See 2010 Olympians in Orlando

Saturday, April 3 • 7:30 PM at the Amway Arena

Fresh off the ice in Vancouver, the Stars will bring the excitement of their performances directly to Orlando.

Don't miss your chance to see 2010 Olympians* Evan Lysacek, Meryl Davis & Charlie White, Mirai Nagasu, Tanith Belbin & Benjamin Agosto, Jeremy Abbott, Rachael Flatt, Shen & Zhao and Miki Ando plus Sasha Cohen, Todd Eldredge, Michael Weiss and more of the world's best skaters in this magical combination of athleticism, artistry and great music - all in one show!

*Olympians May Vary Per Show
Last chance!
Buy tickets on Ticketmaster.com, the #1 ticketing portal on the web

Easter Brunch in Orlando

For vacationers who are unable to celebrate Easter at home, many of Orlando’s resorts offer succulent Easter brunches. While local residents tend to gravitate towards home-cooked meals or outdoor bistros along Park Avenue in nearby Winter Park, Orlando’s hotels and resort areas ensure that travelers won’t feel like they’ve missed out on this important holiday.

Easter Brunch at La Coquina at the Hyatt Grand Cypress is one of the most exclusive brunches in town. The exact menu for the Easter Brunch is available online and includes a wide assortment of entrees from traditional favorites like Eggs Benedict to Guava Glazed Pheasant Breast. Casual resort attire (no jeans) is required so be sure to wear your Sunday best for any visit to La Coquina.

Citron, an American Brassiere at the JW Marriott Resort serves up a Grande Resort Buffet with made to order gourmet omelets plus other hot brunch selections, "soup of the day", a Patisserie of freshly baked goods, a wide variety of exotic and local fruits, European-style charcuterie station, as well as a hot and cold cereal stations with dried fruit accompaniments, shrimp cocktail station, a variety of gourmet desserts and includes one complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa.

Another favorite local Easter brunch is at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. Every Sunday HOB hosts a Gospel Brunch with seating times at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The Gospel Brunch menu includes fresh pastries, assorted fresh fruit, Cooked Chilled Prawns with Cocktail Sauce, Field Greens with Spiced Pecans with blue cheese crumbles and tomato shallot vinaigrette, Creole Potato and Asparagus Salad and country favorites such as Scrambled Eggs, Cheese Grits, Bacon and Sausage, Biscuits and Country Gravy, Homemade Waffles, a made-to-order omelet station and much more.

For visitors who plan on spending Easter Sunday at a Walt Disney World theme park, the World Showcase Pavilion at Epcot and other Disney restaurants usually serve up a special Sunday brunch. For more details, call 407-WDW-DINE. No matter where you plan to enjoy a meal on Easter Sunday in Orlando, the local brunches will be a memorable experience.

Which is the Cheapest Car Rental Company for One Way Rentals?

We frequently fly standby, as our son is an airline employee. That sometimes involves leaving a different airport than we arrive at. What companies are less expensive to drop a car at a different location?

There is no one car rental company that is generally less expensive for one way rentals.

The first thing to do is to actually find a car rental company that will allow you to take the car one way. Unfortunately, with any one way car rental, availability is never guaranteed.

Availability and pricing will truly depend on the city and location of pickup, the city and location of drop off, the car type, the date or time of year, the length of the rental and, of course, the car rental company itself. Prices and availability of any car rental change constantly and are based on supply and demand.

You will have to select a few car rental companies and research each individually for your specific cities, dates and times to find out if the one way car rental that you're looking for will be available. You can research this type of rental on the car rental company websites directly.

I hope this helps!


More info on:


Tips on Finding Last Minute Car Rental Specials
Tips to Save Money on One Way Car Rentals

Trattoria San Salvatore

Today we have a guest review from Tony, an American and part-time resident of Lesa, a neighboring town of Stresa. Tony is an inexhaustible source of new and interesting information about Stresa and the area. I've so enjoyed learning from him, and I think you will too. Following, Tony writes about Trattoria San Salvatore, a place you may want to add to your must-eat-at list.

For a leisurely lunch on a clear day in Spring, Summer or the fall, consider Trattoria San Salvatore above Massino Visconti in the Alto Vergante above Stresa and the lake. http://www.trattoriasansalvatore.it/. It is not off the beaten path, but it is at the end of the beaten path. How to get there: go up from Stresa towards the Autostrada, but do not get on. Instead proceed toward Carpugnino and Brovello and then Massino Visconti. You are on SP 38 going towards Nebbiuno. After you go through Massino Visconti, just after you have threaded the narrow one way street, there is a right, well marked to San Salvatore, just before the commuter parking lot. Go up the road, past the Camelot riding stables, and keep following the signs until you turn up a narrow road and up and down until you find yourself in a open parking area across from some rustic buildings. Park there and walk up to the restaurant or the church (began ca. 1350) and the shrines. The restaurant is built onto the lake face of the church. Once you are on the terrace of the restaurant and walk to the front, you will understand what the phrase “location, location, location” means.

Most people we have seen here are from the Alto Vergante, that area above the lake at the level of the Autostrada, from Invorio to Brovello. And most of the young men around the west side of the lake will admit it is number one “first date when you get the car” place. People eat there because of the view and because the prices are very reasonable and the servings are generous. And in the evening, it is rustic romantic. If you are two, order for one. All food is served family style. They have good antipasto, pasta and risotto, and then a variety of meat dishes. No menu, they will tell you what is being served. If you are averse to horse, let them know because one of the sausages is equine. And if you are averse to rabbit, avoid coniglio. House wines, but they also have a very short list of wines by the bottle. And they do have deserts.

You come here to relax and for the view and to impress your companion. You can see the lakes of Varese and up and down Lago Maggiore. And at night you can see the lights of Malpensa and watch the planes taking off. Drive very very carefully on the way down.

Thank you so much Tony... What a gorgeous spot.

