First modern riverboat departs from New Orleans

AMERICAN Song, the 1st modern riverboat in U.S. history, departed from the Port of New Orleans on October 6, 2018. Underway at 100% capacity, this historic new riverboat is off to a great start and is cruising the Mississippi River on its 8-day inaugural sailing between New Orleans and Memphis. An unforgettable cruise with stops at Oak Alley, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Natchez, and Vicksburg, arrives in Memphis October 12th.

American Song is the first ship in American Cruise Lines’ new modern #riverboat series—the 2nd ship in the series, American Harmony, is already well under construction and will be launched in a few weeks. American Cruise Lines is pleased to offer American Song and its new series of modern riverboats in addition to its current fleet of authentic paddlewheelers.

American Song will continue to cruise the #Mississippi throughout 2018. In 2019, American Song will reposition out West to the Columbia & Snake Rivers and 2nd modern riverboat, American Harmony, will begin cruising the Mississippi.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Time off with your furry friend

IT comes as no surprise that the "workaholic" mindset of many Americans can affect people's willingness to take vacation days for traveling. However, work isn't the only culprit hindering American's travel. A study by Project: Time Off found the three top reasons why people don't use their vacation days to travel are cost, children and pets.

Despite citing pets as a barrier to travel, 60 percent of pet owners surveyed said they would like to break the working routine and explore. Pets can enhance the lives of their owners and this should apply to travel as well, so Mars Petcare is providing a host of resources to help cities become more pet-friendly. For example, the Better Cities For Pets program aims to make it easier to explore new places with your pet in tow.

"Traveling can be stressful for people and pets," said Jessa Paschke, behavior and training specialist at Mars Petcare. "Following simple and proactive travel tips can do wonders for your dog's behavior, happiness and health."

Consider these four tips to make traveling with your pet easier and learn more about how to join the movement to make cities more pet-friendly at bettercitiesforpets.com.

1. Plan your pet into the itinerary – Planning before a trip is key to keeping yourself and all travel companions (including furry ones) organized and ready. Prepare for an upcoming trip with a detailed packing list and map out dog-friendly locations on your itinerary to help keep your pup's needs top of mind.

2. Consider a road trip – Airports and airlines are two of the top challenges that pet-owners cite when it comes to traveling with pets, so, if possible, think about driving to your destination. Taking stops along the way to see the sights and give your pal a break to stretch his or her legs can go a long way toward health and happiness.

3. Seek out pet-friendly accommodations – Research pet-friendly hotels so your furry friend can stay with you. Certain pet-friendly locations will likely already have dog or cat amenities, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared and bring along items from home to help your pet cozy up. Bringing along his or her bed or a blanket is one way to make every place feel like home.

4. Don't forget treats – Packing your pet's favorite things on a trip can help keep him or her calm and comfortable. Besides a favorite toy, bringing along dog treats.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Montana: A hikers paradise

WITH over 15,000 miles of trails ready to be explored, it's no wonder Montana is a hiker's paradise. No matter the season, #Montana is the perfect place to #hike and discover all the unspoiled beauty this state has to offer, but the most underrated season to experience breathtaking beauty is autumn. Crisp mornings, red and gold hues around every bend, and trails that are less traveled make #autumn the ideal time to hike in Montana.

Sluice Boxes State Park - The trail follows the Belt Creek flow through the soaring cliffs of Belt Creek Canyon, and crossing the creek is part of the route you'll follow. This hike showcases the stunning contrast of autumn colors from Chokecherry, Aspen and Cottonwood leaves against the light rock of the cliffs.

Ross Creek Cedar Grove Scenic Area, Kootenai National Forest - Imagine standing in the towering presence of ancient Western Red Cedars – some of which are 12 feet in diameter and 175 feet tall. The Ross Creek Cedar Grove Scenic Area offers a self-guided interpretive nature trail through a unique forest ecosystem. 

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park - offering incredible views above and below ground. While the expansive limestone caverns are a favorite, you won't want to miss the above-ground opportunities to explore 10 miles of trails. 

