Jetsettersblog

CODY, Wyo.- Many people think of dude ranches as strictly summer destinations, but during the winter months a number of ranches embrace the changing seasons.

Dude ranches in the snowy parts of the west offer cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sledding, sleigh rides, and even dog sledding in addition to traditional ranch activities.

At Triangle X Ranch near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, winter guests may see moose, elk, and bison set before the snow-capped Teton Mountains.

Ranches across the southwest, such as Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, offer warm alternatives to northern snows.

Southwestern ranch guests can spend the days mountain biking and horseback riding desert mountain trails or relaxing by the outdoor pool.

At night five-star dining, live entertainment, and extensive wine lists provide a relaxing evening to a day of playing in the sun.

Whether heading north or south, travelers can look to the Dude Ranchers Association to help pick the perfect ranch fit. The DRA has over 100 member ranches across the western U.S. and Canada.

www.duderanch.org

Spend eleven blissful days savoring renowned wines and culinary pleasures in the premium wine-producing regions of Chile and Argentina with Southern Explorations.

With the Andes as backdrop, you’ll visit fifteen wineries and linger over gourmet meals in picturesque vineyard settings to get a delicious introduction to two world-class wine regions and the best of their bounty.

But it’s not all about food and drink.

These Chile and Argentina tours include history and culture too with a visit on either end to two of South America’s most fascinating cities, Santiago and Buenos Aires, all in one unforgettable trip. Highlights include guided tours of Santiago, gourmet cuisine and wine, exploration of the Casablanca, Maipo, and Cachapoal Valleys, visits to Valparaiso, the Lujan de Cuyo region, touring and a tango show in Buenos Aires, and much more.

Prices start at $3850 per person. November-March.

www.southernexplorations.com

FLORIDA KEYS — New Year’s Eve partiers tired of cold-weather festivities such as the traditional “ball drop” in New York’s Times Square can find exuberant celebrations and much warmer temperatures in the Florida Keys.

Revelry in the Upper Keys is to include fireworks displays and a ball saluting Henry Flagler, founder of the historic Over-Sea Railroad, to celebrate the railroad’s upcoming centennial. In Key West, merrymakers can get the “drop” on the new year at any of three unique takes on the Times Square tradition as midnight approaches Saturday, Dec. 31.

Thousands of people are expected to gather on Key West’s renowned Duval Street to ring in 2012 by watching a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, “drop” at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval. Festivities are emceed by a rooftop host beginning at 10 p.m. and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the shell begins to descend. Live music inside Sloppy Joe’s adds to the event’s appeal. Visit www.sloppyjoes.com 

At the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St., the annual celebration stars renowned female impersonator Sushi.

Seconds before midnight, the elaborately gowned Sushi is to be lowered from the complex’s balcony in a glittering, super-sized red high heel. Thousands typically gather to watch the “drag queen drop” and performances by female impersonators. Visit www.bourbonstpub.com/newyearseve.html.

In Key West’s Historic Seaport New Year’s Eve merriment salutes the island’s colorful seafaring history. As midnight approaches, a pirate wench is lowered from the top of a tall ship’s mast as cannons boom and the ship’s pirate crew cheers her descent. Other attractions include live music, dancing and festivities at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. Visit www.schoonerwharf.com 

Blackwater Sound in Key Largo is the setting for the Upper Keys’ annual New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza. The sparkling sky display is hosted by bayside restaurants Sundowners, Señor Frijoles, Cactus Jack’s, Gus’ Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, all located around mile markers (MM) 103-104. Tables fill up fast, so partiers are advised to arrive early. Visit www.keylargofireworks.com 

A New Year’s Eve gala in Key Largo celebrates the January 2012 centennial of the completion of the Over-Sea Railroad, which first linked the Keys to each other and mainland Florida in 1912. To be held at Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill restaurant, located at 104000 Overseas Highway (MM 104), Henry Flagler’s Birthday Ball honors the Jan. 2 birthday of railroad creator Henry Flagler with food, drinks, dancing and a prime view of the fireworks over Blackwater Sound. The gala is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Visit www.keylargochamber.org 

In Islamorada, midnight fireworks on the beach are planned at Pierre’s Restaurant and Morada Bay Beach Café, MM 81.6 bayside.

