Jetsettersblog

St. Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is offering a holiday savings promotion featuring the resort’s Harmony and Splash Deluxe Garden View accommodations for $116 per person, per night, double occupancy. The offer is valid for travel between Dec. 1 and Dec. 20, 2011. Guests must book by Nov. 30, 2011.

Guest can also book a fall spa retreat featuring the resort’s revamped Kai Mer Spa. The package includes all meals, drinks and daily snacks plus three spa treatments from a selection of 30 50-minute treatments. Rates start at $136 per person, per night in a Harmony deluxe garden-view room. For more information, visit www.coconutbayresortandspa.com

Cape Town’s Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa set special gourmet offerings for Christmas Eve, Christmas Lunch and New Year’s Eve. “With The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s ethos of ‘No request too large, no detail too small,’ our guests are guaranteed a stress-free festive season, where their only concern needs to be what time to arrive,” said Twelve Apostles Hotel General Manager Horst Frehse

. “For guests looking to relax and have another glass of wine, our concierge can arrange chauffeur transfers to and from the hotel at very affordable rates so that you don’t have to worry about driving.”

The restaurant will offer a traditional, four-course Christmas Eve dinner, including dishes such as roasted Springbok loin, crispy pressed cinnamon spiced confit duck, followed by cheese and biscuits, coffee and mince pies, complemented with top-notch service and accompanied by the hotel’s resident pianist. Sip eggnog on arrival and don party hats and crackers. Christmas Eve dinner is 720 rand ($90) per person. On Christmas Day, a lunch buffet will include hot and cold starters, seafood, a carvery, tempting Christmas-themed vegetables and sweet delights for dessert. At 945 rand ($115) per person, dinner includes eggnog, a Christmas gift, party hats, crackers and gratuities. Children under the age of 2 dine free and children from 2 to 12 are at half price.

Twelve Apostles Hotel’s New Year’s Eve starts with a glass of sparkling wine and fresh West Coast oysters on the Azure Restaurant deck in presence of the last sunset of the year over the Atlantic Ocean. The five-course menu, at 1,650 rand ($200) per person, includes seared yellow fin tuna with mushroom mousseline, seafood consommé with prawns, calamari, pan fried fish, black mussels and crustacean oil, scallops on a cauliflower and white bean truffle puree with lemongrass poached crayfish tail, and delights such as Bea’s Cheesecake with fresh strawberries and clotted cream or vanilla panna cotta and almond crumble for dessert. Included is a complimentary glass of Champagne, with party hats and crackers to add to the festive atmosphere.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa overlooks the Atlantic Ocean at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range at Camp’s Bay, a few miles outside Cape Town. The five-star hotel was voted the number one hotel in Cape Town in Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best hotels 2010. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a part of the international Red Carnation Hotel Collection and a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World. For more information, call 27 (0) 21 437 9000, email bookta@12apostles.co.za  or visit www.12apostleshotel.com  Read feature storys about African Travel Inc. in Jetsetters Magazine, including the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa.

Located in the province of Andalucía, the city of Granada has become a coveted art history destination because of the Alhambra, a complex of palaces, fortresses, and royal quarters that constitute one of the most fascinating monuments in the world. The Council of the Alhambra and the Generalife, an organization responsible for the safekeeping and preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers five guided tours that take clients to places generally closed to the public.

Each of the five “off the beaten path” itineraries focuses on a specific subject, allowing for a more sophisticated, in-depth experience. The tours are guided by experts in architecture, culture and natural heritage. While most visitors associate Granada city with the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba and the Generalife, the guided tours take you beyond the expected, revealing the historic details and their significance in the Spain of today.

The tours start in the Alhambra, taking you down to the historic part of Granada city and passing through the Albaicín quarter. The Alhambra and Carolina Granada route includes a visit to the palace of Emperor Charles V, who ruled Spain as Charles I in the 16th century. The Christian City route features the city’s renowned churches and monasteries, including the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, the Church of San Gil y Santa Ana, the San Francisco Monastery and the Palace of the Royal Chancellery. The Women in Andalusian and Renaissance Granada route takes visitors to the Queen’s dressing room, the Palace of the Myrtles and the Patio of the Lions.

