june 26, 2009

Jan Gets a Blog!
I realized one of my long-time goals and launched my Girl on the Go blog covering travel-related news, events in Atlanta and relationships. Check out other blogs from travelgirl contributors here.

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Barbados Best

I was lucky enough to attend the finale of most popular festival in Barbados a few years ago and have never seen such beautiful costumes. Crop Over is the traditional celebration of the end of sugar cane season and dates back to the 1780s. It is now a summer-long event spanning 14 weeks and culminating August 3, a national holiday known as Kadooment. During the final three days, Spring Garden Highway is converted to a marketplace, and on Friday July 31st, 10 finalists compete for King and Queen at Pic-O-De-Crop Finals. The final day is Grand Kadooment, a summer street carnival. For more on Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.com and for accommodations visit www.bhta.org

Walk This Way

I've done lots of walking tours, but a walking vacation? The Wayfarers has been leading walks for 26 years and now offers 83 walks in 18 countries. Their motto is "All you need is a good pair of walking boots and an open mind" and they claim that walking is the best way to immerse yourself in local culture and really see the countryside. The trips are rated from easy to challenging and last from 5-12 days. See if there is a walk for you at www.thewayfarers.com

Get Jazzed in Montreal

The world's largest jazz festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival will present its 10,000th show this summer. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the festival, which takes place June 30 to July 12. Artists performing include Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck and Wynton Marsalis. Check out a special 30th anniversary package at www.montrealjazzfest.com/questions-en/accommodation.aspx.

All on Board for Water's Edge

Water's Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook, CT has an Amtrak Package during the summer. Get two-night accommodations plus round-trip tickets for two from Penn Station in New York or South Station in Boston, two breakfasts, a three-course dinner and several activities. This 25-acre New England estate has plenty of other packages as well, with room rates starting at $99. www.watersedgeresortandspa.com

pick of the week

I am a reformed sun worshipper from the baby oil generation, but still enjoy having a bit of a tan, probably because I enjoy the illusion that it makes my thighs look thinner. I'm in beautiful St. Simons Island this week, and am mostly lathered up and under the umbrella during the day. But at night, I pull out my secret weapon – Xen-Tan Luxe gradual self tanner. I've used other gradual self tanners, with varying success, but love this one because it goes on smooth and the result is not blotchy. But my favorite thing is the smell, a fresh vanilla scent that is worlds away from the unpleasant odors that some self tanners have. Prices start at $20 at www.xen-tan.com and products are also available at Nordstrom.