Oahu, Hawaii

Polynesian Cultural Center
one of the top attractions on Oahu

The Polynesian Cultural Center allows visitors to experience the cultural backgrounds of Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Marquesas. Located in Laie, about an hour’s drive from scenic Waikiki, PCC has entertained and enriched the lives of over 33 million people since it opened in 1963. Geared at educating the public about each specific area of the Pacific, PCC offers a wide variety of exhibitions in song, dance, and cultural activities done in authentic style. With the recreation of many of the island villages and customs, it is easy for visitors to immerse themselves in a variety of different cultures in the same day.

One of the most beloved and renowned exhibitions is the recreation of the Hawaiian luau. With fare prepared as it was done in old Hawaii—from freshly pounded poi made from taro to kalua pig steam in underground imus (ovens lined with hot stones)—and traditional chants and hula added for recreational entertainment, the Ali’I Luau PCC remains one of the best in the islands. Hawaiian luaus have always been the epitome of celebration for locals, and the decadent luau thrown at PCC is a testament to this tradition.

PCC has remained one of the top attractions on Oahu for many years as visitors flock to the grounds to enjoy the amalgamation of different cultures in one condensed setting. It is a definite must-see and cultural extravaganza for locals and tourists alike.

www.polynesia.com

Scottsdale, Arizona

Visitors Make Their Mark at the Boulders Resort

Travelers yearning for a summer getaway can win a complete Scottsdale trip and leave a lasting impression at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa. The property’s Name the Cactus promotion asks contestants to submit their most creative and original names for the cacti that reside on the resort’s 1,300 acres.

Now thru June 1, the six contestants who submit their most creative monikers for the six distinctive cacti pictured on The Boulders’ Web site will win a Scottsdale vacation including two night’s accommodations for two in a casita suite, a $500 airfare gift card per winner, daily breakfast in Palo Verde restaurant, and two rounds of golf at The Boulders Golf Club.

For more information, visit www.theboulders.com

North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway; "America's Favorite Drive"

Blue Ridge Parkway, our nation's most scenic byway, stretches from Cherokee and the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Virginia-North Carolina border and beyond.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, nicknamed "America's Favorite Drive," is a 469-mile scenic route connecting the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. North Carolina is home to 252 miles of Parkway, which meander through two national forests and offer campgrounds, picnic areas, lodges, restaurants and countless scenic overlooks.

The Parkway celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2010 and now features a 12,800-square-foot, $9.8 million destination visitor center with exhibits highlighting the natural and cultural diversity, traditions and recreational opportunities found on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The center, opened in April 2008 and built to the latest energy-saving standards, has a 70-seat auditorium with an HD film, an I-Wall interactive map of the entire Parkway and space for groups. Also on the Parkway is the new “Go Blue Ridge Card” multi-attraction pass featuring one-price admission to more than 20 attractions. The Federal Highway Administration recently named the Parkway an All-American Road.

Visit these sites for more information:

www.blueridgeparkway.org | www.blueridgeheritage.com | www.visitnc.com

Daniels, West Virginia

The Resort at Glade Springs offers Spring Family Value Package

Guests enjoy activities at the indoor leisure center which features an indoor pool, Spa Orange, Studio M, 10-lane bowling, indoor basketball and tennis, fitness center, video arcade and cinema. The resort boasts three championship golf courses (3rd one opening late 2009), equestrian center and full service seasonal ski resort. A broad selection of adventure activities are also offered at the resort.

"Outdoor adventure and family are part of our specialty at the resort," comments Mary Jo Klein, Director of Marketing. "Our guests select from activities such as white water rafting, mountain climbing, caving, skeet shooting, fishing, ATV riding, and the list goes on and on. Experiencing nature and adventure in beautiful West Virginia makes for lifelong memories for our guests."

The SpringPerks Package is available from April 1 - 30, 2009 and includes two nights and three days overnight deluxe accommodations, a $50 gas rebate at check-in and a $450 resort spending credit good toward all activities including restaurants, spa, golf, adventure activities, horseback riding and merchandise.

The resort offers a wide variety of beautiful accommodations designed from parties of two to twenty. For more information or reservations visit www.gladesprings.com

The Resort at Glade Springs is located in Southern West Virginia at the intersection of interstates 77 and 64.