Monthly Archives: February 2009

*Deals* – Arizona Discounts – Tucson

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See Arizona and Save – Tucson

Planning to escape winter’s snow, sleet and shivers for sunny desert destinations? Make the trip more affordable with the 2008-09 Tucson Attractions Passport.

The Passport gives holders 2-for-1 offers at popular attractions in Tucson and Southern Arizona plus discounts at malls, gift shops and parks. The Passport sells for only $15 and is valid until September 15, 2009.desert-sunset

*Sample of 2-for-1 Offers in Tucson

  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Reid Park Zoo
  • Tucson Botanical Gardens
  • Old Tucson Studios
  • Tucson Children’s Museumtohono-chul-archway
  • Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
  • Tohono Chul Park
  • Pima Air & Space Museum

*Sample of 2-for-1 Offers in Southern Arizona

  • Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
  • Kartchner Caverns State Park – Rotunda/Throne Tour Only
  • Biosphere 2
  • Kitt Peak National Observatorypima-air-museum9
  • Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
  • Titan Missle Museum
  • Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
  • The Amerind Foundation

*50% Off Day-Use Fee

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  • Roper Lake State Park
  • Oracle State Park
  • Picacho Peak State Park
  • Catalina State Park

*Sample of Discounts

  • DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
  • Foothills Mall
  • La Encantadatucson-art-museum2
  • Main Gate Square
  • Park Place
  • Tucson Mall
  • Arizona State Museum
  • Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
  • The University of Arizona Museum of Art

*Plus More Offers

    Each offer may be used only once per Passport. It’s recommend to buy one Passport for every two people in your party. There is no limit to the number of Passports you can buy. Tucson Attractions Passports can be purchased online, at the Tucson Visitor Center or many of the participating attractions.

    Notes from Nancy: We’ve purchased and used the Tucson Attractions Passport on previous trips and found them easy to use, readily accepted and enjoyed tremendous savings as we toured Tucson and Southern Arizona. One adult entrance to Biosphere 2, Pima Air & Space Museum or Old Tucson Studios cost more than the price of the Passport. The more you see the more you save. I highly recommend.

Update: We purchased and used theTucson Attractions Passport again this year and Saved!

Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming

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Plan Now for Summer Fun & Learning

ynp-wolf-viewingAdd an element of discovery and learning to your summer vacation plans in America’s oldest national park. Even if you’ve been a tourist in Yellowstone, going back for a field seminar will provide amazing experiences. The Yellowstone Association Institute, the park’s official educational partner, offers summer field seminars, backpacking courses, lodging & learning programs and private tours.

Creative, historic or scientific, there’s a course sure to peak curious minds. “Whether you are ruled by your ‘right brain’ or your ‘left brain,’ we have a class for you,” said Jeff Brown, director of education for the Yellowstone Association Institute. A sampling of the more than 1oo courses offered during the 2009 summer season:

CREATIVEynp-guide1

  • Nature Photography in Yellowstone: The Digital Image
  • Poetry + Ecology =Creative Fusion
  • Writing the Natural History Essay

WILDLIFE BIOLOGY

  • Wolves – Reality and Myth
  • Birding for Beginnersynp-hikers
  • Wildlife Watching in Grizzle Country

PHYSICAL

  • Day Hiking the Beartooths
  • Fly Fishing for Novices
  • Day Hiking the Wild Yellowstone: Northern Range Area

HISTORY

  • Yellowstone’s Northern Roadside Historyynp-hot-pot1
  • Hiking the History of Yellowstone
  • Ghost Hotels of Yellowstone – Northern Loop

GEOLOGY

  • Mammoth: 320 Million Years in the Making
  • Exploring the Lower Geyser Basin
  • Tracking the Heat: Yellowstone’s Hot Spots and Calderas 

Taught by college professors, research scientists, park staff and other experts most courses last one to four days. Participant numbers are limited. Many courses are held at the Institute’s Lamar Buffalo Ranch field office campus, others are based at park lodges.

