Vicksburg Commemorates 150th Anniversary of Civil War Campaign With Events April-July 4

See why a camel is part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration at Vicksburg National Military Park. Vicksburg, named by AAA Southern Traveler and AAA Midwest Traveler as one of the top 13 places to visit in 2013, kicks off Civil War Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary) events in April and continues through July 4, the anniversary of the Siege of Vicksburg’s surrender © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Vicksburg, named by AAA Southern Traveler and AAA Midwest Traveler as one of the top 13 places to visit in 2013, kicks off Civil War Sesquicentennial (150^th Anniversary) events in April and continues through July 4, the anniversary of the Siege of Vicksburg’s surrender.

President Abraham Lincoln said “Vicksburg is the key”.   Confederate President Jefferson Davis said “Vicksburg is the nail head that holds the South’s two halves together”.   Both presidents were aware of the strategic importance of Vicksburg on the Mississippi River in 1863.  Vicksburg National Military Park, named by the National Park Service as a venue for a Civil War sesquicentennial signature events, commemorates this campaign and its significance as a critical turning point of the Civil War 150 years ago.

The Civil war transformed a nation.  Not only was slavery abolished, but citizenship was redefined and the federal union was strengthened.  “Vicksburg National Military Park provides visitors with the opportunity to understand, reflect upon and deepen their appreciation of our shared history and the relevance of this period to society today,” said Superintendent Michael Madell.  Quoting Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Madell continued, “The sesquicentennial of the Civil War is a time to commemorate those who fought and died during this pivotal era in American history. At the same time, it is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to the ongoing march for freedom and equality for all people.”

Events begin in April with Tapestry: The Pilgrimage to Vicksburg and the Vicksburg Heritage Fair.  The Heritage Fair, Friday, April 5, through Sunday, April 7, will spotlight downtown attractions such as Confederate General John C. Pemberton’s Headquarters on Crawford Street, the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, and the Old Court House Museum.  Crafts people, musicians, and dancers will participate in the heritage fair telling the story of civilian life during the Civil War.  Part of the fair will involve a debate and discussion of Civil War topics by actors portraying significant persons involved in the war.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the signature event including: free, open air concerts by the U.S. Navy Band, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra with special guest and country music superstar Trace Adkins and Jackson Mass Community Choir; commemorations of the first assault on the city and the second assault of Vicksburg’s defenses; living history presentations that include cannon demonstrations, the Texas Camel Corps and interpretation of soldier everyday life during the Civil War; Shadows of the Past Living History Tours; a display of Special Boat Unit 22, part of the Navy’s modern river forces; a rededication of the Iowa Memorial; special programs on Civil War engineering and siege tactics and on African Americans and the Civil War exploring the roles of freeman, U.S. Colored Troops and enslaved peoples; and Soldiers through the Ages where a timeline of the military will be presented through static displays and programs.

On July 3, to commemorate the date the decision was made to surrender Vicksburg, the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign is working with the Vicksburg National Military Park to create a Grand Illumination.  Approximately 20,000 luminaria will be spread throughout the park to memorialize the 20,000 American lives, both Union and Confederate, which were casualties of the Battle for Vicksburg.  Over 500 volunteers will work to set up the lights at each state memorial to honor that state’s loss, a spectacular memorial never before endeavored.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/vick or www.visitvicksburg.com.

See also:

Staying in Vicksburg bnb is best way to experience Tapestry for Civil War 150th and slideshow

Civil War Sesquicentennial of Vicksburg Campaign marked with special events and slideshow

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Historic Lake Quinault Lodge offering Holiday Celebrations, Winter Specials

Historic Lake Quinault Lodge is offering holiday getaways with rates as low as $101.50 a night and celebrations for Christmas.

“The holidays are a time to enjoy the people you love, not to worry about details,” says general manager Hiedi Olson, “Lake Quinault Lodge’s expansive dining room, cozy guest rooms and warm lobby with a roaring fire can host any size party while still feeling like home. And just like home, we’ll be watching holiday movies but on our 14-foot projection screen.”

