Thứ Năm, 31 tháng 1, 2013
Canadian Man Dies In Belize
An investigation has been launched into the death of a Calgary man who died in Belize after he was found unresponsive in a jail cell, 660 News reports.
According to a statement from Belize’s police department, Jeffrey Donald Furgala was under the influence of alcohol when he was detained on Saturday in San Ignacio. The statement says the 35-year-old was kept in custody for his own safety and was not able to provide his address.
He was found unconscious with blood in his nose on Sunday and taken to hospital. Furgala was scheduled to undergo surgery but died.
The Belize police department’s website states that witnesses in other prison cells said they heard loud sounds, like that of someone falling, followed by loud snoring.
Patrick Jones, a news producer in Belize, said there have been multiple incidents involving individuals in police custody which is why there is some suspicion around this incident, CTV news reports.
The Belize police department has been launched a criminal and internal investigation.
Also on HuffPost:
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Canadian Man Dies In Belize
10 great places in Drew Brees" New Orleans
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Super Bowl fans get a double treat this year: an exciting matchup in a fascinating, fun-loving city. Even though New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees won’t be on the field, he says he never tires of living in his adopted hometown. “New Orleans is a place that’s unlike any other,” he says. He shares some favorite Crescent City sites and experiences with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
St. Charles Avenue Streetcar
Brees lives in the Uptown neighborhood, which puts him near the historic streetcar line. He loves taking his three kids for a ride on the postcard-pretty cars with mahogany seats and brass fittings. “It’s still one of my favorite things to do. It’s therapy. It’s relaxing. You look at the big beautiful houses and the oak trees as you ride along,” he says. “It costs me $1.25 to get on the streetcar and cruise. Where else in the world can I do this?” neworleansonline.com
Plum Street Snoballs
When Brees was growing up in Texas, he knew these frozen treats as snow cones. But the version served at this 68-year-old neighborhood shop near Tulane University is something better, like shave ice but with a crunch. Flavors include Cream Ice Cream, made with condensed milk. “It melts in your mouth,” he says. But Super Bowl visitors will have to come back to try it. The seasonal shop doesn’t open until mid-March. 504-866-7996; www.eteamz.com/plumstreetsnoball
Audubon Park
Brees visits this landmark park not only for its zoo, but also its 1.8-mile hiking, biking and jogging trail. “You have these big, beautiful oak trees,” Brees says. There’s also a golf course and horseback riding. “It has everything you want to see.” 504-581-4629; auduboninstitute.org
Royal Street
Just a block off Bourbon Street, this famous French Quarter thoroughfare offers elegant scenery and shopping, with antiques, jewelry and more. “It’s great people-watching — the sights and the sounds and the galleries and boutiques,” Brees says. He likes to buy fedoras here at Goorin Brothers, a hatmaker in a townhouse built in 1830. neworleansonline.com
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
The quarterback didn’t appreciate oysters when he first came to New Orleans. “It’s somewhat of an acquired taste,” he says. But now he loves charbroiled oysters, a Crescent City specialty made with garlic,butter and herbs and sprinkled with Parmesan and Romano cheese. “When I sit down, I won’t eat less than two dozen. They might be the greatest bits of food you’ll ever have in your life.” 504-888-9254; dragosrestaurant.com
Jazz Bistro at Arnaud’s Restaurant
Brees and his wife, Brittany, celebrated an anniversary at this legendary New Orleans restaurant just off Bourbon Street. “It’s got that old tile floor, wrought-iron porches. It’s very New Orleans,” he says. The bistro features Dixieland jazz and serves Creole cuisine. 504-523-5433; arnaudsrestaurant.com
Magazine Street
This popular entertainment and shopping district stretches for 6 miles, offering a chance to browse, dine and shop. “It has tons of boutiques and restaurants and neat little antique stores and art galleries,” Brees says. His wife often works out at Romney Pilates Studios on this street. And Brees himself may even stop by in the off-season. 866-679-4764; magazinestreet.com
French Quarter
Sure, a carriage ride through the French Quarter is a tourist cliché, but Brees says there’s no denying the romance of the conveyance. The carriage drivers tell historical and ghost stories, making the scenery come alive. “You get this relaxed feeling.” he says. “This is one of the first things my wife and I did when we got here.” neworleansonline.com
Emeril’s Delmonico
Brees loves the three New Orleans restaurants run by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, but this classic Creole spot might be his favorite. “He’s got a great wine list. The menu seems to change every three or four months. You can get a totally different experience,” he says. 504-525-4937; emerilsrestaurants.com
National World War II Museum
This huge institution is dear to Brees’ heart. He serves on the board of directors, and both of his grandfathers fought in the conflict. “If you come to New Orleans, you’ve got to go,” he says. “It’s a must-see.” Kids will love the Victory Theater, which screens a film about the war narrated by Tom Hanks and featuring Kevin Bacon, Tobey Maguire and Brad Pitt, among others. During the show, it snows indoors and the seats shake when bombs explode on-screen. The museum also has a restaurant run by chef John Besh. 504-528-1944; nationalww2museum.org
10 great places in Drew Brees" New Orleans
Mid-air drama: Pilot locked out
(CNN) — Dutch airline Transavia said it has launched an investigation after a Boeing 737 pilot was locked out of the cockpit and his first officer was later found asleep at the controls.
