A Long Time Ago (1977) 
In A Universe Not That Far, Far Away
(Two Hours From Vegas and Four From L.A.) 
 A Director Introduced Us To
 A Film That Became A Cultural Phenomenon.
While Much Of The Galaxy Was In Studios
Some Of The Movie Was Filmed On Earth 
And It’s Still There.
Death Valley National Park, U.S.A.
 
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. - December 2, 2015 – When the 1977 movie Star Wars is seen at Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley, it starts inevitable tales of when the movie’s director came to this true American Oasis in 3.3 million square miles of desert, oasis and mountain national park to film and transport people to another galaxy. 
 
Past generations of employees have shared stories with newer generations and certainly know where the movie locations are. These include the breathtakingly and picturesque locations throughout Death Valley National Park including Dante's View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Desolations Canyon, Artist's Drive and Golden Canyon – all just a quick 20 to 40 minute drive from the Resort.
 
While Death Valley may seem like another universe to vacationers, those in the know have also found an “oasis-like planet” that is the luxurious, AAA Four-Diamond Inn at Furnace Creek and the family-friendly Ranch at Furnace Creek.
 
So for those that want to pay homage to the real movie locations and sets, this is the place. And if you want to explore the universe, this is the place – it’s one of the only gold-tier designated International Dark Sky Parks in the United States wherestargazers can actually see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
 
In celebration of the new Star Wars movie, Furnace Creek Resort is hyper-spacing an exclusive map for guests leading them to the filming locations that are easily accessible via car. Rates* begin at $339 at The Inn and only $119 at The Ranch. The temperature is also ideal in “winter” at Death Valley, with January highs averaging 67 degrees; February averaging highs of 73 degrees; and March averaging highs of 82 degrees.
 
For information, details and reservations, access www.furnacecreekresort.com or dial 800-236-7916.

MACY’S PRESENTS “A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS”
This holiday season, Macy’s celebrates PEANUTS® in celebration o the 50th Anniversary of the holiday classic
 NEW YORK, NY – December 2, 2015 – This holiday season, the PEANUTS® gang makes an appearance on Broadway at Macy’s Herald Square in celebration of the golden anniversary of the classic holiday animated special “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Sure to delight generations of fans who have grown up with the beloved PEANUTS gang and their stories, the iconic characters are showcased in each of the six Broadway windows throughout the holiday season. Titled Macy’s Presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas” this year’s seasonal spectacular traces the well-loved tale of the holiday adventures of Charlie Brown, Linus and the rest of the PEANUTS gang.


Created by Roya Sullivan, award-winning designer and Macy’s National Director of Window Presentation, Macy’s 2015 Christmas windows combine the wonder of modern technology with stunning visual elements and an extra dose of nostalgia. Following Charlie Brown’s heartfelt quest to discover the true meaning of Christmas, the six Broadway windows feature key scenes from the cherished animated classic which debuted fifty years ago this year. Each of the windows are topped by a larger-than-life version of six Peanuts characters peering out over Broadway Plaza and none other than Woodstock himself, ever the barer of glad tidings, takes center stage, perched high above the marquee entrance above a replica of Charlie Brown’s iconic Christmas tree. In addition, spectators are treated to a highly interactive experience as they watch the story unfold from window to window.


According to Sullivan, “This year’s Christmas windows celebrate Charles Schulz’s 50th anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” where we tap into our own inner-child remembering the adventures of our favorite PEANUTS characters. We are proud to have maintained the integrity of the original animated television special while also acknowledging today's tech-savvy child with the addition of highly technological and interactive elements. This unconventional marriage of animatronics and interactive elements, combined with old school artistry and craftsmanship, forms a truly unique marriage between the past and the present.”


“The iconic Macy’s Christmas windows are the perfect home for Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang this holiday season, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’” said Jean Schulz, wife of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, “The endearing moments from the special, which has become a holiday tradition for millions of people, will charm New Yorkers and visitors in a brand new way this year through the artistry of the windows.”


