Search results matching tag 'restaurants'

Stay at Shipwreck Plantation For an Amazing Hilton Head Getaway

Jennifer — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 02:53:00 GMT

Island resorts are typically luxurious, but Shipwreck Plantation, on Hilton Head Island, still managed to blow my expectations out of the water. My husband and I couldn't have planned a better weekend trip. Not only are we nature junkies, but we also happen to be (not-so-talented) sports fiends.

Golfers unite! The Shipyard Golf Club offers 27 championship-worthy holes. Putt-Putt is also on the menu. For those who would rather compete on the court, there is the Van der Meer Racquet Club, which is ranked among the best worldwide. Watersports such as kayaking, parasailing, and scuba diving are at the fingertips of the adventurous. Miles of bicycle paths are open to avid riders and joggers. These awe-inspiring nature trails are also great for hiking and bird-watching.

Wildlife is plentiful at the Shipwreck Plantation. Crocs may not lurk in the fresh water lagoons, but alligators certainly do. They also nap out in the open quite a bit. Ten pound bass and turtles are also swimming about. Dolphins playing in the Atlantic are visible from the beach, but the sight of them is exponentially better from a boat. The best view from the glimmering white sand is definitely sunset, though Shipwreck Plantation is a lovely setting altogether.

Wherever one wanders, the landscaping is impeccable, which is impressive for an 800 acre resort. Businesses have been built at a distance so the serenity of the resort is maintained. Wherever one chooses to stay overnight, birds will likely be heard chirping outside in the morning. Though the Crown Plaza Hotel and vacation homes are usually available, most guests choose to simply rent a villa. Villas come with kitchens, couches, peace and quiet. Renting one is like having another home for a short while. Besides, if a craving for a home-cooked meal hits, an oven is ready and waiting to help.

Speaking of food, it doesn't hurt to know what restaurants are nearby. A grand selection of hundreds of shops and eateries means plenty of options. With so many different restaurant choices, it's a chance to experiment and take risks. Plantation Cafe has surefire breakfasts and lunches. Dinner is a great opportunity to try somewhere new. Whether it's for dining, shopping, or recreation, Shipwreck Plantation is the place to go!

This guide to a vacation at Shipwreck Plantation in Hilton Head was brought to you by Shannon Beineke

Spend Your Vacation Toasting Hilton Head

Jennifer — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:03:00 GMT

When most people think of wines, the laid back mellow wines of California pop to mind. But, there are other areas of the United States that may not produce barrels upon barrels of the finest wine known to man. Hilton Head, South Carolina has several terrific wineries that create some very sweet tasting wines that you will want to center your next vacation around.

Instead of traveling thousands of miles West, why not travel to the Atlantic Ocean for some fine wine? Called the grape of the South, muscadines, grow along the sandy shores and green fields of South Carolina. These grapes have been traced as far back as the 1600's when farmers realized their wonderful benefits, and created wine out of them.

Located on the Island of Hilton Head is Island Winery at 12 A Cardinal Road. They create unique and delicious high quality wines here on the island. One of their wines is created with different fruits and a touch of honey has been added. They have a wine called Southern Passion that is a blend of local fruits such as red and white grapes, Carolina peaches and Florida oranges. They have a wine and cheese happy hour Monday through Thursday at 4 p.m. They also have wine and cheese flights Monday through Friday from 12; 30 until 2; 30 at $5 a person. Reach them at 843-842-3141.

Located on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina is the wonderful old southern charm of Irvin-House Vineyards. This winery is located 2 hours and 18 minutes from Island Winery. Irvin-House Vineyards are very accommodating and provide you with a beautiful area overlooking the vineyards to drink their very sweet tasting wine, so bring along some chairs and have a picnic. Take a stroll through the vineyards and the surrounding property and see the majestic oaks, the stocked pond, walking trails and abundant birds and wildlife. They are located at 6775 Bears Bluff Road, and their phone number is 843-559-6867.

