Oregon’s Scenic Bikeways offer cycling fun for novices and enthusiasts alike
Written on January 26, 2012 at 5:55 pm, by elizabeth
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) announce two new state-designated scenic bikeways, bringing the total number of trails to eight, furthering Oregon’s position as a premier cycling destination. The move comes after the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission formally approved the routes in a meeting yesterday.
Credit: Flickr.com/KatherineH
The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway in Cottage Grove features an all-ages, all-abilities cycling experience. Perfect for families, this 36-mile route boasts six covered bridges, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A mix of paved off-street, lakeside paths and low-speed Main Street riding provide diverse scenery and dining opportunities. The route passes Chambers Bridge, the only covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi.
Beginning and ending in Bend’s historic Drake Park, the Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway is rated “moderate,” with varying levels of traffic and hills. Featuring 36 miles of intermediate terrain, the route promises breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, rolling forests and high desert scenery. The Twin Bridges Loop gets its name from the two bridges that cross the Deschutes River along the route. Riders will pedal through the quaint town of Tumalo, a perfect rest stop to grab a bite to eat.
“Cycling and scenic beauty are both important components of Oregon’s $8.7 billion travel and tourism industry,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson. “Being the first and only state in the nation to have developed a scenic bikeways program provides a strategic way for us to highlight the state’s natural assets and cyclist-friendly communities, boosting local economies and creating jobs.”
The bikeway program was launched in 2010 with the 132-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. Five more were added in September 2011. The program is a partnership between Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Scenic bikeway designations are a community effort—led by local supporters—that showcase the “best of the best” road bicycle riding on existing roads and paved paths in Oregon.
“The Scenic Bikeways Program is an outstanding example of pioneering Oregonians working together to merge recreation, transportation and tourism to benefit the economy,” said OPRD Bicycle Recreation Coordinator Alexandra Phillips.
For information on Oregon’s scenic bikeways, itinerary ideas and ride inspiration, visit rideoregonride.com or go tooregonscenicbikeways.org for detailed maps and route descriptions.
Take full advantage of all the natural beauty Oregon has to offer when you book an Oregon by owner vacation rental through Scenic Rentals. Visit our Oregon destination page by clicking HERE for beautiful bike-friendly by owner vacation rentals.
Category Oregon, Sports-related travel, Things To Do, U.S. travel news | Tags: Bicycling,Oregon
Beaver Creek Ranks as U.S.’s Most Expensive Ski Resort, New Survey Reveals
Written on January 23, 2012 at 12:11 am, by elizabeth
Ski lovers planning a winter getaway on the slopes of Beaver Creek, Colorado, better make sure their bank accounts are well padded. The adrenaline rush that comes from shushing downBeaver Creek’s mountains is going to cost them – a recent survey by Cheaphotels.org found Beaver Creek to have the highest-priced rooms of all Colorado ski resorts. Of course, as a veteran by owner vacation rental renter, you’re not about to pay a high price for a small room…are you? Just for fun, let’s take a look at the results of the survey:
Credit: Flickr.com/zoejessica
Just how expensive will a Beaver Creek ski vacation run? On average, travelers to the resort area will have to pay $314 per night for the cheapest available double room. Weekend warriors will find themselves shelling out even more: $382 for a single night’s stay.
Budget travelers will have to be a little bit flexible if they want to avail themselves to Beaver Creek’s slopes, but cost-savings solutions do exist. For example, instead of staying at prime real estate in the Beaver Creek Village, they can opt for a hotel in the town of Avon. Just a 10-minute drive to the famed ski resort area, they will find rooms here for a nightly rate of less than $150.
Seven of the nation’s 10 most expensive ski resorts are located in Colorado. The Vail resort, just a stone’s throw away fromBeaver Creek, ranks fourth on the list with average available room rates coming in at $200. Still, that’s 36% cheaper thanBeaver Creek.
Meanwhile Aspen, a hot spot for celebrities, is positioned slightly higher at number three. There, rooms are going for an average daily rate of $212 in February.
Following is a list of the 10 most expensive ski resorts in the USA. The rankings are based on the average rate for the cheapest available double room during the month of February 2012.
