Family Fun at Knoebels Amusement Resort

Pennsylvania has several great family-friendly amusement parks and one of them is called Knoebels which is centrally located in the state in Elysburg, PA. Every year thousands of people flock to this amusement park because it has no admission fees. That's right, you can walk around the park and just pay for the rides you or the kids get on.

Knoebels has all kinds of amusement rides! You will find rides for adults, for the kids and everyone in between! Throughout the park you will find your classic carnival style games, gift shops and various eateries where you can grab a quick bite to eat.

Located on the grounds is Crystal Pools where you can the family can enjoy a fun time in the sun swimming around in their gigantic pool, taking a ride down the water slides, jump off the diving boards or let the children splash around in the kiddie pool.

Love the game of gold? You will find the Three Ponds Golf Club nearby which is an 18 hold beautifully landscaped golf course. You can play just one game or buy an affordable membership if you live nearby or plan on visiting the golf course often.

There are several lodging options nearby including Knoebels Park Campground, Lake Glory Campground, Knoebels Cottages and the beautiful Latorre House Bed & Breakfast is located near the entrance to the park. There are not a TON of lodging options in the area, so I do suggest you call ahead and make reservations well in advance, especially during the busy months of June, July and August.

The hours of operation vary but typically the park opens in April (weekends only) and closes in early November (weekends) for the season. You can view their entire operation schedule online. If inclement weather...call ahead to make sure they are open.

When visiting the park...you will be doing a LOT of walking so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and wear appropriate clothing for the season. Avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals that can easily fall off your feet or cause you to trip. Always bring a light jacket and an umbrella in case a rain shower or storm moves in.

We had a great time bringing the kids up to Knoebels Amusement Resort and plan on visiting again later this Fall. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we found that Knoebels is one of the MOST affordable amusement parks in the state. In addition, they are hosting a Halloween event in the Fall so make sure you grab that information from their web site and plan a visit before winter sets in. You can learn more by visiting Knoebels Amusement Resort online.

22-Hole Miniature Golf Course at Challenge Family Fun Center

The Challenge Family Fun Center is located in Hummelstown Pennsylvania. It is only a short drive from downtown Hershey or Harrisburg and is very easy to get to with plenty of free parking.

The center offers a 22 round miniature golf course, indoor batting cages, indoor arcade with video games, skee ball, air hockey and duck pin bowling. Also located on the premises is a small cafe where you can enjoy a slice of pizza, hot dog, french fries, soda pop or some Hershey's ice cream.

We visited the Challenge Family Fun Center on a gorgeous warm day in early Spring of this year. We were itching to get outside and enjoy some fun so we headed down to Hershey for a game of miniature golf.

One of the things we love about this mini golf course is that it is a 22-hole course. It's beautifully landscaped and easily walked. The holes range from semi-easy to challenging with several being near water features which really makes it fun.

On the afternoon that we played they weren't busy at all and only 3 other families were there. We were able to get through all 22 holds of mini golf in about 50 minutes which was really nice. Along the way, there are a few places to sit down should you need a break to rest and there are plenty of shade trees to keep you cool on a hot summer day.

We had a great time playing miniature golf at the Challenge Family Fun Center. After you are done having fun here...head on down the road to the Indian Echo Caverns for additional family fun!

The Quin Hotel in New York City

New York City is one of those cities that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime. Luckily for me, I only live 3 hours from New York City and get up there about once every two years. One of the things I love about the city is that there is always something fun to see and do...24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a city that I could never be bored in...ever!

The Quin Hotel Completes Final Phase of Opening With Unveiling of 17th Floor Terrace Rooms and Suites. If you are heading to New York City in N. Y. this is definitely one hotel you will want to consider.

The Quin, New York¹s quintessential lifestyle hotel, has completed the final phase of its opening with the unveiling of the hotel¹s capstone level the 17th floor, which includes five spectacular terrace rooms and suites and a luxurious penthouse suite. Each of the new rooms and suites features an expansive private terrace, while the extraordinary 3,400 square foot, 3-story, 3 bedroom penthouse offers panoramic views stretching from the Freedom Tower to Central Park between three private terraces totaling more than 1,840 square feet. Having made its debut in November 2013 on 57th Street and Sixth Avenue, the Quin quickly earned accolades for its personalized services, superb design, and its culturally significant Quin Arts program. The new terrace rooms & suites, a rarity among New York City hotels, reaffirm the Quin¹s position as the ultimate oasis in the heart of the city¹s cultural center. The Terrace Rooms & Suites were unveiled in March, while the new Penthouse Suite will be available starting in April 2015.

