Guidebook America Newsletter March 4, 2009

Georgia's Coast

Brunswick & The Golden Isles: A Treasure on Georgia’s Coast

St. Simons Lighthouse and Museum of Coast History & The Cloister
photos courtesy bgivb.com

The lighthouse is one of the oldest navigational beacons still in use on the east coast. The light you see today was constructed in 1872 after the original structure was destroyed by retreating confederate troops during the Civil War.

The Five-Star Cloister Hotel on beautiful Sea Island, off the coast of Georgia. This island resort is counted among the world's finest. Five miles of beach, championship sports, gardens and renowned cuisine.

Nestled on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, lie the mainland city Brunswick and four barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Spanish explorers came to the area more than 400 years ago, seeking gold. Instead they found astonishing beauty, mild weather and a natural radiance that inspires the name, The Golden Isles.

Brunswick & The Golden Isles offer a great selection of accommodations, ranging from convenient Interstate hotels to island resorts, waterfront hotels, and small inns. Several companies offer rental cottages and there are three campgrounds: two on the mainland and one on Jekyll Island.

For a free 70-page Visitors Guide, online at www.bgivb.com.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Explore the Scientific Wonders of
Northern Arizona with the Exploration Pass

Meteor Crater

Northern Arizona’s three premier scientific attractions have joined together to offer the Northern Arizona Exploration Pass.

Lowell Observatory, Meteor Crater, and the Museum of Northern Arizona share a history of scientific research and discovery. Visitors can now peer through the historic Clark Telescope, stand on the rim of the best-preserved meteorite impact crater on Earth, and experience a 93-million-year-old therizinosaur with this pass.

Lowell Observatory’s astronomical focus is our solar system and its evolution. Pluto was discovered there in 1930 and today, advanced astronomical concepts are now fun and accessible at the John Vickers McAllister Space Theatre. Historic exhibits and hands-on children’s exhibits, and the Pluto Walk explores the scale of our solar system. www.lowell.edu

Meteor Crater is over 4,000 feet across and 550 feet deep. There is a crater observation area and for those with proper hiking shoes, there are one-hour guided rim tours.

At the Museum of Northern Arizona Visitors experience Native cultures, tribal lifeways, natural sciences, and fine arts in nine exhibit galleries. Therizinosaur—Mystery of the Sickle-Claw Dinosaur exhibits the most complete therizinosaur skeleton ever found in North America.

Lowell Observatory, Meteor Crater, and the Museum of Northern Arizona are offering a $2 discount on admission with this pass. Exploration Passes are available for no charge at the three attractions, as well as the Flagstaff Visitor Center next to the train station in downtown Flagstaff.

Additional information is available at www.musnaz.org

Calistoga, California

Aurora Park Midweek Special

$300 Complimentary champagne and chocolates! Spend two nights at Aurora Park Cottages between Sunday and Thursday in a private cottage and we will deliver a scrumptious breakfast right to your door each morning.

We'll also provide you with our "semi-famous" tasting notes and complimentary wine tasting certificates to some of our great, local wineries. Occupancy tax of 12% in addition to the posted rate.

This Special is effective through March 31, 2009

Visit www.aurorapark.com for more information.

Branson, Missouri

Cameron’s Crag Bed and Breakfast near Branson is offering the
IRISH HERITAGE PACKAGE at a special rate now through March 31.

This two-night package includes lodging in one of our suites, breakfast each morning, two tickets to “Spirit of the Dance”, dinner for two at Branson’s only Irish Pub, two books with an Irish connection published by the innkeepers, and use of a private hot tub and private deck with your suite. Now through March 31, receive $30 off the already low package price. Call before March 31 and get the same discount for April package dates.

Bring your sweetie along for a two night stay in one of our charming guests suites. In the evening, you will have tickets for two to “Spirit of the Dance” in Branson MO. Thrill to the explosive energy of the world famous Irish International Dance Company in this foot stomping spectacular. Your package also includes a voucher for lunch or dinner ($30 value) at Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub on the new Branson Landing. You’ll love the great food and authentic Irish atmosphere. Check the schedule for live music or take the microphone yourself to sing an Irish ditty on open mic night.

At the end of your stay, take home an autographed copy of “Grandma’s Ozark Legacy”, a unique collection of “old-timey” recipes reflecting the Irish, French, English, German and Scandinavian heritage of the early settlers in the Ozarks region. Compiled by innkeeper Kay Cameron, many of the recipes are family favorites handed down from generation to generation. For your reading pleasure, you’ll also receive a copy of “Alas, Jessie”. Written by Katheryn Lynn Cameron, mother of innkeeper Glen Cameron, this novel follows the lives of one Ozark family from their roots in County Antrim, Ireland to their adopted homeland in the Ozarks of Southern Missouri. Loosely based on the Cameron clan in the early 1900’s, it chronicles their lives, loves, struggles, and how they dealt with circumstances beyond their control.

If you are Irish or only if you wish you were, we’re sure you’ll enjoy every bit of this special Irish Heritage package. And that’s no blarney!

Regular package prices $325 to $405 depending on suite selected (two people, two nights, before discount and applicable taxes). Meal and show voucher need not be used on the same day. See our website for additional details.