Custer Gallatin National Forest Beartooth District - known for its rugged mountains and sub-alpine tundra plateaus, Custer Gallatin National Forest Beartooth District, close to Red Lodge, is home to stunning scenery, fantastic trails and epic views of fall foliage. For a truly memorable hike, plan a day on the Stillwater River Trail #24. Begin the hike in the shelter of the Stillwater River Canyon as you follow the Stillwater River, the highest elevation point is a little more than two miles from the trailhead and provides a breathtaking view of Sioux Charley Lake below.

Wild Horse Island State Park - Hiking in the fall is the perfect opportunity to enjoy jaw-dropping scenery and abundant wildlife viewing. At over 2,100 acres, Wild Horse Island is located on the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. This island park is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Flathead Lake and can only be accessed by water.

Elephant Back Mountain Trail, Yellowstone National Park - The trail takes you on a loop through the dense Lodgepole pine forests to a stunning overlook. You'll want to bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake; the beautiful yellow and red hues of surrounding deciduous trees create an incredible contrast against the dark green conifers.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Road Trippin on Route 66

AS families are revving up for the summer travel season, Lipton, the iconic tea brand, is collaborating with TripAdvisor, to share "2018's Route 66 Road Trip Gems" – a list of must-experience attractions for families to check out this summer along one of America's most historical highways.

Lipton worked with TripAdvisor and its database of more than 600 million traveler reviews and opinions, to curate a list of the route's most notable spots for vacationers of all ages. Tapping into the beauty of the road trip by focusing not on the end destination but the actual journey itself, the list of stops includes fan-favorite diners, the best places for grab 'n go snacks, and the perfect locations to snap a roadside selfie.

Visit LiptonRoadTrip.com to check out the list of must-see summer road trip destinations, tips for planning your ultimate road trip 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK
Picture Credit: pintrest

The Great American West

ENCOMPASSING Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, the region was previously known as the Real America. Now with its official relaunch, The Great American West brand will be used to strategically market Wyoming to tour operators, consumers and media.

Formed as a multi-state international promotional cooperative in the early 1990s, the region has been marketing collectively for more than 27 years in seven key markets, including The United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Benelux and Nordics.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

America aces Hotel.com Loved by Guests Awards 2018

NEARLY 1,500 hotels in the U.S. have battled it out all year to be crowned the 'Most Wanted' properties worldwide in the Hotels.com -  Loved by Guests Awards 2018, where the judges are the guests themselves.

Hotels.com believes that the way to find the 'Most Wanted' properties is to ask the customers themselves… so they did just that. Knowing that reviews are becoming even more influential than the official star ratings, Hotels.com looked at over 25 million Hotels.com guest reviews on the website to pick the winners.

- Nearly 1,500 U.S. hotels received the 'Most Wanted' prize in Hotels.com Loved by Guests Awards 2018

- The top cities with Most Wanted properties in the U.S. are New York, Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C. and Austin, Texas

- American hotels named best for boutique, business, beach, family, spa, ski, luxury, newcomer and LGBT

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

An arresting museum to visit

WE live in a society where there is a strong fascination of crime, this is apparent by its prevalence in pop-culture. The subject of crime and serial killers is often the topic of books, TV shows and movies. Those who want to learn more about some of the most infamous killers in America should plan a visit to Alcatraz East Crime Museum. 

Visitors of Alcatraz East Crime Museum can expect to see many crime-related artifacts on display, and learn about ways to help prevent crime. Here are 5 infamous killers’ artifacts that are on display at the museum: 

1. Charles Manson Guitar & Beach Boys single “Never Learn Not to Love” – This guitar was recently added to the museum’s collect. It was taken into custody in Inyo County California, during a raid on the Barker Ranch when Charles Manson was also arrested. 

2. Ted Bundy’s 1968 Volkswagen Beetle – The Beetle that was integral in both of his murders and conviction, containing important DNA evidence, is on display for visitors to view. 

3. John Wayne Gacy’s clown suits- “Pogo” and “Patches” – The serial killer was arrested in 1978. He had confessed to killing 30 people. Despite him being a serial killer, he would dress up in clown suits to entertain children. 

