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http://www.mansfieldtickets.com

http://www.slatertours.com

Boundless opportunitiesfor those who seek them.

During family reunions at grand-ma’s, I sat on a three-legged stoolin the corner of the kitchen duringdinner preparations and listened tomy aunt describe their family vaca-tion. My cousins were all rompingaround outside or playing boardgames in the small bedrooms ofthat old farmhouse. But I couldn’ttear myself away from the descrip-tions of Tinker Bell flying down awire from Cinderella’s castle, thecolorful floor show in Vegas, a lux-urious Hawaiian Cabana or theclimb up Colorado mountains.

As I look back, I realize it wasthose tales that first inspired me totravel and the desire to share withmy friends and family. I still getgoosebumps of anticipation whenmy calendar tells me it’s time to“go” again.

I challenge my destination hoststo impress me. In preparation forthis Summer issue of WeekenderExtended, I was pleasantly satis-fied. They eagerly met my chal-

lenge andpassed with fly-ing colors.

When itcomes to newf a c i l i t i e s ,Phoenix winswith the grandrecent opening of MonteluciaResort. Whether seeking an inti-mate getaway or an adventure of alifetime, our assistant editor, Mrs.Kandy Derden describes herPhoenix experience starting onpage 12. I’m jealous because Ididn’t get to go but I’ve definitelyadded it to my destination list ofplaces to check out in the nearfuture. After reading this feature,I’m sure you’ll want to join me.

If looking to be entertained,Nashville is always a good choicefor musical entertainment. Seepage 17 for summer specificshows. And then for the moreadventurous, try the Summerwater sports: fishing, swimming, orboatless water skiing?!

Then we’ll meet in the kitchenand reminisce and share our talesall over again...

www.weekenderextended.com Summer, 2009

Weekender is published quarterly with periodic

updates online by Barnett PRO, 71Plymouth St., Plymouth, OH 44865.

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Publisher:Michael Barnett Sr.

email: [email protected]

Editor in ChiefKathy Barnett [email protected]

Contributing Editors: Rebecca McFarlin; Kandy Derden;

Susan MoorePhotojournalists: Robert Oney

Norman Reed • Lee Offenburger

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Subscriptions are FREE!Submit your name andemail address & we’ll alsoenter it in our quarterlydrawing for a FREE get-away!

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Letter from the Editor

CONTENTS

Places to Go: 3 New York, NY

12 Phoenix, AZ18 Leavenworth, IN

Things to Do5 Ride the Ducks / Branson, MO6 Fishin’ / Lake Erie, OH

7 Family Reunions / Bellville, OH10 Boatless Water Sk / Cincinnatti, OH14 Fly High / Phoenix, AZ15 Solve the Mystery / Phoeniz, AZ16 Starlight Experience/ Cedar Point, OH

People to See2 Country Rat Pack / Mansfield, OH

17 Superstars at the Opry / Nashville, TN

Extended

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Summer, 2009 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 05

Thingsto Do:

With two school-aged boys, Ialways try to include somethingeducational during family vaca-tions. When I learned we wereheaded to Branson for an extend-ed weekend getaway, the searchwas on.

Of course, the boys want superfun things to do - activities withlots of adventure. Always claim-ing boredom if the agenda hasnothing to do with electronicgames or computers, I knew I hada large job ahead of me.

Then I discovered branson-ducks.com. This sightseeing tourprovides a beautiful view fromland and water. We took a ride upthrough a canyon where our tour

guide pointed out howthe ducks “DUKW”were originally used asmilitary vehicles dur-ing World War II andhow they were usedto help make TableRock Dam.

All drivers of theRide the Ducksattraction are cap-tains of the U.S. Coastguard andare in the military. Our driver,Captain Dan, cracked jokes andentertained us nonstop. He evenlet the boys drive on the lake.

