All posts by Debi Lander

SATW Online Auction Offers Travel Bargains

November 3, 2013Travel Journal/Blogauction, online auction, Society of American Travel Writers, travel auctionDebi Lander

Everyone knows I love to travel, but I have a treat for other link-minded individuals. This year I worked as the auction coordinator for the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Online Auction. This travel-oriented auction is jam packed with super cool items and is now live and open to all for bidding. It will stay open until 11:45 p.m. EST, Nov. 15, 2013.

Simply click this link: http://auctions.readysetauction.com/societyofamericantra/, then sign up, browse and start bidding.

You’ll find travel packages, lodging, dining,attraction tickets, travel gear, one-on-one services and online courses. The auction is a terrific way to buy your holiday gifts or make plans for your own travel in 2014.

A sampling of some of the amazing prizes in the SATW Auction are below, but we have many less expensive packages, too.

3-Nights at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys

A three-night / four-day stay for two at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys with dinner for two at Alma (value up to $150). Enjoy the natural wonder and relaxing atmosphere of Hawks Cay, the only resort destination of its kind in the Keys. The 60-acre retreat, located on Duck Key, offers something for everyone with some of the world’s best fishing, kite boarding, water sports, Dolphin Connection program, beaches, pools, kids and teen clubs, spa and more.

Estimated Value: $1,200.00

Current Leading Bid:$300.00

Pampering, Picnicking, Polo and The Willcox

Walk the shady, oak-vaulted streets past clapboard cottages and rambling mansions, and you’ll come upon The Willcox, a white-pillared glory as grand and graceful as ever. The Willcox cultivates a sophisticated, yet informal glamor amidst America’s storied thoroughbred country. The award winning hotel continues to draw international guests who enjoy first-class service, gracious accommodations, excellent cuisine and the magic of historic Aiken, South Carolina. The winning bidder will be lavished for two nights in a Luxurious Premium Suite including deluxe continental breakfast daily, a dinner for 2 in The Restaurant at The Willcox and 2 Signature Spa Treatments. In addition they will also enjoy a Picnic for 2 at Hopeland Gardens, Hitchcock Woods, or Aiken Polo Match.

Estimated Value: $1,100

Leading Bid: $200.00

Branson Vacation Package Includes Airfare

It’s time to raise the curtain on an extraordinary vacation. Whether you’re celebrating family time together, escaping with someone special or reconnecting with your closest friends, you and your co-stars are about to discover a destination designed to put you center stage. After all, there’s no place that brings people together like Branson, Missouri. Experience star-studded performances at our live music shows. Discover the endless fun and majestic beauty of our three pristine lakes. Learn about the rich history and culture of the area at our museums. Find that perfect gift at hundreds of outlet stores, shops, galleries and boutiques. Branson. It’s Your Show. Roundtrip airfare for two people to the Branson Airport, Rental car, 3 nights lodging at a Lakeside Resort in Branson, 2 tickets to Silver Dollar City, 2 passes to the Titanic Museum, 2 tickets to any show at the King’s Castle Theatre, 2 tickets to Jonah at Sight & Sound Theatre, and 2 tickets to SIX.

Estimated Value: $1,700.00

Leading Bid: $300.00

Colorado/Utah 4-Day OARS Rafting Adventure

4-Day/3-Night Rafting Adventure for two on the Green River, Gates of Lodore through Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado/Utah. Set aside as an American treasure in 1938, Dinosaur National Monument is an open-air archive of ancient Native American sites and far out fossils unearthed by wind, water and time. The river twists through a catacomb of scarlet slot canyons and lush ledges of emerald evergreen and brush with dozens of side hikes, sandy beaches and fun whitewater. Exploration is the mission of the day as the Green promises relaxing nights on the beach and moderate whitewater perfect for young families and laid-back vacationers. O.A.R.S. has been routinely recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation in travel. In 2013 Outside magazine named O.A.R.S. runner up for “Best Outfitter” in its annual Active Travel Awards. See: http://www.oars.com/colorado/greenriverrafting.html

Estimated Value: $1798.00

Leading Bid: $451.00

Travel Vest by Scottevest

Choose from a Men’s or Women’s Travel Vests. These are the ultimate multi-functional vests. The SCOTTEVEST allows you to travel hands-free with all your gadgets and travel essentials. The Scottevest is the most comfortable and functional travel vest on the market. With 24 hidden pockets and compartments, it remains incredibly lightweight. You’ll never believe all of the gear you’re carrying since our Weight Management System balances the load and our NoBulge Pockets keep that streamlined look. Airport security becomes a breeze: just take off the vest and send it through the x-ray with all your gear safely stored inside. The lightweight, breathable, brushed cotton material is thin enough to control your iPod right through the fabric. Teflon treatment repels water and stains. You’ll love it so much, you’ll wear it everyday!