Below is a brief description of each of the six windows, along with the accompanying narrative that is told as visitors move from window to window:


Window 1
Christmas time is here,
Happiness and cheer,
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of year.
Charlie Brown: I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess.
I might be getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that.
The first window finds our hero and his trusty sidekick, Linus, at their familiar gathering place at the wall pondering the meaning of Christmas. In the background, the rest of the PEANUTS gang is visible playing in the snow, the winter wonderland accented by hundreds of twinkling lights. The window itself sets the stage for what’s to come as the scene within is “framed” by a classic television set. Stepping away from the window even further, visitors will notice that the image of Charlie Brown’s iconic t-shirt is visible from a distance.


Window 2
Sleighbells in the air,
Beauty everywhere;
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there.
Christmas time is here, Christmas time is here…
Charlie Brown: Actually, Lucy, my trouble is Christmas.
I just don’t understand it. Instead of feeling happy, I feel sort of let down.
Lucy: You need involvement. You need to get involved in some real Christmas project.
How would you like to be the director of our Christmas play?
Disenchanted, Charlie Brown pays a visit to everyone’s favorite busybody, Lucy, and is relieved to find that “the Doctor is in.” As always, Lucy is only too eager to dispense her words of wisdom and convinces Charlie Brown to serve as director in the annual Christmas play to elevate his spirits. During this psychiatric session, the snow continues to fall as Snoopy elegantly skates past. Pigpen is also occupied building an appropriately dusty snowman. At this window, passersby are also able to benefit from Lucy’s wise words during the accompanying interactive display. As they “insert” 5 cents in to the accompanying can, Lucy delivers her sage advice.


Window 3
Charlie Brown: All right. Let’s have it quiet. Places, everybody.
Schroeder, set the mood for the first scene.
Schroeder: Good grief.
The third window finds Charlie Brown in his newfound role attempting to restore order during play rehearsal. All but ignoring his orders, the gang is only too happy to dance to the beat of their own drum, in this case, Schroeder’s piano. Once again, audience participation is highly encouraged at this interactive window. A giant glass keyboard located at the base of the window allows visitors to become part of the show as they touch the keys on the window, which in turn illuminates the corresponding key at Schroeder’s piano playing the distinctive notes of the Charlie Brown classic tune “Linus and Lucy.”
Window 4
Charlie Brown: This little green one here seems to need a home.
Linus: I don’t know. Charlie Brown. Remember what Lucy said?
This doesn’t seem to fit the modern spirit.
Charlie Brown: I don’t care. We’ll decorate it and it will be just right for our play.
Besides, I think it needs me.
The iconic Christmas tree lot scene is the site of the action in Window 4 where Charlie Brown is determined to make the unassuming little Christmas tree the star of his show. Festive LED tree lot lights set this stage, accented by animated twinkling stars with Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Marcie and Woodstock and his friends embracing the holiday spirit.
Window 5
Charlie Brown: What’s this? Find the true meaning of Christmas? Win money, money, money. Spectacular, supercolossal, neighborhood Christmas lights and display contest.
Oh, no. My own dog, gone commercial. I can’t stand it!
First prize? Oh, well, this commercial dog is not going to ruin my Christmas.
On his way home, Charlie Brown happens upon Snoopy’s house and is dismayed to discover that his very own dog has “gone commercial” as the winner of the first place prize for his elaborate Christmas decoration. In turn, the proud owner of the prize suits up for a fantastic celebratory ride through the night, accompanied by Woodstock. At this window, passersby are able to become part of the fun through social media and are encouraged to tweet their favorite memories from the original “A Charlie Brown Christmas” using #macyschristmas that immediately appear in the window for all to see.


Window 6
Lucy: Charlie Brown is a blockhead, but he did get a nice tree.
Charlie Brown: What’s going on here?
Children: (shout in unison)
Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!
It all comes together during the grand finale in the final window. Charlie Brown and the entire PEANUTS gang gather around the gleaming Christmas tree, miraculously transformed from the previously scrawny specimen. Wishing Charlie Brown a hearty “Merry Christmas” they then sing in unison closing out the performance. In this final installment, visitors are invited to “Peanut Yourself” and upload their favorite PEANUTS character to their smartphone device. Their custom-designed PEANUTS character will then make its own guest appearance in the window. PEANUTS fans not finding themselves in New York City may still go nuts for PEANUTS by downloading the “Peanut Yourself” app on any iOS or Android device or by visiting the “Peanut Yourself” kiosk at select Macy’s.