Live music and cocktails available for purchase are to add to the celebration, but coolers are not allowed.

In addition, reservations are being accepted for a gala dinner at Pierre’s.

For more information and reservations, call Pierre’s at 305-664-3225.

For a casually elegant New Year’s Eve celebration, Islamorada’s Cheeca Lodge & Spa, MM 82 oceanside, is planning a midnight fireworks display.

Known for its renowned cuisine and beachside location, Cheeca is an ideal spot for revelers and romantics to ring in 2012.

For more information about dining and reservations, call 305-664-4651, ext. 4580.

Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com  or 1-800-FLA-KEYS

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

The “Destination Resorts and Wailea Golf: 8 days & 7 nights of golf & more” package lets you enjoy a golf vacation Maui-style in a spacious golf-front, beach-front or ocean view villa! Experience award winning golf at Wailea’s three courses, Old Blue, Emerald and the Gold. Various packages to choose from for 2 to 4 golfers, including accommodations, golf and rental car. Check it out!

Dates: May 17, 2011 – December 31, 2011
Price range: $301

For more information, please click here
http://www.drhmaui.com/maui-hawaii-vacation-packages.php

San Diego welcomes the world’s top sailors as they race for victory in the third stop of the America’s Cup World Series occurring Nov. 12-20, 2011.

Spectators can enjoy high-speed adventures on scenic San Diego Bay, considered to be one of the best natural harbors for racing on North America’s west coast.

With the excitement of the America’s Cup races and sunny skies galore, now is the perfect time to plan a getaway to San Diego, where a variety of world-class offerings await.

AMERICA’S CUP WORLD SERIES RACES

Beginning Nov. 12, nine state-of-the-art high-speed catamarans representing seven nations will take to San Diego Bay at speeds over 30 miles per hour.

The America’s Cup World Series kicks off on opening weekend, Nov. 12-13, with three fleet (exhibition) races, and culminates Nov. 16-20, when teams compete for Series points during the Match and Fleet Racing Championships.

San Diego’s picturesque Embarcadero, Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Coronado Ferry Landing and numerous other locations along San Diego Bay will offer breathtaking views of the action as the vessels catapult from the starting line just off downtown’s Navy and Broadway Piers. A variety of other activities on land will complement the exciting action on water, including food and shopping at the America’s Cup Village, a racing simulator ride, battle of the bands live music event and more.

For a complete schedule of the races and other official America’s Cup events, visit www.AmericasCup.com/sandiego

SAIL AWAY WITH HOTEL SAVINGS

During the America’s Cup World Series, visitors to San Diego can find a variety of hotels offering specials ranging from discounted room nights to exclusive racing-oriented package deals.

At the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, located along San Diego Bay, guests who book a room from Nov. 12-20 can enjoy an America’s Cup World Series package featuring accommodations in a Deluxe Bay Tower guestroom offering spectacular views of the bay along with a cheese and wine welcome amenity. Rates start at $159 per night, plus tax; book online or call 866-716-8134 and use discount code SIAMCUP.
At the Holiday Inn on the Bay, located directly across from the Navy and Broadway Piers and featuring spectacular views of the race course, guests can receive a special America’s Cup rate for $109 per night, plus tax, during Nov. 12-16, and $159 per night, plus tax, during Nov. 17-20, based upon availability.

Located on Shelter Island, Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn & Suites is offering an “America’s Cup Races” reduced rate for the final weekend of the race, Nov. 18-20. Rates start at $139 per night, plus tax, for accommodations in newly renovated guestrooms; book by calling 800-542-7400 and mention the America’s Cup Races to receive the special rates.

Located along San Diego Bay, the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina is offering guests an “Escape Your Way” package featuring accommodations in a deluxe guest room, complimentary parking and a $30 food and beverage credit for each day booked. Rates start at $169 per night, plus tax; book online or call 888-236-2427 and use discount code ZJL.
The America’s Cup World Series is partnering with more than 50 San Diego hotels to offer discounted rates in a wide range of properties, from budget-friendly to luxuriously appointed. Visit www.hotels.americascup.com  for a complete list of hotels and availability.

