Portland’s Historic Heathman Hotel Invites Guests to Join GM Chris Erickson For Tuesday AM Run

Calling all fitness buffs! Tie those laces tight, grab that lucky headband and get ready to take a run through downtown Portland with the Heathman Hotel’s GM. Every Tuesday, guests and members of the Portland community are invited to join General Manager (and marathon runner!), Chris Erickson, as he embarks on his morning run through Portland. The Run with the GM Program and Package is the ideal way for Portland-based runners and Heathman Hotel guests to stick to their fitness routines while on the road and see the city in a completely different light.

“I enjoy starting each morning with a run through the beautiful city of Portland before the rest of the community wakes up,” says Chris Erickson general manager for The Heathman Hotel. “I’m thrilled to welcome our guests and fellow runners in the area who share my passion. This new program allows Portland-based runners to experience a few of my favorite city routes and out-of-towners to stay fit on-the-road and take-in the beautiful sights this city has to offer.”

For travelers looking to mix fitness with pleasure during their visit to Portland, the Run with the GM Package offers guests the required essentials to help prepare and recover from a morning run. Additionally for every package purchased, the Heathman will donate $20 to One Fund Boston to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15, 2013.

Run with the GM Package includes:

• · Deluxe overnight accommodations the Monday before run day
• · Adidas Employee Store coupon
• · Unlimited bottles of Heathman water
• · Tuesday morning run with the GM at 7am sharp – rain or shine!
• · Post-run 12 oz. juice delivered to guestroom
• · In-room breakfast from the hotel’s Running Menu
• · 500 frequent flyer miles from any of the hotel’s participating airline partners including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic

Rates for the one-night Run with the GM Package start at $259, are based on availability and do not include tax or service.

The Run with the GM Package is available on Monday evenings. Guests who wish to book this package all other days of the week, will be provided with maps full of the GM’s favorite running routes. For an additional fee, travelers also have the option of adding a second night, in-room pre-run dinner from the hotel’s Running Menu, and in-room massage (advance reservations required). Guests may call 800.551.0011 for more information or to make a reservation.

For more information about the Run with the GM program, be sure to check out their dedicated Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/151607451677028/

Historic Heathman Hotel

Built in 1927 and located in the heart of Portland, Ore.’s, cultural district, this 150-room luxury hotel maintains strong partnerships with local arts and culture organizations and is Portland’s premier arts hotel. An independently owned luxury boutique property, the Heathman Hotel is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group and Historic Hotels of America. The Heathman has received the prestigious Four Diamond distinction from AAA for 26 consecutive years. In 2013, the hotel was featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List and the 2013 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels rankings. The hotel was recognized in 2012 by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 50 World’s Best Hotels. In 2011, the hotel was included on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the world’s best hotels in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2010, the hotel was selected as the top Mid Luxury Hotel for business in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine. Additionally, the Heathman was recognized for overall excellence on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2005 Gold List and was featured in the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009 editions of Travel + Leisure’s top 500 World’s Best Hotels list. The hotel also received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The hotel also was recognized by Energy Trust of Oregon in 2007, 2008 and 2009 for its commitment to sustainability and conservation efforts; the property continues to work toward EnergyStar certification and recently received Green Seal Silver certification. The Heathman Hotel and its sister property, Heathman Kirkland, encompass the art of hospitality in the Pacific Northwest.

For reservations, visit www.heathmanhotel.com.

See:

Portland, Oregon Proves It’s Great Being Green

Portland Offers Rich Cultural Landscape

Portland: City of Books, Brews, Blooms & Bikes

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Rwanda Hosts Mountain Gorilla Baby Naming Ceremony, Events Open to Visitors

Rwanda will celebrate the birth of baby gorillas through “Kwita Izina,” the annual naming ceremony in Kinigi, Musanze, on June 22, 2013. This and other events will be open to visitors.

Rwanda will celebrate the birth of baby gorillas through “Kwita Izina,” the annual naming ceremony in Kinigi, Musanze, on June 22, 2013, which is open to visitors,  Rica Rwigamba, head of Tourism and Conservation at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Nature, Empowering Communities.”

“This is the 9th edition of Kwita Izina. On this occasion, we are going to name 12 baby gorillas and 1 family. This is a celebration of these wonderful animals but also a way to thank all those who take care of them, starting from rangers, vets, and the community living near their habitat,” Rica said.

