Jetsettersblog

Be the MVP of the Big Apple with select Hilton Worldwide Hotels in New York City’s Sports Fanatic Package!

Here’s your chance to be the MVP of the Big Apple while enjoying our special Sports Fanatic Package – full of sports-themed discounts for an array of attractions throughout Manhattan.

This package is valid only at Hilton Times Square, Hilton New York Fashion District, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Times Square, DoubTetree by Hilton Metropolitan Hotel, Hampton Inn Manhattan Times Square North, Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street and Hilton Garden Inn Times Square and includes the following:

• $3.00 off the Madison Square Garden All Access Tour – go behind the scenes of the world’s most famous arena.

• Complimentary shoe rental at Bowlmor Lanes – the ultimate entertainment experience offering stylish, glow-in-the-dark bowling with big screen video walls.

• 20% savings certificate to Foley’s NY Pub & Restaurant – experience an old-world atmosphere and fine foods while you dine amongst authentic baseball memorabilia.

• 15% off Bike Rental Central Park – rent a bike to explore Central Park and Manhattan by yourself or book a guided bike tour.

• $7 off day rate at Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals and Tours – discover NYC on a scenic and historical bike ride with fun and knowledgeable guides.

• $5.00 off Manhattan By Sail – sail for close up views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge and more.

• 15% off at Duke’s Original Roadhouse – enjoy Southern Hospitality at its finest with huge flat-screen TVs and delicious huge-portions of comfort food.

Guest must request Plan Code “H8 or HH8″ in order to book the reservation. Book your stay today by visiting us online at www.hilton.com/nyc-mvp  or by calling 1-800-HILTONS and mentioning plan code H8 / HH8. One packet filled with the above discount coupons will be distributed upon check-in.

Toronto — As Canada’s largest city and the country’s entertainment, cultural and financial capital, Toronto attracts tourists from around the globe who come to visit some of the world’s tallest towers, to play in the city’s 1,500 parks, and to marvel in its many museums.

Toronto CityPASS makes visiting more affordable and convenient by packaging discounted admission to the city’s essential attractions:

CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Casa Loma, and the Toronto Zoo. And that discount is substantial: Toronto CityPASS costs 45 percent less than the combined price of the same tickets purchased individually. Adult Toronto CityPASS booklets cost $58.40 CAD (a value of $120.30); child passes (ages 4-12) retail for $34.50 CAD.

Note: Prices do not include applicable sales tax.

Toronto’s fall travelers won’t want to miss a new suite of recently opened permanent galleries at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Featuring both never-before-seen objects and many artifacts that had been in storage since 2004 for the duration of the Renaissance ROM expansion project, the new galleries showcase the ancient civilizations of Rome, Byzantium and Nubia.

Among the not-to-be-missed treasures are an Early Byzantine ciborium (altar canopy) dating from about AD 500-600, the only such example from this period to have survived from the Middle East (Byzantium Gallery); opulent Imperial Roman jewelry (Rome and the Near East); and intricately inscribed shawabtis (magical figures) found in the pyramid tombs of the Napatan kings (Nubia).

At Casa Loma, visitors can explore this medieval-style castle’s secret passages, lofty towers and elegant rooms. Highlights include The Conservatory, with its stunning stained-glass dome and Italian marble floors; and the Great Hall, featuring an impressive 60-foot-high (18 meters), oak-beamed ceiling.

CN Tower continues to offer the best views of Toronto, while the Ontario Science Centre’s interactive exhibits and the Toronto Zoo’s acres of animal habitats are definite must-sees for families.

Toronto CityPASS can be purchased online at the banner below or at any of the CityPASS attractions.

It is valid for nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

CityPASS ticket booklets are also available for New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Southern California.

For more information on CityPASS, visit the banner below.

Tweet: Compagnie du Ponant Dives into the Caribbean with 7-Night St. Martin Cruise – Limited Time Savings up to 25%; http://tinyurl.com/4x7jhpd

Miami, FL, – Renowned luxury yacht cruise company, Compagnie du Ponant, who recently expanded their worldwide cruise options to now include 17 Caribbean sailings, is offering guests a seven-night “St. Martin – St. Martin” cruise – with limited time savings of up to 25%. The two 2012 sailings aboard the 330-foot mega yacht Le Levant travel roundtrip from St. Martin – noted for white sand beaches, exciting nightlife and French-Indian Cuisine –visiting ports in the British Virgin Islands, French West Indies, Antigua, St. Kitts-Nevis and the municipalities of the Netherlands.

