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Each patio pontoon comes equipped with a spacious top-level sun deck and waterslide—guaranteeing sun-soaked fun throughout the day. A barbecue grill and wet bar makes mealtime satisfying and easy, while an accessible bathroom with running hot water and shower help keep guests comfortable. The excitement doesn’t end there – guests can also add a personal watercraft or small boat rental to their experience to up the ante.

For added convenience, guests can also order lunch from LMMA for an additional cost. The cookout menu, available for $36 per person, features a selection of classic grill favorites, including hotdogs and hamburgers served with brioche and regular buns; a variety of toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles; and condiments such as ketchup, mustard and burger sauce.

The meal is complemented by side dishes such as potato salad; a fresh salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers; seasonal fruit cups; chips; and cookies. Guests can freshly grill their selections aboard the boat and vegetarian and vegan options can also be requested for an additional charge.

Alternatively, the box lunch menu, available for $32 per person, includes freshly made sandwiches with turkey breast, ham and cheese or a vegan chickpea salad wrap. Each box also contains chips, a fruit cup, a cookie and a drink, with a vegan cookie provided with the chickpea wrap.

After visitors arrive at their marina of choice, they’ll receive orientation on how to pilot the boats. LMMA’s staff then helps guests navigate out of the marina and onto the open lake. Once there, guests can pilot the boat across the water and enjoy the ruggedly beautiful landscape. If the designated captain of the boat is born before Jan. 1, 1983, they will need to attend a brief safety orientation upon arrival. If born after, the captain will need to present a Boater Education Card ($45) upon arrival. Information about the card can be found here. For an additional fee, groups of up to 11 guests can also hire a LMMA captain to pilot their boat for a truly relaxed experience.

“‘Secret Season’ is the best time of the year to experience our party boat offer at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave,” said Chad Taylor, director of marketing and guest experience, Lake Mead Mohave Adventures. “Kids are back in school, the summer tourists are gone, the weather begins to cool down but the water is still warm through the end of October. It’s the best kept recreational secret in Southern Nevada.”

LMMA’s shuttles pick up guests on the Strip between 8 and 9 a.m. and return back to Las Vegas between 4 and 5 p.m. The party boat offer, including a patio pontoon rental and round-trip transportation for up to 12 guests, starting at $1,399 at Callville Bay Marina. Fuel, tax, refundable deposit and gratuity are not included.

For an additional fee, groups of up to 11 guests can also hire a captain, who works independently from LMMA, to pilot their boat for a truly relaxed experience. Guests may inquire when they make reservations.  For more information and reservations, visit callvillebay.com. 

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This year, guests will experience over ten scenes from the hilarious family tale in hand-carved sculptures made of ice. Featured scenes include the old man’s major award, Aunt Clara’s pink nightmare, the ultimate triple dog dare at the school’s flagpole and more. Colored ice, clear ice, and LED lights are all used to create the display.

Starting with more than 6,000 massive ice blocks, the carvers work approximately six weeks – more than 12,000 man-hours – to create the nearly 17,000 square foot frozen attraction. The artisans, using skills passed down through generations, follow a 300-page design book to create the ice spectacle. Ice carvings range in size from details as tiny as a coin to soaring scenes more than 30 feet tall. The environment will be kept frozen by a state-of-the-art chilling system that maintains the attraction’s temperature at nine degrees Fahrenheit. Guests will sport a signature blue parka to stay warm.

The carvers will travel more than 5,700 miles from their homes in Harbin, China to Aurora, Colorado. Known as “Ice City,” Harbin is home to the world’s largest annual ice and snow sculpting festival in the world. At Gaylord Rockies, some of the same artisans who create the Harbin festival will carve 300-pound blocks of ice into the larger-than-life, whimsical scenes. Carvers will use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders and even chainsaws to bring “A Christmas Story” to life.

“ICE! has been a tradition at Gaylord Hotels for two decades now,” said General Manager, Suzy Hart. “This is the first time Rockies has put on ‘A Christmas Story’ and watching people come together to enjoy it never gets old.”

In addition to the amazing ice sculptures from the fan-favorite Christmas movie, guests can also take rides down the two-story-tall ice slides and traverse through ice tunnels and arches. The ICE! experience concludes in a separate area dedicated to the Nativity scene, meticulously carved, and shaped in a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice.

