I'm the new TravelingGrandMom

I'm so excited to announce that I will be joining the TravelMom Blogger Network as the new (and only!) TravelingGrandMom. I'm excited to share my personal travels as a young baby boomer and GrandMom to my pride and joy, my two grandhildren, Kaydence (age 5) and Ryland (age 3).

What? You didn't know I was a 40-something-year-old Grandmom. Ah yes, indeed! Here is a snapshot of those little darlings:






Traveling with grandchildren is hard work, even if it is hauling 'em downtown Denver to enjoy what our own backyard offers: museums, zoo, amusement park, and other fabulous entertainment.

So stay tuned..and I'll keep you updated on traveling with grandchildren through my TravelingGrandMom blog at TravelingMom.com andI will also offer up travel tips with grandchildren!

Until then,
Diana Rowe

Golf bucket list: St. Andrews, Scotland

Ask any golfer what course is on her bucket list and the answer will be: the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland -- or for that matter, ANY course in St. Andrews. When I was asked to cross the pond again and visit Scotland in September, there was no hesitation -- especially when the invitation included playing golf.

My golf home away from home was the Old Course Hotel & Spa this past fall, although I was unable to play the course because the Dunhill pro-am tournament was in progress.

But I can still say I played in St. Andrews as I swung my clubs on one of the my now favorite courses, The Castle.

If you want to know more about golfing in St. Andrews, check out my Golflinks.com article: Hotels in St. Andrews.

Excerpt: "Scotland with its more than 500 golf courses each year welcomes thousands of golfers who make the pilgrimage to the country known as the Home of Golf. For many, staying in St. Andrews provides access to the ultimate golf experience and the best of the best golf courses, including the hotel with the most famous address: Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa. Many golfers prefer to purchase a package through Old Course Experience that includes guaranteed tee times and accommodations..."

And shoes? Golfer chicks now have dozens of gorgeous golf shoe styles to pick from. Click here for the shoe possibilities.

Until the next time,
Diana Rowe

Business travel round up: Orlando, Florida

When Mickey Mouse isn't on the agenda and I'm wearing my professional shoes (pumps or heels), I always recommend asking a local where to stay for business travel in Orlando, Florida

I hunkered down with Norman's, a popular restaurant for power business dinners featuring the memorable cuisine of celebrity Chef Norman Van Aken, Florida’s most ‘James Beard’ awarded chef, to get their suggestions on where to stay and what to do when traveling on business in Orlando.

Here's the excerpt from my International Business Travel Examiner column:

"Known to vacationers as “the happiest place on earth,” Orlando, Florida is also one of the top conference and convention destinations in the United States with more than 6.0 million attendees flowing in and out of Orlando’s hotels. There’s much more to this city than theme parks and Mickey Mouse. Sure, Orlando was built on imagination, innovation, and creativity and the destination thrives on excitement and energy. Perhaps that's why it only makes sense that its meetings, business conferences, and conventions also draw from this dynamic, engaging environment....
(Pictured: Photo: JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes)


Read the rest of the story here: http://bit.ly/86IkhR

Happy travels...and for my U.S. friends, Happy Thanksgiving!
Diana Rowe

Online travel auction...bid on travel related packages and deals from around the world

If the mention of the word “travel” has you daydreaming of days gone by, then explore the Online Travel Auction, open to the public, at http://www.satwauction.com/hosted by the Society of American Travel Writers. Now through Friday, November 20, you can make your vacation dreams come true by bidding on travel-related deals on goods, hotels, resort and vacation packages in the U.S., Canada and abroad. Download this interactive, colorful brochure of dozens of travel packages and deals from the SATW online auction.

Thinking of beaches? How about Mexico, Aruba, or Belize? Want to explore Europe? How about Germany or Belgium – or you can board the Eurail and explore 21 countries on your own!Prefer a vacation closer to home? We’ve got you covered! Choose from sea to shining sea in the U.S. of A., from Connecticut to California, Michigan to Texas and states in between. Looking for an adventure? We’ve got golf, skiing, hiking and biking. Gotta have spa? We have that too! Explore the world with a click of your mouse and bid on the vacation of your dreams.

