What is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility?
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, with more than 250,000 permanent seats.
The facility is so large, Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, the Rose Bowl, the Roman Colosseum and Vatican City can all fit inside the IMS oval, which covers 253 acres.
IMF is home to the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500 and the world’s second-largest, single-day sporting event, the Brickyard 400.
In advance of Indianapolis Mother Speedway’s 98th anniversary celebration in May, the facility will welcome a new race, Grand Prix of Indianapolis, marking the first-time an IndyCar road course race has ever been conducted at the iconic track.
“The Grand Prix of Indianapolis is all about elevating the month of May, the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series with more thrilling content for our loyal supporters and new fans,” said Mark D. Miles, Chief Executive Officer of the Hulman & Company.
“This will be a very different event than the ‘500’ and will be one of three major weekends of excitement at IMS in May, all leading into the 98th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25.”
A $5-million reconfiguration project is underway on the existing IMS road course, which will transform the layout into a new 14-turn, 2.434-mile road course, with more speed and more hard braking zones to create more passing and competitive racing. The reconfiguration plan also includes new spectator mounds and new grandstands in the infield.
ABC will televise the Grand Prix of Indianapolis live, which will run clockwise, the opposite of the Indianapolis 500, creating even more diverse competition during the month.
Events begin with IndyCar Series practice for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis on Thursday, May 8 on the new IMS road course.
Practice and qualifying events are scheduled for Friday, May 9, with the race Saturday, May 10.
Tickets for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis will range from $40-75. Race Day general admission tickets are $25 for all customers.
All seating areas will be general admission Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9. Admission is free Thursday and $20 on Friday.
In what South Pacific country can a visitor stand on the international date line?
Taveuni Island, located in the popular South Pacific travel destination, Fiji, is bisected by the International Date Line.
Although the island technically observes one standard timing convention, there is a marker and sign that observes the official location of the International Date Line, where visitors can straddle time by firmly setting one foot in today while the stands in the past.
Often called the Garden Island, Taveuni Island is Fiji’s third largest land mass and is a popular tropical destination for adventure travelers and honeymooners.
Taveuni Island provides a number of top-notch adventure activities both on land and in the water. It is best known for its world-class diving, with easy access to at least 40 dive sites along the Vuna and Rainbow reefs.
As with much of the rest of Fiji, the island is home to tremendous snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and other marine activities
Lesser known, but equally impressive are Taveuni Island’s land-based activities. There are more than 100 waterfalls and rivers located on the island, which is also home to the Bouma National Heritage Park.
Visitors can enjoy a wealth of eco- and adventure activities, including meandering through nature preserves, coastal walks, rainforest hikes, bird watching and swimming in some of the world’s most beautiful waterfall pools.
Taveuni Island is also home to a number of award-winning hotels, all of which are small, independently owned establishments.
Taveuni Palms has earned a number of leading designations, including Top Ten Boutique Hotels in the World, Best Honeymoon Boutique Hotel and Fiji’s Leading Resort.
Taveuni has also earned a bit of a reputation as a honeymooner’s paradise, because of its scenic setting, its laid-back vibe, and because of the high-level of service offered by the Taveuni Island residents who work at the area resorts.
When it comes to experiencing local culture when traveling, there are few programs we like better than Peninsula Hotels’ Peninsula Academy, in which each of the brand’s nine hotels provide activities the embrace and celebrate the local community and culture.
The Peninsula Academy was created to give guests an insider introduction to key aspects of culture, lifestyle, cuisine, arts and history through individualized classes, tours and activities.
Each hotel has developed their own programs, and bring their destinations to life by sourcing talented local partners.
Furthermore, each program was also developed to include bespoke Peninsula experiences and transportation, from private helicopter service and chauffeured Rolls-Royces to whimsical MINI Cooper S Clubman vehicles, so guests experience not only the local community, but also an authentic Peninsula experience.
Each property also features a WOW program, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from behind-the-scenes access to a New York Broadway show to a private helicopter ride to a secluded beach in Hong Kong.
