Bill and Greg's Excellent Adventures ~ Excellent Travel Adventures Begin Here!

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Israel Trip Opportunity in June 2012

26 Oct

Dormition Abbey, Jerusalem

The more I speak about our upcoming trip to Israelin late June of 2012, the more excited I get about sharing this incredible area with our group. It also gives me the opportunity to work with my brother, Bob Mooney the pastor of Messiah Lutheran in Yorba Linda, who along with his wife Jeannie will be hosting the trip. We are embarking on a spiritual and historic journey that I promise everyone is a trip of a lifetime.

There is so much to see in the Holy Land, that it is impossible to see and do everything in the ten days that we are on the trip. That said we are going to be able to see many of the holiest places in the world, as well as enjoy the countryside, and the diverse cultures of the region. This is the center of the spiritual universe for so many religions including Christianity, Judaism, and Muslim.

Sunset at Jaffa

Our journey will begin in Tel Aviv, where we will be staying upon our arrival. Our hotel the Dan Panorama is across the street from the Mediterranean Sea and a short walk to the historic fishing village of Jaffa. We will then drive north, up the coast and then go east to the Sea of Galilee. In our two days in this region we will visit Nazareth, Mt. of Beatitudes, Mt. Tabor and the Church of the Transfiguration, and take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The hotel for this stop is a Kibbutz hotel which will be a bit rustic but is right on the beach.

From Galilee we will head south along the Jordan River visiting Beth Shean, and pools of Sachne on our way to the Dead Sea. Floating in the Dead Sea is one of the unique experiences of a lifetime. It is very hard to describe but because of the high salt content (10 times the salinization of the Pacific Ocean) it is difficult to keep your feet on the ground as the Sea just pops you up onto your back. After a night at the Dead Sea we will visit the Masada and Ein Gedi on our way to the highlight of the trip which is the four days that we will spend in Jerusalem. Our stay in Jerusalem is at the luxurious Inbal Hotel a 10 minute walk from the Old City.

I will continue in my next blog to talk about the things that we will be seeing and doing in Jerusalem. I have only touched on a few things and places that we will be visiting and everyone will have their own personal favorite.

I want to invite everyone to join us on this truly Excellent Adventure.

If you interested in traveling with us please give me a call, Bill Mooney 909-319-6059 or email billmooney@bandgxlnt.com

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Posted in Religious Adventure, Travel Options

Lake Tahoe Luxury Home Rental Incentive

19 Oct

Nineteen Seventy home in Lake Tahoe

One of the greatest ways to thank people for a job well done as part of a small group incentive is to rent a luxury home in beautiful location. This can also be the place for a small meeting or family get together. We have done this in many locales including Vail, Costa Rica, Cabo, and my all-time favorite Lake Tahoe.

Nineteen Seventy Living Room view

We rented a home on the lake which has just recently been put on the market to sell at $18 million. The home is called Nineteen Seventy (if your home has a name, it is special) and is 12,000 square feet and sits on the lakefront. Luxury amenities abound and provide unlimited possibilities for recreation and relaxation. The 40’ high ceilings with a full wall of glass windows in the living room offer a stunning look at the deep blue lake and the surrounding mountains. It has nine bedrooms and a guest house with two more bedrooms. The group enjoyed the theater room which has a theater seating and a large screen for maximum viewing pleasure. There is a Jacuzzi outside overlooking the lake and a large deck. The home has its own boat dock, where we had a vintage old boat pull up to the dock and take us for a tour of Lake Tahoe.

But most of all, this beautiful mountain getaway allowed this group to bond in a way that having a meeting in a hotel would have never allowed. The group continued to talk about business while they enjoyed scotch and while playing pool in the den.

We went out to dinner one night but the other two nights we brought in a magnificent chef from the area, Marcie Stettler. The first night our guest enjoyed appetizers, salad, locally caught salmon, risotto and a decadent chocolate soufflé for dessert. The last night dining experience included filet mignon, stuffed potatoes, local fresh picked vegetables, and bread pudding with a cream sauce. For the night out on the town our guest started off at Jakes by the Lake with an irresistible dinner and then off to the casinos, where a wild night was enjoyed by all.

Nineteen Seventy Patio view of Lake Tahoe

This is the kind of home that most of us can only dream of spending time inside. But our group was afforded the opportunity to enjoy a weekend of relaxation and fun. This long weekend energized them as a group, in speaking to them later this was bonding experience that they all enjoyed and brought them closer together as a management team. Many of them had worked together for years but this was the first time they spent quality time with each other away from the office.

The cost of this trip was not significantly more than if they had each had their own room at the Hyatt on theNorthShore. But while I love the Hyatt, the experience here was much richer.

This was a trip in a beautiful place that allowed our group to share in an Excellent Adventure.

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Posted in Travel Options

College Football Experiences

05 Oct

LSU vs. Florida Game

Anyone who knows me knows that I enjoy attending sporting events. I have been blessed to go to a lot of great games and have seen many incredible moments. But one sport is above all the rest when it comes to being at the game, there is nothing like attending college football games in the fall. I have grown up an USC fan and have attended games at the Coliseum since I was a little kid; USC v Notre Dame and USC v UCLA are always fun. I have been to the Big House in Michigan, been to Penn State, numerous Rose Bowls, Stanford, Cal, but I had not seen anything until I went into SEC country and saw LSU play Georgia a couple of years ago.

SEC football is different, the passion of the fans around the SEC is unequalled and so is the tailgating. I took a small group from southern California and we were invited to tailgate with Billy Long (Crescent Crown) and his family and friends. They welcomed the group with a southern hospitality and charm that you do not find anywhere else. There tailgating tradition for food is unique. They had cut in half big black oil drums that were filled with gumbo and jambalaya that was prepared by a great Louisiana chef. You had to stir with an oar from a boat to cook the food evenly. Needless to say the spread was off the charts. Nowhere in the world is the food better than in New Orleans area and this was no different, by far the best meal I have ever had a tailgate (sorry mom).

LSU "Death Valley" Stadium

The nickname given to their stadium is Death Valley. We walked around and we saw the players and the band parade through the fans yelling, screaming, and singing the fight song. Thousands of fans line the street for this traditional walk to the stadium 90 minutes before kickoff. They say that 175,000 people tailgate at LSU games and the stadium only holds 90,000.

We enter the stadium and go to our seats. We are in the lower section on the LSU side but as you look the stadium is massive and it seems to go straight up. The noise is loud and continuous the fans are crazy; it was one of the loudest places I have ever been. They were playing a late afternoon game and everyone was lamenting the fact it was not a night game because it is even louder and LSU almost never loses at night. But this was not their night as Georgia pulled away in the fourth quarter for the win.

Everyone who is a sports fan should get to experience SEC football. If not in Baton Rouge, I am sure the same thing takes place on Saturday afternoons in Tuscaloosa, Gainesville, Knoxville, and all other SEC locations. Even if you are not a football fan, it will be a truly wonderful day and I promise it will be an Excellent Adventure!

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Posted in Football, Sports Adventures

Productive Meeting in the Summer Mountain Air

21 Sep

Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon

How many meetings have you attended in monstrous, beige, completely enclosed large hotel ballrooms? Going down one of 4 giant hallways that look the same after walking for 15 minutes in the same hotel that you are staying? Never seeing the light of day? Maybe it’s time to make your corporate meeting more meaningful, successful, and memorable. Then reach high and take your meetings to a new level!

Mountain resorts are mostly known for their winter season. How fun is it to sit by the massive fireplaces after a fun but exhausting day enjoying snow skiing or snowboarding, snowmobiling, sleigh and dog sled rides, toboggans, or other activities?

But don’t forget most, if not all, resorts also have a great summer-time season as well. You can usually do various types of bike rides, white water rafting or a leisurely canoe ride, rock climbing or some peaceful fly fishing, golf, and even horseback riding. And you can enjoy all of this while breathing in the fresh, crisp mountain air – and leaving your gloves, coats, and boots at home! Summer in the Mountains means less people and Lower Rates!