17th FLOOR

The only thing more coveted than having ample room to entertain in Manhattan is having ample room to entertain outdoors. As the weather warms, New Yorkers are rejoicing in the triumphant return of spring by flocking to the city¹s parks, rooftops, sidewalk cafés, and courtyards, but private space remains a precious commodity. The terraces of the Quin¹s 17th Floor accommodations are among the largest in Manhattan, offering exceptional private outdoor spaces for its guests to relax and entertain alfresco.

Comprised of five rooms and suites, including a Terrace Premier, Terrace Junior Suite, Terrace Premier Suite, and the main foyer to the triplex Penthouse, the exquisitely appointed 17th floor accommodations feature expansive private terraces with views of 57th or 58th Streets, 6th Avenue, or Central Park, oversized wall-to-wall windows, and soaring 15-foot lofted ceilings. The hotel¹s marble bathrooms have been further upgraded with ultra-luxurious amenities exclusive to the 17th floor. This includes heated floors and custom wet rooms with an extra-wide flat panel rain shower plus a multi-jet body spray system with adjustable sidebars for a true spa-like experience. These inspiring suites also feature original work by world-renowned artists like Amanda Marie, John Jacobsmeyer, Pure Evil, Michael De Feo, and Jessica Augier. Individually selected by the Quin¹s art curator, DK Johnston, the paintings speak to themes of nostalgia, evolution, and playfulness‹a subtle reminder that the journey through the landscape of New York City often invokes a convergence of all three motifs. The entire floor can be reserved to accommodate a private full-floor buyout, ideal for large family vacations to sleep 15 adults, international delegations, extended stays, wedding parties and social gatherings.

When reserving the entire floor, the private terraces can interconnect, creating an unprecedented open-air event space that wraps around the historic building. This flexible function space can be adapted for any occasion in any season. With panoramic views stretching from the Freedom Tower to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is nestled alongside Central Park, guests will enjoy intimate and elegantly appointed bistro seating areas and chic sun loungers, verdant landscapes, and the stunning architecture of the original façade. Imagine reading the morning news from high above Sixth Avenue with breakfast and a freshly brewed espresso, sipping a pre-dinner cocktail as the sun sets over the park, or gathering with a small group of friends for a nightcap whilst surrounded by the city lights‹the Quin¹s guests can share the moments that city dwellers live for.

Quin Select

The Quin has, since its inception, been committed to delivering personally curated experiences to its guests. Recognizing that guests travel to New York City with a myriad of aspirations and intentions in mind, the Quin is intuitively endowing those who book preferred suites with the unique opportunity to choose a complimentary stay enhancement, customized to their needs. Whether visiting for vacation, an arts and culture excursion, shopping weekend, or business trip, guests who book the Penthouse or 17th Floor Terrace Suites are invited to select one of four exclusive gifts: a 55-minute in-room spa treatment for two, a personal training session with Vitals for two, a $300 Bergdorf Goodman gift card, or a $300 dining credit, compliments of the Quin.

Perfect after a long day of sightseeing or business engagements, guests can relax with a restorative in-room spa treatment in the privacy of their Suite or outdoor terrace. Spa treatment selections include a calming reflexology combination massage, a focused deep tissue massage, or a reenergizing Swedish massage. The selection includes two 55-minute treatments, applicable as a couple¹s treatment or as two separate services for the same guest.

Travelers training for an upcoming race or those who are looking for a way to feel their best while on the road will appreciate the support of an elite trainer. Vitals coaches will lead guests in a customized and comprehensive hour-long wellness program, applicable for a joint session for two or as two separate training sessions for the same guest. Guests can workout in the Quin¹s state of the art fitness center or in the privacy of their suite, outdoor terrace, or perhaps in Central Park.

Shoppers may not need the extra encouragement, but the Quin is gifting a $300 Bergdorf Goodman shopping card to help ³foot the bill² at BG¹s world-famous shoe salon and more; includes a personal shopping appointment with a BG stylist.