The Society of American Travel Writers, the world’s largest professional association of travel journalists and photographers, and their annual online fundraising auction is open now through November 20, 2009 at http://www.satwauction.com/ (Proceeds fund SATW’s professional development programming at future conventions.)

At the site, there are all sorts of vacation options from five star hotels and beautiful resorts to superb golf and ski getaways and even some gift baskets. Starting prices are often amazingly reasonable…and anyone can have a chance to bid. Values of the donated items range from $50 to $3,962.

How does the auction work?

Similar to other online auctions, browsers and bidders will log on to http://www.satwauction.com/with a specially created ID and password and bid as often as they please. The auction will be updated in real time. Bidding closes at 10:00 pm MDT on Nov. 20.

Some of the items up for bid include:

· Your Germany getaway includes 2 roundtrip tickets on Air Berlin (www.airberlin.com) and a total of four nights for two persons at two Steigenberger Hotels (www.steigenbergerhotelgroup.com): 2 nights at the upscale Steigenberger Hotel in the heart of Western Berlin and 2 nights at the elegant Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe at the historic square in Dresden. Value $3,962, start your bid at $500

· Golf and wine merge together quite nicely; thank you, at the Silverado Resort 2-night Napa Valley package. The package includes two nights in a one bedroom suite; round of golf for two on a Robert Trent Jones Jr. Course, and wine tastings at four wineries. Value $1,500, start your bid at $300.

· We’ve more hotel stays and packages than you can click a mouse on: Hotel deLuxe (Portland; Ore.); Hotel Lucia (Portland; Ore.); Hotel Max (Seattle; Wash.); Hotel Murano (Tacoma; Wash.); Hotel Preston (Nashville; Tenn.); Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston & New Orleans; Westin Westminster (Colorado); The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs; CO); Silvertree Hotel and Conference Center (Snowmass Village, CO); Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Washington State; Chateau Chantal; Traverse City; MI; Fairmont Chateau Whistler; Fairmont Chateau Laurier; Fairmont Chateau Whistler; Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; Le Petit Hotel & Café; Montreal; Alexis Hotel; Seattle; WA; Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch in Death Valley; and West Baden Springs Hotel; French Lick (includes golf & spa treatments!). Values start at $109, minimum bids beginning at $25.

What are you waiting for? Your dream vacation awaits you…Log on to http://www.satwauction.com/ today.

For more information about the SATW Auction, contact Diana Rowe, 2009 SATW Auction online chair, diana@dianarowe.com.

For more informaton about Society of American Travel Writers, contact: Tim O’Keefe, President, mtimokeefe@gmail.com and/or Rich Grant, Publicity Chair, rgrant@denver.org

Mexico is flip-flop ready - three Cancun, Mexico hotel reviews

Hello out there! I've accidentally been neglecting this blog, but posting more often at Where in the World is Diana? blog.

Got your flip-flops ready?

Here are three (of 6) recent travel reviews on Cancun, Mexico hotels from my new gig at Travels.com:

Barcelo Tucancun Beach All Inclusive Reviews
By Diana Rowe

Located a block from Cancun's popular "Hotel Zone," Barceló Tucancun Beach is an all-inclusive resort boasting a Caribbean Sea address and the famous white sand beaches. The Barcelo Tucancun Beach offers its guests three seaside, outdoor swimming pools, five bars and four dining Click here to read more.

Hotel Reviews for Fiesta Americana Coral Beach in Cancun
By Diana Rowe

Located in the center of Cancun's bustling entertainment district, the five-diamond, 602-all-suite Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach combines luxury oceanfront accommodations with 984 feet of secluded beachfront indulgence. Superb amenities, delicious cuisine and adventures for all ages blend to make the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun a vacation stop for guests of all ages. Click here to read more.