4. Judy Buenoano’s last photograph and prison blanket – Convicted of murdering her husband and son, she was also suspected in several other deaths. 

5. Jeffrey Dahmer handcuffs– An American serial killer, he was convicted of the murder of 17 males, which included rape, dismemberment, and cannibalism. His handcuffs are on display at the museum for visitors to view.

  
Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Explore the Golden State

THE all-new 2018 California Visitor’s Guide is now available, and features 727 travel ideas for exploring the Golden State. The 196-page magazine provides potential visitors with information and inspiration designed to make their next #California vacation the trip of a lifetime.

“California has so much to offer travelers no matter what they’re seeking, from adventure to relaxation, and family activities to world class dining experiences,” said Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta. “The 2018 California Visitor’s Guide is the best tool to start dreaming up the perfect Golden State vacation.”

The 2018 guide also includes:

• “Choose Your Own Family Adventure,” a helpful look at kid-friendly attractions throughout the state
• An annotated map showcasing 12 fascinating California museums
• A look at all 21 California Missions dotting the coastline
• Information on urban walking tours
• And comprehensive guides to all 12 regions of the state

The 2018 California Visitor’s Guide is available at California Welcome Centers, select newsstands, and on VisitCalifornia.com/cvg

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

10th Anniversary of dineL.A.

THE milestone 10th anniversary of dineL.A. commemorates the city’s diverse and distinctive chefs and restaurants that have earned Los Angeles the title of “most exciting food city in America" - Discover Los Angeles announces the dates of Winter dineL.A. 2018, taking place January 12-26, 2018. 

The 15-day dining event kicks off a celebratory year commemorating the program’s landmark 10th anniversary, showcasing the diversity of culinary talent and dining excellence across Los Angeles, spanning the last decade.

Visitors and locals can enjoy specially-priced lunch and dinner menus at more than 300 dineL.A. restaurants. The value-driven lunch menus range from $15, $20, and $25, with dinner menus priced at $29, $39, and $49, and beginning at $95 for the Exclusive Series. 

Back by popular demand, the Exclusive Series presented by American Express offers diners a chance to enjoy some of L.A.’s most luxurious restaurants across the city, including Providence, Spago Beverly Hills, The Royce, BOA Steakhouse, and The Arthur J.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Domestic leaisure travel leads in the U.S. despite Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

DOMESTIC leisure travel led all travel segments in September 2017 despite the destructive hurricanes that pummeled U.S. states and territories during a normally busy season, according to the latest Travel Trends Index (TTI).

The increase marked the 93rd consecutive month of travel growth. However, overall travel volume grew at a slower year-over-year rate in September than in August.

Domestic business travel dipped modestly, likely due to a calendar shift in Jewish holidays and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.



Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Rafting through the Grand Canyon requires patience

DOES rafting through the Grand Canyon top your bucket list? One company that specializes in rafting western rivers says a dollop of patience is required to make dreams come true due to unprecedented demand.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a trip through the #GrandCanyon, appears to sell itself. However Western River Expeditions’ sales team is tasked with suggesting suitable alternatives for sold-out Grand Canyon space for those river enthusiasts who just can’t wait. Two good alternatives include a four-day trip through Cataract Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon’s Younger Sister” or a five-day journey down Desolation Canyon on the Green River.

Grand Canyon – www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-vacation. Western River Expeditions is now taking requests for 2019 as most of these vacations in 2018 are already booked.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Reach for the sky in Chicago

CURRENTLY welcoming 1.7 million visitors annually, Skydeck Chicago is a world-class family attraction. The tour begins with a theater presentation of Reaching for the Sky, a nine-minute movie that tells how the Willis Tower went from dream to putting Chicago on the architectural map. You can also do the challenge of an interactive #Chicago trivia game and snap a selfie with the enormous 103 sculpture and explore the city with interactive touch screens and exhibits.

