Jetsettersblog

The Tokyo Marathon has received the Gold Label status from International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) in September. Last year’s event had more than 35,000 finishers (the New York City Marathon had more than 45,000 finishers) both from Japan and overseas. On Feb. 26, 2012, the runner’s route in Tokyo will take them past iconic views, historic sites and contemporary cityscapes. Runners should apply for the race on the website, and Kintetsu International Express (www.kintetsu.com) has an exclusive package for those who want to travel to the race and guaranteed entry for those that want to participate.

Kintetsu International was selected as the exclusive travel agency in the U.S. for the Tokyo Marathon in 2012. The Kintetsu marathon travel package allows participants a guaranteed entry into the race. The six-day/four-night package includes hotel and air plus guaranteed entry into the race. Prices start at $2,172 with dates running from Feb. 22 to 27. The package is also 10 percent commissionable to travel agencies.

For more information, call 800-422-3481, email info@japanforyou.com  or visit www.japanforyou.com,  www.kintetsu.com or www.japantravelinfo.com

Virgin Atlantic Airways is celebrating 15 years of connecting two of the world’s major hubs — Washington, D.C. and London. Since the service began, it has flown more than 1.9 million passengers between the two cities and contributed an estimated $315 million in regional economies, according to Chris Rossi, senior vice president, North America, Virgin Atlantic.

To celebrate their anniversary in the gateway, Virgin Atlantic is launching a week-long sale fare to and from Dulles International Airport to London Heathrow, with rates starting at $266 one way.

In addition, the airline has begun he second phase of its first-ever global advertising campaign titled “Get Local.” The campaign features bulletin boards targeting the nation’s power brokers that highlight specific aspects of the Virgin Atlantic flying experience, from complimentary limo service to fully flat beds in Upper Class.

For more information, visit www.virginatlantic.com/experience.

Porter Airlines has been awarded 16 additional slots at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. A slot is defined as a single take-off or landing. The additional 16 slots give Porter a total of 172 at Toronto City Airport. Porter currently operates 156 slots.

“We look forward to providing service to new destinations for our passengers,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “We will make specific route announcements as plans are finalized for 2012.” The slot allocation process is based on defined criteria set out by the Toronto Port Authority’s internationally accredited, independent slot coordinator. For more information, visit www.flyporter.com

Spirit Airlines is starting two daily non-stop flights between Portland, Ore., and Las Vegas, and is offering $17 fares through Friday to publicize the new service. “We welcome Spirit Airlines to Portland International Airport,” said Steve Schreiber, Port of Portland aviation director. “We expect this service to be a big hit as Las Vegas is our most-traveled route with some 450,000 passengers traveling each year between PDX and Las Vegas.” For more information, visit www.spirit.com

LAN Airlines is discounting roundtrip fares from U.S. gateways New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco to popular destinations in South America. Travelers can book their vacation now through Oct. 5 and enjoy deals to destinations in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela and Colombia.

Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 5, 2011, for travel commencing Oct. 5 to Nov. 30. All travel must be completed by Dec. 31. For more information, visit www.LAN.com

Alaska Airlines has launched a Facebook application called FlyingSocial, which allows users to plan travel to visit their friends around the country. With the new app, users can view a map populated with photos of their Facebook friends located in cities Alaska Airlines serves and, with a click, can view one-way fares or mileage award levels to the closest airport near their friend’s hometown. To purchase a ticket, users can simply click on “Shop Now,” and they are automatically redirected to www.alaskaair.com .

FlyingSocial is part of the airline’s ongoing effort to make travel easier and more fun using innovative technology. Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines launched a redesigned website to make booking travel easier, and last month rolled out a new travel app for the iPhone. The airline plans to launch an Android smartphone app later this year.

Minnesota often makes headlines for its winter weather, but visitors find it’s an exciting time to experience the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area’s most unique festivals and attractions.

