Feature Destination - Addison County, VermontClick here to view the Addison County Resort Map.
Located in the lower Champlain Valley of Vermont bordered by the Adirondacks to our west and the Green Mountains to our east, Addison County offers something for everyone—every season of the year. Middlebury, Bristol and Vergennes offer thriving downtowns for dining, shopping and theater, while quaint villages such as Lincoln, Shoreham, or Starksboro may remind you of simpler times. 
Middlebury is so much more than a classic New England College town! Ideally located midway between Burlington and Rutland, Middlebury makes a great four-season destination for a day trip or a longer stay. In addition to the wide variety of shopping opportunities, the downtown features more than ten restaurants, many are located along the Otter Creek as it flows and tumbles dramatically over the Otter Creek Falls in the heart of the downtown. Three historic inns, a movie theater, the Town Hall Theater (featuring year-round music, dance, opera and plays), the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History and the Vermont Folklife Center are all within a ten-minute walk of the Town Green and gazebo. Middlebury College, a fifteen minute walk from the Green, has a full schedule of performing arts events, a gallery, outstanding college athletics and much more. 
Lodging options in the Middlebury area also include other historic inns, a hotel, three motels, many bed and breakfasts, private lakeside or mountainside cottages, camping, and recreational vehicle camps - most no more than a ten minute drive from the historic downtown. Nestled at the foot of Green Mountains‚ Bristol is a quaint village of about 3‚800 residents. Main Street is lined with friendly village shops that satisfy every interest: antiques‚ gifts‚ home accessories‚ Vermont-made products‚ handmade beeswax candles‚ clothing and shoes. Dine at restaurants with menu selections offering everything from pizza to champagne. Bristol is surrounded by serene woodlands‚ crystal clear streams and rivers and delightful mountain scenery. Four season natural beauty is within easy reach by car, bike, foot or fishing pole. Bristol’s town green has been a central part of the village throughout its history. The Bristol Band has presented outdoor summer band concerts in the gazebo on the town green every Wednesday from June through August since shortly after the Civil War. Folks bring their lawn chairs‚ visit with their neighbors and enjoy the music. The green also hosts 4th of July events (such as its infamous Outhouse Races)‚ the Farmers’ Market‚ Movies in the Park‚ BBQs, the Harvest Festival and many other activities. 
Vergennes was Vermont's first city 1788 and bills itself as America's smallest city. The city's name was suggested by Ethan Allen to honor the Comte de Vergennes who served as the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and negotiator of the Treaty of Paris. You'll find the elements of both a vital city and neighborly town here. The City Hall and Vergennes Opera House is still the center of Vergennes' business and cultural life. The beautifully restored‚ acoustically superb Opera House presents a year-round schedule of jazz‚ opera‚ folk‚ classical and theater performances as well as a monthly Friday Night Flicks event. City Park‚ in the center of the downtown‚ hosts Monday evening summer band concerts community festivals such as French Heritage Days in July and Vergennes Day in late August. Within the three-block downtown area, traditional businesses mix with the new. Revitalization has attracted eclectic, locally-owned shops and restaurants to become neighbors of deep-rooted Vergennes businesses. Main Street's 150-year old commercial blocks built with local stone and eye-catching window displays entice people to stop and explore. Visit the Addison County Chamber of Commerce’s website (www.addisoncounty.com) for more information on the area, tourism activities, lodging and dining locations. Stop into the Visitor Information Center at 2 Court Street (Route 7) in Middlebury. Or, call us at 1-800-SEE-VERMONT or 802-388-7951. Feature Destination - Monterey, CaliforniaClick here to view the Monterey Resort Map.
Evidence shows that people were first drawn to Monterey thousands of years ago for its fish and wildlife. That is largely why people settled in this coastal community over the past few centuries and a good part of the reason why this unique West Coast port of call attracts so many people to its shores today. 