While ICE! is the signature attraction for Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” returns for another year with dazzling costumes, breathtaking aerial performances, and feats that defy gravity. The original Gaylord Hotels production will feature high-flying stunts, acrobatic feats, elaborate staging, and a dramatic musical score directed by renowned Broadway Director Neil Goldberg. This Cirque-style show centers on Noel, a child dismayed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Throughout the 65-minute show, Noel is visited in dreamlike chapters by trapeze artists, acrobats, aerial silk performers and others who help rekindle the Christmas spirit. The show will be performed by an international cast of 25 artists hailing from Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Ethiopia, Czech Republic, Mongolia, Russia, and the U.S.

Here is a rundown of other events, live entertainment, hands-on activities, and exciting attractions taking place this holiday season at the resort:

•    Guests can test their winter wits inside the Naughty or Nice Escape Room. Yuletide trickster Jack Frost is back with his icy antics and has added new names to Santa’s infamous Naughty List. But Jack has a deal to make – if guests can sneak into Santa’s office and solve a series of puzzles, their names will disappear from the Naughty List. Guests need to put on their holiday thinking caps on, solve the mystery, and then dash away, dash away, dash away all!

•    One of Santa’s top toymakers teaches the secrets of becoming one of St. Nick’s helpers and leads the new elf students as they create a special keepsake gift or craft to take home for someone special in Elf Training Academy.

•    Christmas creativity runs wild in the Gingerbread Decorating Corner. Achieve confection perfection with edible art, and enjoy a sweet meet-and-greet and photograph with Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man.

•    Guests can chat with the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, to make sure they have secured a spot on his prestigious Nice List. Santa will meet guests inside Mistletoe Village from Nov. 17 through Dec. 24 before he heads back to the North Pole for his gift-giving journey. Father Christmas’ Library is presented by DEI.

•    Join the jolliest hostess during Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions for a fun-filled celebration. Delight in the retelling of the Christmas classic, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, sing along to favorite holiday songs, and share a batch of Santa’s favorite snack – warm, fresh-baked Christmas cookies and ice-cold milk.

•    Also in Mistletoe Village, guests can experience Build-A-Bear Workshop®. Guests make their own furry friend, take part in the iconic Heart Ceremony, and personalize with seasonal outfits, accessories, sounds and scents.

•    Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt featuring Rudolph and The Misfit Toys. The Misfit Toys are all lost, and they need you to find them! With Rudolph’s help, follow the clues to find the Misfit Toys and send them on their way to their new homes.

•    Yuletide Street Market in Mistletoe Village features wall-to-wall holiday gifts, collectibles, toys, plush, home décor, apparel, ornaments, branded merchandise, and more.

•    Relâche Spa at Gaylord Rockies features Winter Wonderland massage, facial and pedicure treatments, highlighting the benefits of eucalyptus. The aromatic plant is known to be high in antioxidants, to promote relaxation and reduce pain.

Overnight guests will enjoy perks including:
•    “Chill Pass” privileges to ICE!, offering front-of-line access and shorter wait times. “Chill Pass” is free for eligible guests. Attraction tickets are required and sold separately, in advance.
•    An invitation to “Extra Cool Hour,” which provides early-entry into ICE! and Mistletoe Village one hour before it opens for day guests. “Extra Cool Hour” is free for eligible guests. Attraction tickets are required and sold separately, in advance.

Also being unwrapped this year are Christmas at Gaylord Rockies packages that include special room rates and admission to select events. Guests are encouraged to book their experiences early, as advance online reservations are required for all ticketed events. Tickets are limited to many of the experiences. For tickets, more information, or to book an overnight stay, guests may visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.

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Here, 10 impeccably maintained cottages are nestled in a 2,000 square mile chunk of the northeast corner of The Green Mountain State known as ‘The Northeast Kingdom’ where, since the 1700s, many have discovered a slice of paradise and ultimate solitude. In 1909, poet Robert Frost camped here with his family. A decade later, in Vermont, he wrote his most famous poem, ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. (‘ The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep…’)

The region is home to some of the state’s most scenic, undisturbed places. Bordered by Canada and New Hampshire, its four million acres of forests make it ideal for all-season recreation, arts and culture, viewing the flora and fauna, and much more.

