Jetsettersblog

BANFF-LAKE LOUISE, Alberta, Canada -

The three ski areas of Banff National Park are pleased to announce the details of the highly anticipated 2011-12 ski shuttle service.

Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village have invested in a significantly improved transportation system to further enhance the skier and snowboarder experience in Canada’s Protected Playground.

The three resorts can now confirm the following stops for the 2011-12 ski shuttle:

The Inns of Banff
Banff Caribou Lodge
Banff Inn
Red Carpet Inn
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
The Fairmont Banff Springs
Town Parking Lot (behind Mount Royal Hotel) and
Banff Park Lodge.

Additionally, shuttles for Sunshine Village will service the Brewster Bus Depot, for a total of nine convenient stops throughout Banff.

The hamlet of Lake Louise will continue to see a dedicated hotel-to-resort direct service.

Return shuttle transportation is included with the popular tri-area lift ticket, offering excellent value and service to guests.

Shuttle service may be purchased separately for other ticket users.

Final schedules will be confirmed closer to the season, but the resorts are committed to ensuring this improved system will provide fast, frequent and convenient access to the world’s finest skiing and snowboarding.

Canada’s Protected Playground enjoyed phenomenal conditions last season, including the best January in five years for snowfall.

Skiers and snowboarders can look forward to several upgrades for 2011-12, as all three resorts continue to work to improve guest experience and reduce environmental impact.

The area offers almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain on one convenient, tri-area lift ticket. There’s terrain to suit every level and desire, from gentle groomed runs to some of the world’s most extreme in-bounds terrain.

The unique inland location guarantees the dry, light snow that this region is famous for – and plenty of it. Stunning mountain backdrops, lack of lift lines and friendly local hospitality are just some of the bonuses that make a vacation to Banff-Lake Louise unforgettable.

Fall Getaways for Couples, Families & the “Greatest Generation”

Sheboygan, WI — Cooler temperatures and changing fall colors make it the perfect time to escape to the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan for a getaway at Blue Harbor Resort & Spa. Only one hour north of Milwaukee, the full service resort and spa is offering Fall Getaways tailored for every lifestyle:

Couples will enjoy the Fall Getaway priced from $99 per guest suite, per night for a Sunday through Thursday night stay in September and October.* Enjoy a stroll along the shore of Lake Michigan, and watch the sun’s morning glory while enjoying that perfect mug of coffee – lakeside.

For added comfort, relax with an evening cocktail on the picturesque patio; savor a delicious meal at Latitudes where the chef will prepare the day’s catch to your specifications; or pamper yourself at the Resort’s full service Reflection Spa.

Families will delight at the Fall Waterpark Adventure which includes admission to the Resort’s lakeside indoor waterpark, Breaker Bay where it is always a summer-like 84 degrees.

A family of up to four people can enjoy the first night’s accommodations priced from just $199* and when you make a reservation by October 1, Blue Harbor will give you a second night FREE. This special offer represents a $400 value and is valid In September and October. Offer limited to 20 packages per night.

And for ‘the Greatest Generation,’ the Greatest Price Break. If you are 65 years, or more mature, you pay your age for a superior guestroom.

Upon check-in confirm your age with your driver’s license or ID and your guest suite rate becomes your age (rates range from $65 to $75 per night)*.

Valid September and October, Sunday thru Thursdays.

The 182 all-suite Blue Harbor Resort & Spa is a beautiful Victorian landmark on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The resort is located in Harbor Centre District at 725 Blue Harbor Drive in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 53081.

For more information and reservations visit: www.BlueHarborResort.com

or call 866-701-2583 (BLUE).

*Rates based on availability.

Reservations are required. Does not include taxes, gratuities or resort fees.

Discover the North Fork by Bike with New York’s Premier Bike Company: Bike and Roll NYC

DETAILS: Long Island’s North Fork is a cyclist’s paradise – smooth roads, wide shoulders, interesting stops. The South Fork gets all the attention – what with its Hamptons and all – which is fine for those of us who enjoy biking and exploring the North Fork.