- Beaver Creek (Colorado) $314
- Squaw Valley (California) $214
- Aspen (Colorado) $212
- Vail (Colorado) $200
- Snowmass Village (Colorado) $175
- Copper Mountain (Colorado) $160
- Jackson Hole (Wyoming) $159
- Park City (Utah) $153
- Telluride (Colorado) $141
- Keystone (Colorado) $121
At those prices, it’s easy to see your ski vacation dreams melt away like last year’s snow. But never fear, with more than 30 Colorado ski rentals offered on Scenic Rentals, you’ll have a place to hang your poles without breaking the bank. Take this luxury five bedroom Aspen home – ski in/ski out access, jacuzzi tub, fireplace, washer/dryer and all the comforts of home (plus a few luxuries you won’t want to miss). You and nine of your friends can stay during the peak February ski season for less than $100/night per person. Now show me a hotel that offers that kind of a deal!
Book your Colorado ski vacation now by visiting http://www.scenicrentals.com/vacation-rentals/17/United-States/Colorado. It’s ski season folks, make the most of it and take a vacation from hotels!
Lineup Announced for AllState Fan Fest leading up to BCS Bowl Game in New Orleans
Written on December 31, 2011 at 3:02 pm, by elizabeth
It’s no secret we’re Auburn fans at Scenic, but we of course support the SEC and this season’s BCS rematch between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers in New Orleans, Louisiana (we’ll just keep our score predictions to ourselves). No matter which team tugs at your loyalty, there’s one thing for sure – every fan in town will be looking for a good time. Good thing the Allstate Fan Fest is back and bigger than ever, returning to the Crescent City for the sixth year with a variety of fun and family-friendly activities and concert performances for college football fans and New Orleans residents leading up to the 78th Allstate® Sugar Bowl® and the 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship™.
Credit: Bcsfootball.org
Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter in Jackson Square, this year’s Allstate Fan Fest will feature live concerts from pop music stars, school pep rallies, marching bands and football-themed activities to get fans excited for college football’s most iconic BCS Bowl games. Cee Lo Green will headline the festivities leading up to the Allstate BCS National Championship™ with a free concert on Jan. 8, while local legends The Neville Brothers will perform on the Allstate Fan Fest main stage on Jan. 7. Before the Allstate® Sugar Bowl®, fans will enjoy free performances from Kelly Clarkson on Jan. 2., and New Orleans’ musicians Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on Jan. 1.
College football fans of the participating Allstate® Sugar Bowl® and the Allstate BCS National Championship™ teams will have a chance to show their school spirit during high energy pep rallies featuring the schools’ marching bands, mascots and cheerleaders the day before the Bowl games.
This year, Allstate invites fans to register on-site for a chance to win an on-field experience during trophy presentations after each BCS Bowl game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Also, the first 500 fans that check-in to Allstate Fan Fest on Foursquare will receive a free Allstate® Sugar Bowl® or Allstate BCS National Championship™ phone skin, courtesy of the title sponsor.
The traveling Allstate Tailgate Tour will return to Fan Fest where fans can test their football skills through a variety of interactive games, including a replica “Good Hands®” field goal kicking unit and the Legacy Museum – a hands-on, retrospective look back at the history of college football. Members of the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, an award which honors college football players who stand out for their commitment to serving the community, will be recognized during a special introduction at Allstate Fan Fest and at halftime of the Allstate® Sugar Bowl®. While in New Orleans, Good Works Team® members will surprise more than 200 local children from the YMCA of Greater Orleans by teaching fundamental football skills as part of a special football clinic on Jan. 2.
The following activities will highlight this year’s Allstate Fan Fest:
Sunday, Jan. 1
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Concert – 6:15 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 2
Virginia Tech Hokies Pep Rally – 1:30 p.m.
Michigan Wolverines Pep Rally – 2:45 p.m.
Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® Introduction – 6:00 p.m.
Kelly Clarkson Concert – 6:15 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 7
The Neville Brothers Concert – 6:15 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 8
LSU Tigers Pep Rally – 2:00 p.m.*
Alabama Crimson Tide Pep Rally – 4:00 p.m.*
Cee Lo Green with Eric Benet & Ahsan Concert – 6:15 p.m.
