March 27th, 2007 by Ann Walker

If ever there was an ideal setting to have a wedding, The Inn of Perry Cabin certainly provides the grace and ambiance of romance.
“The Inn at Perry Cabin marries the charm of a country inn and the intimacy of a private home with the service of a world-class resort. Nestled on the shores of eastern Maryland in the quaint Victorian town of St. Michaels, the inn is a well-heeled country getaway. Built just after the War of 1812, it looks and feels like a gracious manor house. English and early American styles blend in the lovely guest rooms, where mahogany sleigh beds, antiques, and enchanting views of the Miles River warm visitors’ hearts. Cycling, golfing, and sailing are popular pastimes. A definitive British influence is evident throughout the inn, from the high tea and scones with Devonshire cream to the shortbread served at evening turndown. The bounty of the Chesapeake is celebrated on the menu at the exquisite Sherwood Landing restaurant.”
from Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.
March 26th, 2007 by Ann Walker

For family fun or for business, the Grand American Hotel pampers you from the heart of the American West.
“The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, is aptly named because of its large public areas and spacious guest rooms, all decorated in a lovely Old World style while offering contemporary conveniences. The hotel’s European decor, with French cherry-wood furniture, chandeliers from Murano and Milan, and Carrera Italian marble bathrooms, creates a setting more sophisticated than one might expect in Salt Lake City. The lobby has multiple areas to sit, hold informal meetings, visit with friends, or just enjoy the hotel’s beauty. The staff is superbly dressed, with women wearing Chanel-style uniforms in a pale green/almost blue worsted wool.
Perfect for Business
This hotel is an excellent choice for a business trip because of its location and business center. The 24-story property is set on 10 acres in downtown Salt Lake City, five city blocks (one-half mile) from Temple Square, home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Trax, the city’s light-rail system, has a stop in front of the hotel, which makes it very convenient for guests to catch a free ride to the local businesses, shops, and tourist attractions in the downtown area.The hotel is a good choice for romantic getaways, too, because the rooms are cozy and the spa is luxurious. Hiding away in one of the comfortable suites would be a wonderful place to start a honeymoon.
Family Fun
The Grand America Hotel is ideally located for getaway or family travelers who want to explore the city and the surrounding mountains. The hotel offers easy access to sports, music, and theater venues in downtown Salt Lake City. But, it’s also very close to the highways that lead to the activities in the Wasatch Mountain range, which frames the city’s skyline and is only 30 to 40 minutes away. In the wintertime, skiers and snowboarders who prefer urban nightlife stay here. More than six major ski areas are located within a 50-minute drive by private car, although some guests prefer to travel in one of the resort or private-company shuttles that transport skiers from the city to the slopes.
The hotel is a 10 to 15 minute ride from the Salt Lake International Airport; so complimentary airport shuttle transportation is another option.”
from The Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.
March 23rd, 2007 by Ann Walker

When everyone else is sweltering at the beach, you could be in the elegant embrace of cool pine scented breezes at 8,000 feet at the Stein Eriksen Lodge.
“Located slopeside at the posh Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, the Stein Eriksen Lodge embodies the luxe ambiance for which the resort is famous. The lodge, with its natural woods, beamed ceilings, and many stone fireplaces, has a distinctly Norwegian feel in keeping with the heritage of the hotel’s namesake, Olympian Stein Eriksen. The ambiance is European in style and service, featuring a very friendly staff that’s always smiling and acknowledging guests.
Although located mid-mountain at 8,200 feet above sea level, the lodge isn’t isolated. It’s just a few steps from several chairlifts, restaurants, a few stores and other lodging complexes. A complimentary 10-minute hotel shuttle ride will take guests to Park City’s historic Main Street, where boutiques, galleries, and restaurants are tucked into buildings with Old West storefronts. Park City Mountain Resort’s sprawling ski slopes are reachable from lifts close to the town’s Main Street. The Canyons, the state’s largest ski resort, is about 10 minutes away. This prime location and easy access to nearby attractions will please getaway travelers.
The Stein Eriksen Lodge does an excellent job of handling and pampering diverse types of guests. The resort is very popular with families thanks to supervised programs for younger kids and teenagers and a children’s menu in the restaurant, among other kid-friendly features. In the locker room, for example, ski valets will serve hot cider or cocoa as they help guests get kids ready for a day on the slopes. Couples will enjoy romantic vacations, especially if they choose a room or a suite with a fireplace, arrange for some pampering in the spa, and opt for romantic dinners.
Those who need to get business done on vacation are also well accommodated. The lodge can easily handle business meetings for small executive groups and larger gatherings for up to 440 people. A business center, conveniently located near the lobby, can provide secretarial support or a notary public when necessary. Staff will help you get business done so you have more time to hit the slopes, soak in the hot tub, or take advantage of the other recreational opportunities.”
from Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.
March 22nd, 2007 by Ann Walker

