Archive for July, 2009.
Jul 29
Want to get married in a unique venue that almost feels like you’re stepping back in time? Consider getting married or having your wedding reception aboard a train! Trains take us back to a romantic, slower-paced era, so it’s a perfect, yet unique venue for tying the knot.
Which trains might you consider for your wedding?
Skunk Train - Mendocino Coast, California
Traveling at 29 miles per hour, the Skunk Train takes you and your wedding guests on the same northern California coastal “Redwood Route” that it has traveled since 1885. Leaving from the train station at Fort Bragg or Willits, California, the train takes your wedding party to either the Camp Mendocino Dining Hall, or the Northspur outdoor reception site, a remote outdoor site set amongst the towering redwoods, for a truly unforgettable wedding adventure.
The Skunk Train staff works with many local entertainers, so you have the option of providing live entertainment for your guests while aboard the train. Local entertainment includes the Skunk Train’s famed “Trainsinger,” as well as jazz bands, big bands, and rock bands. And, for great wedding photos, nothing beats the open observation train cars. Of course, the train pulls covered cars as well.
For those unfamiliar with the Mendocino area, it is truly breathtaking, punctuated by meadows, towering redwood forests and rocky cliffs. For more information about weddings aboard the Skunk Train, call 530-666-6781.
Napa Valley Wine Train - Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley, California is known as a great wine producing region of California, so it’s only natural that any wedding taking place in the Napa Valley includes wine. If you’re a wine buff, gourmet diner and train enthusiast, you may want to consider a wedding or reception aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train, a three-hour round-trip rail and gourmet dining adventure from the town of Napa to St. Helena. While on board, your guests can be treated to views of vineyards and wineries from restored train cars dating back to 1915-1947. Wineries you will pass by include such fine labels as Trefethen, Clos du Val, Cardinale, Domaine Chandon, Neibaum/Coppola and Grgich Hills.
You have your choice of three dining car experiences: the Vista Dome is a glass-domed rail car which can seat groups up to 56; the Silverado Grill is a casual dining car with sliding windows, which can seat groups up to 54; one of the Gourmet Express Pullman dining cars from 1915 - 1917. If you have a large wedding party you can charter the Gourmet Express, Vista Dome and Silverado Grill for up to 370 people. For Group information, call 707-253-0920.
Roaring Camp Railroad - Felton, California
Yet one more California wedding rail adventure, the Roaring Camp Railroads operates out of Felton, California, which is just north of Santa Cruz. The Roaring Camp Railroad offers wedding events at their camp, as well as Cathedral Grove, located on Bear Mountain, which is accessible by a vintage steam train. While at the Cathedral Grove site, couples exchange their vows underneath ancient, towering redwoods. For more information regarding wedding parties, call 831-335-4484.
Sugar Cane Train - Maui
We’re leaving California now and heading to Maui, a favorite wedding spot for couples around the world. Maui, of course, is famous for its beaches. But, if you’re a train buff you’re also in luck, as Maui is also home to the Sugar Cane Train which can transport your wedding party along a six-mile scenic journey between Lahaina and Kaanapali. You can call toll free at 800-499-2307 for more information.
Spirit of Washington - Renton, Washington
The Spirit of Washington operates out of Renton, Washington, which is southeast of Seattle, and has the distinction of traveling over the historic Wilburton Trestle, which is the longest wooden trestle in the Northwest at 975 feet long and 102 feet high. Should you choose a wedding or reception on the Spirit of Washington, you will be treating yourself and your guests to great dining, as well as a scenic ride along Lake Washington, over the Wilburton Trestle, and into one of Washington’s best wine growing regions, with a winery stopover at Columbia Winery. Call 800-876-7245 for more information on wedding parties on the Spirit of Washington.
Grand Canyon Railway â Williams, Arizona
If you haven’t been to the Grand Canyon, you absolutely must. And if you’ve already been, go again, this time by train. You embark The Grand Canyon Railway at their depot in Williams, Arizona for the 2-hour, 15-minute train trip to the Grand Canyon, all the while being entertained by cowboy characters and strolling musicians. This unique wedding venue is definitely one to consider if you have children in your wedding party.
You have the option of chartering a car on the train for your wedding party, and have the choice of five classes of train service, rim tours, entertainment and food options. Prices start at $2,000 for seating of 88 people in coach class, and $7,500 for a seating of 65 people in luxury parlor car. Call 1-800-843-8723 for information on group seating.
If you want a unique wedding venue your guests will talk about for years to come, you definitely should consider train travel. Itâs romantic, relaxing, and nostalgic, and suitable for guests of all ages.
Shari Hearn
http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/unique-wedding-venues-trains-107665.html
Jul 29
In my quest to find unusual destinations to visit in the Orlando area, I stumbled over a little town by the name of Mount Dora just about 45 minutes north of Orlando. I had read that it was a very picturesque small town located on a lake, and one of its main attractions was a scenic railway.
Mount Dora is only 27 miles or 43 km northwest of Orlando. It has an elevation of 184 feet above Lake Dora, which makes it Florida’s only “mountain top town”. Indeed the rolling hillsides and winding roads are a welcome unique feature in the generally flat topography of Florida.
