Travel news from the sources

Ohio lodges offer discounts for kids' good grades

2010-08-24T18:31:58-04:00

News from Ohio State Park Lodges: Families can save up to $50 per day on state park vacation

Ohio State Park Lodges’ discounts for kids' good grades is now in its third year. The program, called Stays 4 A’s, has proven to be an effective tool for parents to inspire and motivate their schoolchildren. The popular program allows students with A’s on their report cards to transform those A’s into lodge room discounts.

Each A is worth a discount of $10 off the published rate per room per night up to five A’s or $50. Families need only show their star students’ report cards at check-in to earn the discount. One report card per room may be applied for the discount, and families must present the original report card upon check-in.

With more than 700 participating VIPs – “Very Important Pupils” – since 2009, one of the Ohio State Park Lodges expects to welcome the one thousandth participant sometime this school year. The lodge will surprise that lucky participant with a gift basket containing a certificate for a future one-night stay at any Ohio State Park Lodge, products from the lodge gift shop, a free dinner with dessert for the pupil and his or her family and a complimentary lodge activity for the family. Activities vary and could include free use of bicycles, geocaching units and canoes or kayaks as well as tokens for game rooms or a round of golf.

“Several of the participants saved the maximum amount of $50 by bringing in report cards with five A’s," said Dianna Rom, regional director of sales and marketing for Ohio State Park Lodges.

The Stays 4 A’s program is available year-round. Blackout periods apply, and the offer is subject to room availability. Rooms can be reserved online or by phone. To reserve online visit www.ohiostateparklodges.com and use the promo code “Stay4A.” For additional information about the Stays for A’s program and other offers at Ohio State Park Resorts, call 1-800-282-7275.

The eight Ohio State Park Lodges operated by concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts are located throughout the state.

The resorts are Shawnee State Park Lodge in south central Ohio near Portsmouth, Hueston Woods State Park Lodge in southwestern Ohio near Oxford, Burr Oak State Park Lodge near the southern Ohio town of Glouster, Salt Fork State Park Lodge in central Ohio near Cambridge, Mohican State Park Lodge in north central Ohio near Loudonville, Punderson Manor State Park Lodge in northeastern Ohio near Newbury, Maumee Bay State Park Lodge in northwestern Ohio near Toledo and Deer Creek State Park Lodge near Columbus.
Each Ohio State Park Lodge is distinctive and reflective of its natural surroundings. Each offers both indoor and outdoor activities. Several lodges feature huge, old-fashioned arcades with an array of games such as pinball. All of the lodges provide a selection of board games. Other activities include golf, boating, fishing, hiking, geocaching, disc golf and supervised children’s activities.

Consult individual web sites for specific information at www.ohiostateparklodges.com or by call 800-282-7275. Xanterra also operates the marina and facilities at Geneva Marina State Park in Geneva-on-the-Lake in northeastern Ohio.

Contemporary art, tech meet on Celebrity cruises

2010-08-24T18:08:58-04:00

News from Celebrity Cruises: First cruise line to present art tours on iPads

Passengers on Celebrity Cruises will take the industry’s first self-guided art tours on an iPad®.

Earlier this year, the cruise introduced the first Celebrity iLounge, equipped with MacBook® workstations, a retail space featuring Apple products, and an enrichment center where staff present courses and offer guests tips on using Macs and iPods®.

Celebrity also is the first cruise line to present a menu and wine list on an iPad at its Qsine specialty restaurant aboard Celebrity Eclipse.

The iPads on each Solstice Class ship house floor plans of every deck, with select works of art flagged. A passenger touches the screen to select the work of art he or she would like to learn more about, and the screen transitions to full details about the piece, including the title of the work, artist’s name, medium used, description and image.

With more than 14,000 works of original, contemporary art on its three Solstice Class ships, Celebrity Cruises is the holder of one of the world’s largest corporate collections of contemporary art.

Throughout the ships, the range of mediums includes glass, acrylics, oils, photography, digital prints, video, etchings, sculptures and collages. Approximately 15 percent of the art on each Solstice Class ship is site-specific or commissioned artwork, such as the signature living trees in enormous vases suspended within the Solstice Class ships’ sweeping, airy Grand Foyers.

