Hot Air Balloon Rides -Colorado

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Now accepting reservations for our 2010 flight season which runs from May 15th - September 26th

Colorado -Autumn Getaways at Great Prices

ANTHONY HAMILTON & MUSIQ SOULCHILD join up for SUMMER TOUR

By Tjames Madison / LiveDaily Contributor
R&B stars Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild will head out on the road together this summer for a co-headlining outing, with both musicians continuing to back new albums. Recent Grammy winner Hamilton and Soulchild, whose real name is Taalib Johnson, will kick off the tour May 28 in Houston. The 17-city trek runs through late June, concluding with a stretch of shows in the southern US. Details are below.

Hamilton continues to support his December release, “The Point of it All,” which is his sixth studio effort and the follow-up to 2007’s “Ain’t Nobody Worryin’.” The singer co-wrote and co-produced the set with longtime collaborators Mark Batson (Seal, Beyonce) and Kelvin Wooten.

The album’s lead single, “Cool,” featuring a guest vocal from David Banner, is streaming at Hamilton’s website. “I want fans to hear my growth,” the singer said of “The Point of it All” in his online bio. “But I also want to open up the ears of those who don’t know about Anthony Hamilton. I don’t always want to be known as the sad cat. I want to have a good time, too.”Earlier this year, Hamilton took home a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal performance category for “You’ve Got the Love I Need,” his collaboration with Al Green.
Soulchild’s latest release, “Onmyradio,” also surfaced in December. The album peaked at No. 11 on The Billboard 200, and topped the industry journal’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Several tunes from the set, including the lead single, “Radio,” are streaming at Soulchild’s MySpace page.

TOUR DATES, VENUES & TIMES
May 2009
28 - Houston, TX - Reliant Arena
29 - Grand Prairie, TX - Nokia Live
30 - Southaven, MS - DeSoto Center
31 - St. Louis, MO - Fox Theatre
June 2009
4 - Los Angeles, CA - Nokia Theatre
6 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre
11 - Columbus, OH - Palace Theatre
12 - Detroit, MI - Opera House
13 - Chicago, IL - Arie Crown Theater
16 - Newark, NJ - New Jersey Performing Arts Center
18 - New York, NY - WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden
19 - Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall
21 - Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Pavilion
25 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre
26 - Augusta, GA - Bell Auditorium
27 - Birmingham, AL - BJCC Concert Hall
28 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium

ESCAPE TO… COSTA RICA, a tropical paradise through the eyes of JETLIVING.COM - THE STANDARD IN VACATIONING - PART 2