This seems like an ideal place for a larger group of travelers, or maybe for at the end of a day trip away, or just to escape summer heat higher in the hills.

Look forward to more information from Tony in the future, and in the meantime, here again is the link for Trattoria San Salvatore.

A Plus Vacation Homes

Staying at a vacation home during your next Orlando vacation ensures that your traveling party will have all of the privacy and the space that you need. Why pay more for a game room, outdoor swimming pool, and other amenities? A+ Vacation Homes makes an Orlando vacation with extended family and friends a reality at an affordable price.

A+ Vacation Homes offers a wide variety of vacation homes in the Orlando area, from three bedroom houses that comfortably sleep 8 people to seven bedroom homes that sleep up to 16 people. A+ Vacation Homes offers units located right inside Disney World, as well as in Orlando and Kissimmee just 15 minutes from the Disney World. Other Orlando attractions, such as Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld/Discovery Cove/Aquatica are just minutes away by car.

To match your budget needs, A+ Vacation Homes has condo unit rentals, stand-alone vacation homes, and townhouse units ranging from three to seven rooms. Many of the resort properties are in resort communities. Wheelchair, high chair, crib, and even a gas barbecue rentals are also available. An accommodation for 10 people costs less than $1000, which is the same price you'd pay for two people at a luxury hotel with all the same amenities.

Car hire at Ipswich

Car hire at Ipswich is the best option for tourists and busy business travelers. One can find car hire at Ipswich outside the airport and even inside the town. Some of these rentals are well known global brands while others are local Ipswich car hire operators. Ipswich car hire companies provide cheap car hire, luxury car hire and even classic cars for hire. This can be a real exciting option for a memorable holiday or an important business trip!
Car hire at Ipswich could not have been easier; all you need to do is search online for the various car rentals and their choice of services and rates. Continually trying to keep abreast with the changing needs of the customers car hire at Ipswich has started offer the best of deals across the UK. They allow the customers to drive free with no mileage restrictions not only that but they also provide service in case of breakdowns. This is what is called true customer dedication.
Besides helping you with such valuable services, car hire at Ipswich helps you choose the car best suited for your need such as for the budget traveler, an economy car that runs on diesel or for those seeking luxury the best of cars and style! If you think this is cool wait till you hear more, car hires at Ipswich also help customers a step further by providing cars with maps for directions and the fuel tank filled. The car hire representatives are also willing to help you on any travel query that you might have, giving you tips and tricks ensuring you have the drive of your life!
Most of these car hires at Ipswich provide online support and you can book the car online with just a few clicks of the mouse, this means a car hire process can be done in a matter of minutes! You can choose from a range of cars, decide your pick up locations, decide your travel route and plan. Services such as chauffeur driven cars, package deals and discounts can all be availed at the Ipswich car hires. These cars are not just economical or good but also safe, they come with all legal papers such as insurance and requires you to just carry your license documents. There are thus no extra expenses involved. Just ensure however that you read all terms and conditions carefully before enrolling for the service.
If you are not a minor and you require traveling on road then Ipswich car hire is the best option on offer!

Airport Car Hire – Convenient and Easy

Most airports around the globe have a very useful service right outside; the airport car hire. These car hires understand pulse of the travelers and provide them with a variety of services. In fact car hire at airports are very convenient for those wanting to travel by themselves and have not booked anything in advance.
It is of course more prudent to book car hire a little ahead in time as you will be able to better compare prices and services, opting for the best deal. But in the case of urgent business travel or an impromptu holiday the airport car hire comes real handy! This provides a risk free and flexible option of travel to various destinations with the same country or even outside.
Services such as pick up and drop to the hotel or airport are available and so is the possibility of a round trip or dropping the car off in another country. Things get even better with the luxury car hire that can be used for corporate travel with important clients or a special occasion. Airport car hire is useful on more than one occasion.
At an airport car hire you will require documents such as your international driving license etc and they will provide you with the car and all its documents such as insurance. Ensure the car is in good condition as you do not want trouble half way through the journey. The choice of car is yours and ranges from economy to luxury. Choice depends on the budget for travel, also taking into account the fuel type.
There are various driving rules at different countries just familiarize yourself with rules and drive safe to stay out of trouble. In case you do not want to drive the car yourself then these airport car hires offer you with chauffeur services also.
Some of these airport car hires offer package deals to various tourist spots with transport and accommodation as well. The things that need to be kept in mind however is that the airport car hire might prove to be costlier than options available within town. Also in times of holiday and festivals the airport car hire may not be able to help you with last minute booking because of the rush.
With added services such as airport car hires observing flight schedule to save customers time, it is quite worth it to take an airport car hire for your travel, business or pleasure!

Easter Brunch at Hard Rock Hotel

A ROCKIN' EASTER FEAST! Don't miss the Easter brunch with a touch of rock 'n' roll attitude in The Kitchen restaurant at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando! From 10:00am-4:00pm, they will be featuring a rockin' Easter brunch with New York sirloin, glazed ham, omelet station, mini pizzas, rotisserie chicken and dessert station.Kids can meet the Easter bunny and visit their "kids only" pancake and cookie decorating station.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE EASTER MENU

Adults: $35.00 - Children (ages 4-12): $15.00 - Children 3 and under complimentary -

Call 407-503-DINE (3463) for reservations

Nickelback

Grammy-nominated, mega-platinum rock powerhouse Nickelback, has announced the 2010 North American leg of their Dark Horse World Tour, a Live Nation produced event.The tour will feature special guests Breaking Benjamin with the opening act and additional dates to be announced.The newly confirmed dates are hot off the heels of their summer and fall dates where the band played to sold out crowds around the world. The latest single from Dark Horse, "Never Gonna Be Alone,"is already top 15 at Hot A/C and heating up quickly at Top 40.Last week also saw the premiere of the video for "Never Gonna Be Alone." Added out of the box at VH1 and Fuse, both channels will start airing it on November 23rd.The video can currently be seen via Nickelback.com, RoadrunnerRecords.com and YouTube. Look for the broadcast premiere November 23rd. The video was shot by veteran director and longtime Nickelback friend Nigel Dick.
Looking for Hard to Find Tickets? Find Tickets at Ticketmaster.com

Easter Brunch at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

ENJOY EASTER IN PARADISE!

