Memorial Day Summer Season Kickoff at Waterville Valley Resort: Fishing Derby, Chowderfest...

Memorial Day weekend, signals the start of the summer season, with the opening of the waterfront in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.

A plethora of activities are in store:

On Saturday May 26, 2012, from 8 to 11a.m., the annual Casting for Kirby Youth Fishing Derby, will have scores of kids trying to catch Corcoran Pond’s Kirby. 

 

Prizes will be awarded across age groups. The first 100 entrants get a t-shirt and cup of bait. In addition, there will be pond ecology programs, a casting contest, bounce house, and other activities for kids’ enjoyment. This event is sponsored by the Waterville Valley Departments of Recreation and Public Safety.

 Photo courtesy of Waterville Valley Resort

On Sunday, May 27, 2012, the 23rd Annual Chowderfest & Brews, will take place in the Town Square. From 12 to 2 p.m., local area restaurants, will be serving up their chowders at outdoor chowder booths, with the hope of winning the “Golden Clam Award.” 

 

$7.50 admission, offers guests tastes of each chowder and a ballot to vote for their favorite concoction. Chowder tickets are on sale all morning. The first 50 guests to return a completed ballot, will receive a voucher for a free chairlift ride. 

 

In the brew tent, from 12 to 4 p.m., New Hampshire seasonal ales from Smuttynose Brewery, will be on tap. A free outdoor concert, in Town Square, by the band ‘Nobody’s Fault,’ will entertain the entire family.

Waterville Valley Resort’s “Summer Unlimited” package gives visitors access to everything the town has to offer. Swimming, hiking, mountain biking, ice-skating, golf and tennis, are just a few of the fun activities, in this family-friendly resort community. From Memorial Day to Columbus Day, visitors who stay at one of Waterville Valley’s accommodations, pay one fee to enjoy all the Summer Unlimited activities. Prices start this June, at $157 for a family of four, in a suite. 

Schedule a vacation during one of Waterville Valley Resort’s special weekends:

Wednesday July 4, 2012 ~ Independence Day Celebration

Saturday July 21, 2012 ~ 11:00am-9:30 pm ~  Ugotta Regatta/ Go Country

Saturday August 4, 2012 ~ 5:30-8:30 pm ~ 13th Annual Chocolate & Jazz

Saturday - Sunday August 11-12, 2012 ~ Curious George Cottage Family Festival

Sunday September 2, 2012 ~ 12 – 9 pm ~ End of Summer Bash

Saturday September 29, 2012 ~ 12 – 2 pm ~ 14th Annual Chili Challenge

Summer Unlimited packages are available at Town Square Condominiums, or with your stay at the Golden Eagle Lodge, Best Western Silver Fox, Black Bear Lodge, Valley Inn, Snowy Owl Inn and Village Condominium. 

Waterville Valley was designed and planned as a self-contained, four-seasons resort. Today, in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, and a skate park. 

 

Dining options include both traditional favorites and elegant eateries. For more information, call 1-888-462-9887 or visit https://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Horse Shows: The Vermont Summer Festival Returns for 2012

The Vermont Summer Festival will return to East Dorset, Vermont, for six consecutive weeks of competition running July 4 through August 12, 2012. The beautiful Green Mountains is home to New England’s largest hunter/jumper competition.  The equestrian event will offer more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont.

New for 2012, the first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival will feature a $30,000 Grand Prix.  During week six, the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will be held on Saturday, August 11.  The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, will now be held each Thursday.

For junior and amateur show jumping competitors, a $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic will be the highlight each week, while week six will feature a $15,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic.

Hunter competitors will enjoy more time in the spotlight in 2012.  The hugely popular $5,000 3'3" Hunter Derby will be held each Thursday for the first five weeks, and week three is a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) member event.  Based on the tremendous success of the hunter derbies during their inaugural year in 2011, Vermont Summer Festival show organizers have added a $15,000 Hunter Derby for week six, sponsored by Vermont-based equestrian luggage manufacturer, Oughton Lmited.  In order to qualify for the $15,000 Hunter Derby, the rider or owner must compete in one of the $5,000 3'3" Hunter Derbies during the first five weeks of competition.

The Vermont Summer Festival prides itself on using the best course designers in the business to set the tracks in the all-weather grand prix ring.  Popular Canadian course designers Chris Brandt and Olympic Individual Silver Medalist Michel Vaillancourt will return in 2012, as will Alan Wade of Ireland.  American course designers Eric Hasbrouck, Ken Krome and Steve Stephens will each have a week in the grand prix ring.

For over 20 years, the Vermont Summer Festival has attracted exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region in southern Vermont.  Known for its wide variety of area amenities including a large range of lodging options, restaurants to suit every taste, outdoor activities, and lots and lots of shopping, Manchester-area businesses warmly welcome horse show competitors to the area each summer.

The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall Of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL). 

For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, visit http://www.vt-summerfestival.com

Photo Credit:  – David Mullinix Photography

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adidas Caribbean Tennis Camp at Morgan Bay Beach Resort in St. Lucia

From July 22-28, 2012, the beautiful Morgan Bay Beach Resort on the island of St. Lucia will host adidas Caribbean, a tennis camp billed as the ultimate tennis/travel/community service experience.

Open to players of all levels, ages 13-18, each participant will get to work on his or her own tennis game on mornings under the tutelage of high level instructors, from stroke production to match play. The campers will also receive instruction on how to teach tennis. In the afternoons, the group will make the short trip to St. Lucia’s brand new National Tennis Center. Here, they will run a free tennis camp for local kids ages 7-15 as part of a community service project, coordinated with the St. Lucia Ministry of Youth and Sport. Adidas campers will receive letters noting the amount of hours devoted to this aspect of the program which can be used for high school or college requirements. In addition, participants will tour beautiful St. Lucia and have full all-inclusive use of Morgan Bay’s amenities, from the beautiful beach to the water sports.

adidas Caribbean is the brain child of director Ira Miller, a successful USTA Eastern Section Zonal coach and Division I tennis coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University who has been running his own camps for over 20 years and has been working with adidas for the last five with his overnight camp at Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ. “I ran a similar travel program on the island of St. Kitts,” says Coach Miller. “Only that camp focused on community service and water sports. I wanted to get tennis involved and give teenagers a chance to work on their game and be part of a great give-back program that will provide grassroots tennis opportunities for kids who wouldn’t normally have access to the game. This type of interaction will give the adidas kids a chance to experience the best of tourism on St. Lucia, from the great resort to island excursions, but will also allow them to work with local kids, gain valuable teaching experience, make new friends, and have a great, non-tourist, cultural exchange. Working with adidas also provides opportunity to offer this camp to teens from all around the U.S. and overseas.”

Miller’s timing couldn’t be better. The St. Lucia government recently built its first set of public courts on the island. Miller is involved in helping to set up year round programming, and has obtained racquet donations from both Prince and Babolat. This summer’s program, from July 22-28, looks to be bigger than ever. “Most St. Lucians grow up playing soccer and cricket,” says Miller. “This program is a great opportunity to develop tennis on the island and create some future stars who can one day earn a scholarship to play on U.S. college teams.” One of the top juniors on St. Lucia, Dominic Devaux-Lovell, is currently a sophomore at Fairleigh Dickinson.

"If you're looking for more than just your average instructional tennis camp this summer, adidas Caribbean may be just the twist you need," says Jimmy from Connecticut, a participant in last year’s program. “I felt a great sense of accomplishment after seeing how much the kids enjoyed us. This was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It taught me how to take control and be a leader.”

For more information, call (800) 944-7112 or visit http://www.TennisCamper.com.

adidas Tennis Camps is a subdivision of the eCamps Sports Network of Summer Camps. http://www.eCamps.com


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Hertz Local Edition Expands Throughout the US

The Hertz Corporation continues its expansion into the neighborhood market with the opening of 125 Hertz Local Edition locations in 33 states, including Connecticut and Massachusetts. The openings are part of a Company-wide strategy to accelerate expansion in the off airport, neighborhood car rental market servicing the replacement, leisure and business customers. 

Located in convenient, easy to reach locations, the openings provide Hertz customers with a full range of rental vehicles including compact through full-size cars and SUVs and offers special weekend rates.  Rentals are also eligible to earn Gold Plus Rewards points, Hertz's customer loyalty program that has a wide range of flexible reward options.  Rewards include points that never expire, 'AnyDay' rewards that have no blackout periods, easy online redemption, and a wide variety of car rewards including cars from Hertz's Adrenaline Collection. 

Pickup and delivery service and direct billing to insurance companies are also available. In addition, as with all Hertz corporate locations, vehicles are available for rental with unlimited mileage and all rate structures are honored, including one-way, inter-city rates. 

To find a Hertz Local Edition location nearest you, click here and look for "HLE" following the location name.

For more information, call Hertz toll-free at 1-877-437-7320. Information and reservations are also available on the web at www.hertz.com.

Source: Hertz Press Release

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Cliff House Resort & Spa in Maine Celebrates Its 140th Season With Maine-Inspired Specials

The Cliff House Resort and Spa on Maine’s beautiful south coast is celebrating its 140th season with specials designed for people who love the coast of Maine. The Cliff House opened in 1872 when Elsie Jane Weare, great-grandmother of Innkeeper Kathryn Weare, hosted prominent Gilded Age guests like the Biddles, Cabots and Lodges atop Bald Head Cliff. 

