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A Grand Excursion Awaits!

April 26, 2011

This Atlantic Maritime tour is truly a grand excursion. As a visitor you will do more than just witness this unique way of life – you will live it!  Enjoy simple pleasures, breathtaking vistas, stories, music and wonderful recipes.  History will come alive as you tour Louisbourg, literature becomes real as you tour “Anne of Green Gables”.  Lighthouses and miles of white sand and red cliffs abound.  All this beauty is just waiting for you to enjoy on this escorted vacation to another, more gentle, way of life.

Riding the ferry and feeling the ocean breeze is a sure cure for whatever ailment you may have.   You’ll find you have more spring in your step and a clearer more joyful outlook.

While visiting the historic places you will discover the legacy which has been left for us all to learn from and appreciate. They show the important relationship Aboriginal people had with the land, the patterns of settlement established by Europeans, the impact of centuries of farming and fishing, and the faith that sustained many in building their communities. Each historic place conveys the sense of accomplishment and pride of generations of Islanders. There is so much to see and experience for those visiting.

I’m sure by now you know that I am a true “foodie” – so here’s the deal on the food. The food will simply delight you, as will the simple joy found in most of the natives who prepare it.  Everywhere you go you’ll find lobster, scallops, mussels and oysters–just a few of the seafood delicacies Prince Edward Island (PEI) is famous for worldwide. The New York Times food critic, Frank Bruni, visited the Island recently in search of the freshest of fresh shellfish, noting, “This is where the oysters that go by the designations or labels Malpeque, Raspberry Point and Colville Bay originate. This is what the initials PEI in front of a mussel mean. A PEI mussel is like Niman Ranch pork: a brand with real clout, a boast restaurateurs itch to make.”  Enjoy them, savor them and have some for me – they are one of my absolute favorites!!

PEI Coat of Arms

I found this recipe taken from the Royal Winter Fair. In partnership with the award-winning Culinary Institute of Canada and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, they welcomed the opportunity to tell you more about their products and how they can be best prepared for your enjoyment.  Bon Appetit!

PEI Crab or PEI Lobster Cakes

1 egg 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp dry mustard 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 2 tbsp scallions, finely chopped juice of one lemon 1½ lb PEI crab meat or PEI lobster meat 1 cup fresh bread crumbs salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste oil or clarified butter for frying Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Season with lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients and mix until just combined. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 8 patties. Heat oil or butter in frying pan and fry on both sides until golden brown or bake in a 350ºF oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Makes 8 servings. I’m making these for a dinner party – let me know if you make them and how they were received.

Lobster Traps

With your free time in Charlottetown you may want to seek out a truly unique Island experience by becoming a lobster fisherman for the day. Embark on an adventure from the Charlottetown Harbour aboard the Top Notch - an authentic lobster boat with a genuine lobster fishing crew. Enjoy lobster on board.  There are three trips daily.  Call Mark at 902-626-6689 (T) to get the details.

Prince Edward Island offers a complete range of affordable and accessible golf experiences. Nine- and 18-hole courses are located across the province. The total now numbers 34. Golfers can book their tee-off times online at www.golfpei.ca. Golf season on the Island runs from May through October. Guaranteed tee-off times can be arranged by calling the courses directly. If golf is your game, here is an opportunity to play on some of the most beautiful courses and boast to friends that you shot a !!! on the back nine on PEI!!

THE ISLAND WAY OF LIFE fosters creativity in its people, and as you explore PEI, you will soon understand why so many artists find inspiration in the gentle Island landscape. Nature forms the foundation of fine creations such as earthy pottery in Breadalbane, the graceful lines of contemporary woodwork in Rustico, or colorful paintings of Island scenes throughout PEI. A PEI Studio Tour offers you the chance to watch artisans at work. You may even want to put your own talents to the test if you sign up for one of the Once in a Lifetime Experiences. Looking for sophisticated glass in a stylish setting? Want some hand-knit mittens made from Island wool? How about a painting or print that captures the special Island light? The gifts and souvenirs available on Prince Edward Island vary as widely as the waves on the ocean. I hope the ones you take home will remind you of your very special mini-vacation with Interlude to this gentle and lovely Island.

Yes, you might get your hands dirty. You might even get your shoes wet. And your knees stained. Maybe you’ll even get a little windburn or sunburn.  All this will just make your Island experiences more memorable and more fun in the retelling. Please check out the full itinerary which is running twice, once in July and once in August. You are guaranteed a meaningful experience and a terrific good time.

Atlantic Maritimes (click here for itinerary)
(10 days, 9 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

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Posted in Canada, Guaranteed Departure, International, Recipes, Special Benefits, Travel Infomation, Upcoming Tours | Leave a Comment »

O is for Oklahoma

March 15, 2011

Most of us grew up in the days when westerns were the king of TV.  I lived to watch the Cisco Kid and Pancho, his outrageous sidekick as well as Hopalong Cassidy and the ever faithful Topper.  The Lone Ranger and Tonto graced our tiny screens and brought us true entertainment. You don’t get much of that on TV these days, but when you decide to join Interlude on a fascinating tour of Oklahoma City and the Red Earth Festival, you’ll have a chance to relive your youth and enjoy learning the fascinating history of the American West. Grab your 10 gallon hat and your boots and be enmeshed in the days of rodeo, round-ups and real heroes.

Founded in 1955, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers America’s largest collection of Western art, artifacts, educational programs and research. There are a dozen permanent collections to explore, starting with the American West gallery—filled with more than 2,000 paintings, sculptures and other art pieces. Other collections include the Western Performers Gallery, American Rodeo Gallery, Children’s Cowboy Corral, Native American Gallery and more. The Children’s Cowboy Corral is a fun interactive discovery area that is filled with western themed activities for children – young and old.  