Through the tourism revenue sharing scheme, RDB funds various community projects throughout the country.

This year, Maize Grinding Plant, a maize production cooperative near Nyungwe National Park will be launched. This women’s cooperative used to cut trees from the park to curve mortars for maize crushing. Today, with the support of RDB, they have a modern grinding machine that has increased their production. They now supply maize flour throughout their area.

While unveiling this year’s Kwita Izina program, Rica Rwigamba said that this will be more than just one event but a series of events which will include community celebrations, the launch of community projects, as well as the Kwita Izina Caravan. This tour will go from Kigali to Kinigi passing by the different touristic attractions and community projects on that route.

All these activities are open to the public and more details are available at the Kwita Izina website www.kwitizina.org and on various social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICT)P said: “We are honored to support this unique initiative with our friends in Rwanda. It is one of the most thoughtful engagements of a local community in conservation and tourism on the planet and the essence of a green growth strategy.”

The CEO of the Rwanda Development Board made the announcement of the gorilla-naming competition in partnership with ICTP. Rwanda is a Council member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP).

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Ged Caddick’s Terra Incognita Ecotours Company Changes Lives of Travelers, Communities

Gerard “Ged” Caddick, founder Terra Incognita Ecotours, with Jane Goodall.

Charitable vacations are very popular right now as more and more people long to give something back to the incredible places they visit in exchange for the once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experience these places give to them.

One of those offering life-changing charitable vacations is Ged Caddick who launched his ecotour company, Terra Incognita Ecotours. with the dumbfounding mission – to give his profits away! With a Masters Degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida, Ged has always been motivated by his passion for making a difference.

After successfully working in wildlife conservation, he launched Terra Incognita Ecotours, a Florida-based travel company with a massive, but simple mission – to give back.

Nine years later, Ged has donated more than $130,000 to charities in more than 7 countries, literally changing lives each and every time he gets on an airplane.

“The business model I created for Terra Incognita isn’t based on profits, like most businesses are. We measure success by how much we’re able to give away – the more the better,” says Ged.

So how does he do it? Every ecotour isn’t just an adventure of a lifetime – it’s a way for travelers to give back to the communities that so graciously host them for a day, a week or even a month. With destinations like Belize, Borneo, Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Rwanda, Madagascar and Tanzania, Ged’s ecotours attract travelers who want to visit the most exotic parts of the globe with an expert guide to show them the way.

“My clients want an incredible experience, but they are thoughtful and responsible,” says Ged. “They want to visit communities in the most remote parts of the world and not just take an experience with them, they want to give something back, too. A percentage of every person’s tour goes directly and immediately back to a conservation partner in the areas we visit.”

Ged doesn’t just donate a check at the end of each year. He takes all of his travelers right to the organization to which they are contributing. In Rwanda, his tours visit the Gorilla Doctors, a non-profit group of veterinarians responsible for keeping the highly endangered Mountain Gorilla population healthy

Ged doesn’t just donate a check at the end of each year. He takes all of his travelers right to the organization to which they are contributing. In Rwanda, his tours visit the Gorilla Doctors, a non-profit group of veterinarians responsible for keeping the highly endangered Mountain Gorilla population healthy. They also visit the genocide museum to learn about the country’s past, giving his guests a glimpse of the enormous and seemingly insurmountable obstacles Rwandans have overcome in just 20 years.

“I was humbled by the experiences on my Rwandan adventure,” says Susannah Smith, a recent ecotour traveler. “Not only did Ged show us wild gorillas, which is an awe-inspiring experience in and of itself, but he introduced us to Rwandans – people who have experienced unimaginable tragedy, but remain welcoming, warm and overwhelmingly friendly. I got more out of the trip than I ever could have imagined!”

Terra Incognita’s ecotours do more than just give back financially. Every planned tour gives meticulous attention to environmental and sustainable responsibility. Ged’s guiding principles are to minimize impact and to build and foster environmental and cultural awareness and respect. He provides positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

“The Mountain Gorilla hikes could be difficult,” explains Susannah. “But since we only carried a day pack, we felt like we could carry our own packs. Ged explained that he had hired porters to carry our packs – not because we needed the help, but to support the local economy. In a country where most families survive on only $2 per day, being a porter is a lucrative career. When we heard other travellers opting not to hire a porter, we told them what Ged had explained to us, and they hired a porter right away. It’s the small things that make a big difference.”

