SATW 2010 travel auction opens online

The annual auction for travel bargains from the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) is open for business at SATWauction.com.  It closes Nov. 20 at 10 p.m. (MST). 

For the traveler, it's the best deal online as savings are generally more than 50 percent from listed values, even though airfare is not included. Top items range from attractions and hotels around the United States from Orlando to Seattle to hotel packages as far away as Venice (Pictured right) and Bali, and Caribbean cruises with rock stars. From beaches (below Wilimington, NC) to mountains to sea, your vacation awaits you.

This auction works much the same as Ebay and other online auctions. Register by logging on with your personally created ID and password, and then browse through the more than 50 travel themed items. Then bid as often and on as many items as you would like. The auction is updated in real time.

Values range from a $160 culinary tour in Colorado to four nights in Bali for $4,422. Bids for some items start as low as $25. The more than 50 travel-themed items are valued at more than $53,000. All you need do is log on to SATWAuction.com and start bidding.

Items are donated to SATW for their fundraising auction. All proceeds are spent by SATW for professional development programs for its members.

Log on now to SATWAuction.com, begin bidding and planning your travels!

Discovering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

My 10-year-old niece Journey continues her blog on her travel adventures in Orlando -- where she already experienced many firsts.  This blog is day 3 at Universal Orlando and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The 20-acre themed area includes the village of Hogsmeade and numerous shops and rides.
 (Pictured Left -- Hogwarts Castle)

Journey writes: On the third day we had to meet in the Hard Rock Hotel lobby with thirteen other people to go to this theme park. It sounded really fun and when I got off the water taxi I was so amazed by what I saw. Everyone that came to the lobby was a VIP -- VIP tours available to anyone!). We were heading to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and I was so excited.

Journey noticed that the tourists in Universal Orlando, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, came from all over the world, different countries with various accents, languages and cultures – and all ages.

Note from Aunt Nana: Before our Forbidden Journey ride, we walked quickly to the replica Hogwarts Express, to meet the biggest wizard of all, the architect that designed this theme park, Mark Woodbury, who spoke about he and his team’s excitement for the entire project. Woodbury’s design team met with Universal Studios and JK Rowlings several times to make sure everyone was on the same page. They’ve done such a great job re-creating the magical world of Harry Potter that you’ll think it’s real.

Back to Journey's comments:
The first ride we went on was called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (pictured right). It was really fun but yet really scary. We went upside down, side-to-side and straight, guided by Harry Potter. There were spiders and ghosts. It was the scariest ride ever.

The next ride we went on was the Dragon Challenge. The seats were hard and the coaster was shaped as a dragon. The ride wasn’t as exciting but it was really fast.

Then we went to see a wizard at Ollivanders. Since we were VIPs, we didn’t have to wait in line and also saw the behind-the-scenes action. After the wizard talked about how to pick a wand, I choose my own magic wand from the gift shop – the only place in the world that you can purchase a real Harry Potter wand!

Then we ate lunch at Three Broomsticks . The food was so delicious – and the butter beer was yummy (pictured left)! It tasted like a mix between root beer and cream soda.

We went on two water rides. The first was where you were in a little log and you went on all these hills and we got soaked. The last one was in Jurassic Park River Adventure. It was so cool. There were all these dinosaurs and there was a T-Rex in a box. It almost fell on top of us. Then we went down this HUGE hill. I got soaked. (Journey didn’t know but this thrilling drop is an 85 foot plunge and the longest water descent ever built.)

We finished up at the fun Suess Landing, where no lines run straight, and rode their water ride twice!

When we got back to the hotel, I got in the bathtub. After that, I took a quick nap. When I woke up, I had to get ready to go to dinner at Hard Rock Café on Universal City Walk. The food was delicious. I couldn’t believe how big the café was. My picture was taken with three other kids, guests of the other writers in the group.

After dinner, we walked to see The Blue Man Group. The show was so cool! The group played the drums with colored paint inside the drum,. Then they caught “gum” [really balls filled with paint] in their mouth and made artwork. The first Blue Man spit color out of his mouth. At the end of the show, they threw toilet paper into the audience. I got tangled up in it. When we left the theater, we met a Blue Man in person from The Blue Man Group (pictured right).

Journey's first blog about Orlando, Disney;s Magical Kingdom & Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

More on Universal Orlando adventure soon at TravelingInHeels.com

The Big Island Hawaii adventure continues

And so continues my Big Island Hawaii adventure. I think the best way to showcase day two is by pictures, so take a look.

