http://www.countryfabrics.net

http://www.pearcecollections.us

Turn Winter Blahsinto Winter Blaze ofactivities and fun!

When it’s cold outside and theweather is bad with snow up tothe bottom of the windowsills, Iadmit I don’t want to get out.The shortest month of the yearalways seems to be the longestfor me.

Let’s face it. As the dayssteadily get shorter and thenights get colder, even the bestof us can get a little down. Tohelp fight the low energy andlack of motivation, plan a week-end getaway. Fitness instructorsand health educators list exer-cise, eating right, and gettingsunlight as three essentials toovercome S.A.D. (SeasonalAffective Disorder)

Similar to exercise, sunlight expo-sure releases neurotransmitters inthe brain that affect mood. Try tospend a little more time outdoors.Skiing perhaps? See pages 7 and16. If you aren’t a winter outdoorsperson, sit near windows in restau-

rants or visitan indoorwater park,P.14. Trychanging thelight bulbs inyour house to"full spectrum"bulbs. These mimic natural lightand actually have the same affectson your mind as the real thing.

Having something to look for-ward to can keep anyone motivat-ed. If you plan something exciting,your mood improves when you’reanticipating it. Plan somethingthat’s exciting to you–a weekendtrip, a day at the spa, or a shop-ping trip. Instead of always avoid-ing the cold and the snow–look forthe best that it has to offer – in theupcoming pages of this WeekenderExtended issue!

Enjoy these opportunities whilethey last–after all, they’re only herea few months per year and Springwill be upon us before we know it!

Page 4 www.weekenderextended.com Winter, 2011

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Michael Barnett Sr. email: mike@barnettpro.com

Editor in ChiefKathy Barnett kathy@barnettpro.com

Contributing Editors: Rebecca McFarlin; Kandy Derden;

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Norman Reed • Lee Offenburger

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Copyright '2010 by Barnett Produc-tions. All rights reserved.Reproductions of any material fromthis issue expressly forbidden withoutpermission of the publisher.Advertisements in this publication donot necessarily carry the endorsementof the publishing company.

Letter from the Editor

CONTENTSTop Six

7 Ski ResortsPlaces to Go:

2 Country Fabrics, OH10 Switzerland/Vevay,IN11 Muncie, IN12 Miami Cty, OH14 Castaway Bay15 Refresh! in GA17 See the Eagle Fly21 Cape Elizabeth, ME

People to See23 Carrie Underwood23 Jason Aldean

Things to Do3 Art Sale, TX5 Follow President’s Footsteps, PA8 Lesson in History, VA9 Dance Like the Stars, IN

13 Celibrate Bible’s Anniversary16 Skiing in W. VA17 Find Ghosts - OH22 Getaway with your Valentine

Extended

Kathy Barnett - The Editor

Winter, 2011 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 5

BRADFORD, Pa. - TheAllegheny National Forest Regionmay be hundreds of miles awayfrom Washington, D.C., but stillhas had plenty of presidential con-nections throughout the years.

The Allegheny National Forest(ANF) was created in 1923 afterPresident Calvin Coolidge signeda proclamation for federal pur-chase of available private lands fornational forest purposes. Locatedin northern Pennsylvania, just 90miles south of Buffalo, N.Y., theANF now consists of more than513,000 acres.

Decades before Coolidge,President Theodore, a forward-thinking conservationalist, devel-oped a master plan for managingthe nation's natural resources.

This plan included the ideals ofdeveloping ways to keep the Earthand its resources safe for genera-tions to come. To help meet thisgoal, the federal government cre-ated the U.S. Forest Service in1905. In 1911, when William Taftwas president, Congress passedthe Weeks Act, allowing the feder-al government to buy land in east-ern states for the establishment ofnational forests.