WOW programs include:
Journeys of Peninsula: Luxury Peninsula Moments by Land and Sea
The Peninsula Hong Kong Guests enjoy a series of awe-inspiring journeys in true Peninsula style, departing the city in the hotel’s helicopter for the stunning beaches of Sai Kung.
Guests land and transfer to a luxury motor-cruising yacht, arriving at a secluded bay to enjoy a magical dining experience, before sailing back to the Star Ferry Pier, where a chauffeured Rolls-Royce awaits to whisk guests back to The Peninsula Hong Kong.
Additional Academy programs: • Hong Kong’s Traditions Well Served: A revival of disappearing arts and crafts • An Art Dialogue with Hong Kong: Insights into the contemporary art scene • The UNESCO Geopark Helicopter Tour: An unparalleled geological journey • A Gastronome’s Joy: The Dim-Sum-Making Journey • A Little Pastry Chef’s Adventure: Magical Children’s Cooking Classes
Timeless Shanghai: A Heritage City Tour
The Peninsula Shanghai Transported back in time to experience the enduring legacy of Shanghai’s famed 1930s heyday, guests will receive a tailor-made traditional Chinese outfit and enjoy a private guided tour of Shanghai’s finest heritage buildings and districts in the comfort of The Peninsula Shanghai’s Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine.
Among the highlights are a private visit to a museum of modern Chinese history and an opportunity to relax with a cup of Chinese tea in a traditional teahouse.
Additional Academy programs: • China’s Motor City: Shanghai Auto Museum Tour • Music, Colour and Facepaint: An Introduction to Chinese Opera • Art of the Century: An Introduction to Contemporary Chinese Art • The Sweetest Treat: Chocolate Making for Kids • Kites in the Skies: Chinese Kite-Making Class
Eriko Horiki: Washi-Paper Art Experience
The Peninsula Tokyo Kyoto native Eriko Horiki uses handmade washi rice paper to create sculptural works and installations that elevate this traditional Japanese craft to new artistic heights.
Her commissioned pieces feature in residential, commercial and public spaces around the world, including The Peninsula Tokyo Spa and Imasa restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong. Registered guests can meet with the artist in her atelier and learn more about washi-paper art in its traditional and contemporary forms.
Additional Academy programs: • A-list Pampering: Celebrity Beauty Retreat • Furin Making: Japanese Wind Chimes for Kids • Fold Your Way to Fun: Origami for Kids • A Taste to Savour: Sake Brewery Tour • The Art of the Kimono: Dressing Lesson
2,000 Years of Chinese Culture: An Aerial view of Beijing
The Peninsula Beijing This captivating program provides guests with a unique and luxury cultural experience that spans the history of China’s rich art heritage. It begins with a helicopter flight to the Great Wall, where guests take off for an aerial view of the renowned Bird’s Nest.
Following this, guests will indulge in a private Champagne brunch on the Great Wall overlooking the wild countryside. Guests also receive private access to a contemporary Chinese artist’s studio in the celebrated 798 Art Zone, where they enjoy The Peninsula’s Signature Afternoon Tea.
To finish it off, guests return to the hotel in comfortable Rolls Royce Phantoms to receive a revitalizing SPA treatment and enjoy a 6-course Peking duck finale at the award-winning restaurant, Huang Ting.
Additional Academy programs: • The Tastes and Sounds of Beijing: The Art of Dumpling Making • A Walk through Beijing’s Past: Rickshaw through a Hutong neighbourhood • Brushstrokes of the Past: The Art of Chinese Calligraphy • More than Fortune Cookies: A Junior Patissier coupon for nexium over the counter programme • Fly High in the Beijing Sky: The Mastery of Kite Making
Behind the Curtain: Broadway Up Close Experience
The Peninsula New York Broadway from an insider’s perspective as guests learn first-hand what goes into a production – both on stage and off – of some of the most famous theatre productions in the world.
