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THE MAGIC OF YELLOWSTONE
This natural wonder is a sight to see and a great deal if you're looking for an affordable vacation! (more)
THE SEXY — AND SUSTAINABLE — SEVEN
Hideaways Names Favorite Eco Retreats In U.S.
Mike Thiel, President and Founder of Hideaways International™, Inc., names the seven sexiest sustainable hotels and resorts in the United States.
“From coast to coast, these exceptional escapes are gorgeous and green,” says Thiel. “Each has a unique degree of sustainability while attaining the highest degree of desirability.”
1. Willows Lodge, Woodinville, Washington
Why it’s sexy: Guests have a lot to toast in this Washington wine-country retreat. Each room and suite feature a stone fireplace, oversized soaking tub for two, and a hard-to-leave bed . . . the lodge is a two-minute stroll from two world-class wineries, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery . . . and children, while not forbidden, are not encouraged.
How it’s sustainable: With a 5-Star EnviroStars rating, the lodge is committed to environmentally responsible operations — its six-acre riverfront site, for example, is completely eco-friendly.
2. Solage Calistoga, Calistoga, California
Why it’s sexy: Located on 22 acres in the northern edge of Napa Valley, this loft-style resort has the kind of inviting and inspired California-casual-meets-city-chic design that guests will find a pleasure to return to after a day of oh-so-strenuous wine tastings or treatments — like the “Full Body Mud ‘Cocktail’” — at Solage’s own spa.
How it’s sustainable: A member of the Green Hotel Association, this resort’s impressive “Green initiatives” cover the resort from top (solar panels) to bottom (bamboo flooring).
3. Sundance Resort, Sundance, Utah
Why it’s sexy: This retreat — with its collection of suites and mountain homes tucked away within 6,000 acres of protected wilderness — is irresistibly alluring to those who value rustic elegance. It embodies healthy living from its rooms and restaurants to its diverse amenities and activities.
How it’s sustainable: Owner Robert Redford’s commitment to conservation is seen in nearly every inch of the resort and in places that can’t be seen, like the spa’s recycled denim insulation.
4. The Fairmont Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona
Why it’s sexy: Guests looking to enjoy a hot desert tryst should stay in a casita — each is hidden in a quiet courtyard setting, comes complete with the attentions of a butler, and is cleverly placed at the opposite end of the resort from the family-friendly guest rooms.
How it’s sustainable: Like all Fairmonts, this hotel practices environmental stewardship in an ever-increasing number of ways, from hotel kitchen composting to energy-efficient lighting.
5. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas
Why it’s sexy: There’s a romantic spell here that can’t easily be broken, especially with the resort’s no-children-under-14 policy and its genius ban on cell phones in public places. Guests who select a Premier Garden Cabin can end a day of world-class spa treatments, unique indoor and outdoor adventures, and exquisite dining by relaxing in a hot tub in the cabin's private garden.
How it’s sustainable: The spa treatments and included-in-the-price meals incorporate the fruits of the resort’s organic gardens, and its dining room serves local and seasonal cuisine.
6. Little St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
Why it’s sexy: Located on a 10,000-acre barrier island off the Georgia coast — and accessible only by boat — the lodge offers a combination of complete privacy and Southern hospitality in an unspoiled wilderness for no more than 30 guests. Guests enjoy seven miles of private beaches, a range of island activities, and regional, home-style cuisine.
How it’s sustainable: The lodge isn’t going green, it is green with an impressive list of eco practices, from using motion-sensor controlled outdoor lighting to serving organic, shade-grown coffee.
7. The Equinox, Manchester Village, Vermont
Why it’s sexy: Nestled in the spectacular Green Mountains, this 2,300-acre, four-diamond resort is a retreat for those who like to stay busy, even if being busy means getting a facial. After tackling the resort’s golf course, British School of Falconry, or Land Rover Driving School, guests can retreat to their elegant townhouse, a private sanctuary for two, and relax by the fire.
How it’s sustainable: This resort is an “Environmental Partner,” preventing pollution and encouraging conservation by upholding the standards promoted by the Vermont Small Business Development Center and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.