The forest, whose motto is "Landof Many Uses," is the only nation-al forest in Pennsylvania. Thisnorthern hardwood forest is cov-ered with black cherry, sugarmaple, white ash and yellowpoplar trees, among other trees.It's the site of many activities fourseasons out of the year. In

February, to celebrate President'sDay, visitors can plan a getaway tothe Forest and take to the trails -whether they are snowmobile,hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails.

Highlights of the forest includethe Allegheny Reservoir, scenicoverlooks, the Longhouse ScenicByway and the North CountryNational Scenic Trail, the longesttrail system in America. Sixteencampgrounds with more than 900sites offer a variety of lodgingoptions for visitors. Find out moreabout the Allegheny NationalForest by logging ontowww.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/; online reservations can bemade at www.recreation.gov or bycalling 877-444-6777. Cont...

Things to Do: Follow Presidential Footsteps in the Allegheny National Forest Region

Page 6 www.WeekenderExtended.com Winter, 2011

The Kinzua Viaduct, located at the Kinzua BridgeState Park in Mount Jewett, has played host to mil-lions of visitors throughout the years, includingPresident Ulysses S. Grant.

Grant, who wasa friend of Gen.Thomas L. Kane -famous for found-ing the BucktailRegiment duringthe AmericanCivil War - visitedthe historic land-mark once billedas the EighthWonder of theWorld.

First construct-ed in 1882, theKinzua Viaductwas once thehighest andlongest railroadviaduct in the world. Excursion trails crossing theKinzua Gorge via the Kinzua Viaduct allowed visi-tors to experience the feeling of flight way before airtravel became the norm.

This year will mark a rebirth of the viaduct, whichwas partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. TheKinzua Sky Walk will open in the fall of 2011 and willallow visitors to once again walk in the footsteps ofPresident Grant.

Long before George H.W. Bush became the 41stpresident of the U.S., he stayed at The Lodge atGlendorn, a Relais & Chateau property, a deluxeresort located in the forests surrounding the City ofBradford.

Glendorn's luxurious accommodations are equallymatched by its gourmet dining opportunities. Today,Glendorn is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast and

features a variety of activities from snowmobiling toskeet shooting to fly fishing at the lakes on the prop-erty. Of course, you can also cozy up to the regal fire-place in The Big House or stay in one of the "cabins"

located within the1,280 acres of theresort. To book yourstay, call 800-843-8568or log onto www.glen-dorn.com.

Opera great MarilynHorne, who was bornin Bradford, has neverbeen president, buthas sung for one.

Horne, a world-renown mezzo sopra-no, sang at PresidentBill Clinton's firstpresidential inaugura-tion. When she was achild, Horne sang inVeterans Square, locat-

ed on Marilyn Horne Way near Main Street inBradford's National Historic District.

When Horne returned to Bradford for a concert,she stayed at the Mountain Laurel Inn, located at 136Jackson Ave. This colonial-revival mansion offers theelegance of 1894 with all of the amenities of today. Asweeping staircase greets visitors the moment theywalk through the front door. Each room is eloquent-ly decorated to make each person feel like a head ofstate.

To book your stay or for more information on theMountain Laurel Inn, go to www.mountainlaurel-bradford.com.

For more information on the Allegheny NationalForest Region, log onto www.visitANF.com. Torequest a Travel Guide and Map, call the AlleghenyNational Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370.

Skiing is a winter pastime enjoyed by thou-sands of people every year. Whether they'recovered with fresh-fallen snow courtesy ofMother Nature or manufactured flakes from

the ski resort, slopes across the country beckon ath-letes, daredevils and all types of cold-weather enthu-siasts.

In the past, skiing was reserved for the wealthy,who could afford to travel to the premier resorts inEurope. It was not until the 1930s that ski resorts inNorth America started to appear and bring the activ-ity to a broader clientele. Today, there are ski resortsacross the country, but the avid skier may prefersome of the best resorts. Here are some premierresorts in terms of overall comfort and quality of skiruns, courtesy of Forbes.