“The more I give, the more it encourages others to give. The inspiring people in each of the incredible countries we visit need the money more than I do. They’ve faced hardships I could never image; yet they are still so warm and welcoming. I can’t think of a better way to earn a living.”

About Terra Incognita Ecotours

Gerard “Ged” Caddick founded Terra Incognita ECOTOURS in 2004 after more than 15 years of working in the Expedition Travel industry. Ged has led many trips for Lindblad Expeditions, International Expeditions, World Wildlife Fund, National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History as well as many College Alumni groups, the National Audubon Society and the Smithsonian Institution. He also lived in Belize, Central America for a number of years in the late 1980’s and worked in the conservation of endangered species for twelve years before becoming involved in the expedition travel industry. It is this mix of expedition travel (a.k.a. ecotourism) and conservation that has helped to shape Terra Incognita Ecotours.

Visit www.ecotours.com for more information.

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Newport’s Preservation Society Costume Exhibit at Rosecliff Traces 20th Century Fashion

As the summer playground to many of America’s wealthiest families, Newport was once a swirl of couture dresses in a seemingly endless string of balls and entertainments. The Preservation Society of Newport County’s annual costume exhibition at Rosecliff (1902) this year highlights 20th century fashion and the way designers marketed changing styles and silhouettes to American consumers. The 11 dresses on exhibit are among the finest garments in the Preservation Society’s collection, from designers such as Chanel, Givenchy and Halston, among others.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a 1925 evening gown by Callot Soeurs of Paris. With its straight profile, this evening dress epitomized the style of the period. The increasing popularity of automobiles and dance crazes such as the jitterbug necessitated shorter hemlines and ushered in a new silhouette for the 1920s. Heavy corsetting and layers of skirts were out, girdles and bras that flattened out the figure were in.

From the late 1930s to the mid ’40s, dresses were back to having a more defined waist and fuller skirt to emphasize the female figure. The exhibit includes a 1941 tea party dress made of cotton organdy which demonstrates this style.

Additional highlights include a 1965 red skirt suit by Chanel, a 1985 cotton organdy pant suit with glass beads by Halston, and a wool cocktail dress by Givenchy from the 1990s.

The Preservation Society’s costume collection helps to trace the changing role of women in American society over the centuries. The creation of one-of-a-kind garments, known as haute couture, has represented the pinnacle of high fashion since the 19th century. The allure of haute couture still captivates the imagination today; however, due to dwindling markets, collections now include fewer pieces than they did in the early 20th century.

Beginning in the 1960s, designers licensed their names for use on products and expanded their own lines beyond apparel. At the same time, the retail clothing industry diversified, providing more options at different price points. Today, haute couture collections no longer set the standards for how women should dress. Instead, they have evolved into marketing tools that shape a designer’s “brand” and increase sales of affordable products. Some devotees still buy haute couture clothing, but it is a shrinking population.

The exhibit is on display in the Lesley Bogert Crawford costume galleries on the 2^nd floor of Rosecliff through November 22. Admission to the exhibit is included with any Rosecliff tour ticket, including multi-house tickets. Rosecliff is open daily for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 22, except when it is closed for the Newport Flower Show June 20-23. Newport Mansions tickets can be purchased online at www.NewportMansions.org, or in person at any Preservation Society property.

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island is a non-profit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes and decorative arts. Its 11 historic properties—seven of them National Historic Landmarks—span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

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Quantum of the Seas to Make Inaugural Voyage from Southampton, Nov. 2

Royal Caribbean International has announced that Quantum of the Seas will be making its inaugural 8-night westbound transatlantic voyage from Southampton on November 2, 2014, arriving in the New York area at Cape Liberty Port, New Jersey, on November 10. Bookings for Quantum of the Seas opened to loyalty program members on May 28, 2013 and to the general public on June 4.

This is another exciting first for the port of Southampton, which will also play host in 2014 to the world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on its first ever European season and transatlantic sailing out of a UK port of call, which generated the highest ever volume of pre-booking registrations ever seen by Royal Caribbean International.

Quantum of the Seas will offer even more game-changing “firsts at sea” and guests will be thrilled by the unprecedented “WOWs” on-board, including a skydiving experience, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air; cutting-edge venues such as the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars and roller skating and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. For an overview about new innovative at-sea “firsts” that will be aboard Quantum of the Seas, please see http://tinyurl.com/avdzrws.