Finally, foodies can choose a $300 dining credit that can be applied to food and beverage purchases at The Wayfarer or in-room dining.

Terrace Suites are available starting from $2,000 per night. Reservations at the Quin are available by calling (855) 447-QUIN (7846) or online at http://www.thequinhotel.com/most-popular-offers.

The Late Show with David Letterman

David Letterman has hosted "The Late Show" since 1993 and announced his upcoming retirement from the popular late-night talk show last year. As of May 20th, 2014...he has officially retired now from the CBS Late Show with David Letterman. He was a pioneer of late night TV and will be missed!

The show was nominated for 72 Emmy Awards and has won 9 of them of the years. Out of all of the "late night" talk shows, "The Late Show" with David Letterman has always been one of our favorites. We love it when David does his "Top 10 Lists" which are always super funny!

Every time we visit New York City we always made sure we stopped by for a tapping of the show.

Since the show has now come to an official end, we wanted to feature it as our travel "Photo of the Week" here on our blog. Thank you David Letterman for all of the laughs and smiles you brought all of your viewer's faces every time they tuned it to watch your show. You will be missed!

Hershey Chocolate Factory Smoke Stacks

The Hershey Chocolate Factory (the Hershey Chocolate Plant) had been in continuous operation for over 100 years. Now that most operations have been moved to other locations, the old Hershey Chocolate Plant had many of it's old areas torn down. Some of the other areas were remodeled into much-needed office space. I am very happy that some of the iconic architectural elements like the old smoke stacks still remain on-site.

When you drive around downtown Hershey in Pennsylvania you can see the two famous smoke stacks from miles away. They have become a fixture within the Hershey landscape and tourists always stop by to take a few photographs of them. These particular icons are located at the east end on the old chocolate factory grounds.

On the day that I took this particular photograph it was during the late afternoon hours and on a bright and sunny day. What I love about this particular angle is that you can also see one of the famous Hershey Kiss street lamp posts nearby. If you look close at the smoke stacks you will see the word "HERSHEY" printed in white on each one.

If you are in town to visit the Hershey Theatre, the museum, the chocolate factory, ZooAmerica or even the Hersheypark amusement park, you will most likely see these iconic symbols while you are here. As you drive around, you'll get different views & angles of them, some better than others.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Florida

How many of you will be taking a trip to Southwest Florida this summer? If you have never been to that area...I highly suggest you visit at least once in your lifetime! It's a gorgeous area and there are always a ton of activities going on. In other words, always something to see and do!

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club In Southwest Florida is Offering 3rd Night Free This Summer!!! That's right, get your 3rd night free!

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club features an incredible setting on the pristine white-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the 125-acre resort is Southwest Florida’s only beachfront resort with a championship golf course, a world-class spa, and an award-winning tennis center, all on-site.

Making it even more appealing, the resort spent more than $45 million in impressive renovations and enhancements over the last few years, which included the renovation of its 319 guest rooms and suites, the expansion and renovation of its popular The Sunset Beach Bar & Grill, and the addition (in 2010) of a beautiful new beachfront pool complex with two pools, two whirlpools, and a pool bar with food service.

Want more reason to visit? The resort is offering the 3rd night free from May 21st – September 30th, 2015, based on availability, with holiday weekends excluded. For holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day), the resort is offering the 4th night free instead. For more information or for reservations, call (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222 and ask for the “3rd Night Free Promotion,” or visit www.NaplesBeachHotel.com , specifically naplesbeachhotel.com/3rd-night-free (or http://tinyurl.com/pv8p7dy ). Blackout dates may apply, and the promotion may not be combined with any other offer. Also, the promotion is not applicable to groups.

Rich in hospitality and tradition, The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has resided in Naples since 1946. Owned and operated by the Watkins family for three generations, the resort features: 1,000 feet of soft white-sand beach; the 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course; the world-class spa; a fitness center (with complimentary admission for guests); the Mary C. Watkins Tennis Center with six Har-Tru courts; Beach Kids Club, a complimentary daily recreational program for children ages five to 12; an Orchid House, home to over 3,000 tropical plants; retail shops; and beach rentals.

