Jetsettersblog

Abercrombie & Kent unveiled two new family holidays featuring national parks in the American West, The Grand Canyon and Beyond and Discovering California’s National Parks.

The programs are led by expert guides who offer insider knowledge to illuminate the hidden side of the parks and their histories.

“Most families find that their daily lives are so hectic with work and school that summer vacations are the only time they have to truly reconnect,” said Bob Simpson, vice president of product planning and business development at Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. “Travel is often the most uninterrupted time they spend together during the year.

But it shouldn’t be a chore to plan. And it’s too important to get it wrong. Our guests look to us to be responsible for their holiday from beginning to end and our goal in designing these new itineraries was to deliver a more active, more engaging, more personalized way to experience these extraordinary places as a family.”

The Grand Canyon and Beyond explores desert canyons, the Colorado River, Zion National Park’s trails and the rim of the Grand Canyon on little-known trails, led by Grand Canyon Field Institute guides.

The trip includes a visit to the studio of photographers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. Clients can learn about the latest paleontological discoveries in Grand Staircase Escalante and the geology of Zion National Park from private guides.

Accommodations include the Enchantment Hotel in Sedona, with its acclaimed Mii amo Spa, and the Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah.

Departures are June 24 to July 1 and Aug 4 to 11. The price starts at $5,095 per person double occupancy. Bookings made by March 31 save $250 per person.

Discovering California’s National Parks presents California gold country and the scenery along the Pacific coast and in Yosemite National Park.

It includes a drive on Highway 1 to the Avenue of the Giants and Redwood National Park and a leisurely float trip down the American River through the heart of California’s gold country. Yosemite Conservancy guides take clients on an easy walk through Yosemite Valley or an energetic Glacier Point hike four miles down to the valley floor.

At a lunch at Ahwahnee Lodge clients will meet historian Lee Stetson (featured in Ken Burns’ National Park series on PBS) as he portrays 19th century naturalist John Muir. Also included is a private visit to Crystal Cave, a maze of stalactites and stalagmites formed of marble. Accommodations include Cavallo Point Lodge, one of Conde Nast Traveler’s 200 Best Hotels, and Carter House Inn, which is comprised of four restored Victorian townhouses in Old Town Eureka. Departures are June 21 to 30 and July 29 to Aug 7. The price is from $5,895 per person double occupancy.

Bookings made by March 31 save $250 per person. Abercrombie & Kent began offering African safaris in 1962, and today offers travel to more than 100 countries on all seven continents. For more information, call 800-554-7094.

The state of New Mexico, America’s 47th state, celebrates 100 years of statehood in 2012 with events and festivals all year long.

In Albuquerque, a variety of events and festivals will honor the state’s landmark occasion. Albuquerque’s largest Centennial event is the Centennial Summerfest on Saturday, June 16th with themed music, performances and themed food stations throughout the downtown area.

In addition to events, stay tuned for details on Albuquerque’s themed Centennial Weekend celebrations throughout the year. www.abqcentennial.com/

Spaceport Tours

Albuquerque-based Follow the Sun Tours is now offering weekend tours of Spaceport America. The Spaceport is located two and a half hours south of Albuquerque near Truth or Consequences (T or C), New Mexico. The current preview tour is available on weekends and will expand to a daily offering in March when the Pre-Operational Tour begins.

We will share more details as we receive them. The preview tour is an excellent opportunity to take a peak into what space tourism is going to be when flights begin, which is expected for early 2013. www.ftstours.com/spaceport.htm

Albuquerque’s theater scene

According to the Albuquerque Theatre Guild, more theatrical performances take place each weekend in Albuquerque than in any other U.S. city of its size. One of Albuquerque’s busiest times for theater is late winter and early spring. Learn more: www.ItsATrip.org/onstage.

Albuquerque Kudos

Los Poblanos Inn receives international recognition from Fodor’s

Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm has been named one of “Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels” for 2011, a designation given to the top 100 “best in category” hotels in the world. Privately owned by the Rembe family, the 25-acre inn and organic farm has a cultural center and conference facilities that marry state-of-the art technology with historic architecture, antiques and exquisite examples of colonial and legendary New Mexico craftsmanship. View details.