Dine in our tropical paradise for Easter brunch in Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. From 11:00am-8:00pm, enjoy a holiday champagne brunch featuring prime rib, leg of lamb, golden tile fish, stuffed chicken breast, omelet and waffle station, seafood raw bar, stir fry and sushi stations and dessert delights.

Entertainment includes the Easter bunny, Universal Orlando characters, Islands music and hula dancers, face painter and balloon artist.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR EASTER MENU

Adults: $43.95Children (ages 4-12): $17.95-Children 3 and under complimentary

Call 407-503-DINE (3463) for reservations

Farmers's Market Dining Experience Friday, April 16 from 6:30-9:30pm

Join us for a dining experience that showcases everything you love about a farmer's market! Talk to local farmers and ask questions while enjoying all of the fresh and flavorful dishes prepared by the chefs and culinary team at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Our all-you-care-to-eat Farmer's Market dinner will feature a market display of local seafood, Porchetta pork sandwiches, grass-fed beef slider bar, a market salad station and crème brulee station.Plus you'll enjoy a variety of beers from Orlando Brewing, drinks made with 4 Orange Premium Vodka crafted from world-famous Florida citrus, select wines and live entertainment.$45 per person (plus applicable taxes and gratuity)For reservations and information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)

See 2010 Olympians Evan Lysacek in Orlando

Saturday, April 3rd • 7:30 pm at the Amway Arena in Orlando
Fresh off the ice in Vancouver, the Stars will bring the excitement of their performances directly to Orlando. Don't miss your chance to see 2010 Olympians* Evan Lysacek, Meryl Davis & Charlie White, Mirai Nagasu, Tanith Belbin & Benjamin Agosto, Jeremy Abbott, Rachael Flatt, Shen & Zhao and Miki Ando plus Sasha Cohen, Todd Eldredge, Michael Weiss and more of the world's best skaters in this magical combination of athleticism, artistry and great music - all in one show!*Olympians May Vary Per Show
Buy tickets on Ticketmaster.com, the #1 ticketing portal on the web

Easter Brunch at Portofino Bay Hotel

EASTER "CIAO" ITALIAN STYLE! Join us for Easter brunch in Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. From 11:00am-8:00pm, enjoy a holiday champagne brunch featuring roasted prime rib of beef, glazed ham, Cornish game hen, leg of lamb, red snapper, omelets and crepes made to order, chilled seafood, risotto and pasta stations, plus cakes, pies, tortes and desserts in a shot glass.

Entertainment includes Universal Orlando characters, strolling musicians, face painter, balloon artist and a children's arts and crafts table.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR EASTER MENUAdults: $48.95Children (ages 4-12): $26.00Children 3 and under complimentaryCall 407-503-DINE (3463) for reservations

Frequent Renter Discount from 353 Car Rental

I rented a 353 car rental from 5 to 14 December 2009 pickup Dublin Airport.

Subsequently I was sent a frequent renter email - 8% discount on future rentals. How do I log on ... to obtain the 8% discount. I don't have the email anymore.

Here's what I would try:

If you go their website:

http://www.353carrental.ie/dublin-airport-car-hire.html

and over at the top right hand corner, click Frequent Renter.

Then enter your email address and click forgot password. They will ask for the email address from which your recieved your original email, and send you a new password.

If this doesn't work, you may try calling them 353 21 4320755

Hope this helps!


See more on

Frequent Renter Benefits
Overview of Frequent Renter Program Benefits

Brio Tuscan Grille Restaurant

With all of the flavors of Italy, the Brio Tuscan Grille restaurants serve up fresh salads, pasta, seafood, poultry and beef dishes with generous portions in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Outdoor bistro dining is available year round in the Sunshine State as well as a cozy indoor dining area.

Dishes at the Brio Tuscan Grille include traditional Italian dishes such as Veal Milanese, Veal Marsala Classico, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Chicken Fra Diavolo, Shrimp Scampi & Angel Hair, and Grilled Salmon as well as more creative innovations such as Sweet Potato & Chicken Risotto, Grilled Citrus Chicken with Orzo and Brio's Sliced Steak Salad. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays until 3:00 p.m.

There are two Brio locations in the Orlando area: The Mall at Millennia in Orlando right off of I-4 and the Winter Park Village shopping, dining and entertainment center located just a few minutes north of downtown Orlando.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opening Date

One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort - is set for a public grand opening on June 18.

Today, Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.

And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects - and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter's world.

The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.

The Adventure

Imagine...

...meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person

...soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry

...being swept into a Quidditch match

...feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor

...exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle

...living adventures you've only been able to imagine - until now.

The Story

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry's life. As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.

"Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they've only read in the books or seen in the films," said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Location

The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:

# Dumbledore's office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts
# Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione
# Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey
# Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey
# Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.

The Innovation

This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It's a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking - specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.

"We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. "What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience."

The attraction's newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series-and the future of theme park entertainment.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts
# Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
# First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking
# Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction's score
# The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore's office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised
# Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour
# Number of scenes in the attraction: 12
# Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy
# You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom

A Sample Four-Day, Two-Lake, Two-Country Itinerary

The route of the Lago Maggiore Express. How would you make it your own?

Are you planning your summer trip to Stresa? Thinking about how to organize your days and what you want to see here? From the mails I receive it seems many of you are doing just that. And while you all have your own ideas, your own interests, and your own priorities for your trip, it's helpful sometimes to see a planned itinerary to use as a starting point, to help you dream of your own.

