Asheville, North Carolina has been on my list of places to visit for years. The mountains, charm of the city and local attractions all make it a great location to visit and explore. It appears it will only more popular now that Lonely Planet has named it the #1 destination to travel to in 2017.
Nature seekers will love the short hike to the top of Craggy Pinnacle along the Blue Ridge Parkway for mountain views or enjoying a picnic near the top of Mt. Mitchell.
Those looking for more adventure can ride down the chilly waters of Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest, ride the rapids on the Nantahala River or canoe down the French Broad River.
And if you’re looking to get away from it all you can rent a cabin or pick your own produce at a local farm.
The big draw for me, however, is the famous Biltmore Estate.
Created by George Vanderbilt in 1895 as a retreat reminiscent of the grand castles and estates of France and Britain, the Biltmore is America’s largest home with four acres of floor space and a total of 250 rooms in the house including 33 bedrooms for family and guests, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, three kitchens.
Beyond Biltmore House and grounds is The Biltmore Legacy, a permanent exhibit hall displaying personal artifacts and stories of the Vanderbilt family.
Asheville is also well known for being an arts and crafts mecca. If you are looking for something unique, it’s likely there! The area boasts 4 areas where visitors can find art, quilts, blown glass and handcrafted ceramics.
No trip is complete without a good home cooked meal. Asheville is home to a large variety of restaurants that run the gamut from Mediterranean to vegetarian, four-star cuisine to down-home cooking. I personally would love to try the Lobster Trap. Since opening in 2005 it has been the seafood destination for locals and visitors who are looking for favorites like the Maine Lobster Roll, crab cakes or their signature lobster trap feast that includes 24 Oysters, 2 Crab Cakes, Maple Bacon Scallops, 1 lb. Shrimp, 2 Lobsters, 1 lb. Alaskan King Crab Legs, 24 Mussels, 12 Clams, Corn and potatoes and Whole Baguette. Whew! Bring the family!
Star Wars fans rejoice! Disney Cruise Line’s epic day at sea returns in 2018 with 15 special Disney Fantasy sailings to the Caribbean from January through April.
Guests sailing on Fantasy for the Star Wars Day at Sea cruises will be transported to a galaxy far, far away to celebrate the legendary adventures from the Star Wars saga with Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers and others during the special day-long celebration.
“The Force is stronger than ever onboard the Disney Fantasy, and we are excited to bring back Star Wars Day at Sea in 2018,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “The popularity of the event over the past two years inspired us to continue immersing our guests in the Star Wars galaxy. Everyone, from the youngest Padawan to the most knowledgeable Jedi Master, is invited to enjoy this event of galactic proportions and make memories that will last a lifetime.”
Guests get a full day of Star Wars celebrations including a deck party spectacular with an extraordinary fireworks display, encounters with the characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings and special merchandise.
Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy some of these activities:
Discover the Force
Characters from across the Star Wars galaxy are onboard for interactions and photos.
Guests are encouraged to bring costumes for a special gathering in the atrium lobby.
Guests indulge in the Star Wars films and television series, including all the films in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars Rebels and the latest installment in the new standalone series “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”
Specialty Star Wars-themed beverages, snacks, dinner menu items and desserts please the palates of everyone from Padawans to Rebel pilots to Tusken Raiders.
Learn the Ways of the Jedi
In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skills in a final face-off with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister.
Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities are offered throughout the day in all youth spaces for younglings to explore their powers.
Kids and families test their knowledge during Star Wars trivia games.
“Summon the Force”
The epic day at sea concludes with the “Summon the Force” deck celebration where guests unleash the Force during games, music and a galactic dance party.
The grand finale features legendary Star Wars characters, pyrotechnics, stunts, special effects and a stunning fireworks display accompanied by John Williams’ iconic music.
Star Wars Day at Sea will only be on 15 Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla.
Those dates are:
Western Caribbean departing Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3, 17; March 3, 17, 31; and April 14, 2018, visiting Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
Eastern Caribbean departing Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 10, 24; March 10, 24; and April 7, 2018, visiting Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.
This week it was announced that Princess Cruises will be the first Carnival Corporation brand to feature the Ocean Medallion™, a wearable device powered by a first-of-its-kind interactive technology platform that enables a new level of personalization for guests onboard their cruise ships.
Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald unveiled the Ocean Medallion during his opening keynote at CES 2017.
“We are in the business of providing our guests incredible vacation experiences that create memories that they will cherish for a lifetime,” said Jan Swartz, president, Princess Cruises. “Ocean Medallion Class will deliver an elevated cruise vacation experience by connecting people, places and cultures from around the world in a more profound way. The service Princess guests have always loved will be amplified by the Ocean Medallion.”
Created to eliminate the room key, the Ocean Medallion is a personal digital experience concierge accessible by all guests using interactive displays throughout the ship, on stateroom TVs or via guests’ own mobile devices. For example, guests can find their way to venues around the ship; make reservations at the Lotus Spa, specialty dining restaurant, and shore excursions; arrange celebrations; view photographs; learn about the destinations they will visit and activities at each port of call and more. The Ocean Compass via Ocean Concierge will invite guests to experiences based on their individual needs, wants and desires.
Similar to the Smart Bands vacationers use while visit Disney Properties, The Ocean Medallion has no on-off switch, no charging, no menu to navigate. Unlike anything in the industry, it can be worn as a pendant on a wristband in a clip or simply placed in a pocket to reveal enhanced services and personalized experiences without guests having to push a button or take any action. It is also waterproof so you don’t have to worry about taking it off when you swim or shower.
Some of the initial service innovations include:
Ocean Ready: The Ocean Medallion expedites embarkation as required information is added to the guest profile at home.
Stateroom Access: The Ocean Medallion will also unlock a guest’s stateroom door – replacing the key card and its sign and sail functions.
HERE and NOW™: Guests can place dining orders and have them delivered to their current location. For example, by using the Ocean Compass guests can order select food and beverages from a lounge chair and not miss a moment of Movies Under The Stars. While Stargazing with Discovery at Sea™ on the top deck, parents can order and surprise the kids with hot chocolate without interrupting a moment of the family fun.
THERE and THEN™: Guests can place a beverage order and have it delivered to where they plan to be at a designated time. For example, guests wanting to enjoy a glass of wine at the theater can place an order prior to the show and it will be delivered to them at their seat.
Crew at Your Service: With the OCEAN Medallion, from the moment you embark, your experiences will be curated in alignment with your preferences allowing the crew to assist at all times. For example, a room attendant or bartender will have the ability to assist a guest with booking Lotus Spa services or specialty dining reservations.
Ocean Navigate: Accessed through the Ocean Compass, guests can learn the whereabouts of their family as they enjoy activities throughout the ship and be guided seamlessly in finding their way around the ship. Friends and family will also be able to easily communicate with each other through seamless messaging service.
Look for the Ocean Medallion Class™ to be available November 13, 2017, onboard Regal Princess, followed by Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess in early 2018.
Though nearly an entire generation has lived and died since the day Pearl Harbor was bombed, those that were alive at the time remember it well. Among the most intensely affected were the families, friends, and shipmates of the USS Arizona, which was bombed and sank that day. It hasn’t been seen since, but technology recently gave us a peek of what it looks like underwater. The footage was aired to commemorate the bombing’s 75th anniversary.
Submerged in a shallow harbor off Honolulu, the ship was long ago deemed too damaged to salvage. Oil still seeps from the wreckage – an estimated 9 quarts each day, which are often referred to as the “tears of the Arizona.” Remains of the fallen men were not seen in the ominous footage, but more than 30 surviving crew members have had their ashes scattered above the site so they could rejoin their brethren. What you can see is the years of sediment and sludge covering nearly every surface.
“The phone was there on the desk, and the lightbulb was in the socket. It’s just kind of eerie,” said surviving crewman, Donald Stratton, upon seeing the footage. “I never thought you could see something like that 75 years later.”
It would not have been seen without the help of useful ROV with underwater camera. The internal structure is just too dangerous and too damaged for divers to explore. But the remote-controlled drone managed to get inside and send images back to the explorers. They hope to use the information to preserve the site for future generations. It is an important part of American history, after all.
“The National Parks Service, along with a team of companies, such as Etrack, Autodesk, and others are aiming to develop a baseline comparison model in order to understand how the steel ship continues to change as it rests in the salt waters of Hawaii,” said a spokesperson for Deep Trekker. “The mission is important to ensure this active grave site remains an intact memorial for years to come.”
But the implications of the footage goes much further than just site preservation. It could help encourage future explorations of other wreckage sites. It could help us better understand our history, both on a national level and a whole world scale. It may even serve as a sense of encouragement for future generations, pushing them to explore areas we once thought impossible to see.