Gruet Winery recognized

New Mexico’s Gruet Winery was recognized as one of the Top 100 Wines of 2011 at a prestigious No. 43. Their Blanc de Noirs NV was given a rating of 90 points earlier in the year and is now recognized as one of the best wines in the world.

Kicking off the New Year, Gruet’s Grand Rosé was also recognized as one of Oprah.com’s “Best Drinks for Dieters.

Vernon’s named one of America’s most hidden restaurants
“Whether it’s a gimmick or indifference, the secrecy of a restaurant only makes a reservation there that much more desirable,” says http://www.thedailymeal.com/. The website recognized Albuquerque’s Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse among the most hidden restaurants in the country. Read the complete story.

Fusion Theatre Company recognized nationally
The 11-year-old Fusion Theatre Co. was recently one of 10 U.S. theater companies to be awarded by the national American Theater Wing. View the story.

Upcoming Events

“100 Years of State & Federal Policy: The Impact on Pueblo Nations” – exhibit and programming at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
February 4 – December 2012

Savor Albuquerque Festival & Centennial Summerfest – 10-day festival focused on arts, culture and cuisine
June 7-16, 2012
http://www.abqcentennial.com/

25th Anniversary of the Festival Flamenco de Alburquerque – the most important flamenco festival outside of Spain
June 8-16, 2012
http://ffinm.org/

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – the world’s largest ballooning festival
October 6-14, 2012
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/

Hunters are reminded that the application deadline for the draw for Arizona’s 2012 elk and pronghorn antelope hunts is Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 by 7 p.m. (MST).

The online application service is now available. Visit www.azgfd.gov/draw  and click on the online application service link.

For those not using the online process, paper applications can still be mailed to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or they can be hand-delivered to any of the seven Game and Fish offices located in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson, Mesa and Phoenix. Mailed applications must be received by the department by the deadline; postmarks don’t count.

Remember, a 2012 hunting license is required to apply in the draw. If you haven’t already purchased your license, you can do so through the draw application process.

Please keep in mind that if you are purchasing your license online, you must have a working printer handy and print your license out at the time of purchase. The department does not mail out licenses that are purchased online. Licenses can also be purchased at Game and Fish offices and at hunting/fishing license dealers throughout the state.

Copies of the 2012 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information Booklet are available at Game and Fish offices and at hunting license dealers throughout the state. The booklet is also available online at www.azgfd.gov/draw

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

The Arizona Centennial Commission and 2012 Foundation’s Arizona Best Fest Phoenix event will honor Arizona’s 100 years of statehood, encompassing nearly one mile of Washington Street and beyond.

The free event takes place Feb. 11 from noon to 10 p.m. and Feb. 12 from noon to 6 p.m. It will feature Arizona-based main stage headliners George Benson, Michelle Branch, the Gin Blossoms, Rex Allen Jr., Dolan Ellis and Marshall Trimble.

The event also will feature a Centenarian Brunch honoring 100-year-old individuals, companies and nonprofits; a grand gala entitled Fandango! Arizona; and an Arizona Centennial Ride — a 16-mile motorcycle tour led by Phoenix native Dierks Bentley.

There also will be educational pavilions and villages of Hispanic, American Indian and Western cultures.

The Arizona Republic is delivering an Arizona storyteller’s theater; and sports teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns — will present a history of Arizona sports pavilion highlighting all Arizona sports teams and traditions, including Cactus League spring training.

Are you a professional basketball fan? Do you have an Arizona hunting or fishing license?

The Phoenix Suns are offering discounted ticket prices for two games in February to people who have a current Arizona hunting or fishing license. If you haven’t already purchased your license for 2012, this is a great incentive to do so.

Discounted tickets will be available for the following games:

February 15 vs. Atlanta Hawks
100 level baseline (regularly $79.95) for only $50
200 level sideline (regularly 29.75) for only $25

February 19 vs. L.A. Lakers
100 level baseline (regularly $194.75) for only $175
200 level sideline (regularly $115.75) for only $112

This unique group package includes a discounted Suns’ ticket, a FREE Suns’ drawstring backpack with each ticket purchase, and a special group welcome on the Jumbotron.

For an informational flyer, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/fishing/12ST%20-%20AZGFD%20FINAL.pdf

Tickets can be ordered online at http://tinyurl.com/azgfdtix (use Promo Code: AZGFD), or by filling out the order form on the flyer and faxing to (602) 379-7873.

If you have questions, contact Kyle Pottinger at the Phoenix Suns at kpottinger@suns.com or call (602) 379-7506.

Exclusive boutique ranch in Moab offers three heart pleasing packages for couples

MOAB, UTAH . . . . If you’re looking to impress your dearly beloved this Valentine’s Day, check your horoscope, as it is likely guiding you to escape to one of the most breathtaking destinations and resorts in the country — southern Utah’s Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa in scenic Moab.

Considered Utah’s premier luxury resort ranch and situated on the banks of the Colorado River, Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa is serving up three sizzling hot Valentine’s Day packages that are guaranteed to tug at the heart strings of your loved one. Unwrapping the romance at Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa this Valentine’s Day includes:

“Over the Top” Valentine’s Day Package

From personal chauffeurs and private flights over Utah’s famed Canyonlands or Arches National Parks, Sorrel’s “over the top” Valentine’s package is destined to send your sweetheart’s heart soaring over the majestic peaks and valleys of Moab.

This 3 night / 4 day package includes:

• Three nights in a luxuriously appointed Spa Suite with a river view

• A private chauffeured SUV for touring Moab and airport transfers

• Private airplane tour over Canyonlands or Arches National Parks

• A sunset Hummer® excursion

• $500 resort credit to be used toward dining or activities

• Rose petal welcome

• One dozen roses

• Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries

• His and her signature Sorrel River robes

• A romantic couples massage at The Spa

• Chef’s Table for Two dinner with wine pairings

• Breakfast for two daily

Sorrel River Ranch’s Valentine’s Day package begins at $6,350 per stay including taxes and fees and is available from February 1 – 29, 2012.* For reservations and information, call 1-877-317-8244 or follow this specific link: http://tinyurl.com/SRRVDAY

ENGAGING ADVENTURES

Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa recognizes that February is one of the most popular months for those looking to POP the question to that perfect partner! With the perfect ring in hand, Sorrel River Ranch offers the perfect location to help create that fabulous moment that ends in an unbridled “yes.”

Sorrel River’s Engaging Adventures proposal package includes a two night stay in a luxuriously appointed river view suite overlooking the Colorado River, a treasured welcome amenity, signature rose petal turndown, a romantic chef’s table dinner for two and an adventurous selection of settings and locations for “popping the question.”

Pricing for this two night package begins at $709 plus tax, per night, based on double occupancy.

Additional amenities or engagement elements may be tailored and added at an additional cost.

For additional information on “popping the question” this Valentine’s Day at Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa, call 1-877-317-8244 or visit www.sorrelriver.com.

RED ROCK ROMANCE

Sorrel River Ranch’s most popular package makes the ideal Valentine’s retreat and includes a two night stay in an elegantly appointed ranch decor guestroom with majestic views, a relaxing couples massage at Sorrel River Spa and a candlelit dinner for two at the River Grill restaurant overlooking the famed Colorado River. Reconnect on the rocks this Valentine’s Day – you won’t regret it! Price begins at $600 plus tax, per night based on double occupancy and can be tailored based on accommodations. For additional information call 1-877-359-2715 or visit www.sorrelriver.com.

About the Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa

Located on the banks of the famed Colorado River on 160 acres amidst Moab’s majestic red rocks, the AAA Four Diamond Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa is managed by Benchmark Hospitality International and is an exclusive member of Benchmark’s newest Personal Luxury Resorts & HotelsSM. Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa features 55 spacious guestrooms and suites and elegantly appointed ranch décor throughout the property, reflecting the pristine, natural beauty of southern Utah. The upscale ranch features a full-service spa, The River Grill with spectacular views overlooking the Colorado River, an equestrian center, 7,500 square feet of indoor meeting and event space and a sparkling pool. Sorrel River Ranch offers an extensive selection of recreational activities and outdoor adventures for guests including horseback riding, guided hikes, river rafting, jeep and ATV tours, sky diving, rappelling and more. For further information or to book reservations, visit: www.sorrelriver.com  or call 1-877-317-8244.

