Jetsettersblog

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) – Mystical Golf – owner and operator of the acclaimed The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard golf courses – announces its value-packed, affordable stay-and-play summer vacation getaway from June 1 – Aug. 31.

Proclaimed the “Best Value” in the Grand Strand by GOLF Magazine, Mystical Golf’s trio of diverse Dan Maples-designed 18s are all rated from 4 to 4-1/2 stars by Golf Digest. At $89 per person, per night (taxes included), this extraordinary offer includes (www.mysticalgolf.com):
Three rounds with cart on The Witch, The Wizard and Man-O-War
Three nights’ lodging in well-appointed, three-bedroom golf villas (four beds)
Complimentary iHOP breakfast daily
Free steak dinner at Logan’s Roadhouse (includes non-alcoholic beverages, taxes)
Lunch, range balls and two beers free at the course each day
$15 gift card toward a golf shirt
Instant replay round for cart fee only

After a long, tough winter and spring in much of North America, visitors will cherish the Grand Strand’s warmth and sunshine from June through August. Post-golf fun features a bounty of attractions including The Alabama Theatre, The House of Blues, Brookgreen Gardens, The Bowery, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and the seafood hotspot of Murrells Inlet, For baseball fans, the Pelicans – a Class A advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers – play at one of the best minor league stadiums in the game (TicketReturn.Com Field).

“Summer provides the best value for getaways here at Mystical Golf,” says Claude Pardue, President and CEO. “We like to make it as easy as pie to play our three heralded courses and enjoy comfortable lodging ideal for recharging after a full day of fun in the sun.”

The Witch sits on 500 acres of tranquil cypress groves and wetlands teeming with flora and fauna. Tactical play is rewarded on the par-71, 6,702-yard layout. With 4,000 feet of bridges wending through swamps (front nine) and rolling hills (back nine), golfers may spy cranes, bald eagles, alligators and black bears.

Man-O-War is revered for its back-to-back island greens and water features touching every hole. With a commanding 141 slope rating, the par-72, 6,967-yard layout is offset by straight-forward shots and excellent, bent-grass greens.

Reminiscent of classic, wind-swept links courses in Scotland and Ireland, The Wizard presents deep bunkers, mound-framed fairways and dramatic elevation changes. Trademark stone bridges and an Old-World, castle-style clubhouse add character to the par-72, 6,721-yard shot-maker’s course.

For Mystical Golf information: www.mysticalgolf.com, 843.282.2977.

American Queen Steamboat Company, which just launched its second season on the Mississippi with the American Queen paddlewheeler, introduced a new 2013 deluxe brochure. The 32-page brochure chronicles the journeys of the American Queen, the largest riverboat in the world. It showcases the many enhancements and refinements to the onboard product and highlights the destinations visited through the heartland of America.

“The American Queen truly redefines river cruising and provides guests with so much more than they thought was possible on a river cruise,” said American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes. “Our guests see the Mississippi River and its tributaries in a whole new way. Our new brochure captures this experience as it describes the acclaimed cuisine, world-class entertainment and amenities including eight lounges and multiple dining options.”

The brochure also details the distinctions that differentiate the American Queen experience from other river cruises aboard the largest riverboat in the world. The boat offers sailings from seven to 14 days and a diverse array of accommodations to suit every budget. American Queen also has a dedicated fleet of luxury coaches that follows the boat on every cruise, providing free shore excursions in every port. Multiple dining options and venues include the two-deck-tall J.M. White Dining Room as the centerpiece of the American Queen dining experience..

The new brochure includes voyage descriptions for the 2013 season with a total of 30 departures from Memphis and New Orleans, showcasing the Lower Mississippi’s fabled plantations, Civil War battlefields, history and Southern culture. New themes such as Blue Hawaii, an Elvis Tribute; Blues & Barbecue; Louisiana History & Culture; Southern Spirits; Gardens of the River; Good Old Summertime; Baseball Legends; and Manifest Destiny also are featured.

Capella Washington, DC, which opens in February 2013, is located on the Picturesque C&O Canal and Rock Creek Park in Georgetown and boasts 49 classic guest rooms, 12 grand suites, a rooftop lounge and ‘infinity’ pool, spa and fitness centre, ‘world class’ restaurants, and a stunning ‘Capella’ living room complete with a two-story fireplace. The Capella’s bespoke service includes a personal assistant available 24/7 to arrange airport logistics, after-hours shopping at exclusive stores, private museum tours or even backstage access at the Washington Ballet.