The Alhambra: Territory, Area and City route will walk through the Low Gardens of the Generalife, The Orchards of the Generalife, the aqueduct and the Torre del Agua (Water Tower), the Calle Real (Royal Street) and Baño de Muhammad III (Muhammad III’s Baths.) The Palatial City and Its Area route takes in the Justice Gate, the Wine Gate, the Arms Gate and the Seven-Stories Gate as well as to the Urban District and Calle Real (Royal Street), Muhammad III Bath and the Alhambra Medina. Only a limited number of tickets are available for the expert-guided tours of the Alhambra and Generalife. For reservations or more information, visit www.alhambra-tickets.es. For general destination information, visit www.spain.info 

LAN Ecuador has begun new service to the island of San Cristobal in the Galapagos. The airline will run two weekly flights to this new destination from Quito/Guayaquil.

The flights will be operated with a fleet of modern Airbus A320 aircraft, whose fuel efficiency allows them to produce less noise and CO2 emissions. Approximate flight time from Guayaquil to San Cristobal is two hours, and flights will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays. For more information, visit www.LAN.com

Ask about our 3-5-7 Incentive Program*

Please note that all previously confirmed rates, packages, reservations,
weddings and arrangements at Sanctuary Cap Cana will be honored.

Holiday Space Available!

Contact: Donna Smith, National Director Leisure Sales
or call directly at 678.838.8537

There are over 110 worldwide resorts with overwater bungalows and water villas, and now there’s an online guide to every one of them.

The Overwater Bungalows Guide has the details for each hotel in an easy-to-scan format so visitors can quickly determine which resort suits them best when looking to book the trip of a lifetime.

The most famous examples are the overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and the water villas in the Maldives, but there are increasing numbers of these resorts in the Caribbean and in the tropics of Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

The site – www.overwaterbungalows.net  - soft-launched in July, 2011, and among its more popular features is a photo-heavy article about the world’s largest overwater bungalow, by far, which is a 15,000 sq ft (1400 m²) water villa at a resort in the Maldives that goes for US$15,000 per night in high season.

The Overwater Bungalows Guide also features news updates of new resorts being planned or opening, including the much anticipated overwater bungalows coming in 2012 to the Sandals Grande St. Lucia.

Interest in overwater hotels is surging lately, partly due to a 3-episode arc of the Kardashian’s during their stay at the Bora Bora Hilton Nui Resort in April 2011.

There are currently just over 4,500 overwater rooms in the world, almost two thirds of which are at the 60-plus private-island resorts in the Maldives, and many new resorts are being planned and will be opening in years to come.

The Overwater Bungalows Guide will be the best source of information for all of it.

While internationally known for its iconic “Delicate Arch” and as home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, many have not yet experienced the adventurous side of Moab.

International visitors are quickly discovering this American gem, and whether it be students seeking an American spring break or families a once in a lifetime adventure, Moab Utah will fill their needs and exceed their greatest expectations.

In addition to exploring the national and state parks, Moab offers an abundance of activities to enjoy and visitors can enjoy activities “Ala Carte” from an extensive menu of hiking, mountain biking, road biking, four-wheeling, atving, canyoneering, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, rappelling, bouldering, rock climbing, golfing, ballooning, skydiving and scenic flights.

Moab has something for everyone, old or young, family or solo, soul-soothing or exhilarating, and that will fit into any budget, whether visitors want to rough it or be pampered.

For those who prefer package deals, Moab has a host of experienced tour companies that offer great packages, including multi-adventure, motel/adventure and camping/adventure for one day, two day or several days.

For example, visitors can fill one day with the excitement of white water rafting and the next relaxing at a spa after a round of golf; or go for the tranquility of a morning horseback ride and a thrilling hummer 4×4 tour in the afternoon.

For those seeking the more extreme activities, there is mountain biking on the famous Slick Rock Trail, rappelling from Morning Glory Arch, or paddling your kayak through the rapids of the mighty Colorado River.

To start planning your adventure, go to www.discovermoab.com/tour/htm  for a full list of guides and outfitters, as well as information on accommodations, attractions and activities.

WHERE IS MOAB?

Located in southeastern Utah, Moab is located in the heart of the west, with Las Vegas, Nevada to the southwest, Yellowstone National Park to the north, Denver Colorado to the east and the Grand Canyon to the south.

Moab will surround you not only with beautiful scenery, but with the warmth and hospitality of a small resort town.

