Jetsettersblog

Visitors can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day at Comic-Con International, July 23 – 26, at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture. For more information, call 619-491-2475, or visit www.comic-con.org .

San Diego’s culinary community joins forces during September 13 – 18 for San Diego Restaurant Week. More than a hundred of the region’s top restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus at just $20, $30 or $40 per person, so visitors can sample the signature cuisine and sophisticated style that make San Diego’s dining scene one of the region’s top attractions.

For more information, call 858-523-9020, or visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com .

The “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack where home racing fans flock each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, July 22 – September 9.

The races run six days weekly, except Tuesday. Every Friday, guests can catch 4 O’Clock Fridays, a free headliner concert following the day’s last race.

On September 6, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Grade 1 Pacific Classic treats guests to a prestigious event with a race between the nation’s top thoroughbreds and $1 million purse. For more information, call 858-755-1141, or visit www.dmtc.com

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

In April 2009, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park opened Flightline, a new zip-line adventure that transports guests more than 400 feet across the park at speeds up to 60 mph.

The 1.5-hour experience begins at the top of a mountain in Nairobi Village and features a brief training lesson, behind-the-scenes narration and an aerial adventure that soars across the Asian and African field exhibits, and ends at Kilima Point. Participants must be 10 years of age or older and weigh between 75 and 200 pounds; the cost is $70 in addition to regular park admission.

For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org/wap

On May 23, 2009, the San Diego Zoo unveiled a journey through time with the opening of its newest exhibit, The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey. Highlighting animals of the past, present and future, the $44 million, seven-acre habitat features Asian elephants, a California condor, sloths, snakes and rodents, as well as life-sized replicas of animal species that dotted the Southern California landscape more than 10,000 years ago.

A herd of eight elephants roam a 2.5-acre exhibit that includes a 120,000-gallon pool, gentle rolling hills and the Conrad Prebys Elephant Management Facility, where visitors can see keepers and veterinarians at work with the animals.

Additional highlights of Elephant Odyssey include a tar pit replication, fossil dig, children’s play area and much more. For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org

On May 29, 2009, SEA LIFE Aquarium in Carlsbad launched a new exhibit, Sharks Revealed.

The new display will replace the Kelp Forrest exhibit and provide an up-close look at the evolution, development and lifestyles of sharks, including how they eat, breathe and sleep. Several unique shark species will roam through the exhibit like the brown banded bamboo shark, white spotted bamboo shark and coral catshark.

Sharks Revealed will also showcase a number of educational displays and interactive opportunities for guests.

For more information, call 760-918-5346, or visit www.sealifeus.com

NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS

In August 2009, Hotel Indigo San Diego, a new alternative to traditional hotels, will open in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego.

Catering to the style-conscious traveler, the hotel will offer personalized service, affordable luxury and intelligent design to create a one-of-a-kind, welcoming environment.

The 12-story, 210-room property will feature open spaces, bold colors, unique textures, natural imagery and spa-inspired touches throughout the property.

In addition, public spaces and guestrooms will undergo seasonal transformations so that aromas, music, artwork, murals and more correlate to match the four seasons.

Hotel Indigo San Diego will also offer a bistro-style Golden Bean restaurant and Phi bar, each offering seasonal gourmet fare for breakfast and dinner.

A 24-hour “Phi”tness Studio, rooftop terrace with a reflection pool and fire pits, business center, 6,200-sq. ft. of meeting space and free wireless internet will round out the amenities.

Hotel Indigo will be San Diego’s first LEED-certified hotel, and green building practices will be seen throughout the property, including green roofs on its 9th and 12th floors.

For more information, visit www.hotelindigo.com

HOTEL RENOVATIONS AND NAME CHANGES

Renovations and upgrades to the historic 1906 Lodge in Coronado were completed in May 2009.

The building was originally built in 1906 as a boarding house, and now serves as a charming 17-room hotel.

Six of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in the mail lodge and feature queen beds, period furniture and original leaded glass windows that provide gorgeous views of Coronado.

Eleven of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in newly built bungalows and feature king beds, spa tubs, private entrances and private balconies or porches. Additional upgrades to the building include renovated common areas like the parlor, dining room and veranda.

The 1906 Lodge also boasts meeting space that can accommodate up to 40 guests.

For more information, call 866-435-1906, or visit http://1906lodge.com

The Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay recently unveiled a complete brand re-launch featuring a new look and feel throughout the 14-story property.

The hotel’s 600 rooms now feature comfortable beds with crisp linens and a selection of pillows that range from soft to firm.

