renuka pages

Enjoy a weekend of gaming in Tunica, MS. Located on U.S. Highway 61, also known as “The Blues Highway,” Tunica offers recreation and relaxation with historical markers along the way.

There is no shortage of gam-ing selection in Tunica. The ca-sinos are conveniently located near one another and offer con-venient shuttle service for guests.

There are several casinos to choose from, including Harrah’s Casino Resort Tunica.

Harrah’s Casino Tunica offers table games, slots, craps tables, blackjack and Roulette.

There are three luxury hotels on property to choose from as well as an RV resort. For a break from gaming, take a swing at the Links at Cottonwoods, an award-winning 18–hole golf course designed by U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin.

Harrah’s Tunica also provides nightlife with its Sphere Bar cen-trally located on the casino floor.

For a change of pace, consid-er a day at the spa. Bellissimo’s 16,000-square-foot spa deliv-ers the antithesis of the casino scene. Immediate serenity over-takes guests upon arrival at the spa.

Take time out to unwind with Signature Facial and Body Mas-sage. Tense muscles quickly find relief under the skilled hands of an expert masseuse. Hair care, manicures, hair removal servic-es and body treatments are also available.

A sauna and steam room can be enjoyed either before or after treatments, or both.

Another detoxifying experi-ence is a purifying bath ritual. Though it takes courage, take a dip in the cold plunge pool fol-lowed by the heated whirlpool. The average temperature of a cold plunge pool hovers be-tween 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Though most initially hesitate to experience such a shock to the

system, having knowledge of the health benefits helps.

Exposure to a heated envi-ronment and then immediately plunging into cold water, even if just a few seconds, offers many benefits to the body, the great-est being stimulation for blood circulation. The ice cold water instantly numbs the nerves sur-rounding joints and muscles, causing the release of hormones and endorphins. Alleviate mus-cle and joint strain and stress after a day of gaming. Another benefit of plunging into cold wa-ter is stimulation of the immune system as well as stabilization of blood pressure.

All the activity calls for good eating. For some fine dining, en-joy the chic ambience and deca-dence at ‘37. The name, which stands for 1937, is the year in which Harrah’s opened its very first casino.

There is plenty to choose but highly recommend is the Mero Sea Bass. It an 8 oz. portion prepared with pan fried broc-colini and lemon butter. Add on Alaskan king crab legs or Maine lobster tail for a complete seafood lovers dinner. Begin the meal with the ‘37 Signature Salad, which consists of treviso and baby mesclun, grape toma-toes, goat cheese, spiced walnuts and a Sherry vinaigrette. And save room for a dessert sampler, which will satisfy a sweet tooth.

For a historical detour, take a roadtrip, beginning at the Tu-nica Visitors Center on Highway 61, the entrance of America’s Blues Highway. Continue on the Mississippi Blues Trail, which offers over 120 historical mark-ers throughout the state. All ages will be fascinated in learning how the blues were founded.

For a convenient weekend drive, head to Tunica and let the games begin. For more infor-mation, visit www.tunicatravel.com.

Renuka Christoph

TUNICA

ABOVE:The Gateway to the Blues Visitor Cen-ter opened recently in Tunica County on US Highway 61. Its the first phase of a project which will evolve into a cultural center and museum, captur-ing the rich music history of the Mis-sissippi Delta.

The Gateway to the Blues Visitor Cen-ter renovated building is a turn-of-the-century wood-frame train depot that was moved from Dundee, Miss.

LEFT:Harrah’s Bellissimo’s Spa

BELOw:‘37 Fine Dining Restaurant at Harrah’s

Play Stay Relax

Harrah’s Casino Resort Tunica

Get ready to have a blast at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. Located within a scenic two hour drive from Nash-ville, the center offers family fun for all ages.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center ignites the thrill of dis-covery as visitors find themselves surrounded by Apollo, Mercury and Space Shuttle spacecraft along with interactive exhibits on space exploration. As the world’s largest space attraction, the facil-ity houses rockets developed in Huntsville which range from the Army boosters that put America’s first satellite and astronauts in orbit to NASA’s Saturn V moon rocket and the Space Shuttle.

The U. S. Space & Rocket Cen-ter gives visitors the unique op-portunity to stand under a “full stack” - the Space Shuttle, exter-nal tank and two rocket boosters.

Thrill seekers will enjoy the G-Force Accelerator which has three times the force of gravity, giving riders quite the spin. Experience the powerful G forces of launch aboard the Space Shot. And climb aboard a simulated ride on the Mission to Mars.

The Spacedome Omnimax theater offers viewers breathtak-ing cinematography. Current movies are the IMAX movie To the Arctic, Air Racers and Space Junk.

Visitors can step back in time to the Ice Age and view The Field Museum exhibition Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age. Wall panels of prehis-toric video, hands-on interactive displays, life-sized models, fos-sil tusks and skulls—and even touchable teeth— bring these an-cient giants back to life. The tour begins with the question, “Are Mastodons related to elephants?” Learn the surprising answer to this and more.

SPACE CAMPThe U.S. Space & Rocket Cen-

ter offers a phenomenal educa-tional opportunity for young ex-plorers with its Space Camp. June marked the 30th anniversary of Space Camp, where youth enjoy science, technology, engineering and math in a practical way that gives the next generation of sci-entists, engineers and innovators a chance to begin seeing their fu-ture.

Dr. Deborah Barnhart, the center’s CEO and executive direc-tor since December 2010 stated graduates have included four as-tronauts and one cosmonaut.

“I think there’s more interest than ever,” said Barnhart, who first worked at the space center in corporate development in 1986 before becoming Space Camp di-rector and developing the curric-ulum for Space Academy II, the

teachers’ program and Aviation Challenge.

“We find global interest in Space Camp and global knowl-edge of Space Camp.”

OTHER ATTRACTIONSThe Huntsville Botanical Gar-

den is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. There is the Sci-Quest, a hands-on sci-ence center, the Huntsville Mu-seum of Art with a wide variety of exhibits in its 13 galleries, the EarlyWorks Museum Complex which is three attractions in one – EarlyWorks Hands-on Children’s Museum, The Historic Huntsville Depot and Alabama Constitution Village. Step back in time and see life in the 1800s. Burritt on the Mountain is a living history mu-seum with interpreters in period dress and a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

For more information, visit www.huntsville.org.

WHERE TO STAYEnjoy comfortable accommo-

dations at the Hilton Garden Inn South. Guests can swim, relax in the whirlpool and enjoy a restful night in a unique sleep system bed. There is complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour Business Center, fitness center and a full-service restaurant, offering a daily break-fast buffet.

For more information, visit hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com.

Renuka Christoph

Relax and Enjoy Downtown Chattanooga

Renuka Christoph

Explore

HuntsvilleFamily Fun for All Ages

The Hilton Garden Inn South beds offer a setting to adjust the firmness of the mattress

The Hilton Garden Inn South lobby

Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age exhibit at the Space & Rocket Center now thruSept. 3The U.S. Space & Rocket Center enjoyed by all ages

Bridge Street Town Centre Courtesy Huntsville CVB

ORLANDO, Fla. – This September, some of Orlan-do’s best restaurants offer the ultimate jaw-dropping combo –memorable meals and big savings – during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. This 7th an-nual culinary celebration, presented by Visit Orlando, showcases Central Florida’s ever-expanding dining uni-

verse, with more than 60 top Orlando-area restau-rants offering three-course prix-fixe dinners for $30. The month-long event will also benefit the Edgewood Children’s Ranch, with $1 from every meal donated to the organization. In 2011, more than $40,000 was raised for the partner char-ity organization.

From Sept. 1 – 30, 2012, diners can choose from a wide range of restaurants in locations all across Orlan-do. A few of the participants in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month include:

• Convention District (Pointe Orlando and Inter-national Drive) – Cala Bella (Rosen Shingle Creek), Spencer’s for Steaks and

Chops (Hilton Orlando), Taverna Opa, The Ocea-naire Seafood Room, The Capital Grille and Cuba Li-bre.

• Restaurant Row District – Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ocean Prime, Roy’s Restau-rant and Season’s 52.

• Universal/CityWalk District – Bice Restaurant,

The Palm Restaurant and Mama Della’s Ristorante.

• Disney/Lake Buena Vista District – Todd Eng-lish’s bluezoo, The Venetian Room, NINE18 (Villas of Grand Cypress) and Andi-amo Italian Bistro.

• Downtown District – The Boheme, Nick’s Italian Kitchen, Hue Restaurant and Prickly Pear.

• Winter Park District – Luma on Park, Chez Vin-cent, Park Plaza Gardens and Fleming’s Prime Steak-house & Wine Bar.

More information about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, including a complete list of participat-ing restaurants, will soon be available at OrlandoMagi-calDining.com.

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month Returns in September with More than 60 RestaurantsEnjoy Three-Course $30 Dinners For An Entire Month In Orlando

The way to relax mind, body and spirit is to get out of your daily element. There are plenty of op-tions, a drive to the coun-try, a walk on a nature trail or perhaps, a more inten-tional means of relaxation. Consider a spa destination at the Chattanoogan, the city’s only AAA Four Di-amond-rated full-service hotel, with plenty of din-ing and attractions nearby.

The drive to Chatta-nooga is the perfect be-ginning to a weekend of letting go as green rolling hills paint the horizon, distracting an otherwise busy mind.

The spa at the Chatta-noogan is sure to please with a variety of massages, body, facial and nail treat-ments and packages.

Consider the Signature Anti Aging Facial which utilizes botanical products and Passion Flower tea. Tension is released and your skin feels rejuvenat-ed Balance the facial with the Flowing River Mas-sage. Pressure is based ac-cording to preference as a therapist uses expert tech-niques to release muscle tension.

The hotel offers three outstanding restaurants, Broad Street Grille (BSG), The Foundry and Stroud’s.

Broad Street Grille

serves daily breakfast, lunch and dinner and a delectable Sunday Brunch. Enjoy mimosas and Bloody Mary’s which come with the buffet. Choose from an assort-ment of breakfast favorites including french toast with cream and blueberries, salads, roast beef, salmon, desserts and more.

The Grille specializes in prime meats, sustain-able seafood, house made pasta, farm-fresh produce from local growers, local artisan breads and signa-ture side dishes.

The talented culinary team works with local farmers and purveyors to provide guests with the freshest products avail-able. On Friday nights, Broad Street Grille serves the finest cuts of prime meats in the area at its weekly Steak Nights. On Saturday nights, couples enjoy the romantic and affordable Date Nights which features an amaz-ing meal – two appetizers, two soups or salads, two entrees, dessert and bottle of wine – for only $65 per couple.

To assist with gas costs, the Chattanoogan is offer-ing an added incentive for travelers to make the hotel their travel destination. When vacationers visit the

hotel for a two-night stay, they will receive a com-plimentary $50 gas card to help offset the price of fuel. Overnight rates at The Chattanoogan start at $129.

There are plenty of at-tractions in Chattanooga including the Tennessee Aquarium in close prox-imity.

When strolling down-town, visit Bluewater Grille for a great seafood dining experience. The restaurant is part of a sus-tainable seafood initiative.

For starters, enjoy the Artisanal Cheese Plate which includes local farm cheeses and drizzled with honey and served crosti-nis.

Another winner-the Lobster Bites, which are among the best lob-ster cakes I’ve had in the South. Thick pieces of lobster meat are tossed in seasoned flour and served Maryland style.

Recommended din-ner choice is Miso Seared Chilean Sea Bass. It’s thick and juicy with a pleasant buttery flavor and served with ginger rice and veg-etables.

For more information on the Chattanoogan, visit www.chattanooganhotel.com. It’s the perfect week-end getaway.

The Chattanoogan offers its guests a convenient and comfortable getaway, with dining, shopping and activities nearby

Renuka Christoph

Enjoy a great atmosphere and meal at Bluewater Grille

ChattanooganRelax and Enjoy Downtown Chattanooga

Experience the Chattanoogan Spa with an array of services

Jacksonville: Fly and Stay for CheapThere is more to Florida than ex-

pensive park tickets and attractions. Jacksonville offers visitors a glimpse of unique history, beaches and a diverse downtown. And good for Nashville travelers is that it is the least expensive Florida destination from Nashville.

A convenient and comfortable ho-tel near the airport is the Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Hotel. Airfare and hotel provide travelers with an af-fordable journey.

The Crowne Plaza is 15 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville and 25 minutes from beaches and golf courses. A $12 million dollar reno-vation project was recently com-pleted. All 317 guest rooms, lobby, meeting space and building exterior have been upgraded to enhance the

guests’ experience. Consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand, the hotel features the Crowne Plaza Sleep Ad-vantage®, which encompasses the en-tire sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services to ensure a great night’s sleep.

The Rain Forest Lounge, an indoor and outdoor pool are some of the amenities guests can enjoy.

For more information on Jackson-ville, go to visitjacksonville.com.

Renuka Christoph

Crowne Plaza lobby

Downtown Jacksonville

Tucked away between stretches of beach and rich vegetation lies one of the country’s most well preserved historical land-marks, Amelia Island. The barrier island, located on the northeasternmost cor-ner of Florida, is a conve-nient 20 minute ride from the Jacksonville airport.

Amelia Island offers 4,000 years of captivating history, being the only U.S. location under 8 flags: French, Spanish, British, Patriots, Green Cross of Florida, Mexican, Confed-erate and U.S. Its named after Princess Amelia, the daughter of George II. It has been occupied by Timucuan Indians and Spanish explorers as well as by pirates, nobles and confederates.

The island is canvassed with Spanish moss, tropi-cal palms, oak trees and Victorian-era architecture.

Along the outskirts lies 13 miles of beach, with several entry points along the island. Stunning sea oats protect the sand while framing ocean views. The root system of these oats prevent erosion of the dunes.

WHERE TO EATBar Zin,. located in

Palmetto Walk off of First Coast Highway, offers lo-cal artisan cheeses and fresh American bistro cui-sine in a modern indoor or outdoor seating. Enjoy specialities as macadamia crusted grouper and mus-sels in a broth consisting of white wine, pernod and garlic-thyme butter.

Cafe Karibo offers a variety of creative and tan-talizing menu options in-cluding a delightful shrimp salad on a croissant and an amazing falafel in pita, which is brought in from a local bakery.

Enjoy an authentic Italian meal at Pompeo’s where homemade noodles and fresh catch fish can be enjoyed. The possibilities are endless but two recom-mendations are the lemon grouper and Italian sea-food linguine,

Owner Mario Pompeo holds secret recipes close but openly shares Italian hospitality and robust fla-vors in his dishes.

For all natural, organic fare, visit Mustard Seed Cafe.

SUGGESTED STAYFor complete comfort

and relaxation, choose the Fairbanks House Bed and Breakfast. The 8,000

sq. ft. home was built in 1885 by R.S. Schuyler for Major George Fairbanks. The bed and breakfast of-fers spacious size suites, an in-ground pool and a liv-ing and dining room. Each evening, guests are invited to enjoy happy hour, in-cluding beer, wines or a sangria slush and appetiz-ers.

Every morning, the aro-ma of a homemade break-fast fills the halls as guests can dine in the luxurious dining room or on the porch. Fairbanks is located on South 7th St., and min-utes away from dining and shopping in the historic downtown district. Bikes are offered for those who wish to bike to the beach.

WHERE TO SPAThe Ritz-Carlton Spa

has reached the pinnacle of spa success, blending mod-ern and ancient techniques in its massage therapies. Unique to the luxury re-sort is the Hammock Spa treatment, which cradles the body while a masseuse skillfully applies expert technique, offering “a sense of weightless flotation.”

“Surrender” to a superb facial, where a skin expert offers individualized treat-ment and relaxation.

For an intimate couple’s experience, the Couples Wrap is the perfect choice. The 2½ hour treatment consists of a honey va-nilla milk bath, chocolate-pomegranate wrap, a warm scalp oil massage and a body massage. Unique to the spa, the couple is co-cooned during the wrap to allow the chocolate to pen-etrate the skin. The result is smooth skin with a hint of chocolate aroma, a natural aphrodisiac.

Spa goers have access to the adult spa salt water pool, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Amelia Island Shuttle Service offers transporta-tion to/from the airport and travel within the is-land.

WHAT TO DOExperience a boat tour

while on Amelia Island. Amelia River Cruises offer a relaxing trip with the per-fect views along the Inter-

coastal Waterway. Watch for dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, egrets, herons, spoonbills and osprey.

The EcoBoat Tour brings aboard an expert marine biologist who ex-plains marine life caught during the boat excursion.

The Amelia Island Mu-seum of History was once the Nassau County Jail. View artifacts, memoirs and take the Isle of Eight Flags Tour.

Take a stroll in Fernan-dina Beach Historic Cen-tre Street and find unique shopping, dining and his-torical markers.

Recreational activi-ties can be enjoyed at Fort Clinch State Park. Choose from swimming at the beach, hiking or biking while admiring the stun-ning sand dune forma-tions. Walking trails wind through the park, display-ing native plants and wild-life.

For more information on Amelia Island, go to

www.ameliaisland.com.

NOTABlE FACTSAmelia Island was listed

by SmarterTravel.com and USA Today as one of 10 charming towns with local flavor in May 2012.

Fort Clinch State Park was listed as a Top Five Florida State Park for Sum-mer Tent Camping by Ya-hoo! Sports in May 2012.

Fairbanks House re-ceived TripAdvisor’s Cer-tificates of Excellence. The Certificate of Excellence is awarded to approximately 10 percent of accommoda-tions listed on TripAdvisor and honors those with out-standing traveler reviews on the Web site.

The Ritz-Carlton, Ame-lia Island has earned North America’s most prestigious travel award, the AAA Five Diamond travel designa-tion, for its resort and pre-mier restaurant, Salt.

Renuka Christoph

Amelia Island

Capt. Sean McCarthy, the “Fishin Musician” offers Eco Tours

Discover Florida’s Hidden Gem

Amelia Island offers stunning beach views

(RIGHT) Guests are pampered at

Fairbanks House Bed and Breakfast

(BELOW) The Ritz- Carlton Pool facing

the beach

Central Florida has it all - adventure, thrill and pure family fun. It is a daunting task to select how to nar-row down from a large list of to do options. Here are some ideas.

The magic of Walt Dis-ney World is indeed a mystery. The resort makes every guests feel like a king and queen, a prince and princess. The systematic flow of the crowd control and cleanliness of each of the parks is impressive.

Magic Kingdom caters to a younger crowd with its majestic castle and fairy tale sites, Epcot will take travelers around the world and into the future, Holly-wood Studios is where be-hind the scene stunt shows can be enjoyed along with various movie attractions and Animal Kingdom of-fers Himalayan Mountain adventures and an African safari journey. Each park is designed so differently and promises fun for every age. A good option is the park hopper which allows entry

into each of the parks for the day. It is possible to hit all four but select ahead of time the top two or three must see attractions at each park.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is a total destination resort of-fering great comfort and convenience to guests. In addition, there are com-plimentary shuttle rides to Disney parks.