First stop is downtown Hilo for kava at the Bayfront Coffee, Kava & Tea. Kava is an age-old herbal drink, beverage of choice for the royal families of the South Pacific. It's said to relieve stress and anxiety, relax muscles and relieve pain. I drank the suggested mix with coconut milk, and it was still bitter.  But I have to admit it did give me a bit of a buzz.



Serving kava downtown Hilo's Bayfront Kava

 Next up, stop at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii. A really cool stop that combines the study of astronomy with the local and ancient customs and legends. Needed a bit more time here to explore.

sweet Big Island Candies

We detoured to Big Island Candies-- for a teasing show of local chocolates. 

Then we loaded back up for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, After a short hike the horizon revealed distant steam from the volcano.  Our park visit ended by walking through the lava tubes, (which felt like big round caves and challenged my claustrophobia)

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Another favorite moment:
*The local "dancers" choreographing stories and dance to the burning embers of the distant lava flows.

Walking the lava tubes

Hawaiian musicians

The sunset walk is another place that deserves time to really enjoy the ambience, closing your eyes and listening to the Hawaiian dancers perform a huli and oli (chants) with the drums beating in the background. The dances at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park performed a hula and oli (chants) devoted to Pele the volcano goddess who resides in Halemaumau Crater – that was where the glow emanates that we were observing

More tomorrow -- or follow my adventures when they happen on http://www.twitter.com/dianarowe

Adventure on the Big Island

view from room Hilo Hawaiian Village

Three flights from Denver, two layovers, and 12 plus hours later and I arrived at the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s my first stop here, the one Hawaiian island I haven’t visited before.


The flights were smooth, and a short drive (less than 15 minutes) from the Hilo airport to the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.  (see picture on right) It's part of the Castle Resort properties. This Hilo locations allows for quick exploration of this side of the island. Today I’m checking out its refurbished meeting space and renovation of its popular Queen’s Court Restaurant. More on that later.

The Big Island is known for its adventures , from hiking to snorkeling to golf, from sand to snow to a steaming volcanic crater. Today I begin my adventure at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii and end at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a lava adventure and sunset walk to the lava flows at Kalapana.

Follow me on http://www.twitter.com/dianarowe to get instant updates and photos of my adventures.

Orlando, Florida Adventure: Disney’s Magical Kingdom and Hard Rock Hotel

Journey at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp

Please welcome my 10 year-old niece Journey (yes—that’s her real name!) as a guest blogger this week. She recently traveled with me to Orlando for a series of firsts. Since she wants to be a writer, I thought I’d give her the assignment of detailing her impressions of her first trip to Orlando, Florida with her Aunt Nana (that’s me!).  Read on for my amazing niece Journey’s travel impressions of the first days in Orlando, Disney's Magic Kingdom and Hard Rock Hotel. I did take the liberty of adding my comments in [brackets]:


Guest blog by Journey
Have you ever been scared and excited at the same time? Well I have! Before I got on the airplane I was so scared to leave my mom, but I was so excited to be able to go to Orlando, Florida. The airport was so crowded. I could barely get through to our seats. When the plane started to go, I got that funny feeling where you feel like you’re going to throw-up. A few minutes later, it started to get boring [I know what you mean, Journey!]. I couldn’t find anything to do so I just went to sleep. When I woke up we were at the airport.

Journey's first gator sighting

Once I got out of the Orlando airport, I went to a little restaurant with airboats [Lone Cabbage Fish Camp with two of my aunt’s friends]. After Aunt Nana had a beer [Hey, I wasn’t driving!], we went on the airboat. A few minutes later, we saw alligators right in front of us. Later we saw an alligator right in front of us on land. When we got closer, the alligator hissed at us and I jumped back. We also saw another alligator on land and we got really close to it. That alligator didn’t hiss, but he did come after us so I ran back to my seat. I was so scared that we had gotten lost on our way back to the restaurant. When I saw the bridge, I was so excited we had made it back! When we got out of the boat, we headed to the ocean.

Journey & Aunt Nana at Cocoa Beach

When we got to Cocoa Beach, I saw a HUGE restaurant. As I got closer, I took off my shoes and ran towards the water. It was so fun because I went half way out until two huge waves came. When the waves got to me, my shorts and part of my shirt got soaked! I had so much fun at the beach that I started to get hungry.

