On track for Frankenmuth, New Orleans
Among the 20th Century Railroad Club’s upcoming train trips is “Trains, Food & Fun in Michigan,” a pre-holiday jaunt to Frankenmuth for a little shopping at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, billed as the world’s largest Christmas store.
Set for Dec. 8-10, the getaway then rolls on to Crossroads Village near Flint and the Steam Railroading Institute at Owosso. The $529 fee covers Amtrak and motor-coach transportation round-trip from Chicago, two nights’ lodging in Frankenmuth, activities and some meals. (For a photo slide show on Bronner’s, go to chicagotribune.com/wonderland.)
A longer journey, “R&R in New Orleans,” is cleverly timed to allow for Christmas and New Year’s at home, leaving Chicago late on Dec. 25 and returning Dec. 30.
The $569 cost takes care of coach travel on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans and French Quarter accommodations with daily continental breakfast.
Sightseeing, activities and other meals are on your own. (312-829-4500; www.20thcentury.org, click on Our Trips)
Enchantment for four
The red rock formations of northern Arizona’s Boynton Canyon form the backdrop for the “Sedona Red Rock Renewal” package at Sedona’s Enchantment Resort.
Geared for couples or families of up to four persons, the package offers four nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast and a private yoga session, as well as a Jeep tour of the area, access to spa facilities and unlimited use of mountain bikes and tennis courts.
Package prices start at $2,160, depending on the date and accommodations selected, for up to four persons, valid Nov. 25-Jan. 5. Some gratuities are included.
Enchantment Resort is 110 miles north of Phoenix. (800-826-4180; www.enchantmentresort.com, click on Packages)
Autumn leaves, prices fall in Utah
“Tai Chi on the Rocks” is not a cocktail. Rather, it is one of the activities included in the “Autumn Allure” package at the Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah.
Other options are guided hikes, cooking demos and a variety of fitness classes. Use of the resort’s pools, tennis courts and some fitness equipment is also covered.
Rates start at $269 per person per night, with a three-night minimum, for the activities, accommodations and all meals, plus a resort credit of $100 for spa treatments and recreational activities not included in the package. Weekends and holidays cost extra, and tax is additional. “Autumn Allure” drops its last leaf on Nov. 30.
Red Mountain Spa is a two-hour drive north of Las Vegas. (877-246-HIKE; www.redmountainspa.com)
Pot luck’s the deal in Jackson
Though gambling is illegal in Wyoming, it was tolerated at Jackson’s Wort Hotel from the hotel’s opening in 1941 until the late 1950s. Drawing on its gambling history, the Wort is betting visitors will go for its “Fall Back in Time” deal, flush with poker instruction, a commemorative poker set and three nights’ accommodations in a Cowboy or Cowgirl Suite or a Silver Dollar Suite.
The package also antes up dinner one evening at the Wort’s Silver Dollar Grill and $19.41 in credit at its Silver Dollar Bar, famously embellished with uncirculated silver dollars.
“Fall Back in Time” at the Wort Hotel is priced at $1,941 for two plus tax, valid through Dec. 7. The property is a member of Historic Hotels of America. (800-322-2727; www.worthotel.com, click on Fall Packages)
Check out these free specialty guides
An alien parade lands on UFO Day, Oct. 27, in Belleville, the “UFO Capital of the World,” according to the “Wisconsin Fall/Winter Event Guide 2007-08.” (800-432-8747; www.travelwisconsin.com, click on Maps & Guides) . . . The Student and Youth Travel Association has updated its “Travel Safety Tips” and “Travel Planning Guide” brochures to help with preparation for domestic and international trips. (800-509-7982; www.syta.org, click on Resources, then on Trip Planning Guide or Safety Tips) . . . “Access San Francisco” lists Bay-area hotels, restaurants and attractions that are accessible to all, as well as wheelchair rental outlets and medical supply dealers. (415-391-2000; onlysf.sfvisitor.org, click on Accessible SF)
———-
Prices generally are per person double and are based on availability.
tripsandtips1204@yahoo.com
