Feature Destination - Hendersonville, North CarolinaClick here to view the Hendersonville Resort Map.
Situated in beautiful Henderson County, the town of Hendersonville is a jewel to be discovered in the western portion of North Carolina. The town boasts a scenic location like no other. At over two thousand feet in altitude, Hendersonville rests atop a mountain plateau with views as far as the eye can see. On one side of town the Great Smoky Mountains rise into the sky. On the other, you can see the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. With these natural wonders acting as buffers, residents of Hendersonville enjoy four seasons that remain fairly temperate throughout the year. The town is a haven for golfers, with championship courses dotted throughout the community. While the mountains create a breathtaking backdrop to life in Hendersonville, its historic Downtown district is the focal point to the community. It is here that you will find the majority of Hendersonville's artistic and cultural offerings, civic groups and social activities. This is a fantastic destination to spend an afternoon, strolling along quaint walkable streets, shopping, dining, and taking in the abundant charm all around you. Historic Downtown Hendersonville was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March of 1988. Located within the downtown district, is the Henderson County Heritage Museum, Henderson County Mineral & Lapidary Museum. 
This is small-town America at its classic best! North Carolina Apple Festival The town also hosts a number of fairs, festivals, and annual events each year. One of the most beloved is the annual North Carolina Apple Festival held each year on Labor Day weekend. This is an event that draws huge crowds of locals and tourists alike, nearly a quarter million people by some estimates. The festival celebrates the fact that this region is one of the largest apple producing areas in the nation, providing the vast majority of the favorite fruit to the state of North Carolina. Late August through mid-November most orchards give tours and allow you to pick your own apples. You can enjoy self-guided driving tours into the heart of scenic apple country in the spring blooming season and during the apple harvest. Visit one of the many roadside apple markets or produce stands located throughout Henderson County in the fall for a selection of some of the nation’s best apples! NC Mountain State Fair NC Mountain State Fair is a ten day, family oriented, agricultural Fair -Nationally Sanctioned Championship Clogging -Pig races, Petting Zoo, Camel Rides, and Animal Displays -More than 200 vendors promote, market and/or sell their products at this event -Over 50 craftsmen demonstrate their skills and proudly exhibit their work. The Western North Carolina Mountain State Fair is held each September at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. It’s the third largest fair in North Carolina, celebrating the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, & midway amusement rides. The Historic Village Flat Rock 
When you vacation in Henderson County, you become part of a historic tradition. Back in the 1820s, the nearby town of Flat Rock became a summer retreat for wealthy Charlestonians who came to escape the sweltering heat, yellow fever and malaria of the South Carolina low country. The village became known as “The Little Charleston of the Mountains” and today the entire district of Flat Rock is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Spend your leisure time enjoying quaint Little Rainbow Row, studios, galleries, inns and restaurants. Flat Rock offers fine and unique accommodations to suit your traveling needs. The State Theatre of North Carolina, the Flat Rock Playhouse, is in its 58th year of producing professional live theatre from April through December. Delight in the variety of shows, including performances by the Flat Rock You Theatre, and special events throughout the season. Of special interest to history buffs is Connemara, the home of America’s poet and author, Carl Sandburg. Visitors can take a guided tour of the historic home, visit the dairy goat barn and stroll the five miles of trails of this 264 acre National Historic Site. DuPont State Forest If waterfalls & the outdoors are your passion, you have to experience spectacular Triple Falls of DuPont State Forest plus High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Hooker Falls, and scenic Lake Julia. Triple Falls consists of three distinct cascades, totaling about 120' in vertical drop. Featured in the movie Last of the Mohicans. Dupont State Forest includes more than 10,000 acres of forest, trails, and waterfalls between Hendersonville and the town of nearby Brevard, Our many state and national forest areas have a variety of terrain to explore the great outdoors no matter your level of adventure from gentle hikes to backwoods mountain biking. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Just a short & very scenic drive east from Hendersonville is Chimney Rock, located in Chimney Rock Village near Lake Lure in the NC Mountains. The Park features mountain hiking trails for all ages and abilities. The Park is nestled in Hickory Nut Gorge adjacent to the towns of Lake Lure and Bat Cave. Chimney Rock, the 535-million-year-old monolith for which the Park is named, is considered one of the most iconic sites in North Carolina. From its top, you’ll soak in 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. National Geographic magazine selected Lake Lure as one of the “10 most spectacular man-made lakes in the world. Also, Dirty Dancing was filmed on locations here.