The incident took place in September, when the airliner was en route from Greece to the Netherlands, a top Dutch safety investigation agency said. The 737 landed safely in Amsterdam as scheduled, the airline said Wednesday.
According to a Dutch Safety Board report released Wednesday, the pilot stepped out of the cockpit to take a bathroom break about 2½ hours into the flight.
When he returned a short time later, the pilot used an intercom to ask his first officer to open the door. There was no answer, the report said.
Eventually, the pilot alerted the crew and was able to open the door himself. That’s when he found the first officer asleep, according to the report.
“It’s a serious incident,” said Wim van der Weegen of the Dutch Safety Board, “What makes it serious is the combination of the pilot being unable to access the cockpit and the first officer being asleep.
“By ‘serious incident,’ I mean the flight was in danger,” he said.
The Dutch Safety Board will decide whether to open its own inquiry when the airline’s investigation is finished, van der Weegen said.
Laws regarding pilot breaks during flights vary from country to country. For U.S. carriers, sleeping while at the controls is a violation of FAA regulations. Flights longer than eight hours require a relief pilot on board to take over when pilots sleep.
U.S. airlines also require a flight attendant to be in the cockpit when the pilot or first officer take bathroom breaks, in case the person flying the aircraft becomes incapacitated.
Mid-air drama: Pilot locked out
Destination Unknown: The Best Places To Go This February
So much to do, so many places to see, but so little time to do it all. That’s where Destination Unknown comes into play. At the beginning of each month, HuffPost Canada Travel will be putting together a list that offers something for everyone — those on a budget, those looking for something unique or those simply looking to get away. Curious? Good. A sense of wanderlust is always healthy. So, without further ado, here’s February’s Destination Unknown round-up.
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s definitely not short on big-ticket events and celebrations across the globe. Between Chinese New Year, St. Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, Carnival, the Super Bowl, Oscar Weekend, the Grammys and a long weekend courtesy of Family Day in parts of Canada and President’s Day in the States, there are plenty of reasons to go travel around the world. So the question becomes: where to start?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with choice, travel in February has a few things going for it: weather, festivities and romance. Those who shy away from the cold will be happy to know there are still a few options where beaches and sunny skies reign supreme. Those looking for love in places with a little more originality than New York or Paris also have some choice, with destinations that may just spark some romance. And for those looking for fun, well, you can’t go wrong with Carnival, in any location.
The Best Places To Visit In February. Slideshow text follows for mobile readers
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Was there a must-see destination we missed this month? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter @HPCaTravel.
Costa Rica
If you’re looking for some greenery in a month typically dominated by white snow or grey skies, Costa Rica has travellers covered. February marks the start of the rainforest-laden country’s dry season, giving visitors a chance to zipline through trees, bird watch and take in the sights and sounds of butterflies and frogs. The country’s capital of San Jose is also easy on the wallet for backpackers and has it fair share of weather with highs around the 20ºC and lows hovering at 14ºC.
New Orleans, USA
Travellers heading to New Orleans in February can take advantage of a city swept with football fever as it plays host to the 2013 Super Bowl. According to Travelers Today, it’s not too late for sports fans to snag a ticket and a hotel room due to a lack of local interest and high booking fees — just don’t expect it to come cheap. Travellers looking to join in on a different type of celebration will want to head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras before the 9th, as the celebration lasts four days in preparation for Feb. 13, otherwise known as Ash Wednesday.
Sabang Bay, The Philippines
Like Costa Rica, February typically marks the time where good weather comes to the the Philippines and typhoons are at a seasonal low. Travellers can expect temperatures to stay between the low 20s and low 30s. So what’s the best way to take advantage of such warm, typhoon-free weather? Scuba diving is popular, with stand-out spots including Sabang Bay and The Canyon in the city of Puerto Galera.
