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Napier: The Perfect New Zealand Port-of-Call!

Friday, January 25th, 2008

  TEN Good Things about Cruising into the Port of Napier, New Zealand

  1. No tender boats necessary.  Walk down the cruise ship gangplank to awaiting shuttle buses and taxi cabs.  (You can’t walk out of this port though; have New Zealand money handy.)
  2. Trip into Napier is very affordable.  And very quick.  $4/person via cruise shuttle bus or $10NZ for a cab.  Trip is about 5 minutes.
  3. Napier, New Zealand by Sheree ZielkeNapier town has something for everyone.  Miniature golf, great shopping, restaurants, an ocean spa, a museum, botanical gardens, a skate park, and great architectural scenery (Napier’s downtown was destroyed in a fire in 1931, so rebuilding was done in Art Deco style.)
  4. Easy affordable access to the Internet via email cafes in the city centre area.  $2/15 minutes.
  5. Golf course nearby.  Just grab a cab and you’ll be there in less than 15 minutes.
  6. Taxi drivers and tour operators actually like their guests, and aren’t just in it for the tips.  (Our driver, Splinter, was surprised by our tip – he told us he rarely got one.  That’s too bad, because it certainly wasn’t due to any lack on his part.)
  7. Marine Parade – This is Napier’s great main street.  Spend your entire day just walking this stretch of land which hugs the coast.  Beautiful views and great exercise.
  8. Olive Branch Bread Company – If you like freshly baked bread, this is a MUST-visit bakery.  It’s located on Hastings Street just down from the Visitor’s Centre.  My mouth is watering at the memory of this bakery’s crescent-shaped, black olive and rosemary bedecked, candied fried onions-stuffed, loaf of bread.  You must visit early in the day – breads are sold out by mid-afternoon.
  9. Sail away is a blast.  Set sail to the sounds of a Dixie band, and a show and shine of a ½ dozen vintage cars, complete with drivers in period dress (local volunteers). It’s fun to watch the maneuverings of the tug boat as it nudges the giant cruise ship into position to make its way safely out of its very narrow slip and back into the harbor.
  10. WINE!  If you are a wine lover, grab a cab; there are over 50 wineries in the area, like the Mission Estate Winery, New Zealand’s oldest winery shown below. 

    Mission Estate Winery by Sheree Zielke

Napier, New Zealand might be considered the perfect cruise ship port-of-call.  But don’t take my word for it – go visit for yourself.

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke

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Posted in Cruise Ship Travel, Food and Wine, New Zealand, Ports of call, Travel - General Advice, Travel Destinations, Travel tips | No Comments »

Wine Lovers — Go Down Under for some of the best wines!

Friday, January 25th, 2008

Wine Lovers Must Go “Down Under”
(no not under the table)!

Well, not exactly “Down Under,” — that’s the term more reserved for Australia.  Actually go to Aotearoa, that’s the native peoples (the Maoris’) name for New Zealand.

If you are a wine lover, and you haven’t yet become a fan of New Zealand wine, you might want to try a bottle.  Soon.  As soon as possible, in fact.  Because this Southern Hemisphere’s fruit of the vine is as fine as any fine wine can be.

My husband and I love a good wine, a wine with a hearty smooth flavour, great on the nose, and with a pleasing aftertaste.  We recently visited New Zealand and Australia, but as we are very familiar with Australian wines (Peter Lehman’s Barossa Shiraz is one of our regular favorites) we decided to concentrate on New Zealand wineries.  We are very glad we did.

New Zealand is the youngest country in the world, so it would naturally follow that it is also has the youngest vineyards.  And the newest wines.  But only a real snob would turn up his or her nose at the remarkable flavours this infant country has produced.

We visited wineries along the eastern coast of New Zealand (both the north and the south islands), in the area of Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, and Dunedin, to be exact.  We had every intention of bringing wine back in our suitcases, but there are baggage weight restrictions, so we wanted to be very selective.  Tasting was a must!

Our first stop was Mills Reef Winery, a father and son operation (the Prestons) located in Bethlehem, Tauranga, on the Bay of Plenty.  It was fairly early in the day so we had the sommelier all to ourselves; the barrage of cruise ship passengers who had paid for the winery shore excursion was yet to arrive.  So, we took advantage of this two-time winner of the title of New Zealand Winemaker of the Year.

Begun in 1989, Mills Reef (named for the owner’s sea captain great grandfather) specializes in Bordeaux Red and Syrah wines, but the winery produces many other varietals, too.  The winemaking team has won over 500 awards for the wine produced here. Mills Reef vineyards are actually farther south down the coast at Hawke’s Bay, but the grapes are shipped up to Tauranga for processing. 

We sampled a number of whites and reds.  And we tasted some of the most delicious ice wine and fortified wine here, too.  Since taste is a very personal issue, I won’t describe any of the wines, but suffice it to say we eagerly bought a few bottles.  We settled on a 2004 Riesling Ice Wine (Reserve), a 2002 Vintage Port (it’s suggested that you let this one age, but in my opinion, it’s too delicious to leave sitting on a shelf), a 2005 Malbec (this one has been given the thumbs-up by Winestate Magazine), a 2005 Merlot Malbec, and a 2006 Chardonnay (Reserve).

A day later, following a day at sea, we nabbed a cab in the Napier area; it’s a little further south than Tauranga, but still on Hawke’s Bay. The area is a favorite among cyclists and backpackers who make their way along pretty country back roads, sampling fine wines as they go.  Our cabbie quipped, “Yea, by the afternoon, they forget where they left their bikes.”

These wineries were no disappointment either, except for one of the largest, Craggy Range Winery, which struck us as too cold, too institutional, and far too commercial. At least for our tastes.  We visit wineries, not only to sample their wine, but to enjoy their atmospheres; Craggy Range was like visiting a big box store.  We were asked to pony up a $5 sampling fee here, but as soon as we did, the sommelier decided we weren’t riffraff and refused the money.  Do check out this winery’s web site – it is very nice.

Our cabbie (Splinter is his nickname) then took us to Mission Estate Winery, a large vineyard with a picture-perfect estate, and charming old seminary building, dated back to the mid 1800s.  As New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate is not to be missed. 

Many weddings are held in its huge backyard overlooking the vineyards below which stretch away into the horizon.  This is where we found one of the finest ice wines we have ever tasted — unbelievably smooth, fresh, exotically sweet, and oh, so drinkable.  I made a joke of not getting enough of a taste just so the sommelier would pour me another sample.  He knew I was kidding, but he kindly obliged. 

A trio of very reasonably priced bottles left with us: a 2005 Noble Semillon (Reserve), a bottle of the outstanding 2007 Estate Ice Wine, and an expensive 2005 Jewelstone Chardonnay (unfortunately, we never got to drink this wine.  Our bags were opened for a security inspection in San Francisco, and this bottle went mysteriously missing.)

Brookfields Winery New Zealand by Sheree ZielkeFrom here we moved on down the road to a smaller winery, Brookfields Vineyards.  There was nothing small about the wine we tasted here, however.  Rich and satisfying, we chose a 2006 Burnfoot Merlot, and an unfamiliar 2007 Viognier.  Brookfields, begun in 1937, has a Tuscany feel about it, very pleasant and homey.  We loved our very personal visit here.

We picked up a final bottle from a farmer’s market in Dunedin, from Black Ridge Vineyard, the southernmost vineyard/winery in the world.  It’s located on the outskirts of Alexandra. We chose a 2006 Gewurztraminer (the winery’s “flagship for many years”) on the say-so of the booth attendant.  Since there was no opportunity to taste this wine, we are looking forward to the adventure.  I doubt we will be disappointed as the winery’s Pinot Noir won a gold medal in both 1997 and 1998.

Advisory:  If you are a cruise ship passenger and you are visiting local wineries on your own, be prepared for officials on your ship to confiscate your wine, returning it to you on your last evening of sailing.  This is common practice. But if you have visited the wineries as part of a ship excursion then management may allow you to keep your wine (this happened on the Mercury). In addition, some ships, like the Grand Princess, tended to turn a blind eye to a bottle or two.  But if you board with boxes in hand, the way we did, expect your wine to be taken away.  We never had any problem getting on with single bottles though. 