Montmorenci Vineyards are located at 2989 Charleston Highway, Aiken, S.C. Their phone number is 843-649-4870. This family owned business was started in a very traditional way. They started making the wine in their very own basement. As the business grew they, of course, took their operations out of the basement and created an entire business of award-winning wines. They have free wine tastings Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 6. The Montmorenci Winery has white wines names Melody and Seyval, and red wines called Triple Crown and Blush. This winery is located two hours and 45 minutes from Island Winery at Hilton Head Island.

The Carolina Vineyards Winery in Chester South Carolina is located at 4922 Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582. Their phone number is 842-361-9181. They have tastings of their fine wines everyday. They open at 10 a.m. and close from 6 to 11 depending on the season. Carolina Winery is just 16 miles away from Island Winery on Nags Head Island and they have a sweet tasting variety of wines. They are more of a small operation, right by the water.

Lowcountry Winery is located just 30 miles north of Hilton Head Island. They are located in historic Beaufort, South Carolina, also known as "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands". They are in the heart of the low country, so you can be sure that their wines are mighty sweet tasting. They have a wide variety of wines such as Merlot, Chardonnay, and sweet tasting wines made from luscious fruits such as peaches and raspberries. Come in and taste their wines for a nominal fee from Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5. Their phone number is 843-379-3010.

For a great daytime escape or an extended getaway, come enjoy Southern hospitality at it's best, in Hilton Head's low country sipping some sweet tasting wines.

This guide to Hilton Head wineries was brought to you by Kate Johns.

With its Gourmet Dining, Keystone Takes the Cake!

Jennifer — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:15:00 GMT

It's 5Pm in Keystone, Colorado. Your family has returned to the condo, after a hard day on the slopes. As you sit by the fire sipping cocoa, you hear a grumbling sound. It starts on one side of the room, and continues around the circle. What's that sound? Then, you understand. Like the plant in the Little Shop of Horrors, everyone's stomach is saying, Feed me! I'm hungry!

So where should you eat? Fortunately, you will have many tempting choices. Keystone is home to Colorado Mountain College's Culinary Institute. For three years, the top students apprentice under the strict tutelage of the world's best chefs. This demanding program produces some of the best chefs in Summit County, so you can be assured a good meal wherever you go. Let's start with the place where Keystone history began.

The Ski Tip Lodge

Back in 1941, Max Dercum, for whom Dercum Mountain is named, purchased a place called the Black Ranch, which was once a stagecoach stop. In 1949, the name was changed to the Ski Tip Lodge, and by 1967, Dercum's dream of a full service ski resort were realized. The name "Ski Tip Lodge" is based on the once popular practice of using the tips of vintage skis for door handles. Today, the rotating menu at the Ski Tip Lodge receives the highest accolades form its guests. Written up by Denver's 5280 as Colorado's Most Romantic Getaway, the Ski Tip Lodge tends to attract couples. That said, it's probably not the best place to pick up girls.

The Keystone Ranch

Back in the 1930s, a romantic man by the name of Howard Reynolds built a ranch house for his fiance, Bernadine Smith. Today, this restored log home is called Keystone Ranch Restaurant. It was originally built as a cattle ranch and lettuce farm. Until 1977, it was a working ranch, which delighted locals with its succulent veal, crisp lettuce and fresh dairy products. The Keystone Ranch has been the proud recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The elaborate sis-course meal continually scores high on the Zagat Survey. Since the Keystone Ranch is located near the Keystone Golf Course, its elk with wild mushrooms and other Rocky Mountain specialties tend to attract the golfing crowd. Interpret this as you will.

Alpenglow Stube

Are you one of those people who get high on good food? If so, you will surely enjoy Alpenglow Stube. At an altitude of 11,444 feet, this keystone North Peak restaurant is the highest in the country. If you thought that the lunches at Aspen of Deer Valley were elegant, you have never been to Alpenglow Stube. Unlike any ski resort restaurant, when you enter Alpenglow Stube, you get to trade in your ski boots for a pair of comfortable slippers. After all, how can you enjoy a great meal if your feet are killing you?