ADDITIONAL WORLD-CLASS EVENTS TO ENJOY

If the high-speed action of the America’s Cup World Series races has spectators hungry to discover more of San Diego, visitors can give their taste buds a thrill at two delicious local culinary festivals occurring this November.

Home to more than three dozen microbreweries, San Diego celebrates its love for beer during San Diego Beer Week, Nov. 4 – 13. Hundreds of beer-centric events take place throughout the county during this 10-day festival highlighting San Diego’s award-winning craft beer, breweries and pubs.

During Nov. 16 – 20, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, the region’s largest wine and culinary event, features 170 wine and spirit purveyors and 70 of San Diego’s top chefs. Held at venues throughout downtown San Diego, the festival includes gourmet food, celebrity chefs, wine tasting, an elegant Reserve & New Release Tasting event and more.

DISCOVER SAN DIEGO’S NAUTICAL HISTORY

Nautical and historical buffs alike can step back into San Diego’s past and trace the steps of Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who discovered California in 1542, or glimpse into the life of a lighthouse keeper and his family who worked to keep ships safe in San Diego Bay during the 1800s. There is also naval history on display, from the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s many ships moored along the Embarcadero to the nearby USS Midway Museum.

Located along Coronado’s Naval Air Station North Island, Carrier Row is homeport to aircraft carriers currently under commission for the Pacific Fleet. Although all military bases are closed to the public, guests touring the San Diego Bay aboard harbor cruises can catch sight of one or more of these magnificent ships in their berths or passing to or from port.

Point Loma’s Cabrillo National Monument is graced with a statue of the European discoverer of California, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. From its cliffs, guests enjoy bird’s-eye views of the America’s Cup World Series races, the bustling harbor and magnificent downtown skyline. Mounted telescopes help visitors identify bayside landmarks.

Information about Cabrillo’s voyage is provided by a multi-lingual recorded message at a lookout spot above Ballast Point, as well as in the displays and a video dramatization available in the monument’s museum.
In the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, now restored into a museum, tiny rooms preserve the furnishings, toys and other possessions of the lighthouse’s former keeper and his family, while the herb and vegetable gardens around the whitewashed structure attest to their self-sufficiency. Few places in San Diego afford better views of San Diego Bay and the harbor, as well as the mating rituals of California gray whales passing through on their southward migration every year.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, located along the Embarcadero on Harbor Drive, has one of the world’s finest collections of historic vessels on which visitors can relive the early days of seafaring. These ships include the Star of India, built in 1863 and today the world’s oldest merchant sailing vessel still in operation, and the California, the official tall ship of the State of California.

Set along San Diego Bay, the USS Midway Museum pays tribute to the hundreds of thousands of men who served their country aboard the vessel and highlights San Diego’s rich military history. The USS Midway, part of the Navy fleet for 47 years, was home to more than 200,000 sailors during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars, as well as other conflicts and crises around the world.

WATER EXCURSIONS

If the America’s Cup races inspire visitors to take to the water, San Diego’s maritime adventures are sure to excite them with harbor tours, dinner cruises, private charters and whale-watching excursions. Sights that can be viewed from the waters of San Diego Bay include Navy submarines, towering aircraft carriers, Naval Air Station North Island, the soaring arc of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, USS Midway Museum and picturesque communities along the shore.

Hornblower welcomes guests with the largest fleet of charter yachts in Southern California. Hornblower offers three-hour nightly dinner-dance cruises, Sunday champagne brunch cruises, one- and two-hour narrated harbor tours daily and seasonal whale watching adventures.

Narrated San Diego Bay tours are also offered on Flagship Cruise & Events’ fleet of vessels. In addition to one- and two-hour narrated harbor tours daily and seasonal whale watching adventures, dinner-dance and Sunday brunch cruises with live entertainment are also available.
Old Town Trolley Tours’ SEAL – Sea and Land Adventures tour provides a 90-minute land and water adventure aboard a 40-foot long vessel, providing guests with magnificent views of downtown San Diego and narrated excursions of the San Diego Bay and nearby Mission Bay.
San Diego Speed Boat Adventures offers high-speed thrills for action-seeking visitors. Their daily guided tours give guests the chance to drive their own 13 ft. mini speed boat through the sites of San Diego Bay.