As to whether or not you can drink the wine in your cabin, it’s best to review your individual ship’s policies first.  Did we drink any wine in our cabin?  My lips are sealed.

If you are wondering about importing wine for transit, please see my future blog with tips for secure packing of wines destined for the airline conveyor belt and airline luggage wranglers.  But beware, you risk losing a bottle or two to unscrupulous security bag checkers.  Next time, I think I will put a note on a bottle advising them that this was purchased especially for them.  A cheaper bottle, of course.

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke

Posted in Australia, Cruise Ship Travel, Food and Wine, New Zealand, Ports of call, Travel - General Advice, Travel Destinations, Travel tips | No Comments »

Ugly Americans Have Nothing on Ugly Cruise Ship Passengers!

Friday, January 25th, 2008

 Ugly Cruise Ship Passengers – Relax, for Heaven’s Sake!

You’ve heard the term, “Ugly American?”  Well, here’s a label you may not have encountered: Ugly Cruise Ship Passenger.  And that’s because I just made it up, following a 14-day cruise around New Zealand and Australia.

While at breakfast, a few days into our cruise, outside of Christchurch, New Zealand, I overheard several disgruntled passengers each with his or her own complaints about the ship’s crew and its amenities, or lack thereof.

A British couple was having a serious discussion with another British couple over the lack of fruit carvings.  Yes, fruit carvings.  The foursome felt ship management was being somewhat amiss at not having fruit carvings.  One chap remarked that it was probably due to some health regulation or other – that a kitchen staffer may cut himself in the process.  One of the white-haired ladies suggested wistfully that fruit carvings were a long-gone tradition, “a thing of the past,” said she. But both couples agreed that fruit carvings were a must on a cruise.  Sheesh!

At another station, a surly gent stormed up to the tall white-hatted waffle chef, and demanded to know why, for TWO mornings in a row, the coffee machine on the back deck had no coffee.  The chef stared at him briefly, and then, as though the information had finally made its way to the cognitive part of his brain, he apologized and went about finding the waiter in charge of making the coffee.  The passenger, unimpressed, whisked away, cup and all, and headed to another coffee station, just 50 feet away.

While seated at our breakfast table, a group of Americans were discussing the view through the sea-grimed windows.  One loudly complained that ship staff should “wash the windows,” because salty scum was clogging his view (a view only a few feet from the back deck with its open air tables, and no windows).  And after all, it was 6 AM! How long did management need to ensure a sparkling view?

Cruise ship passengers are a hard lot to please.  From the moment they step on board, many become mini tyrants of their own tiny kingdoms.  The mentality is that “I have spent my hard-earned money, and I expect perfect service in exchange.”  That’s regardless of how many other passengers (our ship had nearly 2000) are also expecting this unerring attention to their comfort.

Here’s my best advice for enjoying a cruise vacation: RELAX. 

Know that not everything will be perfect.  Yes, a port or two might be missed due to dangerous weather conditions.  Yes, that special food you were hoping for may not be on the menu (but try asking – nicely).  Yes, room service might be a little slow especially if it’s a day at sea and ¾ of the passengers have ordered in-room breakfast.  Yes, going ashore at the Melbourne port may be a tedious ordeal (but Melbourne is so worth the wait).  Yes, your TV reception may be horrible (Northern hemisphere TVs don’t work well in the Southern hemisphere). 

And oh yes, there may be no fruit carving.  Grab an orange, an apple, and a butter knife and do a fruit carving of your own.  The artistic act may help to bring you peace.

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke

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Posted in Australia, Cruise Ship Travel, New Zealand, Travel - General Advice, Travel Destinations, Travel tips | 1 Comment »

Fly Efficiently — Pack Your Carry-On Bag with Purpose!

Friday, January 25th, 2008

Flying Survival: The Art of Packing Your Carry-on Baggage

Has it happened to you?  A short 3-hour flight has turned into a marathon; your mouth feels as inviting as your cat’s litter box, or the trunk of your car, while your toothbrush is safely stowed in your checked baggage; the security line-up is a mile long, and as slow-moving as sludge.  And you desperately need to pee?

Here are some tips to help you survive the various aspects of your next airline adventure.

But first, be certain your carry-on bag fits the overhead bin or under-the-seat dimensions.  Or you’ll be asked to check this like you checked the rest of your larger luggage.  At the last minute. Not a pleasant experience.   When buying new carry-on luggage, check for those bags sanctioned by the airlines – it will say so on the tag.

Now for those tips:

1. Pack an emergency survival kit in a CLEAR plastic zippered bag. Keep this in a handy area of your carry-on bag, for easy retrieval when passing through security. At security, simply toss the bag and its contents into one of the plastic bins. Quick and easy. And nothing will go astray.

Here’s an A-Z list of items you might find useful to pack in your handy survival kit:

  1. Kleenex pocket pack
  2. Travel pack of flushable wet wipes
  3. Toothbrush
  4. Travel size toothpaste (under 100 ml or 3 oz)
  5. Or try Oral-B “Brush-Ups” (these “teeth wipes” are flat and very effective)
  6. Travel size mouthwash
  7. Dental floss
  8. Lip moisturizer
  9. Small washcloth (in its own small clear baggie)
  10. Travel soap bar (nab one from your hotel room)
  11. Travel size moisturizer (also usually available from your hotel room)
  12. Travel hand sanitizer (you’ll want this after visiting an airplane washroom after several hours in the sky – I’ve used this stuff to even wipe down the gross toilet seat)
  13. Cuticle clippers and/or nail file
  14. Gum
  15. Puzzle book and pen and/or Nintendo DS
  16. Dry eye relief drops (tiny bottle)
  17. Your medications (in their original bottles)
  18. Pair of clean underwear (wrap these in tissue if you don’t want them seen)
  19. Candy bar, granola bar, or any other packaged and labeled snack food (these will pass through any airport security check)
  20. Small bills and coins in clear plastic bags (in the currency of the countries you are visiting, or even just passing through.  I keep several different country currencies.  I just grab the bag with the cash that matches the country I am in. Very convenient for buying a soda pop, water, snack, or a sandwich before re-boarding. And you won’t get held up in security because you forgot the change in your pockets.)
  21. Reading glasses (I carry a cheap spare pair)
  22. A folded larger zippered plastic bag (as you approach security, drop all your electronics into this bag – no worries about something getting left behind)
  23. Photocopies of your passport and travel documents
  24. Notepad
  25. Your suitcase keys
  26. And…most importantly, an extra dose of patience (just wait till you stand in the security line in Toronto, or Denver, or Vancouver, or well, anywhere actually)

For detailed information on what can normally be taken onboard a plane, visit the TSA site.  It’s quite comprehensive and applicable for nearly all flights.

  1. When boarding USA flights, as you get closer to the security conveyor belt, untie or unstrap your shoes (yes, unlike officials in Canada Customs, Americans want to x-ray your shoes).  That way there’s no fumbling at the belt; just step out of your shoes and throw them into a plastic bin.
  2. Here’s one of my best tips for speed and efficiency when travelling.  After having forgotten those wonderful squishy neck pillows in security, and after having my jackets dirtied on the conveyor belt, I now put both my neck pillows and my hoodies, sweaters, and jackets into a giant Ziploc “Big” Bag. These 2 foot extra large bags are very durable, and so handy.  They zipper up just like their smaller cousins, and security officials can see everything inside, at a glance.  (The bonus? I have never had this bag counted as one of my carry-on pieces.)
  3. Carry a small cooler (I use one made by Igloo).  Airport security accepts this as your “lunch” much the same as carrying on a box or bag from a fast food restaurant. Besides being a great place to store snacks and your Nintendo DS Lite, a hard-walled cooler makes the perfect footrest for us short-legged folks.  It eases the pressure on the underside of your thighs, and the subsequent swelling of your ankles.
  4. And finally, the peeing part.  When making a connecting flight, especially if you must go through the local Customs, remember to relieve yourself before the pilot heads into landing mode, and turns on the seatbelt sign.  You have no idea how far you’ll be walking, or how little time you’ll have to make that flight, once you’ve landed.You might be collecting luggage, re-checking luggage, and then passing through security.  While there are washrooms available, you may not have the time to take a quick break.  So, do your business on the plane (no matter how gross the bathrooms have become in transit)

This may not be comprehensive coverage for making your flying experiences easier, but employing just some of these tips will make your experience a lot more efficient and a lot less frustrating, especially in light of canceled or delayed flights.

