Sinkyone Wilderness

Along the coast of Northern California, the Pacific Coast Highway swings inland for a bit in between Fort Bragg and Eureka, leaving a substantial swath of shoreline unseen by most coastal travelers. This “Lost Coast,” of which Sinkyone Wilderness State Park is a part, promises visitors who arrive by back roads a chance to experience the kind of untamed beaches and uninhabited land that have long since disappeared from much of California’s coast. Camping in the park is $10 per night at first-come, first-served sites, or $3 per night in the backcountry.

(Photo: Marvin Sperlin, iStockphoto)

Northern California, Pacific Coast Highway, Fort Bragg, Eureka, Lost Coast, Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Camping

Spend Memorial Day weekend at Point Sebago for a mini-vacation you will not forget. Your entire family will enjoy our specially planned fun activities with as much or as little as you want to do.

It’s the perfect way to spend quality time together as a family to make your Memorial Day Weekend filled with cherished patriotic memories.

Check out the tremendous value packages including meals offer (below)!

GREAT VALUE - Traditional Weekend Package…

Memorial Day Weekend Packages Include:

*4 days of fun, 3 nights lodging on a Site, in one of our Park Homes, in a Resort Cottage or Vacation Home
*8 Buffet meals including a Special Lobster Dinner (Friday Dinner thru Monday Breakfast)
*One hour cruise aboard the Point Sebago Princess
*Unlimited paddle boats, canoes & kayaks
*Daily supervised activities for all ages
*Nightly entertainment, access to all Point Sebago’s facilities
*Use of Point Sebago Golf Course at special resort guest greens fees
*Special Family, Kids and Adult Activities with prizes

Memorial Day Pkg

$170 - Site

$260 – 280 - Park Homes

$285 - 305 - Equipped Park Homes

$305 - Resort Cottages

$335 - Vacation Homes

Tel: 207-655-3821 • Fax: 207-655-3371
Reservations: 800-530-1555
info@pointsebago.com

Memorial Day, Point Sebago Resort, Maine, Vacation Homes, Family Vacation, Restort Cottages

Eldorado Canyon

Located just eight miles from Boulder, Colorado’s Eldorado Canyon State Park is a haven for rock climbers who come to test their skills on the park’s more than 500 technical routes. Total Climbing runs a one-day rock climbing 101 course in the park for $190 per person that covers the basics of outdoor climbing.

(Photo: Eric Wunrow, Colorado Tourism)

Colorado, Eldorado Canyon State Park, rock climbers, Eric Wunrow, Tourism

Hammocks Beach

A far cry from the overdeveloped beachfront further north on the Outer Banks, Hammocks Beach State Park offers a taste of what North Carolina’s coast was like before condos. Visitors can camp on the park’s 892-acre Bear Island, a barrier island of dunes and maritime forest that’s used as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles and a stopover point for migratory birds. First-come, first-served campsites near the beach cost $9 per night. Ferry service to the island costs $5 per adult. Bear Island, which has been closed due to a dredging project, is scheduled to reopen May 25.

(Photo: VisitNC.com)

Outer Banks, Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina, dunes, forest, loggerhead sea turtles, migratory birds, camp sites, beach, Bear Island

John Pennekamp

You’ll need to don a mask and flippers to really experience Florida’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the U.S. The park offers offshore snorkeling tours that take you out to the reefs by boat and allow you to spend an hour and a half in the water, observing the marine life. Weather permitting, you’ll also get to check out the “Christ of the Deep” statue at Key Largo Dry Rocks reef. Trips cost $29 per adult.