• Sun Valley, Idaho: This was one of the firstresorts in the United States. It's a traditional lodgeoffering comfortable amenities and quality trails ontwo mountains and is one of the more popular skiresorts in the country.

• Topnotch, Stowe, Vermont: This location offerssome of the best skiing in the eastern United States

and a great location in the picturesque town ofStowe.

• The Peaks at Telluride, Colorado: Skiing the SanJuan mountains is an adventure at this resort, whichboasts trails for skiers of all levels, including experts.For those who prefer more pampering than time onthe slopes, the resort also offers the Golden Door Spa.

• Chateau Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada:Mont-Tremblant is among the most popular and hon-ored resorts in North America. Visitors can take inthe splendor of the Laurentian Mountains and OldWorld Charm of the region's historical heritage.

• Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley, Utah: Utahboasts some of the best powder available in the coun-try. The resort is named for former Olympic skiinggold medallist Stein Eriksen, who came to the U.S. toteach skiing to Americans.

• Sonnenalp, Vail, Colorado: Vail and Aspen arerenowned skiing towns in Colorado, and this resort -- with it's Bavarian touches -- is a top draw. Its serenesurroundings can be a welcoming respite after thehustle and bustle of this popular tourist area.HL10C208

Winter, 2010 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 7

Top Six

North American Ski Resorts

Top Six

Page 08 www.WeekenderExtended.com Winter, 2010

Throughout 2011,Henricus Historical Parkwill celebrate 400 years

of history in the RichmondRegion as the site of NorthAmerica's second successfulEnglish settlement. The 400thCommemoration events atHenricus Historical Park willobserve the Citie of Henricusfrom 1611 to 1622 and its impacton our culture today. Uniqueattractions and comfortableaccommodations make this theperfect weekend getaway.

March 26-27/HenricusColledge: The beginnings of theAmerican educational traditionwill come to life. The firstUniversity chartered in NorthAmerica will be explored throughlectures, discussions and exhibits.Highlights of the two-day eventwill include discussions regardingthe religious and political ques-tions of the day and the IndianOffensive of 1622.

May 7-8/Mount Malady event:Guests will find out howAmerica's first hospital developedand implemented medical proce-dures and practices. Topics to bediscussed at this event include theinflux of a new work force inVirginia, the challenges theseworkers faced in their new envi-ronment and the science behindthe medical treatment of their mal-adies.

July 23-24 /Tobacco-The FirstSuccessful Commercial Exportevent: Guests will hear the story ofJohn Rolfe, the man who intro-duced Spanish tobacco to main-land America, and explore thelives of indentured servants and

the arrival of Africans to the NewWorld who worked the tobaccofields. Guests will also discoverhow agriculture and trade affectedthe economics, politics and every-day lives of 17th-centuryVirginians at this two-day event.

Sept. 17-18/Publick Days andthe Godspeed: 100 living historyinterpreters from around the coun-try will portray English colonistsand native inhabitants of circa1611 Virginia. Interpreters willoccupy the English city, the Indiansite Arrohateck, and the Godspeedfrom Jamestown Settlement at thewaterfront, demonstrating thecommercial, mechanical, agricul-tural, domestic, and military skillsof both cultures as would havebeen observed between the years1611-1622.

Other attractions to visit are: TheChesterfield County Museum andOld Jail is the perfect place for vis-itors to begin their journey

through Chesterfield County'srich history with exhibits andinformation about the region.Chesterfield Historical Society ofVirginia highlights the rich histo-ry in Chesterfield and guests caneven explore a replica of an old-fashioned General Store. As thesite of the first Ironworks inEnglish North America, FallingCreek Ironworks Park serves as ahistorical reminder of ournation's beginnings. The firstcommercially mined coal inAmerica came from Midlothianand now Mid-lothian Mines andRails provides visitors withinformation and exhibits aboutthe history of mining inMidlothian.