Estimated Value: $125.00

Leading Bid: $25.00

Photo tour of Columbia River Gorge- Greg Vaughn

Photograph the wonderful waterfalls and scenic vistas of the Columbia River Gorge during a photo tour with award-winning Oregon photographer Greg Vaughn. The full day tour includes instruction in camera use, photo technique, and composition. Help with editing and processing images is also available. The day will include hikes of 1 to 3 miles on some of the best trails in the Gorge. Bring a friend. This prize will accommodate up to three participants. Included in the deal is an autographed copy of Greg’s book “Photographing Oregon”, which was named Best Travel Book of 2010 by the Independent Book Publishers Association.

Estimated Value: $450.00

Mallorcan Manor House – 5-Star La Residencia

Just a stone’s throw from the blue Mediterranean, the medieval hilltop town of Deia and the towering Tramuntana Mountains provide a truly stunning setting for La Residencia, one of the world’s most renowned hotels. The twin historic manor houses have gardens dotted with orange trees, an olive plantation, and important sculpture collections. Beyond the hotel’s fabulous outdoor pools are individual villas with private terraces and a sensational wellness spa. Swim in sea coves, walk through the hills, take art classes, discover cultural attractions, cruise the coast at sunset or enjoy a picnic carried by donkeys. This 5-star boutique hotel, once owned by Richard Branson, now belongs to the Orient-Express group. Michelin star dining at El Olivo is truly one of the best gastronomic experiences in Mallorca. The beach is just a brief walk away. Includes two nights in a deluxe double room including full breakfast.

Estimated Value: $2,900.00

The Historic Gettysburg Hotel

October 30, 2013Family Life, Hotel Reviews, Land Adventures, Travel Journal/Blogfamily friendly, Gettysburg Hotel, Gettysburg National Military Park, grandchildren, hotel review, PennsylvaniaDebi Lander

A Hotel Review: Gettysburg Hotel

While visiting Pennsylvania, my grandchildren and I stayed at the recently renovated Gettysburg Hotel. Talk about a strategic location, this hotel is the epicenter of downtown and right in the middle of the action. We could walk all to sites of interest, restaurants, tours or shops. The only time a car is needed is if you choose to drive to distant battlefields and the National Military Park Headquarters.

The Gettysburg Hotel has a delightful new Tavern/restaurant where we ended up grabbing a quick bite before a ghost tour. The food was far above tavern quality, including a hand-made hamburger patty and delicious made from scratch soup. We sat at a high top table in the bar area and received prompt, friendly service.

Gettysburg-Hotel-Pancakes — Pancakes at One Lincoln restaurant in the Gettysburg Hotel

Breakfast the next morning at One Lincoln (within the hotel) was worthy of praise.The decor included wallpaper with graphic lettering from the Gettysburg Address and the ceiling is copper penny colored pressed-tin My grandson’s order of pancakes could have fed a whole battalion. I chose Eggs Benedict and the poached eggs were done to perfection- still gooey in the middle but not undercooked.

Our rooms were airy and spacious, beautifully color coordinated with lots of light blue and grey, and a bathroom that allowed us to spread out. My room had a microwave and mini refrigerator, ideal for the traveler. I appreciated the complimentary high-speed Internet service in my room and throughout the hotel

The history of this hotel is fascinating; it was established in 1797 as the Scott Tavern. In 1809, William McClellan purchased the inn and changed the name to Indian Queen.

During the Civil War, the Tenth New York Calvary wintered in Gettysburg and the Quartermaster took a room at the hotel which he used for the transaction of business. After the battle, the hotel parlors were turned over to the Sisters of Charity who nursed the wounded soldiers.

As the town prepared for the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery in November 18, 1863, every hotel was filled to capacity. The Gettysburg Hotel was so full that people had to sleep in the lobbies and the bar. President Lincoln stayed in the David Wills House directly across the street from the hotel.

Today the Gettysburg Hotel is owned by Gettysburg College and operated by the Waterford Hotel Group. The facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. I highly recommend this hotel for fine lodging in the town of Gettysburg. More information at: www.hotelgettysburg.com

Disclosure: Thanks to the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Gettysburg Hotel for my visit.

Visit the David Wills House while in Gettysburg

October 15, 2013Family Life, Land Adventures, National Parks, Travel Journal/BlogCivil War 150, David Wills House, family friendly, Gettysburg, Gettysburg National Military Park, grandchildren, Lincoln, PennsylvaniaDebi Lander

Taking Grandchildren to Gettysburg

A visit to Gettysburg tugs on your heart, bewilders the mind and saddens the soul. Yet, it brings forth honor and hope and perhaps, even a sense of peace. At least it did for me.

