eJourna

Sock Monkey Madness visits Rockford, Illinois

Tonia — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:00:07 +0000

The 6th Annual Sock Monkey Madness Festival is happening this weekend, March 6th and 7th, in Rockford, Illinois. So grab your sock monkey, load up your Kia, and head out!

The Sock Monkey Madness Festival was awarded a national 2009 Leadership in History Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History for excellence in educational programming. So you can enjoy some pop culture, and and count it as an educational experience in one trip.

There will be Sock Monkey merchandise, of course, as well as history of the sock monkey starting back to the Great Depression. Films will be playing from the annual Sock Monkey International Film Festival. You can join a workshop to make your own sock monkey. Your ill sock monkey can visit the Sockford General Hospital for a checkup or general surgery. Or simply find some new accessories or clothing for your well loved sock monkey. If you dream in sock monkey, this is the place to be.
Admission is $8 adults; $4 children and students (3 to 17)

Midway Village Museum members and sock monkeys are free.

For more information, visit the Midway Village Museum site.

“March” Into Ohio With These Great Spring Activities

Tonia — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:21:22 +0000

Warm up to spring-time events that offer a refreshing outlook on Ohio history, culture and outdoors

March is an especially exciting time in Ohio, as the birth of spring offers a number of ways visitors can enjoy the season in full bloom. Gather the family together and celebrate the luck o’ the Irish in Dublin — Ohio, that is. Explore the surreal interaction between humans and animals through Francisco Toledo’s artwork in the Glass City or flock to Hinckley for the return of one of Ohio’s most famous natural phenomena. Or, if you’re looking to be inspired by true girl power, commemorate Women’s History Month in the heart of the state’s capital.

Following is just a sampling of March events that make Ohio Too Much Fun for Just One Day! For more fun, spring-inspired travel ideas close to home, visit DiscoverOhio.com, follow @DiscoverOhio on Twitter or become a fan of the Ohio Tourism Division on Facebook at www.facebook.com/discoverohio.

Family Fun

Too Small to See, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton, now through May 2 (SW)

Did you know that a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter? The “Too Small to See” exhibit offers visitors an eye-popping experience as they watch objects smaller than 100 nanometers come into focus right before their eyes. Visitors can stretch a molecule, dissolve a crystal and transport an atom while learning more about the exciting science of nanotechnology.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, throughout Dublin, March 13 ©

You don’t need to leave Ohio to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish style! Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration offers a green-inspired weekend filled with a mile-long community parade complete with Irish bands, leprechauns, floats and more. Afterward, check out Dublin’s historic district and shop for Irish imports or visit the local eateries for delicious Irish tea, tasty scones or savory Irish potato chowder.

Dresden Pajama Party, throughout Dresden, March 28 (SE)

For the ultimate in comfort shopping, check out Dresden’s annual Pajama Party. The event kicks off with a breakfast buffet at Popeye’s Soda Shop followed by a “Best Dressed” contest for the most fashion-forward pajama patron. From 9 a.m. until noon, pajama-clad shoppers enjoy deep discounts at local shops. Throughout the event, participating stores also hide alarm clocks and offer a door prize to the lucky person who finds the clock when its alarm goes off.

Arts and Culture

Mexico’s Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, March 12 — May 9 (NW)

World-renowned artist Francisco Toledo has moved millions with his contemporary work that examines a surreal world of indigenous animals interacting with humans in dream-like scenarios. This prolific exhibit showcases Toledo’s aesthetics of nature and thorough knowledge of contemporary printmaking techniques such as etching, stenciling and graphic arts.

Celtic Lands Culture Fest, Cincinnati Museum Center, March 13 — 14 (SW)

This Celtic-infused event offers visitors a variety of folklore and art from Ireland. Watch as Celtic dancers wow the crowds with their fancy footwork, listen to Celtic folk tales told by skilled storytellers or enjoy the beats and sounds of Celtic music performed by local musicians. Check out a number of vendor booths with authentic wares and take home a little piece of Ireland!

19th Annual River City Blues Festival, Lafayette Hotel, Marietta, March 19 — 20 (SE)

Hear the sounds of authentic Mississippi and Louisiana blues right here in Ohio at this exciting celebration of blues music. Marietta’s historic Lafayette Hotel is home to the River Cities Blues Festival, known for drawing blues musicians throughout the world, including The Kinsey Report and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne.