(Photo: Stephen Frink, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Christ statute under water, Florida, underwater park, Christ of the Deep, Key Largo, Dry Rocks reef

Bodie

While many of the West’s ghost towns have been turned into tacky tourist traps, the former gold-mining town Bodie, California, has been allowed to die with dignity thanks to its state park status. The site has been kept in a state of “arrested decay,” meaning that its structures are not restored but rather stabilized against the elements and protected from vandalism. Walking around the town, over ground where 19th-century nails and mining tools still lay scattered about, it truly feels as though Bodie has not been touched since its inhabitants abandoned it. Its remote location off a dirt road in the Eastern Sierra Nevada keeps visitation levels down, and helps it maintain an appropriate atmosphere of loneliness. The park costs $3 per adult to visit and is well worth the trip.

(Photo: Molly Feltner)

California, Bodie, arrested decay, Sierra Nevada

Baxter

Rising to 5,267 feet, the broad massif of Mt. Katahdin dominates Baxter State Park, standing out defiantly in the otherwise flat North Maine Woods. It’s famed as the end point of the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail, but many come just to climb the mountain itself, one of the most physically striking peaks in the whole Northeast. You can summit by a variety of trails, including the Appalachian Trail, or you can opt to climb the more challenging route over Katahdin’s Knife Edge ridge. The only cost for climbing Katahdin is an $8 per vehicle parking fee.

(Photo: Molly Feltner)

Mt Katahdin, Appalachian Trail, mountain climbing, Knife Edge ridge

Dead Horse Point

Although it’s one of Utah’s prettiest parks, Dead Horse Point State Park is often passed by those heading to its bigger, more famous national parks, Canyonlands and Arches. The state park is cheaper to visit for the day than the national parks, costing $7 per vehicle rather than $10, and, because of its size, is easier to take in for those short on time.

(Photo: Utah State Parks)

Dead Horse State Park, Arches, Canyonlands, National Park, State Park

Silver Falls

Lush with vegetation and waterfalls, Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park feels like a cool-weather rainforest. One of the best ways to experience the park’s environment is hiking the Trail of 10 Falls/Canyon Trail, a seven-mile loop trail that passes by 10 waterfalls, five of which plummet more than 100 feet. Those who prefer a shorter distance can loop back to the start point via various side trails. The only cost for day hikers is a $3 per vehicle parking fee.

(Photo: Index Open)

Oregon, Silver Falls State Park, waterfall, hiking loop

Na Pali Coast

Visiting National Parks tops many travelers’ summer vacation plans, but there are hundreds of state parks worth exploring, too. The scenery, culture, and ecological assets of many state parks are more than equal to national park standards. What’s more, state parks can be extremely cheap to visit, with nominal or no entrance fees and camping from $10 per night. Here’s a photo tour of 10 worthy state parks around the country.

With its fluted pali, or cliffs, and miles of undeveloped beaches, Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast State Park evokes the setting of the mystical island on NBC’s Lost. That show is filmed on Oahu, but here on Kauai, the best and only way to get into the heart of the park is to hike the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile path that hugs the coast, crossing five valleys and numerous wild beaches. The journey requires a tough 22-mile round-trip hike and spending several nights in rustic campsites. There is a $10 fee per person, per night to camp.

(Photo: Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Hawaii, Oahu, Na Pali Coast STate Park, Kauai, National Park, State Park

About Carnaval San Francisco

California’s
Largest Annual
Multi-Cultural Celebration to Make
Spring Sizzle with Carnaval San Francisco
Festival and Grand Parade Over Memorial Day Weekend

One of the city’s most spectacular traditions, Carnaval San Francisco showcases the very best of Latin American and Caribbean cultures and traditions with a diverse array of food, music, dance and artistry, including works created by the talented community of Mission District residents and Bay Area artists.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, the Carnaval San Francisco Festival will offer food, music, dance, art, crafts and other fun activities and events on several stages for the entire family to enjoy. Spanning seven blocks, the Carnaval San Francisco Festival will take place on Harrison Street between 16th and 23rd streets (10 a.m.-6 p.m.).

On Sunday, May 27, the Carnaval Grand Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets, where it will proceed west to Mission Street. From there, the parade heads north on Mission down to 17th Street, where it will turn east and flow into the festival area. 

About Carnaval San Francisco

Conceived 28 years ago by a group of local musicians, artists and residents eager to bring the spirit of Latin American and Caribbean culture to San Francisco, Carnaval San Francisco is produced by the Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. and is supported by San Francisco’s Grants for the Arts. Since 1959, the Mission Neighborhood Centers has provided quality programs that promote self-sufficiency and community growth for the Mission District’s children, youth, families and seniors.

Carnaval San Francisco, California, family trip, Latin American culture, Caribbean culture, Mission Neighborhood Centers, self-sufficiency, community

Disney cruise specials from $499, kids sail from $99

Every week, Disney Cruise Line posts discounted fares for select cruises on its website. Currently, sale fares are available for three-night Bahamas cruises, seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises, and 14-night transatlantic cruises.

The deal

Discounted fares for adults start at $499 per person. Disney also offers special child fares for kids ages 12 and under staying as third and fourth passengers in a room with their parents. Kids under three sail from $149 on three-night cruises, $189 on seven-day cruises, and $99 on the 14-night cruise. Rates for children ages three to 12 start at $229 for three-night cruises, $399 for seven-night cruises, and $99 on the 14-night cruise. Prices vary by stateroom category.

Sample sale rates include:

• $499 per adult for a three-night Bahamas sailing aboard the Disney Wonder. Cruises priced at this rate depart April 19 and 26.

• $899 per adult for a seven-night eastern Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Magic. This cruise departs April 14 and 28.
• $899 per adult for a seven-night western Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Magic. This cruise departs April 21.
• $999 per adult for a 14-night eastbound transatlantic sailing aboard the Disney Magic. This cruise departs May 12.

All prices, dates, and booking details listed here were valid at the time of publication. Some information may have changed since that time.

It’s always a good idea to compare cruise fares before booking, and you can use our price-comparison tool to search multiple travel providers.

To book

To find Disney’s weekly cruise specials, visit the Disney Cruise Line website. To book a cruise call 800-951-3532 or contact your travel agent.

Discounted fares for other cruises are also available. Fares are per person and based on adult double occupancy in category 12 staterooms. Taxes and fees are not included. Rates are subject to availability and may change.

The following press release about the upcoming Atlanta Jazz Festival caught my eye. Be sure to check it out if you and the family are going to be in the area!

The 30th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, an annual musical showcase, celebrates jazz legends and up-and-coming jazz greats on stages in a 3-day concert series during Memorial Day Weekend at Piedmont Park. It is the mission of the Atlanta Jazz Festival to expose and entertain a diverse audience of jazz aficionados, young jazz enthusiasts and musical artists to the rich heritage and variety of jazz as an authentic form of traditional music.

event dates May 26-28, 2007
event location Piedmont Park - Atlanta, GA
website www.atlantafestivals.com

March 15, 2007
The Atlanta Jazz Festival & Jazz 91.9 WCLK Present the 7th
Annual Youth Jazz Band Competition


March 9, 2007

Georgia’s Most Accomplished Jazz Musicians Compete At The
Future Of Jazz Competition VI


March 6, 2007
Jazz History 101: Local Students Receive A Lesson On Jazz
During The Mike Phillips School Tour 2007 Presented By The
Atlanta Jazz Festival

March 2, 2007
Get Ready For Cool Jazz Riffs, Smooth Scats, And Sulty
Vocals…During The Soulful Sounds Of The City Concert
Series At Chastain Amphitheatre


February 20, 2007
Atlanta Celebrates 30 Years With The Largest Free Jazz
Festival In The Country!

Atlanta Jazz Festival, Georgia

Skybus announces its first cities with fares from $10 O/W*

New low-fare carrier Skybus has announced its first round of destinations, and is offering introductory fares from $10 one-way. The airline is based out of Columbus, OH, and its destinations will include Burbank, Kansas City, Oakland, Richmond, and Portsmouth.

cheap tickets, skybus, new airline, fare sales, burbank, kansas city, oakland, richmond, Jessica Labrencis, portsmouth, smarter travel

Skybus says that at least 10 of these $10 one-way fares are available on every flight, so if you act fast, you may be able to snag one. In my initial searches, I was able to find $10 fares for every route I checked. With taxes and fees, one-way flights totaled between $16 and $20, and round-trip fares totaled between $36 and $41.

Though it hasn’t started flying yet, Skybus seems to be taking cues from Ireland-based Ryanair, and will charge for “amenities” such as checked baggage and priority boarding, as well as onboard food and beverages. Like Southwest, Skybus doesn’t assign seats, but unlike Southwest, Skybus will charge for “A” group seats.

The route map on Skybus’ homepage is a little misleading because it advertises flights to Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, and San Francisco, when in fact it serves the nearby cities of Burbank; Portsmouth, NH; Bellingham, WA; and Oakland.

The deal

Burbank, Kansas City, and Portsmouth service begins May 22; Richmond service begins May 23; Bellingham, Ft. Lauderdale, and Greensboro service begins May 29; and Oakland service begins June 12. Flights are valid through December 15. Skybus has not listed a booking deadline.

Sample one-way fares to/from Columbus, not including additional taxes and fees, are:

• $10 to/from Bellingham
• $10 to/from Burbank
• $10 to/from Ft. Lauderdale
• $10 to/from Greensboro
• $10 to/from Kansas City
• $10 to/from Oakland
• $10 to/from Portsmouth
• $10 to/from Richmond

All prices, dates, and booking details listed here were valid at the time of publication. Some information may have changed since that time.

Find airfares

You can use our price-comparison tool to check for the lowest airfares from multiple travel providers, or go directly to Skybus’ website.

Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or dates. Be flexible with your travel dates to find the lowest fares. Blackout dates and additional restrictions may apply.

Festival of Flowers

Now through May 20, 2007

Beauty blooms during Festival of Flowers, now through May 20.

What’s Blooming in Our Gardens?
Check our weekly bloom report for the latest news
on blossoms.

Mix up your own bit of spring with a garden
container recipe.

Festivities
Inside Biltmore House, daily
Impressionist painters Pierre August Renoir and
Claude Monet inspired Biltmore House’s magnificent
floral décor during Festival of Flowers. Discover
nature’s beauty within each room during your visit.

Walled Garden, Saturdays and Sundays
Listen to classical music under the arbor at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

Get answers to your gardening questions from Biltmore experts under the arbor from
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Conservatory, Saturdays and Sundays
Savor the beauty of classical music inside the Conservatory, beginning at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.,
1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Jumpstart your creativity with our display of 20 innovative container gardens created by Biltmore gardeners.

At The Winery

Cooking Demonstrations, 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily

Learn how to prepare dishes and recipes from our new cookbook, Our Table To Yours.

Production and Barrel Tasting, 2:00 p.m. daily
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the production of award-winning wine.

Red Wine and Chocolate, 3:00 p.m. daily

Learn how these divine treats complement each other.

Wine Bar, 1:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. daily

Featuring music daily at 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy a glass or bottle of your favorite Biltmore wine on the patio while listening to music. Add a cheese plate for an afternoon snack.

Grape Stomp, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Children of all ages can stomp grapes.

Elsewhere on the Estate

Deerpark Restaurant, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily (opens 10:00 a.m. on Sundays)

Art show, featuring the Blue Ridge Water Media Society

Historic Horse Barn, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.
Celebrate spring with old-time music, clogging, and mountain craft demonstrations.

A Gardener’s Place, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. daily
Let our experts reveal their secrets to growing savory herb gardens, tips for cultivating and using lavender, methods for creating elegant flower arrangements, and more.

Carriage House, 12:00 noon–2:00 p.m., April 21, 22, May 19, and 20

Bill Alexander signs his new book, The Biltmore Nursery: A Botanical Legacy, which details Biltmore’s rich botanical legacy.