The Allstate Fan Fest is free to the public between the hours of 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2, before the Allstate® Sugar Bowl®, and on Saturday, Jan. 7, and Sunday, Jan. 8, before the Allstate BCS National Championship™. Fan Fest is located at Jackson Square in the Jax Brewery parking lots off Decatur Street. Allstate will celebrate its sixth year as the title sponsor of the Allstate® Sugar Bowl® held in New Orleans on Jan. 3, 2012. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. CST. This year marks the second time the company has sponsored the Allstate BCS National Championship™, broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. CST on Jan. 9, 2012. Both BCS Bowl games will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
For more things to see and do in the Big Easy, check out our coverage of the 2010 New Orleans Jazz Fest and tempt your tastebuds with our favorite Big Easy Bites.
Top 10 Quirkiest New Year’s Eve Celebrations in America
Written on December 30, 2011 at 5:50 am, by elizabeth
From the windswept Eastern seaboard to the balmy shores of Key West, here are TEN FREE EVENTS providing extraordinary entertainment to ring in 2012. With all the money you’ll save on entertainment, why not make this a New Year’s Eve to remember by spending an extra night or two in a by owner vacation rental? With thousands of properties throughout the United States and the world, there’s sure to be a comfortable, well-appointed place to lay your head once the champagne stops flowing. Visit Scenicrentals.com to find the by owner vacation rental in your dream destination and ring in 2012 in style!
1. The Maine Event — Sardine and Maple Leaf Drop, Eastport, Maine
Home to the first sardine cannery in the U.S., Eastport has celebrated the industry since 2005 by dropping an eight-foot long, 30-pound sardine made from wood and acrylic at midnight. After the sardine plunges from the third-story window of The Tides Institute, revelers rush to give the fish a salty smooch in the belief this will bring good luck in the coming year. The festivities begin even earlier, however; at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, a four-foot wide Maple Leaf is dropped, to honor Maine’s northern Canadian neighbors.
2. Mammal Madness — Possum Drop, Brasstown, North Carolina
Brasstown will celebrate its title of “Possum Capital of the World” for the 18th year, with two fun-filled hours of activities. Local men resplendent in feminine attire will compete for the coveted title of “Miss Possum Queen”, while revelers can soak up live music and tasty treats in anticipation of the lowering of a triangular, plexiglass box containing a prized possum. Once the crowd clears, the nocturnal mammal – unscathed from its public appearance – is given a midnight snack and released in to the night.
3. Savory Soirée — Bologna Drop, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
As the clock strikes midnight, a 12-foot long loaf of bologna, weighing 200 pounds, swallows the attention of New Year’s revelers as it is lowered to the ground from a crane service. Following its descent to Earth, the salty sandwich staple will be donated and devoured by a local charity. This annual fête is held at the corner of Ninth and Cumberland Streets and includes toe-tapping tunes, complimentary hot beverages, and festive First Night fun.
4. Pest-acular Party — Wooden Flea Drop, Eastover, North Carolina
Until the 1920s, Eastover was known as Flea Hill, due to a pandemic of the pesky insects throughout town. In honor of its former wretched “residents”, the town will ring in 2012 by dropping a 30-pound flea for the second consecutive year. Constructed from fabric, foam, wire and wood, revelers are in no danger of being bitten by the oversize bug as they partake in the family-friendly celebrations, which include a bonfire, refreshments, and old-fashioned fun.
5. Trifecta of Fun — “Sushi” Drag Queen Drop, Key West, Florida
The isle of Key West will be brimming with holiday cheer as it hosts three fun-filled festivities. Travelers can ring in 2012 at The Bourbon Street Pub, where legendary drag queen “Sushi” is lowered to the ground, while seated in a giant, glossy red shoe. Celebrations will also be held at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where a six-foot tall Styrofoam conch shell is lowered into a sea of revelers – while a “pirate wench” will be dropped from the mast of an old wooden ship at Schooner Wharf Bar, on nearby Williams Street.
6. Marshmallow Madness — MoonPie Drop, Mobile, Alabama
Home of America’s first Mardi Gras celebration, Mobile celebrates the famous “throw” of MoonPies to masked Mardi Gras revelers by dropping a 12-foot electronic MoonPie from a height of 34 stories. Residents consume more than four million MoonPies annually, hence adopting the mouthwatering marshmallow treat as the town’s informal emblem and even paying homage to it as the clock strikes midnight. Events begin at 7:30 p.m. with a Mardi-Gras style parade, featuring floats, live music and more.