We went to the [beachfront] restaurant and started to go in until the people who worked there stopped us and asked us for our ticket. Apparently, a ticket was needed to eat at that restaurant. I was so mad I couldn’t eat there. Then we found another restaurant, but you had to be twenty-one to go in there. Aunt Nana said to show them my fake ID [I know, Aunt Nana is funny!], but it was too late for that because we already left. When we got back to the car, I had to change my shorts because they were wet and rubbing against my legs. Then we started to head back to the hotel.

Journey's 1st hotel: Hard Rock Orlando

When we got to the Hard Rock Hotel, I was so shocked by how it looked. It was HUGE! The hotel had a fountain with guitars. Then came the hotel room. I stepped in the door and it was beautiful. It had a huge TV, a big bathroom, and food on a tray. I loved the hotel from first sight. Outside there was this HUGE pool with a big slide. The dinner was delicious [Kitchen Restaurant, on-site a the Hard Rock Hotel]. I had homemade macaroni and cheese. I also had hot tea and water. After dinner I went to bed. The bed was so comfortable, and I slept like a baby.

Journey's visit to Disney's Magic Kingdom

The next morning I woke up and I got dressed. Then I made my bed and went downstairs to the lobby. When the car arrived to go to Disney World [courtesy of Aunt Nana’s friend Rick!] I was so excited. When we got to Magic Kingdom, I was so amazed with what I saw. Cinderella’s castle was so big. I finally got to see the castle in person.

Aunt Nana and I had gone on a few rides like Aladdin’s Magic Carpet and a little roller coaster called Thunder Mountain twice. I also went on a few other rides that I don’t remember. Then we took the monorail to Disney’s Polynesian Resort [Aunt Nana wanted to see a Disney resort] because we got so tired of walking.

From there we took a taxi back to Hard Rock Hotel [about 30 minutes], where I took a short nap.After I woke up I had to get in the shower. Then I got ready for dinner again at the restaurant at The Kitchen with thirteen or fourteen other people. [We met up with the Universal Studio folks and other arriving media.] It was so tiring to walk. Dinner was delicious, but I was very, very tired. After dinner I went straight to bed.

From Aunt Nana, aka Diana, TravelingInHeels.com:  Journey learned really quickly that it's exhausting being a writer, but she's ready to do it again.  She'll also agree that wearing comfortable shoes is important!
Journey's journey continues tomorrow with her visit to Universal Orlando, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Read more about our Orlando, FL adventure:

• Magical Kingdom of Disney
• Firsts in Orlando
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

Until next time! Diana (aka Aunt Nana)
All Photos Copyright Diana Rowe 2010

Magical Kingdom of Disney

As far back as I can remember, my niece always wanted to go to "Disney." She didn't want the exotic, passport-requiring destinations like when her sister visited Panama's Gamboa Resort.

When we drove into the Disney kingdoms, it was all worth it to see my niece Journey's big smile, a smile that never ended that day. We stepped into the Magic Kingdom, with the fairy tale castle in the distance, and our adventure began. This was Journey's first theme park, and it couldn't have been more magical.

We arrived in time for the Main Street parade -- what a way to kick off the day. When we walked toward the castle, we noted a crowd gathering and voila!

Our timing was on for a stage show with all the princesses in front of the castle. She stood spellbound watching the show, Snow White & her prince, Cinderella & her prince, Mickey & Minnie...twirling and dancing.

Journey was even pulled out of the crowd in the Frontierland to be a part of the show. She rode her first roller coaster, Thunder Mountain, TWICE!  Our visit was a Sunday, so there were some lines, but our wait times weren't more than 10 minutes.

By the time we left the park, we were exhausted but the stop at Disney was a must! And just seeing Journey's smile, which kept getting bigger and bigger, was worth it all.
Until next time, Diana

Firsts in Orlando

From my last post, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio, you might recall that my niece Journey is traveling with me. This Orlando trip is a series of firsts for my 10-year-old niece. 

Share her "journey" in the following pictures:

Our local friends picked us up at the airport and we stopped off at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp. It's about 30 minutes from the Orlando airport, a slice of cheesy tourist, but great fun. From catfish to gator, it's a greasy spoon with a swamp twist. The fun part, of course, is riding the airboat, for a tour of the swamp. We knew it would be good because as we waited several gators lurked in the waters below us. Journey's upclose look at gator is pictured left, and this alligator was none to happy with us interrupting his sleep. He even hissed at us before submerging in the waters.