Feature Destination - Delray Beach, FloridaClick here to view the Delray Beach Resort Map.
Visit Delray Beach, Florida’s Arts Village Home to more than 250 restaurants, galleries and boutiques, Atlantic Avenue is the heart of Delray Beach’s thriving downtown. Brick paved sidewalks lined by live oaks, royal palm trees and decorative street lamps create the ambiance of a charming “Village by the Sea” --- conveniently located just south of Palm Beach and minutes off I-95 (exit 51A). From the moment you arrive in Delray Beach, you’ll know it’s a special place! History & Cultural Activities Founded by American, European, African-American and Japanese settlers in the early 1900s, Delray Beach’s roots are firmly entrenched in the concept that cultural diversity is a pillar of the community. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the living culture of Japan. The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum serves as a reminder of Delray’s humble beginnings, as do George Morikami’s roots in pineapple farming. Downtown Events 
Downtown Delray Beach showcases the Famous 100-Foot Christmas Tree and First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration. For many evenings each year, the streets of Downtown Delray Beach come alive with the sounds of music and the sights of art with events such as Art and Jazz, 5th Ave Jazz, July 4th Celebration, Delray Affair, GreenMarket and many more multi-cultural happenings. Delray Beach is home to professional golf facilities and host to various sporting events including International Tennis, USTA Davis and Fed Cup Tournaments at the City’s World-Class Tennis Center. Shopping, Dining and Lodging You don’t need to live in Delray Beach to enjoy its celebrated beaches, tropic ocean breezes and casual elegance. Visitors will find accommodations for every taste and budget. As a world-class destination, Delray Beach offers a wide range of options for your dining pleasure --- from numerous four- and five-star restaurants to family eateries. Savor fine dining along Atlantic Avenue, relax at brunch at an outdoor café or enjoy a light lunch on the beach. Beaches, Parks and Other Fun Stuff Bounded on the east by three miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beachfront, Delray Beach features 12 city parks, marinas, bicycle and walking trails and a skateboard park. The American Orchid Society, Old School Square Cultural Arts Center, Cornell Museum of Art and History, Sandoway House Nature Center, Delray Beach Historical Society and Intracoastal Waterway Cruises are among Delray Beach’s many other appealing attractions and exhibits.
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.
Helpful Links
Feature Destination - Charleston, South CarolinaClick here to view the Charleston Resort Map.
Charleston... A Southern gem! The "Holy City" as it is known, for all of the spires and steeples, is surrounded by water and is close to some of the best beaches in the eastern U.S. Start at the Charleston Visitor's Center at 375 Meeting Street downtown and arm yourself with information to help you navigate this charming city. Be sure to take your time in this cosmopolitan city with southern charm and experience the hospitality that Charlestonians are known for.
Strolling through the city, stop at some of the many galleries and charming locally owned shops, many of which are off the beaten path. There are several historic homes to tour, and the Charleston and Gibbes Museums are certainly worthy of your time. The South Carolina Aquarium overlooks the harbor and is a perfect spot for people of all ages to enjoy. Charleston Harbor Tours departs from the Maritime Center and gives a terrific history tour of the harbor, and of course a trip out to Ft. Sumter with Spiritline Cruises to see where the Civil War began is a must.
Charleston is known for its' many fine restaurants. Since any local will gladly tell you their favorites and steer you in the right direction, it is always fun to ask for recommendations. There is no shortage of things to do in Charleston... the To receive a free map to help you plan your visit, email judywerner@resortmaps.com.
Helpful Links
www.historiccharlestonbedandbreakfast.com www .charlestonharbortours.com www.familycircletenniscenter.com Feature Destination - Mad River Valley, VermontClick here to view the Mad River Valley Resort Map.
