Tag Archives: Travel Deal

Colorado Ski Bargain

Pow Pow Platter – 3 for $99

 

There’s only 24 hours left to take advantage of the Pow Pow Platter special deal to ski three of Colorado’s premier resorts for only $99.powpow

  • Copper Mountain

  • Steamboat Springs

  • Winter Park/Mary Jane

 

The Pow Pow Platter serves us one day of skiing at each resort. the offer is only available online and a 48 hour advance purchase is required. To purchase, visit skicolorado.com.

The Pow Pow Platter serves up three of Colorado’s finest resorts – Winter Park / Mary Jane, Steamboat, and Copper Mountain for the tasty price of only $33 per day. That’s right, for just $99 you can ski one day at each of these fine mountains. Days do not have to be consecutive.

What at great way to get a taste of Colorado slopes!

Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix, Arizona

Free Garden Visit

Cactus Fan Residents and visitors in the Phoenix/Scottsdale region can enjoy a FREE visit to the Desert Botanical Garden tomorrow, February 9, 2010, from 1-8pm. The garden occupies 50 acres of Papago Park, and is home to a broad collection of desert plants and foliage. Join a free docent tour to learn secrets and myths of common and rare species.

Themed trails through the acres include the Desert Discovery Loop, Desert Wildflower Loop, Herb Garden, Sonoran Desert Nature Loop and

Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail. Take a leisurely break at the Patio Cafe for lunch or afternoon Three Red Spikesrefreshment. 

In cooperation with the Heard Museum an exhibit of Allan Houser’s bronze sculptures currently enriches the garden experience. A renowned Native American artist, Houser gained world-wide recognition for his modernistic works before his death in 1994.

Houser Sculpture

Whether you can take advantage of the February 9, 2010 FREE day or not put the Desert Botanical Garden on your “To Do” list while in Phoenix.

Click to see a slide show of Desert Botanical Gardens images.

Previous Desert Botanical Garden Posts

Chihuly: The Nature of Glass by Night

Dale Chihuly Nature of Glass Exhibit

Perfect Landing Restaurant – Centennial, Colorado

The Perfect Landing “10”

An Incentive Package that Works!

 

Almost a year ago Jim Carter wanted to increase week night business at The Perfect Landing restaurant located at Centennial Airport. In celebration of their 10th anniversary he offered a half-dozen items for $10. As diners heard of this incentive the restaurant filled almost every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Reservations became a necessity. Carter kept the $10 specials – the best dining value in the Denver metro area.Perfect Landing Salmon

The current $10 items include:

  • New Zealand Lamb Chop Dinner
  • Filet Dinner
  • Prime Rib Dinner
  • Teriyaki Salmon Fillet Dinner
  • Bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay
  • Maine Lobster Tail – not a complete dinner, only the lobster tail

Each entree is served with the chef’s choice of a starch and vegetable. Plus, warm Perfect Landing bread served with herb butter. Baked in-house the bread is perfect with a crusty exterior and soft, flavorful interior. We always leave the bread basket empty and have even been known to request a couple more slices.

Perfect Landing Prime Rib We’ve become regular devotees. Bob almost always selects the salmon, ordering it rare as chef Sean Carter suggests, perfectly glazed. On our latest visit the salmon was accompanied by rice pilaf and glazed baby carrots. I’m a fan of the boneless prime rib dinner, served last night with a baked potato and the carrots. We usually split a salad, either the Traditional Caesar or the  Perfect Salad of mixed greens, craisins, pecans and bleu cheese crumbles with an orange balsamic vinaigrette. Although we’re not fans, many patrons prefer the Grilled Caesar.

Perfect Landing Key Lime Pie Not wanting to witness disappointment Bob always reserves a slice of the key lime pie when we place our entree order. I’ve sampled key lime pie from coast to coast and award Perfect Landing my “Best Ever” award. Made in-house, they achieve the “perfect” balance of sweet and tart. What a treat!

The dining room overlooks Centennial airport’s runways  and the western horizon – a panoramic mountain view from Pikes Peak to Rocky Mountain National Park. We’re entertained watching helicopters come in for a quick refueling and planes, from small two-seaters to corporate jets, land and take-off. There seems to be more action on the field if we have an early reservation. With perfect timing the sun sinks below the mountains as we saperfect-landing-sunset1vor our dessert, capping the evening with a Technicolor light show.

A long time Denver favorite, “Boogie” Bob Olsen entertains at the piano bar Tuesdays – Saturdays, 5:30-9pm.  We enjoy listening and watching his happy following.  At the cocktail bar and in the piano lounge area $5 appetizers are available from 5-7pm .

Friday and Saturday nights lobster lovers  find a whole steamed Maine lobster served with fried corn on the cob, potatoes and fresh vegetables for $20. Or, make it a Surf and Turf by adding a 6oz. center-cut filet for an additional $5.

I admire the Carters for finding a way to increase business in a down economy, keeping their excellent serving staff employed and offering patrons real value for a quality meal and dining experience. We never just order the $10 dinner because we choose to add drinks, salad and dessert but still feel we’ve had a lovely evening at an affordable price. We’ve also returned for breakfasts and lunches. Perhaps the Carters could give Washington some incentive ideas.