Puntarenas - Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, Puntarenas is the largest province of Costa Rica, with an area of 11.276 Km2. Its main attraction is its Pacific coastline, extending over more than 500 miles down to the Panamanian boarder. This vast province offers a variety of beaches, national parks, and natural reserves of an extraordinary ecological importance, since it is a transition
area between the dry tropical lands of Guanacaste and the green forests of the Central Pacific.  The Port of Caldera and the City of Puntarenas, receive hundreds of tourists daily, from countless cruise ships making shore on its coasts. Some of these ships are traveling with the Panama Canal as destination, which allows passengers to explore Costa Rica’s inland, only to meet their cruise ship some days later at the port of Limón, in the Caribbean.  Carara’s Biological Reserve constitutes one of the best showcases to the
natural heritage of Puntarenas. This reserve includes an extension of 11.600 acres of forests and mangroves.
Today, only some portions of the reserve are available to tourists, but professional guides, who are allowed to explore some restricted areas, may be hired.  Manuel Antonio National Park is another destination of the province of Puntarenas. With its impressive white-sand beaches, blue waters of the Pacific and hundreds of hectares of rainforest, this park is one of the smallest in
Costa Rica, but at the same time, one of the most highly visited. Manuel Antonio is one of the few places in Costa Rica where the spider monkey (tití) still lives. Within the park you may also find over 100 species of mammals and an equal number of bird types.
Also belonging to Puntarenas, another feature is the Corcovado National Park -located south and constituting the habitat of important endemic species such as the gold frog as well as the Tárcoles River, whose margins are guarded by hundreds of American crocodiles.
Good food –especially seafood- as well as the well-known carnivals held each summer, and the warmth of its people, are some of the nice surprises expecting tourists visiting this province. Find a vacation home to fit your needs at www.jetliving.com
Cartago - Also known as the Ancient Metropoli, Cartago was the capital of Costa Rica until 1823, when this title was transferred to the city of San José. It is a relatively small province, with barely 3.124 km2 and almost 35 000 inhabitants.  It is perhaps Costa Rica’s most important area in matters of colonial art. The best example is the temple of Orosi, dating back to 1743, a historical jewel
that was witness to the birth of a nation.  Cartago has a humid, tropical climate. Its mountain system is made up of two mountain ranges: the Central, is where we find the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes. The Talamanca mountain range is the other great mountain formation of the province. The imposing Cerro Chirripó, the highest point in Costa Rica, is located here, at 3.600 meters over sea level.  Cartago is a land of traditions and religiosity. To the north we find the national monument of Guayabo, located on the outskirts of the town of Turrialba. In Guayabo, visitors may admire the enigmatic constructions, dating back to
Pre-Colombian times. It’s one of the largest archeological areas discovered in the country. Mounds, bridges, plazas and highways, as well as an aqueduct that is still working, are some of the remains of ancient cultures.
Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Angels Basilica at the center of the city of Cartago is the most important religious activity of Costa Rica. Celebrated each August 2nd, here attend millions of people from all around the country.  Nevertheless, the main attraction of Cartago could be the Irazú volcano, a splendid giant which still remains active and that, with its five craters, gather thousands of tourists yearly.  It is the volcano found at highest altitude in the country, 3.432 meters over sea level. Several rivers nurturing the basins of others, like Chirripó, Reventazón, Sarapiquí, and Grande de Tárcoles are born here.  Find a vacation home to fit your needs at www.jetliving.com
Alajuela - Is one of the most extensive provinces of Costa Rica, known as “The Land of Mangoes”. Its territory spreads to the north, reaching the boundary with Nicaragua. Alajuela was founded in 1782 and gave birth to such famous historical characters like Juan Santamaría, the national hero that burned down the “Mesón de Rivas” in 1856.  This province has an enviable natural richness. Its uneven topography includes the rainforest and exuberant plains to the north. Visitors have a choice of the two most impressive, active volcanoes of the country: Arenal volcano, in the City of San Carlos and the Poás volcano, at the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.  Poás volcano is one of the most splendid volcanoes in Costa Rica, known for its beautiful landscape. Around it you may appreciate different habitats, from the cloud forest to areas of scarce vegetation, where species have become adapted to emissions of gas and the climatic factor characteristic of a volcano.
The Arenal volcano, on the other hand, with its beautiful conic silhouette, is one of the most active in the world. Its charm is enhanced at night, when the color of its eruptions and lava rivers can be fully appreciated. Many of the hotels offer a panoramic view of the volcano and its evening show.  During the last decades, Alajuela has become an obliged journey for those who love Costa Rica’s natural richness. Find a vacation home to fit your needs at www.jetliving.com
Limón - The Caribbean province is a natural paradise, formed by a combination of dense jungles, imposing mountains, and paradisiacal beaches. Limón has the highest percentage of protected land in Costa Rica, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its vegetation is exuberant, as are the cultures meeting throughout the province.  The road to Limón from San José, crosses the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park. At this point begins a beautiful journey to the lowlands of the Caribbean. A significant change in temperature and landscape can be experienced.  Perhaps the most exuberant region of Limón is Tortuguero National Park, at
the north part of the province. A vast extension of protected land and the most important of the Atlantic coasts of the American continent for the spawning of the green turtle. The city of Limón is the point of arrival for visitors. It is a port, which is essential in Costa Rica’s economic life and the greatest living example of the multicultural meeting experienced in this region throughout history.
Traveling south, at an hour’s distance, we find Cahuita, a typical Caribbean villa. This town has become “a must” for tourists, for it represents the essence of a culture, and the beauty of Cahuita National Park, which protects an important expanse of coral reefs.  The quiet waters in this spot, are a plus for those lovers of “snorkeling”.  The underwater scenery is marvelous, with a wide chain of coral reefs, composed of different types of coral and occupied by an immense variety of tropical fish.  Another important point in the Caribbean province is Puerto Viejo, barely 30 minutes from Cahuita. In this town you can breathe the profound respect for the cultural identity of its people. A combination of music, beaches and food, so characteristic of the place, are the elements attracting thousands of tourists year by year.
Along the coastal area, travelers find a good number of options for lodging. The vast majority of hotels and cabins are small and formed of traditional Bungalows, a very particular type of construction of the Caribbean.  Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is located just at the end of the coastline, almost at the border with Panama. This refuge protects almost 4500 hectares of beaches and sea, for the spawning of 4 species of turtles.  In Manzanillo you may rent kayaks and glide through the gentle mangroves in search of birds and reptiles characteristic of the area.  The province of Limón possesses a unique culture in Costa Rica, a way of life
that may be fully appreciated during the traditional carnivals held each year, an experience of rhythms and euphoric and captivating wonder. Find a vacation home to fit your needs at www.jetliving.com

