Reno Offers A Unique and Unexpected Vacation Experience

Let's face it, when most people think about Reno, Nevada, what comes to mind is a smaller Las Vegas that hasn't managed to keep up with the times. For some people, this is actually a plus, and a welcome change from the many tourist destinations out to gouge tourists with overpriced food, accommodations and entertainment.

For example, while those truly cheap, all-you-can-eat buffets Las Vegas was once famous for have long since been replaced by expensive, five-star restaurants that showcase the names of famous chefs, in Reno, the casinos still offer true dining bargains, not to mention shows, gaming tables and a vast array of slot machines. Here, penny slots are as prevalent as $1 slots, allowing people on a budget to enjoy a casino experience for hours at a time, without risking more than a few dollars.

I recently returned from a short, but very enlightening trip to Reno, and was very pleasantly surprised by all that's offered here, not to mention the incredible hospitality and friendliness of everyone I encountered.

The people living in Reno and volunteering at the special events held here, for example, are truly passionate about where they live, and anxious to share what Reno has to offer with visitors. In many ways, a lot has changed in Reno since my last visit a decade ago. Yet, in some ways, however, Reno has remained timeless.

Reno can't compete with the ultra-modern, trendy and costly accommodations, mega-casinos, shopping and world-class entertainment Las Vegas is known for...and as a city, it's not trying to. What Reno does offer on the surface, however, is a much more affordable experience for someone who enjoys gambling. But, that's just on the surface.

What's offered in and around Reno has grown over the past decade. For example, about a year ago, phase one of Legends (www.ExperienceLegends.com) opened. This is a massive outlet mall which offers bargain shopping for designer and name brand merchandise in a lovely setting that features restaurants, more than 50 shops, plus one of the largest sporting goods mega-stores in the country. Phase two of this development will include an IMAX theater, a multiplex movie theater, additional shopping, and a modern casino.

For vacationers, what truly makes Reno worth visiting, however, are the incredible special events held here throughout the year. Many of these events are offered nowhere else in America, and each attract more than 100,000 participants and spectators each year. It's not just the uniqueness of the events themselves, but how they're produced that make them special. Most incorporate a wide range of family-friendly activities and entertainment around the main events, designed to make each memorable and fun for everyone.

For example, there's the National Air Races Championships (www.airrace.org), which is one of the most spectacular air shows in the world, and the only one which offers in-air pylon racing, featuring a handful of different vintage aircraft categories, including many from WWII. This event is designed for everyone, not just aviation enthusiasts, and is a visually amazing spectacle offered in a truly festive atmosphere. It’s been held annually since 1964, and continues to grow each year. The event entertains and amazes people of all ages. Each year, some of the most accomplished civilian, commercial and military pilots in America gather for this unique and thrilling event.

In Reno, a massive event is held almost every weekend. There's also the annual Great Reno Balloon Race (www.RenoBalloon.com) held in September, which showcases more than 100 hot air balloons. The Hot August Nights (www.hotaugustnights.net) event is one of the only classic car shows in America where spectators can see over 6,000 vintage automobiles up-close, while experiencing live entertainment, food vendors and a county fair-like atmosphere.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the annual Street Vibrations event should not be missed.

Reno is also home to the PGA Reno/Tahoe Open (www.RenoTahoeOpen.com), which is attended by some of the PGA's most respected golfers, and is home to the prestigious Montreux Golf Course (www.Montreusgolf.com), one of several in the region that attracts amateur and professional golfers alike, because of it's breathtaking setting and unique terrain.

The annual Reno Rodeo (www.RenoRodeo.com) is also a fun-filled family activity which attracts some of the most highly skilled and competitive cowboys in the country. Yet, attendees needn't know anything about rodeos to enjoy the festivities held here annually in conjunction with this event.

Whether your passion is bowling, golf, classic cars, aviation, shopping, gambling, barbecuing, or countless other activities, the Reno of today offers a refreshingly affordable destination with extremely fun and unique events and activities almost every week of the year. The city also features theatre and other cultural entertainment experiences outside of the casinos, plus headline musical and comedy entertainment nightly.

Reno is within a one hour drive from Lake Tahoe, which offers an incredible vacation experience onto itself - with spectacular skiing in the winter, and boating and other indoor and outdoor activities during the warmer months.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (http://renoairport.com) is serviced by a handful of major airlines, including Southwest and US Airways, which offer low-cost direct and connecting flights from most major U.S. cities.

For accommodations, there are the large casinos (which are very affordable compared to Las Vegas, with rooms starting at well under $100 per night). You'll also find even more affordable motels and even RV parks that offer comfortable accommodations, with special packages offered in conjunction with the ongoing events being held in the city.

So, if you haven't been to Reno in years, or if you've avoided this very special city due to misconceptions about it being an outdated and much smaller than Las Vegas, rethink your vacation options, learn more about some of the events being hosted here, and seriously consider a weekend or week-long visit.