Frequently covered by a blanket of soft snow, Lake Quinault Lodge is the ideal winter retreat for Western Washington, whether for a holiday getaway, or for an escape from the day-to-day grind. For rates and reservations visit www.OlympicNationalParks.com and use the promo code LQFALL13 or call 888-896-3818. To stay up-to-date of all events and activities, like us on Facebook.

Upcoming events include:

Culinary & Wine Weekend

When: Friday Nov. 30 – Sunday Dec. 2
What: Culinary weekend featuring Maryhill Winery, 2009 Washington Winery of the Year. Includes cooking demonstrations, recipe cards, a four course dinner with wine pairings and two nights lodging
Price: Package starts at $499 per person. Promo code: CULINARY

Christmas Dinner:

When: Tuesday Dec. 25, 2-7p.m.
What: Christmas dinner served in the Roosevelt Dining Room including the traditional holiday dishes of ham and pecan sweet potatoes as well as local favorites such as bakes salmon and marrionberry cobbler.
Price: Three options priced between $26-$37 for adults, $12-$15 for children
Reservations required, call (360) 288-2900

New Year’s Eve Ball:

When: Monday, Dec.31, 2012
What: The evening includes dancing, party favors, light appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight. It is a blast from the past – we will be ringing in the New Year in good old 1920s fashion, so dress accordingly. Guest can enjoy a night stay on the package listed here or just come for the party.
Price: $30 for single admission, $50 per couple. Rooms start at $209 a night

Lake Quinault Lodge has long been a gathering place for Pacific Northwest vacationers. The lakeside lodge is located in the heart of one of only three temperate rainforests in the world and offers hiking, biking, fishing, boat rentals and tours of the lake and rainforest. Lake Quinault Lodge is also home to the Roosevelt Dining Hall, where Franklin D. Roosevelt dined during a trip that would later result in Olympic being named a national park.

Located on the Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park is 922,651 acres of preserved coastal, mountain and rainforest terrain. It is the fifth most visited national park in the United States, drawing 3.3 million visitors in 2010 and is located near Seattle, Wash., Vancouver British Columbia, and other Northwestern population centers. Declared a national park in 1938, the region is also a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Preserve and 95 percent is declared wilderness, a further protection above national park status.

ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, a division of ARAMARK, delivers authentic and memorable experiences at national and state parks, national forests, specialty hotels, museums and other tourist destinations throughout the United States. In partnership with its clients, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations seek to enhance the guest experience by offering industry-leading hospitality, environmental stewardship, recreational and interpretive programs. For more information on ARAMARK Parks and Destinations and its properties visit www.aramarkparksanddestinations.com. For up-to-the-minute news and information on this, and other ARAMARK Parks and Destinations locations follow on Twitter @ARAMARKParks.

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Fee-free Day at Parks, September 29th, National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day (NPLD),September 29, is a fee-free entrance day at many federal public lands including national parks. It’s a great opportunity to help a local or favorite public land near you and spend the rest of the day recreating or relaxing on the land. With free admission, feel free to bring a friend or make it a family outing, and enjoy the experience.

National Public Lands Day also partners with five federal land management agencies to provide a special thank-you to their volunteers. Each volunteer who participates in National Public Lands Day at Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or U.S. Forest Service public lands may receive a fee-free coupon.

Read more about the details on how fee-free days and fee-free coupons work on NPLD’s website: http://www.publiclandsday.org/highlights/fee-free-day-and-coupons

To locate an NPLD event near you, search by state or zip code here: http://www.publiclandsday.org/npld-sites. More than 1,200 of the 2,000 sites are already listed online.

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National Park Service 96th Birthday Celebration Set for August 25 With Coast-to-Coast Festivities

On August 25, the National Park Service turns 96 years old and everyone is invited, especially children, to join in the festivities taking place coast-to-coast © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

On August 25, the National Park Service turns 96 years old and everyone is invited, especially children, to join in the festivities taking place coast-to-coast. If you want to share birthday wishes or stories, pictures, or video from your trip to a park, NPS friends at the National Park Foundation have created a birthday website www.NPSbirthday.org to get the celebration going!

“National parks belong to all Americans and we invite everyone to join us on this special day,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “There are hundreds of events planned. Take the kids on a snorkel adventure, bike ride, kayak tour, hike, or archeological dig. See a blacksmith demo, living history encampment, or Native American concert. Or join me and thousands of children at Rocky Mountain National Park’s big BioBlitz.”