Put it on your radar, make reservations and drive or fly in for a Perfect Landing.

When You Go: The Perfect Landing opens for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays.

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Crested Butte Mountain Resort – Crested Butte, Colorado

Ski the Butte – $99/Person

More than two feet of fresh powder in the last week, the sun is out, the sky is blue – how many more reasons do you need to escape to Crested Butte for great skiing? Does lodging and skiing for $99 cinch the deal?

Crested Butte Tourism Skier Call Crested Butte Vacations at 800-810-7669 to reserve your stay during this limited time offer. The package price is per person, per night and includes one day adult lift ticket and lodging for one night at The Grand Lodge Crested Butte in either a 2 King Emmons Studio or a Standard King Suite, based on double occupancy. Valid for travel through 2/12/10.

This package deal is only available by calling Crested Butte Vacations. Call now to enjoy the legendary terrain and excellent conditions on uncrowded slopes. Skip the traffic and head to Crested Butte.

Photo by Tom Stillo, courtesy of Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association

Win a Trip – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Winter Sweepstakes

Native Dancers

 

Because I would love to win, my selfish side hesitates to share this opportunity but my better half wins out. The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is holding a Winter Sweepstakes for a free getaway to the Duke City.

 

The Albuquerque Getaway Sweepstakes Package for two includes:

  • $200 Visa Card that can be used for airfare, gas or shopping  

 

Enter the Albuquerque Getaway Sweepstakes before February 28, 2010 at http://www.itsatrip.org/sweepstakes_winter/default.aspx.

In previous posts I’ve shared many of the attractions and activities Albuquerque offers visitors. Native American arts and cultures, science, history, nature, shopping, sports, gaming, unique Southwestern dining – a multitude of days and nights can be filled with fascinating and fun options. I’ve made my entry in the sweepstakes.

Click to View Previous Albuquerque Posts:

Old Town Shop

Old Town Albuquerque Museums  

Albuquerque Cultural Centers

Albuquerque Wineries

Old Town Albuquerque

Corrales

Hanselmann Pottery

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Hotel Monaco – Denver, Colorado

$99 Sundays

Hey guys, still stumped on what to give your wife for Mother’s Day? Denver’s Hotel Monaco announces a great $99 Sundays rate starting Mother’s Day and continuing every Sunday through September 7, 2009.

$99 Sundays include:

  • Hotel Monaco - Goldfish Deluxe overnight accommodations at the Hotel Monaco Denver
  • Morning coffee and tea service in the hotel’s living room-style lobby
  • Hosted evening wine reception
  • Standard high-speed wired and wireless Internet access
  • In-room “Guppy Love” goldfish companion, available upon request
  • Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco signature amenities

Hotel Monaco Denver - Entrance“Now, more than ever, we want our guest to experience Mile High Fun at a price that works for everyone,” said Von de Luna, Hotel Monaco Denver general manager. The downtown boutique hotel holds the AAA Four-Diamond rating.

Want to truly indulge Mom? Dine in the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Panzanno or schedule a spa treatment at the on-site Renaissance Aveda Spa and Salon.

When You Go: For more information or reservations, please visit the Hotel Monaco Denver website and enter SUN into the rate code box, or call 800-990-1303 and request the $99 Sundays” rate.

Read an earlier Where To Go – Travel USA blog on the Hotel Monaco Denver.

Photos Courtesy Hotel Monaco Denver.

Find It!

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*Deal* – Sheraton Steamboat Resort – Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Jump on this Deal

Sheraton Steamboat Resort

Jump on this Deal Get a jump start on summer plans with this stimulus deal at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “Room Rates Equal to Your Birth Year” celebrates the year you were born with a special offer on your second and third night stays. First night rates from $109, second and third nights equal to your birth year; for example if you were born in 1950 you’ll receive the second and third nights of your stay for $50. Invite mom or grandma – the older the better!

 

Details:Sheraton Steamboat Room

  • Valid for stays between June 4 – December 31, 2009.
  • Rates for second and third night stays will be confirmed at check-in upon presentation of valid ID.
  • Maximum three consecutive nights on this promotion, best available rate prevails thereafter.
  • When booking, use promo code NBR.

 

Additional summer packages offered by the Sheraton Steamboat ResKayaking in Steamboatort include:

  • Golf ‘Til You Drop
  • Reserve & Relax – and save up to 20%
  • Better Tomorrows: Stay one Night and the Next is 50% off
  • Weekend Getaway Package
  • Romance Package
  • Family Package – Kids Eat Free

Need more space? Check into the newly renovated luxury villas with full kitchen, separate dining area, private balconies and two or three bedrooms.

Summer in Steamboat I love Steamboat Springs in summer. Countless outdoor activities keep visitors as busy as they choose – biking, golf, hiking, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, tube through town on the Yampa River. Want to just relax? Soak in one of the hot springs, browse the shelves of Off the Beaten Path Bookstore, wander pathways in the Yampa River Botanical Park, attend a Strings Music Festival concert or schedule a spa treatment. Combined with great dining options, special events, festivals, fresh air and sunshine you’ll be delighted you jumped on one of the Sheraton Steamboat Resort’s affordable summer packages.

