A visit to Poet Bio-refining, just 20 miles southwest of Sioux Falls proved to be an educational excursion beyond expectation. There we toured the facility and learned how the plant annually utilizes more than 35 million bushels of locally grown and harvested corn to process it into more than 100 million gallons of ethanol. Again stewardship came in to play as we learned how Poet produces the energy used at the plant and how the solid waste fuel boiler burns hundreds of tons of wood chips on a daily basis, to capture and burn methane gas from the Sioux Falls landfill. Dedicated to green energy this cutting edge facility creates a biologically harmonic relationship with Sioux Falls.

Poet is dedicated to reducing dependence on foreign oil through their Growth Energy Program and by promoting the expansion of the use of ethanol in gasoline. We learned so much on their fascinating tour that our brains were nearly aching.

As if we had not learned enough, we also toured the interesting and educational South Dakota State University Dairy Plant and Sales Bar where Cookies and Cream flavored ice cream was founded. Located next to the Alfred Dairy Science Hall this facility processes more than 10,000 pounds of milk in a week.

Cheese, butter, milk, and 60 flavors of ice cream are just a few of the dairy based highlights manufactured and enjoyed there. Both tourists and alumni can enjoy the products from this plant and Dairy Bar where students learn and implement marketing and retail strategies of the SDSU dairy products produced. Employing more than twenty students at a time, this is a sweet excursion for any visiting couple wanting to enjoy educationally sweet South Dakota goodness.

100% microfiber, character-inspired line of cleaning dolls bring a hint of flair, fun and colorful personality to your mobile devices and electronics.

Want something fun and stylish to throw in your purse or carryon when you travel, just for cleaning your electronic sensitive surfaces? Your iPad, iPod, laptop, cameras, sunglasses, eye glasses, GPS or pretty much anything that needs its screen cleaned, never looked so good.

Toddy Gear, the maker of Screenster, began in 2010 with one simple goal: clean screens effectively and fashionably, enhancing the world’s gadgets. Their premium microfiber cleaning products redefine how traveling folks care for their electronics. The success of the Smart Cloth led to product line expansion centered around a few common denominators: smart and functional microfiber construction with antimicrobial protection. 

The Screenster uses dual sided, plush microfiber, fun and distinctive colors and patterns, antimicrobial coatings, hydrophilic materials to absorb oils and remove dust and smudges. They are reusuable and washable, thus environmentally friendly.

The cute and stylish Screenster is popular with all ages and it hangs out in your purse, back pack or carryon ready to keep your digital products clean and shiny. Best of all when flying, they are formulated to work without any messy liquids or sprays.

Just a half mile from the airport, this hip and ultra modern new property is a great choice for a comfortable stay before or after flying or when visiting the Bay Area.

Great amenities like free Wi-fi, bottled water, and quality coffee make this a comfy choice in a loft-inspired lodging option.

A lovely indoor splash poor, on site parking, airport shuttle, backyard lounging area, upbeat bar with live music, luggage storage and even a pet program, make this stand out as an exceptional overnight option.

This hotel has style and lots of it. Even the hip and funky elevators with futuristic music and plasma-moving psychedelic floors that smoosh when you step, are the coolest of cool.

An on-site gym and comfy lounge serving small plates add to the comfort. Plush and cozy pillows beckon to folks who can enjoy a cocktail and entertainment with some snack food, all in a hip and jazzy yet, ever-so-laid-back atmosphere. It’s just what you need before or after a flight out of SFO.

Aloft is pet friendly. Their ARF Program lavishes furry and four legged guests with a dog bowl, treats and special doggy bed nearly as cozy as the lounge downstairs.

Before going aloft, stay Aloft next time your travels take you in or out of SFO.

Our guest post and monthly column comes from Howard Hian who was recently awarded a Gold Medal/First Place Award from the North American Travel Journalists Association’s annual international writing contest.  