Building on a legacy of more than 40 years of innovation and creative design, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class of ships will introduce more innovative on-board features, such as RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea, which allows everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled and simulated environment. North Star, an engineering marvel, will take guests to new heights – literally – with a jewel-shaped, glass capsule, transporting them on a spectacular journey more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver awe-inspiring 360-degree views.

The new Quantum class ships will also introduce new venues, including Two70°, a multi-level great room named for its incredible 270-degree sea views through three-deck high, floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the stern of the ship; SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and a circus school with trapeze; and Music Hall, a two-story live music venue.

Quantum class ships also will offer Royal Caribbean International’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever, including the industry’s first interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies, ensuring every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view. For multi-generational families, Family-Connected staterooms deliver more flexibility, using three different stateroom categories that connect to form a layout that provides separate bedrooms and bathrooms for all. Royal Caribbean International will introduce new Studio staterooms – some featuring balconies – for single travelers, three new Junior Suite categories, and larger Loft Suites. For an overview of Quantum of the Seas’ new stateroom concepts, please see http://tinyurl.com/a2obdob.

Quantum class will debut in autumn 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015. Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms. More information on Quantum of the Seas is available at RoyalCaribbean.com/Quantum.

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‘Taste of Caribbean’ Culinary Competition & Festival Set for Miami, June 26-30; Air, Hotel Deals Available

Caribbean culture will be on display at the annual Taste of the Caribbean where chefs and bartenders from the region take center stage to compete for the Caribbean’s top culinary honors. Presented by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) from June 26-30, the event will host a gathering of culinary enthusiasts and experts at the Hyatt Regency, Miami.

“The Caribbean is united in the promotion of the region’s indigenous flavours and products. From the world’s best spices to the best coffee, rums, beers and tropical fruits, our national cuisines are an important part of our destination marketing,” said Josef Forstmayr, chairman of CHTA and chairman of Taste of the Caribbean. “Our distinct cuisines are part of our national identities and Taste of the Caribbean showcases our region in a very powerful way,” Forstmayr added.

There are currently nine Caribbean culinary teams registered for the event including Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each participating team represents a Caribbean country that has held individual competitions to select their national team, comprised of two senior chefs, one junior chef, one bartender, one pastry chef and one manager. The participating team members represent hotels, restaurants or educational institutions in the Caribbean which are members of CHTA.

The teams are vying for top honors including Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year, Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year and Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year.

This annual Caribbean food and beverage event is designed for culinary professionals to network, polish professional skills and cheer on colleagues in competition. Taste of the Caribbean also provides education through seminars, workshops, tastings and demonstrations, created to enhance performance, style and profitability in food and beverage operations.

This year’s program includes an enhanced “Taste of the Islands” festival for consumers on Saturday, June 29 from 6 – 9 pm featuring a pavilion of tourist boards where consumers can experience Caribbean culture through a variety of gourmet appetizers and desserts, sample signature cocktails, listen to authentic Caribbean music and gather information about exhibiting Caribbean countries. The Taste of the Islands highlights the street foods that are common throughout the region.

“Consumers participating in Taste of the Caribbean will be treated to a world-class experience as they sample the unique cuisines and beverages of our region,” said Richard J. Doumeng, president of CHTA. “The participating teams have worked hard to hone their skills and are culinary ambassadors for their countries as well as the Caribbean region,” Doumeng added.

Taste of the Caribbean also includes an International Caribbean Culinary Team Competition Lunch and Dinner which features a three-course meal prepared by the competing teams. Each team in the competition meals are given a “mystery basket” of ingredients (the provisions for the competition consisting of a meat, fish, poultry or game) which they must use to develop a three-course menu. The chefs have one hour to create and submit the menu and three hours to prepare and serve an appetizer, entrée and dessert for attendees at the luncheon or dinner.

Registration

Registration for Taste of the Caribbean is open and can be accessed via: http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/events-taste/event-taste-about.php. The full event fee for hoteliers, government entities and food and beverage professionals is US$175 per person (CHTA members) and US$225 for non-members. Students with proper ID are charged US$75 per person. Prices for the competition events are US$30 for Taste of the Islands and US$50 each for the Competition Lunch and Competition Dinner. CHTA is also offering two package options for the competition events: US$85 per person for the Competition Lunch and Competition Dinner or US$110 per person for the Competition Lunch, Competition Dinner and Taste of the Islands festival.