Guestroom bathrooms have been enhanced with superior showerheads, a curved shower rod for a more spacious feel and premium bath products. Enhanced lighting and landscaping designs offer a warm arrival experience, while just inside the lobby, new stylish touches, signature sounds, scents and an efficient guest check-in round out the welcome experience.

For more information, call 619-232-3861, or visit www.hisandiegoonthebay.com

In May 2009, Pala Casino Spa and Resort in San Diego’s North County completed a $100 million expansion, which includes major improvements to the dining and gaming areas and a new parking garage.

Pala Casino’s buffet area was expanded to 20,000-sq. ft. and renamed Choices, providing guests a world-class, interactive dining experience featuring eight live-action cooking stations, seating for more than 625 guests, an area for private parties and great views of the neighboring scenic mountains.

Pala Casino also opened two new restaurants — Amigos, an authentic Mexican eatery with quick-style service, and Sushi Sake, a Japanese restaurant. Within Pala’s casino area, a Poker Room with 15 tables, private cage windows and tableside dining was also added. Additionally, the casino’s private High Limit Area features three redesigned, Feng Shui-inspired rooms.

For more information, call 877-946-7252, or visit www.palacasino.com

Continue reading UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS in San Diego…

As A Tie-In With Silver Dollar City’s Festivities

BRANSON, MO – If you’re seeking a fun family-friendly getaway this summer, you should check out Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa in Branson, Missouri. Featuring an array of recreational offerings that can please virtually everyone in the family, the resort is offering a new “KidsFest Package” as a tie-in with Silver Dollar City’s popular “National KidsFest.”

In addition to deluxe accommodations for two nights at the AAA Four-Diamond resort, the package includes: a $50 Food Credit toward any of the resort’s food services, to be used during your stay;

one set of Two-Day Passes to Silver Dollar City for two adults and one child, for use during your stay (additional tickets may be purchased separately);

use of outdoor and indoor pools, hot tub, fitness facilities, playground and nature trail; and free indoor parking.

The package is from $550 per room, and is available through August 9, 2009. Tax and gratuity are additional, and the package is based on availability.

Silver Dollar City’s “National KidsFest” runs through August 9, 2009, and will feature special performances that will appeal to the entire family. Summer 2009 offerings include performances by illusionist Peter Gossamer, drum and dance performances by Swedish super group Jeerk, and a special VeggieTales show.

Featuring a beautiful Ozark mountaintop setting overlooking scenic Table Rock Lake, Chateau on the Lake Resort offers a diversity of recreational options. This includes a marina, which offers more water sports activities than any other resort in the Midwest. Offerings include an array of watercraft rentals, which includes ski boats, fishing boats, waverunners, catamarans, paddleboats, sea kayaks, and canoes. Parasailing, guided fishing excursions, scuba diving, and snorkeling are among the many other available options.

Table Rock Lake features 850 miles of pristine shoreline and 80 miles of crystal blue water, making it a very appealing vacation destination.

“It’s beautiful at Chateau on the Lake in the summer,” said Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of the resort.

“Add to that the diversity of recreational options at the resort, and in Branson, and guests are in for a wonderful vacation.”

For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com .

In addition to the marina, recreational options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include the $6 million, 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau.

The full-service spa features 10 luxurious treatment rooms; customized body treatments; a soothing Infinity Tub that is filled from the ceiling; a Roman Bath situated beneath a waterfall overlooking Table Rock Lake;

a lake-view Movement Therapy Studio for Yoga; and a unique Barber Spa.

Additional recreational offerings at the resort include a 24-hour fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, a year-round indoor pool, an outdoor (seasonal) pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, nature and biking trails,

The Sassafras Movie Theater, Crawdaddies Kids Club (for children ages 4-12), and full-service concierge. Golf at six area courses, which includes two of Missouri’s finest, also is available to guests.

Widely regarded as the “Live Music Show Capital of America,”

Branson features more than 100 live shows per day, and a variety of impressive attractions.

Among the newest offerings is the Titanic: The World’s Largest Interactive Titanic Museum & Exhibition.

The new $420-million Branson Landing in historic downtown features festivals, musical events, a variety of new waterfront dining options, and more than 400,000 sq. ft. of national brand-name shops, galleries and specialty gift shops. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex is among the many other offerings in Branson

Dining options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include the award-winning Chateau Grille, the 9th Street Italian Deli, the Atrium Café & Wine Bar, and The Sweet Shoppe.

The resort’s 301 beautifully-appointed guest rooms and suites boast cherry wood beds, down comforters, tiled stone baths, dual-line telephones with data port, WiFi access (at a nominal fee), iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safes, and in-room movies and music (at a nominal fee). Select pet-friendly rooms for pets less than 25 pounds are also available.