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke

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Posted in Airline Travel, Travel - General Advice, Travel Destinations, Travel tips | 2 Comments »

Cruise Ship Weight Gain — Don’t Despair!

Friday, January 25th, 2008

Vacation Weight Gain is not Cause for Despair — Try These 10 Steps to Getting your Weight Back to Normal

Okay, so it happened.  You went on vacation, you ate, and you ate some more. Now your scale says you have gained a few extra pounds.  Five? Ten? Fifteen?  Maybe even twenty?  Don’t despair!  Your weight gain doesn’t have to be a permanent thing, if you don’t want it to be a permanent thing.  The good news is that you can take off those extra pounds as easily as you put them, and in about the same amount of time, too. 

Remember your body is only doing what it has been programmed to do.  Vacationing usually takes us into warmer temperatures, where there is certainly no shortage of food.  Warm weather plus and abundance of food?  Hmm, our body thinks, it must be summer.  So, like a big old grizzly bear, our body begins storing the extra calories.  But unlike a grizzly bear, we don’t need to wait for hibernation to get the pounds off – just a wee bit of discipline will obtain the desired results.

(Always follow medical advice first. 
This weight control advice is for the average moderately healthy person.)

There is a method whereby you can rid yourself of that temporary weight gain quickly, and relatively easily.  It’s not so much a weight loss technique, but rather a weight control technique. 

Here’s what to do:

  1. Weigh yourself.  Be brutally honest.  Mark that weight on a calendar.
  2. Decide you are going to lose the extra pounds.  DECIDE.  This won’t work if you treat your decision as a passing fancy.
  3. Stop all foods.  For the next 2-3 days you are going to drink water, and water only.  (Okay, I cheat a bit and have a morning coffee – but that’s not a great idea.  Try to stick to water.)Squeeze fresh lemon juice into your water (the lemon juice as a detoxifier).
  4. Herbal teas have also been acceptable on this plan.  And, if you really want to be a purist, drink your water…warm.  Experts believe this is a more effective way to fast, and to detox your system.But whatever you do, DRINK water.
  5. Drink as much water as you can handle.  When hunger pains hit, do NOT eat; drink water.  The pains will subside and will lessen in occurrences. Your body is trainable.
  6. Weigh yourself daily, every morning is best.  The weight loss will act as wonderful encouragement for you to continue limiting your diet.  Mark your calendar.  You will smile during the first few days because your weight will drop quickly.  But it will slow down, too.  That’s normal.  Just stick to the plan.
  7. Be prepared to come slowly off your fast.  After 2-3 days of just water, introduce soups.  Avoid heavily processed soups full of sodium.  Make your own soup, or use a higher quality soup, like Knorr, and add your own seasonings.
  8.  After soup, begin adding solids to your diet (in small portions).  Start with proteins and whole grains (fiber reduces appetite). AVOID all carbohydrates that aren’t naturally-occurring; choose to eat the carbohydrates that come in whole grain breads and cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits.  But only in small quantities.Eat only one meal or three very small meals a day until your weight is back to normal.
  9. Advisory:  You must continue to monitor your weight, keeping your food intake controlled for at least a month, or your body will think you were just kidding.  As soon as you begin stuffing your face again, the weight will pile back on. Quickly.  That’s “yo-yo” dieting.  Stay in control until your body stabilizes itself.
  10.   Above all, deal with your vacation weight gain IMMEDIATELY.  Do not wait for a week, or even a day to pass by before addressing the problem.  You will be most successful if you lose your extra weight in the week to 2 weeks following your vacation.

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke

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Posted in Cruise Ship Travel, Travel - General Advice, Travel Destinations, Travel tips | 9 Comments »

New Zealand: The Right Cabbie Will Make Your Shore Day Exceptional!

Thursday, January 24th, 2008

Need a cab driver in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand? Try Lance — A Great Find! A Great Friend!

There he stood, a large man resembling a sea captain with his salt and pepper hair, and weather-worried complexion.  Laugh lines near his eyes complemented the thoughtful pattern of wrinkles that lay horizontally across his brow; he made me think of the actor, Sean Connery.


Photo by Sheree Zielke

His cab, a small four-door white sedan, occupied the last spot in the taxi queue.  We were in the town of Mount Maunganui, in the Port of Tauranga, situated on the Bay of Plenty, on the eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand.  Since leaving the ship, we had already run the gamut of at least three dozen assorted cabs, shuttles, and tour buses before espying the taxi driver who was to make our day of adventuring very special.

The cabbie’s name: Lance Calder.  He told us later he had chosen not to be part of the vicious back-biting under-cutting group of taxi drivers awaiting the arrival of the cruise ship passengers on the pier.  When we asked his price, he stated simply $60NZ per hour.  “Not per person,” he added quickly, but “for the car.”

Lance Calder - Photo by David Thiel

Photo by David Thiel

He wanted to know what we had in mind; as seasoned travelers and photographers, we told him to drive in the direction of Rotorua, and we would tell him when we wanted to stop.  And that he was to avoid the regular tourist stops.  That gave him pause for a moment, but only a moment.

Lance, also known by the handle, “Olddog13-1,” was very quick to learn our desires, and our sense of humour.  He soon joined in our inside jokes as though he’d known us for years.  As a resident of the area since birth (he was born and raised in Te Puke – not as in vomit) he navigated the roadways well, stopping to give us views of the scenery, and share oodles of insider tips on the lifestyle and cultures of the area.

We spent seven hours with Lance – and in that time we saw stinky bubbling sulphuric mud pools in Rotorua, patted a lamb at the Kiwi Lumberjack Show (farm) (ask for Thomas –a handsome young man with a mischievious nature), tasted exquisite wines at the Mills Reef Winery, paid a quick visit to the art deco style Rotorua Museum, lunched in a small café, just up from the old Whakarewarewa Thermal Village (where young boys would dive for coins thrown into the water by tourists), and we visited the Comvita bee centre in Te Puke.

We also visited the Kiwi360 kiwi farm (Lance was extremely knowledgeable in this – he took us under the kiwi orchard canopy where the fruit was hanging like grapes from vines, he pointed out the male and the female vines and how kiwis are chosen for import, with flat-sided ones being rejected and turned into wine instead.)  Lance took us into the shop where we tasted our first kiwi wine (a little too much fruit flavour for our palate) and he took us to a favorite photography subject of ours, an old Mission cemetery, without ever being asked to do so.

Lance Calder - Photo by Sheree Zielke

We learned, through Lance that the huge tree with the gorgeous purple flowers is a Jacaranda tree, a soft drink is called a “fizzy drink,” a car trunk is called a “boot,” and that cruise ship passengers should never share a cab just to split the cost during shore excursions.

“It’s not a good idea,” says Lance.  “The couples can never agree on anything.”  He says he has never seen a cab shared successfully by people who barely knew one another, and who have gotten together just to split the cost of the taxi fare.  He says the only successful shared cab rides are those where the passengers have previously agreed upon where it is they want to go, and what it is they want to do.

Besides knowing the area so well, and being a charming traveling host, Lance is also specially trained in the art of assisting the handicapped, or the ambulatory-challenged.  He has extensive experience dealing with special needs children, and seniors in wheelchairs.

And if you are a wine lover, Lance has an inside track, having a son-in-law in the business.  Be sure to ask him for a little advice if you are going into the Napier-Hawke’s Bay area on what wineries to see, and the best route to take to see them.

Planning a trip to the Tauranga, New Zealand area via cruise ship?  Contact Lance Calder in advance.  You will feel like family when this burly congenial man welcomes you at the pier.  Tell him Sheree says you’ll need to buy a “Peepsi.”  He’ll know what you are talking about.

Contact Lance via email at lance-calder@hotmail.com.

