September 2012 / Insiders Travel Magazine

AUSTRIAMore Than The Alps

Caribbean Cool14

24

September Scenes Fall Color, Festivals & More

10

September 2012

SEPTEMBER IN THIS ISSUE

4

6 Editor’s Letter

9 Publisher’s Letter

13 Photo Ops

14 Austria More Than The Alps

16 Take Time Out To French Polynesia

18 A City of UnParallel Luxury And Affordable Value - Dublin

20 Caribbean Cool

24 Alabama Festivals

CONTENTS

10 ON THE COVERCranberry Harvest by Singlespeed Photography

September ScenesFall Color, Festivals& More

SEPTEMBER IN THIS ISSUE

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EDITOR’S LETTER

6 EDITOR

Travelers - Welcome to the second edition of Insiders Travel Magazine. We hope you have enjoyed our August launch issue and are ready to think about where to go next. Have you traveled domestically recently? Or have you ventured internationally? We are here to learn new trends in travel and to share them with our readers worldwide. We are passionate about travel and hope we can assist you in sharing that passion with us, your friends both those on Facebook and in person and the family.

Word of mouth is our top seller, so let us know what destinations you are interested in learning about and where we can open doors for you to enjoy whether in the United States, Mexico, Europe, Africa or the world. If we miss the mark let us know, our readers are important to the selection of our destinations. We can weave together a riverboat cruise with a trip to a four diamond resort or a bed and breakfast. The holiday season is around the corner and we will share some hidden hideaways for you to visit with friends and family. Enjoy September and get ready for Cool October.

Micki Sander

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Robert MartinMicki Sander

Noelle BaranowskiRachel Schnure

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REGISTRATION ON OR USE OF THIS MAGAZINE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF INSIDERS TRAVEL MAGAZINE’S USER AGREEMENT AND PRIVACY POLICY. THE MATERIALS ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM INSIDERS TRAVEL MAGAZINE.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PUBLISHERRobert Martin

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMicki Sander

CREATIVE DIRECTORMariah Scott Rushing

CREATIVE DESIGNLiquidFly Designs

CONTRIBUTINGPHOTOGRAPHERS

Singlespeed Photography

[email protected]

As we move ahead with our second issue, I am reminded of all the wonderful experiences we have had during our many trips to new and different destinations. Two distinctly different interests make any vacation more satisfying, beautiful vistas and beautiful people. It is the enjoyment of both that will make your trip one to remember and to share your experiences with friends and family. Try to visit locations off the beaten path, they are the destinations the locals love to share with you and discuss with intensity the flair of their region. We hope you will enjoy experiencing their destinations. Try to locate a couple of area natives , spend time to visit with them over a cup of tea or their local beverage. You will learn about their home, habits and friends and what makes it special to them as well as visitors. Well known tourist destinations are fun, fantastic and dependable; sometimes allowing yourself to get out of the box and connect with the local people and their special places will offer you times you will never forget. When you make plans to select your next vacation try some of the InsidersTravelMagazine.com’s destinations and let us know if we are on the right track . Our goal is to expose our readers to views of places for your future vacation plans

both on and off the track.

Bob Martin

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

9PUBLISHER’S LETTER

10 SEPTEMBER’S SCENES

Children returning to school, foliage colors blossom, and thoughts across New England turn to weekend road trips. Start your adventure in Massachusetts with a fall foliage jaunt and see some of the prettiest views in the world. The Cape Cod route provides over 37 miles of scenery leaving plenty of time to the visit the state’s Southern Pass, a 64 mile route just south of Boston. Then go north to the Cranberry Course, 62 miles of brilliant reds and orange hues where your camera will be clicking all day. Then off to the beauty of the Berkshires to relax and sip some cider.

Maine offers miles and miles of varying colors and landscape, some of which is untouched by humanity. The color of the leaves and shoreline change from county to county almost like you are going from one country to another. Visit Brunswick, Maine’s oldest college town, where Bowdoin was founded in 1794 . Now lined with quaint shops brimming with nautical themes. Stay overnight in one of their many extraordinary B & B’s and in the morning hike along the rugged coastline.