One of the many places becoming popular is Sunriver, Oregon. This area is located about 15 miles south of Bend in Central Oregon. It is not just for family vacations – the 4-Diamond AAA rated Sunriver Resort has over 44,000 square feet of meeting space. The meetings rooms are what you would expect in the mountains – Large exposed beams and large windows with sweeping views of the outdoors. At Sunriver Resort you can choose from 3 different facility locations, including outdoors.

Crosswaters Golf Course - Ranked #28 in Golf Digest "America's 100 Greatest Courses"

After the meetings are done, all of the above summer activities are waiting for your guests. Our recent small group enjoyed afternoons of bike riding (Sunriver Resort has 35 miles or bike paths), river floats, cave exploration, golf, and a visit to the 7,000 year old Lava Lands Crater or the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Volcanic Monument has over 50,000 square acres and is at 8,000 feet high. The Resort has 3 golf courses, including Crosswater Golf Course which hosts a Senior PGA event. Crosswater is listed at #28 on Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Courses”, and the course crosses the Deschutes River and Little Deschutes River 7 times, hence the name. And make sure to look up on #13 tee – a family of Eagles have their home in a tree!

The Deschutes Brewery, brewer of the award winning craft beer favorite Black Butte Porter

Central Oregon has plenty of dining options available between Sunriver and Bend. Sunriver has many restaurants, both casual and fine dining. In Bend, one of the more famous restaurants is the Pine Tavern, which has 2 giant Ponderosa Pines INSIDE the restaurant. Great view over the pond and definitely unique. And one of the best casual restaurants is the Deschutes Brewery, brewer of the award winning craft beer favorite Black Butte Porter. Its dark and its good! Everyone definitely enjoyed our time there.

When thinking about generating excitement over “boring” company meetings and making them productive think out of the box and go to the mountains (see previous post on Park City, Utah also). Summer, Fall or Winter, make your meetings more unique and memorable than the big city boring convention room. Your guests will be more energetic and excited about their surroundings. Call us to help make even a corporate meeting An Excellent Adventure!

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Posted in Golf Adventures, Snow Adventures, Travel Options

Where the Turf meets the Surf in Del Mar

18 Aug

When I meet new people and I’m asked what I do, I tell them that I make people’s travel go smoothly so they can enjoy their trip. When asked specifically, I tell them about the events and places and logistics we set up for corporate and individual travel. Most people only hear the places we’ve gone, both nationally and internationally, and comment “How Fun!” And it is…most of the time. We have had some interesting situations to deal with however. We have had to drive clients around in a blizzard, had a group holed up during a hurricane, had a landslide just miss our van, and our partner Rebecca has even had to cut a VIP’s nails!

However, taking groups to watch the summer racing season at Del Mar is a great time for everyone. It is a fun, easy way to reward yourself and celebrate those special occasions and accomplishments. Take the time to entertain your family and friends, applaud and cheer your clients and co-workers. It is a great way to relax and build camaraderie. Everyone is asking each other what horse they will bet on, shouting for their horse to make a charge or stay up front, cheering when they win!! And using other language when they don’t! All of it is very exciting. Watch the serious dissect the Racing Form, and then watch the others pick their horse because they like the name and color! You know who wins, right?!

You can rent a suite and guests can have their own lunch served to them, enjoy a great view of the entire race track, and you will even get your own private wagering booth! It is inexpensive, and with groups you can get your own bus pass for easy in and out. Stay at a local hotel and make a long weekend out of it!

The Del Mar Race Track opened in 1937, with co-owner Bing Crosby welcoming the first guests through the gates.

Bing co-owned the track with his friends Pat O’Brien, Jimmy Durante, Oliver Hardy, and Charles Howard, owner of the great racehorse Seabiscuit. When the track opened, horse racing ranked second to only baseball in sports popularity. In 1938, the new racetrack received national headlines when a $25,000 winner-take-all race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti was broadcast for the first time on NBC radio. It has been a staple of summer racing ever since.

Call us to help you set up an inexpensive and fun weekend. The track opens the third week of July and goes until the first week of September each year. Come to the seaside track and hear Trevor Denman speak his famous phrase “Aaand away they go.” We can help make this An Excellent Adventure!

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Welcome to Key West

17 Jul

The Florida Keys are a cluster of Islands starting at the tip of the Florida peninsula, about 15 miles south of Miami, and extending 145 miles southwest to the city of Key West. Taking Highway 1 is a picturesque drive, with beautiful waters and lush foliage all the way down. The Highway separates the Atlantic Ocean on the east from the Gulf of Mexico on the west and boasts the famous 7-mile bridge connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys.

The Keys have 3 major Islands – The Upper Keys, the Middle Keys, and the Lower Keys. The most well known cities are Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. Key Largo touts itself as the dive capital of the world, while Islamorada and the Middle Keys are known for their sport fishing. The Keys also offer a multitude of water adventures including jet skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, sunset cruises, glass bottom boats, etc.

There are two types of fishing along the Keys, shallow water and deep sea. In shallow water you will catch tarpon, barracuda, and the most famous shallow fish, the bonefish. If you want to go deep sea fishing, you can expect to catch sailfish, wahoo tuna, marlin, snapper and grouper.

At the end of the Keys you will find the city of Key West. Visitors are drawn to the southern charm and Caribbean flavor of this laid-back island. Anyone will tell you Key West is a little kooky – and they are proud of it! The people of Key West are half the attraction. Locals have a look that says they have all the time in the world to do absolutely nothing. The town’s unconventional and mellow attitude attracts artists and free spirits. There’s only one road in, which goes nowhere, helping to keep itself immune from the rest of the hectic world around it. Bikes are the favored means of transportation.

Key West’s geography may add to it’s atmosphere as it is closer to Cuba than it is to the U.S. Mainland! As the sign proudly states, Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. I wonder if Cuba has a monument saying how far they are from the US???

The large draw for visitors is the famous Duval Street with its bars and restaurants. Popular bars are Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Irish Kevin’s, and a complex of 6 venues and 10 bars called Rick’s and Durty Harry’s. Rick’s has live entertainment inside at several of its bars, but also has some street side bars and a small pizza shop for that late night snack. You should also stop at the Smallest Bar, which can hold about 4-6 people, depending on their size!

My favorite bar is the Bull & Whistle. This white building has 3 stories, each a little different. The Bull is on the 1st floor with a large bar and a live band that plays. The 2^nd floor is the Whistle, which has a bar and is more of a “game room” with foosball, pool tables, etc. It also has a balcony you can use to people watch. And when it’s the early morning hours, who doesn’t like to do that?! Both bars have great bartenders, who know what they are doing, are personable and polite, and remember your drink. The 3^rd floor? It’s called the Garden of Eden, and it is a clothing optional bar! They have a small bar, music playing, a place to get body paint…..and people of all ages “hanging out” on the dance floor!

Our guests also enjoyed the Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant. Here they were able to have the fish caught that day grilled and fried for them to enjoy. It was very good, as was the rest of their menu. Conch Republic is situated on the Key West Marina, just blocks from Duval Street. You can enjoy the largest bar in South Florida while watching the local charters come in and unload their catch. I recommend it not only for the food, but the atmosphere and location.

During July of each year, Key West hosts an Ernst Hemmingway lookalike contest. He spent a great deal of his time here in Key West, and his house can be toured. In October, don’t miss FANTASY FEST. One of the most outrageous parties anywhere, Fantasy Fest started as a ploy to attract tourists to Key West during October. The fun begins with a Caribbean-style street party and climaxes 10 days later with a parade of glittering floats and 70,000 people partying and having the time of their life. Participation is required!

If you or your company prefers to travel within the United States, Key West is an ideal spot to visit. It has a variety of outdoor activities, nightlife, and plenty of pools if you just want to relax. Call us and let us help set up Key West to be your next Excellent Adventure!