More Alaska at a Glance and Travel Tips – Summer is tourist season in Alaska. Whether you are traveling to our 49^th. state by plane, car, ferry, train or cruise ship, here’s a quick look at some destinations and a few ideas of what to pack.

Kodiak – Take a scenic drive along the lush Chiniak Highway with Kodiak Island Van Tours.  There are panoramic views of the ocean, bays, rivers and, sometimes, bears and other wildlife.  The 80 mile roundtrip excursion includes stops along the way at Pasagshak Bay and Narrow Cape.  At the mid-point of the trip there is a lunch stop at Olds River Inn.

Sitka – Another rip-roaring escapade is the four-hour Kruzof Island 4×4 Wilderness Adventure tour.  First, there is a boat ride around the islands in Sitka Sound to the destination.  Next, drive a Yamaha Rhino through the rain forest for the first stop at the Iris Meadows Estuary. Finally, off through magnificent old-growth forests to the black sand North Beach for beverages, snacks and a photo op before heading back to town.

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada – This is the only non-Alaska locale to report on and it is a good one. The Grand City Drive & Empress High Tea bus tour takes you through several exclusive neighborhoods and along Marine Drive to Mt.Tolmie for a view of the city.  After that, back to the historic Empress Hotel for an elegant high tea. For a completely dissimilar outing, don’t miss the pub crawl available via the water-taxis of Victoria; it is an unusual, highly enjoyable escapade.

Travel Products – Smart travelers’ mantra is “pack light and wear layers.”  Magellan’s packable rain jacket/windbreaker fits that description.  Keen’s Denver Canvas from their Boulevard Collection was my choice for casual footwear and Ambler Mesh from their Trailhead Selection was perfect for hiking. Their right/left marked socks are perfect companions to the shoes.  Headwear is a travel necessity, more so in Alaska; sun, rain and/or cold.  Two models from Tilley, accompanied me; the Outback hat and the TTMC cap – both did their job. On the plane, Magellan’s noise cancelling headset kept engine and passenger sounds to a minimum.

Safe travels and enjoy the journey…

Howard Hian

www.Travels-with-Hian.com

Thanks to the various websites for information, etc. 

Our guest post and monthly column comes from Howard Hian who was recently awarded a Gold Medal/First Place Award from the North American Travel Journalists Association’s annual international writing contest.  

Alaska at a Glance – Summer is almost here and that means tourist season in Alaska. Whether traveling to our 49^th. state by plane, car, ferry, train or cruise ship, here’s a quick look at some interesting destinations. More to come at the next post.

Anchorage – A must is the six-hour Alaska Railroad trip to their newest whistle stop, Grandview.  The train meanders through alpine meadows and offers stunning views of the Trail, Bartlett and Spencer Glaciers.  There are photo ops galore along one of the most scenic areas of the railbelt.  The 1.5 hour return trip via motorcoach parallels the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway.  Sunset is at approximately 10 PM during the summer in Alaska so, after you arrive back to town, there is time to explore nearby shopping, attractions, dining, etc.  For further information logon to www.alaskarailroad.com. 

Homer – The best way to see this picturesque town is by taking the Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley.  Its route includes stops at the Pratt Museum, Islands & Ocean Visitor’s Center, downtown, Old Town, Farmers Market (Wed. & Sat.), Homer Spit, gift shops, restaurants and a bald eagle’s nest.  The Two Sisters restaurant, a local favorite, is worth a visit.

Icy Strait Point/Hoonah – Go on the ATV and ZipRider Adventure tour and hold on to your hat. Off-roading trails lead to a short hike to the world’s 2^nd. longest zip line. It is breathtaking; starting with a 1,300 foot vertical drop and then plunging a total of 5,330 feet. Speeds hit 60+ mph during this heart-pounding thrill ride. The aptly named Landing Zone Bar and Grill is located where the zip-line ends.  The Icy Strait Point Company Store is a combination museum and gift shop; restaurants and shops are nearby. Take time to walk the Beach Trail Promenade.