The 6^th annual BioBlitz, presented by the National Park Service and National Geographic, is a 24-hour event where teams of volunteer scientists, families, students, teachers, and others explore the park and identify species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms. Kids can go on discovery expeditions, take fun, hands-on “classes” at the Biodiversity University, and enjoy music, live animals, and science demonstrations at the Biodiversity Festival.

“Like so many park lovers, the National Park Foundation is grateful to the National Park Service for the exceptional work they do every day to protect and preserve our country’s 397 national parks,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO. “This month we are excited to celebrate their 96^th birthday and extend our thanks to them.”

You can choose the park you would like to visit by location or by event at www.nps.gov. If you can’t make it to a park for the big day, remember the mission of the National Park Service extends beyond park boundaries into communities across the country. NPS works with partners to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life. Go to www.nps.gov/communities/states.htm to see what the Park Service does in your community. For more information, visit www.nps.gov.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 397 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

About the National Park Foundation. You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world’s most treasured memorials, landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites — all protected in America’s nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks. We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow. Join us in supporting your national parks — this is your land. http://www.nationalparks.org.

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National Park Foundation to hold drawing when it hits 100,000 Facebook fans

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The National Park Foundation is cultivating park community social media support © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The National Park Foundation is hoping to cultivate  park community social media support. The Foundation is getting extremely close to 100,000 fans on Facebook (GO Parks!!!) and would like to request your help getting to that milestone by the first day of summer (next Wednesday, June 20). Once they get to 100K, they plan to hold a random drawing of all of their Facebook fans and one lucky follower will receive a fantastic national park pack (full of all sorts of park goodies)!

The Foundation is also putting out the call for guest blogger submissions – either new posts or previous posts with national park related content – for its National Park Foundation blog site. The site already has some wonderful submissions and is actively working with several more contributors, but welcomes additional ideas or posts. “Our new site is driven BY and FOR park lovers everywhere. It is your content – stories, tips, videos and photos – that make it an integral part of the park community and we not only celebrate that, but we are extremely grateful for the passionate individuals who contribute to it.”

For more information, visit http://www.nationalparks.org.

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Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Promotions, Special Event

Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The resort opened for the season March 29 and will commemorate the anniversary with promotions and a special event.

“Sol Duc Hot Springs has been the northwest’s premier natural hot spring destination for the past century,” says Amanda Lovelady, district manager for ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, Olympic Peninsula. “The resort is deeply tied to the history of this area, and we hope to share that story with locals and our visitors.”

May 5 – 6 there will be a 100th anniversary celebration at the springs. Hosted by the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, the National Park Service and the Clallam County Historical Society, the day will be filled with food, entertainment and a special look at the hot springs’ history. The celebration will include an original Stanley Steamer Mountain Wagon which early visitors rode the last part of their two-day journey from Seattle to visit the hot springs.

Often touted as a ‘natural remedy,’ the hot springs at Sol Duc have long been a source of relaxation and recuperation from life’s stresses. Located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, visitors have traveled from around the world to experience this natural wonder since the first Sol Duc hotel opened in 1912.

Today, visitors can indulge in one of three mineral hot spring soaking pools and one freshwater pool, with temperatures ranging from 85 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, healing massages and relaxing hikes on the variety of trails in the lush mountains.

To celebrate the 100th Anniversary, Sol Duc Hot Springs is offering a $100 rate for Sunday – Thursday stays for the month of May. Based on promotional availability, blackout dates may apply. There is a $20 upgrade for kitchen-cabins.

To learn more about Sol Duc’s history or to reserve a stay, visit http://www.olympicnationalparks.com.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is managed by ARAMARK Parks and Destinations and is authorized by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public within Olympic National Park. Prices are approved by the National Park Service.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is located 12 miles within the heart of Olympic National Park. The resort, which includes cabins and RV facilities, is surrounded by forested peaks and the babbling Sol Duc River. It features three outdoor pure mineral water hot pools, a freshwater pool, an on-site masseuse, dining options and access to hiking trails. The Sol Duc Hot Springs have been a popular vacation spot for over a century. The resort is a family-friendly destination for those seeking the relaxation and rejuvenation of the mineral pools.