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke

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Posted in Budget Travel, Cruise Ship Travel, Family Vacations, Food and Wine, New Zealand, Ports of call, Tourist attractions, Travel Destinations, Travel tips, Tropical Destinations | 3 Comments »

New Zealand & Australia: Are they worth a 14-hour flight?

Thursday, January 17th, 2008

New Zealand & Australia – Celebrity (Mercury) Cruise January 2008

Are you feeling iffy about the possibility of a cruise off the coasts Down Under?  Does a 14+ hour plane ride sound too daunting?  If so, you are not alone.  But here I am to tell you  that I not only survived the flight, but I have had one of the best exotic vacations ever.  Read on.

We live in Western Canada so our flight originated out of Calgary.  From there we flew to Los Angeles, and from there (after 2 very warm hours on the tarmac) we flew to Auckland, New Zealand (in “cattle car” class — you know what I mean, the cheap cramped seats with minimal service).  But we had no option for an upgrade, so we accepted things as they were.

The flight, oddly enough, turned out to be not as gruelling as we had anticipated.  There is ample room on the Air New Zealand plane to move about (to ease leg swelling), and the TV in the headrest is filled with programs and recent movie selections.

The seats are crammed together, but not horribly so.  Unless, you are very large person, you should find them bearable.   We hit some rocky air pockets, but for the most part, the flight was uneventful.

We arrived to gray skies in Auckland; a crew of Celebrity cruise ship people were there to greet us.  We were escorted to a large tour coach (bus) and taken for a spin around Auckland before boarding the Mercury ship.  It was an unexpected surprise — and a very pleasant one at that.  Especially the morning tea at the Winter Garden Pavilion.

The ship’s management used the time very efficiently and did our initial boarding clearance at the Auckland museum, where we took a quick 20-30 minute tour of an amazing museum, before re-boarding our coach.  We were given a bit of a tour of the Auckland harbour and then taken to the ship, where we were allowed to board early.  It was a wonderful surprise, and so welcome after all the time we had spent on planes and in airports.

For insider tips, cruising tips, reviews on the Celebrity Mercury, reviews and hi-lights of the New Zealand and Austrailian ports-of-call, visit this blog this month. 

You will find a wealth of information — information that will hopefully lead you to a positive decision about a Down Under vacation. 

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke

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Posted in Digital Cameras, Travel Destinations, Travel photography, Travel tips | 2 Comments »

Holiday Travel – West Country, England

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

Why Vacation in West Country, England?

Legendary King Arthur.  James Bond.  A murdered king.  A steam engine inventor.  Ancient castles.  Roman baths. An 18th century 1000-foot tower with views of 13 English counties.  An unwrapped Egyptian mummy.  Celtic ruins.  Europe’s largest hot air balloon festival.  World- renowned illuminated parades. It’s all here in West Country, England.

Are you planning a vacation of just a few days?  How about a year?  Because it’ll take you at least 12 months to see all that West Country, England has to offer.  This ancient section of England, rich with Roman and Celtic history, lies just west of London, and offers a wealth of things for a newcomer to see and do.

West Country, England is a catch-all term for the English counties in Southwest England.  Those counties include Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. Gloucestershire and Wiltshire are also sometimes considered part of West Country, too.

History buffs will be entranced by the ancient ruins and castles.  Architectural aficionados will love the churches and cathedrals of the area, like the St. Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol; it’s one of the largest and most famous parish churches in Britain.  Art lovers will never run out of museums and galleries.

Those interested in geology and breathtaking landscapes must make the Jurassic Coast a part of their vacation experience.  Legend-lovers will thrill to the story of King Arthur, who was believed to have been born in the county of Somerset.  And James Bond fans will be delighted to learn that the creator of 007, Ian Fleming, comes from the Dorset area.

The County Areas of West Country, England

The city of Bristol is one of the balmiest and sunniest cities in UK; the popular city was a recent finalist for the title of European Capital of Culture.  It lies about 120 miles to the west of London.  It is also home to famous Hollywood actor, Cary Grant.  Visitors will find Iron Age “hill forts,” Roman baths, and a host of contemporary cultural exhibits and events in this city.  Home to about 400-thousand Brits, Bristol also hosts Europe’s largest Bristol International Balloon Fiesta every fall.

Cornwall – Home to the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Cornwall County is perhaps best known for its connection to legendary King Arthur.  Cornwall has one city, Truro, which houses a gorgeous old cathedral with three spires. The area is rich with Celtic and Roman History; it’s the homeland of the Cornish and Celtic peoples.   Cornwall is famous for “pasties” (a pastry pie made with seasoned beef, onion, potato, and suet or meat fat).  Clotted cream is this area’s most famous export.   The area is now dependant on tourists who are drawn to the gorgeous ocean scenery and golden beaches like those at St. Agnes, St. Ives, and Fistral Beach.

Cornwall is connected to Cardiff and Swansea, which lie just across the Bristol Channel, by ferry.  Visitors can reach the Isles of Scilly from Cornwall via ferry out of the port of Penzance.

Devon – This area birthed the term, Devonian, because of its red sandstone rock.  Devon is one of the first areas of England settled following the Ice Age.  Devon County’s eastern shore is home to the renowned World Heritage Jurassic Coast, a spot that has drawn professional geologists and tourists for many years.  There are many things to do in the Devon area including exploring the area’s many forts and castles.

Dorset – Are you a real history buff who enjoys exploring an ancient graveyard now and then.  Dorset has many cemeteries dating back hundreds of years.  The county lies along the English Channel home to the famous Durdle Door arch.  Because of Dorset county’s unique topography, it has been described as “‘the best of both worlds’.”  Author, Thomas Hardy, who was born here, used the Dorset landscape settings in his novels.  The county has no major cities; its largest town is Bournemouth.  The area is set to host the Olympic sailing event of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Gloucestershire (Gloss-ter-sher) – The name may be difficult to pronounce but the area is easy to love.  Perhaps the biggest tourist draw in this county is the 18th century Broadway Tower of Cotswolds.  Gloucester is the county’s main town.  The county boasts gorgeous cathedrals like the Gloucester and the Bristol, and the Abbey church of Tewkesbury.  In addition, visitors will love the area’s castles: Beverston and Sudeley.

Somerset – Besides being noted as the fictional birth place of the legendary King Arthur, the county of Somerset is a tourist favorite for geographical reasons, too. Exmoor National Park is a huge draw in this area as are the Mendip Hills which are famous as a walking site.  The county’s main town is Taunton.  The area is home to a 200 year old tourist attraction, the Cheddar Caves & Gorge, and also boasts being the site of the sacred 2000-year-old ruins of Glastonbury Abbey.

Must Sees in West Country, England

No visitor will ever be able to take in all the “must sees” in this history-rich area of the world; not on a single visit.  Considering King Arthur’s Round Table, the unparalleled views of the rugged Atlantic coastline, gorgeous costal beaches, ancient Norman churches, mysterious old castles like the one where a king was murdered, and Celtic ruins, a visitor may have to plan a repeat trip, or two.

Jurassic Coast – No visit to the southwest counties of Britain would be complete without adventuring along Dorset’s renowned Jurassic Coast in Devon County.  This World Heritage site can be accessed via a number of gateway towns, including Exeter and Poole.  The Jurassic Coast bus service is an excellent way to see this sight.  This handy summer service runs out of numerous towns and villages: Exeter, Sidford, Beer, Seaton, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Bridport, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Wool, Wareham and Poole.  Five pounds will cover a full day of hopping on and off travel.

Tintagel – In Cornwall County, visitors won’t want to miss the village of Tintagel, the site acquainted with the legend of King Arthur. Tourists have been visiting this area’s attractions, like King Arthur’s Hall and Tintagel Castle, since the early 19th century.  Outstanding ocean views and Celtic ruins make Tintagel a favorite spot among travelers.

St. Mary Redcliffe – This 14th century church survived the bombing raids of WWII; it is now one of the biggest tourist attractions in England.

Berkeley Castle – Located in Gloucestershire, this 12th century Norman castle boasts an infamous heritage as being the location where King Edward II was murdered.  Guests are invited to participate in medieval feasts at this venue.

Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre – Charm, history and fun all rolled into a delightful package.  Don’t pass this up – both young and old will love this site with its National Fairground Collection and thrilling activities.

Cheddar Caves & Gorge – These Ice Age caves are a must see for all ages.  Here is where the “Cheddar Man” is housed; Britain’s most ancient complete skeleton.

Royal West England Academy – Be sure to visit the fine art collection housed in the Royal, one of the oldest art galleries in the Bristol area.

The West Country Carnival – This massive Devon and Somerset counties festival is somewhat akin to North America’s Mardi Gras celebration with its huge illuminated parade floats or “carts,” and carnival “clubs.”  The carnival five circuit’s parade schedule is intense covering several summer and fall months.  Check it first in case there are any cancellations.  And a word of warning, don’t throw anything (like coins) at these floats because if you do, you will be arrested and fined.

Glastonbury Abbey – This beautiful site is open year-round but from April through October, the attraction offers its “living history” with performances by actors portraying historical Abbey characters.

Sights & Attractions in West Country, England


There are too many attractions and events in West Country, England to list in a short ramble.  Here’s a short list of the most popular sights.

Bristol Zoo – Bristol Zoo Gardens is the fifth oldest zoo in the world; it recently won the “Zoo of the Year” award, in 2004.  Attractions include the Monkey Jungle, Gorilla Island, Penguin Coasts, Asiatic Lions, and a “Heap of Trouble,” a mini landfill exhibition designed to teach about recycling.

City Museum and Art Gallery – Bristol shouldn’t be missed with its huge number of museums and art galleries, like the City Museum and Art Gallery.  Visitors will be delighted by the beauty of the building itself done in Edwardian Baroque style.  Exhibits include ancient fossils and natural history, a freshwater aquarium and artworks of the Masters.

Royal Cornwall Museum – Located in Truro, Cornwall, the Cornwall museum comes highly acclaimed and shows world class exhibits on an ongoing basis.  Its most famous exhibition may be its Egyptology collection with its unwrapped mummy.

Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre – You will find this popular attraction at Lifton, Devon, just a short driver from Exeter.  The fair is open April through October and offers a stunning array of activities and events including Brett’s Ghost Train, Ling’s Moonrocket, and Edwards’ Golden Gallopers Carousel. Make room on your travel itinerary for this attraction.

Crealy Great Adventure Park – Located in Exeter, in Devon County, this award-winning family park has much to offer including rides like the Wave Log Flume and the Queen Bess Pirate Ship.  The park is broken into 7 indoor and outdoor “realms” each with an exciting attraction.  The park offers virtual tours.

Poundbury Farmers Market – There is a vast number of West Country farmer’s markets like the Poundbury Market in Dorchester, Dorset.

Outdoor Recreation in West Country, England

There is a huge range of activities offered in the southwest counties of England including:  Walking tours, birdwatching, cycling tours, quad biking, camping, hot air balloon rides, heritage tours, art and archeology walks, boating and luxury charters, diving, kayaking and sailing.

Water sports are big in the Dorset area, where people flock to the sheltered waters of Poole Bays and Weymouth.

In Cornwall, sunbathers flock to this county’s “Riviera” lying along its southern coastline.  Surfers hang out at Newquay and Porthtowan.

Festivals, Fairs, and Concerts in West Country, England

This old world area abounds in festivals and celebrations, especially during the summer months.

Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts – Join the tens of thousands of music and culture lovers who visit Pilton, near Shepton Mallet in June, to be entertained by some of the world’s finest musical performers.

In Cornwall County, tourists will find an area rich in folk music.  Celtic festivals prevail like Perranporth’s, Lowender Peran Folk Festival held each October.

Other festivals include Murdock Day in Redruth (Tin Mining Country) in June, the Daphne du Maurier festival held in Fowey in May, and Trevithick Day held in April in Camborne.

Visitors attending the Daphne du Maurier festival have a number of areas to choose from for accommodations:

The Trevithick Day festival celebrates steam engine inventor, Richard Trevithick (1771 – 1833) with a day of dance, steam engine exhibitions, vintage vehicles, a children’s fairground, and more.
In addition, there is the Falmouth Oyster Festival in October and the Newlyn Fish Festival at the end of August, to name only a few.

In Bristol, Ashton Court hosts the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, hot-air ballooning every August.  The area also hosts the Ashton Court Festival every summer music festival.

Dining in West Country, England

Dining opportunities are endless in this British locale.  The best advice is to step outside of your norm and sample local fare like meat pasties, clotted cream fudge, scones and jam, cheese, and British ales like Cornwall’s “Swanky” beer.

Visitors, with a bit of the pirate in their soul, should be sure to visit Queen Square in Bristol, with its aged taverns; these buildings acted as the models for the taverns written about in fictional adventures like Treasure Island. In the area is also the 15th century Merchant Venturers Almshouse.

When to Visit West Country, England

As with all tourist areas in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is always the best time to visit.  But because of Southwest England’s temperate year-round climate, an off-season trip may be just the thing for those on a budget.

All areas of the West Country experience a very temperature tourist-friendly climate. Snowfall, if there is any, is minimal.

Getting to and Around West Country, England

Southwest England is served largely by autoroutes or motorways.

The city of Bristol has its own public transport bus system, First Group.  The city doesn’t have light rail transit, unfortunately, leading to heavy congested car traffic.  But Bristol does have three park and rides within city limits.   There is also water-based transport via the Bristol Ferry Boat.  In addition, Bristol is popular among bikers; the city maintains links to the National Cycle Network.

Airports
Each county has its own commercial airport, some much smaller than others.  In Dorset, the commercial airport is Bournemouth International.  In the Cornwall area, visitors will arrive at either the airport located in Newquay or the one situated in Plymouth.  The city of Bristol is served by its own airport, the Bristol International (BRS) at Lulsgate. Newquay Airport serves the Devon County area.

Many airlines fly into the Southwest England or into London and then make connections.

Arriving by Car

You simply will never be alone while traveling around the West Country area of England.  Many tourist centers are available to assist you with your travel plans.

You will travel via major autoroutes (highways) like the M4 and M5 motorway which are major roads leading into Bristol.

Car Rentals

Travelers will more than likely need a rental car, since a car is the most efficient way to tour around this predominantly rural area.

Be aware, that English driving differs from American driving.  First, you’ll be driving on the LEFT side of the road.  Secondly, you’ll be traversing odd intersections known as, “roundabouts”; in some cases, you may even encounter a “double” roundabout.  It’s best to bone up on some safe driving tips specific to driving in England, before heading out.  The good news is that you can use your own country’s driver’s license to drive on British roadways.  This area is well populated by major car rental companies.

Train


There are plenty of railway lines running into all the West Country counties of England.  The area of Dorset is connected to London by two railway lines: West of England Main Line and the South Western Main Line.

Bristol is served by two railway stations: Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads, and two railway systems: Severn Beach Line and the Portishead Railway.

Handy Contacts

West Country, England Tourist Brochures

Map of England

History of England (This a terrific site covers a vast amount of information: the Monarchy, including the legend of King Arthur, prehistoric Britain, the Knights Templar, Scotland, churches of England, and historical maps.)

Cheers,

Sheree Zielke

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Holiday Travel – Bend – Sunriver, Oregon

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

 Why Vacation in Bend – Sunriver, Oregon, USA?

Are you a golfer?  Do you love the mountains?  How do you feel about pure crisp mountain air and some of the most beautiful vistas in the world?  Maybe shooting raging rapids onboard a whitewater raft, or standing hip-deep in a clear mountain stream trolling for trout, is your idea of a good time?  Then don’t wait another second.  Pack your bags, hop into your car, board a train, or book that flight for the Bend – Sunriver, Oregon area.  You are in for one of the most relaxing and memorable vacations of your life.

Both communities are located in the Deschutes County of central Oregon.  Both are located at the base of the Cascade Mountain Range, but one, Sunriver, is a commercial development; the other, Bend, is a regular city.

Bend, as its name suggests, is named for the bend in the Deschutes River, upon which it is located.  It was once known as, “Farewell Bend”; a postmaster arbitrarily shortened the name. At that time, Bend, due largely to its huge population of Ponderosa pine trees, was known for its lumber industry.  Today, an old sawmill remains, but the city’s tree-chopping days are long gone.  Bend is now a modern fast-growing metropolis that is home to about 75,000 people.