When you visit, one of the temporary exhibits will be: The Bowie Knife: Icon of American Character  

Among domestic arms, only the names Deringer and Bowie have entered the English language as generic terms for their respective creations: a small, single-shot pistol and a large, heavy-bladed fighting knife. Forever associated with frontiersman and Alamo-martyr James Bowie, the Bowie knife was involved in many historical currents in mid-19th century America. This exhibition looks at the history, art and legacy of the Bowie knife by drawing upon Museum collections and superlative specimens loaned by Bowie-knife authority Mr. E. Norman Flayderman, author of the recently published book The Bowie Knife ~ Unsheathing an American Legend.  (taken from the website).

While you’re visiting the museum, pop into the Persimmon Hill restaurant to see the early prairie style décor of blue cornflowers and sunflowers.  Of course you’ll have to stop by the museum store for your own western memorabilia including books, jewelry, clothing, art and whatever tickles your fancy.

Another fascinating Museum stop on this western Interlude is The American Banjo Museum. The collection of the American Banjo Museum is nothing short of a national treasure, honoring the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited future of the banjo.  The museum contains more than 300 instruments, the largest collection on public display in the world.  Examples include replicas of primitive banjos developed by African slaves in the Old South, Minstrel Age instruments from 19th century, post WWII instruments used in bluegrass, folk and world music, and the museum’s core collection of ornately decorated banjos made in America during the Jazz Age of the 1920’s and 30s.

“Originally the Museum was founded primarily by and for enthusiasts and players of the four-string banjo, the predominate stringed instrument associated with the jazz age of the 1920s and early 30s,” commented ABM Executive Director, Johnny Baier.  In contrast to that beginning, Baier noted that the banjo – in many different forms and musical styles – has been evolving for over 350 years, continuing that the new ABM is committed to presenting every chapter of the banjo’s story, from it’s roots in American slavery to its most recent identities in Bluegrass and international folk music. (taken from their website).

The banjo was introduced to America by the African slave culture in the mid 1600s and remained exclusive to the black culture for nearly 200 years.  Replicas of several of these ancient instruments are on display.  As your museum experience continues, you’ll witness examples of banjos made during the late 19th century during the so-called Minstrel Age of music when the banjo moved from the plantation to the stage and concert hall gaining broad public interest.

For the bluegrass music fan the name Gibson is synonymous with quality banjos.  A special gallery in the museum spotlights a large collection of Gibson Mastertone banjos manufactured during the company’s golden years of the 1920s and 30s, including an extremely rare, pre-war Gibson five-string banjo valued at more than $175,000.00.  Be very careful not to disturb this rare gem!

The second floor is home to the museum’s centerpiece collection of more than 200 four-string banjos from the Jazz Era of banjo music.  These magnificent instruments are in superb condition, with ornate designs and tonal sound qualities which are literally frozen in time.  Each banjo in this exclusive collection is a work of art, illustrating the ingenuity, craftsmanship and dedication of the artisans who created these masterpieces nearly a century ago.   Banjo music is usually happy music and learning of the meaningful history of this instrument will be a rare treat.

During your visit to the American Banjo Museum, interpretive exhibits as well as video and performance theaters will make you a witness to the history of the banjo – from its humble roots to its present voice in Bluegrass, folk and world music.  As you stroll through elegant galleries on two floors you will find yourself immersed in the sights and sounds of the largest collection of banjos on public display anywhere in the world.

This wonderful sojourn is not all about Museums though.  Please check out the full itinerary and discover for yourself how much fun you can have visiting Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City and the Red Earth Festival (click here for itinerary)
June 2-5, 2011 (Guaranteed Departure)
(4 days, 3 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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Winding Through Wine Country

January 5, 2011

You certainly have a special treat waiting for you when you sign up for this elegant visit to early 20th Century opulence!  Beautiful mansions, gardens, a champagnery and an exquisite train adventure through the Napa Valley.  Add to this, lots of opportunities to savor the succulent and full bodied tastes of Napa Valley wines.   Interlude has positioned this trip with comfort and care so that you can enjoy the very best of this region.

If you think things look vaguely familiar, it is because Filoli was the opulent setting for the 1980’s hit TV series “Dynasty”.  Just wish I could remember in which of those elegant rooms the famous cat fight took place between the lovely Krystal and the mean spirited but beautiful, Alexis.  The Carrington mansion was actually the Filoli Estate. It was built in 1916 by William Bower Bourn, Jr., with the profits from his Empire Mine in Grass Valley, and is now operated as a museum by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the many destinations on this mini-vacation to the west coast.

The name “Filoli” was derived from the first two letters of the three words derived from the motto “To FIGHT for a just cause, to LOVE your fellow man, and to LIVE a good life.”

Designed by Willis Polk and noted for its elegant interiors, the House is an interpretive museum exhibit for an extensive collection of 17th and 18th century English antiques. Please pay special notice to the Butler’s Pantry and Kitchen with the walk-in safe, the wood paneled library and the 1925 Ernest Peixotto paintings in the Ballroom. In the Study, be sure to look for the concealed panel to the right of the Carrara marble fireplace surround.  It originally led to a safe and was later converted to a wine cellar. On the left side there is another concealed door which is a closet where the original owner kept his business records. Now it is a convenient bar with a sink and small refrigerator – oh to live in this lap of luxury!

A prime example of the California eclectic style, Filoli provides an inspiring vision,  with bountiful land, plentiful resources and an emphasis on self-sufficiency. Built more than sixty years after the California Gold Rush that inspired massive migration to Northern California, and ten years after the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco, Filoli represented a desire to create a magnificent and enduring country estate. The 654-acre estate is a California State Historic Landmark and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. This outstanding showcase of early twentieth-century architecture and garden design is yours to enjoy on this escorted vacation.