Join Bike and Roll NYC for a 22-mile guided tour designed to let you discover what the North Fork has to offer. Wineries and vineyards, farms, and historic sites, Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay – see it all from the vantage point of two wheels.

This well-engineered guided tour starts in Mattituck. Participants can drive to the starting point or take the LIRR (the tour is timed with the LIRR schedule). Catch the 9:16am from Penn Station, arrive in Mattituck at 11:41am, ride and tour until returning to Mattituck for the 6:34pm train back to Penn Station. Bike and Roll NYC meets you at the Mattituck station with a correctly-sized Trek bike and helmet.

Your tour includes a gourmet lunch of New York delicacies from Perfect Picnic.

A Bike and Roll NYC vehicle follows the tour, not just to give mechanical support, but to offer a place to store any purchases participants might make from the wineries and farms they visit.

The tour includes a visit at a vineyard and award-winning winery, a stop by an artisanal cheesemaker and a tasting of incredibly delicious fresh goat cheese, a tour of an historic lighthouse overlooking the Long Island Sound, a stop among magnificently restored 16th century buildings, and a ride along beautiful Peconic Bay.

After returning the bike, participants have plenty of time to browse Mattituck’s famous Love Lane and grab a bite before the train back to the city.

“Even though it’s less than 100 miles away and has so many different places to visit and explore,” said Chris Wogas, president of Bike and Roll NYC, “the North Fork remains unvisited by most New Yorkers. It’s the perfect getaway, but most people don’t know about it.”

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Chefs on Florida’s Historic Coast are once again making history with signature dishes featuring local favorites and heritage-inspired flavors. Throughout October, eighteen outstanding restaurants will present a prix fixe (fixed price) three-course menu that will showcase their best culinary skills. Great food, paired with a wide variety of lodging options and enticing cultural events, make October an ideal time to experience the history, romance and charm of St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra on Florida’s Historic Coast.

Called Flavors of Florida’s Historic Coast, this special dining program will offer diners unique, delicious and affordably-priced dining choices.

From Ponte Vedra southward through St. Augustine to Crescent Beach, some of the area’s most popular restaurants will be offering exciting, new menu options featuring the delicious culinary traditions of this historic coastal area of northeast Florida.

Participating restaurants offering Flavors of Florida’s Historic Coast “Chef’s Choice” prix fixe, three-course meals include: 500 South at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, 619 Ocean View on Ponte Vedra Beach, Augustine Grille at Sawgrass Marriott, Aunt Kate’s on the Water, The Reef, Beaches on Vilano, Kingfish Grill at Camachee Harbor; Raintree Restaurant, Aviles Restaurant at Hilton Historic St. Augustine Bayfront, Sara’s Crepe Café, 95 Cordova at Casa Monica Hotel, The Tasting Room, Bistro de Leon, Creekside Dinery, Amici’s Italian Restaurant, Café Atlantico on St. Augustine Beach, Saltwater Cowboy’s, and South Beach Grill at Crescent Beach.

Great food paired with enticing “stay and eat” accommodation packages, make October the perfect month to visit Florida’s Historic Coast.

To learn more about the October 2011 Flavors of Florida’s Historic Coast prix fixe dining celebration, including the prix fixe menus being offered, visit www.HistoricCoastFlavors.com  or call 1.800.494.1420.

Montgomery, Ala.- A Freedom Rides Museum, Black Belt Culinary Trail, tours of a goat cheese farm and a hurricane- proof Gulf Coast Zoo are among the list of what’s new in tourism across Alabama.

The state tourism department has compiled a list of new tourism-related events, attractions, restaurants, hotels, shopping and entertainment. The list includes more than 40 venues that have opened, been updated or are under development as of January 2011. Below are of few of the listings, for the full list please follow the link to the media room at Alabama Travel.