Find It!

Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Xanterra Parks & Resorts

Make Your Reservations

Lodging Available in National Park Lodges

New opportunities exist for summer travelers to several National Parks in the western United States. More travelers are making reservations on the web closer to their date of travel and many families are being careful with travel plans because of the current economic situation. Rooms in lodges within the National Parks traditionally fill months ahead of travel dates. Savvy shoppers may not only find available rooms but also money saving packages.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates lodges in six of the most visited National Parks.
old-faithful-inn-porch4

Old Faithful Inn - Yellowstone

The company also operates the Grand Canyon Railway, between Williams, Arizona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

el-tovar-grand-canyon-lodge2

El Tovar - Grand Canyon

The U.S. Travel Association predicts nearly three-quarters of all Americans will visit a national park in 2009. Dave Hartvigsen, marketing consultant for Xanterra, offers planning tips for 2009 national park vacations.

  • Booking online is usually the quickest way to secure a reservation.
  • Be flexible. Be as flexible as possible with dates and choice of lodging for the best chance of getting a room on short notice.
  • Consider traveling during the first two weeks of June, the last 10 days of August or the first two weeks of September. Individual parks have unique soft spots. For example, Yellowstone has considerable availability during the entire month of May and late August through the end of the season in mid-October.
  • lake-yellowstone-hotel4

    Lake Yellowstone Hotel - Yellowstone

  • Be timely. Group tour operators reserve blocks of rooms. If all the rooms are not sold, operators must release them for resale approximately 30 days out. Want reservations for July 30? Try booking on June 30 or July 1.
  • Be persistent. Rooms open up due to a variety of reasons. You might be the lucky one to re-book that room.
  • Watch out for third-party reservation web sites. Xanterra’s reservation services are FREE.
  • In addition to lodging, book activities and dinner reservations. Popular activities like the Old West Dinner Cookout at Yellowstone’s Roosevelt Lodge fill up quickly. Find information on making reservations on the Xanterra web sites.

    old-faithful-inn-interior1

    Old Faithful Inn - Yellowstone

  • Look for packages. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a variety of packages including train fare, lodging in Williams and Grand Canyon South Rim, and some meals. Yellowstone Summer Getaway Packages represent discounts up to 25 percent that include specially priced lodging and, in some cases, tours of the park.
  • Just show up. Travelers who arrive between noon and 6 pm often find last-minute rooms available. Once in a park, the front desk at any lodge can check availability for all rooms with the park.

Nancy’s Notes: I’ve tried them, many of these tips work. If you decide on the “Just Show Up” option have a plan B, gateway communities to the national parks often fill to capacity. Happy planning, safe travels.

*Deal* – New Mexico CulturePass

Ticket to Treasures

sculpture-at-museum-of-indian-arts-and-culturePlanning a trip to the Land of Enchantment this year? Interested in art, Indian culture, history, ranching, space or science? Check into the New Mexico CulturePass – one ticket to 14 state museums, cultural centers and state monuments.

The $25 pass allows one visit to each of 14 sites during a 12-month period. The ticket can be purchased online or at any of the museums or monuments and is activated the day of your first visit. CulturePass includes admission to:

Explore and discover treasures in New Mexico.

Metro Light Rail – Phoenix, Arizona

Get Off the Road in Phoenix

Ride Metro Light Rail

metro-1Phoenix public transportation got a huge boost when Metro Light Rail opened in late December 2008. Twenty miles of the system is complete; carrying passengers from central Phoenix (north of downtown) to the west side of  Mesa. The route runs near Ballpark Arena, Papago Park, Downtown Tempe, Arizona State University and Sun Devil Stadium. From the 44th and Washington station a shuttle connects passengers with all four terminals at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. An automated train route around the airport that will connect with Metro is under construction.

Riding the route end to end requires about 70 minutes. Downtown Phoenix to downtown Tempe takes 25 minutes. If you’ve ever been jammed on a Phoenix freeway when traffic comes to a crawl you’ll love the Metro option. Fares are $1.25 for one ride or $2.50 for the entire day. Tickets may be purchased at machines in each station. Don’t forget to validate the ticket after purchase before boarding the train. On weekdays trains operate about every 10 minutes from 6am – 7pm, 20 minutes apart other operating hours. On weekends and holidays trains arrive every 15 minutes 6am-7pm, 20 minutes early morning and until 11pm.

metro-footstepsDuring our Phoenix visit the hotel was one block from a Metro station, we used it to avoid traffic and parking at the Heard Museum Indian Fair and to dinner downtown. We found the stations to be clean and well lit with shaded waiting areas. Each station is individualized with public art. At the Osborn/Central station bronze shoe and foot prints traverse the platform, a fun element but not especially outstanding as a work of art. More dramatic and eye-catching sculptures, murals and decorative walls adorn other stations.

It’s a treat to find a city in the Southwest where you can get to cultural, sports, parks, shopping and dining via light rail. Cheers for the option of getting off the road onto light rail in Phoenix.