The resort also features multiple restaurants and lounges. This includes: the signature beachfront restaurant HB’s on the Gulf; Broadwell’s, providing panoramic views of the golf course; and the Seminole Store, which serves deli sandwiches, ice cream, gourmet coffees and a variety of freshly baked pizza, pastries and desserts in a café atmosphere. The Sunset Beach Bar & Grill has been recognized as the “Best Place To View A Southwest Florida Sunset,” and was named “Naples’ Best Beach Bar” by Travel Channel.

Situated just blocks from Naples’ renowned shopping districts of fashionable 5th Avenue South and historic 3rd Street South, the resort is also within minutes of shopping at Venetian Village, Waterside Shops, Bayfront and Tin City. Guests can also experience the area by taking tours of the Everglades, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Corkscrew Swamp, The Botanical Gardens, or the Conservancy Nature Center. Boat and fishing trips also can be arranged at the hotel. Other leisure time activities can include Naples’ outstanding museums, theatres, and art galleries.

Providing a comfortable, friendly atmosphere, the resort is an exceptional tropical getaway. Resort guests benefit from no resort fees, and complimentary self and valet parking. The resort is located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North in Naples, Florida. Contact the resort at (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222, and visit www.NaplesBeachHotel.com .

Enchanté Boutique Hotel - Romantic Luxury Hotel in Silicon Valley

Enchanté Boutique Hotel officially opened on April 1, 2015 making it the first hotel in the Los Altos Village, and the first romantic luxury hotel for the Silicon Valley leisure and business traveler. Inspired by French architecture, décor and European-style hospitality, Enchanté stands at the entrance to the Los Altos Village, the downtown of Los Altos, the home to many of Silicon Valley’s pioneers and leading tech industry entrepreneurs.

Enchante’s exterior, taking cues from the design of Parisian inns, features a signature Mansard roof, playful iron accents and gas lamps. French Beaumaniere limestone has been used for all walkways and the outdoor plaza, where guests may choose to enjoy the complimentary breakfast and afternoon repast. Blooming gardens edged with box woods and traditional Anduze pots, named for the French city of their origin, enliven the exteriors.

Enchanté features 19 rooms, each individually appointed with French artwork, fabrics and motifs inspired by French history and culture. 18th- and 19th-century antiques adorn the halls and rooms of the hotel. Enchante’s library, a space for guest leisure, reading, rendezvous or small meetings, showcases imported French Versailles-patterned flooring, a fireplace centering distressed-paneled walls and comfortable sofa seating. Contemporary influences such as Carrera marble surfaces and high back chairs are blended throughout, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere unlike any other in the Silicon Valley region.

Committed to the finest guest experience, Enchanté features organic, hand-crafted mattresses meeting the most stringent of green certifications to provide an exquisite night’s rest. Enchanté’s bistro, Campagne One Main, serves guests a full-service complimentary breakfast including made-to-order Chef’s specials and an afternoon repast with fine wine and cheese. Campagne One Main features a patio situated at the front of the hotel, providing guests an outdoor dining experience imbued with the cozy downtown atmosphere set against the serene vista of the Los Altos Hills. A pet-friendly hotel, Enchanté offers custom-made dog beds and other playful amenities for those traveling with their dogs.

Downtown Los Altos, a six-block triangle with tree lined blocks, blends quaint and historic buildings with a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Also known as the Los Altos Village, it is well known for art galleries, home accessories, gifts and items for children. Downtown Los Altos offers an exceptional variety of merchandise through its 150 plus shops and boutiques.

Enchanté is managed by the family owned and operated Waterford Hotels & Inns, which has been developing stand-out properties in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. Waterford President Bruce Hraba says, "Enchanté is a charming and unique offering to Silicon Valley because it's about the community and the people. It is a respite and escape, whether for the romantic couple bored with the typical offerings or the business traveler desiring a dignified and unique experience."

For owner and developer Abby Ahrens, a prominent real estate professional and property developer in the Los Altos community for over 30 years, the idea for a boutique hotel goes back over 20 years and the acquisition of many of the hotel’s antiques and artifacts even further. Ahrens, a lifelong Francophile, has curated Enchanté’s many antique furnishings, textiles and artifacts from her own personal collection 40 years in the making. “It’s been a running joke that I needed to build a hotel to house some of my collection,” says Ahrens.

