Archive for June, 2011

By the Sea…

June 14, 2011

By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea

…is just where you will be when you join an Interlude partner for a beautifully scenic escorted vacation to the west coast.  Traveling by air, train and deluxe luxury motor coach, we can guarantee you will see some of the most beautiful sites in the United States!  The private dome rail car portion of this sojourn would make this trip a winner; but that’s only a small part of the adventure.

Imagine yourself knee deep in Steinbeck Country. Cannery Row, a novel by John Steinbeck was published in 1945 with the film version following in 1982. A stage version was produced in 1995… and you will be right in the heart of it!

The novel, Cannery Row, takes place on a small fictional street lined with sardine fisheries in Monterey known as Cannery Row (Ocean View Avenue in Monterey, the thinly disguised location, was later re-named “Cannery Row” in honor of the book). The novel revolves around the people living there during the Great Depression and may make a good read prior to leaving on this trip.

The real Cannery Row is a fantastic waterfront street a mile down the coast from Fisherman’s Wharf. Cannery Row is named after old sardine canning factories, but those factories are no longer operational; instead you’ll find house stores, restaurants and bars. You can easily spend days shopping and eating at wonderful restaurants. Cannery Row is also a marine sanctuary, so you’ll probably see California sea lions sunning themselves if you’re lucky. Since no trip to Cannery Row is complete without visiting the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium – that too is on the itinerary.

A real favorite at the Aquarium are the seahorses.  With heads like horses, tails like monkeys and pouches like kangaroos, these fascinating fishes are anything but ordinary – there is something almost mystical about them.  You will see more than 15 species of seahorses and their kin—one of the nation’s largest collections of these charismatic animals. They really do take you out of your normal sphere.  As you meander through four multimedia galleries you’ll discover how these shy and secretive animals grow up, attract mates and give birth—this is the only family in the animal kingdom in which the males get pregnant!  What a great trivia question!!

As you explore the Ocean with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, you’ll see that this fascinating exhibit combines high-definition video of incredible deep-sea animals along with the hands-on experience of using underwater robots and other high-tech tools to explore the ocean’s depths. The exhibit puts virtual deep sea exploration at your fingertips in three different missions—photographing deep sea animals, mapping underwater mountains and monitoring the surprisingly rich and varied sea life around a sunken whale carcass.  Jacques Cousteau would be proud!

You’ll also learn about the cutting-edge research conducted each day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute—deep-sea science that’s changing what is known about the ocean, and what’s needed to protect ocean life. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

At the Rocky Shore galleries you will find:

  • Wave Crash: Some animals thrive on the full force of a crashing wave, while others know how to hide in this dramatic walk-through gallery.
  • Rocky Shore up Close: Steer and zoom a camera by remote control to find a new view, as the tide rises and falls.
  • Wave Splash: Watch tube snails catch food with their elaborate mucus strands, as well as bat stars, striped shore crabs, giant green anemones and owl limpets.
  • Touch Pool: Get up close and personal with decorator crabs, sea cucumbers, urchins, abalones, hermit crabs, snails and mussels.
  • Filter Feeders: Turn the wheel and watch live acorn barnacles turn to face the current and get a meal.

Just so you know, the Wave Crash gallery pumps about 600 gallons of water and “crashes” every 30 seconds. It’s awesome! That’s more than 500,000 gallons per eight-hour day. Also, the walk-through tunnel in the wave crash exhibit is one of the most popular family photo spots in the Aquarium—timing your shot is part of the fun – so take your time and get it right!. The Galleries within the Rocky Shore get raw seawater at night; during the day, the water is filtered to provide a clearer view.

While exploring the waters of Monterey Bay, you’ll note sharks and sturgeon gliding through the deep reef, murres plunging from the surface and flatfish nestled in the sandy sea floor. This hourglass-shaped exhibit is over 90 feet long, and highlights five different habitats beneath the bay and the amazing creatures that live there.

This exhibit was designed with sharks in mind—the hourglass shape gives the large sharks plenty of room to glide and turn. Were you aware that gliding helps sharks get rid of metabolic wastes in muscle tissue – who knew! Don’t be fooled by those “penguins” paddling by—they’re common murres. They were all rescued after an oil spill along the coast and now make their home within the exhibit.  In case you’re wondering this particular exhibit holds 350,000 gallons of water and the acrylic windows are three to four inches thick.  All I can add is – WOW!

Add to all the above, three National Parks,  a night in LA,  Coarsegold gaming casino, the magnificent Redwoods, Carmel Village and so much more.  Please check out the entire itinerary and call Interlude to secure your place on this tour to the west.  Remember, you won’t even have to pack your goggles or fins to be a part of this fascinating escapade.

