Jetsettersblog

A ROCKY MOUNTAIN GETAWAY

New packages offer special savings and amenities for romantic escapes and family vacations.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. . . . Cheyenne Mountain Resort has created four new money-saving packages to make it easy for couples and families to enjoy a relaxing getaway to the beautiful Rocky Mountains:

Escape Package – Guests booking this package get two nights for the price of one to help them relax, reinvigorate and re-energize. Rates start at $139.00* for two nights based on availability. This package is available through May 15, 2012.

Romance Package – This package, which includes overnight accommodations, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival and a buffet breakfast for two at Mountain View Restaurant, makes it easy for couples to run away to the Rockies for a little romance. Rates start at $180.00* per night.

Rendezvous for Two Package – Couples can relax and reconnect over mouth-watering Colorado cuisine when they indulge in this package. It includes deluxe accommodations, champagne and strawberries upon arrival, and a three-course Colorado Fusion dinner for two and an elegant breakfast for two in Mountain View Restaurant. Rates start at $227.00* per night.

Family Getaway Package – This package is designed for making memories. It includes overnight accommodations, a family “Pizza and a Movie” night in-room, 25% percent off two adult admissions to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and free golf for kids over 12 with a paying adult. In addition, kids ages 8 and under eat free at all meals!

There’s so much for families to do in Colorado Springs, and a great place to start is by enjoying s’mores under the stars on the resort’s Sundance Terrace. Rates start at $139.00* per night.

Packages are available throughout 2012 and are based on availability.

For more information about Cheyenne Mountain Resort or to make reservations, visit www.cheyennemountainresort.com  or call 1-800-428-8886.

About Cheyenne Mountain Resort

Nestled against the stunning Rocky Mountains on 217 acres in Colorado Springs and managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, the AAA Four Diamond Cheyenne Mountain Resort, recently underwent a $20 million renovation and offers 316 finely appointed guest rooms and suites, featuring Rocky Mountain-inspired decor clustered in eight residential-style lodges.

The resort features more than 40,000 square feet of newly renovated IACC-certified meeting space with 38 dedicated meeting rooms including a tiered amphitheater. In addition, Cheyenne Mountain offers three distinct dining venues including its signature restaurant The Mountain View, featuring Colorado Fusion cuisine. A vast array of recreational amenities include an 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course, five sparkling pools, tennis and racquetball courts, a fitness center, aquatics center and a 35-acre recreation lake. For information or room reservations call 1-800-588-0250 or visit http://www.cheyennemountain.com

Keauhou Beach Resort on Hawaii Island invites music lovers and Hawaiian cultural enthusiasts to a weeklong Aloha Music Camp on July 1-7. Guests can enjoy classes in ukulele, slack key guitar, hula, oli (chant), lei making, and instrument crafting. Instructors include world-class musicians and performing artists like:

Alan Akaka, steel guitar
Kaliko Beamer-Trapp, Hawaiian language and ukulele
Dr. Samuel Gon III, oli (chant)
Uluwehi Guerrero, hula
Ozzie Kotani, slack key guitar
Dennis Lake, ukulele building
Herb Ohta, Jr., ukulele
Anakala Philipo Solatario, storytelling and kukakuka (discussion)
For more information and registration, visit www.AlohaMusicCamp.com.

Looking for a new way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? Renew your marriage vows at Outrigger Hotels and Resorts on the most romantic day of the year. A non-denominational kahu (priest/officiate) will conduct complimentary vow renewal ceremonies for hotel guests registered at any Outrigger Hotel in the Hawaiian Islands. Couples will receive a certificate and a photograph memento to commemorate the special day. For more information, visit www.Outrigger.com.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Guests can now enjoy a newly renovated Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach featuring $13 million of updated public spaces, restaurants, meeting rooms, lobby, and recreational amenities. Highlights of the renovation, which was completed in January, include a reconfigured pool, new jacuzzi, expanded fitness center, family game room, and an eLounge with the latest technology for guests to stay connected with friends and families while on the island. The ocean-view restaurant, Voyager Grill, is also offering new menus featuring Hawaii Regional Cuisine with fresh ingredients from local farms. For more information, visit www.Marriott.com.

TRANSPORTATION

On June 7, United Airlines will launch a new daily route between Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport and Honolulu International Airport (Oahu), providing the only nonstop service between the two points. United is currently the largest carrier servicing Hawaii from the mainland U.S. For more information, visit United.com.

