Merry Christmas from Sports Leisure Vacations

By: | Dec 25 2010 — 2 comments

Merry Christmas to all our online travelers.  It’s been an amazing year, and we just wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything!  Here are just a few videos we found interesting and worth a share.  Enjoy your weekend and be safe!

First we have the story of Christmas…slightly updated.  We all got a kick out of this around the office.  Enjoy!

The Story of Christmas….updated

Next, you all will probably remember David Walburn from our 2010 Tour Preview Day.  He joined us all the way from Montana to entertain and amaze us.  David recently sent us his new holiday song to share with everyone, so that’s what we’re doing.  It’s definitely an awesome way to spend a few minutes today!

David Walburn singing Christmas Time Again!

Merry Christmas!

About the author...

Ryan Quinn

Responsible for all things web-related here at Sports Leisure Vacations. In addition to this, you may also see him helping out on tour now and again.

Honoring our Veterans and Enjoying Great Music Along the Way!

By: | Dec 20 2010 — 3 comments

I escorted my first tour to Branson Missouri in 2003. I really did not think I would enjoy watching shows for several days as I am more at home being in the great outdoors, traveling to our National Parks. Since 2003 I have escorted eleven tours to Branson and look forward to many more! First of all Branson is in a beautiful setting, in the middle of the Ozark Mountains. Our beautiful hotel, the Hilton Promenade sits in the middle of a shopping area called the Branson Landing on the banks of Lake Taneycomo. Also steps away, the historic Old Town with a five and dime store, and neat little shops. It is also very convenient getting to Branson these days since they opened a brand new airport just south of town.

But what keeps people coming back to Branson are the shows that line the road known as Country Blvd 76, soon to be renamed Entertainment Blvd because it is not just country music you will hear. On our visit we watched the performances of Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Debbie Boone and the Gatlin Brothers, Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters, Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff, Japanese violinist Shoji Tabuchi, The Hughes Brothers, and Jim Stafford.

I had a really lovely, fun group. We enjoyed 70 degree days all but one, and a nice sightseeing tour around the area. Breakfast and dinner where included each day and the meals and restaurants were excellent. We were in town during the Veterans Day week with their annual parade passing right by our hotel. Branson is the most patriotic place in the country; they acknowledge our veterans each day of the year, not just on Veterans Day. I think the thing I like the most about Branson are the people, they are so friendly. We pull right up to the front door of the theatres and restaurants. No place else do I know of where the restaurant manager will come on to the coach and welcome you to his establishment. If you’ve never been to Branson, find a spot for it on your travel calendar, I don’t think you will be disappointed. Next year’s tour will depart sometime in the fall. Look for the itinerary in our newsletter the beginning of 2011.

About the author...

Scott Angeletti

Scott started creating and escorting tours in 1995 and has been with Sports Leisure since 2003. His love of nature, wildlife and grand scenery has him primarily traveling through our National Parks. Scott also plays the occasional round of golf in his free time.

In Memoriam…

By: | Dec 08 2010 — 3 comments

I am not a current events junkie. I have to force myself to watch the news on television or read a paper. I learn of current events in sound bites while doing cardio at the gym or by scanning the front page of a paper. I never allow myself to go past the headlines. If it isn’t important enough to make it to the front page, it’s not that important, right?

KVIE often airs specials by Doctors Andrew Weil and Wayne Dyer. If one is a guru for the body, the other is likewise for the spirit. Their approaches to total health are quite different, but one thing they agree on is the public media in America. With all due respect to the First Amendment, much of the news we get in this country is distorted, sensationalized and extremely negative. The doctors ask why we would want to pollute our bodies with bad news, and advise against a daily intake. I couldn’t agree more!

It is in this spirit that I picked up the paper when arriving at the office at 5:50 a.m. this morning. My daily scan didn’t make it past the fold. In fact, I didn’t even take the rubber band off. The news that screamed out at me from the upper left corner of the front page was the passing of Elizabeth Edwards in her 61st year of life.

I did not know Ms. Edwards, but I think I would have liked her. Like many, I learned about her during her former husband’s presidential runs . . . his rise and demise. My interest was heightened because they were from North Carolina, so we were likely cousins.

It’s easy to like a person when everything is going well, when they are enjoying a flattering national spotlight. We think we really know them through titles and images presented by the mass media. College Sweetheart-Turned-Wife. Devoted Mother. Active Volunteer. Respected Lawyer. Christian. All that is so sweet. It’s fun being a Fair Weather Friend. But the true test of a man or woman is how they react to adversity. What do they and we do when the titles change to Cheated Wife? Cancer Patient? Divorcee? I was intrigued enough by this question to go beyond the headlines. My mother says you never really know a person until they are tested. This is where the rubber hits the road. For some reason, I wanted to really know Elizabeth Edwards.