Affordable for the whole family,be sure to reserve an extra hourthe next time you visit Branson

and “Ride the Ducks” first.You’ll get to see a part of

Branson that you normally don’tsee. Your guide will point outother things to do, both free andeducational, like touring the dam.

For more information, call 877-887-8225. If you’re lucky the kidswon’t even realize they learnedsomething!

The TOP CHOICE among Branson, Mo. HotelsLocated in the heart of Branson and surrounded by Hundreds of attractions.

800-641-5660275 Tanger Blvd. Branson, MO

• Indoor Pool / Hot Tub• Extended continental breakfast• 400 seat convention center• Deluxe king suites/Balcony rooms

www.cobblestoneinnbranson.com

CCaappttaaiinn DDaann

By Rebecca McFarlin, Assistant Editor

www.WeekenderExtended.com Summer, 2009

Trout were first stocked in the clear watersof Cold Creek in 1873 and have thrived eversince. Today a healthy population of rain-bow, brook, and brown trout populate thiscreek.

Enjoy fishing from Cold Creek year roundas its constant temperature is 48 degrees!Enjoy dockage at Cold Creek Trout Camp,for the day, the week, the month or even thewhole year as we never freeze!!

Visit Cold Creek Trout Camp where youcan experience trout fishing at it’s finest.Come for the day, bring your RV, tenting, orenjoy dockage at our new marina featuringall new wooden docks like they had in theold days! Not only does it provide greatcover for the fish but with easy access ofSandusky Bay it makes a great place to

dock your boat!They have 40 brand new 22 feet docks - for

everything from your jet ski to your fishingboat - we can handle it!

Because it never freezes - an extended FallDockage season is offered, whether you’re aduck hunter or a fall fisherman, there is adock for you!

A picnic table and fire ring are provided ateach campsite for your enjoyment, and yes,pets are allowed! Camping season at ColdCreek Trout Camp is May 1 through Oct. 15.

Cold Creek Trout Camp is situated alongthe banks of Cold Creek. The creek surgesdirectly from deep beneath the ground at aplace seven miles upstream from ColdCreek called the "Blue Hole", a large cav-ernous spring which, mysteriously, seemsto have no bottom.

Jet skis, boat ramp fees are $10.00 perday—(one in and one out).

For more information, call 419-621-7900 orcome for a visit at 4711 Venice Road -(Route 6), Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Visitonline at www.coldcreektroutcamp.com.

Go Fishin’Catch the Trout...

ThingsTo Do...


Budgets can be trimmed by sharing some ofthe travel expenses. For example, gasoline and

hotel rooms or admissiongroup rates. The adults canalso share the duties of watch-ing little ones, leaving time forall to relax during their stay.And group activities arealways fun.

It may take a little bit of extraplanning to meetthe requirementsof all involved.H o w e v e r ,Splash Harborindoor water-park is agreat placeto start asthey have

all ages in mind.Accommodations are fea-

tured forgroups witha meetingroom avail-able for apizza partyor others p e c i a loccasionsduring your stay. Somerooms are joined by a door, so multi familygroups can enjoy togetherness or privacy.

Splash Harbor’s main attraction is the indoorpool with a bright and colorful island theme.Poolside lounge chairs allow adults to read whilesupervising the children. Or get into the act witha full-fledged basketball competition. Relax inone of the two available hot tubs (one is foradults only) or play a game of splash tag with therandomly spilling buckets of water. A 49-footlooping water slide is an extra bonus for the kids.

Turn to Page. 8

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The Troyer family has been involved in thehospitality business for more than 25 years andit shows in every nook and cranny. A gift shopdisplays two floors of unique items coveringevery interest available. Homemade fudge andwhole pies tempt the tastebuds of every shop-per. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards areaccepted and gift cards are available.

So whether you save room for desert at therestaurant, choose to take home a pie for later -or both, Dutch Heritage Restaurant is a perfectdestination to top off you group weekend get-away. Warning: It will become a tradition thewhole family begs to return to time and again!

