Continental and United Merger

Continental and United Airlines announced their merger today, to find out more about what this means to you go to www.unitedcontinentalmerger.com

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW 5/1

HOUR1 Karen Vaughn, Green Chicago Mgr. of Communications http://www.explorechicago.org/ Carey Rivers, Co-director Kids day and sleep away camps for summer fun. http://www.tipsontripsandcamps.com/ Jack Perlman, Developer of El Taj Oceanfront newest luxury condo in Playa del Carmen http://www.condohotelsplayadelcarmen.com/ Kevin and Sue Travel News and Travel Tips HOUR 2 Tom Parsons, Bestfares.com Deals and Steals Michelle Newman, Regular Contributor Travelwriter Holistic Cruise http://www.atasteofhealth.org/

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW 4/24

LIVE BROADCAST FROM WILDCATTER RANCH RESORT & SPA located in the Brazos River Valley in Graham, TX Kevin headed to the ranch while Sue headed on a Theatrical trip to Alabama. HOUR1 Anne Skipper, Managing Partner Jason McAlister, Resort Manager Julie Albritton, Events Manager Bob "The Cook" Bratcher, F and B Mgr. HOUR 2 Jay Brewer, Horse Barn Mgr. Jim, Activities (Skeet Shooting, ATVs, etc.) http://www.wildcatterranch.com/

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW 4/17

LIVE BROADCAST FROM ST. JOSEPH, MO 150 Years of Pony Express HOUR 1  Beth Conway and Gary Chilcote  St. Joseph CVB and   Historic Patee House Museum   Jesse James Home Museum   www.stjoseph.net/ponyexpress Suzanne Lehr, Mount Mora Cemetary http://www.mountmora.org/ Andrea George, Remington Nature Center Tom Parsons, BestFares.com HOUR 2 Cindy Daffron, Pony Express National Museum http://www.ponyexpress.org/ Jackie Lewin, St. Joseph Museums Glore Psychiatric Museum, Black Archives Museum, and St. Joseph Museum

VOLCANO PARKING FEES

With everything happening due to Iceland's volcano blowing an extra added expense is parking at airports for those passengers not able to return home.  A few of the airports have waived charges for parking at JFK, Newark, Denver and Las Vegas.  Kudos to them!

The Wildcatter Family

I spent two and one-half days at the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort near Graham, Texas and in that short period of time I had the wonderful experience of Texas hospitality, fun activities and incredible cuisine. My cabin suite had a rustic ambiance but the amenities were definitely first class. I might add that the wireless Internet serviced by a T-1 line was flawless. The view of the Brazos river from the patio of my cabin was breathtaking. The Texas Bluebells, along with Indian Paintbrush flowers added a peaceful pastel beauty to the entire area. This was truly an idyllic setting, yet the true wealth of the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort is in it's staff. Jay, Don, Jim, Julie, Bob along with Resort Manager, Jason McAlister and Managing Partner, Anne Skipper are there to see that your visit to the Wildcatter Resort and Ranch will always exceed your expectations. While I was there I met the Bride and Groom who  held their wedding at the wildcatter, groups and individuals enjoying a weekend getaway, a romantic vacation and planning a corporate team building experience. To the person, they were all impressed with the Wildcatter's expertise and the ease of making arrangements for their visit. You will immediately feel that you are working with a family run operation that takes pride in everything they do. I asked Anne how she picked and trained her staff. She told me that most of the staff are from the Graham, Texas area and come from many varied backgrounds; finance, local government, law enforcement, recent high school grads  etc., etc. I told her that I had never seen such a dedicated, close knit team and questioned her about her training program. Her explanation astounded me. Anne told me that the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort and staff started working with the Wounded Warriors program a few years ago. In doing so, they closed the Ranch to the public for a week and she and her staff worked one-on-one with wounded veterans to help them develop their physical skills and re-build their confidence after experiencing the trauma of war. During this program the staff stayed on the Ranch and worked around the clock with these soldiers. They participated in all the activities with the Vets and even ate all their meals with them. After the first Wounded Warriors week, Anne said that she saw an immediate change in her staff. They jelled into the "family" that now awaits your visit to the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort. Anne and her staff continue their participation in the Wounded Warrior program each year and I think this speaks volumes to their sincere dedication to public service. If all of this doesn't win you over you will have to try Bob the Cook's two pound porterhouse steak and Anne's family recipe for banana pudding served in a jar. Both are irresistible! I really felt like I was part of the Wildcatter family and you will to. I highly recommend the Wildcatter for unsurpassed service and hospitality. I can't wait for a return visit. Wildcatter Ranch and Resort 6062 Hwy 16 South Graham, TX 76450 940-549-3500 www.wildcatterranch.com