Reviews of the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico
By Diana Rowe

The 2,457-room Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort is framed by 2,000 feet of white sand beaches and 123 acres of jungle, just minutes from the Cancun airport. Its close proximity to the action combined with its tranquility makes the all-inclusive Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort a frequent vacation choice for travelers of all ages. The Moon Palace offers two large, beachfront lagoon-style pools, four swim-up bars, two kids' pools, one Golf Club pool, six Jacuzzis, 13 international restaurants, nightly entertainment at 11 bars and lounges, fully equipped fitness center, private Kids' Club and plenty of water sports activities. Click here to read more.

Until next time, Diana

Denver Travel Examiner

Denver Travel Examiner: Mexico vacationers safe, smiling and planning to return, despite the U.S. Department's travel alert

Denver Travel Examiner: Mexico vacationers safe, smiling and planning to return, despite the U.S. Department's travel alert

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Quebec City Winter Carnaval & Ice Hotel (Hotel de Glace)

Pack your snow boots and layers of warm clothing, we're on a winter adventure!


I'm not normally a winter person, but my recent visit to Quebec City's Winter Carnaval, the biggest Carnaval (carnival) in the World, is an experience worth repeating. You'll be enjoying the fun with nearly 750,000 Carnival-goers during this 17 day annual festival, beginning the end of January each year.
Pictured right is the icon of the Winter Carnaval, Bonhomme, and to the left me with Bonhomme.
Bonhomme is a loveable, 7-foot mascot, a popular, jovial snowman who represents the essence of the carnival -- the love of the snow and festivities. Children chant, "I love you, Bonhomme" during the night parades that wind through the streets of Charlesbourg and Quebec City.

After a travel day of delays (including delayed luggage), I finally arrived in Quebec City at Jean-Lessage International Airport. I was transfered to my home for the next few days: Hilton Quebec, a 571-room property with sweeping views of the city. This Hilton is located on Quebec's Parliament Hill and connected by indoor walkways to the Québec City Convention Centre and a concourse of shops. For Winter Carnaval goers, you're minutes away from the action.

Below left, the walled Old Quebec City and below right, the city view from Hilton Quebec.

I checked in and freshened up to experience yet another amazing, rotating 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area, atop the Loews Le Concorde Hotel. I dined at the L'Astral, which features culinary local and seasonal tastes, including the traditional Caribou,.

A mix of red port and alcohol. Caribou is an authentic alcoholic beverage of aboriginal origin. Historically, caribou was a welcoming glass for friends of rural neighbors. Today it's a traditional year-round drink, often served at the Winter Carnval.

Quebec City is the world's Snow Capital and this year was no different. It was brisk, snowy and cold, but once you jump in to enjoy the festivities of the Winter Carnaval, you'll quickly forget the cold. It's a walkable historic city filled with revellers enjoying the winter activities. For 17 days in a row, you'll see young, old, families and singles -- all enjoying a multitude of ahtletic, artistic and cultural events.

From snow sculptures to snow bathers; snow-rafters and ice sliders; to the traditional canoe raceacross the mighty St. Lawrence to the Night Parades and nightlife, this wintry white city is enthusastic about their Quebec Winter Carnival. Enjoy this photo gallery of Winter Carnival activities:












I visited the Ice Hotel (Hotel de Glace) twice. Once Friday morning for a few hours, and then I did the unthinkable (for me anyway), Sunday I braved an overnight adventure at the Ice Hotel. For more details, on that chilling adventure, read my article at Examiner.com and/or blog. Less than an hour from Quebec City, the Ice Hotel is a great add-on to your Winter Carnaval adventure.


Mark your calendar for the 56th Annual Quebec City Winter Carnival dates for 2010: January 29 through February 14. Perhaps you'll see me there with my family.

Until next time -- which will be a more tropical destination !

Diana

Mazatlan, Mexico

Flip-flops optional.

Wow, where has the time gone? Apparently gone to the travel bug, as I've been home and gone several times since December. Check out my other blog for updates on December and January travels.