ynp-old-faithfulADDITIONAL INSTITUTE 2009 FEATURES

  • Backpacking Courses– Wilderness experiences that allow participants to visit remote areas of the park under the guidance of professional outdoor leaders and Yellowstone experts.
  • Lodging & Learning Packages – Mix education and recreation for visitors wanting to learn more about the park, returning to park lodges at the end of each day.
  • Private Tours – Ideal for families and small groups desiring an introduction to Yellowstone wildlife, geology or a guided hike. Eight-hour trips focus on Yellowstone’s Northern Range, Lake Yellowstone and Canyon area or the Old Faithful area.

ynp-bisonWhen You Go: Complete information available from the Yellowstone Association. Reservations for field seminars, backpacking courses and private tours can be made at 307-344-2294, Lodging and Learning reservations at 866-439-7375. Lodging and visitor services in Yellowstone National Park provided by Xanterra.

Highland Haven Creekside Inn – Evergreen, Colorado

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Leave Your Mark of Love

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Okay lovers – of every age – it’s too late for Valentine’s Day 2009 but romantic getaways shouldn’t be limited to one night a  year.  I suggest escaping any time of  year to Highland Haven Creekside Inn in Evergreen, Colorado. Less than a half hour from Denver, when at Highland Haven one feels a world away from the city. Tall pines and rocky outcroppings shelter lodge and cabins; Bear Creek tumbles in front of the property.

 Sunset named the inn as a Top 10 Romantic Cottage, in a “Denver’s Best Stuff ” issue of 5280 magazine Highland Haven earned the title of Top Place to Pop the Question. Accolades abound for the unique property.

Accommodations range from guest rooms and junior suites to private cottages and luxury suites with cozy fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs or private  hot tubs. Whichever you choose the decor reflects what innkeeper Gail Riley terms “Colorado Chic.” You and your sweetheart are sure to appreciate the attention to detail and comfort.hh-interior1

Innkeepers and staff stand ready to enhance the romance with flutes of chilled champagne, imported chocolates, flowers, music or poetry. The inn says, “Love is in the air, in the trees and on the lane!” Several years ago a standing dead tree was stripped of branches and bark, lovers added their mark with hearts, names, intials and/or dates. Gail loves to tell the tender stories of individual carvings. The Sweetheart Tree was so popular a second has been added. A local artist does the carving – contact the inn to make arrangements to leave your mark. Lovers Lane is a stepping stone walkway across the broad lawn from inn to creek. Memorialize a special date or loved one with an engraved stone along the path.

Although it’s too late for a February 14, 2009 reservation it’s not too late for a gift certificate or a copy of Gail’s book  Colorado Cravings – Recipes and Romance. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or popping the question you’ll long remember Highland Haven.

hh-creek-sculpture2 hh-exterior1 hh-sweetheart-tree1

Los Dos Potrillos – Centennial, Colorado

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Nacho Nirvana

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Imagine a great chile relleno – a crispy wrap around a snappy chile filled with smooth, quality Mexican cheese, sliced into bite-sized pieces. Imagine a great plate of nachos topped with a fresh zippy salsa. Now, imagine combining the two. Chile Relleno Nachos – Nacho Nirvana!

I’ve heard about this appetizer served at Los Dos Portillos in Centennial, Colorado. With an urge for Mexican food I talk Bob into heading to County Line Road and Holly. From the exterior Los Dos Portillos looks totally unassuming, it sits in the middle of a strip mall that includes a New York pizza place, a Thai cafe, childcare center and sports bar. The mall has its back to busy County Line – customers do not just stumble on this site. 

We arrive a little before 5pm and ask about the early dining special. The current feature includes a plate of the chile relleno nachos and two combination plates for $15.99. Such a deal! The nachos alone are usually $8.95 and combinations $10+ each. A well blended margarita, on the rocks with ice, costs just $3.95.

We dig in as soon as the nachos arrive, there’s immediate audible satisfaction. YUM! Bob ordered Combo #12 of beef burrito, beef enchilada and one beef taco. They happily substitute shredded beef in the burrito for ground beef at no additional charge. I opted for #13 of chicken enchilada, chile relleno, taco with rice and beans. We finish the plate of nachos but weren’t as successful with the combos. About half came home, enough for another meal. Pillowy sopapillas capped the meal.