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Posted in Travel Options, Warm Weather Adventures

U.S. National Parks-Yosemite

15 Jul

What are you doing for your family vacation this year? The summer is here in full force and many people think of going to beach resorts, cruises, or maybe Europe. But do you know where over 281 MILLION people spent at least part of their vacation in 2010? They went to a National Park! We are very fortunate here in the United States to have so many beautiful lands and protected natural wilderness. The European continent may have the world’s history, but the United States has some of the world’s greatest natural scenery.

The National Park Service is a great destination for vacations. The park system now manages 394 sites, but only 58 are designated a National Park. The park system includes not only the spectacular scenic areas of the United States, but also sites that are distinguished for the historic and important parts that they played in the story of American History. The National Park System was put in place starting in 1872, with Yellowstone National Park being the first area protected. The Park System covers more than 84 Million acres and is in every state, with the exception of Delaware.

One of the most amazing of these National Parks is Yosemite. It is famous for its steep cliffs and waterfalls, such as the Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls pictured above. Located in California, Yosemite is about the size of Rhode Island. The Merced and Tuolumne Rivers start in the park, and you can lazily drift down the Merced on a summer day. West of the park, The Merced has river rafting with Class 3 rapids, and cold water!

One of the first sights to see when entering the park from the south end is the Mariposa Grove with over 200 of the Giant Sequoia trees. The Sequoia’s are not the tallest tree – that honor goes to the California Redwood – but these trees are the largest in the world, by volume. The Grizzly Giant is a famous Sequoia tree, although it stands at only 209 feet, it is 96 feet in circumference, and 28 feet in diameter! It has a branch that is 7 feet in diameter, and it is estimated to be over 2,700 years old! The Giant Sequoia trees are massive and you have to see them to really appreciate their size and durability.

Two famous rock formations are found in Yosemite, and both are made of granite. One is the 3,000 foot El Capitan, the rock climber’s dream. The other is Half Dome, standing over 4,700 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Half Dome is actually an illusion from the ground – there was no “full dome”.

Yosemite is also well known for its many waterfalls, created by the snowmelt. Most years the falls are at their highest volume from April through June. The Yosemite Falls have 2 falls, the Upper and Lower. The Bridalveil Falls is seen most of the year, and is one of the first things you see coming through the tunnel to the valley floor. The Vernal and Nevada Falls are available by hiking path, like most of the falls. A note of caution – the path to see the Vernal Falls is STEEP!

With so much to see in Yosemite, it is impossible to put it all into words. We suggest spending at least 3 days there in order to see as much as you can. The park has 2 historic hotels, The Ahwahnee located in the valley floor, and The Wawona Hotel near the Mariposa Grove. It boasts of over 800 miles of hiking paths, and many different types of camping sites. The final sight to see before you leave is to go visit Glacier Point. At over 7,200 feet above the floor, you will have a view of everything including the falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, the entire park! It is an awesome sight to see and a great end to your own EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!

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Posted in Snow Adventures, Travel Options, Warm Weather Adventures

European Hotel Star Ratings – What do they mean?

07 Jun

In the United States, hotel star ratings are given to hotels by several “independent” organizations, such as travel and guidebook companies. Star system ratings are intended to serve as a guideline for consumers. However, each company, website and reservation service still has their own set of criteria. Generally a 1-star is an economy hotel, 2-star a budget hotel, and so on up to 5 stars in the U.S. Europe’s star system goes up to 4 stars. But what if you are wandering around Europe and see a hotel with 3 stars in front of the hotel. What does that mean?

It probably doesn’t mean what you are expecting here in the U.S. Europe has no uniform definition or measure that determines a hotel’s star rating. A star rating is determined by local government agencies. Some of the rating criteria have nothing to do with the consumer, such as the amount of tax the hotel pays. The rating can be based on objective assessments of the facilities and services the hotel offers, according to the individual who rated it. Is there a shower in the room? Is a concierge available? Is there a restaurant on site? The proper amount of “Yes” answers gives the hotel the star rating. It may have a great ambiance just sitting outside overlooking some great view. Maybe it’s close to the town center. Doesn’t matter. That’s not part of the “yes” or “no” ratings criteria. So the ratings will not only vary from country to country, but also from city to city in the same country, and even between hotels in the same city! Star ratings in Europe are a way to determine the price range. Even that lacks consistency since amenities may overlap, making a 3-star more expensive than a 4-star.

Confusing? Yes, it is. But you can make a few generalizations about the ratings and prices. The higher the rating, the more amenities the hotel has. A 4-star will probably cost much more and have more services available to the consumer. Services and amenities would include a restaurant on site, meeting spaces, maybe concierge service available. Not all 1-star rooms will even have their own bathroom in it, so look for a minimum of a 2 or 3 star-hotel. And remember most rooms in the old hotels have smaller rooms than what you may be used to here in the States. Most of the hotels in the Europe’s bigger cities now have TV’s and private baths in them. You can view any room before you decide to stay in that hotel, so be sure to ask to do so.

Touring Europe without any hotel reservations can be a fun way to see the Old World. Using the Euro rail is a great way to “wing it” across the continent! Or if you are more interested in scheduled tours, hotel and city stops that too can be arranged. Some 1 or 2 star hotels have great ambiance that may fit your needs, it just depends what you are looking for. Use the above information as a guide as you travel Europe. Call TXI Events to help set up your own EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!

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Touring Napa and Sonoma Counties

24 May

Winemaking in California started with the Spanish Missionaries planting the first vines in 1769 at the first mission in San Diego. Eventually 21 Missions were built from San Diego to the Sonoma region. California has 110 American Vitacultural Areas (AVA) ranging in size from 150 acres in Mendocino County to the 6.8 Million Acres of the Central Coast – which would make the California Central Coast AVA Larger than 9 States!

Whenever California wines are brought up, naturally your first thought is of Northern California and the famous Napa and Sonoma Counties. Some of the most famous California wines come from these 2 counties. Such well known names as Silver Oaks Cellars, Robert Mondavi, Caymus Vineyards, Beringer Vineyards, and over 450 other wineries are in Napa. In Sonoma County you can visit such popular vineyards like Ravenswood Vineyards, Kenwood Vineyards, St. Francis Winery and Vineyards, Chateau St. Jean, and 200 other wineries.

Most of the Sonoma wine tasting is done along about a 15 mile stretch from Sonoma to the south and Kenwood to the north on Hwy. 12. In Downtown Sonoma is the Sonoma Plaza, laid out in 1823 by a young Franciscan. The plaza has numerous shops, restaurants, pubs, an 8-acre park, and the historic 27 room El Dorado hotel. The main floor of the hotel is the El Dorado Kitchen, annually voted one of the best restaurants in the area. Be sure to go north to Kenwood to visit Kenwood Vineyards and Chateau St. Jean and its medieval tower and complimentary tours.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

Everything in Sonoma seems to be historic, but the Fairmont Sonoma is indeed historic. It also has an award winning restaurant and guests have playing privileges at the private Sonoma Golf Club (former host of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship). But the favorite part for our group was the famous spa – rated one of the Top 25 by Travel & Leisure Magazine. The hotel sits 1100 feet directly over its own 135 degree thermal mineral hot spring! Arrive 60 minutes before your appointment to take advantage of the “Bathing Ritual”. You go from a warm bath to a hot bath to a cold shower to steam rooms and sauna rooms – then to a lounge! Yes, I did – how could I recommend it without experiencing it?!

Napa Welcome

Touring Napa is different than Sonoma. Napa is very busy, especially in the summer on Hwy. 29. A 2-mile stretch in the north on Main Street (Hwy 29) in St. Helena will take 15 minutes to complete, so allow extra time for any wine tasting or food reservations you may have. Here is a driving TIP: Try to make winery stops only on your right – as I mentioned it is busy (2 lanes only in some parts) and you can waste a lot of time trying to cross traffic.

Along the east side of Hwy 29 is The Silverado Trail. It goes all the way from Napa to Calistoga – and it has NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS! Along the way are probably 50 wineries, including such stalwarts as Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Mumm, Joseph Phelps, and Rombauer Vineyards. It is one of my favorite routes. Another driving tip: the further you go north; the crossroads to Hwy 29 get shorter. So once you are north cut across to the Silverado Trail and skip all of the traffic lights on your way back to Napa.

