Day 1 » Fairbanks
Start the day on a riverboat cruise aboard a sternwheeler. While enjoying the cruise, see a dog sledding presentation, a bush plane perform aerial stunts, and learn about life at an Athabascan Indian village. Afterwards do a gold tour at one of two mines and pan for gold. On the way back to town, stop by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Visitor Center. Or be sure to visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North, one of the top 10 attractions in the state. Learn about our gold rush history, the dynamic aurora borealis, and the people that have made Alaska the diverse place it is today.
Day 2 » Far North
An early start awaits you this morning for your adventure north to Alaska’s Arctic. Several companies offer tours along the famed Dalton Highway, the only highway in the U.S. to cross the mighty Yukon River and to connect the highway system to the Arctic Ocean. View the majestic Brooks Range, walk on spongy Arctic tundra, and keep your eyes peeled for caribou, bears, and other wildlife. You’ll return to Fairbanks with an incredible experience, and an official Arctic Circle Certificate!
Day 3 » Chena Hot Springs Resort
This morning, drive one hour to a local hot springs. Be sure to bring your swimsuit so you can enjoy a leisurely swim in the outdoor hot springs, where 40-below weather will feel warm. The Aurora Ice Museum is the largest year-round ice environment in the world. It is created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all harvested at Chena Hot Springs. Climb an Ice Tower, curl up in a Polar Bear Bed, watch a game of life size chess, or pull up a stool at the Stoli Ice Bar and have a martini pour through a sculpted ice fish into your very own sculpted ice glass. After a hearty meal at an historic resort, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and/or the northern lights. Overnight in Chena.
Day 4 » Delta Junction-Copper Valley
Depart Chena through Fairbanks and head south on the Richardson Highway and enjoy a spectacular drive to Rika's Roadhouse. Stop by for historical tours, good food and unique gifts including specialty furs. The drive continues until you reach the Copper River Valley. Relax at a lodge or fly into the largest National Park in the United States, Wrangell St. Elias National Park. It equals six Yellowstone’s with four major mountain ranges that include nine of the 16 highest peaks in the U.S. Take in this spectacular scenery with a flightseeing trip into McCarthy. Explore the historic mining town of Kennicott and take a tour of the old copper mill or a walk on a glacier. Overnight in McCarthy or Kennicott or return to Copper Center.
Day 5 » Valdez
Continue south on the Richardson Highway to the seaside town of Valdez. En route, stop at Worthington Glacier. Valdez is known as “Little Switzerland” because of the dramatic mountains that surround it. It is also the gateway to Prince William Sound. Take a day boat cruise to Columbia Glacier, the second largest tidewater glacier in North America. Or book a full day or half day fishing trip. Guided rafting trips are also available through Keystone Canyon past towering waterfalls. Valdez also offers museums highlighting its history of the Gold Rush and the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964. Spend the night at one of the many B&B’s or hotels.
Day 6 » Anchorage
Experience our rich culture and heritage by visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center or the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. Enjoy fine dining and shopping without having to pay a sales tax! You can also go flightseeing, take a day trip on a small boat cruise or explore the many trails Anchorage has to offer.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Asheville, N.C. Seasonal Sizzle
21 Days of Not-So-Silent Nights
Holiday nights in downtown Asheville get a glitzy makeover this December with Asheville Seasonal Sizzle: 21 days of not-so-silent nights. Merrymakers will enjoy free fireworks, live entertainment, seasonal appetizer specials at local restaurants, and extended hours of evening shopping in downtown Asheville’s eclectic boutiques and craft galleries.
Festivities
Weekend firework displays sponsored by The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa –Seasonal Sizzle at Seven – will take place on Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. in downtown Asheville.
Participating independent restaurants will feature “Appy Hour” appetizer specials on Thursdays, Dec. 1 through 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Local restaurants will also offer “Sizzle Specials” on the Saturday evenings with fireworks (Dec. 6, 13 and 20).