The big news is that I'm writing articles, really travel blogs, for Examiner.com as the Denver Travel Examiner. Make sure you join me at Examiner.com! Click here to visit my archived articles, including the current one.

Here's the latest on Examiner.com, a review of my recent visit to Mazatlan entitled: "Denver getaway: Flavors of Mazatlan

"Spring break on your mind? How about a budget Denver getaway to Mexico? Does golden-sand beaches stretching for 16 miles along the Mexican Pacific coast, culinary delights, rich culture, ecological tours, world-class sporting events, vibrancy of color and people, and strong U.S. dollar exchange, give you the itch to travel to Mazatlan, Mexico?

Click here to read the rest of the Mazatlan, Mexico article.

That's it for now.

Diana

Jet Airways - Ticket to Comfort

Recommended Shoes: Cozy Slippers

When traveling overseas, my biggest complaint is feeling like a sardine squashed into an airplane seat, usually next to a snoring or loud seatmate.

My recent round trip to Brussels was onboard Jet Airways reclining comfortably in its Premier Class. Take a look at me enjoying my Premier class pod -- don't I look comfy? Pajamas are provided -- all I need bring is my slippers.

The 7 1/2 hour flight was amazingly peaceful and began with a smiling staff, genuine "good evenings" and "how are you" before finding my seat. My personal "attendant" immediately handed me a warm scented washcloth -- a perfect relaxant to my already stressful journey.

Follow-up was a seat-side served meal including a couple of glasses of much-needed wine. Sea Bass was my dinner selection on the flight to Brussels from JFK, but my return flight to the U.S. only provided India food options (with curry, etc). Unfortunately, my stomach can't handle anything remotely spicy, so I settled for fruit, soup and salad.

My experience in the air into JFK (arriving in from another non-connecting airline from Denver to JFK) thus far had been less than stellar, with my one pretty-in-pink suitcase deciding to go AWOL in the never-ending abyss of lost luggage. An hour later, after scrambling and searching, keeping my fingers crossed, I finally succumbed to filing a lost baggage claim before heading to Jet Airways terminal.

About Jet Airways, Wikipedia reads, "Jet Airways is an airline based in Mumbai, India. It is the country's second-largest international airline after Air India and the largest domestic airline. It operates over 400 daily flights to 64 destinations." In July 2008, Jet Airways was honored as second-best long-haul airlines, after Singapore Air.

Even my counter check-in at Jet Airways was peaceful, even though I arrived with less than one hour to departure. The counter employee immediately eased my tension, told me all was okay, checked me in, and then she gave me a pass to the airport lounge (and a free drink coupon).

The plane was huge and roomy, even economy seats looked comfy. I felt like the Queen of the Airlines -- finally after such a stressful travel day. When I was given my own pair of PJs, I almost cried (hysterically!) -- and I admit I was quite happy to have sleeping clothes (even more if I would've known my my luggage wouldn't arrive until nearly 4 days after arriving in Brussels!).

Here's the specs: Jet Airways offers unprecedented levels of luxury, privacy and comfort in the air. Première (business) class pods are considered the most comfortable Business Class seats in the sky that convert to 73"-long totally flat beds and feature lumbar support and massage systems. Leg room in Economy is more generous than the norm and seats have been designed using the science of advanced ergonomics. Passengers in both classes have access to the state-of-the-art Panasonic eX2 entertainment system, complete with 200+ movies, games and endless music choices - heard through Bose noise-cancelling headphones.

Check out Jet Airways for more details, or click here to see Premier seating video. here's a summary: With over 357 flights daily to 42 destinations in India, we connect a place every 5 minutes. Jet Airways has come a long way since its first flight in 1993. It's one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, and now it's all set to change the way you fly - for the better! Jet Airways operates flights to 20 international destinations, offering you a better choice in the skies. Daily services are from three gateway cities (Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi) to its European hub in Brussels and onwards to New York (Newark and JFK) and Toronto. The airline also offers daily services to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Colombo from Chennai.

