The festival features an ice carving contest that is sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association (NICA) and boasts a prize purse totaling $11,000 for professional and amateur divisions. The competition draws contestants from all over the U.S and Canada and will be held on Green River’s Expedition Island. The people’s choice ice sculpting contest will be held Friday evening and the individual competition will take place on Saturday afternoon.

There are a number of family-friendly activities associated with the event in addition to ice sculpting contests. The Frostbite/Crystal Classic 5K Run/Walk takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday and is open to participants of all ages. The course will wind around the ice sculpting exhibits and along the Greenbelt Pathway, providing a bird’s eye view of the contestants’ work. Participants will receive a stocking cap, as well as the chance to win gift certificates from the chamber of commerce.

Also on tap – a soup cook-off, the human dog sled competition, a pancake breakfast, s’mores stations, kids’ games, an ice cube hunt, an ice bar, musical entertainment and food. The Crystal Classic Winter Banquet, which is open to the public, will be held on Feb. 18 to celebrate the competitors and present awards.

For more information on the event call 307-382-2538 or visit the Sweetwater County website.

“The success of our operations in Alaska affirms our belief that there is pent-up demand for this style of close-up, active, adventure travel at a moderate price, “said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We had more demand than we could accommodate in Alaska last year, so we added the 76-guest Wilderness Explorer to our fleet and hope to introduce even more adventurers to expedition cruising.”

Guided by nature and wildlife, InnerSea Discoveries’ expedition un-cruise itineraries are flexible to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and adventure activities. With a focus on exploring nature up-close, guests may choose from many included activities such as kayaking, hiking, skiff explorations, whale-watching and stand up paddle boarding.  Expert expedition leaders and guides lead excursions, assist in matching guests to the ranked activity level that best suits them, and provide interpretation along the way.

Northern Passages and Glacier Bay

A new Northern Passages and Glacier Bay itinerary aboard the renovated Wilderness Explorer sails one-way, weeklong cruises between Juneau and Sitka, Alaska and reverse from June 2 through August 18, 2012. Guests interested in maximizing their glacier viewing opportunities will enjoy three full days spent inside Glacier Bay exploring multiple tidewater glaciers including the lesser-visited scenic and remote East Arm of Glacier Bay with Muir Glacier. A park ranger stays aboard the ship and leads hiking and kayaking excursions along with shipboard guides.  Other areas that may be explored include Icy Strait, Chatham Strait, Chichagof Island and Peril Strait.

For an uncommon adventure, guests may take an adventurous spin aboard one of the ship’s innovative human-powered water craft for an up-close look at Reid Glacier while pedaling along with seven friends. The ship’s captain expertly navigates waterways to encounter bears and whales throughout the cruise. Rates start at $3,095 per person, double occupancy.

Western Coves

The Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Adventurer alternate sailing weeklong Eastern Coves and Western Coves itineraries. The Western Coves  un-cruise travels from Ketchikan to Juneau, Alaska and transits stunningly narrow El Capitan Passage with a chance to explore El Capitan Cave, historic Klawock, Baranof Island, Patterson Bay, The Brothers Islands, whale watching in Frederick Sound, Endicott Arm with Dawes Glacier and Ford’s Terror Wilderness.

The Western Coves itinerary features the most remote “skookum” wilderness adventure with rugged coastline, excellent opportunities for scenic kayaking expeditions and backcountry hikes through wild and woolly wilderness.   Combing the more remote islands of the Inside Passage, guests sailing this itinerary explore designated wilderness areas and kayak, hike and skiff around the lesser-visited, scenic Prince of Wales Island. A half-day visit to the Native village of Klawock includes a cultural excursion to the village’s carving school and totem park.

Eastern Coves

The Eastern Coves itinerary meanders through east-oriented protected waterways between Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska and reverse. One-week adventures aboard the Wilderness Adventurer and Wilderness Discoverer deftly navigate the mainland’s coves and open up to hidden rainforest trails. Highlights include a chance to hike on top of Baird Glacier and experience scenic and remote Walker Cove inside Misty Fjord’s National Monument. Other areas on the discovery menu include Tracy Arm fjord and the twin Sawyer Glaciers, whale watching in Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, Wrangell and Yes Bay.

