Untitled Document Home
Chef & Hotel Profile
Publisher's Page
Gift Guide
Travel Adventures
Epicurean Events
Health Minded
Spa Baby Secrets
Sips
Book Bites
Culinary Coup
Sense of Style
Kids Kaleidoscope
Tinsletown Tidbits
Wheels
Radio Show & Links
Contact Us

JetBlue Airways
Eurail
Eurofly
Pearl Seas Cruises
WeatherReports.com


BRITISH AIRWAYS SALE TO LONDON NOW ON

Roundtrip air and two nights’ free hotel from $412

 Customers looking to travel to London over the winter period may now take advantage of two great offerings from British Airways – a sale and two nights’ free hotel stay. 

Launched today, the sale offers discounts from all 19 U.S. gateways plus two nights’ free hotel accommodation at select three and four star hotels in central London when purchasing roundtrip airfares between the U.S. and the U.K. 

Roundtrip airfares begin at $412 between New York (JFK or Newark) and London.  Comparable airfares are available from all 19 British Airways’ U.S. cities.  Prices are available for sale through Tuesday midnight (EDT), Oct. 26, 2010.  Travel is valid from Oct. 21, 2010, through Apr. 3, 2011 (excluding Dec. 20-22, 2010). 

London hotels participating in this offer include the Royal National, President, Best Western Burns, The Lancaster Gate Hotel, Fraser Place Queens Gate Apartments, Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, Hilton Docklands and Holiday Inn London Regents Park.  The two free hotel nights are based on double occupancy; single occupants are offered one free hotel night.

World Traveller roundtrip fares must be booked and purchased seven days in advance and are nonrefundable.  Fares may be higher for other travel dates and from other U.S. departure gateways. Weekend (Thursday-Sunday) surcharge applies at $30 each way. Fares are subject to government approval and do not include government fees and taxes from approximately $188 and a $2.50 September 11th Security Fee.  Minimum stay of Saturday night is required and maximum stay is 11 months.  Hotel accommodation must be booked with British Airways flights or British Airways codeshare services operated by American Airlines only during the promotional period. Other significant restrictions apply. 

Further information on this promotion and other British Airways offers are available by visiting the airline’s website, www.ba.com/sale. _____________________________________________________________________

How to Date When You Travel for Business

Unique Ways To Break The Ice In The Sky

Think you can’t date if you travel often for business? Think again! Although shuffling between busy schedules, flights and living out of a suitcase can be challenging, dating during business travel is easier than one might think. Dating expert and Director of It’s Just Lunch, PJ Osgood says that your life doesn’t have to stop when you board a plane. “Think of traveling for business as an adventure and a great way to have a couple hours of complete and undivided attention from a person you sit next to. There are a couple of simple tactics that I use when I fly, and they work almost every single time. I’ve met some great people when traveling for work,” notes Osgood.  So what are PJ’s business traveling tips for singles?

 Always be prepared.  No one wants to sit next to coffee breath that smells terrible, so bring gum! If you are going to strike up a conversation with the cute stranger sitting next to you, then you need to make sure you have your bases covered. Pop a piece of chewing gum in your mouth, trust me the cute stranger next to you will thank me!

Un-assigned seating is the best! “I love flying on Southwest for the very reason that I have the freedom to sit where I please. Take the middle seat next time you fly and keep your eyes peeled for the cuties. I’ve met so many wonderful people when sitting in the middle seat on a flight. You just never know who might choose the aisle,” notes Osgood.

Bring your business cards. You want to be prepared. Just like you wouldn’t step into an interview or business meeting without some way for them to contact you, the same rules apply when you fly. Always, always, always bring your business cards. That way if you hit it off then you both have ways to remain in contact with one another.

Be generous. Some companies offer incentives like free drink tickets when you are frequent flyer. Next time you fly bring two and share. It’s a great way to break the ice and start up a conversation. Your new friend will be appreciative and more prone to strike up a conversation if you extend the first olive branch (as the saying always goes).