Quebec City, Canada
Next to Mardi Gras, Carnival is also another popular festival celebrated in countries like Brazil, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and Malta. But for those looking for a less tropical take on Carnival, Quebec City takes the best of the popular February festival and blends it with the winter weather. The 17-day festival captures the fun of its warmer brethren, with dancing, partying and even the fashion to a degree, as one of the highlights of Winter Carnival includes a snow dip in a swimsuit.
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, Canada
For those who do not shy from February’s offering of snow and cold, Whistler has tons to offer. The ski resort features over 30 ski lifts and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain to make it the largest ski resort in North America. New this year is a special promotion to capitalize on British Columbia’s first Family Day: visitors can get 50 percent off lift tickets on Feb. 11, 2013 if you’re a B.C. resident.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
For travellers looking for a second honeymoon just in time for Valentine’s Day, Argentina comes highly recommended by TheKnot.com. According to their ranking of honeymoon destinations based on months, Buenos Aires during February makes sense because of incredible hotel deals, offering travellers “5-star hotels and 3-star prices.” While staying in Argentina’s capital city, lovers can catch a tango performance or indulge in a spa treatment at the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires.
The Caribbean
It’s tough to recommend one destination in the Caribbean during February, since there’s plenty to offer weather-wise. Jamaica comes to mind when thinking about warm temperatures with highs peaking around 30ºC and lows dipping to 20ºC. If you’re looking for sunshine and sand, then the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Barbados, or Aruba come at the recommendation of USA Today.
Earlier on HuffPost:
Destination Unknown: The Best Places To Go This February
Want To Be A Hipster Slave?
How would you like to be a hipster slave?
Some Hollywood hipsters are graciously offering to allow you to work for them full-time with no other compensation than housing. But you get to be in their edgy presence!
The place is Podshare Hollywood, which, according to its website, “is not a hostel. It’s a platform. An incubator. A globalization simulation.”
But actually, it’s a hostel … with an edgy design (you sleep the “pods” pictured above) and with a blog profiling some of its guests.
The “podestrians,” as they call themselves, posted a Craigslist job opening Wednesday for a “social butterfly” who will be in charge of the hostel’s front desk/concierge duties, contribute to social networks, provide light housekeeping, give tours, pitch marketing ideas, interview guests and write blog profiles.
Only problem is – like an indentured hipster – you’re not paid and your only compensation will be in the form of housing.
The ad reads, “We are offering HOUSING ONLY as compensation. You get a bed in a staff apartment, with a housekeeper once a week, all utilities included + WIFI, laundry, some food and other fringe perks.”
What does some food mean? Food scraps? You get to dumpster-dive through leftover quinoa? We emailed the folks behind the posting to ask and have not yet received a response.
We thought the posting looked blatantly illegal, so we double-checked with John Logan, Director of Labor Studies at San Francisco State University. He agreed, given that there was no mention of this being an internship.
“If it does not meet the Wage and Hour Division’s criteria for an unpaid internship, it would be an improper exclusion from the wage requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act,” Logan explained.
Yet as it stands now, it appears that the “social travel accommodations” innovator (hostel) would like to compensate you with is the experience. After all, as the site reads, “We are all interconnected. To be a part of the experience, you must have experienced.”
Earlier on HuffPost:
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Want To Be A Hipster Slave?
Grand Central Celebrates 100th Birthday
NEW YORK — New York City’s Grand Central Terminal will celebrate its 100th birthday with a brass band, a “Sex and the City” star and an appearance by Caroline Kennedy, whose mother Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis spearheaded efforts to save the landmark from demolition in the 1970s.
The cathedral-like terminal with its vaulted ceiling depicting the constellations is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and one of New York City’s most recognizable buildings. Countless movies and TV shows have been filmed there including “North by Northwest,” “The Cotton Club” and “Gossip Girl.”
But Grand Central was in danger of being demolished until Onassis and other preservationists spurred New York City to designate it a landmark. The fight to save Grand Central went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in 1978 that cities have the right to protect historic buildings, even if that limits the owner’s ability to develop or sell the property.
No longer a long-distance train terminal, Grand Central serves commuters going to and from New York’s northern suburbs via Metro-North Railroad. There is also a New York City subway station that connects to the terminal and dozens of shops and restaurants, including the venerable Oyster Bar.