ESCAPE TO… COSTA RICA, a tropical paradise through the eyes of JETLIVING.COM - THE STANDARD IN VACATIONING - PART 1

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America that has unlimited tourist potential and is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations. One of Costa Rica’s main sources of income is tourism. Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country, and it has not had an army since the year 1949. Although the country is small and it covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. Costa Rica is also an attractive country for investment and it offers great potential for the establishment of important multinational companies, thanks to the outstanding academic level of its population, as well
as the high standard of modern services and social and political stability.
Costa Rica extends majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, and its distance is barely 200 miles. Its land portion occupies only 20 thousand square miles.  If you travel throughout the provinces of Costa Rica, it’s easy to notice that in no other place you shall find fields with so many variations in their landscape and climate as here. Costa Rica is one of most highly valued tourist destinations in this planet. This small piece of land includes all of the necessary components to satisfy the taste of thousands of travelers visiting each year. Find a vacation home to fit your needs at www.jetliving.com
Costa Rica’s territorial division includes 7 provinces, which are: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón. Together they offer an attractive tourist destination, of almost limitless possibilities, that include extensive rainforests, volcanoes, rivers traveling through the mountains, beaches and natural resources safeguarded by an important organization of national parks and forest reserves.

San José - San José is the country’s most highly populated province. Located in the Central Plateau, it extends to the northeast, crossing the impressive mountains of the Central Mountain Range, which includes national parks, forest reserves, and fertile lands, with an abundance of coffee plantations.  Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is in the Central Valley. It’s an extensive plain, guarded by majestic volcanoes and green hills, honoring the natural richness that exists throughout the national territory. Founded in the first half of the eighteenth century, San José is nowadays a city where visitors of the entire world converge; metropolis full of interesting places, faces, and colors reflecting the history of a population. Its architecture is diverse, as may be the people walking its streets. In the north sector of the city you can find the most refined samples of urban development of the early last century. There are many houses and buildings of European inspiration, built with a profound Costa Rican sense of style. Among the most representative places of the city, we can mention the National Theater, Costa Rica’s pride, and historically, house to some of the best artists, national as well as foreign. Inaugurated in 1897, fruit of the determination of merchants, intellectuals and politicians, who were able to identify the importance an opera house could have, to present the best artistic productions in the world.  Nonetheless, a list of world class museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings, are some other options to be discovered by the thousands of tourists visiting San José yearly.  Once in the city, visitors may choose among dozens of one-day tours to the most outstanding natural places, inside and out of the Central Valley, as well as having access to a great variety of sports adventures and activities for exploring. Find a vacation home to fit your needs at www.jetliving.com
Heredia - With a territory of 2.656 km2 and a population of 75 000 inhabitants, Heredia is Costa Rica’s smallest province, town appreciated for its colonial heritage and traditional architecture. A great number of adobe houses may be appreciated along the communities of Barva and Santo Domingo. The city of Heredia, best known as ‘City of the Flowers’, was founded in 1706, pursuant to an initiative of some 150 families dwelling there.  In Heredia you still find an important number of coffee plantations, many of which have been adapted to perform guided visits with tourists. It can be delightful to enjoy the captivating process of harvesting, drying, and roasting of coffee beans.