Exquisitely beautiful and ever-changing, the gardens of Filoli offer the chance to learn about the estate’s renowned horticulture practices or to simply enjoy the serenity for which they were designed. Filoli had the distinction of being one of the last country places built on the Peninsula and the one that survived the longest in its original design.   When you visit Filoli, you will fully understand the meaning of its Curator Tom Rogers statement, “Filoli is a magical place that changes with the seasons, and every season is a great time to visit.”

And if lavish 20th Century opulence is what you’re looking for, this trip has it for you in spades. Just board the Napa Valley Wine Train and one of the most unique and celebrated Napa restaurants is yours (for the afternoon).  This dining establishment is housed in an antique train that runs on 25-miles of track in the heart of the Napa Valley. The train itself has two engines, two kitchens on board, and a collection of early 20th century rail cars that are pure Americana. It offers great regional food and fabulous, hard-to-find wines.

The expertly refurbished 1915-1917 Pullman Cars create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and the most lavish of luxury.  Meals are crafted by an Executive Chef and prepared in a specially fabricated kitchen car located immediately adjacent to each dining area. The meals are freshly prepared on the train using environmentally responsible ingredients, humanely raised, hormone-free meats and fresh, line-caught fish. The lounge cars are luxuriously furnished and equipped with picture windows to maximize the view. All the rail cars are expertly finished with Honduran mahogany paneling, etched glass partitions, brass accents and original artwork by Nepo. While on this train adventure you will be invited to explore the train and visit the kitchen car to see the chefs in action, (a must do – it’s absolutely fascinating) visit the wine tasting bar, where their wine expert can help you find a favorite new wine, or the observation deck to enjoy an unobstructed view of the valley.

The tasting bar is located in a historic Pullman rail car that is almost 100 years old and reflects a time of luxurious passenger travel served with the exciting addition of today’s sophisticated pastime: sipping wine, learning about wine, and enjoying the graciousness of life – savor and enjoy this unique and very special experience

Dedicated to preserving a past way of life, the Napa Valley Wine Train is instrumental in maintaining and using historic rail cars that no longer exist on the American landscape. For Napa, they also preserve an important transportation corridor that would have been abandoned decades ago. By layering a unique and award-wining restaurant, with an opportunity to explore the wine country in an inimitable manner, the Wine Train truly captures the opulence of another time.

The Napa Valley Wine Train provides a relaxing three-hour along the thirty-six mile round-trip journey between the historic town of Napa through one of the world’s most famous wine valleys to the quaint village of St. Helena and back.  During your train excursion you will be able to view vineyards gently rolling past as you sip some of the world’s most amazing vintages. Depending upon the time of year, you can watch the vineyards as they move slowly through their life cycle – from the barren vines being caned in wet vineyards to the pregnant purple fruit hanging pendulant under full canopies of green – it is one of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts.

As guests aboard the Wine Train, you will be all set to  enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, view vineyards and wineries from any of the vintage and lavishly restored cars as you discover the  beautiful Napa Valley  wine country. 

Please check out the full itinerary – so many wonderful places to see and exciting things to do!  Call Interlude today to be a part of this “return to yesteryear luxurious experience.”

Wine, Rail & Redwoods (click here for itinerary)
May 15-20, 2011
September 18-23, 2011 (Guaranteed Departure)
(6 days, 8 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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Plain, Fancy and Simply Fabulous – Philly

December 14, 2010

You are in for a real treat.  Having grown up in Philly, I can tell you with great assurance that THIS escorted vacation has it ALL.  If you’ve never traveled through the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside, be prepared for some of the most beautiful rolling, pristine farmland you will ever see.  The warmth of the Pennsylvania Dutch is legendary and the food – unbelievable.  Savor the moments – it’s certainly not something you’ll see or do everyday and just being there provides a gentle reminder of how simple life can and often should be.

Another fabulous stoke on this encompassing tour of my homeland is Cape May.  It is as fancy as Pennsylvania Dutch land is plain.  Gingerbread houses – ornate painted ladies line the streets and the shopping along the Promenade is wonderful.  We, as a family, still vacation along the Jersey Shore, just south of Cape May.

Just a short drive south of Cape May will bring you to the Cape May Lighthouse. There is a park with nature trails, a museum and the ruins of an old World War II bunker. The Cape May Lighthouse stands 157  feet tall. It has been recently been restored and is open to visitors. (there is a fee).  If you go, be sure to stop in the old oil shack next to the lighthouse. There are pictures and a video of the reconstruction plus a lot of lighthouse related gifts.  Supposedly, the light of the current lighthouse was first lit in 1859.

Cannot tell you how many lunches on the beach I have shared with friends and family and you too can capture that incredible feeling that happens when surf and sand and gulls surround you – sure makes me homesick!  If you get the chance, buy a slice of Mack and Manco’s Pizza – only available on the Jersey Shore – it’s one of those “gotta have it” moments.  I’ve got lots of food tips for this trip and M & M Pizza ranks right up there. 

Another favorite of mine, and soon to be of yours, is Longwood Gardens.  My sisters and I typically go over the Christmas holidays, but it is absolutely lovely any time of year.  Longwood Gardens is sure to delight anyone who loves exquisite flowers, majestic trees, and opulent architecture. Here, amid 1,050 acres with 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens, you’ll find beauty at every turn.