To view a list of activities visit www.mspvacations.com

Witness a winter wonderland during outdoor holiday celebrations including downtown lighting ceremonies, holiday lights tours and the Holidazzle Parade, which makes its way down Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis Thursday through Sunday evenings from Thanksgiving through Christmas. See floats, bands, choirs and storybook characters all lit up for the season. www.holidazzle.com.

The metro region is full of unique holiday activities like the Chocolate, Cheese and Wine Pairing Nov. 19 at Alexis Bailey Vineyards in Hastings www.abvwines.com  or the Making Spirits Bright indoor and outdoor holiday tree display at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Shakopee from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1. www.arboretum.umn.edu.  Brooklyn Center will celebrate its Centennial Finale with Holly Weekend Dec 2-4 which will include a Time Capsule Reception as well as Santa visits, magic shows, hayrides, bingo and a holiday lighting ceremony. www.minneapolisnorthwest.com.

If you have kids in tow, head to one of the area’s zoos to view our fuzzy friends from the poles. The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley just opened its 3M Penguins of the African Coast Exhibit, which welcomes 18 adorable, mischievous African penguins to the zoo’s newly expanded entrance. www.minnesotazoo.com. Or head to Como Zoo in Saint Paul to see polar bears Buzz and Neil in their expanded digs at the Polar Bear Odyssey. www.comozooconservatory.org.

In January, join the locals in celebrating the coolest time of year. Saint Paulites have been embracing the weather and the chance to frolic in snow, on ice and everything in between since 1886. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival Jan. 26- Feb. 5 features outdoor parades, pageants, contests and plenty of outdoor activities including snow and ice sculpting contests as well as zany sports like golf in the snow, car racing on ice, ice boating, a Frozen 5-K and even a Frosty Fingers Kite Flying Contest. www.winter-carnival.com

Minnesotans are famous for their love of water sports and they don’t take a break for frozen lakes. Minneapolis stages the U.S. Pond Hockey Tournament Jan. 19-21. The event attracts dozens of teams from around the country to play hockey the way nature intended – on the frozen waters of Lake Nokomis during the coldest time of year.

In the East Metro, Stillwater will stage an Ice Cream Social on Jan. 21 on the banks of the frozen St. Croix River while over in the West Metro, Waconia hosts the Starkey Foundation’s Annual Adrian Peterson All Day Blizzard Blitz for Better Hearing Ice Fishing Event Jan. 16. www.destinationwaconia.com

More frozen fun can be found on two area outdoor skating rinks that guarantee great ice with refrigerated coils. Wells Fargo Winterskate ice rink offers FREE skating next to downtown Saint Paul’s elegant Rice Park from Thanksgiving through Feb 5. The Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval in nearby Roseville is the largest outdoor refrigerated skating facility in the world, featuring a 110,000 square foot rink used for public skating as well as competitive speed skating events. www.skatetheoval.com .

There are plenty of choices when you move inside too. The downtown areas of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are connected by skyways, so you can walk from your hotel to shopping, dining and entertainment establishments without venturing outdoors. Mall of America in Bloomington is the largest indoor shopping and entertainment complex in the country, offering over 500 stores and restaurants in addition to Nickelodeon Universe theme park, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium and the nearby indoor WaterPark of America. The region has countless museums, theaters and cultural facilities, so there is never shortage of things to do. For updates visit www.mspvacations.com.

About Minnesota’s Metro Region

The Explore Minnesota Metro Tourism Committee is comprised of 16 destination marketing organizations including and surrounding the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This area and its neighboring communities make up an inviting metropolitan area with an appealing array of things to see and do. The region is cosmopolitan at its core and more rural along its perimeter. It offers an exciting arts scene, award winning theaters, landmark architecture, terrific restaurants, intriguing museums, unique shopping, including the famed Mall of America, and lots of fun for families. The Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves and Wild pro sports teams draw enthusiastic sports fans year ’round. The urban scenery includes an abundance of shady greenways and sparkling lakes. The Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers wind through the region. Not only is it a major cultural and commercial center, this vibrant urban region is one of the most beautiful metro areas in the country. In addition to the two downtowns, a variety of close-knit neighborhoods, suburban communities and semi-rural areas offer lots to see and do. For more detailed information please visit www.mspvacations.com.