The unique combination of beautiful red rock scenery, the Colorado River and the majestic Lasal Mountains (where you can rise to 10,000 ft in less than an hour), has made Moab one of the most sought after destinations in the southwest.

Add this amazing scenery to the numerous activities that can be enjoyed and Moab becomes an “outdoor wonderland” for hikers, bikers, rafters, golfers, four wheelers, hunters and fishers, sightseers, photo buffs, historians, heritage culture seekers and so much more. Most Moab adventures can be tailored to fit the visitor, be it mild, wild or extreme, there is something for everyone.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Moab’s extreme popularity is due in part to its unique and remote location. Nestled in a green valley beneath towering red rock canyons on the banks of the Colorado River, Moab is a diamond in the rough and well worth the effort to get there.

BY AIR

Located on Hwy 191, just off Interstate 70 in the southeastern corner of Utah, Moab is conveniently located within one day’s drive of international airports in four major cities:

Salt Lake City, UT: 235 miles/4 hours
Denver, CO: 355 miles/5.5 hours
Las Vegas, NV 458 miles/7 hours
Albuquerque, NM 387 miles/6 hours

While the closest international airport is located in Salt Lake City (SLC), there is an airport in Grand Junction, Colorado (GJT) – just 112 miles east of Moab.

Great Lakes Airlines connects directly from Denver, Colorado (DEN) to the Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) located 16 miles north of Moab twice daily, with a Las Vegas flight added during the peak season of May-September.

For more info: www.discovermoab.com/airline.html

BY LAND
Train & Shuttle Service

While it is not possible to reach Moab via train, you can reach Green River, Utah located 50 miles northwest of downtown Moab. Scheduled and unscheduled Shuttle service from Green River to Moab is available.

For more information visit www.discovermoab.com  or call the Moab Travel Council at 800-635-6622.

Discover California’s capital city on foot, by bike, boat, velocab or Segway! Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history, culture or food…there’s a tour for you.

Old Sacramento Walking Tours

Underground Tours
101 I Street, 95814 // 916.808.7059
http://www.HistoricOldSac.org

Hidden for 150 years, Old Sacramento’s underground has long been the capital’s best-kept secret. Excavate foundations as you hear the devastation, perseverance and determination of early Californians.

Prepare to walk over uneven surfaces & under low ceilings and risk exposure to dust & mold during the 1-hr tour. Apr-Nov, Thu-Sun Reservations req. Adult-only 1.5-hr date night tours added Sept-Oct 2011.

Sacramento City: California’s Gold Rush Legacy Tour
101 I Street, 95814 // 916.808.7059
http://www.HistoricOldSac.org

Navigate original and reconstructed Gold Rush era buildings to relive the legacy of Sacramento city as it was in the 19th Century. Donning period attire, your guide will bring to life miners to merchants, politicians, Pony Express riders, and railroad workers during the one-hour tour.

Architectural Tour: From Canvas to Brick
101 I Street, 95814 // 916.808.7059
http://www.HistoricOldSac.org

Less interested in the people? More intrigued by the properties? Trace Sacramento’s architectural history from the floods and fires to the Gold Rush, from the designation as state capital to the 1960’s redevelopment. Bring your camera as the waterlogged tent city is transformed into the sturdy brick town you see today. Allow 1 hr.

Ghost Tours
101 I Street, 95814 // 916.808.7059
http://www.HistoricOldSac.org

Take an eerie journey back in time with the Old Sacramento Living History & the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation. Ghost stories recount how folks lived – and died – in the Gold Rush era. One-hour tours may include visits with murder victim Mary Shaw, star-crossed lovers, railroad robbers, as well as spookier, unsavory Sacramentans. Advance reservations are required. Ages 6 and older recommended.

Private Themed Tours
101 I Street, 95814 // 916.808.7059
http://www.HistoricOldSac.org

The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation can arrange a special themed tour by request. Topics can include, but are not limited to medicine, waterfront / Sacramento River history, political history, 1960’s redevelopment, disaster & recovery. Minimum 8 people per tour. Contact Janessa West (jwest@cityofsacramento.org).

Old Sacramento Hysterical History Tour
Starts at the Pony Express monument (2nd & K sts), 95814 // 916.441.2527
http://www.hystericalwalks.com

Laugh yourself silly as you take a hilarious look at Sacramento history. Myrtle Handpickel guides your experience. Unforgettable mysteries, thrills and surprises are sure to stretch your traditional image of the old town. Friday and Saturday only. Reservations required. Private tours available any day or time for min. party of 15.