It turns out I did really know her after all. Whenever I saw her in print media or on television, she exhibited the same positive qualities following the fall of the Edwards Empire as she did before. Even in long interviews, like the one where Larry King pelted her with tough questions for an hour, she always kept her composure. She never said anything bad about John. She only spoke of herself, her kids and especially her dreams for the future, most notably a body that was cancer-free. In the South, they call this Class, and she had a lion’s share of it.

Mary Elizabeth Anania Edwards was a true lady. The world was a better place because of her, and we are all better for having known her. I’m glad we got to walk this path together, if only for awhile. Godspeed . . .

About the author...

Clayton Whitehead

Clayton Whitehead, CTP, is the vice president of Sports Leisure Vacations. With the company since 1993, he’s been working in the hospitality industry since 1985 when he made his debut as the singing and dancing mascot of Six Flags Over Georgia, “Reggie the Rat.” From these humble beginnings, a tourism professional was born.

Comin’ Home….

By: | Nov 17 2010 — 2 comments

Mark and FlowerI’ve been to Kansas City, Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield (IL and MO), Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Amarillo, Tucumcari (New Mexico, in case you didn’t know), Albuquerque, San Francisco (twice), Needles (home of the best chicken fried steak you’ll ever eat), San Bernardino, Santa Monica, Kauai, Honolulu, Kona, Montreal, scouting for next year’s Christmas Lights Mystery (sorry, can’t tell you the name of that one), Pittsburgh, New York City, Miami and Key West since we last gathered in this corner.

So what have you been up to? Just kidding. It’s been a busy last couple of months, traveling back and forth across the country, escorting groups (Route 66, Hawaii, New York) and finding and finalizing great destination for next year. Finally, in a couple of weeks, life will slow down a little. I promise to come back and tell you abou the Sea Horse Ranch, or the revival of the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, MO, or the name of that restaurant in Needles with the chicken fried steak that will make you smack your lips double-time (one of Clayton’s favorite sayings). One day in Sacramento and then back on the road. What a lucky man I am to be able to be in this business of making people’s dreams come true. It’s an amazingly blessed way to make this journey. Thank you.

About the author...

Mark Hoffmann

Mark is the owner/founder of Sports Leisure Vacations. He started the company in the living room of his apartment on Fulton Ave. In 1979. He had previously worked at the Mission Oaks Park and Recreation District. Mark had a sports talk radio show in town in the 1990's and is a huge baseball fan.

The Ramona Bowl

By: | Nov 17 2010 — No comments
Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel Ramona is a classic love story of life in early California which
authentically depicts the cultural diversity of emerging settlers and native peoples during the 1850′s.
Each year, the communities of Hemet/San Jacinto join together to share their love of theatre arts and
bring Ramona back to life. The pageant is America’s longest-running outdoor play with over 400 actors,
singers, dancers and horsemen staged in the uniquely beautiful Ramona Bowl, a breath-taking natural
amphitheater. The Bowl is as important to the play as all the costumes, animals and props are. The
natural setting makes the story so much more authentic. And the Bowl’s surroundings, about 160 acres of
canyon country, really allow the audience to immerse themselves in the story. Make time this spring to
join Sports Leisure Vacations and enjoy the splendor of Ramona!

Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel Ramona is a classic love story of life in early California which authentically depicts the cultural diversity of emerging settlers and native peoples during the 1850′s. Each year, the communities of Hemet/San Jacinto join together to share their love of theatre arts and bring Ramona back to life. The pageant is America’s longest-running outdoor play with over 400 actors, singers, dancers and horsemen staged in the uniquely beautiful Ramona Bowl, a breath-taking natural amphitheater. The Bowl is as important to the play as all the costumes, animals and props are. The natural setting makes the story so much more authentic. And the Bowl’s surroundings, about 160 acres of canyon country, really allow the audience to immerse themselves in the story. Make time this spring to join Sports Leisure Vacations and enjoy the splendor of Ramona!

Check out the official Ramona Bowl trailer on Facebook

About the author...

Chris Galloway

Some of you have probably met Chris out on the road, particularly if you've been to an Asian destination with Sports Leisure. Chris recently graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Asian Studies.

Thanksgiving Eve?!?!?!