Add a visit to the MetroRichmond Zoo or shop atChesterfield Town Center,Sycamore Square and TheShoppes at Bellgrade to round outthis weekend getaway. For thoselooking to explore the outdoors,Pocahontas State Park offers visi-tors camp grounds, swimming,wildlife and hiking through naturetrails.

Accommodations such as theHoliday Inn Koger Center,Sheraton Park South, Hyatt PlaceRichmond/Chester, CourtyardMarriott Richmond Chester andHomewood Suites by HiltonRichmond-Chester offer great val-ues. Additional hotels inChesterfield County can be foundat VisitRichmondVa.com.

For more information about allevents taking place during "TheYear of Henricus," please visitwww.henricus.org or call (804)748-1613.

Things to Do: History Lesson

Learn what live was like 400 yearsago through reenactments atHenricus Historical Park nearRichmond Va.

Page 10 www.WeekenderExtended.com Winter, 2010

Winter, 2011 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 11

Page 12 www.WeekenderExtended.com Winter, 2010

Troy, Miami County, Ohio – – Miami Countyembodies the very best of America’s Midwest. Acordial community always welcoming, we offeran array of unique, off-the-beaten-path attrac-tions for your meeting, group, event or conven-tion. So many options are available to suit yourbudget, group size and your imagination.

Not just a retreat from the hustle and bustle ofthe city, Miami County is close enough to capi-talize on their amenities too. Easily located onthe map, you’ll find us as you travel I-75 thoughOhio, just minutes from downtown Dayton andthe Dayton International Airport. The bottomline is, without sacrificing service or qualityyou’ll have access to big city amenities with anaffordable price tag.

The Fort Piqua Plaza in downtown Piqua fea-tures state of the art capability in a classic ele-gant setting. Newly restored, this historic facilityoffers unique rooms that provide perfect accom-modations for groups of 24 to 350. Whether youare looking for a charming location for yourreunion, a formal setting for an awards banquet,a festive atmosphere for your holiday party, or amulti-day conference, this is the venue for you.

Step inside the Crystal Room and notice theopulence finely crafted by the staff dedicated tomaking your event a professional experience.Whether you are having a meeting, conference,training seminar etc... the courteous staff of pro-fessionals will guide you every step of the wayto ensure that all of your needs are satisfied,down to the smallest detail. Numerous room set-ups along with Wi-Fi, audio/visual equipment,and spacious parking ensure that your event ormeeting will be a success.

Another choice featuring high tech, state of theart teleconferencing with a sleek modern ambi-ence is Piqua’s own, A Learning Place. This con-ference and training center is the perfect retreatfor business meetings, trainings and strategicplanning sessions. Located on site is theBackyard Bistro ready to provide meals andsnacks to re-energize your group.

Aside from the traditional meeting facilities,Miami County also offers a variety of non-tradi-tional options. Brukner Nature Center in Troyboasts a wonderful facility in a relaxed, beautifulsetting for training seminars, workshops, corpo-rate meetings and retreats. Try the outdooramphitheater for your intimate lecture then goinside to the Heidelberg Auditorium for a pres-entation where you’ll find excellent audio visualequipment and a small stage.

Not only is Miami County the ideal destinationfor meeting accommodations, we offer an eclec-tic collection of specialty shops, restaurants, andhistoric attractions. Our affordable lodgingchoices provide every amenity for the businesstraveler. Taking the “road less traveled” inMiami County will lead you through smalltowns and villages that offer a glimpse back to asimpler time; where neighbors were friends andstrangers were guests. From town to farm, expe-rience Miami County’s historic charm.

To plan your meeting or trip to Miami County,start at www.VisitMiamiCounty.org or call 1-800-348-8993 to have a custom travel itinerarydesigned for your visit.