No matter where you go in Vermont during September, you will find a festival. There is a Blues Festival, Garlic and Herb Festival, the annual Art Hop, and even an Oktoberfest in September. So plan to stay more than just a weekend for both the fall foliage and their festivals. The state lays claim to some of New England’s most beautiful unforgettable foliage with a palate of deep hued reds, brilliant oranges, sun kissed yellows and every variation you can imagine. Vermont has an added attraction as they have some of the best wineries in the Northeast, visitors will want to taste Vermont Ice and Big Barn Red.

11SEPTEMBER SCENES

The White Mountain Colorfest in New Hampshire speaks to families. Fall is harvest time in the state and picking fruit is fun for all ages. The glow of amber envelopes the trees and bushes while Dover holds an Apple Harvest Day in downtown. The main street has antique shops, book stores and the waterfront is historic because of it’s mill buildings. The Piscataqua River separates the state from Maine and walking along the waterfront you will find restaurants, artisan galleries and museums.

Rhode Island is known for its September marathons and races such as “Finish for a Guinness” and St. Columba’s Run for the Island in Middletown. Whether your trend is towards the beauty of fall or the physical challenge of race, Rhode Island is a stop you should consider especially if there is an athlete in the house. Nicknamed the Ocean State, it is surrounded by bays and inlets. continued

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While New York is not considered in New England, the north part of the state and the Hudson Valley attract visitors from all over the world because of the beauty of the region during the September season. While we have been peeking through trees and the fall orchards of New England, part of September belongs to New York with its hustle and bustle and for the honor we pay to the City of New York for overcoming the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

The city has now built a memorial to remember and honor the thousands of innocent victims of this dreadful day. On the tenth anniversary of

12 SEPTEMBER’S SCENES

the attacks, a new chapter in the history of New York City and the United States was inaugurated with the opening of the 9/11 Memorial. It is a place for people from around the world to come and pay their respects to those we lost and to honor the men and women who have served to keep our country free. When the site is fully developed there will be a spiral of new towers around the eight acre Memorial. It is a place of reflection and remembrance for all who have lived during this time. We will never forget the events of that day and we will always be grateful for the men and women who have stepped up to insure this country remains the United States of America.

13PHOTO OPS

Take a trip to Portland, Oregon and learn how to take your camera off Auto and have control over your images. This is a unique learning experience as the streets and sights of Portland are your classroom. For information on signing up for the tour send an email to Jennifer Costello who will be your professor in Portland. Portland Photo Tour is a unique, in-the-field, photography learning experience. Participants receive hands on instruction from photography professional, Jennifer Costello, with the streets and sights of beautiful Portland serving as your classroom. For information on how to join the program email [email protected]

Or you can opt for a six day sabbatical and join Tom Gamache for a photo class “Wandering Around Outdoors” Mr. Gamache’s work is located in California museums and galleries. His program includes dramatic mountain views and you will be guided by his personal instruction. You can reach Mr. Gamache at tomgamache.com for information on classes and photo tours.

Another very exciting program is “The Golden Colors of Zapata” offered by photographers Susan Burns and Bobbie Goodrich. Their work can be seen in their gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The program they offer is seven days in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains location of the largest sand dunes in the United States. The course will provide image enhancing, perfecting your shooting skills and post production digital techniques. To enroll in the course email [email protected].

Holland America’s MS Westerdam offers the Aperture Academy on certain cruises to Alaska. They have you explore the ports of call and conduct field workshops. When you bring your images back to the on board classroom, you are taught how to select the best images and use Lightroom to print them or the tricks of the trade of Photoshop. For more information on the photography classes on board contact Eric Jacky at [email protected]. Eric loves to help photo amateurs enjoy his passion. He developed the Alaska Photo Cruise Workshop in September 2011.

The Barefoot Contessa photo workships are held in Maine in the summertime. What a special way to expand your hobby or profession. Run by the team of Arnie Zang and Margo Pinkerton (husband and wife) they have been traveling the world and taking pictures since forever. They can be reached at [email protected]. Zang and Pinkerton are delighful and full of out-of-the-box photography ideas.

