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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.

New York City — Every holiday season New York City transforms into a winter wonderland. The City radiates with holiday spirit as the five boroughs offer world-renowned performances, shopping, dining and more. NYC & Company, the City’s official marketing, tourism, and partnership organization, encourages visitors to plan their holiday travel now to take advantage of all the City has to offer.

“There’s no better time to experience New York City’s five boroughs than during the annual holiday season,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “Each year the City opens its arms and welcomes visitors to experience some of the world’s most stunning holiday decorations, events and entertainment. This year will be another opportunity to enjoy the City’s unique energy, excitement and vibrancy.”

The holiday season kicks off when soaring balloons, beautifully crafted floats and of course Santa Claus himself arrive in Herald Square during the 84th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25. Be among the millions of spectators watching the parade as it begins at 9am on 77th Street and Central Park West. The parade then makes its way to Columbus Circle, turns east toward Seventh Avenue and continues on to 42nd Street. Then it turns east toward Sixth Avenue and goes down Sixth Avenue to 34th Street, where it travels west until it ends at Seventh Avenue (macys.com/parade).

Now in its 78th year, Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular continues to amaze both visitors and residents alike. From November 5 to December 30, experience the joy of Christmas with outstanding performances by the world-famous Rockettes, along with stunning special effects, costumes and excitement that will create lasting memories. Enjoyed by all ages, the show is sure to become an annual tradition for you and your family. Ticket prices start at $45 (radiocitychristmas.com).

The Theater at Madison Square Garden will host Wintuk, a Cirque du Soleil production, for its fourth and final season this year. The holiday show shares the tale of a boy’s quest for snow in an imaginary wonderland called Wintuk. With exciting acrobatics, theatrics and music, you will not want to miss this production’s last season, November 17, 2010, to January 2, 2011. Tickets range from $30 to $220, with a special 30 percent discount for select children’s tickets (cirquedusoleil.com/wintuk).

The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting is one of the most popular draws for holiday visitors from around the world. The annual tree-lighting ceremony, which takes place this year on November 30, is an exciting star-studded event. Decorated in festive LED lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star, the tree, which has become more eco-friendly in recent years, can be viewed till early January (rockefellercenter.com)

The New York City Ballet will present one of the season’s favorite annual productions, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Featuring marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree, crystalline snowflakes and some of the most glorious dancing the City has to offer, the show is truly a magical experience—whether it’s a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime event. The show runs from November 26, 2010, to January 2, 2011; tickets range from $20 to $135 (nycballet.com/nutcracker).

The City twinkles with holiday spirit, particularly as its famed stores and iconic hotels strive to outdo the previous year’s celebration. Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Macy’s spruce up their window displays with beautiful holiday-themed decor that awes visitors year after year. Indoor and outdoor holiday markets at Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, Union Square and Grand Central Terminal have become a new must-go for shoppers looking for unique gifts created by local artists and vendors. The lavish Midtown hotel
Le Parker Meridien New York will host its second annual Gingerbread Extravaganza, during which local bakeries display their large-scale confectionary creations from December 1, 2010, to January 9, 2011. For $1, vote on the best gingerbread design and enter to win a prize (parkermeridien.com). All proceeds will benefit City Harvest, an organization that rescues food to feed hungry New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs (cityharvest.org).

The Big Apple Circus celebrates its 33rd season this year with an all-new show, Dance On! New York City’s circus returns to the big top at Lincoln Center, complete with unicyclists, contortionists, animals and the hilarious clown Grandma. Seats are never more than 50 feet from the ring. Performances run from October 21, 2010, to January 9, 2011; tickets range from $15 to $92 (bigapplecircus.org).

Visit The Jewish Museum on the Upper East Side to view The Hanukkah Project: Daniel Libeskind, on exhibition from November 21, 2010, to January 30, 2011, featuring Hanukkah lamps from the museum’s collection, each with a rich and beautiful history (thejewishmuseum.org)

NYC & Company will once again launch its annual Harlem for the Holidays promotion, which runs from late November through the New Year. Harlem is a remarkable area to visit during the holidays, as it offers the finest in culture, dining, shopping and more. Further details on this initiative will be available closer to the holiday season at nycgo.com.

In the Bronx, visitors can experience the Annual Holiday Family Day at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum on Saturday, December 4, from 10am to 2pm. Get into the spirit with the whole family at the festively decorated 19th-century mansion and participate in programs and activities for children, including photos with Santa. Reservations are requested; call 718-885-1461 or email info@bpmm.org (bpmm.org).