ACCOLADES

Five Hawaii establishments have been awarded with the AAA Five Diamond Award and 28 others have earned the Four Diamond Award for 2012.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (Maui), Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu (Hawaii Island) earned the Five Diamond status in the lodging category while Oahu’s Chef Mavro and La Mer at the Halekulani both earned Five Diamond designations for the restaurant category.

For more information and to see a complete list of the Five Diamond and Four Diamond winners, visit www.NewsRoom.AAA.com.

TripAdvisor’s 2012 Traveler’s Choice Awards honors several Hawaii hotels in various categories voted on by the website’s readers. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea led the pack, earning the most honors including No. 3 for Best Hotels in the US, No. 12 for Best Hotels for Service in the US, and No. 16 for Best Luxury Hotel in the US. Other highlights for Hawaii include:

St. Regis Princeville (Kauai): 6th for Best Luxury Hotels in the US

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu (Hawaii Island): 16th for Best Hotels in the US

Koa Kea Hotel and Resort (Kauai): 23rd for Best Hotels in the US

The Kahala Hotel and Resort (Oahu): 25th for Best Luxury Hotels in the US

Travaasa Hana (Maui): 25th for Best Relaxation/Spa Hotels in the US.
For more information, visit TripAdvisor.com.

BOISE, Idaho- It may have been a slow start, but the snow has made it to southwest Idaho.

This spring break, enjoy days of skiing and snowboarding at two top ski areas: Bogus Basin and Brundage Mountain Resort. Bogus Basin, just minutes from Boise, has partnered with many area hotels to offer Stay and Play packages.

Purchase one alpine or Nordic ticket and get the second free when staying at participating area hotels.

Further north, Brundage Mountain Resort is celebrating its 50th season. Beginners can join the fun with Brundage’s Learn to Ski Guarantee Package for $99. This package includes unlimited beginner group lessons, an intermediate group lesson, two full day rentals, and two full day Easy Street Lift tickets.

On days away from the slopes, visitors can experience southwestern Idaho’s award-winning wine region, numerous historical and cultural museums, an inspired farm-to-table culinary scene, and a number of Boise State University sporting events.

www.visitsouthwestidaho.org

SHERIDAN, Wyo.- Spring is on its way and the perfect time to plan a grown up getaway to the mountains. Nestled in the Big Horn Mountains, Sheridan, Wyoming invites you to come and play.

Outdoor adventurers will want to check out the Big Horn Trail System, recently ranked #7 Snowmobile Trail by SnoWest. “The majestic Big Horn Mountains set the scene and offer a winter wonderland of trails and vast open meadows,” according to SnoWest.

“Here, visitors will find an abundance of opportunities for invigorating outdoor recreation including snowmobiling, alpine and cross country skiing and snowboarding in an ideal mountain setting.” Best Western Sheridan and Holiday Inn offer rental and bring-your-own snowmobiling packages.

Lovebirds will find plenty of ways to fill their days and nights. A stroll to galleries like Bozeman Trail Gallery and Sagebrush Community Art Center, which is located in a historic train depot, may spark new artistic interests. March 23-25, the Big Horn Builders Association Annual Home and Garden Show will share the sights and smells of spring in bloom. At night the WYO Theater will inspire smiles with this spring’s musical-comedy: “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.”

Big name hotels offer couples special packages and amenities.

Whether looking for an exciting escape or a romantic retreat Sheridan will ensure a memorable getaway this Spring.
www.sheridanwyoming.org

BRIAN HEAD, Utah – Spring Break marks the last chance to enjoy the ski season before the snow just a memory, so why not take advantage with great spring break savings at Southern Utah’s Brian Head Resort.

Spring Breakers will find some unbeatable ski and stay packages at Brian Head during the spring break season. Brian Head’s newest spa resort, The Grand Lodge at Brian Head, is offering midweek (Sun-Thurs) ski and stay rates of just $75/night per person for two adults.

Visit www.grandlodgebrianhead.com  or call (435) 677-9000, ask for promo code “Utah”.

Those looking for a condo rental can find spring break deals as low as $139/night, including two adult lift tickets. Visit www.alpinelodgingrentals.com  or call (702) 529-1490) for more details and booking info.

