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Fly-Fishing Two Ways and Horseback & Cattle Drive Adventures at Triple Creek Ranch

TRIPLE CREEK RANCH INVITES ANGLERS AND WOULD-BE COWBOYS TO TEST THEIR FLY-FISHING AND HORSEBACK RIDING SKILLS WITH TWO NEW PACKAGES

Guests to Triple Creek Ranch in Montana have new ways to hone or show off their fishing and riding skills: the new Selway/Bitterroot Fly-Fishing Package and the Horseback Adventure Package. In the fly-fishing package, wilderness fly-fishing along the wild Selway River, accessible only by plane, and float fishing the Bitterroot River and its famous tributaries offer unforgettable angling opportunities.

For adventurers on horseback a day will be spent fine-tuning riding and roping skills while exploring the ridges and canyons of the vast CB Ranch, another day spent working and moving the herds on a real cattle drive, and capping it all off, the third day will be spent flying into the Selway Wilderness then riding among the pristine mountains and rivers of northern Idaho. Whether fishing or riding, all essential gear is provided; and all meals, beverages, house wines and spirits are included.

Accommodations are in newly remodeled log cabins, designed with Western luxury in mind. At the end of each day, guests return to the privacy of their cabin to unwind in front of the fireplace, enjoy a couple’s massage and sip champagne in their hot tub. Guests also enjoy a nightly candlelit dinner in the Lodge’s award-winning dining room, featuring Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman’s inspired regional and seasonal cuisine selections.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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This Year Dad is King at Ashford Castle

With Mother’s Day barely behind us, it is time to give our full attention to Dad—because he needs pampering, too! In celebration of Father’s Day this year, Ashford Castle is offering fathers the perfect getaway in the Green Isle. From the great outdoors to one of the “hottest” tables in Ireland—and beer—Dad has never had it so good.

Ashford CastleThe Father’s Day package includes:

  • Two nights’ luxurious accommodations fit for a king
  • Full Irish breakfast each day
  • Table d’hôte dinner one evening in the George V Restaurant
  • Choice of falconry lesson in Ireland’s First School of Falconry or a fly fishing lesson in the picturesque Lough Corrib and the River Cong
  • Special bonus: Guinness tasting that includes Ashford Castle’s signature Arthur’s Bellini - created exclusively for Ashford Castle to mark Guinness’ 250th anniversary  (guests need to give the code “FD 10” when booking)

Ashford CastleA highlight of this Father’s Day experience will be a meal in the grandeur of the George V dining room, whose renowned Head Chef Stefan Matz was recently awarded “Best Chef” by Ireland’s newly launched Good Eating Guide 2010-2011.  With creative cooking, locally sourced produce and inspired use of seasonal ingredients, Chef Matz has crafted an innovative menu that has produced what is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in Ireland.

Priced at €850 (approximately US$1,060), the package is based on double occupancy.  Additional nights may be booked from €188 (approximately US$235) per person, per night.

For more information on Ashford Castle or for other special offers, visit www.ashford.ie.       

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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10 Great Reasons For Families To Visit San Francisco

Anchoring San Francisco’s #1 destination, the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is located across the street from the Mason/Powell Cable Car line with nearby attractions that include Alcatraz, Pier 39, The Cannery, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Cruises, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square and Aquarium of the Bay.  

But, those are just the “typical” highlights.  Here’s the hotel’s list of top ten great things to see and do in and around the hotel:

  1. Check out the (relatively) new San Francisco Railway Museum, which features a permanent display of artifacts depicting the City’s myriad of historic transportation.         

  2. Climb the notorious Filbert Steps.  This unique “stairway to Heaven” leads up to Coit Tower, with gardens and sculptures guiding the way up to a phenomenal, panoramic view of the bay at the top.

  3. Take ‘em out to the ballgame at San Francisco Giant’s AT&T Ballpark.  From the hotel, the entire family can board the historic F Line street cars to get to the park.

  4. Wend your way through Pier 39’s new mirror maze.

  5. Tour through the Boudin Bakery historic museum before buying a loaf of San Franciscans’ favorite sourdough bread.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Soles4Souls shoe charity offers volunteers and supporters hands-on experiences

THIS JUST IN…

One of my favorite charity organizations, SOLES4SOULS, has just announced that it is offering public opportunities to travel worldwide on their distribution trips. Now volunteers and supporters can experience first-hand the impact a pair of shoes can truly make. Very cool.

Learn More

 

 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Combine a Red Sox vs. Orioles game with a B&B stay in Baltimore

Guest rooms at Blue Door on Baltimore feature a hip, chic look and lots of tech-toys for those who love to stay plugged in while traveling. Photo provided by Blue Door on Baltimore. We all know that while nothing beats a Boston Red Sox game in Fenway Park, but it’s tough to get affordable tickets. The Green Monster may be the ultimate, but a day at Fenway can add up. For just about the same price, you can hop a plane down to Baltimore, take a $3 train ride into Baltimore, and get off right at Camden Yards, catch a Red Sox vs. Orioles game, then walk or train it to a downtown B&B for a weekend getaway exploring Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and historic Federal Hill, Butcher Hill or Fells Point neighborhoods. During a recent check, I discovered ball game tickets start at $8 for upcoming games against the Orioles in the June 4-6 series and the August 31 - September 2 series.

After you watch the Boston Red Sox win, a number of great B&Bs are within walking distance or a quick cab ride from there, all within an easy stroll or ride to Baltimore’s downtown attractions.  Click here to read about four great downtown Baltimore B&Bs, within an easy walk or ride from Camden Yards.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Yellowstone Association Institute Summer Family Programs Provide Educational Experiences for Every Age

YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE FAMILY PROGRAMS ALLOW FAMILIES TO LEARN – AND LAUGH – TOGETHER

The non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) believes you are never too young or old to learn. That’s why the organization includes among its extensive educational programs numerous experiences that are perfect for family groups.

Two programs are a particularly good fit for families: the multi-day “Yellowstone for Families” Lodging & Learning program and a stay at the Yellowstone Overlook with Private Tours. With both the Lodging & Learning program and Private Tours, participants are led by a YAI naturalist-guide who specializes in educating visitors about the world’s first national park – its geological mysteries, abundant wildlife and fascinating and sometimes befuddling human history. Naturalist-guides personalize their programs for the particular needs and interests of each group, so even very young visitors can begin to foster an appreciation for the natural and historic world of Yellowstone.

“Our naturalist-guides are adept at focusing their interpretive messages to the needs and interests of the group, and they have been known to get a little silly around their youngest charges, especially when they think they are beginning to turn kids on to the wonders of the park,” said Jeff Brown, education director for the Yellowstone Association. “For example, we haven’t found a kid yet who wasn’t at least a little interested in learning to identify animal scat. Children have so much fun they simply forget they are learning fundamental lessons about wildlife biology.”

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".