By: | Nov 11 2010 — No comments

Take the Thanksgiving Train to LAWhat is it that’s so special about Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve? Both are clearly descended from the event one day later, yet they have grown in popularity to become holidays in their own right not just in America, but all around the world. Some consider the Eve to be more popular and celebratory than the Day itself. Even I have fallen prey to the wiles of a good Eve. For example, nowadays I only go to church on December 24th, never the 25th, and New Year’s parties are always on the Eve, leaving the following day free for those who enjoy watching the big game on TV, hangover recuperation or both! Personally, I usually reserve New Year’s Day to clean out my closet.

So why is it that Thanksgiving Eve doesn’t enjoy the same revered place in American culture? Can it not be equally festive? Why is this singular wintertime Eve not also known as a time for good food, drink and fellowship? I think it is past time that lovers of Thanksgiving Eve (and anyone else simply looking for a good reason to celebrate) should rise up and do something about this terrible disparity in the calendar. Won’t you join me?

This year, Thanksgiving Eve is November 24. On that date, “Take The Thanksgiving Train to LA” takes rail for the last time. On this very special journey, we charter the historic Silver Lariat, the beautifully restored lounge car from the pre-Amtrak California Zephyr, and make tracks from Oakland to Van Nuys (just short of LA). The all-day trip includes three meals served hot and fresh from the microscopic gallery tucked in below the observation dome. The hosted bar is open all day for “adult beverages” from Bloody Marys in the morning to evening cocktails. A host of attendants are there to attend to your every need including owner/restorer Burt Hermey. If I do say so myself, it’s a great way to spend an Eve.

Upon arrival in Southern California, we sleep well for two nights in the 4-Diamond Hilton Hotel in Glendale. On Thanksgiving Day, the transportation theme continues with a visit to Long Beach for a ride on a real Venetian gondola in the canals of the Naples neighborhood, followed by the lavish Champagne Holiday Brunch and ship’s tour aboard the venerable Queen Mary. (Want to sleep on the ship? Check out “Anchors Away” in February!) On the day after Thanksgiving, we wrap up the trip with a ride aboard the new LA subway to Hollywood for a guided tour of everything both classic and new in Tinsel Town. A flight from Burbank Airport returns you safely to Sacramento.

Only a couple spaces remain on this exciting adventure. Call the office at (916) 361-2051 or toll-free at 1-800-951-5556 and make your reservation today!  You can also learn more about our Thanksgiving trip to LA by clicking here.

About the author...

Clayton Whitehead

Clayton Whitehead, CTP, is the vice president of Sports Leisure Vacations. With the company since 1993, he’s been working in the hospitality industry since 1985 when he made his debut as the singing and dancing mascot of Six Flags Over Georgia, “Reggie the Rat.” From these humble beginnings, a tourism professional was born.

Mystery Solved!

By: | Nov 09 2010 — No comments

Chesterfield PubI expected the reactions I received from each traveler as I passed out the boarding passes on the curb at Sacramento Airport: A few raised eyebrows, a few expressions of surprise, and a few downright disappointed glares. No one wanted to think that a Sports Leisure Vacations Mystery Tour was headed for Ontario, California! But Ontario we were bound. Just the airport, mind you – our jumping off point for a four day tour exploring California’s Inland Empire on the Not An Oktoberfest Mystery Tour. I knew I had a big job ahead of me. Fortunately I had the tools to get it done – a list of solid attractions and restaurants I had scouted myself several months ago. Even though I hadn’t escorted a group of this nature in over ten years, I figured I was the natural choice to lead it – and to deal with those disappointed looks on the morning of our departure!

We started in the city of Redlands in San Bernardino County. Famed as the hometown of so many successful ranching and farming families, the community is filled with beautiful homes and architecture. One of those homes, Kimberly Crest, was our first stop. With it’s steep, one-lane approach, I immediately put the driver of our motorcoach through his paces. Lee Webb, one of our favorite drivers from Transportation Charter Services in Southern California, took it all in stride and drove beautifully throughout the tour. After exploring Kimberly Crest and its tiered gardens, lunch was included at Martha Green’s Eating Room in Downtown Redlands. Martha, who has a fair reputation as a cookbook author, chef, and television host, has put together a great menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. Of course, you can’t leave her place without stopping at the bakery counter for a cookie or other treat! Our final stop of the day was the Abraham Lincoln Shrine, just a few blocks away. It’s hard to believe that Redlands is the home of the largest depository of artifacts and papers about the Civil War and the former president west of the Mississippi.