One way to make the tastings go further is to have each of you order different wines to taste. You get more for your money that way. If you don’t like the wine, use the dump buckets – your server will not be offended. And part of tasting wine is actually smelling – so don’t wear any heavy perfumes or lotions.

Make sure you take plenty of water and eat something beforehand. The small tastings can accumulate over the day, so be careful and do not over indulge. Most wineries open about 11:00 am, so enjoying 5 different wineries a day is probably more than enough.

Did You Know ???:

1 Barrel of wine = 20 cases = 1,200 glasses of wine;

1 Ton of grapes = 720 bottles (60 cases);

1 bottle = 2.8 pounds of grapes = ½ pound per glass;

1 vine produces an average of 4-6 bottles of wine.

Touring the different California Wine Countries is a very relaxing way to enjoy your time away from work and home. And it is An Excellent Adventure!

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Posted in Napa Valley, Travel Options, Wine Adventures

Welcome to TPC Sawgrass

10 May

Located just south of Jacksonville, Florida sits the home of the PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach. It is also home of what is considered the 5^th major in golf, THE PLAYERS Championship. It is played on one of the most well-known golf courses in the world, THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, and boasts the internationally famous 17^th hole Island Green. THE PLAYERS Championship attracts all of the top golfers in the world, has a total purse of $9.5 Million with $1.7 Million going to the winner. It is the only course actually owned by the players.

THE PLAYERS Stadium Course was built in 1980, on part of the 415 acres that the PGA Tour bought for $1. It was the first true “Stadium” course, and it was specifically designed for spectators in mind to better enhance their viewing of a professional tour event. TPC Stadium was designed not only to be a great course for the professional players, but also to be accessible for all golfers to enjoy.

The famous 17^th green pictured left was actually a by-product of designer Pete Dye’s creation of multiple lakes on the property, not only for play difficulty but also to help create the 30-foot mounds spectators sit on to watch the tournament. It was designed with a small pond near the green. But because that area had the valuable sand for base for the rest of the course, it kept being dug up. Soon it was surrounded by water. Dye has said that the idea of an island green came from his wife. It is now probably the most recognizable hole in golf!

The 17th is a short Par 3, about 135 yards is all. A vast majority of the players hit their ball into the water. And when that happens, most players will hit at least 2 more balls. Our caddy told us the average is about 7 balls per foursome end up in the water every day! The green is about 78’ wide, so not much room for error. I got lucky and actually hit the green, got my par and got out of Dodge!

I think the last 3 holes of the Stadium course are actually one of the best closing combinations in golf. The Par 5 16^th goes along the water next to 17, and you have to sneak a peek at what comes next! But the green is well protected by trees and sand at the front, with the green sloping towards the water. And the Par 4 18^th is a great hole, a dogleg left turning around a lake the length of the hole, with trees on the right and several grass bunkers front right of the green. Standing on the tee, you look and see the mammoth new clubhouse – all 77,000 square feet of it! It is very impressive, and during non-tournament days you can take a guided tour of the clubhouse and the history behind it. It doesn’t take long and is worth the time for golfers interested in history and memorabilia.

TPC Sawgrass has 2 courses, the infamous THE PLAYERS Stadium plus Dye’s Valley Course. The Dye’s Valley course is almost as challenging, with water on every hole, undulating fairways, and the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, just 1 mile away. It was originally designed for the Champion’s Tour. I actually like the Valley a little better than the Stadium. Accuracy is important, which makes it weird I like it!

And when you are down there, don’t forget to look into the TOUR Academy. It has state of the art technology along with premier instructors. You can sign up for the TOUR Experience, in which you have your own caddy with YOUR name on the caddy bib, just like the Pro’s do. It makes an excellent birthday gift or an outing with your buddies.

Check out THE PLAYER’S Championship this week. Then play the same course the Pro’s do. We have set up many groups. Call TXI Events for a great time at the only course owned by the PGA Players. It is definitely AN EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!

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Posted in Golf Adventures, Travel Options

Master’s Week

13 Jan

Augusta 16th hole ~ Image taken from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trainor/2401028798/in/photostream/

Master’s Week – Private Home Package

“A tradition unlike any other”, every year you hear those words from Jim Nantz on CBS. Why not experience what he is talking about. Whether you go to Master’s from Thursday – Sunday or you go to the practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday the chance to walk the hallowed grounds of Augusta National will create unforgettable memories. The azaleas and dogwoods in bloom, Amen corner, Raes Creek, or the egg salad sandwiches at 1960 prices are only are only a few of the sights, sounds and smells of the Master’s.

One of the best ways to enjoy the Master’s is to stay in a privately owned home in or around Augusta. These can be large homes that can be used for corporate gatherings or more modest homes for groups of friends that want to say within walking distance of the course.

Many people believe tickets for the Masters are impossible to come by, and while it is true that they passed down from generation to generation there is a large market for them. They are expensive and the earlier you reserve yours the better.

On my first visit to Augusta it was almost a religious experience; we entered thru Gate 9 which is not at the main gate. As we walked in we are on the back nine at the 14^th hole. It was a crystal clear morning on Monday the first day of practice in 2001. My buddy and I did not say a word to each other as we walked around to Amen corner and I just pinched myself because I was here. We sat at the 12^th hole for a while and watched golfers come up on the 11^th hole then hit over the water and proceed to walk over the bridge to the famous 12^th hole. After walking for a while we heard loud roars coming from the par 3, 16^th hole, so we walked over to see what the fuss was about. During practice rounds after the players have taken their practice shots hitting over the water, they step up to the pond and skip the ball across the water. I would say 20% get the ball closer to the pin skipping it and the day we were there Fred Couples missed a hole in one by inches. It is a fun tradition not something you would expect at the Masters.

The whole experience of Augusta and all of its charm is definitely an excellent adventure.

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Posted in Golf Adventures, Master's, Travel Options

America’s Cup Racing

04 Jan

Bill sailing the America's Cup

There are few things more exhilarating than racing aboard an America’s Cup yacht. The adrenaline rush of being in a race and participating as part of the crew is the ultimate sailing adventure.

This is a great team building exercise as groups of 10-16 people work together, taking instructions from the captain and crew to get the boat across the finish line. It is the perfect situation where each person doing their job as a grinder, trimming the sail, or just leaning back as the yacht turns is an integral part of the process of racing.

America’s Cup yachts are in San Diego with Dennis Conner, and in Cabo San Lucas. Before you board you will be taught a little about the history of the Cup and about the boats you will be racing. The boat I was on was from New Zealand and had been raced about 10 years ago. The experience lasts about two and a half hours and you are racing for an hour. I raced in Cabo and the yachts are sleek and fast, the work is physical, and the experience is incredible. The other nice thing about Cabo is that the weather was warm and sunny.

I worked as a grinder, which means I was teamed with another person to work the wench as fast as we could. It was hard to keep your balance and spin the handles as fast as we could. After doing this off and on for an hour my muscles were burning . The yacht also is mostly a shell which means there is no wasted weight on board. The sails are stored beneath the deck and it takes a lot of effort to change the sails, it is a manual process and is done when there are changes in direction, shifts in the wind, or changes in strategy by the helmsman. Another thrilling part of the race is when you are changing direction and everyone is on one side of the boat and you are told to lean back, and your head and back are leaning out of the yacht as it cuts through the water, this is done to keep the boat in balance.

At the end of the race as we came back into port, we were each allowed to take a turn at the wheel and it was amazing to feel the power of the vessel. When piloting the yacht it is surprising how just slight movements of the wheel can make this large object change directions and how sensitive it is to the touch of the wheel.

It was without a doubt an excellent adventure!!!

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Posted in Sailing, Sports Adventures, Travel Options

Pinehurst

06 Jan

Pinehurst

Pinehurst No. 2. This legendary Donald Ross design is renowned and one of the most famous courses amateur golfers want to play. Relive the history of the world’s best golfers like Nicklaus, Palmer, Nelson, Jones, Stewart and all of the Major Championships that have been held here. It is the site of more championships than any other golf course in the country since 1898. Pinehurst will soon welcome the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships in 2014.