A reader, E., wrote to me asking a couple of questions about her upcoming four-day trip to Stresa. She had already mapped out her days and was filling in the last details. I LOVE her itinerary... With her permission, take a look and see how E. will spend her relatively short stay in the area:

E. will arrive in Stresa and spend two nights in a hotel here on the lake. They plan to explore Stresa in that time, and to take an afternoon and visit Lago Orta, about 30 minutes away.

Lago Orta

After the second night in Stresa they will jump aboard the Lago Maggiore Express, taking the train directly from Stresa and changing in Domodossola to the Centovale Railroad. They plan to use the two-day ticket, which means they can complete the circuit shown above on the map over a two-day period, at their leisure, embarking and disembarking at will. This scenic track will take them through the Valle Vigezzo and the Alps, both Italian and then Swiss, and finally bring them to Locarno, on the Swiss side of Lago Maggiore.

The Centrovale Railroad travels through many spectacular chasms such as this on its journey through the Alps.

From Locarno they will take the Navigazione di Laghi ferry back across the Italian border, where they plan to stop in Cannobio, another special little town on the lake. Here they'll spend a night at Albergo Antica Stallera.

Cannobio's Waterfront

The next day they'll catch a ferry again, back to Stresa and the Borromean Islands. They plan to disembark on Isola Pescatori, where they have booked one night in the lovely Hotel Belvedere. This gives them the afternoon, night, and the next morning the explore the islands.

And from there, finally, they will take the direct shuttle bus from Stresa to Malpensa airport, to catch their flight home. As E. put it in her mail, "I cannot think of a prettier place to spend my last night in Italy!" She's right you know...

I'm sure this itinerary isn't for all of you. Some of you only want to stay in Stresa and do nothing more than stroll and relax. Some are set on an active, outdoor experience. All choices are good. What I do like about this itinerary is the sheer variety of it. It has mountains, valleys, lakes... trains, boats, cars... and it's very doable and not as strenuous as it might seem. The trains and boats are a relaxing way to travel, and what you do in between is entirely up to you. This itinerary can be almost indefinitely adapted to individual tastes, and it can be done in the other direction as well. I hope it inspires you in some way as you plan yours.

Recently I've been getting so many wonderful mails from readers. They challenge us with questions about Stresa, they share stories about times they've been here and what their connections are to here, and they teach me so many things that I didn't yet know about this place. Thanks to E., and to all of you... and keep it coming!

IMAX Hubble 3D

IMAX Hubble 3D Now Showing! Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio Float beside space-walking astronauts and experience the powerful story of the Hubble Space Telescope during the new IMAX® film Hubble 3D at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble 3D offers an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope's legacy and highlights its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves.
Included with Kennedy Space Center admission or Commander's Club Annual Pass. Click here for Hubble IMAX show times.

More Info:
Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex FloridaKennedy Space Center is the epicenter of mankind's greatest adventure. Now, with a new era of events, attractions and interactive programs unfolding
Kennedy Space Center NASA Visitor Complex Tour - Gray Line ...Book your Kennedy Space Center - NASA Tour with Gray Line Tours today!
Kennedy Space Center: Shuttle Launches from the Space CoastKennedy Space Center, Florida's Space Coast, is the only place on

Harbor Nights Primavera Friday, April 23 from 6:30-9:00pm

The Food. The Wine. The Jazz.

Join us for Harbor Nights Primavera at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando! Featuring wine, sparkling wine, gourmet food samples (view menu) and complimentary hand-rolled cigars.Plus, enjoy live music by The Buzzcatz. Harbor Nights takes place under the twinkling lights of the Harbor Piazza.

CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETSGeneral Admission: $35* on-line or $45 at the doorReserved Seating**: $60* on-line or $70 at the door*Ticketing fees apply. **Includes admission ticket, reserved seating in private section, private wine station & passed hors d'oeuvres.

Virgin America Announces New Orlando Service

Virgin America recently announced new service to Florida. The airline will serve Orlando International Airport (MCO) with daily non-stop service from both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) beginning August 19, 2010. This is Virgin America’s second Florida destination on the heels of launching service to Fort Lauderdale in November of last year.Virgin America’s LAX-MCO fares start at $149 and SFO-MCO fares start at $199 one way in main cabin. Tickets are available by calling 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN or visiting www.virginamerica.com.
Source: Virgin America

Fairfield Inn and Suites Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village

Combining a great value with an ideal location, the Fairfield Inn and Suites Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village was awarded the 2009 Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice Award as a Top 10 Family Hotel in the United States. As an Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village is near Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios, SeaWorld®, and Orlando Premium Outlets offering upscale shopping.

Guests who are looking for an Orlando Marriott hotel will be pleased with the amenities offered at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village. With comfortable, clean rooms designed for vacationing families, the rooms at the Fairfield Inn include hotel suites with bunk beds in a playful setting. Tickets for the Walt Disney World Resort can be purchased on site and a hotel shuttle is also available.

The dining options in the Marriott Village at Lake Buena Vista include a food court with pizza, deli sandwiches, ice cream and Starbucks Coffee. Several chain restaurants are within a mile of this Orlando Marriott hotel, and complimentary breakfast is available in the Fairfield Inn lobby every morning.

For families looking for a little down town after a day at the theme parks, there are plenty of recreational activities available at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool and a 24-hour game room that is accessible with a room key. The Fairfield Inn and Suites Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village also has free wireless Internet access. Best of all, these amenities are available at a very affordable price, helping families make their fantasy Orlando vacation more of a reality.

Yuri's Night at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®

The National Space Society presents...Yuri's Night at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®
Yuri's Night is an international celebration held annually to pay tribute to human spaceflight and to honor Yuri Gagarin, the first human to travel into space. This year's event will be held on Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. and will include space simulators, science demonstrations, performance artists and live music. Grab your moon boots and come out for a night of fun!Click here for Yuri's Night ticket and event information.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is returning to Orlando! Ellen will be taping two episodes of her Daytime Emmy® Award-winning program in March at Universal CityWalk®. Her daily show combines celebrity interviews, music, and her unique style of observational humor that has made Ellen one of today’s most popular television personalities.