“Underwater drones provide a way for people to see and interact with history,” Sam Macdonald, Deep Trekker’s president, said. “We hope that this expedition inspires other citizen scientists to start searching and discovering the many mysteries our waterways hold.”
Source, Source, Source
Tis the season to take a break from the usual hustle and bustle and enjoy some holiday cheer with friends. If you are looking for some yuletide cheer across the commonwealth, there are quite a few unique holiday attractions in Pennsylvania that you can check out!
“Nothing shines like Pennsylvania during the holiday season. From lighted walking trails to glimmering shops, holiday spirit is bright across the Keystone State,” said Carrie Fischer Lepore, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Marketing, Tourism, and Film, Department of Community and Economic Development. “So bundle up, hit the road, and pursue your happiness at the various charming attractions open now across the state.”
Eight of Pennsylvania’s must-see holiday attractions are:
Christmas Magic – A Festival of Lights; York, York County
This half-mile walking trail – accessible to anyone – wanders through a forest nestled on a quiet mountaintop and includes 600,000 Christmas lights, holiday scenes, train displays, and more. The event runs through Dec. 31, but is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Shadrack Christmas Wonderland; Prospect, Butler County
The Shadrack Christmas Wonderland is the world’s largest drive-through, fully synchronized light and music show of its kind. Featuring hundreds of thousands of environmentally friendly LED Christmas lights, guests can sync their radio with the show. Shows are held nightly through Jan. 8, 2017.
Winter Lights Spectacular; Schnecksville, Lehigh County
This winter wonderland boasts giant snow globes, “snowballs” for children to toss, and milk and cookies with Santa. The event is open Wednesday to Sunday through Jan. 1, 2017, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Hershey Sweet Lights; Hershey, Dauphin County
NOEL in Hersheypark, is a light show featuring more than 200,000 dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music. Nightly shows take place every half hour starting at 5 p.m. in The Hollow of Hersheypark. Hershey Sweet Lights is a two-mile wooded driving path with more than 600 animated displays.
Illuminaire Nights in Scenic Skippack Village; Skippack, Montgomery County
Hundreds of candles line the pathways and retail spaces of picturesque Skippack Village and are joined by carolers. See the spectacle Wednesdays and Fridays until Dec. 23.
Built around a whimsical “Snow Day at Phipps” theme, the changing exhibit rooms will feature topiary penguins, bears and reindeer frolicking in showcases of artful LED lights, decorated fir trees, whimsical props, colorful poinsettias, aromatic paperwhites, showy amaryllis and more. From snowball fights and ice skating to cuddly blanket forts, the displays will revive the wonder of a winter’s day of childhood play in guests of every age. The site is open until Jan. 8, 2017.
Koziar’s Christmas Village; Bernville, Berks County
Celebrating 68 years of Season’s Greetings, Koziar’s Christmas Village has grown to a mammoth and extraordinary seasonal attraction drawing visitors from great distances as well as local families who have made Koziar’s part of their Christmas tradition for three generations. It is a seasonal attraction that includes displays, a train, a kissing bridge, and thousands of twinkling lights. It is open seven nights a week through Jan. 1, 2017.
Overly’s Country Christmas; Greensburg, Westmoreland County
Overly’s Country Christmas, a nonprofit organization operated mainly by volunteers who are committed to creating holiday memories with a walk-around Christmas Village that’s filled with an array of old-fashioned traditions and treats. Sing carols ’round the bonfire, revel in the model train display, have your picture taken with Santa (in the days before Christmas), take a horse drawn wagon/sleigh ride or shop for gifts in the C. Edgar & Sons General Store plus much, much more as you experience the warmth of this traditional Christmas Village!
On Saturday Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek shared an update on Pandora – The World of Avatar, which is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in summer 2017.
Pandora will transport guests to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants. Here, visitors will be able to experience two excursions that will truly push adventure to the next level.
First, the family friendly Na’vi River Journey will send guests down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest. Their journey will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. This attraction will bring the awe-inspiring land of floating mountains and soaring Banshees to life for Disney guests to see, hear and touch.
And second, the Avatar Flight of Passage excursion will offer the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.
Pongu Pongu will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.
The Walt Disney Imagineering team has collaborated with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment to bring the mythical world to life. Inspired by Cameron’s smash hit, the AVATAR-inspired land will be part of the largest expansion in Disney’s Animal Kingdom history.