After our gator sightings, how could we refuse Journey's need to see the ocean for the first time? Our fine escorts (thanks Bob & Rick) drove us another 30 minutes to Cocoa Beach for her first wade into the ocean. It was a busy Saturday night with a beach filled with college kids partying, a la tent-gating, but that didn't halt my niece's first ocean experience.

Sunday, we visited Disney's Magic Kingdom, another first for Journey, but more on that flip-flop adventure later.

Until next time,
Diana

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Photo: Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

I've waved my wand, cast my spell, and a hocus pocus minute later (well, actually tomorrow) I will be flying (sans broomstick) to Orlando to experience the spell-binding, Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. The only way to really enjoy everything Universal is to bring along another set of eyes, so I've convinced my 10 year-old niece Journey to come along. Of course, she didn't need much convincing!

On the agenda is a stay on-site at  Universal Orlando^® Resort. We'll be camping out for a few nights at Hard Rock Hotel®, one of three hotels within walking distance of both theme parks and CityWalk^®. The other two hotels are Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

As an on-site hotel guest, we get the advantage of skipping the regular lines at participating rides and attractions with FREE Universal Express access in both Universal Orlando theme parks. All it takes is flashing our hotel room key card at each express entrance.

During our visit, we'll also enjoy a guided tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and experience the theme park attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Also on the agenda is a tasting of Butterbeer and pumpkin juice -- bet you're jealous now!

This is trip of many firsts for my niece Journey:

• First airplane ride
• First beach, palm tree & ocean sightings
• First Orlando visit
• First visit to Universal Studio

And I'm also hoping to include her first visit to Disney's Magic Kingdom.

Check back often here at TravelingInHeels.com and TravelingMom.com as I'm planning to update my blog each night, and Journey will be offering her kid's view too!

Until next time, Diana

Traveling solo, aka Eat Pray Love

 I grew up a solo traveler. As the oldest of 6, my itchy feet had as much to do with traveling as getting away from the noise of a big family. It was nothing for me to hit the road in my Ford Pinto and drive across Iowa, then ultimately to my home in Denver. Solo road trips continued into my adult years, although the Pinto is long gone, replaced by an SUV or a plane ticket as now I've segued into the international travels, including a recent amazing trip to Thailand.

"Buddha World" on the Island of Koh Samui in Thailand, Photo Diana Rowe

The book and film, "Eat, Pray, Love" has increased the acceptability of solo travel for women. But in all my solo travels, I really never felt alone. Part of the adventure of traveling is meeting other people, whether it's the locals or other travelers. Traveling on my own has opened up those possibilities even more. After all, when I'm traveling with my friends or family, my focus is on them, not always what's out there.

My visit to Thailand earlier this year included a stop on the island of Koh Samui. I actually was with a small group (2 other writers), but when they took off to do a several mile hike in the 100 plus degree heat, I passed. Instead I headed out on my own to the beach, rolled my towel out and proceeded to catch some island rays. While reclining, a group of young women (I believe from China) took an interest in me, probably because I was an American. They asked to take my picture, and each took turns posing with me for a picture. I then turned my camera on them. They didn't speak English; I didn't speak Chinese, but it was a fun moment with sign language and laughter. If I had been with a group or my family, I may have missed this opportunity.

Three women I met when sunning on the beach on an island near Koh Samui. Photo: Diana Rowe

Actually, solo travel is the inspiration of this blog, TravelingInHeels.com, because whether we're wearing our heels or flip-flops, when women travel, it opens up the world just a little wider.
Read more about Solo travel is increasingly popular among women


What's your favorite memory of solo travel? Comment below -- and comments are always welcome!

Fee-Free weekend, National Parks, August 14-15

 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park  Photo credit:  Diana Rowe 

Whether it’s the Rocky Mountain National Park, just a scoot away, or a major road trip to South Dakota
Badlands National Park, your motorcycle ride always gets better when you ride through a National Parks.  America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this year with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees*. 

Mark your calendar for fee-free days this year: August 14-15, September 25, and November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day).