Sunriver has a small population of about 17-hundred permanent residents. Military buffs may be interested to know that Sunriver developers built their resort on the grounds of a WWII training facility, Camp Abbot.  Builders incorporated part of the area’s heritage by preserving a 1940s Officer’s Club; it has been upgraded and renamed the “Great Hall.”  But Sunriver’s history goes way back to the days of the fur traders, the gold rush, pioneers and wagon trains.

Sights and Attractions in Bend – Sunriver, Oregon

The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory is a popular attraction in the area.  The center hosts a number of special events including an Astronomy Week and a Star Party.  The center is located in Sunriver on River Road, next to Lake Aspen.  Admission is extremely reasonable at $3 for adults; $2 for kids.

Lava River Cave – This natural geological attraction is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, located in the Deschutes National Forest.  The cave attracts layman and professional geologists alike from all over the world.  The cave is about 62-hundred feet long (about a mile long) and can be 60-feet tall in some spots.  This is a chilly adventure so be sure to bring along some warm clothes.  The Lava Cave is 14 miles south of Bend.  It is open mid-May through early October. 
Anyone interested in geology should be sure to visit the Lava Lands Visitor Center, and the volcano cinder cone of Lava Butte while in the area.  It’s a phenomenal lookout spot for the park.

High Desert Museum – You’ll find this eclectic tourist attraction just 10 minutes outside of Bend.  Parking is free, and if you are staying at a hotel or resort in the area, you can show your key card for a 10% discount on admission to the museum.  Admission fees vary, but children under 4 years of age are free.

Expect to spend about half a day at the museum to take full advantage of all the attractions.  Exhibits are divided into both indoor and outdoor exhibits.  Outdoor exhibits include the Lazinka Sawmill, the Homestead Ranch, the Mustang Corral, and a Nature Walk.  Inside, you will find depictions of life of the early Settlers, history of the Oregon Trail, Native Americans, and the U.S. Forest Service.

The High Desert Museum is open from 9-5 year-round, except for major holidays. 

Deschutes County Historical Museum – This is the area’s cumulative response to its rich heritage.  Exhibits feature a cross section of history from ancient volcanic rock carvings artifacts to WWII military displays to lumbering and fur trapping mementos.  

The museum is located in the old Reid School, Bend’s first modern school built back in 1914.  The building’s future is secure as it is now protected as a member of the National Register of Historic Places.  Admission is very reasonable at $5 for adults and $2 for anyone 12-17 years of age.  Kids under 12 are free.

Crooked River Dinner Train – Are you up for a murder?  How about a train robbery?  Join in the fun aboard the Crooked River Dinner Train.  This Western-themed adventure train runs out of Redmond, which is just a short drive from Bend or Sunriver. 
The whole family is invited to take part in this unique attraction.  Everyone will be well fed and well entertained aboard this 1800s steam train as it makes it way through the Crooked River Valley.

The train has a regular schedule with special events slated for major holidays, Christmas.

Art Galleries – Bend hosts nearly a dozen art galleries including the contemporary Arte Divino Gallery, the Glass Symphony, Jill’s Wild Tasteful Women & Friends and the Lava Gallery.  Featuring jewelry, glass sculptures, original paintings, handcrafted furniture, and original historical Native artworks, there is sure to be something for every art lover’s taste.

Outdoor Recreation in Bend – Sunriver, Oregon

This central Oregon area caters to a huge variety of vacationers and tourist interests including those who might enjoy a flight-seeing tour.  Other options include fishing and fishing lessons, whitewater rafting, hiking, and of course, golf.


Golf in Bend – Golf lovers will have a tough time choosing from the vast array of courses in this central Oregon area.  Bend offers eight 18-hole courses including River’s Edge, The Club at Pronghorn (Fazio and Nicklaus Courses), Awbrey Glen, Broken Top, Bend Golf and Country Club, and Lost Tracks courses. But a further 11 courses are located a short drive away in LaPine, Redmond, Powell Butte, Sisters, and Sunriver.

Golf in Sunriver – Sunriver plays host to three award-winning courses including Crosswater Club, Sunriver Lodge and Resort (Woodlands and Meadows courses).

Golf in Redmond – The Eagle Crest Golf Resort, located on Cline Falls road, was opened in 1987. 

Reserve your tee times for any of the golf courses in the Bend – Sunriver area online HERE.

Mount Bachelor Ski Resort – Skiers and snowboarders love the easy access to one of America’s largest ski areas; the highly acclaimed Mount Bachelor is a leisurely half hour drive away.  Or during the winter months, catch the very inexpensive Super Shuttle out of Bend’s Park-N-Ride ($5/one-way ride). 

Mount Bachelor is one of nine ski resort areas in Central Oregon.  It offers 12 chairlifts and a full-service Nordic Center. In addition to the regular winter activities, the resort also offers snow-tubing, snowshoeing, and sled dog rides.

Parents will find the on-site government-regulated daycare a blessing.  The center is licensed to accept babies as young as 6 weeks old all the way up to 10-year old kids.

Need a place to stay?  Mount Bachelor has its own community of short-term vacation rentals: Mount Bachelor Village.
In the summer months, enjoy the view from the chair lifts, or pull on a pair of hiking boots and hit the trails.  Interpretive tours with a Forest Service guide are available.  Hiking may be tough for the disabled in your group, but the chair lifts are handicap accessible.

The Sunriver Resort offers a host of outdoor activities during the summer months, too, including pony and wagon rides, challenge rope courses, whitewater river rafting, biking, hiking, a kids’ activity area called “Fort Funnigan,” boating sports, and a downhill mountain bike tour.  In addition, the Sunriver has three swimming pools, 28 tennis courts and riding stables. 

But if all that vacation activity gets to be a little much, a Deep Tissue or a Maternity massage is always available at the resort’s Sage Springs Club and Spa.  Or lay back and enjoy one of the resort’s signature spa treatments (a Vichy Shower, an Oregon Hazelnut Scrub, an Anti-Aging Hand Treatment or a Sunriver Nourishing Body Wrap).  They’re sure to have something to make all things right in your world again, and get you ready to hit the links again the next day.

Festivals, Fairs, and Concerts in Bend – Sunriver, Oregon

Sunriver and Bend are rich with activities and special events throughout the year, including Bend’s hugely popular Winterfest held annually at the beginning of February.  But for a full sampling of fairs, festivals, and other special events, visit the area’s printable calendar posted on its official website. 
Expect to find everything from rodeos to coffeehouse jazz; a Saturday Market to live theater; photography exhibits to live animal shows.

In particular, a very popular summer event is Bend’s 30-year old open-air artisan’s market which runs every Saturday from the end of May to the end of August.  It is located downtown between Bond and Wall streets.  Expect to find a wide selection of handcrafted goods (jewelry, clothing, handbags, glassworks, candles, wind chimes, soaps, herbal cosmetics and more) created by local artists.

And if you are in the mood for shopping, be sure to visit the Old Mill Shopping Center.

Old Mill Shopping District – This charming collection of shops and services is all that’s left of Bend’s timber mill past.  But it’s sure to be a big hit for those who love to shop or window shop.

Dining in Bend – Sunriver, Oregon

Both the major resort areas have their own gourmet dining areas.

Scapolo’s Italian restaurant serves up pizza and Italian favorites in the Pine Marten Lodge at Mount Bachelor.  A specialty is the restaurant’s “Sunset Dinners.”  These dinners are seasonal; they start at the end of June and run to the third weekend in August.  The resort’s Mile High Grill is perfect for those craving BBQ burgers and hot dogs.

The Sunriver resort has the Meadows Restaurant, the Owl’s Nest Lounge, and the Merchant Trader Deli. 

