Disney-like approach to history that is both educational and entertaining. Interactive exhibits bring the Golden Age of Piracy to life while clearly separating the reality of pirate life from the Hollywood version of the Rogues of the Sea. Plus, for pirates who want to do a little plundering in cyberspace, the museum has just opened an online Treasure Shoppe.

El Conquistador: For visitors who want a breath-taking look atSt. Augustine’s nearly 450 years of history, El Conquistador is ready to transport them on a high speed thrill ride on the waters ofMatanzasBay, theTolomatoRiver and maybe even the wildAtlantic. This speedboat with the colorful paint and distinctive Conquistador helmets mounted on the exhaust stacks, takes up to 14 passengers on a one-hour, thrill-packed, narrated tour through history – with some marine science added as well. So as not to “intimidate the squeamish,” El Conquistador’s top speed is not posted, but it’s sure to excite and delight every passenger.

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park has been entertaining and enlightening visitors to St. Augustine for generations. Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez landed here in 1565 to found the city of St. Augustine, the Timucua Indians lived here for hundreds of years and it is thought Ponce de Leon himself landed nearby. But for visitors this spring and summer, the Fountain of Youth is definitely not the same old story. The Planetarium that has thrilled visitors for more than 50 years now has a cutting-edge projector that projects the night sky as it appeared on any night in history, including the night any visitor was born. Plus, the seats in the Planetarium are brand new. Just a short walk takes visitors to the waterfront where an authentic conquistador stands guard, fires a replica of a 16th century Spanish cannon several times a day and entertains with his stories of war and conquest in theNew World.

Horseback Rides on the Beach: It can be romantic or it can be the perfect family activity.St. Augustine’s Country Carriages now offers daily one-hour, private horseback rides at the edge of the sea. These unforgettable rides depart from Surfside Park on Vilano Beach. For details and reservations, call 904 826.1982.

Marineland Dolphin Adventure: On the National Register of Historic Places, Marineland recently underwent a renovation that turned it into one of the most beautiful and modern dolphin facilities in the world Now, the historic facility where the word “oceanarium” was invented, has become an affiliate of the incredible Georgia Aquarium. With a new name and new plans for further transformation and evolution, Marineland Dolphin Adventure offers an unmatched heritage in dolphin research and a place where guests can experience unhurried interactions with dolphins which will build important connections and a better understanding of marine mammals.

St. Augustine Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Solve the mystery of the Murder at the Café Noir while enjoying a delicious Italian dinner! This new addition to theOldestCity offers an exciting, inter-active adventure each night Wednesday through Sunday and special matinees on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It’s an exciting and entertaining delight for the entire family.

Haszard’s Open Pit Beef: New atAnastasiaIsland’sButlerBeach, this restaurant offers something tastefully different – chargrilled organic beef sandwiches, open pit turkey and ham, half-smokes and hot dogs. Plus, their Maryland-style crab cakes have quickly become a beach favorite – along with their hand-cut Boardwalk fries. Live music every Friday from 6-9 p.m.

Ponte Vedra’s luxurious seaside resorts have been long-known for their elegance and attention to details that make a stay there truly special. Just completed renovations and upgrades mean this summer’s arrivals will be greeted with pleasant surprises.

Ponte Vedra Inn and Club: For the tenth consecutive year, this beautiful property has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award – the American Automobile Association’s highest hospitality honor. AAA has bestowed this distinction on only eight properties inFlorida and the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club is the only recipient inNorth Florida. In addition to enjoying the level of service this distinction demands, guests will now enjoy the results of a total renovation of theInn’s popular Summer House – one of the resort’s 10 accommodation buildings. All 26 oceanfront rooms and suites at Summer House have received new king and queen bedding, carpets, elaborate window treatments, designer furniture, art work ceiling fans and crown molding with recessed lighting. Other extras include flat screen televisions, wall safes large enough for laptop computers and generously-sized desks ideal for the business traveler.

The Lodge & Club inPonteVedraBeach has just completed a new and dramatic front portico entrance for guests arriving by car. The new entryway to this AAA Four Diamond resort features a new steel-framed canopy supported by cast stone columns. New accents such as glass mosaic tiles, driveway pavers, aesthetic lighting, plantation shutters and ornamental landscaping insure arriving guests will immediately feel the welcoming warmth and sophistication of this beautiful oceanfront property.

TheOldestCityhas also been busy with makeovers that are sure to appeal to visitors.

