TravelWorld International: Holiday Travel Nov/Dec 2014

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Cover Photo: Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg, France

travel world

I N T E R N AT I O N A L M A G A Z I N E

Holiday Travel

ISSUE

A Christmas Tour of France Amsterdam’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Spirit at the Broadmoor Americana Historic Holidays

• Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights • National Crèche Exhibit • Santa Claus, Indiana • Chicago Christmas

The Magazine Written by North American Travel Journalists Association Members

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travel world NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

F E A T U R E S

I N T E R N AT I O N A L M A G A Z I N E

Holiday Travel ISSUE

6 A Christmas Tour of France

By Gary Lee Kraut

19 Holiday Spirit at the Broadmoor

By Barbara Singer

26 Americana Historic Holidays

By Trish Foxwell

36 Amsterdam’s Winter Wonderland

By Melissa Adams

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Letter From the Editor

As the Holiday Season approaches and days grow colder, our hearts warm with the spirit of giving and we look forward to gathering with family and friends.

Roaring fires with hearty meals and elegant beverages entice us. We watch with delight as our world becomes transformed by displays of sparkling decorations and twinkling lights. These customs are shared in many places and cultures.

But beyond this, it is fascinating to see the uniqueness of holiday traditions in various locations around the world.

In this issue our members have written interesting stories and provided stunning pictures from several locations. Our journey takes us on a charming and informative tour throughout France and to a Winter Wonderland in Amsterdam. We criss-cross the United States, taking in the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We examine the rich historic traditions of the east coast from Newport, Rhode Island, to Annapolis, Marylandand, to Charleston, South Carolina. Then we observe western traditions with thousands of twinkling antlers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

In the central states we see displays of holiday lights in Louisiana, discover a National Kresch Exhibit in Kirkland, Ohio, and find antique Christmas memorabelia in Santa Claus, Indiana. Remembering the wonderment of little children at this time of year, we include a Chicago Christmas with two darling grandaughters at the American Girl (dolls) Luncheon.

However you traditionally spend this season, we hope you have a wonderful experience and wish you Happy Holidays!

TravelWorld International Magazine is the only magazine that showcases the member talents of the North American Travel Journalists Association

Group Publisher: Publisher: Editor in Chief: Editor: Managing Editor: Art Direction: Web Manager:

NATJA Publications Helen Hernandez Bennett W. Root, Jr. Dennis A. Britton Joy Bushmeyer Artistic Design Services Yanira Leon

Contributing Writers : Melissa Adams Trilla Cook Trish Foxwell Julie Hatfield Gary Lee Kraut Cindy Ladage Barbara Singer Bob Ulas

Sincerely, Joy Bushmeyer Managing Editor TravelWorld International Magazine

HOLIDAY TRAVEL TRIVIA QUIZ 1. From what country did the poinsettia plant originate?

Editorial /Advertising Offices: TravelWorld International Magazine 3579 E. Foothill Blvd., #744 Pasadena, CA 91107 Phone: (626) 376.9754 Fax: (626) 628-1854 www.travelworldmagazine.com

2. Where is the Gingerbread capital of the world?

3. Which country has a Christmas tradition of a witch dropping gifts down the chimney for children?

4. In what ocean is Christmas Island located?

5. Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees?

6. What does “Pére Noël” mean in French?

7. What country traditionally gives the Christmas Tree for London's Trafalger Square?

8. What is New Year's called in Scotland?

4 (Answers on Pages 63)

Volume 2014.11 November 2014. Copyright ©2014

by NATJA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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travel world NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2014

I N T E R N AT I O N A L M A G A Z I N E

S T O R I E S

Holiday Travel

ISSUE

42 Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights

By Trilla Cook

51 Santa Claus, Indiana

By Cindy Ladage

56 Chicago Christmas with the Grandkids

By Julie Hatfield

60 National Crèche Exhibit, Kirtland, Ohio

By Bob Ulas

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Provence Christmas table with the 13 desserts (c) Alain Hocquel - Coll. CDT Vaucluse

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France may be a deeply secular nation, but everyone gets in the spirit of what are called “the end of the year holidays” (les fêtes de fin d’année), meaning Christmas and more.

As the daylight dims and the cool air blows, travelers in France from late November to early January—and beyond in some areas— will find a bright and warm mix of regional, national, commercial and religious traditions throughout the holiday season.

Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day, is the privileged family time in France for presents and an abundant dinner, followed for some by midnight Mass in some of the country’s magnificent medieval churches and cathedrals. There are then generally leftovers of fine food and drink, and hopefully family spirit too, to enjoy on December 25th.

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Christmas lights by Strasbourg Cathedral © C.FLEITH

Let’s take a tour of the Christmas Season in France through Alsace, Champagne, Lyon, Provence and Paris.

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Alsace One of the most recognizable features of the Christmas season is the Christmas market, rows of chalets (wooden or make-shift shopping huts) set up as early as mid-November in public squares and along major streets to sell folklore, craftsmanship, much food and drink, and Christmas or gift knick-knacks of all kinds.

The tradition of Christmas markets likely originated along the Rhine, explaining why Strasbourg, which dates the origin of its market to 1570, calls itself “Capital of Christmas.” While otherwise known as capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg pulls out all the stops when it comes to the holiday season.

The most animated of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets surrounds its Notre-Dame Cathedral, whose tremendous steeple dominates the cityscape. While unrelated to Christmas, the city’s most anticipated guest of the season is Pope Francis, who will be making his first appearance

in France as part of a visit centered around a speech that he’ll be giving to the European Parliament on November 25th.

Head due south from Strasbourg and you enter Alsace’s wine route whose bare vines contrast in December with the cheery main streets of picturesque villages, such as Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, that ward off the frost with the warmth of Christmas decorations, mulled wine, gingerbread, small biscuits called bredele and a Bundttype cake called kouglhof (spelling varies).

Eventually one reaches Colmar, another hotspot for Christmas markets, and beyond that Mulhouse.

Mulhouse, a major player in the European textile industry from the mid-18th to the early 20th centuries, produces each year a new Christmas fabric (this year an adaptation of a late-19th-century motif) that decorates the city and is translated into various derivative products.

Christmas market by Strasbourg Cathedral © C.FLEITH

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Mulhouse Christmas fabric 2013 called Reminiscence decorating City Hall. Credit OTC Mulhouse et sa rĂŠgion

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Mulhouse Christmas fabric 2014 called Amarante. (c) OTC Mulhouse et sa rĂŠgion

Buying Christmas balls as the holiday village in Reims (c) Carmen Moya 2012

Little bredele in Alsace - ŠADT Bas-Rhin - Marcel EHRHARD

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Champagne

Champagne may call to mind the celebration of New

Year’s Eve more than Christmas, but Reims, the largest city in the region and home to some of the world’s most elegant champagne houses (i.e. producers) also unfurls an extensive Christmas market along Place Douet d’Erlon, center-city’s main pedestrian drag, and neighboring streets.

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Christmas village in Reims (c) Carmen Moya 2012

Lyon

Lyon’s dazzling Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) isn’t directly related to Christmas but nothing announces the winter holiday season better than long nights brightly lit. From December 5 to 8, France’s third largest city is lit by more than 70 different major creative light installations, a brilliant event that draws the oohs and ahhs of 4 million visitors.

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Shelves of Santons (c) Alain Hocquel - Coll. CDT Vaucluse

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Santons in the creche (c) Alain Hocquel - Coll. CDT Vaucluse

Provence North Americans sometimes have trouble associating Christmas with warmer climates since our own Christmas decorative and culinary traditions are rather AlsatianGermanic in nature. But the nativity story takes place in a bald Mediterranean landscape whose white stone hills have more in common with Provence. In fact, some of world’s most ancient Christian traditions developed in Provence.

While Americans fully enter the Christmas season the day after Thanksgiving, Provence tradition would have it last from the Feast Day of Saint Barbara (Sainte Barb) on Dec. 4 to Candlemas (Chandeleur) on Feb. 2. According to legend, if one plants a plate of wheat at home on Dec. 4, and if by Dec: 25 it grows to a healthy green tuft, then abundance will follow in the next harvest. As to Feb. 2, a date Americans are more likely to think of as Groundhog Day, that’s Candlemas on the Catholic calendar, commemorating the purification of Mary after childbirth and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. That’s the date when crèches are taken down.

Where better to consider Christmas in Provence than in Avignon, the town that the Catholic Popes called home during through most of the 14th century, when they temporarily abandoned squabble-ridden Rome. One of southern France’s most expansive Christmas markets takes place (this year Nov. 30-Jan. 4) on Avignon’s main square, Place de l’Horloge, around the corner from the Popes’ Palace, the town’s major tourist attraction. Among the many manger scenes set up around town, one of the most outstanding typically occupies a portion of the lobby in City Hall, which is also on Place de l’Horloge.

Santons are so anchored in Provence that shops sell them year-round, but to buy them in the Christmas spirit there’s no better place than at Marseilles, where they’re said to have originated. Since 1803 Marseille has its Foire aux Santons, an annual traditional nativity fair where santons and other crèche features can be bought. This year’s fair will be held Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. Aix-en-Provence has had its own santon fair since 1934 (this season Nov. 20 - Dec. 31), Arles has been celebrating all things crèche since 1958 (this season Nov. 15 to Jan. 12), and the small town of Carpentras also has a nice market for these precious figurines.