Several of Grand Central’s businesses will offer special 1913 deals for Friday’s birthday celebration, including a 75-cent cocktail at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. and a 19-cent slice of cheesecake at the Oyster Bar.
Friday’s party takes place exactly 100 years after the keys to Grand Central were first given to the stationmaster on Feb. 1, 1913.
The celebration will start with the West Point Brass and Percussion Band performing the world premiere of “Grand Central Centennial Fanfare.”
Speakers will include Kennedy, who is the honorary chairwoman of the Grand Central Centennial Committee, as well as actress Cynthia Nixon, former Mets star Keith Hernandez, former poet laureate Billy Collins and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
There will be a replica of the terminal made of Lego bricks as well as an exhibit called “Grand by Design: A Centennial Celebration of Grand Central Terminal,” showcasing the history and impact of Grand Central.
The centennial celebration will continue with events throughout 2013 including a performance piece by artist Nick Cave March 25-31 and a parade of historic trains May 10-12.
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Online: http://www.grandcentralterminal.com
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Grand Central Celebrates 100th Birthday
Mini guide to dining in Somerset
Somerset’s historic the Hood Arms restaurant dates back to the 17th Century.
This corner of England’s West Country is known for quiet villages and orchards – but it is also home to exciting gastronomic traditions and contemporary spins on old-fashioned food.
Best for pub grub
Located in the village of Klive, The Hood Arms dates back to the 17th century. With an emphasis on real ales, fine wines and locally sourced food, this former coaching inn has a seasonal menu of modern British classics that may include Jerusalem artichoke, apple and onion soup, roast rib of local beef, and plaice with lemon caper butter (nr Bridgwater; lunch mains from £5).
The latest offering from sibling restaurateurs Jon and Nick Rossi, the Mendip Inn takes the great British pub into the 21st century without losing any of the welcoming features you’d hope to find in a good old pub: big leather seats, roaring fires, plenty of nooks and crannies, and of course, amazing food. The menu is hearty and wholesome, featuring steak and ale pie, faggots and mash, and sharing plates (nr Bath; lunch mains from £4.95).
It may sound like a location from Star Wars, but the Wookey Hole Inn is in fact a glorious gastropub situated in the village of Wookey Hole. Here, the inn’s half-timbered heritage is brought up to date with top-notch local ciders and ales and creative British cuisine – dishes such as pesto-rib of beef and coconut sea bass are recent menu highlights. If the weather’s nice, take a table in its sculptured garden (High St; lunch mains from £5.75).
Best for vegeterians
A much-loved Glastonbury haunt, the delightful, family-run Rainbows End Café serves generous portions of Greek cheese parcels, fresh chilli pasties, satisfying soups and homemade cakes. Potted plants and brightly painted mismatched furniture help create a laid-back feel in the dining room and there is also a patio out the back (17b High St; mains from £3).
In the market town of Frome, The Garden Café is known for its organic, Fairtrade, free-range and locally sourced vegetarian and vegan food, as well as its efforts to reduce waste. Chow down on spicy cashew and bean patties, stone-baked pizzas – including a tasty tofu option – and salads in its walled garden, before taking home ingredients (breads, oils, sauces, fruit and vegetables) from its well-stocked shop (16 Stony St; mains from £6.40).
The food at Demuths is a world away from the stodgy quiches and nut roasts found in many veggie establishments. This brilliant bistro turns out some of Bath’s most imaginative food, from smoky ricotta fritters to a divine fennel tagine. Also look out for Demuths’ monthly seven-course tasting menu complete with wine pairings (2 North Parade Passage; mains from £4.95, seven-course tasting menus £55 including wine).
Best for modern dining
Located downstairs in the Castle Hotel, Taunton, Brazz has a lively atmosphere and bright décor. It serves British food with an emphasis on local produce. Expect to tuck into dishes like Beech Hayes Farm sausages with red onion gravy and mash, and ham hock and mustard pie served with buttered vegetables (Castle Green; mains from £6).
The village of Chew Magna is the somewhat incongruous setting for The Pony Trap, a Michelin-starred country pub. Headed up by chef Josh Eggleton, it’s arguably one of the most exciting places to eat in the South West. Starters feature devilled pigeons’ livers and hearts with mushrooms on toast, and mains include fillet of Cornish cod with sautéed samphire and shrimp butter (Newtown; mains from £11.50).