Juneau – For an unforgettable outing, sign up with Above & Beyond Alaska, and kayak to the base of majestic Mendenhall Glacier.  It is truly a remarkable experience.  After that, head to the Mt. Roberts Tramway . Perched 1,800 feet above the city there is a nature center, restaurant, gift shop and hiking trails.  After coming down the mountain, take time for nearby shopping and site seeing.

Ketchikan – Although cold weather is to be expected, here’s a contra-intuitive suggestion: go diving.  Snorkel Alaska, specializes in helping visitors take the plunge to get a look at the island’s kelp beds, tide pools and marine life, including starfish, jellyfish and sea cucumbers; all this as bald eagles circle lazily overhead.  Back in town,  grab the free shuttle that stops at the SE Alaska Discovery Center, Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center, infamous Creek Street and the Totem Heritage Museum. For fishermen this town claims to be the “Salmon Capitol of the World.”

Safe travels and enjoy the journey…

Howard Hian

www.Travels-with-Hian.com

Thanks to the various websites for information, etc. 

Our guest post comes from Kimberly Fisher, a freelance writer based in Beverly Hills and New York City.  She specializes in luxury travel, lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. With extensive travel experience visiting some of the worlds most sought-after destinations, Kimberly is truly a connoisseur globetrotter.  She has traveled to over 39 countries and almost every US state. Her work has appeared in various English print and online media. She is the author of one book, “Promotional Modeling 101?. Visit her at: KimberlyFisher.com

The same reason why you could want to visit the Uffizi Gallery might be the same reason why it could turn out to be a true test of your patience: its popularity. Like any world-famous art museum, it’s going to have to contend with the disadvantages of being popular. In addition, there are a few other factors that can make a visit there tricky to say the least. If you do a bit of planning in advance though, you can avoid all of those frustrations and end up making the most out of your experience.

The first thing you should do before you go is mentally prepare yourself for all the people that will be present. Although it would be nice to think of one of the world’s finest art galleries as providing a quiet and private place to take in classic artwork, the reality is that noise and the lack of privacy could end up producing an anticlimax. As long as you visit knowing full well that the crowds will also be on display, the Uffizi won’t end up losing any of its appeal. You might even want to embrace its popularity by striking up conversations with fellow art-lovers while you’re there.

Not only are you going to have to fight the crowds, you’re also going to have to fight Uffizi Gallery itself. Since it is home to hundreds of masterpieces, it’s going to be an uphill battle trying to see everything. In fact, you can count on the fact that a single visit will only scratch the surface. Multiple visits will be required if you want to see a good chunk of the offerings. If you only have one day to explore the museum, it would be a good idea to go on a tour because that will allow you to visit the must-see sections with a guide that can help give historical context to everything. If you have more time, the best course of action is to take multiple trips over multiple days as that is the only realistic way to give the artwork there the quality time it deserves.

The previous tricky aspect touched on the fact that a significant part of any work of art is the history and symbolism behind it. Therefore, before you even visit the Uffizi you should probably brush up on your art history either by reading a book or by looking up relevant information online. Doing so will serve to streamline your visit and make your experience that much more rewarding.

Another way that the Uffizi Gallery can work against you comes in the form of ticketing. Ultimately, planning in advance is key. If you decide to show up and buy tickets the same day, you’re going to find yourself waiting in a long line for up to several hours, especially in high season. The best way to avoid that mess is to either purchase a ticket in advance online or over the phone. Keep in mind that there is a 24 hour waiting period for tickets purchased online.

Making the most out of your trip to the Uffizi Gallery is all about preparation. Prepare yourself for the crowds, brush up on your art history, schedule an ample amount of time there, and purchase tickets in advance and you’ll be all smiles when you leave that world-class art museum.

With enhanced bass, noise reduction, a braided cord, gold plated plug, and collapsible/folding ear cups, they pack a lot of great features into a mere 11 oz.