Share a ride and save some cash. Most major cities offer a ride sharing program from the airport. If you hit it off in the plane or while waiting in line, then it might not be a bad idea to ask.

The bottom line is that you can meet people regardless of where you are. If the time is right, strike while the iron is hot!  www.itsjustlunch.com.

___________________________________________________________________

                                             

                                Steven Rose Named General Manager

                                 of Honua Kai Resort & Spa

 
Bill Jensen, CEO of Intrawest Holdings, has appointed Steven Rose as general manager of Honua Kai Resort & Spa. Mr. Rose manages the daily operation of the new 628-suite resort situated on Ka`anapali North Beach, Maui.
 
With nearly 30 years in hospitality and resort operations, Mr. Rose was most recently general manager at The Westin Monache Resort in Mammoth Lakes, California. Prior to California, he held the general manager role at The American Club at Destination Kohler. He also spent a number of years in Beaver Creek Resort where he served as the general manager of The Pines Lodge, A RockResort. He concurrently held general manager responsibilities for The Inn at Beaver Creek and Trappers Cabin. 
 
Rose began his hotel career in Food and Beverage operations at the iconic Brown Palace Hotel in Denver prior to moving into destination resorts.  
 
Mr. Rose has an undergraduate degree in theatre from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and an M.B.A. from The University of Denver.  He has served on many non-profit and government advisory boards. He and his wife Marcia enjoy the outdoors – cycling, hiking, skiing, paddling, diving and agility training with their dog, Tele.
 
About Honua Kai Resort & Spa (www.honuakaimaui.com)
Honua Kai offers a uniquely contemporary Maui experience. Nestled on 38 oceanfront acres of Kaanapali’s pristine North Beach, the resort is designed as two buildings with ocean and mountain views, lush landscaping and expansive open spaces. The openness is mirrored in each of the 628guest suites (one-, two-, and three-bedroom) with professionally equipped kitchens, spacious and homelike floor plans, and luxury resort services. An imaginative Aqua Playground of pools, hot tubs, natural pond bridges, waterslide, waterfalls and fountains allows for privacy and play. The Hokulani building houses 318 guest suites, `Aina Gourmet Market, pool, fitness center, concierge desk and Family Fun Club. The Konea building has 310 guest suites and two pools. Duke’s Beach House is located oceanfront, and the pool & beach activities operate poolside.

___________________________________________________________________

                                     
Wallet-Friendly Vacations this Winter in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado
Great values on ski/lodging packages and lots of free and low-cost ways to have fun
 
There’s no need to stop traveling when deals are this good for a ski vacation in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colo. Once here, there is free/inexpensive transportation and plenty of things to do for free or $6 or less. For more great deals, go to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s web sites, www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com.
 
Great Deals

Cristiana Guesthaus, a cozy bed and breakfast lodge in Crested Butte, is offering an Early Bird Special – 20% Off. Discounted rates are as low as $38 per person/per night based on double occupancy and time of year. This deal must be booked by Oct. 31, 2010 by calling (800) 824-7899 and is subject to tax and availability.  Full payment is due at time of booking. Visit www.cristianaguesthaus.com.  

Another family-owned lodge, the Nordic Inn in Mt. Crested Butte, has a Winter Playtime package available from Jan. 3 - Feb. 18, 2011.  The deal for two people includes three nights lodging and two days skiing for only $618.00 ($309.00 per person). The same offer is available through the Sunscreen Required deal from March 27 - April 2, 2011. Call (800) 542-7669 and visit www.nordicinncb.com.

Celebrate 50 Years of Skiing in Crested Butte with 50 percent off lift tickets and $50 per person, per night lodging from Nov. 23 – Dec. 16, 2010.  Shake off the summer cobwebs and enjoy uncrowded skiing and riding at its finest.  Pricing is subject to availability and based on double occupancy in a Emmons or King Suite at the Grand Lodge Crested Butte or quad occupancy of a two-bedroom Plaza or Gateway condominium.  Call Crested Butte Vacations at 1.800.810.7669 or visit www.skicb.com.  Other lodging partners in the area, such as Elk Mountain Lodge at (800) 374-6521, also are offering this deal.
 