Views From the Wildcatter

I just wanted to quickly share with you some of the magnificent views from the patio of the Wildcatter Steak House, my room and the infinity pool next to the Spa.   This is great stuff!

Things Really are BIG in Texas

While Sue is in Alabama, I'm at the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort near Graham Texas. Our mascot, Doodles, has been winging her way back and forth and met me this morning as we were touring the Ranch. As you can see, she met up with "Big Boy". Big Boy is a true Longhorn, and in-fact, he has the 3rd largest horns in the state of Texas. At just over 98 inches, we were all impressed. To put that in perspective, if his horns were a couple of inches wider, he would be classified as a "wide load" on Texas highways! When I told Doodles we were going to the gun range to shoot trap, she decided to take off for safer grounds with Sue. There are many activities at the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort including horseback riding, canoeing, bicycling, hiking trails and more. All in a first class resort atmosphere. "Major" the bloodhound is a recent addition to the Ranch. He actually belongs to a neighbor, but seems to enjoy the attention he gets at the Wildcatter. If I didn't know better, I'd think he owns the place. Be sure to stop and pet Major when you visit the Wildcatter. You will have a friend forever. Tomorrow morning I will do our radio show live from the Wildcatter Steak House, after which, I think I'm off to the Spa for a bit of relaxation. I could use a little "whoa" in my life!

Texas Beef with "Bob the Cook"

I just arrived at the Wilcatter Ranch and Resort with a bit of apprehension as to what I was doing at a "dude Ranch". rest assured that the Wildcatter is not your average Dude Ranch. This is truly a resort, complete with spa treatments, infinity pools and GREAT FOOD!!   We were greeted at the Willcatter Steakhouse by Bob and his wife Sonja. They are the perfect hosts and they know what they are doing in the kitchen.   Sonja's salad was perfect and Bob's Baby-back pork ribs, and smoked beef tenderloin was sensational.Fried pepper strips and onion rings added to the meal.   Apple cobbler and homemade bread pudding with a bourbon sauce served with Blue Bell ice cream was too good to be true.   I must also add that Tito's Texas vodka and Crossroads Winery's CSM, a marriage of Cab, Syrah and Merlot were Texas homegrown surprises that were excellent.   I am eager to see what tomorrow will bring.

Fw: CHECK OUT OUR YOU TUBE

CHECK OUT OUR YOU TUBE We currently have 51 of our videos from all over the world on our www.youtube.com/kevinandsuetravel   Be sure to check them and it is free to subscribe.  If you subscribe you will know when the new videos are scheduled. We currently have 101,019 views and 321 Subscribers.

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW April 3

HOUR1  Max Hartshorne, Editor and Travelwriter for http://www.gonomad.com/ talked about the Azores Islands in the Atlantic Ocean west of Portugal. Jennifer Burns, Marketing and PR Manager for Warren County OH CVB talked about the Ozone Zipline Adventures in Ohio's Largest Playground. Kevin with the Travel News and Sue with Travel Tips. HOUR2 Tom Parsons of BestFares.com with his weekly Deals and Steals. "Bobby G", Robert Giangrisostomi, Deputy Executive Director of Business Development for the Canaveral Port Authority.  Port of Call for several cruise ship lines. Chef Darren McGrady, "The Royal Chef" talked about his years working for the royal family, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana.  He shared a recipe for his Coca Cola Chocolate Cake. Chef is planning on a Culinary Trip to Tuscany and still has a few openings on Aug. 2 - 8. http://www.theroyalchef.com/ Coca Cola Chocolate Cake 2 c. self rising flour 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 c. cocoa 2 c. light brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla paste 1 c. plus 2 Tbs butter 3/4 c. coca cola 1/3 c. milk 1/2 c. unsalted butter 4 oz. semi sweet chocolate 1/3 c. coca cola 3 c. powdered sugar chocolate eggs to decorate top Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9" lose bottom cake tin.  In a large bowl mix together flour, soda, cocoa and brown sugar.  In a small bowl beat the eggs with the vanilla. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in the coca cola and milk. Whisk the egg mix and coca cola mix into the dry ingredients until no lumps.  Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for 45 minutes or until cooked.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool. In a large saucepan melt the butter and chocolate and add the coca cola.  Whisk until smooth. Spread over the top of the cake and decorate with candy bars, chocolate eggs or grated chocolate.  Refrigerate for up to one hour before serving. The Royal Chef will be cooking and sharing recipes at: San Antonio  - Central Market  - April 10 Houston       - Central Market   - April 17 Austin          - Central Market   - April 24 Contact him directly at http://www.theroyalchef.com/