Not only does the Clavelshay Barn restaurant – a converted stone barn in North Petherton, on the edge of the Quantocks – offer the cream of local Somerset ingredients, it also has its own farm (providing produce to the restaurant). Baked Somerset goat’s cheese with beetroot pureé and twice-cooked belly pork with scrumpy sauce are recent highlights (North Petherton; mains from £16).
Where to stay
Apple is a traditional redbrick Victorian townhouse in Glastonbury, which has recently had a contemporary refit. Abstract artwork features in the rooms and there’s a small apple orchard where you can take breakfast on sunny mornings (25 Norbins Rd, from £55).
Mini guide to dining in Somerset
Cheapest weeks to book hotels in top U.S. cities
Travelers often have no choice when they take their trips. You’ve got a convention or wedding, you book a hotel at the going rate and hope for the best.
For those who have greater flexibility, here’s a chance to maximize your travel dollars over the course of 2013. USA TODAY asked discount booking site Hotwire.com to analyze historical booking data to find the cheapest dates for hotels in top U.S. cities.
READ MORE: Cheapest times to fly in 2013
If you love New York — but not its sky-high hotel prices — you should plan your trip in January, February, the Fourth of July or the week before Christmas. If you do, you’ll find room rates as low as $93 (this month), compared to a peak of $250 for the first week of December, when holiday visitors swarm the city. With several popular conventions and events throughout the year, New York is by far the most volatile market in Hotwire’s data.
READ MORE: More New York hotel pop up outside Manhattan
For Las Vegas, mid-May to mid-August visits will yield the lowest hotel prices. Rates in early August fall as low as $55 a night. While the desert in summer is not for everyone, if there’s one city where you can accomplish all your recreation indoors, Vegas is it. As you might expect, New Year’s Eve is the most expensive hotel night, with rates climbing to an average of $152.
PHOTOS: Best hotel bathrooms in Las Vegas
As one of the USA’s most popular destinations, Orlando hotel rates remain consistent for much of the year. The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is the most expensive ($76/night), but the rest of the year stays fairly close to $50, with the lowest rate ($42) in late August.
Several popular cities show almost identical hotel pricing trends. For Los Angeles, San Diego and Washington, D.C., prices are consistently higher in spring and summer, and at their lowest from January to March and October to December.
Other cities show almost no seasonal fluctuation — average rates in Dallas/Ft. Worth and Atlanta barely budge throughout the year.
As you’ll see from the data below, there is one date on which you can expect to pay the most in almost any city, New Year’s Eve. But if you stick around for a few days after, or better still, wait until Jan. 2 to book your trip, you’ll find consistently low rates across the board.
With a caveat from Hotwire that it’s not always possible to anticipate identical rates on the same dates — a major event such as the Las Vegas CES may fall on a different weekend from one year to the next — here’s a breakdown of the cheapest and most expensive dates to book hotels in 2012:
Atlanta
Cheapest: $49, 12/17/12
Most expensive: $81, 12/31/12
Chicago
Cheapest: $52, 1/9/12
Most expensive: $97, 11/5/12
Dallas-Ft. Worth
Cheapest: $45, 1/9/12
Most expensive: $57, 12/31/12
Las Vegas
Cheapest: $55, 8/6/12
Most expensive: $152, 12/31/12
Los Angeles
Cheapest: $71, 1/2/12
Most expensive: $119, 12/31/12
New York
Cheapest: $93, 1/30/12
Most expensive: $251, 12/3/12
Orlando
Cheapest: $42, 8/20/12
Most expensive: $76, 12/31/12
San Diego
Cheapest: $54, 1/2/12
Most expensive: $111, 7/23/12
Washington, D.C.
Cheapest: $59, 1/2/12
Most expensive: $100, 5/14/12
Cheapest weeks to book hotels in top U.S. cities
Lanai’s "kitty Shangri-La" delights visitors
Never underestimate the power of a cute furry face — or several hundred of them.
That’s one reason to explain the Lāna‘i Animal Rescue Center‘s status as the No. 1 attraction on the former Pineapple Island, per Tripadvisor.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that only 11 attractions are listed, but those who’ve been lucky enough to enter the “kitty Shangri-la,” as one Tripadvisor reviewer calls it, are also struck by the creativity, commitment and compassion of the largely volunteer staff.
With just deer netting, a few discarded pallets and corrugated sheeting, co-founder Kathy Carroll and crew created an open-air sanctuary on 3.5 acres of land donated by then-owner David Murdock (now Larry Ellison) in fall 2009. Dozens of feral and abandoned cats — the largest number of homeless animals on the island — had already found a comfy, no-kill shelter there when I visited a month after it opened.