Your feast begins with a choice of two different soups. Then, head to the gourmet buffet, where you'll find a tempting array of salads, homemade breads and gourmet cheeses. Don't eat too much. You'll want to leave room for the main dish and desert. On Sundays, Alpenglow Stube features a delicious brunch. A mimosa is included with your brunch. However, please drink and ski responsibly. Since Alpenglow Stube's prices are as steep as its surrounding slopes, it is not popular with the local duct tape crowd. That said, it is definitely worth a one-time splurge.

Der Fondue Chessel
The elegance of Alpenglow Stube means that it might not be the best place for kids. Fortunately, that does not mean that they have to be deprived of the "take-the-gondola-to-dinner" experience. The Bavarian party atmosphere of Der Fondue Chessel makes it an appropriate dining venue for kids and adults. However, it is not ideal for kids with behavioral problems. It takes two gondolas to get to the restaurant. If you are going for dinner, you will be cold, but no worries. Keystone generously supplies you with some blankets. They might have the same texture as a Brillo pad, but they are blankets just the same. After enduring endless whines of when are we gonna' be there?" or endless choruses of 100 bottles of beer on the wall, you will reach Der Fondue Chessel, where the Bavarian musicians will serenade with choruses of Roll Out the Barrel." Sit by the fire and drink your booze-spiked hot chocolate.

Then, proceed to the banquet hall, where the real fun begins. Each table has what the Denver Post describes as your personal Fon-Dude or Fod-Dudette. With the chirpiness of a ski instructor teaching a wedge turn, these delightful guys and dolls teach you how to grill your choice of two meats and vegetables. Yes, for $50 a person, you get to grill your own food! Once it's done, you can dip it into a scrumptious variety of sauces. It's quite a messy experience, but it's a whole lot of fun!

Keystone Food Festival
In early September, you can sample the best selections of Keystone's restaurants, as well as some sinfully delicious chocolate, at the Taste of Keystone Festival. Call 970-468-1898 for details. Keystone is living proof that resort food need not be awful- As long as you are willing to pay the price!

This guide to the luxurious tastes of Keystone was brought to you by Lisa Marie Mercer.

Ski the Powder of Your Dreams: Hit Keystone's Back Country

Jennifer — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:02:00 GMT

In a sense, back country skiing in Keystone, Colorado can be compared to art. As your skis make contact with the fresh, virgin snow, your tracks create a drawing that is uniquely your own. Your signature stays intact. Here, you can dance down the mountain without anxiety. No need to worry about families of eight suddenly appearing before you. No wedge turners, no frightened females whose boyfriends brought them to terrain they can't handle. Ah, this is bliss. But bliss can be dangerous.

If you long to boldly ski where no gaper has skied before, you need to be prepared for the risks. While the fantasy of being rescued by a Saint Bernard with a barrel of brandy around his neck might sound romantic, believe me, it is not. Some back country skiers subscribe to a "no guts, no glory philosophy." Others sign up for the Keystone Adventure Tour.

Some people describe the Keystone Adventure Tour, also known as KAT, as "Back Country Lite." KAT is a feisty ski resort debutante. She is daring, but likes her comforts. Her "coming out" party took place in Keystone's Independence Bowl in January of 2008. The party is still happening.

The $199 Keystone Adventure Tour offers skiers and riders a guided snowcat tour through 300 gnarly acres of Independence Bowl terrain. It eliminates the need for schlepping up the hill, and you can leave your lunchbox at home. Lunch is served at the new Independence Yurt, where you can feast on homemade breads, soups and desserts as well as a delicious selection of cheeses, meats and salads. This meal is catered by the upscale Alpenglow Stube, where a dinner can often set you back about 100 buckaroos!
Please don't over-indulge! There are no public restrooms in the back country, and we take our "leave no trace" rules seriously.

The Keystone Adventure Tour is guided by a team of ski patrollers. While this can be reassuring if you find yourself in the unfortunate need of rescue, it behooves you to keep in mind that they are not ski or ride instructors. Although this should be a no-brainer, a back country tour is not the place to learn powder skiing. Lest you end up as this year's recipient of the Ski Area Darwin Awards, please take a powder-oriented lesson with one of Keystone's esteemed skis and ride instructors. If you have even the slightest doubt about your abilities, you can eyeball the terrain by taking one Keystone's Scenic Snowcat Tours. For information, call 970-496-4FUN.