Located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, Olympic National Park offers 922,651 acres of preserved coastal, mountain and rainforest terrain. It is the fifth most visited national park in the United States, drawing 3.3 million visitors in 2010. It is located near Seattle, Wash., Vancouver, British Columbia, and other Northwestern population centers. Declared a national park in 1938, the region boasts World Heritage Site status and is an International Biosphere Preserve. Its pristine nature is preserved as 95 percent of the land expanse is designated as wilderness, a designation above national park status. To join the conversation, like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/olympicnationalpark.

ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, a division of ARAMARK, delivers authentic and memorable experiences at national and state parks, national forests, specialty hotels, museums, and other tourist destinations throughout the United States. In partnership with its clients, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations seeks to enhance the guest experience by offering industry-leading hospitality, environmental stewardship, recreational, and interpretive programs. For more information on ARAMARK Parks and Destinations and each of its properties, visit http://www.aramarkparksanddestinations.com.

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National Park Foundation Reveals Great Parks for Fall Foliage

The National Park Foundation has announced the 2011 “Great National Parks for Fall Foliage” list. Creating a weekend vacation close to one of these sites can be a relaxing fall retreat.

This year’s list, and the optimal times for foliage viewing, includes:

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Cal.: Peak colors expected in the middle to end of October. On Oct. 18, a hiking event to Whiskeytown Falls offer a perfect way to view the foliage during the peak season.

Curecanti National Recreational Area, Colo.: Peak colors begin in late September and run through the end of October.

Natchez Trace Parkway, Miss.: In middle to late October, the maple, hickory, oak and other hardwood trees begin to change colors.

Glacier National Park, Mont.: The bright yellow and gold colors on the aspen and larch trees run through mid-October covering the trails around the park, but particularly along Summit Trail. For more information on the best trails to see colors or view photos of the fall colors, visit Glacier’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/glaciernationalpark.

Flight 93 National Memorial, Pa.: The trees across the Flight 93 National Memorial begin to turn around mid-October. Check out honorflight93.org/webcam today to find instant inspiration for a trip to the site or to take a virtual fall foliage tour.

Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tenn.: The Great Smokey Mountains boast over 130 different tree species, many of which produce breathtaking Autumnal colors. Peak foliage viewing depends greatly on the various levels of elevation found within the park, but overall, the Smokies’ foliage shows run from late September through October.

Zion National Park, Utah: Peak foliage colors appear at the end of October and into the first few days of November.

Shenandoah National Park, Va.: Peak colors in the upper elevations begin early to mid-October with lower elevations peaking at the end of October into November.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Vt.: Rich with sugar maples and 400-year-old hemlocks, this site boasts outstanding fall foliage each year. This year’s prime viewing is expected from mid-October through early November.

Apostles Islands National Lakeshore, Wisc.: Peak foliage viewing various depending on inland or coastal location, however the foliage show runs from late September through October. Additionally, many bird species are migrating through the park right now, so foliage seekers get an extra show from Mother Nature.

Visit www.nationalparks.org

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National Park Foundation, ARAMARK Present ‘National Park Adventure Sweepstakes’

Mt. McKinley, viewed from Mount McKinley Village in Denali National Park. National Park Foundation and ARAMARK Parks and Destinations are closing out the summer with a “National Park Adventure Sweepstakes” with one giveaway each week now through Labor Day © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

National Park Foundation and ARAMARK Parks and Destinations are closing out the summer with a “National Park Adventure Sweepstakes” with one giveaway each week now through Labor Day. Individuals can win a trip to some of our country’s most spectacular parks from the East Coast to the Last Frontier.

Participating is easy. Enter each week by visiting the links below during the given dates for a chance to win a National Park adventure giveaway. You could win a two-to-four-night stay at one of the destinations listed, access to an activity unique to that particular park, an “America the Beautiful” park pass and more. Alaska Airlines is providing airline tickets as part of the prize package for Olympic National Park and Denali National Park and Preserve.

• Mesa Verde National Park: From Aug. 8 – 14, enter at facebook.com/mesaverde to win a two-night stay at Far View Lodge, cliff dwelling tour tickets and more. Click here for complete rules.