In 1906, Pierre S. du Pont purchased the Peirce Arboretum to save its trees from being cut for lumber. Over the next nearly half century, Mr. du Pont developed Longwood Gardens into what it is today, a magnificent horticultural showplace of gardens, woodlands, and meadows and a wonderful travel experience. By the way, there are more fountains at Longwood Gardens than any other garden in the US. During your trip you will be delighted with lovely spring blossoms from the gardens. The Flower Garden Walk features tulips in a rainbow of color, and spring annuals such as pot marigolds and snapdragons. In May, Peirce’s Woods abounds with native azaleas, columbines, Virginia bluebells, and foam-flowers as well.  Take your camera – the flowers are fantastic.

The Peirce-du Pont House dates from 1730 and is the oldest building at Longwood Gardens. It was the family homestead of the Peirce family until 1905 and then became the weekend residence of Pierre du Pont from 1906 until his death in 1954. It is now open to the public and is included with your admission to the Gardens.

This spacious country home resulted from five major periods of construction covering nearly 200 years. The original two-story brick farmhouse was built by Joshua Peirce in 1730 to replace a log cabin built in 1709. The brick pattern was Flemish bond with dark glazed headers and unglazed stretchers. The roof had a simple cornice and pent eaves protected the first floor windows and doors. In 1764, a two-story addition was made to the east end of the house and included a new dining room.  The house was enlarged in 1824 adding a large addition to the north of the original structure. This building campaign doubled the size of the Peirce’s house. In 1909, Pierre du Pont modernized the house with a two-story addition to the north. Plumbing, electricity, and heating were added throughout the house and it’s come a long way from its humble beginnings.  You will love the ambience of the house and thoroughly enjoy your day here and throughout the Brandywine region.

Schuylkill, (SKOO-KILL) still have to double check my spelling and wish I had a nickel for every time I was on “hold” coming and going from my Nonni’s home in South Philly on this road that boarders “center city”.

Historic Philadelphia is simply amazing.  You will be surprised at how tiny Betsy Ross’ home is and the sight of the Liberty Bell renders one speechless. See it all, do it all – our patriotic forefathers gave us so much and Philadelphia showcases it beautifully. 

Other pure winners on this tour are the Philadelphia Mint and the Mummer’s Museum.  The Mint boggles the mind, but the Mummer’s Museum boggles your eyesight.  Every New Year’s Day, from the time I was old enough to stand on my own, we, as a family, would bundle up and stand along South Broad Street to watch and glory in the Mummer’s Day Parade.  The colors, the music, the costumes are fabulous and just the words “Oh, dem golden slippers” make me want to get up and strut!!  It’s uniquely Philadelphia and a great tradition.

Ooooh Soooo Goood!!

You cannot leave town without relishing a true Philadelphia Cheese Steak.  When I went home this Thanksgiving I had two – just because I could!  Do Not get the ones with Velveeta – not authentic!  My favorite actually is a steak sandwich, no cheese, smothered in sauce and onions…mmmmm. It’s the bread that makes it so wonderful!  If you can, buy a soft pretzel off the street vendor – not at all like those in other parts of the globe. On your free night, find a little Italian trattoria – preferably a basement variety, where Mama cooks her heart out and the food is to die for.  If you like something different, visit the markets on 9th Street – Little Italy and you will see things you’ve probably never seen before.  I truly loved living there.

Interlude has really done a great job in assembling a true smattering of all things good about the Philadelphia area, so check out the itinerary and go East – you’ll have a terrific time.

 A Philly Gadabout (click here for itinerary)
May 22-28, 2011 (7 days, 6 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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Lagniappe (lan-yap) – A Cajun Holiday

November 17, 2010

Lagniappe is  Cajun for “something extra,” like the extra donut in a baker’s dozen and is the perfect word to describe this escorted vacation to the Bayou and beyond, which will, by far, exceed your expectations.   Your visit includes the magnificent city of Nachez along the Mighty Mississippi – boasting splendid antebellum mansions; the beautiful gardens of Bellingrath; and a view of the spectacular Lake Pontchartrain and so much more.

I have long been fascinated with the Cajun culture.  Their Joie de Vivre (attitude toward life) and Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) just make you feel good while in their company.  I’ve decided to share a little Cajun background in order to prepare you for this Interlude to the land of crawdads and po’boys.  By definition a Cajun is a person of French Canadian descent born or living along the bayous, marshes and prairies of southern Louisiana.

Experiencing the Cajun culture is like no other – anywhere. It’s wild and fun and guarantees smiles. The Cajuns of today are a thrifty, hard-working, fun-loving, devout religious folk.  They work hard and play harder.  The Cajun’s pleasure-loving nature expresses itself in the community festivals, dancing and food that are integral parts of bayou life. Cajuns are known for their “joie de vivre” (joy of living), and you’ll be sure to note the added excitement immersed in their food due to great experimentation with herbs, spices and rare ingredients.  It is like nothing you have ever tasted and always delicious.

One of the traditional favorite Cajun pastimes is an old- fashioned crawfish boil.

When the sacred “crawdads” go into the pot a breath of excitement fills the air.  Before the great feast of the boiled crawfish, potatoes, onions and corn, youngsters make a mad dash for the crawfish tub poking the live crawfish with sticks while other family members participate in crawfish races. Sounds wild, but I have it on the best authority. Tradition you know.

Boiling crawfish is not the only way to enjoy the crustaceans. When crawfish go into the pot a number of delicious dishes result because there are almost as many ways to cook crawfish as there are swamps, ponds and ditches in which to catch them. Crawfish are served up in gumbo, bisque, étouffée, jambalaya, pies or patties. When the Cajuns aren’t eating crawfish, they enjoy other world famous cuisine of Louisiana such as oysters, shrimp, boudin, pralines, gumbo and red beans and rice. I thought it might be helpful to know what you might be eating so below please find a small portion of what’s going on food-wise.