Pinehurst is nestled among the Sandhills of North Carolina. The Pinehurst Resort has 3 historic and elegant hotels and villas. The resort offers luxury spa facilities, tennis, and of course, eight pristine world-class golf courses.

A National Landmark, The Village of Pinehurst is just a short walk. In a few minutes – you’re suddenly in Mayberry! The Village was established in 1895, and designed as a health resort to be reminiscent of a New England style village. History and that New England style, old world charm is in each bar, restaurant, and hotel. It is a place you must see, and you will enjoy the visit.

If you are there on a Sunday morning, you have to enjoy the Sunday buffet in the main restaurant in The Carolina. They take great pride in their wide and diverse offerings. You can try, but it will be difficult to leave before sampling all of the delicious culinary options. And the staff is ever present and polite.

Finally, use a caddie for Pinehurst No.2. Walking down the fairways, enjoying your surroundings, laughing with your buddies, and listening to the stories of old –that’s what makes a truly excellent adventure!

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Posted in Golf Adventures, Pinehurst, Travel Options

Kohler – Whistling Straits and the American Club

28 Dec

7th hole at Whistling Straits

The Kohler experience at The American Club is an escape to where village charm meets old world elegance. The property is extraordinary and the golf at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run is even better. The Americas Club is the only AAA Five Diamond resort in the Midwest. It was built in the early 1900’s to house the immigrants who came from Europe to work in the Kohler factory across the street.

The main reason to come to Kohler is to play golf. With four outstanding courses, it is a golfer’s paradise. Whistling Straits was home to the memorable 2010 PGA Championship in which Dustin Johnson received a penalty on the 18^th hole for grounding his club in one of the 1200 sand traps. Whistling Straits has a rugged terrain on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, with lake views on 12 holes. The course was constructed by Pete Dye and was ranked #3 on Golf Digests top 100 courses in 2009. After a day of golf, the carriage house at the golf course will be setup for a memorable evening of drinks and dinner.

The next day will find you playing golf at Blackwolf Run, which will be the stage for the 2012 US Women’s Open. This course was built in 1988 and is considered one of the best public courses in the United States. Kohler also is home to a golf academy that can help you with your game.

For that special dinner at the resort we recommend the Immigrant restaurant, which is a four diamond eatery that features contemporary cuisine. It consists of six rooms decorated in the European style of the early Wisconsin settlers.

No trip to Kohler would be complete without a tour of the company store. This is a small town but the Kohler showroom is an impressive store of everything made by Kohler. I have never seen so many different styles of bathtubs or sinks. One other tidbit is that this is the only destination where I have heard a group of thirty guys talking about the bathroom fixtures in each of their guest rooms.

No doubt that the golf at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, as well as the stay at The American Club, make for an excellent adventure.

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Posted in Golf Adventures, Kohler, Travel Options

Costa Rica – Los Suenos

15 Jan

Relaxing at Casa Mono Loco in Los Suenos, Costa Rica

The Los Suenos area is located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This beautiful spot represents a world of adventure, incredible landscapes and lush rainforest. Los Suenos is renowned for its sport fishing. The ultra modern marina has 250 slips for vessels from around the world.

There is a Marriott resort but I would recommend staying at one of the private villas or condominiums in the resort such as Casa Mono Loco, which is pictured. There are many exquisite villas to choose from which are perfect for groups or friends and families. The cost when divided up is comparable to staying at the hotel, and the experience is much more upscale. My last stay we had private chefs from two of the finest restaurants in Jaco come into the villa to prepare wonderful meals. We have a wonderful relationship with a local management company in. the area (MeadBrown) who will help us plan your fantastic trip.

This is also a perfect spot for a destination wedding. The wedding can be held on the beach or at one of the expansive villas that overlook the ocean. The wedding reception would then be held on the patio and could seat up to 50 people. What better way to begin your life together.

The wildlife in the area is abundant. We saw monkeys swinging from the trees, toucans, and a variety of brightly colored birds. Since you are in a rainforest, the flora and fauna are lush and vibrant with color.

Los Suenos has a wide range of exciting activities. I took a zipline tour through the rainforest. The exhilaration of flying above the canopy of trees with views of the ocean in the distance is hard to descibe The city of Jaco is ten minutes away with some of the best surfing in the world. In fact, the 2009 World surfing championships were held at this venue. Los Suenos also boasts an 18 hole Ted Robinson golf course that meanders through the community.

One more thing we did was to walk down to the beach where the locals hang out and we went to eat at a little shack with a bar. I had fresh fish, rice and beans, which were excellent. We then hung out at the bar with some locals talking and drinking the Costa Rican beer, Imperial.

If you want a beautiful place to go and to have an excellent adventure, then Los Suenos in Costa Rica is the place for you!!!

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Posted in Costa Rica, Travel Options, Warm Weather Adventures

The Greatest Snow on Earth

11 Jan

Ski in Park City, Utah

Is it The Matterhorn in Switzerland? Or maybe the Rocky Mountain Range in North America? How about the Sierra Nevada range?

That title is actually claimed by Utah! Mainly Park City Utah, because of the light, dry, powder snow provided courtesy of the unique weather conditions of The Wasatch Mountain range and the Great Salt Lake. Winter storms develop from the Northwest, dropping some of their moisture in the Sierra Nevadas. But as the storm continues east crossing the Great Salt Lake (which never freezes), the higher altitude and colder temperatures produce the colder, drier, powdery snow for which Utah is famous. Usually over 500 inches fall in the mountains each year.

Park City is located about 35 miles from Salt Lake City. Several famous resorts provide all of the skiing and snowboarding you could want. Several snowmobile adventures are also available. The one we went on is about 30 minutes outside of town. It covers all types of terrains and lasted about 2 hours, including time in a large open space to “open it up” if you “feel the need for speed!”

While you are there you should visit the Utah Olympic Park. It was the site of 14 medal events for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, including the Nordic Jump events, bobsled, and luge. The 400 acre property, open all year, now lets you enjoy some of these Olympic events yourself. For example, you can get in the bobsled, dropping 40 stories at 80 mph and pulling 5 G’s!

The Olympic Park also has meeting space for your corporate events. The Quinney Conference Room boasts 3 “walls” which are actually floor to ceiling windows, providing a spectacular view of the majestic Utah Mountains. In addition, two separate museums, an auditorium, and a café are available to host your reception and dinners. It is available all year.

Park City is a year-round resort town. In the summer, you can golf, fish, river raft, kayak, and take balloon rides. Over 400 miles of hiking and biking trails are set aside as well for your enjoyment. And with over 100 bars and restaurants in the quaint downtown area, any cuisine from burgers to fine dining is available.

The famous Sundance Film Festival is held each year in Park City, generally at the end of January. The Festival was founded by Robert Redford in 1981, and it is designed to be the premier showcase for independent films. Movies such as Little Miss Sunshine, Reservoir Dogs, and An Inconvenient Truth were first introduced at The Sundance Film Festival.

A scenic mountain community filled with year round activities from golf to a 5G bobsleigh ride qualifies Park City, Utah as an excellent adventure!

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Posted in Park City, Utah, Snow Adventures, Travel Options

San Diego Christmas

21 Dec

Christmas Tree at Hotel del Coronado, December 2010

Being from a cold climate, I know the popular White Christmas is indeed very beautiful. The cold weather isn’t as much as fun however. So with no snow in San Diego (except the mountains), what is there to do at Christmas time? Look no further than what San Diego is known for: Del Mar, The San Diego Zoo, Sea World, San Diego Bay, and of course the beautiful Hotel del Coronado.

You can start with the Holiday of Lights at Del Mar. This is a collection of 400 lighted animated lively scenes. It is the largest drive-through light show on the West Coast, encompassing about 1.5 miles around the famous Del Mar fairgrounds. Selected nights also have a hayride, complete with hot chocolate and cookies. It starts around Thanksgiving and goes until about New Years.