Returning last week, I found some 370 felines — a number of whom have been “adopted in place” — now make their home there, with plenty of places to lounge, socialize, play or hide, including an attractive bunkhouse with ladder, loft, benches and Adirondack chairs. “An Alabama woman came out after it had been a little rainy and told me, ‘Ah’m gonna have mah architect build you a cathouse,’ ” Carroll said, with a delighted laugh.
The landscaping of a few trees and scrubby brush in red dirt now looks lush and lightly manicured. “We want it to look like a garden,” explained Carroll, who has a part-time staff of three to help with animal care and shelter maintenance (and no, it does not smell like cats — fresh breezes help, too.) Since the center opened, a veterinarian who comes twice a week has spayed or neutered about 1,200 cats, Carroll said. The island’s animal control officer also now brings them cats, instead of trapping and killing them to reduce the population.
Rescue dogs, such as the 90-pound black lab and a Jack Russell terrier currently with LARC, are placed in foster homes. In the coming months, the center will host its first dog obedience classes for island residents and an “animal camp” for children, who particularly enjoy visiting the site.
Local elementary school students recently recorded a music video at the shelter, “A Kitty Community,” to help raise awareness, while the weekly Sunday “pet ‘n’ purr” open house which attracts five to 25 people weekly. “Kids can come down and play with the cats, who love it,” Carroll said. “We just tell the children, ‘Use inside voices and no pulling tails!’”
The two Four Seasons resorts on the island also encourage visitors to volunteer at the center, which coordinates group efforts as well as simple tasks for individuals. While some guests decided to leave with a new feline companion, others “virtually adopt” by donating a minimum of $20 a month toward the animal’s care and feeding.
Pointing to a black and white cat, Carroll said, “Cupid came here two years ago, shot with an arrow. Now she’s my inspiration. Some folks from Vancouver adopted her in place, and when they went back to get married, they made her the ‘mews’ of their wedding shower. In lieu of gifts, they asked everyone to make a donation in Cupid’s name.”
The wedding shower raised $1,500 for the center, which has now set up a fund for animals requiring urgent care called the Cupid Fund. Fund-raising T-shirts with designs by Mike Carroll, Kathy’s husband and the island’s premier landscape artist, and other gift items benefiting the center can be found at the Mike Carroll Gallery in Lāna‘i City.
Lanai’s "kitty Shangri-La" delights visitors
Celebrate Mardi Gras in Nevada City
If New Orleans is out of reach right now, or you’re looking for a G-rated version of the joyous spring festival, consider celebrating Mardi Gras in Nevada City. The Sierra foothills town’s old-timey storefronts make a suitable backdrop for two days of festivities, including a masquerade ball (for 21 and older), a street fair and a parade followed by a family-friendly Carnevale. Flying Mardi Gras beads, Moon Pies and Cajun music will be in plentiful supply.
Vitals: Feb. 9-10, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Street fair free; Carnevale $5 adults/children free; Masquerade Ball $12 advance/$15 at door. Downtown Nevada City streets and Miners Foundry, 325 Spring St. (530) 265-2692 or (800) 655-6569, www.nevadacitychamber.com.
– Carving it up in Tahoe: Ever vigilant in the quest to find new things to do with snow, North Lake Tahoe is bringing in expert snow carvers from Finland, Germany, Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States for its inaugural Carve Tahoe competition. Contestants will carve 20-ton blocks of pure white snow into huge heads, walruses, abstract sculptures or anything else that strikes their fancy. Awards will be announced on the final day, and the sculptures will remain in place until they melt. Feb. 8-13. Free; donations for local nonprofits encouraged. (800) 466-6784, www.carvetahoe.com.
– Healdsburg’s perfect pairing: Just in time to set the mood for Valentine’s Day, the annual Wine and Chocolate Fantasy is turning the Rodney Strong Vineyards’ Artisan Winery cellar into an elegant tasting room for sweets from Peters’ Chocolate, Bert’s Desserts, Barvolento Chocolates and other vendors. Guests can look for the confections’ perfect match among the winery’s offerings, enjoy live music and sample special Valentine’s Day dishes. Feb. 9, 1-4 p.m. $65. (800) 678-4763, www.rodneystrong.com/events.
Celebrate Mardi Gras in Nevada City
At Tahoe, off-slope adventures abound
This time of year it’s difficult to think of Tahoe with anything by a one-track (or two-ski-track) mind.