Every corner of the globe offers shutterbugs the opportunity to expand their talents. There are workshops for those who wish to increase their skills on cruise ships, resorts and destinations accessible to every level of amateur photographer.

14 AUSTRIA MORE THAN THE ALPS

The town of Telfs located 25 minutes from Innsbruck, Austria is a true hideaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Situated in the mountains, the town offers swimming in Lake Moseer in the summer. Unique views of the surrounding mountains will take your breath away as you wander the paths around the lake or ski down the mountains.

Sitting at an altitude of 1,300 feet on the Seefeld plateau is The Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol; an oasis for those seeking tranquillity, recuperation and relaxation. It is surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks and the hotel staff exudes Alpine hospitality. All the amenities of a 5 star hotel are part of the joy of visiting the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol including complimentary wireless high speed internet, flat-panel televisions with satellite channels.

Their spacious spa offers extensive treatments for mind, body and soul. The hotel location offers exceptional sporting and leisure facilities from golfing at the Wildmoos Course, tennis on the hotel outdoor courts and downhill or alpine skiing on the mountains. The hotel has both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. Fitness is part of the program at the hotel so if you wish try out the aerobics center, play basketball, take a Pilates class or rent a bike you can fill up many wonderful days with fun for an entire family. The hotel hosts its own indoor golf facility with a golf simulator, putting and chipping green to insure when you hit the course you are ready for the challenge.

Nearby and off the hotel site there are opportunities for Bungee jumping, Skydiving, Sledding or even a helicopter tour of the mountains. If you’re looking for a day of beauty and art, visit the Swarovski exhibition located in Tyrol. There are always unique shows of various artists’ visions inspired by crystals. The exhibit takes about half a day to view the beautiful treasures made from crystal.

Returning to the hotel in the evening offers you an opportunity to experience the gourmet cuisine of head chef Christoph Zangerl and his team in the restaurant or dine in the luxury of your spacious room 24 hours a day. Step out on your balcony before retiring and take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air. Returning to Austria and the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol will definitely be on your bucket list.

15AUSTRIA MORE THAN THE ALPS

16 SPAIN’S SPECIAL ISLANDS

Spain’s Balearic Islands, form an archipelago and float serenely into the Mediterranean. We are highlighting four of the largest of the islands. Mallorca is the largest island with spectacular mountain scenery and hiking down to the sea, If clubbing is your rave, then Ibiza is your island. Little known Menorca is a haven of tranquility, isolated beaches and coves, with prehistoric monuments standing as quiet reminders of how small we are in the grand scheme of the earth. Tiny Formentera, is where people lose themselves for the entire summer, if white beaches and sunset parties are your need, then this is the island to keep you happy all summer.

IBIZA

Change on Ibiza has been in dramatic during the last few seasons. Once a hide-a-way for the Jet Set, recent years opened doors to new beach clubs. The rise of beach clubs such as Ushauaia, now considered one the best in Europe. The most accessible is the Sands on the Playa D’en Bossa. During a stay on Ibiza a stop at Nassau or the Ocean Club is definitely time for fun and meeting new friends. While most beach parties go on way into the night many clubs have reinvented their clubs to include families.

17SPAIN’S SPECIAL ISLANDS

FORMENTERA

With its peaceful atmosphere, the island is a mix of sea breezes, incredible light and the aroma of the sea blends including the wafting smell of good food while you chill out and enjoy the spirit of the island. The Gecko Beach Club is a boutique hotel located on this magical island just a short walk to the turquoise water of Migiom Beach. The modern design coupled with an idyllic ambience, offeringes of exquisite cuisine and cocktails makes this a perfect vacation spot,

MALLORCA

On the outskirts of Palma is Purobeach, an oasis by the sea spend all day and evening at their terrace, pool and treatments to hone the body. It is surrounded by mountains ,the atmosphere on Mallorca is always laid back with great food and music found everywhere. Mallorca size allows your being able to find a great holiday property from renting villas to farmhouses and of course hotels. The island is known for fiestas most with a religious twist or rural traditions and historic events. If you are a golf enthusiast Mallorca offers many diverse choices of excellent courses, to suit all tastes and budgets. For information on the courses, contact [email protected]. The island has over 300 days of sunshine so bring along your sticks.