From many vantage points throughout the city you can take in great vistas of the craggy shores of Monterey. The expansive Monterey Bay stretches out before you and in its waters you observe a dazzling array of activity produced by passing sailboats, fishing trollers, seabirds, numerous mammals and other busy travelers of the sea. This highly diverse and rich ecosystem, considered a national treasure, is thankfully federally protected. To see such a vast array of marine life---including plants and other creatures of the earth---on the fringes of a large town is truly remarkable.It might be hard to pull yourself away from watching the dolphins frolic in the Pacific or the sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters alternatively cavort and loll across the jagged breakwater rocks in the Bay, but you must for there is much to see and do in this city steeped in history, culture and marine preservation. The Monterey Bay Aquarium should be tops on your list, so allow a good amount of time there. Located on the street immortalized in John Steinbeck’s novel, Cannery Row, you’ll also want to take in the various shops and restaurants in this area. 
From here you can stay coastal and head over to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf on Monterey Harbor where a jumble of pastel-colored houses are lined up cheek by jowl offering visitors a captain’s cargo of temptations from fresh seafood platters to pirate’s paraphernalia to carmel corn. You can also board a whale watching cruise here or just amble around and view the regatta-sized assortment of pleasure boats docked before you.Located 350 miles north of Los Angeles and just over one hundred miles south of San Francisco, Monterey was originally named the capital of Baja (lower) and Alta (upper) California by Spain in 1776. The first Euro-American settlers arrived here, however, in 1542. You can trace this fascinating history and more by visiting many of Monterey’s landmark sites and by taking walking tours of the city’s most historic areas. You’re lucky that Monterey is well known for its year-round temperate climate since you’ll want to plan on spending a lot of time exploring outside whether the day is bright and sunny or foggy. More adventuresome types should consider paddling around Monterey Bay, an experience that will likely bring you up close and personal with much of Monterey’s esteemed marine life. 
Jazz aficionados and music lovers in general would fare well to make a pilgrimage here late September to attend The Monterey Jazz Festival, the world’s longest running jazz celebration, now celebrating its 51st year.Do plan to carve out a few extra days to explore the many other attributes of Monterey County. After you’ve sampled some of the fine Monterey wines, visited a few charming shops in Carmel and driven along the coastal highway to Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove and Big Sur, you’ll truly understand why Monterey and the outlying region have gained recognition as a world-renowned travel destination. Helpful Linkswww.monterey.org Feature Destination - St. Augustine, FloridaClick here to view the St. Augustine Resort Map.
St. Augustine, the Nation's Oldest City, is by far, Florida's unique destination. Luxury hotels and charming historic inns provide the ambiance of the city's Colonial Spanish Heritage, Victorian era and Spanish Revival architecture. Colonial Spanish Florida left the city with some of Florida’s most fascinating landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th century fortress, dozens of historic sites and attractions, and narrow streets that are lined with coquina brick buildings. You can also immerse yourself in the grandeur of the hotels from the late 19th century. 
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Admiral Don Pedro Menendez as a permanent settlement of Spanish Florida. For much of the next 250 years, the people of St. Augustine successfully battled against hurricanes, pirates, English raiders, plagues, and Indian uprisings to defend a city that served as the last rest stop for the Spanish fleets before they began the long crossing of the Atlantic bearing the treasures of the New World to Spain. After the glories of the Spanish Empire faded, St. Augustine became an American frontier town serving as the gateway to the strange and exotic land known as Florida.In the late 1880’s, the arrival in town of millionaire Henry Flagler changed St. Augustine forever. A man of vision with the wealth to transform his dreams into reality, Flagler transformed sleepy St. Augustine into the ultimate winter escape for America’s wealthiest families – the Rockefellers, the Wardens, the Mellons and others. To accommodate his guests, Flagler built a series of hotels in St. Augustine that were unrivaled anywhere in terms of opulence and amenities. .jpg)
For modern visitors, Flagler’s hotels, churches and innovations serve as a Spanish Renaissance backdrop to an area where family fun is the driving force behind a community built on a providing visitors with special memories. Whether it’s kayaking through the coastal beauty of the area’s salt marshes, visiting historic sites such as the St. Augustine Lighthouse, exploring shops, boutiques and exquisite art galleries for a special treasure or just soaking up the rays along 42 miles of pristine beaches, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches truly offers something special.Just up the coast from St. Augustine is Ponte Vedra Beach, where the old Spanish haciendas have given way to some of the nation’s most exquisite resorts, picturesque golf courses, including THE PLAYERS Stadium Course with its famous 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, and luxurious award-winning spas. The World Golf Hall of Fame, golf’s tribute to its greatest players and contributors and the World Golf Village with its famous King and Bear and the Slammer and Squire golf courses are just a few minutes away. Dining in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches is an event unto itself. The choices range from elegant dining overlooking beautiful Matanzas Bay to local seafood favorites served old Florida style and Spanish influenced cuisine served in 18th century taverns. 