Couche-Couche (koosh-koosh)

A popular breakfast food, made by frying cornmeal and topping it with milk and/or cane syrup.

Courtbouillon (coo-boo-yon)

A rich, spicy tomato-based soup or stew made with fish fillets, onions, and sometimes mixed vegetables.

Crawfish (craw-fish)

Crawfish, sometimes spelled “crayfish,” resemble lobsters, but are much smaller. Locally, they are known as “mudbugs,” because they live and grow in the mud of freshwater bayous. They can be served many ways: in etouffees, jambalaya, gumbos or, simply boiled.

Creole (cree-ol)

The word originally described those people of mixed French and Spanish blood who migrated from Europe or were born in Southeast Louisiana and lived as sophisticated city or plantation dwellers. The term has expanded and now embraces a type of cuisine and a style of architecture.

Dirty Rice

Pan-fried leftover cooked rice sauteed with green peppers, onion, celery, stock, liver, giblets and many other ingredients.

Etoufee (ay-too-fay)

A succulent, tangy tomato-based sauce; a smothered dish usually made with crawfish or shrimp. Crawfish and Shrimp etouffees are New Orleans and Cajun country specialties.

Cajun music is also distinctive. It can be lively or melancholy, and sometimes both at the same time. The main reason why many attend festivals is for the unique Cajun music. Cajun music, once deemed as nothing noteworthy has infiltrated radio, television and classrooms and now can be recognized for its unique sounds of instruments like accordions, fiddles and triangles. It fills the soul with sound that defies interpretation. Zydeco (zi-de-co) is a relatively new kind of Creole dance music that is a combination of traditional Cajun dance music, R & B and African blues – so much fun to dance and party to. When a hot Zydeco band starts cooking, the backbeat of the washboard makes it hard for your feet to resist the dance floor. Enjoy the moment.      

In Cajun Country, a week hardly goes by without chants of praise to crawfish, rice, alligators, cotton, boudin, yams, gumbo and andouille, all the necessities of bayou life. Whether in food, music or fun, the Cajun tradition continues to live on in the hearts of Cajuns and visitors alike.  Laissez les bon temps rouler and let Interlude help introduce you to a truly captivating new adventure. Check out the itinerary and leave your inhibitions at home – the energy and romance of Cajun country awaits and it’s always party time on the Bayou – don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes.

Azaleas, Plantations & Cajuns (click here for itinerary)
April 12-19, 2011 (8 days, 7 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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Escape to Blossoming Enchantment

November 8, 2010

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides – quoted from W.E. Johns, The Passing Show.  And… you will be filled with such great anticipation when you decide to join our Interlude to jolly ole England in search of some of the most beautifully lush and charming gardens in the entire world. It’s May and there is no better time to see the wonders of nature throughout the English countryside.  This escorted visit to Great Britain includes historic sites, incredible photo opportunities and a glimpse of nature in one of her favorite environments.

Hundreds of years ago, Kew Estate and Richmond Estate were home to members of the British royal family. It was during the reign of King George III that the two estates merged to become Kew Gardens and the site of the Royal Botanical Gardens.  Today, the gardens cover 300 acres and contain thousands of species of plants, many of them rare and exotic. Near the entrance to the gardens, you will see Kew Palace, a red-brick mansion, once the home of George III and Queen Charlotte. Located on the River Thames, it was the mother of King George III, in 1759, who laid out a portion of her estate for a collection of plants assembled primarily for scientific and educational purposes. On the site today are glasshouses, a herbarium, the Chinese Pagoda, and museums.  Palm House, Temperate House, Evolution House, the Grass Garden and the Wood Museum can all be found within Kew Gardens. .

The Earth laughs in flower (Ralph Waldo Emerson) and never more so than in the Cotswolds.  Gardening is one of my true joys and I felt like I had reached gardeners paradise when I visited the Cotswolds.  This area of England, about the size of greater Tokyo, is popular with both the English themselves and visitors from all over the world. The Cotswolds are well-known for gentle hillsides (‘wolds’), sleepy villages and for being charmingly and delightfully “English”.

When visiting the “wolds” you will see ‘Drystone walls’ everywhere in the fields. Amazingly, many were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, a matter of considerable skill as there is no cement to hold the walls together. These walls represent an important historical landscape and a major conservation feature – and are of course still used by farmers to enclose sheep and cattle.

During the medieval period of the 13-15th centuries, the native Cotswold sheep were famous throughout Europe for their heavy fleeces and high quality of wool. Cotswold wool commanded a high price and the wealth generated by the wool trade enabled wealthy traders to leave their mark by building fine houses and wonderful churches, known as “wool churches”. Even today, the sight of sheep on the hillside is still one of the classic Cotswold images.  Because not all the Cotswold villages are well known – be on the lookout for a hidden village or an unspoiled historic church – a secret world of history may be waiting within.

You know that gardeners always know the best dirt, and much of that info will be shared with you when you attend the Chelsea Flower Show.  For more than eight decades, England’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has held this flower show in London on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. The highlight of this five-day event (besides the fact that YOU will be there) is the full-sized show gardens that are planted and landscaped in the space of only three weeks by some of Britain’s top designers. There are also scientific displays of the latest advances in gardening; booths for flower arranging and garden design; and trade stands showing everything from antique garden statuary to the very latest in garden tools and machinery. Gardening experts are also on hand to give you advice on courtyard gardens, window boxes, hanging baskets, and other less elaborate forms of gardening.  Take a pen and notepad and come home with an amazing head start for your own gardens in the spring. 

Just a heads up – Her Majesty the Queen has appeared at almost every Chelsea Flower Show since her coronation, and perhaps she’ll visit on the day you are there!   Every year this show sees the unveiling of new flowers and lucky you will be among the first from the U.S. to view them. Take lots of pictures – I know they will be incredibly unusual and beautiful.  