18 SEPTEMBER’S SCENES

19SEPTEMBER SCENES

Have you ever been to French Polynesia? Well if not, you are in for a real treat; recently my husband, Stephen and

myself sailed on the Paul Gauguin for seven days out of Papeete, Tahiti to the other Society Islands (a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean politically part of French Polynesia. The Archipelago suspected to have been named by Captain James Cook in honor of the Royal Society, sponsor of the first British scientific survey of the islands). We were so impressed with the scenery especially on Bora Bora and Moorea. Do you remember the movie South Pacific? Well, the beautiful mountain called Bali Hai featured in the movie is located on the island of Moorea and is absolutely gorgeous. Our trip brought us to the beautiful calm waters of Bora Bora. The dazzling water is emerald green and beckons you to approach with such ease.

Do you believe two 60+ year olds celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, just walked in to the water with absolutely no fear and snorkeled with rays and sharks. Of course, that was due to the wonderful Lagoonarium excursion with local guides. To top the trip off, we also witnessed a mama whale and her calf as well as schools of spinner dolphins. This adventure was indeed special as Dr. Michael Poole, the resident marine biologist guided us on our journey.

The Paul Gauguin itself is a very intimate ship with just 320 passengers maximum and a delightful crew from Captain to steward. Not a day goes by you are not greeted with a warm smile and kind word. We met delightful folks from around the world, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and of course our own US citizens. Open your minds, your hearts and sail the South Pacific with one of the best cruises… the Paul Gauguin.

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20 SEPTEMBER’S SCENES

Dublin is a city of green space where most of the residents live within walking distance of a park area. Each year approximately 5,000 trees get planted in their 3,700 acres of parks. Phoenix park is a walled 1,750 acres just west of the center of the city, one of the largest parks in Europe. The President of Ireland has a residence in the park along with, the United States Ambassador’s residence, the Dublin Zoo and a herd of deer. Many visitors and residents enjoy spending the day at the park including the musical performances.

For shopping, the place to be is Grafton Street, it is adjacent to a park area, St. Stephen’s Green. Sir A.E. Guinness paid for the design of the Green including the gardens and ponds. After shopping take time to have a picnic lunch, sit back and watch the passing crowds, feed the ducks and enjoy the colourful flowerbeds, ornamental lake and especially the garden for the visually impaired, or enjoy a lunchtime concert in the park and view the memorials to Yeats and James Joyce. Green Park is open during daylight hours.

Georgian Dublin is the location of one of the city’s oldest most elegant hotels, Buswells. A focal point of the city the hotel was once The Queens’s Institute, a college for training educated women, when the college closed, Buswells Hotel opened its doors. The location in the central part of the city is superb, across from many Government Buildings it is just a stroll to St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College and the Grafton Street Mall. You have easy access to Dublin Castle, evenings at the Gaiety and Olympia Theatres and the Temple Bar.

Buswells Restaurant, Truman’s, offers elegant dining and their Bar is a traditional style bar with an incredibly friendly atmosphere. Sink into the vast leather armchairs in a quiet corner and enjoy a repast with friends and colleagues. Whether you are visiting Dublin for shopping, business, sightseeing or a stop on your Ireland visit, Buswells Hotel is the place to stay.

Take a bus tour of Dublin where you can hop off at any of 20 destinations and rejoin the tour later to return to Buswells and you resume the tour within 24 hours. Part of your visit should include the National Museum of Ireland, The Natural History museum and the Archaeology Museum with its magnificent collection of pre historic Ireland. Of course, spend some time to pour a pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar and see how and where “the black stuff’ is made, the Guinness Storehouse is one the most visited attraction in Ireland. The Storehouse is based at historic St. James’s Gate and is part of the original brewery. A visit to Dublin without Guinness is like visiting Milwaukee without (fill in the gap).