Casa Monica Hotel: The first phase of a $1 million renovation of this AAA Four Diamond hotel has been completed. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this majestically-restored 1888 hotel is the founding property of Marriott’s new Autograph Collection of hotels – an elite group of upscale and independent hotels with distinctive personalities in destination cities. The renovation gives spacious guest rooms all new, custom-designed luxury interiors with classically-inspired rouge carpet, elegant custom furnishings with gold accents and plush velvet-tufted headboards. The Signature Suites located in two tile-topped towers and in an impressive central turret have also been updated. This spring and summer, the hotel has partnered with thePirate & TreasureMuseum to launch a wonderfully fun “Rogues, Romance and Riches” package that is ideal for couples and families. The package includes luxurious accommodations, a special Captain Morgan Rum Punch, admission to the museum, breakfast at the hotel’s famed 95 Cordova, an authentic “pieces of eight” necklace and valet parking.

AtSt. Augustine’s World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame, the largest 3-D IMAX theatre in the Southeast, and two championship golf courses, new additions are sure to delight visitors and guests.

Renaissance Resort atWorldGolfVillage: After undergoing a dramatic $10 million renovation in 2008, this magnificent resort has made a new addition who is already making culinary headlines. Multi-award winning Chef Brett Smith has been named Executive Chef of the resort. A former American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year, Smith leads an outstanding culinary team at the resort and has introduced creations based on sustainable, local agricultural products.

Spa Laterra: Adjacent to the King & Bear golf course, the 9,000-square foot facility designed by renowned spa architect Robert D. Henry has re-opened after a complete makeover of both facilities and services. Featuring 11 treatment rooms, including its signature floating cabanas, Spa Laterra provides the ultimate in pampering to its guests.

Throughout the spring and summer, Florida’s HistoricCoastwill also welcome an array of special concerts and events at the beautiful St. Augustine Amphitheatre and the brand new Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. These include John Mayall (May 1), Jefferson Starship (May 13). Wiz Khalifa (July 17), Selena Gomez (July 31) and Allison Krause & Union Station (Aug. 19).

And for those who enjoy the sounds of Motown, Myles Savage, former lead singer for The Platters, will perform every Saturday evening at FortMenendezlocated at St. Augustine’s Old Florida Museum.

For more information on vacation and getaway opportunities on Florida’s Historic Coast, go to the offical website or call 1.800.652.2489.

XANTERRA OFFERS TIPS FOR A CAR-FREE GRAND CANYON VACATION

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, –– Some of the Grand Canyon’s best experiences can be found using two-legged, four-legged or wheeled modes of transportation. And concessioner Xanterra South Rim thinks it is time for Grand Canyon travelers to take a serious look at experiencing theGrand Canyon without their cars.

“While most of the Grand Canyon’s four million visitors will arrive in their personal cars and drive them around the park, there are many reasons to either ditch the car entirely and arrive at the park by train or park the car once you get here and use other modes of transportation to explore,” said Jon Streit, general manager of Xanterra South Rim.

“Car-free vacationing can be surprisingly easy. Our car-less visitors are free to sit back and enjoy the scenery.”

There is also a compelling environmental argument in favor of leaving the car behind. As a strong proponent of minimizing impact on the environment, Xanterra also advocates visitors use mass transportation or walk whenever possible to reduce air pollution as well as congestion on the roads.

Streit said that once travelers arrive at the Grand Canyon they don’t have to get back into their cars until they leave. Guests can park for free in a variety of parking lotsaround the South Rim, including lots in theGrand CanyonVillage and satellite parking lots. The National Park Service provides a free shuttle system that picks up every 15 minutes and will deliver guests to a variety of destinations along the South Rim and to the town of Tusayan. Convenient stops are located near all in-park lodges.

Grand Canyon Railway

A fun and popular way to arrive at the Grand Canyon is by train. The Grand Canyon Railway makes daily round-trip excursions from Williams, Ariz. some 60 miles south to the Grand Canyon Depot in the heart of the village.

And visitors with an appreciation of history will enjoy learning that their arrival at Grand Canyon National Park is similar to the experience that visitors had 100 years ago, when construction of the Grand Canyon Depot – one of only 14 log depots ever constructed in the U.S. and one of only three remaining log depots – was completed by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

Train passengers bypass the park entrance and proceed directly to the depot, situated near El Tovar. National Park fees are paid in advance.

Vacationers taking the Grand Canyon Railway arrive at the South Rim around noon. Some travelers opt to spend a few hours in the park, often having lunch at El Tovar Hotel and exploring Grand Canyon Village, before re-boarding the train for the return to Williams in the late afternoon. Many vacationers choose to purchase a Grand Canyon Railway package that includes one or more nights at a lodge in the Grand Canyon.

Travelers can also choose the Railroad Express Tour. This trip includes a one-way van trip in the morning to Williams, Ariz., a Wild West shootout at the historic Grand Canyon Railway Depot and a return trip to the park aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. The trip aboard the train includes strolling musicians who entertain in each car. The Grand Canyon Railway arrives back in the park at around lunchtime.

For more information visit www.thetrain.com.

Did you know?: Traveling via the Grand Canyon Railway relieves the Grand Canyon of some 50,000 cars annually.