Colorado National Parks on the list are:  Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (See picture above), Colorado National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Great Sand Dunes NP & Preserve National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

For a complete list of the fee-free national parks, go to: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm

Family friendly Golden Buffalo Bill's Days

PhotoCredit: Diana Rowe Kaydence's 1st Mutton Bustin' attempt 

Baby blue cotton candy, corn dogs swirled in mustard, fresh popped popcorn, twirling merry-go-rounds, chatter of carnies, cheers of crowds during demolition derby. Smell of 4H livestock – which I call the “smell of money.” With summer comes an abundance of county fairs and community gatherings. My first of many happy memories are of the Harrison County Fair in Missouri Valley, Iowa Summer is the best time to enjoy these festivals all across the country, including my own backyard at family friendly Golden Buffalo Bill's Days.

Yes, folks, hold on to your hats because the Harrison County Fair was THE biggest event in this small county. I saved my 25 cent allowance all summer too spend at this big all-day family and community event. From riding the merry-go-round to the sheer enjoyment of blue cotton candy and ring toss at the game section, it was a carnival but more than that with 4-H kids presenting their livestock and tractor pulls. 

The end of July in the nearby community of Golden, Colorado is another such gathering, Buffalo Bills Day. We made it a family event as my granddaughter participated in a time-honored tradition of Mutton Bustin’ – a rodeo event for kids ages 5-7, limited to 30-some participants. Instead of riding a bull for 8 seconds, kids wrap their arms around a sheep and hold on for dear life.  It’s a giggly fun event, and my granddaughter was very disappointed that she didn’t win the big prize. But she was quite proud of her trophy -- and we were proud of her too!

After the mutton bustin’, we walked along Clear Creek toward the rest of the festivities: car show, vendors, carnival rides, corn dogs and beer. What a fun afternoon! We finished off the day by kicking back and listening to the band – and dancing!  I look forward to returning with the family next year.

Pilots reject Mexicana Airlines proposal

According to travel journalist Jimm Budd 's e-newsletter, pilots have rejected a Mexicana Airlines proposal to either accept massive salary reductions or buy the debt-ridden company. Mexicana argues that its pilots earn far more than their colleagues at leading airlines in the United States and three or four times as much as do pilots at some other airlines in Mexico. Pilots respond that poor management has led to this crisis. They demand federal intervention. Mexicana was purchased a few years ago by a group headed by the Posadas de México hotel chain. It had been in receivership.

Mexicana owns only nine of the 62 jets in its fleet. There is speculation that owners will allow the company to crash and shift its routes to affiliates Mexicana Click and Mexicana Link. Or it may merge with Aeroméxico.

Used with permission from Jimm Budd.

Bikers ride together for Hope House of Colorado, raise nearly $5,000

Not even a hot July day, with temperatures pushing past 100 degrees, kept nearly 70 bikers away from a 125 mile + scoot to benefit the teen moms and kids of Hope House of Colorado.

As hot as the ride was -- I can't imagine a better way to spend the day, scooting through the Colorado countryside. After check in at In The Zone Sports Bar, we rode from Golden down Highway 93 through Boulder and into Lyons on Highway 36, to our first stop the welcoming Outlaw Saloon.

This is the 5th year we've put Outlaw on our charity run, and they always dig into their T-shirt stock and donate 3 or 4 t-shirts toward the raffle.. The staff and management are always happy to see us, just like old friends. Beer is cold; and food is awesome. Oh -- and Outlaw Saloon's patio rocks!

Next we putted through the country making our way up to the coolness of Carter Lake. We stopped at Windjammer Bar, but unfortunately even after several phone calls in advance, including the day before and a couple hours before arriving, the bar wasn't staffed to handle our group. Cold beer and burgers were as difficult to get as a donation to the charity (even though the owner/manager had committed to a donation!). The staff was unfriendly, apparently not willing to work for a living. Or maybe this bar is just not as motorcycle friendly as they say. Many bikers grew tired of waiting for a drink and their food and just left. We learned our lesson -- as much as we love this ride around Carter Lake, this group of bikers will no longer spend their money where they aren't welcome.

Next stop was a long, hot scoot east to Dacono and the very biker friendly Jerry D's. Believe me, once we arrived, everyone needed a tall drink of water -- oh and that ice cold beer and friendly wait staff was sure a welcome sight. Great burgers and Mexican food -- and did you know owner Jerry grows his own tomatoes? Fresh is best!

Another 40 minute scoot and we ride into my friend Dave Falk and Jimmy's Firehouse Tavern Bar in Thornton. Check this place out because these two guys get bikers!  Thanks my friends for the donations and the biker love.