Also in the Bronx, at the New York Botanical Garden, is the family favorite Holiday Train Show, featuring toy trains that zip through more than 100 replicas of NYC landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium and the George Washington Bridge. Handcrafted by award-winning designers, the set is made from natural supplies such as orange slices, cinnamon sticks, bark and pinecones. The show will be on display between November 20, 2010, and January 9, 2011 (nybg.org).

In Staten Island, the annual Candlelight Tours will take place on Saturday, December 11, and Saturday, December 18. See the sights and sounds of Historic Richmond Town, which will be lit by candles, oil lamps and blazing fireplaces. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under; prepaid reservations are required. Call 718-351-1611, ext. 281, for tour times and reservations (historicrichmondtown.org).

Brooklyn comes alive for the holidays with the Lights of Dyker Heights. Truly a sight to behold, the spectacle attracts thousands of visitors during the holiday season. The best displays can be seen on the blocks between 83rd and 86th Streets from 11th to 13th Avenue in this small neighborhood between Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst.

During the week of Hanukkah, be sure to visit the Menorah of Brooklyn in downtown Brooklyn at Columbus Park, right outside Borough Hall. And in Manhattan, don’t miss the lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, right in front of the Plaza Hotel.

In Queens the Queens Historical Society presents the Annual Historic Holiday House Tour on Sunday, December 12, from 1pm to 5pm. This guided trolley tour includes stops at five festively decorated museums and historical sites, including the Queens Historical Society at the Kingsland Homestead, the Flushing Quaker Meeting House, Flushing Town Hall, the Voelker Orth Museum and Lewis H. Latimer House. A local historian will narrate the tour. Visitors will have access to all exhibits at each site, which will also feature holiday refreshments and family activities. Tickets cost $10 for adults, with children under 12 free, and can be purchased in advance at any of the sites or at the door the day of the event.

For more information on planning your holiday visit to New York City, please visit nycgo.com/annualevents.

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.

Carlsbad, Calif. – Affirming its commitment to bringing a new level of environmental consciousness to San Diego County,
La Costa Resort and Spa-A KSL Luxury Resort has earned a Bronze level rating from Green Seal, which provides science-based environmental certification standards across vast industries. La Costa is the 17th certified hotel in California and the only certified hotel in San Diego.

“La Costa offers guests a taste of the Southern California coastal lifestyle, making it our responsibility to protect our natural resources and be good stewards of our environment,” said Paul McCormick, general manager of La Costa. “We are thrilled that our vibrant sustainability program has met the criteria for this certification and it is our goal to continue on this path of environmental consciousness.”

Sustainable highlights include:

* In an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle, La Costa has one of the first kitchens in San Diego to install the eCorect Food Waste Decomposition System, which dehydrates food waste to produce soil that is suitable for landscape use on the golf course and in hotel plant and flowerbeds. These compost machines handle 182,000 pounds of food scraps per year.

* As a leader in reusable resources, La Costa is one of the longest standing users of reclaimed water in San Diego. To decrease the impact on the environment and use less water, La Costa uses 2.2 gpm faucets and aerators, 1.6 gpf toilets and 2.5 gpm showerheads. Additionally, the plants and trees on property are tolerant of local weather conditions and adhere to local limitations on watering.

* The resort features “smart” thermostats in most guestrooms, which saves energy in unoccupied rooms. Additionally, La Costa uses energy-efficient lighting and web-based computerized controls on pool and spa heaters to minimize gas use. Furthermore, all golf course equipment operates entirely on biodegradable oil.
* La Costa offers a recycling program for guests and staff, recycling all materials that are accepted locally.
* The resort uses environmentally preferable cleaning products.
* La Costa caters to groups meeting on property by providing local and/or organic foods at functions and events, upon request, reducing the group’s carbon footprint.

Through these initiatives, La Costa has reduced a significant amount of electricity, gas and water usage on property. In 2010, La Costa’s electric impact (kilowatts) was down 2.1 percent from 2009 and 11.7 percent from 2008; gas was down 7.0 percent from 2009 and 13.4 percent from 2008; and water (resort gallons) was down 8.3 percent from 2009 and 34.6 percent from 2008. Through aggressive use of computerized energy management systems, green lighting and staff training, La Costa saved enough electricity in 2008 to power 200 homes.