Before leaving Dublin and especially, if it is a clear windy day take a bracing walk out to Dublin Bay your target is the Poolbeg Lighthouse, this red structure is visible from a distance while you stroll along the Bay enjoy the magnificent view of the Wicklow Mountains and The Hill of Howth. Your mind’s camera will keep these vistas forever.

21DUBLIN

22 CARIBBEAN COOL

The entire region known as the Caribbean is made of over 7,000 countries, territories of foreign lands, coral reefs, sandy islands and rocky islets all located in the Caribbean Sea. Diversity is a way of life from the islands to their friendly people.

With 91 miles of coastline, Dominica is the largest of the Windward Islands, it is a very rugged country. In 1978 it became an independent country and is a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. With a population of only 70,000, including almost 3,000 indigenous Caribs, everyone speaks English with a Creole dialect or a French patois. It is the most unspoiled of the Caribbean Islands. The national bird is the Sisserou a species of parrot, it can sometimes be found in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the Eastern Caribbean. the park has a boiling lake and five volcanoes. You will find many species of orchids and ferns along with an incredible amount of native flowering plants.

The underwater terrains have a wide variety of marine life including sunken volcanoes and deep drop off areas for diving. Dive in Dominica and you just might come face to face with 30 to 45 foot whale or watch a female whale nursing her calf. Dominica is the whale watching capital of the Caribbean and divers can experience the abundant wildlife of sponges, tropical fish, sea horses and other colorful underwater sea life.

As a visitor to this beautiful island, you will also be engaged in its music, dance, their crafts and wonder of a simple life with such beautiful people. It is a must see destination in the Caribbean.

Anguilla, with over 30 white sand beaches, incredible restaurants and just a ferry ride from St. Martin, it is one of our favorite islands. Since it is only 3 miles wide and 17 miles wide getting to the beach is easy, so get ready to walk the beach and get your daily exercise as you watch the sunrise or sunset. You can decide to just veg out on the beach or partake of the many experiences of Anguilla.

The ultimate golf experience is to play the Greg Norman Signature design Golf Club with breath taking views of the Caribbean Sea while the Trade Winds are attacking your long drive on the sixteenth hole. If golf is not your game and you are staying at a resort on Anguilla try tennis, there is a resident tennis pro at most properties. There are also 3 public courts on the island that are easily accessible to visitors and the weather is almost always cooperative. Other options for keeping busy are renting a mountain bike and traversing the back roads of the country or horseback riding on the beach. Depending upon the length of your stay, take a ferry ride to St. Martin to visit the zoo especially if this is a family vacation. Anguilla is a wonderful laid-back place to catch up on your reading and do some yacht watching. It is an island for rest, recuperation and rewards to your mind, body and soul. Keep thinking Caribbean as we will focus on an island or two in next few issues, history and handshakes are important in this area of the world.

23ROYAL ST. KITTS

So, a girlfriend tells me we are going to St. Kitts and I reply with “where”? She goes on to say it’s in the West Indies and I respond with “where again”. She shows me a picture and says, “ it’s in the Caribbean”. She then says how much she is going to enjoy the Ting’s with a Sting (Caribbean Rum Drink), sun filled beaches and the spa. Well, I did some research and found there is a positive to this place among all the things she loves to do, she failed to mention and we all love the FORE letter word of GOLF. Of course, I never mentioned Golf was an option. When I found out the rentals at the course are better than my set I continued with my master plan of holding off till the last minute, to spring the golf idea on her since I would not have to lug my clubs internationally.