Unfortunately, the main strip of casinos in Reno in the "downtown" area is in major need of refurbishment. The "mom and pop" owned businesses are mostly comprised of liqueur stores, walk-in wedding chapels, tattoo parlors, pawn shops, cheap souvenir stores and fast food dining establishments. However, a major attempt is underway to give this region a much-needed make-over.

Many of the casinos, however, are modern, clean, comfortable and very safe for tourists, so don't let the impact the bad economy has had on Reno deter you from visiting. I am confident you too will be pleasantly surprised by what's offered throughout the city and surrounding areas.

To learn more about the vacation opportunities, special events, casinos and attractions in and around Reno, visit Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority at www.visitrenotahoe.com, or call (800) FOR-RENO. After all, if you believe the hype, what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas. But, what you experience in Reno, you'll most likely be telling your friends, co-workers and relatives about for months to come.

Below is a selection of photos from my trip to Reno which offers a sampling of what you can expect from the various special events held here throughout the year.

All photos (c)2010 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

The Broadmoor Resort & Spa in Colorado Springs: One of America's Top Resorts

One of the perks of being a travel writer is that I get to travel...a lot. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of staying at thousands of hotels and resorts across America and around the world. (Yes, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it.)

Anyway, one of my all-time very favorite resorts continues to be The Broadmoor Resort & Spa in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

There are several reasons why The Broadmoor is among my favorites, and a resort that I consistently recommend and rave about.

First, the resort is located about 6,000 feet above sea level in the beautiful Colorado mountains, so the surroundings are visually breathtaking. Using its surroundings as a picturesque backdrop, the resort's landscaping team does an amazing job making all of the resort's public areas look like beautiful parks - complete with a lake, plush green lawns, colorful flower beds and an abundance of trees. No matter what the season, strolling around the grounds of The Broadmoor is always a pleasure.

Combined with the beautiful setting, The Broadmoor offers extremely luxurious and spacious guest rooms and suites, all of which utilize the very best of amenities to insure absolute comfort. This is a five-star resort for good reason, and from the moment a guest checks in, it's easy to see why.

The resort's restaurants are also top-notch, featuring award-winning chefs, diverse menus, and one of the most extensive wine lists in the country. For example, I had dinner tonight at The Tavern, which is considered one of the resort's more casual restaurants, and the food and service was amazing. In fact, this "casual" restaurant is vastly superior to what most five-star resorts consider their fine-dining restaurant. (Yes, it's that good. But, the formal restaurants here are even better.)

Oh, and speaking of service, you won't find more personalized, friendly and attentive service anywhere. The Broadmoor has a long history serving very famous and prominent guests. It has developed a reputation for its superior service.

So, to sum things up, The Broadmoor offers a visually stunning setting, top-notch accommodations, extremely memorable dining experiences, and consistently personalized service and attention to all of its guests....but that's just the beginning.

The Broadmoor is also home to three championship (and beautifully manicured) golf courses, which golfers come from all over the world to experience. There's also a world-class day spa (The Spa at The Broadmoor, 719-577-5770), a tennis club (Tennis at The Broadmoor), a fully equipped fitness center, multiple indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a specialized (supervised) children's program, a movie theatre, and countless other indoor and outdoor activities designed to make anyone and everyone's stay a memorable one.

For business travelers, the resort has full convention, catering and meeting facilities which are state-of-the-art and able to handle groups of almost any size, plus a business center.

With all that it offers, The Broadmoor is literally the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, family vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, business gathering, or golf vacation. It's ideal for "girls only" getaways that fully utilize the spa, or "guys only" weekends which include golf and spending time at the upscale and sophisticated bars and lounges. It's also a wonderful place for extended families to come in order to celebrate any holiday or experience a reunion.

In addition to the organized kid/teen activities hosted by the resort, The Broadmoor is just minutes away from an impressive zoo and other attractions that are ideal for families. Oh, and getting to The Broadmoor is extremely easy from virtually anywhere in America. It's located just minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport, and about 90 minutes (by car) from the Denver Airport.

This weekend (until Tuesday), I am enjoying my second visit to The Broadmoor, and so far, my stay has been every bit as enjoyable and comfortable as my first experience here was a few years ago. This time, however, I brought along my Yorkshire Terrier, Rusty. This is a very pet-friendly resort. In fact, when we checked in, waiting in the suite was a plush dog bed, a food and water bowl, gourmet biscuits, and a special "Guest of The Broadmoor" dog tag for Rusty. When it comes to pet-friendly resorts, The Broadmoor understands how to make dogs and their owners comfortable.

For more information about this very special and award-winning resort, visit www.broadmoor.com, or call (800) 634-7711 or (719) 634-7711. Obviously, being an ultra-luxurious resort, the standard rates are high (but worth every penny). However, throughout the year, especially during non-peak travel periods, The Broadmoor offers special rates and promotional packages which make staying here much more affordable. Check the resort's website to learn about promotional rates and when they're available.

...More to come as the weekend continues!

Photos (c)2009 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

A Pendant For Travelers and Golfers That Helps To Reduce Stress and Jet Lag?!?!?

Okay, I have to admit that I am always skeptical of items being sold that make grandiose promises and sales statements that seem too good to be true.