“Come for the Mountains. Stay for the Valley.” The Mad River Valley is rich with history, culture, culinary delights and recreational opportunities. With a year around population around 5,000, this community of four towns is defined by not only its ‘mad’ river, but by the incredible depth of amenities in such a small place. Over the last 60 years, its two legendary ski resorts, Sugarbush and Mad River Glen have transformed the Mad River Valley from a sleepy, agricultural community to a vibrant community full of talent, passion and diversity. Recreation & Adventure: For the non-winter adventure you can swim in the many clear, cool deep pockets of the Mad River, hike the Long Trail http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Trail- a ridgeline hiking trail that starts in Canada and goes down the spine of the Green Mountains, hooking up with the Appalachian Trail. You may decide to try paddling the Mad River with guides from Clearwater Sports www.clearwatersports.com, or by yourself on placid Blueberry Lake. Golf opportunities are plentiful, with a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed course at Sugarbush Resort www.sugarbush.com/vermont-activities-events/golf-club. Nine other golf courses can be found in an hour’s radius. For kids of all ages, one can visit Sugarbush Resort in the summer and fall for a zip line ride, indoor rock climbing, lift-served mountain biking and two disc golf courses. Take a hike and discover Warren Falls. Arts & Culture: The annual Green Mountain Opera Festival brings world-class opera performers to the Mad River Valley each June and offers free and open rehearsals to the public. One can drop into a rehearsal and see how an opera is staged and then attend a fully orchestrated opera the likes of Madame Butterfly or Barber of Seville. Mad River Chorale & Co www.madriverchoral.orgas well as Valley Players Theater www.valleyplayers.com offer live music and theatrical performances all year ranging from childrens’ musicals to intimate cabarets. Staying & Dining: Dining opportunities range from oven fired pizza to filet mignon. Many local restaurants feature locally grown produce, eggs and meats. The Mad River Valley boasts something for every palette. Feature Destination - Ocean Grove, New JerseyClick here to view the Ocean Grove Resort Map.
 Experience the Jersey Shore! Visitors since the 1800’s have traveled from New York City and Philadelphia to summer here in Historical Ocean Grove. In 1975, Ocean Grove was designated a State and National Historic District as a 19th century planned urban community. It has the greatest extent of Victorian and early-20th century architecture in the United States. Generations have relaxed on our beautiful sandy beaches and have shop until their hearts content. We are host to craft shows, annual giant Flea Markets in June and September, Saturday night concerts in the Great Auditorium and many other cultural events. Holiday parades fill our streets and multiple chances arise throughout the summer to see fireworks. Stroll along Main Avenue and visit our shopkeepers who offer gifts, candy, antiques, crafts and artistry. Experience our many restaurants who have earned rave reviews. Saturday nights at the auditorium this August and September feature The Beach Boys, Doo Wap, the Australian Bee Gees, Air Supply and Destination Opera. A must see, is an upcoming movie called Greta which features Hillary Duff, Evan Ross, Michael Murphy and Ellen Burstyn. The movie and web site feature Ocean Grove, Asbury Park and Bradley Beach. The two mile boardwalk between Asbury and Ocean Grove have been seen in Woody Allen’s Stardust Memories, The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke, City by the Sea with Robert De Niro and Earthly Possessions with Susan Sarandon. We also have hosted New Jersey’s Bruce Springsteen concerts and videos and scenes from the Soprano’s. To Ocean Grove’s north is Asbury Park which is proud of it’s revitalized boardwalk and downtown shopping district which feature a Spray Park, ShowRoom movie theatre, Convention Hall and the famous Stone Pony and Wonder Bar. Yes, this is where Bruce Springsteen got his start and his infamous reading from Madame Marie. This August at the Stone Pony visitors can enjoy Snoop Dogg, John Cafferty and The Pretenders. Within a short drive are the Jersey Shore Outlets, Six Flags Great Adventure, Jenkinson’s Aquarium and Boardwalk, PNC Art Center and Atlantic City.
In the book Introduction to the History of Ocean Grove, New Jersey our local historian Wayne (Ted) Bell writes that in 1867, Reverend William B. Osborn, a Methodist preacher, attended a week long outdoor holiness camp meeting at Vineland, NJ. Osborn's enthusiasm knew no bounds and, eventually, he found an ideal camp meeting site, a secluded community on the North Jersey Coast, where spiritual and physical health could be renewed. Thus, on July 31, 1869, a group of ministers and friends camped at what is now called Founders Park and, after a candlelight prayer service, dedicated themselves to establish a permanent Christian camp meeting community called "Ocean Grove." From this simple beginning there would emerge a permanent town. Ocean Grove established various rules and regulations, including perhaps the most famous: the banning of all carriages and automobiles on the streets on Sunday, as well as the banning of Sunday beach bathing, and the prohibition of the sale of liquors within a circle of a mile of Ocean Grove. President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, in 1875, arriving by carriage on Sunday at the chained gates of Ocean Grove, simply tethered his horses and carriage at the gate and walked the half mile on sand streets to his sister's house on Wesley Lake, then to the open air auditorium where 5,000 children, adults and Civil War veterans welcomed him in voices of praise. 
At one time, 660 tents were leased or owned on individual lots throughout Ocean Grove. Now only 114 tents remain, in a semi circle around the Great Auditorium. Each spring, by May 15th, the canvas tents are brought from their back room shed to be erected over the front wooden platform transforming it into a living room, to be furnished with couches, chairs, rugs, lamps and pictures. Meanwhile, outside along the walks, flowers are planted by the tenters, many of whom are proud to be fourth and fifth generation summer Ocean Grovers. Similarly, throughout the Historic District, pre-season events begin in the Victorian seaside cottages as hotel owners rush to complete that last minute paint touch up on porches, rockers, etc., in preparation for the onslaught of visitors, friends and grandchildren. The summer camp meeting then continues as it has over 130 years until the fall, when the tent canvases are taken down and stored until the next season. President Ulysses S. Grant visited Ocean Grove during his time in office and made his last public appearance in this town. Other Presidents to speak on the grounds include James Garfield, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Richard Nixon. Heavyweight boxing champions James J. Corbett and Max Baer and department store magnate F.W. Woolworth were among the celebrities of the day who vacationed in Ocean Grove. We have several celebrities today who enjoy the laid-back life of what is commonly called “God’s Square Mile.”
Feature Destination - Gatlinburg, TennesseeClick here to view the Gatlinburg Resort Map.
Bordering the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee lies to the south of Pigeon Forge. Perhaps the mystical enchantment of the Smokies is what causes millions of people each year to choose Gatlinburg as their favorite getaway destination. Gatlinburg has a strong German heritage and much of this still remains, particularly in Gatlinburg's restaurants, which often specialize in authentic and traditional German cuisine. This unique village is perhaps most famous for its nearby ski resort and amusement park, known as Ober Gatlinburg. This popular tourist attraction is open throughout the year and accessed via a chair lift, which offers truly breathtaking views of the Gatlinburg area and beyond. 
Gatlinburg also offers many festivals and events throughout the year. Gatlinburg's annual Christmas Parade attracts over 60,000 people. For the 34th consecutive year, Gatlinburg kicks off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, which leads off at 12 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, to the cheers of close to 100,000 spectators. The Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games features Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, border collie demonstrations, haggis hurling, entertainment, whiskey tasting, as well as food & merchandise vendors. The Scottish and British influence can also be felt in Gatlinburg at the Fox & Parrot Tavern, an authentic British Pub, and Celtic Heritage, which offers the benefits and histories of ancient Celtic customs. One of Gatlinburg's rites of spring is Ribfest & Wings, a street party with live entertainment and finger-lickin' ribs & wings! For only $12 guests can take part in all you can eat ribs and wings from all of Gatlinburg’s best restaurants, such as Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, McCutchan’s Brass Grill, Smokys Sports Pub & Grub & the Hard Rock Café. The night is wrapped up by an ice cream eating contest at Ben & Jerry’s. In January watch and cheer as Special Olympics athletes compete for the gold in their annual Winter Olympics day at Ober Gatlinburg. Family Fest in the Smokies, a concert series featuring Southern Gospel Music presented by The Gaithers, is held Memorial Day Weekend at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. 