Located in scenic southern Utah, Brian Head Resort boasts the same great snow and conditions as Utah’s most well known resorts, but with a fraction of the crowds and costs. Brian offers a full range of terrain to suit all ability levels, and is home to a full service ski school and child care programs. Kids under 5 ski free at Brian Head, and discounted lift ticket rates apply for kinds 12 & under. Family members that don’t ski will find plenty of ways to stay occupied, whether it be snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, enjoying a relaxing spa treatment or racing down the lift-serviced tubing hill. Brian Head Resort is conveniently located with-in a few hours’ drive of major cities in Utah, California, Nevada and Arizona.
www.scenicsouthernutah.com

Second spring gobbler license sales to close at midnight on April 20

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania hunters who would like the opportunity to harvest a second spring gobbler can purchase a second spring gobbler tag until midnight on April 20, according to Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. In fact, thanks to the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), hunters can purchase a second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent or through the agency’s website.

Roe cautioned that those who plan to purchase the second spring gobbler tag through the agency’s website should expect to wait seven to 10 days for shipping, depending on the volume of other online purchases. Also, all sales of the second spring gobbler tag will cease at midnight on April 20, which is the day before the one-day season for junior license holders and those participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program.

“Prior to the implementation of PALS, hunters had to wait until Jan. 1 before submitting a license application for the second spring gobbler tag, and then wait for the agency to mail the license back to them,” Roe said. “The old process was necessary to enable the agency to spread out the administrative workload of processing and handling licenses for the fall hunting seasons.

“However, thanks to PALS, hunters can now purchase the second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent and walk out of the store with the license in hand, or they can purchase it online and wait for it to be mailed to them within 10 days.”

Roe noted that all general hunting license holders are able to take one spring gobbler as part of their general hunting privileges; the second spring gobbler tag license affords those hunters interested in this additional opportunity to take a second spring gobbler. Hunters may only purchase one second spring gobbler license during a license year, as the season limit remains two spring gobblers, and the daily harvest is one bird per day.

“So, if you are looking for that application in your digest or online to mail in, you won’t find it,” Roe said. “You can just purchase the special spring gobbler license either through the Game Commission’s website or visit your local license issuing agent.”

Fees set by state law for the special license are $21.70 for residents and $41.70 for nonresidents. For online orders, there are additional shipping and handling costs.

The 2012 spring gobbler season is set to run from April 28-May 31. Legal hunting hours for the opening day of the spring gobbler season through the third Saturday (April 28-May 12) will be one-half hour before sunrise until noon; the remainder of the season (May 14-31) will have legal shooting hours of one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

The one-day Spring Gobbler Youth Hunt will be held on April 21, and will run from one-half hour before sunrise until noon.

To Connect with Wildlife, visit the Game Commission at the following:
Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PAGameComm
YouTube: www.youtube.com/pagamecommission
 Facebook: www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaGameCommission

Ludobites Hawaii Nine-0 is set to open at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu’s Hualalai Grille, March 6 to 17. The “touring” restaurant, which is based in Los Angeles, is headed by Chef Ludo Lefebvre and his wife, Krissy, who present an eclectic menu of small plates and specialty cocktails in a whimsical setting.

The property is offering a four-night LudoBites package, valid March 6 to 18. Included are accommodations, daily breakfast buffet for two, one dinner for two at LudoBites Hawaii Nine-0, a dinner at Pahu i’a and Beach Tree restaurants, a LudoBites swag bag and two signed “Made in America” books. The package is priced from $4,620 per room, double. Additionally, room nights and LudoBites events are available on an a la carte basis. Nightly room rates start at $775.

To book the package, call 888-340-5662. For dinner reservations, call 808-325-8450.

The Hertz Corporation has expanded its car-sharing fleet in the greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Hertz On Demand offers a range of cars — from electric vehicles, available at Union Station, and compacts to sedans and SUVs — available both in parking garages, outdoor spaces and in 23 on-street parking spots.

Hertz On Demand vehicles will be available in all eight wards of the District including Union Station, Adams Morgan, Connecticut Avenue NW, Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Anacostia, H St. NE, Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, Takoma, Cleveland Park, Friendships Heights, Georgetown and South Capitol Street. As the program expands, additional locations will be opened throughout the city and surrounding suburbs, including Virginia and Maryland.

New York isn’t all burgers and Broadway, it harbours a cool alternative scene including ‘secret’ Speakeasy Bars, unforgettable dining experiences, pretty parks with stories to tell and undiscovered historic haunts.