Places to Go:

Fort Piqua Plaza

LET’S MEET IN MIAMI COUNTYLET’S MEET IN MIAMI COUNTY

http://www.seminary.ashland.edu

Page 14 www.WeekenderExtended.com Winter, 2010

(ARA) - Resting, relaxing, recharging- that's the name of the game when youare on vacation. But how often do youget the chance to explore and experi-ence opportunities to improve yourhealth and wellness?

Perhaps it's time to try a differenttype of vacation - one that can have alasting effect on your personal well-being. Resorts offering wellness pro-grams are one of the most recent trendsin the travel industry that present anopportunity for true renewal duringyour getaway.

Active vacations have long been an option fortravelers, but the aim of wellness-centered getawaysis arming guests with suggestions and ideas thatthey can take home with them so they can continueto improve their health. For example, a new pro-gram at Lake Lanier Islands Resort offers energy-boosting meals and fitness classes, while also con-ducting educational seminars designed to teach vis-itors how to build on healthy habits when they getback home. These types of lessons are mixed withmore exotic activities often identified with vaca-tions, such as zip-lining.

"The goal of this unique program is to help edu-cate and motivate as well as set and reach healthand wellness goals," says Virgil Williams, CEO ofthe Georgia resort.

Whether you are traveling with a family or withbusiness associates, wellness retreats offer optionsfor everyone. Here are a few examples of how awellness vacation would work for different types oftravelers:

Families: If you're traveling as a family, taking awellness class or two during your time at a resortcan be a great way for Mom and Dad to get somequality time together while the kids attend othersupervised programs. If you have older children,taking a fitness class or cooking class together canbe a great bonding experience.

Corporate retreats: Corporate wellness retreats can

enhance regular business gatherings designed toreinvigorate employees. Since companies can saveon health insurance costs when employees arehealthier, organizing a trip with a wellness compo-nent can be a fun and relevant way to encouragehealthy habits. For example, Donna Coules, districtoperations manager for Rockwell Operations inGeorgia, incorporated seminars on wholesome din-ing choices while traveling and healthy ways tocombat stress during a recent business retreat forher employees at Lake Lanier Islands Resort.

Personal: If you're looking for a way to relax onyour own, wellness retreats offer the chance for self-improvement during your getaway. They also canprovide an opportunity to socialize with otherguests while enjoying your time away.

Group trips: Activities offered through wellnesscenters, like cooking classes and group fitness activ-ities, can provide a great opportunity to bond withfriends. By going through the experience together,you can also help each other stay on track withwellness goals when you go home.

While you may gather the impression that a well-ness getaway would interfere with much-neededdowntime, most programs allow visitors to opt in toas many sessions as they would like. Therefore, youcan still kick back and enjoy your time away. Comeback from your vacation feeling truly refreshedFormore on destination wellness vacations, visitwww.lakelanierislands.com.

Winter, 2011 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 15

Things to Do: Refresh Your Body

www.WeekenderExtended.comPage 16 www.WeekenderExtended.com Winter, 2011

Skiing in the valley means a choice of over 76slopes and trails, seven lifts, a terrain andtubing park at two West Virginia ski resorts,

Canaan Valley Resort State Park and TimberlineFour Seasons Resort. Timberline boasts the longestrun in the Southeast – the two-mile-longSalamander Run. Canaan Valley s tubing hill is a hitwith kids of all ages!

For 60 years, skiers have been coming to CanaanValley. Why? From November to April it s notuncommon to see the valley blanketed in snow.Canaan Valley s legendary weather patterns aredirectly attributed to its elevation and geographicallocation. With summit elevations jutting over 4,260feet from the 3,200 foot valley floor and its locationdirectly in the path of winter Nor easters, CanaanValley is guaranteed a lot of snow! Most years theannual average stacks up to over 160 inches (that sover 13 feet!).

Natural snowfall for the 2009-2010 season totaledover 250 3!! (That s over 20 feet!) As of 1/13/2011,

we have exceeded last years total to date! We havehad over 115 inches of natural snowfall this season!