Reaching the 103rd floor Skydeck Chicago (the highest observation deck in the United States), are the jaw-dropping panoramic views that can span up to four states and nearly 50 miles on a clear day. Then if you dare . . . The Ledge, a first-of-its-kind attraction that extends a glass balcony four feet beyond the building itself to create an unforgettable viewing experience from 1,353 feet up in the air.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit:{Charlotte.Morrall} Me on the Ledge! via photopin

Explore the golden state

LITTLE Passports, the award-winning children’s media brand, and Visit California have joined forces to create memorable and exciting adventures that celebrate the state of #California.

Through this new partnership, Little Passports developed printable activities and interactive online content, including a dynamic California map for curious kids and adults looking to learn more. The content, available on littlepassports.com/visit-california, includes educational information about the Golden State, fun games and puzzles, all designed to inspire exploration.

In February, Visit California launched its family campaign, “Kidifornia” – where kids rule, and encouraged kids to bring their parents along for the trip of a lifetime. A growing number of bucket list-worthy theme parks, museums, national and state parks, and beaches make Kidifornia the perfect location for any type of family vacation.

Additional pillars of the partnership will be announced later this year, including a sweepstakes to win an all-inclusive family trip to California. Little Passports activities will also be available in California Welcome Centers.

For more kid-friendly travel guides and vacation ideas the whole family can enjoy, go to visitcalifornia.com/family.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Thanksgiving to New Year in New York City

THE holiday season in New York City begins with the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November and continues with the iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center. Enjoy the unforgettable department store windows and artisan markets, plus attractions and events. The season concludes by welcoming in the New Year with lesser-known fireworks at Prospect Park in Brooklyn and, of course, the unforgettable New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square.

While there to experience Midtown holiday classics, it’s also an ideal opportunity to see what’s new. Midtown NYC showcases the “new” NYC. This holiday season, it is the heart of energy and development in Manhattan.

*  Gulliver’s Gate, housed in the former New York Times building on West 44th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, features over 300 miniature buildings and models of iconic global landmarks. A full city block wide, the attraction is a technologically advanced, interactive and immersive world that ignites the imagination of visitors young and old (gulliversgate.com).

*  Opening October 6, National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey is a never-before-seen immersive experience in Times Square (West 44th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) that uses ground-breaking technology to transport guests on an incredible underwater journey across the Pacific Ocean (natgeoencounter.com).

*  Beginning in November, NFL Experience Times Square, a new attraction on the corner of 47th Street and Seventh Avenue, immerses visitors in the physical challenges of professional NFL athletes. Visitors enter as a fan, become a player and leave a champion on this hero’s journey (nflexperience.com).

*  New Broadway musicals will entertain guests over the holiday season. Visitors can see all current and upcoming shows at nycgo.com/broadway. Highlights include SpongeBob, sure to be a hit with families and nostalgic millennials alike, and The Band’s Visit, an artistic new work starring Tony Shalhoub, among others (spongebobbroadway.com, thebandsvisitmusical.com).

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Take Flight at PIER 39

PIER 39’s newest attraction, The Flyer—San Francisco, will soon open on Level 2 in fall 2017, offering guests the chance to see San Francisco like never before. 

Recently named one of the most anticipated attractions in the United States by USA Today, The Flyer is the world’s first 3-D “flying theater,” where visitors can take an exhilarating ride through and above the landmarks of #SanFrancisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Coit Tower, Chinatown and PIER 39, all without ever leaving the state-of-the-art 3-D theater.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Discover L.A. with the A.I. App

DISCOVER Los Angeles, the city’s official tourism marketing organization, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, released the Discover L.A. app earlier this year. A sleekly designed, pocket guide exclusively made for those looking to optimize their experience in the City of Angels. Packed with rich content and tailored for those looking to explore the best of #LosAngeles, the iOS app launch coincides with the start of the busy summer travel season and is available for free download at www.discoverlosangeles.com/app. An Android version is forthcoming.

Thematically synced to deliver personalized content based on weather, time and distance, the app culls suggestions from the city’s endless entertainment options—including world-class museums, diverse dining options, and captivating events.   Don Skeoch, chief marketing officer of Discover Los Angeles said, “The Discover L.A. app is the first-of-its kind to utilize proprietary A.I. built to enhance the Los Angeles experience. Through smart technology, the app literally knows to serve up soup and indoor dining suggestions on cool days; the closest beaches and ice cream on warm days.”