This program enables guests of The Peninsula New York to tour the Theatre District, take in a Broadway show and meet a key member of the production when the curtains close.
Additional Academy programs: • Kids in the Kitchen: Creating Edible Delights • The Stylish Bride: Shopping for the Ultimate Gown • Taste of Central Park: Foraging Tour and Picnic • MoMA: A Pre- or Post-Opening Tour • FDNY Tour: Fun at the Fire House • Harlem Gospel Brunch: Historic Tour and Church Service • Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour: Private Tour and Pizzeria Lunch
Princess for a Day: How to be a Perfect Princess
The Peninsula Chicago This once-in-a-lifetime-experience is fit for a young lady who aspires to be the most regal Princess in the Kingdom. She will learn what it takes to be a true Princess– how to greet her royal subjects, drink tea properly, curtsy and more.
The experience includes a princess dress, tiara and shoes and a horse-drawn pumpkin carriage ride to a shopping spree at a nearby store. A Prince presents a glass slipper for a fairy tale ending to the day.
Additional Academy programs: • Broadway in Chicago: Exceptional Seats to Preferred Performances • Little Bakers: Pastry Class for Aspiring Chefs • Historic Chicago Neighbourhoods: Guided Cultural Tour • Exotic Car Adventure: From Roadway to Racetrack • Chicago Firehouse Excursion: For Young Firefighters-in-Training • Art Institute of Chicago: Private Tour of Revered Art Collection • Private Architectural Boat Cruise: River Tour of Chicago’s Skyscrapers
Escape to Xanadu: Malibu Surf, Sand and Sun
The Peninsula Beverly Hills A day at “Xanadu”, the fabulous Malibu oceanfront estate that was once owned by actress Olivia Newton-John, star of the movie of the same name.
A Peninsula car will whisk guests up the Pacific Coast Highway to this fabulous Malibu property, where they will enjoy an afternoon of beach fun, including kayaking, swimming and private surfing and paddleboard lessons with Rod Samper, instructor to the stars.
Additional Academy programs: • Behind the Scenes at a Major Studio: A Private Tour of Warner Bros. • From Movie Palaces to Disney Hall: Historic Buildings of Los Angeles • Seven-Wheel Family Adventure: A Beverly Hills Scavenger Hunt by Coach • Fly Away to Malibu Wine Country: A Helicopter Tour, Wine Tasting and Lunch • Red Carpet Glamour: A Hollywood-style Photo Shoot • Hollywood Piano Legend: A Private Lesson and Lunch • Kids, Cookies and Cupcakes: Young Pastry Chefs Academy
Fine Wine meets Adventure: Elephant Ride in Hua Hin Hills
The Peninsula Bangkok Vineyard Discover one of the hidden gems of Thailand, the only vineyard in the world where fine wine meets adventure. Formerly a corral where Asian elephants were domesticated, the vineyard is now home to the majestic land mammals.
Guests will be transported to Hua Hin via private helicopter where their experience will include a private tour atop an elephant through the majestic vineyards and a private wine tasting and meal prepared by Peninsula chefs.
Additional Academy programs: • Thai Painting Class: A fun and easy art class • Herbal Discovery: Discover the Secrets of Thai Herbs • The Joy of Thai Cooking: An Introduction to Thai cuisine • Footprint from The Past: An exploration of Bangkok’s old quarters • Thai Martial Art: Muay Thai kickboxing and holistic body massage • Junior Chef: A fun way to discover children’s cooking talents
“Spirit of Corregidor”: World War II Tour by Helicopter and Land
The Peninsula Manila Guests depart from the hotel via private helicopter for an aerial tour of the city before crossing the water to the rocky island fortress of Corregidor for a two-hour private tour of the island that stands as a memorial for the valor, courage and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders against the invading Japanese forces in World War II.