Taping DateSunday, March 28 – 2 shows
Taping times and show guests/performers will be announced at a later date. You can join in the fun! There are no more audience tickets available, but you can still join in the fun! Everyone is invited to the "Riff Raff" Street Party where you can watch the show taping LIVE on CityWalk’s Astrovision screen. Plus you’ll be able to watch the show’s musical performances live on the CityWalk Plaza Stage! Limited space available. Theme park admission not required. Parking fees apply.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Buy One, Inspire One Florida residents, buy one adult admission and get one child free.
Back for a limited time, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — the place where dreamers and doers come together — is offering Florida residents a dream come true: one free child admission with the purchase of one adult admission. Save on the adventure of a lifetime. Offer expires March 31, 2010. Valid for children ages 3 - 11.
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Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex Florida
Kennedy Space Center is the epicenter of mankind's greatest adventure. Now, with a new era of events, attractions and interactive programs unfolding
Kennedy Space Center NASA Visitor Complex Tour - Gray Line ...Book your Kennedy Space Center - NASA Tour with Gray Line Tours today!
Kennedy Space Center: Shuttle Launches from the Space CoastKennedy Space Center, Florida's Space Coast, is the only place on

2010 Camp Kennedy Space Center

2010 Camp Kennedy Space Center Building our future in space. Campers will train on realistic motion-based space simulators, perform a simulated space shuttle simulation and meet a veteran NASA astronaut. NEW this year is Science On a Sphere, a global display taking campers on a journey around the world and throughout the solar system via dynamic, animated images of the atmosphere, oceans and planets.
Commander's Club Annual Passholders receive 10% off Camp KSC. Call 866-737-5235 for more information.
Download and print the 2010 Camp KSC registration form.Adobe Acrobat Reader is required in order to view this file.Click here for more information or call 866-737-5235.

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Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex Florida
Kennedy Space Center is the epicenter of mankind's greatest adventure. Now, with a new era of events, attractions and interactive programs unfolding
Kennedy Space Center NASA Visitor Complex Tour - Gray Line ...Book your Kennedy Space Center - NASA Tour with Gray Line Tours today!
Kennedy Space Center: Shuttle Launches from the Space CoastKennedy Space Center, Florida's Space Coast, is the only place on

Renting a Van to go into Mexcio

Can a 3-door passenger van be rented to go to Mexico?

The answer depends on whether or not the car rental companies in the city that you want to rent in will allow a) one of their vehicles to be driven into Mexico... and b) if they do, if they will allow a passenger van to be driven into Mexico.

You can usually only find rental car companies that allow rentals into Mexico from specific locations in Texas, Arizona and California, and usually only through Budget Rent a Car and Hertz; and perhaps with Enterprise (their website lists no specifics, but states that you must contact the rental location directly). Most of the time the car rental companies will not allow vans or specialty vehicles into Mexico, but you would need to check with the car rental company directly.

I would suggest contacting or researching your request through a Budget, Hertz or Enterprise in your area.

You can also check to see if there are any small, local, independantly operated car rental companies in your area (check for car rental companies for your city of choice on yellowpages.com) that will allow a rented van in Mexico as well.

I hope this helps and good luck with your rental!

More tips on:
Border Crossings
Taking a rental car into Mexico

Courtyard Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village

Whether it’s business or pleasure that brings you on your next trip to Orlando, Florida, a stay at the Courtyard Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village combines the best of both worlds, with modern amenities for the business travelers, as well as a prime location just one mile away from the Walt Disney World Resort, which is perfect for vacationing families.

For anyone who is planning on making a trip to Walt Disney World, this hotel in Lake Buena Vista, FL boasts the ease of purchasing attraction tickets in the lobby and a convenient shuttle service. Other Orlando attractions such as outlet shopping, International Drive, Universal Studios Orlando/Islands of Adventure and the SeaWorld theme parks are only a short drive away. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order items and then stop by the Food Court in the evening for ice cream, pizza, deli items, and coffee.

The guest rooms at the Courtyard Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village include exceptional amenities that appeal to business travelers as well as vacationing families.
In addition to the plush mattresses and linens, the business class accommodations include a well-lit work desk, ergonomic chair, dual-line phone, and complimentary high speed Internet access. Jacuzzi suites, executive suites, and connecting rooms are also available.

For meetings and events, this Lake Buena Vista Marriott hotel has six meeting rooms with 2,884 sq ft of total meeting space. The largest meeting room is Village Hall with maximum meeting space of 1,608 sq ft and maximum seating capacity of 175. For weddings and banquets, there is 4,500 square feet of event space at the Courtyard Lake Buena Vista and the largest banquet room can seat up to 120 guests. Most importantly, there are professionally trained Marriott Certified Wedding Planners available to help plan these very special occasions.

For a memorable event, a pleasurable business trip, or a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation, the Courtyard Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village delivers the service and quality that customers have come to expect from Marriott hotels.

Tavistock Cup

The finalized the pairings for its matches in the unique team competition that returns to Isleworth Golf & Country Club March 22 and 23. The seventh annual Tavistock Cup will feature a formidable contest between the 10 best golf professionals at Isleworth and their counterparts at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club.

Mark O'Meara returns as captain for Team Isleworth and is joined by teammates Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, John Cook, Brian Davis, J.B. Holmes, Charles Howell III, Lee Janzen and Nick O'Hern.

Ernie Els once again leads Team Lake Nona, which includes Ben Curtis, Ross Fisher, Retief Goosen, Peter Hanson, Trevor Immelman, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

Round 1 will be a Fourball Medal Match Play format. Within the fourball, the two-person team with the lowest 18-hole better ball total will win the match. Each win is worth 2 points, a tie is worth 1 point, and a loss is worth 0 points. In total, there will be 10 points awarded for Round 1.