Before you go, visit: online:

www.splashharbor.comwww.troyercorp.comwww.mansfieldtourism.com

Room and admission to Splash Harbor.Not valid with any other offer.

Valid only with coupon. Expires 08/01/09

419-886-4000

$$2200 OOFFFFwww.splashharbor.com

855 Comfort Plaza Dr.Bellevile, OH

Create Memories of a Lifetime at


FAIRFIELD – The 2009 inaugural seasonof Wake Nation Cincinnati introduces thenation to a new form of water fun. Grab acable and take a spin around a three acreisland gliding atop the water. The pulleysystem is designed to circulate amongsix 30-foot towers allowing complete free-dom for wakeboarders, skiers and knee-boarders to do just about anything theywant while covering the 12-acre man-made lake, complete with its own islandoasis.

“If you are within 600 miles ofCincinnati, you won’t find anything likethis,” says Mark Hecquet, ExecutiveDirector of the Butler County Visitors

Bureau. Cable wakeboarding is one of the most

rapidly growing sports in the U.S.although it only has six such parks.Beginners find it easy to learn andadvance at their own pace. They can evensign-up for lessons. Participants must beat least 10-years-old. Wakeboarding issimilar to snowboarding only the personis towed on water.

“Experienced wakeboarders find that itis easier than ever to get airborne,” saidHecquet. “There are plenty of grind rails,table tops and kickers for a good chal-lenge.”

“GONE are the noise, dangers and pollution

of motorboats and IN is the fun from novice toexpert level navigating jumps and obstacles.”

Summer, 2009 www.WeekenderExtended.com

Wake Nation also invites riders to slalom,trick ski, kneeboard or wakeskate. Even inter-mediate to experienced riders can sign-up tolearn new tricks and jumps.

The USA Wakeboarding NationalChampionships will be hosted by WakeNation in July, 2009. Thousands of spectatorsfrom around the country are expected tocome to Butler County for this event.

Wake Nation Cincinnati is located at 201Joe Nuxhall Way at Joyce Park in Fairfield

and open daily from June - October, 10 a.m.to dark. Cable passes may be purchased foras little as one hour for $20 or all-day for $35,as well as several increments in between.

Butler County is also Home to the fol-lowing in the past year:

• EnterTRAINment Junction – theworld’s largest train-theme family enter-tainment center

• Museum of Ancient Sculpture atPyramid Hill Sculpture Park – the world’sfirst ancient sculpture museum

• IKEA – the popular Swedish home fur-nishing retailer’s first store in Ohio

• Savannah Center – one of the area’slargest and perhaps most beautiful andmodern conference & event centers.

Butler County is located off I-75between Cincinnati and Dayton. To plan atrip, visit www.destinationbutlercounty.com or call 888-462-2282 for an official2009 Butler County Visitors Guide.


Intercontinental Montelucia Resort andSpa in Paradise Valley, Arizona farexceeded my expectations. Their attention

to detail includes anticipating every need. From the moment of arrival at the front

entrance, all employees are committed to yourcomfort. Customer service is not just an expres-sion; it is obviously a genuine pleasure to pro-vide assistance with whatever is needed.Courtesy extends far beyond fulfilling a request;many will offer additional services, suggestionsand share local knowledge with you to assistwith creating memories you can cherish for alifetime.

When planning your visit to Montelucia, sched-ule several days so you will have time to enjoythe whole experience. Soothing sounds of foun-

tains located throughout the property enhancethe relaxation process, along with a fire wall atnight.

While there, don’t miss a visit to Joya spa.Indulgence is a word often associated with guilt.However, the treatments transform that guilt intorelaxation on a profound level. The entire eventis expertly coordinated to create the ultimatesense of tranquility.