Attractions:

Culinary Trail — Alabama Black Belt
The Southwest Alabama Office of Tourism and Film has developed a Culinary Trail with off- the-Beaten-Path destinations, local food specialties, and unique Black Belt cultural experiences. Visitors can take a self guided tour or groups of up to 12 can call the tourism office to plan a custom tour that includes stays in antebellum and depression-era Bed and Breakfasts. A visit to at least one private home for a farm-to-table dinner is included in the package. 334.636.5506, http://www.alabamafrontporches.com

The Anniston Civil Rights & Heritage Trail — Anniston
The museum opened in May of this year during the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides. It houses two life-size murals in the alleyways of the old Greyhound and Trailways bus stations depicting the events relating to the first attack upon the Freedom Riders. Plans are currently underway for the development of a Freedom Riders Park in Anniston. http://www.spiritofanniston.org

Southern Broadway Opens Dinner Theatre — Enterprise
Southern Broadway, best known for their production of “The Depot”, an original off-Broadway play, is opening a dinner theatre on North Main Street in Downtown Enterprise. Southern Broadway and Southern Charm Catering will present at least 5 dinner theatres in 2012. The next scheduled dinner theatre is “The Confederate Letters,” a story of two soldiers in the Confederate Army. 334.470.6568, http://www.southernbroadway.com.

World’s First Environmentally Sustainable Zoo — Gulf Shores
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the first in history being built from the ground up that will define every aspect of the term “Green.” Scheduled to open in spring 2012, the zoo will also be almost entirely “hurricane‐proof” by being constructed to withstand category 5 hurricane winds. It will be LEED Platinum certified (national benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings). It will be constructed of non-toxic, organic, biodegradable and recyclable materials. It will use an array of alternative power sources using solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal energy. The future site of the zoo will be located at 20499 Oak Road in Gulf Shores. http://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org

Alabama Gold Camp — Lineville
Located in the heart of Alabama’s gold belt visitors can search for gold with miles of creek to pan. You can also find red garnets, fossils, citrine, and Native American artifacts on the property. 256.396.0389, http://www.alabamagoldcamp.com.

Freedom Riders Museum — Montgomery
Montgomery’s historic Greyhound Bus Station on Court Street features the Road to Equality – The 1961 Freedom Rides art exhibit. “Share Your Story,” an interactive video exhibit, captures thoughts and feelings from riders, witnesses and museum visitors. Admission charged. Call to schedule tour. 334.242.3184 http://www.freedomridesmuseum.org.

Land of Alabama and The First Alabamians exhibits— Montgomery
The two new exhibits at the Alabama Archives and History Museum tells the story of the earliest days of Alabama history. The Land of Alabama exhibit includes a multimedia introduction the geography and natural resources like cotton and iron ore that shaped the state. The First Alabamians exhibit tells the story of the Native Americans from prehistory to 1700 with artifacts, interactive maps and murals. The exhibits are open Mon. – Sat. 8:30a.m.- 4:30p.m. http://www.archives.alabama.gov

Arts & Antiques Trail — Monroeville/Monroe County
Alabama’s Literary Capital has become an arts and antiques destination. Around the downtown square visit three art galleries, a pottery studio, and Beehive Coffee & Books that feature Alabama authors. Make Monroeville your base as you explore other offerings in this county featuring art, antiques and small town atmosphere. Also visit the Monroe County Heritage Museum, in Monroeville’s old courthouse, and visit its gift shop, newly remodeled and enhanced with a fine selection of regional arts offerings. 251.743.2879, http://www.monroecountyal.com

New Amphitheatre at the historic Monroe County Courthouse — Monroeville
Visit in the spring each year for the nationally acclaimed performances of “To Kill A Mockingbird” on Monroeville’s Historic Courthouse Square in the newly enhanced amphitheatre, a community project by Georgia Pacific debuting in 2012. 251.743.2879, http://www.tokillamockingbird.com.

Civil Rights Interpretive Center — Selma
The Selma Interpretive Center, located at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, serves as the Welcome Center to the trail that includes stops in Lowndes County and Montgomery. The center offers video, exhibits and a small bookstore. It opened on March 2, 2011 and is open daily from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. http://www.nps.gov/semo/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

Events:

The Year of Alabama Food — statewide
The Year of Alabama Food is back in 2012 and the year will bring new dishes, restaurants a new 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die brochure and a BBQ Trail. 1.800.ALABAMA, http://www.alabama.travel.