The Eastern Coves’ landscape offers exceptional hiking opportunities at various activity levels. During two days in Thomas Bay, guests may enjoy a forest trek along the Cascade Creek Trail, the boot-sucking Baird Glacier trek and the five-mile hike in to Patterson Lake for spectacular kayaking.  A half-day visit in Wrangell includes a visit to Kiksetti Totem Park. Rates for Western and Eastern Coves cruises start at $1,695 per person, double occupancy.

Wilderness Passages of Discovery

In 2012, five Wilderness Passages of Discovery voyages cover 900 nautical miles between Seattle and Juneau (or reverse) along the dramatic coastlines of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska’s Inside Passage.  These two week value season departures get extraordinarily close to areas such as the San Juan Islands with a visit to Friday Harbor, coastline of British Columbia, Misty Fjords National Monument plus destinations in either the Western Coves (northbound) or Eastern Coves (southbound).

In spring 2012, the Wilderness Adventurer departs Seattle April 28 and the Wilderness Explorer on May 19. Departing Juneau for Seattle, the Wilderness Explorer leaves August 25, Wilderness Discoverer on September 8 and Wilderness Adventurer on September 15. Rates start at $3,295 per person, double occupancy.

The ULTIMATES

For the utmost adventure in Alaska, un-cruise itineraries may be combined for the ultimate wilderness explorations without repetition. The Ultimate Adventure combines the Eastern Coves and Western Coves itineraries into a 14-night expedition roundtrip Juneau. The Ultimate Coves & Passages combines the Western Coves and Northern Passages itineraries into a 14-night expedition from Ketchikan to Sitka, Alaska. The Ultimate Bays and Fjords combines the Northern Passages and Eastern Coves itineraries into a 14-night expedition from Sitka to Ketchikan, Alaska. And for the utmost adventure sure to grow moss on your back, the Ultra Adventure combines the Eastern and Western Coves with Northern Passages for an adventurers’ dream 21-night expedition.

Shipboard amenities include complimentary on-deck yoga classes, a large resource library, well-stocked DVD library and board games.  A professional masseuse is part of the crew and massages are available for a fee. An underwater camera mounted on the ships’ bow will stream video from the underwater world to flatscreen televisions in all guest rooms and the lounge.  Healthy and hearty meals feature fresh ingredients including locally caught Alaskan seafood. A 3-1 guest to crew ratio ensures attentive service. Cruise rates include transfers and all activities except optional excursions.  Port charges of US$167 per person per week, massages, spirits and gratuities are extra.

To book an un-cruise or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or InnerSea Discoveriesat 877-901-1009 or sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.

The “Boulder Ski Escape” at the Millennium Harvest House features accommodations and breakfast for two plus two adult lift tickets at Eldora Mountain with discount vouchers for lessons, rental equipment and a slope-side beverage as well as transportation between the RTD station in Boulder and the ski resort.  The package is valid through April 17, 2012.  Package rates start at $225 per room per night based on double occupancy.

The Millennium Harvest House, Boulder, is nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, adjacent to the University of Colorado campus. The 269-room, recreation-oriented property features indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpool spas, 15 tennis courts (five covered for winter play), exercise room, jogging track, bicycle path and basketball court as well as dining and entertainment options.

Eldora Ski Resort is located just 21 miles from Boulder and has 680 acres of skiable terrain in all categories from beginner to double diamond. The longest run is 3 miles long. The resort receives over 300 inches of snow each year but also has one of the best snowmaking systems in Colorado that covers 100% of the ski areas.

The “Winter Getaway” at the Millennium Airport Hotel, Buffalo offers superior accommodations and free parking as well as a $100 food and beverage credit and complimentary use of the hotel’s all-season swimming pool and fitness center. The package is valid through December 31, 2011. The winter package is priced from $125 per room per night based on double occupancy.