As a group, we rode to the Zone, west on 104th, to 100th, then around Stanley Lake south on Indiana, 64th to McIntyre and south toward 44th. It was a beautiful sight seeing all the bikers, young and old, male and female, riding for such a great cause.

Of course, once we arrived at the Zone, imagine our relief to get out of the heat!  A few hours later, best/worse poker hand, 50/50, raffle tickets and live auctions, and so far, we bikers raised nearly $3,000 in one day for Hope House of Colorado.  We're still waiting on some donations and matching funds, but the final number is tallying up to be around $5,000!!

Thanks to everyone that participated!  Please save the date for the third annual Hope House Toy Run on Saturday, November 20!  And then again the 7th annual Hope House Run in July!

Read more about this 6th Annual Event In The Zone Hope House Poker Run

Boise possibilities

I admit it -- I might have groaned every so slightly when Boise, Idaho was announced as the site for the 2010 summer convention for SATW Western Chapter. After spending just over 5 days exploring this small city, I couldn't have been more surprised at this amazing city nestled between the Snake River and the Rocky Mountains.

Boise's climate is similar to my home in Denver -- four seasons, mild, slightly dry (where Boise meets the desert, Denver meets the plains), so even when it was a scorching 90+ degrees in early July, it wasn't as hot as say Phoenix. 

To follow is a list of my favorite things to do in Boise:

Alive after Five. Every Wednesday, 5 - 8 pm, June through September downtown Boise comes alive "on the Grove" with music, entertainment and food. Kids of all ages come out to enjoy some mid-week fun time. The best part is watching the kids dart in and out of the fountain, splashing and giggling!
(Pictured above right, Photo © Diana Rowe)

Bike the Greenbelt.  Step outside your urban hotel (such as the historic: Owyhee Plaza Hotel) and you'll discover a 25-mile long riverside biking path. Rent a bike a mere two blocks away at Idaho Mountain Touring, then you're off and pedaling. The trail leads into the scenic foothills. Or stick close to the city and enjoy stops such as the Zoo Boise or a look at the smurf turf at the Boise State University. Either way it's a great way to enjoy the city and just get out. (TIP: Bring water, sunscreen, hat and a map of the greenbelt.)

Table Rock. You'll need a car (or be an ambitious bicyclist), but it's only a short ride outside the city, and the view from the top is simply amazing!!! (Pictured left, Photo © Diana Rowe) Take a hike, ride your bicycle, or just soak in the gorgeous views of Boise.

Idaho Wine Country. Did you know that Idaho opened its first winery in 1872? Yep, although prohibition inhibited its progress, today Idaho boasts 41 winieries, just 8 in the past year. About an hour's drive from Boise, you'll be rewarded with tastes from top wineries in the state and the award-winning wineries each have their share of medals and awards. Bonus: the countryside is breathtaking and refreshing!

*Visit with Ron and Mary Bitner of the boutique winery: Bitner Vineyards, 2009 Idaho Winery of the Year (Wine Press). I'm a huge fan of their Chardonnay! Say hello to resident dog Jimmy.

*Ste. Chapelle Winery perches atop "Winery Hill," overlooking the winding valley of the famous Snake River. The tasting room is an architectural nod to its French namesake, La Sainte Chapelle. Idaho's largest winery, established in 1975, with affordable wine available, starting at $8.95.

*Williamson Orchards and Vineyards is a long-time family run orchard that planted their first In 1999 we planted our first grape vineyards in 1999. Definitely worth a stop.

*Another boutique vineyard is the Indian Creek Winery, a little off the beaten path, but definitely worth the visit. Young, vibrant owners, with fun labels. My favorite: the white pinot noir!

And that's just the tip of the possibilities in Boise!

Read more about Boise at TravelingMom.com
Photos, all rights reserved © Diana Rowe

Ride for Hope House of Colorado Saturday July 17, 2010

When bikers care, bikers ride. And bikers always have a special place in their heart for kids, especially kids in need. That's why I'm coordinating the 6th annual In The Zone Hope House Poker Run -- benefiting Hope House of Colorado. Hope House is a non-profit resident and outreach program for Christian teen moms, teaching them the skills for self-sufficiency.
(pictured right teen mom and her son admiring Biker Stretch's bike November 2009 during Hope House Holiday run.) 