(GULF SHORES, ALABAMA) – Following national recognition of its draw for authentic ‘Bama coastal cuisine, Golf Gulf Shores (www.golf.gulfshores.com) has released its list of best golf holes and dining spots for authentic fall vacation experiences.

“Locals and regular visitors to Gulf Shores have long known that this area is a major ‘foodie’ hot spot,” said Golf Gulf Shores Executive Director Duncan Millar. “The seafood is right-off-the-boat fresh and the beer is ice-cold, plus there’s a wide variety of restaurants and bars in close proximity to our award-winning golf courses.”

The list follows recent television and national media exposure of the destination’s focus on local tastes that are unique to the region – such as the famed “Royal Reds” shellfish.

Famous visitors include President Barack Obama, who feasted at Tacky Jacks, and Food Network star Guy Fieri, who hosted Gulf Shores’ “Supper in the Sand” event that celebrated the local community’s spirit and return of summer seafood. Fieri also featured local Panini Pete’s on his extremely popular “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” and “Guy’s Big Bite” shows. The Original Oyster House, in Gulf Shores, was recently featured on “Man vs. Food” with Adam Richman. And The Hangout, also in Gulf Shores, earned “Best hangout bar in a golf destination” honors from renowned golf travel writer Jason Deegan in “My 2010 Travel Awards, Part 3: Golf Grub, the tasty final chapter,” which appeared on www.TravelGolf.com.

Affordable stay-and-play rates starting at $73 per person per night — including golf – can be customized for groups of all sizes and tastes through Golf Gulf Shores’ online booking portal at www.golf.gulfshores.com.

Here are the best pairings of Golf and Grub in Gulf Shores:

Craft Farms (Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend Golf Courses)

Best Hole: The 395-yard sixth is Cotton Creek’s most-challenging hole. After a well-placed tee shot over water to the fairway, the approach must also carry water to the green. Cypress Bend’s trickiest hole is the 401-yard fourth. Drives must avert fairway bunkers on both sides and a creek diagonally bisecting the hole while approaches must carry water to a T-shaped, well-bunkered green.

Best Bite: Arrive by boat or car at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina (left, 251.967.LULU/5858; www.lulubuffett.com ) in Gulf Shores. This 10,000-square-foot, indoor/outdoor waterfront institution offers lots of fun, music, Lucy Buffett’s homemade gumbo, towering Cheeseburgers in Paradise and ice-cold margaritas.

Glenlakes Golf Club

Best Hole: The Vista/Dunes course’s 495-yard 16th hole (Dunes’ No. 7) is a risk-reward par 5 with water flanking the hole’s right side before encircling an island green. A good drive prompts a second-shot dilemma, as even layups must find a fairway that narrows from the 100-yard marker to the water fronting the putting surface.

Best Bite: Wolf Bay Lodge (251.987.5129; http://www.wolf-bay-lodge.com ) – just a six-minute drive from Glenlakes – is where locals and visitors alike go to unwind and enjoy every kind of fresh seafood imaginable, although the must-have is the local steamed Royal Reds and Fried Crawfish Tails.

Gulf Shores Golf Club

Best Hole: The most interesting hole is the 595-yard seventh (below), where a massive bunker awaits drives in the middle of the fairway, with just 40 yards separating it and water lurking down the hole’s left side. All that’s left to worry about are the six bunkers surrounding the putting surface on the approach.