But the dominant culture of snow sports can be misleading in a place with more than its share of diversions that have nothing to do with boards, bindings or lift tickets that require a third mortgage. Yes, there are other refuges for nonskiers than to toss dice in a casino or sit around in a condo watching Squallywood ski porn.
Off-slope offerings at Northern California’s favorite winter playground cater to all ages and persuasions, and in a heavy snow year like this one, the only limitation is your level of motivation. Think fireplaces, cozy restaurants and both outdoor and indoor adventures.
Using Truckee as a base, you’ll be within 30 minutes of myriad places to play on Tahoe’s North Shore.
Why now? It’s a winter wonderland up there. Consider: 173 inches of snow fell at Northstar California’s 8,300-foot summit in December, compared with nary a flake the December before. The scenery looks so different than in summer, you’d think you’re on another planet.
The backstory: Tahoe’s signature ski town, Truckee is a walkable blend of Old West funkiness, New West sophistication and an energy level stuck on high.
Checking in: Cedar House Sport Hotel is a rewarding choice both for its unusual Eurodecor and its avant-garde restaurant, Stella. Breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres are complimentary, and the in-house tour company can arrange private snowshoe outings and other adventures that include transportation and equipment.
River Street Inn, walking distance from the Truckee train station and just a block from the main drag, is a convivial, alpine-style bed-and-breakfast well situated for those who want to eat out or party late without having to drive.
Spend your day: Explore Truckee, from the boutiques and galleries on Commercial Row to the pioneer history exhibits at Donner Memorial State Park (bring snowshoes for a gorgeous tromp through the woods).
If speed’s your thing, redirect that $170 you might have spent on lift ticket and rental gear to a two-person snowmobile tour that will have you vrooming to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the lake. Also high-end is a dog-sled tour or horse-drawn sleigh ride at the Resort at Squaw Creek.
On the budget end, it costs just $5 to swoon over classic wooden boats from the 1920s on display at the Tahoe Maritime Museum at Homewood.
Tots who don’t have the stamina for a full day in the snow should enjoy Granlibakken, a West Shore lodge in Sunnyside with machine-groomed sledding and snow play areas.
At Northstar, adults can enjoy ringside libations and treat the kids to s’mores after they’ve twirled themselves silly on the outdoor ice rink.
To appease finicky teens, promise to stop on the way home at Woodward Tahoe, a new, indoor action-sports training facility at Boreal Mountain Resort on Interstate 80. It’s bigger than a football field and filled with ramps, foam pits and trampolines for practicing skateboard, BMX, snowboard and tumbling maneuvers.
Dining: You want to get close to the lake, don’t you? Lone Eagle Grille at Incline Village is an elegant waterfront venue opening onto a sandy beach set about with oh-so-inviting fire pits and Adirondack chairs. Go for lunch, rather than dinner, to enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of Big Blue. Entree salads and house-made pastas are specialties, but you’ll also find wintertime yummies such as cream of wild mushroom soup and butternut squash risotto.
In downtown Truckee, Moody’s Bistro, Bar Beats is celebrated as much for the live entertainment presented on weekends as for chef Guy Frenette’s seasonal mountain cuisine. Grown-ups might drool over coffee-braised bison short ribs, but kids go straight for the house-made corn dogs with Coca-Cola ketchup.
Don’t miss: Secret Underground Tunnel Tours at Cal-Neva Resort in Crystal Bay. Frank Sinatra owned the place in the 1960s, and tunnels were constructed so that Marilyn Monroe and other celebrity guests could scuttle between cabins and casino without ending up in the tabloids. Guided tours are gossipy good fun.
Don’t bother: Traveling southbound on highways 89 or 267 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. or northbound from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. That’s when ski-area traffic is at its heaviest, and you won’t get anywhere fast.
Word to the wise: Program the Caltrans road-conditions number ((800) 427-7623) into your phone and keep an eye to the sky. If snow is in the forecast, bolt early to avoid being featured on the evening news as one of those unfortunate souls crouched in a blizzard at the side of the road, wrestling with tire chains.
If you go
Getting there
Amtrak (amtrak.com) trains and buses are an alternative to fighting conditions on Interstate 80. Adult fares range $48 to $83 each way, kids ride for half price. From Truckee, you can reach most of the North Shore by taxi, resort shuttles or Tahoe Area Regional Transit (laketahoetransit.com).