Additional Academy programs: • Defining Luxury: Jewellery by Wynn Wynn Ong • Manila Design: Experience Philippine Art, Design and Fashion • Art in the Hills: 27 Years of Philippine Contemporary Art • A Taal Tale: Tour of the Grand Old Houses of Taal Town • If These Walls Could Speak: Tour of the Old Walled City of Intramuros • Lutong Pinoy: Sweet Cooking the Filipino Way for Kids • Pasalubong: A Filipino Craft Class for Young People
Ever since Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant–and Harry and Sally–used the Empire State Building as the site to reaffirm their enduring love, sweeping nighttime views of Manhattan have become synonymous with romance itself.
Now the Z NYC Hotel has launched a new way to combine romance and city views.
The hotel’s Rooftop Picnic Package allows guests to picnic in style, on a stunning 5,000-square-foot rooftop, with breathtaking views overlooking Manhattan.
From its Long Island location, the 14-story Z NYC Hotel offers distinctive views of the city’s skyline, especially in the morning, when the skyscrapers glow with the rays of the eastern sun.
The Rooftop Picnic Package includes:
Accommodations in a Queen Room with a view
Picnic setup for two on the hotel’s rooftop, Z Roof
Picnic basket packed with a delectable meal
Assortment of games to play while picnicking
Rates for the Rooftop Picnic Package start at $225/night excluding tax and gratuity, and the package is through Oct. 1, 2013.
The Z NCY Hotel, originally a warehouse until 1996, opened in 2011 amidst the hip food outlets, shops, galleries and sculpture studios that comprise Long Island.
Each of its 100 guest rooms feature panoramic views, and the roof is the perfect spot to watch the myriad fireworks displays that take place all year long.
The Z NYC Hotel is a quick 10 minute cab ride, or one subway stop over the river on the 7 train, and complimentary shuttle service is provided every hour.
Nature lovers can enjoy an off-road experience tracking bear, moose and bald eagles through the alpine terrain of Grand Teton National Park, thanks to the new Fall Wildlife lodging package offered by the Wyoming Inn, in partnership with local sustainable tour company Eco-Tour Adventures.
Guests will enjoy a personal look at Grand Teton National Park, visiting off-the-beaten-path wildlife hotspots and following unmarked dirt roads in comfortable four-wheel drive vehicles.
Experienced guides will lead guests to the best sites to view area wildlife, including moose, elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, wolves, black bear, grizzly bear, bald eagles, and trumpeter swans.
Between wildlife sightings, the tour will stop for lunch at one of the park’s venerable lodges – either overlooking Jackson Lake at the Signal Mountain Lodge or at Dornan’s overlooking the Snake River with the magnificent Teton Mountain Range in the background.
The Fall Wildlife package, available October 10 to November 30, 2013, includes three nights lodging at the Wyoming Inn, which recently completed a major four-year renovation of its 68 guest rooms.
The all-new guest rooms and baths offer a sophisticated version of the hotel’s trademark Western style, with plenty of new “connected traveler” tech upgrades.
Located on Jackson Hotel’s free shuttle line, guests can enjoy the inn’s scenic landscape, while enjoying easy access to the town’s retail and culinary offerings.
Jackson-based Eco-Tour Adventures was created to help people connect with the natural world. The company’s professional guides share a passion for wildlife and hold related degrees ranging from wildlife biology to environmental sciences.
A sustainable tour company, Eco-Tour Adventures fuels its jeeps with biodiesel, maintains a carbon neutral status via Carbonfund.org, and donates a percentage of every tour’s dollars to local nonprofits through its Dollars for Conservation program.
The Fall Wildife pacakge, including three nights accommodation and a full-day ecotour for two starts at $389.99 per person (double occupancy).
Having fun during the summer in San Diego doesn’t require a lot of money. In fact, many things to see and enjoy in San Diego are absolutely free.
With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, near-perfect weather and a variety of summer street fairs, concerts and arts and cultural events, San Diego offers a fun and inexpensive summer getaway.