7. Festive Fromage — Cheese Drop, Plymouth, Wisconsin
Cheese lovers can satisfy their cravings at Plymouth, Wisconsin’s annual “New Year’s Cheese” drop, which pays homage to the local dairy industry. This year will mark the fifth annual dropping of the 80-pound Styrofoam chunk of cheese from a 100-foot ladder truck. Painted and decorated by a local artist, the star of the show is guaranteed to offer flavorsome fun, rounded off with art, games, and complimentary refreshments as hundreds gather to welcome the New Year.
8. Groovin’ in the Gulf — Pelican Drop, Pensacola, Florida
The streets of Pensacola will be flocking with fun and games in honor of the New Year with three stages of live entertainment. At 8 p.m., a “Bubble Stomp” will invite children to jump and jive across a vast expanse of bubbly mailing wrap, to mimic the clamor of fireworks – before the real star of the show, a giant, 14-foot pelican, makes its 100-foot descent at midnight. Celebrations will conclude with a dazzling display of fireworks and colorful confetti.
9. Fruity Fun — Watermelon Drop, Vincennes, Indiana
For the fourth year, Vincennes’ Watermelon Drop will celebrate the local melon-growing industry along with the start of the New Year. Thousands of spectators – many of whom are dressed as the waterlogged fruit – gather to watch the 18-foot, 500-pound watermelon drop 100-feet onto a “splatform”. The man-made melon, crafted from steel and foam, also releases a dozen locally grown watermelons to signal the beginning of a tasty New Year.
10. Midwest Mayhem — Little Apple Drop, Manhattan, Kansas
For folks who are not able to make it to New York City, Manhattan, Kansas brings the spirit of Times Square to the Midwest. Thousands of revelers gather to join the festivities, which begin at 10 p.m. with a laser light show, accompanied by live music from local artists and a deejay. At the stroke of midnight, a rotund ruby apple, made from aluminum and glass, will shimmy its way to the ground for the ninth consecutive year, as fireworks illuminate the sky.
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Hotel Rates in New York City Skyrocket for New Year’s Eve
Written on December 29, 2011 at 3:46 pm, by elizabeth
Are you planning to celebrate the start of 2012 watching the ball drop in Times Square? Ringing in the New Year in New York City this December 31 will be an expensive proposition for travelers who waited until the last minute to secure a reservation. New analysis compiled by NewYorkHotels.org has found that a few hotel rooms are still available in and around the Big Apple, but only if revelers are willing to pay sky-high prices. Just how much more is the City that Never Sleeps charging someone to sleep there this New Year’s Eve? The survey uncovered rates as much as 700% higher than usual.
Credit: NY Daily News
Staying in the heart of the New Year’s celebration in Manhattan will cost travelers the most. There, 50 hotels are still posting room vacancies, but on average, they’re charging more than triple their regular rates. The Central Park area and the Financial District are particularly expensive if one wants to see the New Year’s Eve ball drop in person.
For instance, the 4-star Eurostars Wall Street, which typically goes for $129 per night, will cost $549 on New Year’s Eve. That price elevation represents a 325% increase. Even more costly is the Excelsior Hotel. Situated one-half block from Central Park, this 3-star accommodation is jacking up rates almost 570%, to $1332 versus the usual $199.
A little farther away from the action, in Soho and Tribeca, rooms can still be found for below $500 per night. To break the $300 mark, however, New Year’s visitors will have to trek to the borough of Brooklyn. They’ll still be paying significantly more than they usually would though.
In fact, the hotel with the largest overall percentage price increase is located in Brooklyn. The Red Carpet Inn, situation near the Brooklyn Bridge, is charging $1000 on New Year’s Eve. That’s 740% more than its typical rate of $119.
Do budget travelers still have any hope of spending New Year’s in NYC? If they want to save on their stay and don’t mind a bit of hike into the city, they can check out the JFK Airport environs. Rooms here can be had for $200 per night. The AirTrain, which runs round the clock, can then get them into Times Square and back in under one hour.