Trade Show

Taste of the Caribbean also features a unique trade show for event participants which provides a one-stop forum for gathering practical information, sampling, purchasing, strengthening supplier relationships and meeting new vendors.

Exhibitors will be able to promote their products and services to delegates by purchasing a tabletop display at Taste of the Caribbean. Tabletop display registration with one delegate is $750 plus $175 for each additional delegate.

Hotel and Airline Discounts

Registrants can take advantage of discounted hotel rates available at the Hyatt Regency, Miami starting at US$139 per night, plus tax and service charges, based on single or double occupancy. The group rate is available until June 3 and can be made via resweb.passkey.com

CHTA has partnered with American Airlines to provide event attendees with a 10% discount for travel to Miami between June 12 – July 3, 2013. Reservations can be made via aa.com or 1-800-433-1790 using promotional code 7263BX.

For more information about Taste of the Caribbean visit http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/events-taste/event-taste-about.php or contact CHTA at (305) 443-3040. Follow Facebook.com/CHTATasteoftheCaribbean and Twitter.com/CHTATasteCarib.

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Spice Island Beach Resort, Granada, Has “Child Stay Free” Deal Through Dec 15

Spice Island Beach Resort has a “child stay free” deal valid through Dec. 15.

Spice Island Beach Resort (www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com), the luxury Grenada property just recognized as the #1 rated hotel in the Caribbean according to TripAdvisor reviewers, is offering a “child stay free” offer. One child 5 – 11 years of age can stay free in one of the resort’s charming Oleanander or luxury beachfront Sea Grape Suites (Sea Grape Suites pictured right) – a savings of $230 each per night. This promotion is valid now through Dec. 15, 2013 and can be combined with other offers.

Spice Island Beach Resort appeals to discerning affluent travelers with its reputation for service, luxury beachfront and private pool suites, inventive spa treatments incorporating local spices and ingredients, and an unmatched culinary program featuring seven-course dinners which range from diet-friendly to decadent.

When parents need some alone time, kids are well taken care of at the Nutmeg Pod, a supervised children’s program with complimentary enrollment for children ages three – 12 (children must be toilet-trained). A weekly schedule of organized activities is available to keep children entertained daily from 9 am – 5 pm, and includes arts and crafts, board games and more.

The Nutmeg Pod features a Nintendo Wii, a movie viewing area, the Nutmeg library and Sleepy Hollow, a place for resting and recharging between activities. A colourful mural created by local Grenadian artist Nadine Baksh tells the story of an Enchanted Spice Forest with local indigenous characters such as Manny the Manicou and the Nutmeg Princess.

When it is time to reluctantly depart, as a last rite, children are encouraged to dip their hand in a colorful paint and leave their handprint on the wall with their name and age. When they return on their next family vacation, they are eager to revisit the place they literally left their mark.

Guests staying at the resort from now through Dec. 15, 2013 can enjoy all-inclusive nightly rates as low as $946 per room, based on two people sharing an Oleander Garden Suite.

For the ultimate in casual elegance, vacationers can choose one of Spice Island Beach Resort’s signature Sea Grape Suites (pictured right) which open up directly onto magnificent Grand Anse Beach just steps away from the sparkling Caribbean Sea from $1,146 per room, double occupancy.

All suites are air-conditioned and outfitted with spectacular five-star amenities including a large whirlpool, LCD flat panel televisions with cable, dvd player and iPod docking station, the softest and smoothest Italian Frette bathrobes and linens, Molton Brown bath and body amenities, mini-bar, CD player/clock radio, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, direct dial telephone with Internet access, safe, coffee/tea facility, toaster, chaise lounges and patio or balcony. Several suites feature a private pool.

The award-winning Spice Island Beach Resort features 64 elegantly-appointed suites, the full-service Janissa’s Spa, a Cybex® fitness center, Oliver’s beachside gourmet restaurant, the Sea & Surf Terrace for light lunches, the Sea & Surf Bar for refreshing cocktails throughout the day, a central swimming pool with swim-up whirlpool, an Omnicourt® tennis court, the Nutmeg Pod children’s activity center, the Gatsby Boutique and more.

Spice Island Beach Resort is a proud member of the esteemed Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection and the first and only resort in Grenada to be featured in the exclusive Virtuoso network’s Hotels & Resorts Program and Signature Hotels & Resorts Collection.

To book directly, contact Spice Island Beach Resort toll-free at 1-800-501-8603, tel: 473-444-4258, fax: 473-444-4807, e-mail: reservations@spicebeachresort.com, or visit www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com.

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With Fishing, Fast Cars, Boating, Daytona Beach is Ideal Venue for Father’s Day Weekend

Daytona Beach, on Florida’s East Coast, is rolling out the red-carpet for Dads on Father’s Day weekend. Its 23-mile shoreline is a haven for water sports like surfing, paddle boarding, boating, jet skiing and deep-sea fishing. The action on land is just as exciting, with options to watch the P1 SuperStock powerboat racing competition, tour the Daytona International Speedway, play a round of golf or enjoy a game of tennis.

Father’s Day weekend gets started in Daytona Beach with the two-day P1 SuperStock powerboat racing series June 15-16.  Dad and the family can watch this “Grand Prix of the Sea” spectacle as powerboats and jet skis race along a course close to the shore with tight, fast turns in a free stunt show for the public.  For an up-close view, visitors are welcome to visit the teams in the SuperStock pits at the Inlet Harbor Marina.

With adrenaline levels pumping high, Dad can head over to the Daytona International Speedway, home to NASCAR’s most famous race, for a look at how racing grew to serve as an icon of the area.  Though early stock car races in Daytona utilized the beach and nearby highways, it wasn’t until 1959 that the inaugural Daytona 500 sparked a permanent need for speed.  Daily tours of the Speedway are available, or the more adventurous man can get in the driver’s seat through the Richard Petty Driving Experience and take a lap around the track.

To unwind from a day on the track take dad for a day on the golf course.  Daytona Beach is lined with championship greens that are open to the public and claims the LPGA International golf course – the home course of the LPGA Tour since 1994.  LPGA International is not just for the ladies; it hosts two world-class courses for players of all skill levels.  Other notable clubs include the Daytona Beach Golf Club, which has been in existence since 1921, the Halifax Plantation Golf Club and Indigo Lakes Golf Club.

Another spot for recreation is the outdoor Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach.  Dad can play with family or friends on one of 24 clay hydro-courts.  A rented ball machine could give dad just the time he needs to himself to practice his backhand; otherwise, highly trained staff can provide a private lesson to give dad that extra edge.

If dad wants to get his sea legs, a number of charter boats depart daily for deep-sea fishing excursions or relaxing flats fishing on calmer waters.  Jet Ski and kayak rentals are also available to take dad out on the water, whether he prefers park creeks, rivers or the wide open ocean.

After a long day in the sun, dad and the family can head down to some local hot spots to chow down.  Our Deck Down Under restaurant provides fresh-caught fare at its location under the Port Orange bridge for a unique atmosphere of casual dining on the water.  Seafood is the tradition at this spot, but burgers and American options can please the whole family.  No sampling of seafood in Daytona Beach is complete without trying fresh oysters, and the Oyster Pub is a guys’ retreat in Daytona featuring sports games on more than 45 televisions.  This local favorite will let dad unwind from a day of fun and cater to his want for another round … of oysters.   For a more romantic dinner, there are dozens of other fine dining experiences for dad and mom to enjoy an evening out, while the kids check out the amusements and midway games along Daytona Beach’s famous boardwalk.

Daytona Beach and its surrounding area is located along a beautiful 23-mile stretch of Florida’s East Coast.  Named one of TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Beach Destinations in the U.S. in 2012, the world-famous Daytona Beach invites visitors to swim, surf and fish in warmer waters while basking under sunnier skies.  The destination is home to the Daytona International Speedway which hosts the Daytona 500, the Rolex 24 and many other events, and is also the home base of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Florida section of the United States Tennis Association.  With more than 15,000 beds, Daytona Beach features lodging for all lifestyles and budgets, and has earned the reputation of the Festival Capital of Florida with some of the largest events and festivals held each year.  The casual and fun atmosphere of Daytona Beach is perfect for families making long-lasting memories while seizing the day … or better yet, seizing the Daytona.  Learn more at DaytonaBeach.com.

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American Cruise Lines Fall Offerings feature Columbia & Snake, Mississippi, Hudson, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands

American River Cruises is offering fall cruises up New York’s Hudson River

American Cruise Lines (www.americancruiselines.com), operator of the newest riverboats and small cruise ships in the United States, just launched its Fall Cruise Collection, a selection of cruises handpicked to showcase the beautiful 2013 fall season. Cruise itineraries include the Columbia & Snake Rivers, the Upper Mississippi River, Hudson River, and American Cruise Lines’ newly launched itinerary, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands.