All bikes are welcome -- and if you don't own a bike, please join us in your "cage" -- any type of vehicle! It's all about riding for a better life for these teen moms and their kids -- and the 125+ mile scoot is a great way to do so.

Here are the details:
Saturday, July 16, 2010
6th Annual In The Zone Sorts Bar Bike Poker Run to Benefit Hope House of Colorado
$25 PER PERSON/$40 PER COUPLE 100% DONATED
CHECK IN 9:00 AM @ In The Zone Sports Bar & Grill, 15600 W. 44th Avenue, Golden, CO 80401 (303) 279-3888

Join us for our annual 125+Mile Scoot:

STOPS* Outlaw Saloon, Lyons; Windjammer Bar & Grill, Carter Lake; Jerry D’s, Dacono; Firehouse Tavern; Thornton (*STOPS subject to change*)
BEST & WORSE POKER HAND wins!!
Great Raffle Prizes and 50/50 Cash Raffle

RETURN to In The Zone approximately 4:00-5:00 pm
Stay for LIVE MUSIC ON THE PATIO @ 7:00 pm, featuring BRETHREN FAST

***Plenty of Motorcycle Parking***

For more information, contact Diana Rowe at In The Zone Sports Bar, 303-279-3888 or email diana@dianarowe.com

King Tut exhibit opens today in Denver

The debut of one of the biggest exhibits in Denver history is TODAY -- King Tut has arrived! That's right walk like an Egyptian and get thee to the King Tut Exhibit at Denver Art Musueum, starting today June 29 through January 9, 2011. (Childen 5 and under are FREE!)

Colorful, interesting with tiny glimpses inside the world of Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, featuring striking objects from
some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, from the 4th Dynasty into the Late Period (about 2,600 B.C. to 660 B.C.). The artifacts are from a variety of temples and royal and private tombs, and many of these items have never before visited the United States prior to this exhibition tour.

On Friday, I was fortunate enough to be given a preview* of this ancient Egyptian exhibit that highlights young King Tut and the artifacts in his tomb, from his tiny chair/throne to his golden sandals. (*Courtesy of Denver Art Museum, VISIT DENVER and Hyatt folks!)

The exhibit begins, in a dark tomb-like gallery with a film overview of the great Pharaohs, narrated by Harrison Ford. Your movements flow through galleries, almost eerie in its low lighting with the Egyptian music playing in the background to set the tone, while listening to the audio guide of the artifacts. (NOTE: Make sure you spend the extra $5 to add the audio and 3D film -- it's worth its price in gold!)

Whatever the reason, the curator and/or design team of this exhibit makes the visitor feel like she is right there, discovering the ancient tombs.  You will walk through spaces exploring some of the most important pharaohs in Egyptian history, before ending with the discovery of the tomb of King Tut, and you'll share the the excitement British explorer Howard Cater must have felt in 1922 when his water boy discovered the entrance to King Tut's tomb.

Book your ticket now. Better yet, skip the lines and be a King Tut VIP! Stay downtown and purchase one of several Tut packages at participating hotels, such as the Grand Hyatt Denver or Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center! Read more about the King Tut exhibit here.

I'd love to hear about your King Tut experience. Share your comments below.

Until next time, Diana 
Photos © 2010 Diana Rowe All rights reserved

Walk like an Egyptian when King Tut exhibit comes to Denver

It might not be the exotic destination of Egypt, but for the next 6-ish months, Denver will offer visitors the opportunity to walk like an Egyptian, or at least see how they lived. I'm excited to get the opportunity of a sneak media preview tomorrow of Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs.

The widely acclaimed and record-breaking King Tut exhibition is featured at the Denver Art Museum. Dates for the King Tut exhibit have already been extended from June 29, 2010 through January 9, 2011. Revel in the splendor of ancient Egypt as you view a dazzling array of more than 130 treasures spanning over 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, including 50 artifacts from the tomb of King Tut. This will be the only Rocky Mountain appearance before the boy king's treasures return to Cairo.

I'll be (hopefully) overnighting at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, one of many downtown Denver hotels offering Egyptian-themed packages. The Hyatt Regency is featuring 45-minute Egyptian Aroma Therapy Body Wrap treatments -- I guess so you can feel wrapped like an Egyptian?  I'll try it out and let you know how it feels!


Photo (above) Tutankhamun canopic coffinette. 15.4 in Photo Courtesy © Sandro Vannini


Click here to read more about Denver events themed around the King Tut exhibit

Bahamas mama adventure begins -- again!