Although it may seem as though every day here is special, there are some that shine even brighter because of special events designed to highlight the heritage of this unique place beside the sea. There are festivals, reenactments and celebrations throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience the authenticity of the area’s culture and history. Especially when the entire city shines with millions of tiny white lights during the annual Nights of Lights Celebration which takes place each year between November and January. Summertime brings live musical performances by the sea, in the plaza and in the city’s newly restored Amphitheatre. A complete listing of events, attractions and activities can be found on the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website, www.Getaway4Florida.com.
Feature Destination - Stowe, VermontClick here to view the Stowe Resort Map.
Located at the foot of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, the idyllic village of Stowe, Vermont has been hosting travelers for over 200 years. A visit in the autumn is to see Stowe and the surrounding countryside at its most spectacular, Frosty mornings give way to cool, crisp days--perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The colorful hillsides--ablaze with red, orange, and gold--are truly breathtaking. It's a treat for the senses and for the soul! 
Fall is typified by sunshine, blue skies, and freshness in the air that’s unequaled. Mountain or road bike, hike, horseback ride, tour a Vermont winery (and kayak or canoe to get there), soar through the sky in an effortless glider or a hot air balloon. And for a leisurely stroll, a robust inline skate or a family bike ride, the 5.5 Stowe Recreation Path, with its 11 pedestrian bridges crossing the river is not to be missed. A bonus is the outdoor sculpture exhibit which surprises and brings a smile at every turn.And what else is happening while Mother Nature is showing us her stuff? Well, late September brings us a couple of grand events, starting on September 19th with the British Invasion, “A 4-Day Celebration of and Salutation to the Great British Motorcar and All Manner of Other Things British”. The following weekend Stowe turns Bavarian, as the Stowe Rotary unveils their 12th Annual Oktoberfest, a rollicking fundraiser for their community programs. The 26th Annual Stowe Foliage Arts Festival rolls into town Columbus Day weekend (that’s October 10-12), bringing 200 designer craft and art exhibits, a food court, and new this year: Vermont Beer Cheese and Sausage Tent! 
Many ask exactly when the leaves will be at their peak. The timing depends on temperature, sunlight, and rainfall amounts. This makes the timing of the peak a little different from year to year and impossible to predict exactly, although it's the subject of endless speculation in these parts. As a general rule, you can be assured of viewing brilliant colors from the last week of September through the first two weeks of October (with some isolated color both before and after). Make your reservations early: people flock to our beautiful village from all over the world to see nature's most impressive show! Stowe is surrounded by spectacular scenery and exceptional vistas. On our website you can find recommended driving tours of varying lengths so you can get onto those scenic back roads that you hear so much about. Each trip begins at the Stowe’s brand new, state-of-the-art Visitor Information Center on Main Street in the village. Stowe is surrounded by spectacular scenery and exceptional vistas. On our website you can find recommended driving tours of varying lengths so you can get onto those scenic back roads that you hear so much about. Each trip begins at the Stowe’s brand new, state-of-the-art Visitor Information Center on Main Street in the village. 