In Avignon as well as in other crèche-proud towns of France, one can follow a special route (le Chemin des Crèches) to discover different animated and illuminated nativity scenes.

Other regions also have crèche-routes outlined though villages, so don’t hesitate to inquire about crèche routes wherever you may travel during the holiday season. Whether travelers partake in it or not, they’re certain to hear along the way about the Provencal tradition of the 13 desserts of Christmas, which ends the Christmas Eve meal known the big supper (le gros souper). The desserts, numbering 13 in honor of Jesus and the 12 Apostles, consist of dried fruit and nuts, fresh fruit and sweets.

Beginning about the third week in November, crèches begin to be set up in villages and cities throughout the region. And in those crèches you’ll find dozens of figurines called santons. Santon comes from the Provencal word santou, meaning little saint, though few of these figures are now sainted. Santons of the holy family are naturally central to the crèche, but the vast majority of them represent characters of folklore and everyday life in the ideal, traditional Provencal village. While traditionally made of clay and hand painted, other materials such cardboard, cork, or even paper are used by some santonniers, as their makers are known. These cute, naïve and/or humorous figures are typically thumb-size, so taking a dozen home in your suitcase is no problem. Dollsize and baby-thumb-size santons also exist.

Table of 13 desserts of Provence (c) Valerie Biset - Coll. CDT Vaucluse

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Paris But there’s no sweeter place to hunt for Christmas pastries than Paris, where you’ll find some of the best traditional and creative yule logs or buches de Noël feasts for the eyes as well as for the mouth. The yule log is a log-shaped cake traditionally made of sponge-type cake and chocolate buttercream and then more cream. They can be found throughout France, but their greatest expression graces the fine pastry shops and tea rooms of Paris, where now anything goes as long as it’s got the general shape of a log and a gazillion calories. Though most come in family-size versions, the solitary or coupled traveler will find single or double portions as well.

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As a whole, Paris doesn’t display the same seasonal fervor as, say, New York, but its major department stores take to the holiday spirit as eagerly as anywhere.

This is particularly the case at the department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, behind the Garnier Opera on Boulevard Haussmann, where families and shoppers (or gawkers) of all ages come to admire the year’s display of lights and window dressings, and where a little girl could be seen pressing her nose against a display window at Galeries Lafayette at the colorful marionettes inside.

Marionettes inside display windows at Galeries Lafayette Photos by Helen Hernandez

The City of Light itself has Christmas markets at the bottom of the Champs-Elysées near Place de la Corcorde (Nov. 15-Jan. 5), at the Montparnasse Train Station (Dec. 4-31), Trocadéro, outside Saint-Sulpice Church (Dec. 1-24) and Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church (Dec. 6-Jan. 2) and in Montmartre (Dec. 5-Jan. 4), as well as the town of Versailles (Dec. 5-26) and other near suburbs.

Official tourist information and Christmas market websites for the cities and regions mentioned in this article: Alsace www.tourisme-alsace.com Strasbourg http://noel.tourisme-alsace.com Colmar http://noel-colmar.com/en/ Mulhouse http://noel.tourisme-alsace.com/en Reims http://www.reims-tourism.com/ Lyon http://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/en Avignon http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/provence-event/christmas-market/#.VEGXLvnCvuI Marseille www.foire-aux-santons-de-marseille.fr Aix-en-Provence http://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/en/ Arles http://www.arlestourisme.com/home.html Carpentras http://www.carpentras-ventoux.com/en/ Paris http://en.parisinfo.com/

© 2014, Gary Lee Kraut Gary Lee Kraut is the author of five travel guides to France and Paris as well as numerous articles, essays, short stories, and op-ed pieces concerning travel, culture, cross-culture, and expatriate life.

He is the editor of France Revisited, the premier web magazine about travel and culture in France. http://www.francerevisited.com.

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The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Spirit of the Holidays At The Broadmoor Ringing in the New Year in Style

By Barbara Singer 19

‘Tis the holiday season for The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and another unforgettable celebration is in store. I can attest it’s an awesome spectacle and a winter wonderland. The Broadmoor, affectionately known as “The Grand Dame of the Rockies,” is a sprawling family friendly resort, sitting snuggly at the bottom of Cheyenne Mountain.

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With its superb location near the edge of the Rockies, surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of sunshine with occasional snow, it’s considered a top destination in the U.S. for getaways and conferences.

The Broadmoor experience begins right at the Colorado Springs Airport where the resort has a Welcome Desk with a friendly hello and a bottle of water, as you await The Broadmoor shuttle. It’s a quick trip, crisp and cool, with the picturesque mountain backdrop prominent at dusk.

I am no stranger to The Broadmoor. My previous visits have left me with enduring memories and a longing to come back. I knew I would be well cared for, even travelling solo for New Year’s Eve. As we drove up, there was the familiar soaring pink Italian Renaissance-style building adorned with a giant holiday wreath and big red bow. Once in love with The Broadmoor always in love with The Broadmoor.

The stately Colorado blue spruce trees lining the road as we drove up were decorated with thousands of lights, a dazzling array of sparkling Christmas trees. I had only heard about this yearly tradition of “The White Lights Ceremony,� beginning just after Thanksgiving, when more than 250,000 strands of lights brighten the night sky and embellish the trees and grounds signaling the official Broadmoor holiday season. It was awesome.

To make this Broadmoor visit different from the others, I opted to stay in the Broadmoor Cottage, on the east golf course. I was well acquainted with the elegantly decorated rooms in the main building with beautiful fabrics, furniture and woods with sensational lake views.

This charming one-bedroom cottage had high-beamed ceiling, designer appealing living room and comfortable bedroom with dressing room, huge fireplace, computer in room and Keurig Coffees. Outside my view was a forested area beyond the golf course and a meandering creek with mallards bustling in the background.

The Broadmoor Cottage

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If The Broadmoor walls could talk they would tell the remarkable story of visionary Spencer Penrose, a Philadelphia entrepreneur, and his socialite wife, Julie, who came to the old mining town of Colorado Springs and built a world class resort. He also built the Pikes Peak Railroad and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to house the exotic animals he had imported from Africa. From the beginning, the resort was meant to attract the elite and was dedicated as The Broadmoor on June 29, 1918. The rich and famous all came through the portals. It was fitting that the first prominent guest was John D. Rockefeller and through the decades he was followed by entertainers, sports figures, and including presidents like Obama, Clinton and Bush. Mr. Penrose commissioned American artist Maxfield Parrish, one of my favorites, for a painting of the resort, just as Randolph Hearst had commissioned Parrish to do illustrations for his publications.

As a part of the unlimited pleasures, resort amenities appeal to everyone’s desires from golf, tennis, bowling, fishing, polo, dining (my favorites spots being The Summit and The Golden Bee), and then shopping, yoga and fitness. Its newest amenity is Cloud Camp atop Cheyenne Mountain and the new Broadmoor Ranch at Emerald Valley.

Executive Chef Bouquin's full size Gingerbread House

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It’s a bustling time during the holiday season with the 12 Days of Christmas Culinary Demonstrations presented by Executive Chef Bertrand Bouquin and his team. There is the impressive, life-size gingerbread house plus a new holiday tradition of the King’s Cake, with a charm baked in worth a coveted prize. Everyone loves to visit the Christmas House which displays unique ornaments and collectibles.

Onboard the historic Cog Railway heading to Pike’s Peak, the Santa Train welcomes Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. In years gone by, after one visit to Pike’s Peak Mountain, Katherine Lee Bates wrote the beloved song “America the Beautiful.”

The Christmas House The Golden Bee Restaurant

The Santa Train

The Christmas House

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All too soon it was New Year’s Eve and I was pleased that I had pre-registered for the gala Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Party, mentioning that I was traveling solo. The early part of the day I had breakfast in my cottage, while anticipating my mid-day spa treatment. This award-winning spa is luxurious in décor with European appeal plus innovative and restorative treatments.

My favorite treatment is the signature hot and harmonic Hot Stone Therapy Treatment. Since it was the New Year I was enticed to the Australian Mud Treatment for a needed detox. The mud was applied with a body palm massage and Echinacea cream, allowing the mud to extract the toxins and the cream to retain moisture. I emerged relaxed and refreshed, steamed a bit and enjoyed my pre-warmed luxury robe, while reclining in the Mountain View Room, sipping a glass of cucumber water.

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Garden of the Gods rock formations near by

The Broadmoor 1 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80906 (855) 634-7711 www.broadmoor.com

The Spa at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs is just one of 30 spas in the world to earn a Forbes 5 Star rating. The Broadmoor resort is one of its three five star properties... earning the highest rating for the hotel and restaurant in addition to the spa. I do believe that this spa is unparallel for relaxation, treatments and rejuvenation. The historic Broadmoor is the longest consecutive winner of the AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star awards for excellence.