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOWS

We welcome a new station to our nationwide lineup...   San Antonio, TX KTMR 1130AM   Listen live every Saturday, 8 - 10am Central

WHERE TO LISTEN

We've had inquiries on where to listen to our weekly two-hour travel radio show, Travel Planners.  Saturday mornings, 8 -10am CENTRAL time listen LIVE on www.globalamericanbroadcasting.com click on GAB1.  By midweek www.kmox.com archives the show and you can listen 24/7. Locally in the St. Louis area you can hear the show Sunday's on WBGZ 1570 and KZQZ 1430.  The show is currently broadcast nationwide on over 15 stations.

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW MARCH 27

HOUR1 Our guest, David Barna, Chief of Public Affairs, discussed National Park Week and Cherry Blossom Fest in the National Mall in Washington, D.C.   It's flowers blooming in Albany, NY as guest, Michele Vennard, President and CEO/Albany County CVB, joins us to talk about the annual Tulip Fest. www.albany.org   Nikki Heichelbach, Media Communications Mgr., Lexington, KY talks about the Keeneland Spring Horseracing, and FEI World Equestrian Games and James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Bluegrass Competition www.visitlex.com www.keeneland.com   Kevin talks Travel News and Sue talks Travel Tips.   HOUR 2   Regular contributor, Tom Parsons, www.bestfares.com with Deals & Steals.   Guest  Zoe Katsulos, Humanitourism expert. www.theinsideandout.com   Travelwriter, Bijan Bayne of Washington D.C. in St. Louis to attend NCAA Men's Regional Basketball Finals.

FOX NEWS CHANNEL 2

Sue McCarthy is the "Travel Expert" for Fox News Channel 2 in St. Louis, MO. Last week she was interviewed by anchor April Simpson about "Things to Know Before Traveling to Mexico for Spring Break."   To see the interview video go to www.fox2now.com AM SHOW Morning Show Archives.

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW MARCH 20

Our show this week visited several states and Canada:   HOUR1 Donna Spaght, Asst State Park Supervisor Mount Magazine State Park and River Valley Vineyards near Paris, Arkansas www.MountMagazineStatePark.com and www.Arkansas.com Highest point in the state at 2,753 ft. The lodge has 60 rooms and cabins.   Luisa Frey, Development Consulate Family Travel Marketing Svcs. www.familytravelmarketing.com and www.teentraveltalk.com   Sue was on Fox News Channel 2 on the Mexican Border Drug Wars and Is it safe to go on Spring Break in Mexico.  Kevin joined her on KTRS to also discuss the topic.  We both discussed the pro and cons of Spring Break in Mexico and said we felt it was safe in certain areas, but not along the border.   HOUR2 Regular contributor, Tom Parsons www.bestfares.com with weekly deals & steals.  Coast to coast.   Regular contributor, travelwriter for www.travel-excursion.com and www.offbeattravel.com Patrice Raplee on her recent trip to Prince Rupert and Queen Charlotte Islands, North British Columbia. Haida Gwaii Aboriginal Tour.

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW MARCH 13

This weeks show started out with: HOUR1 Heinrich Hall, Guide with Peter Sommer Tours Heinrich took us on a journey through the Northern and Southern Dodecanese Islands off the coast of Greece. www.petersommer.com   Keith Mandermack of Lake Placid Lodge in Lake Placid, NY (Relais and Chateau property) told us about the Fly Fishing Packages available.   Kevin and Sue rounded out the first hour with Travel News and Travel Tips.   HOUR2 Our regular contributor, Tom Parsons, of www.bestfares.com shared with us some great deals for Florida Fly and Drive, Las Vegas, Mexico and more.   Our regular contributor, travelwriter Michelle Newman talked about her recent trip to Jordan and the foods of Jordan.  www.visitjordan.com

Presidential Visit

More parade route photos of signs and police car.   Photos and observations by Sue McCarthy

Photos from President Obama's St. Charles MO Visit

Photos of the St. Charles, MO High School near our house and the parade route.

President Obama Visits St. Charles, MO

No matter what political beliefs I have, when the President of the United States visited the St. Charles High School, which is two blocks from our home, I decided to take my camera and get photos of the event.  The police escort consisted of lots of police...motorcycle police, St. Charles police, County police, State Highway police and of course the Men In Black...otherwise known as Secret Service...oh yes, there was also a SWAT Armored Personnel Carrier and security on the roof. There were two black limousines in a row with dark windows so I couldn't see inside.  Local dignitaries accompanied President Obama.  The high school is only about 10 miles from the airport and I watched as Air Force One, the president's plane, flew directly overhead.  There were people carrying signs representing opposing views on President Obamas administration.   A few people got into a shouting match and the police were quick to respond.  Nothing serious happened and the crowd dispersed.  One man thought he could get a better photo from the 2nd floor window of his home, and the Secret Service knocked on his door and said he had to come down.  His house was directly across from the high school.  His wife said he would never live this faux pas down with the family members.   A final note:  I also took a photo of one of the St. Charles police cars in the parade and you can see a hand waving at the people from the back seat with the window rolled down.  I  wondered perhaps if President Obama was really in the backseat of that car instead of one of the limos.  Guess I'll never know.

President Obama Signs Travel Promotion Act

President Barack Obama recently signed the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) that imposes a $10 fee on foreign travelers that are coming to the U.S. Roger Dow, President & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association says, "By signing the Travel Promotion Act, President Obama has acted to support the power of travel to serve as an economic stimulant, job generator and diplomatic tool.  This program will create tens of thousands of American jobs and help reverse negative perceptions about travel to the U.S." The Act will create a campaign to promote the U.S. as a premier travel destination and inform foreign visitors about the changing travel security fundraising campaign to market and advertise international tourism. In 2009, 2.4 million fewer overseas visitors can to the U.S. than in 2000.

Happy New Year in March

In the course of our travels we never cease to be amazed at what we learn from places we visit and people we meet. A recent response from a subscriber to our YouTube channel brought us the following E-Mail Happy New Year; Nowrooz Pirooz (On 20 March 2010) Happy Persian New year (Nowruz) to you and to your family. In the Persian language Nowruz means new day, it is a celebration to welcome spring, and in our Persian calendar, the most important Holiday. This celebration originated in 550330 BC year ago in the Achaemenid Empire. The celebration of Nowruz dates back to ancient times, it is associated with the lush green color of new growth, and is specifically symbolized by the growing of freshly sprouted wheat, that in turn is associated with the onset of spring. Among the important festivals that are held in anticipation of Nowruz is the festival of fire, Chaharshanbe Suri or soori , which is celebrated on the last Wednesday of the year in the Persian calendar. In the Parsi language suri means red, and also means party. This festival of fire to Zoroastrians includes  jumping over a fire, to rid of the evil spirits, and the bad things youve done,  to essentially have a fresh, and clean start to the New Year. The video that is attached to this e-mail is about the original, traditional table setting used to celebrate Nowruz. This traditional table setting for Nowrooz has been kept by the Zoroastrian culture, and has been passed on from generation, to generation. I hope you enjoy this video that we Parsis made for you. It is about the magnificent original Persian heritage. Thank You. Happy Nowruz! Thank you Vina for sharing your heritage and culture with the world. Here is the video

Consolidated Gold Mine

Consolidated Gold Mine is in Dahlonega, GA and tours will take you to a 200 ft. depth...and you can pan for GOLD.