However, if you're convinced that you have the right stuff for the back country, the Keystone Adventure Tour is probably one of the best all-inclusive back country packages you can find. The $199 fee includes Salomon powder skis, the use of an avalanche beacon and a safety talk at the start of the day. Keep in mind that you must have your own boots and poles, as well as your own pair of skis to use after the tour. The Salomon skis can only be used during the tour. Groups of 12 can rent the entire cat for $2,189. For the math-challenged, this means that the twelfth person is free. Please, no drunken frat parties in the back country. One drink at altitude equals three at sea level.

Back Country Safety

Speaking of altitude, if you are one of those unfortunate people that live in sea-level states such as Georgia and Texas, please spend a few days in Colorado before taking the Keystone Adventure Tour. Do not take the tour if you are feeling even a touch of altitude sickness.

Keep in mind that back country skiing often involves trees. Only the brainless ski or ride without a brain bucket, so be sure to wear a helmet. The sun shows its muscles on the mountaintops, so be sure to wear lots of sunscreen. That said; make sure you have a pair of goggles and/or sunglasses. Since you are already an experienced skier or rider, you understand the importance of warm thermal underwear, hand warmers and possibly glove liners. Those that insist on exploring Keystone's back country without the assistance of a guide will need to take extra safety precautions.

To avoid dehydration, use one of those bladder backpacks. That way, you can drink and still keep your hands free. Make sure that you have an avalanche beacon, a probe and a shovel, but avoid getting a false sense of security if you have them. Your shovel will only help you rescue others, not yourself, and correct use of a beacon involves practice. Speaking of other people, as much as you might enjoy the solitude of the backcountry, safety demands that you never go out by yourself.

While proper ski boot foot is important for in-piste skiing, it is crucial for the back country. Poorly fitted boots impede technique, which will in turn have serious safety consequences. See a professional boot-fitter before embarking on a back country ski journey. A first aid kit for yourself and for your skis is also important.

A Keystone back country ski trip can be a great opportunity for self-exploration. Stay safe and enjoy!

This guide to Keystone's back Country skiing was brought to you by Lisa Marie Mercer.

Dreaming of a Tropical Paradise? Wake up to Tamarindo, Costa Rica!

Jennifer — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:54:00 GMT

If you dislike beaches and water, Tamarindo, Costa Rica is not for you. Otherwise, come along and watch the Leatherback Turtles, feed hungry iguanas and catch the next big wave. You may even learn how to speak some Spanish!

Fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica and then fly to Tamarindo. You can also rent a car from from San Jose, which is 5 hours away, without rest stops, but beware--the roads are not always in good shape.

Another option for getting to Tamarindo is available via one of the three bus companies or a shuttle. Making reservations is recommended, and surfboards and extra luggage will cost $10 per piece. Expect to pay $35.00 per adult and $17.50 per child, 12 and under.

Once you arrive, you will e hungry. Start craving some delicious, cultural dishes now. My favorite is the restaurant Stella, where I devour the lobster cakes with herbs and fruity salsa and the Key Lime Pie, in no particular order.

Toss your bags on the floor in your private vacation home and get ready to explore the national parks and take a thrilling jungle boat ride. Are you afraid of mystery? I hope not because you can ride "locally built skiffs deep into the mysterious mangrove forest, where a breathtaking diversity of birds, mammals and reptiles can be seen." I hope you do not taste good!

After you survive, you might want to snorkel, kayak, water ski, ride horses or bicycles, or take a beach cruise. You want more? Enjoy a game of golf at Paradisus Conchal or Hacienda Pinilla, both championship courses. Still want more? Try shopping, enjoy a snack from a fruit stand, or sample some fine French cuisine. Be sure to save me some!

The more you know about this awesome, tropical location, the more you will dream about it. I will wait while you make a reservation. And please fasten your seat belts--this captain does not like to lose passengers as she lands in reality. Thank you for flying with us!