A few hours before the New Year’s Eve party, I visited downtown Colorado Springs to catch a glimpse of the holiday décor and watch ice skaters circling Acacia Park’s outdoor skating rink. One of my favorite attractions, besides breathtaking Pike’s Peak, is the amazing red stone formations at Garden of the Gods where you may hike or drive to see it all.

At the New Year’s Eve celebration everyone was dressed in their finest outfits amid the lavish decorations. Ken Miller and The Broadmoor Pops Orchestra and the powerhouse band Tunisia provided non-stop music and entertainment. I was seated with a friendly group who were regulars at the Broadmoor on New Year’s Eve. It was a great way to toast the New Year.

Spending the holidays at The Broadmoor is an experience to savor and a lasting memory.

So long, see you again and Happy New Year.

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Annapolis Tavern, Maryland

Americana Historic Holidays

By Trish Foxwell

Ever want to step back in time and experience a taste of yesteryear and an old fashioned holiday from a bygone era? For those travelers seeking a glimpse into Christmas’ past when the holidays were more about family and cozy fireplace gatherings with a taste of history look no further.

Newport, Rhode Island, Annapolis, Maryland, Charleston South Carolina and Jackson Hole, Wyoming all fit the bill and reveal a genuine taste of Americana.

Caroling, tree lightings, boat parades, ice-skating parties, sleigh rides and steaming hot chocolate for all are just a sampling of treats in store at these historic getaways that display a taste of nostalgia when the holidays were a far simpler affair. The Civil War, the Gilded Age, maritime and western history are chapters in the American story and all of these distinctive destinations offer a taste of history combined with the joy of the holiday season.

Ne wport, Rhod Images of the glorious Gilded Age and the Great Gatsby era come to life at this lovely seaport town that overlooks the Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Once the home to the America’s cup sailing regatta, today this enchanting village is renowned for its string of handsomely restored mansions along Bellevue Avenue that once belonged to the Vanderbilt’s, and heiress Doris Duke among others. The names of Jack and Jackie Kennedy (they were married in Newport), author Thornton Wilder and actress Grace Kelly can also be added to Newport’s illustrious list.

During the holidays all of the mansions are bedecked in holiday splendor with the Breakers, the Elms and Marble House filled with a profusion of poinsettias, evergreens and wreaths. Special programs such as “Holiday Evenings at the Breakers” including a dinner dance complete with elegant table settings, refreshments and guests dressed to the nines add to the festive activities.

The Breakers, the grandest of the Newport mansions, was built in 1895 as a summer cottage for shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Marble House, another former Vanderbilt estate, displays a towering Christmas tree at its entranceway. Rosecliff, another one of the Preservation Society of Newport’s mansions, is also adorned for the holidays and presents “The Nutcracker” on select evenings. The Breakers, the Elms and Marble House will be decorated for the holidays from Saturday, November 22 through Christmas Eve with the last tour on December 24th at 3 p.m. Shopping at the mansion stores is another treat on a visit, unique crystal and china gifts as well as books and various items most associated with the mansions and their history is found on the premises.

e Island

Where to Stay

Newport is abundant with choice accommodations but a couple of standouts include the Hotel Viking and the Inn at Castle Hill.

The Hotel Viking, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, opened its doors in 1926, and remains one of Newport’s most preferred addresses. Extensive renovations and remodeling throughout its history has ensured that this Newport treasure maintains the standards it was originally designed for.

Managed by the Noble House Group, it is a perennial favorite for frequent guests to Newport. Its location in the historic district coupled with its storied history maintains its stature as one of the best places to stay in Newport. Its roster of guests reads like a Who’s Who directory with past guests including musician and songwriter Bob Dylan to Jack Bouvier, Jackie Kennedy’s father who stayed at the Viking while in town for his daughter’s wedding.

The Inn at Castle Hill is also steeped in history and legends.

Dating back to 1874, the inn was originally the home of Harvard University professor Alexander Agassiz. Surrounded by trees with an oceanfront setting has made the inn a favorite for a long list of luminaries including author Thornton Wilder who frequently stayed at the oceanfront property and actress Grace Kelly. Kelly when filming “High Society” with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra found solace at the inn after a hard day of filming and often retreated here for rest and relaxation.

In fact she spent so much time on the beach that it is named after her. During the holidays everything from gingerbread houses and a towering Christmas tree and an elaborate Christmas feast are its highlights during the holidays.

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Another beautiful maritime destination with as much charm and history as Newport is Annapolis.

Annapolis, Maryland

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ANN APOLIS, MA

RYL AND

Imagine a wave of bright and billowing sails gliding across the Chesapeake Bay in the summertime and you have one stunning snapshot of Maryland’s rich seaport heritage. Home to the U.S. Naval Academy, Maryland’s capital city puts on its holiday show with the Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade that has become a favorite annual holiday tradition when a flotilla of boats in all shapes and sizes and adorned with brilliant holiday lights skim along the Severn River in front of the U.S. Naval Academy and City Dock.

brightly colored holiday displays. Candle strolls on certain evenings on the City Dock and concerts at the Maryland State House round out a sampling of holiday offerings in Annapolis.

Another annual holiday event, if you can get tickets, is the Naval Academy Glee Club’s presentation of “The Messiah” in early December. Performed in the Main Chapel at the Academy, it is an emotional spellbinder as the midshipmen attired in their dress blues fill the magnificent chapel and begin the musical program. This is an event you will not soon forget. While in the area nearby Preble Hall is where you will find the Naval Academy History Museum where vintage ship models, uniforms, photographs of famous graduates and chapters in American Naval history can be observed as well as a unique gift shop for finding an array of nautical gifts and naval inspired gifts.

Long the favorite for visiting yachtsmen, stage legislators and Naval Academy grads, three buildings, the Governor Calvert, Maryland Inn and Robert Johnson House, make up the engaging complex of rooms and suites. Composed of three buildings, all featuring 18th-century architecture, the Maryland Inn was originally built as a residence in 1765 and has undergone a series of transformations throughout its history without losing its historic integrity. Two of its inns face the Maryland State House, where the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1784. The inn’s oldest section is the Governor Calvert house that was constructed in 1727.

Lights on the Bay is another popular holiday event where from midNovember through New Year’s Day one can drive through Sandy Point State Park and see more than 60 animated holiday displays including Santa and his sleigh, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and

Where to Stay

Annapolis abounds with historic lodging choices with the Historic Inns of Annapolis just steps away from the State Capitol, an exceptional choice for history buffs.

The Treaty of Paris Restaurant also dates back to the 18th-century and with its exposed brick walls and cozy fireplace setting makes it a local favorite. Expect to enjoy those renowned Chesapeake Maryland blue crabs at this delightful dining spot for lunch and dinner.

Drayton Hall, South Carolina

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Charles ton, So. C

Few places in the American South conjure up as much history and beauty as Charleston.

Cobblestoned streets, piazza porches with caressing breezes off the Ashley River, Rainbow Row and carriage rides along the Battery are just a few images of this truly original destination.

Ravaged and almost completely decimated during the Civil War when the motto following the conflict was “Too poor to paint, to proud to whitewash,” Charlestonians zealously embraced the rebuilding of their city where today its historic district is our nation’s best preserved and a showcase for antebellum, Victorian and Federal style buildings.

Charleston is most famous for its Charleston Strolls through the historic district. During the holidays sign up for these excellent outings where knowledgeable guides will tell enthralling stories of Charleston from 1670 to the present. Walking along you will see decorated doorways and vintage holiday decorations as you navigate this tour. A visit to Drayton Hall, Boone Plantation and Middleton Place, all plantations along the River Road, recall Christmas in Charleston during the 1860’s.

A Victorian holiday experience can be enjoyed at the Edmonston-Alston House, a member of the Historic Charleston Foundation, which retells the story of Charleston on the eve of the Civil War with the Grand Illuminations at Middleton Place complete with warm fires and dramatic presentations accentuating a lavish Christmas buffet supper.

For shopping enthusiasts be sure and stop in at the Historic Charleston Foundation shops in the Market area and the historic district. All of the proceeds from the shops go back into the foundation to preserve the homes in its collection. China, crystal, tree ornaments, antique reproductions and a wealth of books about Charleston are found at this outstanding shopping emporium.

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a ro l i n a

Where to Stay Historic inns from large and opulent to small and intimate are found in Charleston’s historic district. The John Rutledge Inn is one of the most historic. Italian marble fireplaces, 12-foot high ceilings and canopy beds are found in all of its King Rooms and accent its enduring appeal with the Progressive Christmas Dinner Package offered from November 28th - December 23rd. This holiday event begins at its sister property, the Kings Courtyard, before a carriage ride escorts you to the Circa 1886 Restaurant for a three-course dinner.

This package includes accommodations for two at the John Rutledge House Inn, a rickshaw ride to the Kings Courtyard, two seats at the Progressive dinner and a Southern Living Cookbook. The John Rutledge Inn, named after John Rutledge, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, was built in 1763 and offers elegant accommodations in the heart Charleston’s historic district. Afternoon tea is also included in the AAA Four-Diamond property.