The city of Bend has a full range of dining options from coffee shops and microbreweries to fine dining.  These are the top restaurants as selected by the October 2005 issue of Gourmet Magazine:

  • The Blacksmith (eclectic gourmet fare housed in an old blacksmith shop) Conde Nast Traveler rated this as one of the BEST NEW restaurants in the world.
  • Cork (elegant setting and gourmet fare)
  • Ariana (Mediterranean foods with an elegant flare and gorgeous decor)
  • Merenda (Gourmet extraordinaire and wine bar)
  • Deep (Asian)
     

Sunriver is not to be outdone with its offering of several dozens restaurant choices from fast food to full gourmet.  Below is a sample of the dining choices in Sunriver:

  • Aloha Café (Hawaiian)
  • Bella Cucina (Italian)
  • Figaro’s Pizza
  • Chen’s Garden Restaurant (Chinese)
  • Hot Lava Baking Company (Bakery)
  • South Bend Bistro (American and French)
  • Trout House Restaurant (Surf and Turf)


In addition, fast food outlets include a Subway and a Taco Bell Express.

Getting to Bend – Sunriver, Oregon – Plane, train, bus or automobile – all roads lead to this popular tourist destination.

Airports – Travelers must fly in to the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) when vacationing in central Oregon, as it is the only commercial airport in the district.  Flight connections will be made out of more major cities like San Francisco, Portland, Eugene, Seattle, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The following airlines service the Redmond airport:

Bend has its own single runway Municipal Airport, too.  It was once used during WWII for pilot training.

Sunriver also operates a small airport, the Sunriver Resort Airport.

Both Bend and Sunriver are only a short drive away from Redmond: 16 miles south to Bend; 31 miles south to Sunriver.
Taxi and Shuttle Services – Several taxi and shuttle options are available at the Redmond airport, including a Bend service:

  • American/Smile Transportation
    1-541-389-0423  or toll free 1-866-484-3980
  • Bend Cab or City Cab
    1-541-548-0919 
  • Cascade Towncar Service
    1-541-504-8820
  • Central Oregon Breeze
    1-541-389-7469 or toll free 1-800-847-0157
  • Country Cab
    1-541-416-8400
  • Deschutes River Taxi
    1-541-382-6585 
  • Green Energy Transportation
    1-541-610-6103
  • High Desert Taxi
    1-541-475-5892
  • Owl Taxi
    1-541-382-3311
  • Redmond Airport Shuttle
    1-541-382-1687 or toll free 1-888-664-8449
  • Redmond Taxi Service
    1-541-548-1182
  • Smile Shuttle Service
    1-514-389-0423
  • Star Limo Service
    1-541-593-4196 or toll free 1-888-349-4235

Arriving by Car – Bend or Sunriver is a day’s drive away from major cities like San Francisco (8.5 hours) and Boise, Idaho (6.5 hours).  Eugene, Oregon is a short 2.5 hours away, while the drive from Seattle will take 6 hours.  You may need an overnight stay somewhere along your route if driving from Los Angeles as the drive is 13 hours.

Driving directions are fairly straight forward as both Bend and Sunriver are reachable via major Interstate routes.

Car Rentals – Four rental car companies service the Redmond airport:

 

Bus – Greyhound services the Bend and Sunriver areas; one can take the bus straight into the Bend terminal.

Local Bus Service – Bend offers public transportation under its B.A.T., the Bend Area Transit, which offers limited service.

Train – Like other cities and towns in the United States, Amtrak, the country’s rail service, is a good transportation option. 

HOT Savings Links

Oregon Lodging Deals
Eagle Crest Resort Specials

Handy Contacts

Central Oregon Calendar of Events

FREE Visitor’s Guide

Bend, Oregon Welcome Brochure

Oregon Maps

Sunriver Visitor Packet
Bend/Sunriver Weather
Essential Links to Bend

Cheers,

Sheree Zielke

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Holiday Travel – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Tuesday, December 11th, 2007

 Why Vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee?

Are you looking for an American vacation spot rich in heritage but low on traffic jams and skyscrapers?  Or maybe you just need a good dose of Civil War, or at least a small re-creation of Civil War.  If so, the mountain village of Gatlinburg, Tennessee may be just the answer. 

Nestled in a valley on the Pigeon River, and surrounded on three sides by mountain cliffs, Gatlinburg has become a charming tourist destination, complete with the annual re-creation of a part of the Civil War, the “Battle of the Burg.”

Gatlinburg wasn’t always known by its current name; it was once known as White Oak Flats, in deference to the magnificent white oaks that once populated this valley area of the Smoky Mountains.

First settled in the early 19th century by Revolutionary war veterans, Gatlinburg finally got its permanent name from a storekeeper who set up shop in 1855: Radford C. Gatlin.  In 1856, a post office was opened in his store, and by default, the town took on his name.  In spite of Gatlin’s somewhat infamous reputation as an outspoken Confederate sympathizer (he was driven out of the Gatlinburg community by Pro-Union members), the town retained his name.

Gatlinburg experiences a full range of weather types because of its mountain setting.  July is the hottest month with temperatures averaging between 62 and 85 degrees F.  Winters can get quite cold with temperatures falling to the low 20s, but snowfall is minimal with less than 6 inches accumulating through the winter months.

Gatlinburg is home to less than 3500 permanent residents; the area’s crime rate is almost non-existent when compared to other American cities and cities in the rest of the state. Parents can bring their kids here and know they will be relatively safe from crime.

Most tourists arrive by car, but the best way to see Gatlinburg is aboard the Gatlinburg Trolley which connects up conveniently to the Pigeon Forge trolley.  A printable trolley route map will help you plan out your visit.

The nearest major cosmopolitan center is Atlanta, Georgia which is 144 miles to the south.

Must Sees in Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

No matter what your age or interest, a visit to Gatlinburg simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Smoky Mountains, located in the Blue Ride Mountain range.  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is touted as “the most visited national park in America.” 

Visit this stunning geographical location in any season for exquisite views of flora and fauna.  You shouldn’t find the park too crowded since it covers about 520-thousand acres.  Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Centre to evaluate the numerous ways to spend time in this gorgeous Tennessee park.

Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway at Ober Gatlinburg – Regardless of the time of year you visit Gatlinburg, a tram ride is a must.  First operated in September 1972, the Swiss-made tram has hauled many tourists and skiers to the top of Mount Harrison.  The tram ride covers about 2 miles at a speed of 17 miles per hour.  Each tram can carry 120 passengers.

Bales Cemetery – An historic visit must include at least one cemetery, especially a graveyard housing a single buried leg.  It’s believed that Giles Reagan, upon losing his leg to a sawmill accident, insisted that the limb be given a proper Christian burial.

If you are a hard-core history buff, there are many old shops and buildings to explore like Ogle’s Broom shop and the first Baptist church.

Smokey Mountain Winery – Wine lovers mustn’t pass up the chance to taste the wines of this 25-year old award-winning winery.  Free tours are offered daily, complete with a tasting room.

Cades Cove – Take a step back in time and travel this 11-mile one-way loop by car, bike or on foot.  This nearly 68-hundred acre valley is one of the Great Smoky Mountain Park’s most beloved tourist destinations.  Nearly 2 million tourists find their way to Cades Cove every year.

Fish for trout, visit some of the old 19th century preserved buildings, or watch for deer or wild turkey.  Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and gas up the car before you go because this place is rugged; no restaurants and no gas stations are allowed to spoil this pristine ecological area.

However you choose to spend your time in Cades Cove, you will leave with wonderful memories of this naturally beautiful portion of the United States.

Ramsey Cascades – This is the Great Smoky Mountains Park’s watery jewel.  The Ramsey Cascades waterfall is located about 4 miles in, in the Greenbrier area.  The walk is tough, so be prepared.

In early June, watch for the “Fire Fly Phenomenon” that takes place here. This is an annual natural occurrence whereby thousands of fireflies dot the hazy forest with a spectacular display of fairy lights. 
Arrive before dusk, sit quietly on the trailhead and wait.  Keep the flashlights off.
Sights and Attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

Christus Gardens of Gatlinburg – View 3D bible stories that come to life at this popular tourist attraction.  The attraction actually provides 10 reasons to visit, just in case you are having a hard time making up your mind.