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Get mobbed in Las Vegas

THE Mob Museum – The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, located in downtown #LasVegas, has been named No. 20 on TripAdvisor’s list of the Top 25 U.S. Museums in its 2017 Traveler’s Choice Awards.

It is the only #Nevada museum to appear on the list. Travelers’ Choice Awards represent the very best in travel, as chosen by millions of travelers. The Mob Museum has been open for just over five years and this is the second year in a row it has made the list.

The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides a world-class, interactive journey through true stories—from the birth of the Mob to today’s headlines.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

"Do Fall" new campaign from Illinois Office of Tourism

AS FALL quickly approaches, travelers looking for new ways to experience the season’s vibrant colors should look no further than #Illinois. Visitors willing to step out of their comfort zone are rewarded with stunning views from new perspectives – from soaring above fall foliage during sunset to gliding through golden tree tops.  The Illinois Office of Tourism kicks off its new “Do Fall” campaign, featuring the six most thrilling ways to experience the season throughout the state. 

1. Canoe down the Mississippi River in Alton with a backdrop of burnt orange leaves and limestone bluffs. Big Muddy Adventures offers a series of half-day and full-day canoe trips on the river from Pere Marquette State Park to Alton. Afterwards, celebrate your excursion with a visit to the Old Bakery Beer Company, an organic craft brewery in downtown Alton.

2. Zip line through the fall foliage in southern Illinois. Fly across 83 acres of Shawnee National Forest for a bird’s-eye view of the autumn colors. The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour is Illinois’ first tree-based, eco-friendly zip line consisting of eight zip lines and three aerial suspension bridges. At Aerie’s Resort in Grafton, experience an unforgettable two-hour canopy tour along the Mississippi River.

3. Soak in an aerial view of fall foliage during a hot air balloon ride in Galena. Galena On The Fly offers hot air balloon rides from sunrise to sunset, year-round. While in the air, families have 360-degree views over three different states. Back on the ground, tour one of the oldest vineyards in Illinois and taste award winning wine at Galena Cellars.

4. Horseback ride through Giant City State Park in Makanda and take in the natural sandstone structures and autumn beauty. Riders are guided by experienced wranglers on a 3.2-mile private trail that winds through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Later, explore the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail with visits to family-owned wineries, Alto Vineyards and Blue Sky Vineyard.

5. Bike among the gorgeous trees and riverfront communities down the scenic Great River Trail (GRT) in the Quad Cities. Boasting abundant wildlife and stunning views of the Mississippi River, the trail is a favorite among locals. Afterward, riders can revive themselves with craft brews at the Bent River Brewing Company.

6. Wind your way through a 10-acre corn maze filled with haunted surprises at Jonamac Orchard in Malta, then unwind with Jonamac’s signature hard apple cider or apple wine. For a sweeter challenge, try your luck at the country’s first and largest apple tree maze, featuring 2,500 apple trees at Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard. For pumpkin picking, take a road trip to The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, one of the largest family owned pumpkin farms in the U.S.
Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Need for Speed

SPEEDVEGAS offers the only Formula One-inspired track especially built for anyone who dreams of driving an exotic supercar or American muscle car. SPEEDVEGAS’ most popular packages offer six distinct ways to reach adrenaline-pumping speeds for not only exotic car enthusiasts, but also anyone seeking an extraordinary, only-in-Vegas-style experience.

Drift Experience – Guests strap in for a non-stop exhilarating ride next to a driver for this ride-along drifting ride around around SPEEDVEGAS’ expertly engineered track.

War of the Worlds – Guests experience a battle of automotive excellence while driving 10 laps in two of the fastest and most exciting supercars ever produced. Five laps in the Shelby GT or Porsche Cayman GTS Five laps in the Mercedes AMG GT-S, Nissan GT-R or Audi R8.

American Muscle Showdown – Drive the leanest, meanest and most aggressive rear-wheel drive V-8 muscle cars on the market and go 0 to 60 in less than 3.5 seconds.