For real and current news and observations, checkout Trail Tales . We try to keep our readers (all 6 ofthem!!) informed. Just visit online at http://skithe-valley.com/ and register to receive. See ya at TheTop of the Mountain State !

You can also register to win a great winter get-away package!

You and a friend can enjoy two days of skiing(one day each at Canaan Valley and TimberlineResorts) and two nights lodging in Canaan Valley,WV! This package is based on availability and isonly available during non-holiday times.Restrictions apply, must call for reservations. Allyou have to do is visit online at http://skitheval-ley.com/win/

Winter, 2011 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 17

Page 18 www.WeekenderExtended.com Fall, 2010

The Mississippi River is the second most-visited U.S. natural resource (after theGrand Canyon). The bald eagles find it a pretty popular place to visit as well.

Each year from mid-December through February, thousands of bald eagles migrate south to winter along theMississippi River near the lock and dams. Turbulence created below the dams provides open water and a smorgasbordof stunned fish for eagles to feast upon. In addition, the wooded bluffs that overlook the Mississippi are excellent habi-tat for roosting and an increasing number of cases nesting.

Take a trip this winter to this Upper Mississippi River region in Iowa and Illinois to catch a glimpse, perhaps forthe first time, of the country's national symbol. Take part in the many Bald Eagle Watches in January and February2011 that happen in the communities that line the banks of the magnificent Great River Road route from Dubuque,Iowa, south to Quincy, Illinois. For more information to start planning a winter Mississippi River getaway, visitwww.TravelMississippiRiver.org

Winter, 2010 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 19

During the Dubuque Bald Eagle Watch on Saturday, January 15, there is out-door viewing at Lock and Dam 11 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Watch Live Eagle & Bird of PreyPrograms by the University of Minnesota Raptor Center at 9:30 am, 12:15 pm & 3:00 pm, and Live WolfPresentations at 11:00 am & 1:45 pm. The Indoor Exhibits are open on that Saturday from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm at theGrand River Center - Port of Dubuque, 500 Bell St., Dubuque, IA. There are trolley rides from Grand River Centerto the National Mississippi River Museum and the outdoor viewing area. For more information, call the DubuqueRanger office: 563-582-0881 or visit www.traveldubuque.com.

Have a chance for multiple sightings during the Bald Eagle Bus Tours on January 15, and February 15 and 26.This four-hour bus tour of five bald eagle wintering communities shows bald eagles feeding, roosting, and/or nesting.Reservations required; adults are $85, youth under 17 are $60. Each tour departs at 8 AM from the Stoney CreekInn, 940 Galena Square Dr., Galena, IL. Contact 815-594-2306 for reservations. www.galena.org Cont. next page...

Page 20 www.WeekenderExtended.com Winter, 2010

Learn about our national bird and other raptors onthis free Winter Bald Eagle Tour of the formerSavanna Army Depot on Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, andMarch 5 and 12 from 9-11 AM. Registration requiredby calling 815-858-9100. www.savannail.com

The Clinton Bald Eagle Watch is Saturday, January8 at Lock & Dam 13 (Fulton, IL) and ClintonCommunity College for indoor exhibits. Outdoorviewing is at Lock & Dam 13 is 8:30am to 3:30pm.Exhibits and programs at Clinton CommunityCollege, 1000 Lincoln Blvd. in Clinton, IA, are from9am to 2pm. There is free bus service from the col-lege to the outdoor viewing area. For more informa-tion, call the Thomson Ranger office: 815-259-3628or visit www.clintoniatourism.com or www.cityof-fulton.us.