Among the natural wonders of the province of Heredia, we find Barva volcano, a formidable colossus located at the west part of Braulio Carrillo National Park, which rises 2.906 meters over sea level. The vegetation surrounding this sleeping giant is astonishing; an ideal place for bird watching, especially for those who dream with the magnificent quetzal.  On the other hand, Braulio Carrillo National Park represents the greatest natural richness near the Central Valley. A tropical rainforest, home to hundreds of plant and animal species.  The dense vegetation of the park safeguards many cascades and rivers, some of which are used in sports adventures. Sarapiquí River is another of the attractions of the province. This imposing river travels through dense vegetation, where birds are abundant. It has an ideal current for those who enjoy the rapids, with a moderate degree of difficulty.  The mountainous areas of Heredia, just before crossing the Central Mountain Range, are characterized by vast extensions of forest and fair climate. Ma

Image by Wha’ppen via Flickr

ny people choose these green and fresh sites to establish themselves, to live far away from the city crowds. Find a vacation home to fit your needs at www.jetliving.com
Guanacaste - Generous and warm province, Guanacaste is known for its cattle ranching production and spectacular beaches. It is the driest region of Costa Rica, specially the coastal areas. Guanacaste became part of Costa Rica in 1824; until then, it had remained an independent province. This territory certainly has a very important natural and cultural richness for Costa Rica’s economy. Some of the best beach hotels in the world are found on the beaches of Guanacaste.  Guanacaste is well known for its beaches and the sun, which is exactly what visitors find along its coastline, with an abundance of hotels, cabins, and restaurants. Some are luxury ones, others more modest, but they all guarantee that guests have the perfect option for each budget.
Panamá Beach, in the north area of the province, is one of the good options for tourism. A quiet place with white sand and easy waters, invite you to enjoy a care-free weekend.  Coco’s Beach features as one of the most popular spots, due to its night life and great number of visitors; and without having to travel much you can reach Flamingo Beach, an ideal place for those preferring a mix of good hotels and a quiet atmosphere.  There are also Ocotal and Hermosa beaches, among the favorite of Guanacaste’s coast. Grande Beach is located further south, and along with Las Baulas National Park, is a sanctuary for thousands of leatherback turtles (baula) arriving to spawn in its coasts each year.
Tamarindo offers a blend of white-sand beaches and mangroves, sea birds and iguanas, making it a paradisiacal and perfect spot for those wishing to live in harmony with nature.  Many other beaches along the coast of Guanacaste will complete a matchless natural offer. Carrillo Beach, Ostional Beach, Manzanillo, and Coyote, are some of those destinations giving the greatest province of Costa Rica its reputation.  In Guanacaste you may enjoy delicious food, so characteristic of its people and that with the passage of time, became authentic traditional Costa Rican dishes. Santa Rosa National Park is located to the north of the province. It is a jewel of the tropical dry forest, counting with a remarkable biological inventory. Likewise, embedded in the Guanacaste Mountain Range, are the Tenorio, Orosi, Miravalles, and Rincón de La Vieja volcanoes, the latter surrounded by the national park of the same name.  Guanacaste is undoubtedly a privileged land. Possessing a mixture of forests dry and rainy, warm beaches, extensive plains and an impressive volcanic range; a natural world expecting to be explored. Find a vacation home to fit your needs at www.jetliving.com

BETTE MIDLER - Returning to The Colosseum at Caesars with the girls and gags of “THE SHOWGIRL MUST GO ON”