The new iPad art tours began on Celebrity Solstice August 15, on Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Equinox August 21. The tours, in English, will be in Spanish by the end of this year. Celebrity will add German and French versions in 2011.

Reserving Canyon Ranch spa on Oceania ships

2010-08-19T18:33:21-04:00

News from Oceania Cruises

Passengers on ships operated by Oceania Cruises may reserve treatments at their onboard Canyon Ranch SpaClubs® up to 90 days before departure. Canyon Ranch operates spas on the cruise line’s fleet of premium ships.

“Canyon Ranch SpaClubs have proven so popular with our guests that it makes sense to book early,” said Oceania president Bob Binder.

Each Canyon Ranch SpaClub features massage, body and skin-care treatment rooms, gym and weight room, men’s and women’s locker rooms, thalassotherapy pool, two whirlpools and Thermal Suite. The SpaClub’s treatments include massages and therapeutic bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, ayuvedic and seaweed treatments, facials and masks, conditioning body scrubs and therapeutic body cocoons.

Canyon Ranch fitness instructors conduct daily group and private fitness, yoga and tai chi classes. On select voyages Canyon Ranch experts offer workshops on lifestyle change, healthy living, and stress management. Passengers also can savor Canyon Ranch’s Spa Cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café.

Spa services may be requested up to 90 days prior to cruise departure, when the cruise reservation is paid in full, by calling toll-free 877-329-1924. For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel professional, visit OceaniaCruises or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

Oceania Cruise ships visit 330 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas aboard the 684-passenger Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. The line’s new, 1,250-passenger Marina joins the fleet in January 2011, followed by Riviera – a sister ship – in April 2012.

Bird watching and golf on Scotland's west coast

2010-08-19T18:13:21-04:00

News from Connoisseurs Scotland

Inver Lodge, overlooking the quiet village of Lochinver, and Blanefield House, an exclusive-use property a stone’s throw away from the island of Ailsa Craig, have joined Connoisseurs Scotland’s impressive collection of properties – and Inver Lodge is celebrating with a special offer for the coming season.

Both provide luxury accommodations on the breathtaking west coast. Each offers a unique experience defined by stunning vistas, award-winning cuisine and outdoor activities ranging from championship golf to bird watching.

A luxurious haven in Scotland’s rugged northern Highlands, Inver Lodge is an ideal retreat for those seeking to experience nature without forsaking comfort. Guests choose from 22 spacious rooms – including four superior, two executive and a suite – with views of Loch Inver and the western sea, and can dine at Chez Roux, where award-winning chef Albert Roux creates traditional Scottish cuisine from fresh local produce and seafood, Highland lamb and the best of Scottish beef. Although best known for its plentiful salmon and trout fishing, the diverse countryside is also perfect for anglers, walkers and bird-watchers. From mid-August until the end of October, Inver Lodge is offering a “Dinner, Bed and Breakfast” special for £125 ($199*) per person, double occupancy. For more information, contact stay@inverlodge.com.

The Blanefield Luxury Country House, an exclusive-use property set in magnificent garden grounds, provides a more private getaway – and is located a mere three miles from Turnberry Golf Course, recognized as one of the finest courses in the world. With six individual suites, a library, a magnificent great hall, a drawing room with open fires and a fully-fitted professional kitchen – which can be staffed and serviced upon request – the property is perfect for occasions ranging from family get-togethers to corporate team building. In addition to excellent golf, guests can also take part in field sports such as pheasant shoots, grouse moors and salmon fishing, or take advantage of excellent sailing at the yachting marinas of Troon, Largs and Inverkip.
For more information, including pricing, contact info@balnefieldhouse.com.

Connoisseurs Scotland's 25 members include four of the world's finest golf resorts, including Gleneagles and Old Course; Inverlochy Castle, voted the best hotel in Europe several times over; seven outstanding city center properties including Prestonfield, Edinburgh’s only 5 Red Star hotel; a 19th-century castle health spa; a collection of intimate country house hotels; the Royal Scotsman luxury train; two exclusive use properties; and three properties set in scenic coastal locations. Four properties house Michelin-starred restaurants.

Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk.

Cruising Norway in the exciting Arctic Circle

2010-08-19T17:54:27-04:00

Dog sled rides, icy swims, snow hotel and Aurora Borealis highlight voyage called Hunting the Light

News from Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten offers unique opportunities to explore remote regions and learn about different cultures, including the west coast of Norway in the winter.