The Millennium Airport Hotel, Buffalo, is located three miles from the Buffalo-Niagara Airport, 15 minutes from downtown Buffalo and 20 minutes from Niagara Falls. The hotel offers 300 rooms and suites with all the latest amenities, the popular Waldens Restaurant and Twigs Sports Lounge, and quick access to the adjacent Walden Galleria, the largest and most upscale shopping mall in the region.

The “Winter Getaway” at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, a downtown landmark since its completion in 1923 and the “star” of numerous movies and TV shows filmed at the property, features signature cocktails – two per evening – in the Gallery Bar. The package also includes overnight accommodations, continental breakfast in the Club Lounge, and valet parking. The 1920’s style drinks include the Agave & Elderflower, a refreshing mix of St. Germain and Don Julio tequila matched with apple, cinnamon and citrus flavors. The winter package is priced from $199 per room per night based on double occupancy.

The Millennium Biltmore has long been the “host of the coast” for high society, celebrities and conventioneers from around the globe. Known for its Spanish-Italian Renaissance-style architecture, the stately 683-room property includes 27 one-bedroom suites and 28 Executive Suites. There is a Club Level on two floors and a Club Lounge featuring concierge service, breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The AAA three-diamond-rated hotel also features Smeraldi’s for fine dining, the famed Rendezvous Court, an Art Deco-inspired fitness center and indoor swimming pool, two lounges and 24-hour room service.

In New York City, the “Millennium Loves New York” package is available at the Millennium Broadway and UN Plaza. The package includes accommodations and breakfast for two in the hotel restaurant plus an NYC T-shirt, a $10 Metro card, a map of the city and access to the hotel’s fitness center. The Millennium UN Plaza’s fitness center also includes an indoor swimming pool. The package is available until March 15, 2012 and rates start from $286 per person based on double occupancy.

The Millennium Broadway is located in the heart of New York’s theater district within walking distance of Times Square. The Millennium UN Plaza is conveniently situated on the city’s fashionable East Side near the headquarters of the United Nations. Both hotels are perfectly located to enable guests to take full advantage of New York’s midtown shopping districts, from Times Square to Fifth Avenue.

For more information, visit www.millenniumhotels.com.

Jan. 3: Orange Bowl Swimming Classic. Key Largo. Some of the best college swimmers in the country, and perhaps future Olympians, compete each year at Jacobs Aquatic Center, mile marker (MM) 99.6 oceanside, in a free-to-attend event that is part of the celebration surrounding the annual Orange Bowl college football game in Miami.

Jan. 5-8 (workshops Jan. 8-12): 30th Annual Key West Literary Seminar. Key West. The seminar’s 2012 topic is “Yet Another World: Literature of the Future,” offering workshops, panel discussions and receptions that feature some of today’s most innovative writers. Visit www.kwls.org.

Jan. 6-7: Ragnar Relay Florida Keys Race. This 199-mile race takes runners throughout the Florida Keys to the southernmost island in the continental U.S. on a route beginning in Miami and ending in Key West. Visit www.ragnarrelay.com/race/floridakeys.

Jan. TBA: Fight Night in the Keys. Key West. The Key West boxing tradition, whose fans included legendary author Ernest Hemingway, is celebrated with action-packed, world-class professional boxing scheduled at Mallory Square overlooking Key West Harbor.

Jan. 13-15: NAMSA North American Championship & Tradewinds Midwinter OpenCat Nationals. Islamorada. Daily catamaran races featuring vessels in several classes kick off the annual Harken Buoy Series. Visit www.catsailor.com.

Jan. 14: Art Under the Oaks. Islamorada. This art show at the San Pedro Church features arts and crafts in many mediums, as well as food vendors and live music. Visit www.artundertheoaks.com/.

Jan. 14: Florida Keys Seafood Festival. Key West. This family-oriented feast with fresh local Keys seafood, drinks, marine-related crafts, youth activities and live music is held at Bayview Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu/environment/env_seafood_fest.shtml.