Best Bite: Indoor/outdoor Live Bait at The Wharf (251.224.2248; www.livebaitrestaurant.com ) in Orange Beach is a waterfront favorite whose extensive menu includes House specialties Grilled or Blackened Shrimp and the Bait House Chop. The restaurant’s Live Bait Food & Spirits and Live Bait Too! bar area (251.974.1612) features live bands.

Kiva Dunes

Best Hole: The 215-yard, par-3 17th is a beauty and a beast that’s an infamous scorecard wrecker. Water hugging the hole’s entire left side must be carried from the two back sets of tees. A bunker lurks on the back right side of the two-tiered putting surface, which is a narrow, deep – and often elusive – target.

Best Bite: Tacky Jacks 2 (251.968.8341; www.tackyjacks.com ) – sister location of Tacky Jacks, where visiting President Obama ate last year – is a popular waterfront eatery with golfers and families near Kiva Dunes. Tacky Jacks 2′s varied menu includes its famous Steamed Royal Reds – a local delicacy only available in Gulf Shores – and Shrimp and Grits.

Lost Key Golf Club

Best Hole: The 150-yard par-3 13th is Lost Key’s signature hole for a reason. Despite hitting a wedge or short iron, golfers must find the pin-placement zone (there are three) in which the hole is cut on the boomerang-shaped green or risk a three-putt. The left bunker is to be avoided at all costs.

Best Bite: Cobalt Restaurant (251.923.5300; www.cobaltrestaurant.net ) in Orange Beach – nestled under the Perdido Pass Bridge – offers a unique waterfront dining experience. You’ll never go wrong by ordering the Blackened Redfish or Fresh Catch of the day.

Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club

Best Hole: The Cypress nine’s 608-yard eighth is the second-longest of Peninsula’s 27 holes. This brute demands an accurate tee shot and a layup to the fairway’s right side to avoid water guarding the hole’s left side. Approaches short and left will be wet, while a rear-greenside bunker can snag long approaches.

Best Bite: Gulf Shores’ Original Oyster House’s (251.948.2445; www.originaloysterhouse.com ) specialty seafood platters include the Adam Richman-inspired “Man vs.Food” Platter, which includes Bourbon Glazed Ahi Tuna, Shrimp Scampi, Fried Oysters, Stuffed Crab and Fried Crawfish Tails, plus two sides.

Rock Creek Golf Club

Best Hole: The 434-yard second is Rock Creek’s signature – and No. 1 handicap – hole. Long drives must avoid running through the end of the landing area some 75 yards below. The long approach is a forced, uphill carry over a large wetland to a guarded green with a tall, wooden bulkhead backdrop.

Best Bite: Panini Pete’s (251.929.0122; www.paninipetes.com ) has been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and “Guy’s Big Bite” Food Network shows for good reason. The paninis and burgers are luscious, as are the Hot Beignets, a New Orleans favorite with a Panini Pete squeeze-of-lemon twist.

TimberCreek Golf Club

Best Hole: Water abuts the left edge of the Pines nine’s 426-yard seventh hole. Right-side drives can be directed toward the middle by fairway mounds. Long tee shots can bring water into play, but can simplify approach shots. The right-to-left sloping fairway promotes a draw approach where a fade is often needed.

Best Bite: Wintzell’s Oyster House (251.626.5714; www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com ) – in the Eastern Shore Centre across the street from TimberCreek – has built an institution around its famous “oysters any way you want ” ‘em … fried, stewed or nude,” and now also charbroiled.

About Golf Gulf Shores
Golf Gulf Shores is the moniker for the Gulf Shores Golf Association, the partnership that promotes the destination and its custom golf packages built by its partners, for golf groups, families, and corporate outings. The destination offers nine golf courses, countless lodging options and a wealth of outdoor activity on its 32-mile waterfront destination. Course highlights:

Cotton Creek at Craft Farms – Arnold Palmer Signature Design with generous fairways lined by Southern Hardwoods, undulating greens and a championship test from 7,028 yards, and owned and operated by Honours Golf.