In addition to the six Broadway windows, Macy’s is making holiday magic in each of the remaining windows throughout the store. The 34th Street windows will feature scenes from the emerging holiday classic “Yes, Virginia…”
 
The 2015 Christmas windows at Macy’s Herald Square are on display through January 4.
 
Macy’s Herald Square Christmas Windows Fun Facts:


* Macy’s was the first department store to feature Christmas window displays and has been enchanting generations of spectators since the early 1870’s.
* RH Macy himself began the tradition of animated windows in 1899 at Macy’s original 14th street location.
* During peak hours over 10,000 people per hour will pass by the windows.
* Each Christmas window display is a project nearly a year in the making as plans for the next year's windows begin in January, almost immediately after the windows are taken down.
* It takes a dedicated team of over 250 of Santa's helpers to bring the windows to life including Macy's display artists, graphic artists, sculptural artists, animators, carpenters, electricians and music and sound experts.
* Installation of the Christmas windows takes 21 days and nights.

Escape to Luxury in San Diego's Environs
The jetset’s best-kept secret for luxury vacation getaways, San Diego’s tonier neighborhoods of La Jolla,Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe welcome well-heeled visitors to discover the region’s finest hotels, resorts, spas and other offerings. Equally alluring, the temperate Mediterranean climate, averaging 70 degrees year-round, and 70 miles of picturesque Pacific coastline put San Diego in a travel and leisure class all its own. Add in gourmet dining and a diverse range of exclusive activities—from world-renowned golf and exciting safaris to Tony® Award-winning theater—and this vacation gem gleams even brighter.
SUMPTUOUS SLEEPS

• The Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego’s most luxurious destination resort, shinesas Forbes Travel Guide’s only triple Five-Star resort in California, along with other impressive recognitions including TripAdvisor’s #1 Luxury Hotel in California and recipient of AAA’s Five Diamond Award for six years running. 
  
  The 249-room resort offers plush accommodations and unrivaled amenities including a championship golf course, an award-winning 21,000-sq.-ft. full-service spa, acclaimed restaurants, an equestrian center offering trail rides through Los Peñasquitos Canyon and four sparkling swimming pools. Built on 24-acres nestled amid rolling fairways and manicured greens, the buildings radiate the romance and elegance of a Mediterranean estate with a Southern California flair featuring an exotic mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Moroccan, and Venetian elements with fine art, antiques and beautifully handcrafted details. 

• La Valencia Hotel has long delighted guests with 112 sumptuous guestrooms and villas—including the new ICON Sky Suite, the pinnacle of panache—perched atop La Jolla Cove. Overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, the trademark pink facade and distinctive mosaic-tiled tower have become landmarks within walking distance of elegant art galleries, boutiques and museums. La V’s MED: Ocean View Restaurant and Café La Rue delight the most discerning diners amidst Mediterranean-inspired splendor. Since opening its doors in 1926, “The Pink Lady of La Jolla” has been a special hideaway for Hollywood stars seeking personalized attention, exceptional privacy and graciousness. 
• Set on six-and-a-half acres in La Jolla, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a luxury, AAA Five Diamond resort that combines the elegance of Craftsman-style design with rare amenities, such as guaranteed tee times for guests, complimentary chauffeured car service and daily guided walking tours of the pristine Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The resort features 170 luxury guestrooms, a full service spa, the acclaimed A.R. Valentien restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool with trellised cabanas.
• Nestled in the rolling hills of San Diego’s North County, the Rancho Bernardo Innfeatures 287 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, a recently renovated 18-hole championship golf course—host of both PGA and LPGA events—three swimming pools, an award-winning full-service spa and fine dining at Avant. Reminiscent of a Mediterranean estate, the resort's early California design, lush patios and alcoves include a variety of hand-collected antiquities from the Americas and Europe, creating a warm, inviting and relaxing retreat.