The luxurious Salamander Resort & Spa, due to open in August 2013, boasts 168 guest rooms and 17 suites, a grand ballroom, spa, infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, library, access to a golf course, and a pond and bird watching area. Set in 340 acres of stunning countryside, the resort offers impressive facilities for country pursuits, including a horse centre and a 22-stall stable for guests who wish to bring their horse, a 23,000 square foot spa with ‘treehouse’ treatment rooms overlooking woodland and a remote stream, and an equestrian-themed restaurant.

To find out more about the Capital Region USA, visit www.CapitalRegionUSA.co.uk

Delta Air Lines will offer new and expanded summer service from Montana to Atlanta and Los Angeles, effective June 22.

The new service changes include Atlanta to Bozeman expanded from twice per week to three weekly; Atlanta to Kalispell expanded from once per week to twice weekly; new Saturday service from Atlanta to Missoula; and new Saturday service from Los Angeles to Bozeman.

Each flight will offer a first-class cabin, Economy Comfort seating and in-flight Wi-Fi. Delta’s new service between Atlanta and Bozeman, Kalispell and Missoula, will be operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The fourth flight, between Bozeman and Los Angeles, will be operated by Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines using a 76-seat two-class CRJ900.

Returning summer seasonal service between Atlanta and Bozeman will operate Wednesdays and Saturdays on a Boeing 757, while Atlanta-Kalispell service will operate Saturdays on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Delta has served Montana since 1927 and offers more flights statewide than any other airline.

The week before Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally kicks off summer in the U.S., the Atlantic City Alliance is reminding travel trade and consumers that the AC Boardwalk is “NOT damaged and is opening new attractions, nightclubs and restaurants” for the big holiday weekend.

Ever since Hurricane Sandy smashed into the Jersey shore, doing millions of dollars worth of damage to beaches and homes and inestimable damage to lives and livelihoods, Atlantic City has been battling the image issue that it is hoping to correct before the start of summer 2013.

Some broadcast news programs and print journalists and photographers had taken pictures of a portion of the famous Boardwalk that is out of range of the main tourist zone. That area had indeed been damaged during Hurricane Sandy. But the main section of the Boardwalk that fronts resorts like Revel was not severely impacted by the storm and is and has been very much open for business. Since that time DOAC has been working to correct a major media misinterpretation.

In a statement released on May 17, the Atlantic City Alliance invited news crews as well as travelers to see and experience the famous Boardwalk themselves. It also points to new highlights opening ijust n time for Memorial Day including: “Boardwalk Beat,“a 3D sound and light show which debuts on the facade of Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, May 25 at 9 pm; Margaritaville opening at Resorts Casino Hotel Memorial Day Weekend; HQ Beach Club opening at Revel Memorial Day Weekend and the Haven Nightclub opening at Golden Nugget Atlantic City on Saturday, May 25 with pop star Ke$ha. The famous Steel Pier, a fixture in Atlantic City since the early 1900s and seen on opening credits of the hit show, Boardwalk Empire, will cut the ribbon on eight new rides for the 2013 season beginning Memorial Day Weekend.

Dollywood’s Splash Country is debuting Tennessee’s first water coaster, $6 million RiverRush. The attraction spans nearly an acre in the valley next to the waterpark’s Bear Mountain Fire Tower.

After riding a four-person boat 237 feet in the air, guests race down an initial 25-foot, 45-degree drop. From there, moving water propels riders up hills, through thrilling twists and tunnels, hair-raising hairpin turns, rapids and three more scream-inducing drops along the 1,176-foot track.

In preparation for the debut of the ride, Dollywood’s Splash Country introduced Time Saver, a line reservation system that reserves a spot in select ride lines, freeing guests to experience other attractions.

“There’s a lot of fun in store at my Dollywood’s Splash Country in 2013,” Dolly Parton said. “Growing up, playing in the creeks and streams here in the Smoky Mountains, I could only dream of something like a water coaster.”

Dollywood’s Splash Country is open May 25 through Aug. 18, with additional operating days through Labor Day weekend. The season concludes on Monday, Sept. 2.

Baltimore’s National Aquarium will unveil an exhibit featuring blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, a giant green sea turtle and other marine life in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on July 10.

The $12.5 million coral reef exhibit is the first stage of a project to renew and refresh the Aquarium, which draws more than 1.4 million visitors each year.

It will introduce several upgrades to improve visitors’ ability to get close to the animals, including a 27-foot viewing window that curves four feet into the underwater reef itself.  On the upper level, visitors will be able to look down onto the reef from viewing platforms, while the entire exhibit can be viewed on three sides. Visitors will be able to experience daily diver presentations and feedings.