So, off to St. Kitts we go with some ProV1’s in tow. We are both eager to get to St. Kitts and continue to peer out of the plane as St. Kitts grows in the window. Luckily, she was too impressed with the sand, clear blue water and massive resort she never noticed the 120 green acres of golf surrounding the resort. Landing was smooth and check in was a breeze. Somehow, they knew my name as I exited the cab at the St. Kitts Marriott. We were greeted with a cool towel and a cold Carib. Yep, this was shaping up nicely. Now to find the extension for the golf club and book a tee time all while she was booking her massage. I secured a tee time for 7 AM and the course was fairly open at that time, it was only yards from my hotel room. Just how I like it. She will sleep till 9 then have a massage at the Spa at 10 and back in the room at 11:30am. It sounds like I can play 18 and have time to cool off at the 19th hole then make it back in plenty of time for the rest of the day. That was the plan until I got to the course. I underestimated the zen-like appeal of 14 through 17 playing on the Atlantic Ocean. Not being a big camera buff, I found myself snapping away as just my memories would not suffice this time. The golf course is a hidden gem in the Caribbean. It is in beautiful condition and the greens rolled pure. The challenge is the wind and it was up, the closer to the ground the ball flew the less effect the wind had on its direction. This helped considering the rust accumulated on my swing over the winter months. Despite the time consumed taking pictures and the searching for the ball in the largest water hazard I had ever hit into…conceded the ball to the OCEAN… I reached the 19th hole and sat on the Veranda at the Clubhouse to enjoy a brew while the salt air breeze passed over my freshly burnt skin, recounting the few strokes that will bring me back again for more....

Your Next Golf Getaway by Rachel Schnure

24 ALABAMA FESTIVALS

Drive through its back roads and find Civil War sites, monuments, abandoned general stores and vintage gas stations that are holdovers from previous times. The northern third of the state is the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the middle of the state consists of rolling hills and farmland. The southern end of the state is coastal plain with 275 miles of coastline.

The famous Olympic athlete, Jesse Owens is from Alabama along with 33 medalists, 8 from the 1996 Summer Olympics alone. Alabama is associated with some of the country’s best known African American leaders including Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver and Martin Luther King Jr.

September is a month of festivals in Alabama from Labor Day Weekend with The Sweet Tater Festival September 2-3 featuring sweet potatoes , arts and crafts, live entertainment and food vendors galore. The festival is located in Dowling Memorial Park in the heart of Crane Hill.

September 8 begins the 43rd Annual Fayette Arts Festival, sponsored by the Fayette Art Museum, there are live performances, a juried arts and crafts section and of variety of food to satisfy any appetite.

September 14 - 15 in Decatur is the Riverfest Barbecue Cook-Off where barbecue teams from across the entire country compete for a cash prize of $20,000. plus bragging rights.

September 15 are Depot Days in Hartselle, celebrating the history of the railroad including an antique car and tractor show, arts and crafts, a featured entertainer and of course food galore.

September 15 - 16 is the Leeds Downtown Folk Festival and the John Henry Celebration. Commemorate the roots of Alabama culture and bring the family to the art show and sale, serving up live music and ethnic food with a regional twist. John Henry, the steel driven man and local legend is honored this year.

Alabama is not just a long drive through pine forests or along their gulf Coast. The state is known for its support of our military programs with several bases around the state including Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Anniston Army Depot in Bynum, Fort Rucker Army Base in Dale, Redstone Arsenal operated by the Army in Huntsville and the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile. During the month of September, we remember the service men and women who died serving our country since September 11, 2001.

25ALABAMA FESTIVALS

September 21 -23 Winfield’s Mule Day festivities begin on Friday evening with music and dancing, market booths and downtown shopping including a Civil War battle called Skirmish at Luxapahla. Battles are both Saturday and Sunday. The Winfield Period Ball is Saturday night.

September 28 -- 30 is the Annual Paint Rock Valley Bluegrass Festival and Ole Timey Craft show. Artists will perform on 3 stages while history demonstrations from the Civil War era are going on in the background, from beekeeping and blacksmithing to broom and soapmaking. History is on the agenda.

If golfing is part of your agenda play a round on one of the spectacular Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses around the state. The trail is the biggest golf construction projects in the history of the game. All courses are within 15 miles of the state’s interstate highway system and no more than a two hour drive from each other.

No visit to Alabama is complete without at least one mint julep and a taste of down home Southern cooking with grits and biscuits for breakfast. So grab your keys and hit the road to Alabama in September.

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