However, being a frequent traveler, I am also always on the lookout for products that make traveling easier, more comfortable and less stressful.

Well, I've been seeing ads for Q-Link pendants in airline magazines and elsewhere, and later read in the company's promotional materials about how these pendents will help people "reduce their stress, increase their energy, focus better, improve concentration, have more restful sleep, and suffer from less jet lag when traveling." Oh, and it's also reported to help your golf game.

The company selling the Q-Link pendents is Clarus (800-246-2765 / www.clarus.com). I visited their website and discovered a complete line of these pendants, which can be worn 24-hours-a-day by men or women. (They even have a version for pets). The prices range from $39.95 to $999.95.

Being a curious journalist (and a sucker for products I see advertised), I ordered a "classic" Q-Link pendant. It just arrived today. I've been wearing it for about an hour so far. To be honest, I don't feel any different yet, but the literature that came with the pendant suggests wearing the Q-Link around your neck for at least 30-days before passing judgement as to whether or not it works.

According to the company, "Some people feel immediate effects, whereas others will notice effects increasing up to 30 days, at which point, 80 percent report positive benefits. However, tests with FDA registered diagnostic equipment show that even if there isn't a noticeable change, the Q-Link is working." So, I guess we'll see what happens. I will be traveling during most of July, so we'll see how my energy level improves and whether or not I suffer from jet lag during my travels as I continue to wear the pendant.

The Q-Link isn't magic. It uses "Sympathetic Resonance Technology," which Clarus reports has been scientifically tested and shown to consistently reduce the stress in one's body. The technology utilizes a copper induction coil and resonating crystalline water embedded with life-supporting frequencies. (Very new age sounding, huh?)

This "technology" is supposed to work well for people who frequently use a cell phone, computer, or other electronic equipment. It's also being used by athletes and golfers - some of whom report their performance playing their sport has improved dramatically.

I'll keep you all posted about my reaction to Q-Link over the next 30-days or so. If you want to learn more in the meantime, however, I suggest visiting Clarus' website.

At this point, I am not endorsing this product in any way whatsoever. I'm simply intrigued, and thought I'd share my fascination, since it potentially could help frequent travelers better cope with the physical stresses of travel and jet lag.

Puntacana Resort & Club's Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic Offers The Ultimate Caribbean Getaway

If you're looking for an up-scale, ultra-luxurious, extremely beautiful, modern, well-equipped and easy-to-reach Caribbean resort getaway, check out Puntacana Resort & Club's Tortuga Bay (888-442-2262) in the Dominican Republic.

Designed by Oscar de la Renta, this resort offers a stunning oceanfront setting, plus all of the amenities and activities you could ask for - from multiple golf courses, to horseback riding, water sports, boating, a spa, a well-equipped fitness center, tennis courts, and eight fine-dining restaurants.

Tortuga Bay is an ultra-exclusive resort within the larger Puntacana Resort. It includes only 15 one, two, three or four bedroom villas (just steps from the beach) which offer privacy, security and five-star luxury, plus plenty of modern amenities.

Located in the Dominican Republic, Puntacana Resort & Club's Tortuga Bay is situated on 15,000 acres of private land located less than 10 minutes from the world's only privately-owned international airport.

Direct flights to Punta Cana are offered by several major airlines from a handful of east coast cities. From New York's JFK Airport, for example, the direct flight takes under four hours. (It's as easy as flying from New York to Florida or Puerto Rico, for example.) Guests of Toruga Bay are literally met at their airplane's door upon landing and escorted to their villa in under 20 minutes.

Toruga Bay is a perfect honeymoon destination or a wonderful place for adults to go for a romantic and fun-filled getaway. It's also a great vacation destination for serious golfers, as well as ideal for families traveling with kids and teens. A wide range of family-friendly activities, services and amenities are offered on-property. The secluded white sandy beaches create a beautiful, tropical setting which is nicely combined with immaculate landscaping and surrounded by several pristine (and award-winning) golf courses.

I just returned from a trip to Toruga Bay and can't recommend this resort highly enough. Having toured throughout the entire Caribbean multiple times over the past few years, I can honestly say that this resort offers the most luxurious, modern and comfortable accommodations I have encountered anywhere in the Caribbean. The friendly and efficient service is unparalleled.

While Tortuga Bay offers the ultimate in upscale resort accommodations, the 355-room Puntacana Hotel offers more affordable accommodations located on the same 23-square-mile property.

Yes, the Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking country with its own currency, but you'll find most everyone at the Puntacana Resort & Club speaks fluent English and the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. High-speed Internet access, satellite television, cell phone reception and traditional phone services are readily available throughout the resort. So, if you must check your email, you can do it wirelessly from your villa, the beach, the swimming pools or the golf courses.

Tortuga Bay offers something for everyone, although your vacation experience won't be cheap. If you're looking for an extremely affordable, over-crowded, no-frills, all-inclusive resort, seek out other accommodation options within the Dominican Republic or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Tortuga Bay is designed to offer only the best-of-the-best to vacationers able and willing to pay for the experience.

The following are photos from my trip...