For the more active, hiking and mountainclimbing is recommended. Montelucia means“mountain of light,” no doubt named because ofit’s location at the base of Camelback Mountain.Two options await the adventurous: a gradualrise on a hiking trail and a more rigorous pathwith hand-over-hand climbing points and rails toassist with the ascent.

I am not easily impressed. All travel locations claim to be the biggest, best or newest. Frankly, it doesn’t take longbefore they all begin to sound alike. Butafter visiting numerous resorts and spasover the past eleven years, I have foundthe ultimate in comfort and luxury.

By Kandy Derden Assistant Editor

P l a c e s t o G o

Summer, 2009 www.weekenderext.com

Too relaxed for climbing or golf? No problem.Spectacular views of the mountain are pres-

ent from most any location on the resort.Photos ops are present any time of day.Telescopes are available to improve the view orfor enjoying the breathtaking starry night skies.

If the nightlife is more your style, enjoy a deli-cious dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant,Prado, where only fresh ingredients are used tocreate unique recipes prepared with a Spanishaccent over a wood burning fire. The artisticcombination of flavors is prepared in such a wayas to enhance the cuisine, thus creating an epi-

curean delight that is sure to be remembered. Montelucia is not just for vacations. It is also

an excellent location for weddings. A courtyardgarden with an exquisite view was designedspecifically for the perfect outdoor setting. A pri-vate chapel with beautiful chandeliers can eitherbe used for the ceremony or reception.

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa trulyis capable of making guests wish for the abilityto make time stand still so they may live foreverin that perfect moment. For more information onhow you may experience this, visit www.icmon-telucia.com or call 480-627-3200.



Fly High

PHOENIX - I had adream. Perhaps Ishould call it a fantasy. Iwanted to ride in a hotair balloon. Now I caninclude myself in thatsmall percentage of thepopulation who hasactually gotten to livetheir fantasy. While inPhoenix, Arizona myhusband and I celebrat-ed our twenty-fifthanniversary by taking aballoon ride.

Other hot air balloonride companies allow allpassengers to get somehands on experience byacting as crew memberswho help unload, inflate, and then packthe balloon after the flight. But forthose who wish to relax and enjoy thetranquility of flight, call Hot AirExpeditions. They have a ground crewto take care of these details. A driverwill pick you up and transport you tothe departure site where the balloonsare ready for flight. Afterwards, allgear is packed away while you enjoy achampagne breakfast.

Champagne after a balloon flight is atradition almost as old as ballooningitself. It began in France in 1783. Atthe time, most landings occurred infarmer’s fields. Seeing objects in flight

is common for us, but imagine theshock and fear it caused for peoplewho didn’t know such a thing was pos-sible. Needless to say, there were timeswhen the landowners were less thanpleased with unexpected visitors fromthe sky. Champagne was used as apeace offering. Since it was expensiveand therefore only available to royalty,it gave credence to the balloonists.

In addition to learning a bit about thehistory of ballooning, I learned some-thing else on my trip to Phoenix.Granted, it was something I shouldhave been able to figure out if I hadspent any time thinking about it. But

all too often, the obvi-ous eludes us simplybecause we are so busyliving the hurried life.However, while soar-ing above the groundin a hot air balloon, aperson can spend timecontemplating some ofthe simpler things inlife. After all, you area captive audience atthat point.

The incident towhich I refer is scien-tific in nature. Yousee, the air currentssteered us directly overa dairy farm. It wasrather interesting to seethe entire operation allat once instead of onesection at a time as

would have been necessary if touringthe area on the ground. But I digress.My point is that even though we wereseveral hundred feet in the air, floatingabove the cattle waiting to be milked,we were surprised to notice the fra-grance. No, make that aroma; perhapsI should use the word scent. Okay, let’scall it what it was: odor! It not onlyspreads out horizontally, but alsoascends upward. In a nutshell, it stunk!

See? I told you it was a simple con-cept that I should have realized if I hadever had a reason to think about it. Onething is for sure: it was memorable!