• Shenandoah National Park: From Aug. 15 – 21, enter at facebook.com/visitshenandoah to win a two-night stay at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge, a horseback riding or rock climbing adventure and more. Click here for complete rules.
• Olympic National Park: From Aug. 22 – 28, enter at facebook.com/olympicnationalpark to win a three-night stay at Kalaloch Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and/or Lake Crescent Lodge, a resort credit to create your own adventure and more. Click here for complete rules.
• Denali National Park and Preserve: From Aug. 29 – Sept. 5, enter at http://www.facebook.com/denalipark to win a four-night stay at McKinley Village Lodge or McKinley Chalet Resort, a white-water rafting adventure and more. Click here for complete rules.

National Park Foundation and ARAMARK Parks and Destinations will contact the winner via email and then announce the winners for each giveaway every Monday starting August 15 on National Park Foundation’s Facebook page as well as the individual pages linked above. The winner for the final giveaway to Denali National Park and Preserve will be announced on Tuesday, September 6. For more information, go to facebook.com/nationalpark.

ABOUT NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world’s most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites — all protected in America’s nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks. We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow.

Join – This is Your Land. http://www.nationalparks.org
FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/nationalpark
Twitter http://twitter.com/goparks

ABOUT ARAMARK PARKS AND DESTINATIONS
ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, a division of ARAMARK, delivers authentic and memorable experiences at national and state parks, national forests, specialty hotels, museums, and other tourist destinations throughout the United States. In partnership with its clients, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations seeks to enhance the guest experience by offering industry-leading hospitality, environmental stewardship, recreational, and interpretive programs. For more information on ARAMARK Parks and Destinations and each of its properties, visit www.aramarkparksanddestinations.com.

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Thompsons Water Seal Supports National Parks with Facebook Contest

A scene in Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado. Thompson’s®Water Seal® is offering the chance to win one of five annual passes to more than 2,000 National Parks and federal recreational sites in the “Just Park It” summer contest © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

No matter how delightful your deck, sometimes you need to vary your view. That’s why Thompson’s^®Water Seal^® is offering the chance to win one of five annual passes to more than 2,000 National Parks and federal recreational sites in the “Just Park It” summer contest.

Simply travel to the Thompson’s Water Seal Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thompsonswaterseal) between now and August 15 and follow all of the instructions for completing the online form, including providing a short written entry about which National Park you would like to visit and why. Five winners will receive the America the Beautiful Pass, valued at $80, valid for 12 months. Each pass admits one car, with up to four adults, for limitless visits throughout the year. (There is no admission charge for children under 16.)

Stumped for a reason why you should enter? How about getting a chance to see:

• The highest point in North America, Mt. McKinley at 20,320 feet (Denali National Park and Preserve)
• The lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, Death Valley National Park, CA
• The longest cave system in the world with more than 345 miles mapped (Mammoth Cave National Park, KY)
• The nation’s deepest cave at 1,593 feet deep (Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM)
• The deepest lake (1,932 feet) in the United States (Crater Lake National Park, OR)
• The second and third largest natural bridges in the world (Natural Bridges National Monument, UT)

The Thompson’s Water Seal VIP Program (Very Important Places) supports the preservation of structures at some of America’s premier national parks, including Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Thompson’s^®Water Seal^®Deck & House Solid Latex Stain is also used to protect the Cave of the Winds decks at Niagara Falls State Park. Videos documenting the brand’s efforts in the parks can be seen on the Facebook page.

Spend a few minutes at Facebook, and you could spend an entire year exploring more than 84 million acres of national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails in every state (except Delaware). You’ll return to your own backyard with a whole new world view.

Families Unplug and Tune In to the Greater Outdoors at Aramark Parks and Destinations

Let your kids unplug and tune in to the wondrous outdoors at national parks such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Unplugging your kids on summer vacation doesn’t have to be a daunting task for parents. A great way to keep kids interested in what’s happening outside, instead of on their favorite TV show, is to take your family to an area rich with outdoor activities, and free from connectivity. ARAMARK Parks and Destinations can help families do just that through its lodges and activities in some of America’s most beautiful (and often times disconnected) places including: Mesa Verde, Olympic and Shenandoah National Parks, Lake Powell, Lake Tahoe and Northwestern Wyoming.