The Mississippi Valley Welcome Center inLeClaire, Iowa, hosts a free Bald Eagle Watch onJanuary 29-30. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineerspark rangers present slide programs and set upspotting scopes for viewing. On Saturday, January29, there are half-hour presentations by the Corp. ofEngineers and Wapsi Environmental Center at 10am, 11 am, and 12 noon. Spotting scopes will be setup by the Corp. at Lock & Dam 14 and they willassist with spotting Eagles. The WapsiEnvironmental Center will have an AmericanKestral and a Screech Owl. On Sunday, January 30,the presentations are at 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.www.iowawelcomecenter.com

Bald Eagle Days is the feature celebration onJanuary 7-9, 2011, at the QCCA Expo Center locatedat 2621 4th Avenue in Rock Island, IL. It is thelargest event in the Midwest dedicated to the UnitedStates' national symbol of freedom. Hours: Friday 4-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-8 pm, and Sunday 10 am-5pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for kids.

Thousands of residents and visitors turn out forthe annual event which includes: live eagle pro-grams and live bird of prey demonstrations. In addi-tion to the above, some of the Midwest's finestartists exhibit in the wildlife art show and sale. Alsoincluded is the Pella Wildlife Company accompa-nied by their wolves. There will also be spottingscopes set up and manned by the Quad CityAudubon Society at Sunset Marina in Rock Islandfor a great eagle watching opportunity with freeshuttle bus service from the Expo Center.www.qccaexpocenter.com

Other Bald Eagle Events:•The Mississippi River Visitor Center onArsenal Island, offers free eagle watches andClock Tower tours every weekend on Saturdaysand Sundays from Jan. 15-Feb. 20 at 9:30 am, 11am, and 1 pm. 309-794-5338.www.missriver.org•The Muscatine County Arts Council presentsthe 16th Annual Eagles and Ivories ConcertSeries Weekend Jan. 29 & 30. The Eagles andIvories concert series features solo artists BrentWatkins, Marty Mincer, Bill Edwards andAdam Swanson. Two local bands, the MadCreek Mudcats and the Just 4 Fun Band, willperform. Concert tickets are $15 each. Visitwww.muscatinecountyartscouncil.org for moreinformation.•Eagle-watching in Muscatine - Jan. 29.Outdoor viewing from 9 am to 3 pm atRiverside Park and Lock & Dam 16. Live Eagleprograms at 9:30 am & 12 noon and conserva-tion and environmental booths at the RiverviewCenter, 1100 Harbor Dr. in Muscatine, Iowa, inRiverside Park. For more information, call 563-263-7913 or visit www.meetmuscatine.com.• Keokuk Bald Eagle Appreciation Days -January 15-16, indoor programs and anEnvironmental Fair at the River City Mall,Keokuk, IA. It includes Native American activ-ities, Woodcarvers' Exhibits andDemonstrations, World Bird SanctuaryPresentations, "A Salute to Songbirds" TravelingExhibit, interesting seminars, and an ArtifactRoad Show. There are also Live Eagle Programson Saturday from 9 am-3 pm and Sunday from10 am-3 pm. There is outdoor viewing along theRiver Front. www.keokuktourism.org• The Quincy Bald Eagle Watch is Jan. 29 withoutdoor viewing at Lock and Dam 21 from 9 am- 4 pm. For more information, call 217-228-0890or visit www.seequincy.com

Suggested themed itineraries and routes arerepresented on the collective website ofwww.TravelMississippiRiver.org.

The Travel Mississippi River partnership is comprised ofConvention & Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commercealong the Mississippi River in Iowa and Illinois from Dubuque,Iowa, south to Quincy, Illinois.

Cape Elizabeth, Maine - The fire is so delightful, let itsnow, let it snow, let it snow! Escape to the beautifulMaine coast this winter for a relaxing stay at the luxuri-ous Inn by the Sea and make the best of the seasonwith your own L.L. Bean snowshoes, and instructionfrom Maine's most famous outfitter. After a hardy,delectable breakfast in the ocean view Sea Glass restau-rant take a snow showing class at L.L. Bean, and returnfor a delightful evening next to a cozy fire with spikedhot chocolate - the perfect winter getaway to the coast!