Thingsto Do “While soaring above the ground in a

hot air balloon, a person can spend timecontemplating some of the simpler thingsin life. After all, you are a captive audi-ence at that point.”

By Kandy Derden, Assistant Editor

http://www.hotairexpeditions.com


Solve theMystery...

Things to Do:

By Kandy Derden,Assistant Editor

As adults, we forget how toplay. Our idea of fun is often apassive activity such as watchingtelevision or a movie. The morephysically active person mightenjoy participating in organizedsports or games. However, wecould learn a valuable lesson fromchildren who know the joy of pre-tending. A creative venture intoimagination can be a great way torelieve stress.

For those who need a little helpwith the creative play process, tryattending a dinner theater. TheMystery Mansion Dinner Theater

in Phoenix, Arizona is a goodplace start.

Murder at Bedside Manor is a“delightfully cheesy” murdermystery farce. The experiencebegins the moment you walkthrough the door. All guests aregiven a character to portray suchas Dr. Anita Bath, hygiene spe-cialist or Dr. Les Plack, DDS.Each person is invited andencouraged to interact with theactors.

A three-course dinner is served.Dinner salad, one choice of threemeats, veggies, bread and cakefor desert.

Cast members exhibit extraordi-nary talent with their ability to ad

lib in response to audience reac-tions. The solution to the mysteryis unknown to them until the endwhen the audience helps deter-mine the outcome.

Several actors have been cast inmultiple roles so quick costumechanges occur. Live soundeffects and music reminiscent ofsilent movies are created on key-board. But the musical aspectsdon’t end there. Many of the castmembers are gifted vocalists.

Remember, laughter is thera-peutic, even when it comes fromcorny medical jokes. So call 480-994-1520 for tickets and informa-tion or visit www.mysteryman-sion.com.

http://www.ghostlymanor.com


Things to Do: Sandusky - Cedar Point’s

Frontier Trail will take centerstage each evening as itdisplays a brilliant canopy oflights and colors themed tothe changing of the sea-sons.

“These dramatic light dis-plays will appeal to every-one in the family and will bea wonderful finale to ourguests’ day in the park,”explained CharlesBradshaw, corporate liveentertainment for the CedarFair EntertainmentCompany.

Accompanied with music,the Starlight Experience willuse a diverse mixture of col-ored lights and displays todecorate and highlight thebuildings, trees and struc-tures along the woodedwalkway. More than onemillion highly efficient LEDlights will extend from thebridge across trom theSnake River Falls water rideto the tunnel beneathMillennium Force. Besidesthe seasonal scenes, theStarlight Experience willalso use several themedfloats to depict the seasons.

For younger guests,Snoopy and his favoritefriends will participate in theshow. Larger-than-life repli-cas of the PEANUSTS char-acters will be displayed atdifferent locations along the

Enjoy

trail. Snoopy’s Big Bow-Wow featuring the lovable beagle and hisfriends will return in an ice-skating extravaganza in the Good TimeTheatre.

The Starlight Experience will be presented every night the parkcloses at 10 p.m. or later, from Saturday, May 23 thru Sunday,Sept. 6. The show begins at dusk and continues until the Maverickand Millennium Force roller coasters close for the evening.

To add even more value during a stay at Cedar Point, registeredguests at any of the park’s resort properties will be able to pur-chase Starlight admission tickets for $14.99, a savings of $15 perticket. Starlight admission begins at 5 p.m. daily or 4 p.m. whenthe park closers at 8 p.m. or earlier.

Be sure to catch the new live shows, “Got Country!” at the RedGarter Saloon and “Live Music at the Palace” in the PalaceTheatre when visiting.