SENSUOUS SPAS

• One of the most famous luxury spas in the world, The Golden Door in San Diego’s bucolic North County earned the designation as the World’s Best Destination Spa in theTravel + Leisure 2015 World’s Best Awards. A jewel-encrusted entrance gate leads guests through courtyards of meditative gardens and fountains. The harmonious, Japanese-style facility envelops guests in a beautiful, health-promoting environment featuring exercise studios, the Dragon Tree Gym, swimming pools, tennis courts and a private hillside for hiking to the on-site restaurant where chefs prepare healthy gourmet meals with fresh ingredients from the spa’s organic gardens. The spa contains a steam room, sauna, showers, fan-shaped therapy pool and sequestered rooms for body scrubs and herbal wraps. With a clientele that includes the very famous and ultra-rich, the Golden Door has earned a reputation for exclusivity, luxury and unparalleled relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Named one of the Top 25 Spas in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler, the Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn offers a luxurious menu of massages, treatments and body wraps which can be experienced in a lush garden oasis or five temperature-controlled outdoor treatment cabanas. Guests can also enjoy a 2,500-sq.-ft. saltwater pool and private poolside cabanas. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, the spa’s customized “Made Fresh Daily” spa package includes a special “spa at home” body treatment recipe from the spa therapist and a recipe from their culinary expert.

• Ranked a “Four-Star” spa by Forbes Magazine (2015), the feng shui-inspired, 9,500-sq.-ft.Spa at Torrey Pines utilizes marine and botanical-based products for its therapeutic treatments, like the signature Coastal Sage Scrub, reflecting the spa’s magnificent seaside location next to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The spa also offers an extensive menu of massages, facials, rituals, body wraps and hydrotherapy, as well as three exquisite lounges and facilities for dry saunas, herbal-infused steam baths and aromatherapy.
• Inspired by La Jolla’s serene coastal setting, the 7,000-sq.-ft. Spa at Estancia is a garden oasis where California flair combines with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top spas in the world (2012), the spa’s signature treatments include botanical body treatments, a Hanakasumi Body Ritual inspired by Japanese traditions, a SeaCreation Facial utilizing extracts of deep sea microorganisms and green algae and an exclusive Couple’s Bungalow Escape in a private bungalow complete with a deck, fireplace and whirlpool. Additional spa amenities include a meditation garden, saltwater whirlpools and soothing eucalyptus steam rooms. 

VIP ADVENTURES

• The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers several VIP experiences, including a tailored 5 to 8-hour Ultimate Safari ($599-$999 per person) that includes access to the most exclusive areas of the park, up-close animal encounters and a personal tour guide. The park also offers Roar & Snore Safari, a thrilling “glamping” adventure where guests overnight in a luxury tent ($220 per person) surrounded by the sights and sounds of wildlife. The sleepover includes camp activities, after-hours wildlife viewing, guided walks, a campfire program, dinner and breakfast the following morning. Shutterbugs love theCaravan Safari Deluxe ($165 per person), a 3.5-hour tour of several field enclosures from the back of an open-air safari truck, with up-close views of Asian and African birds and mammals and an opportunity to feed giraffes. 
• The new Sky Combat Ace offers extreme air adventures where guests zip into flight suits and take the controls of high-performance stunt planes to experience aerial dogfights and wild aerobatic flights of non-stop spins, barrel rolls and loops high above the San Diego coast. Experiences range from the Top Gun ($599 per passenger) and signature Sky Combat ($999 per passenger) to Operation Red Flag ($1999 per passenger), the ultimate fighter pilot flight. For the faint of heart, there’s the tamer San Diego Tour of the coast ($499 per passenger).
• Fly like a seagull over La Jolla at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, America’s most popular coastal soaring site. Take a tandem paragliding ($175 per person) or hang gliding ($225 per person) flight at the world’s largest tandem operation with professional, experienced instructors. Enjoy sensational bird’s eye views of dramatic coastal cliffs and the Torrey Pines Golf Course, as well as the stunning mansion homes of La Jolla. Paragliding is the more prevalent of the two activities and allows guests to fly in a more diverse range of conditions.
• Corporate Helicopters provides another exceptional and exciting way to view San Diego’s beaches, bays and landmarks. Notable tours include the aptly-namedUnforgettable ($455 per couple) tour flying over San Diego Bay, Point Loma, Mission Bay, Mission Beach and La Jolla, and the Surf & Turf ($649 per couple), which includes everything on The Unforgettable plus the scenic countryside of Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Bernardo and Miramar Air Station. 
  