Highlights include The Baths, a collection of grottoes facing the sea in Virgin Gorda; the coral reefs in Tortola; and the volcanic Mount Scenery, which dominates the landscape of Saba.

Fares are currently being offered at a 25% savings under Ponant’s Bonus program – the more in advance the booking, the greater the savings.

Prices for the Mar. 12 and 19 departures range from $2,410 to $3,286 per person, double; brochure prices are $3,213 to $4,381. In addition, a $400 shipboard credit per stateroom, based on double occupancy, is being offered to new guests on any cruise if booked by Sept. 31, 2011.

Other Caribbean/South American itineraries include round trip Martinique in November, Martinique-Dominican Republic in December, Martinique-Venezuela in January and Panama-Venezuela in March. Prices for these voyages start at $1,985 and range from seven to nine nights.

After embarking in St. Martin, the ship sails to the white sand beaches of Antigua, a popular yachting and sailing destination, and Basseterre, one of the oldest towns in the eastern Caribbean.

Guests have a chance to explore the island’s many sites – the National Museum, Berkeley Memorial, Public Market and Independence Square – before arriving at the small volcanic island of Saba, known for the scuba diving, climbing and hiking opportunities afforded by its coral reefs and mountainous terrain.

The mega yacht sails through Sir Francis Drake Channel and the Gorda Sound, stopping at ports including Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands; Jost van Dyke, a small volcanic island rumored to have been used as the Dutch privateer’s hideout; and the laid-back island of Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town), named for its resemblance to a woman lying on her side when viewed from sea.

Circling back into the French West Indies, travelers can enjoy the beaches, gourmet dining and high-end designer goods for which St. Bart’s is famous before returning to St. Martin.

Ponant’s philosophy is front and center on its cruises: designed for the traveler who prefers to explore off-the-beaten­-path, unspoiled destinations, especially those out of sight of the large ship masses.

Just as important to the guests’ experience as they trek around the world, is the on-board environment.

The company prides itself on its discrete personalized service, assured with a staff to guest ratio of greater than 1:2, delicious cuisine – both haute and country French, stylish accommodations, elegant design, expansive sun decks and open-air restaurants.

The 330-foot Le Levant offers an intimate setting in a spacious environment for its 90 guests: two restaurants, a spacious lounge, several bars, a library, a swimming pool, a beauty and fitness area with sauna, and salon.

A 4,300-square-foot Sun Deck provides plenty of space for relaxing in the sun and open air. Its 45 outside staterooms have an abundance of space and amenities – king size or twin beds, a desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers and L’Occitane amenities.

The staterooms have all the latest technology including: flat screen satellite TVs, DVD/CD players, satellite direct-dial telephone and Wi-Fi and 110/220 outlets.

Included in all sailings are all meals, accompanied by wine, beer and soda; Captain’s welcome, cocktail parties and gala dinner; 24-hour room service; and all entertainment, events and shows as indicated within the itinerary. Port charges/taxes, gratuities, optional excursions and transfers are additional.

Established in 1988, Compagnie du Ponant is a division of CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping group. As a member of both La Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators), all of Compagnie du Ponant’s cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna.

Compagnie du Ponant’s North American sales office is located at: 2 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2000, Miami, Florida 33131.

For reservations and further information, call: 1-305-398-9849 or toll free: 1-888-400-1082; fax: 1-877-533-3043; email: USreservations@ponant.com  or go to www.en.ponant.com

With A Fall Lineup That Will Delight Visitors With Live Performances, Film, Art, Food, Wine, Shopping and Weather

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA – Visitors can unveil the treasures that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer in the walkable village packed with art galleries, spas, shopping boutiques and the best food and wine on the Monterey Peninsula. Guests to the area will note the quirky laws still in effect: prohibited are—neon signs, billboards and hot dog stands; the village has no street lights or parking meters and businesses, cottages and houses have no street numbers. In the charming village a permit is required to wear high-heeled shoes (even though it’s not enforced). However, dogs are welcome, so bring the pet and prepare to be pampered.