The San Diego Zoo transforms itself into a magic Winter Wonderland, the Jungle Bells. A nightly tree lighting ceremony lighted animal figures, Santa’s workshop with Santa in attendance, and The Bell Ringers who welcome you with beautiful sounds of Christmas. Also for kids is the Dr. Zoolittle interactive “Night before Christmas” show.

Sea World San Diego has their own Christmas Celebration as well. The Sky Tower annually becomes a giant lighted Christmas tree, and recently they added a small skating rink underneath the Tower. Also visit the Polar Express 4-D experience. And of course Shamu has his own show in his own stadium, “Shamu’s Christmas”. But don’t leave before you see my favorite “act” at Sea World – Clyde and Seamore. They put their own comic twist on “Night Before Christmas”.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is so big it’s now over 2 weekends. It starts off with fireworks from a barge in the bay about 5:30pm on the 2^nd and 3^rd Sunday of December. Over 100 boats of all sizes and types line up at Shelter Island (by the airport) and go along the shore from the Bay front to the Ferry Landing in Coronado. The route is 7.5 miles long, with 80,000 people over the 2 weekends lining the parade route. The boats are decorated with lights, some have music playing, some having bands on board, all of them having a good time. The parade will last from 60 – 90 minutes. Don’t forget your hot chocolate!

Finally, you must see the famous Hotel del Coronado lit up at Christmas. The iconic Victorian hotel, opened in 1888, is outlined with 60,000 lights. Outside on the Windsor lawn is the Skating by the Sea, where you can ice skate while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Inside the foyer is the 25-foot Christmas tree, which needs to be anchored from the top and the bottom. It is loaded with 15,000 lights, and ornaments galore. Each holiday season has a different theme. This year’s theme is “The Sweetest Season”, and each year a new tree ornament is designed. The pictures above and below are of this year’s tree and the 2010 ornament on our own tree.

2010 Hotel del Coronado Ornament

OK, so there is no snow at Christmas! It is winter so bring your jacket – it might drop to 50 degrees! Christmas in San Diego is very festive and is An Excellent Adventure!

We wish you all a Happy Holiday Season!

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Posted in San Diego, Travel Options, Warm Weather Adventures

The Blue Monster at TPC Doral Resort and Spa

18 Jan

Blue Monster at TPC Doral Resort and Spa

The PGA Tour has kicked off its 2011 season. And Doral Resort and Spa in Miami is a great place to highlight this time of year. Not only is it one of the many PGA-owned TPC properties that host a PGA Tour Event (this year it is being held March 7-13); it is a place that we at TXI Events know well and have been too many times. In fact, our first group incentive of the year is here right now!

The weather in South Florida this time of year is normally in the 70’s, sunny with occasional showers. A short trip from Doral and you find yourself in the famous South Beach. South Beach has world-class dining, beautiful beaches, and of course their well known night clubs.

But the main reason you come to Doral Resort and Spa is to experience the unparalleled golf. Doral has 5 championship courses to play, including the Great White Course (redesigned by Greg Norman) and the famous Blue Monster. It also houses the renowned Jim McLean Golf School, recognized as one of the top golf schools in America, where you can hone your skills daily. The TPC Blue Monster at Doral course annually holds the World Golf Championships, sponsored this year by Cadillac. Opened in 1962, the Blue Monster will play at 7,266 yards this year for the Cadillac Championship, though you can play several tees that fit your skills. And the Great White has a unique style for Florida golf, featuring a desert-scape design with crushed shell bunkers.

Let us show you how South Florida, and Doral Resort and Spa, can be a great location for your trip. It will be an Excellent Adventure!

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Posted in Golf Adventures, TPC Doral, Travel Options

Spring Training in Arizona

01 Feb

Play Ball !!!

Growing up in LA in the 1970’s and early 80’s my friends and I use to go to Palm Springs every March and watch the Angels (although I am a diehard Dodger fan). We would arrive at about 8:00 AM on a Saturday morning, set up our beach chairs behind the fence in right center field with our coolers full of beer, sandwiches and junk food. We would watch the games and hang out talking to the players. It was an annual rite of spring. One time on a back field we got to play catch with Nolan Ryan, not something that would probably happen today. Another day some guys were heckling Clyde Wright as he was jogging in the outfield while the game was being played. They were getting on him pretty hard. Clyde had pitched for the Angels for a few years but was now toiling for the Brewers (which was appropriate because he was allegedly quite a drinker). He had enough abuse and jumped over the chain link fence, knocked us off our chairs and went after the guy, with his teammates in hot pursuit. It was a wild scene but something we would talk about for years!

Spring training in Arizona and Florida is the time when optimism springs eternal and even the Pirates have a chance to win the World Series. During the exhibition season baseball is more the way it was in the old days, with players close enough to interact with fans. Sitting in the Arizona sun on a lazy afternoon watching the Cubs, Dodgers, Angels, or your home town team as you sip a beer and eat a hot dog – it does not get much better than that.

This is my favorite time of year to enjoy the desert and all that it has to offer. The perfect day in paradise is to get up early and go play golf at TPC Scottsdale, then we are off to see the Cubs play nine and hear their fans talk about how this is the year. After the game we go back to the hotel, have a few drinks around the bar, and get ready to hit the town for one of many great eateries in Scottsdale.

TXI Events would like to put together a spring training package for your group to watch your favorite team. Now that would be an excellent adventure!

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Posted in Baseball, Sports Adventures, Travel Options

Luxury Cycling vacations in Tuscany

01 Feb

What a beautiful way to enjoy Tuscany.

Take a ride through Tuscany, stay at the most beautiful B&B’s or small hotels, drink great wine, eat meals prepared by world renowned chefs. Does this sound too good to be true? Many things in life never live up to the hype. But everything you have ever heard about Tuscany is true and more. It is not just a destination. It’s an experience. The roads are lined with cypress trees that overlook the rolling hills filled with vineyards. You will stop on your bike and every view will be better than the last view, and then you roll around the next bend and the view will be even more enchanting. Sometimes it is a wonder that you even finish the ride.

There are many companies that offer guided or self guided tours of Tuscany and they will take care of all of your needs including all of the equipment you will need (bicycles, helmets, etc..). The best for the luxury experience are Butterfield and Robinson, and Backroads, both of which are Virtuoso companies. What that mean to you is if you allow TXI to book a tour for you with these companies you will treated with the style you deserve.

They will also allow you to ride as much or as little as you want. If you only want to ride a few miles they will pick you up and take you to the spa if that is your choice.

Below is an itinerary for the Backroads trip through Tuscany.

Day 1 The quintessential Tuscan journey – great for cyclists of all levels Sample fresh cheeses at an agriturismo before biking quiet roads past olive orchards, farmhouses and wheat fields At Relais La Suvera, succumb to la dolce vita with a swim, an aperitivo and a feast of exquisite Tuscan cuisine.

Days 2-3 Pedal rolling hills in the heart of Chianti to Monteriggioni, an impeccably preserved 13th-century walled village We’re welcomed guests at the private estate of Badia a Coltibuono to taste olive oils crafted under the care of Lorenza de’Medici Ascend to the ancient hilltop village of Radda, the center of Chianti wine production Visit and dine with a Tuscan chef at his lovely villa.

Day 4 The renowned wine village of Montalcino and its architectural treasures Point your wheels toward southern Tuscany, where stately cypresses crisscross open rolling hills Our route leads through the chalk hills of the Crete Senesi, often depicted in 14th- and 15th-century Florentine paintings.

Days 5-6 Taste world-famous Brunello In the lovely Val d’Orcia, explore Pienza, famous for pecorino cheese, exquisite ceramics and Renaissance architecture.

Follow your dreams to see the beauty of Tuscany from the road. You will also be eating the best food and drinking the best wine in the world. Because these groups are small and independent you also will be spending time with the local residents and learning about life in small towns.

On your adventure you can see views like this Tuscan Farmhouse and vineyard.

This is truely an excellent adventure!

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Posted in Cycling, Foodies Adventures, Travel Options, Wine Adventures

Sausalito Bakery & Cafe

22 Feb

Stop at the wonderful Sausalito Bakery & Cafe located on the waterfront of Sausalito overlooking San Francisco, California.