Read more about my Belgian adventures at my Where in the World is Diana blog.

Until next time, Diana

Belgium, Brussels: Chocolate & Beer

If you get the opportunity to visit Belgium, RUN -- don't walk! But don't forget to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Those cobblestone streets aren't made for fashionable shoes that pinch the toesy or worse. If you still want to look good, wear those high heels, but make sure you stop at the hundreds of tasty breweries, pubs (aka cafes) along the way. The beer scene is simply amazing!

I'm blogging about Brussels pub crawl at Where in the World is Diana Today? Blog.

Instead of repeating the same blog, I'm going to add the pictures to this blog and link the two. Have fun, checking out my pics!

Cheers to Brussels! Diana

Devil's Thumb Ranch & Belgium: Brussels & Namu

Check out my web site's blog for my recent November visit to the environmentally friendly, year round ranch resort and spa, Devil's Thumb Ranch with an awe-inspiring view of the Continental Divide. We overnighted in their new Lodge.

Sustainability is key at Devil's Thumb Ranch . The owners have done an impressive job of using local resources to build the lodge even incorporating beatle-eaten wood as part of the new lodge construction. The International Conservancy have honored the Ranch with Environmental and responsible developemtn awards and top eco-friendly hotels in the world.

From a mountain lodge getaway, Tuesday I'm heading to Belgium to visit Brussels and then Namur -- a chocolate, castle and beer tour with a touch of romance in Namur. Dreading the long flight, first to JFK (with one connection in Charlotte) on U.S. Airways and then my first flight on Jet Airways direct to Brussels.

I'll be bringing my best pair of walking shoes and an umbrella.
More on that later -- I promise!
Diana

blogging about Houston

Howdy,
Just blogged about Houston trip at Where in the World is Diana Today. Check it out.
Also, I twitter about my travels and just whatever I feel like -- check it out or hey, why not follow me on twitter?
Back in Denver to the "real" world tomorrow.
Diana

Austin -- Driskill Hotel + more

Just hanging out at Driskill Hotel in Austin, on a pre-trip before heading back to Houston for the SATW convention.

Arrived yesterday by 3-hour chartered bus from Houston (wouldn't suggest it!!).

From Driskill's web site: "Built in 1886 as the showplace of cattle baron Jesse Driskill, The Driskill remains a landmark of Texas hospitality. As a member of The Historic Hotels of America and Associated Luxury Hotels International, The Driskill offers an elite level of luxury and service to rank as one the world's finest hotels.
Located in downtown Austin, the legendary, historic hotel is convenient to all the city has to offer, including the Texas State Capitol, Austin Convention Center, opera, symphony, fine dining and shopping. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World,®" Austin is home to almost 200 music venues, many within walking distance of The Driskill. "

First stop was Austin City Limits, the longest running music show on television. Since 1974, Coldplay, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Dolly Parton, Lyrnyrd Skynyrd, Robert Plant and more have performed on this stage.

Explored South Congress Avenue, called the "hip strip" lined funky vintage-cool boutiques, live music at the Continental Club, and drank a margarita at Guero's and stopped by the hugest costume shop I've ever been in.

Dinner was at Ranch 616, local favorite themed after a South Texas ice house, serving upscale Southwestern cuisine. Yes, I did sample "Fire in the Hole" the newly-named "official drink of Austin"...

Today, i'm off to Fredericksburg for Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, lunch at Fredericksburg Brewing Company, and to visit three wineries.

until soon, diana

Magnolia Hotel Denver

Shoes: high-heels

I'd heard Harry's Bar was a local "hangout" for businesspersons on their way home, but it wasn't until yesterday that I was able to enjoy the fascinating people-watching and HUGE appetizers (14 mini-hamburger sliders with mango salsa!) at Harry's Bar, a part of Magnolia Hotel Denver.