TUBAC, Ariz. — Indulge yourself with a day of unlimited golf on Tubac Golf Resort & Spa’s 27-hole championship course with a minimum of 18-holes always open for play. Beautiful course with magical views of the Santa Rita Mountains.
Dates: Good through May 31, 2012 Click this link.

United Continental Holdings, Inc. announced that it will launch year-round and seasonal service on several new routes to begin in the summer of 2012.

United will begin daily year-round service between Washington/Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Honolulu (HNL) on June 7, 2012, the only nonstop service between the two points.

The flights will operate using Boeing 767-400 aircraft.

It will add new daily service between Denver and Fairbanks, Alaska, June 7 through Aug. 27.

In South Dakota, United Express will offer daily seasonal service between Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport and Rapid City, gateway to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore and the Badlands National Park, from June 7 through Aug. 27.

In Wyoming, it will add twice weekly flights between its Houston and San Francisco (SFO) hubs and Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Targeting Corporate Team Building

Moab, UT, – New for 2012 is a Moab, Utah, Ropes Course Adventure challenging individuals, families and corporate groups seeking team-building opportunities. The high ropes course is available alone or in combination with other outdoor adventure activities in the Moab, Utah region exclusively through Moab Adventure Center http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/ 

Building on a growing corporate meetings market, bolstered now with the convenience of direct commercial flights into Moab, Utah, Moab Adventure Center has developed a three-day / two-night Moab Corporate Retreat adventure package including accommodations at Red Cliffs Ranch, dinners, wine tastings, breakfasts, a morning high ropes course emphasizing team building and bonding, a scenic off-road Hummer tour of a working cattle ranch with a cowboy-prepared cookout lunch followed by a Colorado River float trip. The package which also includes time for meetings, speakers and award ceremony is priced at $615 per person, double occupancy.
See: THIS LINK.

Brandon Lake, co-founder of Moab Adventure Center, anticipates that the new Moab high ropes challenge course will draw meeting planners from around the West looking for group team building activities based in the easy-to-reach Moab area.

According to Lake, “In about three hours, you can run the high ropes course, a network of ropes connected to 40-foot-high towers secured by heavy-duty bolts and cables.

The payoff is having fun while building trust, confidence and communication. Professional facilitators guide guests through each station along the challenge course including a state-of-the-art climbing tower and the popular giant swing.” See: THIS LINK.

Lake says it combines elements of a uniquely crafted climbing wall with an ascent up a massive cargo net, walking on a 25-foot balance beam or riding a skateboard zip line, all 40 feet off the ground.

“The most talked-about challenge on this course is the Giant Swing! Strapped into a harness, helmet buckled tight, you launch from atop the platform and blast through the air on the largest fixed swing Southern Utah’s ever seen! The staff is experienced and trained to provide maximum safety while keeping the adrenaline levels high,” he promises, adding that staff will help guests reach their potential while “creating a supportive atmosphere where each individual’s choices and decisions are respected and honored.”

Rates for just the three-hour course alone, including extensive pre-training are $65 for ages 14 and up and $55 for ages 10 to 13. Group rates are also available.

For more information please see:  THIS LINK.

For independent travelers looking to design their own custom adventure, Moab is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of all interests and ages (rafting, hiking, biking, canyoneering, flight seeing, off-road adventures and more). As with other MAC activities, if the ropes course is booked in tandem with a minimum of two other MAC programs there’s a 10 percent discount on each activity. See: THIS LINK.

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/),  an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona.

The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT.

Its programs are available from March through October.

Established in 2004, Moab Adventure Center serves active travelers with half, full, and multi-day adventure programs including Moab rafting, Hummer safaris, Arches National Park Tours, canyoneering, Moab mountain biking, Colorado River jet boat tours, horseback riding and hot air balloon rides. In addition to activities, the Adventure Center also offers Moab lodging and Jeep rentals as well as complete Moab vacation packages.

Surrounded by an immense red rock playground, Moab, Utah, is unlike any other place in the world. Its postcard-perfect desert is adorned with giant sandstone formations, canyon mazes, and thousands of natural arches. Several national and state parks are accessible from Moab.

The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main Street, Moab, Utah 84532. For information and reservations please call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163 or send an email from http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/contact/.