The architectural fea-ture is the 4.5-acre glass-enclosed atrium where guests discover a variety of themed environments that depict such popular Florida destinations as Key West, St. Augustine and the Everglades. Resort high-lights include a replica of the Castillo de San Marcos, a Key West-inspired Mal-lory Square and the famed “river of grass”. Thousands of tropical plants and sev-eral species of animals including alligators and stingrays native to Florida inhabit the resort. Walking through the resort takes

guests to a surreal tropical getaway.

Gaylord Palms is remi-niscent of a grand Florida mansion and draws from classic Florida architecture.

A must see and experi-ence is the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Show. Upon entering the castle, guests will feel im-mersed in a different time and place. There are coats of arms of prestigious fam-ilies, medieval weapons and armor displays. Be-yond the great doors of the Hall of Arms is the celebra-tion arena, where guests are dined and entertained.

King Philippe and his daughter-in-law, Princess Leonore draw the crowd into a world of chivalry from the balcony above.

Below the feast begins with garlic bread and to-mato bisque soup. There are no utensils, true to the times. The bill of fare con-sists of spare rib, roasted chicken and more.

Meanwhile the Tour-nament of Games begins.

There is jousting, sword fighting and special effects.

Each section of the crowd must cheer for their Knight to victory. It is an evening fit for royalty.

Every lego lover will be thrilled to find megasize lego attractions at LEGO-LAND. There are thrill rides, attractions and 4D movies. The LEGOLAND® Water Park is set to open May 26.

Key areas of LEGO-LAND Water Park attrac-tion will include the LEGO Wave Pool where visi-tors of all ages can catch a gentle wave, Build-A-Raft River where visitors design and build a unique LEGO vessel and set afloat on a maiden voyage around the 1000-foot-long lazy river, set amongst playful LEGO Friends, flowering vegeta-tion and palm trees. Also to come are the Twin Chas-ers where tubes go 375 feet down an intertwining pair of enclosed water slides before plunging into a re-freshing pool below. Splash

Out will attract the thrill seekers and Joker Soaker, an interactive playground, will keep the younger crowd busy. And even tod-dlers will have a chance to splash with the DUPLO Splash Safari.

So as summer is quick-ly approaching, consider these great options in the sunshine state.

Go to www.visitkissim-mee.com and visitorlando.com for more information.

OrlandoAdventure for the Family

Renuka Christoph

Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Safari Ride offers stunning views

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament excites the crowd

Miniland USA at LEGOLAND is home to seven specially themed areas.

Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center offers spectacular balcony views

NASHVILLELIFESTYLESApril 2012

ABOVE: West Baden Springs

LEFT: Waterpark fun for young visitors

French Lick Resort, French Lick, IndianaA perfect place to enjoy golfing, gaming, relaxing, hiking, shopping or sightseeing.

Distance from Nashville: 201 miles, via I-65

Stay: French Lick Resort is a luxurious getaway for all ages with a remarkable history. There are two luxury hotels on the French Lick property, West Baden Springs and French Lick Springs. Guests can choose from outdoor ad-venture, gaming, shopping or total relaxation at the spa. The resort has preserved its historical integrity and main-tained its authenticity while providing modern day comfort.

Shop: Choose from antique and collectible shops, local artisan galleries and shops, as well as primitive and hand-crafted home items. Enjoy Hinshaw’s Rock & Gems, a distinctive jewelry story that was mentioned in the Decem-ber issue of Midwest Living as a great spot for Christmas shopping. The store is in its 50th year of business. Bear Hollow Wood Carvers artisan shop is owned by Jason Emmons, one of the top eight chainsaw carvers in the United States. Emmons is currently being featured on Saw Dogs, a reality show about chainsaw carvers on the Velocity Network.

Dine: The French Lick Resort offers several dining venues including 1875 and Sinclair’s, both high-end restaurants. 33 Brickstreet is a family restaurant with a full service bar. The French Lick Winery houses a vintage café in the winery with an Italian menu. Pauline’s offers various pastries and sandwiches.

Landmarks: The French Lick West Baden Museum provides the rich history of the two towns. A large portion of the museum houses a handmade Hagenbeck Wallace circus diorama. The Hagenbeck Wallace Circus was owned by Ed Ballard, who once owned the West Baden Springs Hotel. Mr. Ballard would shelter the circus animals in the area. Another area to visit is Patoka Lake, named one of the 51 best places in the United States to view wildlife. January and February are the best time of year to see bald eagles.

Best Kept Secret: Paoli Peaks is a ski resort designed for all levels of skiiers. The outdoor adventure site also offers a snow tubing park.

Need to know: The French Lick Resort was once believed to house the fountain of youth. The origin of West Baden Springs Hotel traces back 1778 when mineral springs and salt licks were discovered. As word spread of curative powers, the area became a travel destination. The property was abandoned after the Great Depression and a fire. In May 2007, the hotel was reopened for the first time since 1932. Surrounded by free flowing mineral water, French Lick Springs Hotel derived its name from the animals that would lick the residual salt off of the rocks surrounding the springs. In the early 20th century, the casino’s appeal drew in celebrities like boxer Joe Louis, composer Irving Berlin and gangster Al Capone as well as Franklin D. Roosevelt. In contrast to the casino, the Pluto Mineral Spring attracted visitors for its natural healing powers. Today, guests can enjoy the French Lick Springs Hotel’s Pluto Min-eral Spring bath.

French Lick Resort

Renuka Christoph

Paradise for all ages, can be found along the panhandle of Florida. Fort Walton Beach offers thrill and relaxation for every type of traveler.

The allure of the emer-ald coast and white sand draws in every spectator with its majestic display. The waves are gentle and forceful at the same time as they wash ashore.

When traveling to the area, consider staying at the Breakers. Located along coast, the resort of-fers its own beach with plenty of nearby dining options to fit every type of budget.

The Breakers offers a few floor plan options. Choose from one, two or three bedroom units with two size options for the two and three bedroom units.

The rooms offer qual-ity and comfort, fully equipped with a kitchen and all the conveniences of home away from home.

aCTiViTiesThere are an array of

activities to choose from in the area. The following come with one compli-mentary admission.

dOLPHiN CrUise The Gulf of Mexico

is the ideal spot for dol-phin viewing as well as an amazing array of sea life that thrive in its clear, warm water. The cruise takes guests out to find sea life, offering a peaceful ride.

ONe rOUNd OF GOLF WiTH a HaLF CarT reNTaL

enjoy 18 challenging holes at shalimar Pointe Country Club, one of Florida’s top-rated cours-es. (This is not available on specials or monthly reser-vation packages.

LiTTLe NeMO FisH-iNG adVeNTUre

eager fishermen will enjoy the Little Nemo, docked at the destin fish-ing fleet marina, behind the Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant in destin. Clean, air conditioned and family oriented, this trip is a fishing tournament geared towards children five to 15. Little anglers will pull crabs from the crab traps in the bay, fish for bait fish in the pass, and troll for mackerel us-ing the baitfish, all while competing for prizes. The

Little Nemo will provide bait, tackle, and fishing li-cense. experienced mates offer personal assistance. Fish cleaning services are offered for tips. There are two trips daily, an 11:00 aM and 3:00 PM.

The Little Nemo pack-age is available for one adult rider per unit per paid night stay, non-cu-mulative. additional tick-ets for adult and children riders may be purchased at the current standard rate.

For more informa-tion on the Breakers, visit www.breakersfwb.com.

When taking the drive from Nashville to Fort Walton Beach, a great midpoint stay is at the renaissance Montgom-ery Hotel & spa. The full service spa is a great place to unwind after road trip-ping. Or take a swim in the impressive and serene rooftop pool.

The hotel is easily ac-cessible with great dining to choose from, including Wintzell’s Oyster House.

For more information on the renaissance, call1-877-545-0311 or visit www.marriott.com.

Breakaway to Fort Walton Beach

The Breakers offers its guests a convenient and comfortable getaway, with dining, shopping and activities nearby

Renuka Christoph

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa is a convenient and comfortable midway stay between Nashville and Fort Walton Beach.

The Master Suite has a balcony with full view of the Gulf

A peaceful sunset over the calm waters

THURSDAY, MARCH 18 - MARCH 25, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, MARCH 18 - MARCH 25, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 BTRAVEL

www.nespower.com

Conserve Today. Save Tomorrow.

THEPOWER IS YOURS!

THEPOWER IS YOURS!

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) use about one-fourth the energy of incandescent lightbulbs.*

By using CFLs in your home, you have the power to save energy and money.

*Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Visit Las Vegasand fi nd Luxury at The Venetian

Las Vegas is far more than just the gaming and glitter. The glamor-ous city offers a broad spectrum of choices which will appeal even to the non-gamers. Explore the grandeur of the themed hotels, the theatrical sensation of broadway productions and amazing dining to satisfy every palate. And fi nd the total package of comfort, luxury, entertainment and dining at The Venetian.

Located on the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip, on the historic site of the Sands Hotel, The Vene-tian Las Vegas rose from one man’s dream. The man behind the vision was Sheldon G. Adelson, Chairman of the Board of Las Vegas Sands Corp., who set out to authentically recreate the famous Italian city of Venice, known the world over for its canals, gondoliers, and rich Ital-ian history. The Venetian brings the authenticity of Italy to Nevada with its baroque themed hallways, res-taurants and to top it off, a gondola ride under the bridges of the canal.

Enjoy the musical spectacular Phantom of the Opera and immerse yourself into the drama and romance

of the backstage mystery. The An-drew Lloyd Webber song from the original stirs the magic as special effects of the chandelier mesmerize the audience.

The Blue Man Group delivers a stunning show blending, humor, percussion and other unique acts. The show utilizes clever props to create live art and captures the isola-tion of urban living through humor-ous performances.

There are plenty of dining choic-es to cater to different budgets and tastes.

Enjoy fi ne dining at LAVO and relax in the lounge. Expect superb food and service and a fun atmo-sphere. Lagasse’s Stadium, a vision of Emeril Lagasse is the perfect spot for the food loving sports enthusiast. Games are displayed on the screens throughout the restaurant with plush stage seats in the center of the ven-ue. Zine Noodles Dim Sum at The Palazzo offers some of the fi nest in Asian cuisine. Eastern hospitality is extended to each guest and each dish is presented as a masterpiece.

And make time to pamper your-

self at the Canyon Ranch Spa. Choose from a workout, hair treat-ment or one of the spa treatments. Enjoy the day in the AquavanaEu-ropean-inspired suite of thermal spa cabins, experiential showers, cold rooms and aqua thermal bathing ex-periences.

The Palazzo is the newest addi-tion to the complex. The 50-story Palazzo offers 3,066 expansive suites, luxury shopping and world-class dining and entertainment, The Palazzo Las Vegas opened in De-cember 2007 under the direction of Sheldon G. Adelson, Chairman of the Board of Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Highlighted by a fl agship, 85,000-square-foot Barneys New York, The Shoppes at The Palazzo features more than 60 luxury bou-tiques. In addition, 20 remarkable stores and luxury brands made their Las Vegas debuts at The Palazzo, including Chloe, Tory Burch, Chris-tian Louboutin, Diane Von Fursten-berg, Van Cleef & Arpels, Catherine Malandrino, Anya Hindmarch and Michael Kors.

The exterior of The Venetian

The Blue Man group

Relax in the lounge at LAVO

Experience serenity at one of the pools

The Casino Floor

Renuka Christoph

Visit www.venetian.com for more information

Courtesy Photos from The Venetian and The Palazzo

THURSDAY, APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 BTRAVEL

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To learn more and to view a map of current power outages across the NES service area, visit www.nespower.com.

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workforce development and system improvement.

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Explore caves and corvettes in nearby Bowling Green, Ken-tucky. The whole fam-ily will enjoy a day trip where fun awaits.

Lost River Cave is Kentucky’s only under-ground boat tour. Visi-tors can enjoy a 20 min-ute boat ride into the 55 degree cave sanctuary. Inside are natural rock formations which stretch the imagination, from a mummy to a tiger. The brief journey gives visi-tors a glimpse of another world.

The Old Mill gift shop has charming arti-facts and souvenirs. Find everything from fossils and rocks to Kentucky-made food products. Young explorers will enjoy participating in a rock dig or fossil find. Sifting through the sand, younger visitors can find treasures.

Bring walking shoes and enjoy a hike on the scenic trails.

The following are up-coming events at Lost River Cave.

May, 15th - Geocach-ing 101 and Flash Mob - Join the Lost River Cave Team and local geocach-ing expert, Danny Bays for an exciting geocach-ing adventure.

When the clock strikes 10:00 AM rush from wherever you are standing towards the Lost River Water Wheel.

A flashmob will hap-pen simultaneously with hundreds of other flash mobs all over the world. Then learn about geoca-hing and explore the Lost River Valley.

Geocaching is an interactive treasure hunt that uses latitude/longitude coordinates and GPS technology to find caches all over the world.

The event begins at 10:00 AM at Lost River Cave & Valley

June 5th, 2010 - Na-tional Trails Day Cele-bration - Lost River Cave is proud to announce its first annual event cel-ebrating the beauty of nature trails all over the country.

Offered will be Blue-bird Talks with a local expert, a Bike Safety Talk and Greenways Trail Ride, Nature Pho-tography Seminar, a guided hike of the Lost River Valley, a “Leave No Trace” presentation, and an optional Invasive Plant Pull.

The first event be-gins at 10:00 AM and the plant pull, being the last event, begins at 3:00 PM

June, 27th, 2010 - An-nual Butterfly Celebra-tion Visit the Charles W. Miller Butterfly Habitat from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. This event is free to any-one who wants to attend. Meet in the valley for

FREE butterfly garden-ing tips, great photo op-portunities, face paint-ing, FREE lemonade, and information about Rain Barrels. The first 100 children who arrive get to release their very own butterfly into the habitat. Be sure to learn about the environmen-tally friendly rain bar-rels and register to win a FREE “Friends and Family” membership, a $75 value.

Visit www.lostriver-cave.com for more in-formation.

After a glimpse of natural rock forma-tions, cruise on over to the Corvette Museum. The Museum is well de-signed and moves visi-tors through a timeline of the classic American sportscar.

The largest display area is the famous Sky-dome portion of the Museum, 140 feet in diameter with a nearly 100-foot high glass ceil-ing. Cars in this area, as in every part of the Mu-seum, are constantly be-ing changed and rotated. The Skydome features production vehicles on-loan from private owners as well as cars made famous by maga-zines and auto shows the world over. There are also several display cases showing valuable Corvette collectibles. Each year a selection of

individuals are honored for their contributions to Corvette, and the sky dome is a place of recog-nition for the prestigious Corvette Hall of Fame. Current inductees are spotlighted within the spire, while information and video clips on every inductee is available via two touch-screen kiosks.

Kids will enjoy the in-teractive play area which will keep them occupied and challenge their sci-entific creativity.

After enjoying the Museum, visit the Cor-vette Café. The Café is a 50’s-themed diner with modern menu favor-ites. Open for breakfast Monday through Satur-day and lunch daily un-til 3:30pm, visitor can enjoy everything from a burger and hand-spun shake, to wraps, soup, salad, sandwiches and many other favorites hot off the grill.

The National Corvette Museum opened in 1994 as an educational tribute to America’s sports car. Every Corvette in the world since 1981 is as-sembled at the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant located just ¼ mile from the Na-tional Corvette Museum. Both the Museum and Assembly Plant offer tours to the public.

Visit www.corvette-museum.com for more information.

Renuka Christoph

The Corvette Museum displays automotive memorabilia in addition to car preparation and delivery area, Corvette Store and the Corvette Café

Visitors enjoy the boat tour in Lost River Cave

Eli and Elliot Christoph enjoy Lost River Mining as they pan for gemstones

Entrance to the Lost River Cave boatride

From Caves to CorvettesFamily Fun in Bowling Green Kentucky

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 BTRAVEL

www.nespower.com

Conserve Today. Save Tomorrow.

THEPOWER IS YOURS!

THEPOWER IS YOURS!

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) use about one-fourth the energy of incandescent lightbulbs.*

By using CFLs in your home, you have the power to save energy and money.

*Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Go for the gold in the mines of Tunica. Slot ma-chines, black jack, poker, name the game and hope for the jackpot. The gam-ing thrill of the casinos take guests into another world.

Tunica offers visitors with a number of differ-ent casino locations. It’s a gamble whether one will come out ahead, but the thrill clearly keeps seats filled.. Visitors can enjoy complementary beverages as they play.

Take a break from the exhilaration of the casinos and relax at the Bellissimo

Spa at Harrah’s Terrace Hotel. The spacious haven will calm the spirit and qui-et the soul. Enjoy various spa treatments such as the Bellissimo Facial or Swed-ish Massage. It is the per-fect tension release which guests are sure to cherish. The16,000-square-foot fa-cility is on the first floor of the Terrace Hotel.

Everyone can find a fa-vorite at Paula Deen’s Buf-fet exclusive to Harrah’s. Enjoy downhome cookin’ in an upscale buffet. Paula’s classics are sure to satisfy.In addition, there are plenty

of nearby destinations.Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is the home of Elvis, pork barbeque, Rock ‘n Roll and the Blues. Spend time touring Elvis’ Graceland, the automotive museum, his private jets and the Meditation Garden where Elvis and his family are buried. Visit the new Smithsonian Rock ‘n Roll Museum, Beale Street, Memphis Zoo, Sun Re-cords and much more. At-tend a Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) game at the new Fe-dEx Forum or a Memphis Redbirds (baseball) game

at AutoZone Park.Clarksdale, Mississippi

Located 35 miles south on Highway 61, Clarks-dale was the home of many Blues legends, including W.C. Handy, Robert John-son and Muddy Waters. Tour the Delta Blues Mu-seum, housed in the newly renovated Clarksdale De-pot. Your tour might in-clude a stop at the Hopson Plantation for a glimpse of the Mississippi Delta agriculture. Consider an evening at actor Morgan Freeman’s Madiddi’s Res-taurant or Ground Zero

Blues Club. Oxford, Mississippi

In Oxford, located ap-proximately 70 miles away from the casino resort area, you can visit Rowan Oak, home of William Faulkner. The town square in Oxford is known for its specialty shops, unique restaurants, and Square Books. Oxford is also home of the Uni-versity of Mississippi (Ole Miss), rich with history and found on a beautiful cam-pus.

Mississippi Delta The Mississippi Delta is

where roots run deep, and history and culture have in-tertwined to create a place unique to the world. For the thousands of visitors who come each year, the Delta is more than just part of something larger. More than a region or a feature on a map, the Delta is a land unto itself. The Mississip-pi Delta includes: DeSoto County, Clarksdale, Cleve-land, Greenville, Green-wood, Indianola, Vicks-burg, and Yazoo City. Go to www.visitthedelta.com for updates on all of these area travel locations.