The Wentworth Mansion, a 21-room FiveDiamond property, is one of the city’s finest and most elegant choices with the East Wing Rooms displaying an original gas fireplace and exquisite antiques. The Mansion Suites are the most opulent displaying Italian crystal chandeliers in some rooms, gas fireplaces and sun rooms in select rooms. Staying here will resemble staying in a very fine Charleston family residence where amenities include a full homemade breakfast in its restaurant Circa 1886, afternoon tea, evening port and sherry and chocolates on your pillow at night. A luxury spa is also found on the site.

Wort Hotel, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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J a ck s o n H o l e , W

yoming

When it comes to an authentic western-themed holiday, Jackson Hole has no peer. Its sublime setting of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks make this one stunning destination on a holiday outing. Discovered by mountain men Davey Jackson, its namesake, and John Colter, the setting alone is worth the trip where miles upon miles on an unspoiled wilderness have made this Wyoming’s most breathtaking destination.

Twinkling lights adorning Antler Square heralds in the holidays. A visit from Santa complete with holiday music, Christmas carols and hot chocolate for all make this annual event in December a favorite western getaway, not only for skiers who converge on the mountain from around the glove during the winter season, but for also for travelers desiring to feel like the Old West is alive and well.

Jackson Hole has maintained its western identity where elevated boardwalks, stagecoach rides around Antler Square and an impressive collection of art galleries and western shops define its identity. During the holidays some great choices for activities include Iditarod sleigh rides through snow-covered trails, ice skating at one of its five skating rinks and skiing atop Snow King Mountain. Don’t miss seeing the largest herd of elk at the National Elk Refuge just outside of town where sleigh rides are offered from mid-December through mid-April.

Another recommended stop should also include the National Museum of Western Art that overlooks the elk refuge and exhibits some of the West’s most renowned painters and sculptors from Carl Rungius to Robert Bateman and Frederic Remington. Towering bronze sculptures of wildlife surround the property. Plan on spending a day at this remarkable art museum where a gift shop and café are found on the premises.

Antler Square, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Some other choice shopping spots are found in town.

Everything from art galleries to shops displaying all things western can be found in Jackson near Antler Square. For nature enthusiasts and photographers the Wild by Nature Gallery with photography of Henry Holdsworth is a must. Holdsworth, a resident of Jackson, has spent years going out into Jackson’s environs capturing images of its wildlife including; coyote, bear, fox and bison.

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Wort Hotel, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Where to Stay The Wort Hotel is Jackson’s most historic hotel and one of the areas’ most important architectural landmarks. The hotel, opened in 1941, recaptures visions of the Old West where its 59 rooms display western art and design. During the holidays the hotel puts on its annual event, “Twelve Days of Christmas” where beginning in early December an event is held almost daily celebrating the holidays.

Brilliant red poinsettias frame the grand staircase along with a Christmas tree in the lobby adding to the festive environment. Everyone from cowboys to movie stars has stayed at the Wort with its Silver Dollar Bar a popular gathering spot in the evenings for locals and visitors alike.

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Some treats in store during its “Twelve Days of Christmas” include a children’s art show, gingerbread house making courses with the hotel’s chefs, Old Time Christmas stories where music and stories along with refreshments are offered to the Christmas Day Buffet feast, the best in the valley where turkey with all the trimmings makes this Jackson’s most popular place to have that Christmas dinner.

Be sure and book early for this popular event.

So whether you opt for Newport in all its Gilded Age glory, Annapolis with its rich naval heritage, Charleston with pages from its Civil War past or Jackson Hole with its tales of the Old West – your holidays are sure to be an exceptional and memorable time traveling experience.

For further information contact: Newport Visitors Center

www.discovernewport.org Tel: 401-845-9123, 1-800-302-2852

Hotel Viking

www.hotelviking.com Tel: 1-800-556-7126

Castle Hill Inn

www.castlehillinn.com Tel: 401-849-3800, 1-800-466-1355

Annapolis Convention & Visitors Bureau

www.visitannapolis.org Tel: 410-263-2641, 1-888-302-2852

Historic Inns of Annapolis www.historicinnsofannapolis.com Tel: 410-263-2641, 1-800-847-8882

Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau www.charlestoncvb.com Tel: 1-877-775-4230

John Rutledge House Inn

www.johnrutledgehouseinn.com Tel: 843-723-7999, 1-800-476-9741

Wentworth Mansion

www.wentworthmansion.com Tel: 1-888-466-1886

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce www.jacksonholechamber.com Tel: 307-733-3316

The Wort Hotel

www.worthotel.com Tel: 307-733-2190, 1-800-322-2727

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Winter Market Damrak: Strike a pose with Frosty at Amsterdam's second annual Winter Market

Amsterdam’s

Winter Wonderland Story and Photos by Melissa Adams

Amsterdammers love to claim there’s no translation for gezellig (pronounced heh-SELL-ick)—a Dutch word that describes a cozy ambiance and feeling of being comfortable with friends and loved ones. Yet gezellig is defined in 3D every winter, when Holland’s capital turns into a wonderland brimming with holiday spirit.

At the first sign of fall, pop-up stands offering sugary olliebollen appear on Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein and Museumplein, as well as at Schiphol Airport and other high-traffic spots throughout Amsterdam.

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Follow your nose to these repositories of sphere-shaped sweets precursors of the American donut wafting aromas of apple and cinnamon.

Like their American cousins, olliebollen (oil balls) are deep-fried dough, sometimes flecked with raisins or currants, sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Poffertjes—small, fluffy pancakes with a light, spongy texture—are a yummy variation. Other seasonal treats include appelflapjes filled with glazed apple slices, and Glühwein—German mulled wine.

URBAN ICE SKATING Amsterdam’s public squares transform into urban ice rinks during the holiday season, where visitors can join locals practicing jumps and twirls. More experienced speed and figure skaters head to the 400m Jaap Edenbaan, offering indoor and outdoor skating rinks plus Disco Night on Saturdays.

In rare years when temperatures dip low enough for long enough, Amsterdam’s canals turn into frozen waterways, inspiring Dutchies to come out in droves to skate as classical music infuses the chilled air.

Winter Museumplein: The Rijksmuseum and iconic Amsterdam sign make a stately backdrop for Museumplein’s urban ice rink.

SINTERKLAAS ARRIVES FROM SPAIN The winter holidays are in full swing by midNovember, when Sinterklaas steams into Central Station on his boat, with his Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes) onboard. After switching to a white horse, he parades through Amsterdam with his helpers, who distribute candy and spiced pepernoten cookies to expectant children.

Based on the Christian St. Nicholas (patron saint of Amsterdam), Sinterklaas cuts a statuesque figure with his snow-white beard, scarlet bishop’s robe and pastoral staff. Unlike the more rotund North American Santa at the North Pole, he resides in sunny Spain, where his annual steamboat journey to Holland begins.

Abundant folklore, as well as allegations of political incorrectness and racial stereotyping, surround the inspiration for America’s Santa.

With their blackface makeup and Renaissance costumes, Sinterklaas’ lively helpers resemble 17th century slaves, antagonizing some celebrants. That doesn’t stop the fanfare in the weeks leading up to his name day, December 5, when little Dutchies leave carrots in their shoes, hoping Sint and his merry band will replace them with chocolate letters and other presents. Traditionally, parents and older siblings read the sarcastic poems they’ve composed, poking fun at each other. Naughty children are hauled back to Spain for a warm winter.

Holiday Tram: Even the trams get festive treatment during Amsterdam’s winter holidays.

Light Festival: The theme for Amsterdam's 2014–15 Light Festival, “A Bright City,” challenges artists to create a tribute to life in the Dutch capital.

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Chocolate Pumps: Jordino pumps up the holiday action with edible spike heels. Since 1993, the Amsterdam candy boutique has been crafting shoes you can eat from fine cocoa products.

At the National Monument in Dam Square, some 40,000 LED fairy lights on a towering Christmas tree are switched on in December, complementing the illuminated facade of De Bejinkorf, flagship store of a high-end chain of Dutch department stores. Even De Wallen—Amsterdam’s most infamous Red Light District—boasts holiday lights in colors other than red during the year-end holidays.

WINTER MARKETS Windows and lamp posts get seasonal treatment in Dam Square and on shopping streets like Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat, Haarlemerstraat, the Nine Streets, and posh P.C. Hoofstraat. The second annual Wintermarkt Amsterdam returns to Damrak and Beursplein, bringing crafts and edibles to the street running from Central Station to Dam Square. Westergasfabriek hosts both Sinterklaas Market on the last Sunday in November and the Funky Xmas Market in midDecember, showcasing the work of local artists, designers and other creatives.

In mid-December, the new De Hallen complex will welcome the holiday season with a festive version of its Local Goods Market in its industrial-style halls.

Organic produce and sustainable gifts are specialties at the Pure Winter Market in Amstelpark and Park Frankendael. Just outside Amsterdam, Keukenhof Castle in Lisse hosts one of the Netherlands’ most magical Christmas events.

NFM Westergasfabriek: Indoor and outdoor dining foster gezelligheid at Westergasfabriek’s holiday NeighbourFood Market.

Neighbour Food Market: Locals and visitors alike convene at Westerfabriek for the holiday version of the NeighbourFood Market.

