Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

Known as the playground of the Pacific Northwest, Coeur d'Alene offers a range of activities, some designed to excite the urban escapist seeking extreme adventure, and others more sedate to bring family members together for a week of fun and relaxation.

Some of Coeur d'Alene's must see attractions include: cruises on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Silverwood Theme Park (the northwest's largest), teeing it up at 18 championship golf courses within an easy drive, shopping for antiques and art downtown Coeur d'Alene, biking the new Trail of the Coeur d'Alene's (a 72-mile paved path), and so much more.

www.coeurdalene.org

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara courtesy Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission

Santa Barbara County Visitor Industry is Open for Business
Jesusita Fire Inflicted Minimal Damage to Visitor Infrastructure

The Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission (SBCVB&FC) is pleased to inform the traveling public that Santa Barbara is indeed open for business, and that the Jesusita Fire inflicted minimal damage to visitor infrastructure. It is safe to travel here, air quality is back to normal and the Santa Barbara that visitors know and love is ready and waiting for immediate enjoyment. The Jesusita Fire, which started May 5th, burned 8,733 acres in the Santa Barbara foothills and canyons between Goleta and Montecito and destroyed 80 homes and 79 outbuildings.

"We are grateful to the California firefighters and local emergency personnel who worked so hard to contain this fire and keep our area safe for residents and visitors," said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president & CEO of the SBCVB&FC. "The generosity and cooperation displayed by our entire community during this crisis is a testament to what a truly special place Santa Barbara is."

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden sustained significant damage but reopened this past weekend, on May 16th. Fortunately, much of the garden remains intact including the Meadow, most of the Desert and Redwood Exhibits, the Discovery Garden, Teahouse and Manzanita Exhibit. Some Los Padres National Forest lands are currently closed for safety reasons in the front country above Montecito, Santa Barbara and Goleta. For avid hikers, the vast back country trail network is ripe for adventure. All other businesses and public spaces are open and unharmed.

Visitor Info

Santa Barbara—the American Riviera® — offers a captivating blend of history, distinctive architecture and Southern California lifestyle in a breathtaking setting of glorious palm-lined beaches, majestic mountain ranges and bucolic wine country. A city of white-washed buildings with red tile roofs tucked between the mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara resonates with an irresistibly sensuous and laid-back allure. Set on the Pacific with 100 miles of sweeping coastline, Santa Barbara and its environs lie just 92 miles north of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco. Visitors may arrive via scenic Highway 101, daily stops on Amtrak or via air service to Santa Barbara Airport or Los Angeles International Airport. Santa Barbara County offers 168 diverse lodging options, ranging from deluxe resorts and stylish boutique hotels to romantic inns and rustic guest ranches.

Visit www.santabarbaraCA.com for more visitor information.

Cortez, Colorado

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

The 164,000-acre monument contains the highest known density of archeological sites anywhere in the United States, with rich, well-preserved remnants of native cultures going back thousands of years. All visitors to Canyons of the Ancients are encouraged to contact the Anasazi Heritage Center before visiting the National Monument, as many of the sites are in remote backcountry.

The more than 20,000 archeological sites in the monument reflect many components of past human life: villages, field houses, check dams, reservoirs, great kivas, cliff dwellings, shrines, sacred springs, agricultural fields, petroglyphs and sweat lodges. Some of the area has more than 100 sites per square mile.

Lowry Pueblo, located in the Canyons of the Ancient National Monument, is fully developed, stabilized and interpreted to help educate visitors.

The 7-mile (one way) Sand Canyon Trail in the Monument passes several small cliff dwellings and travels through spectacular Canyon Scenery.

Also within the Monument, Painted Hand Pueblo, once home to an extended family, includes a tower, sleeping rooms, and storage structures dating to the last 1200s.

Stop by the Anasazi Heritage Center for information and directions. Located 8 miles north of Cortez on Highway 145. Turn left on Highway 184 just before reaching the town of Dolores, continue 1 mile, you will see the center on the right.

For more information on lodging, dining, attractions and area information:
www.mesaverdecountry.com

Carrizozo, New Mexico

Carrizozo Cowboy Days Celebration Saddles Up in June

The American cowboy – an independent soul, with a rough and ready nature, driving cattle across the wide-open plains - is alive and well and heading to Carrizozo this June for the annual Cowboy Days.

What began as a one-day celebration now fills three days (June 12-14, 2009) with music, heritage, vittles and, of course, cowboys, horses and cattle. Events and activities are being scheduled to entertain youth and seniors alike. Top entertainers in the Western music field are booked and facilities remodeled in anticipation of the large crowds that are expected.

Returning this year is the popular sunrise cattle round-up on the Bar-W Ranch, with biscuits, gravy and cowboy coffee. Entertainment will feature Western bands and vocalists, cowboy poets and story tellers, a street dance, a large exhibit hall filled with vendors, and a cowboy parade complete with Longhorn cattle.

Also planned are a Range War shoot-out on Carrizozo’s main street; a Kid’s Rodeo (non-livestock); a golf tournament; a Wild West Ranch Rodeo and Pony Rides; cowboy church services; and other events still in the planning stages.

“Polish your boots, shine your spurs, dust off your hat and ride on down to Carrizozo for Cowboy Days,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “This down-home celebration gives New Mexicans and their visitors the opportunity to explore one of the state’s most scenic areas, and at the same time, share in a family experience sure to be treasured.”

www.carrizozocowboydays.org