Additional features at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include an impressive 10-story sky-lit atrium that provides breathtaking vistas of the lake, lush gardens, and surrounding mountains, and which features meandering streams brimming with colorful Koi fish, as well as a charming library lounge with a great stone fireplace.

Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa is owned and managed by Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.

For more information or reservations, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com

Huddersfield Carnival – 10th – 11th July

Huddersfield Carnival is the second largest African-Caribbean Carnival in West Yorkshire and pulls in Carnival goers from all over the country as well as serving the local African-Caribbean population numbering 16,000.

Now entering its 23 year the event is a well established part of many people’s summers and this year’s attendance is expected to reach 60,000.

Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean, the Carnival provides a medium through which local communities can develop and display their talents in costume design, music, dance and drama.

Huddersfield Food & Drink Festival – 13th – 16th August

West Yorkshire’s biggest food and drink festival is perfect for all you food lovers, with the streets and squares taken over by four days of pure indulgence, entertainment and trading, devoted to the sights, smells and tastes of local and international food.

Cookery demonstrations will be held each day with chefs from local restaurants and different cultures sharing their secrets and recipes. Children will get a chance to learn about food in a cookery theatre as well as get entertained with children’s story telling, balloon modelling and face painting.

For further details on any of the events visit www.pennineyorkshire.com

Julian and Cynthia Lennon, in association with the Beatles Story,Liverpool present the world premiere of White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon - a personal and intimate new exhibition portraying the emotional stories of the family of one of the world’s most iconic figures.

Opening in John Lennon’s home town of Liverpool, the world famous Beatles Story gives visitors the opportunity to experience a unique personal narration of life with John - by his son Julian, and Julian’s mother, Cynthia.

Beginning in Merseyside with the meeting at art college of John and Cynthia and following the journey from their clandestine and the birth of Julian, both of which coincide with the sharply increasing trajectory of the band’s fame and fortune.

The exhibition culminates in the story of Cynthia and Julian’s separation and divorce, giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the personal journey of this normal family’s struggle to cope with the effects of fame thrown upon them and it is particularly pertinent in today’s celebrity conscious society.

Nothing demonstrates this more acutely than the title of the exhibition, ‘‘White Feather’’.

During a tender moment when Julian was a child, John first spoke to him about the white feather.

As Julian explains: ‘‘The white feather is so prevalent in my life. One thing for sure is that it’s always represented peace to me. And one of the things my father said to me was that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be ok, or that we were all going to be ok, it was by in some way, shape or form presenting me with a white feather.’’

Then, around ten years ago while Julian was on tour in Australia, a group of Aborigines presented him with a white feather, asking him to be the voice for their plight. It was a breathtaking and inspirational moment for Julian.

This episode moved Julian to create The White Feather Foundation, and subsequently the exhibition in honour of his father’s memory. It is Julian’s wish that the white feather will be recognised as a symbol of peace, strength and honour through the work the charity will undertake.

Julian Lennon says: ‘‘‘John Lennon is an idol to millions of people who grew up loving his music and ideals, but to me he is the father I loved and lost. I hope this exhibition lets people see another aspect of his life and our time together as a family. This collection represents something of great importance to us as it is part of our history. We hope you find it a fitting tribute to a great talent and a remarkable man.’’

Jerry Goldman Managing Director of The Beatles Story comments: ‘‘The Beatles Story is dedicated to celebrating the music and cultural influence of the Beatles. We are delighted to be working with Julian and Cynthia to tell their story of their life with John through this world exclusive exhibition at our new venue.’’

White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon, takes place at the recently expanded world famous Beatles Story within the new Mersey Ferries terminal building on Liverpool’s renowned waterfront before touring worldwide.

-Ends-

Taking place from October 22-25, the Isrotel Phaza Morgana Festival will feature dance and musical performances by top Israeli artists at Timna Park in the Negev Desert north of Eilat.

The dance extravaganza will showcase a special collaborative performance by two of Israel’s greatest choreographers, Ohad Naharin and Sharon Eyal, in a specially designed amphitheatre at the foot of Solomon’s Pillars.

The festival will also include a presentation of Ohad Naharin’s prize-winning dance masterpiece Anaphaza by the Batsheva Dance Company.

“The Isrotel Phaza Morgana Festival will provide travelers with a taste of some of Israel’s top artistic minds,” says Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America. “The festival’s location in the enchanting Negev Desert will make for a one-of-a-kind musical experience.”

Also, world-renowned Israeli musician Idan Raichel will perform alongside a 16-member wind and string ensemble as well as Colombian and Rwandan artists.

For more information on the Isrotel Phaza Morgana Festival, visit www.phazamorgana.com

For more information on travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com

Norfolk’s whispering pines will echo to the brassy tones of Living National Treasure Don Burrows when the island’s eighth annual Jazz in The Pines Festival takes place December 7-11 this year.