Where to stay
Cedar House Sport Hotel: 10918 Brockway Road, Truckee; cedarhousesporthotel.com, (866) 582-5655. Rates from $180 include breakfast buffet. Dog-friendly.
River Street Inn: 10009 East River St., Truckee; riverstreetinntruckee.com, (530) 550-9290. Rates from $130 include breakfast. If you’re a light sleeper, beware: You will hear trains.
Where to eat
Lone Eagle Grille: 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Vilage; loneeaglegrille.com, (775) 886-6899. Entrees from $20, starters from $10, views free and fabulous.
Moody’s Bistro, Bar Beats: 10007 Bridge St., Truckee; www.moodysbistro.com, (503) 587-8688. Dinner for two with wine, $100.
What to do
Donner Memorial State Park: 12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee; http://bit.ly/bJIbBg. (530) 582-7892. Parking, $8 per vehicle, includes museum admission and snowshoe access.
Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours: Highway 267, 8 miles south of Truckee and 3 miles north of Kings Beach, east side of road; www.laketahoesnowmobilingtours.com, (530) 546-4280. Guided two-hour summit adventure is $140 for a single rider, $170 for two. Clothing rental is $10 extra.
Truckee River Winery: 11467 Brockway Road, Truckee; truckeeriverwinery.com, (530) 587-4626. Cozy tasting room, snowshoe walks, weekday happy hours and Sunday specials. Open daily noon to 7 p.m.
Granlibakken: 725 Granlibakken Road, Sunnyside; granlibakken.com, (530) 581-7533. Saucer rental and snow play in developed area, $12 per person.
Tahoe Maritime Museum: 5205 W. Lake Blvd., Homewood; tahoemaritimemuseum.org, (530) 525-9235. Open Fridays-Sundays in winter. Adults $5, children 12 and younger free.
Resort at Squaw Creek: 400 Squaw Creek Road, Squaw Valley; squawcreek.com, (530) 583.6300. Dogsled tours are $55-$75 for children, $110-$125 for adults. Sleigh rides run $30-$40 per person.
Woodward Tahoe: 19749 Boreal Ridge Road, Soda Springs; woodwardtahoe.com, (520) 426-1114 Ext. 2. First-timer training $49, after that two-hour sessions are $25. Ages 7 and up.
Secret Underground Tunnel Tours: Cal-Neva Resort, 2 Stateline Road, Stateline, Nev.; calnevaresort.com, (800) 233-5551. Offered Wednesdays-Sundays; $10 per person.
Truckee River Regional Park ice rink: 10050 Brockway Road, Truckee; tdrpd.com/ice_rink.html, (530) 582-7720. Admission $6, skate rental $2.
Northstar California: 5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee; northstarattahoe.com, (530) 562-3689. Cabanas with fire pits surround the rink. Admission free, skate rental $10.
Janet Fullwood is former travel editor of the Sacramento Bee. E-mail: travel@sfchronicle.com
At Tahoe, off-slope adventures abound
Macau"s festive Lunar New Year events
Holiday
Macau: The Lunar New Year here sparks evening flower markets at Fisherman’s Wharf, drummers at the 16th century A-Ma temple, a parade with 18 lion dances and a 780-foot dragon, and fireworks seen from the Taipa waterfront. This year’s festivities take place Feb. 10-12. www.macautourism.gov.mo.
Virtual travel
New Orleans: The new webcam where Bourbon and St. Peter streets meet will help you stay above the guys and girls gone wild for the Super Bowl. It also offers prime viewing for Mardi Gras follies Thursday through Feb. 12. www.earthcam.com/events/mardigras.
Wildlife
India: Corbett and Bandhavgarh national parks are renowned for sightings of India’s highly endangered tigers. A new 10-day “ecotour” departing March 11 includes visits there and with World Wildlife Fund India scientists trying to save the tigers. A portion of the cost ($6,149) benefits WWF-India. www.ecotours.com.
New hotel
Norway: Oslo’s first waterfront hotel, the Thief, opened on the car-free islet of Tjuvholmen with 119 rooms, modern art on loan from the nearby Astrup-Fearnley museum, sustainable design and a restaurant serving farm-to-table regional cuisine. Rates from $339. www.thethief.com.
Special event
Mexico: There’s no prize money for top surfers and stand-up paddle surfers in the Punta Sayulita Classic March 8-10, but they’ll come anyway, to raise funds for reef protection and local children. Events include a beach cleanup, kids’ art camp and concert by Mishka. www.puntasayulitasurfclassic.com.
Macau"s festive Lunar New Year events