ADVENTURES FOR LANDLUBBERS

Back on dry land, San Diego’s picturesque waterfront guarantees that there is something for everyone, whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift for a loved one back home or simply communing with nature during a quiet evening stroll.

San Diego Bay boasts 16 beautiful parks covering 250 acres along the shoreline. Most parks are edged by landscaped walkways, perfect for a variety of recreational activities. Playgrounds, bike trails, picnic and inline skating areas are also among the park’s popular offerings. Popular parks are found on downtown’s Embarcadero, Shelter and Harbor Islands, Coronado and Imperial Beach.

Seaport Village, a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex, recreates a California harbor setting of a century ago. With four miles of meandering cobblestone pathways, ponds, fountains and lush landscaping, Seaport Village offers 55 theme shops, 4 bayfront restaurants and 13 theme cafes. After shopping and dining, guests can watch live entertainment, walk along the bayfront or sit in the grass and watch passing ships along the water.

Across the bay on Coronado, the popular Coronado Ferry Landing is a retail and entertainment complex featuring waterfront dining and one-of-a-kind shops surrounded by tree-lined walkways, swaying palms and sparkling ponds.

PUBLIC ART ALONG SAN DIEGO BAY

Spirit-lifting sculptures and graceful memorials set along San Diego Bay evoke San Diego’s international ties, cultural diversity, military significance and unique oceanfront environment.

First installed in 2004, Urban Trees is an annual exhibit that features 30 new, original sculptural works of public art, each designed and fabricated by a different artist, which are installed along the North Embarcadero waterfront.

The late Niki de St. Phalle adorned San Diego with many of her outstanding sculptures during her years spent in the area. San Diego Bay is the setting for her striking “Coming Together,” which is set against the architecturally striking San Diego Convention Center.

Near the former site of the old Fleet Landing, between Navy Pier and the G Street Mole, is the striking, nine-foot black granite obelisk of the “Aircraft Carrier Memorial,” which commemorates the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carriers and all who have served on them.

Also located near the G Street Mole, the “Military Tribute to Bob Hope” is dedicated to the Hollywood legend’s 50 years of entertaining the troupes during various international conflicts.

WATERFRONT DINING

Dining around San Diego Bay is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach as spectacular panoramic views pair perfectly with the freshest catches of the harbor’s abundant seafood. Whether diners are looking for a casual fish sandwich, farm-to-table French fare or a festive island cuisine, the restaurants of San Diego Bay offer something for every palette.

Situated at the hub of Point Loma’s sport fishing docks, Point Loma Seafoods has been family-owned and -operated since 1963. This full-service fish market serves fresh-from-the-ocean plates and smoked fish at a great value. Guests can sit at picnic tables outdoors on the patio and munch on seafood delights while watching sport fishermen haul in their daily catch.

Located on Harbor Island, Island Prime offers guests spectacular views across the blue waters of San Diego Bay toward the sparkling downtown San Diego skyline. Chef Deborah Scott’s menu of steak and seafood classics with imaginative, modern twists is served both in the retro chic dining room, and more casually on the outdoor patio of the adjacent C-Level Lounge that juts out over the water.

With floor-to-ceiling views of San Diego Bay and the striking the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, Mistral at Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers an idyllic backdrop for the modern French delicacies prepared by chefs Marc Erhler and Patrick Ponsaty.

When opened in 1953, the landmark Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island was a paragon of mid-century American tiki culture where the exotic atmosphere drew a swinging crowd.

Today, Bali Hai offers a chic modern take on 21st century tiki culture that draws classic tiki lovers as well as a new generation of visitors to its fun, festive island style.

Perched along the water’s edge at the Coronado Ferry Landing, Candelas on the Bay offers upscale Mexico City-style cuisine and creative modern cocktails with unparalleled views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline.

The Fish Market juts out over San Diego Bay and offers unparalleled views of passing sailboats, Navy ships and the Coronado peninsula. The Fish Market’s own fishery, oyster farm and fishing fleet supply this flagship restaurant with premium seafood found on its classic menu like mesquite grilled fish, seafood cocktails and chowders.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Web site, www.sandiego.org  or call 619-236-1212.

