Travel deals, hotel bargains, travel news | Theme Park Mom

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

Destin, FL – Ever dream of being a travel writer? Are you someone who blogs and interacts on the social networks? If so, Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals has the endeavor for you. Promoting the Southern Beach Tour, this proven leader in Florida vacation rentals will let some lucky winner stay free in a variety of properties along the coast for an entire month, October 8 – November 8, 2010. The properties are predetermined and the timing corresponds with some wonderful Fall festivals and attractions at the beach. The catch is the winner must attend the events, explore their Southern Perks amenities and be willing and able to share their experience with the outside world via blog, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

Does that sound like something you can do? Stay in a beach property and attend fun events for free? If so, visit the rules and regulations online and begin the process. An application and essay about why you would be the best person for the assignment are the start to enter the contest. With a little luck and skillful writing, you could be chosen to stay in some of the best Florida vacation rentals, while enjoying happenings such as the Seeing Red Wine Festival in the Beaches of South Walton, Destin Fishing Rodeo, the Seafood, Wine and Music Festival in Panama City Beach, the Blast on the Bay Songwriters’ Festival in the Forgotten Coast and more.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times at the beach along Northwest Florida’s gulf coast. Still warm weather, crystal clear water and low daily rates make it the perfect time for a quick getaway or Fall break. “With all of the publicity related to the oil spill and our beaches, we want to spread the word that the beaches in our region are as beautiful as ever and what better way than through the eyes of someone actually experiencing it first hand,” states Kevin Veach, one of the owners of Southern Resorts.
Soon, one lucky winner will get to experience firsthand the uniqueness and lure of this region in the Fall.

The Florida vacation rentals including condos, homes and cottages represented by Southern Resorts can be found in these Florida Gulf Coast beach communities: Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Beaches of South Walton, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, WindMark Beach and Port St. Joe. For more on these areas and vacation opportunities, visit SouthernResorts.com.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the largest sporting event in the United States in 2010, is coming to Lexington, KY September 25-October 10.

The World Equestrian Games, the Olympics of equestrian sport, are held every four years. The Games have never been held outside of Europe. They were awarded to Lexington, KY and the Kentucky Horse Park four years ago.

The best athletes and horses from 60 countries will compete for the title of World Champion in eight equestrian sports including: Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Reining, Vaulting, Para-Equestrian, Jumping, and Driving.

For a brief time, select tickets for Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping and Reining competitions are available at a 30 percent savings. This special promotion ends September 6th.

Woodbury, NY – Take advantage of a “Staycation on Long Island” with
INN AT FOX HOLLOW‘s special rate offer. Arrive on a Sunday night and stay a minimum of 5 nights for a 30% discount off the entire stay.

Long Island is home to many extraordinary restaurants. The Rose Hunt Restaurant, located next to the Hotel at The Fox Hollow Conference and Catering Hall is one of Long Island’s best. Rare650 is one of Long Island’s premier steakhouses, offering a truly unique dining experience. Wine and dine in multiple indoor and outdoor dining and lounge areas featuring a mosaic stone sushi bar and a plush lounge area. Blackstone Steakhouse is an architectural masterpiece that offers an unforgettable dining experience. The
INN AT FOX HOLLOW‘ is pleased to announce that guests of the Hotel receive an exclusive 10% discount at The Rose Hunt Restaurant, Blackstone Steakhouse and Rare650. Don’t miss Body English Tuesday. For couples and singles, it’s the ‘thing to do’ on Tuesday nights. Located at the Chateau Briand in Westbury.

For those looking for a hotel near shopping on Long Island, The Inn is the perfect location. Both the Walt Whitman Mall & Roosevelt Field Mall are only 10 minutes away, with retail department stores such as Macy’s and Bloomingdales. The Americana Manhasset is a premier luxury shopping destination located just 15 minutes away from The Fox Hollow Hotel on Long Island’s North Shore in Manhasset. There are over 60 international boutiques such as Armani, Prada, Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel and so much more for a truly remarkable shopping experience. The Woodbury Common Long Island boutique’s are just down the road from The Inn, where you will find many fine stores such as Coach, Max and Gino’s and Mayfair Jewlers. Outlet shopping is nearby at The Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park. The Inn offers the best location for Long Island shopping, which is in the center of it all.

It is no surprise that the U.S. Open has made Long Island the home of their championship tournament. While staying at The Inn At Fox Hollow, be sure to hit the greens and see for yourself. Golf courses on Long Island include, Bethpage State Park, Town of Oyster Bay Golf Club, Eisenhower Park (red, white and blue courses), Harbor Links, Cantiague Park and Glen Cove Park.

The Inn is the perfect family Hotel for a Long Island vacation. Adventureland Amusement Park is only 15 minutes away and is a family favorite among Long Islanders, featuring thrill rides, kiddie rides and water rides. Adventureland is located in Farmingdale, 10 minutes away from The Inn, at 2245 Route 110. 300 Bowling is also nearby and is tons of fun for the entire family. Dave and Busters is filled with the latest interactive video games and is also located in Farmingdale, NY. The Long Island Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum for kids and their grown-ups. You’ll find places to play, learn and have fun at 11 Davis Avenue in Garden City, just 15 minutes from the Hotel and down the road from the Nassau County Firefighters Museum at One Davis Avenue as well as the Cradle of Aviation Museum along Museum Row.

Located on Eastern Long Island, in Riverhead, NY approximately 45 minutes from the hotel is Splish Splash Water Park, voted one of the Best Waterparks in America by the Travel Channel. Year after year, families come here for a summer like no other. Also located in Riverhead, is Atlantis Marine World Aquarium. The only public Aquarium on Long Island, Atlantis Marine World offers interactive fun, adventure, and education.

The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts offers performances by stars such as Bill Cosby, Jackson Browne, Rita Moreno, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Parsons Dance Company accompanied by members of the East Village Opera Company. Nassau Coliseum accommodates all forms of entertainment, sports and rock concerts as well as touring family shows, professional wrestling, boxing, track & field, lacrosse and soccer. It is also home to the New York Islanders National Hockey Team. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus holds the Coliseum record for most performances. The Coliseum is located just 15 minutes away from the
INN AT FOX HOLLOW‘ at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.

Traveling to New York City is a cinch with the Long Island Rail Road’s Syosset Station only minutes away. Take a day trip and visit the many popular attractions such as The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty Rockefeller Center, The Museum of Natural History, The Guggenheim and The Museum of Modern Art.