Archive for September 7th, 2010

Save Your Pennies and Holiday for Free with Barceló UK Hotel Offers and Breaks

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Barceló UK is offering guests the chance to enjoy free stays at some of its fantastic four star hotels this August!

Guests staying at the Barceló Basingstoke Country Hotel,
Barcelo Hinckley Island Hotel
,
Barcelo Daventry Hotel
or the
Barcelo Cardiff Angel Hotel
, will get their accommodation free when they pay for just breakfast and dinner.*

Pick your favourite location and enjoy the benefits of our summer offer

* Barceló Basingstoke Country Hotel in Hampshire UK is a delightful woodland hotel ideally located for exploring Hampshire and the south of England.
* Extremely easy to get to, Barceló Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire is a great destination for business or leisure. There’s so much to see and do in the local area, and you won’t have to travel far to enjoy it all.
* Surrounded by pretty Northamptonshire villages and towns and centrally located in Daventry, this hotel is just off the M1 and close to the M40. Barceló Daventry Hotel in Northamptonshire UK is spacious and modern offering comfortable rooms and a great location.
* Barceló Cardiff Angel Hotel in Wales has stood the test of time and been a favourite in Cardiff long before it became the capital, so it’s a great place to be to explore the whole of this vibrant city.

These fantastic four star hotels are ideally located – perfect for exploring the local surroundings, soaking up the history, sights and attractions, or simply putting your feet up to relax. Holidaying at home has never been better!

Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the hotels’ fantastic facilities including excellent health and leisure clubs and children’s games rooms.

Barceló UK has 21 luxury 4 star hotels throughout Britain, from traditional coastal and country retreats to vibrant town and city getaways, from Scotland to Torquay. Relax and discover some fascinating areas of the country. Stay in beautiful four-star hotels where your comfort, enjoyment and indulgence are our priority.

Other Health, Spa and Leisure offers

Barceló UK has some fabulous health and leisure facilities, which are free for you to use during your stay and are ideal for relaxing tired legs or building up your appetite! If you’re feeling energetic, there’s plenty of cardiovascular and resistance equipment to keep you occupied, or you could just lay back in a bubbling spa pool or hot sauna, or take a leisurely swim in the heated pool. Whether you are looking for total relaxation, or an unrivalled range of treatments our luxury health & beauty spas provide the perfect retreat.

Treat yourself or someone special to a Barceló Spa Day at the hotel of your choice. Your day of pampering includes 3 hours worth of treatments, a light lunch, bathrobe and slippers, and full use of the Health Club, all from only £99 per person.

Other Family Hotel Offers

Stay all-inclusive at
Barcelo Torquay Imperial Hotel

Forget those hidden extras and enjoy a fantastic 5 or 7 night all inclusive break at the Barceló Torquay Imperial 4 star Hotel.

Your all inclusive package includes your accommodation in a Premium bedroom, all meals, drinks, entertainment and discounted attraction tickets, plus up to 2 children (aged 15 & under) stay FREE!*
Your all inclusive meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner, and with your meals you’ll be offered our house wines , beers, soft drinks and water

Stay, Play & Explore in Leicestershire
Enjoy a one night break at
Barcelo Hinckley Island Hotel
with all the family for only £99 per room! This fantastic rate includes family tickets to 3 local attractions!

Get More for Less at Fremont Oktoberfest — Tickets Now On Sale

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Seattle, WA – Advance tickets are now on sale for The Stranger Microbrew Garden at Fremont Oktoberfest, Seattle’s beer drinking tradition! Just $20 will secure admission, a souvenir Fremont Oktoberfest tasting mug and five tasting tokens. Or, guests can opt to boost their tasting experience with a grand admission or streamline it with a non-tasting admission and build their own beverage experience from there. Ticket prices increase at the gate.

Festivalgoers can get a head start on planning their Fremont Oktoberfest experience by:

* Visiting FremontOktoberfest.com to purchase an advance ticket. Once at the festival, advance ticket holders can cut straight through the advance ticket express entrance.

* Perusing the website for all the festival has to offer including: music and entertainment on the Verizon Main Stage, the Pyramid Breweries Brew HA-HA 5K and Street Scramble (http://www.fremontoktoberfest.com/run.html), Pyramid Breweries Village Beer Garden and the infamous Texas Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest.

* Downloading the Fremont Oktoberfest iPhone application (http://itunes.apple.com/app/fremont-oktoberfest/id328140014?mt=8), a personalized tour of the festival featuring full descriptions of the brews on tap, plus the option to rate their favorites and share with friends once at the festival.

* Getting to know their German beers! This year’s Oktoberfest boasts the largest selection of German beer in Fremont Oktoberfest history, an ode to the 200th anniversary of Munich’s Oktoberfest. Guests ready to go big can head straight to the Tap House Grill Buxom Beer Garden (http://www.fremontoktoberfest.com/buxombeergarden.html) for a selection of German beers in a 16oz. glass or new this year, a signature one-liter Fremont Oktoberfest stein.

Fremont Oktoberfest takes place September 24-26, 2010 and is a benefit for the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. For tickets and information, visit FremontOktoberfest.com (http://www.fremontoktoberfest.com/).

Discover Sarasota at Discounted Prices This September with “30 DAYS OF DISCOVERY” Promotion

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Sarasota, FL – With September just around the corner bringing a new year of education and learning, Sarasota and Her Islands (www.sarasotafl.org) is encouraging travelers to add the Southwest Florida destination to their syllabus with “30 Days of Discovery”. The month-long promotion includes some of the destination’s most sought after attractions available at discounted admission rates of two for the price of one. Visitors to Sarasota throughout September can plan trips to eight of the top museums, aquariums and sites to learn about the rich history, culture and environmental offerings of the destination without the threat of a pop-quiz at the end of the month.

This year’s “30 DAYS OF DISCOVERY” participants offering 2-for-1 admission include:
The Sarasota Classic Car Museum – The second oldest antique car museum in the country, the museum showcases a rare collection of vintage automobiles, including restored vehicles over 100 years old. Hours are 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. daily and admission is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and $6.50 for children (ages five and under are free). For more information, call 941-355-6228 or visit www.sarasotacarmuseum.org.

G.WIZ – The interactive, hands-on science museum provides programs for people of all ages. The center features science, technology, engineering and math displays and activities to educate youth through experiential learning. Hours are 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (open Mondays on school holidays) and 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for children 3-16, $7 for children under 3. Special discounts for seniors, students, military and local Florida residents are available. For more information, call 941-309-4949 or visit www.gwiz.org.

Historic Spanish Point – Provides a look at 5,000 years of Florida’s cultural history from archaeological exhibits like prehistoric Indian mounds to areas to reflect on the pioneer homestead life. Outdoor trails and boardwalks offer glimpses into natural habitats. Situated across 30 acres on Little Sarasota Bay, Spanish Point is accredited by the American Association of Museums and was the first site in Sarasota County named to the National Register of Historic Places. Hours are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and Sarasota County residents, $5 for children ages 5-12 and children under 5 and members are free. For more information, call 941-966-5214, or visit www.historicspanishpoint.org.

Mote Aquarium – Explores the depths of the sea, from shark, dolphin, manatee and marine life exhibits to viewable working laboratories and displays showing off the world-renowned research of the Mote Marine Laboratory. New exhibits include Fossil Creek, Seahorse Conservation Lab, and Sea Turtles: Ancient Survivors. Hours are 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. daily. Admission is $17 for adults (over 12), $16 for seniors (over 65) and $12 for children 4-12. Children under 4 and Mote members are free. For more information, call 941-388-4441 or visit www.mote.org.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art – The museum is the lasting legacy of John Ringling of the Ringling circus and his wife, Mable. It also includes Ca’ d’Zan mansion, the winter home of the Ringlings, the Historic Asolo Theater and the Circus Museum, which houses the world’s largest miniature circus. Hours are 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $25, $20 for seniors, $10 for active US military, students, children 6-17 and Florida teachers (must have ID). Museum members and children under 6 are free. For more information, call 941-359-5700 or visit www.ringling.org.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – This tropical oasis sprawling 9.5 acres along Sarasota Bay boasts the world’s most impressive living collection of rare tropical plants, as well as a conservatory, outdoor butterfly garden, banyan grove, bonsai, bamboo and tropical fruit gardens and art exhibitions. Selby’s collection is comprised of plants from over 150 scientific expeditions to rainforests across the globe. Hours are 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. Admission is $17 for adults and $6 for children 6-11. Members and children under 5 are free. For more information, call 941-366-5731 or visit www.selby.org.

The South Florida Museum – This is the largest natural and cultural history museum along the Gulf Coast of Florida, featuring galleries highlighting archaeology and paleontology. The museum’s galleries highlight pieces of Florida’s history, such as marine and mammal life. Hours are 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors (60 & older) and $11.95 for children 4-12 years of age. For more information, call 941-746-4131 or visit www.southfloridamuseum.org.

Warm Mineral Springs – The spring produces 9 million gallons of mineral-rich water daily, resulting in a fresh body of water every two hours. The water’s mineral content is ranked as the richest of any spring in the U.S. The warm waters, which are consistently 87 degrees, provide a soothing atmosphere for swimming and soaking. Hours are Monday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for students, and $8 for children 12 and under. For more information, call 941-426-1692 or visit www.warmmineralsprings.com.

Escape the Ordinary and Fall Into Wine Country – Finger Lakes Wine Country is the Ideal Vacation Destination this Autumn

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Finger Lakes Wine Country, NY – Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York offers visitors a wide range of fall harvest activities to choose from when visiting in the autumn months. Visitors can attend exciting fall festivals, enjoy unique museum events, experience harvest at the award-winning Finger Lakes wineries, and take advantage of fall-themed savings by booking a Fall into Wine Country package at participating accommodations like the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake, the Holiday Inn Express in Horseheads, the Holiday Inn Riverview in Elmira, the Best Western Vineyard Inn and Suites, and the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

Visitors who book a three night stay at a participating accommodation will receive the Fall into Wine Country (http://www.fallintowinecountry.com) passport. The passport offers visitors exclusive fall season experiences and deals throughout Finger Lakes Wine Country. Receive a complimentary wine tasting at Hunt Country Vineyards and Lucas Vineyards. Receive gifts with a wine purchase at both Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Glenora Wine Cellars. Receive private tasting experiences at wineries such as Lamoreaux Landing, Three Brothers Winery, and Kings Garden Vineyards. The passport also offers VIP seating at Veraisons Restaurant at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars, and complimentary glasses of Finger Lakes wine with the purchase of two appetizers at the Coldwater Bar at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

Fall is a popular time of year to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country and it’s no wonder why. The fall foliage is some of the most gorgeous in the country. Rolling hills and even the vast landscape of vineyards become speckled with rich red, orange, and gold. The fall also means harvest time in Wine Country. Take part in harvest festivals where you can pick, sample and buy the freshest Finger Lakes produce and even take part in grape stomping. U-pick farms are a wonderful way to spend time with the family. The Finger Lakes offers a variety of locations to pick apples, berries, pumpkins and a plethora of other fruits and vegetables.

A sampling of premier fall events in Finger Lakes Wine Country

Harvest Hoopla on the Cayuga Wine Trail
September 1-30, 2010 – A month long celebration of events at each of the 16 wineries. Each winery is hosting an event to celebrate the Harvest. Enjoy fine wine, great food, music and much more. www.cayugawinetrail.com

Twain at the River in Elmira
Each Saturday of September will bring a different “Twain at the River” event.
September 4, 2010 – Trolley to the River; September 11, 2010 – River Bike/Hike Tour; September 18, 2010 – Samuel Clemens Croquet Tournament; September 25, 2010 – Model Huck Finn Raft Race.
www.marktwaincountry.com

Glass Harvest at The Corning Museum of Glass
September 7 – November 30, 2010 (Specific dates vary)

* See the World’s Largest Glass Pumpkin: Last year, glassmakers at the Museum made the world’s largest blown glass pumpkin—a beautiful, giant shiny orange globe measuring more than 32 inches in diameter and weighing in at about 70 pounds. The pumpkin-making process took a team of eight glassblowers, more than 50 hours of work, 17 attempts, a lot of shattered glass, and a number of lopsided prototypes. The pumpkin will be on display through October 31, 2010.

* Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin: Visitors of all ages can make a (hand-held) glass pumpkin in daily 40-minute glassblowing experiences. Open to all ages (as young as preschool), the pumpkin-making experience is offered through November 30, 2010, and costs $25 per person.

* Harvest Hunt through the World’s Largest Glass Collection: Children can use a harvest-themed activity sheet to explore more than 45,000 objects and 3,500 years of glassmaking history. The Museum’s collection ranges from a tiny portrait of an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh to fanciful modern-day sculptures—and nearly everything in between.

* Shop a Unique Glass Farmer’s Market: On Columbus Day weekend, October 8–11, 2010, the Museum’s international GlassMarket will feature a Glass Farmer’s Market, with more than 7,000 glass pumpkins, apples, gourds and glass harvest-themed objects for sale.

Crystal City Jazz & Harvest Festival
September 10-11, 2010 – Friday night, enjoy live jazz and blues performances throughout Corning’s Gaffer District, wine and beer tasting and complimentary limousine shuttles. Bring the family on Saturday for children’s activities, hayrides, eating contests, a scarecrow competition and Farmers Market. www.gafferdistrict.com

Grand Prix Festival in Downtown Watkins Glen (N. Franklin St.)
September 10, 2010 – Celebrate the road racing heritage of Watkins Glen. The featured highlight of the Festival is a tribute to the original Grand Prix races using the original 6.6 mile road course. The festival is free to attend. www.grandprixfestival.com

Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen International
September 10-12, 2010 – The Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix celebrates racing’s history at the largest vintage racing event in the country featuring historic cars of the past from as far back as the 1930′s. Held in conjunction with the Grand Prix Festival in the Village of Watkins Glen. Weekend tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Children 15 and under are free. www.theglen.com

German Festival at Lucas Vineyards
September 12, 2010 – Festivities at the event will include Live Music by The Enzian Bavarian band and dancers, grape stomping, alphorn and polka contests, balloon art, face painting and costumes. The event will feature Lucas Vineyards medal winning Dry & Semi Dry Rieslings and Gewürztraminer. Local vendors will be on site selling German food, grape pies, gourmet chocolate, wine ice cream and jewelry. $3 per person, children 12 and under are free. www.lucasvineyards.com

Harvest Tapas at Fox Run Vineyards
September 16 & October 7, 2010 – Executive Chef Heather Tompkins will present a platter with 4 portions each paired carefully with Fox Run Vineyards wines. Winemakers Peter Bell & Tricia Renshaw will present the wine and be here to talk about the pairings. Tickets are $20. www.foxrunvineyards.com

Harvest Tour of Food & Wine on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail
September 18-19, 2010 – Experience the incomparable beauty of the fall season and taste foods bursting with the flavors of harvest time in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Come taste the exquisite wines of Keuka Lake and sample fine dishes prepared from the finest locally produced foods. Join us in celebrating New York’s agricultural heartland an experience that is certain to delight the tastes, please the eyes and warm the soul. Tickets are $25 per person in advance, $30 per person at the door, $19 per person Sunday Special in advance. www.keukawinetrail.com

Leaves & Lobsters at Glenora Wine Cellars
September 18-19, 2010 – An unbeatable combination of live music, the autumn view of Seneca Lake and a “Down East Lobster Feast.” Lobster Dinner ticket is $50 per person, general admission ticket is $15 per person. www.glenora.com

First Friday at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art
October 1 & November 5, 2010 – Friday evening enjoy free admission to the museum along with Finger Lakes wines and cheeses. www.rockwellmuseum.com

A Taste of the Finger Lakes at the Watkins Glen Community Center
October 7, 2010 – A Taste of the Finger Lakes will capture the essence of culinary creations and farm fresh produce during the “heart of the harvest,” while displaying numerous local restaurants, farm markets, wineries, breweries and other food vendors in the area. All under one roof, attendees will have the opportunity to come see, sample and socialize while enjoying a variety of fabulous Finger Lakes fare on this special evening. Tickets are $35 per person in advance, and $40 at the door. www.watkinsglenchamber.com

Monster Ball at the Holiday Inn Elmira
October 29, 2010 – Enjoy the Halloween-themed costume party at the Holiday Inn Elmira. www.fingerlakeshotels.com