In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center, located along the Embarcadero at the corner of West Broadway and Harbor Drive in downtown; the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla; or the California Welcome Center, located at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.

Boutique Luxury Resort Unveils the Top 10 Reasons to Tie the Knot at the Riviera Maya’s Jewel of the Aisle

Puerto Morelos, Mexico – Discover wedded bliss at boutique Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, a luxurious, service-first property on the shores of a private, white-sand beach where couples can customize and host the destination nuptials of their dreams.

Here are the top 10 reasons to wed at Ceiba del Mar:

1. Complimentary Penthouse Upgrade. All brides and grooms receive a complimentary upgrade in accommodation to the resort’s exquisitely appointed penthouse, which boasts a luxurious amenity package, extensive living spaces, a sunken Jacuzzi tub, and a stunning panorama.

2. Exclusivity. Unlike at less intimate Riviera Maya resorts, Ceiba del Mar hosts just one wedding per weekend to better and more specifically attend to the needs and requests of every couple and their guests—at a moment’s notice.

3. Rooms With a View. Each one of Ceiba del Mar’s 88 well-appointed suites has a balcony or terrace from which to indulge in fabulous ocean views and celestial evening skies.

4. A la Carte Weddings. Ceiba del Mar does not offer standard wedding packages in order to customize weddings that are truly personal and reflective of every couple’s unique vision.

5. On-site Wedding Coordinator. In close communication with couples, Ceiba del Mar’s wedding coordinator will manage the planning and execution of all ceremonial details, from wedding invitations and floral arrangements to music and banquets.

6. No Time Restrictions. We will keep the party hopping as late into the evening—and early morning—as each wedding requires!

7. No External Vendor Fees. Every facet of a wedding is handled in-house, so that there is budget left over for couples to extend their dream wedding into a fabulous honeymoon at the resort if they wish.

8. One-night Minimum Stay. The resort’s accommodation policy is flexible by design to accommodate wedding of all sizes and occasions. A minimum one-night stay is all that is required to host a wedding at Ceiba del Mar.

9. Options. Ceiba del Mar boasts a variety of event spaces. On the day of their wedding couples may access as many facilities as they please, including the pier, stunning roof-top terrace, a half-mile of private beach, a second outdoor terrace and two ballrooms—all with sumptuous postcard views.

10. Additional Upgrades. Parents of both the bride and groom will receive an automatic upgrade to the next category of suite initially booked.

An lush landscape, cooling winds, refreshing seas and artisan character set a passionate backdrop for a wedding at Ceiba del Mar.

Comprised of 88 spacious suites and deluxe rooms, seven of which are penthouses, Ceiba del Mar offers ocean views from every guest residence, and the following amenities:

- A balcony or terrace and hammock;
- Expansive sitting areas;
- A bathroom with a shower and separate bathtub;
- Organic Bath products;
- Handcrafted furnishings and decor;
- Complimentary wireless Internet;
- Daily housekeeping service;
- 300 thread-count Premium Cotton linens and pillow menu;
- Complimentary in-room morning coffee;
- Nightly turndown service with Mexican handcrafted gift;
- International cable TV and DVD/CD player;
- 24-hour room service; and
- Personalized mini-bar service upon request at an extra cost.

For more information about Ceiba Del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, which was included on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Gold List, earning perfect scores of “100” in “Best Rooms” and “Best Service” categories for Mexico, visit www.ceibadelmar.com , or call 1-800-877-6221.

Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort is an award-winning, oceanfront boutique resort in the Riviera Maya district of Mexico. This intimate resort is situated on half-mile of a private white-sand beach and offers 88 deluxe Ocean-View rooms and suites, seven of which are penthouses; two restaurants; a swimming pool; the wellness and aromatherapy Spa at Ceiba del Mar, and beautiful indoor/outdoor spaces for events, meetings and destination weddings.

Book The Grand Golf Getaway and play San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed golf course. This package includes one night’s accommodations at The Grand Del Mar — San Diego’s premier golf resort, unlimited golf for two players, daily breakfast for two and complimentary upgrade (based on availability).