100 Alabama Road Trips — statewide
Experience the state like never before in 2012 with ideas for “100 Alabama Road Trips.” From adrenaline pumping tours to girlfriend getaways and back-road treasures, visitors will discover an unforgettable adventure. 1.800.ALABAMA.

ACCOMODATIONS:

Westin Huntsville Honored with AAA Four Diamond Rating — Huntsville
The Westin Huntsville at Bridge Street Town Centre once again received the AAA Four Diamond Award. The Westin Huntsville’s rating of the prestigious Four Diamond Award through 2012, is given to only 7 hotels in the state of Alabama and account for less than 3.8 percent of the total 59,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings.

The hotel also received the Reader’s Choice Award by ConventionSouth Magazine – a highly coveted award as it is nominated by meeting planners for top meeting sites. 256.428.2000

ENTERTAINMENT:

Lone Goose Saloon — Huntsville
This is an eclectic establishment where Nashville bar and artist gallery meets New Orleans-style bar. Colorful paintings hanging on the wall were created by business partner Margaret Poole and are available for purchase. 256.715.0705, facebook.com/lonegoosesaloon

FOOD/RESTAURANTS:

Belle Chevre Creamery Tours — Elkmont
By popular demand, Belle Chevre has started scheduled tours for small groups to their Elkmont, Alabama creamery. Scheduled tours take place every Wednesday for small groups. The tours include a guided explanation of how the different varieties of chevre cheese are made.
For nearly 20 years Belle Chevre has been hand-crafting fine French style goat’s milk cheeses in rural Alabama. The winning recipe has, to date, garnered almost 100 national awards from American Cheese Society and other famed institutions. It has been recognized as some of the finest fromage by the likes of Food Network Magazine, O!, Southern Living, Cooking Light and more. Owner Tasia Malakasis is the head cheesemaker. Tours can be booked by calling 256.423.2238, http://www.bellechevre.com.

Internet/ Media:

10 Best Towns for Families — Fairhope
Family Circle magazine named Fairhope, Alabama one of its 10 Best Towns for Families in the August 2011 issue.

Money Magazine Best Places to Live — Madison
Money magazine named Madison, Alabama as one of its Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2011/snapshots/PL0145784.html

America’s 10 Best Winter Beach Retreats — Orange Beach
Budget Travel Magazine named Orange Beach a Top 10 Winter Beach Retreat.
“Alabamians are adamant that their Gulf Coast beaches are among the most beautiful in the country. The sand is 95 percent quartz, meaning its snow-white and sparkles in the sun, and the waters are as blue as any you’ll find in Florida. Dolphins love the waters around here so much that Dolphin Cruises aboard the Cold Mil Fleet guarantees sightings.”

RECREATION:

Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail — Alexander City
The new birding trail covers the nine counties of Autauga, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Randolph and Tallapoosa. It encompasses more than 3.6 million acres of natural wildlife habitat. Watchers can look for highway signs with the Great Horned Owl leading to the trail. 256.234.3461, http://www.piedmontplateaubirdingtrail.com

Metro CrossPlex, — Birmingham
Birmingham’s new indoor track and field facility, natatorium and meeting space features an indoor pool, a hydraulically banked 200-meter track, and space for pole vaulting, high jumping or nine volleyball courts. The $46 million project is almost booked for its inaugural track and field season. 205.612.7730

Patriot Riding Stables and Retreat — Cheaha
Located on a 40 acre fully stocked lake at the foot of Cheaha mountain in Clay County, Patriot offers 18 horses for riding the trails, lodging, boating, fishing and zip lining. The main lodge is approximately 4,000 SF and boasts a full kitchen, state of the art electronics for presentations, high speed internet, satellite TVs, and can sleep up to 20 guests in 3 separate bunk rooms. Six suites and cabins are available for guests along the lake near the fishing docks. The retreat offers guests a place for weddings, receptions, reunions, meetings, conferences, retreats and family vacations. Patriot sponsors the Wounded Warrior Program (WWP), the VFW and other veteran activities. 256.618.1363, http://www.patriotretreat.com, info(at)patriotretreat(dot)com.