Universal Orlando is expanding again, and this time they are getting a new sleek hotel that will be designed to offer travelers an affordable-chic experience in the heart of their resort complex.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel will become the destination’s sixth hotel. The 16-story tower will consist of 600 guest rooms, including 13 kids’ suites.
The hotel will feature the destination’s first-ever rooftop bar and grill, where guests will enjoy small plates and craft cocktails while taking in incredible panoramic views of Universal Orlando and the surrounding tropical landscape. Hotel guests can also dine at a modern food hall offering five unique cuisine options in a marketplace setting just off the lobby.
Amenities exclusive to guests staying on-site will include Early Park Admission to Universal’s theme parks, complimentary on-site transportation, a relaxing pool with a hot tub, kids’ splash pad area and fire pit, a state-of-the-art fitness center, gift shop and car rental facilities.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel will offer guests yet another value priced option when choosing from the wide range of on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. The new hotel will neighbor Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and will be just steps away from Universal Orlando’s theme parks. Universal CityWalk, the destination’s dining and entertainment complex, will be accessible via walking paths or shuttle service from Universal’s Aventura Hotel.
Nothing is cooler than looking out the window at your terminal and seeing an airplane with your kid’s favorite movie characters painted all over it.
In the past Disney has partnered with airlines to bring Mickey, Olaf and Elsa to life on the side of aircrafts headed to Orlando.
Today, Hawaiian Airlines, in collaboration with The Walt Disney Studios, unveiled the first of three custom Airbus A330 aircraft being adorned with imagery from the highly anticipated, CG-animated comedy adventure “Moana.” The inaugural decal design features four characters from the movie on Hawaiian’s fuselage as they take off on a wayfinding journey, including the demigod Maui, the adventurous teenager Moana, and her two friends: Heihei the rooster and Pua the pig.
“At Hawaiian Airlines, we are modern navigators, carrying guests across vast oceans to experience the unparalleled beauty of our home and richness of our culture,” said Peter Ingram, chief commercial officer for Hawaiian Airlines. “In important ways, Moana’s voyage of discovery parallels that of our guests’ own travel adventures, and we’re pleased to work with Disney to take this wonderful story to the skies.”
Dwayne Johnson, the voice of demigod Maui, and Auli‘i Cravalho, the Hawaiʻi-born actress who is the voice of Moana, were among the first to see the inspiring design when the plane was revealed earlier today in a hangar at the airline’s home base at Honolulu International Airport. The surprise reveal was hosted by Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mark Dunkerley at a special event attended by several hundred members of the airline’s Team Kōkua program — employees and their families who have volunteered their time and service to give back to the local community.
Next month, Hawaiian will reveal two additional livery designs featuring custom-made decals that show the characters interacting with the planes in dynamic and engaging ways. The unique artwork, created by Walt Disney Animation Studios in collaboration with Hawaiian’s team, reimagines each aircraft as a modern-day voyaging canoe, flying Moana, Maui, and their friends to new and exciting destinations.
The overhead luggage bins on all three “Moana”-themed Airbus A330s are also being decorated with characters and artwork from the film. Look for the planes to fly on Hawaiian’s regularly scheduled U.S. domestic routes as well as to international destinations including Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; Osaka and Tokyo, Japan; and Auckland, New Zealand through March of 2017.
If you are lucky enough to get on one of these special planes, you can enjoy special inflight entertainment to include an exclusive welcome video inspired by the film, the “Moana” movie trailer, and Cravalho’s casting video. The airline will also offer co-branded, limited-edition products such as blankets, towels and children’s and adult apparel.
As we prepare for the holiday season, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has announced an all-new nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!,” which will premiere on Nov. 14!
The façade of the Chinese Theater will alive with the merriment, music and sparkle of the Walt Disney World Resort 2016 holiday season as state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and even snow will shine for every side of the theater. Adding to the immersive experience is a new musical score featuring familiar holiday tunes with an original twist.
Elves Wayne and Lanny will lead a top-notch team on a search-and-rescue mission for Santa, while songs of the season bring together holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” – even a journey into Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”.
To cap off the special night, the man in red, Santa Claus, will drop by for an unforgettable spectacular the whole family will enjoy!
“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will run from Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, adding a sparkling finale to any holiday visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Guests who are looking to add a little more sweetness to the night can also book the new dessert party that will be offered nightly during the show’s run. The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Party features holiday inspired snacks, decadent desserts and specialty beverages in the courtyard of the Chinese Theater.
Beginning one hour before each performance of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, the party is $69 for adults, and $39 for children, including all taxes and gratuities.