Tunicain

ORLANDO, Fla. – With Orlando fresh off the dis-tinction by Travel Leader’s as the top domestic des-tination being booked for 2010, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Vis-itors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) has launched a new program featuring rotating Super Deals for travel any time throughout the year. Only available through VisitOrlando.com/deals, Southwest Vacations kicks off the Super Deal program with an exclusive Orlando CVB offer starting at $34 a day for a seven day Orlan-do vacation. Offer details include:

From now until March 1, when you purchase a flight + 7-night hotel pack-age at select Orlando ho-

tels, three of those nights are FREE!

Hotel options include locations throughout Orlan-do including DoubleTree at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World Dolphin Ho-tel and more.

Travelers who book this exclusive Orlando CVB package on VisitOr-lando.com/deals will save an extra $150.

In addition, a 7-day Disney’s Magic Your Way® Ticket can be added to the package for the price of a 4-day ticket.

The Southwest Vaca-tions Super Deal is only available to book until

March 1, but travel can take place anytime during 2010. A new limited-time Super Deal will be un-veiled on March 2 and new Super Deals will continue to rotate through 2010. For more details and to book, go to VisitOrlando.com/deals.

In addition to the Super Deal, the Orlando CVB unveiled its 2010 Orlando Magicard which provides year-round savings at more than 75 area establishments including attractions, ac-commodations, restaurants, dinner theaters, ground transportation, golf cours-es, and cultural arts. The Orlando Magicard is free and can be downloaded at VisitOrlando.com/deals, requested for mail delivery

by calling 1-800-551-0181, or picked up at The Official Visitors Center in Orlando. The 2010 version of the card provides expanded of-fers including theme park deals and other significant savings options such as free nights plus additional free amenities at area ac-commodations; buy one ticket, get one free offers at attractions; or straight dis-counts up to 50% off. Ex-amples include:

* Orange County Re-gional History Center: One free admission with each paid admission

* Ripley’s Believe It or Not: $2.00 off admission plus second day free

* Orlando Shake-speare Theatre: Purchase one ticket and receive a

free second ticket of equal or lesser value

* Funky Monkey Wine Company, Pointe Or-lando: Complimentary su-shi roll with entrée

* Capone’s Dinner & Show: 50% off all tickets plus free souvenir

* Marriott’s Grande Vista Resort: Buy 3 nights, get 2 nights free, plus two adult 3-day tickets to any of the four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks

For more information about vacation experi-ences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Va-cation Guide the Orlando Magicard™ or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Or-

lando’s official Web site at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Coun-selor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. For real time updates, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/VisitOrlando or Facebook at facebook.com/VisitOr-lando. While in Orlando, visitors may stop by the Official Visitor Center lo-cated at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast cor-ner of International Drive and Austrian Row. The Of-ficial Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and is closed Dec. 25).

Orlando - Nation’s top Destination for Travel in 2010 - Launches New Deals for the New Year

Excitement

Renuka Christoph

Harrah’s in Tunica

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2009 - JANUARY 13, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2010 - JANUARY 13, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 BTRAVEL

Paradise is often thought of as some far away place on the other side of the world. But this theory can be disproven upon the shores of Ala-bama. Experience uninter-rupted stretches of sandy white beach and sparkling blue water in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Find comfortable and scenic accommodations at The Island House Hotel. The beach is in the back-yard as every room offers a Gulf view. Located on Per-dido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach, The Island House Hotel extends the finest in Southern hospital-ity to its guests.

The Hangout lives up to its name as a great place to lounge. Outdoor com-fort can be found outside the restaurant with cozy, adequate seating and live music. Check out the Big Daddy “Baked” Stuffed Oysters as a great starter. Fish tacos are a winner for dinner and save room for the fried honeybun. Tacky Jack’s is known for its Farmer’s Market omelet and belgian waffles. The portions will carry visitors well beyond lunch.

A must stop and eat at place is King Neptune’s Seafood Restaurant. The

prices can’t be beat. But more important, the cui-sine will tantalize the taste buds of every seafood lover. The corn and crab bisque is sensational. The West Indies salad offers a refreshing zest of flavor with its marinated jumbo lump crabmeat.

Unique to the area is royal red shrimp. It is sweeter than other shrimp and literally red. Another must have are the fried crab claws.

Check out LuLu’s at Homeport Marina for a burger made with all natu-ral grass-fed beef.

Cosmo’s Restaurant of-fers an eclectic atmosphere and affordable, fusion cui-sine.

Although the endless miles of sugar white sand remain the area’s number one attraction, individu-als searching for an activ-ity off the beach are sure to find numerous options with the following trails:

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail attracts avid bird watchers and novices to its six loops that wind throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties. High-lighting a large diversity of ecosystems, each trail loop could easily take a half day or more. Suggestions are

given for some of the birds that may be expected at each site. This coastal area serves as a crucial layover point for migratory neotro-pical birds in the spring and fall. For more information, visit www.alabamacoastal-birdingtrail.com.

The Battle of Mobile Bay Civil War Trail is a 90-mile trail that features 18 sites throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties. Each stop on the trail utilizes interpretative signage to convey the stories of ship captains, fort commanders and common fighting men who played a role in this battle and the Overland Campaign. For more in-formation, visit www.bat-tleofmobilebay.org.

The Orange Beach Ca-noe Trail is a 10-stop trail that begins on the north side of Pleasure Island (near Wolf Bay) and trav-els east along the Intrac-oastal Waterway before passing around Bear Point. The trail then continues west through Bayou St. John and Terry Cove to reach the final stop in Cot-ton Bayou. Organized by the City of Orange Beach, this trail features desig-nated signage at each stop. For more information, visit www.obparksandrec.com.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a nearly 8 mile long trail that highlights diverse landscapes, such as pitcher plant bogs, an-cient hardwood forests, pine savanna, swamps and scrub-covered dunes. The trails are Catman Trail (which runs to Orange Beach), an extension that runs alongside the Orange Beach Sportsplex, the Gulf Park Oak Ridge Trail (that runs to the back of the golf course) and the Rosemary Trail (which runs south of Middle Lake and Little Lake and comes out on the beach road).

Developed through a partnership between the Gulf State Park and the City of Orange Beach, construc-tion on the Back Country Trail began in 2003, and it was subsequently dedi-cated to Branyon, the long-time Gulf State Park super-intendent who has worked in State Parks Division since the 1960s. This trail and the surrounding pub-lic land will remain free to anyone wishing to visit on their own time. The Gulf State Park, through which parts of the guided tour travel, also has several other trails.

In June 2009, the Back-country Trail was named a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of Interior and became only the third trail in the state to receive this prestigious honor. For more informa-tion, visit www.obparksan-drec.com or www.alapark.com/GulfState.

Alabama’s Coastal Con-nection is an approximate-ly 130 mile scenic byway highlighting the authentic resources and attractions of the southern tip of the state. Beginning at the Grand Bay exit (exit #4) on Inter-state 10, this scenic route travels throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties and returns to the interstate at the Daphne exit (exit #35). Highlights along the jour-ney feature the area’s con-nection with the waters, ways and wildlife native to this charming detour from normal interstate travels.

The byway was honored with a state designation in 2004 and became a Nation-al Scenic Byway in 2009. For more information and a downloadable map, visit www.alabamascoastalcon-nection.com.

Within an eight hour drive from Nashville , find 32 miles of sugar white sand and warm coastal waters. All ages will relish Gulf Shores, Alabama.

You can make sure your neighbors in need stay

warm this winter by adding just one dollar to your electric

bill each month through NES’ emergency energy

assistance program, PROJECT HELP.

To learn more, visit www.nespower.com.

www.twitter.com/NESpowerwww.facebook.com/NESpower

What would you do if you were left

out in the cold?

View from the balcony of The Island House Hotel

Renuka Christoph

Discoverthe Gulf!

Alabama’s shores offer coastal paradise

Lucy Buffet’s Lulu’s at Homeport Marina (Jimmy Buffet’s sister)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2009 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2009 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B

2010 Alaskan CruiseMay 28- June 3 on the Celebrity InfinitySeattle, Ketchikan, Tracy Arms, Juneau, Skagway, Inside Passage, Victoria and return to Seattle.

Scheduled to Depart from Seattle, Washington Date: Friday, May 28, 2010Time: 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Payment Plan:$500.00 per cabin Balance (Total) Due: March 1, 2010

Please remit payment to the Office of Alumni Affairs- Attention: Mrs. Rena ThompsonAdditional Information:12 hours CE course credit pending

Strongly recommend that you carry your passport.Fly into Seattle, Washington. Air fares are not included in the above referenced fees.Questions? Please call 615-327-6266

Nashville can boast of its premiere luxury boutique hotel now open. The cozy yet modern ar-tistic surroundings cater to all ages that visit. The Hutton extends a gen-erous dose of Southern hospitatliy.

The four-star inde-pendent luxury hotel has been honored as a mem-ber of the world’s most prestigious collection of luxury hotels: The Lead-ing Hotels of the World, Ltd.

“Achieving this status of The Leading Hotels of the World is a great hon-or, establishing Hutton Hotel as one of the finest

hotels in the world,” said Steven André, General Manager of Hutton Ho-tel. “We are delighted to be among a superior class of hotels and resorts that share our distinction and level of service.”

Providing a fresh new alternative to downtown, Hutton Hotel is situated on West End, boasting an ideal balance of elegance and comfort. This in-dependent luxury hotel houses innovative tech-nology and sustainabil-ity features throughout paired with custom-de-signed finishes and ame-nities keeping business and weekend guests in

mind.Nashville’s newest

signature hotel features unique guest experiences including:

• 248 stylish rooms, including 54 suites, featuring sump-tuous bedding, granite baths and showers, re-freshment centers and laptop safes

• 2 spectacular Penthouse Apartments, with restricted access, private balcony, fire-place, 50” LCD-HDTV with surround sound, steam showers, wet bar and more

• 13,600 square feet of meeting space and

an executive boardroom, all equipped with state-of-the-art A/V and sound systems

• 1808 Grill, a New American cuisine restaurant, specializing in fresh fish and meats for a casual, yet upscale dining experience

About Hutton HotelHutton Hotel, Nash-

ville’s newest indepen-dent luxury hotel, is set to open in January 2009 at 1808 West End Avenue. Hutton will offer 248 guest rooms and 13,600 additional square feet of meeting space, along with some retail space.

Hutton’s modern, yet elegant design will be one of a kind and comparable to some of the best bou-tique hotels around the world. Hutton Hotel is a development of Ameri-mar Enterprises, a recog-

nized leader in the reno-vation and repositioning of office, hotel, retail, multi-family and mixed use properties through-out the country. For more information, please visit www.HuttonHotel.com.

Renuka Christoph

TRAVEL

The Hutton Hotel impresses guests within steps of entry

The Hutton Hotel Brings Luxury and Class to Music City

THE NORTH POLE — When mon-ey is tight, families get creative, especially when it comes to

ways to make the holidays magical for their young ones.

“When we talk to parents around the country, their most cherished holiday memories are less

about any one par-ticular toy and more about the simple joy of family traditions,” says Carol

Aebersold, co-author, along with her daughter Chanda Bell, of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas

Tradition®. “We

see a return to tradi-tion, rather than ex-travagant spending, becoming the heart of the holidays for fami-lies.”

Never has that been more profound than in today’s economy. Ac-cording to Aebersold, parents are keeping a close eye on their holiday spending and are delighted to create new traditions with their own children around The Elf on the Shelf. Whether their elf makes its first ap-pearance of the sea-son on Thanksgiving Day or they enjoy the hunt for their elf each morning, families are

creating lasting mem-ories that will be wo-ven into the fabric of their family history.

Explains Aeber-sold, “With The Elf on the Shelf parents enter into that state of won-der and amazement right along with their children. Celebrat-ing the holidays isn’t about spending mon-ey; rather, it’s about spending time together as a family.”

In that way, The Elf on the Shelf is much like the classics of yesteryear — afford-able and dependent on a child’s innocent belief to truly come to life. More importantly,

the classics hold their value in ways fads never do.

Many moms and dads may remember the Scandinavian tale of the pixie elf who re-ports to Santa on their behavior but appreci-ate the way Aebersold and Bell, along with illustrator Coë Stein-wart, have given it new life. Their beautifully illustrated hardcover book tells the story of why Santa relies

upon these scout elves to do his job and explains how they work.

Last year, the gift set was so popular that moms were meet-

ing delivery trucks in the store parking lots, grabbing a keepsake box for their families before they even made it onto shelves.

This year looks to be even hotter. Both national and indepen-dent retailers are pro-moting The Elf

on the Shelf as one of their best holiday buys and predict it will be one of the season’s best-selling items. Even in this hyper-electronic age, toys powered by imagi-nation are becoming even more popular with a new generation of families.

THE ELF ON THE SHELF ® TRADITION-IN-A-BOX™A Budget-Savvy, Affordable Christmas Classic

The Hutton Hotel lobby


Holiday picks of the week:Aerobed® Luxury Collection Mattress Style Pillow-top Inflatable Bed: Comfort and convenience com-bined with this quality product. A great Mattress pro-vides cushiony comfort with an extra plush air pillow top design. The Smart Pump has automatic inflate and deflate with one click control, and automatic shut-off once the bed is fully inflated. The comfort control wand provides unlimited range of firmness adjustment at the touch of a button. The large air release valve quickly and easily “whooshes” the air out. The reinforced bed construction keeps air distributed evenly all night long while the outer ring provides stable edge support.

Sleephones: Called pajamas for the ears, these fleece band earphones block noise while offering sound qual-ity. The speakers are removable and the headband is ma-chine washable.

Travel for kids:Toy: Legos: Take your pick! Book: Diary of a Wimpy kid


Scheduled to Depart from Seattle, Washington Date: Friday, May 28, 2010Time: 4:00 p.m. Pacific TimeA

ll A

boar

d Payment Plan:$500.00 per cabin Balance (Total) Due: March 1, 2010



AtlantaEat | Shop | Play

The season for holiday shopping and hustling has arrived. Consider a venture out of Music City for a different spin during the holiday shopping ex-perience. Atlanta is the perfect spot with endless shopping and phenom-enal dining.

A quick weekend get-away to Atlanta will re-fresh and recharge while

offering some of the best in shopping. Whether a visit to IKEA, downtown shopping or nearby outlet malls, Atlanta truly has something for everyone. The variety is unbeatable and worth checking out.

Stay at the Ellis Hotel which is downtown At-lanta’s newest chic bou-tique hotel. The charming hotel provides a modern

coziness with a touch of class. Included in the stay are Molten Brown prod-ucts for further overnight enhancement.

For a great lunch spot, check out Gordon Biersch Brewery Restau-rant. There are plenty of good picks, including the fish tacos or the Marzen Barbeque burger. The appetizer to go for is the

Brewer’s Feast which consists of Kobe sliders, garlic fries, southwest egg rolls and hummus with garlic crostini. The Brewery is especially known for the garlic fries. The venue provides friendly service and great food.

For dinner, look no further than The Atlanta Fish Market where guests

will find Atlanta’s finest seafood. With an impres-sive array of seafood, the enticing choices are flown in fresh daily.

The clever atmosphere intertwines a fish mar-ketplace with fine din-ing. Choice picks are the Chilean Sea Bass, Cedar Planked Short Smoked Atlantic Salmon, Grou-per Francese. Appetizer

must-haves are the Jum-bo Lump Crabcakes and Signature Flash Fried Lobster Tail. And save room for the Bread Pud-ding soaked in rum!

Hop in the car and enjoy the pleasant and nearby drive to Atlanta, indulging in some of the finest in dining and shop-ping.

Holiday Inn ExpressHotel & Suites

ManchesterA comfortable stay between Nashville and Chattanooga

111 Hospitality Blvd.931-728-9383

Colin Kopel, Manager at The Atlanta Fish Market, serves a fine meal

The Ellis is one of Atlanta’s Newest Boutique Hotels. High Kickin’ Holidays rates start at $99 per night, allowing visitors the option to relish with breakfast in bed and sip on savory cocktails at The Lobby Bar then enjoy dinner at Terrace, the pure and simple restaurant over-looking Peachtree Street.

Renuka Christoph

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant serves the signature Marzen Barbeque burger.

TRAVEL

1 B THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE September 24-30, 2009 www.thetennesseetribune.com THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE September 24-30, 2009 www.thetennesseetribune.com 1 B

Travel BDiscover Historical Charm and Coastal Fun

Dauphin Island Pavilions Photo: Mike Henderson

Fort Gaines Blacksmith utilizes a forge and anvil, hammer and tongs to make agricultural, household and military items from iron and steel.Photo: Mike Henderson

The enchanting lobby of the Historic Bat-tle House Renaissance Hotel was once re-ferred to as the “Living room” of downtown Mobile.

Mobile Alabama

Mobile Carnival Museum has some of the most exquisite royal gowns on display

Renuka ChristophMobile Bay is a great

travel destination for all ages, whether the excur-sion is for a beach escape or exposure to Southern culture and history. There are plenty of choices for the busy or leisurely traveler.

Places to visitMobile at Fort Conde

and the Museum of Mobile. The Museum of Mobile was once a via-ble marketplace, buzzing with vendors and eager shoppers. Visitors will get lost in imagination upon entering the his-torical landmark, where carriages once roam the open walkways.

The Mobile Carnival Museum

A little known fact is that the first Mardi Gras was in Mobile in 1703, Mobile is rich with Mar-di Gras traditions. Visi-tors will be in awe over the luxurious display of the jeweled crowns, lav-ish gowns and robes of Mobile’s Mardi Gras Kings and Queens in this historic Government Street mansion,. There are fascinating stories about secret societies

and festivities unique to the festival.

Dauphin Island Sail Dauphin Island

aboard Action Adven-tures’ “The Duke.”

All can come on aboard and enjoy a scenic ride and experience watching a fresh catch of aquatic life in the fishnet.

Fort Gaines and the Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab

The sea lab will be enjoyable for all ages with aquatic information about the local waters Estuaries are the parts of bodies of water where salt and freshwater meet. They do not resemble river or ocean habitats.

The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Walk along the wood-en boardwalks through the natural ecosystem which houses migrating birds and butterflies. The Sanctuary consists of 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes, and dunes, in-cluding a lake, a swamp and a beach.

Places to eatSpot of TeaA historical land-

mark transformed into

an eclectic restaurant, the “Spot of Tea” is far more than a tea room. The luxury two story loft offers rental party rooms upstairs and a club and restaurant downstairs. Homemade cooking by Ruby T. Moore draws in a daily crowd in Historic Downtown Mobile.

Wintzell’s Oyster House

Oyster lovers, go no further. A must stop is the Oyster House where oysters can be enjoyed “fried, stewed or nude.” and outstanding seafood in a casual atmosphere. Also enjoy crawfish etou-fee, fried crab claws or bacon wrapped shrimp.

Bimini Bob’sA phenominal res-

taurant with waterfront sunset deck overlook-ing Mobile Bay, enjoy some of the finest food in the area along with live music. The view of the downtown skyline is the backdrop to the scenic water view. For-mer football pro for the Miami Dolphins, Bob Baumhower has scored a touchdown with creative and fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices.