A holiday ski vacation for under a grand? The Grandest Christmas package features four nights of lodging at the Grand Lodge in Mt. Crested Butte and three days of skiing or riding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort for two adults and two children ages 17 or younger for under $1,000.  This package is good for travel from Dec. 17 to Dec. 26, 2010, and must be booked by Dec. 18. Price is subject to availability and prior to all fees, taxes and optional travel protection. .  Call Crested Butte Vacations at 1.800.810.7669 or visit www.skicb.com
 
The Ruby of Crested Butte, a bed and breakfast known for its gourmet hot breakfasts, is offering discounts to teachers and military men and women. With the MiLOVEtary Getaway, enjoy 25 percent savings off lodging for stays of two nights or longer from Nov. 23, 2010 - April 3, 2011. Packages starting at $525 are available and include 25 percent off dinner at Maxwell’s Steakhouse, a one hour massage for two and a bottle of champagne accompanied with chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival. The Teacher Appreciation special at The Ruby provides 20 percent off stays of two nights or longer during the same timeframe and a complimentary appletini at the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin.  Packages for teachers start at $349. Call The Ruby at (800) 390-1338 or visit www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com.
 
Free/Low-Cost Entertainment & Transportation

Events & Culture

  • Get into the holiday spirit at Night of Lights in Gunnison on Dec. 3 and Light Up Night & Holiday Parade in Crested Butte on Dec. 4.  Both events are absolutely free.
  • Watch the silliness and seriousness as racers take off during the 24th annual Alley Loop Nordic ski race on Feb. 5. While you’ll see plenty of Lycra on racers attempting to qualify for the American Birkebeiner, many families and casual racers wear costumes for the shorter races that go through the streets, alleys and trails of Crested Butte.
  • Flush out winter and welcome spring at the 43rd annual Flauschink held March 31 - April 3 during the last week of ski season. Some Flauschink festivities are free, while others cost $5 or less with a $3 button purchase. 
  • On the last Thursday of December through March, stroll the galleries of Crested Butte during ArtWalk Evening. At many locations, refreshments are served and guest artists are on hand.
  • Western State College offers several free concerts by faculty, students and guest artists throughout the year.
  • At the Gunnison Arts Center and Crested Butte Center for the Arts, view exhibits for free. 
  • There is a $3 fee (12 and under are free) to enjoy the exhibits at Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, but enjoy the lobby filled with items that used to be sold at Tony’s Conoco, photos of old-timers and an excellent gift shop for free.
Recreation
  • Go sledding and ice skating at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. There is no cost to use the hill or rink, and the center offers inexpensive ice skate and sled rentals. 
  • Join the Crested Butte Nordic Center for a free lesson during “Learn to Skate Ski for FREE!” on the first Thursday of every month from December – March. The class starts at 1 p.m. and is limited to 12 people, so reserve a space by calling (970) 349-1707 by the Tuesday before. Ski rentals are available for $15. 
  • If you have snowshoes or Nordic skiing equipment, ask local outfitters where to go in the backcountry or on free Nordic trails in Gunnison. Equipment also can be rented for a reasonable price.
  • Drop a line in the Taylor River or Blue Mesa Lake. A fishing license is required.
  • Enjoy a day at the Gunnison Recreation Center’s entire facility for only $4 for kids ages 5 – 17 and $6 for adults. Kids under 5 are free. Think an indoor pool with slides, rock climbing wall, gym, game room and fun galore.
  • The City of Gunnison Ice Facility at Jorgensen Park features three sheets of ice: an indoor refrigerated NHL-size rink, outdoor Olympic-size covered rink, and outdoor frozen pond. The admission cost for the indoor rink is $3 for ages 18 and older, $2 for ages 5 – 17, and free for kids under 5.  Skate rentals are $3 per pair. There is no cost to use the outdoor rink and pond. There are scheduled times for public skate at both rinks, and the pond is dedicated to open skating.
Transportation
Colorful Mountain Express buses painted by local artists provide free transportation between Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. The main bus stops are at the visitor center in Crested Butte and the ski area, with several other stops in both Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. The Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority offers bus service between Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte for only $2 per ride, so you can stay at one end of the valley and still have an easy way to connect to the other end.  
 
Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages
To find out more about Gunnison County or to book other vacation packages, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s toll-free line, (800) 814-8893, or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. Find the Tourism Association on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gcbta or follow us on www.twitter.com/gcbta
 
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is served year-round by United Airlines with flights from Denver and during the winter season by American Airlines and Continental Airlines.
 
About Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado
Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities. In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding. Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options — from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels. 
 
Gunnison, county seat and a real western town, is home to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Whitewater Park, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Pioneer Museum and Western State College, which offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in liberal arts and sciences and pre-professional fields. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities. 
 
Recognized as the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” in 2008, Crested Butte is 28 miles from Gunnison and the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Only three miles up the road is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the ski area, an active base area, the area’s conference center, and outstanding hiking and biking trails. 
 
In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country’s newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Gunnison County is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.
________________________________________________________________


2008
March 08 | April 08 | May 08 | February 09 | March 09 | June 08 | July 08 | August 08 | September 08 | October 08 | November 08 | December 08 | January 09 | April 09 | May 09 | June 09 | July 09 | August 09 | September 09 | October 09 | November 09 | December 09 | January 10 | February 10 | March 10 | April 10 | May 10 | June 10 | July 10 | August 10 | September 10 | October 10 | November 10 | December 10 | January 11 | February 11 | March 11 | April 11 | May 11 | June 11 | July 11 | August 11 | September 11 | October 11 | November 11 | December 11 | January 12 | February 12 | March 12 | April 12 | May 12 | June 12 | July 12 | September 12 | October 12 | August 12 | November 12 | December 12 | January 13 | February 13 | March 13 | April 13 | May 13 | June 13 | July 13 | August 13 | September 13 | October 13 | November 13 | December 13 | January 14 | February 14 | March 14 | April 14 | August 14 | May 14 | June 14 | July 14 | September 14 | October 14 | November 14 | December 14 | January 15 | February 15 | March 15 | April 15 | May 15 | June 15 | July 15 | August 15 | September 15 | October 15 | November 15 | December 15 | January 16 | February 16 | March 16 | April 16 | May 16 | June 16 | July 16 | August 16 | September 16 | October 16 | November 16 | December 16 | February 17 | January 17 | March 17 | April 17 | May 17 | June 17 | September 17 | July 17 | August 17 | October 17 | November 17 | December 17 | January 18 | February 18 | April 18 | March 18 | May 18 | June 18 | July 18 | August 18 | September 18 | October 18 | November 18 | December 18 | January 19 | February 19 | March 19 | May 19 | June 19 | April 19 | July 19 | August 19 | September 19 | October 19 | November 19 | December 19 | January 20 | February 20 | March 20 | April 20 | May 20 | June 20 | July 20 | August 20 | September 20 | October 20 | November 20 | December 20 | January 21 | February 21 | March 21 | April 21 | May 21 | June 21 | July 21 | August 21 | September 21 | November 21 | October 21 | December 21 | January 22 | February 22 | March 22 | April 22 | May 22 | June 22 | July 22 | August 22 | September 22 | October 22 | November 22 | December 22 | January 23 | February 23 | March 23 | April 23 | May 23 | June 23 | July 23 | August 23 | September 23 | October 23 | November 23 | December 23 | January 24 | February 24 | February 08 | January 08

2007
December007
| November 07 | October 07 | September 07 | August 07 | July 07 | June 07 | May 07
April 07 | March 07 | February 07 | January 07

2006
December 06
| November 06 | October 06 | September 06 | August 06 | July 06 | June 06 | May 06
April 06 | March 06 | February 06 | January 06

2005
December 05
| November 05 | October 05 | September 05 | August 05 | July 05 | June 05 | May 05
April 05 | March 05 | February 05 | January 05

© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved