Each year as our awareness grows, as both travelers and consumers, more and more options become available to travel green.

Whether you are making plans to travel in the domestic U.S. or abroad, one such option is The Green Hotels Association, a Houston-based organization, committed to encouraging, promoting and supporting ecological consciousness in the hospitality industry, says, "Green" Hotels are environmentally-friendly properties whose managers are eager to institute programs that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste--while saving money--to help PROTECT OUR ONE AND ONLY EARTH!" The organization provides a listing of member hotels worldwide now participating in green programs.

For more information or member hotels visit www.greenhotels.com

Another option is to go on a Sierra Club outing. Upcoming trips include rafting the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Dark Canyon Mysteries in Utah . A wonderful opportunities for families and little ones, the Sierra Club hosts a multitude of options ranging from backpacking to canoeing, sailing, rafting and much more.

To plan a trip with the Sierra Club visit
http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/

While traveling green, enjoy the restaurants that focus on serving cuisine prepared from local markets. The Golden Door in Escondido, California is renowned for high-flavor, low-fat recipes with organic vegetables from their garden prepared by Michel Stroot, Executive Chef.

www.goldendoor.com/escondido

Arroyo Grande, California

California "Central Coast's" Little Known Arroyo Grande
by Joe Williams

The locals refer to it as the Central Coast and it is comprised of several wine regions including, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley, (where the movie 'Sideways' was filmed), Santa Maria Valley, Arroyo Grande, Edna Valley, and Paso Robles. Out of these, Arroyo Grande was my favorite to visit.

Arroyo Grande has a unique Old Western Village that is quaint and charming with restaurants and shopping. Part of the old stage coach route from the 1800's Arroyo Grande hangs on to its rural roots. Some of my favorite places to eat were Klondike's Pizza, Gina's Italian, Taco Loco, F. McLintocks steak and saloon, and Village Café. You can see some of the attractions online at www.arroyograndevillage.org .

One in particular event that gets a lot of attention is the annual Memorial Day weekend Strawberry Festival. There are many local and national vendors, rides, music, and of course, lots of strawberries to be eaten. Just outside of town are several wineries and tasting rooms, sporting some of the world's finest wines.

There are few places left that give you that small town western feeling, Arroyo Grande still has it. For longer stays, venture 10 miles north to San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach.

For more info read the complete article at
www.guidebookamerica.com/news/arroyo_grande

New Jersey

From Kites to Crawfish, and All That Jazz, New Jersey Festivals
Celebrate the Sights and Sounds of Spring

Trenton, NJ— Whether it is the pink and white cherry blossoms in the nation’s oldest county park, the cool sounds of jazz at the Shore, or a trip to New Orleans in your own backyard, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore New Jersey this spring – many at little or no cost. Spring is in the air across New Jersey and traditional signs of the season are upon us. The blossoms and blooms are right on schedule, and you can almost hear the music and taste the culinary delights from upcoming festivals. The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism encourages travelers to start planning a weekend getaway to experience some of the highlights of the season throughout the state, where there is a celebration in virtually any direction!

The 31st Cape May Jazz Festival will be hosted at venues throughout the historic seaside city April 17 – 19. www.capemayjazz.com

About half way up the Atlantic coast of the Jersey Shore is Seaside Heights, which is home to the Seaside Music Festival. This free four-day festival from May 14 – 17 brings together music performances, special events, a car show, and visitors who just want to start summer a little early. www.seasidemusicfest.com

At the state’s southern tip, the 24th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival will kick- off with the Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony on the beach near the Wildwoods Convention Center on Friday, May 22 and run through May 25. During that time, the sky will be filled with kites of all colors, shapes and sizes. www.SkyFestivals.com

If a taste of New Orleans less than an hour from New York City in the hills of New Jersey piques your interest, than plan a trip to Augusta for the 20th Annual Crawfish Festival from May 29 – 31. www.crawfishfest.com

For more details on the state’s varied festivals or tips on planning a weekend getaway to the Garden State, log on to the State’s Tourism website www.visitnj.org.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe's 400th Anniversary Plans - 2009

The people of Santa Fe have been working long and hard to capture the city's spirit, imagination, and pride in advance of the commemoration of Santa Fe's 400th Anniversary. As the oldest European settlement west of the Mississippi there is extensive ground to cover prior to this milestone. Wonderful plans have already taken shape and much more is in process to mark the founding of one of America's most historic and vibrant cities.

In the genuine spirit of "The City Different," it was determined that the Anniversary Commemoration will take place starting in the late-summer of 2009 and continuing throughout 2010. The Opening Event - Viva Santa Fe - will occur over the Labor Day Weekend, September 5, 6, and 7, 2009. National musical acts will be in concert for 3 nights, the heads of state from Spain, the US, and Native America will be featured, a festival area will be filled with art, food, music, and dance, and a 400 voice choir from across the U.S. will provide a live soundtrack for a fireworks extravaganza on Monday evening the 7th.

Going forward into 2010 - the official year of the 400th Anniversary - there will be a year's worth of events commemorating Santa Fe's founding. A National Classroom Webcast, cross-cultural music and dance performances, an artists presentation series, a celebration of New Mexico Film, and much more is planned for 2010.

In a town that cherishes its history and has implemented rules, covenants, and review boards aimed at preserving as many authentic links to the past as possible, it will take at least 15 months to cover all that needs to be remembered and recognized from the last 400.

For more info visit www.santafe400th.com or www.santafe.org