Upon its founding 107 years ago, the town of Los Altos was promised a bank, a mercantile and a hotel for its downtown, a promise now fulfilled in the opening of Enchanté. Ahrens, whose love for the Los Altos community runs deep says, “I've poured my heart into this hotel, and I'm grateful to give back and honor the community of Los Altos.”

About Enchanté Boutique Hotel: Enchanté Boutique Hotel is a brand new experience in luxury hospitality for Silicon Valley and the city of Los Altos, the birthplace of Apple Inc. Each of the public and guest accommodations are unique with a sophisticated, eclectic style that blends elements of a Parisian Inn with French art and memorabilia and modern comforts culminating in a distinctive guest experience. Its elegant, châteauesque architecture commands a striking presence at the entrance to downtown Los Altos. Enchanté is the vision of Abby Ahrens, a real estate professional, developer of custom homes and beloved member of the Los Altos community for over 30 years. Enchanté is the region’s first chic and fashionable luxury boutique hotel. Featuring 19 rooms, each with unique interior designs expressive of French culture, highlighting French artwork and antiques, Enchanté offers a cozy retreat and an alternative to chain hotels for the growing number of travelers coming to the Silicon Valley region.

Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crimes’ Exhibit Opens at Crime Museum

Photo Courtesy of Crime Museum

Nearly every week there are news headlines sharing stories that are considered “hate crimes.” Being a fairly new term in the country, many people are not sure what exactly a hate crime is. Now they can learn more about hate crimes, which is a part of domestic terrorism, at a new exhibit at the Crime Museum, located in Washington, D.C. The new exhibit, titled “Attack on America: The Fight Against Terrorism & Hate Crimes,” opened in March and provides people a thorough look at the history of such crimes, including offering them artifacts to view.

“Hate crimes and domestic terrorism are things that all of us see in the news daily, and we all feel the impact; whether we have been a victim, know a victim or have been impacted through legislation,” states Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer of the Crime Museum. “Being able to learn more about this type of crime, which happens here on our own soil, is powerful for everyone.”

Photo Courtesy of Crime Museum

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), hate crimes add an element of bias to traditional crimes. The violence involved in the crime targets someone specifically for their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, etc. The victims of hate crimes and domestic terrorism may be individuals, businesses, institutions, etc. Hate crimes cover a wide variety of news headlines in recent years, ranging from those being targeted for being gay, to crimes being committed against someone because of their race.

Artifacts in the new “Attack on America: The Fight Against Terrorism & Hate Crimes” exhibit at the Crime Museum include a runner’s medal and bib from the Boston Marathon Bombing, a Ku Klux Klan ceremonial robe, a noose from a lynching, and the gun used in the 2012 attack aimed at the politically conservative Family Resource Council in Washington, DC.

Other notable artifacts include:

* A rifle confiscated from the Virginia Jihad Network in 2003, after its failed attempt to train assassins at the Paintball War Games facility in Spotsylvania, VA.

* Letters from the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, who was a serial murderer.

* World Trade Center rubble and other 9/11 artifacts.

Photo Courtesy of Crime Museum

The bust recreation of prisoner Vinson Harris, who was suffocated and killed by prison security guards in 1986, while serving a 20-year sentence for bank robbery. The bust was used at the trial to visually illustrate to the court how Harris had been suffocated with elastic bandages and duct tape.

“This exhibit is an emotional journey for those who visit it,” adds Vaccarello. “But it provides an historical look at these crimes, as well as helps understand hate crimes more. Hopefully this can help us learn to be more tolerant and to raise awareness about this important issue in the country.”

The Crime Museum also offers a variety of other temporary and traveling exhibits, summer camp programs, walking tours, educational hands-on exhibits, and more. For more information to purchase tickets, visit their site at at www.crimemuseum.org.

About the Crime Museum: Crime Museum is located in Washington D.C. The mission is to provide guests of all ages with memorable insight into the issues of crime, crime fighting, and the consequences of committing a crime in America, through an interactive, entertaining, and educational experience. The museum offers walking tours, summer camps, galleries, a crime library, temporary and traveling exhibits, and more.