“The thought that eco-friendly and luxurious are mutually exclusive is outdated, as is the idea that you have to travel somewhere off the beaten path, like Costa Rica, to experience a truly earth-friendly retreat,” says Thiel.
“From coast to coast, these exceptional escapes are gorgeous and green,” says Thiel. “Each has a unique degree of sustainability while attaining the highest degree of desirability.”
1. Willows Lodge, Woodinville, Washington
Why it’s sexy: Guests have a lot to toast in this Washington wine-country retreat. Each room and suite feature a stone fireplace, oversized soaking tub for two, and a hard-to-leave bed . . . the lodge is a two-minute stroll from two world-class wineries, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery . . . and children, while not forbidden, are not encouraged.How it’s sustainable: With a 5-Star EnviroStars rating, the lodge is committed to environmentally responsible operations — its six-acre riverfront site, for example, is completely eco-friendly.
2. Solage Calistoga, Calistoga, California
Why it’s sexy: Located on 22 acres in the northern edge of Napa Valley, this loft-style resort has the kind of inviting and inspired California-casual-meets-city-chic design that guests will find a pleasure to return to after a day of oh-so-strenuous wine tastings or treatments — like the “Full Body Mud ‘Cocktail’” — at Solage’s own spa.
How it’s sustainable: A member of the Green Hotel Association, this resort’s impressive “Green initiatives” cover the resort from top (solar panels) to bottom (bamboo flooring).
3. Sundance Resort, Sundance, Utah
Why it’s sexy: This retreat — with its collection of suites and mountain homes tucked away within 6,000 acres of protected wilderness — is irresistibly alluring to those who value rustic elegance. It embodies healthy living from its rooms and restaurants to its diverse amenities and activities.
How it’s sustainable: Owner Robert Redford’s commitment to conservation is seen in nearly every inch of the resort and in places that can’t be seen, like the spa’s recycled denim insulation.
4. The Fairmont Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona
Why it’s sexy: Guests looking to enjoy a hot desert tryst should stay in a casita — each is hidden in a quiet courtyard setting, comes complete with the attentions of a butler, and is cleverly placed at the opposite end of the resort from the family-friendly guest rooms.
How it’s sustainable: Like all Fairmonts, this hotel practices environmental stewardship in an ever-increasing number of ways, from hotel kitchen composting to energy-efficient lighting.
5. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas
Why it’s sexy: There’s a romantic spell here that can’t easily be broken, especially with the resort’s no-children-under-14 policy and its genius ban on cell phones in public places. Guests who select a Premier Garden Cabin can end a day of world-class spa treatments, unique indoor and outdoor adventures, and exquisite dining by relaxing in a hot tub in the cabin's private garden.
How it’s sustainable: The spa treatments and included-in-the-price meals incorporate the fruits of the resort’s organic gardens, and its dining room serves local and seasonal cuisine.
6. Little St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
Why it’s sexy: Located on a 10,000-acre barrier island off the Georgia coast — and accessible only by boat — the lodge offers a combination of complete privacy and Southern hospitality in an unspoiled wilderness for no more than 30 guests. Guests enjoy seven miles of private beaches, a range of island activities, and regional, home-style cuisine.
How it’s sustainable: The lodge isn’t going green, it is green with an impressive list of eco practices, from using motion-sensor controlled outdoor lighting to serving organic, shade-grown coffee.
7. The Equinox, Manchester Village, Vermont
Why it’s sexy: Nestled in the spectacular Green Mountains, this 2,300-acre, four-diamond resort is a retreat for those who like to stay busy, even if being busy means getting a facial. After tackling the resort’s golf course, British School of Falconry, or Land Rover Driving School, guests can retreat to their elegant townhouse, a private sanctuary for two, and relax by the fire.
How it’s sustainable: This resort is an “Environmental Partner,” preventing pollution and encouraging conservation by upholding the standards promoted by the Vermont Small Business Development Center and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.
“The thought that eco-friendly and luxurious are mutually exclusive is outdated, as is the idea that you have to travel somewhere off the beaten path, like Costa Rica, to experience a truly earth-friendly retreat,” says Thiel.