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LET THERE BE LIGHT For more than 50 days, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates winter darkness with sparkling light sculptures and projections by Dutch and international artists. Set around historic landmarks, the installations can be viewed via canal boat or on a walking route through city center.

The days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve are filled with holiday celebrations. Winter Parade returns to Westergasfabriek with interactive fun involving 500 people at a 120-meter table, savoring theater, dance, poetry, art, music and culinary delights. World Christmas Circus continues a twodecade tradition at Royal Theatre Carré, presenting winning acts from festivals in Monte Carlo, Paris, Peking and Moscow.

Het National Ballet brings Sleeping Beauty alive at Het Muziektheater, while the lovely Art-Deco Tuschinski cinema hosts live streaming opera from the Metropolitan in New York. The 17th edition of Tangomania salsas into town in December 2014, bringing sizzling Argentine tango performances and workshops to locations around the Ij River.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, visitors can enjoy holiday concerts at churches throughout Amsterdam.

Services at Sint Nicolaaskerk feature Gregorian music; those at De Bejinorf include seasonal hymns sung by a choir. Our Lord in the Attic, a tiny church perched atop a canal house in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, offers Christmas Mass. For a more upscale evening, Amsterdam’s renowned Concertgebouw presents a Christmas concert featuring the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra.

Poffertjes: Sugar-topped poffertjes are delicious holiday treats.

Holland’s religious make-up is diverse, so many restaurants and cafés are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as St. Stephen’s Day on December 26, which continues the merriment with family and friends. The holiday season concludes with parties and fireworks throughout Amsterdam, including an official city display. Wherever you are on New Year’s Eve, you can’t miss some explosive fun.

WHY VISIT IN WINTER? Save for holiday dates in December, air fares and tourist numbers are at their lowest in winter. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Ann Frank House and other popular attractions are open, but with smaller crowds and shorter lines, making for a more intimate experience. Shoppers will find considerably emptier stores than in the U.S. during the year-end holidays, as well as specialty markets with holiday gifts.

While Americans celebrate 12 days of Christmas, the holiday season lasts three months in Holland.

Despite cold, wet, rainy days—or maybe because of them—Amsterdam’s holiday season has become a time that defines gezellig in a way everyone can understand.

Pure Market: Merchants from Holland and beyond sell specialty goods at the festive Pure Market.

Pure Market Food: Indulge in gyros, kebabs, grilled sausages, Belgian waffles and other international favorites at Amsterdam’s Pure Market.

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Pure Markt Chickens: Tempting aromas waft through the outdoor Pure Market.

Piets: Sinterklaas’ Zwarte Pieten inspire annual controversy about political correctness and racial stereotyping.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Winter Market Damrak: Winter Market brings mounds of goodies from around the world to stalls along Damrak.

Melissa Adams is an American expat and freelance journalist who traded sunny Southern California for a soggy patch on the European continent.

As AFAR’s Local Expert/Amsterdam, she wrote The AFAR Guide to Amsterdam and regularly shares her passion for the Dutch capital at UnClogged in Amsterdam: An American Expat Plumbs Holland (www.uncloggedblog.com).

Winter Market Damrak: Bring your sweet tooth to the second annual Winter Market on Damrak and Beursplein.

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Photo credit: Robert Demar / aerial view, Mark Gardner / bikes, Mike Bertrand / Friday Harbor, Jim Maya / whales

Lopez Island • Orcas Island • San Juan Island / Friday Harbor

InspIratIon For the senses VisitSanJuans.com

Explore Historic Friday Harbor Find Endless Adventure

Discover Nature’s Splendor

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There are eight enchanted cities to discover on Louisiana’s Holiday Trail of Lights, which guides visitors on an imaginary one-horse-open-sleigh kind of journey throughout North Louisiana from mid-November through the New Year.

The holly-jolly towns that have been decking the halls for visitors for 30 years include Shreveport-Bossier City, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches and AlexandriaPineville. Traveling from one town to another, each offers a unique experience, and I got the impression of being in a Thomas Kincaid Christmas painting by night.

Louisiana’s Holiday Trail of Lights

By Trilla Cook

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The Alexandria Zoo Holiday Light Safari

“Santa Bob” and Beth Claus are fixtures in Shreveport-Bossier

With Shreveport/Bossier City as a starting base, our destinations lie east on IH-20 and south on IH-49, where an adventurous, sight-seeing journey filled with lights, parades, fireworks, dining, shopping, museums and more await. This would include exploring centuries-old plantations and tasting the best food Louisiana has to offer.

We were thrilled by the most recent Holiday Trail of Lights tour (2013) in Shreveport/ Bossier City, which is located in the northwest corner of Louisiana, where we found restful and conveniently located accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott. This area boasts a bustling film industry, and casino resorts that bring topnotch entertainment year around, not to mention the colorful local festivals and the Outlets at Louisiana Boardwalk.

During the holidays in Shreveport/Bossier, Santa Bob and Mrs. Beth Claus might magically appear anywhere spreading holiday cheer throughout the season!

Santa Bob is a card-carrying member of the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas, and takes his vocation very seriously.

By planning ahead, a visit could be coordinated with the Les Boutiques De Noel which converts the Bossier Civic Center each year into a mecca for holiday shoppers. More than 10,000 gift-searching visitors peruse 100 holiday-themed booths, which represent 10 states, with proceeds going to the Shreveport Opera.

“Santa Bob” and Beth Claus magically appear at Shelby Lane’s Closet Shreveport, Louisiana Christmas fireworks

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Merely separated by the Red River, Shreveport and Bossier City are like getting two cities for the price of one.

Plan an afternoon to take in a screening at the IMAX Dome Theater, which is located at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center in Shreveport. Featuring more than 290 science, space, technology and math exhibits, it’s an exciting, fun place to bring the entire family.

A cheerful way to beat holidayshopping stress is to sample the frozen eggnog daiquiris at Tony’s Discount Beverage. Enjoy this Shreveport tradition with take-out service, thanks to manager Joseph “Bubba” Cordaro and the wide variety of additional flavors offered.

The Outlets at Louisiana Boardwalk, which is the largest outlet, dining and entertainment destination in the State of Louisiana, gets all decked out in preparation of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. There are more than 70 retail stores and restaurants, including Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, to keep every shopper happy.

We were there just in time for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Louisiana Boardwalk. The local entertainment and tree-lighting with snow was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Who cares if it was fake snow; children of all ages loved it.

“Snowing” on the Louisiana Boardwalk during the tree lighting event

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Joseph “Bubba” Cordaro serves up eggnog daiquiris, a Shreveport Tradition, at Tony’s Discount Beverage.

Louisiana Boardwalk Tree Lighting event

Second Hand Rose antique shop

Another local special experience is Christmas in Roseland, where The Gardens of the American Rose Center is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with a million twinkling lights. These festivities are sure to put a twinkle in your family’s eyes.

While in Shreveport/Bossier start checking off your giftshopping list with a visit to Shelby Lane’s Closet – a oneof-a-kind experience. It’s a fantastic stop for do-it-yourself holiday crafts of repurposed wood. Chef Pansou of Soumas Heritage Creole Creations prepared our lunch at Shelby Lane’s Closet, putting her touch of “The Islands” in every bite. One can’t go far in Louisiana without finding amazing Creole food.

Katie Kostelka at Shelby Lane’s Closet

From Shreveport/Bossier, we drove 30 minutes east on I-20 to Minden, which is known for the Fasching Fifth Season Festival celebrating the community’s German heritage, and the Winter Wonderland Festival. After enjoying a delightful driving tour of the charming, twinkling streets, we checked out Second Hand Rose, an eclectic and very interesting shop filled with Coca Cola memorabilia, antique jewelry, housewares and much more. Visitors take away more than a shopping experience, as the shop’s eccentric owner’s delightful stories capture the hearts of all who enter. Millie Rose welcomes everyone with a smile, a song and a great yarn or two.

Also in Minden, we found a unique Mexican cafe, Habascus, where we were served the biggest burrito ever imagined – enough for a half dozen diners! The restaurant just got wonderful publicity when “LA Rider TV” filmed there.

Biedenharn Museum displays Coca Cola memorabilia collected by the creator of the Coke formula

Biedenharn Museum and Gardens

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One hour further east from Minden on IH-20, we visited and explored Monroe-West Monroe. While in Monroe, we toured the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, which were beautifully decorated for the Holiday Season. Each room of the mansion characterized a unique theme designed by Monroe Garden Study League. Joseph Biedenharn was the creator of the Coca-Cola formula, and the house and furnishings reflect his abundant affluence of that time period.

The delicious and “ginormous” burrito on the menu at Habascus Mexican Restaurant in Minden, LA

Taking great pride in preserving military history memorabilia, The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, also in Monroe, would delight any history buff. Admission is free and is well worth the time spent there.

The Christmas on the River Festival is hosted by MonroeWest Monroe each year, with parades and displays of dancing lights all season long. Even during the holidays, evidence of “Duck Dynasty” appears to be sprinkled throughout.

The Louisiana Boardwalk Carousel

If you love antique shopping, you’ll love shopping and dining in Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe. The 30 different shops, located primarily on the banks of Ouachita River, beckon treasure hunters to enter.