With over 60 courtyards and 100 art galleries, shops and entertainment to explore all within walking distance, visitors will be able to spend the entire day perusing the galleries and enjoying a tasty bite at one of the fashionable restaurants, cafes or pubs that pepper the landscape of the treasure known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, shining this fall. Be sure to be a part of the excitement— for a full listing of fall events, itineraries and travel ideas visit www.carmelcalifornia.com.

Sunset Center, various events — September—ongoing

The distinctive, Gothic-inspired arches of the theater ceiling create a graceful, acoustically magnificent venue. The now famous, proscenium arch accommodates full orchestras and chorus’. The Sunset Center hosts more than 50 performances and welcomes artists from around the world to its stage from comedians, musicians, light shows, and entertainers.

Enjoy the Mo town sensation of The Temptations (9/15/11). The Bacon Brothers (9/29/11) style of gritty blues mixed with folk and rock ’n’ roll and a touch of Philly soul. Sit back and relax to the sounds of the St. Petersburg String Quartet with Anton Nel, Piano (10/1/11).

Enjoy the critically acclaimed, hugely entertaining theatrical production of Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack (10/7/11). Despite his fame on Deal or No Deal, or as a judge with Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Howie Mandel (10/20/11) manages to keep his stand-up act sharp with over 200 shows a year throughout the year, see him in October in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Experience the ultimate Pink Floyd Tribute Show in this live musical performance starring House of Floyd and their incredible laser light show (10/22/11).

Other acts include MOMIX BOTANICA (11/10/11), David Sedaris (11/15/11), Paula Poundstone (12/16/11) and an eclectic mix of performers such as or The Peking Acrobats (1/20/12), and Joan Rivers (2/10/12). For a full listing of events visit www.sunsetcenter.com

Carmel Authors and Ideas Festival —September 23-25, 2011

In 2011 the 5th annual Carmel Authors and Ideas Festival will bring to Carmel-by-the-Sea more than 35 award winning authors and speakers, including authors of New York Times best-sellers, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners, and winners of virtually every prestigious literary award and much more. www.carmelauthors.com

Concerts in Carmel at Carmel Plaza—Through September 30, 2011

Produced by Carmel Plaza, the debut of the 2011 Concerts in Carmel concert series draws both locals and visitors to what has become a community tradition evolving from four fantastic years of the Jazz at the Plaza concert series. The concert series began August 5 and concludes on September 30. New for this year is the expansion from providing pure jazz to many other genres appealing to the diverse music tastes of the Monterey Peninsula.

Musicians that specialize in creating a vibrant, danceable atmosphere are the primary focus while introducing local breweries into the traditional food and wine ticket package.

Each night The Carmel Plaza highlights a different local non-profit, showcasing what they do for the local community. www.carmelplaza.com

Taste of Carmel — Oct. 6, 2011

The Carmel Chamber of Commerce hosts its popular annual fete, the Taste of Carmel, in the courtyard of the beautiful Carmel Mission the evening of Oct. 6, when nearly three dozen local restaurants offer small bites and 20 Monterey County wineries pour their best selections. Each year, the Taste of Carmel takes on a theme, and organizers selected “Footloose & Fancy Fare” for 2011, encouraging attendees to don ’80s attire for an evening under the stars. Dancing and an abundant silent auction round out the event. www.tasteofcarmel.com

Carmel Art & Film Festival — Oct. 12-16, 2011

The kaleidoscope of ideas ensues in the five jam-packed days of independent film, presented in a half dozen unique venues including the world famous Carmel Beach, a two-day outdoor fine art fair, a photography exhibition, tech expo, music café, lectures, gallery art openings, and an art auction round out the artistic adventure, which is then wrapped in a finely spun cocoon of fine wines and inventive cuisine from a region widely recognized for both.
The Carmel Art & Film Festival will transform the town into a compelling venue Oct. 12-16, kicking off with an opening night reception and concert at the Sunset Center. Musicians will play in outdoor courtyards, galleries will host receptions, and the two-day show in a downtown park will afford painters and sculptors a unique opportunity to display and sell their creations.