Where to stayBattle Renaissance

House Hotel

The Battle House, A Renaissance Hotel pro-vides superior hospitality and comfort. Originally built in 1852, this down-town Mobile hotel was the primary gathering place for high society.

Each of the newly ren-ovated rooms are a spa-cious haven of luxury. Get a total mind, body and spirit release at the modern spa.

One of the high points, figuratively and literally is the rooftop pool where guests can enjoy a lei-surely swim or relax in the hot tub while taking in a city view.

Mobile Bay is the per-fect family or couple des-tination with rich heritage and history surrounded by the scenic gulf.

The African-American Heritage Trail

History comes alive through a variety of Tours. The Trail spot-lights Mobile’s culturally diverse heritage by link-ing historic contributions and events with signifi-cant locations. The Trail reveals the forgotten chapters of history tell-ing the stories of courage and contributions made by Unsung Heroes from Mobile’s ethnically di-verse past.

The African-American Heritage Trail’s primary objective is to share Mo-bile’s diverse story. A forgotten past is recalled – the early creoles of Af-rican descent; African survivors from the Clo-tilda (the last slave ship to enter the US in 1860); newly freed blacks who worshipped and built the oldest churches in Ala-bama; African-Ameri-cans who settled in an area named ironically for Jefferson Davis – Davis Avenue that was later renamed Dr. Martin Lu-ther King Ave; and the Civil Rights Advocates that were integral to the evolution of Mobile’s di-

verse heritage.Through the African

American Heritage Trail experience, all partici-pants will develop a taste for the rich gumbo of ethnicity as revealed by Mobile’s past and will enhance their lifelong understanding of the Af-rican-American’s role in Mobile history.

Step on Tours are pres-ently available for groups. A Tour Guide will board your bus with a map for your Driver and narrate your group’s tour of the many African American Heritage Trail sites.www.mobilehd.org

15th Annual BAYFEST Music Festival Oct 2nd, 2009-Oct 4th, 2009

BayFest will celebrate its 15th anniversary on October 2-4, 2009 on the streets of downtown Mo-bile, Alabama for three days and nights. ayFest has become known throughout the region for its vast array of renowned musical talent suitable for the entire family.Visit www.BayFest.com.



Scheduled to Depart from Seattle, Washington Date: Friday, May 28, 2010Time: 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Payment Plan:$500.00 per cabin Balance (Total) Due: March 1, 2010



GATLINBURG, TN

One of the greatest family destinations of-fered in Tennessee is sce-nic Gatlinburg. Whether the goal is to take in na-ture, enjoy local attrac-tions, or a combination of both, all ages will be in awe of the Smoky Mountain landscape and venues surrounding the area.

Attractions are found throughout Gatlin-burg and Pigeon Forge. Ripley’s offers thrills, shrills and aquatic fasci-nation with its Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Musuem and top rated Ripley Aquarium of the Smokies. It was recently voted the Number One Aquarium in the United States by TripAdvisor. Get an aerial view of mountain tops on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram. It takes visitors to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amuse-ment Park. Some of the activities to choose from include indoor ice skat-ing, an allpine slide, wa-ter rides and a wildlife encounter.

Find great food rea-sonably priced at Mc-Cutchin’s Brass Grill. Enjoy a prime rib sand-wich and fries for $9.95. A dinner must have is Lineberger’s Seafood Company. The oceanic atmosphere combines style and comfort in this outstanding establish-ment.

An excellent place to stay is at the new Baskins Creek Condos. Guests will feel at home in the cozy and spacious rooms.

Enjoy arts and crafts, fudge, candy stores, pot-tery and other specialty shops at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

UPCOMING EVENTSDecember 1 to 20 –

Winter Magic Tunes & Tales tm – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy a capella caroling and live entertainment along the Parkway Friday and Sat-urday evenings during this third annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748

December 1 to 31 ¬– Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm – The City of Gatlin-burg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

December 1 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Mag-ic tm Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlin-burg Winter Magic tm lighting displays. Depar-ture is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Sta-tion. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535 ($)

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop – For the 22nd straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabu-lous fireworks show. Features free party fa-

vors and live entertain-ment. “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South.” (GSE) (800) 568-4748

JANUARY 2010January 1 to 31

Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm – The City of Gatlin-burg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Gatlinburg Win-ter Magic tm Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm light-ing displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Sta-tion. Group reserva-tions are available. Trol-ley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) (865) 436-0535 ($)

January 4 to 31 – Night Magic Skiing – Purchase a Lift Ticket Monday through Friday (non-holidays) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ober Gatlinburg (865) 436-5423 ($)

January 28 – Rock Gatlinburg – Aspiring high school and middle school band performers and individual musi-cians get the opportu-nity to meet and receive guidance from profes-sional musicians during this event hosted by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department at the Com-munity Center on five consecutive Thursdays

through February. Par-ticipants can learn about computer recording, ex-plore professional work opportunities and walk away with a CD record-ing. For information, contact Laurence Evans or Dave Anderson (865) 436-4990 ($)

January 31 – Ten-nessee Winter Special Olympics – Winter sports competitions including ice skating, snowboarding and snow skiing. Ober Gatlinburg (800) 251-9202

Renuka Christoph

TRAVEL

A scenic view of a sunrise in the Smokies

Shopping is a delight in Gatlinburg

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2009 - JANUARY 6, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2009 - JANUARY 6, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 BTRAVEL

Connect Mind, Body and Spirit

Looking for the per-fect pampering to fight off the post holiday blues? Look no further than a pleasant three hour drive to the Ross Bridge Spa and Golf Resort in Hoover, Alabama.

The Resort has main-tained its Scottish theme and delivers its guests with lavish comforts throughout the facility.

Experience the finest in golfing on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and relaxation at the Spa.

The Ross Bridge course has stunning views that range from 4,800 yards to 8,191 yards and is designed specifically for PGA tournament play. The course is conducive for the casual golfer on up to the tournament player. It is the premier course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Golf Digest already calls it “one of the top-50 trips in the world,” and is equivalent to a trip to paradise.

For dining, Brock’s offers fine dining with a

Mediterranean influence. The menu is cleverly de-signed to give guests the option of smaller por-tions so they can com-bine entrees.

Dinner recommenda-tions include the Seared Scallops and Filet of Beef Tenderloin. A breakfast signature worth trying is the Lemon Souffle Pan-cake. It is topped with raspberries, pine nuts and raspberry sauce. An-other item would be the Poached eggs brock’s.The eggs are served on polenta cakes with greens, prosciutto and truffle sabayon.

There is free wine tastings in Brock’s for guests on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Casual dining is of-fered at the Clubhouse. The mac and cheese will satisfy the cheese lover.

JT’s Bar is located on the main level and over-looks the resort pool and golf course.

There is also a Coffee Shop in the lobby.

Make a day at the Spa and find total tranquil-

ity and escape from the noise. There are several treatments to pick from. Suggestions are the Lav-ender Heaven Body Ex-perience which indulges the senses with soothing lavender oil and mas-sage. It is a must have for the ultimate body experience. Other rec-ommendations are the Ross Bridge Signature Massage. For a facial, consider the Ross Bridge Facial.

“We pride ourselves on our very high level of guest service,” said Susie Marquez, direc-tor of the RTJ Spa Trail. “When a guest schedules an appointment with us, we don’t just treat it as a massage or a facial. We try to create the optimal spa experience from be-ginning to end. Having the top three Renaissance spas and two of the top five in Marriott, includ-ing the top spa globally, is a real honor.”

It is among the top three Renaissance Hotel spas for guest satisfac-tion in Alabama.

“From traditional warm stone massages to caviar facials, the RTJ Spa Trail features five spas across Alabama offering innovative treatments in exquisite settings,” said Steve Solberg, president and CEO of PCH Hotels & Resorts.

Owned by the Retire-ment Systems of Ala-bama, the RTJ Spa Trail is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Resort Collection.

“With 57,000 square feet of space collectively, the Spa Trail locations feature 38 treatment rooms and more than 130 employees dedicated to creating relaxing and re-juvenating experiences for our guests,” said Sol-berg.

“From the shores of Mobile Bay to the edge of the Tennessee River, the Spa Trail features some of the country’s best spas. We currently are tied with Hawaii in the number of quality spas recognized by Best-SpasUSA and we still have two more to be re-

viewed.” Arizona, Cali-fornia and Florida are the top three states, followed by Alabama and Hawaii.

As part of the new Spa Trail, an annual RTJ Spa Trail Card was cre-ated to offer discounts on spa services, hotel rooms, dining and retail shopping.

A complimentary glass of wine, extended use of the spa facilities and free make-up touch ups are additional values offered to Spa Trail Card members. The RTJ Spa Trail Card costs $40 and comes with a $20 gift card which can be used in any of the five spas.

“Guests having spa treatments at each of the RTJ Spa Trail’s five lo-cations will earn a free treatment of their choice at any of the spas,” said Solberg.

HISTORYIn the mid 1800’s,

James Taylor Ross moved his family to the Oxmoor Valley from South Caro-lina and began planting orchards on their new

land in Alabama. Ross, a Scotsman, brought along a taste for the finer things, a spirit of entrepreneur-ship and the love of his native land’s golf.

Needing a method to transport the materials produced by Birming-ham’s industrial age, a bridge was built on the Ross estate during the Civil War connecting the city with the region.

Seeded in a color-ful history of family and perseverance, the Ross estate has bloomed into a picturesque resort featur-ing world-class golf, lux-ury accommodations and a menu of luxury ame-nities exceeding James’ dreams.

The Southern archi-tecture and strength of the original Ross Bridge still remain today and are complemented by the rebirth of Birmingham’s only destination resort.

So for the perfect near-by getaway that is sure to please, consider a visit to the Ross Bridge Spa and Golf Resort where total relaxation awaits.

at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

You can make sure your neighbors in need stay

warm this winter by adding just one dollar to your electric

bill each month through NES’ emergency energy

assistance program, PROJECT HELP.

To learn more, visit www.nespower.com.

www.twitter.com/NESpowerwww.facebook.com/NESpower

What would you do if you were left

out in the cold?

Brock’s RestaurantThe Spa at Ross Bridge Golf Resort

The Ross Bridge Spa and Golf Resort

Renuka Christoph

1 B THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE JULY 23-JULY 29, 2009 www.thetennesseetribune.com THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE JULY 23-JULY 29, 2009 www.thetennesseetribune.com 1 B

Travel B

Tallulah Gorge is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”. It contains a series of five waterfalls and a suspension bridge for adventuresome hikers.

Escape toTallulah Falls, GA

If you are look-ing for majestic waterfalls crash-ing on the rocks, nature trails winding around babbling brooks and dense for-est then look no further than Tal-lulah Falls, GA. The Blue Ridge Mountains are every nature lover’s dream. The breathtaking views are avail-

able throughout various stopping points on Hwy 295. At each of the peaks find nothing but un-interrupted views of treetops lining the mountains.

The surround sound of the water and alluring views of the terrain en-gulf all who visit. The trails around the Falls range in difficulty so visi-

tors can take their pick between a leisurely walk or a challenging workout.

While experi-encing the deep South, stay at The Lodge at Tallulah Falls. The coun-try inn offers im-peccable rooms and the finest in southern hospi-tality. The Lodge at Tallulah Falls is located be-

tween the towns of Clarkesville and Clayton, GA which are charm-ing towns with unique shopping and dining. The location of the Lodge is perfect for outdoor recre-ationalists- hikers, kayakers, moun-tain biking enthu-siasts, whitewater rafting thrill seek-ers, equestrians, bird watchers,

trout fishermen, golfers and those who would enjoy boating on Lake Rabun and Lake Burton.

Rabun Coun-ty is filled with recreation, natu-ral attractions, a plethora of dining choices and array of specialty shop-ping stores.

Visit www.gamountains.com for more details.

Renuka Christoph

ersimmon Creek Vineyards is a haven nestled in the north-eastern Georgia moun-tains. The Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned winery located on 110 acres of farm-land. Wines are pro-duced on premise from 100% estate grapes, with many processes – picking, crushing, bot-tling, corking and la-beling – done by hand.

What makes this property so enticing is not only the tours, but the option to stay on-site at one the luxury

cottages. Comfort is coupled with style in each of the cottages. They are surrounded by woods within the scenic hills.

MaryAnn and Sonny Hardman have poured their heart and passion into their craft. Mary-Ann describes wine as being the essence of the land, the taste of the region.

Persimmon Creek Vineyards exempli-fies that fine wine can be found in the South. Each year, the Vine-yard has sold out of

each variety; while production has in-creased to 2000 cases per year.

The Hardmans rou-tinely partner with cel-ebrated chefs to host special events at the vineyard, emphasiz-ing their closely-held philosophy of “what grows together goes together.”

It is a labor of love and felt by all who visit the special place. For more information on the Vineyard, visit www.persimmoncree-kwine.com.

Persimmon Creek Vineyards

“Wine is the essence of the land.” MaryAnn Hardman

PPersimmon Creek Vineyards offers 100% estate grown Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Seyval Blanc

Persimmon Creek Vineyards offer cottage overnight accommodations

1 B THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE JUNE 11-JUNE 17, 2009 www.thetennesseetribune.com THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE JUNE 11-JUNE 17, 2009 www.thetennesseetribune.com 1 B

BTravel

Visit Raleigh, where there is the per-fect blend of Southern charm, cosmopolitan class and rich history. The food is impres-sive, the shopping exquisite and the at-tractions in abundance for all ages. What makes the capital city so attractive is its re-markable mix of rich historical charm paral-leled with modernized venues.

For a tasty and scrumptious walk around town , take the Taste Carolina Gour-met Food Tours. It’s a great way to get a sampling of Raleigh’s finest without overin-dulging in one spot.

We are in the South so check out The Pit

for some hot smokin’ barbecue. Enjoy some of the freshest and finest southern veg-gies and sides to ac-company the bbq. The beef brisket is tender and among the best I’ve had.

Transition from a Victorian neighbor-hood into an eclectic row of specialty shops and dining. Rich in di-versity, the birthplace of Andrew Jackson, (17th president of the United States) is a melting pot of many cultures.

Raleigh is well rounded with attrac-tions for all ages. Choose from The North Carolina Muse-um of History, North Carolina Museum of

Natural Sciences or the recently renovated Marbles Children’s Museum with an im-pressive IMAX.

For a dose of luxury, visit the The Umstead Hotel and Spa which provides a full ser-vice spa, an elaborate collection of artwork, golf at Prestonwood Country Club. Enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep in one of the spacious guest rooms. A little European in-fluence can be expe-rienced with an after-noon High Tea. And of course there is the award winning Her-ons Restaurant which boasts of its Four Dia-mond Award in 2008.

While walking around the city, wave

over a rickshaw where the sites and sounds can be enjoyed at the perfect pace. The ped-dler bikes up the hills as he explains the his-torical significance of various buildings.

The arts are cel-ebrated during down-town festivals and promoted at various venues and museums.

Lively nightlife brings out the noc-turnal. Choose from a variety of options, whether a club down-town or a late night family event at the outdoor play area in North Hills.

Check out Raleigh for the next family or couples trip. It is about 500 miles from Nash-ville.

Southern Charm, Modern Class

Raleigh, NC offers the Best of the Past and Present

(NAPSI)-A great va-cation doesn’t have to require a lot of money. Something as fun and easy as camping at the nearest state or national park can save you some cash as you relax with the whole family. Try these tips:Choosing The Perfect Spot

With a little research you can probably find a free or low-cost camp-ground not too far from home. Many offer hiking trails that appeal to dif-ferent ages and levels of experience, from begin-ner to advanced. State and national parks often provide nature maps for self-guided tours, and

some even have nature centers with formal pro-grams led by rangers who can teach you about local plants and animals.

Many parks include rivers and lakes for ad-ditional recreation. Fish-ing and canoeing are popular pastimes, so in-quire ahead about fishing licenses and boat rent-

als. The more adventurous might want to try raft-ing or even k a y a k i n g , which may be provided by nearby tour-ing compa-nies that will arrange day trips, com-plete with in-struction and gear.

For over-nights, you can choose between parks that offer cabins for shelter or des-ignated spaces for tents, and you’ll likely find open pits for campfires close to your accomoda-tions. Both types of site typically have “comfort stations” nearby with running water and rest-

rooms. Sitting around a campfire at night, tell-ing stories and roasting marshmallows, can be a truly memorable event.What To Bring

Before you go, think like a scout and “be prepared.” Check lo-cal weather reports and be ready, whether that means possible rain or cooler-than-usual tem-peratures. A first-aid kit is well advised, if only for minor scrapes and un-expected blisters.

Some things to take along on the trip to make you feel at home include the basic necessities of a tent, sleeping bags, ap-propriate clothing, food and cooking utensils. Camping supply stores provide specialty items, such as kerosene lamps, propane stoves and other

conveniences.One item you shouldn’t

take along with you is firewood. Buy it when you get there and burn it at the campground. Don’t bring it home: Moving firewood can spread the Emerald Ash Borer bee-tle, a nasty pest that is killing ash trees at a rapid rate. To keep the woods healthy and available for all to enjoy-people and critters alike-promise not to move firewood. For more information, visit www.stopthebeetle.info.

Most state parks can be found online through your favorite search en-gine, or to research na-tional parks, visit the Web site www.nps.gov/findapark/.

Camping can be a fun and affordable family getaway.

Camping: Family Fun For Less

Renuka Christoph

The Raleigh Skyline

Shopping and dining allures locals and visitors with plenty to choose from

www.thetennesseetribune.com

BTravel The Tennessee Tribune in London

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THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1THURSDAY AUGUST 9- AUGUST 15, 2007

Sure you can pick the beach or moun-tains. But why not venture out of the coun-try, to let’s say London.

Everyone should fly out of the countryat least once in a lifetime. Why? It givesyou a greater perspective on life. You arereminded that there is more to life than theworld you live. That is a gift that everytraveler can share in conversation. To beable to share or compare overseas interpre-tation on lifestyle broadens the way youand those around you will think. Readingworld news will have a more personal per-spective.

Why London? Well, here is a quickoverview why. London is a centrally locat-ed hub to exotic destinations as Madrid,Paris, Athens. Paris is a simple “chunnel”away. This is an underground tunnel notbelow streets but underwater. Within acouple of hours, you will be in Paris.

Go to London and you will find one ofthe greatest representations of all cultures.The rich colors of Asia are brilliantlyflashed as scarves fly in the wind from lo-cal street vendors. Markets are set upthroughout different locations and offer au-thentic merchandise from Turkey, India,Netherlands, Russia, Egypt. People comefrom all over the world and make Englandtheir home. Talking to vendors and findingout how or why they came takes us intotheir life story. Many come to find a betterlifestyle or to be closer to children thathave made a foreign land their home.