Sports and Recreation

Greater Cleveland Auto Show, IX Center, Feb. 27 — March 7 (NE)

Rev your engine at the auto show that features more than 40 manufacturers exhibiting hundreds of domestic vehicles, imports, concept cars, converters, classic cars and more. Themed, “Driving you to a Better Tomorrow,” the event offers a number of new highlights, including the Ride-N-Drive Adventures, where participants can drive select cars, and a drawing to give away a 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS.

Arnold Sports Festival, throughout downtown Columbus, March 4 — 7 ©

Flex your fitness skills and knowledge at the largest multi-sports festival in the country inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger. See 17,000 athletes compete in more than 40 sports and events, including 13 Olympic sports. Other highlights include appearances by professional athletes, NFL stars, celebrity fitness trainers, and new for 2010, skateboarding, amateur strongman and amateur mixed martial arts events.

Buzzard Sunday, Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township, March 21 (NE)

Every year, in the morning hours of March 15, Ohio’s buzzards return home to Hinckley after their winter migration to the South. Come celebrate one of Ohio’s best-known natural phenomena nearly one week later at Buzzard Sunday, with festivities that include “early bird” hikes, a live buzzard display, live music from the Buzzard Boilers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and more.

History and Heritage

Women’s History Month, the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus, March 1 — 31 ©

Throughout March, the Ohio Statehouse commemorates the important women in Ohio’s history during Women’s History Month. The Ladies’ Gallery offers special tours for visitors to pay tribute to Ohio’s first six women legislators who paved the way for women in government. Also on view are historic items, clothing, photos, an interactive kiosk and artifacts from the suffrage movement in Ohio.

Celtic Tea, Wood County Historical Society and Museum, Bowling Green, March 11 (NW)

Every month, the Wood County Historical Society hosts a tea series to delight the senses with aromatic leaves from all over the world. Visit the Celtic Tea event in March to learn more about the Irish culture through sing-alongs and the impact it had on northwest Ohio’s history. Afterward, enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum, herb garden and Lyle Fletcher Arboretum.

5th Annual Free Family Day, International Women’s Air & Space Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland, March 13 (NE)

Celebrate Women’s History Month and a century of women in flight with a FREE Family Day at the International Women’s Air and Space Museum (IWASM). This annual event honors women in aviation and space history with a day of hands-on activities, including games, crafts, exhibits and more. Activities will be provided by NASA, IWASM Kids Club, the Children’s Museum of Cleveland and other area organizations. Activities include a demonstration by the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighters and a helicopter on the ramp at Burke Lakefront Airport (weather permitting).

For additional March events, visit www.DiscoverOhio.com. To order a free copy of the 2010 Ohio Travel Planner or the 2010 Spring/Summer Calendar of Events, click on the Free Publications icon at www.DiscoverOhio.com or call 1–800-BUCKEYE. The Ohio Travel Planner and Ohio Calendar of Events also are both viewable online. Trained travel counselors are available to assist 1–800-BUCKEYE callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Good Eats: The Depot American Diner, a Chicago Original

Tonia — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:54 +0000

Pot Roast Sandwich, Depot American Diner, Chicago

Want somewhere new to get something old? Try the Depot American Diner on the west side of Chicago. A friend suggested it to us on a recent day in the city, so we gave it a try. It was worth the trip, and the self induced food coma it brought on.

Our entire group of four ordered the Pot Roast Sandwich (pictured at right) based on all the advance raving we’d heard about it. We paired it with a round of egg cream sodas. As if that weren’t enough to send our blood pressure into the stratosphere, we topped it off with their signature dessert of hot donuts, coated in cinnamon sugar, with a side of thick mocha sauce for dipping.

Everything we ate and drank was absolutely delicious! This is diner food as it was meant to be: thick, hearty, generous portions of mouth watering goodness.

The Depot is not a “contemporary take” on or an “upscale” version of a diner. It is the original thing. This isn’t a fancy place, the seating is beyond limited, the menu consists of your traditional diner fare. In today’s world of upscale versions of dining, it is a rare gem to come across a true original.

The Depot American Diner
5840 W. Roosevelt Rd
Albany Park Neighborhood
773–261-8422

average main dinner price $8

Photo by ehfisher

Tennessee Tourism announces What’s New in 2010

Tonia — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:00:43 +0000

The year 2010 brings some important historical milestones along with some exciting new exhibits, attractions, hotels, restaurants and experiences in Tennessee.

Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee

Three notable milestones for Tennessee are:

The 75th birthday celebration of Elvis Presley that took place on January 7–10 at Graceland in Memphis.
The opening of Titanic Pigeon Forge, a 30,000-square-foot, ship-shaped structure that rests on 5.69 acres. It will hold 20 galleries with hundreds of artifacts from the Titanic. The galleries are set to open April 2010.
The 100th birthday of the Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville. The hotel began celebrating in September 2009. The Hermitage is the only five-diamond hotel in Tennessee and boasts the famous Capitol Grille, one of Tennessee’s finest dining experiences.

Here is a taste of what’s new in 2010 for Tennessee.

East Tennessee

America’s legendary Delta Queen, the last fully operational, overnight passenger steamboat in the country, is now docked in Chattanooga and functioning as a boutique hotel.

A new first-class exhibition opened at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville entitled “Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee.” The exhibition tells the story of three centuries of life in the region, from the Cherokee to the 1982 World’s Fair. East Tennessee’s Historical Society had been preserving the region’s history for 175 years.

Middle Tennessee

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2010. To kick off the celebration, Cheekwood will offer a special 50 cent admission charge for the entire month of January. “Nashville Memoir: Photographs by Greg Miller” and “New Direction: Video Artists Explore Southern Identity” will be among various exhibits on display at Cheekwood throughout the year.

Cumberland Caverns will celebrate as 2010 marks 200 years since its discovery. The caverns are open year-round for guided walking tours. The site is also known for Bluegrass Underground, a radio show taped 333 feet below ground level in the Volcano Room.

West Tennessee

International Rockabilly Hall of Fame Festival in Jackson reaches a 10th anniversary milestone in 2010.

The Memphis Zoo, named the No.1 zoo in America by TripAdvisor, recently added Teton Trek, a four-acre exhibit featuring grizzlies, timber wolves, elk and trumpeter swans.

Photo by Seth Gaines

St. Louis Proudly Wears Pet Friendly Destination Collar

Tonia — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:00:02 +0000

New Website Receives Two Paws Up As St. Louis Proudly Wears Pet Friendly Destination Collar

With the launch of http://www.explorestlouis.com/pets/ and a growing reputation as a city that embraces pets, St. Louis continues to evolve as one of the most pet friendly travel destinations in the United States.

St. Louis welcomes travelers with pets

“We unleashed this special pet module on explorestlouis.com because so many people are traveling and vacationing with their pets,” said Kitty Ratcliffe, President of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC). “It has never been easier to go to places in St. Louis with your pet, and the launch of this site will assist pet lovers in planning a trip or vacation to St. Louis area with their pets.”

Easy to navigate and organized in a series of chapters, http://www.explorestlouis.com/pets/ is filled with a variety of articles and pet-related topics from how to travel with pets to a complete calendar listing of all the fun and exciting pet-related activities in St. Louis. The site also features several valuable links to special pet-related websites including Beneful® WagWorldTM (wagworld.com), the Humane Society of Missouri (Hsmo.org), the Animal Protective Association (Apamo.org), Stray Rescue (Strayrescue.org), Nestle‘ Purina PetCare (Purina.com), and the St. Louis Petlover Coalition (Stlpetlover.org).

According to a recent CVC survey, 70 percent of St. Louisans view the community as a very pet-friendly area because of the many museums, wineries, dog parks, gardens, hotels, and outdoor restaurants that welcome pets. Consumers can also find numerous pet-related retail shops. The St. Louis region also has several pet-friendly events such as Purina Pooches at the Ballpark and the Barkus Pet Parade (Mardi Gras) and many venues and attractions including Forest Park, Purina Farms, 120 hiking trails and the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog (www.museumofthedog.org/) in Queeny Park.

“It’s no wonder St. Louis welcomed The Dog Museum in 1987 as one of its jewels,” said Barbara McNab, Executive Director of AKC Museum of the Dog. “Dog lovers from all walks of life and dog walkers in the park are encouraged to bring Fido to visit the world’s only museum of its kind devoted to man’s best friend. The AKC Museum of the Dog maintains the country’s largest collection of dog art and dog-related artifacts.”

In addition, the St. Louis area has a long history as a pet-loving culture with the founding of the Humane Society of Missouri (1870) followed by the Animal Protective Association (1922). That legacy continues today with many St. Louis area non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting and supporting animal welfare.