From November 15 through March 15, Hurtigruten takes passengers on Hunting the Light voyages – an exploration that offers dog sledding, the nightly viewing possibility of the spectacular Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights), overnights at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, swims in the Barents Sea, incredible vistas, wonderful meals, and presentations on the history and cultures of Norway.

Spending time in the Arctic Circle is a relatively rare and special event, and Hurtigruten celebrates with a polar baptism – an ice cube ‘shower’ hosted by King Neptune himself. Guests voluntarily line up (few sit it out) and await their light, but cold, dousing; all guests receive an Arctic Circle Certificate announcing their accomplishment.

Other activities on board and ashore are unique: imagine eating freshly made fish cakes while learning about the 1890 Battle of Trollfjord; listening to the captain’s description about life along the Norway coast; understanding the science behind the Aurora Borealis; learning how to make knots and hitches; and gaining insight into native Sámi culture -- all while watching the magical polar light colors of gold, pink and blue reflect off the snow-laden coast and being on the lookout for the Aurora Borealis display.

Added treats during the holiday season include visiting the town’s Christmas markets and seeing the twinkling decorations light up the shore line.

Excursions, both included and optional are equally as intriguing. Guests can enjoy a Viking feast with a Viking Chieftain in Lofotr, experience dog sledding on the frozen landscape, visit the world’s northernmost town, Hammerfest – the first town in Northern Europe to get electric street lights (1891), strike out for the North Cape and its incredible view near the top of the world, ride snowmobiles on a winter safari, visit and/or stay overnight at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, take the Arctic Ocean plunge, or take in a midnight concert in Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral.

The six-day southbound, seven-day northbound and 12-day round-trip make 34 ports of call along Norway’s stunningly scenic, fjord-filled west coast. The fjords have had awards and honors bestowed on them over the years, most recently by National Geographic Traveler which named it the world’s most celebrated and iconic travel destinations.

Regular fares range from $1,019 to $6,622 per person, double. Two special promotions are offered on bookings made by Sept. 30, 2010: “Buy Six, Get Five Free” offers a 12-day round-trip itinerary between Oct. 5 and Dec. 31 for the price of the six-day trip, amounting to a 30% cabin discount on 22 selected sailings; “2011 Early Booking” reduces prices by 20% on most ships for sailings in 2011. Further savings of 10% are offered to passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten's visitor-friendly website, ; or by phone: (800) 323-7436; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835.

Upper Delaware River is National Park getaway

2010-08-18T17:02:56-04:00

News from the National Parks

BEACH LAKE, Pa.

Paddling on a scenic waterway affords a perfect blend of vacation thrills and relaxation.

CLICK on National Park Getaways if you’re curious about how and where to embark on the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. The website chronicles a float trip down a wild yet welcoming body of water in the wooded mountains and hills of New York and Pennsylvania.

Beginning paddlers need not worry: the Upper Delaware goes easy on canoeists and kayakers without boring them. The river flows smoothly, with the exception of some manageable rapids that throw just the right amount of challenge into a paddling trek otherwise guaranteed to help you unwind. Merrily plying the clear, calm waters and immersing yourself in nature as you boat, swim, wade, fish, camp, and hike will soothe you, while the riparian surroundings will delight your eyes.

The Upper Delaware and its environs recall the luminous and lush scenes depicted by American landscape painters of the 19th century. This area of the northeastern United States, while lovely in any season, is about to exchange its summer colors—emerald tones that render the valley of the Upper Delaware an Ireland-lookalike — for ravishing autumnal hues — garnet, topaz, and a yellow brighter than gold.

National Park getaway to Perry’s Victory site

2010-08-18T16:41:33-04:00

News from the National Parks

PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial offers travelers an opportunity to leave life’s stresses behind and learn about America’s forgotten war—the War of 1812 – in a picturesque island setting.

At Perry’s Victory in Northern Ohio, one can experience not only relaxation but also inspiration.

CLICK on National Park Getaways to read about the park, which is located on South Bass Island, a grassy oasis in the middle of Lake Erie.

The lake often captures the apricot-colored light of dawn at sunrise and transforms itself into a rich blue later in the day. In addition to the peaceful landscape, the park preserves an amazing piece of architecture — the 352-foot Doric column that, as the name of the park suggests, commemorates two parts of history.

Visitors learn of an American victory in a naval battle that took place during the War of 1812 — the Battle of Lake Erie. The park also honors the peace that has endured since the 19th century among Great Britain, the United States, and Canada.

Rangers and living history presenters bring the early 1800s to life and introduce visitors to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the commander of the American fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie. After the British battered Perry’s flagship, he boarded the US Brig Niagara and captured the entire British fleet.

National Park getaway to Longfellow Historic Site

2010-08-18T16:27:24-04:00

News from the National Parks

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.

The National Park Service recommends a visit to a stately yellow house with a past as impressive as its façade.

Two tiers of windows accentuate the breadth of the home, while white pilasters with scrolled capitals add verticality and ornamentation to the building. A pediment enclosing a semicircular window crowns the front of the house, and two yellow chimneys stand sentinel atop the gently sloping gray roof.

CLICK on National Park Getaways for Longfellow National Historic Site to learn the names of historic figures — statesmen, soldiers, poets, and more — who visited, or resided in, the butter-colored mansion.

Their stories intersect at this handsome building — the centerpiece of a national park that also boasts a colonial revival garden with manicured hedges and bright blooms. The park hosts events as well; check out the Getaway for an idea of these offerings.

Watery adventures return to West Virginia

2010-04-25T16:58:33-04:00

News from River Expeditions

The spring season is open at West Virginia’s most adventurous resort.

Located 4 miles south of the world famous New River Gorge Bridge, River Expeditions offers white water rafting in both rivers each season. Adventures can be selected based on the traveler's experience level, desired adventure and the time of year.

Some 15,000 cubic feet of water flows per second through the New and Gauley Rivers.
River Expeditions guides take visitors past stunning natural scenery on more than 8,000 miles of river. Camping, two-day and overnight rafting trips feature a deluxe barbecue dinner.

The resort owns 300 rafts, more than 900 lifejackets, 500 paddles and 1,000 wetsuits. The company uses 10 specially equipped heavy-duty trailers to haul rafts, while two dozen busses move rafters from basecamp to put-in, where the raft meets the river.

The resort is 4 hours drive from Columbus, OH, 4 hours from Pittsburgh, Pa., and 1 hour from Charleston, W.V.

River Expeditions also offers other outdoor adventures, including hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV trips, fishing, sand volleyball, corn hole games, camping.

On-site RV and tent camp sites, outfitter and camp stores, Fire Creek Lodge and Conference Center, message therapy, dining area, outdoor pools, hot tubs, paintball and The Red Dog River Saloon River Expeditions’ rafting season runs annually April-October.

For information, event schedules, directions and reservations or call 800-463-9873.

Hotel rooftop bees support Charlotte pollination

2010-04-25T15:11:18-04:00

The Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte, N.C, has built a home for bees on its green, vegetated roof.

The roof, where 18,000 sedum plants enhance insulation for the hotel and a chef’s garden provides organic herbs, now is home to two new beehives that will generate honey for hotel culinary use.

The two fully-contained hives will be home to up to 60,000 honeybees by the time they are fully developed this summer.

With copper roofs and custom-built stands, the hives are each approximately two feet tall by 18 inches wide, and they provide a home and secure landing zone for their docile residents.

Bees are essential to the area’s plant and pollination eco-system, and 70 pounds of all-natural, chemical-free raw honey are expected to be generated by each hive, depending upon foraging schedules, weather and nectar flow.

“Honeybees love herbs, and we’re hoping they will especially enjoy the fresh lavender growing within our rooftop garden,” says Jon Farace, executive chef for The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. “Because honey is considered the flavor of the land, it is likely that the bees’ rooftop habitat and pollination of our herb garden will lend a wonderful, unique flavor to their honey.”

The hotel’s Uptown Charlotte location should also give the bees access to many hanging flowers and trees in the area, with the resulting pollination an aid both to plant growth and to protection of nature within the city.

The hotel’s chefs and Cloister Honey beekeepers will oversee the two new hives, with a special selection of sustainable honey-based dining items to be introduced at the hotel as the hives mature. The new menu choices will be offered both in The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte Lobby Lounge and on its in-room dining menus.

The Ritz-Carlton opened in October 2009 as the first LEED®-built hotel for greater Charlotte.