Old Sacramento Hysterical Walk of the Dead
Starts at the Pony Express monument (2nd & K sts), 95814 // 916.441.2527
http://www.hystericalwalks.com

This isn’t your typical ghost tour. Hear spooktacular ghost stories. Be captivated with lively music and entertaining ghoulish dances.Weave through shadowy alleys of Old Sacramento with guide, Leopold Handpickel. Fun for all ages. Fri and Sat only. Reservations required. Private tours available any day or time for min. party of 15.

Downtown Sacramento Segway Tour

Hysterical Sacramento Tour
Starts at the Clarion Hotel (700 16th St.), 95814 // 916.441.2527
http://www.hystericalwalks.com

Segway personal transporters enable you to float by Cesar Chavez Plaza or along Capitol Park as you hear hysterical, historical narration. Route includes attractions in Old Sacramento and beyond. Mark your place in Sacramento history as your guide photographs your group. Riders must be age 14+ and under 260 lb (118 kgs). Reservations required; min. 12-hr adv. booking. Allow two hours to include a 30-min. Segway training to ensure safety and fun. Helmets provided and required. Close-toed shoes suggested; no high heels.

Downtown Velocab Tours

Sacramento Pedicab Tour
Serving downtown and midtown neighborhoods // 916.498.9980
http://www.ridevelocab.com

Velocab brings together Sacramentans who love cycling and visitors who appreciate zero-emission travel. Think Rickshaw 2.0. Taxis can carry up to 3 people, plus driver. Cruise from Old Sacramento to Sutter’s Fort. Call to schedule a one to two hour tour for a flat-rate. Variable rate is $2 first block + $0.50/blk. Tue-Sat, 6PM – midnight.

Downtown Walking Tours

Rich History & Dirty Little Secrets (Speakeasy Tour)

Starts at River City Saloon (916 2nd St.) Sacramento, 95814 // 916.442.8575
http://downtownsac.org/venture-out/downtown-tours

The 3rd Sat. evening of each month, Shawn Peter of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP) guides thirsty people through Old Sacramento’s speakeasies and watering holes on a two-hour tour.

Learn about fascinating people and events from the city’s early history as one of the ‘wettest cities in the Union’ regardless of Prohibition. Participants must be age 21+. Reservations required.

Locally Grown, Internationally Known (Rock & Roll History Tour)

Starts at Torch Club (904 15th St.) Sacramento, 95814 // 916.442.8575
http://downtownsac.org/venture-out/downtown-tours

3rd Thursdays highlight Sacramento’s contributions to contemporary popular music, beginning with the region’s first FM radio station. Visit venues that launched careers of Tesla, Deftones, Cake, and connect you to the Stones, the Grateful Dead, even Nirvana.

Pub crawl ends with live band karaoke at Marilyn’s on K. Must be age 21+. Reservations required.

Tales of the Central City
Starts at Cesar Chavez Plaza (9th & J sts.), 95814 // 916.442.8575
http://downtownsac.org/venture-out/downtown-tours

Forget tuition! Take a survey of early Sacramento history for less. Mike Munson guides you through one of California’s oldest cities. Learn how Sacramento snagged the honor of state capital. Walk the original route of the famed, but short-lived Pony Express. See the influence of railroad’s ‘Big Four’ on early urban planning. Fri – Sun.

Structural Stories (Architectural Tour)
Starts at Cesar Chavez Plaza (9th & J sts.), 95814 // 916.442.8575
http://downtownsac.org/venture-out/downtown-tours

Grab your camera and practice your architectural photography skills. Shawn Peter leads a stroll through the ages. Downtown Sacramento is home to many styles: from Renaissance (Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament) to Art Deco (Crest Theatre) to Chicago School (Hotel Regis / Ambrosia Café). Tue – Thu.

Art is All Around Us (Art in Public Places Tour)

Starts at Indo Arch (3rd & K sts.), 95814 // 916.442.8575
http://downtownsac.org/venture-out/downtown-tours

Don’t wait for Museum Day. Richard MacGill will point out the city’s impressive collection of permanent works of art. See why open air galleries make the best exhibition spaces! Features art by notable local and regional artists. Developed in partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission. Tue – Thu.