  Two exclusive tour packages include the Winery Lunch flight ($1175 per couple) along the coast from La Jolla Shores to Solana Beach, then inland to Temecula for a wine tasting tour, and the Stone Brewing Flight ($875 per couple) over La Jolla, Miramar Air Station, Black Mountain, Lake Hodges and Escondido, home of Stone Brewing Co. World Bistro & Gardens, where guests enjoy a guided brewery tour and craft beer tasting.

• Guests can drift through the clouds in a hot air balloon ride while sipping champagne and enjoying panoramic views of San Diego. Floating up to 3,000 feet on a clear day, San Diego’s inland North County is among a few places in the world where a balloon can fly both at sunrise and sunset due to perfect wind conditions. A Balloon Adventure by California Dreaming offers a Temecula wine country sunrise flight ($148-168 per person) including breakfast and champagne at Vindemia Winery, and a Del Mar coastal sunset flight ($268 per person) including champagne. Private hot air balloon rides are also available, starting at $690 per couple.
• Experience the thrill of America's Cup sailing aboard Stars & Stripes USA-11, the yacht raced by Dennis Conner during the 1992 race. America’s Cup Sailing San Diego offers exhilarating, interactive 3-hour cruises ($120 per person) considered the ultimate in sailing adventure. Grind the winches to help raise and trim the sails, take turns at the helm or just enjoy the views around San Diego Bay aboard one of the fastest and most famous sailboats in the world.

LUXURY LINKS

• At La Jolla’s world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, site of the annual Farmers Insurance Open (Jan. 28-31, 2016) and prestigious 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open, golfers marvel at stunning views of the coastline atop cliffs towering above the Pacific Ocean. Long recognized as one of the nation's foremost municipal golf facilities, Torrey Pines is truly a golfer’s paradise—and on every golf lover’s bucket list.
• The Grand Golf Club at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar, an 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed golf course set amidst Los Peñasquitos Canyon, is a masterpiece of dramatic elevations, diverse bunkering and lush fairways designed to maximize the natural beauty of the surrounding rolling hillsides. Reserved exclusively for Fairmont Grand Del Mar guests, this challenging and unforgettable course offers instruction with PGA pros and a handsome clubhouse to relax after hitting the links.

HORSE PLAY

• The quaint village of Del Mar, an upscale community just north of La Jolla, is known nationally and internationally for its Del Mar Thoroughbred Club—founded and made popular by Hollywood legend Bing Crosby—and its summer (July-September) and fall (October-November) horseracing seasons. Opening day in July attracts San Diego’s well-heeled crowd and celebrities alike, displaying fabulous hats and finery.
• The San Diego Polo Club, situated adjacent to Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego’s most exclusive enclave, encompasses five world-class class polo fields on 60 acres of land. The San Diego polo season, a vibrant part of San Diego’s social scene, is one of the longest playing seasons in the country. Matches occur every Sunday, June through September, and feature some of the world’s finest polo players and horses.

DECADENT DINING

• Named one of the Top 10 Farm-to-Table Restaurants in the U.S. by Epicurious.com, A.R. Valentien in The Lodge at Torrey Pines serves a menu of seasonal provisions from local farmers’ markets, small growers, ranchers and fishermen. Chef Jeff Jackson emphasizes basic ingredients, minimal handling and simple flavors that make for delectable tastings in a craftsman-style dining room. The restaurant’s weekly communal Artisan Table, set on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean, features a masterful four-course dinner paired with wines selected by the chefs. In between courses, guests meet the chefs and discuss the evening’s menu. Cost is $95 per person.
• The award-winning Marine Room at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has been a local landmark on La Jolla Shores since 1941. Waves crashing outside the windows provide a dramatic backdrop for Executive Chef Bernard Guillas’ sophisticated seafood, steak and other fare featuring global influences and seasonal offerings. Chef Guillas is one of only two Maîtres Cuisiniers de France in San Diego.