Jan. 14: No Name Race. Big Pine & the Lower Keys. Join a 5k Walk & Run that benefits the Monroe County Domestic Abuse Shelter. The race begins at 8 a.m., covers 3.1 miles and is based at the Old Wooden Bridge Guest Cottages & Marina on Big Pine Key. Registration is $25 in advance, $30 on race day and $10 for children under age 15. Visit www.domesticabuseshelter.org.

Jan. 14-23: Flagler Centennial Celebration. Throughout the Florida Keys. Events cap a yearlong celebration honoring the 100th anniversary of the completion of Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad and the inaugural train’s journey through the Keys to Key West Jan. 22, 1912. Highlights include a 1900s-era costume ball, one-man performance by a Flagler re-enactor, themed parade in Key West, re-enactment at the Lower Keys’ Bahia Honda State Park, an immersion into railroad-era activities and family fun at Marathon’s historic Pigeon Key and more. Visit www.FlaglerKeys100.com for information and a complete schedule.

Jan. 15-20: Quantum Key West 2012. Key West. Nearly 300 racing yachts compete for class championships in this international midwinter sailboat regatta celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012. Visit www.premiere-racing.com or call 781-639-9545.

Jan. 20-21: 52nd Annual Historic House Tours. Key West. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, the house and garden tours offer a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West’s magnificent, charming and tropical residences. Additional tours are scheduled Feb.17-18 and March 16-17. Visit www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.

Jan. 21-22: Big Pine Key Nautical Flea Market. Big Pine & the Lower Keys. All things nautical are to be displayed and sold at the eighth annual event. Other attractions include live music, food and beverages. The seafaring sale takes place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, MM 31 oceanside. Visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com or call 305-872-2411.

Jan. 22: Key West Half Marathon. Key West. Recognized by Runners World magazine as one of the 10 great half-marathons of the winter season, the run follows a 13.1-mile course through Old Town Key West past historic landmarks and the island’s scenic waterfront. Call 305-296-7182 or visit www.halfmarathons.net.

Jan. 26-29: Key West Food and Wine Festival. Key West. Top chefs and restaurateurs showcase their culinary creativity and the Keys’ indigenous cuisine in a tasty schedule of events for food lovers. Attendees also can participate in food-related adventures during the savory celebration. Visit www.keywestfoodandwinefestival.com or call 800-474-4319.

Jan. 26-29: Third Annual Key West Dulcimer Festival. Key West. Attendees can take workshops in hammered and mountain dulcimer, guitar, steel drums, pennywhistle, banjo, autoharp and other instruments from a stellar performing and instructing staff. The four-day festival is to be held at Hurricane Hole Marina, MM 4.5 oceanside. Visit www.keywestdulcimerfest.com.

Jan. 28-29: 27th Annual Key West Craft Show. Key West. Juried artisans and crafters display their talents at a popular show on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town Key West. Visit www.keywestartcenter.com/craft.html.

Jan. 28-29: 3rd Annual Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Festival. Key Largo. Full of fresh conch, local stone crabs and seafood, entertainment and fun for the entire family, the festival includes cooking demonstrations, food eating and costume contests, kids’ play area, magic, music, arts and crafts vendors and of course, key lime pie. Visit www.keylargoseafoodfestival.com.

Jan. 29: Key West Master Chefs Classic. Key West. Local restaurants vie for top honors in three categories: appetizers, entrees and desserts. Attendees sample the culinary treats while judges pick the winners. Visit www.masterchefsclassic.com/.

While this calendar lists selected highlights for 2012, a comprehensive schedule of events throughout the Keys can be found at www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents/.

Sponsored by and benefiting the San Antonio Conservation Society, the 64^th presentation of NIOSA will be held Tuesday through Friday evenings, April 24-27, 2012, on the grounds of the La Villita National Historic District—the 18th century Spanish neighborhood  that now serves as arts village, bounded by the San Antonio River and Alamo, Nueces and Presa streets (approximately five acres).