This guide to Tamarindo was brought to you by Patti McQuillen.

Bring the Whole Family to Keystone and Make Some Memories

Jennifer — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:48:00 GMT

It's time to plan your annual family vacation. In the past, you've made sacrifices. You hugged Mickey at Disney, and lost money at Vegas. This year, the tribe has spoken. You're going to Keystone.

Getting There Is Half The Fun

Keystone is the perfect choice for a family ski vacation. If you're traveling by plane, your flight arrives in Denver International Airport. Kids get a kick out of the inter-terminal train, which plays cowboy music upon its arrival. Then, there's the special ski baggage carousel, which features separate, upright compartments for your skis and snowboards. As you await the arrival of your beloved quiver, you and your family can watch the possible Darwin Award recipients that try to sit in the compartments.

Renting a car? Make sure that it has snow tires. While this might sound like a no-brainer, in heavy snow, you won't be allowed on certain sections of I70 without snow tires or chains. Fortunately, Keystone is closer to Denver Airport than other resorts, so you won't have to spend too much time listening to choruses of "are we there yet?" If weather permits, take the Loveland Pass. This steep mountain road is the highest pass in Colorado. At certain points, you can get out of the car and take in the spectacular view. Now, onward to Keystone!

Sea level visitors might find that they feel a bit light headed upon arrival. Resist the temptation to go directly to the slopes. Keystone has night skiing and night tubing. Once you've acclimated, you can make up for lost time by extending your ski day. Older folks are often more susceptible to altitude sickness, so advise grandma and grandpa to lay off the booze. One drink at altitude equals three at sea level, so if you don't want grandma singing off-key Sinatra songs at Dos Locos Karaoke Bar, restraint is advised!

Hopefully, you decided to rent a multi-bedroom condo, as opposed to a number of separate hotel rooms. What you might sacrifice in privacy, you can make up for in convenience. Extended family members can help take care of the kids, and cooking becomes a family event. If you book a condo in any one of Keystone's villages, you will receive the valuable Adventure Passport, which offers perks such as:

*15% Discount at a variety of Keystone Restaurants
*Free Salad Bar at the Edgewater Cafe with the purchase of an entree
*Free Salsa and Chips at Parrot Eyes, with the purchase of an entre

Keystone Family Adventures

The Adventure Passport also offers free NASTAR family racing. It starts at 10:30 at the Flying Dutchman Race Arena. Advice for parents with teenagers: They will most likely beat you. Get over it! There's more to skiing than speed. Keystone offers 3,148 acres of varied terrain, as well as 3,128 spectacular vertical. Its 121 trails are serviced by 20 lifts including two gondolas, 1 express six-pack and 5 high-speed quads. Mom and dad can take the guided backcountry Keystone Adventure Tour, while Aunt Alice and Uncle Horace can cruise the long green and blue runs such as Schoolmarm. Let your teenage knuckle draggers jib in the new A51 Terrain Park. The key to a successful family ski trip is balancing family time with individual freedom. Stay connected either by cell phone, or one of those portable radios. However, keep in mind that other people can hear your radio conversations, so watch what you say.

Group Hug

Never try to force family members to ski terrain that is inappropriate for their abilities. Sure, ski lessons are expensive, but so are divorce attorneys. If you take your wife on terrain that freaks her out, forget about "getting lucky,' even with the romantic in-room Jacuzzi! Worried that she might fall for the handsome ski instructor? Either find a coach whose "pole swings in a different direction," or enroll your wife in one of Keystone's famous Betty Fests, designed for female skiers and riders. You can have some family time by enrolling in one of Keystone's Mom, Dad and Me sessions. For $95, three family members can get a one-hour lesson with one of Keystone's fantastic coaches. This type of lesson helps family members learn how to accommodate each other's skill and terrain preferences on the slopes.