All of our previous blogs have been about places and activities that we think our readers would enjoy on their own Excellent Adventure, and this one is no different. It’s a little place that completely took us by surprise and impressed us. It’s something special that we think you would love too.

Recently while in Sausalito, we were looking for a bakery after a meeting and came across the Sausalito Bakery and Café. You will find this small, quaint local bakery on the waterfront, overlooking Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco skyline. Inside the seating is limited, and full. The owners Joshua and Fariba Azar greeted us immediately with warm and friendly smiles before we could even look at the offerings or find a seat.

The owners of Sausalito Bakery & Cafe, Joshua and Fariba Azar.

The menu has both breakfast and lunch items. Plenty of freshly baked scones, pastries, huge cookies, lasagna, and quiche are staring at you as you walk up to the counter. We both looked at this huge “slice” of frittata and each of us ordered a piece of this fantastic piece of vegetarian frittata (insert “Real Men” joke here). It was definitely large enough to hold us for the drive home to Southern California. When they brought out the slice, they also brought a freshly baked French roll, which looked amazing and smelled of it too! Then, just as we thought we had our meal together, Joshua brought out a pan of freshly baked oatmeal cookies. Once he offered, who were we to decline? It is a long drive, after all. It was so fresh and hot, Fariba couldn’t plate it without it falling to pieces! So Joshua scooped it on a plate and left it to us to enjoy, which is exactly what we did!

For lunch, they also offer 8 each different cold and hot sandwich choices. The café is populated not only by tourists, but locals who were stopping by the café frequently for casual conversation in addition to their breakfast. During lunch the outside seating can be at a premium, and parking is street side. The café is cash only; however an ATM is located inside.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the Sausalito Bakery and Café. It will help make your San Francisco area trip an Excellent Adventure!

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Posted in Foodies Adventures, Travel Options

Israel – The Old City of Jerusalem

08 Mar

Bill at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. What an excellent adventure to travel to Israel.

As I stepped through the Jaffe gate to enter the Old City our guide said something that at the end of the day summed up my feelings, “You and I are just passing through history. This is history.” It is a quote from Raiders of the Lost Ark. In this blog I want to convey my impressions of the Old City and the people that live inside the walls.

The Old City is made up of four quarters each unique in its own way. They are the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Armenian quarters. The Old City covers 220 acres and approximately 15,000 people live inside the walls. There are seven gates that are open into the city. The original gates are angled so that you cannot enter directly into the city without making a sharp 90 degree turn. This was to prevent intruders on horseback from storming the city.

Path on wall surrounding the city.

A great way to see the city is to walk around it on the top of the walls. This path will allow you a glimpse of life in the four quarters to see how the people live in there every day life. It is a fascinating experience to see how these groups live together in such close proximity.

Another way to enjoy the city is to get yourself lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets. Here you will see Muslim vendors hawking their wares. It is a place where bartering is encouraged, but be careful it is also famous for pick pockets. Stop and enjoy the food, a bagel in the Jewish quarter, or take a rest at an outdoor café and watch the people.

There is so much to write about with this being the holiest of places for so many people of different faiths. In my next blog I will talk about the Christian religion, and what it is like to walk where Jesus walked. One of the most fascinating places in the Old City is the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. A large plaza offers everyone access to the wall. You may take pictures except for on Shabbat the Jewish Sabbath. The area around the wall is divided by a fence into two areas a small one for women and a larger one for men. If you are on the male side you will need to wear a yarmulke.

Messages waiting to be answered at the Wailing Wall (Western Wall).

Go right up to the wall and feel the stones, there is an energy that is hard to put into words. Praying at the wall is a unique experience making you feel very close to God. When you are up close to the wall you will see thousands of small pieces of paper stuck in the wall. These are written prayers that are left to be answered by the Almighty.

The chance to celebrate the history of Israel is truly an excellent adventure!

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Posted in Religious Adventure, Travel Options

Final Four

15 Mar

The Final Four is one of the few events in the United States that transcends the sport itself. Everyone is in a pool or knows someone that is an office pool. This year the Final Four will take place the first weekend in April in Houston, Texas.

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of going to the Final Four in San Antonio. We saw an incredible Final with Kansas overcoming an eight point deficit in the last two minutes of the game to beat Memphis and their star Derrick Rose in overtime. As a basketball junkie you get to hang out and talk to lots of coaches and former players. I was invited to a coach’s party and had a great time speaking to some old time coaches about games I seen years ago. Debating who were the best players of all time Alcindor, Walton, Thompson, etc…

More than the game the Final Four is a piece of Americana with people from across the country coming together to cheer on their team. One of the funniest groups to be around is based in Chicago, a group called McGuire U and the Final Five. We shared a hotel with this group of characters in 2008. I first heard the story as told by Allyeese Minkoff in 2005 in “The University You Have Never Heard “

“This particular brand of March Madness started at Maguire’s, a bar favored by local high school and college coaches in the Chicago suburb of Forest Park back in the early ’60s. It started out as a simple prank: Hey, we ought to call ourselves a University and try to finagle our way into Final Four tickets. And it snowballed from there. Eventually, the Maguire ‘administration created bogus North and South Campuses. Hired fictitious coaches. Even recruited made-up players. The hoax managed to hoodwink just about everyone at the NCAA — to the point that it was allotting Final Four tickets and guaranteeing hotel rooms to Maguire University ‘students’ and ‘alumni’ each year. Until 1974, Maguire University annually sent a happy, if slightly sauced, contingent to the Final Four. On paper, they were a small university in the Independent Conference that played its games in ‘Lawless Fieldhouse.’ Maguire University sent out its scores over wire services. Nominated All-America candidates. Applied to have its band perform in parades around the country. John Maguire, the bar’s owner, was listed as the sports information director. Mel Connolly, university president, was a truck driver. A policeman named Sal, a bar regular with an unknown last name, was listed as football coach Sal De Copper. Eventually, the school got itself listed in the 1972 NCAA directory, the Blue Book. You can’t get any more official than that. Maguire University had come of age. Coaches from other schools occasionally called to try to schedule games. They were told that the best time to reach Maguire’s coaching staff was after 11 on Friday and Saturday nights. “They wondered what kind of program we were running,” Duffy laughs. “We listed our win-loss record at 15-10 to try to stay under the radar.” Sadly, a Sports Illustrated article blew Maguire’s cover in 1974, and the NCAA printed a retraction in the directory. More importantly, Maguire University became University Non Grata at the Final Four. Its block of tickets (around 100) was rescinded. So were the hotel rooms.”

Make sure you get a chance get to a Final Four and after you get there look up the guys from McGuire U. It will definitely make for an excellent adventure.

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Posted in Basketball, Sports Adventures

Deals in Mexico

05 Apr

: Beautiful views to see in Cabo San Lucas.

Currently there are many concerns about visiting Mexico. We would not suggest many places along the border or in the beautiful city of Monterey as they would be risky to visit. That being said, in most of the vacation destinations in Mexico it is no more dangerous than traveling to other spots outside the United States.

Due to the perceived dangers consumers have not been traveling to Mexico. The lost of visitors has driven the cost of a visit to Mexico down. You can now visit for 50% less than a year or two ago.

I have two favorite spots in Mexico: the coastal desert town of Cabo San Lucas with its perfect weather & great nightlife and the more tropical old town of Puerto Vallarta.

In Cabo there is so much to do. During the day time you can go fishing, jet skiing, ride ATV’s, swim with dolphins, race Americas Cup yachts, or hang out by the pool and drink. At night Cabo comes alive with a lot of great places to eat and a myriad of wild and fun drinking establishments. Right now it is a buyer’s market in Cabo with great deals. Below I have listed few of the deals:

Sheraton Los Cabos

Cabo San Lucas – All InclusiveSheraton Hacienda Del Mar -$175 per person, double occupancy ($130 a night for a room for two not all inclusive)

Dreams – from $140 pp (dbl occ)

Riu Palace – from $119 pp (dbl occ)

Puerto Vallarta is a charming old city and a great destination to visit. The weather is warm & humid and there is a lot to do. My favorite activity in PV is called the Vallarta Adventure. The adventure begins with a 20 minute Zodiac boat ride, transferring to a ride in the back of an old 4×4 Mercedes Benz Unimogs truck, and then a 20 minute mule ride, the fun is followed up with 8 zip lines and two rappels. It is truly an excellent adventure.

