Jetsettersblog

RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS MARCH 8-10

Boyd Gaming Kicks Off NASCAR Weekend with Appearances by Nationwide and Sprint Cup Drivers

LAS VEGAS – NASCAR Weekend is one of the most anticipated events on the Las Vegas calendar, and Boyd Gaming Corporation is once again revving up for the 15th annual Sam’s Town 300 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Ahead of the March 10 race, Boyd Gaming properties will be offering a variety of unique experiences designed to appeal to NASCAR fans of all ages.

On Thursday, March 8, fans are invited to several free events with exclusive chances to get up close and personal with five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, and third-generation NASCAR driver and champion Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Starting at 7 p.m., Emmy® Award-winning FOX sportscaster Chris Myers will chat with Jimmie Johnson, driver of No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, at Suncoast Hotel & Casino. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for this free event.

At the same time at Sam’s Town Live!, Fox Sports’ NASCAR commentator and former Crew Chief Jeff Hammond will interview Dale Jr., No. 88 Lowe’s Chevrolet driver, and answer fans’ questions about Hendrick Motorsports. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for this free event, courtesy of AMP Energy.

Fans can continue rubbing elbows with drivers on Friday, March 9, from 8 to 9 p.m., when Sam’s Town will host autograph signings with Sprint Cup driver Regan Smith and 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

This free event will be held adjacent to the race and sports book at Sam’s Town.

Finally, following the Saturday race, fans are invited back to Sam’s Town Live! for an 8 p.m. post-race concert by country music chart-topper Joe Nichols, known for such hits as “Brokenheartsville” and “Gimmie That Girl.” Tickets start at $30, not including tax, and can be purchased at all Coast Casinos box office locations, by calling (702) 284-7777, or online at www.samstownlv.com/hotel-entertainment.

Fans are also invited to enter the AMP Energy contest here for a chance to win a Vegas VIP race getaway which includes four nights’ hotel accommodations at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall and access to Dale Jr.’s Q&A session.

As the longest-running continuous sponsor of one of the largest Nationwide Series races, Boyd Gaming is proud to continue its involvement in the Sam’s Town 300 in 2012. Boyd Gaming offers inclusive packages at seven Las Vegas resorts – Sam’s Town, The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, California, Fremont and Main Street Station — that include hotel accommodations, race tickets, and roundtrip hotel-to-track transportation.

On race weekend, guests enjoy some of the best seating available at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, including seats in the exclusive Earnhardt and Petty Terraces. For more information, or to book accommodations, please visit www.boydgaming.com/nascar.

About Boyd Gaming
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading diversified owner and operator of 17 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com.

®2010 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name and likeness of Jimmie Johnson and the likeness of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet are used with the permission of Hendrick Motorsports, LLC and JR Motorsports.

®2010 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name and likeness of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and the likeness of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet are used with the permission of Hendrick Motorsports, LLC and JR Motorsports, LLC.

Get behind the wheel of an authentic NASCAR race car and reach speeds exceeding 150 mph

LAS VEGAS – Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DJRT), a “Full Throttle” lifetime experience company, announced today the grand opening of its Las Vegas operations will be held starting Saturday, Jan. 21. The festivities will be held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will feature ride and drive opportunities. Additionally, NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett will be on hand to meet the public and provide customers with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding along, as he puts the company’s new fleet of NASCAR-style race cars through their paces around the mile and a half D-shaped oval race course.

After 14 successful years of providing individual and corporate customers with what professional golfer Phil Mickelson called “the greatest thrill on earth” on many of the most famous NASCAR tracks in the country, Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure has expanded its operations nationwide with the opening of their new Las Vegas hub.

“Our expansion to Las Vegas has always been a key focus for us,” said Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure CEO, Tim Shannon. “Following several successful years at Talladega SuperSpeedway, we felt the time was right to make the transition from a regional to national company.”