By 6pm only  a couple of tables weren’t filled with hungry families. Even on a snowy February evening returning customers know Los Dos Portillos is worth the effort. One can expect a wait on weekend evenings. Service is efficient if sometimes impersonable. My only niggle is that the entrees came too quickly after the nachos were served, I would have liked to have had more time to enjoy the nachos.

We’ve always been enchanted with the shredded beef burrito, however I think a platter of chile relleno nachos, an order of guacamole and drinks would completely satisfy – nirvana.

When You Go: Los Dos Potrillos, 8251 S. Holly Street, Centennial, CO, 720-529-0299 and 10065 W. San Juan Way, Littleton, 303-948-1552. Open daily from 9am. Menu available online.

Visiting Abraham Lincoln Sites

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All Things Lincoln

 Two hundred years ago Abraham Lincoln was born in a simple Kentucky cabin. With little formal education but great vision, determination, and integrity he abolished slavery and preserved the Union of the United States. Even 144 years after his death the impact of his leadership lives on. Honor the 16th President by visiting one of the sites memorializing Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site – Hodgenville, Kentucky

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial – Lincoln City, Indiana

lincoln-memorial2Lincoln’s New SalemState Historic Site – Petersburg, Illinois

Lincoln Log CabinState Historic Site – Lerna, Illinois

Lincoln/Douglas Debate Museum – Charleston, Illinois

Lincoln Home National Historic Site – Springfield, Illinois

Lincoln – Hendon Law Offices – Springfield, Illinois

Old State Capitol – Springfield, Illinois

Ford Theater National Historic Site – Washington D.C.

Lincoln Tomb – Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois

Lincoln Memorial – Washington D.C.

*Rant* – Shame on You, State of Illinois

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More Shame for the State of Illinois

There are times when I’m embarrassed to admit I’m from Illinois. My ancestors moved westward with the frontier in the early 1800s from Virginia, through Cumberland Gap, stopping in Ohio and Indiana before finally settling on the Illinois prairie. Reality is that Central Illinois was a great place for growing up and gave me a firm basis for the values I hold and who I am today. However, the shameful political history is an embarrassment and against all values learned on Illinois soil.

As if the recent governor debacle isn’t bad enough when I sat down to write about my visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum I made a new discovery. The Governor’s Office under the orders of now – thankfully -ex-governor Rod Blagojevich  has closed 25 historic sites and state parks including four designated National Historic Landmarks. Reviewing the list I see that none are in Chicago or Cook County, the great sinkhole of state funds goes untouched while places like the Carl Sandburg home, Fort Kaskaskia (Illinois’ First Capitol), Kickapoo State Park and the Vandalia Statehouse are shuttered and barricaded. Any member of the public entering the closed parks or sites will be arrested and charged with trespassing. Now, isn’t that a friendly use of taxpayer money?

Sites directly connected with Abraham Lincoln are among those closed. Just in time for the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Vandalia Statehouse was the location of most of Lincoln’s time as a member of the Illinois state legislature.

lincoln-log-cabin-2Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site was the location of Thomas Lincoln’s farm from 1840 until his death. While Abe never lived on the site he owned and maintained the farm for his stepmother, Sarah Bush Lincoln, after his father died in 1851. He stopped to visit Sarah in early 1861 on his way to his presidential inauguration.

Located eight miles south of Charleston, Illinois the historic site encompasses a replica of Thomas’ log cabin surrounded by a subsistence farm with heirloom crops and cattle breeds. The Stephen Sargent home, reflecting the practices of successful cash crop farming in the 1850s, is also part of the site. Nearby is the Reuben Moore Home where Lincoln and Sarah met for a final time. A living Abraham Lincoln never returned to Illinois.

The need for a replica log cabin holds quite a story. In 1893 the original cabin was disassembled and shipped to Chicago for the World’s Columbian Exposition. Somehow after the exposition the cabin was lost – perhaps used as firewood. Many photographs existed and a replica was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934.