Authentic foods are offered throughoutEngland. Curry is as readily available asFish n’ Chips. People of all colors are seenthroughout the area. Kabobs, masala chaitea, sushi, tea cakes and samosas showhow the region has embraced cultures.

There is something so enriching aboutwalking past Buckingham Palace and hear-ing the languages spoken around the worldwhile knowing it is where the Queen ofEngland resides.Part of social culture issitting around with friends, coworkers,family at a local pub. Pubs in England

each have unique names. We frequentedthe Misty Moon and drank Strombos. Thepub scene is not some cheesy pick upvenue but rather a gathering place for folksof all ages, including families. Smokinghas been banned so parents come withchildren without worrying about secondhand smoke. Much of England closesaround five so pubs are among the fewplaces to go after work. It is not unusual tosee crowds every few blocks knowing it isthe entrance of the pub.

The infamous Tower of London iswhere executions were at one time, a formof entertainment. There is something eeryabout walking into the gates where prison-ers once entered, knowing their fate that lied ahead. Local townspeople would gatherto watch live executions which wouldcause a riot and rightfully so, in presentday, over the injustice.

Other attractions include WindsorPalace, British Airways London Eye andKensington Palace.

Be sure to treat yourself like a queenand experience high tea in London. After-noon tea is part of British culture and is atime set aside for tea and delicacies. Ichose Hampton Court and highly recom-mend it for the ultimate royal experience.It was pricey, especially with the currentexchange rate but something that everyoneneeds to enjoy. The elegant interior con-sists of traditional and contemporary art,persian rugs, fine china and royal service.Accompanying your choice of fine tea aretea cakes, scones, bite size sandwichesconsisting of chicken salad, tuna, cheeseand cucumber. The pastries include choco-late mousse bites with dark chocolate carv-ings and fresh raspberries on top.

Getting around London is very conve-nient with the underground subway systemknown as “The Tube”. Visit the london-pass.com for a convenient pass to major at-tractions. And plan ahead as best as youcan to map out your trip. Group travel isthe best way to go, especially with some-one who is familiar with the country.

A Celebration of Rich Culture

Tower of London is where prisoners once entered with no exit out.

ABOVE:Maritime Museum

BELOW RIGHT: Kensington Palace

True story: A bus carrying a full load was on the bridge a few decades ago. The driver ignoredthe flashing red lights warning that the bridge was raising. By the time the driver re-alized what was happening, it was too late. So he pushed on the gas pedal and ac-celerated to top speed. The bridge raised into two parts and he jumped over thesplit bridge. As something only seen in the movies, the bus landed on the otherhalf of the bridge, in one piece!

by Renuka Christoph

DestinationLondon:

British Terms

BRITISH VOCABULARYBritish American

Chemist - Pharmacist

Nappy - Diaper

Loo - Bathroom

Mobile - Cell Phone

Queue - Line

Football - Soccer

Bobby - Police

Rubbish - Trash

Telly - TV

Underground - Subway

1 B THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE May 1-May 7, 2008 www.thetennesseetribune.com THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE May 1-May 7, 2008 www.thetennesseetribune.com

BTravel

The shores and clear water of Destin are unlike any other beach, making paradise a reality. The nine hour drive will lead you to visual detox and soul restoration. It is one of nature’s spas at its best and affordable for everyone.

When planning an ocean journey, I recommend a flexible itinerary. Hang at the beach with leisure at the top of the list. Stroll with your bare feet on the sand. And for an unbeatable face cleanser, you must wash your face in the sea salt water. Let it dry in the sun and you will leave with a natural glow. The beachside bars are conducive for the casual at heart. Stroll up to a restaurant in bathing suit and cover up along with flip flops and you will not be out of place.

One of the beachside restaurants I enjoyed was the Back Porch. I had the best AmberJack, served fresh corn on the cob which tasted like it had just been prepared.. The Back Porch makes its own coleslaw, salad dressings and Florida’s signature key lime pie.

I had a great Tuna steak at Fudpucker’s. But I must highlight a phenominal meal at the Crab Trap, located on Scenic Highway 98. Cobia is the fresh fish

in season. I ordered it bronzed as an appetizer. The Triple Crab Platter will suit the crab lover. It is a must with three kinds of crab, Alaskan Snow, King and Dungeness.

Another recent addition is the Grouper Provencal topped with shrimp, julienne peppers and onions in a white wine and lemon sauce. Save room for the keylime pie.

For a great sunset cruise, check out the Sea Blaster. The ride will take you out to the middle of the ocean where you will see dolphins and have a chance to feed crackers to sea gulls. Choose from beer, wine, soda or water as you sail along the emerald coast. I stood at the front of the boat and watched the sky turn pink, orange and purple as the sun set on the serene water. There is no bad seat on the boat so even at full capacity, everyone will have the perfect view.

One of the greatest aspects of a beach vacation is that it is well suited for all ages. Whether it is building a sand castle, dodging bold waves or just relaxing on the sand, everyone will have something to do.

There are plenty of other things to do in addition to the beach.

Select from one of the

many unique shopping areas, visit the Gulfarium, take a drive to Seaside.

Seaside has a distinct and infamous architectural layout throughout the community with each of the houses brightly painted in pink, green and blue pastels. It is where the colorful neighborhood concept originated. The downtown square is a quaint shopping and eating area. I enjoyed a mimosa at the Modica Market, made with freshly squeezed orange juice and champagne.

Affordable, clean and comfortable, stay at the Comfort Inn on Emerald Coast Parkway. It is conveniently located near shopping and restaurants and across from Henderson Beach.

The impeccable hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool as well a fitness room. Breakfast comes with the stay.

The greatest drawback to going to Destin? Leaving. I had to battle the beach withdrawal as I drove back across the bridge, seeing the clear blue water in the mirror.

So the next time you want a relaxing and refreshing getaway, consider the panhandle of Florida.

Enjoyment for everyone along the Emerald Coast in Destin, FL

eat herestay here

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

Renuka Christoph

Enjoyment for everyone along the Emerald Coast in Enjoyment for everyone along the Emerald Coast in Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

Destination Discover a breathtaking

A young visitor playing in the soft sand

Red Snapper from a deep sea fising excursion

There is plenty of fun shopping to choose from

A group enjoying a sail on the SandBlaster

Phil Gestinger serves with a smile at the Crab Trap

Clear blue water surrounds Destin with an abundance of water recre-ation.

A great mimosa at the Modica Market at Seaside

Fresh Seafood at the Back Porch


BTravel New York

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THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1THURSDAY AUGUST 23-29, 2007

Big City Fun

There isn’t a language that can’t beheard, there isn’t a food that can’t befound- New York- is a banquet for theeyes. Anything goes and anything is seen.

The naked cowboy strums his guitar atthe heart of Times Square. A spidermanroams around the streets, but have changebecause a picture with the superhero willcost a dollar. The stimuli of Times Squareis contagious and the streets are full of ac-tivity.

We stayed comfortably at the Double-tree Suites right on Times Square, a per-fect central location. The window from our25th floor room gave clear view of thecontinuous flurry of activity.

All the museums, broadway shows andplays, famous attractions and popular ac-tivities make it difficult to narrow downwhat to do. The streets are full of fun andunique shops and exquisite eateries. Deliswith incredibly fresh salad bars and sand-wiches are readily available. Food con-noisseurs can choose from Thai, Japanese,African, Indian, Italian and more. Whilewe couldn’t do everything we had hoped,here’s a brief list of some of the things wedid:

Little Italy. Go here for the best Italianfood. Restaurants line the streets and out-door seating is quickly chosen over the in-door seating during summer nights. Plan tovisit China Town next door for the bar-gains. And truly bargain down the prices.

Top of the Rock is a view from the topof the Rockafellar building, located on 5thAvenue. This is a good alternative fromthe popular Empire State building whichalways has a long line.Visitors can also geta tour of the NBC studios.

The infamous 5th Avenue is lined withelegant shops and famous highrises includ-ing the Trump Tower. The two story offi-cial NBA store is a great stop for basket-ball fans. Michael Jordan’s arms span therevolving golden doors. The lower levelhas a court where you can shoot somehoops. The City Pass will get you intomany attractions. The New York Passportis also a good choice.

The Natural History Museum iswhere Night at the Museum was filmed,for those that saw it. Be prepared to walkin this must-see museum because there arefour floors spanning several blocks. With-in the historical landmark are collectionsof amazing cultural and scientific artifactsas well as the new Rose Center for Earthadn Space.

Central Park is a haven in the midst ofthe skyscrapers and yellow taxi cabs honk-ing continuously. The Park attracts kids onup to businessmen. It was cleverly de-signed to provide New Yorkers with a parkescape in the middle of the City. If you areable, take a nighttime carriage ride. It willbe one of the most memorable experiencesof your trip.

The Statue of Liberty is another must

see for everyone going to New York. Therich history shared at Ellis Island takes vis-itors back to a time when immigrants werearriving at the melting pot in hopes of theAmerican dream.

Times Square has something for every-one. And adults will become kids whenvisiting the three story M&M store, theHershey’s store and the mega ToysRUswith an indoor ferris wheel. Even the ad-vertisements are amusing to see, lit up ongiant screens.

Ground Zero is a dedication to the menand women at the World Trade Center. Thememorial stands in honor of the innocentlives that were taken.

Everyone should experience New Yorkat some point. It is a reminder of how di-verse and thriving our country is. There isso much to see, and it is thrilling to beamong the skyscrapers and heartbeat of abig city.

MORE ATTRACTIONS:

by Renuka Christoph

continued “New York” on Page 2

View from “Top of the Rock” of Central Park

A view of the New York skyline

Renuka Christoph

The weather was pleasant with sunnyskies but the wind brisk. The movingwhite clouds reflecting on the water castan illusion of warmth that quickly dissi-pated with the feel of the wind.

We arrived in time for the Latin Festi-val at Fisherman’s Wharf with live festivemusic overpowering the squawks of seag-ulls and voices from the crowd. The con-tagious beat made everyone want to shakea hip. Beyond the stage and booths werewooden walkways leading to restaurants,shops and many types of markets alongthe scenic San Francisco Bay. The cav-ernous walkways lead visitors down anendless line of stores and shops.

The San Francisco Aquarium was ourfirst stop. Though a rather quick glimpseof ocean life, the aquatic tunnels can becarefully studied while standing on amoving walkway. The freedom to stare atthe bottomside of stingray and look eye toeye with a tiger shark transports viewersto the world underwater.

Pier 39, known for the infamous sea li-

ons that claimed the area their home in1989, is a humorous site. These bachelorsbark and play and pile on one another,oblivious to the crowds that gather towatch. Boaters dare not challenge theforces of nature and enter sea lion territo-ry, unless they want their boats raided bythese powerful creatures.

Further down Pier 39 is a little moregritty. The Ghiradeli Square is locatedfurther down Pier 39 and worth the walkfor a hot fudge sundae, where the fudge ismade on-site. Along the way, stop in tothe famous Beaudin Bakery for a sour-dough bread sandwich or clam chowder.The bakery also sells breads molded inthe shape of alligators, turtles and otheramusing creatures. Older tourist shops arelined across the street.

We also took a boat ride onthe Blue and Gold Fleet. Ourtour included sailing under theSan Francisco Bridge passingAlcatraz while listening tofascinating narrations aboutthe area. Alcatraz has its ownboat tour. The island, just one

mile out, once held captive the country’smost clever criminals and gangsters. Itearned bragging rights among the law-breakers. Those imprisoned inside lookominously through the bars knowing thattheir freedom lies one mile away. Even ifone managed to escape the cell, the coldwaters and strong currents would not letan escapee reach, which is why the loca-tion was ideal.

The hilly San Francisco terrain re-quires comfortable shoes. But there areplenty of options for transportation in-cluding the BART (underground transitsystem), the classic cable cars, the MUNI(bus system) and of course taxi. Forsomething different, ride a rickshaw orhorse carriage.

The downtown area is a popular desti-nation with great shopping and museums.The famous pointed TransAmericanSkyscraper towers above. Westfield is asensory feast with great shopping and eat-ing. Everything can be found there fromBloomingdale’s to boutiques. The food isgreat. Chinese, Italian and other ethnici-ties are well represented.

Golden Gate Park is a massive sanctu-ary with everything from meticulousJapanese Gardens to rugged old trees towild bison. Children can play and adultscan awe over the unique vegatation of theregion.

San Francisco claims the country’smost crooked street, Lombard Street.Within the Mission District is MissionDolores, the oldest building in San Fran-cisco and well preserved with rich arti-facts.

Another charming spot is Sausolitowhere unique stores, shops, wineries andart fill the streets which reside along theharbor. We had to include wine tasting inour excursion and I chose the “dessertwine” collection.

Chrissy Fields, an area off the beatenpath, is a well-preserved nature centerwith a long beach. We enjoyed one after-noon on the beach under sunny skies. Thewater was cold but just sinking our feet inthe warm sand felt like an indulgence.The kids were content, and so we werecontent. We could sit, they could run andthat is the equation to happiness for theentire family. We also experienced a de-lightful picnic with full view of theBridge and Bay.

The winding, uphill roads are notoriusto San Francisco. Riding on the streetsfeels like a slow moving roller coasterride. The steep hills continuously offerfull view of roof tops and vegetation be-low. It isn’t difficult to find bird’s eyeviews with all the hilltops surrounding thearea.

People from San Francisco fall in lovewith their home. It is a mix of serene wa-terside activities and bustling downtownexcitement. Together, they provide thebest of the both worlds. The area is rich incultural arts.

Cultural appetites will be well satisfied.There is everything from the cleverly ar-chitecdesigned MoMA (Museum of Mod-ern Art ), Asian Art and historical Mar-itime museum.

North Beach is San Francisco’s “LittleItaly.” Go here for authentic Italian food.

Chinatown will transport you to Asiawith authentic foods and shops.

Of course, there is Napa Valley forwine connosieurs. There are several dif-ferent tours to choose from to get scenicdoses and of course, wine doses withinthe area.

Whenever visiting new places,decideahead of time where you want to go.There are always the popular tourist desti-nations but I think it adds richness to thetotal travel experience to go off the beatenpath and hang where the locals are. Youreally learn the place when you see thepeople. Our San Francisco trip was theperfect blend of tourist sites and not-so-well-known stops. So is San Francisco foryou? Well if you like good food, shop-ping, boating, museums and the culturalarts, then you should have a good time.


BTravel

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THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27 - OCTOBER 3, 2007

Plenty to do on water and land in

San Francisco

A Golden Experience

San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island bask in the moon’s milky glow over San Francisco

photo by Matthew Bowen

San Francisco’s cable cars are ridden b 10 million people a year.SFCVB photo Fisherman’s Wharf is one San Francisco’s most popular destinations.

photo by Lewis Sommer

1 B THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE August 14 -August 20, 2008 www.thetennesseetribune.com THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE August 14 -August 20, 2008 www.thetennesseetribune.com

BTravel

Get ready to splash and be splashed! SeaWorld, home to America’s favorite killer whale, Shamu, entertains visitors with a phenomenal show called “Believe.” It is an awe inspiring show with breathtaking jumps taken by the massive predator.

But there is much more to SeaWorld than just Shamu. See penguins, sharks, sea lions, dolphins and otters in humorous and innovative shows. The park has done an amazing job in incorporating a couple of newer rides with entertaining shows that the entire family will enjoy.

Get ready to endure high speed coaster called Kraken. It will take its adventurous riders on twists, turns and loops at topspeed.

Journey to Atlantis is a magical journey into the Lost World which combines --- exhilarating drops.

Beer anyone? The Brewmaster’s Club provides each visitor one complimentary beer of choice

Choose from a classic BudLight with lime or go for something more daring as Beachbum.

Clyde and Seamore is a hilarious live performance that is just as humorous to kids as adults. Enjoy Odyssea, an indoor circus with an ocean theme.

SeaWorld provides a full day of fun with many shows to choose from, whether a stunt water ski show or Pets Ahoy! which is a humorous act utilizing house pets rescued by SeaWorld’s own vet.

Reserve a day for Aquatica, SeaWorld’s very own waterpark filled with water thrills. This is where water lovers will find every type of water slide, from plunges to intricate winding slides.

The dolphin plunge includes just what the name says, a plunge with dolphins swimming around the enclosed part of the slide.

The lazy river will give onlookers a better view of the dolphins since it isn’t speeding down an incline.

Visitors can double and sometimes triple up on some of the water thrills. Each tube holds two to three people. Giant inner tubes will take guests down all kinds of winding tubes, some are fully open, some partially enclosed.

Kids have plenty of areas to enjoy.

When visiting Orlando, choosing a hotel can be tough. The abundance of accommodations can make it difficult to narrow down what to pick. I chose the Peabody on International Drive. It is home to the classic duck march and is just as humorous as it is impressive.

Duckmaster Dave selects an honorary master to accompany him to the rooftop where the ducks are housed. The red carpet helps the ducks get to the elevator and down the aisle where a group of spectators await the waddling performers.

Wanting to swim laps or just wade? A luxurious outdoor lap pool is inviting any

time of day. The room I stayed

in was a suite which combined three hotel rooms. It had its own private balcony

At night, I could see fireworks from the major parks, east and west. It was a spectacular display.

“The Peabody Orlando’s continuing success is due to our consistent, hotel wide commitment to providing our guests an unprecedented level of service and comfort, a blend of meticulous attention to all aspects of operations, and the extraordinary level of Peabody Service Excellence® provided by our associates,” said Alan C. Villaverde, executive vice president, Peabody Hotels, and general manager of the luxury, landmark hotel on International Drive.

If you are looking for aquatic fun, then head to SeaWorld and Aquatica. It will entertain the whole family. Stay at the Peabody and experience comfort and quality.

Get Splashed!

Universal offers theme parks and convenient on-site stay

Renuka Christoph

The Peabody on International Drive offers luxury and convenience to guests

One of the trainers receives a kiss from Shamu

A young visitor emerges from the pool after daring to dive down an Aquatica slide

SeaWorld and Aquatica deliver waves of fun

1 B THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE August 7-August 13, 2008 www.thetennesseetribune.com THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE August 7-August 13, 2008 www.thetennesseetribune.com

BTravel

Superheros, The Simpsons, Dr. Suess, Margaritaville. . .what is the connection? You will find rides, parks and attractions based on these popular fav’s at Universal theme parks. Universal of Orlando has designed its own haven, with an abundance of fun and stimulation for adults and little ones.

Stay at one of three on-site properties, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel or Royal Pacific Resort. A four-consecutive night stay will include Universal park passes.

Classic rock fans can now enjoy a hotel base on The Hard Rock Cafe theme. Portofino Bay is a remarkable replica of the Italian seaside with colorful buildings lined against the water. The Royal Pacific, where I stayed, offers a taste of the South Pacific with warm aloha greetings from its employees. The hotel is themed after the islands and brings the tropics right into each room.

Staying on-site at any of the three hotels is a convenient way to vacation. There is a free water taxi to Universal Studios, Islands of

Adventure and CityWalk. The room key gives priority access to the rides and attractions within the parks.