So why not stay in the heart of the action at The Hotel @ Times Square and explore away from the tourist tracks in 2012?

The Hotel @ Times Square (www.thehotelattimessquare.com  / Freephone 0808 178 6363) is the perfect base for city explorers.

Situated right in the heart of the action, this budget-friendly hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast, wi-fi and phone calls nationwide. Based on two sharing, prices in March start from $194.99 per room per night (approx £63 per person) and from $224.99 (approx. £73 per person) in April.

Flights and accommodation taxes excluded.

With The Statue Of Liberty’s doors closed until October, there’s never been a better time to seek out NYC’s less frequented hotspots, such as a visit to the Tenement Museum to explore the city’s eclectic origins.

Just a short subway journey from the hotel on the Lower East Side is 97 Orchard Street. Built in 1863, it was home to nearly 7,000 immigrants and, today, educates visitors in the life and times of the people that came to live that American dream!

As New York has always been at the forefront of experimental dining, try Dark Dining, where customers don blindfolds in order to tantalise the taste buds, alternatively indulge at the annual Choice Eats event.

Set amid the historic 69th Armory on Lexington Avenue (where the Modern Art movement was first presented to America in 1913), Choice Eats features over 50 restaurants from 35 nations, and stands out as a true hidden gem in NYC’s diverse culinary landscape.

Plus it’s only a short stroll through Midtown from The Hotel @ Times Square.

After dark, New York’s speakeasy bars offer a cool, retro change to the uber-flash, celeb-managed bars of Midtown.

The unassuming exterior of these bars plunge unsuspecting visitors in to a scene right from a 1920’s black and white movie set and are a throwback to the prohibition-era when alcohol became illegal. Try PDT in East Village for a really dramatic entrance – made through a telephone booth at the back of a hotdog joint.

Finally, steer clear of the tourist hoards around Central Park and head to one of NYC’s many plazas. Nestled between the skyscrapers that tower above, these green oases offer a breather for weary shoppers and are great for people watching. For something quite special, head east from The Hotel @ Times Square to Paley Park on 520 Madison Avenue where visitors will find an unexpected piece of history – five sections of the Berlin Wall, measuring 12 feet high and 20 feet long!

The American Civil War Trails are now documented in a new brochure which features routes through six states, including West Virginia, to attract and guide history buffs to the region and experience the history found in this area. There is also a dedicated website: www.civilwartrails.org

As part of the Civil War Trails, there are a number of museums, historic small towns, plantations, and military cemeteries that can be visited. All of these attractions, including the battlefields, offer informative tours that appeal to tourists with little knowledge of the history.

The trails which run through these states all include interactive stops, as well as self-guided audio tours. Tours by Segway and bus to the areas most affected by the war are also included.

West Virginia is said to be the home of the start of the Civil War. In Harpers Ferry, abolitionist John Brown began a raid, which many consider to be the beginning of the war. Being the origin of the war, West Virginia is rife with history and events pertaining to the Civil War.

The town, which is on the Appalachian Trail, is full of historic buildings. West Virginia is also the only state to be born as a direct result of the Civil War, after it split with Virginia because of its political differences. The state plans several celebrations and remembrance ceremonies beginning this year and lasting for the next few years.

Great Maps of the Civil War by Miller, William J.; Gragg, Rod Edition ILL, - When Union General George McClellan marched toward the Confederate capital of Richmond in 1862, he encountered the Warwick River where it wasn’t supposed to be, causing a delay in his strategy and criticism from Northern press. McClellan was following a map created by an esteemed and experienced topographer, but the map was wrong! The map McClellan was following, reproduced in Great Maps of the Civil War, shows lines in pencil along the true course of the Warwick, apparently drawn after it was too late.Most people interested in the Civil War are fascinated by maps – for what they tell about the battles, for what they tell about the terrain, and in some cases for their artistic beauty. But maps reproduced in books have limitations and there is not a good way of preserving a map collection – until now. Fifteen chapters in Great Maps of the Civil War each contain two or three maps that can be pulled out of a pocket. Ten of the maps are 18 x 24; others are smaller. In addition to a discussion of the battles and the roles of the maps, the book tells about Civil War mapmakers and the methods they used.Stunningly designed, this unique full-color book will make a significant addition to the library of any Civil War enthusiast or those who are fascinated by maps and mapmakers.