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW MARCH 6

Hour #1 This weeks radio show started out with one of our regular travel contributor's Mark Bradley.  Mark just returned from a trip to the Beaches of South Walton, FL in the panhandle.   Then our travels took us back to Dahlonega, GA where Sue visited a gold mine last fall.  Dathan Harbert of the Consolidated Gold Mine www.consolidatedgoldmine.com talked about the 200' deep mine where tours occur and how you can pan for gold and gemstones.   Back to the Florida panhandle with Chef Scott Nelson of the Culinary Gallery in Santa Rosa Beach www.culinarygallery.com   Next, Kevin and Sue talked about the Travel News and Travel Tips.   Hour #2 Our weekly Deals and Steals with Tom Parsons of www.bestfares.com discussed great Las Vegas deals and great savings with Fly and Drive from Florida destinations.   Another of our regular contributors, Cassie Eckardt, filled us in on a recent trip on NCL Spirit.  The ship left out of New Orleans and ports included Costa Maya, Belize, Guatemala and Cozumel. Cassie told us NCL in 2011 will no longer stop in Guatemala due to a $10/head tax on any ships coming into port.    Listen to podcasts of the show.

FRONTIER AIRLINES - 10 NEW CITIES

Frontier Airlines announced 10 new cities in 2010.   Branson, MO                 Long Beach, CA Fairbanks, AK               Louisville, KY Grand Rapids, MI           Madison, WI Green Bay, WI               New Orleans, LA Santa Barbara, CA         Newport News/                                        Williamsburg, VA

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW FEB. 20

We continued the show from last week when we talked about Sue's trip to Traverse City, MI.  You can't head north to Michigan in the winter without doing some snow sports. The show started out with talking with Steve Kershner, the Director of Snowsports for Shanty Creek Resorts www.shantycreek.com   Steve talked with us about the downhill and cross country trails, the snowtubing, and snow boarding and dogsledding (for kids).    Shanty Creek is made up of three villages and is a great family destination.  So, what happens when the skiing is dwindling?  The fun begins with cardboard decorated boats going downhill, a slush pond to jump across or fall into and a triatholan of sorts with pole, paddle and pedal.  Shanty Creek is known as "Michigan's Favorite Resort."   We headed west with our next guest, Bonnie Char, CVB of Iron County Tourism from Cedar City, UT. We found out about "Festival City USA", the Gateway to the National Parks of Zion and Bryce Canyons and exploring slot canyons.  Cedar City is a four season community. www.scenicsouthernutah.com   Kevin talked about the latest in Travel News and Sue Talked about some good winter tips when traveling in your vehicle.   Tom Parsons, BestFares.com, talked about some super deals and steals for spring and out of the country to Spain and Barcelona.   We headed back north to the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City, MI to talk with Marie Chantal-Dalese about her family's vineyard Chateau Chantal.  The chateau is also a B&B, conference center and is great for romantic weddings.  There are year-round Tapas Tours and cooking classes. www.chateauchantal.com   See you next week and hope you join us again.

Fox News Channel 2

Sue was back on Channel 2 talking with Randi Naughton and Tim Ezell in the new 9:00am time slot.  Randi has a segment called Bargain Hunter.  I was talking about Spring Break Getaways and bargains.   Orlando/Disney area  Fairfield Inn & Suites www.marriott.com/hotels/travel 1-407-351-7000   Orlando - Sea World/ Busch Gardens World Quest Resorts 1-407-413-9577 www.flipkey.com   Panama City Beach www.SterlingResorts.com 1-866-348-0920  Promo Code AQP   Cancun  Solymar Beach Club Condo www.homeaway.com   Carribean Cruise www.americasvacationcenter.com Discount Code 9013# 1-888-489-3501 7-night Carribean cruise Mar. 20 - 27 Fort Lauderdale, Nassau, Day at Sea, Grand Cayman Islands, Roatan, Honduras, Cozumel, Day at Sea and Fort Lauderdale   Prices from $   588 pp Inside Cabin     Save 31% $   658 pp Oceanview       Save 31% $   908 pp Balcony           Save 18% $1,208 pp Suite               Save 35%