Following is a list of ten fun and free activities that guests can enjoy during San Diego’s summer months:
Hit the Beach
Put on your bathing suit, grab your towel and head to one of San Diego’s 33 beaches, all open to the public, and perfect for body surfing, boogie boarding, building sandcastles, collecting seashells and basking in the sun.
Take in a Concert
Bring a picnic and listen to Coronado’s Summer Concert Series in Spreckels Park on Sunday evenings throughout the summer.
On the first and third Sundays of the month, come early and browse the work of San Diego artists during the Coronado Art Association’s bi-monthly Art-In-The-Park event.
Watch the Sun Set
Catch a magnificent Pacific sunset and watch sea lions play along the shoreline at La Jolla Cove, one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world.
Free Fly Fishing Lessons
Take free fly-fishing lessons from the San Diego Fly Fishers club on Sunday mornings during 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Lake Murray, located in La Mesa. If you don’t have your own gear, arrive early for a free equipment loan.
Eat Fresh
Sample some of the more than 200 varieties of fresh produce grown in San Diego at one of the region’s many Farmer’s Markets, held daily at locations throughout the county.
Get Some Air
Bike, walk or jog along Mission Bay Park’s many trails. Bikers, walkers and joggers share more than 20 miles of scenic paths winding through sunlight and shade near the shoreline with workout courses at planned stations along the route.
Rollerblade, skateboard, bicycle or people watch along the Mission Beach and Pacific Beach Boardwalk, a scenic three-mile boardwalk running along the coastline of these lively neighborhoods.
Stargaze
Stargaze on the first Wednesday of every month from the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park during “Gazin’ with the Experts.”
Members of the San Diego Astronomy Association set up huge telescopes and offer guests a great view of the moon, planets and brighter stars.
Celebrate Independence
Join the festivities at San Diego’s many Fourth of July celebrations, held in numerous communities throughout the county. Coronado’s popular Independence Day Celebration on July 4 features a two-hour parade followed by a family concert in Spreckels Park and spectacular fireworks over Glorietta Bay.
The Port of San Diego celebrates with the Big Bay Boom fireworks extravaganza over San Diego Bay, the largest fireworks display in the county.
See the Grunion Run
Join San Diegans in a local natural phenomenon, the grunion run, on warm summer nights when the tide is high and the moon is full.
Guests can witness thousands of small grunion fish swimming ashore to mate and bury their eggs in the sand before riding the waves back out to sea.
Take Fido for a Walk
Watch tail-waggin’, Frisbee-catchin’ and stick-fetchin’ dogs splash in the surf. Man’s best friend is permitted to roam leash-free at all hours of the day on designated beaches in Ocean Beach, Coronado and Del Mar.
Mendocino County is giving away four amazing, free getaway vacations, with each one including a three-night stay, a locally-produced meal, an assortment of premium local wines and artisan crafts, and a variety of local activities.
Participants can select any of three ways to enter, each of which take less than five minutes.
Submit entries by: May 15, 2012
Winning prizes include:
Magic in Mendocino
3-Night Stay at the Little River Inn Dinner for Two at the Ravens’ Restaurant Voucher for Canoe/Bicycle Rental at Catch-a-Canoe And Bicycles Too Bottles of Premium Mendocino County Wine (Must be 21 or Older) Assorted Gift Basket Featuring Local Artisan Products
Fun in Fort Bragg
3-Night Stay at the North Cliff Hotel Dinner at Cliff House Restaurant of Fort Bragg Passes for the Skunk Train 3 Bottles of Premium Mendocino County Wine (Must be 21 or Older) Assorted Gift Basket Featuring Local Artisan Products
Beachfront Beauty
3-Night Stay at the Beachcomber and Surf and Sand Lodge* 2 Passes for the Skunk Train 3 Bottles of Premium Mendocino County Wine (Must be 21 or Older) An Assorted Gift Basket Featuring Local Artisan Products
Enchantment in Elk
3-Night Stay Elk Cove Inn and Spa 3 Bottles of Premium Mendocino County Wine (Must be 21 or Older) An Assorted Gift Basket Featuring Local Artisan Products
To Enter
Entry 1
Mendocino County is always eager to learn more about what they can do to make the area a more attractive destination – what visitors love about it, and what they’d love to see.