Gatlinburg also offers wonderful art galleries and museums, including Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts - with many performing art courses, together with a wealth of superb exhibits in the museum. In 2007, Gatlinburg celebrated its bicentennial. In 1807, Martha Jane Husky Ogle founded the settlement of White Oaks Flats. She named it after the white oak trees that dotted the area. Ogle’s husband, an Englishman named William Oglesby who lived in the Carolinas, discovered what would eventually become Gatlinburg in the 1790s while traveling through the area. He was so impressed with the natural beauty he found that he returned home with the intention of moving his wife and their seven children here. However, he died before he could move back to the area that he’d called “paradise.” His wife, in keeping with Oglesby’s wishes, moved herself and her children to the area. The widow traveled from the Carolinas with her seven children and built a cabin that can still be seen on the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts' campus right in downtown Gatlinburg. Later, after learning how to read and write, the family name was changed from Oglesby to Ogle because it was easier to write. Today, the Ogle family remains one of the premier families in Gatlinburg. 
It wasn’t until around the time of the civil war that the town became known as Gatlinburg. It was named after Radford Gatlin, a preacher and teacher who moved here and opened a mercantile store. By all accounts, Gatlin didn’t get along with most people in White Oak Flats. The fact that he supported the Confederacy during the Civil War didn’t help. White Oak Flats, just like the rest of East Tennessee, supported the Union during the war. Gatlin leased space in his store to Richard Reagan, who opened the town’s first post office in that space. Reagan suggested the town be named after Gatlin when mail started coming in to the post office being addressed to Gatlin or Gatlin Store, instead of White Oak Flats. Thus the town got a new name. It is somewhat surprising that locals didn’t change the name after Gatlin left town to move to someplace more friendly towards him. Today millions of visitors every year come to Gatlinburg because they share in William Oglesby’s love for the area and some have made it their own “paradise.” 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
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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.
As the sun gets low, take a carriage ride down by the City Market and relax as the horses navigate through the back streets and you learn more about the history of Charleston. Be sure to visit the Gullah women selling Sweetgrass Baskets at the City Market beforehand. A stroll down East Bay street for coffee, a drink at a rooftop bar, or fresh oysters at Pearlz is always great, then on past Rainbow Row to White Point Gardens in the Battery to relax. And the food!
Preservation Society gives walking tours, there are several historic Plantations to visit, beaches to relax on, the Saturday Farmer's Market in Marion Square and plenty of great nightlife, including ghost tours. In February the Southeast Wildlife Exposition, which is the largest wildlife art event in the nation, is in town. The Family Circle Cup arrives with world class tennis in April, and October brings MOJA - an African American & Caribbean Arts Festival, and the Annual Fall Tour of Homes & Gardens sponsored by the Preservation Society. In May the internationally renowned Spoleto Festival, with over 100 performances of opera, dance, music and theater graces the city. Charleston is a wonderful city with Southern charm just waiting to be explored!
This tag line used by the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce 
No matter the season, there are outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages. Skiing at Sugarbush 
There is a myriad of lodging opportunities from an affordable hostel, lovingly restored historic inns and bed & breakfasts, budget lodging and luxury slope-side condominiums. Area lodging can be found at 
Ocean Grove in the 1800’s was a place where women could run their own Inns and Rooming Houses. Mrs. Wagner's Home Made Pies were originally made in her house in Ocean Grove and later distributed from Brooklyn NY and Philadelphia PA. Women today, such as Erica Hirsch have sat on the open air porch at the clothing store Seasons owned by Nancy Goldberg and dreamed up a concept of a dining club which came to be known as Savor Dining Club and Savor Quick Bites. The ocean-filled air has inspired many other entrepreneurs. One such NYC resident who spends many days in Ocean Grove is Jo Singel, writer extraordinaire, who has stayed at the Laingdon Hotel for years. She has seen Ocean Grove and Asbury Park evolve into a mecca for writers, artists and restaurateurs. Her books include Ocean Grove & Asbury Park - Renovation, Recreation & Tradition as well as Leadership – Creating a Path ~ Leaving a Mark.