Bette is back! Returning to The Colosseum at Caesars with the girls and gags of The Showgirl Must Go On.  Bette Midler grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she began singing at an early age. After winning several talent shows, it was clear what she had to do — get the hell out of there! Ironically, playing an extra in the film, HAWAII, she earned enough money to move to New York City. She soon landed on Broadway, playing Tzeitel, the oldest daughter in the hit musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and singing Matchmaker eight times a week. (Even then, she understood the importance of doing one’s own matinees). Once she began singing in clubs around town, word reached the owner of the famed Continental Baths, who immediately offered her a job. Performing at the baths, she developed the trademark act that would make her one of the most renowned talents of a generation. Bawdy humor, revealing costumes and a distinctive voice made for an act that was poignant, tacky and altogether fabulous. “I wouldn’t say I invented tack,” she boasted,” “…but I definitely brought it to its present popularity.” Her performances of songs like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Delta Dawn, and Superstar were unforgettable and caused audiences to fall in love with the self-anointed “Divine Miss M.” After being discovered by Ahmet Ertugun, the legendary president of Atlantic Records, Bette recorded her first album, The Divine Miss M, which hit #9 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart and went platinum. In 1973, she won her first Grammy for Best New Artist. After successfully touring the world and returning to Broadway in the Tony winning, Clams On The Halfshell, Hollywood beckoned. Midler’s first starring role in the feature film, The Rose, garnered two Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy for the film’s title song and a best actress Oscar nomination. The Oscar itself went to Sally Field, whom Bette has arm-wrestled  for the statuette — but unfortunately, lost. Midler went on to star in many successful films including Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Ruthless People, Outrageous Fortune, Big Business and her most popular movie, Beaches, of which she says, “Thank God I made the right decision and played the character who lives!” She also starred opposite Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn in the mega-hit, The First Wives Club, which she enjoyed shooting primarily because she was playing the chubby gal and during filming, could eat whatever she wanted. She didn’t even need a trailer on that picture since she never left the craft services table. Recently, she’s released Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook and Bette Midler Sings The Peggy Lee Song Book, which were both nominated for Grammys. Last year, she debuted Cool Yule for the holiday season, which features a special Christmas version of From A Distance. Bette also starred in the 2005 remake of The Stepford Wives but is happy to say that by now, almost everyone has forgiven her. Forty years, four Grammys, four Golden Globes, three Emmys, a Tony Award and tons of record-breaking performances since she hit the scene, the “Divine Miss M” is still going strong. 

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!!   Show Dates and times visit: http://www.dreamcatchercalendars.com/view_event.php?id=261&eDate=1227423600

LAS VEGAS’ BEST PACKAGE DEAL FOR WOMAN!! Ladies, look no further; the "WHAT WOMAN WANT PASS" is the ultimate Vegas experience for women of all ages!

WHAT WOMEN WANT - The “What Women Want” Pass is the ultimate Vegas experience for adult women of all ages. It gives ladies VIP access to the best hot spots in Sin City! It includes VIP admission to the hippest nightclubs such as TAO, JET, LAX and Body English, the one and only Stripper 101 class as seen on E! Entertainment, dinner at high-end restaurants like Trader Vic’s or Lombardi’s Ristorante and a ticket to the hit show American Storm - America’s Hottest Male Revue as seen on VH1! The pass also has premium-shopping discounts, tanning deals at the famous Sunset Tan Salon from the E! hit reality TV show “Sunset Tan”, exclusive salon & spa offers, and much, much more!  It’s everything a woman could ever want valued at over $2,000 for only $125. WWW is guaranteed to include exclusive offers not available anywhere else!

The “What Women Want” Pass includes entertainment of every genre for every type of woman. Ladies that are visiting Las Vegas for a bachelorette party may enjoy nightclub hopping, the sexy Stripper 101 class and watching gorgeous men dance at “American Storm”.  Women celebrating a 40th birthday or just enjoying a ladies weekend may opt to shop ‘til they drop, relax at the spa and dine at an upscale restaurant. And the best part about this pass is that it’s all included! “There is no better way to do everything a woman wants to experience in Vegas than with this all-inclusive pass” said Bridget from Phoenix, Arizona who was having a divorce party with her girl friends. “It’s definitely the best way to spend your ex-husband’s pension!”

Whether you are 22 or 65 you will love “What Women Want”. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the amazing deals included in this package. You have the opportunity to leave Las Vegas with your “official” stripper license, a glowing tan, a new wardrobe and the memory of that sexy guy who ripped off his shirt on stage. It can only happen in Vegas with the “What Women Want” Pass!

This incredible pass includes VIP access to the hottest spots in Sin City. Nightclubs, high-end restaurants, and incredible shows are just a few of the highlights you can enjoy with this all-access ticket to the best Las Vegas has to offer for women.

Best yet, the WWW Pass is a virtual steal. For a mere $99 dollars plus tax, you get over $2,000 dollars worth of unbelievable deals, discounts, and passes. Not only is the pass a great value, it also provides exclusive offers not available anywhere else. And with the convenience of only one all-inclusive ticket, excessive planning, ticket purchasing, and the worry of holding onto and losing multiple tickets is a thing of the past.  For everything a woman could want on her fabulous Las Vegas weekend, the What Women Want Pass is a dream package.