Take the following survey, be sure to enter your email address, and you’ll be automatically entered to win. www.surveymonkey.com/s/5WGJSJF
Entry 2
Mendocino County loves its Facebook fans. Like them on Facebook, then post on your own wall why you Like (or Love!) Mendocino County, and share the link to their Facebook page.
Rand McNally and USA Today want to know the most beautiful town in the United States. Visit the Mendocino County page, leave a review, and vote for Mendocino as Most Beautiful Town. www.bestoftheroad.com/town.do?destinationId=18565
American music is tragically underrepresented in museum facilities. Here are fourteen museums you can (and should) go visit.
Autry National Center Los Angeles, Calif. Although not strictly dedicated to music, The Autry National Center is dedicated to exploring and sharing the stories and experiences of the people of the American West.
With more than 500,000 artifacts, it is one of the most significant collections of western memorabilia in the United States.
On the third Sunday of every month, the Western Music Association Monthly Jam features musicians and cowboy poets who perform the songs of the Old West. www.theautry.org
Country Music Hall of Fame Nashville, Tenn Operated by the Country Music Foundation, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of country music and related music rooted in southern culture.
The facility features a variety of dynamic, state-of-the-art exhibits featuring historic country video clips and recorded music. The museum’s public space is home to an ongoing line up of live performances and public programs. www.countrymusichalloffame.org
Delta Blues Museum Clarksdale, Miss. The City of Clarksdale, located at “the crossroads” of Highways 61 and 49, and the surrounding Delta region, are known as ”the land where the blues began.”
Located in the heart of Clarksdale, the Delta Blues Museum, one of the oldest museums in the United States—and the oldest in the state of Mississippi—is dedicated to preserving the history of the blues.
The Delta Blues Museum Stage hosts a year-round music education program and is home to several local festivals, including the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival in August and the Juke Joint Festival in April. www.deltabluesmuseum.org
Delta Music Museum & Arcade Theater Ferriday, Louisiana The sounds of Delta Blues are also preserved at the Delta Music Museum, located in Ferriday Louisiana.
The facility, housed in the city’s old Post Office building, tells the story of three cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, and Jimmy Swaggart, as well as other performers who have contributed to Southern music.
The International Bluegrass Music Museum Owensboro, Ky. Established to preserve the history of the music form created by Bill Monroe, who wrote the state song “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” the International Bluegrass Music Museum is located just 30 minutes from where Monroe was born.
Coined bluegrass in the 1950s, the music form attributed to Monroe and his band, “The Blue Grass Boys,” which developed the music style based on a blend of styles, including Appalachian mountain music, rural “old time” string playing, folk ballads, blues, African stomp, and black and white gospel.
The International Bluegrass Music Museum is the world’s only facility dedicated to the history and preservation of the international history of bluegrass music. www.bluegrass-museum.org
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem New York, NY Once the stomping grounds of such jazz greats as Duke Ellington, Benny Carter, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Count Basie, John Coltrane and Billie Holiday, Harlem has a storied history of nurturing some of the best jazz in the world. Today’s musicians continue to find Harlem a place to innovate contemporary jazz sounds.
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem presents a weekly roster of events—both live performances, as well as lectures—dedicated to preserving the art as well as fostering it for future generations. www.jazzmuseuminharlem.org
Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Set on the grounds of the Dollywood Theme Park, the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame honors the music that found much of its origins in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
Even before the term “sequester” became a mainstay with headline news, our National Parks have fallen victim to budget cuts and decreased staffing, all while battling growing stress on their infrastructure.
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is no stranger to these cuts. Created by the Snake River, Hells Canyon is the deepest river-carved gorge in North America — 7,913 feet deep as measured from He Devil Mountain (elev. 9,393 ft), the highest peak in the Seven Devil Mountain Range.