Gulf State Park Unveils New Pool, Campground Facilities — Gulf Shores
Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores underwent a $4.5 million renovation. The renovations include a 5,000-square-foot swimming pool, splash pad, dressing area and restrooms. A new nature center replaced the one destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The campground store, laundry facility, and boat docks on Middle Lake were also renovated. Rental boats will be added in the future, while a classroom area and small amphitheatre will be added to the nature center to accommodate school groups. 251.945.6889, http://www.outdooralabama.com.

For more information at events, attractions, and accommodations in Alabama visit http://www.alabama.travel

ALBERTA, CANADA – Canadian Rockies Golf has released its Fall Adventure Series, combining golf and activity vacation experiences that can create memorable vacations through September and early October. Hiking, biking, rafting, fishing and more are available in the iconic destination that includes seven golf courses and resorts in Banff, Jasper, Canmore and Kananaskis Country.

They include:

Pins and Fins: Golfers can combine a round on any of seven courses with an all-day float trip to catch trophy trout on the Bow River. Outfitters offer all equipment needed to fish in Banff National Park, after having played at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs, celebrating 100 Years of Golf this year.

Packages start at $1018 CAD for accommodations, golf, and fishing.

Heli-Golf Trip: Several companies offer helicopter tours of the Canadian Rockies, such as Alpine Tours. Golf buddy trips can take the group above the courses in Canmore, and then play a round at Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Stewart Creek or Silvertip Resort.

Golf packages start at $159 CAD per person per night

Golf and Whitewater Rafting: Kananaskis Country Golf Course offers two 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Sr. courses. Golfers can begin the day with a round on the Mt. Lorette course that winds its way past the Kananaskis River, and stay at Delta Lodge on the summer special package starting at $179 CAD per person per night. Concierge staff members can arrange a half-day afternoon float that the entire family will enjoy with such popular outfitters as Inside-Out Experience in nearby Canmore.

Golf and Spa: Both The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offer award-winning spa options to complement a round. Try the Golfer’s Massage in Jasper, or the fabulous “Kur” Mineral pools at The Fairmont Banff Springs for a special treat. Five-day/four-night packages start at $1709 CAD per person for golf, accommodations and spa time.

All packages are available through September, 2011. Call 1.877.323.3633 or see http://www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca%20  for more information.

About Canadian Rockies Golf

To view the stunning topography, vacation options and learn more about golf in western Canada, visit www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca

Website visitors can view stay-and-play packages or request custom quotes for trips and packages, or they may call 877.323.3633 for more information. Online information is regularly posted at http://www.facebook.com/canadianrockiesgolf.

The critical acclaim and extraordinary attributes of the six members of the destination – “Canadian Rockies Golf: Historic. Dramatic. Untamed.” – include:

1. Canmore Golf and Curling Club (www.canmoregolf.net, 888.678.4785)

Celebrating 85 years of golf in 2011
Valley-based property requires players use all clubs in their bag, narrow fairways challenge all levels of golfers

Tree-lined course, friendly community atmosphere provides intimacy and camaraderie

Located at base of Bow Valley, glacier-fed streams lace through course

2. The Fairmont Banff Springs (www.fairmont.com/banffsprings  800.441.1414)

Celebrating 100 years of organized golf in 2011 and host of the TELUS World Skins Game

Historic course and Conde Nast Gold winner for its castle-like hotel, award-winning Willow Stream Spa and exquisite resort amenities

27 holes of golf – 18 Stanley Thompson-designed holes including the 200-yard, par-3 Devil’s Cauldron, 147 bunkers, and the 9-hole Tunnel Course
Panoramic beauty, picturesque-mountain setting between Sulphur Mountain & Mount Rundle

Situated in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Golf Digest “Top 5 Resort in North America,” “Best 25 International Golf Hotels” and “Best 100 Courses Outside the USA”;