Before you blow your budget (not to mention those resolutions) and fork over next month’s mortgage payment for a night in the Big Apple, do yourself and your wallet a favor and check out the New York City by owner vacation rentals advertised on Scenic Rentals.com. For often significantly less than the cost of a hotel room, a by owner vacation rental offers travelers all the comforts of home – including fully equipped kitchens, living areas and bedrooms. Extra amenities like laundry facilities, WiFi and expanded cable are often part of the deal. AND, larger groups will appreciate the extra space offered by a by owner vacation rental – no more stacking sleeping bags on the floor and hoping the front desk doesn’t notice and charge extra.
If you haven’t made your plans for New Year’s Eve yet, don’t despair. With thousands of properties worldwide, you’re sure to find one to suit your budget and destination. Just visit our destination page to get started.
Check out Scenic Rentals.com and Take a Vacation from Hotels! Happy New Year Travelers!
LA Chinatown Welcomes the Year of the Dragon With the 113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade
Written on December 27, 2011 at 12:20 pm, by elizabeth
The Year of the Dragon is a significant year in Asian tradition: the dragon is sacred and symbolizes strength, luck and new beginnings. Throughout Asia and also in the U.S., cities are preparing for this important time of year with much fanfare and celebration—this is especially true in Los Angeles’ most unique historic district, LA Chinatown. LA Chinatown hosts one of the largest New Year celebrations in the country with more than 125,000 attendees convening in the district for the weekend-long celebration.
Flickr Creative Commons/V Pickering
LA Chinatown will kick off the Year of the Dragon the weekend of January 28 – 29, 2012, beginning with the 113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade. Attendees can enjoy hundreds of spectacular floats, decked-out cars, dancers and bands as they parade down the heart of Chinatown. This year’s Grand Marshals include Disney’s Mulan and Mushu and international bestselling author Lisa See whose book Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was adapted into a movie in 2011.
The Chinese New Year Festival gets underway following the parade with cultural performances by some of the nation’s best Chinese acts, children’s activities and hands-on cultural workshops. LA Craft Experience (LACE), LA’s premier artist’s market will feature over 40 local vendors, offering shoppers a truly unique shopping experience.
Attendees can expect to nosh on traditional Chinese cuisine offered at many Chinatown restaurants as well as non-traditional dishes offered by food vendors and some of LA’s hottest gourmet food trucks. Additionally, the wildly popular show Cupcake Wars will be on hand with 1,000 Chinese New Year-themed cupcakes for people to enjoy.
There are two festival sites with entertainment stages at each: 727 N. Hill Street on Sat., Jan. 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Central Plaza at 943-951 N. Broadway on Sat., Jan. 28 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 29 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The 113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade is on Sat., Jan. 28 beginning at 1 p.m.
The always popular 2012 LA Chinatown Firecracker 5/10K run follows the Chinese New Year Festival on February 11 – 12. Visit firecracker10k.org for more details.
Enjoy an extended stay in Los Angeles and revel in comfort and style at an LA-area by owner vacation rental. Scenic offers more than 25 vacation homes throughout Orange County and almost 100 California by owner rentals throughout the state, so you’ll always find the California vacation rental home you’re looking for.
Category California, Cultural Festivals, Food Festivals, Suggestions, Things To Do | Tags: California,Chinese New Year,Los Angeles
Celebrate Creative Scotland in 2012
Written on December 22, 2011 at 9:19 pm, by elizabeth
Scotland has encouraged imagination, motivated invention and inspired creation for generations. In 2012,Scotland will celebrate its cultural and creative vibrancy with the Year of Creative Scotland.
Flickr Creative Commons/Slack12
A celebration of Scotland’s creative assets and contribution to the world will be held throughout the year, making 2012 the ideal time to experience fantastic events and festivals, discover Scotland’s inspirational natural and built landscapes, world renowned art, architecture and design, distinguished literature, contemporary music and unique arts and crafts.
Reinforcing the year of cultural celebrations, Scotland’s cities offer vibrant, festival experiences against beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage backdrops; Edinburgh for literature and Glasgow for music. Add to that a rich variety of museums, galleries, artisan shopping experiences and a thriving culinary scene and any visitor seeking the buzz of a city vacation will be spoilt for choice.