Offering a four foot cord, double thickness cushions, low profile fabric headband, rounded ear cups for precise and optimal sound quality and nuance, and a choice of black, white or Army green, these headphones exude quality and cool. The packaging itself is fun and military style. You almost expect a the package to present a sleek, classified military-issue reconnaissance device until you open it and behold the trendy yet lustrous audio equipment inside.

From a practical standpoint, I was pleased how they stayed on my head without slipping around and actually felt comfortable after hours of usage.

I also noted that the life-like quality seemed as though I was really at a live concert when enjoying my music.

If you are looking for the quality of a $400 pair of headphones at a fraction of the cost, you will be more than pleased. I recommend these headphones to anyone looking for a high quality, low cost over-the-ear headphone, and they just happen to have a lifetime warranty too.

Available at: Select International Retailers
Price: $49.99

photos courtesy of Bill and Bonnie Neely

Between Las Vegas and the Northern shore of Lake Mead stretches a most spectacular and awe-inspiring expanse of rugged gray sandstone mountains and rich red, carved rock mounds, which form a popular hiking and picnicking State Park called the Valley of Fire, which attracts about 200,000 visitors a year.

This was created as the first of Nevada’s State Parks and 8,760 acres were dedicated in 1934. The tallest mountains of the range are the oldest, and in Paleolithic times, before the dinosaurs, these peaks were the bottom of an ancient sea, now long gone.  Shells and fossils reveal their story to geologists.  The shorter and more prominently-fascinating red columns and huge rock piles are younger, from the Mesozoic Period when dinosaurs roamed. These intriguing wind-carved columns and balancing rock boulders have funny faces and weird shapes.

photos courtesy of Bill and Bonnie Neely

In this, one of the hottest and driest areas of the United States, the fascinating and grotesque, sometimes frightening shapes and holes were not sculpted by rain but by fierce winds, which swept across the land.  To the casual tourist much of this desert landscape seems bleak and uninteresting, with gray, rocky soil dotted with desert scrub plants, tumbleweed, and creosote bush.  The main fascination, and the reason to bring plenty of film, is the incredible array of natural colors in the rock formations, especially on the 11-mile Rainbow Vista drive to the Domes area.  You can drive or walk in this beautiful expanse where you see 150 million years of geology in the colored rock formations.

Nature has used her most prolific palette to paint the vast rocky mounds in exquisite, often iridescent, pastel colors from yellow to pink.  The intense desert sun plays across this canvas, constantly changing the colors like a Technicolor dream. Each sunrise, or sunset behind the dark gray mountains is absolutely breathtaking.

More serious-minded travelers, who like to learn about the places they experience in order to appreciate their surroundings with more understanding, will want to stop at the excellent Visitor Center to learn about the area’s geological history, the flora and fauna, and the civilizations which lived here.  Life in the desert is harsh and only the skilled and hardy can survive.  Among those who mastered life here were the ancient Gypsum People (4,000 to 1,800 years ago,) who hunted big horned sheep and lived in caves where scientists have found straw animals they fashioned.

photos courtesy of Bill and Bonnie Neely

The next civilization (2,000 to 1,450 years ago) were Basket Weavers and planters, while still hunting and gathering. They lived in caves and earthen pits houses. Coil baskets and woven sandal prints have been found from this period. After these  came the Anasazi/Pueblo People (1,500 – 850 years ago) who learned how to make more sophisticated weapons by sharpening rocks to make arrowheads for hunting.  These Indians planted and harvested crops and made beautiful pottery, decorated with white and black slip.  They traded with other groups from the California coast. These people were the forerunners to the Southern Paiute Native Americans who lived in this area successfully from 900 years ago to the present. In early years they adapted well to the dry climate, making rabbit skin blankets and expert baskets in which they learned to place water and hot rocks to cook grains and make mush.