GOLF Magazine “Best Lodging in Canada” and “Top 3 Golf Course in Canada” and Golfweek Best Canadian Classic Courses

3. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (www.fairmont.com/jasper  800.441.1414)

Voted Best Golf Resort in Canada by ScoreGolf Magazine Featuring the “wild side of the Rockies” – elk, caribou, coyote and wolves inhabit the national park Designed by Stanley Thompson, the 18 holes carve contours at the feet of mountains Located in the heart of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Golf Digest “Best 100 Courses Outside the USA”; Golfweek Best Classic Canadian Course; GOLF Magazine “Top 3 Lodging in Canada” and “Top 3 Golf Course in Canada”

4. Kananaskis Country Golf Course (www.kananaskisgolf.com,  877.591.2525)

Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed courses, situated in serene Kananaskis Country 36 holes played beneath breathtaking Mt. Lorette and Mt. Kidd, after which the courses are respectively named Features immaculate lush fairways, famed island-like 4th green on Mt. Kidd course, 140+ silica sand bunkers and the cascading Kananaskis River Golfweek “Best Canadian Modern Courses” ranking (2011) SCORE Golf!”Top 5 Best Public Courses to Play”

5. Silvertip Golf Resort (www.silvertipresort.com    877.877.5444)

Home course of PGA Tour Member and 2006 Players Champion Stephen Ames National Geographic Top 10 Environmental Courses (2011) Golf Digest rated 4 ½ stars, lauded for environmental sensitivity, maintenance practices 600 feet of elevation change, including dramatic par-4 18th with extreme altitude drop from tee to fairway, fairway to green Wine Spectator 2009 and 2010 “List of Excellence” Award for Rustica Steakhouse 2009 Golf Digest Environmental Leader Award

6. Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club (www.stewartcreekgolf.com/golf  877.993.GOLF)

Golf Digest rated 4 ½ stars Surrounded by the spellbinding Three Sisters Mountains Audubon-certified course preserves habitat for plentiful wildlife SCORE Golf!”Top 5 Best Public Courses to Play”

Second Annual Stone Crab Festival Planned for October 29-30 in Naples

Naples, Fla. – Florida’s annual Stone Crab Season runs from October 15 to May 15 and fans of the tasty crab claws flock to Southwest Florida’s Paradise Coast region to find fresh-from-the-boat claws brought in daily to docks in Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City.

A favorite place to savor a serving of stone crab claws – typically served cold with a tangy mustard dipping sauce – is the waterfront seafood market district along the Barron River in Everglades City, known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World.

Another popular spot is the Old Naples Waterfront on the Gordon River and Naples Bay. Since the 1920s, seafood processing began on the site of Tin City and in the 1940s, just a stone crab claw’s toss across the Gordon River, Combs Fish Company opened its doors where today fishermen still bring in their stone crab claws, which are immediately processed and served fresh next door at Kelly’s Fish House Dining Room.

Southwest Florida crabbers work hard to harvest the delectable stone crab claws during the annual season. Claws harvested locally find their way to local restaurants and are also shipped to other Florida and national locations. During the 2009/2010 season, 2.6 million pounds of stone crab claws were harvested in the state of Florida.

That same season, crabbers in the Paradise Coast region (Collier County) including Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City brought in nearly 608,000 pounds. Stone crabs are the number one commercial fishery in the region. Total statewide stone crab claw landings were worth $23.6 million. Collier County’s landings were worth $5.5 million. Collier accounted for 23% of the state’s total landings, second only to Monroe County (the Florida Keys). Ninety-nine percent of stone crab claws come from Florida.

Claws are typically sold in three sizes, medium with 6 to 7 claws per pound; large with 4 to 5 claws per pound and jumbo with 2 to 3 claws per pound. Stone crab claws typically sell for anywhere between $10 to $30 per pound depending on claw size and supply and demand.

Known as Florida’s renewable seafood resource, only claws of at least 2 ¾ inches are harvested and the crab is returned alive to the Gulf of Mexico, where it regenerates new claws. Stone crabs typically regenerate new claws within one to three years.