Asheville visitors will receive a warm holiday welcome as “Downtown Docent” guides walk the downtown streets directing guests to Seasonal Sizzle festivities, holiday happenings and other points of interest.
Kids of all ages can mail their letters to santa at the North Pole Express Mailbox in Pritchard Park. Santa arrives every Saturday at 9:30 - 11 am to pick up his mail and spend some time with kids.
After the fireworks, visitors are encouraged to enjoy live music, theater and dance performances including the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, Asheville Ballet’s Nutcracker and holiday theater performances at North Carolina Stage Company, Diana Wortham Theater and Asheville Community Theater.
Holiday nights in downtown Asheville get a glitzy makeover this December with Asheville Seasonal Sizzle: 21 days of not-so-silent nights. Merrymakers will enjoy free fireworks, live entertainment, seasonal appetizer specials at local restaurants, and extended hours of evening shopping in downtown Asheville’s eclectic boutiques and craft galleries.
Festivities
Weekend firework displays sponsored by The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa –Seasonal Sizzle at Seven – will take place on Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. in downtown Asheville.
Participating independent restaurants will feature “Appy Hour” appetizer specials on Thursdays, Dec. 1 through 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Local restaurants will also offer “Sizzle Specials” on the Saturday evenings with fireworks (Dec. 6, 13 and 20).
Asheville visitors will receive a warm holiday welcome as “Downtown Docent” guides walk the downtown streets directing guests to Seasonal Sizzle festivities, holiday happenings and other points of interest.
Kids of all ages can mail their letters to santa at the North Pole Express Mailbox in Pritchard Park. Santa arrives every Saturday at 9:30 - 11 am to pick up his mail and spend some time with kids.
After the fireworks, visitors are encouraged to enjoy live music, theater and dance performances including the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, Asheville Ballet’s Nutcracker and holiday theater performances at North Carolina Stage Company, Diana Wortham Theater and Asheville Community Theater.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Israel Houghton in Orange County
Join us at Free Chapel Orange County as we welcome our special Grammy award-winning guest Israel Houghton! Bring all of your friends for this incredible event! There will also be a special message from Pastor Franklin. You don't want to miss it!
Sunday, January 11th at 6:00 pm
Address:
2777 McGaw AvenueIrvine, CA 92614
Phone:
(949) 752-6004
Sunday, January 11th at 6:00 pm
Address:
2777 McGaw AvenueIrvine, CA 92614
Phone:
(949) 752-6004
San Diego Wild Animal Park Festival of Lights!
From Saturday, December 13 2008 To Saturday, January 03 2009 Sunday, Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday - week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 every month.
This holiday season offers the last opportunity to bask in the glow of San Diego's Wild Animal Park’s Festival of Lights! Next year, the event will move to the Zoo under the new name Jungle Bells. So this December, on the 20th anniversary of the first winter lights at the Park, gather the family and visit for the final Festival of Lights celebration.
Brand-new holiday and animal-themed light features created specifically for the Wild Animal Park will set the atmosphere for family fun, which includes Snow Hill (open daily, 4–8:30 p.m.), new craft activities, a Light Magic Show in Discovery Station, and a Black Light Puppet Show in Benbough Amphitheater.
Youngsters can also chat with Santa in Discovery Station. He will be visiting on December 13–23, 5–9 p.m. (as well as on Thanksgiving weekend, November 28, 29, and 30, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.) Another festive favorite, the Winter Princess, will spread some sparkling cheer. Of course, we haven’t forgotten the animals! Special presentations with our animal ambassadors will take place throughout the Park’s Nairobi Village, and you can enjoy a winter’s eve Journey into Africa tour (last tour departs at 8:15 p.m.).
From 4 to 9 p.m., December 13–23 and 26–30, 2008; January 2 and 3, 2009
This holiday season offers the last opportunity to bask in the glow of San Diego's Wild Animal Park’s Festival of Lights! Next year, the event will move to the Zoo under the new name Jungle Bells. So this December, on the 20th anniversary of the first winter lights at the Park, gather the family and visit for the final Festival of Lights celebration.
