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.

CHOCOLATE AND CHERRIES IN TRAVERSE CITY MI

From the Chef Ted Cizma at Grand Traverse Resort preparing Tiramusu and Chef Andrew Reh at Lakeview Restaurant in the Summit Hotel at Shanty Creek Resorts preparing an assortment of delectable chocolates for dessert to the tiny shop Morsels, I enjoyed eating my way around town savoring chocolates and cherries. Our chocolate/cherry stroll stopped at Grand Traverse Pie Company for lunch, I had a Cherry/Chicken Salad and a delicious piece of Cherry Pie. There are over 30 varieties of gourmet pies, including cherry, apple and pot pies, soups and quiches.   Our chocolate stroll took us for more chocolate sampling to Chocolate Exotica, Kilwins and Morsels.   Don Coe from Black Star Wines paired wines to accompany our tasting dinner at Aeerie Restaurant at the Grand Traverse Resort.  Micro brewery Shorts provided sampling prior to our dinner at Lakeview Restaurant.  Wine tasting was provided by Chateau Chantal.

Visiting Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas

The vineyards of Traverse City included L. Mawby, Two Lads, Black Star Farms, Chateau Chantal, Brys Estate, Shady Lane Cellars and Chateau de Leelanau and Left Foot Charley winery.  The Peninsulas are located on the 45th parallel the same as the Freench wine regions.  The deep water of the Grand Traverse Bay warms the narrow peninsulas and allows grapes to ripen late into October and early November.

TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGAN

Sue took a wonderful trip to Traverse City Michigan and enjoyed cross country skiing and snow tubing. The area is well known as the Cherry Capital and the numerous wineries.  A day visiting several wineries and chocolate shops made for a delicious day.

MORE ICE HOTEL PHOTOS

A few more photos from the Ice Hotel.