PLAN NOW FOR AFFORDABLE FAMILY REUNIONS AT OHIO STATE PARK RESORTS
Resort’s Popular Reunion Package Allows Families to Plant a “Family Tree” in Ohio State Parks
OHIO STATE PARK RESORTS, Ohio, November 18, 2008 – Extended family groups hoping to enjoy a multi-family vacation next year should begin making plans now, and the first decision to make is to choose the destination. Ohio State Park Resorts operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts are located throughout the state of Ohio and are within an easy drive of all of Ohio’s major airports as well as major metropolitan areas throughout the Midwest.
Groups booking 15 or more lodge rooms or 15 cabins for two or more consecutive nights are eligible for the popular “Family Tree” program at all seven resorts. The package includes a tree – donated by Xanterra – to be planted by the family group. A member of the Xanterra staff will take a digital photo of the family and send the photo along with the tree’s GPS coordinates by e-mail to all of the participants. Returning guests can use those coordinates to return to the tree and observe its progress year after year. Families staying between May and October also receive a family bonfire with complimentary s’mores, the family favorite campfire dessert. During the cold-weather season from November through April, family groups will receive a private movie night with popcorn. Plus, the family reunion planner will receive a resort T-shirt and discounted room rate.
Each resort’s sales staff helps family groups choose accommodations, activities and group meals, including family-friendly buffets as well as elegant sit-down meals in private dining rooms. Planners can also set up group hikes with naturalists, children’s games and special family events such as geocaching trips into the woods or golf tournaments.
“Each family has a different style, and it is our job to help a family create a reunion that will result in long-lasting memories for everyone in the family,” said Dianna Rom, regional director of sales for Ohio State Park Resorts. “Our resorts are not cookie-cutter, and we don’t think family reunions should be cookie-cutter either. Our experienced sales staff is happy to assist family groups plan any event or activity.
Rom said Ohio State Park Resorts are likely to be particularly popular this year because they are both affordable and accessible. Xanterra operates lodges at Burr Oak, Maumee Bay, Salt Fork, Mohican, Hueston Woods, Punderson Manor and Shawnee State Park Resorts. The resorts offer a lineup of activities that includes swimming, playing tennis and basketball, boating, fishing and hiking, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, playgrounds, game rooms and more. Banquet rooms are also available for private meals. Special children’s activities such as supervised crafts and water games are available at most resorts during the summer.
To make arrangements for a family reunion, call 1-888-275-5017 or send an e-mail to sales-aap@xanterra.com.
Complete information about the facilities at each of the seven Ohio State Park Resorts operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts is available online at www.atapark.com or by calling 1-800-AT-A-PARK (1-800-282-7275). Xanterra also operates the marina and facilities at Geneva Marina State Park in Geneva-on-the-Lake in northeastern Ohio.
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IS A GREAT SUMMER GETAWAY
By Robert J. Nebel
Editor, Men's Traveler
As my family and I began our trip to the mountains of North Carolina, I found myself haunted by flashbacks of sixth-grade summer camp. I’ll admit it: Even though I’ve been on several fun camping trips over the years, the prospect of the whole “rustic thing” left me less thrilled. “I think I should turn this car around,” I joked, as we headed toward the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C. My friend Bruce Hensley, who handles public relations for the inn, had been urging me to check out the place for a while. When I finally took him up on his offer, everyone in my family assured me the trip would give me a chance to “find myself.” And I did. My family’s time in Cashiers offered me and my family an escape from electronic gadgets, from malls, from traffic. It gave us time to bond. The beauty of the region and the peace it affords its visitors really is good for the soul.
A summer retreat for everyone
The three-hour drive from here to Cashiers (pronounced: Cash-ers) is an easy one, but the higher elevation that brings with it cooler temperatures makes it feel a world away from Atlanta. After a tour of the open, friendly lobby of the High Hampton, we headed to our room. Rooms at the inn are decked out in a rustic mountain motif, and the facility features natural wood in a board and batten pattern.