7 Great Places to Stay in Wildwood New Jersey

Wildwood is one of the best south jersey shore travel destinations that has it all! You will find the world famous Wildwood Boardwalk, fine dining, water parks, amusement parks, tons of shopping and all of the popular tourist attractions are nearby or within 1 hour of driving distance.

This popular Jersey Shore destination offers free (no beach tag-required) white sandy beaches, plenty of free and paid parking and oodles of lodging accommodations to fit within any family's budget.

Morey's Amusement Piers 

Here are our top 7 great places to stay when visiting Wildwood New Jersey.

* Aquarius Motor Inn - This motor inn features a heated swimming pool, a nice sundeck, kitchenettes in the rooms, elevator service, ice machines and is handicapped accessible.

* Caprice Motel - This motel is on the street across from the famous Wildwood boardwalk. The motel has a large adult heated swimming pool, kiddie pool, a nice sundeck, outdoor barbecue grills and is close to all major attractions.

* Days Inn and Suites - is one of the very few "chain" style lodging options located in the area. They offer suites with kitchenettes, 2 outdoor heated swimming pools, a nice fitness room and kids stay free. Check out their lodging special packages for family travel too!

* The Landmark Motel - is one of those laid-back and low-key motels in the area which offer a very relaxed & nice stay to vacation travelers. They offer efficiency suites and motel rooms. Looking for some fun? How about their heated swimming pool or on-site game room?

Wildwood NJ Beach

* Ocean Sands Motel - is centrally located in Wildwood. They offer small efficiency suites and motel rooms, an adult & kiddie heated swimming pool and a picnic area with barbecue grills that guests can use.

* Quebec Motel - is one of the few motels that are open year-round. The Quebec offers 1-room motel rooms, 2-room efficiency suites and premium suites along with a heated swimming pool and other amenities.

* Tropicana Motel - offers standard and deluxe motel rooms. They do not have a swimming pool but do offer you pool privledges at one of their sister properties located nearby.

If you are looking for places to stay while visiting North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Stone Harbor, Ocean City or Cape May...check out the New Jersey category here on our travel blog for some additional recommendations and in-depth property reviews. Enjoy your trip to the Jersey Shore!

Rush Creek Lodge Open at Gateway to Yosemite National Park

Photography: Rush Creek Lodge

About 12 years ago we had the pleasure of spending a wonderful week touring Yosemite National Park in California. We had visited the park in late Spring that year to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary and had a wonderful time.

If you have never visited Yosemite National Park...you are really missing out! The area is gorgeous and totally unforgettable. Today, I am sharing with all of you some information about Rush Creek Lodge which will be opening in the spring of 2016 and will feature 143 contemporary rooms, suites, and hillside family villas.

The opening coincides with the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and marks the 126th anniversary of Yosemite, the nation’s third National Park. Set less than a mile from the park’s Highway 120 West entrance, Rush Creek Lodge is a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Photography: Rush Creek Lodge

The contemporary mountain resort is the first resort to open in the park’s vicinity in more than twenty-five years, offering Yosemite explorers a new lodging option with 143 rooms, as well as amenities for travelers, such as a dining destination to enjoy California lodge cuisine, a general store for provisions on the way to the park and a full service guided recreation program.

Rush Creek Lodge, a newly developed resort in a coveted Yosemite location, features spectacular sunset views, a forested hillside setting and a breathtaking expanse of nature. Inspired by the mountain backdrop, Rush Creek Lodge marries an authentic, timeless feel with modern amenities for a consummate national park lodge experience that is both relaxed and sophisticated. Located less than a mile from the park’s Highway 120 West entrance, Rush Creek Lodge is a scenic three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area and is a sister property to the nearby historic Evergreen Lodge. Both properties are owned and operated by First Light Hospitality. The spring 2016 opening coincides with the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and marks the 126th anniversary of Yosemite, one of the nation’s original National Parks.

Rush Creek Lodge Welcomes Yosemite Enthusiasts
The new lodge provides a “resort base camp” at the doorstep of Yosemite National Park. Set on twenty woodland acres, the hillside resort boasts a grand main lodge and a mix of 143 rooms, suites and two-bedroom villas, ideal for families, couples and individuals alike. Inspired by the breathtaking natural surroundings, Rush Creek Lodge embodies a sophisticated, modern approach to design that integrates natural and raw materials to achieve an authentic feel and a distinct overall sense of place.