Big Mamma’s Fine Foods will send you on your way with the satisfied feeling that only a home-cooked meal can do.

This restaurant has been featured in Louisiana Cookin’ magazine’s Ultimate Fried Chicken Trail. Known for Big Mamma’s hot water cornbread and desserts, it’s a place the locals go time and again, and tourists dream of returning. I am no exception.

Chef Pansou of Soumas Heritage Creole Creations is a local culinary artisan.

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Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe

The next day we drove two hours south on IH-49 from our Shreveport-Bossier City base to the AlexandriaPineville area, bypassing Natchitoches along the way, with plans to visit there on our return trip.

Dinner at Diamond Grill in Alexandria was excellent, and prepared us for our exploration of the Alexandria Zoo Holiday Light Safari. With thousands of lights glistening all around, it gave the impression of a sparkling winter wonderland. Generally held on weekends during the month of December, this safari will excite the entire family and lend credence to the statement credited to Jack Hanna that this zoo is one of the “best small town zoos in America.”

Just 16 miles south of Alexandria is Loyd Hall Plantation House (circa 1820), a bed and breakfast that is the epitome of southern charm and history. This is where we spent the night, and even after hearing a hint at stories that the place was haunted, I slept very comfortably in one of the cozy cabins. The next morning we enjoyed a delightful breakfast in the big house, and were excited to hear more about the ghostly rumors during a grand tour.

Next we toured the historic Kent Plantation House, which is said to be an authentic Creole plantation, and is one of the oldest standing structures in the state of Louisiana – the oldest known standing structure in Rapides Parish (circa 1794). A tour of this plantation offers visitors a look at many structures from that era, such as the milk house, open hearth kitchen, slave cabin, Eden building, barn, blacksmith shop, sugar mill and cemetery.

We also visited the Inglewood Plantation, which is an organic vegetable and chicken farm with pecan and fruit orchards and a nature preserve. The farm hosts a weekly Harvest Barn, which takes place on Tuesday afternoons and Saturdays, provided a place for plying their wares, such as produce, fruit, meats, eggs and other local organic products. Inglewood is one of the few plantations to survive the ravages of the Civil War.

Loyd Hall Plantation House (circa 1820), Just 16 miles south of Alexandria, is a bed and breakfast that is the epitome of southern charm and history.

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Melrose Plantation

Inglewood Plantation Harvest Barn Market

Melrose Plantation

Melrose Plantation We checked out Atwood’s Bakery, a local favorite for lunch and sweets, before heading to Melrose Plantation, an antebellum historic house/ museum, which was built

by Marie Thereze Coin-Coin, an enslaved woman, with Frenchman Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer. Many of their Creole descendants still live in the area.

As an interesting side story, the plantation house and the setting for Solomon Northup’s book and recent movie by the same name – “12 Years a Slave,” now stands on the campus of Louisiana State University in Alexandria, and is used for American History studies.

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“The Steel Magnolia” House Bed and Breakfast

Natchitoches, the oldest city in Louisiana, “Turn on the Lights” – Celebrating 300 years

Our last stop was my personal favorite – the oldest city in Louisiana – Natchitoches (Naka-tish) for the “Turn on the Holidays” event.

Natchitoches, founded in 1714, comes from a Caddo Indian word meaning “Chinquapin eaters.”

This city, which is nestled along the Cane River, is currently celebrating 300 years and has hosted many events commemorating their tri-centennial throughout 2014.

Historic Natchitoches transports visitors back in time. Quaint shops and restaurants line the street overlooking the river. The oldest store in Louisiana is located here – Kaffie Frederick General Mercantile. What a treat to explore. Here you will find a house built in the 1830’s where the movie “Steel Magnolias” was filmed in 1989. In 2013, it opened as a bed and breakfast. Can you imagine spending time in that house with so much southern charm and history?

Touring the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Regional Museum in Natchitoches is a must for the sports enthusiasts. The architectural style of this 27,500 square foot contemporary building compliments Louisiana’s rich sports heritage.

We waited with excitement in the air for the “Turn on the Holidays!” event to start, which includes fireworks and live entertainment. (The event this year will take place on Nov. 22 starting at 10 a.m.)

The light displays and fireworks reflecting in the river bring holiday enjoyment and delight, infusing a nostalgic feel to the season.

“2439 - A Bed and Breakfast” (Shreveport) takes visitors back in time with southern charm.

This year Louisiana’s oldest celebration, The 88th Annual Festival of Lights, is sure to bring abundant excitement to the holidays – culminating the end of Natchitoches’ tri-centennial events. The city hosts 10 hotels and more than 30 B&B’s.

We headed back to Shreveport-Bossier City to wind down our Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights tour. Accommodations at the delightful and charming “2439 - A Bed and Breakfast” located in Shreveport on Fairfield Avenue were perfectly nostalgic. Our complimentary breakfast was sublime, and topped off the comforts of this extremely fascinating establishment, which was once highlighted in Southern Living.

For more information and dates for scheduled events in north and central Louisiana, visit holidaytrailoflights.com.

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S A N I T N A D I C A L N A A U S

Santa Claus Museum

A Place For Holiday Magic By Cindy Ladage

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Santa Claus Museum

A

s we grow older, we sometimes can get a bit cynical about the holidays and in need of a bit of magic to rekindle the holiday spirit. If there is any place that offers a bit of holiday inspiration, it is Santa Claus, Indiana.

“The town of Santa Claus is festive and magical year round,” said Melissa Brockman, executive director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau, “but at Christmas, the town and residents go all out to make it extra special for visitors of all ages.”

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Santa Claus is home to the only post office with the Santa Claus name. Set in Indiana’s rolling hills, the small town of Santa Claus was first laid out on paper in 1846. The early residents obtained the unique name of Santa Claus after the postal department turned down for the name of Santa Fe because the name was already taken. The most popular story about how the town obtained its name is that the town gathered on Christmas Eve in a one room church building to come up with a name. A little girl heard sleigh bells and shouted, “Its Santa Claus! It’s Santa Claus!” From this event, the town decided to name the town Santa Claus.

Santa Claus Museum

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I

n the 1900s, Postmaster James Martin started answering the letters children sent to the Santa Claus post office. In 1929, when the postal department threatened to make the town change its name because of the overwhelming volume of mail, James Martin caught the attention of Robert Ripley of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” fame, to help keep the town’s unique name.

Through Robert Ripley’s feature of Santa Claus, Indiana, in several of his early cartoon articles it is thought that this influence helped the town kept its name.

Santa Statue built by Carl Barrett in 1935 that sits outside the Santa Claus Museum & Village.

The tradition of sending letters to Santa addressed to Santa Claus has grown over the years and in 1976 Santa’s Elves, Inc., was created and dedicated to answering Santa’s letters. The entire town is a holiday treat with shops that offer ornaments and great Christmas shopping options.

The Santa Claus Museum & Village catches the special history of the town.

When driving into the Santa Claus Museum & Village you can see the Santa Statue built by Carl Barrett in 1935 with a Star of Bethlehem at its base pointing east.

Within the museum complex is the town’s first post office. “This was moved here in February of 2012,” said Joyce Robinson a volunteer at the Santa Claus Museum & Village. “We are turning this into a historical park. You can write a letter to Santa. We get the letters and responses go out the first week of December with a postmark designed (each year) by a high school senior from Heritage Hills. The postmark is good from December 1-24th, and then it is destroyed.” The museum grounds also include the early 1800s Santa Claus church and includes many treasures from the early days Santa Claus Land.

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The grounds of the Santa Claus Museum & Village include the early 1800’s Santa Claus church

Statues like this at Santa’s Candy Castle abound in Santa Claus bringing Christmas to mind.

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ext door to Holiday World, a themed Christmas park open from May to October, is Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. Built in 1958, the Koch family opened the campground behind their family home near a seven-acre lake with a beach and swimming area. Since that early opening, they have renovated and expanded.

For those who enjoy camping or the chance to stay in a cabin to get away from it all, the Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort has a series of fall options. One of the most popular residential choices is the Rudolph Christmas Cabins which feature a master bedroom with a king bed, large loft with a queen mattress and 4 twin-size mattresses, 3 flat screen TVs, electric fireplace, gas grill and a very large covered deck. These cabins sleep a maximum of 8 people (4 adults and 4 children).

Carrie Skogsberg of Pawnee, Illinois, stayed in the cabins with her two children. As a busy mom and working woman, Carrie’s favorite aspect was the expanded deck where she said, “I could just enjoy the quiet.” The resort also offers the Santa Claus Land of Lights, a 1.2 mile driving tour of LED lights telling the story of Rudolph.

During the first three weekends in December, the town offers Santa’s Great Big LED Tree of Lights at Kringle Place and children can visit with Santa as their parents browse through the huge Santa Claus Christmas Store or visit the Christmas craft show and enjoy all there is to see and do in this magical holiday town.