Family ski lessons are just one way for families and extended families to enjoy their time at Keystone. In addition to downhill skiing, there's cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, tubing, skating and sleigh rides. Even new moms can enjoy a family vacation at Keystone. She can purchase a sturdy baby carrier, and head for the Keystone Nordic Center. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing while carrying the baby adds weight to the activity, and can therefore burn off extra calories. Furthermore, the $9 dollar trail fee at the Nordic Center is considerable less expensive than lift tickets at any downhill resort. Athletic grandma and grandpas can join the family on the downhill or cross-country slopes, or enjoy the various shopping opportunities in the Keystone Village. Reward them for their babysitting services by treating them to a day at the upscale Keystone Lodge and Spa. Let them hold the video camera to film the family members as they come down from the slopes. Memories are made of this.

This guide to your Keystone family vacaton was brought to you by Lisa Marie Mercer.

Spend Your Winter Holidays in Tamarindo

Jennifer — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:20:00 GMT

Do you prefer tamales over Thanksgiving turkey? Are you planning on asking Santa for a warm weather vacation this year? Had enough of the hustle and bustle? Well, there's a Costa Rican town with a laid back vibe ready to welcome you this holiday season. A trip to Tamarindo is a perfect gift for yourself and your family.

Located on the Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste, Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most popular tourist destinations. December marks the beginning of Tamarindo's dry season, making the holiday season a perfect time to visit.

There are a number of reasons why this coastal town ranks so high with travelers. Tamarindo is best known for its high waves and surfing. But there's much more to be enjoyed in this Central American getaway, including deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and jungle safaris. A visit to Tamarindo Beach lets you experience the many specialty shops, sign up for diving or surfing school, or book a day trip with an eco-tour operator. If you wish to slow things down a bit, mountain bike and car rentals are available for you to explore the town and the coast at your own leisure.

Tamarindo's accessibility to other nearby attractions is another reason why it is so popular. For those wanting to get a peek at the native wildlife, The National Park Las Baulas, located north of Tamarindo Beach is a great place to visit. Here you can choose a jungle boat tour or take a nighttime tour and see giant leatherback turtles laying their eggs in the sand.

As a predominantly Catholic country, Costa Rica is big on Christmas celebrations and traditions. With a paved highway between Tamarindo and San Jose, you will be able to charter a bus or rent a car and enjoy San Jose's annual "Festival de la Luz." This festival of lights is preceded by a daytime carnival and is a great way to experience Christmas in Costa Rica. You may also want to check out a traditional holiday bullfight. Rest assured that Costa Rica does not harm the bulls in their fights. These bullfights are a holiday custom that gives the participants an opportunity to release any burdens they have carried throughout the year and enter the New Year carefree (albeit slightly gored).

As you travel between Tamarindo and San Jose you can't help but notice how important nativity scenes are to the Costa Rican culture. These nativity scenes are called "Portals" and the baby Jesus is placed in the manger the night before Christmas. In Costa Rica, it is the baby Jesus who leaves gifts for the children, instead of Santa.

The 24th of December is also the night to feast on a traditional Costa Rican Christmas dinner. The dinner menu is centered around pork leg, tamales, and traditional pastries and desserts. If you wish to attend worship services, you can join local families at La Misa del Gallo, or midnight mass.

If tamales and pork aren't your thing, Tamarindo offers a wide variety of local and international cuisine, including vegan restaurants. A wide variety is also available when it comes to accommodations. You can choose to spend your holiday in a beachfront bungalow, a traditional hotel, or a private rental home.

Costa Ricans celebrate the Christmas season until the sixth of January, marking the day that the three wise men came to visit baby Jesus. What better reason to extend your stay in Tamarindo and welcome in the New Year?

This guide to a Tamarindo holiday was brought to yo by Madison West.

North Lake Tahoe has Something for Everyone

Jennifer — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:09:00 GMT

Like countless other Bay Area professionals, my weekdays are spent commuting, working indoors surrounded by solemn people with their music drowning out other people talking loudly on their cell phones. This is why I spend my weekends in North Lake Tahoe. After all, the best way to appreciate your home is to leave it - especially if you can go to some of the most beautiful nature in a mere 2.5 hours. North Tahoe is one of the reasons I moved from Chicago where 2.5 hours in any direction served as an odoriferous education to industrial blight and livestock. Where you go completely depends on what you come to do.

Skiers, Boarders and Pretty People
Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Northstar are all great upper elevation options for early season skiing. And if you really just want a venue change, not from the city's pretty people you will fit right in at these resorts. No need to bother with snow at Squaw Valley. Just don yourself in some expensive apres ski wear (available in their trendy shops) on the Plaza deck or at the Inn at Squaw Creek and the scene will come to you and maybe a future spouse.

Families and Beginners
Beginners will enjoy Donner Summit and Boreal for less expensive learning located West of Donner Pass. Just buy a pair of ski pants as jeans and snow are not a great combination. Families and children will love Sugar Bowl. They offer great kid programs and there is enough terrain for most levels of skiing. They have three lodges for food and drink or just getting some winter sunshine.

Mountain Machismo
For those of you that scoff when people get lost in the snow, "I am smarter than that," put your snow shoes where your mouth is and take an overnight in back country. The website alpineskills.com has four different ability and fitness gauges suggesting this is not for the Plaza Bar pretty people. For an authentic thrill without the work book a dog sled tour. Dog Sled Adventures offers hour long tours at both Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley resorts with advance reservations.

Summer Fun North Lake Tahoe Style
Tahoe City and Homewood are the spots to be seen in the summer. Most notably is the lakefront deck at the Sunnyside Resort. If you didn't meet your future spouse last winter, try here this summer. No need to get wet, just look cool. For those who came to enjoy the water, look no further than Kings Beach. There are three areas that have something for everyone: bar-b-qs, a dog area, boat launch, water toy rentals and a playground. Many ski resorts offer mountain biking on the trails. Just bring safety equipment. It looks fun until you are actually hauling down the mountain head first with your teeth chattering.

Mountain Purists: Fishing, Hiking and Climbing
If the forest and mountain trout are more your speed, go no further than Donner Lake. Nestled to the South of Donner Summit, this area is still beautifully untouched by commercialism and is a great place to really get away from the bustle and catch a few fish. Historic Truckee is a place to stay for your family adventure and is close to all activities.

Whether you are a tried and true nature lover or an outdoor poseur, there is something for everyone in North Lake Tahoe. Properly timed, you are only 2-3 hours away from escaping the concrete. Then when you return, you can irritate your colleagues all day Monday talking about your weekend and then only need to get through four dull days before you can go back for more!

This guide to North Lake Tahoe was brought to you by P.L.Pollock.

Have Yourself a Very Maui Christmas

Jennifer — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:14:00 GMT

"Lono-i-ka-makahiki" Grateful for the land; happy to be here. If you're going to Maui for the holidays, why not start with Thanksgiving and stay through New Year's? That way, you'll have time to explore the island at leisure. The American holiday of Thanksgiving coincides with the sharing and gratitude of the Hawaiian season of Makahiki. As heartfelt as the prayers of the Pilgrims, native islanders give thanks to the land and ocean that nourish them. Visitors can find their own spiritual, physical, and mental renewal in this sun-kissed island of happiness.

For your Thanksgiving feast on Maui, delight in a turkey basted with tropical pineapple mustard glaze and filled with macadamia nut stuffing. Count on sweet potatoes and pineapple upside biscuits and coconut cream pie or strawberries for dessert. After dinner, hit the beach for a leisurely swim or siesta under the palms.

Thanksgiving is just the beginning of the tradition-laden holidays in Maui. Join the holiday shoppers at native markets buying handmade shell jewelry, tropical perfumes, clothing, and anything else on your loved ones' wish lists. You'll still have to time to pursue your number one occupation relaxing. A swim before breakfast, a horse back ride in the pineapple plantations, perhaps a whale watching trip to see the Humpbacks - these are daily activities in Maui. Mealtimes offer you delightful choices everything from candlelit beach dining on succulent freshly-caught seafood to luaus complete with hula lessons. Or, you can buy fresh produce and fish from the locals and prepare it yourself.