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area covers more than 650,000 acres, of which 215,000 are designated wilderness. The upriver stretch is classified as wild, and represents “vestiges of primitive America.”
The area, particularly popular in summer with whitewater rafting enthusiasts, is hosting a service trip in conjunction with the Sierra Club this April 14-20.
The Sierra Club, which has been organizing service trips to Seven Devils area for more than 25 years, is seeking volunteers to help with trail work, including brushing, rock-work and tread-work along the Snake River Trail
The trip, run prior to the start of the crowded rafting season, will allow participants to experience the remote Snake River Valley, at a particularly special time, when the park is filled only with the sounds of flowing water and wind.
Wildflowers abound in this Idaho location, and spawning steelhead trout can also been seen. This is the ideal time of the year to perform trail maintenance and to scout the rocky bluffs in search of pictographs or wildlife.
The trip begins with an orientation at Pittsburg Landing, followed by a boat ride through 21 miles of impressively rugged canyon scenery, including whitewater rapids and steep canyon walls.
Volunteers will work all morning and most of each afternoon for four days, performing assigned tasks. Participants, who share the cooking duties, can enjoy fishing and hiking or watching bighorn sheep in their free time. One full free day is included in the schedule.
The Details
The Sierra Club’s “To Hell and Back: Service in Hell’s Canyon Idaho” starts at $545 per person and includes all trip meals and snacks, and supervision and training in trail maintenance.
Legend has it that there’s a saying among vintners; “it takes a lot of good beer to make great wine.”
That adage may just prove to be true in Sonoma County, which while known the world over for it’s award-winning wineries, is developing a reputation for its on-tap offerings.
Some of the pubs and breweries the city has to offer:
Russian River Brewing Co.
In 1997, Brewmaster Vinnie Cilurzo joined Russian River Brewing Company (RRBC), which was founded by Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville, Calif. When Korbel decided to leave the beer business in 2002, they sold the brewery to Vinnie and his wife, Natalie.
Today, the Russian River Brewing Company focuses on traditional aggressively hopped California-style ales, Belgian-style ales, and barrel-aged beers. They brew a full line up of ales and lagers for the pub and for limited distribution.
Year-round beers include Pliny the Elder, Damnation and Blind Pig. But the brewery has a cult-like following for its Triple IPA Pliny the Younger, which results in lines of beer aficionados outside the Santa Rosa brewery each February who await its limited release.
In 2012 Pliny the Younger was noted as the “number one beer in the world” according to ratings on Beeradvocate.com.
The Third Street AleWorks’ philosophy about beer is simple – use the best ingredients possible; never cut corners; and keep it fresh. The brewery features an ever-widening group of “standard” beers, but also introduces more exotic and experimental styles to the mix.
On any given day, there are between 10-13 beers on tap; including cask-conditioned ales and house-brewed root beer. The flagship ales are Annadel Pale Ale, Stonefly Oatmeal Stout and Bodega Head IPA, while the rest are brewed on a seasonal or occasional basis. Lagunitas Brewing Company
Just as seasonal flavors change in the different foods enjoyed at certain times of the year, Lagunitas believes beer’s flavrs should also change. Fall and winter call for richness and warmth, while spring and summer call for crispness and refreshment.
Lagunita’s Beer Sanctuary and TapRoom in Petaluma features live music and beer, bringing in crowds of locals and visitors-in-the-know. Winter’s line up includes the Lagunator, Hairy Eyeball Ale, Brown Shugga, Lumpy Gravy and Cappuccino Stout, while summer highlights include the Golden Equinox Ale and Maximus. In late spring, pick up a case of “We’re Only in it for the Money,” named after Frank Zappa’s fourth album.
Dempsey’s award-winning brews have been carefully tailored to complement the food served at Dempsey’s Restaurant, but Dempsey’s is quick to point out, “they’re tasty on their own as well.”