With a two-day pass, visitors can enjoy one at Universal Studios and the other at Islands of Adventure.

Universal Studios brings the thrills, shrills and humor of popular shows in the form of various attractions. Men In Black gives its visitors a chance to shoot the earth-invading aliens. The moving car spins around as aliens come from every corner.

Shrek and Jimmy Neutron will entertain not only the young visitors, but also the older ones. The animated characters deliver a first class show with special effects and humor.

The newest attraction ride is The Simpsons. It brings the classic into a 3D thrill that is worth the wait. Other movies that are represented at Universal include Jaws, ET, The Mummy and Twister.

Islands of Adventure is where thrill seekers will find their amusement.

An adrenaline rush is felt as ominous music blairs over the speakers

of a boulevard dedicated to superheroes. The Hulk rollercoaster ride offers one mean g-force speed through the green turns and loops. It boasts of the same energy as a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter attack jet.

The Spiderman ride brings the Marvel comic to edge of the moving tram. It is a 3-D experience inside the secret life of Peter Parker.

Another sure pleasure for coaster fans is the Dueling Dragons. Dueling Dragons offers its slayers a daring ride with two coasters overlapping each other and in the end, barely colliding at the last second. To add to the thrill, there is no base on each coaster so riders might want to remove flip flops as their feet will dangle through all the turns and spins.

There are live performances which are a good balance after the high speed, state-of-the-art coasters. Quality productions maintain the positive experience of the park.

Fun for adults and amusing for kids is the Dr. Suess Landing. The colorful, thematic rides and shops bring Dr. Suess characters to gigantic

proportions, fun for everyone to look at. The comical characters and surroundings put all ages in a whimsical mood.

Paleontologists will appreciate an entire area designated for Jurassic Park. Entering the stone gates and listening to the theme song from the movie makes visitors want to take on a dinosaur adventure. The Jurassic Park River Adventure rides, shops, restaurants and a discovery area will leave a fossilized impression upon guests.

Citywalk is the area between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. There is an array of fun restaurants and shops, and nightlife. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, NBA Cafe and Food Network’s Emeril are just some of the unique places to dine.

When considering the next family vacation, consider an all-inclusive Universal experience with convenient and comfortable on-site accommodations and out-of-this-world parks that everyone will love.

Universal is a good time for every age group, which is the winning ticket for the perfect family getaway!

A Universal Experience in OrlandoUniversal offers theme parks and convenient on-site stay

Renuka Christoph

The Royal Pacific at Universal

CityWalkIslands of Adventure

The Hulk Rollercoaster

Dr. Suess Landing

1 B THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE www.thetennesseetribune.com

BTravel

You won’t get cabin fe-ver within these walls. In fact, the experience is the antithesis within the luxu-rious resort located in Wis-consin Dells. The Wilder-ness Hotel & Golf Resort. is a great getaway for the entire family during sum-mer or winter months. The resort offers the length of over 12 football fields of waterparks, play areas, restaurants and an award winning spa for the ulti-mate relaxation.

The indoor and outdoor waterparks target all ages with plenty of daring wa-terslides, a wave pool and more. For the younger ages, there are separate play areas. The cabins are plush and cozy. The condo I stayed in had a stone fire-place in the living room with a flat screen above, providing a great gather-ing area after a tiring day at the park. The kitchen was fully equipped to ac-commodate all culinary needs. SUNDARA SPA

One of the greatest spa experiences I have had was at the Sundara Spa, rated among the best in the country. The winding drive into the woods as-sures visitors they are en-tering a secluded area far from crowds and noise. There are plenty of scrubs, wraps, massages and other treatments for guests to choose from. Ayurvedic techniques are utilized

during each of the treat-ments.

The mineral bath gives guests an opportunity to detoxify with a series of simple steps. Exfoliate with product made from local ingredients. Next enter the steam room, fol-lowed by the mineral bath. The challenge- a plunge in the very “cool pool” to to-tally detoxify the body.

I chose a fragrance oil with my Swedish Massage though there is the option of a non- fragrance oil. I even sported a swim in the outdoor heated pool in twenty degrees with fall-ing snow. It was probably the most exhilarating swim ever taken. There is also an outdoor hot tub. The only sounds are the bubbling waters in the heart of the Wisconsin woods. There are suites available within the Sundara Spa as well. The tranquil lounge has a giant picturesque window with full view of the out-doors.

One of the greatest fea-tures of the Wilderness Lodge is its conduciveness during all four seasons. Whether braving the water attractions outside during warm months or inside during cold temps, visitors are sure to find plenty of amusing attractions.

Wisconsin Dells is the Gatlinburg of the Midwest with amusement parks, waterparks, and plenty of attractions. Find tempting

fudge and candy shops, quaint stores and more at-tractions downtown. There are several parks and thrill rides throughout the Dells as well as the world fa-mous Duck Rides which take guests on land and water. And of course, stop at a cheese chalet for some of the Dairyland’s finest.

Stay tuned next week for Wilderness part II, which will cover the brand new Wilderness Lodge resort in the Smokies.

The Wilderness

Hotel & Golf Resort, America’s premier waterpark resort of-fers the perfect loca-tion for any fun-filled family getaway.

All of its indoor and outdoor waterparks are exclusively for resort guests. In ad-dition, hotel guests receive discounted golf rates, and a com-plimentary shuttle service is available to take guests wher-ever they want to go on resort grounds. Guests can also sign up for a frequent stay Perks program for special offers.

Visit www.wilder-nessresort.com/ for more information.

An aerial view of the indoor waterpark

The Sundara Spa brings rest and relaxation for all guests

The Bonanza Bluff Bucket Dump

Renuka Christoph

Slip into the WildernessThe Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort in Wisconsin Dells

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 - MARCH 31, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, MARCH 26 - MARCH 31, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 BTRAVEL

The growing trend of spa getaways is becoming a vital part of stress free living for many Americans. The daily life pressures lead to emotional and physical stress build up which need to be released. The right spa experience will provide total body detox and relax-ation. ARIA in Las Vegas is an excellent choice for a unique spa experience as it weaves elements of nature within each of the rooms. Recommended is the Thai Poultice Massage which offers 5 different essential oils. Aroma therapy oils re-duce inflammation, increase metabolism, release muscle tension, are good for diges-tion and are anti-fungal. “I want to give each guest the most unforgettable spa ex-perience,” states massage therapist Pablo Poloni.

Synchronizing balance and beauty, The Spa at ARIA invites guests into a peace-ful haven where nature’s healing properties take center stage. Salt, stone, earth, fire and water join to create a spa experience that elevates guests to a medita-tive state for introspection and relaxation. The two-level, 80,000-square-foot Spa at ARIA Resort & Ca-sino features 62 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, an advanced fitness center, boutique, poolside spa ca-

banas and Las Vegas’ first co-ed spa balcony, featur-ing an outdoor infinity-edge pool and views of ARIA’s spectacular poolscape. In addition to skincare and massage rooms, The Spa features ashiatsu, couple’s massage, thai massage, hydro-therapy and vichy rooms, as well as three ex-clusive spa suites.

“The Spa at ARIA de-livers a fresh and progres-sive experience influenced by unique spa rituals from around the world,” said Mi-chelle Wilkos, director of Spa and Salon Operations, ARIA Resort & Casino. “Our guests enjoy treat-ments tailored to address their individual needs and help them achieve a higher level of meditation.”

SPA ELEMENTS• Celebrating Nature.

Guests are welcomed by a tranquil stone and water garden adorned with sacred Japanese Aji stones, blessed in Japan to inspire calm-ness and tranquility. Natu-ral light, flowing through floor-to-ceiling windows, awakens the senses and dances in harmony with the water garden in a mesmer-izing rhythm. Soothing music and signature scents ease guests’ tension as pan-oramic views of Las Vegas’ sprawling mountain ranges and ARIA’s lush poolscape

evoke peace and prepare guests for a mental escape.

• Treatment Rooms and Relaxation Lounges. Treatment room walls are made from earthy soil to provide an indigenous, warm feeling. A unique Shio Salt Room features a wall of illuminated salt bricks that encourage the healing of skin irritations and upper respiratory prob-lems. Adorned with salt lamps and lounge chairs that provide vibration ther-apy in rhythm to sensual music, the Shio Salt Room also features salt-infused air which leaves guests with radiant and dewy skin. A second relaxation area, the Ganbanyoku Stone Bed room, is the only in the country to offer Japanese stone beds. During a gan-banyoku treatment, guests relax upon a bed of heated black mineral stone that emits negative ions and far-infrared rays. In addition to soothing muscles, the treatment helps improve blood circulation, increases metabolism and eliminates toxins from the body. A Fire Lounge serves as a place for relaxation prior to or following treatments.

• Spa Suites. ARIA features three private spa suites, each serving as a personal “spa within a spa.” Each 800-square-

foot suite includes luxuri-ous amenities; a striking design complemented by serene Aji stone walls and natural light; a lounge area with entertainment offer-ings, vanity, lockers, a per-sonal steam shower and a three-person hydrotherapy tub. Guests are able to cus-tomize their journey from the selection of first-class spa and salon services and gourmet dining options to flower arrangements, gift baskets and more. Suites serve up to eight people, and spa packages range from a 3-hour series of treatments to the 12-hour VIP experience.

• Co-Ed Balcony. All guests are welcome to visit The Spa’s co-ed balcony and enjoy the outdoor infin-ity-edge therapy pool. Re-sembling a Japanese open-air hot bath (“rotenburo”), guests can experience a sense of freedom while en-joying views of the resort’s main pool deck.

The outdoor is a breath-taking view of the city in contrast to the meditation rooms which take visitors to a place of quiet. The

• Salon. The salon fea-tures 16 stylist stations, six color stations, four makeup stations, 12 manicure sta-tions, 15 pedicure stations, one barber station and one waxing station. Floor-to-

ceiling windows near the color and makeup stations provide abundant natural light and views of CityCen-ter.

• Skin and Hair Care Partners. The Spa and Sa-lon feature specialty prod-ucts including Kalologie Skincare, offering a signa-ture facial treatment that provides clinical-strength anti-aging benefits and de-livers visible rejuvenation; Swissclinical, a sustainable line spotlighted in a signa-ture facial treatment that uses formulas that are free from parabens, colorants, mineral oils and other ir-ritants; Kinara Skin Care, exclusively presented in the Red Carpet Facial treat-ment, brightens guests’ skin and produces a radiant glow; Akhassa skin care uses natural ingredients such as exotic Asian plants and herbs to enhance ho-listic health; Moroccanoil incorporates pure Argan oil to calm, hydrate and soothe the hair and scalp without residue buildup; Oribe Hair Care features exclusive, artisanal blends of the fin-est hair formulations for the glamorous and hair-ob-sessed; B. the Product de-livers day-to-day fabulous hair; and Rock & Republic offers a sophisticated and edgy cosmetic line.

• Fitness Center. The

16,000-square-foot fitness center showcases a combi-nation of 44 cardio pieces, 20 treadmills, 10 full-body cross trainers, three lower-body cross trainers, five recumbent bikes, three up-right bikes, two espresso bikes and one body ergo meter; each have Direct Channel Access and iPod connections. The fitness center also features top-of-the-line free weights and CYBEX strength equip-ment as well as group ex-ercise studios. Personal training is available in ei-ther private or group ses-sions.

• Boutique. The Spa Boutique highlights an indulgent collection of beauty and spa offerings, as well as eco-conscious lifestyle-driven apparel, products, home accessories and jewelry.

• Spa Cabanas. Bathing in the lap of luxury, guests can experience spa services poolside at ARIA. Located on ARIA’s pool deck ad-jacent to The Spa, cooling massage treatments and a roaming massage staff keep guests invigorated during Las Vegas’ hot sum-mer months.

“My goal is to pamper my guests and I hope to have them return to expe-rience other treatments,” concludes Pablo.

The Salt Room at The ARIA Spa

The co-ed terrace and pool offer a spectacular view of the City and the mountains

Renuka Christoph

The Spa at ARIA

Hot Tubs to further enhance the spa experience

ARIA in Las Vegas

THURSDAY, JULY 8 - JULY 14, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, JULY 22 - JULY 28, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B

So often overlooked by visitors are the gold mines that only the local diggers know of. To gallop off of the beaten path can be a daunting task. Here is a cheat sheet for the heart of Texas- San Antonio.

Places to VisitKing William Nation-

al Historic District is a lively, eclectic area where artistic expression thrives and culture abounds. Ger-man immigrants are cred-ited for establishing the area and building luxurious mansions influenced by Greek, Victorian, and Ital-ian architecture. Ernst Alt-gelt, named the main street of the District after King Wilhelm I of Prussia.

Enjoy art galleries and fine dining. Find colorful prints and reflections of San Antonio in various art forms.

Join the annual King William Fair which will be held April 16, 2011 to cel-

ebrate the artisans of the area.

The Mercado Market demands the attention of even the most disinterest-ed shopper with authentic Mexican artifacts such as the Day of the Dead sculpt-ed dolls and Hispanic pot-tery. An abundance of food and live music complete the experience.

Meet third generation cement artist Carlos Cor-tés. Cortés has carried on the legacy of crafting visu-ally stunning cement sculp-tures. The faux bois bus stops, benches and more can be seen throughout San Antonio.

The German town of Gruene, 25 miles south of San Antonio, is full of char-acter and historical charm. It is proud to be home of the oldest dance hall with the original stage and fix-tures still in tact.

Gruene Hall, built in 1872, was established by

German settlers on the Gua-dalupe River. Loose wood-en floorboard planks and a corrugated tin roof enclose the historical landmark.

Be amused at the Gen-eral Store where there’s “Something for Everyone”. Enjoy a 5 cent coffee at the soda fountain and get a laugh at the Texan humor flaunted on t-shirts, mugs and other unique collect-ables throughout the store.

The store was founded by Henry Gruene “to serve the needs of the sharecroppers who lived on his land and raised cotton.” Gruene is an ideal overnight destina-tion with offering an ample accommodations including the Gruene Mansion Inn in New Braunfels .

The San Antonio Japa-nese Tea Garden, or Sunk-en Gardens Japanese Tea Garden blossomed out of an abandoned lime-stone rock quarry in the early 20th century. Intricate

walkways, bridges and a Japanese pagoda frame the transformed quarry.

The Japanese Torii gate welcomes visitors into a dose of paradise. The water is full of giant, colorful koi fish, turtles and ducks.

The Garden was near abandonment due to van-dalism and neglect until the San Antonio Mayor stepped up in the 1980’s to restore the historic site.

Places to EatMi Tierra Cafe & Bak-

ery is a must stop, off of the Riverwalk. Guests are greeted with visually stun-ning Latino colors both in the decor and the glass dessert display. The ceil-ing is a work of art with Mexican artifacts covering every inch. Little did Pete and Cruz Cortez know that their 1940’s three table cafe would one day be a 24-hour local favorite.

Located in Market Square, El Mercado, the

food selections are a blend of Mexican flavor. Go for the Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole, which is 2 Chicken Enchiladas topped with mole sauce. The sauce con-sists of dried chili peppers, ground nuts and Mexican chocolate (cacao ground with sugar and cinnamon and occasionally nuts).

Rosario is where the food is “made with love.” Owner Lisa Wong takes great pride in bringing homemade recipes to the kitchen. The Latino beat and flair promise festivity and flavor. The food is ten-derly prepared and offers a burst of southwest flavor.

The award winning sal-sa, mouthwatering ceviche, fish tacos and rich bread pudding make for a perfect meal.

Rudy’s, home of “the worst barbeque” does not live up to its name. The downhome, backyard pit barbeque delivers flavorful

smoked ribs, turkey, beef brisket and an amazing sweet cream corn. Enjoy Texas’ own Shiner Beer.

A patriotic support to its community, Rudy’s do-nated $10,000 to each army base for wounded warriors and provides military fam-ily with a 10% discount.

The Oasis in Austin is the second largest res-taurant in the nation, and among the most scenic. Built along the hillside of Lake Travis, the view will have visitors believe they are perched along a Gre-cian hillside. Eighty miles from San Antonio, The Oa-sis is an impressive venue complete with salsa dance lessons on the third floor.

San Antonio will have visitors two steppin’ south-western style in total bliss. All ages will enjoy the cul-ture and variety of activi-ties, shopping, flavors and scenic terrain deep in the heart of Texas.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

San Antonio

Carlos Cortés’ cement artwork studio on 1101 South St. Mary’s Street

The San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden

A mariachi band serenades visitors at Mi Tierra

The Mercado Market offers a unique shopping experience

The Gruene General Store takes visitors back to simpler times

(LEFT) Local Helen Cintron enjoyslive music at Greuene Hall

(BELOW) Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Que in San Antonio. It is one of several locations in Texas

Fish Tacos at Rosario’s

Renuka Christoph

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2011 1 BThe Tennessee Tribune

As families search for the perfect vacation get-away, there is a southern gem which will satisfy all ages. San Destin Golf and Beach Resort is a hole in one. The resort provides its guests total comfort and quality along the ocean. The drive from Nashville is a convenient eight-hour journey.

Upon arriving at the resort, guests will feel warmly welcomed in one of the luxurious accom-modations. There are full kitchens in all condos and townhomes larger than a one bedroom. All studios even have a microwave and mini-fridge. Families can save money by eating in and have the conve-nience of a washer/dryer in the unit.

Plenty can be enjoyed on a tight budget. There are four hours of free bi-cycle rental for two people per day, one hour of free canoe or kayak and one hour of tennis court time.

Ready for some ad-venture? Grab a paddle

and either a kayak or the YOLO board. “You Only Live Once” so why not YOLO? The standing surf board with a paddle pro-vides a wide surface area. It is best described as a surfboard-kayak hybrid.

Golfers get ready and pick your course. A 2,400-acre premier destina-tion resort in Northwest Florida and home of the 2006 PGA Champions Tour Boeing Champion-ship at Sandestin, San Destin Golf offers one of the best combinations of quality and variety among golf resorts in the South-east. There are 72 holes of golf on four championship courses, including Raven Golf Club, Burnt Pine Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club and The Links Course. Designed by three world-renowned golf course ar-chitects, each distinctive course makes use of the surrounding landscape, from wetlands to marshes and beach to bay to offer golfers of all skill levels different challenges and

experiences.Baytowne Golf Club

was renovated in the sum-mer of 2005 by original course architect Tom Jack-son and recognized by Golf Digest’s Places to Play with 4 ½ Stars.

With a routing that takes guests from the beach to the bay, and boasts some of the only elevation change in the area, Baytowne Golf Club is as forgiving from the forward tees as it is chal-lenging from the cham-pionship ones. The addi-tion of a fifth set of junior tees makes Baytowne Golf Club a great place for be-ginners to learn the game, or pick up the pace for an afternoon executive round.

