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.
The 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)
A 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.
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:
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Check out the (relatively) new San Francisco Railway Museum, which features a permanent display of artifacts depicting the City’s myriad of historic transportation.
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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.
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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.
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Wend your way through Pier 39’s new mirror maze.
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Tour through the Boudin Bakery historic museum before buying a loaf of San Franciscans’ favorite sourdough bread.
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.
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.”
Learn how to wakeboard in the warm waters of Canada’s hottest destination.
Aspiring Documentary Filmmakers Invited to Apply for Scholarship With Chance To Be Screened on National Geographic Adventure Channel
Apply for a World Nomads’ scholarship and kick off a film career into the Ecuadorian jungle with documentary producer Trent O’Donnell. The resulting documentary will be reviewed by the National Geographic Adventure Channel for possible inclusion in its upcoming show schedule.
The Ecuadorian adventure to be documented is a special project in sustainable tourism with Gap Adventures, exploring the Amazonian jungle and home staying with the indigenous Quichua community. Pre and post trip lodging will be accommodated by Hostelworld.com.
Application deadline is August 1, 2010.