Founded in 1924, the San Antonio Conservation Society (one of the nation’s

oldest and most active historic preservation organizations) began with efforts to preserve such unique features as the San Antonio River Bend (now the cornerstone of the famous San Antonio Riverwalk) and the city’s four Spanish Colonial Missions.  The Society has been responsible for saving most of the historic attractions which make San Antonio one of the top tourist destinations in the south.

NIOSA chairman Kathy DeWaal, elected by the Conservation Society as its Fourth Vice President, volunteers her time all year to plan and coordinate the event, and is assisted by three NIOSA vice chairmen, Loraine Zaiontz, Missy Fertitta and Charlie Hansen, and treasurer Barb Machado (all of whom are appointed and are also volunteers) in leading the team of 16,000 volunteers that work at the event.

NIOSA is one of the top—if not the top—fundraisers for historic preservation in the nation and truly lives up to its motto as a “Celebration for Preservation.”  Funds raised enable the Society to continue its mission of preserving historic buildings, objects, places and customs relating to the history of Texas and all that is admirably distinctive to the state.  Out of the roughly $1 million in profits from NIOSA, the Society spends nearly $350,000 annually supporting restoration and preservation of historic properties and parks throughout the city and neighboring counties, plus more than $400,000 annually supporting education and advocacy programs and projects such as the Heritage Education tours, seminars, community tours, scholarships, the resource library and the house museums.  Additionally, the Society has also donated $600,000 since 2000 to historic restoration projects in La Villita, HemisFair and historic neighborhoods throughout the city through special funds set up with the City of San Antonio.

The Conservation Society also stages NIOSITAs (a private mini-NIOSA) throughout the year for conventions, meetings, and festivals—for groups from 300 up to 10,000—to raise additional preservation funds.  Just as NIOSA commemorates the ethnic and cultural influences of San Antonio with food and entertainment, NIOSITAs reflect the diverse cultures of San Antonio.

What makes NIOSA unique over the zillion run-of-the-mill festivals around the world?

• All food items are created, perfected, and prepared by NIOSA volunteers on-site and truly reflect the areas where they can be found.  In fact, sometimes the only place they can be enjoyed is at NIOSA.
• Many booths are run by volunteers from the second or third generation of a family.
• Not only do these unique foods reflect the ethnic cultures of San Antonio, but they have been sought-after mainstays of our event for many, many years.
• On the average, NIOSA revelers annually consume over 31,000 lbs. of beef; 14,750 lbs. of chicken; 4,500 lbs. of sausage; 3,000 turkey legs; 56,500 buns, rolls and bolillos; 36,645 flour tortillas; 11,000 tamales; 29,120 lbs. of fruits and vegetables; and 4,000 lbs. of guacamole.

TICKETS: Gate tickets are $12 for adults and $2 for children six to 12 years; children five years and under are free.  Discount advance tickets are available online at www.niosa.org and at locations around San Antonio around March 1; visit the website for specific locations.

For more information visit www.niosa.org or contact (210) 226-5188 or niosa@niosa.org.

The New York Shopping package at the Millennium Broadway and Millennium UN Plaza includes

• Overnight accommodations and Continental breakfast for two
• 20 percent off on purchases at 77kids by American Eagle
• 10 percent off on purchases at INGLOT, SWATCH AG, and Rosetta Stone Ltd.
• Free Tasti D-Lite Saucer, frozen sandwich dessert, with a purchase of a Tasti cup or cone
• Up to $6 off on admission to Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

The package also features a 20 percent savings on Hampton Luxury Liner bus service to Woodbury Commons, with a complimentary VIP coupon book valued at $10.

The package is available from November 15, 2011 through January 15, 2012 and is priced from $224 per room based on double occupancy plus applicable taxes.

The Millennium Broadway is located in the heart of New York’s theater district within walking distance of Times Square. The Millennium UN Plaza is conveniently situated on the city’s fashionable East Side near the headquarters of the United Nations. Both hotels are perfectly located to enable guests to take full advantage of New York’s midtown shopping districts, from Times Square to Fifth Avenue.

For more information, visit www.millenniumhotels.com.