Columbia & Snake Rivers: In October of 1805, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery paddled down the Columbia River on the famous expedition into the West. Today, the autumn colors and migratory wildlife that Meriwether Lewis described in his famous journal are much the same aboard Queen of the West, as it follows their exact route. Autumn is the perfect time to relive the historic expedition and experience the Northwest’s rich tapestry of landscapes and fascinating human endeavors. Featured Dates: October 12, 26

Upper Mississippi River: Autumn time cruising on the Mississippi River is a spectacular time to experience the American Heartland. The upper portion of the river features stunning scenery and quaint historic rivertowns. Guests will take a relaxing journey aboard the elegant Queen of the Mississippi, their minds wandering back in time on this authentic riverboat, as they glide by the colorful display of changing foliage and take in the breathtaking views around every bend of the river. Featured Dates: October 19, 26

Hudson River Fall Foliage: Surrounded by the Catskill Mountains on the western shore and the Taconic and Berkshire Hills to the east, the Hudson is rich in both history and beauty. This popular cruise showcases the bright changing colors and towering mountains for which the Hudson River Valley is so well known. The cities and towns along the way feature some of the most magnificent architecture in America. Featured Dates: October 19, 25

Puget Sound & San Juan Islands: Guests will leave relaxed and rejuvenated after eight days enjoying the delicious crisp autumn air of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. In autumn, clear skies and sparkling water offer a powerful contrast with the colorful coast where nestled between Canada’s Vancouver Island and the U.S. mainland are hundreds of islands that are home to a diverse natural wonderland filled with wildlife. Featured Dates: October 12, 19

“The fall season is one of the best times to experience small ship cruising with American Cruise Lines,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “This cruise collection showcases one of the most beautiful and anticipated seasons in America with various sailings offered during peak foliage. Each cruise offers an experience unlike any other.”

American Cruise Lines operates the newest fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships in the industry and offers more than 35 itineraries along the rivers and inland waterways of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the Mississippi River and the U.S. East Coast, from Maine to Florida. To learn more about American Cruise Lines, visit www.americancruiselines.com or call 800-814-6880, www.facebook.com/americancruiselines or follow at twitter.com/american_cruise.

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Crystal Offering Discounts up to $12,200 on Back-to-Back Itineraries Booked by June 28

For those for whom one luxury cruise just isn’t enough, Crystal Cruises is offering incredible new discounts of up to 25% off the best cruise-only fares for combining select 2013 and 2014 voyages. The new Explorer Combinations promotion boasts savings of up to $12,200/person for travelers who combine two to three of the Crystal Serenity Mediterranean cruises back-to-back. Itineraries feature calls in Dubrovnik, Sicily, Montenegro, Malta, Mykonos, St-Tropez and more, with overnight stays in Venice, Monte Carlo, Lisbon, Istanbul, Barcelona and Sorrento.

“Extending one’s vacation via an Explorer Combination allows one to see more of Europe, in an extremely convenient and luxurious way,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president, marketing and sales. “All-inclusive fares start from just $217 per person per day – an incredible value for a Six-Star vacation visiting so many of Europe’s most storied and charming locales.”

Combo options include:

2013

• · October 17 & October 26: Istanbul to Rome (16 total days) from $3,770
• · October 26 & November 2: Venice to Lisbon (20 total days) from $4,535
• · October 17, October 26 and November 2: Istanbul to Lisbon (29 total days) from $6,320

 

2014

• · May 30 & June 8: Barcelona to Venice (16 total days) from $3,975
• · June 8 & June 15: Rome to Istanbul (14 total days) from $3,640
• · May 30, June 8 and June 15: Barcelona to Istanbul (23 total days) from $5,795

All fares are per person, and must be booked by June 28, 2013. Individual cruises and Crystal Getaways offer luxury vacations starting from just five days in length in the Mediterranean, as well as the Baltic, North Cape, Western Europe, British Isles, and Black Sea. Crystal also offers 5% savings for all other back-to-back cruises.

Crystal Cruises’ award-winning “World’s Best” ocean resort experience always includes a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and all-inclusive beverages and gratuities.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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