Set amongst spectacular island scenery, the finger-snapping, feel-good week of swing, funk and blues will also see Melbourne group the Syncopators deliver the class that won them this year’s classic jazz award at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Also performing will be former Norfolk Islander Rick Robertson and the Eon Beats with sassy vocalist Evelyn Duprai and the Kevin Hunt Trio with crooner Johnny Nicol, giving the line-up the pick of Australia’s East Coast jazz and blues talent.

An added bonus will see a “Stop, Look and Listen” exhibition of photographs taken by the multi-talented Mr Burrows AO, MBE over a lifetime of travel and jazz playing.

“Jazz fans have been coming to Norfolk Island for the past seven years to enjoy this world-class music festival, and they could not be picking a better time to be here with an outstanding festival line-up and great holiday deals on offer,” said Norfolk Island Tourism General Manager Terry Watson.

“Our famous pine trees and Kingston’s Georgian architecture provide a wonderful setting for musical events, and jazz lovers can look forward to mix world-standard entertainment with a range of fun activities on our small slice of Pacific paradise.”

Jazz lovers are being offered a special package that includes return airfares from Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle and Brisbane, seven-nights twin share accommodation, seven-day car hire (insurance and petrol extra), entry to the Don Burrows photo exhibition, entry to all concerts, a welcome drink at each venue, a souvenir festival lanyard and program. Packages available from $1630 (including tax) per person from Brisbane. Bookings and information available from Oxley Travel by calling 1800 671 546 or emailing holidays@oxleytravel.com.au.

For further information about Norfolk Island visit www.norfolkisland.com.au

This year Festival Cairns begins a new chapter in its 47 year history.

For the first time in many years it will be managed and directed by its founding organisation, Cairns Regional Council; who have unveiled details of its vision to deliver a reinvigorated, brighter and bolder event program.

Taking its cue from this year’s theme, “Telling Our Stories”, Festival Cairns’ will start with a bang and end on a high – rolling out over 16, action-packed days from Friday 21 August to Sunday 6 September 2009.

Festival Cairns top five highlights will be its Grand Parade and Tropic Wave Festival with special guest headliner, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (one of the largest regional indigenous art fairs in Australia), Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival, Reggaetown and Father’s Day favourite, Carnival on Collins.

A stylised sun inspired by the licuala palm of Cairns Regional Council’s logo is the basis for this year’s ‘look’.

A bright palette of colour gives life and movement to this graphic device while relating to the sensory feel of Festival Cairns.

“Our new identity has been chosen to be a fun and fresh representation, symbolising the revitalisation of Festival Cairns and the vibrant new programming our in-house ‘Festival’ team is creating.

While at the same time, being respectful to the city’s event tradition - dating right back to the original grand parade and Fun In the Sun,” said Councillor Schier, Mayor of Cairns Regional Council.

According to Festival Cairns Coordinator, Belinda Griffin this year’s ‘look’ and ‘theme’, have evolved from community engagement undertaken last year as part of Cairns’ new Regional Cultural Plan.

“Over 1000 members of the community gave us a good dose of local perspective on their thoughts about many issues, including Festival Cairns – and this reinvention is our response to that feedback,” said Mrs Griffin.

The opening of a new Green Island jetty on 26 May, 1962 was established as the first annual Cairns Tourist Festival, and renamed ‘Fun In The Sun’ the following year.

Since then Tropical North Queensland’s most significant annual celebration, now in its 47th year/

It has experienced a number of changes including its re-launch in the early nineties as ‘Reef Festival’ before its dynamic incarnation in 2002 as ‘Festival Cairns’.

4-10 September

Perth gives Sydney and Melbourne’s fashionistas a run for their money with the annual Perth Fashion Festival. A week-long celebration of WA’s glamour and creativity, the festival will showcase the latest Spring/Summer collections.

www.perthfashionfestival.com

July 19, 2009 – Darwin Beer Can Regatta: A regatta like no other, optimistic crowds cheer on boats built entirely out of beer cans.

This annual event is rapidly becoming a spectacular for all who line Mindil Beach and cheer on the home-made boats of cans as they flounder and sink in the shallows. www.beercanregatta.org.au

July 11 2009 - Imparja Camel Cup, Alice Springs: The quirky, annual Camel Cup attracts visitors to Alice Springs from all over the world. More than 4,500 people gather to experience this famous camel race and its dusty outback track.

These animals are not short on character, and with nine races scheduled throughout the day, entertainment is assured with novelty events such as rickshaw races and camel polo adding to the races.

www.camelcup.com.au