This Pass Includes the following Amazing Offers:

• Earth Limos 10% Off Rate & 1 FREE - Bottle of Champagne (per party)
• Stripper 101 Ruby Package - Class as seen on E! Entertainment, Includes Stripper 101 t-shirt, souvenir photo, one free drink and “official” Stripper 101 license.
• Stripper 101 Garter
• Dinner at one four restaurants Lombardi’s, Trader Vic’s, La Salsa or Blondie’s
• VIP admission and one free drink at TAO Nightclub*
• Nightclub VIP admission passes for all the hottest clubs*  Such as Tao, Jet, LAZ, The Bank, Body English, PURE, PRIVE and More!
• 1 Ticket to American Storm- America’s Hottest Male Revue as seen on VH1
Items and offer subject to change without notice. Management reserves all rights. 18+ only unless otherwise stated. *Age Restriction 21+ only.

• Fashion Outlets roundtrip shuttle and VIP savings book
• Miracle Mile Shops coupon book
• “Sunset Tan” 25% off any service
• Planet Hollywood Spa 20% off
• Robert Cromean Hair Salon 30% Off any service
• Party Gals Parties $10 free product with $50 purchase of Adult novelty products for women
• Mary Kay $10 free product with $30 purchase
• Love Jones Lingerie 20% off discount
• Erotic Heritage Museum 2 for 1 admission
• Planet Hollywood casino coupon book*
• Ideal Image $100 off any package

•••••••• OVER $2,000 IN VALUE! •••••••• ALL THIS FOR JUST $125!!! 

Announcing their Second "Industry Insiders" Event!

WineAndHospitalityNetwork.com is pleased to present their second “Industry Insiders” Networking Event! Featuring Wine Education / Wine & Food Pairing with Castello di Amorosa & Girl with a Glass.  DATE: February 2, 2009, 4:00PM, LOCATION: Castello di Amorosa, 4045 N. St. Helena Highway, Calistoga, CA 94515. 

Hosted by: Castello di Amorosa - WINE TASTING in their exquisite main tasting bar is offered daily from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. (December through February 15 - until- 5:00 pm.).  No reservations are required for tasting.  TOURS of the beautiful Castle and Winery are by reservation only. They are are approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in length. The walking portion of your tour is approximately 50 minutes followed by a 30-45 minute private tasting of our hand crafted Italian style wines.  Tours are offered : weekdays - Daily, by reservation, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm year ’round. (Times may vary).  Weekends & Holidays - Daily, by reservation, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm year ’round.  (Times may vary). Come tour this unbelievable medieval castle and winery and taste the limited production wines – sold only at the winery. Network with other industry professionals, and increase your food & wine pairing knowledge.  TOUR AND TASTING INQUIRIES: For reservations please call 707-967-6272 or email tours@castellodiamorosa.com.  WINE SALES: Call 707-967-6274, WINE CLUB MEMBERS: Call 707-967-6274 or email club@castellodiamorosa.com.  PRIVATE VIP TOURS: Call 707-967-6272 or email tours@castellodiamorosa.com.   Featuring Food & Wine Pairing and Education with GirlWithAGlass.com - Girl With A Glass: I hope you are relaxing, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying being introduced to new people, places and pairings. Use girlwithaglass as your personal concierge to living a pleasurable life. Join her Tip the Glass Friends!  Sponsored by: Porchetta Primata: Porchetta Primata is proud to announce the availability of traditional Italian Porchetta to the US marketplace. It begins with the pig. We are partnered with pork producers in Washington County Kentucky to raise animals to meet strict specifications. They are then harvested and hand deboned in a classic manner. Traditional manufacturing techniques are then applied. This includes hand seasoning and sewing, roasting, cooling and packaging. The end result is a natural artisan product from an animal that is hormone free and traceable directly to the farm. The flavor profile is completely unique. We invite you to experience Porchetta Primata, the highest quality cooked pork product manufactured in the world. Carneros Cheese Caves, Cherry Capital Foods: Brings the best of Michigan foods to you.  Donya Marie’s Beyond Chocolate: Donya Marie’s, began in 2005 and is owned and managed by
Donya and her husband Dr. Jason S. Schweizer.  Starting with chocolate truffles, chocolate sauces, and rum cakes, the business quickly evolved into what Donya Marie believes unequivocally, and that is, “chocolate belongs in everything”.   Donya also believes that DARK chocolate is the ONLY chocolate.  In it’s two years of existence, Donya Marie’s has grown quickly. Sales have grown by over 400% over the last year and are expected to double that volume in 2008.
Chocolate has a magical quality of making everything taste good.  Some ingredient combinations may not allow the “taste” of chocolate to come through, but if the chocolate is taken out, you are then left with an ordinary morsel with an all too usual taste.  All the products are produced in a commercial kitchen by Donya and her staff, with Donya Marie’s own recipes.  Donya Marie’s strives to keep the products natural, using only the finest ingredients.  Donya Marie’s is located in several locations as well as retail sales locally and on-line.  As growth continues in leaps and bounds, Donya Marie’s is committed to pass the savings on to the customers.  At Donya Marie’s we have a strong belief in old fashioned
American values and work ethics, and in giving back to the community.  Most importantly, the greatest value is placed on the customer with the very strong belief that they deserve the best quality products and customer service under any and all circumstances, and Extravagonzo Foods:  Flavor is first and foremost! Extravagonzo brand Roasted Garlic Infused Olive Oil is second to none - full flavored with a pleasant finish.  This flavor goes well in all cooking applications.  Recent media attention surrounding the health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic and Grape Seed Oil emphasizes the need for personal experimentation to find pleasant ways of adding these items to the diet.  Extravagonzo brand Roasted Garlic Infused Olive Oil now offers people a means of including these healthy, enjoyable additions in the diet through an incredibly gratifying sensory experience!. 