2010 TAVISTOCK CUP DRAW
Day 1 Fourball Medal Match Play

LAKE NONA ISLEWORTH
Match 1 Ernie Els vs. Robert Allenby
Trevor Immelman Stuart Appleby

Match 2 Ben Curtis vs. John Cook
Ross Fisher Mark O'Meara

Match 3 Peter Hanson vs. Arjun Atwal
Graeme McDowell Lee Janzen

Match 4 Retief Goosen vs. Brian Davis
Henrik Stenson Charles Howell III

Match 5 Ian Poulter vs. J.B. Holmes
Justin Rose Nick O'Hern


Round 2 will be a Fourball Singles Medal Match Play format. Each player in the group plays an 18-hole stroke play singles match against each of the opposing two players; therefore, each player plays two singles matches. A win is worth 1 point, a tie is worth a 1/2 point, and a loss is worth 0 points. In total, there will be 20 points awarded for Round 2. As a result, it will take 15 1/2 points to win the Tavistock Cup and be crowned World Golf and Country Club Champion.

Day 2 Fourball Singles Medal Match Play

LAKE NONA ISLEWORTH
Match 1 Ernie Els vs. Brian Davis
Ernie Els vs. Nick O'Hern
Graeme McDowell vs. Brian Davis
Graeme McDowell vs. Nick O'Hern

Match 2 Ben Curtis vs. Stuart Appleby
Ben Curtis vs. Mark O'Meara
Justin Rose vs. Stuart Appleby
Justin Rose vs. Mark O'Meara

Match 3 Retief Goosen vs. John Cook
Retief Goosen vs. Charles Howell III
Trevor Immelman vs. John Cook
Trevor Immelman vs. Charles Howell III

Match 4 Ross Fisher vs. Arjun Atwal
Ross Fisher vs. Lee Janzen
Peter Hanson vs. Arjun Atwal
Peter Hanson vs. Lee Janzen

Match 5 Ian Poulter vs. Robert Allenby
Ian Poulter vs. J.B. Holmes
Henrik Stenson vs. Robert Allenby
Henrik Stenson vs. J.B. Holmes


The team competition within Tavistock Cup will include exciting hole-in- one prizes, including Audi cars, Air Nautique boats, Audemars Piguet timepieces and Orlando Magic season tickets.

The Tavistock Cup will be televised live on the Golf Channel in the U.S., Canada and Japan and to more than 40 countries around the world through international affiliates. TavistockCup.com will also feature real-time live scoring of the matches.

Source: Tavistock Group

Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade

Tinker Bell is all aglow as she leads the way in as it returns to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort this summer. The parade’s beloved music and floats feature more electrifying audio, plus new lighting technologies that create a pixie-dust effect on all the floats. The classic parade is part of Summer Nightastic!, a shimmering celebration which also includes a dazzling new fireworks display, plus special lighting effects and a new drop sequence for Tower of Terror.

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Fantasy Island -- Prince And Princess Borromeo Give An Interview

The Principe and Principessa a casa, at home.

Not everyone knows that the Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella is to this day the family home of the Borromeo family, and that they live there much of the time. But they do, and if you're like me, you probably wonder what their life there is like. We can all get a glimpse now, in the January issue of W magazine, which includes a feature article on Principe and Principessa Borromeo. It's a great article, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the members of the Borromeo family who live in the palace on Isola Bella today. The interviewer met with Principessa Bona Borromeo, her husband Principe Gilberto VIII, their son Count Vitaliano XI, daughter-in-law Marina, her sister Lucrezia, and various grandchildren, on a clear morning last summer.

Take a look at the entire article, entitled Fantasy Island, here... now you'll know a little bit of what they are doing behind those private walls, in the parts of the palace that we don't get to see, while we're wandering around their public gardens frolicking with the white peacocks.

The Salone Grande is open to the public. Built in the 1950s, it was built following plans from the 1700s.

You won't see this on the tour. A bedroom adjacent to the Throne Room features the motto of the family saint over the bed.

A fresco in a private room depicts another Borromeo property.

Want to read more about the Borromeos and their palace? Try these posts:
Meet the Borromeos

Isola Bella, Beautiful Island -- A Little Background
The Borromeo Tapestries
The Grottos of the Palazzo Borromeo

Credits: Article in W magazine written by James Reginato and photographed by Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin. All photos courtesy of W magazine. Grazie to reader Tony, for sending me the link to this article.

SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation for the entire family, choosing a Marriott Orlando hotel near Disney will ensure that everyone will enjoy comfort and customer service that savvy travelers have come to expect from a Marriott hotel. The SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village takes a Marriott hotel room stay to the next level, offering 25% more space than traditional Orlando area hotel rooms.

The SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village is Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel located one mile from Walt Disney World® Resort . All of the Walt Disney World theme parks and attractions are just a few minutes away, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Downtown Disney.

For those moments when visiting families are not at the Orlando area theme parks, there are a number of free amenities that guests can enjoy, including an outdoor swimming pool with a children’s play area, a whirlpool, high speed Internet access, parking, daily newspaper delivery and a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. The Village Food Court at this Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel also sells ice cream, pizza, and sandwiches.

Inside the spacious suites of this Lake Buena Vista hotel, guests can enjoy all of the comforts of home, such as large work desks with phones, data ports, voice mail, and ergonomic chairs; plush Revive® bedding with luxurious mattresses and linens; plus cable TV, coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, and a hair dryer.

With Walt Disney World and dozens of other Orlando attractions just minutes away, the SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village is an ideal choice for a Marriott Orlando hotel near Disney.

Trafalgar Village Homes For Sale in Orlando

Incredible distressed sale pricing. 4bed, 3bath with pool for $136,000-
- after builder concessions of 6%

46 inventory homes built and ready to close.

Trafalgar Village - a community geared for the family looking for fun and relaxation without leaving home.