Before the Blagojevich closing both the Lincoln and Sargent farms supported an active living history program. I’ve visited many such programs around the country and this was absolutely one of the best. The participants weren’t actors or characters, they lived life as the original families would have – growing crops with tools of the period, raising cattle, mucking out the barns, cooking over wood-burning stoves, eating with crude utensils. Authenticity went right down to the hand sewn period underwear worn by the interpreters. This was the only site in the state of Illinois to offer regular first person interpretation.

lincoln-log-cabin-kids1In 2008, volunteers gave over 13,000 hours of their time to ensure that Lincoln Log Cabin was open and accessible to visitors from all 50 states and many other countries. Volunteer support enables the Fifth Grade Live-In and Summer Youth Educational Programs.

The Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation is a nonprofit private group that supports the educational programming at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Foundation board members are evaluating what potential exists for the foundation to assist the site during the forced closing. Please consider making a donation to help support the efforts of the Foundation in maintaining educational programming and the preservation of rural heritage. Click here to download a form for mailing.

I’m betting the hard working, dedicated volunteers will find a way to overcome the obstacles created by “their” state government. Plus, my check will be in tomorrow’s mail.

 

 

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum – Springfield, Illinois

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Meet Mr. Lincoln / Mr. President

 alplm_logo 

A visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, Illinois offers a broad perspective on our 16th president. As we celebrate his 200th birthday this facility, which opened in 2005, is the best place I’ve seen to meet Mr. Lincoln.

“Journeys,” exhibits and multi-media theaters relate Lincoln’s life and influence. Journey One takes us through the Pre-Presidential Years. Beginning with “Carving a Family Home” we visit a log cabin symbolic of his early years growing up in Indiana. “Self-Taught” take us to his teen years and the image of Lincoln reading borrowed books by firelight. “On the River, The Slave Auction, New Salem, Life in Springfield, The Permissive Parent, Campaign 1860, On to Washington” vignettes propel us to the beginning of Lincoln’s presidency.

After completing Journey One, The Union Theater presentation “Lincoln’s Eyes” offers a change of pace and more insight. The state-of-the-art theater presentation immerses the visitor into the dramas and issues facing Lincoln. We come away with a deeper understanding of his vision, courage and integrity. lincoln-museum-plaza

Journey Two spans the White House years as we move from the “White House South Portico’ to “What Are They Wearing in Washington?” and the beginning of the Civil War at “Fort Sumter.” I found “The Whispering Gallery” one of the most impactful scenes. In a twisted hallway we hear the unkind voices of critics talking about the Lincolns’ first months in Washington. Political cartoons and ugly caricatures cover the walls. We realize that history tells a different story than the views and fears of any political time.

The story continues through more than a dozen scenes – “The Death of Willie, Emancipation Proclamation, The Gettysburg  Gallery, Ford’s Theater,” and “The Funeral Train.” The compelling “Lying in State” is a recreation of Springfield’s Old State Capitol and the lavish trappings of Victorian-era mourning. A hushed reverence settles on visitors as they pass the closed replica casket. I feel as if I am paying my last respects.lincoln-ghost1

A second theater presents “Ghosts of the Library.” The historian/curator host of the dramatic presentation takes us magically into the Presidential Library. He explains the importance of preserving items such as a music box or quill and the history they relate. My husband is still talking about the live actor slowly dissolving into thin air. We later learn about the Holavision® technology used in the show.

Additional permanent exhibits include a Treasures Gallery of actual items that were part of Lincoln’s everyday life and Ask Mr. Lincoln, an interactive theater where you’ll get answers and advice in Lincoln’s own words. Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic is a hands-on room for kids of any age. Dress up as a Civil War soldier, rearrange the furniture in the Lincoln Home doll house or take pictures with a life-size cutout of young Abe. The Illinois Gallery houses temporary exhibits.