This one of a kind event will showcase Castello di Amorosa to industry insiders*. Guests will taste CdA wines that will be paired with food such as Porchetta Primata - a whole pig, deboned and after hand rubbing select spices, sewn back together and roasted. The end result is the highest quality, cooked pork product in the world. The outside relates to Italian crackling, while the inside retains moisture united with the spices. GirlwithaGlass.com, a blog that features food and wine pairing, will lead the pairings.  COST: $10 in advance, $15 at door.
*We are sorry – for this event you must work in one of the following industries (business card required at check in): Wine, Restaurant/Food & Beverage, Hotel/Lodging, Events/Catering, Tourism/Travel.
Read what the LA Times has to say about the castle! Questions? Interested in sponsorship? (food sponsorships available) Call Margie @ 707-319-2500 or email Margie@OTLConsulting.com.
Reserve your space now, numbers are limited! COST: $10 in advance, $15 at door (if not sold out). There is a $1.37 convenience fee that will be added to the cost 1.10.09 - Over 100 tickets already sold, reserve now, this will be a sell out event. Online event registration, Don’t want to purchase online? Call us at 707-933-0687.

ESCAPE TO…. LOS ANGELES - City of Angels!!

Free Things to Do in Los Angeles: LA on a Budget:  There are tons of free things to do in Los Angeles, giving visitors on a budget something to cheer about. If you’re looking to save some money on your next trip to LA, we’ve compiled a handy list of 20 free Los Angeles activities (here you will find a sample of 5 of those - to see more visit: http://www.discoverlosangeles.com) — all of them exciting, fun and uniquely LA. The best part: these are just a sampling of LA’s free attractions, so after you’re done checking them off the list, you can get out there and find some free stuff of your own!

1. Head for the beach. And we mean year-round. Walk or jog in the sand along LA’s 81 miles of coastline; explore the tidepools at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro; marvel at the muscular bodies at Venice Beach; and admire the surfers at Surfrider Beach near Malibu Lagoon (that’s free to explore, too).

2. Explore unique museums. Some — like the California Science Center in Exposition Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and the Getty Center in Brentwood — are free all day, everyday (except for parking). Other museums offer special free admission days.

3. Wander around Griffith Park. Griffith Park is the largest city park in the country — 4,107 acres — and provides a mix of free activities for the whole family. Picnic on one of the broad lawns or hike one of the park’s many free trails. One of the prettiest spots to walk is Fern Dell, a calm, shady hideaway with waterfalls and ferns.