Yosemite activities create robust appetites, and the on-site restaurant and tavern at Rush Creek Lodge are set to tantalize with fresh, hearty and sophisticated California lodge cuisine. The restaurant’s open display kitchen showcases a wood-fired oven and cozy hearth, and both tavern and restaurant feature indoor/outdoor seating options to accentuate every dining experience with a distinctive High Sierra flair.

Ideal for destination events, retreats and weddings, Rush Creek Lodge features customizable, full-service meeting and event space for groups up to 250. Guests may select open air meeting options or indoor settings.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to create a destination lodging experience that gives everyone the chance to enjoy Yosemite in a fresh, new way,” said Lee Zimmerman, one of the lodge’s owners. “The enchantment of Yosemite is embodied at Rush Creek Lodge. We’re excited for visitors to discover this one-of-a-kind ‘destination within a destination’ as a remarkable place to explore, relax, have fun and reconnect with self, loved ones and nature.”

Photography: Rush Creek Lodge

Guests will appreciate Rush Creek’s many characteristics that are designed to create an outstanding getaway for kids and adults alike:

· Every room features a deck overlooking nature, and the majority offer hillside sunset views
· Convenient location off of Highway 120
· California lodge cuisine: fresh, hearty, healthy and delicious
· Guided recreation programs, “recreation concierge” advice desk and daily on-site activities
· Wellness and yoga programs
· Cozy, spacious lounge, fun-filled game room, outdoor seating areas and fireplaces
· Innovative play areas, gold panning stream, fly-casting pond and other diversions for discovery, entertainment and relaxation
· Solar-heated salt water pool and hot tub
· General store with everything you need to make the most of your adventures in Yosemite

About Rush Creek Lodge: A contemporary mountain resort, Rush Creek Lodge is the first resort to open in the Yosemite National Park area in more than twenty-five years. Set on twenty woodland acres, less than a mile from the park’s Highway 120 West entrance, the most direct route from the San Francisco Bay Area, the new lodge provides a “resort base camp” with a “rustic modern” sensibility at the doorstep of the park. Rush Creek Lodge is a scenic three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. A sister property to the Evergreen Lodge, Rush Creek Lodge is owned and operated by First Light Hospitality, based in San Francisco and founded by Brian Anderluh and Lee Zimmerman. For more information, visit www.rushcreeklodge.com.

Things to See and Do While Visiting State College

Penn State Mascot

One of our favorite places to visit in northern Pennsylvania happens to be State College. Even though it is a college town, it has a lot of fun things to see and do while visiting.

Here is our list of some of our favorites:

* Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery - is located right outside of downtown State College in Centre Hall. This winery offers wine tasting, shopping and seasonal wine events.

* Penn State All-Sports Museum - is located at Beaver Stadium and is a museum that honors the legends from all Penn State Sports.

Penn's Cave

* Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park - is located right outside of downtown State College in Centre Hall. Take a guided tour by boat of the cave and then tour the wildlife park.

* Bryce Jordan Center - is located in the downtown district and offers various sporting events and musical concerts.

Pennyslvania Military Museum in Boalsburg

* Center for Performing Arts at Penn State - offers great musical shoes, plays and dance performances year round.

* Pennyslvania Military Museum - is located right outside of State College in Boalsburg. You can learn about men and women who served our country including all branches of service.

Pegula Ice Arena

* Pegula Ice Arena - is home to the Penn State hockey team and figure skating club. The arena hosts a variety of ice events and does hold open-to-the-public skating events.

* Happy Valley Mini Golf - take in a round of miniature golf at this 18-hole mini golf course that is beautifully landscaped and near the shopping district.

* Millbrook Marsh Nature Center - if you love being outdoors and in nature, this nature center is a must-see! The boardwalk and grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk.

* Penn State Football Game - If you enjoy college football (like we do!) you can take in a Penn State game when they're playing at home in Beaver Stadium. "We Are Penn State". Home games are typically sold-out, so you'll need to plan ahead if you want to attend a game.

* Shaver's Creek Environmental Center - is Penn State's official environmental nature center that offers bird walks and various other nature programs throughout the year.