Life in the mountains
What I loved most about the High Hampton is that it reminded me of the charm of the old South. I donned my dinner jacket to dined family-style with my Southern friends in the high-ceiling dining room. The buffet-style meal included such mouth-watering selections as London broil, baked ham, grilled trout and mango shrimp. I knew my daughter, Caitlin, would enjoy the buffet, but I worried about her adapting to life without cable TV. But after realizing she wasn’t going to get to watch the latest episode of Disney’s “Hannah Montana,” she quickly focused on the inn’s activities for children. The Kids’ Club, open to those ages 3 to 10, offers swimming, hiking, nature walks, games, arts and crafts, donkey cart rides and picnic lunches. Caitlin loved every minute of it.
When nature meets civilization
We left the rustic charm of High Hampton after a few days and made the 30-minute drive to an inn where luxury is the order of the day. The Greystone Inn on Lake Toxaway pampers you from the moment you pull up to the curb. We arrived just in time for afternoon tea, dropping our bags to indulge in English tea and flaky scones. Afterward, Nik Flores showed us around the property, and then to our cottage. He pointed out the king-sized bed, pull-out bed, standing shower and garden Jacuzzi tub. I was impressed, and that was before I discovered the cottage’s screened porch with a view of rolling hills nestled against the breathtaking Lake Toxaway.
A world of options
After orientation, we enjoyed hors d’ouevres such as scrumptious puff pastry with a sweet Thai sauce, and drinks. But we were careful not to overeat before dinner, prepared by executive chef J. Keith Morrison. We feasted on corn chowder soup, mouth-watering halibut over potatoes, chicken smothered in guacamole and dessert that included a chocolate pecan pie topped with sweet raspberry dressing.
On the last morning of our trip, we tried to choose from the inn’s range of activities, such as golf, volleyball and mountain biking. We decided to go tubing on Lake Toxaway. Caitlin did great, but I can’t say the same for myself. After enjoying the waves for a few minutes, I went overboard, losing my sunglasses in the process. I’ll bet one of the walleye fish will enjoy the shades.
More info
The Greystone Inn
1-800-824-5766
The High Hampton Inn
1-800-334-2551
N.C. Facts
Lucy Armstrong Moltz came to Lake Toxaway, N.C., to build a mansion in the early 1900s.
In 1985, innkeepers Tim and Boo Boo Lovelace restored it and named it The Greystone Inn.
The Greystone Inn is home to a premier spa where guests can receive to a variety of treatments, such as Active Contour Eye Treatment and an Anti-Aging Skin Treatment.
The High Hampton has been a summer retreat since the early 19th century.
The aristocratic Hampton family traveled here to escape the summer heat and mosquitoes.
Cashiers, N.C., is located in a dry county. The High Hampton is able to serve alcohol under the Sports Club License, a 1994 state law that allows them to pour beer, wine and spirits.
The High Hampton Inn has a 5,500 square-foot fitness center with a spa and multi-use room for Pilates, yoga, cardio equipment and more.
Gatlinburg balances nature, tourist attractions
By Robert J. Nebel
Editor, Men's Traveler
In the Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg area proves that culture and nature are able to coexist. Gatlinburg, a city carved into this gorgeous yet rugged terrain, attracts a range of tourists, vacationers and honeymooners. Here, you really can have the best of both worlds. An array of shopping, dining and lodging combined with outdoor activities makes Gatlinburg a top-notch summer destination for virtually anyone.