• Southern California's only Five-Star/Five Diamond restaurant, helmed by Relais and Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley, Addison in The Fairmont Grand Del Mar features an artisanal approach to cooking, combining local ingredients with contemporary French influences. Enjoy an exquisite seasonal menu paired with a Grand Award-winning wine list of nearly 3,600 selections. Addison’s Le Grand Table, one of the Top 10 Chef’s Tables in the U.S. (Forbes.com), provides guests with an intimate dining experience personally presided over by Bradley in a private dining room. The chefs present each course and discuss the dish while the sommelier presents carefully selected wine pairings. Available for up to 14 guests, the cost is $2,500 minimum.

ALLURING ARTS AND CULTURE

• La Jolla Playhouse, one of San Diego’s two Tony® Award-winning theaters, presents bold and innovative productions throughout the year on the University of California San Diego campus in La Jolla. Previous Playhouse hits that went on to Broadway include the Tony® Award-winning musicals “Peter and the Star Catchers” (2012), “Memphis” (2010) and “Jersey Boys” (2006).
• La Jolla Music Society showcases a dazzling array of the world's most distinguished orchestras, soloists and ensembles performing in several venues around La Jolla and San Diego during a Winter Season and the popular, nationally-recognized SummerFest.

• Set overlooking the dramatic La Jolla coastline, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego displays modern masterpieces and multi-media exhibits by some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists. Nearby, the spectacular Murals of La Jolla feature large-scale public murals by internationally-renowned artists.

FIRST-CLASS SHOPPING

• La Jolla’s Prospect Street, one of San Diego’s most desirable shopping districts, calls to mind both the French Riviera and Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. This exclusive avenue overlooks the ocean and is lined with small specialty shops, boutiques, antique emporiums, art galleries and exquisite jewelry stores.

• Cedros Design District, running the length of Cedros Ave. in Solana Beach, features 85 luxury home décor and design shops, as well as art galleries and boutique shops offering fashionable women’s apparel, accessories for the pampered pet and decadent gifts for family and friends. Cedros is also home to many renowned architects, builders, designers and interior decorators.
• Fashion Valley shopping center, a two-level, open-air complex in Mission Valley, spans 1.7 million square feet of space and boasts more than 200 fine specialty shops and luxury brands like Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Gucci, Hermés and Henri Bendel.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org.  

Explore the World by Bike
Are you tired of taking the same old vacation? It's time to leave the average vacation in 2015 and go car-free in 2016. 

We are excited to share 4 of our favorite European cycling trips with you. Ron van Dijk, our European Operations Director, is bringing back 4 of his favorite cycling trips: Vienna to Prague,Denmark, Burgundy, and Holland/Belgium . With 40 years of experience guiding European cycling tours, Ron is truly an expert in the field. Learn details about each trip, their limited departure dates, travel safety, and general Europe travel tips by joining Ron van Dijk and Dan Austin for a special webinar on December 8th at 3 PM EST. This informative webinar will answer all your questions about our 4 cycling trips and travel in Europe. Register here.

Book your cycling trip on one of these limited departures by calling us at 800-575-1540. Get ready to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, the breeze tousling your hair, chat with the locals, and take in the reginal beauty at your own pace. Don't simply take a vacation, create an unforgettable experience. 

The Austin Adventures Team

P.S. Don't forget as a first time traveler with Austin Adventures, you receive $100 off your first trip. Learn more ways to save here.
TAKE ME TO ALL DESTINATIONS
Vienna to Prague
 
Lose yourself in a mixture of the old world and new world. Bike through vineyards, along the Danube, to the Czech Lake District, and through the Bohemian Forest at a leisurely pace. In the evenings, enjoy fine dining and settle into hand-picked, cozy inns.