After a restful night at the Hilton Hotel in San Bernardino, our home for all three nights, we paused at the California Welcome Center and learned a bit about the history of the city and Route 66, which passes right through the area. Next, a slow climb up the highway known as The Rim of the World to Lake Arrowhead. Of course, with the dense fog that surrounded us, there wasn’t much of a world to see. That said the sun made a guest appearance at the lake just in time for a paddle-wheel cruise and lunch and a little time for shopping in the village.

Our third and fourth days found us in and around Alta Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Glen and Riverside. A visit to the home and studio of Sam Maloof, the famous woodcarver and furniture maker who passed away just last year, was an unexpected pleasure for many. We also had fabulous colonial-themed dinner at Riley’s Farm, complete with costumed servers and hosts and traditional music of the time. Along with John Adams, Patrick Henry made an appearance and, with a little prodding, he recited his famed speech that ended with the immortal words, “Give me Liberty or give me death.” Sunday brunch at the historic Mission Inn was followed by a ranger-led walk among the groves of California Citrus State Historic Park and a visit to family-owned and operated Graber Olives before returning to Sacramento.

While the tour’s evaluations will have the final say, I am confident that all enjoyed the tour and everyone, including the two travelers who grew up in Riverside, learned more about the sites this region has to offer than they had ever known. I hope to put a similar tour together for next fall that will include another visit to Sam Maloof’s home and studio in conjunction with a retrospective of his work that is being hosted by the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino in September 2011. If you are interested in joining us, call the office and ask to be put on the Priority Notification List!

About the author...

Kevin Murphy

Kevin Murphy, CTP, is General Manager of Sports Leisure Vacations. Kevin began his career at SLV in 1993 as a summer intern. After completing his degree at Cal State University, Chico he returned to the company, working as Director of Tour Operations from 1994 - 1999. After some time away from the tourism industry to start a family, Kevin returned again in 2006. He is an Eagle Scout, currently serving as a Cub Master in Boy Scouts of America, and enjoys sailing, baseball, and, of course, travel.

Radio, from a Different Point of View

By: | Nov 07 2010 — No comments

Born in ’87, radio is one thing I can honestly say I’ve taken for granted my entire life.  While I enjoy “tuning in” to my favorite music station occasionally in the car, the majority of my time is now spent listening to my iPhone or downloading my favorite talk shows online.  I love being able to listen when I want and skip the commercials.  In fact, it wasn’t until recently, when Mark started his own radio show called The Travel Guys that I truly began to appreciate all the hard work and time it takes to put out a quality radio program.

Every week, Mark scours the planet for interesting interviews, travel stories and oddities.  Whether it’s the local barber in a small city or a chocolate farmer in Hawaii, no stone is left unturned in his quest for quality content.  Each week, these random interviews and interesting tidbits magically (with the help of Tom Romano!) gel into the radio program you hear on Sundays.  It’s a lot of effort, but definitely worth it.  The Travel Guys is unique because it allows you to travel the world from the comfort of your living room or car.  This year alone I’ve been taken across The Lincoln Highway and back on Route 66; from Mackinac Island to Hawaii and the Florida Keys.  I’ve explored the farmer’s markets in Oregon, learned a little about cruise ships and shuddered at the idea of bed bugs.  Having now helped out with a little bit of the interviewing and radio process, I can appreciate these experiences all the more!

I recommend you dedicate some time and check out The Travel Guys, it’s on every other Sunday on KFBK AM 1530 from 12-1pm PDT.  Or, if you’d rather check out that commercial free version I told you about, just head over to www.travelguysradio.com.  You can listen to all the previous episodes and catch new ones just a few days after they air.

As of this writing, the next episode of The Travel Guys airs Sunday, November 7th at 12:00pm PDT on KFBK AM 1530

About the author...

Ryan Quinn

Responsible for all things web-related here at Sports Leisure Vacations. In addition to this, you may also see him helping out on tour now and again.

Chris takes on Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra Nevada

By: | Nov 01 2010 — No comments

What’s in a name?  With a name like Death Valley, it would seem not much.  I was recently assigned to plan and escort our Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra Nevada Tour.  As I began my research I was shocked at what I found.  There is more than just dry, cracked clay and tumbleweeds (as I have always envisioned), instead there is actually an abundance of LIFE in Death Valley.  The park is home to numerous species that have adapted over time to the dry conditions and thrive here such as the Bullhorn Sheep and Coyote.  Luckily, we will have two full days of touring to take in the sights and to learn more about this fascinating region.