This summer the 246-room property completed a $7 Million renovation from top to bottom, including new paint, carpet, furnishings, bedding, décor and fixtures throughout. Bathrooms were redone with oversized Kohler porcelain sinks, marble tile and new fixtures. The Magnolia has a new, enhanced linen package that rivals the world’s finest hotels—guests are already raving about the incredibly comfortable bedding. Consisting of a top-of-the-line Sealy mattress, a mattress topper and mattress pad, 300-thread-count sheets, a triple-sheeted down blanket and an accent throw, plus two white goose down-filled pillows and two poly-filled pillows, the deluxe bedding ensemble ensures a restful night’s sleep. New furnishings include contemporary dark wood tables, dressers and nightstands in classic, clean lines, along with oversized sofas and chairs. Historical elements including the architecturally alluring 11-and-12-foot tall ceilings with crown molding and oversized original windows make the guestrooms and suites open and inviting. The rooms are again funky, and perfect for both pleasure and business guests. Business guests will particularly like the oversized safes, with enough space to secure your laptop!

Probably the best part are the nooks and crannies, reminiscent of the 70's, located throughout the downstairs in the Magnolia Club. Their “Mag Time” concept offers complimentary hot American buffet breakfast, evening happy hour, and a bedtime fresh-baked cookie and milk buffet, amounting to extraordinary value.

Take a look at this video: http://www.netvideotours.com/magnoliadenver/

Harry's Bar is a great spot for hanging out with the locals, and Magnolia Hotel Denver is a funky hotel, Old World meets funky yet classy 70s.

Until next time, Diana

Hola Mexico

Flip-flops, sunscreen & swimsuit...yes, I'm off to Mexico. I leave Wednesday for Puerto Vallarta, my first visit to this formerly sleepy fishing village. I'll be one one of the first to walk through the doors of a new Riu, the Riu Palace Pacifico, located in Riviera Nayarit (Puerto Vallarta).

This Riu will offer 445 guestrooms, four specialty-themed restaurants, five bars and two conference rooms. The family-owned resort chain currently offers two hotels (1,250 rooms) in Puerto Vallarta. Riu Palace Pacifico will be the third RIU hotel in this Pacific coast resort city.

Also in 2008, Riu Hotels & Resorts will break ground in a new area of Mexico: the coastal resort town of Mazatlán. Hotel Riu Emerald Bay, a 5-star, all-inclusive, beachfront hotel will offer 716 suites, three specialty-themed restaurants, five bars and three conference rooms. The hotel will open in May 2009.

“We have invested in Mexico since 1997 and our guests want to explore more of this beautiful country,” stated Mr. Riu. Mexico, the top destination for RIU in terms of arrivals and revenue, is currently home to 13 Riu resorts, offering a total of 6,937 rooms. By the end of 2008, Riu will offer 14 hotels (7,382 rooms) in Mexico. By Spring 2009, RIU will offer 15 hotels with 8,098 rooms all in Mexico.

About Riu Hotels & Resorts
Riu Hotels and Resorts, a family owned business, was founded in 1953 in Mallorca, Spain. Ranked as the 27th largest hotel chain in the world by Hotels Magazine (2007), the company operates more than 100 hotels worldwide with 27 hotels in the Americas region. Worldwide, RIU employs 20,000 people in 17 countries on three continents, offers 35,000 rooms and serves 2.7 million guests annually. For more information about Riu Hotels & Resorts visit http://www.riu.com/ or contact your travel professional.

Adios Amigos, Diana

The Broadmoor & Rocky Mtn Concours d'Elegance

New quote -- Some girls have a black dress, I have a black bike!

This post is on my "home" blog: www.dianarowe.com/blog
Elegance d’ classic. Hot cars. Hot bikes. Vibrant imagery of colors and sparkling chrome. (Isn’t it amazing the colors you can paint cars these days?) Amazing food and wine — and beer during the CU/CSU college game. Hey, what more could a girl want?