Cypress Bend at Craft Farms – The sister Honours Golf property to Cotton Creek, the Arnold Palmer Signature Design meanders through cord-grass accented lakes which come into play on nearly every hole.

Glenlakes Golf Club – Scottish-style links course designed by Von Hagge and known for its extensive bunkering and postage-stamp greens.

Kiva Dunes – A “Top 100 Course in America” by Golf Digest, the Jerry Pate design is the only beachfront resort course in Gulf Shores.

Lost Key – The stunning course, redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006, rewards accuracy off the tee and with approaches as it winds through woods and wetlands. It also boasts a new state-of-the-art clubhouse.

Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club – Owned and operated by Honours Golf, the 27-hole facility offers chilled apples on the tee. The 830-acre park includes 30 lakes and fairways surrounded by Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve.

Rock Creek Golf Club – Also owned by Honours Golf and boasting rolling terrain and fairways lined by pines, the Earl Stone design overlooks freshwater wetlands and the Rock Creek basin.

TimberCreek Golf Club – This 27-hole design was crafted by Earl Stone and feels like an inland Carolina course with fairways lined by loblolly pines, dogwoods and magnolias.

Gulf Shores Golf Club – Formerly known as The Golf Club of the Wharf, this was the Gulf Shores’ first course. Opened it 1960, it was redesigned by Jay and Carter Morrish in 2005.

For more information: www.golfgulfshores.com,  888-815-1902.

BRADFORD, Pa. – The forest will soon be alive in the Allegheny National Forest Region with colors right from Mother Nature’s palette.

The Allegheny National Forest Region, the site of the only national forest in Pennsylvania, is located 90 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y.

Fall is bigger in this neck of the woods with thousands of acres of northern hardwood forest. With the diverse species of trees within the forest, in the fall leaf colors will be sunshine yellow, brilliant orange, butterscotch and deep apple red.

There’s no wrong turn to be made during this time of the year here where the roads meander through some of the most scenic area in the Northeast. Plan your trip from late September to mid-October for peak leaf peeping.

One of the premier places to view the leaves is the brand new Kinzua Sky Walk, located at the Kinzua Bridge State Park on Route 3011 in Mount Jewett. The 329-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park was listed by the state as one of the 20 must-see parks in the state.

You’ll be sure to fall in love with the view of the Kinzua Gorge from this platform with a partial glass floor built on the remains of the historic Kinzua Viaduct, which was once the longest and tallest railroad bridge in the world. Visitors are once again able to walk the “Tracks Across the Sky” – something that heightens a person’s adrenaline as well as his or her senses.

Another must-see attraction is the Longhouse National Scenic Byway – listed by USA Today as one of the most scenic drives in the country. This 29-mile loop circles the Kinzua Creek arm of the Allegheny Reservoir and includes some of the best scenery in the area by combining the colorful forest canopy with water vistas. Jakes Rocks and Rimrock overlooks offer you an opportunity to view the forest shoreline from rocky overlooks, plus take advantage of the family-friendly picnic areas and hiking trails nearby.

This scenic byway is also close to the Kane, which is the perfect place to pick up something to eat and drink.

Be sure to stop at Jack’s Meat & Poultry on North Fraley Street to purchase some of the local fall harvest of apples, squash and pumpkins. Jack’s family recipes are used to make more than 17 varieties of sausage, including Swedish korv, apple, and Greek. This is a delightful stop and taste for “foodies.”

Call ahead at 814-837-7321 to order Jack’s invention, a one-of-a-kind “griller” – chicken or pork stuffed with sausage and cheese and topped with bacon.

You will never forgive yourself if you pass through without picking up one of these amazing, one-of-a-kind concoctions.

Flickerwood Wine Cellars & Lounge at 309 Flickerwood Road is the home of award-winning wines that are available for tasting in the wine lounge. Flickerwood’s gift shop features a wide assortment of varieties for purchase. This family-owned winery brings the best of what grapes have to offer to the visitor.