Getting there, getting around
Driving to Gatlinburg takes about four hours, but the awesome views along the way make up for the drive. "Scenic Highway 73 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the way to Gatlinburg is a pretty drive at any time of the year," said veteran Gatlinburg visitor and photographer L.A. Jackson. Once you've taken in the beauty of the Smokies, be prepared for the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg. "The first thing you notice on 73 coming out of the pristine beauty of the national park is the crowds of people walking the streets of the main tourist and shopping district," said Snellville resident Bob Winstead. "Be prepared to pay for parking." L.A. Jackson agreed, adding that "traffic on the weekends can turn the main roads into a parking lot. That is one of the advantages to staying in any of the hotels on the weekends. You can get around faster on foot."Both Winstead and Jackson said the best way to get around Gatlinburg is by taking advantage of the trolley system. After you've abandoned your car, take a breather and experience the town strip, which is filled with quaint tourist offerings. The usual suspects are here: T-shirt shops, arcades and even a multi-story mall featuring local crafts and specialty items. Business owners realize all of that walking and shopping can make any tourist crave some sweets. Ice cream and confectionary outlets are plentiful. "Believe It Or Not," but Ripley's is here
A trip to Gatlinburg wouldn't be complete without a stop at one of the "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" attractions. Ripley's offers the Believe It Or Not Museum, Haunted Adventure, Davy Crockett Mini Golf and an aquarium, where the latest exhibit is "The Abyss - Life 7 Miles Down." Thousands of gallons of water, demonstrations, 40 interactive exhibits, live marine animals, scale models and films make "Abyss" a must-see attraction. "The aquarium is quite nice," Jackson said. "The tour ends in a glass tunnel underneath the main tank. One particularly large shark seems to take great pleasure in swimming overhead while showing off his infinite rows of sharp, pointed teeth." One of the bigger Ripley's tourist draws has been its Moving Theater. Billed as offering "the movie you ride," the theater presents two shows in 4-D, 70 mm, six-channel digital surround sound in seats that move in eight directions.
Getting there, getting around
Driving to Gatlinburg takes about four hours, but the awesome views along the way make up for the drive. "Scenic Highway 73 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the way to Gatlinburg is a pretty drive at any time of the year," said veteran Gatlinburg visitor and photographer L.A. Jackson. Once you've taken in the beauty of the Smokies, be prepared for the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg. "The first thing you notice on 73 coming out of the pristine beauty of the national park is the crowds of people walking the streets of the main tourist and shopping district," said Snellville resident Bob Winstead. "Be prepared to pay for parking." L.A. Jackson agreed, adding that "traffic on the weekends can turn the main roads into a parking lot. That is one of the advantages to staying in any of the hotels on the weekends. You can get around faster on foot."Both Winstead and Jackson said the best way to get around Gatlinburg is by taking advantage of the trolley system. After you've abandoned your car, take a breather and experience the town strip, which is filled with quaint tourist offerings. The usual suspects are here: T-shirt shops, arcades and even a multi-story mall featuring local crafts and specialty items. Business owners realize all of that walking and shopping can make any tourist crave some sweets. Ice cream and confectionary outlets are plentiful. "Believe It Or Not," but Ripley's is here
A trip to Gatlinburg wouldn't be complete without a stop at one of the "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" attractions. Ripley's offers the Believe It Or Not Museum, Haunted Adventure, Davy Crockett Mini Golf and an aquarium, where the latest exhibit is "The Abyss - Life 7 Miles Down." Thousands of gallons of water, demonstrations, 40 interactive exhibits, live marine animals, scale models and films make "Abyss" a must-see attraction. "The aquarium is quite nice," Jackson said. "The tour ends in a glass tunnel underneath the main tank. One particularly large shark seems to take great pleasure in swimming overhead while showing off his infinite rows of sharp, pointed teeth." One of the bigger Ripley's tourist draws has been its Moving Theater. Billed as offering "the movie you ride," the theater presents two shows in 4-D, 70 mm, six-channel digital surround sound in seats that move in eight directions.
Escape to the great outdoorsIf the city scene isn't your speed, a getaway to the Smokies could be the perfect option. Hiking and rafting are just the beginning of the area's offerings. If you have time when visiting, contact the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont. This school, which teaches students about the importance of the park, offers adult educational classes and hiking tours. Even if you don't want to participate in one of the institute's organized activities, Jackson said it's still worth the drive to the institute because there's an excellent hiking trail there. "
Also, for vacationers wanting to get up close and personal with the park, Erik and Vesna Plakanis offer A Walk in the Woods,' an eco-historical tour of the area," Jackson said. "They guide walks through many different areas, but their Greenbrier Walk, which is the site of an old settlement that was reclaimed by the forest, is one of the most interesting." When it comes to rafting in the Smokies, Big Pigeon River has plenty of class three and four rapids. Scores of outfitters are ready to get you out on the water with guided rafting trips. "We went with Rip Roaring Adventures, and it was a treat," Winstead said. "They scare you first with a lecture on safety precautions, which describe in detail the dangers you are subjecting yourself to, but forewarned is forearmed."Entertainment in the SmokiesWind down your trip to the area with a visit to Pigeon Forge. This enclave packs quite a punch when it comes to entertainment offerings. Country music, rock 'n' roll, gospel, bluegrass and much more are on display in several theaters throughout town. From the Memories Theater, which salutes Elvis, to the Smoky Mountain Jubilee, there is so much musical entertainment offered here that you'll be singing without a radio in the car all the way back home.
Also, for vacationers wanting to get up close and personal with the park, Erik and Vesna Plakanis offer A Walk in the Woods,' an eco-historical tour of the area," Jackson said. "They guide walks through many different areas, but their Greenbrier Walk, which is the site of an old settlement that was reclaimed by the forest, is one of the most interesting." When it comes to rafting in the Smokies, Big Pigeon River has plenty of class three and four rapids. Scores of outfitters are ready to get you out on the water with guided rafting trips. "We went with Rip Roaring Adventures, and it was a treat," Winstead said. "They scare you first with a lecture on safety precautions, which describe in detail the dangers you are subjecting yourself to, but forewarned is forearmed."Entertainment in the SmokiesWind down your trip to the area with a visit to Pigeon Forge. This enclave packs quite a punch when it comes to entertainment offerings. Country music, rock 'n' roll, gospel, bluegrass and much more are on display in several theaters throughout town. From the Memories Theater, which salutes Elvis, to the Smoky Mountain Jubilee, there is so much musical entertainment offered here that you'll be singing without a radio in the car all the way back home.
Serious nature travel in Virginia
By Robert J. Nebel
Editor, Men's Traveler
About 30 years ago my family made a classic 1970s trek to Washington, D.C. Even though the sights and sounds of D.C. left an impression on me, it was the trip through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley that introduced me to the region’s natural beauty. Dressed in our blue “Virginia Is For Lovers” T-shirts (which I kept for several years after), we rolled down the windows of our spacious Oldsmobile to take in the scenery. (more)
TRAVEL TO BOTSWANA
Exotic travel is taking off. Look no further than a trip to Botswana.
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK OFFERS ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM PURE RELAXATION TO BEYOND EXTREME
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, November 19, 2008 – Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes, and a trip there can be as relaxing as you want it to be. Or it can be active. Or it can go beyond extremely active into surreal.
With some 3.3 million acres, Death Valley National Park offers hiking options that are practically unlimited for both the casual and seasoned walker. Although formal trails do not exist, paths carved out by past travelers are easy to follow.
Relaxing
The Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort is the best location in the park from which to base explorations, and both the Inn and the Ranch offer plenty of easy activities. Both feature outdoor swimming pools that are naturally fed by warm springs that keep the pools' temperature at a comfortable 82 degrees (27.7C). In addition to the pool, guests can enjoy a casual game of tennis or take in an early morning walk, jog or hike.
Easy hikes include those to the Harmony Borax Works and Golden Canyon ranging from one to three miles with minimal elevation gain. The Borax Museum provides the history of the Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort and key figures involved in the development of Death Valley. The museum offers a pictorial history and showcases artifacts from the past, such as antique stagecoaches, mining tools and a railroad steam locomotive in the museum courtyard. The museum is open to the public seven days a week, and admission is free.