Cedar Point opens for its 140th season Saturday, May 16. Formore information visit online at cedarpoint.com directly at419.627.2350

atatDaily at twilight until the Maverick and

Millennium Force coasters close.

t h e


Superstars at the Summer Opry

NASHVILLE - Pickin’ & Grinnin’With Mike Snider: A Grand OleComedy Revue launches in OpryHouse’s Studio A on June 25. One ofcountry music’s funniest guys, Snideris ready to make this summer a memo-rable one fortourists andMusic Cityresidents alikein his all-newshow at 7 p.m.Wednesdaysand Thursdaysand 4 p.m.Fridays andS a t u r d a y sthrough July 25.

Audiences will revel in the “pickin’”of the former Tennessee and NationalBanjo Playing Champion and will be“grinnin’” thanks to Snider’s uniquebrand of country storytelling andlaugh-along tunes such as “The FurCoat” and “Born to Shop.”

The show will be a return to Studio Afor Snider, who filmed HEE HAWthere 20 years ago alongside some ofcountry music’s most beloved person-alities including greats such as MinniePearl and Grandpa Jones. Snider, thepride of Gleason, Tennessee (2,000Gleason residents were on hand for hisOpry debut) will be joined for Pickin’& Grinnin’ by his multi-talented bandand magician Scott Cantrell.

“We’re going to have a good timeevery time,” Snider says. “It’s going to

be great to fill Studio A withsome laughs and some gooddown home pickin again. Andif a joke bombs, I’ll just askthe magician to make me dis-appear.”

The Opry’s other new showfor 2009, Opry CountryClassics, runs Thursdaysthrough June 18 then returnsfor a fall run September 10.Larry Gatlin hosts the rest ofthe spring run with guestsincluding Tanya Tucker andSteve Wariner.

Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tours

In addition to the opportunity to seeseveral performances each week, Opryvisitors can also take a tour of theOpry’s home, the Grand Ole OpryHouse. Guided backstage tours areavailable several times a day sevendays a week as well as following selectshows.

Opry performances begin at 7 p.m.The Grand Ole Opry® is presented byCracker Barrel Old Country Store®.

More information on the Opry’ssummer schedule including specialsummertime offers on Nashville areaattractions and accommodations can befound on the “Ultimate SummerGetaway” pages at opry.com. The sitealso features a special Trip Planner sec-tion including trip tips from country

stars, and more. Information is alsoavailable at (800) SEE-OPRY.

About the Grand Ole OpryThe Grand Ole Opry presents the

best in country music live every weekfrom Nashville, Tenn. A uniquelyAmerican experience for more than 80years, the Opry can be heard on 650WSM-AM, SIRIUS XM SatelliteRadio, and opry.com. The syndicatedweekly program, America’s Grand OleOpry Weekend, airs on country radiostations across America and on theArmed Forces Radio Network, andOpry Live airs each weekend on GreatAmerican Country (GAC). The GrandOle Opry is owned by GaylordEntertainment (NYSE: GET), aNashville-based hospitality and enter-tainment company that also owns andoperates Gaylord Hotels. For moreinformation, visit opry.com orwww.gaylordentertainment.com

Grand Ole Opry Star-Studded Summer Line-Up

Pickin’ & Grinnin’ complements a star-packed summer schedule of Tuesday, Friday,and Saturday Grand Ole Opry shows. Amongthose already scheduled for Opry summertimeappearances are the following:

• Trace Adkins (June 9) • Dierks Bentley (July 28, August 18)• Charlie Daniels Band (June 9, July 21, 28);• Alison Krauss (June 19, 20)• Montgomery Gentry (June 23-Induction) • Charley Pride (June 12, 13)• Wynonna (June 27) • Carrie Underwood (June 9, July 25).

People to See There is a new comedy show

on tap for Summertime at theGrand Ole’ Opry.

The All-American Country GetawayNo one does country better than Gaylord Opryland Hotel! Book our All-American Country Getaway Today!www.gaylordhotels.com

Available select dates through November, 2009


http://www.naplesbayresort.com

http://www.bransontracks.com

http://www.ripleysbranson.com

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