Raging Bull – This package is a head-to head matchup between the best-selling Lamborghini of all time and the newest member from the “House of the Raging Bull.” Drivers enjoy breathtaking laps behind the wheel of two of the fastest and most popular Lamborghinis.

Italian Faceoff – Whether driving the most expensive car or the most intimidating car is the goal, guests choosing this package receive the best of both worlds. Five laps in the Ferrari 458 Italia Five laps in the Lamborghini Huracán.

Battle of Legends – These exotic supercars offer a triple threat, pitting the very best in German engineering against the fastest and most ferocious supercars Italy offers. Five laps in the Lamborghini Huracán Five laps in the Ferrari 458 Italia Five laps in the Porsche 911 GT3 A combined 1,617 horsepower.

www.speedvegas.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Drive, bike, hike or ski in the wild west

COLORADO'S history runs as deep as the silver and gold veins that once lured a surge of fortune seekers here during the late-1800’s mining boom.

But when those rich resources went bust, dozens of towns were abandoned—leaving behind saloons, mercantiles and other hallmarks of Wild West life. Catch glimpses of this bygone era in the remains of ghost towns tucked amid high peaks and remote wilderness.

ATV/OFF-ROAD VEHICLE - Ghost towns in Colorado range from mere ruins to surprisingly intact hamlets—for the latter, venture St. Elmo, where a few lingering residents run a general store and a guesthouse. Seek the help of Buena Vista’sATV Mountain Adventure Rentals, which will drop you and your rented ride off trailside (and pick you up later), leaving you to explore the dusty, straight-out-of-a-movie set streets on your own. 

Set your sights on Animas Forks, located high in the San Juan Mountains. Just 12 miles away in Silverton, Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures can hook you up with one of its rugged Tomcar OHVs for a bumpy-yet-scenic excursion up the Alpine Loop Scenic & Historic Byway.

HIKE - The North Park area is home to Teller City, a former silver-mining camp that at one time boasted 27 saloons, hundreds of log cabins and more than 1,500 residents—not too shabby given its dense-forest location. Head southeast of Walden to the Teller City Interpretive Site, then hit the .75-mil loop trail that winds arounds scattered remains of cabins and other artifacts.

The high-altitude setting of Carson (almost 12,000 feet) makes it all the more rewarding for its views of massive peaks. Lake City, situated near the Continental Divide, is your base for this adventure. Hop on the Alpine Loop Scenic & Historic Byway to Wager Gulch Trailhead. The moderate-to-difficult hike is a steady, 3.4-mile climb leading through open meadows and aspen stands to the Carson site.

BIKE - Eleven miles south of Aspen, Ashcroft is one of a few ghost towns that can be visited year-round. But it would be a shame to miss the vivid colors of wildflower season in late summer or fall’s brilliant foliage—both ideal times for a two-wheeled ride along Castle Creek Road.


Central City escaped a boom-to-bust fate, but hidden just up the hill is Nevadaville, which bustled with some 4,000 people in its heyday. Several original buildings and a few gravesites are left, in addition to the Nevada Lodge No.4, still used by Freemasons for monthly meetings.

SNOWSHOE/CROSS-COUNTRY SKI - Wintertime doesn’t always mean you can’t visit— South of Ouray lies Ironton Park, home to the slumbering remnants of the Ironton townsite. A local group maintains and grooms Nordic trails after fresh snows, including the roughly 2-mile Townsite Loop, which passes by a two-story Victorian house and the Larson Brother’s Mine.

Close to Summit County’s popular ski resorts is Mayflower Gulch Trail. Go six miles south of Copper Mountain to the trailhead, then strap on your showshoes for a four-mile round trip to Boston Mine.

JEEP TOUR - Sometimes it’s easier—but no less thrilling—to let the pros take the wheel. Telluride Outside guide service is happy to oblige with its 4WD tours in beefed-up Chevy trucks. The Imogene Pass itinerary departs from Telluride toward Tomboy on an intermediate road, meaning the tour is suited to all ages, but you’ll still get your kicks.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK