Travel the Boudin Trail
What is boudin? It is Cajun-style sausage and, no kidding, boudin is so popular that it has its own dedicated trail that leads from one boudin maker to another. It is considered the signature dish of Southwest Louisiana and can be enjoyed at any meal or as a snack. Boudin was made of the leftover parts of the hog. Cajun families used everything from the “rooter to the tooter.” Today boudin is usually made with ground pork, liver, rice, parsley, onions, salt, black pepper, red pepper, and other seasonings – steamed or smoked. Each boudin maker uses their secret family recipe. Some even create their own special boudin by using shrimp, crawfish and alligator.

Mike Hollier, the owner of Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen, said they make over 10,000 pounds a month. Hollier includes liver in his boudin because that is the Cajun way but he uses only a little liver so as not to overpower the taste. “It’s a good way to get kids to eat liver,” he quipped. He also makes crawfish boudin when they are in season. At nearby B&O Kitchen Jeff Cortina is teaching the fourth generation, his son, how to make his family boudin recipe. Cortina’s boudin is excellent but ignoring tradition he does not include liver. He makes about 200 lbs a day along with cracklin,’ deep-fried pork fat with a small amount of the skin attached. It is another great Cajun treat. Jeff said, “Timing when boiling the cracklin’ in the oil is critical. There is a two-minute window between success and failure.” The Boudin Trail has 29 stops – that’s a lot of boudin sampling.

Gumbo, alligator and more
The one dish most associated with the Cajun culture is gumbo, the official dish of the Louisiana. Seafood Palace in Lake Charles is reputed to have the best gumbo. But unlike the boudin makers, Seafood Palace is willing to share their winning recipe. Their gumbo can also be made with chicken or beef but it is not their only culinary delight – try their boudin balls, frog legs, and fried gator.

Gumbo ala Seafood Palace
1 1/2 cups of Roux
2 cups of onion
1 cup of green onions
salt, black and red pepper to taste
1 pound of lump crab meat
3 pounds of raw shrimp
2 pints of raw oysters, if desired

Fill a stock pot 3/4 full of water. Bring to a boil and slowly add the roux until dissolved. Add seasoning, onion and green onions. Let boil about an hour, making sure to check the level of water, add more if needed. Add shrimp and crab meat, simmer about 20 minutes. If adding oysters, cook about 10-15 minutes longer. Serve with rice and enjoy. Yummy!

For the Gourmand
Looking for a white-table-cloth dining delight? Head to La Truffe Sauvage for a world-class dinner served with wine from their large international collection. Try one of Chef Mohamed Chettouh specialties – Stuffed Pheasant Breast. He is gracious enough to share his recipe.

Pheasant Breast Stuffed with Leek and Fennel
2 whole pheasant 3 pound each
1 cup julienne leek, blanched
1 cup julienne fennel, blanched
Salt pepper
Butcher string
For the natural jus
1 cup diced leek
1 cup diced carrot
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley stems)
1 teaspoon peppercorns
2 cups red wine

Parsnip Purée
1 pound parsnip, peeled and diced
2 ounces unsalted butter
Salt and white pepper.

Remove the breasts, with skin on to keep it from drying out. Save the legs for another use. Debone breasts. To make natural au jus place carcass bones in small pan, add diced vegetables and roast at 375°F until the bones are brown and vegetables caramelized. Transfer to a medium size sauce pan, cover with water, add the red wine, garni and peppercorn, bring to boil then simmer about an hour, skim the stock. Strain. Reduce strained stock to get to approximately half
cup. Season with salt and pepper, keep warm. To make parsnip puree cover with water and boil until tender, strain, pass through a food ricer, add the butter and salt, white pepper. Cover and keep warm. Place pheasant breasts on a flat surface, cover with plastic wrap, skin side down, flattened a little with a mallet. Remove the plastic, season with salt pepper, divide the blanched vegetables leek and fennel between the pheasant breasts, roll each one up and tie with the butcher string. Put a tablespoon olive oil in a hot sauté pan, add the stuffed breast and brown all sides. Cook at 350 in the oven for 20 minutes. Do not overcook. Scoop one spoon of parsnip puree on serving plate with two slices of stuffed pheasant breast and a one tablespoon natural jus.

A Festival of Food
Any time is a good time to savor the flavors of Lake Charles but the dedicated epicurean will want to attend Rouge et Blanc, Lake Charles’ premier food and wine event held each year in October. Enjoy such wonderful signature dishes as Deep Fried Bread Pudding from Sha Sha’s of Creole with a glass of Chocovine Espresso wine from The Wine Group while sitting in the shade of the live oak in front of the historic Town Hall.
For more information check visitlakecharles.org, thewildtruffle.com,
www.rougeetblanc.us, and for the best place to stay consider the L’Auberge Casino, ldlcasino.com, where their buffet offers an incredible array of shell fish along with a groaning board of items to choose from.