And then there is the beach, one of the most beautiful in the country. The white sand canvases the coast as emerald blue waters glisten under the sun. The mild manner of the ocean waters of the panhandle are a calm in-vite. Sandestin is located

on more than seven miles of beach and bayfront property between Pensac-ola and Panama City, just eight miles east of Destin.

San Destin Golf and Beach Resort even has its own village square. The Baytown Village is lined with a unique array of shops, dining and treats. Boutiques and kid friend-ly stores such as the Magic Shop will amuse shoppers.

Young visitors will be entertained by the numer-ous activities including rock climbing, a zip line, a rope line course and a massive play area.

Be sure to grab a gelato at San Gelato. The frozen treat will tantalize every taste bud with an abun-dance of flavors. The own-ers describe how authen-tic gelato differs from ice cream in that it has a lower fat content, lower air con-tent, and even though they belong to the ice cream category, they are sub-stantially different. Gelato contains a little cream and has a smooth and velvety

consistency because of the delicate process, not the cream. Air is an important component in making Gelato and one of the key differences between gelato and ice cream. Most im-portant, it is less fat. The taste...magnifico!

If the plan for the eve-ning is a casual dinner with a view, Hammer-head’s is a good choice. I recommend a tuna sand-wich which consists of a hearty, freshly caught steak. The deck offers one of the best sunset views.

For some breakfast food, whether morning, noon or evening, the Bro-ken Egg will fix a hearty appetite. The Florid-ian omelette is filled with cream cheese and topped with fresh crab. For a bit more traditional fare, go for the Popeye which is an omelette stuffed with ba-con, spinach and cheese. A delightful starter is the Brie platter, served warm, topped with pecans, al-monds and raisins.

For fine dining, check

out the Ocean Club. The chef ’s specialty is Grou-per Pontchartrain which consists of a fillet of fresh gulf grouper dredged in seasoned flour, sauteed golden brown, topped with a pan fried colossal soft-shell blue crab and finished with toasted pe-cans, almonds and a house meuniere & beurre blanc sauces.

For a sweet rest stop, visit Priester’s Pecans. The candy maker boasts of hand dipping pecans and candies the old fash-ion way. There are pecans of various flavors, avail-able for sampling. Weary travelers will be refreshed by the smell and sites with a viewing area on the sec-ond floor. Enjoy some fudge, ice cream and a cup of gourmet coffee and browse around the gift shop full of dazzling trin-kets.

Ready for warmth, white sand and turquoise water? Then visit www.sandestin.com for details on the perfect getaway.

Relaxin’ in San Destin San Destin Golf and Beach Resort

San Destin Golf and Beach Resort offers its guests a variety of accommodation options, dining, shopping and activities

(Family Features) According to a national survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 50 percent of today’s road warriors say that life as a business traveler is easier and more productive now than it was 10 years ago.

Travel tech expert Katie Linen-doll recently teamed up with Hy-att Place to provide tips on the best gadgets and amenities for making life easier on the road.

“A smart phone is a must,” she says. Here are some of her favor-ite travel uses for it - beyond the obvious:

* GPS: These devices can cost

up to $20 a day with your rental car, so ditch that extra cost and use your phone.

* Mobile hotspots: It’s an addi-tional $20 or more on your plan, but is worth it for fast Internet connectivity for your laptop, net-book or tablet.

* Apps: One of my favorites to use is the Camera ZOOM FX app. I also use local apps like Around-Me to find restaurants, ATMs, shops or the local FedEx to ship work or supplies back home.

When it comes to finding a ho-tel, Linendoll recommends find-ing one that lets you stay fully connected. “Look for hotels like Hyatt Place, which offers free Wi-Fi, 24/7 food options, and a layout that smartly integrates technology so it’s easy to work on the go,” she says.

For more tips and travel ideas, and to enter for a chance to win a head-to-toe business traveler makeover, which is worth more than $8,000 and includes many of Linendoll’s must-have gadgets, visit www.facebook.com/hyatt-place.

Travel Tech for Today’s Road Warrior

Ocean Club Restaurant serves exquisite cuisine San Gelato displays irresistible creamy treats Another Broken Egg Cafe’s creative and hearty menu issure to satisfy all

Renuka Christoph

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2- DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2- DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B

Enjoy • Relax • Play

FRENCH LICK, IN —Take a four hour drive and find a hidden jewel in French Lick, IN.

Upon arriving in the lobby of the French Lick Springs Hotel, visitors are welcomed by ornate French detail and luxury. It is the perfect blend of class and conduciveness for the entire family.

Its counterpart, West Baden Springs Hotel re-cently restored its grand rotunda, which is sur-rounded by beautifully furnished guest rooms.

The hotels at French Lick Resort are located in the Hoosier National For-est, where many mineral water springs freely flow. Residuals of salt on the rocks from the springs at-tracted deer and buffalo to lick the salt off the rocks, hence leading to the name French Lick.

West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Hotel exemplify

French artisan class and comfort in the heart of the Midwest.

There is something for everyone at the expansive resorts and surrounding areas.

Kids will be entertained at Pluto’s Alley, an indoor bowling alley with a pizza parlor and bar. Bowling and Pizza nights will en-terain kids while adults can enjoy the resrot. The Kidsfest activity center, a facility designed for ages 6-12, is run by trained counselors so the entire family is promised a good time.

The Stables at French Lick offer horse rides, pony rides and carriage rides. Bikers and hikers can enjoy the property on such trails as the Buffalo Trace Trail, an upward climb of 6 miles.

Golf enthusiasts can choose from one of three courses designed by golf pros Donald Ross, Pete

Dye and Tom Bendelow. The Pete Dye Indiana Golf Course offers fine dining at the Pete Dye Mansion.

And for the perfect downtime, relax at either The Spa at West Baden or French Lick. The Spa at West Baden offers a two-level natatorium with a full-service spa, 12 treat-ment rooms, a full-service salon and health club with an indoor lap pool. The Spa at French Lick offers 24 rooms and the legend-ary Pluto Mineral Bath.

Experience a holiday glow with the Classic Fa-cial which consists of a synergistic complex and mild enzyme peel. A ther-apeutic hand, shoulder and foot massage is included. The spa provides the per-fect balance of tranquility after a round in the casino.

Take a dive in the pool or relax in the hot tub which is outdoor at French Lick or indoor at West Baden.

Choose from area at-tractions as Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort, part of French Lick, The Indiana Railway Museum and more.

Find more information, visit www.frenchlick.com.

The Holidays are a special time of year at French Lick Resort

The premier Midwest resort destination pulls out all the stops to create a fes-tive atmosphere, wonder-ful holiday entertainment and lots of opportunities for families and friends to create memories that will last a lifetime. Here are the top ten reasons to visit French Lick for this holi-day season:

Pretty as a picture, West Baden Springs Hotel spar-kles even more during the holidays. Your holiday experience begins as you travel through the lit arch-way and onto the grounds of the magnificent wonder.

The cobblestone driveway lined with festively lit trees, twinkling gardens and old-world charm sets the scene for what’s to come.

Step inside this ultimate holiday destination and your jaw will drop at the sight of the holiday show-piece that rises from the center of the atrium. The 40 foot tree with nearly 50,000 lights is a sight in and of itself, but, the base makes it even more dramatic. The 8 foot high perch pays homage to the angel murals found high above the dome in a secret room.

Just a mile away, French Lick Springs Hotel is a sparkling holiday won-derland in its own right. From the 40 foot outdoor tree with vintage toys that greets you as you arrive to the more than 25 differ-ent trees situated around the hotel, holiday spirit is found around every cor-

ner. Festive vignettes and beautiful backdrops create the perfect locations for your holiday photos.

Holiday music has a way of instantly bringing back memories of sea-sons past while provid-ing a soundtrack for new ones. Holiday music this season will include every-thing from a piano soloist to a full blown Broadway-style show.

Hoff, Longoria, Reich-ard and Spencer Live in Concert with a Holiday Twist!Reuniting 4 Stars from The Original Broadway Cast of Jersey BoysSaturday, December 18Time: 8 p.m.Tickets: $35 - $95

The Holiday Twist Tour reunites four stars from the Original Cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. The Tony Award winning Broadway hit tells the turbulent story of Frankie Valli and the Four Sea-

TRIBUNE|FEATURE

French Lick Resort, IN

The Lobby of French Lick Springs provides a grand entrance to the impressive resort

The lap pool at West Baden

Visitor enjoy the pool at French Lick Springs

Enjoy unique shopping at the French Lick Resort

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2- DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 2 B THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2- DECEMBER 8, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 3 B

Advertise

615-321-3268

The Tennessee Tribune

sons’ rise to fame. In addi-tion to hits from the play, Hoff, Longoria, Reichard and Spencer will be sing-ing your favorite Holiday hits with a 60’s Twist as well as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Jackson Five, The Mamas and The Papas, The Four Seasons and more. We dare you not to tap your toes!

Christmas with the Wright BrothersDecember 26 – 29Times: 6:30 p.m. Dinner • 7:30 p.m. ShowTickets: $45

French Lick’s own Wright family brings their brand of holiday standards alive along with stories of growing up and spending Christmas in Springs Val-ley. The holiday dinner show will run nightly in the Windsor Ballroom.

Dickens CarolersSaturdays, November 27

and December 4, 11 & 18Time: 2 – 4 p.m.Price: Free of charge

If you had a chance to catch the Dickens Carol-ers last year, you know this highly-talented quin-tet has a large reper-toire of holiday classics and performs them with amazing harmony. Check out the group on Saturday afternoons at the West Baden Springs Hotel and you will not be disap-pointed.

You can get into the holiday spirit with live music on Friday and Sat-urday nights in the West Baden Springs Hotel atri-um from 6 – 9 p.m. Friday nights you will discover holiday tunes on the piano and Saturday nights will feature crowd-favorite Sarah Stivers.

Santa can be pretty busy this time of year, but there’s a good chance you will find the jolly old fel-

low during many of the resort’s holiday activities.

Santa Meet and GreetSaturdays, November 27 and December 4, 11 & 18Time: 2 – 5 p.m.Price: $5 keepsake photo

Every child dreams of meeting Santa in person. Bring your kids to Santa’s Gingerbread Forest and remember the moment for years to come with a keepsake photo.

Story Time with Mrs. ClausFridays and Saturdays, November 26, 27 and De-cember 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18Time: 7 p.m.Price: Free of charge

Grab a cookie and grab a seat near Mrs. Claus as she reads classic holiday stories.

Breakfast with SantaSundays, November 28

and December 5, 12 & 19Time: 8 – 11 a.m.Price: $13 (13 & older) • $6 (5-12 yrs old) • FREE (4 & younger)

What says the holidays more than breakfast with Santa? The young and young-at-heart will enjoy this holiday tradition of-fered every Sunday in the Grand Colonnade Restau-rant.

Gift-A-Way GiveawaySunday, November 28Time: 1 – 10 p.m.French Lick Casino

To help everyone get in the spirit of giving, we’ve got PRESENTS for YOU! Randomly selected guests will be awarded prizes ev-ery half hour! At 10 p.m., one lucky winner receives a home the-atre system valued at $2,200!

Santa’s Secret Shop

Every Thursday – Sun-day, November 18 – De-cember 19Time: 2 – 10 p.m.

Located near the en-trance of the French Lick Casino

Go on a buying spree in Santa’s Secret Shop before he delivers every-thing on Christmas Eve! Order what you want and pay for it with your Rewards Points! Choose from toys, games, elec-tronics and much more.

There is also a program of scheduled activities available now through

December 20 including Bowling with the Elves, Holiday Movies, Holiday KidCooks, Holiday Party and open play.

Families have come to the French Lick Resort for over 100 years to cel-ebrate the season. Cen-trally located in the heart of the Midwest, the resort makes a perfect gathering place for relatives from near and far. Special ho-tel packages, delicious holiday meals and enter-tainment options for the whole family make holi-day planning a breeze.

(NAPSI)-Four to five minutes-that could be the difference between whether or not your return home from vacation is ruined by a burglar.

According to experts, that’s the maximum time most thieves will spend trying to break into a house be-fore giving up in search of easier prey. That holds true year-round, whether you’re blissfully off on a winter ski getaway or spending the summer on the beach.

“People don’t realize that going on vacation can be an invitation for would-be thieves,” says Mike Conv-ery, vice president and chief claim of-ficer at MetLife Auto & Home®. “Or that the average burglary will result in a loss of more than $2,000.”

In fact, the Insurance Informa-tion Institute indicates nine out of 10 break-ins could have been prevented if homeowners had burglar-proofed their properties. The simple act of locking your doors before leaving home can go a long way toward deterring a burglar. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 50 percent of bur-glars use an unlocked door or window to gain access to a home.

How else can you avoid returning to a home that’s been ransacked? Read on for some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” from the experts:

DON’T advertise you’re away. Ar-range to have the lawn mowed, put lights and electronics on variable timers, and-to really complete the il-lusion-ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway.

DO make would-be thieves feel both exposed and contained. Choose picket or chain-link fencing instead of solid fencing to create a physical barri-er that’s less easy to hide behind. Keep hedges clipped to around waist level.

DON’T hesitate to rearrange things. Those expensive belongings, includ-ing TVs and stereo systems, might as well have a sign on them saying “Take Me” if they’re left in plain view from windows and doors.

DO get an assist from technology. A solar-powered, motion-sensor light-which doesn’t require an electrician to install-illuminates your property so that lurking intruders are easier for neighbors and passing patrol cars to spot.

DON’T hide keys in “secret plac-es” outside your home. Most burglars know where to look. Better to leave a duplicate with someone you trust.

DO invest in a burglar alarm. The most effective ones notify an outside service of trouble, but any kind is a good deterrent. Just make sure there’s a friend or family member available to turn it off if it’s set off in your absence.

One last thing: “In addition to those preventive measures, all homeowners should complete a personal property inventory,” says Convery. “That way, if you are burglarized, you’ll already have a detailed list of your valuables for the authorities, which can be a dif-ficult task after the fact.”

You can get a free Personal Prop-erty Inventory brochure from MetLife Auto & Home by calling (800) 608-0190.

Make Sure To Secure Your Home First

Taking a VacaTion? New Ways To Wow Them This Holiday Season(NAPSI)-While more than a quarter of the country ex-pects to celebrate Thanksgiv-ing at the same time and place this year as last year, the fare they’ll be eating may be very different indeed.

Survey Says

The latest “Juicy Secrets Sur-vey” from Char-Broil LLC discovered home cooks plan on making the menu more in-teresting than ever. The survey also uncovered a few new facts and debunked conventional wisdom about how Americans prepare and enjoy their holi-day feasts. While 40 percent of the people surveyed said they serve the same menu that

mom created, more than half say they’re open to trying new recipes or techniques to make the meal special—and a full 10 percent make it a tradition to do so each holiday.

Frying Has Fans

Frying the turkey is at the top of that “must try” list, with one in three Americans reporting they’ve eaten fried turkey. The majority said it was better than traditional oven-baked turkey. The primary reason: It’s juici-er. Of the few who didn’t like their turkey fried, more than half said it was because of the grease.

Cooks Warm to Infrared

Fortunately for them, Char- Broil has created the first oil-less infrared turkey fryer: The Big Easy. A safer and healthier alternative to traditional oil-based fryers, it uses natural infrared heat to cook moist, flavorful turkey in significant-ly less time than an ordinary oven.

Now, with The Big Easy oil-less fryer, the idea of “fry-ing” a turkey doesn’t have to mean loads of calories, safety hazards or messy cleanup at Thanksgiving.

More Timesaving Tips

Other popular ways home chefs save time and trouble in-

clude:

• Letting guests bring a side dish

• Using frozen vegetables

• Serving store-bought desserts

• Adding dry mix to get the gravy just right.

Learn More

For more information, tips and recipes, go to www.charbroil.com. The Big Easy can be pur-chased at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops and Amazon.com.

(NAPSI)-A new survey finds reassuring news in the midst of the current economic climate. Most respondents still see charitable giving as a holiday priority—and believe the holidays are a good time to encourage children to be charitable.

Among more than 3,000 adult respondents in a Build-A-Bear Workshop survey (most of them moms), 63 per-cent said their charitable giv-ing would remain about the same as last year and more than 24 percent said they would increase donations this holiday.

These responses are even more striking when com-

pared to survey results con-cerning spending in other ar-eas. For instance, more than half of the respondents plan to cut back on eating out at res-taurants and 44 percent will forgo redecorating or remod-eling their homes. However, moms are still intent on buy-ing for their kids. Just under 60 percent said their spending on children would remain the same this holiday season com-pared to last and 18 percent said it would increase. More than 60 percent said they pre-fer products that benefit chari-ties when selecting gifts.

Build-A-Bear Workshop offers a variety of options for charitable giving. For in-

stance, when guests purchase the new Turner Owl, 50 cents is donated to First Book to provide new books to children from low-income families and 50 cents is donated to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation to support other literacy and education programs.

Other furry friends benefit domestic pet programs (Jack Russell Terrier is a favorite in the Bearemy’s Kennel Pals series), children’s health and wellness causes (Champ—A Champion Fur Kids), and endangered animals and their habitats (WWF Gray Wolf).

Team up with Toys for Tots

This year, the company will again partner with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a toy drive the week-end of Dec. 3 to 5. Guests at each store will be encouraged to purchase a furry friend or bring a new toy to donate.

During the month of De-cember, guests are also in-vited to add a $1 donation (or more if they so desire) to sup-port Toys for Tots when they check out either at the store or online at buildabear.com. Last year, through the generosity of its guests, the company raised nearly $400,000 for the Toys for Tots program.

Have a “Helping Holiday”

Survey results also reveal that 70 percent of moms think there are opportunities for kids to get involved with charitable organizations. Build-A-Bear Workshop encourages young people to make a difference in their communities through its Huggable Heroes program, which recognizes leaders for

their outstanding charity ef-forts. This year’s class of 10 Huggable Heroes, ranging in age from 11 to 18, raised funds and collected items val-ued at more than $22.5 mil-lion, and they volunteer more than 650 hours of their time each month. The company asked these young experts for advice on ways to make the holidays better for others. Here are some of their ideas:

• Start a food collection drive for a homeless shelter.

• Go to a nursing home and make handmade ornaments with residents.

• Gather coats, hats and gloves for children who may not have warm clothing for the winter.

• Bake cookies and raise funds for a selected charity through a bake sale.

• Make a basket with some essentials and give it to an-other family; encourage your friends to do the same and host an event to make the baskets.

• Foster an animal at a near-by animal shelter.

• Use your individual talents to “give back.” For example, if a child plays an instrument or sings, encourage him/her to gather friends with a similar talent and contact local nurs-ing homes, senior centers and hospital pediatric wards to ar-range musical holiday perfor-mances. The positive impact of music on the recovery and immune systems of children and the elderly is significant.

For more information, visit www.buildabear.com.