Majestic Sierra Parks (click here for itinerary)
(8 days, 7 nights)

Eadie
– Interlude blog team

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Girls Just Love to Have Fun

June 7, 2011

Any tour that includes wine tasting and boutique shopping has to be fabulous – and this one certainly is!!  Now is the time to talk to your “best buds” and arrange a midweek interlude – just for us girls! You might even want to invite your card club, book club, church group – the more the merrier and I promise, you will not be disappointed.

St. Charles has long held an “oh my” factor for visitors drawn to its natural charms. From its beautiful riverside ambience and striking architecture to its long-standing commitment to theater and the arts, St. Charlesis a haven for people, like girlfriends, who need a little get-a-way time – gentle and serene.  The shopping is really great too.

Wine tasting is one of my very favorite things to do – I’m Italian – it’s in my blood!  This “girlie getaway” takes us to Acquaviva Winery, where breathtaking views of the vineyard surround the indoor seating areas including the spacious outdoor terrace. The entryway looks like something out of a beautiful art museum.  Along with the award-winning wines, the Acquaviva boasts amazing architecture and hand-painted fine art.  Your taste buds will tingle and your soul will be soothed by the beauty that abounds. Do not miss the Italian Market just to the left of the entryway The market carries breads, cheeses, pastas, oils, sauces and meats – oh my, I may be in trouble… and remember the cargo area on the coach holds alot!!

This getaway just keeps getting better and better. Our dinner will be served at the absolutely stunning Hotel Baker – a real ah-hah moment! Hotel Baker offers the epitome in all things luxurious — elegant guest rooms and suites, state of the art amenities, exceptional dining and lounge venues, and a scenic riverside setting that is fantastic. And, aren’t we lucky, Hotel Baker has recently been restored, creating an ambience reminiscent of its former formal splendor. Due to its architectural and historical significance, Hotel Baker is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places -the food is great too.  And aren’t we worth all the glamour and glitz? 

Day two begins with a stop at the Fabyan Forest Preserve and its marvelous community treasure, the Japanese Tea Garden. You will be thoroughly enchanted by the tranquility and harmony of this Japanese-style garden. The one-acre garden was designed circa 1910 for George and Nelle Fabyan, who owned a large country estate straddling the Fox Riverfrom 1905-1939. It was designed by Taro Otsuka, an emigrant Japanese landscape architect, who designed gardens for the wealthy across the U.S. Inspired by their mutual interests, the Fabyans’JapaneseGarden was, and still is, a uniquely serene oasis. While the Fabyans added personal elements, such as tulips, a gazing ball and an electrified lantern, their garden exemplified traditional gardens of Japan, incorporating water, stone and plants to represent the natural world. You will  see many of the historic features and also experience the singular serenity of Japanese-style gardening. Time to recapture your Zen.

Please look for original plants, the Ginkgo Tree and Weeping Spruces, and original elements, theMt.Sumerurepresentation, theMoonBridge, the Tea House and the oversized lantern–all icons captured in hundreds of photos taken by visitors over the years. You can also view historic photographs in the Waiting Bench Chamber, a replicated structure offering a restful viewing place.

Next you’ll discover the fascinating history of the Fabyan Estate while visiting the Fabyan Villa Museum, located in the Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned Villa, just up the hill from the garden – gorgeous is an understatement.

A visit to Geneva, a scenic getaway true to its historic roots, is next on our two day adventure.  Historic buildings and pristine tree-lined streets offer an escape from the bustle of every woman’s everyday life. Specialty shops tucked away in architectural gems that were once homes, outstanding restaurants, and service oriented spas provide the perfect atmosphere to recharge and renew.

Geneva is well known in the region as quaint, charming historic town. Part of what creates its character is its historic architecture. Very few large, ornate homes exist inGeneva. In contrast, most of the architecture is conservative and plain, yet always well maintained. Many are in specific architectural styles such as Italianate, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne. These styles blend beautifully together to create an atmosphere of refined and understated elegance, perhaps reflecting the taste of the New England roots of Geneva’s earliest settlers. 

Now, let’s talk shopping – distinctive boutiques provide endless opportunities for both pleasure and treasure shopping. You will always find something different in Geneva. There are a variety of exciting shops for all sorts of crafts and hobbies too.  Those who enjoy needlepoint, sewing, and more will find unique shops in which to explore their passion. From the truly unique 200 shops of downtown Geneva to the trendy fashions of Geneva Commons, you’re sure to something that tempts you. Whether choosing that cherished gift or a unique “must” just for you – you will be thoroughly enchanted. 

The last official stop on this two-day getaway is the Farnsworth House, which continues to receive wide critical acclaim as a masterpiece of the modernist style. Mies, the architect, went on to receive the presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to American architecture and culture. In the 21st century, Pulitzer Prize winning architectural critics declared the house a masterpiece of modern architecture. Its timeless quality is reflected by the reverent fascination in the minimalist house shown by a whole new generation of design professionals and enthusiasts.  It is unique and fascinating.