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (K St. Commerce Tour)
Starts at Delta King docks (Front & K sts.), 95814 // 916.442.8575
http://downtownsac.org/venture-out/downtown-tours

Start in Old Sacramento as you step off the Delta King paddleboat. Trace the city’s commercial growth as you walk up K Street toward 13th Street. The first commercial district also served as a vaudeville and entertainment hotspot. Today the area is a hotbed of rumors for 21st Century redevelopment and urban in-fill projects. Tue-Fri.

The Art of Terra Cotta (Architectural Tour)
Starts at Cesar Chavez Plaza (9th & J sts.), 95814 // 916.442.8575
http://downtownsac.org/venture-out/downtown-tours

Mike Munson highlights the history of terra cotta as an architectural style, esp. at the turn of the 19th Century. The tour recognizes local clay artisans, Glading McBean. Since 1874 the Lincoln-based firm, now one of the region’s best cultural & artistic assets, has created and exported tiles, pipes & sculpture worldwide. Sun, Mon, Wed.

Bicycle Tours

Fast Eddie Bike Tours
PO Box 188234, 95818 // 916.812.2712
www.fasteddiebiketours.com

Owner and Sacramento native Ed Hakari offers fully guided and outfitted leisure cycling tours. Themes range from historic city attractions, to the American River Bike Trail, to Delta wine country. Up to 8 people per group. Customized tours available for a min. of 2. Allow 3-4 hours; packages may include lunch and wine tasting. Riders must be age 16+. Tours run most days, weather permitting. Mar – Oct. Booked on demand; call or e-mail for reservation.

Escape Travel Cycling Tours
5160 Isador Lane, 95835 // 916.419.5203
http://www.escapetravelinc.com

Escape specializes in cycling and active / adventure tours. Outfits round-trip transportation, rentals, and lunch.

Provides custom and private tours to nearby wine country as well as the American River Parkway, the ‘jewel of Sacramento.’ Easy – moderate difficulty levels. Customized tours available for a minimum of 4. Allow 3-8 hours. Tours cover 15-23 mi (24-37 km). Reservations required.

Sacramento River Cruises

Hornblower Cruises
1206 Front Street, 95814 // 916.446.1185
http://www.hornblower.com

Sail the Sacramento River aboard the Empress Hornblower, a nod to the turn of the (20th) century paddleboats, or the sleek & modern Capitol Hornblower. The one-hour narrated cruise about the past to the present of California’s capital features rare scenic views. Or opt for 2-3 hour dinner & dance or champagne brunch cruises.

FOOD TOURS

City of Trees Food & Cultural Tour
Starts at Cesar Chavez Plaza (10th & J sts.), 95814 // 530.863.3159

www.LocalRootsFoodTours.com

SAVOR Sacramento and join the stroll foods movement. The 3-hr walking tour includes food & drink tastings from unique eateries and farm-to-fork restaurants. Indulge in the capital’s history as you explore neighborhoods block by block, bite by bite. Route includes Midtown. Ages 8+. Advanced purchase required. Tours depart daily, rain or shine.

Origins of Sacramento Food & Cultural Tour
Starts at Café Bernardo (2726 Capitol Ave.), 95814 // 530.863.3159
http://www.LocalRootsFoodTours.com

Dig deeper into Sacramento’s roots – Sutter’s Nueva Helvecia colony (now Midtown) to East Sacramento’s Fab Forties. Learn how ethnic groups forged today’s cosmopolitan capital and created its agricultural dominance. The 3-hr walking tour (2.5 mi) route passes landmarks and includes ethnic food & drink tastings. Meet the chefs! Age 8+. Adv. purchase req. Tours limited to 16.

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, has released their exciting new 2012/13 Antarctica program.

With 20 voyages encompassing the highlights of Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, this season is set to be their biggest and best ever.

The 2012/13 season has a variety of new features, including a choice of two ships, with the addition of Akademik Shokalskiy to the Antarctic Peninsula program. The increased capacity also allows for a greater variety of voyage lengths (8 to 20 days), and more opportunities for adventure activities with kayaking offered on 16 voyages.