Many Still Plan To Have A Helping HolidayAlive Hospice’s Dec. 3

craft sale will benefit South African hospice

A gingerbread house at French Lick Springs

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2010- JANUARY 5, 2011 1 B THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2010- JANUARY 5, 2011 1 B

Nowhere other than Chi-cago can visitors experi-ence more than 45 muse-ums, attend major league sports events, dine at res-taurants of every cuisine, enjoy theater performances and see a panoramic view from the Western Hemi-sphere’s tallest building. The Chicago Office of Tourism is pleased to as-sist families planning their summer vacations with family activities that en-gage and delight all ages.

Navy Pier – Navy Pier is free to the

public and is Chicago’s most visited tourist attrac-tion. The Pier features at-tractions such as a perma-nent 150-foot-high Ferris wheel, a musical carousel, an old-fashioned swing ride, remote control boats, daily musical and theatrical performances, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. Navy Pier is also home to the Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze, Chicago Children’s Museum, and IMAX Theater at Navy Pier. Wednesdays and Sat-urdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Navy Pier hosts a fireworks dis-play that fills the sky over Lake Michigan.

Major League Baseball –

Chicago boasts two Major League baseball teams, the Cubs and the White Sox. No summer trip to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs) or U.S. Cellular Field (home of the Chicago White Sox). Par-ents and kids alike will en-joy a history lesson while at Wrigley Field, the na-tion’s second oldest major league baseball park. U.S. Cellular field offers family fun with its Pontiac Fun-damentals area where kids can access baseball clinics, batting cages, and practice pitching areas. Both ball-parks are accessible by rap-id transit, which is part of the overall experience. If you miss going to a game, both parks offer tours at reasonable rates.

Hancock Observatory and Willis Tower Skydeck –

Chicago is home to two of the world’s most famous skyscrapers, the John Han-cock Center and the Wil-lis Tower. Guests can see Michigan, Wisconsin, In-diana and Illinois from the

top of each structure. Built in 1973, the Willis Tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,450 feet tall. The Han-cock Observatory features talking telescopes, so visi-tors can hear and see the sights. The Willis Tower Skydeck features knee-high displays and scaven-ger hunts for the kids. Both buildings have skydecks, which are open to visitors daily for a small entry fee.

Millennium Park – Millennium Park is lo-

cated in the heart of down-town Chicago and features world-class architecture and entertainment year-round. Children and adults alike will marvel at the Cloud Gate sculpture where you can see your reflection framed against the city’s dramatic skyline. The park is free to the public and in warmer months, kids of all ages will love playing in the park’s Crown Fountain, which includes two 50-foot glass towers at each end that project video im-ages of the faces Chicago-ans. Each summer the park features hundreds of free events including the Great Performers of Illinois and the Family Fun Festival.

Lincoln Park Zoo – Lincoln Park Zoo is a

world of wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers and is free to the public 365 days a year. The zoo includes polar bears, pen-guins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys, and other species totalling nearly 1,250 ani-mals. There are two des-ignated sections of the zoo for children, the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and the Farm-in-the-Zoo, pre-sented by John Deere. In the Children’s Zoo kids can observe red wolves, black bears, river otters, and bea-vers in a woodsy outdoor setting, then head inside to play on the Treetop Canao-py Climbing Adventure. At the Farm-in-the-Zoo, the family can learn the origins of the food we eat, climb aboard a tractor, and visit with sheep, pigs, po-nies, cows, and chickens.

Chicago lakefront –Chicago enjoys 26 miles

of lakefront offering bik-ing, swimming, fishing, boating, or walking along Lake Michigan while en-joying Chicago’s stunning skyline views. Make sure to check out the boats in Monroe Harbor; enjoy

the evening light shows at Buckingham Fountain; play in the water at Oak Street Beach; and enjoy the scenery at Promontory Point in Hyde Park along the way. There are plenty of stopping off points to have a picnic, throw a foot-ball, or fly a kite.

International Chicago cuisine –

While Chicago has more five-star restaurants than any other city in the world and is famous for pizza, hotdogs, and popcorn, the city is also home to a di-verse dining scene. The international community in Chicago is thriving and by trying one of its many restaurants you can give children a peek into other cultures and traditions. Families can discover the history and neighborhoods of Chicago by eating their way through the city. Chil-dren can taste food from countries around the world in any one of Chicago’s eth-nic neighborhoods. Some kid-friendly favorites are Greek, Thai, Chinese, Pol-ish, Mexican, Italian, and German cuisines.

Chicago family hotel packages – Chicago hotels have many top-notch ac-commodations to fit the needs of the most discrimi-nating traveler. Several hotels are rolling out the red carpet for children and families! Hotels such as the Hotel Burnham, Hotel Allegro, Hotel Monaco, Four Seasons Hotel Chi-cago, The Westin Michigan Avenue, and Residence Inn Chicago Downtown have developed hotel packages that are designed to please the entire family. Packages include some of the follow-ing amenities: complimen-tary CityPass admission booklet, free meals and room service for children, opportunities to create your own pizza or ice cream sundae, milk and cookies before bed, Nintendo, and a pet fish in your room.

Chicago Museums – Chi-cago has a very impressive collection of world-class museums to call its own, with many that are both in-teractive and educational. Adults and children alike will marvel at Chicago’s collections and exhibitions by visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Kraft Educa-tion Center, learning about history at the DuSable Mu-seum of African-American

History, boarding subma-rines at the Museum of Sci-ence and Industry, looking in on “Sue” the preserved Tyrannosaurus rex at the Field Museum, checking out the sharks up close at the Shedd Aquarium, and gazing at the stars at the Adler Planetarium. Along with such a stellar collec-tion of institutions come two that cater specifically to children. Families can learn about African-Amer-ican history at the Bronz-ville Children’s Museum and take advantage of three floors of hands-on exhibits at the Chicago Children’s Museum.

Visitor Information Re-sources - Chicago’s visi-tor information centers are conveniently located in two of the city’s most pop-ular areas. Plan to visit the information centers when you arrive in Chicago and receive free brochures fea-turing attractions and spe-cial events. Friendly infor-mation representatives will answer your questions and assist your family in plan-ning an action-packed itin-erary. The visitor centers are located in the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 East Randolph across from Mil-lennium Park and at the City’s historic Water Works pumping station on Michi-gan Avenue. Additionally, the Chicago Office of Tour-ism is home to the Chicago Greeter program. Chica-go Greeter links friendly, knowledgeable Chicagoans up with visitors looking to see the sights through the eyes of a local. The Greet-er program can tailor their tours to meet the needs of the entire family.

The Chicago Office of

Tourism, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is the official city agency dedicated to pro-moting Chicago to domes-tic and international visitors and to providing innova-tive visitor programs and resources. For more infor-mation please visit www.explorechicago.org or call 1.877.CHICAGO.

LegolandLEGOLAND Discovery

Center Chicago is the first and only indoor LEGO attraction in the United States. Geared toward chil-dren ages 3-12 and their families, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is the perfect attraction for LEGO fans young and old. Featuring two floors of at-tractions and over two mil-lion LEGO bricks, visitors will feel like they have just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO bricks ever. The Center is located at the Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Rd., Schaum-burg, and is open Mon-Fri from noon-7 p.m. and Sat and Sun from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on. Open ex-tended hours on holidays during the school year. Summer hours are Mon-Thurs from 10-7 p.m. and Fri-Sun from 10-8 p.m.

I n c l u d e d in the tour is-LEGO Studios – 4D Cinema: The amazing 4D cinema in-side the LEGO

Studios adds a vital charac-ter to all of its 4D films – the audience! Guests will be on the edge of their seats as a thrilling action adventure unfolds in 3D right before their eyes and then comes to life in 4D, as flurries of wind, rain, lightning, snow and other surprise features burst into the auditorium. No matter what adventures the cinematic heroes en-counter, visitors will feel like they are along for the ride and truly an integrated part of an incredible and exciting story.

Where to stayFor a comfortable sub-

urban geteway, choose Doubletree Hotel in Scha-umburg. It is located at 800 National Parkway. Visit www.doubletree-schaumburghotel .com. It is minutes away from LEGOLAND as well as an abundance of shopping and dining.

Chicago

Doubletree Hotel Chicago/Schaumburg provides visitors a relaxing stay

A Chicago display at LEGOLAND

TRIBUNE|Feature

Downtown Chicago featuring the Navy Pier

Fun for Everyone

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14- OCTOBER 20, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14- OCTOBER 20, 2010 THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE 1 B

Ann Arbor, MI is a ha-ven for the arts and entic-ing cuisine. The impressive support by locals makes it a lively town, conducive for the arts.

DiningJolly Pumpkin offers

Belgian style ales, including farmhouse ales and a great fresh selection of American food. For more informa-tion, visit www.jollypump-kin.com.

Pacific Rim by Kana is the perfect fusion combin-ing contemporary pan-Asian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai flavors. Although Duc Tang, owner and chef states, “I don’t like the term fusion because it connotes the idea of blending two disparate elements and forcing them to work to-gether when they shouldn’t be together.”

He thinks of his food as Asian and Western—tra-ditional Asian ingredients and flavors and Western in the use of basic French techniques and an em-phasis on freshness and seasonality. For more in-formation, visit www.paci-

ficrimbykana.comThe Blue Nile offers

succulent spice and atmo-sphere. The Ethiopian res-taurant offers guests the option of traditional seat-ing on bamboo seats with an impressive presentation.For more information, visit www.bluenilemi.com.

Art Local artists bring per-

sonality and style into each of their unique crafts. There are severable notable craftsman to check out.

Potter Marcia Polen-berg incorporates her life story in her work. Each piece is as interesting to hear about as it is to ob-serve.

Potters John and Su-sanne Stephenson offer a stunning collection of ce-ramic work. The wide array of art is sure to please every onlooker. View www.ste-phensonceramics.com for a preview of their work.

Sculptor and ceramic artist John Schwarz offers an eclectic collection of in-novative sculptures. Find his work at select Ripley’s Believe or Not Museums.The artist was also recently

featured at River Gallery in Chelsea, Mich. Visit www.chelsearivergallery.com for more in-formation.

Hollander’s in Kerrytown is a pa-per factory worth the stop. The dis-play of decorative paper offers a vast display of styles, prints and textures. Visit www.holland-ers.com for more information.

One of the most innovative screen sets in dramatizing a Shake-speare play is performed at “The Arb.”

The outdoor garden is transformed into a play-set throughout the sum-mer weeks as the audience moves with the scene. Ac-tors make entrances from behind trees, appear over rises, vanish into woods. The audience literally “fol-lows the action,” following the actors as they move to different sites throughout the arboretum with musi-cians guiding the way.

The series began in the

summer 2001 as part of a Ford Motor Company grant for “Arts in the Arb” to showcase the richness of the arts in Ann Arbor. The unique experience comes from the staging.

The Farmer’s Market is where the locals gather to purchase fresh breads, or-ganic produce and hand-crafted arts. Choose from an assortment of pastries and homemade breads.

Preview the fresh market at www.a2gov.org.

For science lovers, The Exhibit Museum of Natu-

ral History in Ann Arbor offers exhibits on geol-ogy, the evolution of life on Earth, including ex-tensive dinosaur displays, and artifacts from human cultures around the world. For more information on this educational stop, visit www.lsa.umich.edu/ex-hibitmuseum.

Zingerman’s Deli began small, serving a few sand-wiches, traditional Jewish dishes, and a small selec-tion of specialty foods.

Today, the Deli serves thousands of sandwiches

and doubles as a specialty foods store, selling a mind-boggling variety of cheeses, meats, olive oils, vinegars, coffees and teas. Visit www.zingermansdeli.com.

The passion for the bet-ter things in life is conta-gious in this midwest town. Ann Arbor offers a variety of restaurants, galleries and unique shops, cater-ing to all tastes. The vibe of the city draws in all ages, promising a relaxing get-away for visitors.

(AP) NEW YORK – A group of travel executives said it has stirred up plen-ty of support for a gov-ernment rule that would require airlines to display extra fees prominently on their websites and in trav-el reservation systems.

The Consumer Travel Alliance, Business Travel Coalition and American Society of Travel Agents on Thursday delivered a

petition to the Transpor-tation Department with 50,000 signatures from consumers who want airlines to spell out fees more clearly.

Thursday is the last day for public comment on proposed government rules to enhance passen-ger rights and make air-line fares and fees more transparent.

In addition to requiring

airlines to fully disclose baggage and other fees, the new rules call for re-funds of fees and reim-bursement for expenses when bags are lost or not delivered on time. Air-lines would also have to give notice when baggage fees are increased, and notify passengers buying tickets whether they must pay to check up to two bags.

The travel industry ef-fort to support govern-ment rule changes, called “Mad as Hell about Hid-den Fees,” began two weeks ago. It claims that fees can boost ticket price by 26 percent when one bag is checked and by 54 percent when a passen-ger checks two bags and chooses a seat with extra legroom.

The group wants all

ticket outlets to have the same information on fares and fees for travel-ers. More than half of all airline tickets are sold by third parties, such as travel agents and websites like Expedia or Orbitz.

“Airlines should be able make a fair profit and set fares and fees that al-low them to do so, as long as travelers can see and compare all of those fees

in advance,” said Paul Ruden of the American Society of Travel Agents.

The Transportation Department said Mon-day that U.S. airlines in the second quarter made $893 million on baggage fees, $594 million from reservation change fees and $618 million from charges for things like frequent-flier sales and transporting pets.

Travel group gains support for airline fee rule

Ann ArborWhere flavor and fine arts thrive...

Photos courtesy of Ann Arbor CVB

1 B THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE November 20-26, 2008 www.thetennesseetribune.com THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE November 20-26, 2008 www.thetennesseetribune.com

BTravel BTravel

Find relaxation in quaint Savannah, Georgia with decora-tive architecture and lush green landscape throughout the down-town. It is an urban forest where Spanish Moss hangs from giant oak trees.

There is plenty of eating, dining and shopping throughout the meandering streets and brick paved roads.

When visiting Savan-nah, a great choice of stay is the President’s Quarters, a historic bed and breakfast located on Oglethorpe Square. The inn offers spa-cious rooms and luxu-rious comfort. There

are hors d oeuvres and wine each evening and fresh, home cooked breakfast each morning in the dining area. Built in 1855 the President’s Quarters was named most romantic bed and breakfast for 2008 in Savannah Magazine.

There are sixteen bedrooms, all with private baths. Owner Steve Green purchased the inn in April 2007 and completely reno-vated the structure.

“We spent the last year and half refurbish-ing, gutting every bath-room, repainting and carpeting,” states inn-keeper Jane Sales.

Located off of the

Atlantic, count on great seafood. For a casual indulgence of fresh seafood, check out the Crab Shack. Gators welcome guests as they enter into the wooden, oceanesque themed restaurant. Recom-mended is the sampler platter that gives hun-gry travellers a taste of crab, shrimp, mussel, shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes. There is no fried food. Seafood fare is baked, grilled or broiled.

A number of tours are offered to learn about the history and haunted tales of Savan-nah. It is the 8th most popular tourist spot.

Choose from walking tours, trolley tours or a riverboat cruise.

Attractions and mu-seums surround the area. Find such attrac-tions as the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and Telfair Museum of Art and Sciences and Telfair’s Jepson Cen-ter for the Arts. Artistic flare highlights the city, marked by The Savan-nah School of Art and Design, a national top ranked design school.

Southern hospital-ity is at its best in this Atlantic coast city of-fering well preserved historical sites, shop-ping, dining and scenic surroundings.

Lafayette Square

There is shopping and eating for everyone within Savannah

First African Baptist Church

Renuka Christoph

Visit Savannah A Georgia Favorite

The President’s Quarters is a great place to stay

For authentic seafood, visit the Crab Shack

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. - Per-haps the most definitive spa ex-perience is one located along the ocean with quality service and ex-quisite surroundings. This is what One Ocean Resort and Spa offers guests - the totality of relaxation facing the Atlantic. From mod-ern and luxurious hotel rooms to the guest beach, the resort aims to treat each visitor like royalty.

As the only full-service ocean-front spa in Northeast Florida, The Spa at One Ocean Resort, a four diamond AAA property, touts more than 40 marine-inspired rituals comprised of specialty treatments, while creating unique massage styles, body wraps, peels, facials and more. The eight treat-ment rooms, named after the lifes-pan of a sea turtle, include vichy room, pampering salon and pri-vate oceanfront VIP suites with in-room Swedish steam showers.

Now offering cosmecuetical peels that provide the latest for-mulations with dramatic results that are gentle yet powerful appli-cations, The Spa peels do not re-quire the “down time” associated with most chemical peels making the treatments a perfect service.

Managed by The Gallery, a col-lection of luxury resorts by Rem-ington Hotels, the 193-room One Ocean Resort, a four diamond AAA property, is only 25 miles from Jacksonville International Airport and nestled directly across from the picturesque Beaches Town Center, luring guests in with its cobblestone streets featuring an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, art galleries, ice-cream parlors and nightlife options. Atlantic Beach meets Neptune Beach along Atlan-tic Boulevard, which is filled with small town charm and unique his-tory.

There is a place for young guests. The Sea Turtle Kids Club is a ma-rine biology-based children’s pro-gram created for kids while offer-ing personalized attention to each of the resort’s youthful visitors. Kids club features planned in-door and outdoor activities, wa-

ter sports, sandcastle sculpture, bedtime stories, art classes, beach themed crafts, and photography lessons.

AzureaSince its young inception, Azur-

ea, the signature restaurant of One Ocean Resort has established its own food and wine personality, creating a culture of passion and seeking perfection. Located on the beach, Azurea remains true to its local surroundings, provid-ing an elegant, artfully inspired atmosphere, where a view of the ocean is accessible from any seat in the house. As a Wine Specta-tor award of excellence restaurant, Azurea is one of three AAA four-diamond awarded restaurants in all of northeast Florida.

Under the direction of highly acclaimed Executive Chef Ted Pe-ters, the restaurant has quickly be-come a “must experience” destina-tion for discerning diners. Azurea showcases the area’s cuisine move-ment with an eclectic tribute to the flavors of Europe, the Carib-bean and the Americas. The menu changes with each season, repre-senting the latest trends and the finest ingredients.

Unique to Azurea, the “Adven-turous Palate,” is a culinary jour-ney customized to each guest’s preferences and is prepared by a team of chefs. The “Adventurous Palate” experience includes per-fectly paired wine selections for each course.

For a more private fine dining experience, guests enjoy in-room dining, which provides the same style of food, menu and service as Azurea. Open 24-hours, in-room dining is served with an amazing presentation not typical of most room service experiences.

For the perfect ocean spa experi-ence, whether a girlfriend getaway or a couple’s retreat, One Ocean is the ideal location for rest and re-laxation. Families will find plenty to enjoy together as well.

Visit www.oneoceanresort.com for more information.

One Ocean AwaitsOne Ocean Resort and Spaoffers total rest of mind, body and spirit

The balcony view of the pool and beach

Visitors are pampered in luxury in each of the guest rooms.

By Renuka Christoph

One Ocean caters to visitors upon entering the resort

renuka pages

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