Mountain Lake Cottages, located in Westmore (population: 357) (www.VermontMountainLakeCottages.com), boasts 10 cozy country cabins on the shore of Lake Willoughby. One of the main attractions of Mountain Lake Cottages is its prime location on the shores of Lake Willoughby. Guests have direct access to the lake, allowing them to enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding right from their doorstep.

Lake Willoughby, the state’s deepest lake at 328 feet, opens up to The Willoughby Gap, described as “a glacial gash between two fjord-like mountains.” The lake is renowned for its incredibly clear and pristine water, and is surrounded by rugged cliffs and mountains, creating a breathtaking natural setting. Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor loom over the lake, adding to its dramatic scenery. The area around Lake Willoughby offers a variety of outdoor activities. Fishing is a popular pastime, with the lake being home to species like trout and salmon. As an added bonus, Mountain Lake Cottages provides fishing gear gratis for guests.

General Manager Kris Wiley says each cottage has two bedrooms and sleeps up to five. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen with Keurig tea/coffee maker, heating and AC, linens and towels, private bathroom with shower, outdoor porch, complimentary Wi-Fi. Dogs are welcome for an additional nightly fee.

Wiley reports that one Mountain Lake Cottages guest has come here to unwind for 58 consecutive years. Many others have made this part of their vacation plans for decades. “We are committed to hospitality,” Wiley says. ‘”If you forget something and we have it, you can have it.” She knows the business, having worked in hotels in Provincetown, Mass., at the tip of Cape Cod, and for five years at an historic hotel in McCarthy, Alaska.

In this neighborhood, Mother Nature offers endless opportunities. The Kingdom Trails — a network of over 85 miles of tracks for all ages and ability levels — attracts mountain bikers from near and far for long weekends and festivals and big days out on the trails followed by lots of beer and swimming in the river.

A half hour away is Burke Mountain which offers, in addition to unmatched serene scenery, biking on Burke Bike Park, hiking, hang gliding, paragliding, golfing, swimming, climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Want to venture a bit further out? The world-famous Stowe resort is one hour away. Among other day trips: Burlington – a two- hour ride; Montreal – 2.5 hours; Quebec City – 3.5 hours. (Remember your passport!) Closer to home – perhaps thanks to the spring fed crystal clear lake — there are 10 breweries to research. Vermont is home to one cow for every four people, the highest ratio of cows to people in the U. S. The region is home to a wide array of interesting wildlife including great blue herons, loons, moose, bobcats, bears, Peregrine falcons, and more.

Visitors reviewing Mountain Lake Cottages on TripAdvisor unanimously posted 5-star reviews. One wrote, “You can tell the manager wants guests to be happy and comfortable. She goes to great lengths to ensure this. Having been to Lucerne, Switzerland, I can see why some call this spot ‘Little Lucerne.’ The cottages have everything you need to reside in comfort.”  Another posted, “You’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful spot. Loons calling in the morning and evening. Spectacular sunsets over Jay Peak.”

“The location is truly magical for all ages – both for kids and for adults who want to be kids again,” Kris Wiley smiles.

For more info or reservations:  (802) 525-3072 or visit https://vermontmountainlakecottages.com/   Last reservations for the 2023 season are in mid-October. After Labor Day, rates drop to $199 for a 4-person cottage. The in-season rate mid-June through Labor Day is $289. The resort season starts mid-May when local fishing is best. Guests are encouraged to book early for peak season stays, and not to be shy about calling for a last-minute stay by phone rather than online.

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Known for being the largest combined resort and convention center in Colorado, Gaylord Rockies has played host to both leisure travelers and meetings ranging in size from five to 10,000, weddings, and other family celebrations since December 2018. Focusing on continued investment in exceptional meeting spaces and unique food and beverage experiences, Gaylord Rockies is expanding its position as a leader in bringing people together in an extraordinary way.

Scheduled for completion in 2024, these enhancements are Phase Two of the current multi-year investment plan, by ownership group Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., providing a more spacious and elegant environment for both group and leisure customers. The additional enhancements will complement the Phase One investments, that included a redesign of the outdoor lawn spaces and the addition of dining terraces for Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass Sports Bar, all completed in April 2023.