In the 1500′s the Spanish conquerors and padres came to occupy forcefully and killed many of the native people.  Then two centuries of Mormons, trappers, traders, American soldiers,  gold-rushers, and pioneers trudged through.  The railroad was the determining force to create towns, and in 1905 Las Vegas was established as a railroad construction town.  In 1916  the first all-weather road in America was built by volunteers along the route from Los Angeles to St. Thomas. Called the Arrowhead Trail, this packed dirt roadway for cars was considered both dangerous and thrilling and was made famous by Thomas Bigelow, a reporter who traversed it several times in his “Cactus Kate” Packard automobile.  You can see parts of this historic trek still preserved, with its rock pile reinforcements through dips and crags.

Desert life is harsh and difficult for animals, and every creature is interdependent on each of the others, down to the smallest insect. Among those who have been able to adapt for survival are the desert fox, tarantulas, kangaroo rats, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbit,  burrowing owls, many lizards and geckos, bobcats, chuckwallas, the desert tortoise, and others. Only modern man can mess up the delicate web of life which struggles so admirably for survival, finding water in seeds or holes in the rocks, as did the famous Paiute named “Mouse,” who terrorized both Indian and white man in the late 1800′s and hid out for six months near Mouse Tanks, where animals and Indians knew they could find fresh water. Today you can hike to this interesting place, past hundreds of fascinating petroglyphs, carved into the desert varnish which stains the red rock cliffs.  These ancient drawings show children, adults, sheep, snakes, and many symbols which may, or may not, be accurately deciphered by today’s archeologists.

photos courtesy of Bill and Bonnie Neely

Don’t cheat yourself by just driving through this amazing desert/mountain landscape.  Get out of your car and take a hike. Be sure to take water and sun protection for skin and eyes. You are in a desert!

There are many marked trails to interesting places, and these hikes are under a mile and a half.  When you walk amidst the giant, red sculptures your imagination will see  monsters, elephants, fish, dinosaurs, lizards, skeletons, and skulls.  It’s fun to decide what Nature’s Sculptor is whimsically depicting.  The wonderful “hidey holes” are fun to crawl into to take photos, or to throw down a sleeping bag and curl up for a marvelous night beneath billions of stars winking at you through the crisp and chilly desert night air.  You’ll see the Milky Way clearly and more stars than you ever knew existed.

photos courtesy of Howard Hian

Our guest post and monthly column comes from Howard Hian who was recently awarded a Gold Medal/First Place Award from the North American Travel Journalists Association’s annual international writing contest.  

Part Two: Off the Grid in San Francisco 

How to Get Around - When I made hotel reservations, I noticed that Pacific Heights Limo handled transportation for the Hotel Monaco.  I called and realized that PHL’s private car service was not much more expensive than travel by taxi to/from the airport.  Plus, the door-to-door personalized service and spotless vehicle made the decision a winning one. It is well worth the extra few dollars. We also used PHL for a driving tour.  Note: their vehicles are all hybrids.

Where to Eat – The Ferry Building’s Farmers Market features local farmers and artisan food products every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It’s festive and the opportunities to buy gifts, snacks or a meal are mind boggling.

What to Do – For an evening to be entertained and amazed, head to Peter Morrison’s Marrakech Magic Show running Thursday through Sunday.  It begins in the Sultan’s Oasis lounge where you can order drinks and appetizers along with a “meet and greet” with the affable Peter Morrison.  His sleight of hand and illusions will confound you throughout the 75 minute show.  The intimate showroom accommodates 40, so there are no bad seats.  Kids of all ages will have a magical evening.