 

IN THE DINING ROOM
Lobster, anyone? The Resort’s 140th Season Lobster Tasting for Two features a five-course dinner that includes: lobster bisque, fresh lobster spring roll with hoisin plum dipping sauce, mini lobster quesadilla with pico de gallo, lobster citrus risotto with asparagus tips, and half grilled lobster tail with truffle butter, all paired with a bottle of iced Chandon Brut Sparkling Wine. Cost: $140 for two.

AT THE BAR
Toast the 140th with the Resort’s Blueberry Bellini and help benefit breast cancer research. With every order of this Maine blueberry-scented Prosecco cocktail, The Cliff House will donate $1.40 to this important cause. Cost: $14.

IN THE SPA
Finally, relax and rejuvenate with the 140th Celebration Spa Treatment. This 50-minute full-body special, in the Resort’s oceanfront spa, features a tension-releasing back massage and aromatic sea salt body buff, followed by an invigorating Swiss shower and hydrating lotion rub. Cost: $140.

The Cliff House Resort and Spa is just an hour north of Boston. 

For more information, visit http://www.cliffhousemaine.com

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Princess Cruises “World of Savings” Sale Offers Special Deals on Global Sailings

Looking ahead to your next cruise adventure? For five days only, beginning April 19, Princess Cruises is offering special cruise deals to destinations around the world, including cruises to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Hawaii, South America, Asia, and Australia & New Zealand. With the World of Savings sale, passengers can take advantage of savings up to $2,000 per stateroom, plus up to $100 onboard credit. These select September 2012 to January 2013 sailings feature the best of Princess’ worldwide cruise destinations. Tell me more...

Video Courtesy of Princess Cruises on YouTube

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Four Points Bangor Maine Hotel Offers Special “Pay Your Birth Year” Rate

The Four Points by Sheraton Bangor Hotel offers a way to celebrate birthdays all year round with their “Pay Your Birth Year” promotion. On two and three night stays, guests will be charged regular rates for the first night and only pay their birth year for the following nights. Guests born in 1960, pay only $60 for second and third nights. 

“Four Points Bangor Airport is pleased to offer this unique promotion to our guests,” says General Manager Vivian Cammack. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our Bangor airport hotel and invite all to explore the beautiful coast of Maine.”

Video Courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Bangor Hotel on YouTube

As one of the most convenient hotels in Bangor Maine, the Four Points by Sheraton is connected to Bangor International Airport via an enclosed skywalk and offers easy access to Bangor’s many attractions including the waterfront, shopping district and universities. With free Wi-Fi, a fitness room and business center, this Bangor Hotel goes the extra mile to create comfortable stays.

Over 4,800 square feet of flexible event space is available for weddings, meetings or conferences while our Bangor Maine restaurant, Godfrey’s Grille, provides a selection of fine Maine specialties and signature drinks.

Visitors can take advantage of the well situated and fully renovated Four Points Bangor Maine Hotel at their special rate by mentioning the promotion code “NBR” when reserving online or by phone 866-716-8133.

For more information, visit http://www.fourpointsbangorairport.com


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Spotlight: A Royal Caribbean Backstage Pass: Guests Get an Exclusive Look at Cruise Ship Operations [Video]

This behind the scenes operational tour gives Royal Caribbean guests a glimpse of the incredible innovations that support a 24-hour a day, multinational floating resort at sea.

Video Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Limited Time Offer: Enjoy Spring Getaways for Less at the Newport, Rhode Island Marriott

For a limited time only, on April 10 and April 11, the Newport, Rhode Island Marriott is offering discounted, advance purchase rates for any length of stay during the following spring timeframes: 

• Sunday, April 15 - Thursday, April 19
• Sunday, April 22 - Thursday, April 26
• Sunday, April 29 - Thursday, May 3
• Sunday, May 6 - Thursday, May 10
• Sunday, May 13 - Thursday, May 17
• Monday, May 21 - Thursday, May 24
• Monday, May 28 - Thursday, May 31

The advance purchase rate is $109 per room, per night, plus tax, and must be booked on April 10 or April 11, and paid in full within 24 hours of booking.  This discount represents a minimum savings of 22% per night.  Please note: no cancellations allowed or refunds offered after payment is made on advance purchases.  This rate is not available for stays on Sunday, May 20, or Sunday, May 27.  Other restrictions may apply.  To book your reservation, please visit www.newportmarriott.com, or call 1-800-228-9290, and refer to promotional code ADP.  