In 2011, alone, Scotland has opened the doors to five spectacular cultural attractions – the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, The Royal Palace at Stirling Castle, the Riverside Museum in Glasgow and Edinburgh’s newly transformed National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
For those looking to explore further afield, Scotland offers creative activities and events all around the country. The beautiful Isle of Harris, where the local textile, Harris Tweed has been woven for centuries, has even captured the imagination of fashion giants Vivienne Westwood and Nike.
Launching the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, said, ”Scotland is a dynamic and creative nation, rich in heritage with a wealth of world-class cultural events that draw visitors from across the globe, year round. The Year of Creative Scotland is a chance to spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on the world stage.
“There will be an exciting and imaginative programme of special events taking place throughout 2012, covering everything from music, drama and dance, to art, textiles and literature, all designed to appeal to young and old alike. This, coupled with our already vibrant cultural calendar filled with world renowned festivals and top visitor attractions – like Edinburgh Castle or the newly transformed Royal Palace at Stirling Palace and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh - will offer something for all visitors to enjoy, year round.”
When traveling in the United Kingdom, choose a by owner vacation rental from Scenic Rentals and take a vacation from hotels! Visit our United Kingdom destination page for great deals on beautiful by owner vacation rentals.
Do you own a vacation home in Scotland? Advertise your by owner vacation rental on Scenic Rentals for just $10 US per year and increase your rental exposure. With thousands of properties worldwide and a cap of 60 properties per city, advertising with Scenic is an economical way to maximize your advertising budget. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ABOUT LISTING YOUR PROPERTY WITH SCENIC RENTALS.
Vail Mountain will Celebrate 50th Anniversary with Opening of State-of-the-Art Gondola
Written on December 20, 2011 at 11:00 pm, by elizabeth
Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, has already begun making plans for its 50th anniversary in December 2012, by announcing the planned installation of a new, state-of-the art gondola to replace the Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16) in Vail Village.
Flickr.com/LucyCrabapple
The new gondola, which will have the number “1″ to commemorate Vail’s original gondola in that location, will provide a 40 percent improvement in uphill capacity over the existing Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16) – the highest of any gondola in North America. The state-of-the-art gondola, the first installation of its kind in North America, will offer new features, such as free Wi-Fi access for guests.
“We could think of no better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vail Mountain than by making a dramatic investment to improve the experience for our guests. The new gondola will set a standard for how we transport guests up the mountain, significantly reducing wait times at one of the most popular and recognized lifts anywhere in the world. It will also offer a protected and comfortable ride, complete with free Wi-Fi access,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “The new gondola continues a long tradition of Vail’s investments to set the leading position in guest service anywhere in the mountain resort industry.”
“The new gondola in Vail Village will provide the final touch to Vail’s multi-billion dollar renaissance over the past decade, which has been the result of an incredible partnership between Vail Resorts, the Town of Vail and the entire Vail community,” saidAndy Daly, mayor of the Town of Vail. “These investments have ensured Vail’s leadership position in the resort industry for many years to come.”
The new gondola will be located in the same location as the existing lift and will reach the same location at Mid-Vail. The gondola is a state-of-the-art lift replacing the technology of the existing high-speed quad lift that was installed in 1985, approximately 26 years ago, and reintroducing a gondola to Vail Village not experienced since the 1970s. The gondola is proposed to be installed in the spring and summer of 2012 and be operational for opening day of the 2012-2013 ski season, just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vail.
The base lift facility will be similar to the existing equipment but instead of chairs hanging from a cable, there will be gondola cabins. Unlike the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) in Lionshead, which is an enclosed facility, the new gondola will be an open air terminal.
The new gondola is subject to Town of Vail and U.S. Forest Service approval. Additional details on the design and approval of the proposed gondola will be available in the coming months.
For more information about Vail Mountain, visit Vail.com or contact the Mountain Information Center at (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8425).
Are you planning to swish the slopes of Vail this ski season? Check out our Vail destination page for beautiful ski chalets and rentals in Vail, Colorado. Scenic also has ski vacation rentals throughout Colorado, so no matter which powder you choose, you’re sure to find a by owner vacation rental to rest your slope-weary head.
