Author: Maralyn D. Hill

National Geographic Puts Traverse City on Summer Top 10 List

MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Norton                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau                          14 May 2012 (231) 995-3909, fax (231) 947-2621 Mike@TraverseCity.com   NATIONAL GEORGRAPHIC NAMES TRAVERSE CITY  ONE OF “TOP 10 SUMMER TRIPS” FOR 2012 TRAVERSE CITY, MI – What does little Traverse City have in common with Barcelona, Scotland’s Argyll region, and Bolivia’s Isla del Sol? It’s just been named to National Geographic’s list of the Top 10 Summer Trips for 2012 — along with such well-known destinations as Baltimore, St. Petersburg (the Russian one), Pawley’s Island in South Carolina, the Spencer Glacier in Alaska, Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park and California’s Channel Islands. “The region’s 180 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline basically trace the upper left edge of Michigan’s ‘mitten,’ “reads the article on National Geographic’s website.  “Add another 149 inland lakes that are 10 acres or larger and you get a rambling Cape Cod-on-freshwater summer playground: quaint port villages, sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, rolling orchards, family-friendly festivals (including the National Cherry Festival, July 7-14), and summer-only Traverse City Beach Bums pro baseball games (team members bunk with local families). Brad Van Dommelen, president of the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau, said his organization has been working hard to build Traverse City’s brand in new markets as a way to increase local economic opportunities. “Having this kind of recognition from a credible institution like National Geographic, and sharing space on a...

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Celebrity Millennium rounds out celebrity cruises’ ambitious, $140-MILLION ‘solsticizing’ initiative

  MEDIA CONTACTS: Elizabeth Jakeway (305) 539-6127 ejakeway@celebritycruises.com Tavia Robb (305) 539-6721 trobb@celebritycruises.com Celebrity Millennium rounds out celebrity cruises’ ambitious, $140-MILLION ‘solsticizing’ initiative                                                                                                                                                      MIAMI – May 14, 2012 – One of the most ambitious revitalization initiatives in the history of the cruise industry has just been completed. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Millennium set sail Saturday from the Port of Miami, fresh from becoming the fourth and final Millennium Class ship to complete the line’s $140-million “Solsticizing” process, incorporating a host of the venues and experiences guests love most on the Solstice Class ships. The initiative was completed within less than two years, with each ship completing the massive transformation over the course of an only three-week drydock period.                                                        “Solsticizing has been such an exciting initiative for us – and more importantly, for our guests, as indicated by their response to each of our Solsticized ships,” said Celebrity’s President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Our Millennium Class ships already had a large and loyal following, having repeatedly ranked at the top of many of the world’s most prestigious consumer polls, and their original style, design and ambience served as significant inspiration for the design of the Solstice Class. So now, we’re bringing it full circle, incorporating on the entire Millennium Class what our guests enjoy most on the Solstice Class. It ties our whole fleet together in a very powerful way.” One of the many Solstice Class features added...

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The Rubens at The Palace Offers New American Family Package

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2012 www.redcarnationhotels.com www.rubenshotel.com  FOR MORE INFORMATION  Contact: Arnelle Kendall Telephone: (561) 330-0850 Email: akendall@rchmail.com   The Rubens at The Palace Offers New American Family Package ~ Children Eat And Drink Free With Parents ~ Families are always welcome at London’s child-friendly Rubens at the Palace , one of the award-winning properties in the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. The Rubens knows you want to give your children the very best experience when you are in London, and they strive to make your stay a truly wonderful experience at the best possible value. Exceptionally located opposite Buckingham Palace, The Rubens  overlooks the entrance to the Royal Mews with stunning views of the impressive pageantry of changing the Guard and the Royal Parks. The Rubens is close to St  James’s Park, Green Park and The Mall, and is well situated for access to Piccadilly, Knightsbridge and the West End.The new American Family package includes the Director of Fun and Adventure, John Goncalves, who will be your very own Children’s Concierge and help plan all the best London activites; you’ll receive a children’s map of London with stickers to mark all the places you visit; and enjoy our special Children’s Newsletter with lots of information on things to see and do in London.  Our restaurant has a “Prince and Princesses Corner” menu, including healthy options and special treats such as Chocolate Fudge Sundaes. Children learn how to decorate their own...

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Discover Springtime in Door County

Everybody has a reason to love Door County, and here’s another one — enter before May 15, 2012 and you could win a glorious, fun-filled FREE Door County Getaway for two at the Parkwood Lodge and a FREE $100 Gift Card that’s valid anytime throughout the year! Visit our Facebook Page now through May 31, 2012 for your chance to win a $250 Door County gift certificate! Simply visit our “Festival of Blossoms” Tab to enter. Looking to spread the love? Refer a friend (or ten!) and you can get extra entries! ©2012 Door County Vistor Bureau – 1015 Green Bay Rd – PO Box 406 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-0406 1-800-52-RELAX (73529) | DoorCounty.com Maralyn D. Hill   Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer President, International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association Editor-at-Large, CityRoom Blogs: Where and What in the World & Success with...

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June What’s New in Greater Phoenix

What’s New in Greater Phoenix? June 2012 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s new automated PHX Sky Train takes first journey. Summer is here, so take advantage of the many deals at various resorts. Celebrate Father’s Day with restaurant specials and resort packages offered at several Valley properties. CITY NEWS The PHX Sky Train achieved another major milestone as Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton sent Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s new automated train on its first official journey May 14. The PHX Sky Train traveled on the track between the East Economy Parking train station and its maintenance facility. The electrically-powered, automated PHX Sky Train will transport travelers between the regional light rail system, Sky Harbor’s largest parking area and Terminal 4, which serves 80 percent of the Phoenix Airport’s passengers. The train is set to provide service to  passengers beginning in 2013.  The PHX Sky Train will run 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and will be free of charge.  In future stages, the PHX Sky Train will also serve all of Phoenix Sky Harbor’s terminals by early 2015 and will continue to the Rental Car Center by 2020. Back to Top RESORT NEWS Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape celebrates its June 5 opening with a special offer for the entertainment lover: the “$139 and $25 to Dine” package. The “$139 and $25 to Dine” package combines a chic, cosmopolitan deluxe...

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