A photography exhibition in a nearby gallery will include the works of 50 artists. Organizers of the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival will bring their talents and selected pieces to Sunset Center, where features, documentaries and shorts will be shown throughout the entire festival, each followed with a talk by the director. www.carmelartandfilm.com

Pacific Repertory Theatre Season

PacRep’s season features a collection of plays and musicals that span the spectrum of stories from gripping and intense to romantic to family classics to witty naughtiness and comic bedlam – delivering a diversity of live theatre unmatched in the Central Coast Region. At the Outdoor Forest Theater until September 30 is Annie followed by Romeo and Juliet from September 30-October 16.

Circle Theatre hosts a fast-moving, irreverent comedy, Every Christmas Story Ever Told November 10 through December 18. The Golden Bough Theatre’s Tribute Concert runs December 28 through January 1. www.pacrep.org

Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 41st Annual Homecrafters’ Marketplace (November 19)

One of the most anticipated events of the holidays, the city’s Homecrafters’ Marketplace features 100 vendors from Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties selling their own handmade crafts and artwork. Each has been subjected to a jury panel for selection, ensuring high-quality goods and a wide range of unique offerings. The sale takes place in the parking lots of the city’s Sunset Cultural Center 9th and 10th Avenues in Carmel-by-the-Sea. www.ci.carmel.ca.us

With so much to do and see in Carmel-by-the-Sea, isn’t it time you designed your visit? To start, find us at www.carmelcalifornia.com to begin planning now.

Jukebox webstand

Sheds Light on Issues Facing Florida’s State Animal

Family Friendly Event Takes Place October 29 in Naples, Fla.

Naples, Fla.– The first annual Florida Panther Festival on October 29, 2011 at North Collier Regional Park in Naples, Florida will shed light on the plight of the endangered Florida panther through interactive activities about the Florida panther’s life and habitat. Activities include presentations by panther biologists, a Living with Wildlife Pavilion, interactive walks, fun and educational activities for children, livestock pen demonstration, live bluegrass music, food vendors, information from various conservation agencies and organizations in panther territory, and much more.

The Festival is free of charge. The previous day, Friday, October 28, a variety of field trips are available into areas in southwest Florida where panthers roam. Various fees apply to field trips.

The Living with Wildlife Pavilion will provide area residents proactive steps that can be taken to protect pets and livestock on private property from any wildlife. The Pavilion will be staffed by panther biologists and will include tools biologists use to monitor panthers, capture videos, demonstration livestock pen, handouts, and the popular Adopt-a-Panther program.

The sounds of bluegrass music will enliven the Festival with live performances by two bands, Frontline Bluegrass and the BugTussle Ramblers.

Fascinating presentations by panther biologists and panther research team members will take place throughout the day. Presentations will include secrets of panther capture techniques, why biologists track panthers, how orchids play a role in panther habitat health, and even what it’s like to hold a Florida panther kitten.

There will also be face painting, children’s games, and food vendors throughout the day.

On-site adventures at the Festival include the “Walk the Panther Mile”. Rangers from Big Cypress National Preserve will guide a one mile walk on the trail at North Collier Regional Park. Along the way, you’ll discover interesting facts about Florida panthers, learn about their habitat, and look for tracks and other signs of wildlife at the park. You’ll also meet one of the Preserve’s panther biologists and hear about the research they’re doing in the Preserve.

The free two-hour educational walk requires advance registration and takes place four times on Saturday.

For information or reservations, visit www.FloridaPantherFestival.com

Free Panther Tales walks will also take place throughout the day and are open to everyone first-come, first-serve. Panther Tales will be short, leisurely walks along the park’s trails to look for signs of wildlife and learn about Florida panthers.

“Our goal is to hold this free event every year for families and visitors to celebrate the Florida panther and become aware of responsible actions for safe coexistence of panthers with communities, livestock and pets” says Ben Nottingham, Refuge Manager of Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

“Attendees will learn about the issues facing panthers living in the wild and also about the research conducted by various agencies that help the panther’s existence in southwest Florida.”