The Inncredible Winter Escape package includes:•Two night stay in a cozy fireplace room, garden

suite or spa suite•Two pairs of LL

Bean winter walk-er snowshoes

•Two passes toLL Bean snow-shoeing outdoorexperience inFreeport (weatherdependant)

* Delectable fullbreakfast for 2 inthe ocean view SeaGlass restaurant

•Two welcomespiked hot choco-lates or coffeedrinks in our fire-place lounge.

Available through March 31, 2011. For reservationscall 207-799-3134, Or reservations at www.innbythe-sea.com

Package must be booked seven days in advance ofarrival to have snowshoes on arrival. Packages bookedwithin seven days of arrival will have snowshoes deliv-ered to address on file.

After a multimillion dollar renovation, which addedluxurious amenities, Inn by the Sea is Maine's premierbeach destination. Located on sandy Crescent Beach,the Inn offers 57 spacious rooms, and one and two bed-

room suites. Guests enjoy a private boardwalk to thebeach, full service LEED certified spa, fireplace lounge& bar, ocean view restaurant, heated outdoor pool,bocce court and golf nearby. Pets & children are wel-come to the eco luxury resort located only 7 miles fromPortland's vibrant & historic Old Port. Certified aMaine DEP Green Lodging, and selected one of ForbesTravel Guide's Top Ten Green Hotels in the US, &Travel & Leisure's Top 100 in US & Canada.

For reservations call (207) 799- 3134 or visit us onlineat www.innbythesea.com.

Starting Rates:Traditional

Fireplace Room -$412.26 per night

Garden Suite -$401.03 per night

Spa Suite -$423.50 per night

Winter, 2010 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 21

Places To Go: Inn by the Sea, Maine

Page 22 www.WeekenderExtended.com Winter, 2011

Romantic getaways have long been apart of Valentine's Day. Couples oftenuse the holiday as a time to escape thehustle and bustle of the daily grindand travel to more romantic locales.For cost-conscious couples, romanticgetaways to Paris or Prague might notfit this year's budget. But coupleslooking for a more affordable weekendgetaway can still get enough romancewithout breaking the bank.

Ski ResortA skiing trip for two can often be had for a veryaffordable price. Two days on a snowy mountainand two nights in front of a warm fire can be justthe romantic respite couples need, and there's likelya nearby ski resort that offers affordable rates andpossibly even some Valentine's Day deals.

VineyardWhile February might not be the ideal time forthose in colder climates to tour wine country, cou-ples who live in regions where winter isn't so badmight enjoy a weekend getaway to a local vineyard.Vineyard towns are often home to cozy bed andbreakfasts, which make an ideal place for couples toenjoy a romantic getaway.

BeachFebruary is an ideal time to escape harsh winterweather and enjoy some fun in the sun at a nearbybeach resort. Couples who plan in advance canoften secure cheap flights and might even get anaffordable travel package that includes airfare andhotel. And while the beach might not be as romanticas Paris, it's certainly warmer and might be just thegetaway couples need to recharge and enjoy sometime together.

Take To The AirFor couples who don't have the time to travel, plana day that includes traveling without leaving town.Couples who live in or near a major metropolis canbook a helicopter tour of the city, which should endwith the helicopter touching down in the city, wherecouples can then go enjoy a romantic meal for two.

CruiseWhen couples think of cruises, chances are theythink of 10-day trips through the Mediterranean.However, cruise lines commonly offer two daycruises that are much more affordable and oftenmake for a great getaway for couples too busy tocommit to a longer trip or too cost-conscious tocommit to a longer, more expensive cruise.Couples looking for a romantic getaway thisValentine's Day can still enjoy such a trip withoutbreaking the bank. TF112471

Couples looking for an affordable Valentine's Daygetaway might find a nearby vineyard is just whatthey had in mind.

Places To Go:

With your Valentine!

Summer, 2010 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 23

Peop l e To See :

Peop l e To See :

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