Events begin on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Solvang Village Farmers Market (First Street between Mission & Copenhagen Drive) with a brand new Chef Walk & Talk series starting at2:30pm with Chef David Cecchini, Cecco Ristorante (Talk & Cooking Demonstration, Free); at 3:00pm meet Master Chef Norbert Schulz, Mirabelle Restaurant(Talk & Culinary Cooking Class, Fee) and 4:00pm with Chef Brian Champlin, Succulent Café (Walk & Talk, Free). Meet these Chefs at the corner of First Street and Copenhagen Drive for a personalized tour through Solvang’s Farmers Market as they source ingredients and dish up tips on farm fresh inspiration.

On Thursday, March 15 and Friday, March 16, 2012, Taste of Solvang Wine Tours of Santa Ynez Valley Vineyards will be offered from local tour operators including Serenity Limousine & Sedans (4-hour tours to 4+ wineries & picnic lunch for 2 or 4 people, $359/$460 per limo) and Stagecoach Tours(11:00am-4:00pm; $95 per person; includes picnic lunch; 4 winery tasting stops).

The three popular “Taste of Solvang Passport” events return starting on Friday, March 16, 2012 from 7:00-9:00pm with a scrumptious Dessert Receptionand live jazz music at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 1765 Mission Drive in downtown Solvang.  On Saturday, March 17, 2012, from 11:00 am-4:00pm, the Walking Smorgaasbord features 40+ taste stops around the village featuring delicious bites of Danish, American, Latin,  Japanese and Italian cuisines offered by restaurants, bakeries as well as retailers. On Saturday evening, March 17 from 5:00-8:00pm plus on Sunday, March 18, 2012, from Noon-3:00pm (new expanded days and hours) , enjoy the Solvang Wine Walk offering a dozen vintners at downtown tasting rooms pouring their vintages into the prized souvenir Taste of Solvang etched wine glass.

During Taste of Solvang and year-round, visitors are encouraged to BYOP—Bring Your Own Picnic—to one of many free public parks such as Solvang Park (corner of Mission Drive & First Street); Hans Christian Anderson Park (633 Chalk Hill Road) or Sunny Fields Park (900 Alamo Pintado Road).  Taste of Solvang is a rain or shine event but since Solvang means “sunny field” in Danish, chances of rain are marginal.

Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended.  A Weekend Passport including logo wine glass &  souvenir canvas tote bag is $75 per person or individual event tickets (ala carte) may be purchased— (Dessert Reception $25; Walking Smorgaasbord $30; Wine Walk $40). To purchase tickets by phone call 1-800-719-9106 or online at www.SolvangUSA.com

Named after the resort’s numerous Presidential guests, including President McKinley and Eisenhower, who loved to tee off at the Old Course, the five Presidential Suites at The Homestead rank among the most distinctive accommodations in Virginia. Located in the hotel’s East Wing, the Madison, McKinley, Taft, Wilson and Eisenhower suites are spacious and luxurious, with two master bedrooms and two grandly appointed bathrooms apiece, as well as a handsome parlor, foyer and sitting porch arrayed for perusing the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains surrounding the resort.

With the next Presidential election less than a year away, warm up through the month of February 2012 in a Presidential Suite with the NEW Presidents Package at The Homestead. The package includes:

• Two nights accommodation in a Presidential Suite
• Breakfast and Dinner included daily
• Four Passes to the Jefferson Pools (open on weekends)
• From $2,230 per night, taxes and 15% daily resort charge not included
• Available throughout the month of February 2012

With 3,000 acres the recreational possibilities are endless with snowmobiling, snowboarding, skating and skiing at the South’s original downhill ski area. There are also plenty of complimentary activities including evening movies at the resort’s historic 1920s 270-seat theater or afternoon tea in the Great Hall.

The nearby Jefferson Pools are natural mineral spring waters named after our third President, who would “take the waters” of the surrounding area, which are rumored to contained healing properties. The Gentleman’s Pool House, which opened in 1761, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Jefferson Pools are open every weekend in February.

Twenty-two American presidents have visited The Homestead either before, during, or following their administrations including: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, William Howard Taft, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis visited The Homestead as a child.

For more information or to reserve the Presidents Package at The Homestead, please contact (877) 549-9506. For more information about the resort, please visit www.thehomestead.com

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.