By Amtrak

Amtrak offers train service from Union Station in Los Angeles to Williams, Ariz., where passengers are met by a Grand Canyon Railway bus for the 10-minute bus ride to the Williams Depot. From there, passengers can catch the Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon. The nine-hour and 35-minute trip departs Los Angeles daily at 6:55 p.m. and arrives in Williams at 4:30 a.m.

The return trip departs Williams at 9:33 p.m. and arrives at Union Station at 8:15 a.m. Prices vary depending on class of service. From there, Amtrak passengers can catch the Grand Canyon Railway at 9:30 a.m. One way to spend some of the time between trains is to have breakfast at the Grand Dept Café. The restaurant opens for breakfast at 6:30 a.m.

Long-eared taxis

Another way to see the Canyon is by mule, sometimes called “long-eared taxis.” Last year Xanterra South Rim introduced a mule ride that is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among riders whose fear of heights kept them from taking the two-day mule ride that travels into the Canyon.

Called the Abyss Overlook Mule Ride, these trips last approximately three hours and depart from the historic Grand Canyon Livery Barn in Grand Canyon Village twice-daily – at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. – from March 15 through Oct. 31, and once each day departing at 10 a.m. Nov. 1 through March 14. There are a maximum of 20 riders per tour. Cost of the ride is $110 plus tax. Water, snacks, bota bags and rain jackets are provided.

Riders must weigh less than 225 pounds fully dressed, be at least 4 feet 7 inches tall, understand English, be in good physical condition, and not be afraid of heights or large animals. Riders cannot be pregnant.

The ride follows a trail that heads along a section of the historic Grand Canyon Railway tracks and then through the largest ponderosa pine forest in North America. The ride is approximately one hour and 15 minutes each way with a half-hour stop at the Abyss where riders can dismount to stretch their legs and shoot photos. This is the riders’ first and only opportunity to see the Canyon during the ride. The Abyss features a 3,000-foot vertical drop and views of many of the Grand Canyon’s colorful pinnacles, buttes and mesas. The rides return on the same trail.

Xanterra also offers two-day mule rides to the bottom of the Canyon with overnight accommodations at Phantom Ranch. Two-day mule tours are typically booked many months in advance so Xanterra advises travelers to plan ahead.

Did you know?: Mules have been a mode of tourist transportation in the Grand Canyon for more than a century.

Motorcoach tours

One of the most popular ways to view and learn about the canyon is on amotorcoach tour. The drivers are well-trained and entertaining. For most tours there is no charge for passengers under the age of 16 when accompanied by a paying adult. Xanterra offers a two-hour tour to Hermit’s Rest along the West Rim; a three-hour, 45-minute tour to the Watchtower along the East Rim, and 90-minute sunrise and sunset tours. All tours include extensive interpretive information offered by drivers and stops at scenic points along the way. Tours are conducted in comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoaches that allow travelers to sit back and relax while taking in the scenery.

Rates for adults are $20 for the sunrise and sunset tours, $25 for the Hermit’s Rest tour and $44 for the Watchtower tour. Guests may also choose a combination tour which includes the Watchtower tour and a choice of the Hermit’s Rest, sunset or sunrise tour.
Tip: At $57 per adult for two motorcoach tours, the combination tour offers the best value.

Bicycles

A new concession operated by Bright Angel Bicycles offers rentals by the hour, and for half, full and multiple days. Rates begin at $10 for a one-hour rental.

Travelers can ride on portions of the park’s greenway trail system and on park roads. Bicyclists can take self-guided tours directly from the rental kiosk or take a free NPS shuttle to any drop-off. Shuttles can accommodate a maximum of three bicycles.

The bicycle rental kiosk is located at the National Park Service Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Did you know?: Even a leisurely bike ride at a slow pace burns calories – as many as 250 calories per hour for the average adult male.

By foot

There are also a variety of tours and activities in Grand Canyon Village. For example, visitors to theGrand Canyoncan take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district ofGrand CanyonVillage. Brochures providing interesting information about each of the stops are available at no charge from the front desk of each lodging facility.

Interesting and historic sites within walking distance of Grand Canyon Village are the famed El Tovar Hotel, the Bright Angel History Room, Hopi House, Kolb Studio and Lookout Studio.
Tip: Don’t miss the Bright Angel History Room in Bright Angel Lodge where Harvey Girl uniforms, early El Tovar china, historic photos and other artifacts are on display. The Bright Angel History Room may be closed briefly this summer due to ongoing renovations at Bright Angel Lodge.

Visitors can book their rooms online by visiting www.grandcanyonlodges.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-297-2757 or 1-303-297-2757 from outside the United States.

More information about Grand Canyon National Park can be obtained atwww.nps.gov/grca  or 1-928-638-7888.