Category Colorado, U.S. travel news | Tags: Colorado,Vail
Tis the Season for Tinsel and Travel
Written on December 16, 2011 at 12:08 am, by elizabeth
The holidays are upon us. There’s no denying the ribbons festooning every shop window and the merry music on every station. Though this most festive time of year can be a boost to the senses and the spirit, it can also bring even the most zen-like citizen to their tinsel-bedecked knees. If the glare from your neighbors light display is getting on your nerves, why not take a deep breath and plan a little getaway? To aide in your holiday happiness, we’ve compiled a top five list of our favorite Caribbean hot spots to visit, all ideal for a last minute holiday getaway:
turksandcaicostourism.com
Jamaica, mon. Always wanted to celebrate Christmas with your toes in the sand, a la the Corona commercials? Well Jamaica is your place. A laid back lifestyle is the antithesis of a frazzled holiday season. So wash those cares away with an ice cold beverage and leave the merry making mayhem to the man in the red suit. For beautiful by owner vacation rentals in Jamaica, click HERE.
The British Virgin Islands. Nosh on tea and crumpets and enjoy the niceties of British etiquette in this quintessential spot for a winter getaway. The BVI are gorgeous anytime of year, but there’s something particularly refreshing about experiencing an island full of civility when the folks back home are racing around in a December whirl. Scenic Rentals offers 18 by owner vacation rentals throughout the BVI, ensuring that you can easily locate your dream lodging for an even dreamier price. Visit the BVI destination page for details.
Prefer your sun and sand with a cheeseburger in paradise? Then head instead to the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas are the big three in this cluster of islands and all offer sunny spots and secret coves perfect for hiding from your inlaws. As an added bonus, the U.S. dollar is king here, so there’s no need to muddle your mind with a complicated exchange rate. But alas, no brightly colored paper currency to use as stocking stuffers for next year.
Enjoy a memorable Christmas dinner of local specialties like conch fritters when you wile away the holiday in the Bahamas. The area is beyond beautiful, the diving opportunities are vast and best of all, the Bahamas are only a short flight from the continental U.S. If Santa is sending the kids along, the family-friendly islands of the Bahamas are an ideal destination. Even better, with dozens of Bahamas vacation rentals, finding a luxurious place to lay your head will be but a momentary activity in your vacation planning. View the Bahamas vacation rentals on Scenic Rentals’ Bahamas destination page.
For a true getaway, grab your sandals and make a beeline for the sandy shores of St. Lucia. Sure it’s a little farther than some Caribbean destinations, but the moment you step off the plane into the balmy tropical air, you’ll be glad you made the effort. This friendly island is a world away from snow and stress and the smiling locals make you feel that every thing’s all right. And if it’s not, then enjoy a banana daiquiri or a locally brewed Piton beer and forget that there’s anything amiss back home. For the best in St. Lucia vacation rentals, visit the St. Lucia destination page on Scenic Rentals.
Now turn up the Jimmy Buffet and enjoy yourself! Happy trails travelers, enjoy the merry madness for a few more days!
Now through December 31, 2011, all proceeds generated on Scenicrentals.com will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Category Holiday travel, Suggestions | Tags: Caribbean,holiday
New Zealand Travel a World Must-Do in 2012
Written on November 30, 2011 at 4:42 am, by elizabeth
Influential travel authority Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region, including popular lakeside resort Queenstown, as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012.
Flickr.com/Small
The Southern Lakes region comprised of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland is the only region in Australasia to feature in the new book, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 – the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.
Queenstown’s backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range and the nearby lakes area were introduced to cinema audiences around the world in Peter Jackson’s award-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy.
A Queenstown vacation is included for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery. An excerpt from the book reads, “There isn’t a bad time to turn up in the world’s top adventure playground. There are nonstop outdoor activities year-round in the resort towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau, as well as the surrounding mountains, lakes and parks… Where else can you ski in the morning and golf or water ski in the afternoon? Add excellent wineries and superb restaurants and what more is there to say?”
Best in Travel’s recommendations are drawn from hundreds of ideas submitted by Lonely Planet’s staff, authors and community of travellers, bloggers and tweeters. Their suggestions are then refined by a panel of in-house travel experts, based on topicality, excitement, value and that special it-factor.
(Source: Lonely Planet)