Many of these rustic locations are far from cell towers or internet connectivity, making them the perfect places for parents to help their kids withdrawal from electronics—cold turkey. But not to fret, a lack of technology does not mean a lack of fun. To help keep even the most tech-addicted child (or parent) entertained, these lodges feature a number of outdoor activities from guided hikes, kayaking, white water rafting and rock climbing, where kids will forget their digital devices as they drink in the fun of the great outdoors.

Just because these places aren’t connected, doesn’t mean they aren’t sophisticated. ARAMARK Parks and Destinations prides itself on its first-class cuisine, featuring local and sustainable ingredients prepared in unique and different ways. Such acclaimed recipes include Mesa Verde’s Metate Room’s Turkey Napoleon which is a tribute to the wild turkeys that still roam the Mesa, and were a staple of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived on the Mesa 1,300 years ago; and Shenandoah’s Pollock Dining Room’s Chicken Riesling with locally raised chicken braised in Virginia wine with seasonal, local fruit.

Here are some examples:

Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah

The United State’s second largest man-made lake is a boating paradise. With nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, sapphire blue water and red cliffs, it’s easy to escape the digital world at Lake Powell while on a houseboat. Many houseboats do come with a TV in case you need a little digital distraction. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, 100 Lake Shore Drive, Page, AZ 86040, 888-896-3829.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

In the heart of the West’s “Grand Circle” of national parks, Mesa Verde is the only national park established to protect the work of man. Far View Lodge offers three tours within the park that will show your children how the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived at Mesa Verde from 550-1300 AD, lived before the invention of the wheel—let alone the internet. Rooms at Far View are free of televisions or phones, the lobby does have wifi. (Far View Lodge Mesa Verde, National Park P.O. Box 277, Mancos, CO 81328, 800-449-2288,  602-331-5210

Olympic National Park, Washington

On Washington’s Olympic peninsula, ARAMARK’s three lodges within the national park: Kalaloch Lodge, Lake Crescent Lodge and Sol Duc Lodge are each in a different eco system within this diverse park of rainforest, sub-alpine and coastal bluffs.

All three properties have spotty (at best) cell service and no available wifi. Rooms do not come with televisions or phones. The area is well known for hiking and fishing and also offers beach combing, kayaking/canoeing and hot springs for a relaxing dip.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park was established 75 years ago as a natural retreat for city dwellers, a task it still undertakes to this day. Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort are both historic properties, built in 1939 and 1878, respectively. They lack cell service and wifi, and many rooms do not have televisions or phones. Shenandoah is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The park also offers horseback riding, rock climbing and nearby cultural attractions. ARAMARK Shenandoah National Park Lodging
P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835, 888-896-3833

Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Wyoming

Togwotee Mountain Lodge is the perfect jumping off place for a Wyoming vacation with its close proximity to Wyoming’s top three attractions: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson. In addition, Togwotee is close to a lot of regional outdoor activities from river floats to rodeos, giving you plenty of opportunity to rip your child’s eyes away from the electronics. While Togwotee does boast wifi and TVs in its cabins, you’ll be so busy doing outdoor activities, you won’t have any time to check what’s happening on Facebook. Togwotee Mountain Lodge, PO Box 91 Moran (Jackson Hole), Wyoming 83013, 866-278-4245, Email Togwotee Mountain Lodge

Zephyr Cove Resort, Lake Tahoe California/Nevada

When Mark Twain first saw Lake Tahoe he declared that it was “the fairest picture the world affords.” The high alpine lake, deep in the Sierra Nevada still has this impact on people today. Zephyr Cove Resort features some of the only lake-front cabins on the lake. To entertain your tech withdrawing kids, there is a plethora of beach activities, water craft rentals, horseback riding and scenic cruises aboard the two paddlewheel boats. Some cruises feature entertainment from a Mark Twain impersonator or guitarist. While the cabins do feature televisions, wifi and some cell service, with such a beautiful lake right outside your door, even the most tech-addicted kid will have trouble staying indoors. Zephyr Cove Resort & Lake Tahoe Cruises, 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448, 775-589-4906.

See also:

Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park make adventure accessible, affordable and slideshow

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