The Furnace Creek Ranch will be our oasis in the desert.  You can check out their website in order to give you an idea of the accommodations and the beauty that awaits you at every angle.  Make sure to look at the photo gallery provided on the site.  My interest has definitely been piqued and I am eager to continue my research to learn more.  If you are interested in joining me I encourage you to take a look at the hotel link provided above and feel free to write to me at Chris@sportsleisure.com with any questions…or just write to me to share information or a story from a previous visit.  I look forward to hearing from you!

About the author...

Chris Galloway

Some of you have probably met Chris out on the road, particularly if you've been to an Asian destination with Sports Leisure. Chris recently graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Asian Studies.

Flowers & Fireworks in the Pacific Northwest

By: | Aug 12 2010 — 2 comments

077 I recently had the pleasure of escorting a trip to Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. These are two of my favorite destinations and I always look forward to going back. For many reasons, this particular trip was amazing. The weather was absolutely perfect for the entire six days. We met the “Queen of England” (I will explain later), saw deer and gray whales, enjoyed the beauty of Butchart Gardens, and was dazzled by an awesome firework show over Vancouver Harbor. There was also an unfortunate incident that involved me doing a dance called the Macarena (again, I will explain/ defend myself later on).

After arriving from Seattle to picturesque Victoria Harbor by ferry we enjoyed three very leisurely days in the city. Victoria is a great tourist destination and every sight is a near perfect picture. The hanging flower baskets, the architectural beauty of the Empress Hotel and British Columbia’s Provincial Parliament building fronting the harbor, and the chance to stroll along the waterfront are just some of the charms that keep me going back. We had a double-decker bus tour of the city and for the first time our group saw the elusive black-tailed deer and even happened to see a gray whale surface as we drove along the waterfront. (As the Tour Director I’d like to take credit for arranging these chance encounters, but luck and good fortune were on our side.)

I will take the credit for our group meeting the “Queen.” During high tea at the Empress, she “arrived” and taught us all the royal wave and how to properly stir our tea…never clink the tea spoon on the tea cup! Jess and Frances Mills celebrated their anniversary and Frances was presented with an exquisite 29¢ strand of plastic pearls from the Queen’s “personal collection.” Meeting her is always a treat. While teaching us proper tea time etiquette, she regales us with the latest gossip and scandals of the Royal Family. Oh, and even if you missed this trip, you won’t miss the Queen. For some reason, she always seems to be in town when we are. Amazing but true.

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Butchart Gardens is always a sensory experience. The gardens began in the remnants of an old rock quarry a century ago. Jenny Butchart began planting roses and now the garden is a maze of beauty with its Japanese gardens, English and Italian Rose Gardens, and the famous sunken garden that feels like walking through a postcard. My mom considers it a necessity that I get there once a year so I can provide her with seeds for her flowerbeds. I know not to come home empty-handed.

The last two days of the trip were spent in Vancouver. The city has such a unique feeling. Its downtown is dense and has the feeling of New York City mixed with Seattle, but on a much smaller scale. We were in town for The Festival of Lights, a competition where countries compete to dazzle the crowd of 20,000 or more people with elaborate firework displays. After a nice dinner cruise we had the luxury of watching Mexico’s presentation from the deck of our ship. The full moon and lights of the city made for a perfect backdrop for a perfect evening.

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Oh, about that Macarena incident…as the ship returned to the dock, a DJ was playing familiar classics, and this is where the night turned a little more lively. After singing along and dancing from our seats to the YMCA, I was dared by some of our ladies (Teri, Luanne, and Mary) to get on the floor and dance. We made a deal that if I danced they would join me. The DJ played the Macarena which has an accompanying dance. We got on the floor and after teaching everyone the moves we were all dancing when the entire catering staff of the ship joined us on the dance floor. It was one of the best times I have had with a group because everyone just let loose and had a great time. There were incriminating videos and pictures taken and I will pay dearly to keep them hidden!

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This blog entry doesn’t even begin to capture all the incredible things we saw and experienced. I am including some pictures from our trip because, after all, pictures are worth a thousand words. If you have pictures to share or would like me to send you a picture that I took just email me at Chris@sportsleisure.com. You can also check out these photos and more on our facebook page if that’s your sort of thing.  I love this trip and look forward to escorting another group to two of my favorite destinations next year. Come along with me, eh, and sip a cup of tea with the Queen…

About the author...

Chris Galloway

Some of you have probably met Chris out on the road, particularly if you've been to an Asian destination with Sports Leisure. Chris recently graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Asian Studies.

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