Friday field trips require registration. Choices include a guided swamp buggy tour and hike at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, a bird rookery swamp trail hike at the CREW Land & Water Trust’s public hiking trails, an extensive swamp buggy ride through Big Cypress National Preserve, a guided tour of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s boardwalk, and guided bicycle tours through Picayune Strand State Forest and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Various costs apply to the field trips.

For more information on the field trips and registration, visit www.FloridaPantherFestival.com

If your organization is interested in supporting the Florida Panther Festival, a multi-partner effort to expand Florida panther awareness and support in our community, sponsorship opportunities start at just $100 and are tax deductible.

If you’re interested in supporting Florida panther conservation and education by volunteering at the Festival, there are many opportunities available.

For more information, visit www.FloridaPantherFestival.com  or call 239-353-8442 ext. 229.

The Florida Panther Festival is a collaborative effort by a variety of organizations including the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service; Collier County Parks and Recreation; the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau; Audubon Society; Defenders of Wildlife; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; National Park Service; and Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.

FLORIDA PANTHER FESTIVAL EVENT LISTING:

Florida Panther Festival
October 29, 2011
North Collier Regional Park
15000 Livingston Road
Naples, Florida 34119
FREE ADMISSION
10am – 4pm
www.FloridaPantherFestival.com
239-353-8442 ext. 229
floridapantherfestival@gmail.com

Learn about the endangered Florida panther, its habitat and the issues facing the species’ survival through activities including fun and educational activities for children, presentations on panther tracking telemetry, talks with panther biologists and research capture team members, an interactive hike, demonstration livestock pen, and information about living in panther territory in the Living with Wildlife Pavilion at the first annual Florida Panther Festival. The Festival will also include live music from the bands Frontline Bluegrass and the Bugtussle Ramblers, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Optional field trips into panther territory are available on Friday, October 28 – various fees apply to field trips. The October 29 Festival is free.

Florida Panther Information:

The Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) is the last subspecies of Puma still surviving in the eastern United States. Historically occurring throughout the southeastern U.S., today the Florida panther is restricted to less than 5% of its historic range in one breeding population in south Florida. The panther population, while increased from a low of 12-20 adults in the 1980s, is still facing numerous threats to its population. With an estimate of between just 100-160 adults, the Florida panther remains one of the most endangered mammals in the world.

In 1982 the students of Florida elected the Florida panther as the official state animal of Florida. A large predator that can grow more than six feet in length, panthers play an important role in the ecosystem. As the top predator in its south Florida habitat, the panther is a necessary element in regulating the food chain. Predatory hunting by panthers helps keep the numbers of its prey–deer, wild hogs, and raccoons–in balance. Florida panthers were persecuted to near-extinction out of fear and misunderstanding (folklore refers to them as “catamounts”).

The Florida panther was listed on the federal endangered species list in1967, and on the state of Florida’s endangered list in 1973. Although hunting is now illegal, loss of natural habitat means preservation of this unique animal will depend on strict management and public support.

Cornucopia: Whistler’s mixology masters take their cocktail creations to the stage for Cornucopia

Whistler, B.C. – From rooftop garden to drink shaker, the cocktail culture in Whistler is flourishing, fuelled by a group of local distillers and mixologists creating artisan cocktails inspired by local ingredients.

The 2011 Cornucopia Food & Wine Festival brings local masters of mixology to the stage to showcase their creative cocktails paired with delectable canapés as part of the Viking Stage Series.

Known as the Commander and Chief of Beverage at Nita Lake Lodge – Hailey Pasemko has defined a cocktail culture for the resort’s Aura restaurant and Cure lounge and patio. The cocktail menu at Nita Lake Lodge consists of Pasemko’s original creations – utilizing fresh herbs and flowers from the rooftop garden including thyme, watercress and mint. Pasemko’s passion for the fresh, combined with her forward-thinking approach, lead her to create her own bitters, garnishes and unique infused sprits. From pickled Jerusalem artichokes, to cedar-infused rye, Hailey takes the cocktail experience to a higher level.