Located just 20 minutes south of Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida, Trafalgar Village is a unique community combining a blend of townhomes and single family homes with a front porch, private pools and an expansive clubhouse. This community features walking paths, jogging trails, ponds stocked for fishing, billiards room, arcade, 48 seat movie theatre and many other exciting amenities. Complete this online form to part of this incredible real estate deals

Google Looking for Test City for Ultra High Speed Internet

As you may have heard, Google is looking for a City like ours to test their experimental ultra high speed internet network.They’re offering us the chance to be home to the fastest internet connection in the world!That means our residents and businesses would have access to an internet connection 100 times faster than anyone else. As you can imagine, the possibilities for this infusion of technology are endless.

More than just a lightning fast internet experience, this opportunity would allow our residents to dream up extraordinary new ways to use the web. It would give our businesses an incredible edge in creating the technology and jobs of tomorrow that ultimately benefit our community.Before that can happen, we need your help to let Google know that Orlando is the place to be!We need you to tell Google why we’re the right community to take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.Here’s how you can help:

Fill out Google’s survey: Tell Google what you or your company might be able to accomplish with this kind of internet connection. What sort of dreams could you turn into reality? You can find a link to it on our very own web site: GetGoogling.com

Get Creative: Show the world why you want Google to choose Orlando by making your own You Tube video and submitting it to GetGoogling.com

Tell your friends: Pass along this email, post it on Facebook, talk about it on Twitter or Buzz. Tell them to go to GetGoogling.com

We don’t have much time. Our City’s application is due back to Google on March 26. We need to get to work fast to show Google that the next generation of the internet is a natural fit with Orlando … the next Great American City.

Source: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center

Families planning a trip to Orlando Florida need easy access to the attractions, affordable prices, and plenty of room to move. The Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center offers all of this and more, and was even named the hotel Best for Families in the U.S. by TripAdvisor® in its 2008 Travelers Choice awards.

Guests of the Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center won’t have to travel far to enjoy an entire day at SeaWorld, Discovery Cove or Aquatica, and this Orlando Marriott hotel is only minutes away from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, and all of the restaurants, shops and entertainment venues along International Drive. Complimentary theme park transportation is also available.

Business travelers will appreciate staying at a SeaWorld Orlando hotel with free high speed Internet access and suites that include a desk, dual-line phone, and ergonomic chair. Visiting families can take advantage of rooms that have 50% more space than traditional hotel rooms, and one or two bedroom suites are also available. And no matter what brings guests to an Orlando Marriott hotel near SeaWorld, they will benefit from Marriott s new Revive® bedding package includes crisp linens, custom comforters, and soft pillows; fully equipped kitchens with dining table and chairs; and a complimentary hot American breakfast buffet.

Other family-friendly amenities at the Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center include a heated outdoor swimming pool, game room, and sport court, to give guests a little bit of down-time after a day at the theme parks. Travelers looking for an Orlando hotel near SeaWorld can trust the Marriott name, making the Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center an ideal choice.

Save money on your wedding day

FOX 35 talked to Mindy Cunnigham from Best Western Orlando Gateway. Watch our video interview!

Bridal Open House Featuring budget friendly vendors Best Western Orlando Gateway April 8th 5:30 pm - 8:30pm
RSVP at mindy@bworlando.com
Best Western Orlando Gateway 7299 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819 Toll Free: (800) 445-7299 Phone: (407) 351-5009 Orlando Weddings

Carlos Pena at Discovery Cove

ORLANDO, FL – CARLOS PEÑA’S ALL-STAR DAY AT DISCOVERY COVE -- Carlos Peña, first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, swims with a new fan, Jenny, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Peña spent the day at Discovery Cove in Orlando swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays, and hand-feeding exotic birds. Explore more at DiscoveryCove.com.

Food Network Chef Tyler Florence at Bob Carr March 25 • 8 pm

Food Network Chef Tyler Florence, one of the biggest stars in food and cooking, will be appearing in this scrumptious series! Tyler will present an evening of cooking demonstrations, story-telling, Q and A, and fun that will give each audience member a rare opportunity to share a delicious evening with Tyler! Plus big screens ensure no one misses a moment of the action.

BUY ONE GET ONE OFFER*
Start: Tuesday, March 16 • 10 amEnd: Tuesday, March 23 • 10 pmPassword: TYLEREnter password in 'Buy One, Get One' section Buy tickets on Ticketmaster.com, the #1 ticketing portal on the web

*Tyler Florence Buy One, Get One ticket offer applies to $54 tickets only. Tyler Florence Buy One, Get One ticket offer is available until March 23 at 10 pm, or until tickets are sold out.
Dates, times, prices, discounts, venues, performers and deadlines are subject to change.

Women Airforce Service Pilots

Since the release of the film "Amelia Earhart" last year, millions have seen the aviation legend brought to life by actor Hilary Swank. Now, fans of the world's most famous female pilot will not only have an opportunity to meet Susan Butler, the author of the biography, "East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart" that was made into a blockbuster movie, but will also be able to meet the fearless female pilots who carried on Amelia Earhart's dreams of flight. Fantasy of Flight has just announced that Butler will serve as a special guest moderator for its March 26 luncheon honoring the WASP-Women Airforce Service Pilots, the first female pilots ever to pilot U.S. military aircraft during World War II.

The intimate, reservations-only luncheon will be held Friday, March 26, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Orlampa Conference Center at Fantasy of Flight. Tickets are $65 plus tax per person and include admission to the afternoon symposium and attraction after the luncheon. Reservations are required. For tickets, visit www.fantasyofflight.com/livinghistory or call 863-984-3500, ext. 220. Corporate tables and individual tickets are available.

Proceeds from the luncheon will go to Girls Inc., a national nonprofit youth organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, and provides vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, under-served areas.