As John Briley, writing for National Geographic Traveler puts it, “… the village of Stowe, settled in 1794, is storybook New England…” Bill Pennington, writing for the New York Times says, “Off-mountain activities abound, and the Mountain Road leading from the main village to the resort is lined with a classy mix of restaurants, bars, shops and lodging.”For more information, please call 1-800-GO-STOWE or visit www.gostowe.com or www.stowe.travel. Helpful Linkswww.craftproducers.com
Feature Destination - Plymouth, MassachusettsClick here to view the Plymouth Resort Map.
Guess who is having a Birthday?!?And everyone is invited!!!!!! Plymouth, Massachusetts was founded in 1620 and is soon nearing its 400th birthday. Best known as the landing site of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims, Plymouth, also known as Plimouth or Plimoth, is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Boston in a region of Massachusetts that locals affectionately call “the South Shore” and is one of the oldest municipalities in the United States. A visit in autumn is to see Plymouth and the surrounding countryside at its most spectacular. Cool nights give way to warm sunny days--perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The colorful countryside’s trees are ablaze with spectacular colors of red, gold and orange. The nearby cranberry bogs are truly breathtaking with their ruby reds and the familiar sound of the sandy beaches’ waves crashing are all Nature’s glory and a treat for the senses and for the soul!  Fall is typified by sunshine, blue skies, and fresh air that is unequaled. Plymouth offers an abundant amount of fall activities such as road biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking on the Billington Sea and area helicopter tours. You can even have a deep sea adventure while you whale watch off of the coast. Did I mention golf? With so many courses to choose from, Plymouth has become a golfer’s paradise. For a leisurely pace, stroll with an ice-cream cone through our many historic streets with homes dating from the 1600’s and discover the best in American craft in the 1640 Sparrow House Museum. Visitors to Plymouth have the opportunity to take a 60-minute tour walking the same path that the Pilgrims took. Visit Brewster Gardens, Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock and from there walk up Cole’s Hill and Leyden Street to Town Square. After visiting Town Square make sure you make it up to Burial Hill and to the site of the original plantation as well as the site of the 1636 Jenney Grist Mill. Enjoy the galleries and museums all tucked in and around downtown Plymouth. No trip to Plymouth is complete with out visiting the Plimoth Plantation. Re-creating life in 1627, this living history museum also depicts a 17th century Wampanoag Indian home site.
What else is happening while Mother Nature is showing us her stuff? Well, November brings our most grand celebration to “America’s Home Town”. Each autumn visitors flock to the beautiful town, from all over the world, to see where Thanksgiving began. The much beloved holiday festivities begin the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Celebration begins at 10:30 on the waterfront. Representing each century from 17th to the 21st, America’s Hometown Parade accurately and chronologically brings America’s history to life with plenty of fun and lots of entertainment.
Come celebrate the 93rd season of the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra with a November 22nd performance.
Plymouth is more than just history. Here in Plymouth there are many wonderful and exciting places to dine. From candlelit dinners to casual deck dining by the harbor featuring the freshest seafood and the tastiest fare, Plymouth has it all. Don’t forget shopping! From clothes to antiques, from books, crafts and art work to jewelry, and from candy to fun mementos you could spend days just shopping. For those who just want to be pampered, there is always a relaxing day at the spa.
For more information, please visit these sites:www.Plimouth.orgwww.jenneygristmill.com www.plymouthma400th.org www.plymouthphil.org www.usathanksgiving.com www.plymouthquild.org www.pilgrimhall.org www.memorialhall.com www.themayflowersociety.com www.plymouthrockstudios.com
Feature Destination - Eagle River Valley, ColoradoClick here to view the Eagle River Valley Resort Map.
Home to Red Cliff, Minturn, Eagle-Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, Wolcott, and Eagle the Eagle River Valley of Colorado boasts some of the most beautiful and varied terrain in the Rocky Mountains. With world class attractions rich in early American history, the Vail Valley is one of the premier destinations in the United States no matter what the season!