Even though Christmas may be 80 degrees, don't think you have to miss the snow. Visit the annual Banyan Tree and Snow Festival in Lahaina for the annual lighting of the Banyan tree. "Keiki" (children) can frolic in the homemade snow and laugh with the snowman. If it just doesn't seem like Christmas without a hike or bike ride in cold weather, drive to the top of Mt. Haleakala at 10.023 feet where winter temps are often below freezing. For an adventure as fun as Disneyland on Christmas Day, participate in the downhill bike ride.

While children wait for Santa's arrival in an outrigger canoe, adults can decide whether the Christmas meal will be a catamaran dinner cruise or a buffet at one of the many elegant restaurants. On Christmas Eve, you may want to attend the non-denominational candlelight worship service at the Kaanapali Beach hotel. Later, you can gather around a native Norfolk Pine or an imported fir tree to open the presents Santa brought after he was done surfing.

The day after Christmas will find you stocking up on fireworks for the huge New Year's Eve celebration beloved in the islands. The 4th of July pales in comparison to the enthusiasm with which Hawaii brings in the New Year. You're not alone if you find yourself making a New Year's resolution to come back to Maui next year for the holidays.

This guide to the celebrating your holidays in Maui was brought to you by Cynthia Wall.

Spend Your Holly Jolly Holidays in Gatlinburg

Jennifer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:35:00 GMT

Can you hear that delightful giggle from the wonderful Miss Dolly Parton? Can you see her and Elvis flying down the mountain roads in that pink Cadillac she keeps requesting on the television commercials? That would depend on how much holiday moonshine you partake of while in the hills and hollers of Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains!

The one thing I do guarantee is that you'll see sights and experience things that only good old southern hospitality has to offer. And those southerners really bring it on for the Fall and Winter months celebrations. Christmas in the Smoky Mountains sees more hustle and bustle than any other time of the year. And why, you wonder, would anyone spend their winter vacation time slip-sliding on crazy mountain roads?

Just picture the beauty of the Smoky Mountains with a gentle blanket of falling snow. Add the thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights that cover nearly every nook and cranny of those mountain homes, and yes, even the tinkle of jingle bells from horse drawn carriages. In addition to that, southern folks are known for being warm and friendly and for showing visitors a good time. How could anyone resist such a picturesque scene?

Places like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee roll out the red carpet during the months from November to February with good old-fashioned down home holiday celebrations. The Music, Lights and Magic Festival starts in November in Sevierville and the party continues clear through February in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, too.

If you've never been to the mountains, you may think it's terribly cold and uncomfortable. Actually the temperatures aren't that bad: Daytime highs in November have seen 60 degrees, with a low of 30 degrees at night. Average daytime temperatures in December and January may bounce between 45 and 50 degrees with the nights dipping into the 20-degree mark, but then they are bouncing back up in February.

You'll be having so much fun attending all of the wonderful winter festivals that you won't even notice the cold. When it's time to settle down for the night you can get warm and cozy tucked in front of a raring fireplace, in your private cabin or chalet, buried deep in the mountains. Yes, the smoky mountain area offers a wide array of accommodations, from primitive all by their self cabins, to luxurious hotels and resorts, filled with fancy amenities.

You might even see Miss Dolly running around with a Santa cap on her head, giggling and wishing everyone a happy holiday! This old country gal will show you a really good smoky mountain time, if your paths cross. But, I'm warning you, if you think you see Elvis, well, then it's time to put down your holiday drink, and go breathe in some fresh mountain air!

If I still haven't convinced you to pack up and head to the mountains for the winter holidays, think about this. Have you ever heard talk of how great southern cooking is? The restaurant in the Smoky Mountains will make your mouth water! You'll find places to eat that will vary from cabins that look like someone's home, to a restaurant that you'll need to find a tie to wear to enter. But, they'll all have one thing in common - the best southern cooking you'll ever find!

Okay, I've done all the convincing I am going to do. Southern folk are known for their honesty, and being truthful about what they tell folks. So, I'm just going to say, I am a true southern gal, and if you haven't been to the glorious Smoky Mountains for the winter holidays, then you just don't know what you're missing.

Give it a try, and by the way - tell 'em me and Dolly sent you!

This guide to a Gatlinburg winter was brought to you by Donna Thacker.