LEARN MORE


Denmark | Danish Isles
 
Island hop on a gently rolling route that unfurls along the seashore of the Danish Riviera. Cycle in the refreshing salt air, delight in the region's famous seafood specialties. Enjoy getting to know the friendly Danish people as you visit the royal castles and old seafaring towns that bring the past to life. 

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France | Burgundy
 
Savor world class wines and richly textured cuisine as you explore the very heart of Burgundy. Our gentle route follows ancient roads through vineyards and farms, to quaint villages and tiny wine towns. Sample Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines and let the product speak for itself.
LEARN MORE


Holland/Belgium | Brussels to Bruges & Ghent
 
Experience a land where carefree cycling is a way of life and where the continental experience can still be savored, far away from tourists and crowds. Cycle along the North Sea coast to lively resorts and tiny harbors, then turn onto scenic inland canals offering pristine landscapes and a relaxed pace. 

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SPEND SOME TIME EXPLORING COLUMBIA INSIDE AND OUT THIS WINTER


Columbia, MO - Spend some time exploring Columbia inside and out this winter. From fantastic shopping to extravagant holiday decorations, visitors to this college town will find more than they expect in Central Missouri.

SHOPPING IN THE DISTRICT 
With roughly 65 shops in 43 city blocks, Columbia's historic downtown, better known as "The Disctrict," is the place to be when shopping for the holidays.The District, which places an emphasis on shopping "small," is home to many independent, locally owned boutiques, most of which dress up for the holidays with festive decorations and window displays. Shoppers will find the latest in fashion trends as well as time-tested vintage pieces from decades gone by. They can create unique fragrances at the local perfumery or browse the titles at intimate book shops. For more worldly gifters, international shops carry goods from around the globe. A craft beer cellar stocks an impressive selection of micro-brews from all points near and wide and even encourages you to sip while you shop. There are shops specializing in locally crafted fine art, handmade chocolates and confections, contemporary kitchen wares, antiques, hard-to-find vinyl records and video games, musical instruments and much more. The shops in The District surely have something for everyone on anyone's gift list.
 
As visitors stroll from shop to shop, they will also find many warm, welcoming restaurants, bistros and coffee shops interspersed throughout downtown, making it easy to take a break from their shopping and sample some local fare. The dining options are nearly as diverse as the shopping. For more information on shopping and dining, as well as special wintertime events in The District, visit www.DiscoverTheDistrict.com.

And, in the unlikely event that a shopper can't find what they're looking for in The District, chances are they'll find it at the Columbia Mall or the department stores nearby. The mall features over 120 stores including H&M, Express, Joseph Banks, Eddie Bauer, Victoria's Secret, Dillard's and more. In the Shoppes at Stadium plaza, located adjacent to the mall, visitors will find Macy's Department Store, Gap Factory Outlet, Old Navy, Bed, Bath and Beyond and others. Columbia also has several massive antique malls - including the 60,000-square foot Midway Antique Store and Flea Market, which was featured on the Travel Channel show, "Truck Stop: Missouri" - with large selections of treasurers from yesteryear. For more information on the different shopping options in Columbia, check out the "Where to Shop" page on www.VisitColumbiaMO.com
 
STUFF YOUR STOCKINGS WITH FESTIVALS
Looking for more unique gifts that can only be found in Columbia? How about stuffing your stockings with passes to two of the city's most popular annual festivals - True/False Film Fest and Roots N Blues N BBQ?  
 

The internationally renowned True/False Film Fest - which has been hailed as one of the top cultural events to experience by TIME magazine, called the "most vital" film festival in America and was once again named one of the "coolest film festivals in the world" by FilmMaker Magazine - celebrates groundbreaking films and filmmakers that push and stretch the boundaries of documentary cinema. This four-day fest takes place March 3-6, 2016 in downtown Columbia and combines artful films with thoughtful Q and As with filmmakers, panel discussions, live concerts, busking musicians, dance parties, a hilarious game show, a ragtag parade and a lot more. Passes for the 13th installment of True/False are on sale now at www.TrueFalse.org.
 