For More Information: Spencer County Visitor’s Bureau www.SantaClausInd.org/Christmas

Where to go and what to do in Santa Claus: www.SantaClausInd.org

Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort

78 North Holiday Blvd., Santa Claus, IN 47579 www.lakerudolph.com.

The Santa Claus Museum

69 Indiana 245 Santa Claus, IN 47579 (812) 544-2434 www.santaclausmuseum.org

Carrie Skogsberg with Lilly and Cade

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Chicago Christmas With the Grandkids

By Julie Hatfield

Nighttime free ice skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

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Ruby Belle Hatfield, age 6, dwarfed by The Bean, Chicago Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate; photo Patrick Pyszka

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fter hearing about Chicago’s bitter winters, its crime, and its other big-city problems, you would wonder why anyone would subject a little child to that town. Well, I took three little children to Chicago at Christmastime, and we had a ball.

We arrived 10 days before Christmas, just in time to beat the big chill that hit the city on Christmas and continued through the rest of the bitter winter of 2014. It snowed a bit on us, but the temperature never got near zero, and the little ones-aged one, three and six--had a smashing good time. If I were to ask them if they’d like to return, they would be in the car in a flash, waiting impatiently to take in the joys of a town that relishes the holiday and makes it very special for kids, as well as their parents and grandparents.

One of the secrets of our success was to park the car in the hotel garage and pick a hotel – in our case, Swissotel – that was close enough to the major stores and activities that we could walk to everything.

We headed first for the Art Institute of Chicago, making sure that on the way, we would pass by Millennium Park where you can rent ice skates and skate for free on the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Millennium Park is run by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and has free art shows, music and many other special activities. Its collection of architecture and landscape design is worth a visit alone, but free concerts, including the Chicago Jazz Festival, held in the stunning Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, are a bonus.

One of the highlights of the park is its huge kidney-shaped silver sculpture by Anish Kapoor called Cloud Gate, though everyone calls it “The Bean.” My granddaughters immediately rushed over and stood beneath it, looking up at their reflections, exaggerated like a house of mirrors by its shiny curved surface. On Friday evenings during the holiday season carolers entertain there.

When we finally pulled them away from The Bean, it was just a short walk to the Art Institute. Children under 14 get in for free to enjoy an entire wing devoted to them and for the very youngest there’s the Vitale Family Room. Our three girls settled in and could have stayed the rest of the day enjoying a huge selection of art-themed toys and puzzles. My six-year-old granddaughter sat me down at a computer for an interactive game of finding the famous art hidden in the picture. Naturally, she was faster and more agile with her mouse than was I, despite the fact that I was more familiar with the art than she.

Near the Vitale Family Room is the Elizabeth Morse Touch Gallery, originally designed for the visually impaired. Now it’s also known as a great place for children to touch and feel art, such as metal sculptures.

Ruby Belle Hatfield, under Cloud Gate

The little ones were happy staying in the family room, but I had told the six-year-old about the Institute’s Thorne Room and its collection of 68 miniature historic rooms.

To the average visitor, this constitutes a historic display of early American interior design, but to a six-year-old, it’s a dream dollhouse, and she insisted on reading each and every description of the individual rooms (“This is an English great room of the late Tudor period 1550-1603. . .”) Of course, she was also practicing, and showing off, her new first-grade reading skills, but in the course of it she also was able to 57 inadvertently study the little rooms’ design and history.

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he Christmas lights on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue are magical, and the spirit of shoppers on the street festive and friendly. We headed toward Macy’s and its famous Walnut Room where generations of Chicagoans make a point of having lunch beside the gigantic Christmas tree. Christmas fairies, dressed in long gowns and carrying their wands, flit around the tables and tell children that they should try to be very good, knowing there might be rewards under their own Christmas trees if they behave.

Our only objection to the lovely tradition of Christmas lunch beside the tree at Macy’s is that they do not take reservations, and people have to stand in line for hours to get a seat, with some having their “lunch” at, say, 3 p.m.

"Christmas is Coming", Fairy promises "We'll be good"

One of the biggest magnets for little girls from preschool age to preteen is the American Girl store, and our little girls were enchanted as soon as they entered the Water Tower Place store. It was just days before Christmas, and little girls were dashing about picking out Christmas gifts for their dolls, while their parents were loaded down with enormous bags and packages filled with what was probably going to go under many Christmas trees.

Our three little girls were thrilled not only to see the full extent of the doll collection and all of their accoutrements in real life as opposed to in the brochures that they had intensely studied at home, but also to attend the American Girl luncheon with their dolls, who were treated as VIP guests with their own tiny chairs and dishes. It was little-girl heaven for them. There were three different sold-out seatings on our luncheon day, and each one was jammed with about 200 people. Our little ones never complained that the only seating we could get for lunch on this Saturday so close to Christmas, was at 3 p.m.

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink offers free skating from mid-November to mid-March

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One of the most ingenious things the American Girl people do is to put conversation topics on a piece of paper in the center of each table to spur polite dining-table discussion. One such subject: “If you could go to any country in the world, which would it be and why?” We overheard tidbits of thoughtful conversation from one end of the table to the other, all coming from the youngest guests.

While that was by far their favorite meal of the trip, the girls also enjoyed having a casual meal at the very first Pizzeria Uno in the world, on East Ohio Street just off Michigan Avenue. Deep dish pizza was first created here in the 1940’s. Everyone in the family also loved the Sunday brunch at Shaw’s Crab House on East Hubbard Street. The enormous restaurant has not only crabs, but rooms full of lobster, salads, meats, sushi, vegetables, soups and desserts. It’s a fun place, with many large families gathered together for an all-you-can-possiblyeat buffet meal.

On Chicago’s near Southside, the Museum of Science and Industry displays Christmas trees from different countries and its Brunk Children’s’ Museum of Immigration was voted “Best of Chicago” by Chicago Magazine.

As the weekend grew colder and snowier, the fireplace in the Swissotel became our refuge, with the children enjoying decadent hot caramel chocolates loaded with marshmallows, whipped cream and cherries as we enjoyed somewhat stronger libations. Our hotel also has a large, warm swimming pool that was the perfect place on a winter night to use up some of the energy left over in the littlest travelers.

American Girl (& doll) Luncheon, Chicago

And as to Chicago’s more unseemly reputation, the only crime we saw was fake - actors filming a scene for the television show “Chicago P.D.” which aired later in the year and made Chicago look like that sinister place we’d heard about but we certainly didn’t find on our sparkling pre-Christmas visit.

A concert at the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion; photo Patrick Pyszka

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Nationally Honored Nativity Exhibit

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More than 700 nativity scenes are displayed at the Historic Kirtland Visitors’ Center.

In Historic Kirtland, Ohio Kirtland is a small town in northern Ohio with a large reputation. It was here where early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints settled shortly after the founding of the church and where Joseph Smith and several of his followers built a temple, and where today modern-day followers each year create what has become a nationally known holiday display of nativity scenes.

This year more than 700 nativity scenes will be displayed beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Nov, 28th at the Historic Kirtland Visitors’ Center.

Janet Podolak, writing in The News-Herald, said a visitor “can’t help but be impressed by all the different ways the classic Christmas scene is portrayed. Almost all include baby Jesus in the manger, Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men, but the clothing, the backgrounds and even the physical features of the people vary. Newspaper, fabric, Coke cans and even bullet casings are among the materials used along with more common ceramic, wood, glass, metal and marble,” she wrote.

The American Bus Assn. has called the display one of the Top 100 Events in North America and the international Friends of the Crèche honored it for its excellence.

“Nativities have been a part of Christmas for more than 200 years in this country — a custom begun 800 years ago by St. Francis as he sought to bring people back to the simple awe surrounding the birth of Jesus in a stable. He created the first live nativity in a cave near his home in Assisi, in northern Italy,” journalist Podolak explains.

Local families loan the nativities representing more than 30 countries and depicting how cultures around the globe observe Christmas. For instance, a miniature nativity exhibit features examples of primitive art and incredibly detailed paintings and carvings. There is also an exhibit of antique foreign and hand-made Christmas cards and an international Nativity stamp collection.

Merton Bartelmay each year has loaned one of his family treasures, a beautifully hand-carved Holy Land olive wood crèche. It can be seen next to nativities

By Bob Ulas made from newspaper, fabric, soda cans and even bullet casings along with more common ceramic, wood, glass, metal and marble.

In an article in The News-Herald, Janet Podolak writes that “often the Christmas story is personalized by individual cultures with characters that look like their creators, whether they are Asian, African or South American. Probably because they reflect the cultures of those who created them, Nativities have become popular among collectors.

“Nativities made from Coke cans were made by an elementary school class in Kenya to be sold as a fundraiser for their school,” Podolak said. “The everpresent coconuts of Polynesia were used for another Nativity. Bullet casings from the war in Liberia were collected and pressed out then crafted into the family Nativity figures.”

The collection occupies the entire Visitors’ Center of the restored Western Reserve era village, and the oneroom schoolhouse next door.

Of special interest to families and young children is The Children’s Room – where the youngest visitors can enjoy child-friendly nativities, dress up in costume and join a child-sized nativity scene for a photo and an “I Spy” seek-and-find activity.

Presented annually by the Kirtland, Ohio Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Historic Kirtland, a restored 19th century village of historic significance, which commemorates the site where members established the church’s headquarters in Kirtland.