4. Cruise Mulholland Drive. One of the world’s most famous scenic drives, Mulholland winds from the Hollywood Hills across the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains west to the Pacific Ocean (almost). Viewing spots along the way allow you to see incredible vistas; some are of the city (all the way to Catalina) and others are of the broad San Fernando Valley. Other scenic drives in Los Angeles.

5. Tour the Los Angeles Central Public Library. The Downtown library at Fifth and Flower is one of the city’s most treasured buildings. The structure reflects the Egyptian mania that was sweeping the country in the 1920s, post-King Tut discovery. It was almost destroyed in a 1986 fire but has been magnificently restored with a modern wing added. This is the third largest library in the United States, and free, docent-led walking tours are the best way to enjoy it. Highlights include the rotunda and murals depicting the history of California.

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Escape To:…Colorado - Four Ways to Enjoy Colorado’s Wonderful Winter Season

Skiing and Snowboarding. With 26 ski areas and more than 3,000 miles of enviable terrain, Colorado is the number one ski destination in the United States. From ultra-posh ski resorts such as Aspen and Vail to no-frills, backcountry skiing like Silverton, Colorado’s ski and snowboard experience is unmatched. If downhill isn’t your thing, try cross-country skiing. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Colorado’s backcountry and maybe even catch a glimpse of some Colorado wildlife.

Snowmobiling. Colorado is home to miles and miles of groomed and backcountry snowmobile trails to suit every skill level. Colorado snowmobile operators offer guided tours in spectacular locations, including the Continental Divide and long-abandoned ghost towns. Blast through banks of snow and maneuver through trails framed by massive pine trees. Many operators offer group or private tours through Colorado’s stunning landscape.

Ice Sailing. One of the many places to enjoy the sport of ice sailing is along a nearly mile-long lake in Georgetown. A combination of wind surfing and go-kart racing, this sport will get your adrenaline pumping really quickly! Harnessing the power of the wind, visitors are propelled across a three-foot-thick ice surface on a triangular, three-wheeled racer. Though you’ll need your own rig to sail, it also makes for an intriguing spectator sport.

Horse-Drawn Carriage. Those with a less extreme adventure in mind can hop aboard a horse-drawn sleigh accompanied by a warm wool blanket and a cup of hot cocoa. There’s no steering or maneuvering for you to do here. Just sit back and enjoy the gorgeous wintertime scenery for which Colorado is known.

Colorado Holiday Celebrations

Get ready to deck the halls. From special appearances by Santa Claus and train rides to the North Pole, to ice-carving competitions set to rock n’ roll music and fast-paced dogsled races, Colorado is the ideal place to celebrate the holidays.

Across the state, locals and visitors are getting into the holiday spirit. In Leadville (www.leadvilleusa.com), the nation’s highest incorporated town, visitors celebrate the Victorian era during Victorian Days, with a weekend of holiday light displays, a Victorian fashion show complete with period dresses and hats and a tour of the town’s many historic buildings. The festive event, in its 25th year, concludes with a Victorian Afternoon Tea. Get your list ready and tell Santa what you want at the Annual Storybook Christmas in Burlington (www.burlingtoncolo.com) in December. The holiday spirit comes to life on Colorado’s eastern plains during this annual event, which features train rides, holiday carnival games, festive music, decorations and a special children’s storybook presentation. For a rockin’ good time, check out Vail Snow Daze (www.vailsnowdaze.com), a huge pre-ski season bash from December 8-14, featuring concerts by artists including Big Head Todd and the Monsters, slope-side competitions, après ski parties and more. For those who love holiday home tours, it doesn’t get any better than the dazzlingly decorated Governor’s Residence at Boettcher   Mansion (www.colorado.gov/governor/residence) in Denver. Organized by the Colorado Historical Society, free guided tours are available beginning in December. Every room within the historic and stately mansion will be bedecked in holiday finery. Salida kicks-off its holiday celebration with a spectacular parade lead by Santa, which culminates in the lighting of Christmas Mountain USA. This year’s parade takes place on November 28. For more fun events, and to plan your own Colorado winter escape, visit http://www.colorado.com/ and create a customized itinerary.

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