Much like the rest of the Valley, Beaver Creek was first inhabited in the late 1800s by prospectors. Today, Beaver Creek combines old-world charm with modern-day luxury. Visit this perfect spot for a family vacation or corporate retreat. Situated in a gated alpine village complete with The Vilar Center for Performing Arts, Beaver Creek Golf Course and world-class culinary and spa experiences, Beaver Creek, (through its chairlifts, skiing and hiking trails), creates a village-to-village connection that links nearby Bachelor Gulch Village and Arrowhead Resort. Much of the area is conveniently ski-in ski-out. Every December, Beaver Creek Mountain becomes the world's centerpiece when the Birds of Prey World Cup comes to town for the ultimate of ski racing. The course is rated one of the top five downhill courses in the world. The Birds of Prey is one iconic event that Beaver Creek claims to fame, but the town's history dates back to the late 1800s when the area was first prospected. Not developed until Vail Resorts purchased Beaver Creek in 1972, construction wasn't complete until 1980. Beaver Creek was finally able to open its doors to the public as a ski resort on Dec. 5 of that year. Located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, Avon, Colorado serves residents and visitors as a commercial and recreational hub. Centered between the resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek, Avon exudes a friendly, hometown atmosphere and is home to the Rocky Mountain region's largest 4th of July celebration each summer. At the heart of Avon is Nottingham Park which serves as a beautiful setting for walking, jogging or bicycling and ice-skating and hockey in the winter. The park is named after the Nottingham family, who settled Avon at the turn of the 19th century. Although Avon has been incorporated as a town since 1978, the Nottingham legacy lives on as the namesake for the lake that is the town's centerpiece. These early English immigrants were said to have named the area Avon because it reminded them of the Avon River Valley in England, birthplace of William Shakespeare.
A commercial mecca including lodging, boutiques, restaurants, movie theaters, galleries and professional services, founded by Frenchman Joseph Brett in the late 1800s, Edwards still exudes a certain "je ne sais quoi"... must-see and "to-be-seen" spot where New York's Greenwich Village meets the mountains. Attracted to the area by its mining potential, Brett and his family stayed in Edwards to establish a resort for executives traveling by train. As Vail and Beaver Creek grew, Edwards became a bedroom community for resort employees. Just four miles west of Beaver Creek, Edwards, Colorado is a local hot spot and home to Riverwalk, filled with restaurants, movie theaters, galleries, shopping and professional services. From restaurants that serve tapas to large servings to ice cream - your taste buds are sure to be pleased. Edwards is also a great place to fit in a quick manicure and pedicure into your day packed with outdoor recreation activities.
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Minturn, Colorado is the historical gem of the Vail Valley area. A funky old railroad town developed in the late 1800s, Minturn is the historical gem of the Vail Valley and is located between Vail and Beaver Creek. Minturn's quaint galleries and antique shops offer a peek at the past while the town bustles with contemporary business activity and attractions. Minturn was developed primarily as a railroad town in the late 1800s. The Rio Grande railroad line extended across the state of Colorado and Minturn was an important railroad division point. Railroad workers from around the country settled in Minturn, where they installed extra engines in railroad cars for more power over steep mountain passes. The Town of Minturn was incorporated in 1904, making it one of the oldest towns in Eagle County. Over the decades, Minturn has gradually transformed into a tourist-based economy. One of the most popular events in the community is the Minturn Farmer's Market, which runs weekly during the summer. The Minturn Market annually hosts more than 5,000 visitors.
The historic ranching town of Eagle, Colorado (which today is one of the fastest growing towns in the Eagle River Valley) claims the county seat. Eagle is also home to the Eagle Ranch Golf Course and the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo. Eagle offers charming and affordable lodging and dining options for guests who are often entertained by the Eagle County Historical Society. Just five minutes from the Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport the area is also one of the fastest growing towns in the Valley. Some call it the area's "banana boat" as weather tread on the higher side and is often the first to see the winter's snow melt and the last to say good-bye to fall.