Visitors can also take guided tours of the village including a store, an inn and a residence, all decorated for the Christmas holiday in period style.

Other historic sites in the area significant in church history include the Kirtland Temple (owned and operated by the Community of Christ), the temple quarry, the Kirtland Temple cemetery, the Sidney Rigdon home, the Isaac Morley home, the Hiram Smith home, the John Johnson home in Hiram, Ohio and Fairport Harbor.

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DESTINATION INFORMATION EXPLORE BRANSON, MO

Branson, Missouri, nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains, is America’s affordable, wholesome family entertainment capital that emphasizes fun, comfort and the feeling of being right at home.

Featuring an array of live theaters and attraction venues and active recreational pursuits, the community embodies essential American values such as patriotism, faith, courage and generosity of spirit in a warm inviting atmosphere that is truly genuine and heartfelt. www.explorebranson.com

UNITED STATES ALABAMA

Greater Birmingham Conv. & Visitors Bureau (205) 458-8000 www.birminghamal.org Hunstville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau (256) 551-2235 www.huntsville.org Explore Fairbanks 907-459-3770 www.ExploreFairbanks.com

VISIT PHOENIX, AZ

Desert character. It can’t be conjured, landscaped or kindled with twinkling bulbs.

Projected against this rugged backdrop is a panorama of charm: Resorts and spas infused with Native American tradition. Golf courses that stay emerald green in the middle of winter. Mountain parks crisscrossed with trails.

Sports arenas worthy of the Super Bowl.

Restaurants that invite you to dine beneath sunshine or stars.This is the desert you never knew. Discover it. www.visitphoenix.com

(CALIFORNIA cont’d.)

Visit Pasadena (626) 395-0211 http://www.visitpasadena.com/ San Diego Zoo Global (619) 685-3291 http://sandiegozoo.org/ Team San Jose 408-792-4175 www.SanJose.org (California)

ARIZONA

Visit West Hollywood 310-289-2525 http://www.visitwesthollywood.com

ARKANSAS

Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Assoc.

(970) 945-5002 http://www.glenwoodchamber.com/

Visit Phoenix (602) 452-6250 www.visitphoenix.com Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau 501-370-3224 www.LittleRock.com North Little Rock Visitors Bureau 501-758-1424 www.NorthLittleRock.org

CALIFORNIA

Janis Flippen Public Relations 805-389-9495 www.JanisFlippenPR.com

Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (562) 495-8345 http://www.visitlongbeach.com/ Visit Oxnard (805) 385-7545 www.visitoxnard.com Visit Palm Springs (760) 778-8415 www.visitpalmsprings.com

COLORADO

DELAWARE

DISCOVER OXNARD, CA

Nestled along the Pacific Coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Oxnard, California offers everything you need for a great vacation. Catch a boat out of our scenic marina for a whale watching cruise or to explore the Channel Islands National Park, “America’s Galapagos.” Enjoy miles of uncrowded beaches and oceanfront bike trails. Grab a kayak, ride the ocean on a paddle board, soak up Southern California’s beautiful-year-round weather.

Play at our world-class golf courses and taste local wines along the Ventura County Wine Trail. Celebrate the sunset. It’s time to discover Oxnard! www.visitoxnard.com

GEORGIA

Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau 678.297.2811 www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com

IDAHO

Visit Idaho

(208) 334-2470 http://www.visitidaho.org/

ILLINOIS

KeyLime Cove Waterpark 608-206-5796 www.KeyLimeCove.com

LOUISIANA

Visit Baton Rouge (225) 382-3578 http://www.visitbatonrouge.com/ Alexandria/Pineville Area Conv. & Visitors Bureau (318) 442-9546 http://www.theheartoflouisiana.com/index.cfm

Kensington Tours 647-880-1581 www.kensingtontours.com

Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau 504-731-7083 www.ExperienceJefferson.com

FLORIDA

West Baton Rouge Convention & Visitors Bureau 225-344-2920 www.WestBatonRouge.net

Carnival Corporation Cruise Lines LDWW group 727-452-4538 www.LDWWgroup.com Franklin County Tourist Development Council (850) 653-8678 http://www.saltyflorida.com/ Greater Miami Conv. & Visitors Bureau 305-539-3000 www.MiamiandBeaches.com Leigh Cort Publicity 904-806-3613 www.LeighCortPublicity.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Open the Door, Inc. 617-536-0590 http://www.openthedoor.biz/

MISSOURI

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention & Visitors Bureau (417) 243-2137 http://bransoncvb.com/ The Beenders Walker Group (573) 636-8282 http://www.tbwgroup.net/

HOLIDAY TRAVEL TRIVIA ANSWERS (quiz on page 4): 1. Mexico

2. Neuremburg, Germany

3. Italy

4. Denmark

5. Santa Claus

VISIT PALM SPRINGS

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO

Palm Springs, California is known for its storied Hollywood legacy, Native American heritage and stellar collection of mid-century modern architecture. Palm Springs is California’s ultimate desert playground. It truly is like no place else. Lounging by the pool and soaking up the sun is always a favorite pastime. If you want to explore the outdoors and enjoy the beautiful climate, there are plenty of activities. Soar to the top of Mount San Jacinto on the world famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, hike scenic trails and stroll through the ancient palm groves in the Indian Canyons, or take an off-road excursion of Joshua Tree National Park or the San Andreas Fault.

Take a ticket to your next Colorado Rocky Mountain adventure by exploring “America’s Most Fun Town,” Glenwood Springs, Colorado! For over a century, visitors from around the globe have added Glenwood Springs to their travel itineraries. Our destination is family friendly, affordable, and blessed with a remarkable mix of geological wonders including hot springs, vapor caves, two rivers and a canyon, surrounded by the glorious Rocky Mountains. Whether you crave hiking, biking, fishing, outdoor activities or relaxing spa time, you’ll find it all in Glenwood Springs.

www.VisitPalmSprings.com

www.glenwoodchamber.com

7. Norway

8. Hogmanay

VISIT SALTY, FLORIDA

We’re Salty! If you’re looking for the old Florida experience you’ll find it in Franklin County. Tucked along Florida’s Panhandle, the coastal communities of Alligator Point, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and St. George Island offer beaches, history, adventure and fresh Apalachicola Bay seafood served up in an authentic “salty” setting. Relax on award-winning, pet-friendly beaches, climb historic lighthouses, charter eco-tours and fishing trips or bring your own gear and enjoy camping, paddling and hiking on acres of wooded trails and miles of quiet streams. Tee up on a championship golf course, enjoy live theatre performances in an historic venue and browse local galleries, museums and shops. Fresh local seafood is served at more than 30 area restaurants and local seafood markets.

www.saltyflorida.com

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA cont’d.)

(TEXAS cont’d.)

Camelback Mountain Resort 608.206.5796 www.SkiCamelback.com

New Braunfels Conv. & Visitors Bureau 800-572-2626 www.InNewBraunfels.com

Travel + Leisure Magazine 646-822-0111 www.TravelandLeisure.com

Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark 608.206.5796 www.Camelbeach.com

Virtuoso Life Magazine 817-334-8680 www.Virtuoso.com

Turning Stone Resort Casino 800-771-7711 www.TurningStone.com

RHODE ISLAND

VIRGINIA

Finn Partners 212-715-1600 www.FinnPartners.com

Ulster County Tourism 845-340-3568 www.UlsterTourism.info

NEVADA

Discover Newport (401) 845-9117 www.gonewport.com

South County Tourism Council (401) 489-4422 www.southcountyri.com

City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism (702) 267-2171 www.cityofhenderson.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

OHIO

TENNESSEE

Lake County Visitors Bureau 440-350-3720 www.LakeVisit.com Tuscarawas County Conv. & Visitors Bureau (330) 602-2420 http://www.experiencecolumbus.com/

OREGON

City Pass (503) 292-4418 www.citypass.com/ Lincoln City Conv. & Visitor’s Bureau (541) 996-1271 www.lincolncity.org/

PENNSYLVANIA

Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark 608.206.5796 www.CamelbackResort.com

lorence Convention & Visitors Bureau 843-664-0330 www.VisitFlo.com Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway (423) 442-9147 http://monroecounty.com/ Visit Knoxville 865-523-7263 www.VisitKnoxville.com

TEXAS

American Way Magazine 817-963-7984 www.AA.com/AmericanWay Visit Big Bend 432-837-3915 www.VisitBigBend.com Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau (888) 653-3788 http://visitnacogdoches.org/

Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau (VA) (757) 728-5316 http://visithampton.com/ Virginia Beach CVB (757) 385-6645 http://www.vbgov.com/Pages/home.aspx

WASHINGTON

San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau (360) 378-6822 http://visitsanjuans.com/

WEST VIRGINIA

Pocahontas County CVB (304) 799-4636 http://www.pocahontascountywv.com/

WISCONSIN

Savvy Owl Marketing & Public Relations 608.206.5796 www.SavvyOwlMarketing.com

MEXICO

Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences

52-998-287-4157

www.SunsetWorld.net

PUERTO VALLARTA Visit Puerto Vallarta (212) 633-2047 www.visitpuertovallarta.com

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