Originally built in 1844, the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum is Oklahoma’s oldest public building. The 1,950-square-foot museum features exhibits in three historic aspects including the Cherokee National Judicial System, the Cherokee Advocate and Cherokee Phoenix newspapers and the Cherokee language with a variety of historical items including photos, stories, objects and furniture.

The John Ross Museum highlights the life of John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for more than 38 years and houses exhibits and interactive displays on the Trail of Tears, Civil War, Cherokee Golden Age and Cherokee Nation’s passion for the education of its people. The museum also has a small gift shop and research area.

“With Native American Heritage month we have a heightened interest in Cherokee culture. The museums’ exhibits and artifacts play an integral role in showing and telling the story of the Cherokee Nation. This is a free and unique opportunity to share our history,” said Molly Jarvis, vice president of Cultural Tourism at Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “Of course, the chance to shop in one of Cherokee Nation’s six gift shops while receiving a discount is also very appealing.”

The Cherokee Nation Gift Shops present a wide selection of Cherokee and Native American art featuring authentic baskets, sculptures, paintings and gourds. Cherokee merchandise includes apparel items such as Cherokee Nation “Osiyo” T-shirts; books and references including historical literature, cultural CDs and other materials; Cherokee gifts like distinctive dolls, pins, blankets and mugs; and Jewelry featuring a variety of handcrafted necklaces.

The Cherokee Nation Gift Shop website at CherokeeGiftShop.com also features authentic Native American merchandise including apparel, art, books, gifts and jewelry.

The John Ross Museum is the second Cherokee Nation wholly owned and operated museum following the dedication of the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum in 2010. The Cherokee National Prison Museum will become the third such museum when it opens in Spring 2012.

The Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum is located at 122 E. Keetoowah St., Tahlequah, OK 74464. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is regularly adults $5, seniors $3, students $3, and children under 5 free. A group rate is available at $3 per person for 10 or more individuals.

The John Ross Museum is located at 22366 S. 530 Rd, Park Hill, OK 74451. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is regularly adults $3, seniors $2, students $2, and children under 5 free.

For information on the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, the John Ross Museum or Cherokee Nation Gift Shops, please call (877) 779-6977 or visit www.CherokeeTourismOK.com.

Whale Encounter Package:

• Four night accommodation in an Ocean View room
• Daily compact rental car
• Daily buffet breakfast for two
• Whale Watching tour for two
• Admissions for two at the Maui Ocean Center
• Two bottles of water per day
• Two complimentary beach towels
• Picnic lunch in keepsake picnic backpack
• Once day rental umbrella and two chaise lounges

*Booking Dates: Now through April 1, 2012. Travel Dates: December 11, 2011 – April 8, 2012

*$1,388 for four nights, based on double occupancy. Additional nights are $289. Additional nights include compact rental car and buffet breakfast for two. Above rate subject to taxes (Lei Aloha upgrade and benefits do not apply). All packages are subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.

The oceanfront, 432-room Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel is set majestically on a three-mile stretch of sandy beach along the sunny western shores of Maui, making it an ideal setting for a memorable Hawaiian experience. Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel offers a variety of free cultural activities for the entire family, cementing its status as Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel. These include a sunset hula show, nightly live Hawaiian entertainment, lau (leaf) printing, ukulele lessons, poi pounding, lei and ti leaf skirt making, hula classes, garden tours and more. Each visit also includes the ‘Ohana Welcome Breakfast and Farewell Lei Ceremony.

 

For more information, visit http://www.kbhmaui.com/cms/View.aspx/Show/81.

Experience the Diversity of Coastal Virginia’s Cuisine during the New Coastal Harvest Feast Food Tour: Take a four-day tour through the coastal region to discover the unique cuisine and culture of Virginia Beach and her sister cities. During the Coastal Harvest Feast Food Tour, you will enjoy breathtaking scenery while visiting Virginia Beach, Norfolk, the Eastern Shore, Smithfield and Surry. Meet fisherman, farmers and winemakers from around the region as you sip award-winning wines, visit a clam-cultivating aqua farm, learn the fine art of curing Smithfield ham and observe the long-standing tradition of Virginia peanut preparation. Other tours are also available including the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour and the Norfolk Granby Street Food Tour.