Brand-new holiday and animal-themed light features created specifically for the Wild Animal Park will set the atmosphere for family fun, which includes Snow Hill (open daily, 4–8:30 p.m.), new craft activities, a Light Magic Show in Discovery Station, and a Black Light Puppet Show in Benbough Amphitheater.
Youngsters can also chat with Santa in Discovery Station. He will be visiting on December 13–23, 5–9 p.m. (as well as on Thanksgiving weekend, November 28, 29, and 30, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.) Another festive favorite, the Winter Princess, will spread some sparkling cheer. Of course, we haven’t forgotten the animals! Special presentations with our animal ambassadors will take place throughout the Park’s Nairobi Village, and you can enjoy a winter’s eve Journey into Africa tour (last tour departs at 8:15 p.m.).
From 4 to 9 p.m., December 13–23 and 26–30, 2008; January 2 and 3, 2009
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
A fire on any day seems bad, but a fire on Christmas seems to be the worst. Some 300 Christmas trees caught fire in one recent year, with electrical problems the most common culprit. Here's how to keep your tree green and your presents safe.
1. When you buy your tree, have the vendor make a fresh cut an inch from the bottom; this will help the tree drink.
2. If you buy your tree early and keep it outside, store it away from wind and sun, and keep the bottom in a bucket of water.
3. Make sure your lights are safe. If you need outdoor lights, make sure the ones you buy are meant for outdoor use. Make sure your lights carry certification from a testing laboratory.
4. Don't use electric lights on a metal tree.
5. Discard any strings of lights that are frayed or broken. Christmas lights are cheap.
6. Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or go to bed.
7. Don't buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles. To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a branch and pull your hand over it. Only a few needles should fall off.
8. Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water, and don't let it run out.
9. If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws. Of if your tree stand is cheap, buy a larger, stronger one.
10. If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant.
11. Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces, radiators and fireplaces.
12. try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
13. When Christmas is over or when the tree starts to drop needles, dispose of it. Don't leave it in your house or put it in your garage.
14. Keep a close eye on small children when they are around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments are sharp, breakable and can be swallowed.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Have a happy lead-free holiday
By Pamela Turner
University of GeorgiaWe often hear reports about lead in toys, electrical cords, holiday lights and artificial Christmas trees this time of year. Lead poisoning is very dangerous. Make every attempt to reduce exposure to lead hazards for you and your family. We often hear reports about lead in toys, electrical cords, holiday lights and artificial Christmas trees this time of year. Lead poisoning is very dangerous. Make every attempt to reduce exposure to lead hazards for you and your family.Lead poisoning damages the brain and central nervous system, which can lead to learning disabilities, seizures or even death. Children are at greatest risk of exposure because they’re more likely to touch things and then put their contaminated hands into their mouths.Lead may be found in the paint on some imported toys or in some plastics. Using lead in house paint, children’s products, dishes and cookware was banned in the United States in 1978. Lead is still used in other countries and may be found on some imported toys.Lead may also be in certain plastics where it is used to soften it and make it more flexible. As the plastic is exposed to sunlight, air or detergents, the bond between the lead and plastics breaks down and forms harmful dust.If you think your child has been exposed to a toy containing lead, remove the toy immediately and ask your healthcare provider about getting your child tested for lead. There will be no visible symptoms of lead poisoning. For information on toy recalls, go to www.cpsc.gov or call (800) 638-2772.Manufacturers may use lead as part of the polyvinyl chloride insulation around the wiring on strings of lights or the branches of artificial trees. Lead helps stabilize PVC so it doesn’t crack or crumble with age. It also acts as a fire retardant.To reduce the lead dangers in your home during the holidays, wash your hands after hanging lights and decorations. If you own an older artificial tree and lights, replace them. When shopping for a new tree and lights, be sure to read the warning labels to determine if the products contain lead.To further reduce your family’s exposure to lead:Place a doormat by all outside doors and remove shoes outside to prevent tracking in lead dust. Keep areas where children play clean and dust-free. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Use lead-safe practices when removing paint, or hire a professional. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and iron.While there are many different sources of lead, the primary source of lead poisoning in children is still lead-based paint. There are do-it-yourself lead testing kits available, however, they aren’t very reliable and don’t indicate how much lead is present.Contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for more information on how to safely remove lead from your home.(Pamela Turner is an Extension housing specialist with the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences.)