Also look for Disney to light up the night with a giant Christmas at the main entrance, holiday displays that will capture the imagination, and colorful garlands and sparkling lights throughout the park.
Visiting Beaches in Turks and Caicos has been on our bucket list for quite a few years. The biggest resort on Providenciales, it is made up of 4 properties – each with their own flair.
The newest addition to the group is the Key West Village. Designed with large verandas that are reminiscent of the quaint cottages you’ll find in the keys, this area of Beaches is both captivating and cozy.
For this trip, we were traveling with my mom so we needed a room that would accommodate us all comfortably. One of the things Beaches excels at is offering suites for families of all sizes. In this case, the Two Story Two Bedroom Concierge Suite fit the bill for us.
More than 1000 sqft, this room was created with two master bedrooms so that everyone in our family could have their own space.
We also loved there was a formal dining area and a living room for relaxing in after the sun went down.
My boys cheered when they saw the Xbox 360 in the room, and the couch doubled as a trundle bed that opened up to sleep both kids.
Our suite also came with a galley kitchen that was equipped with a microwave, stove, fridge, coffee maker and washer and dryer.
Normally I just pile our dirty clothes in a bag and clean them when we get home, but this time, I used the machines in our room and was thankful I only had to put everything away when it was time to unpack.
Perfect for around the room or to take on-the-go, the fridge was stocked daily with beer, wine, pop, juice, wine and water. We loved having a full sized fridge because we could grab a snack at one of the restaurants and heat up some of the leftovers when the kids got hungry in between meals. The room does not come with dishes(only glasses) so make sure you plan for that if you grab pizza or burgers at Bobby Dees.
Both master bedrooms came with 2 dressers, a flat screen TV and a walk in closet.
The bathroom off the first master bedroom had a shower, while the second one down the hall was fitted with a jacuzzi.
In the middle of the suite, there was a circular staircase that took you to the second floor.
Up there we found a wet bar, and a beautiful shaded oasis where we could relax and enjoy a view of the resort.
In terms of location, the Key West Village is the located south of the Italian Village and it is also the furthest from the Caribbean and French resorts. Despite this, we didn’t ever feel like any part of the resort was too far away. In fact, one night we walked to the furthest point of the resort, The Jerk Shack, and it took us less than 5 minutes.
It’s beautiful architecture and charming atmosphere, made it one of my favorite areas of the resort. There are wide open spaces for kids to run in, three restaurants at your doorstep, and the beach is a minute walk down the path.
I highly recommend the Key West Village for vacationers looking for modern, comfortable accommodations. Many of the rooms are designed for families of sizes 6 to 12 people, which means your whole crew can stay together! The rooms in this area are also the only ones to offer an in-room washer and dryer so if that’s important to you this is the way to go.
Nature seekers will love the short hike to the top of Craggy Pinnacle along the Blue Ridge Parkway for mountain views or enjoying a picnic near the top of Mt. Mitchell.
Those looking for more adventure can ride down the chilly waters of Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest, ride the rapids on the Nantahala River or canoe down the French Broad River.
And if you’re looking to get away from it all you can rent a cabin or pick your own produce at a local farm.
The big draw for me, however, is the famous Biltmore Estate.
Created by George Vanderbilt in 1895 as a retreat reminiscent of the grand castles and estates of France and Britain, the Biltmore is America’s largest home with four acres of floor space and a total of 250 rooms in the house including 33 bedrooms for family and guests, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, three kitchens.
Beyond Biltmore House and grounds is The Biltmore Legacy, a permanent exhibit hall displaying personal artifacts and stories of the Vanderbilt family.
Asheville is also well known for being an arts and crafts mecca. If you are looking for something unique, it’s likely there! The area boasts 4 areas where visitors can find art, quilts, blown glass and handcrafted ceramics.
No trip is complete without a good home cooked meal. Asheville is home to a large variety of restaurants that run the gamut from Mediterranean to vegetarian, four-star cuisine to down-home cooking. I personally would love to try the Lobster Trap. Since opening in 2005 it has been the seafood destination for locals and visitors who are looking for favorites like the Maine Lobster Roll, crab cakes or their signature lobster trap feast that includes 24 Oysters, 2 Crab Cakes, Maple Bacon Scallops, 1 lb. Shrimp, 2 Lobsters, 1 lb. Alaskan King Crab Legs, 24 Mussels, 12 Clams, Corn and potatoes and Whole Baguette. Whew! Bring the family!