Serenely nestled amidst Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, The Grand Del Mar resort destination seamlessly combines the old-world charm of a Mediterranean estate with the modern luxury of an elegant resort.

The result: a destination unparalleled by San Diego hotels and lauded by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the “World’s Best Places To Stay.” Little wonder, given the sun-drenched climate, stunning natural beauty, championship golf course and irresistible dining — epitomized by Addison, southern California’s only five-star and five diamond restaurant.

And no visit to this San Diego luxury hotel would be complete without an afternoon of pampering at one of only 20 Forbes Five-Star spas in the country.

Dates: until  - December 31, 2011
Price range: $680 – $780

For more information, please click here.
https://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?hotelid=74969&packageid=288443

DENVER – Colorado is a state that thrives on agriculture. Beef is the state’s top agricultural commodity and Colorado is well known for its lamb. Wide open pastures with fresh air and plenty of sunshine make for the perfect environment to raise animals in a healthy manner producing delicious beef, lamb, elk, bison and other unique meats.

Whether purchasing at the ranch, ordering online or enjoying at a Colorado restaurant, residents, visitors and even folks outside of the state can savor the flavor of Colorado meats.

Below is just a sampling of Colorado producers selling direct to consumers:

Blue Mountain Bison is a bison ranch located east of Rocky Mountain National Park and is the perfect place for buffalo to roam.

Blue Mountain sells bison to ranches, provides bison meat to consumers and restaurants, offers bison, deer and elk hunts on the ranch and actively participates to further the education, marketing and idea of bringing bison back to the plains.

www.bluemtnbison.com

Dayspring Farm in Olathe serves Western Colorado with fresh and naturally fed pork, beef and poultry. Their fresh country atmosphere and acres of land provide a healthy setting for their livestock, vegetables and visitors. They welcome overnight guests and visits by appointment.

www.dayspringfarm.net

Grant Family Farms is on 2,200 acres located in Wellington, and was the first State of Colorado Certified Organic farm. They raise pastured, organic chicken, lamb, turkey, duck, goose, goat and pork. Grant Family Farms offers a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program where members purchase a “share” of the farm’s harvest, and receive a weekly box of fresh produce. The farm also offers tours.

 www.grantfarms.com

Grass Roots Meats in Pagosa Springs provides all natural grass-finished beef and lamb, as well as free-range chicken, raised without added hormones or antibiotics.

Their animals are on pasture from the day they are born to the day they are taken to the processor. Grass Roots can ship to anywhere within the continental United States.

www.grassrootsmeats.com

High Wire Ranch is located 53 miles southeast of Grand Junction and raises 100 percent grass-fed bison and elk. Their pastures are herbicide and pesticide free, and their animals are not given hormones or sub-therapeutic antibiotics.

Their meat is offered throughout Colorado, and they can ship across the United States

www.highwireranch.com

Ralston Valley Beef is a locally owned, family-run business that offers fresh, wholesome beef direct from the ranch. Their mission is to provide the highest quality ranch-direct beef possible, in a simple, convenient, and responsible manner. With minimal effort, customers have access to the best grass-fed, grain-finished beef from Colorado’s mountains and plains.

www.ralstonvalleybeef.com

Triple M Bar Ranch meat has a unique, mild flavor due to the feed used to grow their lambs. Triple M Bar Ranch lamb meat is available year-round.

They sell whole or half lambs cut to customers’ specifications. In addition, they sell individual cuts and provide lamb for meat markets, stores and restaurants.

www.triplembar.com

To find Colorado meat producers, visit www.comarketmaker.com , which is a searchable online resource that connects consumers, restaurants, retailers, schools, etc. with local products. Click on “search” at the top of the page, and select “meat and poultry.” Consumers then have the choice to find meats based on species, certification, etc.

ABOUT COLORADO

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 10 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.

For more information or a copy of the 2011 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com  or call 1-800-COLORADO.

Oceanfront Resort Gives Furry Friends a Special Package to Indulge in the Lap of Luxury

VERO BEACH, Fla.,– Pamper your pooch during the season of giving while pampering yourself with a warm-weather getaway to the quaint ocean village of Vero Beach, Florida.