This year the Old Naples Waterfront area once again celebrates the opening of the season with the second annual Stone Crab Festival October 29-30. The festival, organized by the Old Naples Waterfront Association, features music, children’s activities, a block party and plenty of specials in the restaurants along Naples Bay. Event venues include Tin City, Naples City Dock at Crayton Cove, Port O’ Call Marina, Bayfront Naples, Naples Bay Resort and Naples Habour Yacht Club.

Most restaurants and seafood markets will include their own version of the traditional stone crab mustard dipping sauce with To Go orders, but it’s always a good plan to whip up an extra batch. Pinchers Crab Shack located at Tin City in Naples owns the Island Crab Company on nearby Pine Island where they process their local catches of fish and shellfish for their Southwest Florida restaurants. They have generously agreed to share their version of the tangy sauce.

Pinchers Stone Crab Sauce Recipe

16 oz container of sour cream

¾ cup mayo

1 oz Dijon mustard

½ oz prepared mustard

Dash of A1 Steak sauce

1 teaspoon heavy cream

Dash of Pepper

Dash of Paprika

Dash of Old Bay seasoning

Mix well together in bowl and let chill for at least an hour. Sauce is good for three days when stored in the refrigerator.

*Recipe courtesy Pinchers Crab Shack

For more information on Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – Florida’s Paradise Coast, call 1-800-688-3600 for a free visitors guide from within the USA, or dial 1-239-225-1013 from outside the USA; or go to the area’s official visitor information website, www.ParadiseCoast.com  Follow the destination on Twitter @ParadiseCoast and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheParadiseCoast.

BRADFORD, Pa. – The grand opening of the Kinzua Sky Walk marks the rebirth of a historic McKean County treasure.

The grand opening for the Kinzua Sky Walk is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, in Kinzua Bridge State Park, McKean County’s only state park. The public is invited to attend.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan will be on hand with several other state and local officials to cut the ribbon marking a new chapter in the Kinzua Viaduct – the structure that was once the highest and longest railroad bridge in the world.

The grand opening will include a keepsake ribbon that will be divided into pieces and given to those who want to take a piece of history home with them.

A reception will follow the ceremony, which will also include the dedication of a new historical marker by the Kinzua Bridge Foundation.

“We are very excited to once again offer people a chance to ‘Walk the Tracks Across the Sky,’” said Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, the destination marketing organization for McKean County. “People from around the world have been very excited for this grand opening. The Kinzua Viaduct holds a special place in people’s hearts and now, we hope the Kinzua Sky Walk can fill the void after the tornado.”

Devlin also noted that there is a special treat that awaits those who attend the grand opening.

They will be able to get a glimpse of new Zippo Jeep, which will not make its official debut until the weekend.

The Jeep will be officially unveiled at the Zippo/Case Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. The Zippo/Case Museum is located at 1932 Zippo Drive in Bradford.

The Jeep, custom made by West Coast Customs, will serve as a promotional vehicle, supporting Zippo’s popular Outdoor Line of utility products.

With significant modifications, both inside and out, West Coast Customs took a stock 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and transformed it into the ultimate Zippo vehicle. Standout features include a full lift kit, supercharger, custom built front bumper and grill, LED lighting around the outside of the vehicle to simulate fire, as well as a giant Zippo windproof lighter which has replaced the Jeep’s standard spare tire mount.

The production of this Jeep will be the focus of an upcoming episode of “Inside West Coast Customs.” The episode will air this fall when “Inside West Coast Customs” makes its debut on Discovery’s soon-to-be-launched Velocity Network.

For more information on the new Zippo custom vehicle project, visit www.zippo.com  or www.westcoastcustoms.com.

For more information on the Kinzua Sky Walk or tourism in McKean County, contact the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 or info@visitANF.com  or visit its website at www.visitANF.com

Del Mar is a small, seaside hideaway approximately 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego. Defined by calm salt water lagoons on each end, this charming town is best known for it’s exceptional weather, world famous thoroughbred racetrack, county fair, fabulous beaches, haute cuisine and unique shopping.