Indulge the Sweet Tooth with Virginia Beach’s Confectionaries: Tour some of Virginia Beach’s most renowned chocolate factories and take a dip into a world of deliciousness on a sweet culinary adventure. Visit the Schakolad Chocolate Factory and get a taste of handmade, European-style chocolates as you explore their internationally-acclaimed factory. Then, try delectable fondue at The Royal Chocolate, located in the Virginia Beach Town Center. Choose from a variety of dipping ingredients like strawberries, apples, bananas, pretzels and pound cake to immerse yourself in a world of chocolate. Visit Forbes Taffy and enjoy saltwater taffy, peanut brittle and other candies and chocolates that have been made in Virginia Beach for over 80 years. You can purchase Forbes Candies at 3 locations along the resort area: at 24^th, 28^th and 31^st Streets or you can tour the manufacturing plant also located in Virginia Beach. Visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com for more information.

Enjoy the Taste of Autumn with the Coastal Grill’s Signature Acorn Squash Recipe: Acorn squash is one of the many favorite side dishes offered at Coastal Grill in Virginia Beach. The restaurant sells about 600 bushels every year of their signature acorn squash side dish. Even though acorn squash is available every month but March, the fall and winter months are when they are the most popular. Coastal Grill is located just 3 miles from the resort area and has been a local’s favorite for fresh seafood since 1989. The restaurant also supports the Buy Fresh, Buy Local movement and is certified Virginia Green. Enjoy Coastal Grill’s Signature Acorn Squash recipe as a side dish during holiday gatherings, or just for the heck of it!

Coastal Grill’s Signature Acorn Squash

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Split acorn squash in half from stem to tip.

With spoon, scoop out all seeds.

On a sheet pan or pie tin, place squash hollowed side down. Add ½ inch of water to the pan.

Once preheated, place in oven for 35-40 minutes, or until you can prick the skin with a knife. Be careful not to punch too large a hole in the squash for it will not hold butter. Invert squash and add a pat of sweet butter and a tablespoon of brown sugar.

For more information visit www.visitvirginiabeach.com.  

“Less than an hour above Portland, but below the snowline, The Resort is easy to get to and provides convenient access to abundant winter sports on Mt. Hood,” said Frank Casarez, general manager of The Resort.  “For those who want a quick trip to the slopes or for those wanting an all-inclusive getaway, we’ve got the package for them.”

The Resort’s ski packages include:

• Winter Getaway – Perfect for family travel, this package includes a $50 credit to use on anything at The Resort including dining, recreation or The Spa, as well as free dining for children under 12 and discounted lift tickets to Skibowl or Timberline. This package is available now through April 30, 2012. Rates start from $129 including resort credit.
• Make Tracks Now – This ultimate winter vacation allows guests to enjoy an all-inclusive skiing adventure, complete with early check-in at noon, two relaxing 50-minute treatments at The Spa, dinner and breakfast the following morning for two, and two lift tickets to Skibowl or Timberline. This package is available November 14 through April 13, 2012. Rates start from $299.
• I’d Rather Be Boarding! Or Skiing – The Resort invites travelers looking for a quick trip to enjoy this package that includes comfortable overnight accommodations, Chef’s Choice breakfast-to-go and lift tickets to Skibowl or Timberline. This package is available November 25, 2011 through April 30, 2012. Rates start from $189.

The Resort at The Mountain provides complimentary shuttle service to and from Skibowl for guests.  Additional winter recreation options include year-round swimming in a heated outdoor pool that is covered by a dome tent October through May, pampering wellness-focused spa treatments, snow-shoeing, nature and walking trails, and more.

Spacious guest rooms at The Resort are outfitted with custom Simmons® Beautyrest Black® Beverly Hills™ beds wrapped in luxury linens, 42” wall-mounted flat screen TVs, walk-in showers with rainheads, WiFi internet access and a copy of USA Today.

 

For more information about The Resort at The Mountain, its winter packages or other holiday events, visit http://www.TheResort.com.