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO FEB. 13

We were joined on air by Cathy Christopher, Dir. of Sales and Marketing Inn on Fifth in Naples, FL Judy Neilsen, Spa Director Inn on Fifth, Naples, FL http://www.innonfifth.com/ Tom Parsons, http://www.bestfares.com/ is a regular guest offering Deals and Steals After returning from my (Sue) recent trip to Traverse City, MI on air guests were: Mike Norton, CVB http://www.mytraversecity.com/ J. Mike de Agostino, PR Mgr. Grand Traverse Resort & Spa http://www.grandtraverseresort.com/ Lindsey Southwell, Mktg Mgr Shanty Creek Resorts http://www.shantycreek.com/

WINTER RESORTS IN MICHIGAN

To find out more about Michigan's Traverse City resorts and activities contact my hosts on this trip:   Travel Michigan - www.michigan.org   Kirsten Borgstrom and Dave Lorenz   Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau www.mytraversecity.com Mike Norton

TRAVERSE CITY MI

WHERE TO STAY AND WHERE TO EAT   My last night in town we went to Red Ginger Restaurant where Chef Dan Marsh prepared some great sushi and Asian inspired dishes.  Since I'm not much of a sushi lover I did try the Caterpillar, looks like one and is made with avocado.  I ordered Calamari to share with my friends and it literally melted in my mouth.   Part of the group I was traveling with stayed at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.  Although I stayed elsewhere I did tour the facilities and spa.  After a day of learning to cross country ski and falling down four times and then snow tubing for two hours I was ready for a relaxing spa treatment. My massage therapist, Kenny, found all those sore and tender muscles as I was wrapped up in hot towels infused with cinnamon and vanilla.  The 900-acre resort includes 600 rooms, suites and condos.  In season there are 54 holes of championship golf, 85,000 sq ft of meeting space, indoor and outdoor tennis courts (with lessons), Kids enjoy the 15,000 sq ft Indoor Water Playground. The resort is a perfect venue for weddings.  www.grandtraverseresort.com       I stayed at Shanty Creek Resorts www.shantycreek.com featuring golf, conference center, spa and skiing.  Shanty Creek is made up of Summit, Schuss and Cedar River Villages.  Summit Village where I stayed has had a $10 million renovation with a complete redesign inspired by the nearby water and woods.  With four championship golf courses, dining overlooking Lake Bellaire and 16,000 sq ft of meeting space. My room faced the lake where I could watch the sun rise from my balcony.  My room had a kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator, a jacuzzi, fireplace, flat screen TV, a soft pillow-top king bed and a work desk with free Internet.   Schuss Village looks like you're in a swiss village.  There are miles of hiking and biking trails, an Arnold Palmer designed "Legend" golf course, Families can enjoy the downhill ski packages of Schuss Mountain and the cross country Nordic trails.   Cedar River Village offer snowtubing where I spent two hours of total fun acting like a kid again.  They have a tow to take you back to to the top.  We had lunch at Weiskopf's Grill and enjoyed a hot chocolate after tubing.

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Many communities let their magnificent historical buildings get demolished and don't have the foresight to help them become the grand dames they can become.  The city of Traverse City, MI had foresight to allow the 1885 former State Hospital for the mentally ill to become what would be called "The Village at Grand Traverse Commons."  The cream colored brick Victorian-Italiante historic buildings were renovated in 2000 - 2007.  The 63-acre complex now houses the www.undergroundcheesecake.com , an urban winery www.leftfootcharley.com , www.pleasantonbakery.com , and www.highergroundstrading.com   There are also several trendy boutiques and restaurants.   We headed for the Higher Grounds Trading Co where we sampled the small-batch coffee roastery and hot chocolate.  Organic fresh-roasted coffee from around the world and cocoa beans are used.  Left Foot Charley's uses grapes from 13 local vineyards. We met our chocolate guide and author, Barbara Disborough "The Guide to Chocolate in the Grand Traverse Region" and sampled rich chocolates made from chocolatier Mimi Wheeler, owner of Grocer's Daughter Chocolate. www.grocersdaughter.com   Mimi uses Rainforest Alliance premium high-cocoa content chocolate for her hand-made truffles, caramels (try the sea salt ones), Bon Bons filled with her home grown herbs, locally blended spices and honey.  She also makes non-dairy vegan fruit, spice and nut bon bons.