Flickerwood is located just off of Route 6, the major west-east corridor in northern Pennsylvania. National Geographic Traveler named this roadway as “One of America’s Most Scenic Drives.”

Meander through the rolling forestlands of small Americana towns as the terrain turns into increasingly rugged hills. Stop in the Victorian town of Smethport where the homes of lumber barons from times gone by are part of the Smethport Mansion District Walking Tour.

Enjoy a bit of nostalgia – as well as a “Hubber Burger” and milkshake – at the Route 6 Diner, also located along Route 6 in Smethport.

For additional leaf-peeping suggestions, please visit www.visitANF.com  which offers driving tour suggestions as well as downloadable maps and guides. Or call the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 for a free brochure that features seven scenic driving tours with driving directions and mapping.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Rocky Mountaineer is pleased to offer an added bonus to travelers who book now, in advance of the 2012 season.

Guests who reserve a qualifying Rocky Mountaineer vacation package of seven nights or more in GoldLeaf Service between September 15, 2011 and November 30, 2011 will receive up to $1200 USD per couple in added value including an additional hotel night in Vancouver, BC; Whistler, BC; Calgary, AB or Seattle, WA with complimentary dinner, a round-trip train journey onboard the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb route and a $25 CAD souvenir credit.

“We’re thrilled to offer our guests even more added value with our 2012 Early Booking Bonus and additional new options to choose from when booking their holiday getaway,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Global Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “With the launch of our 2012 brochure featuring our new class of service, SilverLeaf and new vacation packages, a holiday with Rocky Mountaineer has never looked better.”

In the upcoming season, which runs from April- October 2012, Rocky Mountaineer will debut its new SilverLeaf Service on all departures on its flagship route, First Passage to the West, between Vancouver and Banff/Calgary, AB.

Offering an attractive upgrade from RedLeaf Service, SilverLeaf is another option for guests to experience the beauty of Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies with panoramic views from a single-level dome coach.

A great package option is the Canadian Rockies Adventure. This seven night/eight day trip includes an all daylight rail journey aboard the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer.

Guests will enjoy delicious gourmet cuisine and travel in comfort and style through the stunning scenery of British Columbia and into the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains between Vancouver, BC and Banff, Alberta.

The package also includes several sightseeing tours in Banff National Park such as a Glacier Helicopter tour, Summit Helicopter Flightseeing as well as a Columbia Icefield Excursion.

The Early Booking Bonus is only valid on new 2012 bookings, made between September 15, 2011 and November 30, 2011 and paid in full by January 20, 2012.

Maximum added value of up to $1200 USD per couple is offered for packages of seven or more nights in GoldLeaf Service.

The Early Booking Bonus offer also applies to Rocky Mountaineer’s new SilverLeaf Service, plus RedLeaf Service with reduced value. All bookings will be made in American dollars. Offers are based on availability and may be modified, withdrawn or travel dates may be substituted without prior notice. Further restrictions may apply.

For more information on the Early Booking Bonus or to receive a copy of the new 2012 Rocky Mountaineer brochure, please contact your local travel professional, Rocky Mountaineer directly at 1-800-665-7245, or visit www.rockymountaineer.com  For the latest news and offers, follow us on Twitter @rmountaineer or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RockyMountaineerTrain.

About Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer offers 45 unique Canadian vacation packages and four distinctive rail routes, rich in history and natural wonders, through British Columbia and Alberta. This world renowned, luxurious train travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West and is the best way to experience the majestic Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over the past 20 years, Rocky Mountaineer has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has welcomed more than one million guests onboard from around the world. In 2010, Rocky Mountaineer received its fifth World Travel Award as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” and was acknowledged for the first time in the category of “World’s Leading Luxury Travel Product of the Year.” Rocky Mountaineer has also been recognized by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Greatest Trips” and by the Society of American Travel Writers as “The Best Train Experience in the World.”