Aura’s Executive Chef, Tim Cuff, will take centre stage with Pasemko pairing cocktails with handcrafted canapés. Highlights are sure to include Aura’s house made charcuterie. Nita Lake Lodge presents their Viking Stage Seminar on Friday November 11 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Whistler Conference Centre.

The passionate proprietors of FoodLovers – A bistro located in the nearby Pemberton Valley, just north of Whistler, will present their Viking Stage Seminar “Sharing Life, Love and Local Foods” on Sunday November 13 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. at the Whistler Conference Centre.

The brainchild of Pastry Chef Jenna Dashney and award-winning chef Maxim Ridorossi, FoodLovers creates artisanal food with local, organic ingredients sourced from the abundant Pemberton Valley. Jenna and Maxim will be combining their locavore creations with Pemberton Distillery’s cocktail sensations from husband and wife team Tyler and Lorien Schramm.

Cocktails will feature the international award-winning Schramm vodka – the only certified organic small batch potato vodka in the world, the new blueberry-infused vodka as well as Canada’s first organic gin.

Lorien Schramm emphasizes that “similar to wine, with cocktail pairing, the food drives the drink and you can either complement or contrast flavours to create the ideal tasting experience.

However, with cocktails you have the ability to build and tweak the complexity of the cocktail to work with the dish being served, whereas with wine or beer you already have a set flavour profile.”

Cornucopia 2011 also welcomes Sonoma County Vintners, featured at the CRUSH Gala Grand tasting, the Industry trade tasting, Regional Walkabout and headlining exclusive trade and consumer seminars.

Sonoma cool climate wines deliver unique qualities derived from an environment like no other. The differences and subtleties of the terroir of the American Viticulture Areas of Carneros, Sonoma Coast, and Russian River Valley will be explored. Sonoma’s cool climate growing regions are sculpted by the Pacific fogs rolling in and out from the ocean nearby, making these areas perfect for producing elegant, subtle Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines with character and distinction. Sonoma County Wines will present their wine seminar on Saturday November 12t from 4.30 – 6 p.m.at the Whistler Conference Centre.

Visit www.whistlercornucopia.com  for ticket and event information.

Actors from some of the top horror films of the past five decades will converge on Gettysburg over Labor Day Weekend as part of Horrorfind Weekend 13, an annual convention of horror movie enthusiasts.

This marks the second year the convention has been held in Gettysburg, at the campus of Gateway Gettysburg near the intersections of U.S. Routes 15 and 13. More than 2,500 people are expected to attend the convention this year.

“P.T. Barnum had ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ with his circus,” said Mike Roden, president of Horrorfind Conventions, LLC. “We have ‘The Spookiest Show on Earth’ with the Horrorfind Weekend.”

Horrorfind Weekend includes three days of celebrity meet-and-greets, costume contests, seminars, a film festival and zombie prom. Among the celebrities confirmed for the event include Dee Wallace, star of “Cujo;” Edward Furlong, star of “Terminator 2” and “Pet Semetery;” and John Waters, an icon in the horror film industry. Stars from movies such as “Halloween,” “HBO’s True Blood,” “SAW,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Arachnaphobia,” and “Friday, the 13th, will also be attending the convention as well as many well-known horror novelists who do readings and sign their books for fans.

Guests can also find some of the movie industry’s most unique memorabilia at the convention, everything from old movie posters, to nostalgic clothing, movie props and books.

“People from all age groups and backgrounds attend the convention and have a scary good time,” said Roden. “You won’t find a better more fun loving crowd of people anywhere.”

On Friday, Sept. 2, a special VIP event will be held featuring a night with John Waters, who will take the stage to perform a customized live version of his recent HBO special. Special tickets are needed for the live performance of “This Filthy Horror” by John Waters.

Cost to attend the convention is $25 per day, or $45 for the weekend pass to the entire convention. For more information, a full schedule of events and a list of movie celebrities and authors, visit

www.horrorfindweekend.com

or call (443) 465-0645.

Gateway Gettysburg features two hotels – the Wyndham Gettysburg and the Courtyard by Marriott, three restaurants – Old Eagle Grill, Garibaldi’s and 1863, along with the Gateway Theaters. For more information on Gateway Gettysburg, visit www.gatewaygettysburg.com

offer all the fun of traditional week stay condensed over the long holiday weekend.