University of GeorgiaWe often hear reports about lead in toys, electrical cords, holiday lights and artificial Christmas trees this time of year. Lead poisoning is very dangerous. Make every attempt to reduce exposure to lead hazards for you and your family. We often hear reports about lead in toys, electrical cords, holiday lights and artificial Christmas trees this time of year. Lead poisoning is very dangerous. Make every attempt to reduce exposure to lead hazards for you and your family.Lead poisoning damages the brain and central nervous system, which can lead to learning disabilities, seizures or even death. Children are at greatest risk of exposure because they’re more likely to touch things and then put their contaminated hands into their mouths.Lead may be found in the paint on some imported toys or in some plastics. Using lead in house paint, children’s products, dishes and cookware was banned in the United States in 1978. Lead is still used in other countries and may be found on some imported toys.Lead may also be in certain plastics where it is used to soften it and make it more flexible. As the plastic is exposed to sunlight, air or detergents, the bond between the lead and plastics breaks down and forms harmful dust.If you think your child has been exposed to a toy containing lead, remove the toy immediately and ask your healthcare provider about getting your child tested for lead. There will be no visible symptoms of lead poisoning. For information on toy recalls, go to www.cpsc.gov or call (800) 638-2772.Manufacturers may use lead as part of the polyvinyl chloride insulation around the wiring on strings of lights or the branches of artificial trees. Lead helps stabilize PVC so it doesn’t crack or crumble with age. It also acts as a fire retardant.To reduce the lead dangers in your home during the holidays, wash your hands after hanging lights and decorations. If you own an older artificial tree and lights, replace them. When shopping for a new tree and lights, be sure to read the warning labels to determine if the products contain lead.To further reduce your family’s exposure to lead:Place a doormat by all outside doors and remove shoes outside to prevent tracking in lead dust. Keep areas where children play clean and dust-free. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Use lead-safe practices when removing paint, or hire a professional. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and iron.While there are many different sources of lead, the primary source of lead poisoning in children is still lead-based paint. There are do-it-yourself lead testing kits available, however, they aren’t very reliable and don’t indicate how much lead is present.Contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for more information on how to safely remove lead from your home.(Pamela Turner is an Extension housing specialist with the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences.)
Pensacola Park of the Week
The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to present Wayside East Park as the “Park of the Week”. This park, located at the corner of 17th and Bayfront (at the foot of the three mile bridge) is a City entryway and has undergone quite a facelift. Through Pennies for Progress, this area now enjoys additional landscaping, new picnic areas and a walking trail along the bay. Escambia County is rebuilding the fishing pier and look for the bait & tackle shop to open in the future. For more information on your parks, please call Kim Sanderson, Marketing & Grants Coordinator at 436-5670 or for a list of parks in your community visit our website “it Starts in Parks”……
The Arts of Downtown St Petersburg
The Arts of Downtown St Petersburg are home to some of the best art galleries and museums in the country, and include Salvador Dali Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. The Downtown Arts Association hosts a monthly Second Saturday Gallery Walk. Participating Galleries open their doors for extended hours on the second Saturday evening of every month. Oftentimes, there is a special theme to the Walk or galleries may have a special opening of new work featuring the artists on-site to meet and greet the public and answer questions about their work. The Walks are always open to the public and free of charge. For a complete list of Gallery Walk dates and special events, please click here. Under 15 minutes from our south beaches.
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