Mount Dora’s history dates back to the 1800s. In 1846 Lake Dora was named for Dora Ann Drawdy. She and her husband homesteaded two miles south of Mount Dora. In 1880 the town’s first name was Royellou, named after the three children of Postmaster R. C. Tremain - Roy, Ella, and Louis.
Then in 1883 the town was renamed Mount Dora. Incorporated as a town in 1910 with 370 residents, the town now has a population of around 10,000 people. The first railroad service through Mount Dora began in 1887 and by 1915 there were two passenger trains daily in each direction. At one time citrus was the major industry in the area, with a great deal shipped from Mount Dora, while today Mount Dora’s major industry is tourism.
According to the Local Chamber of Commerce, the town also has a number of claims to fame, including:
- The Friendliest Small Town
- Best Antique Shopping
- The New England of the South
- The City of Parks
- Festival City
- Top 100 Great Towns of America
- Best Romantic Escape
- Money Magazine “Top Places to Live Today”
What drew me here personally was the ride on the the “Herbie Express”, which is part of the Inland Lakes Railway, located in Mount Dora and Eustis, Florida. The ride I went on is a one hour train ride between Mount Dora and Wooton Park in Tavares. We departed in a Pullman sleeper railcar originally built in 1949 that was later refunctioned as a commuter railcar.
The route initially takes you along Lake Dora and later continues inland past shopping malls, and suburban residences. A young conductor explained the local sights to us and kept us entertained. The Lake Eustis / Mount Dora Railway also features other train rides, such as the Lake County Champion, the Blue Swan Dinner Train, and the Magnolia Sun Lunch Train. The Lake County Champion round trip is 2 hours and 20 minutes, with an opportunity for a short visit in Eustis to enjoy Ferran Park and area shops.
The oldest structure in Mount Dora is the Lakeside Inn, established in 1883. It features a wrap-around porch, gingerbread trim and a steep roof crowned with a corner spire. The grounds are beautifully landscaped.
Many of the walking and trolley tours through this quaint town start at the former 1915 Atlantic Coast Line Depot, home of the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce since 1973. Mount Dora’s most renowned architectural jewel is the Donnelly House. This Queen Anne-style structure uses design elements characteristic of the Victorian Era.
The Donnelly House was constructed in 1893 by John Phillip Donnelly, the first mayor of Mount Dora. The home sits on Donnelly Street within walking distance from downtown Mount Dora. The Donnelly House is just one of the many restored 19th and early 20th century buildings in the Golden Triangle area.
This charming little town also features a whole host of specialty retailers and is one of Florida’s largest antiques and collectibles centers. Renninger’s Twin Markets is renowned for its antiques shopping. The town also features a large variety of gift shops, fashion boutiques, decorative art galleries, interesting cafes and restaurants as well as charming bed and breakfasts.
One of my favourite features of this town, which also refers to itself as “City of Parks”, are the many public green spaces by the water. Donnelly Park, located right downtown and dating back to 1924, offers free concerts and other civic events. The park also features a tennis court and shuffleboard facilities.
After my demanding stroll through Mount Dora’s winding streets I walked down to the waterfront to Evans Park, which is located across from the lighthouse. The view from the waterfront bench was magnificent and I relaxed on the bench as I soaked up the sunshine. The park is adjacent to the Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club, one of the largest in the United States. Its 300 member association plays host to local and regional tournaments.
Simpson Cove and Grantham Point are adjacent to Palm Island Park and feature the only inland freshwater lighthouse in Florida. This lighthouse was built of bricks and donated by local residents. Gilbert Park features a public boat ramp, picnic area, croquet court and children’s playground along Alexander Creek.
Palm Island Park features a 1700 foot fresh water hiking trail and boardwalk through oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Other wildlife, including bald eagles, and local indidgenous plants can be admired here as well.
The City hosts many major annual events such as the popular “Mount Dora Arts Festival”. This event attracts over 150,000 people each year and has been ranked among the top art shows in the country. Other events include the Antique Boat Show, Antique Car Show, Golf Tournament, Bicycle Festival, Crafts Fair and Plant and Garden Fair.
While I was exploring this charming little town, my husband played golf at the Mount Dora Golf Association. He played a beautifully manicured full-size 18-hole course, and at $18 including cart, this outing was a real bargain. The Mount Dora area also offers a variety of other golf courses, including the Black Bear Golf Club, the Country Club of Mount Dora, Deer Island Golf Club, Eagle Dunes Golf Course, Heathrow Country Estates Redtail Golf Course, the Mission Inn Golf & Tennis Resort and the Pine Meadows Country Club.
I capped off my explorations with a delicious late afternoon ice cream on the patio of the Sunshine Mountain Bakery, soaking up the sun while waiting to hear about my husband’s golf adventures. Mount Dora is a great day trip from Orlando and we enjoyed our drive back through the countryside of rural Florida.
For more information about Mount Dora you can visit the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce’s website.
