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By Fred Wright, Jr. |
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TEXAS — the BIG! Musical
Texas is a state in the union, a state of mind (at least to its residents) and a state on stage — a musical that opened in June in Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo, after a three-year hiatus. The musical, which ran for 37 years previously, is performed in an outdoor amphitheater, and tells the story of the settling of the Texas Panhandle. Tickets range from US $7 – $27, with performances through August 19. For more information, call 806-655-2181 or go to www.heritageent.com.
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Riding the European Rails
What a way to see Europe — from the comfort of a railroad car. That’s the lure of the European Express, a 17-day high-speed rail tour offered by the Trafalgar touring company. The journey visits London, Paris, Nice, Monte Carlo, Venice, Florence and Rome, including tours to local landmarks and museums in each city, accommodations in local luxury hotels and most meals. Cost is US$ 3,235 per person. For more information, call 866-544-4434 or go to www.trafalgar.com.
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Vrooom! Vrooom!
If two wheels are more your travelin’ style, Moto California Tours offers a variety of two- to five-day road tours of the western United States in which riders get to see the sights up close and dusty from their motorcycles. For example, the Sierra Passes tour, August 3-5, takes riders on roads that rise to 10,000 feet (3,000 m). Along the way, riders will motor up numerous switchbacks and go through four Sierra Nevada Mountain passes. Daily rides range from 215 to 240 miles (350-385 km). Price is US$ 366. For more information, go to www.motocalifornia.com.
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Honeymoon Redux
Couples who honeymoon with Philadelphia-based Apple Vacations on a charter package can relive the romance of their honeymoon on their first anniversary, for free. Couples who book now for travel between August 15 and October 31, 2006, or May 1 through June 30, 2007, will receive two free charter air tickets for travel during the same time frame during 2006/2007. Apple offers a variety of destinations from more than 40 U.S. cities. For more information, go to www.applevacations.com/honeymoon.
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Tea-Time Tour
The only tea farm in the United States is now offering tours and tastings. The Charleston Tea Farm, located about 25 miles (40 km) from Charleston, South Carolina, on Wadmalaw Island, has opened after a three-year renovation by owner-and-operator R.C. Bigelow. Visitors can see tea being processed and packaged, as well as sample the company’s signature product, American Classic Tea. Founded in 1960, the farm has several hundred thousand tea bushes, descendents of bushes brought from China in the 1800s. The free tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call 843-559-0383 or go to www.charlestonteagardens.com.
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Relax in the Big Apple
After a day of sightseeing and shopping or a night of theater and club-hopping, those tired feet and sore legs can get some relief at one of the most popular spas in New York City. Physical Advantage has become extremely popular with stars and celebs, who regularly visit to get the kinks out. The focus here isn’t on body wraps or trendy aromatherapies, but instead on massage, pressure points and pain relief. The company also offers stretching exercises and other health-oriented tips. Massage appointments start at US$ 70 for a half hour. For more information, call 212-460-1879 or go to www.physical-knead.com.
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