The westward expansion also marks a greater involvement of the Jarrett family in the operations of the company, as Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure Vice President, Glenn Jarrett, will be overseeing the Las Vegas operations. Additionally, Dale Jarrett has become proactive in personally helping promote the Las Vegas opening, not only through his appearance during the grand opening, but with his behind-the-scenes work with some of the major players within the Las Vegas entertainment industry to create awareness of the fact that the best NASCAR-style racing school in the country has finally come to town.

“Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a great race track and the perfect location to establish our western operations,” commented Dale Jarrett. “With Las Vegas being one of the nation’s leading entertainment and convention destinations, it’s ideally suited to significantly expanding our corporate outing clientele as well as growing the size of our potential retail market and the additional revenues and profits both represent.” In addition to being a NASCAR Champion, Dale Jarrett is also ESPN/ABC’s top NASCAR racing analyst, was named as one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers and was also named the 2004 USG Person of the Year, a prestigious award acknowledging Dale’s off track work with charities as well as his accomplishments on the track.

Racing packages begin at $195 and racers can choose between riding shotgun for four laps or taking control of the wheel for 6, 10, 20, 40 or even 60 laps around Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A special 20-lap ride along with Dale Jarrett is available on select dates.

All packages include driver and safety orientation, with all drivers fit for a fire-retardant racing suit, a full-faced Bell helmet and HANS safety device. Drivers must be 18 years or older and no racing experience is necessary.

For additional information and to reserve race packages, call 888-Go-Race-1 or visit www.racingadventure.com.

About Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure

The Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure offers racing fans the opportunity to race an authentic race car on a major racetrack. Our racing “adventurers” enjoy a life-defining experience. They receive vital training from top racing instructors, wear real racing suits and safety gear, and pilot a race car that was once driven by one of the racing greats. Hand signals from the instructor teaches you to race like the pros. We surpass “follow-the-leader” approaches and teach guests to race like NASCAR drivers, find the line, draft, and pass for optimum fun. Our 100% safety record and numerous celebrity endorsements testify to the excitement and unforgettable thrill of our racing adventure.

Tasmania continues to thrive in autumn with an array of exciting events for visitors. From the Turning of the Fagus where Tasmania’s deciduous trees put on a stunning display of colour, to exceptional food and wine events (Taste of the Huon, Vintage in the Valley, Devonport Food & Wine Festival) and a dash of adventure (Longford Revival Festival), visiting in autumn is a great way for visitors to immerse themselves in a slice of Tasmania’s beauty and culture. An exciting addition to the events scene this year is MoMa, short for MONA Market, another creative brainchild of the Museum of Old and New Art.

For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website at www.discovertasmania.com.au

*NEW* MoMa – 21 JANUARY TO 14 APRIL

MONA’s newest attraction, MoMa (or MONA Market) is held on the roof of MONA every Saturday afternoon. As with all things MONA, MoMa will have art (and a dash of quirkiness) in its veins. Visitors can expect locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce from the Derwent Valley, greater Hobart area and beyond, set alongside craft, art installations, ‘other bizarre bits’ and ‘elements of the unexpected’ (in their words).
What: MONA’s newest addition, the MONA Market (MoMa)
When: Every Saturday afternoon, from 21 January to 14 April, 1.30pm to 6.30pm

Where: MONA’s rooftop, 655 Main Road, Berriedale
How: Admission is free. W: www.mona.net.au

DEVONPORT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL – 1-31 MARCH 2012

Officially launching on March 3 at Ghost Rock Vineyard, the Devonport Food & Wine Festival is a month-long celebration of the region’s glorious local cuisine and produce. Cooking classes, cook-offs, exotic barbecues, family picnics, wine and beer tastings, culinary-themed dinners hosted by celebrity chefs, indulgent long lunches in vineyards and other special events are just some of the gourmand treasures in store. The deliciously-packed program of events makes it a great time for food-lovers to explore Devonport.