Camp Thunder Fun Center – Fun for kids of all ages, Camp Thunder has it all from Mini Golf to indoor Go-karts, laser tag to motion rides. 
Museums & Theatres of Gatlinburg

Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre – This rowdy comedic musical theatre has been around since the late 70s and has been proclaimed, by the city of Gatlinburg, a National Historical Treasure.

Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum  – Aren’t you just a little intrigued by a museum comprised entirely of salt and pepper shakers?  Gatlinburg has the world’s only museum dedicated to these seasoning dispensers; 17,000 of them, in fact.  You’ll find this quaint chalet-style museum in the Winery Square.

Star Cars Museum – Here’s an intriguing attraction to please both car and movie lovers.  This unique museum is dedicated to the cars that have become celebrities in the movies and TV shows, of the past 50 years.  Cars like those used in The Fast and the Furious and The Beach Boys 1955 Thunderbird have found their way into this Tennessee museum.

Among the 30 famous cars featured, you will find the Ghostbusters Ecto-1, 1959 Cadillac Ambulance; the Beverly Hillbillies “car”; and the Munsters mobile, the “Drag-u-la.”  Definitely worth a peek, don’t you think? 

Oh, come on now!  The TV Batmobile is housed here, too.  Not to mention, Elvis’ Lincoln mark IV.  You simply must take a look.

Located right near the Gatlinburg Convention Center on the Parkway, the Star Cars Museum is easy to find.  Plan about an hour’s visit.  Little ones, under 6 years of age, are FREE.

Not enough to do in Gatlinburg?  Well, if you have a car, there is a major amusement park just a short drive up the road at Pigeon Forge. 
Dollywood  – This popular amusement park is open from the end of March through the end of December.  The park includes a huge variety of activities and musical events.  Thrill ride lovers won’t be disappointed with the park’s 40 rides, like the wooden Thunderhead ride.  Step back in time and take a ride aboard the Dollywood Express, an authentic coal-powered steam train.  There’s no better way to see the Smoky Mountain scenery while listening to Dolly Parton tunes.  The train ride takes about 20 minutes and totals 5 miles in length.  

Have trouble getting around or do you travel with someone with special needs?  You will find this 2007 Dollywood Disability Guide helpful.

And be sure to visit the new Dollywood Splash Country, too.

Outdoor Recreation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is unrivalled in its outdoor recreation opportunities.  The area offers everything from simple easy walking to rugged whitewater rafting adventures.

Whitewater Rafting  – Are you up for some thrills and chills onboard a whitewater raft?  Traverse class 3-4 rapids on the Pigeon River under the masterful hand of an experienced whitewater rafting guide. 

Hiking and Backpacking – Take a short hike, or a long trek; either way, an on-foot adventure is the only way to truly take in at least a little of the Smoky Mountains.  There are many outfitters and lots of trails.  Trail information and bear safety advice is readily available.
Another fun way to do the Smoky Mountains is on a Llama Trek with a trained llama pal to carry all your gear. 
If you are planning to hike around Cades Cove, be aware that this heavily traveled one-way loop can be very crowded with traffic in peak seasons.

Water Sports  – Douglas Lake, Norris Lake, or the Pigeon River; the Smoky Mountains have a wide range of boating sports from kayaking to tubing for the keener.

Swimming in the Smoky Mountain Park waters, however, is not recommended as the icy cold temperatures of the mountain streams can lead to hypothermia, year-round.  And there are NO life-guarded areas anywhere in the Park. 
But if you simply must take a dip in crystal clear mountain waters, try Big Creek, Deep Creek, Metcalf Bottoms, or the favored spot known as “The Sinks,” on Little River Road.  Always exercise extreme caution in these tempting but unsupervised areas.

Fishing – Fishing in the Smoky Mountains?  Of course; year-round, too.  With over 2-thousand miles of streams and an abundance of lakes, you are almost sure to hook yourself a fine rainbow or brown trout.  But stay out of trouble and be sure to read up on the area’s fishing regulations first. 

About 30 minutes from Gatlinburg is Douglas Lake; with its 555 miles of shoreline, there won’t be any overcrowding.  Pick up supplies at the Mountain Cove Marina located near Douglas Lake.

If you plan on bringing your own water craft, be sure to know the Tennessee boating regulations, too.

Camping – With 10 major campsites and an abundance of hook-ups, a camping vacation may be the perfect way to save on accommodations when visiting the Smoky Mountain Parks area.  Campsites can be reserved up to five months in advance.

Some group camping areas like those within the Smoky Mountain National Park are designated for tents only, and must be reserved in advance.  No vehicles are allowed.

Golf – Golfers will love the picturesque mountain setting as they drive a ball down the Gatlinburg fairway.  The Gatlinburg Municipal Golf Course has undergone a serious half-million dollar renovation in anticipation of heavier usage by dedicated duffers.  While all the normal amenities are offered, the course will also be opening its new $1-million clubhouse.

The Municipal golf course, open year-round, is just down the road in Pigeon Forge, on the way to the Dollywood amusement park.  Try these pro tips when playing this course.

If you don’t care to go adventuring outside of Gatlinburg, it is home to three City Parks: Mills, Mynatt and Holt.

Festivals, Fairs, and Concerts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg has a wide variety of annual festivals and fairs.  The Battle of Burg Hill Civil War re-enactment which takes place at the beginning of July is perhaps the best known festival. 

But there are also the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, the Smoky Mountain Springfest, the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic, Gatlinburg’s Fine Arts Festival, and July’s Midnight Independence Day Parade. 

For a complete list of fairs and festivals, download the Gatlinburg Attractions Guide.
Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community – Crafts and handmade goods abound in the Gatlinburg area.  Two times a year, the Gatlinburg Convention Center on the Parkway hosts the Craftsmen’s Fair featuring over 200 booths.  The craft fair twins with country, bluegrass, and gospel music concerts. 

But there is no need to wait for a special crafts fair; just travel the 8-mile arts and crafts loop which runs about 3 miles east of Gatlinburg. 

The loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail.

But with Pigeon Forge just up the road; visitors should consider a quick trip to take in festivals offered by Pigeon Forge like Dollywood’s KidsFest which runs from mid-June to the beginning of August.
In addition, Dollywood plays host to numerous other popular Southern festivals including these:

Bluegrass and BBQ Festival; National Gospel and Harvest Celebration; and the hugely popular Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival featuring giant toy soldiers, acrobatics, great food, and fireworks.

Dining in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg has lots of restaurants to choose from, but remember you will only be a short distance from Pigeon Forge, so you have those restaurants to choose from, too.

Here are some of the top-rated eateries in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area:

  • Log Cabin Pancake House
  • Smokey Mountain Brewery & Restaurant
  • Peddler Restaurant & Lounge
  • Park Grill
  • Pancake Pantry
  • Cherokee Grill
  • Calhoun’s Restaurant
  • Smoky Mountain Trout House
  • Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Cheese Cupboard

    and in Pigeon Forge…

  • Apple Tree Family Inn
  • Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
  • Country Kitchen Restaurant
  • Smokies Breakfast House
  • Geno’s Pizza
  • Alabama Grill
  • Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
  • TGI Friday’s
  • Cracker Barrel

Getting to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

A trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee?  The only question remaining is not IF you will go, but HOW SOON you can go.  And how are you going to get there?  Here are some transportation links that should help with the travel planning.

Airports – Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge share a small airport (GKT).  It’s located about 4 miles from Pigeon Forge in Sevierville.  The closest commercial major airport is located in Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS), a 28-mile drive from Gatlinburg. 

Another airport is located in Morristown, Tennessee (MOR) while a fourth airport is located in Greeneville, Tennessee (CGY), and a fifth airport is located in Asheville, Tennessee (AVL).      

Bus – Greyhound Bus Lines  The nearest terminal is in the city of Knoxville, 28 miles away.
Train – The nearest Amtrak station is located in Toccoa, Georgia which is 80 miles outside of Gatlinburg.

HOT Savings Links

Gatlinburg Star Cars Museum Discount Coupon

Gatlinburg Accommodation Coupons

Great Smoky Mountains Coupons

Smoky Mountain Fun Passes

Handy Contacts

Gatlinburg Accommodations

Smoky Mountains Travel Planner
Gatlinburg Attractions Guide

Cheers,
Sheree Zielke

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