For the entire article including photos please visit
http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_mount_dora.htm
Susanne Pacher
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/hello-from-orlando-part-9-exploring-scenic-mount-dora-on-the-herbie-express-92221.html
Jul 29
ZHANG:
As Detroit automakers battle to survive, their Vintage Cars in Cuba may outlive them. Lacking access to original car parts Cubans make their own parts or take them from other cars. Here’s more.
STORY:
As U.S. automakers struggle to survive, they can take heart. Their gas guzzling cars may outlive them in Communist-run Cuba.
Even a four-decade long trade embargo has not kept determined Cubans from continually fixing up their beloved cars. Detroit relics dating back to the nifty fifties.
Just look at Havana’s Malecon Avenue. It’s a living automobile museum.
Old classic Buicks and Fords ramble alongside new Korean and French cars that aren’t subject to an embargo, or what Cubans call a “blockade.”
Lacking access to original car parts, Cubans like taxi driver Luis Alvarez resort to ingenuity.
[Luis Alvarez, Taxi Driver]:
“We have to invent here a set of pistons. But there are people who make the parts here in Cuba itself.”
Cabbie Felix Padron scavenges for components.
[Felix Padron, Taxi Driver]:
“Adapting them to what’s available, and finding original parts, but there aren’t many. Some are from old cars, some from other cars.”
Some 60,000 vintage cars are still running. Many of them are in good shape even if the chassis is the sole original part left. Some wheels are older than the guys behind them.
Daniel Vencomo’s Buick predates Fidel Castro’s revolution. His mighty metal reflects the adage, they don’t make ‘em like they used to.
[Daniel Vencomo, Taxi Driver]:
“Sixty-five years old, and I reckon this car is going to outlive me.”
He says he’ll pass it on to his youngest son.
And so, whether Detroit lives or dies, their cars will likely live on. They’re as symbolically Cuban as Cohibas.
Duration : 0:2:1
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: automakers, Automobile, blockade, Buicks, cars, Cuba, Detroit, embargo, Fords, guzzling, Museum, News, Ntd, NTDTV, survive, U.S.
Jul 29
Ferrari and classic sports car insurance specialists Insuretec http://www.car-insurance.tv/classiccarinsurance.htm are offering great rates for Ferrari club members and classic owners
Duration : 0:0:41
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: Car, Classic, Ferrari, Insurance, Sports
Jul 29
Learn how to apply icing to perfect the shape of your car when doing body work and restoring a car in this free DIY car-restoration video from our expert mechanic and body shop owner.
Expert: Doug Jenkins
Bio: Doug Jenkins runs Doug Jenkins Custom Hot Rods in St. Louis, where he restores classic cars and creates mild to wild custom street rods. He races a 1972 Corvette in the SCCA performance rally series.
Filmmaker: Ross Safronoff
Duration : 0:1:3
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: automotive, body, Car, Classic, hot, repair, Restoration, restore, rod, shop
Jul 29
http://www.rpmcollection.com RPM Collection’s Ted Bernstein shows you an awesome vintage and collectible 1967 Corvette Sting Ray (they called them “Stingrays” from ‘68-’82). Ted shows you the basics of this vintage collectible Sting Ray vette, including a tour of the inside, a couple burnouts, and a brief test drive.
Please note that this car is currently FOR SALE. See details at the website.
The 1967 year model was the last of the mid-year Corvettes. The 1967 and the 1963 are considered to be the two most collectable years for the mid-year vintage Vettes.
Check out the details of this great automobile at http://www.rpmcollection.com
Duration : 0:2:19
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: 1967, burn, burnouts, Car, cars, collectible, corvette, For, horsepower, muscle, Ray, rubber, sale, Sting, stingray, vette, Vintage
Jul 29
From www.model-t-restore.com. Summit Downtown, Inc. of Summit NJ sponsored the 11th annual Antique and Classic Car Show in Summit, NJ. This 1924 Model T Ford restored by Ed McCormick, won the first prize trophy for Class 2.
Duration : 0:5:29
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: 1924, Award, by, Car, Classic, Ed, Ford, Henry, McCormick, model t, nj, of, Summit, Touring, Trophy
Jul 28
A short film from the Long Island Unversity Film School. Shot in 1992 on Long Island, New York.
Duration : 16 min 37 sec
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: Vintage
Jul 28
wowApic.com offers top quality professional photo restoration, touchup, enhancement and editing services. 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!
Duration : 1 min 12 sec
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: photo
Jul 28
This story is about four men who work in a confectionary. Tachibana Keiichiro (Shiina Kippei) is the owner; Ono Yusuke (Fujiki Naohito) is the superb baker that has a mysterious and mesmerizing aura; Kobayakawa Chikage (Abe Hiroshi) is the waiter and close bodyguard of Tachibana; and last but not least is Kanda Eiji (Takizawa Hideaki), the ex-boxer who loves cake so much that he becomes a waiter at 'Antique'. This is a refreshing, yet heartfelt comedy about the 4 very unique personalities that work until the wee hours of the night at the small confectionary. The series follows the romance, family life, and most importantly friendship that these 4 men from different generations experience.
Duration : 56 min 38 sec
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: jdrama