*UPDATE: August 18, 2010  Bahamas mama adventure returns. I fly out on Friday with my girlfriend aka BFF and her husband. Updates a-coming.

*UPDATE June 21, 2010 : Unfortunately, I had to cancel this trip at the last minute due to a family emergency, but I'll reschedule later in the summer !
This mama is packing up to fly to the Bahamas tomorrow morning. It's my first visit to this part of the Caribbean. Although I'm not sure what adventures to expect, I am looking forward to the beaches and tropical weather -- flip-flops at the ready. My visit is courtesy of the Riu Palace Paradise Island which re-opened in November after extensive renovations. (See resort picture below, courtesy of Riu).

My all-inclusive Paradise Island hotel includes all the must-haves: idyllic beaches and a lively nightlife. Plus it includes a few extras as its the largest leisure centre in the Caribbean, with a casino, aqua park and aquarium. I'm told that a bridge separates it from the town of Nassau which, as well as picturesque colonial buildings, offers the best restaurants and duty free shopping in the Bahamas. (What girl doesn't love shopping?)

I'm already a fan of Riu Resorts, as I've stayed at two other properties: Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Hotel Riu Guanacaste, Costa Rica.


Riu offers free wireless Internet, so I hope to blog and post pictures along the way! Check back often.

Review Sandbaggers golf shoes for women

I love shoes. I hesitate to tell you how much, as evidenced by my dozens and dozens of pairs scattered throughout my walk-in closet. That's why I didn't hesitate when asked to review a new pair of Sandbaggers Golf Shoes and burned cyberspace to respond with a resounding yes!

As I waited for my complimentary shoes to arrive, I tallied the number of years I had worn my current pair of golf shoes (Nike), I am embarrassed to say more than 10 years. It was long past time to retire these trusty old pair of golf shoes. To be honest, until the last few years, lady golfers really haven't had a lot of colorful -- or comfortable -- choices; thus why I'd kept my old pair for so long.
As the Sandbaggers website says: "As more and more women pick up the game of golf, they are always looking for new ways to stay fashionable while on the greens. Sandbaggers shoes, are a great product, made specifically with the female golfer in mind. Golf shirts can be fashionable, so can skirts and shorts—but those shoes have traditionally been an issue. Not anymore thanks to the great people behind Sandbaggers. The shoes not only provide style and fashion for the links, they are also very comfortable and are made to fit every kind of foot. That means there’s no longer an excuse to miss that next game!"

I agree. I packed my new Sasha Sorbet style (love the pink!) golf shoes for a recent golf trip to the Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, and I also packed my old pair, just in case. Usually it takes a few wears to get any pair of shoes, especially golf, to be comfortable, so I wanted a back up.

Once I put my new golf shoes on for the first round at the Island Course at Innisbrook, my feet said "ah" -- and I never had to pull out the old ones. No blister on the heel, not too tight in the toes, they were perfect!

The next day I played another 18 holes at Innisbrook's championship Copperhead Course -- and again, the shoes were comfortable from the beginning to end.

Not only are these Sandbagger shoes beautiful and stylish, but they're also comfortable and made for walking the golf courses. You don't have to sacrifice foot comfort when TravelingInHeels! Take another look at their website, and order yourself a pair.

Read more about my travels, golf and other adventures, as Traveling Grandmom

Motorcycle chicks in Telluride

Telluride was in for a treat, when two of my best (and hottest!) biker mamas agreed to join me and my man for a road trip from Denver to southwest Colorado. (Picture taken on Monarch Pass, between Salida and Gunnison, L to R: Gail, Diana (me) and Vicki).

For our 4-day road trip, the June weather couldn't have been more perfect, high 90s in Denver 70s in the San Juan Mountains. Telluride sits at 8,750 feet above sea level, and the entire town is designated a National Historic Landmark. Even though we're from the Mile High City (Denver), the uphill walks reminded us that the air is thinner here.

We were lucky to stay in Lumiere, (pictured right) a boutique luxury hotel, located above Telluride in its sister town, Mountain Village.

We all agreed -- summer in Telluride is one of our favorite rides.
Read more about my Telluride adventures from fly fishing to motorcycling on this blog, as Traveling Grandmom at TravelingMom.com blogger, and as Denver Travel Examiner.

P.S. Vicki even bought a new pair of biker boots!
Until next time, Diana