I would highly recommend an off the grid day trip.  Take the cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf, walk to Pier 41 and catch the Blue Gold Fleet ferry to historic Angel Island State Park . Reminder: CityPASS includes vouchers for the transportation.  Once there, take the tram tour or rent a Diggler Mountain Scooter or Segway for a fascinating exploration of this remarkable place. It was formerly an immigration center, prisoner of war camp, military post and Nike missile defense site. It is currently an active Coast Guard station. The island, the largest in the Bay, offers miles of hiking and bike trails, including one to its highest point, Mt. Livermore.  On a clear day you can see all five Bay Area bridges.  Plan to eat at the Angel Island Café featuring an eclectic menu with daily specials. Much of the produce is from their organic garden. My favorite was the pulled pork sandwich. The Angel Island staff in the restaurant and at the park are friendly, helpful and well-informed.  It’s a travel experience you won’t forget.

Information & Contacts

For San Francisco area information, logon to www.sanfrancisco.travel.

photos courtesy of Howard Hian

The Hotel Monaco features complimentary coffee and tea service in the morning and a hosted wine hour in the afternoon. Other goodies include a pet friendly policy, free high speed Internet and a 24 hour fitness center. Their onsite spa was a perfect end to a day of hiking on Angel Island.  The hotel was a 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award Recipient. Note: join Kimpton’s InTouch loyalty program.

Safe travels and enjoy the journey…

Howard Hian

www.Travels-withHian.com

photos courtesy of Howard Hian

Our guest post and monthly column comes from Howard Hian who was recently awarded a Gold Medal/First Place Award from the North American Travel Journalists Association’s annual international writing contest.  

On and Off the Grid in San Francisco – A Two Part Series

Travel decisions usually fall into well defined categories: where to stay, how to get around, what to do and where to eat, along with finding something different or “off the grid.” The definition of “off the grid” has morphed from living without public utilities to doing something out of the ordinary or unconventional.  Given that, here’s my on the grid guide to San Francisco.

Part One: On the Grid 

Where to Stay – Location, location, location.  I am a Kimpton groupie and San Francisco is where they opened their first boutique hotel.  There are nine Kimpton properties in “The City by the Bay.”   This trip we stayed at the award winning, newly renovated, four-star Hotel Monaco located in the Theater District just four blocks from Union Square.

How to Get Around - I highly recommend purchasing the San Francisco CityPASS discount booklet. This allows you to ride the world-famous cable car as well as the Muni (public transportation). Additionally, Blue & Gold Fleet and RocketBoat tours on the Bay are included. CityPASS is a great value.

What to Do – The San Francisco CityPASS also provides entrance to must-see attractions.  We visited the California Academy of Sciences, the Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the deYoung + Legion of Honor and The Exploratorium.

Where to Eat – Just as Kimpton is the leader in boutique lodging, so have they changed the perception of hotel restaurants.

Scala’s Bistro is the definitive San Francisco dining experience; sophisticated with attentive, knowledgeable servers and great attention to preparation and presentation.  Located inside the landmark Sir Francis Drake Hotel, its menu pulls from rustic Italian with French nuances, combined with the freshness of California cuisine.  As you would imagine, there is an extensive wine list, creative desserts and lively bar scene.

Puccini & Pinetti’s  is a long-time favorite of mine.  This reasonably priced Italian bar and grill is located just off Union Square and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It has an exhibition kitchen featuring Italian classics with novel twists. It could best be described as a neighborhood style restaurant that’s kid friendly, with an energetic and casual atmosphere. I usually end up grazing at their happy hour extravaganza, but this trip lunch was on my schedule. Try their 3-course “Working Lunch.”

My two other meals were at the Hotel Monaco. Their Grand Cafe Brasserie’s setting is a turn-of-the-century majestic ballroom with soaring ceilings and art deco features mixed with contemporary touches. The food is regional French cuisine with local influences. A special weekend brunch menu combines imaginative breakfast items with entrees; don’t miss their take on the classic Croque Monsieur. Lunch is also a treat in this splendid room.  The mussel appetizer with freshly baked bread is enough for a meal. The adjoining Grand Cafe Bar features a happy hour and pre-and post-theater dining.

Safe travels and enjoy the journey…

Howard Hian

www.Travels-withHian.com