What: A month long celebration of the very best of Devonport’s wine, beer and produce

When: Tuesday 1 March to Sunday 31 March
Where: At various locations throughout Devonport
How: Prices vary from event to event. W: www.facebook.com/devonportfoodandwinefestival

TASTE OF THE HUON – 11 MARCH TO 12 MARCH 2012

The Taste of the Huon celebrates the epicurean treasures of the Huon Valley, from apples, cherries, berries and mushrooms to salmon and truffles. One of Tasmania’s most popular regional events, Taste of the Huon is held over two days, bringing together the best of the Huon and Channel region’s provenance, wine, entertainment, arts and crafts. 2012 will be the twentieth year of the festival.

What: A celebration of the Huon Valley’s fine food and wine
When: Sunday 11 March to Monday 12 March 2012, 10am to 4pm (the event runs to 5.30pm on Sunday)

Where: Ranelagh Showgrounds, Ranelagh, 30 minutes drive south of Hobart. Special buses will run between the festival site and Hobart City.
How: Admission is $8 for adults. Children enter free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. W: www.tasteofthehuon.com

LONGFORD REVIVAL FESTIVAL – 24 MARCH TO 25 MARCH 2012

The Longford Revival Festival made its debut in 2011 to celebrate the international motor racing heritage of the town. Longford played host to the world’s greatest F1 racers in the 1950s and 60s, when it hosted the Australian Grand Prix on its 7.2km track. Although the track was closed in 1968, its most famous section, the Flying Mile, is specially reopened during the festival for car races and displays. The festival also plays host to the greatest automotive collection ever put together in the state, fine food and wine from the Tamar Valley, and live 60s music that recalls the town’s hey-days.

What: A 60s themed celebration of Longford’s rich racing history
When: Saturday 24 March to Sunday 25 March 2012
Where: Longford, 20 minutes (24km) south west of Launceston
How: Registrations are currently open for enthusiasts interested in racing or displaying their cars and motorbikes at the festival. There will be a general admission charge. W: www.longfordrevival.com.au

*NEW* VINTAGE IN THE VALLEY – 7 TO 8 APRIL 2012 (EASTER LONG WEEKEND)

Vintage in the Valley takes visitors on a harvest celebration at six of the most beautiful vineyards on the West Tamar Valley Wine Route. An additional six local wineries will join the celebration to present a bacchanal (moveable feast), where visitors can savour vintages from vineyard to vineyard complemented with fine local produce and lively entertainment.

What: Taste the best of the West Tamar Valley Wine Route’s wine
When: Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 April 2012 (Easter long weekend)
Where: West Tamar Valley Wine Route – participating host wineries include Velo; Elmslie; Moores Hill; Marions Vineyard; Goaty Hill; and Holm Oak. Guest wineries will include Grey Sands Vineyard; Humbug Reach; Ninth Island; Winter Brook Vineyard; Tamar Ridge and Waterton Hall.

How: For more information contact Velo Wines Tasmania on 03 6330 3677 or email info@velowines.com.au  (website coming soon).

*NEW COURSE* TARGA TASMANIA – 17 APRIL TO 22 APRIL 2012

The famous Targa Tasmania car rally has undergone an overhaul, with an additional 70 kilometres and an additional night added to the course. Kicking off with a street festival in Launceston on Thursday night, the competitors will then head for Strahan on Friday and Saturday, before the traditional finish in Hobart on Sunday afternoon. Targa is a must-see for automobile aficionados, as the best touring, sports, and Grand Touring (GT) cars gather on the state to drive through Tasmania’s scenic but challenging tarmac roads.

What: Targa Tasmania
When: Tuesday 17 April – Sunday 22 April, 2012
Where: Various locations in Tasmania
How: Spectator information will be available on the Targa Tasmania website closer to the date. W: www.targa.org.au

TURNING OF THE FAGUS – LATE APRIL 2012

Every autumn, Tasmanians follow the tradition of flocking to locations where the Fagus tree can be found, to witness its spectacular range of autumn colours from rust red through to brilliant gold. Called ‘The Turning of the Fagus’, this stunning sight can only be seen in Tasmania and nowhere else in the world.