I took my two oldest grandchildren, ages 9 and 11, the day after we visited Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Nine-year-old Kyra put it astutely, “Mimi, these two places are polar opposites.” Yes, they are. Hershey was delicious fun, play time and laughter. Gettysburg was a solemn history lesson.

What does the chasing of history achieve? Does it matter where events took place and whether or not we can understand them?

Our first stop was the Gettysburg Military Park Headquarters and Visitors Center where we watched a movie narrated by Morgan Freeman. The film explained the overwhelming loss of life that happened in this small town 150 years ago, some 57,225 causalities (dead, wounded, captured or missing) from both sides during the three-day campaign. The movie also described how the Union victory helped end the Civil War and bring forth the Emancipation Proclamation.

Detail in one section of the Gettysburg Cyclorama

After the film, we climbed stairs to view the historic and restored Cyclorama, the largest painting in the US. French artist Paul Philippoteaux and his team painted the 377 foot long (now 359) by 42 feet high work in 1883, 30 years after the battle. The 360-degree cylindrical painting depicts Pickett’s Charge, the climactic Confederate attack on the Union forces during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863.

Children watch the sound and light show.

This type of presentation, popular at the turn-of- the-century, was intended to immerse viewers in the scene with the addition of foreground models and life-sized replicas to enhance the illusion. The grandkids and I were fascinated by the sound and light show effects on articles, like canon, and how they created a realistic intensity to the work of art. (Tip: we visited near the end of the day and practically had the space to ourselves.)

But, it was our visit to the David Wills House the next morning that brought the story of Gettysburg together. The old brick home in the center of town was filled with wounded and dying soldiers after the battle. Leading citizens met there to make plans for proper burials. Wills, an attorney, acquired land for the National Cemetery and sent President Lincoln an invitation by telegram. This led to his coming to Gettysburg and giving the most famous speech in American history.

Lincoln spent the night before the dedication in the Wills House revising his intended remarks. His short speech the next day surprised many, but his words – known as the Gettysburg Address – are long remembered.

While touring the upstairs of the Wills House, including the bedroom as it was during Lincoln’s stay, we saw another film. This one clearly revealed how the freedoms won by the Emancipation Proclamation were not truly fulfilled. The production showed the rise of the Klux Klux Klan and how segregation became a way of life in the South.

The presentation also included footage of Martin Luther King giving his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which had days before celebrated a 50th anniversary and was, therefore, familiar in my grandchildren’s minds. The movie ends with LBJ signing the Civil Rights Bill and more current American scenes.

Cleary, even now, not all men are treated equally; discrimination still occurs and struggles continue. But, I left the Wills House with a feeling of deeper compassion and hopeful expectation. I think my grandchildren did, too. They are our future and taking them to a place like this is worthwhile. History has meaning, when we try to understand, but that’s not to say fun is frivolous. On the contrary, both are necessary.

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150th Commemoration

Every November 19th, Gettysburg commemorates the cemetery dedication and the delivery of the Gettysburg Address on Dedication Day. This year will mark the 150th commemoration.

Dedication Day will be held at Soldiers’ National Cemetery and will include a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by a formal ceremony. Speaking will be Pulitzer Prize-winning author and noted American Civil War historian James McPherson. The formal ceremony will feature candidates taking the United States Oath of Citizenship and a $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Pennsylvania student as part of the “In Lincoln’s Footsteps” speech competition. Music will be provided by the U.S. Marine Corps Band and nationally renowned Lincoln portrayer James Getty will deliver a recitation of the Gettysburg Address.

Coinciding with Dedication Day and the 150^th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address is Remembrance Day, to be held this year on Saturday, Nov. 23. Gettysburg residents and visitors annually commemorate the sacrifices made during and after the battle.

Remembrance Day will begin with a Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Service at the Woolson Monument in Zeigler’s Grove in the Gettysburg National Military Park at 11 a.m. The service will be followed by the 57^th Annual Remembrance Day Parade, which will step off downtown at 1 p.m. in remembrance of the soldiers who served during the Civil War.

The 11^th Annual Remembrance Illumination will take place on Nov. 23 at Soldiers’ National Cemetery from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Luminary candles will be lit on the graves of each of the Civil War soldiers to commemorate the sacrifices made at Gettysburg.

For more information on Dedication Day and Remembrance Day events, visit www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com.

ByLanderSea Travel Tales

Travel articles you can use.