I know that this escorted two-day interlude will be fun, interesting and thoroughly pleasurable.  A special time to unwind and relax while enjoying the company of new and old friends.  Please review the complete tour itinerary and plan to join us for this mini-vacation -’cause girls really do know how to have fun.

 Girlfriends’ Rivertown Getaway (click here for itinerary)
September 7-8 2011 (2 days, 1 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

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A Beautiful Time…to Savor and Enjoy

June 6, 2011
Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacation to Niagara Falls (Travel Originating in Indianapolis)

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacation to Niagara Falls (Travel Originating in Indianapolis)

The The town of  Niagara on the Lake is so relaxing, you may not feel like doing more than strolling the small boutiques along its main street, or antiquing, or just enjoying a view by the lake…and this is only one of the many unique and lovely destinations you’ll enjoy on your escorted mini-vacation to the gorgeous area surrounding the powerful and picturesque Niagara Falls.  While at the Falls you’ll be treated to a delectable dinner overlooking the Falls and then…the illumination – a breathtaking view of the Falls at dusk, lit in the colors of a rainbow – unforgettable!!

As visitors approach Niagara on the Lake from the Falls, you’ll pass miles of vineyards dotted with wineries. Many yield interesting and award-winning wines.  Did you know that the Niagara region of Ontario is currently the most widely respected producer of ice wine?  I didn’t. This product is made from the last grapes of the season and is a sweet dessert wine with a rich, golden color.  After a taste, you may just want to take a few bottles home as a reminder of your interlude or even as a gift.

Another spectacular part of your Niagara adventure features the beautiful Botanical Gardens featuring spectacular gardens and rare floral displays within Niagara Parks. The practice of horticulture, or the art of garden cultivation, has played a prominent role in the development and maintenance of the Niagara Parks system. Trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals have been arranged to beautify the landscape with a variety of form, texture and color designed to accentuate each season. Your late summer sojourn is a particularly gorgeous time to enjoy the Parks’ permanent collections of perennials, flowering trees and shrubs, as well as the themed seasonal display beddings of chrysanthemums, flowering cabbage and kale accenting the brilliant autumn colors.  Many other gardens and floral features make up what is called the Niagara Garden Trail.  For over 70 years the Botanical Gardens, within Niagara Parks, has boasted nearly 100 acres of gardens including the world-famous Rose Garden and arboretum. Lush tropical plants are displayed in the Butterfly Conservatory; a heritage flower and herb garden is a unique feature of McFarland House near Niagara-on-the-Lake and the world famous Floral Clock in Queenston, which is photographed almost as many times as the Falls themselves!!

Established in 1936, you’ll enjoy acres of beautifully maintained gardens, including perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, a formal parterre garden, shade, herb and vegetable plantings, an aviary as well as the world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses. Footpaths wind past the Butterfly Conservatory and butterfly garden, ponds and an arboretum featuring one ofCanada’s finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs.

Not to be missed is the planted face of the Floral Clock.  The intricate designs on the face of the timepiece are created with up to 16,000 carpet bedding plants. The floral design is changed twice each year – it features viola in the Spring and four cultivars of Alternanthera along with green and grey forms of Santolina Sage during the Summer and Fall. California Golden Privet and Blue Festuca Grass may be used for contrast.  Just imagine, a Clock 40 feet wide, with a planted area 38 feet wide, making it one of the largest such clocks in the world. The hands of the clock are stainless steel tubing: the hour hand is 14.5 ft, the minute hand 17.5 ft and the second hand 21 ft long. Their combined weight is 1,250 pounds.

The grounds surrounding the clock feature bedding displays and a Tower at the back of the clock housesWestminsterchimes that greet each quarter hour. If the door into the Tower is open, you can take a glimpse at the clock mechanism and enjoy photographs that show the history of every face design all the way back to 1950.  This is something spectacular! One more totally attractive feature is a 10-foot wide water garden that curves 85 feet around the base of the timepiece – it is a popular place to make a wish – this could be the day your wishes come true!

Wow, wine, flowers, the Falls and more (much more)  - whatever are you waiting for?  Please review the complete tour itinerary and mark the dates September 12th thru the 17th on your calendar. Make sure your passport is up to date and ready.  Isn’t it time for you to take pleasure in an interlude that will be remembered forever?  Enjoy.

Niagara, Buffalo & Toronto by Rail (click here for itinerary)
(6 days, 5 nights)

Eadie
– Interlude blog team

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
•Share your Interlude stories and photos on this blog
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Posted in Canada, Guaranteed Departure, Special Benefits, Train Travel, Travel Infomation, Upcoming Tours | Leave a Comment »

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