The 10th annual Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival takes place September 30 through October 2, 2016 in picturesque Stephens Lake Park, just a few miles east of downtown Columbia. Roots N Blues features over 30 performers from around the globe playing all shades of "roots" music: blues, gospel, soul, country, bluegrass, folk and rock and roll. Recent headliners include Buddy Guy, Dwight Yoakam, Al Green, Lucinda Williams, Brandi Carlisle, Charles Bradley, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Fitz and the Tantrums, and the Wood Brothers, to name just a few. To celebrate the tenth anniversary, festival organizers are looking to make it even bigger and better with the first round of headlining acts for the 2016 fest to be announced in April. The festival also features interactive art installations throughout the park, delicious barbecue, a 5k and half-marathon and more. Tickets for the 2016 festival go on pre-sale December 7. For more information, or to order passes, visit www.RootsNBluesNBBQ.com. 

A MAGICAL TOUR
The Magic Tree at the quaint Village of Cherry Hill.
What started in 1995 as one Columbia resident's personal project, involving many strings of lights and a small crab apple tree in his front yard, has morphed into one of Columbia's most gorgeous and popular holiday attractions. Now, locals and visitors alike make a tradition of bundling up, piling family and friends into the car and heading out to visit the Magic Tree at the Village of Cherry Hill, located on the southwest part of town at 4200 Merchant Street.

Each year, Randy Fletcher, or "Will Treelighter" as he's better known, spends hours upon hours wrapping tens of thousands of lights around every branch of the Magic Tree. While the original Magic Tree was located in Will's front yard, the growing popularity of his work and resulting increase in traffic in the residential neighborhood necessitated finding a new tree in a new area. The Magic Tree display moved to the Village of Cherry Hill in 2010, making it easier for more people to enjoy Will's art. The popularity of the Magic Tree continues to grow exponentially each year and now, there are six different Treelighter projects located throughout the city. Visitors to Columbia during the holiday season can take a driving tour to bask in the glow of each extravagantly lighted trees. The "magical loop," as we'll call it, covers just under 16 miles and meanders through some historic neighborhoods with views of other elegant lighting displays and can be completed in less than an hour. "Magical" tourists should feel free to linger to take in the lighted trees in all their splendor. We suggest starting in the downtown district at the tree located on the corner of Broadway and Ninth streets, that way visitors can pop in and out of shops and grab a bite to eat before embarking on their tour. The trees are alight from 5-11 p.m. every night, now until January 6, 2016. For detailed turn-by-turn driving directions, visit TinyURL.com/MagicTreeTour.

WINTER AMONG THE WOODS 
Visitors looking to unwind in solitude during or after the holiday season can experience the quieter side of Columbia by exploring one of the area's most beautiful state parks.Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, located just 5 miles south of the glow of Columbia's downtown lights, offers wintertime wanderers the chance to trek along some of the most popular hiking trails in the state without the usual crowds. The 2,272-acre park is home to impressive karst geological formations, a namesake rock bridge, a natural spring and underground stream in the imposing seven-mile long cave system that makes up the "Devil's Icebox." During the warmer months, thousands of visitors take advantage of the Devil's Icebox Trail, a half-mile walk along a wooden boardwalk, to peek around inside the cave. But, during the winter, the park takes on a state of stillness unlike any other time of the year. 

All in all, Rock Bridge features eight designated trails covering over 22 miles, encompassing large sinkholes, brooks and streams, grasslands, hardwood forests, high ridges and panoramic overlooks. The solitude and scenic views afforded by the park's natural setting will have visitors forgetting about the hustle and bustle of the holidays and even the city just a few miles away. For more information on Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, as well as the other two state parks in the area and Columbia's different city parks, view the Parks and Trails page atwww.VisitColumbiaMO.com.

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ABOUT COLUMBIA
Columbia features a mix of small town charm and friendliness with the amenities and cultural offerings of a big city. There is always something exciting to see and do in Columbia, so for more information on these and other ways to have fun in Columbia, please contact Megan McConachie at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-652-0987 or at VisitColumbiaMO.com.