"The Library of Congress theme for Women's History Month is to 'write women back into history' so I can't think of a better way to celebrate the great women of aviation than with this luncheon and symposium," said Kim Long, General Manager, Fantasy of Flight. "From Amelia Earhart who laid the groundwork for women in flight, to her close friend, WASP founder Jackie Cochran, to the four WASP who have so graciously agreed to share their personal stories with us, to Susan Butler who had the foresight to tell Earhart's story like it had never been told before, and for all of the young women of Girls Inc. who will be emboldened and lifted up by the proceeds from this luncheon, we at Fantasy of Flight are proud to share this important era in American history with the public."

Butler was inspired by the life of Amelia Earhart through the passions of her own mother and grandmother, who fell in love with flying long before most people would set foot in an airplane. Her mother, one of the few women pilots of her time, was a member of the Ninety Nines, the women's flying organization which Amelia Earhart helped start. The Washington Post called her Earhart biography, "The single best book that we now have on Earhart's life." Butler now lives in Lake Wales, Florida.

The luncheon is just one part of the activities planned during Fantasy of Flight's Living History Symposium honoring the WASP. From March 25-27, in honor of Women's History Month, four of the original WASP: Bernice "Bee" Falk Haydu, Riviera Beach, Fla., Florence Rubin Mascott, Palm Beach, Fla., Barry Vincent Smith, Avon Park, Fla. and Helen Wyatt Snapp, Pembroke Pines, Fla., will take part in the second of Fantasy of Flight's three-part Living History Symposium Series. Called "A Passionate Pursuit," the weekend forum will celebrate all of the fearless female pilots who left their homes and jobs at the height of World War II to serve their country as the first American women to fly for the U.S. military.

Last week, and more than 60 years since their brave service during World War, the WASP were officially recognized by the U.S. Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal. On March 10, as many as 300 of the original 1,114 WASP convened on Capitol Hill to receive the highest award a civilian can receive from the United States Congress. The Congressional Gold Medal is bestowed only upon those who have performed an outstanding act of service for their country. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law in July 2009 to grant the WASP this great honor.

The symposium will bring to life the experiences of these courageous aviators through several open-forum/question-and-answer sessions with Haydu, Mascott, Smith and Snapp, as well as permanent and semi-permanent exhibits and real aircraft. Fantasy of Flight's WASP exhibition, which includes aircraft as well as four separate bays that feature historical, anecdotal, and inspirational newsreel footage, original photos, and storytelling panels from the 1940s and today, will serve as the backdrop for historic appearances from the real pilots.

Only 1,830 of the 25,000 applicants were accepted into the WASP program, and 1,074 of those women earned their silver WASP wings. Their indomitable founder, Jackie Cochran, became the first civilian to receive the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal for her vision and leadership of the WASP program.

The third in the Living History Symposium Series, "Victory in the Sky" will take place Saturday, April 17 featuring American Fighter Aces in honor of National Military Month. This elite group of combat pilots shot down five or more hostile aircraft in air-to-air combat in World War I and II, as well as Korea and Vietnam.

During each symposium, Fantasy of Flight will feature "Open Cockpit Days" during which guests are invited to get up close and personal with some of America's most rare vintage aircraft and climb aboard for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout the 2010 year, including the Sun 'n Fun Splash-In at Fantasy of Flight on Lakes Agnes, April 15; Mustangs & Mustangs-Legends Havin' Fun 2010, April 17; Roar n' Soar, Nov. 13 -14 and many more.

Cost of each Living History symposium is included with Fantasy of Flight admission, which is $28.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Open Cockpit Days are free for Annual Pass holders and $20 additional for paid guests.

For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Spring Season Starts With The Reopening Of The Borromean Properties

It's here! It's here!

Springtime has arrived in Stresa. And with it, the 2010 tourist season officially begins, next Saturday, March 20, with the reopening of the Borromean properties on Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Il Rocco at Angera. Following that, on Friday March 26, the gates of the botanical garden Villa Taranto in Verbania will also be unlocked.The tiny patches of snow that still remain on the ground will soon disappear, and instead, almost as if by magic, spring's bounty will be bloom everywhere. Here’s what you’ll see in these first weeks:

Isola Madre in her spring slendor, with snow still on the mountains beyond.

On Isola Madre, in the grand nineteenth century park, visitors can walk among the camellia, magnolia, and orchids that have been collected from around this world, learn how and when they first made their journey here, and why this is such an ideal habitat for them. Step inside the palace to discover the Borromean collection of antique marionettes, and at the end of the tour through the house, relax and feel the warmth of the sun while sitting in the original glass greenhouse.

Welcoming Spring in the terraced garden of Isola Bella.

Isola Bella will attend to her visitors as usual, charming them with her Baroque style palace and gardens. At this time of year the terraces will be blooming with camellia, azalea, and rhododendrons. The palace, as always, offers its series of wondrous rooms, filled with furnishings, tapestries, and paintings of great worth. Not to be missed is the Galleria dei Quadri, or the Galleria del Generale Berthier, both reopened in 2008, together with the Sala del Trono, after a long restoration, where 130 paintings are now displayed, arranged as they had originally been, along with their large, ornately carved frames that are an integral part of the walls of the galleries.

One wall of the 15th century fortress Rocaa di Angera

And finally, big news from the Rocco di Angera. Ready for this season, a medieval garden has been completed, offering a magical look at the Middle Ages. The new garden has been excavated around the rocky buttresses fronting Lago Maggiore, and visitors will find it an agreeable spot to stop and meditate on the surroundings. Guests to the Rocco can also visit, as in previous years, il Museo della Bambola e del Giocattolo, il Museo degli Automi, and the Museo delle Ceramiche, museums dedicated to dolls and games, robots, and ceramics. And new for 2010, a show built around the theme of medieval gardens.

All the Borromean properties on the islands and at the Rocco di Angera are open every day during the season, until late October, from 9.30 until 17.30. One exception, the Quadreria dell’Isola Bella is open instead from 9.00 to 13.00, and then again from 13.30 to 17.00 each day.

Grazie to Stresa 2.0 and La Prealpina for this information.