I picked up a few really good hints for getting the most out of the show and, for that matter, all the gardens you’ll be touring.  Remember to wear sun block, May in England can be fickle, but it’s always best to be prepared; sensible shoes are a must – the last thing you want or need is to have your heels get stuck in the mud; remember to drink plenty of water to increase energy and attentiveness; when given the choice eat early to beat the worst of the crowds.   What are you waiting for….call Interlude and book this escorted vacation right now – it will be well worth your time.  So much to see… so much to do… and a leisurely, comfortable pace – makes this one wonderful adventure. Check out the full itinerary and get on board.  And…be sure to give Her Majesty my best regards.

 

If you’ve never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.  ~Terri Guillemets 

 

  

 

 

 

 

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Deep In the Heart of Texas

November 8, 2010

Along the San Antonio River, you won’t see any rustic gambling boats or anything close to it. Instead you’ll find tropical walkways, gourmet restaurants and rare boutique shops lining the banks of the peaceful river. In May 2009, the new Museum Reach portion of the Riverwalk opened featuring over one mile of new Riverwalk footage, beautiful landscaping and lighting at night. It begins at the Holiday Inn El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel and ends at the Pearl Brewery Complex just South of Brackenridge Park. On the new Museum Reach of the Riverwalk you will find the beautiful San Antonio Museum of Art, a lock system for the river boats, and the oldest VFW Post in the State of Texas. It is a gorgeous portion of the Riverwalk to enjoy in a boat or on a leisurely walk, be sure to take in as much as you can during your San Antonio adventure.

Every day of this escorted vacation is full of new and exciting things to see and do. Among my personal favorites is the LBJ Library and Ranch. Did you know that Lyndon Johnson’s first career was as a teacher and principal of a Mexican-American school in Cotulla, Texas. He later taught debate in Houston. The Texas White House was officially opened to the public on August 27, 2008. At this time, rooms available for public tours include the President’s Office, living room, and dining room, restored to their 1963-1968 appearance. The remainder of the home is still undergoing restoration. The focal piece of the LBJ Ranch is the LBJ Ranch House, the home of President Johnson and a center of political activity for more than 20 years. Leaders from around the world visited the Johnsons there, and during the Johnson Administration it became known as the Texas White House. President Johnson was the first President to create a functioning White House away from Washington. The Texas White House was donated to the National Park Service in 1972 and after the Johnson’s death in 1973, Mrs. Johnson continued to live at the Ranch part time until her death in 2007. Mrs. Johnson kept on display many of the gifts they received while in public service. The Texas White House is “a house full of gifts that’s a gift to our nation.” Another political tidbit – Lyndon Johnson was the first candidate in history to campaign by helicopter. Known as “The Johnson City Windmill,” it was used during his second bid for the U.S. Senate in 1948.

There is nothing quite like a visit to the Alamo and the IMAX movie make this lore-filled experience even better. Be sure to keep a look out for the beautiful Texas bluebonnets as you travel from destination to destination.

Once you get home from your Texas tour you might want to host a Texan Ranch theme party when showing all your incredible photos to your friends. When hosting your party I have a few recipes that should help you capture the style and flair of an authentic Texas ranch. First send out your invitations about a month in advance and ask your guest to “dress” cowboy style. It’s amazing how coming in costume just about guarantees a great time. Secondly, find some old country music that just feels Texan – you might even contact a square dance group or caller to teach your guests the Texas Two Step. Such fun!! Third, serve your meal buffet style so that tables can be easily moved to get ready for the dancing. And finally – if your time and energy allows play a few hands of Texas Hold-‘em poker!! Remember, Texans do everything in a BIG way so just let your imagination run wild. Your Interlude in the Heart of Texas will give you plenty to draw from. Below are some great recipes that are truly authentic Texas Tidbits.

Crowd- Pleasing Chili
A great crowd pleaser, and good for Texans who refuse to put beans in their chili.
• 3 lbs beef brisket cut into 1/4 inch cubes
• 1 cubanelle pepper chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 5 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 6 garlic chopped
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 small can plain tomato sauce
• 1 cup canned whole tomatoes
• 1 small can chopped mild green chilis
• 1 small can chopped HOT green chilis
• 1 beef bouillon packet
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 can beer
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup tequila

Texas Peach Cobbler
1/2 cup margarine
3/4 cups all purpose flour
pinch of salt
2 cups sliced peaches
2 cups sugar ( divided )
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup milk

Melt butter in a 2 quart baking dish. Combine 1 cup sugar, flour,
baking powder, and salt. Add milk, and stir until mixed. Pour batter
over butter in baking dish, but do not stir. Combine peaches, and
remaining sugar, and spoon over batter, but do not stir.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Check out the itinerary for Interlude’s Spring Fiesta, buy a pair of boots and grab a cowboy hat and be prepared to thoroughly enjoy your adventures in The Lone Star State. Just remember that the first word spoken from the moon on July 20,1969 was “Houston” – true Texans won’t ever let you forget it!

San Anonio Spring Fiesta (click here for itinerary)
April 13-17, 2011 (5 days, 4 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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A Grand Jewel…

October 24, 2010

Red Rocks, dude ranches, canyons and spectaculars views are what you expect when visiting Sedona, Flagstaff and Phoenix; however what you will simply fall in love with is Prescott!  Set in the mile high mountain setting, Prescott is part of a wonderfully fabled history. Hailed as the first Capitol of Arizona, here you will be submerged in the history of the old west.  Your stay at the Hassayampa Inn is an irresistible indulgence.  Located in the center of Prescott, the hotel has become part of the National Trust of Historic Hotels in America due to its historic character, architectural quality, and the preservation efforts of generations of hoteliers who have come to cherish “the grand jewel of Prescott”.

