march 13, 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.
Social network with travelgirl.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at travelgirl by following us on Twitter! We're listed as travelgirlmag. We're also looking for more fans on our Facebook page - we'd love to see you there.
Family Camp
Nance Shaw wrote to tell me about her two intriguing businesses: the Tyler Place, a 75-year-old resort in northern Vermont that caters to 65 families or groups of friends each week in the summer. Kids can be involved in activities with their counselors while mom and dad bike, hike, kayak and take part in many other activities. At night the kids join up in their groups again, while the parents enjoy cocktails and dinner. The rates are all-inclusive. The second property is the Red Clover Inn, a 1840s farm estate that also welcomes families and groups for hiking, biking, climbing and enjoying massages. Food at both places is made with locally grown, fresh ingredients. www.tylerplace.com, www.redcloverinn.com
Name a Sandcastle,
Win a Trip
Name a Sandcastle that represents the Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida and you may win a two-night family vacation for four. Just sent your entry to mvandeloo@casamarinahotel.com by June 30, 2009. Sandcastle entry must include full name, address, telephone number and email. This small 1924 hotel has just 25 rooms, each decorated in a theme from a different era of its history. For more information, visit www.casamarinahotel.com
Universal Reopens After Fire
Remember the four-acre fire at Universal Studios in California that damaged many of its studios, although thankfully not Wisteria Lane or the Bates Motel from Psycho? Well they have just about finished reconstruction and the new sets will reopen in mid-summer. The ever-popular Studio Tour will offer a glimpse at the new sets and has also been upgraded to feature a Hi-Def TV system with flat-screen HD monitors in each tram car, featuring commentary from filmmakers and star, and clips from movies and TV. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
Everything's Coming Up Cherries
It's cherry blossom time in DC and you can enjoy a special package at The Fairmont Washington, with accommodations and a box of assorted notecards featuring many of the city's monuments. The package starts at $189 and is good from March 25 to April 30. This is the 97th anniversary of the presentation of the 3000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the City of Washington as a "memorial of national friendship." The peak bloom forecast for this year is expected to be April 3-9. Call 800-441-1414 or visit www.Fairmont.com/washington
pick of the week
Psi Bands were created by two moms who experienced nausea during their pregnancies and found relief with wrist acupressure. These bands are the only ones that are adjustable at both the pressure point and around the wrist. They are also waterproof and come in five different patterns. The wristbands are also good for relieving nausea from motion sickness and chemotherapy. They come two to a set and sell for $14.99 to $19.99, available at Rite Aid stores and other locations. www.psibands.com