Photo by -=RoBeE=-

Add “Spring” To Your Step In Chicago

Tonia — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:00:05 +0000

Highlights of Activities and Events Held in Chicago from March – May 2010

Reflections of Chicago, Cloud Gate

Put away the warm winter clothes and say hello to springtime in Chicago! Spring is the perfect time to explore all that Chicago has to offer. With an array of activities and events including art exhibits, sporting events and world-renowned theater, Chicago is in full bloom this season.

Visitors to the city are invited to make their first stop the Visitor Information Center in the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 East Washington Street. For more information on visiting Chicago this spring, or to book accommodations, visit www.explorechicago.org or call 877-CHICAGO.

Special Events

The Magnificent Mile is not only home to numerous restaurants, shops and hotels but also to thousands of tulips that bloom each spring. Tulips on the Magnificent Mile takes place from April 15 through May 31, 2010. Celebrate the season and view the tulip gardens that line the Magnificent Mile while taking advantage of exclusive offers from the businesses along the colorful street, as well as special tulip-themed activities, including the Magnificent Mile Floral Market over Mother’s Day Weekend (May 8–9).

The Chicago Early Music Festival (CEMF) debuts in April 2010 as the City’s first festival celebrating music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras. The six-day collaborative festival, presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Chicago Office of Tourism, kicks off on April 20 and runs through April 25. Representing an unprecedented collaboration among the City of Chicago and some of Chicago’s leading Early Music ensembles and organizations, CEMF features free and ticketed performances; lectures and master classes by internationally renowned musicians at venues throughout the city including Millennium Park; and community events.

Each year, the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories hold their annual Spring Flower Shows. These free events allow visitors the opportunity to experience a bit of Chicago floral history. The flower shows feature the descendants of Azaleas that bloomed in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition. At this year’s events, there will also be a selection of spring flowering annuals and spring flowering perennials. The flower shows continue through May 9, 2010.

Grab the old mitt and head out to the ball park! The Major League Baseball season kicks off on April 5, 2010. Watch the 2008 American League Central Division champions, the Chicago White Sox, play their home opener at U.S. Cellular Field. With tasty ball park food and original features like the Pontiac Fundamentals, an interactive area especially for kids, U.S. Cellular is fun for the entire family. Or experience a bit of history and head up north to baseball’s 2nd oldest stadium, Wrigley Field to watch the 2008 National League Central Division champions, the Chicago Cubs, take on their National League rivals. The Cubs open their home season on Monday, April 12 against a perennial Midwest rival — the Milwaukee Brewers.

Art enthusiasts should head to the Merchandise Mart from April 30 – May 3 to attend Artropolis 2010, Chicago’s celebration of art, antiques and culture. Consisting of Art Chicago, NEXT and The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair, Artropolis once again features something for everyone — from the novice art enthusiast to the veteran collector.

There’s no better way to take advantage of Chicago’s nickname, “The Windy City” than with Mayor Daley’s Kids & Kites Festival at Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park. This festival allows children to decorate and fly their own kites with kite kits. Taking place on May 1, this free event also offers face painting, storytelling and crafts.

The 14th Annual Celtic Fest Chicago begins a new tradition in Millennium Park this Mother’s Day weekend, May 8 and 9. The festival brings artists from around the world to Chicago to celebrate the culture of the seven ancient Celtic nations. Celtic Fest Chicago features a full line-up of world-class entertainment both days, including the Celtic Art Fair; traditional and contemporary Celtic music and dance; the popular bagpipe parade and Harp and Uilleann Pipe area; a Men in Kilts Contest; traditional Celtic dancing; and Celtic music school performers from the Chicago area.

Commemorate Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago. As one of the largest events of its kind in the country, the Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade honors all who have given their lives for their country. During this event, the City of Chicago will recognize the Illinois Gold Star families. The celebration will begin at the Eternal Flame in Daley Plaza with the parade on State Street kicking off at noon on May 29, 2010.

Upcoming Museum Events

Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age, an exploration of these fascinating creatures, premiers at Chicago’s Field Museum March 5 and runs through September 6, 2010, before embarking on a four-year tour of 10 venues in North America and overseas. The exhibition is geared for all ages and is an experience the whole family will enjoy.

Visit the DuSable Museum of African American History from January 23 through April 4, 2010 for an interactive multimedia exhibition, Freedom’s Sisters, and learn about 20 African American women who helped advance civil rights in America. From historical figures to contemporary leaders, discover these extraordinary but often unsung heroines who have sought equality for all Americans.

Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913 – 1917, at the Art Institute of Chicago explores the paintings of Henri Matisse from the time between his 1913 return from Morocco and his 1917 departure for Nice, considered to be his most most demanding, experimental, and enigmatic. The exhibition opens on March 20 and runs though June 6, 2010.

Step inside a 40-foot tornado and feel the vapor whirl around you. See a 20-foot bolt of lightning crackle over your head. Trigger an avalanche. Unleash a tsunami wave. It’s all possible beginning March 18, 2010, as the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago unveils Science Storms, an unprecedented and dramatic permanent exhibit that reveals the extraordinary science behind some of nature’s most powerful and compelling phenomena—tornadoes, lightning, fire, tsunamis, sunlight, avalanches and atoms in motion.

Theatrical Highlights

One of Broadway’s most celebrated new shows begins performances in Chicago March 18, 2010 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. Based on the international smash-hit film, Billy Elliot the Musical is a joyous, exciting and feel-good celebration of one boy following his heart and making his dreams come true. Full of life, laughter, astonishing dancing and unforgettable music, this uplifting experience is brought to life by the Tony Award winning creative team: director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall, along with music legend Sir Elton John.

Four Chicago theaters, Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, have all received the prestigious Regional Tony Award, more than any other city in the nation. Spring 2010 highlights at these theaters include:

• Goodman Theatre — True History of the Johnstown Flood, the devastating flood of 1889 is the backdrop for this world premiere by Rebecca Gilman. March 13-April 18.

• Steppenwolf Theatre Company — Endgame, with a cast including William Petersen in Samuel Beckett’s absurd comic masterpiece. April 1 – June 6.

• Victory Gardens — The Lost Boys of Sudan, Three boys of the Dinka tribe flee the horrors of war and end up in Fargo, North Dakota. March 19-April 25.

• Chicago Shakespeare Theater — The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s playfully provocative battle of the sexes pits the shrewish Katharina against the fortune-seeking Petruchio—but even now the verdict is still out on who tames whom. April 7 – June 6.

Farmers Markets

The main components of a healthy and balanced diet are fruits and vegetables and what better place to buy your fresh fruits and vegetables as well as condiments, preserves and seasonings than at Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand. Located at 66 E Randolph Street in downtown Chicago, the farmstand features local products grown or produced within 250 miles of Chicago. The farmstand also hosts programs and activities such as lunchtime demonstrations and discussions between local growers and Chicago residents.

Searching for fresh fruits and vegetable in Chicago couldn’t be simpler at farmers markets that are found throughout the city. This May, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Country Financial present the 31th anniversary of Chicago Farmers Markets. Markets can be found in Daley Plaza, Federal Plaza, Lincoln Park and additional locations in the metropolitan area and they continue through October.

Green City Market, celebrating it’s 12th season, is Chicago’s only year round farmer’s market. In addition to over 60 sustainable and/or organic farmers and producers, Green City Market also offers educational programs including chef demonstrations; a kids program, Club Sprouts, which encourages children to sample produce; Savor the Season, highlighting products at the height of their taste and availability; and much more. Located outdoors May – October at the south end of Lincoln Park, (and indoors in the winter months at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum) Green City Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (with limited winter hours).

Chicago’s first and only year-round, European-inspired indoor market gives visitors and locals convenient, permanent and personal access to nearly 30 local artisans, farmers and purveyors. Chicago French Market offers fresh ingredients for cooking at home, delicious grab-and-go options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, light snacks, picnics, easy party planning for home and office settings, plus meaningful gift ideas, all in one convenient location at 131 North Clinton Street.

Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations and receive trip-planning assistance by calling toll-free 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246), or visiting www.explorechicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago’s events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. The centers are located at Chicago Water Works, 163 East Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294.

The Chicago Office of Tourism (@explorechicago) provides a seven-day-a-week Twitter Concierge Service offering advice and suggestions about the city. Visitor service representatives answer questions and provide information with a focus on free and discounted events and activities in neighborhoods throughout Chicago.

The Chicago Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is the official City agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and to providing innovative visitor programs and services.

Photo by eJourna

Hubbard House, Ashtabula Ohio’s Underground Railroad Station

Ron — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:48 +0000

In keeping with Black History Month, it seemed entirely appropriate to come across a post on Hubbard House, a terminus on the Underground Railroad in Ashtabula Ohio, over at MidwestGuest’s travel blog.

Dominique at MidwestGuest writes:

Ohio is important in the history of the Underground Railroad. Ohio residents helped runaway slaves as early at the 1810s, and estimates say there were about 3,000 miles of Underground Railroad trails established in Ohio with as many as 40,000 people using them to escape slavery. There were over 30 known Underground Railroad stations in Ashtabula County.

The Hubbard House quickly became a station on the Underground Railroad. A steady stream of runaway slaves arrived at the home seeking shelter, and the Hubbards hid them in the cellar or in their hayloft. One account that says the couple hid as many as 39 slaves at their home at one time.

Check out the full story on Hubbard House, accompanied by great photos, at MidwestGuest.com.

Be sure to also check out our other stories relating to events and activities celebrating Black History Month in Missouri and Ohio. There’s enough to do in either state to make a great educational family road trip out of it.

Do you have other favorite spots or events celebrating Black History Month? Tell us about them by leaving a comment below!

2010 Mississippi tour guide now available

Tonia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:15:16 +0000

The Mississippi Development Authority’s (MDA) Tourism Division in partnership with the Mississippi Tourism Association has released its 2010 Official Tour Guide, a comprehensive handbook that encourages visitors to see the Hospitality State while helping them plan their next Mississippi vacation.

“Our annual tour guide is filled with inspiring travel articles and is a detailed guidebook to Mississippi,” stated MDA’s Tourism director, Mary Beth Wilkerson. “Visitors will discover ways to immerse themselves in our abundant travel experiences and have this tool to plan their journey in Mississippi – all illustrated with stunning photography and complemented by maps.”

The annual publication, distributed free to visitors around the world, celebrates Mississippi’s incredible cultural, recreational, historical and entertainment travel offerings. From Mississippi’s musical legends, its people, abundant outdoor activities, small town treasures and fun ways to play for children and adults, the guide gives visitors food for thought for their next Mississippi vacation. Each page reveals information on where to discover, enjoy and explore throughout the state, making the 2010 Tour Guide the essential travel tool for visitors.

Elvis Presley is featured on the new guide’s commemorative cover. It stars the King of Rock ‘n Roll photographed in 1956, his breakthrough year, when he returned to his hometown of Tupelo to perform at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. The photo from the afternoon performance depicts Elvis, who would have turned 75 this year, in his prime.

Visitors in search of city travel information will also find URLs to local websites. The book also informs visitors how to locate the Mississippi Welcome Centers, statewide resources and other travel information. The Official Tour Guide also includes an easy to read pullout state map, providing routes, cities, and state parks.

Both the map and guide will be available digitally in February at www.VisitMississippi.org. The Web technology allows users to turn pages, search and click through to advertisers’ Web sites. MDA also provides a convenient ordering interface on the site for users to order a printed copy of the piece.

Visitors to Mississippi in 2009 spent $5.6 billion and 78,240 direct jobs are due to the industry.

Mississippi Announces New Blues Trail Website

Tonia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:10:38 +0000

The Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division announced the Mississippi Blues Trail Web site is now available for visitors looking to create memorable trips. The site is availableat www.msbluestrail.org, www.msbluestrail.com, and www.msbluescommission.org.

The site includes a welcome video montage from B.B. King, Marty Stuart, Denise LaSalle, Dorothy Moore, Bobby Rush, Robert Plant and Charlie Musselwhite. A search function allows Web users to find sites by town or artist name. A featured marker section shows interesting photos from marker unveilings. Event lovers will find a calendar of blues-related happenings.

There is a section that has links with information on blues museums both in Mississippi and those out-of-state where Mississippi Blues Trail markers are located. The map section that allow users to view Google maps with the exact placement of the marker or the ability to zoom out and see other markers in the area, plus information from nearby convention and visitors bureaus for places to stay, eat and other area attractions. And for the visually impaired, a link to pages where information from each marker can be enlarged or saved as a file to be opened and read aloud in Acrobat Reader.

The Mississippi Blues Trail is a museum without walls taking visitors on a musical history journey through Mississippi. The trail started with the first official marker in Holly Ridge, the resting place of the blues guitarist Charley Patton, to the hundredth marker honoring Cassandra Wilson in Jackson. The trail winds its way to sites honoring B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Son House and more.

To view the new Mississippi Blues Trail site on the Internet, click one of the new addresses or go through the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism site, www.visitmississippi.org. To reach the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Heritage Trails office in Jackson, contact Alex Thomas at 601–359-3297 or athomas@mississippi.org.

What’s New in Colorado for Travelers In 2010

Ron — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:15:47 +0000

Across the State, New Hotels, Resort Developments, Activities, Airport Improvements and Festivals Abound

DENVER, /PRNewswire/ — Colorado is bursting with exciting new things to see and do in 2010. A number of new developments are taking hold across the state, including luxury hotel openings, impressive resort improvements, and a number of exciting activities. Below are some highlights. For more information visit www.COLORADO.com.

Hotels and Resorts

Upping the Ante at Purgatory – Purgatory has expanded its expert terrain by more than 30 percent, opening new steep, tree-skiing terrain accessible from its Legends lift. This expansion will increase Purgatory’s skiable acreage by more than 10 percent. www.purgatory.com
Steamboat is Better than Ever – In 2010, Steamboat’s Base Area transformation comes to life with the completion of One Steamboat Place development, the Wildhorse Gondola, nearly $2.5 million in on-mountain improvements including the Kids’ Vacation Center, and Phase I of the resort’s year-round pedestrian promenade. www.steamboat.com / www.flysteamboat.com
Luxury Developments Continue In Denver. The Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residence Denver is set to open September 2010. Located in the heart of Denver’s theatre district, the 45-story landmark will house 240 guest accommodations and a collection of 102 spectacular private residences in the most expensive private building ever built in Denver. 888–877-4081; http://residences.fourseasons.com/private_residences/denver/
New Terrain and Flights in Telluride – Telluride continues on an unprecedented run of terrain expansion, opening Gold Hill Chutes the winter 2010 season. The resort has expanded by more than 400 acres over the past three seasons. Now, it is easier than ever to enjoy Telluride’s new terrain as the Telluride Regional Airport is undergoing a $58 million runway improvement project. www.tellurideskiresort.com / www.tellurideairport.com.
New and Improved at Winter Park – Celebrating 70 years of continuous operation, Winter Park is putting the finishing touches on the major expansion and redevelopment of The Village at Winter Park Resort. Upon completion, it will total an estimated investment of $30 million dollars for on-mountain construction and feature 20,000 square feet of new retail, rental, restaurant and living space. www.skiwinterpark.com

Things To See And Do

Adventure at Crested Butte Mountain Resort – Crested Butte has added a new base area called Adventure Park for year-round play. Perfect for the whole family, the Adventure Park features an eco-friendly synthetic “ice” skating rink, bungee trampolines and a climbing wall, as well as a multi-lane, lift-served tubing hill for the winter. www.skicb.com
Discover Science in Durango – Opening fall 2010, the Durango Discovery Museum will be a one-of-a-kind discovery center for all ages. The Discovery Museum will be home to hands-on science and energy exhibits for all ages, Sudden Science: an education outreach and summer camps program, Riverfront plaza and events pavilion, sustainability demo labs and Durango Discovery Kids: a world built just for visitors nine year old and younger. www.durangodiscovery.org
The Need for Speed at Pikes Peak International Raceway – The Richard Petty Driving Experience has named Pikes Peak International Raceway its Colorado home. This new thrill of a lifetime offers guests a unique opportunity to ride inside a real NASCAR stock car, reaching up to spends of 140 mph. www.1800BePetty.com.
Move’em Up and Head’em Out at the Royal Gorge – Make your Colorado experience a treasured memory with the Mule Trail Ride at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Beginning May 2010, the park will offer Mule Trail Rides through Royal Gorge country starting at $25 for a half hour ride. www.royalgorgebridge.com

Festivals And Events

A Culinary Experience in Boulder –Boulder will celebrate Boulder’s is culinary, wine and brewery scene at the inaugural Downtown Boulder Food and Wine Festival on April 25, 2010. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque Pearl Street Mall while enjoying an unforgettable afternoon of tastings inside some of Boulder’s most fabulous retailers and galleries. Boulder is a top foodie destination as it is home to touted chefs and restaurants such as Hosea Rosenberg, The Kitchen and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson. www.boulderdowntown.com.
The Denver Biennial of the Americas – Join this two-month-long citywide extravaganza celebrating contemporary art and ideas from throughout the Americas. The Biennial will feature two major cultural exhibitions, one focusing on the contemporary arts of the Americas and a secondary program, an “ideas pavilion,” that will explore themes ranging from science to urban planning. www.denver.org.