Phase Two enhancements include the addition of new bar and restaurant concepts in the Grand Lodge. Opening in spring 2024 are Embers Lodge Bar and The Fortunate Prospector. Later in 2024, the two current restaurants (Monte Jade and Vista Montagne) will be re-concepted to Garden & Grain and Copper Table.

The new event pavilion, Mountain View Pavilion, named for its scenic views of the picturesque Rocky Mountains, covers 12,118 square feet of indoor event and pre-function space, more than 14,000 square feet of outdoor terraces and patios, as well as 15,000 square feet of turfed lawn areas. Interior plans include floor to ceiling windows, banquet space, a sky light, a refined indoor fireplace and west facing mountain views. The Pavilion is set to welcome guests in 2024.

“You rarely see this amount of growth in a resort property,” said Suzy Hart, general manager of the 1,501-room resort. “We just completed a major exterior enhancement in April and now we’re ready to give guests the interior experience of their dreams.”

Embers Lodge Bar

Featuring a 360-degree wrap around bar and 248-person seating area, Embers Lodge Bar is made for gathering with family, friends and colleagues. The menu presents handcrafted cocktails and beers from local distilleries, and a carefully curated wine list. Embers will replace the current bar, Pinyons, and the Après Ski Village space—taking its rightful place as the crown jewel of the Grand Lodge—where guests can enjoy a front row view of the Rocky Mountains. All resort guests and cocktail enthusiasts are welcome to experience the flame at Embers Lodge Bar.

The Fortunate Prospector

The new English pub makes its home on the right side of the atrium, showing off its mascot, Earl, a suave bighorn sheep sporting a top hat and monocle. Seating 134, the menu pulls inspiration from traditional English roots, featuring unique British cocktails and traditional faire along with a 12-draft beer tower. All resort guests and outside diners are welcome to experience The Fortunate Prospector.

Garden & Grain

Garden & Grain will be the first restaurant within the Gaylord Hotels brand focusing on healthy fare. Placing an emphasis on sustainable practices, the eatery will prioritize gluten free, vegetarian, keto, low-carb and vegan options, providing savory yet holistic cuisine while celebrating local farmers. Featuring lion’s mane crabcake, grilled Palisade peaches and honey sourced directly from on-property honeycombs, Garden & Grain will replace Monte Jade, available to all resort guests and outside spectators.

Copper Table

Home to authentic Colorado cuisine served for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Copper Table is a rugged and adventurous dining experience replacing Vista Montagne. The choice menu includes local trout and hearty flavors in rotisserie free-run chicken, cast iron elk, bison rib eye and more. For guests looking to sip and savor, handcrafted cocktails, hyper local craft beer and wine selections are available. Copper Table will seat 328 people, an increase of 117 from its previous capacity, and is open to all resort guests and outside connoisseurs.

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In collaboration with Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), the resort’s new Meet the Turtle package includes an audio tour for four at LMC and participation in the Center’s Adopt-a-Sea Turtle program, where guests can symbolically adopt their own sea turtle and receive an adoption certificate with the turtle’s name and information. A portion of the proceeds for each package reservation will be donated to LMC. The Meet the Turtle package is available with a minimum two-night stay, now through the end of sea turtle nesting season on October 31.

In addition to the resort package, the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa offers family-friendly educational activities. Once a week, the resort’s Kid’s Club hosts a “Turtle Rescue” with LMC researchers, where children learn the rescue and rehabilitation process of a sea turtle using a plushie sea turtle. As the resort monitors sea turtle nesting activity on its beaches, guests can sign up to participate in guided turtle walks, hatchling releases, beach cleanups, and “turtle talk” presentations with representatives from the Sea Turtle Conservation League and Loggerhead Marinelife Center. 

Guests can take a piece of their experience home by purchasing a plushie sea turtle in the gift shop, with a percentage of each sale donated to Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Free, personalized sea turtle postcards are also available to send home to family and friends. 

To further inform guests about sea turtle conservation, resort staff undergo educational training so they can answer guests’ questions. Pamphlets and posters are also posted throughout the resort with information about Singer Island’s special connection to sea turtles. 

Make your next vacation special and sustainable at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa! For more information, visit palmbeachmarriottresort.com or call 561-340-1700. 

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Great Climate

The Outdoor Life

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 Sugar-white Sand + Emerald-green Water

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