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Enjoying Boston Harbor [Video]

Courtesy of of Boston Harbor Association on YouTube

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Partners With Premier Sports Travel to Offer Travel Packages to Race Fans

Premiere Sports Travel, one of the nation’s leading sports travel and hospitality providers, is proud to announce its partnership with New Hampshire Motor Speedway as the official travel provider. Travel packages are now available through Premiere Sports Travel for events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, including the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and the SYLVANIA 300.

The partnership between Premiere Sports Travel and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway will offer convenient travel options to the only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events in the New England region.  Premiere Sports Travel packages will include tickets, hotel accommodations, deluxe motor-coach transportation to and from the track, hospitality options, welcome gifts and 24-hour on-site customer service.
 

“We are excited to give race fans the ultimate experience when traveling to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway,” said Jerry Gappens, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  “We are very pleased to have the chance to work with Premiere Sports Travel to provide these exceptional travel packages.”

“New Hampshire Motor Speedway is one of the best racing facilities in the country and we are honored to be their official travel provider,” said Brain Wilder, Executive Vice President of Premiere Global Sports.  “These travel packages offer racing fans convenient options to see some of the biggest races of the year.”

Nicknamed “The Magic Mile,” New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be home to two NASCAR weekends.  The LENOX Industrial Tools 301 will be held on July 15,  and is positioned during a crucial time of the Race to the Sprint Cup Chase.  The SYLVANIA 300 will be held on September 23, and will be the second event in NASCAR’s 10-race playoffs.  More than 500,000 spectators are expected to attend New Hampshire Motor Speedway events each season.

To learn more about Premiere Sports Travel, visit www.sportstravel.com or call 1-800-924-9993.

About Premiere Global Sports
Premiere Global Sports is an industry-leading provider of sports travel, hospitality and marketing services for consumers, corporations and universities worldwide. Consistently recognized for its delivery of first-class tour experiences, award-winning customer service, and event management expertise, Premiere has developed a strong reputation for excellence in the field of sports and entertainment travel and hospitality.

About New Hampshire Motor Speedway
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is the largest sports and entertainment facility in New England and will host the two biggest sporting events in the six-state region as part of its exciting 2012 racing schedule. Located approximately one hour north of Boston, in Loudon, N.H., the speedway hosts more than 100,000 spectators at each of its two prestigious NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. NASCAR event weekends draw larger crowds than the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the World Series and the NCAA Final Four events. The facility is active every day from April through October and attracts more than 500,000 guests during the season. For more information on NHMS, please visit www.nhms.com.

Soucre:  premieresports.com


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Spotlight: "Sandals Resorts Scuba - Incomparable Beauty of the Caribbean Reefs" [Video]

Courtesy of Sandals Resorts on YouTube

Adventure Life Unveils New Bahamas Sailing Adventure Aboard Liberty Clipper

Adventure Life has unveiled a brand new Bahamas sailing adventure aboard the Liberty Clipper, a beautifully restored 125-foot gaff-rigged schooner. Visits to Berry Islands, Andros Island, Eleuthera Island and Abaco Island make this six-day voyage perfect for a relaxing Caribbean vacation.

“The Liberty Clipper is a replica of the renowned Baltimore Clippers, made famous over a century ago for its speedy and safe rounding of Cape Horn on expeditions to the California Gold Rush,” said Adventure Life Operations Director Jonathan Brunger.

This six-day Bahamas sailing adventure may include visits to the Berry Islands, Andros Island, Eleuthera Island and Abaco Island. The Captain will determine the ultimate course based upon the wind direction and any exciting events known of in the area. Each sailing cruise is unique and special in this aspect. Andros Island is home to the world's 3rd largest barrier reef and is a migratory bird paradise where whales, marlin and dolphin abound. Berry Islands is cluster of 30 very secluded cays. It offers remarkable "swim ashore" beaches and snorkeling. The Abacos are considered the sailing capital of the world, and Eleuthera Island is known for endless white beaches, colonial villages and pineapple fields.

“Each cruise is a once in a lifetime sailing vacation where guests awaken daily to the smell of freshly baked breads from their home on the sea,” said Brunger. “The ship has 12 cabins and a shared bathroom. Guests enjoy access to inflatable sea-kayaks for exploration on this authentic sailing experience, and a professional chef provides home-cooked meals daily.” 

Trips run from January-May and November-December, and start at $1,199. For more information on Adventure Life’s new Bahamas sailing adventure aboard the Liberty Clipper, call 800-344-6118 or visit http://www.adventure-life.com/cruises/ships/liberty-clipper-256/bahamas-sailing-adventure-3104/

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Spotlight: Explore Ashore in the Caribbean - P&O Cruises [Video]

Courtesy of P & O Cruises on YouTube

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