The historic downtown village dates back to the 1880s. Today, it is lined with over 60 shops offering everything from high-end apparel to one-of-a-kind specialty shops. The village hosts 25 restaurants, many providing outside patios overlooking the ocean. There are cafés with sidewalk seating and award-winning dining perfect for any occasion.

Visitors will find a variety of hotel accommodations from award winning L’Auberge Del Mar to the new Hotel Indigo.

With 2 miles of coastline and gently rolling waves, Del Mar’s famous beaches are an ideal destination for beachgoers, surf combers and surfers seeking the legendary California surf.

Hotel News:

Hotel Indigo to open in Del Mar in January 2011
Del Mar Inn – undergoes major renovation for January 2011 completion

Dining News: Evolving Culinary Scene

Top Chef star, Brian Malarkey opened his new restaurant, Burlap this summer in Del Mar, just a year after the immensely successful opening of his first restaurant, Searsucker in downtown San Diego.

Conde Nast Hot List winner, Whisknladle opened its casual-dining sister restaurant, Prepkitchen in Del Mar offering the same quality, comfort-food in a laid-back setting.

Flavor Del Mar, with Chef Jason Maitland, opened in the heart of the town’s main street, offering panoramic views of the pacific with creative and fresh California coastal cuisine and has become an instant favorite for locals and visitors to the region alike

Sip at Flavor – opened August, 2011 – focusing on specialty cheeses and house-cured charcuteries, the menu offers guests with house-made savory creations such as boar sausage and duck prosciutto, Sip serves more than 40 wines by the glass available from around the world.

The White Flag Menu at Kitchen1540 – Chef Paul McCabe, who has helmed the restaurant at L’Auberge for eleven years has a new White Flag menu: There’s no written menu; rather the servers gather information from the guests–if they are looking for opulent ingredients like foie gras and caviar; or if there are any dietary restrictions or food preferences—and then the kitchen builds a completely spontaneous menu.

They call it a “White Flag” menu because the kitchen will keep sending out food paired with cocktails, beer and wine, until guests literally wave the white flag when they give up. Then two dessert courses are sent out.

Spa News:

New Spa Namara opens at soon to be Hotel Indigo

Place 360 – Within one integrated environment, PLACE360 offers world-class health and spa services such as massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, life coaching, nutrition, and guided outdoor fitness programs

Shopping News:

Del Mar Plaza – with ocean view shopping, Del Mar Plaza offers a collection of boutiques, restaurants and galleries set against the backdrop of Southern California’s Pacific Coast.

Major Events:

Del Mar Racetrack – the iconic seaside track, located in Del Mar, is as famous for its old Hollywood allure and glamorous Kentucky Derby-like vibe as it is for its world-class Thoroughbred racing.

Back in its heyday, legends Bing Crosby and Jimmy Durante helped put the track on the map and turn it into what it is today – a place where everyone from socialites to families can partake in some all-American festivities.

Our Beaches

Carlsbad’s seven miles of beaches offer plenty of space to get your “toes in the sand.” Beachgoers can choose between the Carlsbad State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach and the Carlsbad City Beach.

Grab a surfboard, a body board, a sand pail and shovel or just bare feet on the sand; the beaches are fun in Carlsbad.

The Lagoons

Two spectacular lagoons border Carlsbad, Buena Vista to the north and Batiquitos to the south and Agua Hedionda in between.

Buena Vista and Batiquitos are major way stations for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway providing a safe haven for a wide variety of wildlife. The lagoons are popular sites for birding, nature walks and photography.

Agua Hedionda is available for year-round recreational use for boating, skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

It is also home to the Hubbs/Seaworld White Sea Bass Hatchery and Carlsbad Aquafarm, a commercial mussel-farming operation.

Hiking and Walking Trails

The Carlsbad Trail System includes varied routes through a mix of open hills covered with native chaparral, sheltered paths through a forest of stately eucalyptus, a quiet lagoon walk or panoramic beach front walks.