With successful uptake of the Fly & Sail options in 2011/12, Aurora Expeditions have increased their Fly & Sail options in 2012/13, allowing passengers to see more in a shorter amount of time, and cutting out one sea crossing. These voyages will include either a flight in from Santiago or Punta Arenas in Chile, or a flight out from King George Island or Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

Celebrating one of the greatest survival stories in Antarctic exploration, Aurora Expeditions has created a brand NEW voyage that will follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

In comfort and safety, ‘South Georgia & Weddell Sea – Shackleton’s Odyssey’, will shine a light on Shackleton’s heroic expedition. Passengers will also have the option to complete the ‘Shackleton’s Crossing’, an alpine traverse of South Georgia’s interior from King Haakon Bay to Stromness, completed by Shackleton himself, on his historic journey.

As one of the world’s most experienced small-ship adventure cruise companies, carrying a maximum of 54 passengers, Aurora Expeditions’ voyages are more akin to expeditions than conventional cruises.

No matter which voyage you choose, or which ship you wish to sail, all of their voyages offer the best experience possible of this incredible region.

For the more adventurous there are a range of activities on offer, such as scuba diving, kayaking, photography, camping and ice climbing.

Prices for the 2012/13 Antarctic season start from US$6365 per person based on a triple cabin for an 8 day cruise.

Bookings made before 31 December 2011 will receive a 10% early bird offer. Valid on the first 15 bookings on each voyage only. Direct bookings only and not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

To order a 2012 / 2013 Antarctic brochure or for more information, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au  or call our expedition experts on +61 2 9252 1033 or freecall within Australia 1800 637 688.

Indulge Your Senses! 2012 News, Events and Story Ideas in Rappahannock County
Experience Rappahannock County, Virginia, the ideal mid-Atlantic getaway destination, just 65 miles west of Washington, D.C.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia’s Piedmont Region, Rappahannock offers scenic outdoor adventures, historic villages, friendly country inns, cottages and B&Bs, excellent cuisine and wine tasting at some of Virginia’s best artisanal wineries. Rappahannock County is home to the five-star, five-diamond The Inn at Little Washington, the renowned Castleton Music Festival, and the intimate Theatre at Washington, Virginia. Your getaway brings you close to nature at nearby Shenandoah National Park Organic farms and specialty food shops support Virginia’s buy-local, buy-fresh food movement.

There’s much to write about in 2012 in Rappahannock County!

Popular events are back and new events are planned. What better place to indulge your senses than this scenic destination so conveniently located, but oh, so far from the noise and the maddening crowd!

The historic village of Sperryville presents the 3rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 10…. A hometown parade kicks off the celebration and is followed by an Irish traditional lunch which includes Irish folk music, dancing, raffles and more. www.VisitrappahannockVA.com/events

On April 14, the 34rd Annual Fodderstack 10k Classic takes place…as one of the annual rites of spring in Rappahannock County. The race begins at the north end of the quaint village of Flint Hill and winds along Fodderstack Road through some of the most beautiful countryside in Virginia, ending at the Courthouse in “Little” Washington. www.fodderstack10k.com

Operas and classical concerts in a setting of incomparable scenic beauty weekends in July… World renowned Maestro Lorin Maazel, a “local” in Rappahannock County, presents the 4th annual Castleton Festival at his scenic home, Castleton Farms. The only American Festival with chamber opera as its focus, the Castleton Festival features tomorrow’s stars being mentored by today’s leading artists. www.castletonfestival.org.

Rappahannock County celebrates the 4th of July in a big way… with an afternoon and evening family event, culminating in fireworks set against the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and countryside. www.sperryvillefire.com

Sustainable farming and artisanal winemaking…Want to know where your salad ingredients come from and how they are grown? Talk with a winemaker to learn what climate conditions affect a great Viognier? The Rappahannock County Farm Tour, September 29-30, offers the rare opportunity not only to visit local farms, orchards and wineries, but to learn through demonstrations and presentations the secrets to a healthy harvest and livestock. Farmtour. www.VisitRappahannockVA.com 

 Rappahannock Association for the Arts & the Community. www.RAAC.org

Welcome the holiday season on December 2, in a setting reminiscent of Currier & Ives, when the historic town of Washington hosts its annual Christmas in “Little” Washington Festival & Holiday Parade. The event features an artisan’s market, with local artists and craftsmen, specialty food and wine vendors, displaying their ware.

www.VisitRappahannockVA.com; facebook.visitrappahannockva