Proving its appreciation of the most loyal companions, Kimpton’s Vero Beach Hotel and Spa introduces “Paws and Relax,” a pet-friendly travel package that unleashes a weekend of “pawsh” spa treatments and beachside relaxation.

Based on a three night stay now through December 2011, the “Paws and Relax” package starts at a rate of $199 per night and promises to have your furry friend begging for more with the following:

Accommodations in a Premier room
Daily hosted evening wine hour with your pet

Treat upon check in

A gift bag from the Dashing Dog Boutique which includes natural treats, travel water bowl, peppermint & tea tree grooming kit, and a ball to play with

Spa day at Blue Ribbon Groomer featuring a grooming service and complimentary consultation and pick-up and drop-off from the hotel.

Following the service, your pampered pooch will enjoy a “Day at the Cape” where they will play with their furry friends and relax on the porch while taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean

Aside from strolling around the charming seaside village of Vero, guests of Vero Beach Hotel & Spa can explore the many amenities that the stylish hotel has to offer including a private beach, heated ocean-view pool, fitness center, golf privileges at private clubs and Kimpton’s signature offerings, including on-demand yoga and Pilates.

Give your pooch – and yourself – the ultimate treat of a warm-weather getaway with the “Paws and Relax” package, valid now through December 30, 2011. Reservations can be made at www.verobeachhotelandspa.com  by entering PAWS in the rate code box, or by calling 1-866-602-VERO and requesting the “Paws and Relax” package.

The promotion is based upon availability and pricing may vary (excluding all taxes and gratuities). Blackout dates apply.

For more information on the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, visit

www.verobeachhotelandspa.com

 or call 1-866-602-VERO

All-Inclusive Cruises aboard the 114-Passenger Corinthian II

“Opus Mediterraneo” (Aug. 14-24), a special music cruise from Venice to Barcelona, featuring renowned performers from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, is among the 14 luxury small-ship cruises that Smithsonian Journeys will offer in the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 2012.

Each cruise is uniquely themed and accompanied by top experts who provide insights into the history, culture and artistic treasures visited en route. Additionally, famed musicians accompany several of the cruises, performing in historic venues.

Prices start at $6,995 per person for a 10-day cruise and include all meals, shore excursions, house wine and beer at lunch and dinner, port charges and taxes.

All cruises will take place on the elegant Corinthian II, which accommodates 114 guests in 57 outside-facing suites.

The ship features many of the amenities typically found only on much larger vessels, including a library with internet, outdoor café, gym and beauty salon.

Fine continental fare is served in the dining room in single, unassigned seating. A total of 70 seasoned officers and crew staff the ship.

“Opus Mediterraneo” will include stops in Croatia’s Vis Island, Italy’s trulli villages, Malta’s historic harbor of Valletta, Sicily and Sardinia before arriving in beautiful Barcelona. Lincoln Chamber Music Society musicians David Finckel and Wu Han and their colleagues will perform music throughout.

On “Art and Culture of the Mediterranean” (April 14-27), travel from Seville to Granada to visit the legendary Alhambra, and Barcelona, to view Gaudi’s fantastical architecture. Aix-en-Provence, Corsica and a cruise up the Dalmatian coast round out this itinerary which concludes in Venice.

Guests will trace Homer’s epic saga, The Odyssey, through Turkey, Greece, Malta and Italy on the cruise “Journey of Odysseus” (May 26-June 6), and history will come alive for parents and children on “Gods and Heroes: A Voyage to Italy, Greece and Turkey,” (June 21-July 2). Youth counselors will organize activities for young people, ages 8-15, while a study leader provides insights for adult guests en route. Special rates for children start at $4,995.

A cruise to the Black Sea (July18-28) reveals the strategic importance of this great inland body of water from antiquity through World War II, demonstrating how Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) once reigned as one of the world’s greatest capitals and how modern nations emerged.

Renowned pianist Leon Fleisher will perform exclusive recitals on board with distinguished accompanying musicians. For further information on these and other Smithsonian Journeys Mediterranean cruises, visit About Smithsonian Journeys at this link.

Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide.

The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences.

For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.com.

About Smithsonian Institution

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities.

There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists, and more than 6,500 volunteers. There were approximately 30 million visits from around the world at the Smithsonian in 2010 with more than 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.