The Inn is named after the Hassayampa River which runs north of Prescott is derived from an Apache word for a “river that loses itself”. This is quite fitting for a mysterious stream that often sinks beneath earth’s surface and reappears along the way elsewhere. From the beginning of its time, the river’s namesake Inn has had the same effect on its guests who often come for a chance to lose the tensions of hectic urban life, only to emerge with their balance and bearings restored. It’s waiting for you!!!!

The Hassayampa Inn was built in 1927 as a four story, 78 room hotel and was completed in only ten months for a cost of $200,000 and $75,000 for furnishings. Designed by the distinguished Southwestern architect Henry Trost, the initial Pueblo design did not suit many of the investors who hailed from the Midwest who preferred brick over adobe. The final result is a mix of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and Italianate exterior red brick, trimmed in white and topped by a bell tower.

When you enter through the elegant Porte cochere, the Hassayampa Inn offers a rare opportunity to step into the past. The hand painted wood beamed ceiling is unforgettable, and the 1927 vintage elevator – fabulous!  The hotel’s 1985 renovation installed modern amenities, but left intact the property’s Talavera tile fireplace, Castilian walnut furniture, embossed copper panels, chandeliers and etched glass just for you to savor and enjoy.

From the era of its youth where the Hassayampa hosted guests such as Tom Mix and Will Rogers, Greta Garbo and Clark Gable, as well as General John “Blackjack” Pershing, the Hassayampa’s guest list has included a variety of notables. Famous guests of today include, Tom Selleck, Steve McQueen, Sam Elliott, Joan Rivers, Kim Basinger, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Downs, The Beach Boys, Tom and Dick Smothers, as well as politicians such as John McCain, Barry Goldwater, and George W. Bush.  It is a truly special place that will dazzle your senses!

The Hassayampa Inn is featured in Patricia Schultz’s book on 1,000 places to visit in the US and Canada – once you have been there,  I know you too will agree.

A stop not to be missed on this escorted vacation is in Wickenburg, where you will visit the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. Thriving on its Western heritage, inside this museum you’ll find an outstanding collection of Western art depicting life on the range, including works by Albert Bierstadt, Charles Russell, Thomas Moran, Frederick Remington, Maynard Dixon, and other members of the Cowboy Artists of America. The Hays “Spirit of the Cowboy” collection is an impressive display of historical cowboy gear that alone makes this museum every bit worth the stop.

I was delighted to learn that the Desert Caballeros Western Museum has introduced an exciting and innovative service to those who love western art. In association with LookClickPrint, Inc., they now are providing patrons with unprecedented access to Museum images and the ability to selectively re-create those images for their own personal enjoyment.

Visitors to the Museum Store or the LookClickPrint web site, www.lookclickprint.com may now search, select, and purchase extraordinary state-of-the-art reproductions from their permanent collection and special exhibitions. The images are available on either paper or canvas, and are offered in a variety of sizes.  What a delightful remembrance of your mini-vacation with Interlude!

Take a moment to review the itinerary of this affordable getaway – Arizona is a wonderful place to relax, rewind and regroup at the end of a long hard winter.   Call Interlude today and secure your late March getaway!

Prescott & Sedona (click here for itinerary)
March 14-19, 2011 or October 31 -November 4, 2010 (6 days, 5 nights)     

Eadie
– Interlude blog team     

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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Then and Now – A New Zealand Adventure

September 22, 2010

To complement your appreciation of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery our escorted adventure includes a definitive cultural immersion. Interlude Tours has arranged for you to journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. A festival of Maori music, dance, traditional skills and the famous Hangi feast awaits you. A local guide will escort you on a cultural journey to the Maori Village, the life force of New Zealand’s indigenous people. Let your imagination take over as your guide instructs you on the protocol for visiting the Maori.  The performance is real, raw and earthy – full of emotion and power. All I can add is – WOW!

Set in the tranquil natural bush, the performers take you back in time when the ancient Maori customs and traditions were a vital part of everyday life in New Zealand. Through songs and dances plus tales and legends told, you will learn a great deal about their fascinating past. A chief is selected, a song is learned and the eerie cry of the welcome is heard before you enter the world of the proud warriors of the ancient Maori.

This once in a lifetime experience will include the welcome ceremony before you enter the village, with crackling open fires in front of traditional houses. You’ll hear traditional Maori instruments and watch the daily activities of days gone by. In the meeting house, a Rangiatea culture group offers a powerful display of haka song and dance.  The night will unfold into a relaxed, informal, friendly and fun atmosphere of feasting and entertainment. All meats and vegetables of the Hangi are cooked in the traditional fashion, beneath the ground on hot rocks. Dining is buffet style with the menu consisting of: Lamb, Chicken, Smoked Fish in white sauce, Kumara (sweet potato), Potato, Carrots, Coleslaw, Seasoning, Raw Mussels and Fried Bread. For dessert you can enjoy Steamed Pudding, Fruit Salad, Custard and Cream. Vegetarian meals are available on request. A fully licensed bar is also available.  

The Maori culture is rich in the historically changing images of its people. From long sea voyages, peace and wars this indigenous tribe wears the mantle of the land with great dignity. Their culture embraces the heartbeat of a people-caring nation. They truly sing, dance and live to the rhythm of life. As born conservationists, they read the stars, the moon, the seasons, the tides, the days, the nights, the months, the years and the subtle changes in the environment. After this experience you will surely have a much deeper insight into understanding the Maori spirit of the past.