After dark PV has a lot fine restaurants. One of my favorite places to eat in the whole world is the Vista Grill. This fine eatery sits at the top of the hill and overlooks all of Puerto Vallarta. The food is remarkable. There is nothing better than having drinks at sunset and looking at the spectacular view of the city lights over a memorable dinner.

Just like Cabo there are great deals to be had in Puerto Vallarta, especially the one at the St. Regis which is less than half price of what you normally would pay for a five star resort. I have listed a few deals below:

Puerto Vallarta –

Westin – $99 per room

Sheraton Buganvillas – $159 per room

The stunning views from the St Regis Punta Mita

St. Regis – $250 per room – This is an a great deal for this very high end, exclusive resort. At this hotel there are just over 100 rooms. Each room will enjoy butler service. The St. Regis is in a gated community and there is really no reason to leave this extraordinary place.

All in all, you should think about Mexico… it is a buyers market where you can have a truly excellent adventure.

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Posted in Mexico, Travel Options, Warm Weather Adventures

Vallarta Outdoor Adventures

12 Apr

Very few things will you do in life are as fun or exhilarating as the Outdoor Adventure in Puerto Vallarta. I love to go ziplining and have been fortunate to do it many times but no other tour I have been on comes close to this one. The ziplining in the rainforest is great but what sets this tour apart is the adventure to get to the lines. There are four parts to this tour; this is the way they describe it on their website with my added analysis of each section at the end.

Zodiac boat ride – We kick off in true 007 style with an exhilarating speed boat ride whisking you to Boca de Tomatlan, a secluded beach at the edge of the jungle on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. You feel like you are flying across the water and this is a rush as you anticipate what is next.

Once on dry land, our 4×4 Mercedes Benz Unimogs will take you on an exhilarating off-road expedition 2,000 ft above sea level to our base camp deep into heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains. These Unimogs take you on bumpy ride through some very small little towns. This is a view of Mexico that is not in the tour books, a view that few get to see or appreciate.

Accompanied by our expert guides and now fully equipped with a harness, your mule is ready to take you on a thrilling trek up the mountain, even deeper into the sub-tropical forest. This 20 minute ride up the mountain is a hoot, everyone is laughing. This is not something you do every day and it is a whole bunch of fun.

Then prepare yourself for a breathtaking rush of adrenaline as you fly through a thrilling series of zip-lines, rappel down waterfalls, traverse jungle bridges and finally splash through streams and natural river pools on our specially designed Outdoor Adventure Circuit. Once back at the base camp you’ll have a chance to relax and see photos of your day before returning to Puerto or Nuevo Vallarta. The beauty of the rainforest is unbelievable. This is an adventure, the first time I had to rappel down the 100 foot waterfall I was scared to death. It is just not natural to step off a cliff, but what an exilharating feeling as you drop into the pool below.

Of all the adventure things I have done in my travels nothing compares to this unique outdoor experience. This is truly an excellent adventure!

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Posted in Mexico, Travel Options, Warm Weather Adventures

America’s Pastime – Baseball Trips for 2011

29 Mar

Wrigley Field

For a fan of “The National Pastime”, spring training is the beginning of hope for your team to be World Champion!! Well at least most of your teams! Nothing is like going to watch a spring training game (see the blog below on February 1). Then the season starts and the teams head back to their home parks all across America. The 1992 opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards started a slew of new, smaller and intimate ballparks. Very few concrete stadiums exist anymore. Have you been to the new style of parks, such as Camden Yards? AT&T Park in San Francisco? Coors Field in Denver?

A handful of baseball adventures exist that every fan of the game should get to experience at least once in their lifetime. One experience is taking in a game at one of baseball’s historic ballparks: Fenway, Wrigley, and Dodger Stadium. Or how about spending a weekend visiting New York City, taking in a game at the new Yankee Stadium and the Mets’s Citi Field, and then visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY? Maybe you’re just a die-hard fan and would prefer to witness baseball’s brightest stars in any or all of the MLB ballparks. Your own “Bucket List”. We can customize your package so you can be sitting in great seats, staying in first-class hotels, and enjoying the excitement of your own unforgettable baseball getaway.

ATT Park

The Hall of Fame Induction of players Robbie Alomar and Bert Blyleven is on Sunday, July 24, 2011. You can be a part of the HOF Induction buzz AND see 3 MLB games the same weekend! A sample itinerary would look like this:

Thursday July 21 see the St. Louis Cardinals play at Citi Field;
Friday July 22 take all day to experience the Baseball Hall of Fame;
Saturday July 23 watch the Seattle Mariners play at Historic Fenway Park;
Sunday July24 enjoy the New Yankee Stadium watching the visiting A’s.

This is just one set of dates that are available for this HALL OF FAME TOUR.

How about 10 days and see the east coast baseball parks? In July visit the Nationals Park in Washington D.C.; and see baseball in the parks in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and visit the Hall of Fame as well!

Like to golf? Take a trip to see the Atlanta Braves first weekend series of 2011, AFTER you watched a practice round and the First Round of The Master’s in Augusta!!!

Fenway Park

How about just visiting a few historic teams and parks? Then don’t miss The Chicago Cubs as they visit Fenway Park for the first time in 100 years from May 20 to May 22!! Or enjoy The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field as the New York Yankees visit the Cubs on June 17 – 19!

Most of the parks also offer behind the scenes tours of the clubhouse, training facilities, press boxes, etc. Be sure to inquire about these as well as extended stays in the cities of your choice.

Whether it’s a World Series or the All Star Game (this year at Chase Field in Phoenix) or a road trip to visit the favorite parks of America’s Pastime, TXI Events can make sure your own personalized trip will be an excellent adventure!

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Posted in Travel Options

Israel – Walking in the steps of Jesus

10 Mar

A walk through the old city streets.

On my trip to Israel one of the amazing thoughts as I walk through the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, is that I am walking on the streets that Jesus walked so many years ago. As you walk through the streets of the Old City, you are walking the same streets and cobblestones that Jesus carried the cross. Pilgrims retrace the steps of the Crucifixion of Jesus in Jerusalem, since before the 8th Century. The Stations of the Cross are stops that commemorate events during the torture, sentencing, carrying of the cross, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. There are fourteen stations of the cross, which constitute the walk of the Via Delarosa. The walk is about a half a mile long, for many Catholics this is the most important part of the journey to the Holy Land.

Olive trees at the Garden of Gethsemane

So many different places, with so much significance in relatively small area. I went to the Mount of Olives, and then walked to the Garden of Gethsemane, the iconic spot where Jesus went to pray. While others went in and spent a lot of time in the church at the garden, I spent most of my visit at the garden staring at the olive trees and wondering if they were here 2000 years ago. Did Jesus sit under that tree, did he pray under this tree, when he was tired did he lean on this tree? Even though there are lots of pilgrims visiting, for a few moments I was in the garden with very few others almost by myself and it was a great time for personal introspection.

As you leave Jerusalem there are many other places to visit that Jesus walked. The four seas of Israel all have special religious history. The four seas are the Med, the Red, the Dead, and the Sea of Galilee. There is Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jaffa, Haifa, Jericho, and the list goes on and on. At each of these places you are following the steps of Jesus, whether on the water or the land you can feel the power of these very holiest pieces of earth.

As I talk with people about Israel, I find that almost everyone I speak to who has been fortunate to tour Israel and the Holy Land has said what a wonderful religious experience they enjoyed. Having the chance to visit once, has given me the desire to want to share this part of the world with as many people as possible. The trip to Israel really is an excellent adventure.

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Posted in Religious Adventure, Travel Options

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