What: Witness the fascinating Fagus tree as it turns a spectacular range of autumn colours
When: Late April and early May
Where: The best viewing spots include Mount Field National Park and Cradle Mountain National Park
How: The Turning of the Fagus is a free, naturally occurring event.
W: www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=3244

Travel to Tasmania

Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Qantas, or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).

Background Notes

Tourism Tasmania is a Tasmanian Government agency whose role is to lead the industry in jointly delivering marketing and development programs that drive benefits for Tasmania from domestic and international tourism.

Part of the wider Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, Tourism Tasmania links government and the private sector in marketing Tasmania’s unique assets.

Tourism Tasmania’s new strategic direction has been shaped by the recognition for the organisation to continue to change to meet the challenges of a new world in Tourism.

Luxury living at Monaco Grand Prix for 8 days onboard the Windstar Wind Surf, largest sailing ship in the world. Guests sailing will travel to Portofino, Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco for 8 nights on the Windstar Wind Surf Food & Wine Cruise.

Grand Prix Tours offers a cruise that takes in the wonder of Portofino, the glitz of the Cannes Film Festival, the mystique of Saint Tropez and the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix. All this plus the luxurious Windstar Wind Surf sipping on a glass of vintage cabernet while sunbathing over the Mediterranean Sea.

Stop dreaming, and start living! For 8 nights you will be wined and dined aboard the newly renovated Windstar Wind Surf and best of all, you’ll be able to join in on one of the most prestigious races on the Formula One calendar – the Monaco Grand Prix as we moor just outside the Monaco Harbor. With only 300 food and wine lovers you will be able to sip on exclusive wines from around the world with mouthwatering food and winemaker tasting dinners prepared by guest celebrity chefs onboard.

If there was a crown for the greatest race the Indy 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Daytona 500 and Monaco Grand Prix would all be fighting for it. Obviously, the judging is subjective and we’ll let you determine the winner but there is no denying Monaco absolutely delivers on the expectations it sets for wealth, luxury, and visual delight. Whitewashed villas cover the cliff tops like butter cream, cerulean waters drum a rhythm against the rocks beneath and immaculate yachts bob gently in the marinas.

Even knowing that at the start of the Monaco Grand Prix that he who enters the first turn first has the best chance of winning, you’ll still be on the edge of your seat living every moment in this sun-soaked Mediterranean paradise.

About Grand Prix Tours

Grand Prix Tours has over 29 years experience with motor racing programs and is a well established credible tour operator. Grand Prix Tours offers unrivaled service and expertise ranging from the best race tickets, view from balconies, fine dining restaurants, on yachts events, skyboxes or corporate hospitality suites, dinner and cocktail parties in magnificent locations to meeting drivers and race personalities.

Grand Prix Tours has received several awards recognizing excellence in Forbes Magazines and the A.T.M.E. Atlas Gold Award (presented in New York), recognizing Grand Prix Tours for innovation in travel marketing for our annual brochure.

Grand Prix Tours’ goal is to give exclusive insight on all aspects of motor-sports. That is why they have celebrity hosts, garage visits, race shop tours, driver interviews, and theme parties.

Exclusive events that will give guests the inside scoop on how motor-sports really operate.

Without Us… It’s Just a Race. Experience The Difference.

For more information on Monaco Grand Prix, please contact a Grand Prix Tours. For a complimentary brochure, please call toll-free (US) 800.400.1998 or visit http://www.GrandPrixTours.com.

Grand Prix Tours has other 2012 Formula One motor sports events.

They are also offering the following Formula One events: 2012 Australian Grand Prix, 2012 Malaysia Grand Prix, 2012 Chinese Grand Prix, 2012 Spanish Grand Prix, 2012 Monaco Grand Prix, 2012 Canadian Grand Prix, 2012 European Grand Prix, 2012 British Grand Prix, 2012 German Grand Prix, 2012 German Extravaganza, 2012 Hungarian Grand Prix, 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, 2012 Italian Extravaganza, 2012 Italian Grand Prix, 2012 Singapore Grand Prix, 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 2012 United States Grand Prix.

A world first tour to the Goodwood Festival of Speed is offered by Australia’s leading niche tour operator Elite Special Event Tours.

It follows their unique concept in 2011 of participants driving a different English Classic car each day as they motor across the Cotswolds on their way to England’s largest motoring garden party. The Goodwood Festival of Speed in June which is held in the estate of Lord March, together with the Goodwood Revival Meeting held in September are milestone events on any car enthusiast’s calendar and an absolute must do on anyone’s ‘bucket list’.

Participants drive a different car each day with an E Type Jag, Healey 3000, Triumph TR6 and an MGB being just some of the cars on offer. Visiting quaint English country pubs, the Cotswolds for afternoon tea and traditional sights such as the city of Bath and Stonehenge, historic Salisbury and Winchester, there’s also ample free time to discover England at its best.

For those who would like to stay a little longer, the company also offers the option of attending the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone after the tour.

The tour is priced from $7890 per person for two people sharing a room and travelling together in one car, airfares are not included.

InterContinental Hotels Group announced a new partnership with Grand-Am Road Racing, to officially launch in 2012.

This marks the first time Grand-Am has an official hotel partnership. As the official hotel of Grand-Am Road Racing, IHG will assist in securing rooms for the governing body, its racing teams and partners.

Additionally, fans will be able to book their lodging for races through the Grand-Am website. Future plans also include identifying host hotels in each of the respective race markets. IHG looks to gain exposure for its upscale InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand through Grand-Am’s marketing channels.

Top Gear Live will bring three days of high-octane motoring to the Birmingham NEC.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, — Car lovers are in for a treat when Top Gear Live arrives at the NEC in Birmingham next month.

Running from Friday November 11th to Sunday November 13th, the motoring extravaganza will feature live driving action, a host of supercars and plenty of pyrotechnics.

A new indoor track will be built at the NEC, allowing the Top Gear team to present live versions of popular features from the BBC Two show such as Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond and the mysterious Stig are all set to take part in the action, while fans of the programme will also have an opportunity to explore the replica Top Gear TV studio.

A choice of tickets are available, with silver tickets priced at GBP49 and providing holders with access to the live action arena, track and exhibition.

People who choose to pay the gold or platinum entry fee (GBP75 and GBP99 respectively) can enjoy additional benefits such as the track paddock tour, which offers an opportunity to get closer to the vehicles.

The event will begin at 10:00 and run until 20:00 GMT on Friday November 11th. Opening hours for Saturday are from 09:30 to 20:00, while the Sunday session will start at 09:30 and finish at 19:00.

Visit http://www.topgearlive.co.uk/  for more information on this event.

“You Are Now Free to” … Roam Local; New Walking Tours Explore San Francisco Neighborhoods

Local historian Ryan Curtis has created four walking adventures which combine some of the lesser known neighborhoods of San Francisco with ones that are more famous.

Averaging three-to-four-miles in length, the tours include Bernal Heights; a loop through the Castro and Mission districts; Telegraph Hill and the old waterfront, and “Four Peaks” which traverses the Castro and Eureka Valley. Stairs and hills figure prominently in each of the tours. Along the way Curtis shares historic images of the areas visited on his iPad and will accommodate requests to make reservations at local restaurants. Tours are $30 per person and reservations are recommended.

For information visit www.roamlocal.com .

The Real SF Tour Expands Offerings with New Wine Bars and Cable Cars Tour

Wine Bars and Cable Cars, a new nightlife tour offered by The Real SF Tour, includes visits to four wine bars, linked by short walks and cable car rides. Among the wine bars visited are the acclaimed Press Club, which offers sleek urban design and showcases two local wineries each month; 54 Mint, a charming and rustic homage to Italy’s finest wine growing regions; Russian Hill’s Café Meuse, where the tables are made from repurposed wine crates, and Amelie, a modern wine bar with French flair.

The premium tour is $150 per person and includes a flight of three, two-ounce premium pre-selected wines at each location; shared gourmet food platters with Italian cured meats, select cheeses and a variety of artisan breads, and cable car fares.

Currently available on Thursday and Friday nights only; call for additional availability on Tuesday-Wednesday and Saturday.

For reservations visit www.therealsftour.com  or call 888-9-SF-TOUR.

Be a Spy in the City: Foxhound Urban Adventures Offers San Francisco Visitors and Locals a High-Tech Spy Game Surrounded by Landmarks and Attractions
Known for beautiful scenery, waterfront promenades and diverse neighborhoods, San Francisco is the “game board” for a new high-tech spy game. Foxhound Urban Adventures pits two teams representing opposing “secret” agendas against each other.

The tour called Jericho San Francisco is one part walking tour, one part treasure hunt and one part laser-tag married to an exciting story of espionage.

The debut tour, “Operation Rendition,” casts players in a story of two countries attempting to track down a mole who knows state secrets. Taken on a tour of the city which includes settings such as Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf, each team is equipped with some spy gear including long-range walkie-talkies, rearview sunglasses, a map and an Electronic Tag Unit (ETU), Foxhound’s name for a laser tag gun (disguised as a satchel, of course). Each team is also given a secretly disguised video camera (hidden in a watch, sunglasses, etc). Advance reservations required; $75 per person.

Custom adventures available for groups of 10. For information visit www.foxhoundua.com  or call 415-439-0429.

ACsailingSF Offers America’s Cup Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

As the San Francisco Bay Area prepares for the arrival of the 34th America’s Cup, visitors will have an opportunity to sail on a former America’s Cup racing yacht.

For those with a craving for speed, adrenalin, and the latest America’s Cup technology, sign up for a ride on the 85-foot, 20-passenger USA 76, the ORACLE Racing challenger for the 2003 America’s Cup. Public sailing on San Francisco Bay and charters for corporate events are available now.

For information visit www.acsailingsf.com  or call 855-ACSF-2013 (855-227-3201).

Grub Crawl Combines Local Restaurant Specialties with Neighborhood Sights and Making Friends

Inspired by a trip to Europe where guided pub crawls brought groups of people to a series of pubs, bars and clubs all in one night, the founders of Grub Crawl brought the idea home with them and created Grub Crawl, a walking social food tour in and around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Grub Crawlers are taken to a series of restaurants and everyone tastes the best dishes each restaurant has to offer, all in one night. Just think of it as “1 crawl. 3 restaurants. Infinite fun.” Current “crawls” are three hours and include “Grubbing Like a Giant,” which takes place in the vicinity of AT&T Park and includes a tour of the ballpark; “Munching in the Mission,” and “Grub the Mission ‘Dish-trict.”

Fees range from $40 to $50 per person depending on the tour.

Advance reservations are required; minimum group size is 10; group rates available.

Departures are daily at 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, except for “Grubbing Like A Giant” where day and time vary.

For information visit www.grubcrawl.com  or call 415-515-6256.

Baseballs and Boats: New AT&T Ballpark Tour and Ride The Ducks

Combo Tour Offered Every Friday Through End of Giants Season 2011
A behind-the-scenes tour of AT&T ballpark, home of the World Champion San Francisco Giants, and a “splash down” into McCovey Cove are among the highlights of a new “combo” city tour being offered by Ride The Ducks.

The $50, two-and-a-half-hour tour departs at noon from Fisherman’s Wharf or at 12:45 p.m. from AT&T Park. The tour is available only on Fridays. Advance reservations are required and are available by calling 800-225-2277 or by visiting the AT&T Park tours page at www.sfgiants.com. Tickets may also be purchased at any Giants Dugout store location.

Red And White Fleet Launches California Twilight Cruise Nov. 10, 2011

Starting Nov. 10, 2011 Red and White Fleet will launch a California Twilight Cruise. On this casual two-hour cruise, passengers will enjoy views of the city’s spectacular nightscape, live guitar entertainment, light appetizers from the buffet and a hot or cold beverage from the bar.

The cruise will skirt the dramatically lit skyline of San Francisco with its modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks, pass Alcatraz and cruise under the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the legendary Golden Gate Bridge. Advance bookings are recommended as this event will sell out on some evenings. A full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise is available onboard. Fares are $54 for adults (18-plus) and $36 for youth (ages 5-17). Children under five are free. Departures from Pier 43½ , Fisherman’s Wharf, are on Thursday-Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 2011 to March 24, 2012.

For information visit www.redandwhitefleet.com  or call 415-673-2900.

Cable Car Fares on San Francisco’s Increased to $6 Effective July 1, 2011
Something for all the guidebook editors out there to note — on July 1, 2011 fares on San Francisco’s famous cable cars increased from $5 to $6. There was no increase in adult cash fares which remain at $2 for streetcars, buses, Muni Metro LRVs and the historic F-Line streetcars.

Full details on all Muni fares are posted at www.sfmta.org

CityPassLaunches Mobile Site for Budget Travelers on the Go CityPass has launched a mobile version of its website (www.citypass.com) which lets travelers compare prices, read reviews, research attractions, watch destination videos and get directions, visitor tips and maps. The new site works with iPhones, iPod touch devices and Android smartphones. The first phase of the mobile site also lets travelers purchase CityPass ticket booklets; CityPass packages admission to top attractions into one easy-to-use and deeply discounted ticket booklet for 11 destinations including San Francisco. For information visit their banner above, the big long one.

The five-day Dubai International Motor Show is due to begin on November 14th this year.

DUBAI, UAE,– The Middle East’s largest motoring event returns to Dubai later this year, with more than 100,000 car enthusiasts and industry members expected to be in attendance.

Running from Thursday November 10th to Monday November 14th, the Dubai International Motor Show will offer visitors the chance to see the freshest models and experience the latest technology.

With dedicated zones for performance cars and tuning, as well as an extensive showcase of supercars and motorcycles, the biennial event has plenty to satisfy even the most demanding of petrolheads.

Many of the world’s most prestigious motoring brands will be represented at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, including Porsche, Jaguar, Lotus and Lamborghini.

Tickets to the motor show are available for purchase online, priced at 50 dirhams (GBP8.70).

Most of the opening day of the event is dedicated to VIP and press visitors, with the exhibition centre opening to the public between 17:00 and 22:00 local time.

It will then be open from 15:00 to 22:00 on Friday November 10th and from 11:00 to 22:00 on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Motoring fans planning to book Dubai hotels for the occasion will find plenty of options at LateRooms.com, which recommends the Fraser Suites for visitors seeking luxury accommodation.

For more information on this event, visit http://www.dubaimotorshow.com/page.cfm/Link=1/t=m/goSection=1

High-Octane racing, thrills and spills should be expected 4 to 6 November as Moto GP season comes to a close in Valencia. This means high doses of energy and excitement because not only are the places on the podium at stake, but also the top positions in the World Championship at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

The Valencia atmosphere is unlike any other race, the design of the circuit follows that of the American Canon Circuit which allows a fantastic view of all that’s happening during the race. The circuit is named after the legendary Valencian Grand Prix motorcycle road racing World Champion Ricardo Tormo (7 September 1952 – 27 December 1998) and is located in the Cambrillas area in Cheste, just a short drive from the city of Valencia.

Fancy booking tickets?

www.circuitvalencia.com