Over Labor Day weekend, The Broadmoor’s West golf course is transformed into an amazing showfield of 120 classic, historic, racing & vintage automobiles, plus 60 Concours motorcycle entries. (The Vincent motorbikes received special recognition with a display of the British company’s history.)

Unfortunately, if you weren’t there, you missed a showing of the classics! Car and motorcycle buffs alike lined the golf course, gaping at the amazing showing of motorized excellence. All I can still say is — WOW! The event was the 2nd annual Rocky Mountain Concours d’Elegance, held at The historic Broadmoor.

The event took me back to the days of the county fairs, when everyone dusted off their show cars and made their way to the county seat. You name it, we drooled near it. I checked out more chrome and testosterone in a motorized vehicle than I’d seen in one place — ever! Check out this sampling of show vehicles: ‘27 Ford T, ‘67 Chevrolet Corvette and ‘67 Ford Shelby, ‘68 Pontiac Firebird 400 and a ‘70 Plymouth ‘Cuda. Two-wheeled entries included ’36 Harley-Davidson, ‘37 Indian Scout; and Vincent motorcycles ranging from ‘36 to ‘68.

Special guests included author Clive Cussler and Pikes Peak Racing Legends Al Unser and Bobby Unser. Check out their racing museum in Albuquerque: Unser Racing Museum.

Any event that is hosted at the Broadmoor is a guaranteed success. But don’t feel intimidated by its sheer elegance. Sure, the food will knock your elegant socks off, and the wines, especially chosen by some of the youngest sommeliers in the industry, will get your taste buds to rocking! Yet the Hotel Bar is also a great place to hang out and watch your favorite sports — GO CU BUFFALOS!

Speaking of great eats, this event also featured a new way to enjoy your food: Chop Mix & Mingle (web site coming soon!), an innovative lifestyle cooking school, August 30 - September 1, 2008, held at The BROADMOOR’s Cheyenne Lodge. This Rocky Mountain Style - Farm to Table weekend program focuses on mastering the art of gracious entertaining in your home with simple food from the outdoor grill. The event is being held in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Rocky Mountain Concours d’Elegance.

If you missed this year, make sure you include Labor Day Weekend in Colorado Springs for your plans in 2009. Dates for the 3rd annual Rocky Mountain Concours d’Elegance will be held over Labor day weekend. Check in to The Broadmoor on Friday, September 4 and stay through Labor day, Monday, September 7, 2009!

Bring your walking shoes – you’ll be hoofing it over the greens on the golf course just to get a good look at all the bikes and cars!
Until next time, Diana

Green in Denver

The absolutely beautiful July day here in Denver (albeit a little hot) makes me want to take care of my world just a little better. I recently wrote an article for the Denver Metro CVB about "Mile High Meetings Send a Green Message."

Now, I'm usually not a political activist, but I *am* conscious of what's going on. For instance, I never just toss my trash out the door. I recycle. I try to save the environment as much as I can.

Oh, and of course, I do my part by riding my motorcycle to conserve gas -- and save money out of my pocketbook! :-)

Why don't you just check the article out and here's an excerpt:

Mile High Meetings Send A Green Message
JUNE 2008
BY: Diana Rowe is a Denver-based freelance writer and a contributing editor to several meetings trade publications.

Culinary delights, high thread counts, turndown service, and spa services are great, but what planners really want today are organic food, biodegradable soap, high-impact fluorescent light bulbs, and recycle bins. All across the globe, corporations are making their mark through investments aimed at improving the planet’s social and environmental problems.

That’s why planners are making conscious decisions to select cities and venues that are environmentally-conscious, and Denver, the Mile-High city, is up for the green challenge.

The Colorado Convention Center (CCC) is one of the most practical and "user-friendly" meeting facilities ever built.

“We recognize that a large part of Colorado’s destination appeal is our stunning natural setting. The tourism and convention industry has a strong interest in creating programs that will help us grow our business in a sustainable fashion,” said Richard Scharf, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (DMCVB).

Sustainability is a core value in Denver City Government, according to Mayor John W. Hickenlooper, who joined 49 other mayors nationwide in the summer of 2005 to pledge to improve the environment and their cities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That same year, Hickenlooper launched the Greenprint Denver Initiative.

Greenprint is a long-term, citywide initiative to promote the importance of sustainable development and ecologically-friendly practices throughout the community. The program includes a plan to plant one million trees in the next 20 years, as well as ways to reduce waste and increase use of renewable energy.

Denver is also facilitating the green business designation of the upcoming 2008 Democratic National Convention, expected to bring close to 50,000 visitors to Denver. This is the first green recognition process for a national political convention. The green designation requires businesses to commit to sustainable practices in seven key areas: leadership, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste and pollution reduction, community involvement, working conditions, and education. (Find out more about how the Convention will be the greenest in Democratic Party history here.)

There's more just click here.

Thanks for reading -- and talk to you soon!

Diana

MotorcycleRiderNews

Recommended shoes: Biker boots!
There's been lots of changes in the past couple of months. One is that I'm the new editor of the Denver motorcycle rag, Motorcycle Rider News (MRN). Check out this month's (May/June) cover -- long story but short story is that we had our cover all ready to go and got a nix on the cover peeps. We scrambled and came up with a picture of me, on a rented Softail, overlooking the Grand Canyon. What a way to see the Grand Canyon, riding along and experiencing the amazing, awe-inspiring view of the Grand Canyon.

I am also blogging on MRN.com, so check out my first blog about scooting around Denver this weekend. What I didn't post on that blog was a picture of my daughter, Bethany, who is the weekend bartender at In The Zone Sports Bar in Golden (another link to its MySpace site). So here's your look at my #2 daughter...

Keep riding, Diana

Scotland Pipers & Kilts

This is from my Where in the World is Diana Blog

Scotland, Pipers & Kilts
May 8th, 2008
SHOES: The urban legend is true -- the pipers go commando under those kilts! Okay that's a bit distracting, isn't it? Bring comfortable shoes to Scotland, as there's lots of walking. If you want to head out at night, the pubs are the place to be, and you can go with comfort or those incredible stilettos -- your call!

The flight is always the worst part of the journey, even more so when you’re flying across the pond to Scotland. But I’m here, and I arrived to an overcast (typical) day in Edinburgh after an overnight flight through Newark then to Edinburgh.
It’s been a whirlwind sort of trip, always heading to the next place with barely enough time to explore. Sunday (April 27) we began our journey with tea, coffee, mimosas and pastries at Rocco Forte’s The Balmoral. We were greeted by staff dressed in kilts — what a way to start the journey into Scotland. Checked in to this striking historic hotel, took a quick walkabout in downtown Edinburgh, near CityCentre. Lunch at The Dome, drinks on board the Royal Yacht Brittannia.
I knew I’d come home when our tour guide for the royal yacht, really more like a cruise ship, was named Viv Rowe, a grizzled little man retired from the Royal Navy, with a welcoming smile and the gift of gab — ah yes, I thought he must be a relative.
Dinner back at The Balmoral. A “piper” serenaded us and played a wee bit of pipes, culminating in the haggis and hummus ceremony. While the vision of sheep’s intestines and other innards is a bit off-putting, I did give it a sample. It tastes rather rich and spicy, and I much preferred the mashed potato part of the haggis “cake.” The traditional Scotch whisky was the perfect compliment, mostly to make you forget about what you were really eating.
I finally stumbled my way back to my room, partly due to not having slept for a day, and then perhaps a wee bit of the blame might be the Scotch whisky and wine…
More soon!
Diana

Arizona Bike Week and The Phoenician

Hey gang!
I've been blogging more on my "home" blog -- Where in the World is Diana Today? I'll get back to this one soon, but check out my recent posts about Arizona Bike Week and The Phoenician in Scottsdale.

SHOES: Biker boots, flip-flops, golf shoes -- you name it!
Until next time, Diana