And then it’s on to Queenstown! Born as an 1860’s gold mining camp, 140 years later Queenstown has a compact and sophisticated downtown area tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Though dwarfed by the surrounding mountains, the downtown area is a lively café/bar scene and provides excellent shopping

Getting around the downtown area is best by foot – many shops are in pedestrian areas or hidden away down narrow lanes – and, as you explore, remember to take some time to enjoy the  breathtaking views that are never more than a few paces away. Queenstown is one of best place in the world to buy traditional wool and sheepskin clothing and indigenous Pounamu (greenstone). 

You will be arriving in the spring which begins officially September 1 and ends November 30. Weather is unpredictable so be prepared for temperatures spanning 48°F to 75°F.

The colors, sights, scents and sounds of Queenstown are amazing. There are more than 150 bars, restaurants and cafes to indulge in, as well as easy access to fabulous local vineyards where a lunch at a winery restaurant is one of the season’s most popular pastimes – a great way to spend your free day in the city!  For the ultimate in relaxation and pampering you may also want to visit one of several luxury spa resorts. Check with the concierge at your hotel or your local guide for more information.

Your travel day to the Milford Sound landscape is innately New Zealand. Imagine your visit – the mountain peaks rising from the waters, softened by mist and an air of almost flawless and overpowering mystic calm and majesty – it just doesn’t get any better than this!  Milford Sound embraces all that is beautiful: the serenity, the water surface mirroring the surrounding cliffs and towering peaks, and the glorious waterfalls on the mountainsides making their way to this inlet of the sea. Pictures can never do justice to the air of tranquility permeating your very being as the majesty of water and land formations surround your vision. A not to be missed adventure is waiting!  Have your cameras cocked and loaded to capture some truly unforgettable sights as you enjoy the incredible beauty of this masterpiece of nature.

This tour is a guaranteed departure, which means that it won’t be cancelled due to due to a lack of participation. So please, call Interlude today and begin to plan with confidence for your trip of a lifetime!

The full itinerary and pricing is available on our website for this escorted tour – a guaranteed departure so you can make travel plans with confidence.

Australia & New Zealand (click here for itinerary)
and Optional Great Barrier Reef Extension
September 27-October 13, 2011 (17 days)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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What Exactly IS a Hartebeest?

August 31, 2010

Giraffe’s and zebras and elephants – oh my!  And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of wildlife you’ll witness first-hand as you journey through the exotic and breathtakingly beautiful land of Kenya.  Delight in the chimpanzees – be awed by the long-necked gerenuk – be dazzled by the dominant lions – and wonder at the antelope, buffalo and hippos. You will never see the combination of black and pink again without remembering the black rhinos and pink flamingoes at Lake Nakuru Park.  Gaze at the graceful leopard and the intriguing wildebeest! This escorted safari destination holds the key to indescribable scenery, while offering the opportunity of a lifetime to travel safely to a place significantly foreign to our American way of life.  The comprehensive “Know Before You Go” booklet allows you to be well informed and prepared and takes all the guesswork out of safari travel. 

By day six you will be seasoned to the ways of safari life and what an exciting time you will have at Sweetwater’s Tented Camp.  Offering a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury, the camp is located on the plains of Mount Kenya and features luxury tents, each with its own private veranda overlooking the water hole.  Here you will be treated to a parade of  wildlife, while nestled in one of the most serenely beautiful scenery in all of Kenya!

 A sheltered oasis, clustered around a waterhole and set in the pristine calm of a private wildlife conservancy, Sweetwater’s Tented Camp is in a class  all its own. Luxuriously appointed tents, complete with thatched roofs, en-suite bathrooms AND verandas with views over the waterhole are your accommodations for the night! The main buildings are rather “conventional” but the tents are really fabulous. Picture your beds being made with hot water bottles every night and having extremely comfortable mattresses and several blankets to keep you warm enough to sleep like a log. The rooms include an outlet for your hair dryer and shaver too.  The camp prides itself on the quality of its cuisine offering a 5-course “table d’hôte” dining experience every night, and a selection of African, Asian, and international dishes PLUS “sundowners” safari cocktails. The food is a tasty buffet with plenty of choices.  I have it on good authority that the steamed puddings are to die for! Be sure to try them. The friendly staff really makes the whole experience!  The camp enjoys spectacular views over the alternately lush and golden plains.  Because Sweetwater’s Camp has its own private waterhole and saltlick you will be able to enjoy unprecedented close encounters with the wildlife – in the sanctuary of their natural habitat. The blend of under canvas ambiance and lavish luxury provides a marvelous retreat safari lovers.

Built in the 1970′s, the Camp’s main building was originally the residence of the ranch manager and the private domain of famed multi-millionaire, Adnan Khashoggi. The Ranch House is furnished with original and unusual paintings and artifacts, and comprises six elegantly appointed suites, which overlook extensive tropical gardens and two swimming pools. 

Sweetwater’s Tented Camp lies in the heart of 90,000 acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy and is the closest place from Nairobi to see “The Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). It is also the Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary in East Africa, boasting a population of 78 black rhino! Its other wildlife includes white rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, oryx, waterbuck, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, cheetah, silver-backed jackal, hartebeest and baboon. Here you will also find several hundred bird species. I’ll expect a full report on what the hartebeest really  is!!

This is only one of the overnight accommodations, hand-picked for you by Interlude, to insure your African adventure is top-notch!  Each lodge offers its own special ambiance and uniquely tailored game drive. Grab a camera and discover the intrinsic beauty abounding within a well-planned and moderated Kenyan Safari. Your escorted vacation waits to provide you with an incomparable experience!

The full itinerary and pricing is available on our website for this escorted tour – a guaranteed departure so you can make travel plans with confidence.

Kenya Safari Adventure (click here for itinerary)
May 16-28, 2011 (13 days, 12 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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