Popular brews include Sonoma Mountain (summer), Sonoma Irish Ale, Petaluma Strong Ale and Ugly Dog Stout (winter.) The signature brew is Red Rooster Ale, which stands up particularly well to full-flavored and spicy foods.
Fans of Gordon Biersch brewery and restaurant rejoiced when Dean Biersch opened Hopmonk Tavern. Joining the brewery’s own concoctions on tap are local, national and international beers that offer a well-rounded selection.
Hopmonk represents a marriage between the art and science of beer making. Hops are, in most cases, the key component of an individual brewer’s “signature” in that style – “art” of brewing.
“Monk” is a tribute to the monks of Northern Europe, who brought a certain methodology and management to the brewing process – symbolizing the “science” of brewing.
Favorites include Hopmonk Kellerbier, Hopmonk Tavern Ale, Hopmonk Dunkelweizen and the Bavarian-style Dark Wheat Beer.
A small brewery, Stumptown only brews three of their own beers. Since they only have the ability to brew a few styles in house at any one time, they rotate styles and provide guest taps for other local breweries.
This allows them to offer variety, and to showcase a few excellent examples of styles that aren’t brewed on site. It’s first, and most famous, brew is Rat Bastard Pale Ale, which numerous regulars claim was named in their honor.
Also brewed on site are Bootlegger IPA (first tapped on the 70th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition) and Bush-Wacker Wheat, which the brewer claims has a “high coefficient of chugability.”
Ruth McGowan’s Brewpub, in the heart of downtown Cloverdale, opened by Mary Ann and Mike Brigham in 2002, and was named after Mike’s grandma.
Feisty, stout-hearted Ruth still shoveled snow off her sidewalk and mowed her own lawn at age 96, back home in New London, Wis.
Ruth McGowan’s beers are now being distributed at many fine dining establishments throughout the area.
Beers are crafted using time-honored methods and outstanding ingredients, and favorites include Caroline’s Blonde Ale–great with spicy food, flagship Cloverdale Ale, Floyd’s India Pale Ale and Monster Brown Ale.
The Windsor Town Green is home of beer tasting room, the Old Redwood Brewing Company. The brewery makes micro-brewed batches and serves them up in an atmosphere reminiscent of winery tasting rooms.
Behind the taps are four partners, Dominic Foppoli, Adam Derum, Mike Stewart, and Bobby Anderson. New, locally inspired brews are introduced each month and have included such blends as The Fulton, made with local honey; Windsor Wit, a raspberry wit beer; The Highway IPA, and The Colonel.
Tasting hours vary, but are typically Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7p.m.
Started in rural Santa Rosa in 1992, the small brewery has capacity for about 1,000 barrels per year. While the original brewery was housed in a converted tractor barn, today it is makes its home in a custom-built building.
Currently all the beers are only sold in kegs and are mostly found in San Francisco, the East Bay and North Bay counties. Mendocino and Lake Counties have a few spots, and there are rare sightings in Santa Cruz, Seal Beach, and San Diego.
The brewery is too small to be open for tours or tasting. Because they don’t bottle at this time, there are no labels or bottle caps available for collectors.
www.moonlightbrewing.com Although the following aren’t breweries, they are also excellent places to sample a variety of Sonoma’s best microbrews: Craft Beer Bar – Heritage Public House
Heritage Public House is a unique craft beer garden located in the Santa Rosa Vintners Square urban winery village. In good company with several small, boutique wineries, it features craft brews available on tap from small, California brewers.
This tap-room in downtown Santa Rosa claims to have more beers on tap than any other bar north of San Francisco. In total, there are 40 beers on tap — an entire wall — with the majority coming from Sonoma and other Northern coast counties in California.
It’s an easygoing place, where everybody knows your name — or at least makes an effort to learn it. The grill behind the bar serves up burgers, matchstick sweet potato fries, hot wings and daily sandwich specials.
There’s also an outside area, live music on select nights, TV’s, family-friendly dining and lots of sports on TV.