With one of the country’s most comprehensive recreations of an Indo-Pacific reef, the exhibit will be the new centerpiece at attraction. It will feature a school of sleek and fast-moving blacktip reef sharks, known for the distinctive and prominent black tips on their fins. The 260,000-gallon exhibit boasts 15 other major marine life species, more than 60 additional varieties of fish and one integrated, self-contained ecosystem.

“As our name implies, creating exhibits and programs that are indeed national—in scope, importance and impact—is a significant part of our work. Blacktip Reef is an excellent example of this,” said John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO. “It captures the beauty and mystery of an Indo-Pacific coral reef while conveying a compelling message about the urgent need to protect both the habitat and its diverse inhabitants.  This is the first in an ambitious series of innovations here at the National Aquarium, all of which underscore our commitment to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures.”

American Cruise Lines has added four-night cruises to the 2013 schedule of Queen of the Mississippi. The new cruises, which are four days shorter than the line’s average voyage length, focus on various plantations found along the river. The shorter plantation cruises will feature special events and onboard activities including singing performances by entertainer and storyteller Judy Davis, praline-cooking demonstrations, onboard cooking demonstrations by a Louisiana Culinary Institute chef and performances by the New Orleans Jazz All Stars.

Virginia is launching its summer season with a host of new restaurants, breweries and attractions.

On the wine and food front, the Winery at Bull Run in Fairfax is a vineyard offering wines in a Civil War-themed atmosphere. It opened last summer. Located near Manassas Battlefield Park, the winery offers summer tours and tastings.

Three Brothers Brewing Co. in Harrison is one of Virginia’s newest breweries – it opened in March – and offers a tasting room featuring pairings that include Scottish Ale served with chocolate gingerbread whoopee pies. Scheduled to open this month in Fairfax, Matchbox features casual American fare, a wine list, an eclectic beer selection and brick oven pizza.

Sunken City Brewing Company in Smith Mountain Lake will open on May 15, offering hand-crafted lagers and ales on tap, as well as craft beers including Dam Lager and Red Clay IPA. The Flying Mouse Brewery in Troutville is scheduled to open in mid-summer.

The micro-brewery will offer scenic views and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling events and live music. It will also boast a tasting bar, tours and on-site sales.

In September 2012, the Mosaic District became Fairfax’s newest area for entertainment, dining and shopping.

Attractions include an art-house cinema lounge, the Angelika Film Center, shops and dining spots. The District will continue to grow with new businesses scheduled to open throughout the summer.

Blue Ridge Dog in Harrisonburg opened on March 6, offering families traveling with pets a pet boutique, offering a canine bakery, specialty pet items and foods with an eco-friendly twist.

Go Ape Treetop Junior in Williamsburg debuted on March 23, providing kids with the chance to try out two zip lines, canopy exploring and obstacle courses 20 feet up in the trees. Go Ape Treetop Junior is derived from Go Ape adult courses. Williamsburg’s Freedom Park will be the first location to encompass the new course created exclusively for kids.

Bodies Revealed at The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News showcases real human bodies through a three-dimensional tour made possible through the process of polymer preservation.

Brussels Airlines, a Lufthansa carrier, is adding two destinations to their summer timetable, Washington and Edinburgh. Several other destinations will have a higher weekly flight frequency, including Douala, Yaounde, Freetown and Milan Linate.

Brussels Airlines connects Brussels Airport to 46 European destinations this summer season. On a weekly basis the short and mid-haul fleet will operate 680 flights per week. On June 18, the carrier will launch five times a week Washington Dulles. Washington is the second US destination for the airline, after the launch of New York JFK last year. The flight schedule of the Washington service (late afternoon departure from Brussels, late night departure from Washington) is designed for those who want to spend the entire day in Brussels or Washington. It also allows smooth connection to other international destinations, both via Brussels or Washington.

Scheduled service to the Scottish capital was launched this winter and is now being expanded with an extra frequency. In total 12 weekly flights are planned for the summer. The airline also invests heavily in its popular Italy offer. After an interruption of 2 years, Palermo is again added to the summer timetable, with two weekly direct flights. Catania will be flown three times weekly from now on.

The flight frequency to Linate, Milan’s city airport, is being increased with an extra evening and morning flight. In total 18 flights will be operated between Linate and Brussels this summer season. There’s also good news for those looking to fly to Venice. With three extra flight frequencies, the city will be served 17 times per week. Extra flights to Naples are also scheduled this summer and Florence and Lamezia Terme are back on the network after the winter break.

The flight offer to other summer vacation destinations will also increase. Passengers travelling to the Costa del Sol or Andalusia can choose from 17 instead of 14 flights per week to Malaga. Faro, the entry port to the popular Algarve region, will be served FIVE times per week instead of 4. The number of flights to the Hungarian capital Budapest will be slightly increased.