One of the most popular and most lavish sites in Death Valley is Scotty's Castle, located 55 miles north of the Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort. Folklore has it that Walter "Scotty" Scott, an alleged prospector, convinced Chicago millionaire Albert Johnson to build a spectacular Moorish-style castle. Speculation continues as to whether Scotty discovered a secret gold mine that financed the castle's construction or if Johnson's fortune funded the project. The castle consists of more than eight buildings that house beautiful furnishings and spectacular tile work created by artisans, architects and crafts people from Spain, Italy and throughout the United States. Rangers outfitted in period clothing provide historical information about the structure and offer little known facts about the castle, the Johnsons and Scotty. The castle is open year-round and offers tours every hour between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Visitors can also explore the natural wonders of Devil's Golf Course, an expansive salt field caused by evaporated bodies of water. Almost as pure as the table variety, the salt forms one grain at a time. Close inspection into one of the salt domes reveals the actual crystallization process at work. Other points of interest include Dante's View at 5,475 feet above sea level and overlooking Badwater at 282 feet below sea level, Mushroom Rock, the overlook at Zabriskie Point and the ruins of the Harmony Borax Works.
October through May, the National Park Service conducts interpretive programs at the Visitor Center located next door to the Furnace Creek Ranch. Guided walks and naturalist talks are conducted daily and illustrated talks are presented each evening.
Active
Just south of the Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort, reachable from Highway 178, is Artist's Drive, a one-way road that meanders eight miles through magnificent washes and mud hills with breathtaking colors and natural rock formations. Continuing south is the region of Badwater. Originally a salt-crusted pool of water, the area contains four to five times the salt content of the ocean. Badwater is home to the lowest spot in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level.
The polished marble walls of Mosaic Canyon can be reached by a 2.5-mile drive up an alluvial fan. The Sand Dunes, east of Stovepipe Wells, are ideal for either a casual stroll or an all-day excursion. For the more seasoned hiker, a climb up to Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet, the highest spot in Death Valley, can be a challenge. Steep inclines make for a strenuous, all-day hike to the top.
At 214 feet below sea level, the Furnace Creek Golf Course is the world's lowest golf course. The course dates back to 1927 when one of the date-palm caretakers set up an informal three-hole golf course in what was then called the Greenland Ranch. Ranch operators expanded the three holes into a nine-hole course in 1931, and another nine holes opened in 1968.
The Furnace Creek Golf Course is a par-70 course measuring 6,236 yards. Water comes into play on nine of the holes. The fairways are lined with date palm trees and 60-year old tamarisk trees. The surrounding Panamint and Funeral Mountains can be seen from everywhere on the course.
Greens fees for the Furnace Creek golf course are $55, and cart rentals are $25 for 18 holes and $14 for nine holes from early September through mid-May. Rates drop to $30 including the cart in the summer. Guests at the Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort can purchase room and golf packages as well. For more information about the Furnace Creek Golf Course, call the golf shop at 1-760-786-3373.
Furnace Creek Golf Course recently achieved the designation "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), the educational division of Audubon International.
Beyond Extreme
The Badwater Ultramarathon is held in mid-July ever year and is a grueling 135-mile foot race that begins 282 feet below sea level and ends at the Mt. Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet above sea level. Along the way, the race course covers three mountain ranges for a total vertical ascent of 13,000 feet. The winners take nearly 24 hours to complete the race.
The Furnace Creek 508 is held in early October. This 508-mile bicycle race begins in Santa Clarita north of Los Angeles and continues across the Mojave Desert through Death Valley to Twenty Nine Palms, CA. The race is called "The Toughest 48 hours in Sport" and is billed as the world's premier ultramarathon bicycle race. The course has a total elevation gain of more than 35,000 feet and crosses 10 mountain passes.
The Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort has been welcoming guests since the 1930s. Open from mid-October through mid-May, the Furnace Creek Inn is an AAA Four Diamond-rated property featuring 66 rooms and two suites with a full array of amenities, fine dining, tennis courts and a spring-fed pool. Open year-round is the Furnace Creek Ranch. Situated adjacent to the golf course, the Ranch features 224 rooms in a casual setting, general store, spring-fed swimming pool, tennis courts, horseback riding and the Borax Museum.
For more information about facilities in Death Valley National Park or to make reservations at Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort, call toll free at 1-800-236-7916 or 1-303-297-2757 or go to www.furnacecreekresort.com
The Natural State is booming from the Ozarks to Little Rock
In the past, Arkansas has been associated with an image of swamps and humidity.(Click here for the full story)
Men's Traveler online travel magazine