You’ll be amazed at the Lincoln Museum experience, this is not your grandfather’s museum of dusty relics, Disneyesque yet relating an important part of our nation’s history. I’m betting you’ll spent twice as long as you planned and that even hard-to-entertain kids will come away with a vivid history lesson they’ll remember.

Of course, there’s an extensive gift shop with more Lincoln related items and books than you can imagine. A cafe offers hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, deserts and beverages, daily 10am-4pm. Across the street The Presidential Library houses a repository for materials relating to Lincoln and the state of Illinois. You’re welcome to enter but facilities primarily serve scholars and researchers.

When You Go: The Museum is open daily 9am-5pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Check the website for admission fees and visitation details.

Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, Colorado

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“Affairs of the Heart” Tours

brown-palace-exteriorHistoric tours of Denver’s venerable Brown Palace Hotel focus on “Affairs of the Heart” during February. Oh, the tales Debra Faulkner, hotel historian and archivist, has to tell. After 117 years the “Brown” reveals stories of intrigue, romance, love triangles and even murder. Public tours are offered every Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and last 45-60 minutes. Tours are free, however reservations are required.

Besides “Affairs of the Heart” and general history tours, specialized  themes include a presidential tour (Every U.S. president  since Teddy Roosevelt in 1905, with the exception of Calvin Coolidge, has visited The Brown Palace.), an architectural tour and the ever-popular ghost tour (October tours often fill to capacity). Groups of 10 or more must make arrangements for a private tour. Private tours – for a fee – can be arranged for those requiring a time outside of the normal scheduled tours.

brown-palace-lobby-teaI suggest making reservations for Afternoon Tea following your tour. Served in the eight-story atrium lobby the traditional afternoon ritual includes tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream shipped directly from England and tea pastries. All accompanied by a harpist or pianist. 

Is your valentine a chocoholic? If so, make reservations at the hotel’s elegant Palace Arms restaurant for a special Valentine’s Day dinner. Thanawat Bates, executive sous chef, has created a six course decadent dinner ($150/couple + tax and gratuity) with chocolate incorporated in each course.

Extend the celebration to Sunday, February 15th, with Ellyngton’s Dom Perignon Sunday Brunch. An extensive buffet offers selections from waffles to sushi and incredible desserts. Prices start at $54.95 per person.

Affairs of the heart isn’t limited to Valentine’s Day, the Brown Palace offers specials and packages for romantics year round. Check the website to find the right one for your occasion – Cupid’s Cuddle, Royal Romance, Light Up the Night or Tranquility With a Twist. For spur of the moment getaways try On A Whim. With the fine dining options, room service and pampering at The Spa at the Brown Palace you may never what to leave.

When You Go: Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th Street, Denver, Colorado. 

*Deals* – Grand Canyon Nt. Park – Arizona

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Spring Breakaway at Grand Canyon National Park

canyon-with-snowy-rim

A Spring Breakaway Package at two South Rim lodges has been announced by Xanterra, the operator of lodges, resturants and activities in Grand Canyon National Park.

For $139 per night, guests receive accommodations in a Maswik Lodge North room or a Yavapai Lodge East room, one breakfast for two and a Harvey Car motorcoach tour to Hermits Rest or a Sunrise tour for two. The package is available Feb. 9 – March 5, 2009 at Maswik Lodge and March 6 – 26, 2009 at Yavapai Lodge. Room rates for overnight accommodations only are normally priced $153 -$170 per night. Rates do not include taxes.

In addition the package also includes a coupon for 10 percent off purchases between $50 and $150 and 20 percent off purchases of more than $150 in Xanterra gift shops. A welcome stimulus to souvenir shoppers.

Visitors can book their Spring Breakaway online by entering the promotional code SPRING or by calling toll-free 1-888-297-2757 or 1-303-297-2757 from outside the United States.

Note from Nancy: Spring is our favorite time to visit Grand Canyon National Park. One may encounter snow on the rim but hike just a few hundred feet below the rim and you’ll want to be in shirt sleeves. It can be quite warm at the bottom even in March. Easter sunrise over the canyon inspires. Plan your “Breakaway” now.