Dude ranches are packed with excitement for families, couples, and singles. Typically a ranch stay lasts a week, but over Labor Day Weekend a number of ranches pack all the fun into four days.

Here are a few ranch specials in Colorado over the long weekend:

• AAA four diamond Lost Valley Ranch celebrates with a four day, three night Family Roundup. The weekend starts with their famous BBQ and Wild West entertainment and ends a fried chicken picnic and horseback ride. In between there’s riding through the Pike National Forest, trapshooting in a meadow, Cowboy worship service, and square dancing beneath the stars.

• At Zapata Ranch the weekend is filled with horses, bison, gourmet meals, sand dunes, Cowboy musicians, campfires, and more. The Zapata Ranch is 103,000 acre bison and guest ranch owned by the Nature Conservancy and managed by a third generation ranching family.

• Families looking for a spiritual retreat can sign up for Family Camp at Wind River Ranch. During the weekend guest speaker Bryan Scwartz, former NFL player who traded in his jersey to become an enthusiastic pastor, will be leading the activities. Guests can join Bryan and his family in everything from morning study and roasting marshmallows by the campfire to hiking in the mountains and fishing for trout.

To find more ranch deals and the best ranch fit for your family visit the Dude Ranchers Association website. www.duderanch.org The DRA has over 100 high quality member ranches across the Western U.S. and Canada from working cattle ranches to luxurious guest ranches and spas.

PEACH SPRINGS, AZ The Hualapai Lodge on Historic Route 66, owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe, completed the $400,000 renovation of all 56 rooms and has received a 3 Diamond AAA Rating.

To achieve this level of quality the Lodge, over many months of transformation, has made vast improvements to the rooms and facilities such as adding flat-panel televisions, granite counter tops, new bedding and much more.

Nine rooms have additional furniture upgrades that further reflect the Native American motif of the Lodge.

“It is great to see that the Hualapai have been recognized for all of the efforts in Peach Springs. Hualapai Tourism was recently recognized at the Arizona Governors Conference for their contribution to the Route 66 passport program. The Lodge is just one example of development in the community,” said Nancy Echeverria, Property Manager of the Hualapai Lodge. “The improvements to the Lodge and continuous growth of Hualapai Tourism have opened a lot of doors to present new experiences for our visitors.”

Story Airways , a Las Vegas based airline, is now offering flights into the capital of the Hualapai Reservation, Peach Springs, AZ, where guests stay the night at the Hualapai Lodge and experience the Hualapai River Runners, the only one-day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting adventure the next day.

Guests have the option to fly into Peach Springs and experience the Hualapai River Runners adventure in one day. Overnight air tour packages to Grand Canyon West with a night in the cabins at Hualapai Ranch are now available as well.

About Hualapai Tourism: Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which is wholly owned and operated by the Hualapai Nation, manages Grand Canyon West, Hualapai River Runners (whitewater rafting), and the Hualapai Lodge. Grand Canyon West is a collection of viewpoints and attractions spread over 9000 acres of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim in Northwest Arizona, just 120 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Grand Canyon West is the only place in the Canyon where visitors can access a boat ride on the Colorado River via helicopter and is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass walkway 4000 ft above the canyon floor. The site attractions are: Guano Point, with panoramic canyon views and the historic guano mine tram; Eagle Point, the location of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the Native American Village with authentic dwellings of multiple tribes, and live Native American performances; and The Hualapai Ranch, a western town with cowboy entertainment, horseback riding, wagon rides and overnight cabins facing the Canyon rim.

Private cars are welcome or all inclusive tours are available from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Sedona by airplane, helicopter, coach, SUV, and Hummer. The Hualapai Lodge on Historic Route 66 and Grand Canyon West are open daily 365 days a year. Hualapai River Runners, the only one-day whitewater raft trip through the Grand Canyon, operates March – October.

Visitors can view a complete list of activities, book reservations, and get directions at www.grandcanyonwest.com  or by calling 1-888-868-9378 – internationally at (001)-928-769-2636.