Amangani is Shoshone for ‘peaceful home’ and elegantly lives up to it’s name. Not a time for business, but for deep relaxation, the Amagani holds adventure and serenity in perfect balance.
“Perched above the valley of Jackson Hole in Wyoming and within easy distance of two national parks and millions of acres of national forestland, the Amangani truly spoils its guests. This temple to understated western elegance provides a serene escape from the frenzy of daily life, while allowing easy access to a variety of outdoor pursuits, such as skiing and wildlife watching.
Inside and out, Amangani lives up to its name, which means “peaceful home†in the Shoshone language. The resort is surrounded by some of the most rugged country in the Lower 48 states, which most guests opt to explore in some form or another. Once you enter the soaring, Pacific redwood-paneled lobby, you’ll quickly forget how tired your feet are from hiking or skiing. Public spaces to relax abound, whether it’s in front of a roaring fire or tucked away in a cozy nook. With a mere 40 rooms, even when the resort is full, you’ll often feel like you have the place all to yourself. Serenity reigns here.
Surrounded by such an awe-inspiring backdrop, Amangani smartly opted to blend in rather than stand out. The Oklahoma sandstone building is barely visible from the road below, and the Amangani Lounge’s two-story windows — in the form of sharply cut mountains, working cattle ranches, and vast swaths of open space — let the magnificent exterior in. Because nothing really can compete with Mother Nature here, artwork inside is minimal, although there’s a smattering of contemporary western and wildlife pieces, and the furniture is upholstered in a variety of natural materials.
While business travelers certainly are welcome at Amangani, it offers little to accommodate their specific needs. There’s no business center, although rooms do have wireless Internet connections. On the other hand, couples seeking a romantic refuge, adventurers to whom fine wine is as important as fitness, and families with children are best served in this rustic chic resort.
The restaurant doesn’t offer a children’s menu, but the library is filled with board games and videos that could occupy kids for hours. For adults, the concierge is equally able to schedule a rock climbing class as show you constellations through your in-room telescope.
The cowboy cosmopolitan town of Jackson Hole, just 10 minutes away, offers surprisingly chic boutiques and design shops, art galleries to satisfy every taste, restaurants ranging from basic to bistro, and a wonderfully kitschy Old West downtown. The National Museum of Wildlife Art, which takes a broad enough interpretation of the genre that artists from John James Audubon to Andy Warhol are shown, is a short drive away. The nearby Grand Teton Music Festival takes care of summertime symphony lovers. Amangani is also a convenient base from which to launch day excursions into Yellowstone National Park or fish a variety of blue-ribbon rivers and lakes.”
from Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.
March 21st, 2007 by Ann Walker

The inestimable Lodge at Sea Island is unparalleled in charm, service, and sophisticated beauty – not to mention the golf.
“Founded more than 75 years ago, Sea Island is a luxury resort island off the coast of southern Georgia. Sea Island is host to a number of outstanding hotels, but the crown jewel is the distinguished The Lodge at Sea Island. This impressive hotel combines the traditions of the Old South with European sophistication and elegance to create a truly memorable experience. The Lodge is limited to 40 exclusive and opulent guest rooms, each of which comes with round-the-clock personal butler service.
My arrival through the resort’s massive stone entrance gate set the tone for me. As I drove down the majestic oak-lined road along the golf course, I felt as if I was on the private grounds of a luxurious estate. Likewise, the emphasis on service was also evident from the moment I pulled up to the front door. The valet seemed to take a genuine interest in my arrival, escorting me into the lobby to introduce me to the concierge, who in turn introduced me to my personal butler. Check-in at The Lodge takes place in the guest’s room, so my orientation to the resort happened naturally — almost without my notice — as my butler escorted me to my quarters.
The Lodge has its own exquisite on-site dining, but there are a variety of other options throughout Sea Island, from casual to formal. The resort’s 24-hour room service will satisfy almost any kind of midnight craving, and couples seeking a more romantic setting can arrange for a gourmet picnic-basket lunch with private transportation to any place on Sea Island.
The Lodge at Sea Island’s staff can deftly handle just about any type of conference or business gathering, as it proved in 2004 when Sea Island played host to the G8 Summit of World Leaders. Solo business travelers also will feel right at home at The Lodge; each room has access to a personal valet who will assist with work needs. For family travelers, The Lodge offers many activities geared toward families from children’s menus to special activities for teens like bowling and shopping excursions.
As evidenced by its three championship courses, The Lodge at Sea Island is an ideal golf retreat. But even if golf isn’t your sport, you’ll find plenty of other recreational activities, including tennis, horseback riding, shooting, and water-based pursuits such as boating and fishing. Or you may simply choose to pamper yourself in the comfort of The Lodge’s spa or the nearby Spa at Sea Island.
If you want to explore Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island will hand you the keys to a Range Rover equipped with a GPS tracking system. And if you want to document your off-site expedition but don’t have a camera, the Lodge can provide you with a digital camera as well. These are just two examples of this hotel’s commitment to its guests’ satisfaction.”
from Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.
March 20th, 2007 by Ann Walker

From carriage rides, to fly fishing to golf to pampering spas, Tennessee hospitality and charm is found in abundance at the Blackberry Inn.
“Nestled at the foot of the majestic Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee, is the perfect blend of luxury accommodations and rural seclusion. From my first encounter with the reservations agent until checkout, staff was friendly, polite, engaging, and anxious to fulfill my needs. They were well-informed about every aspect of this 44-room country inn.
Upon arrival, I was impressed with the winding drive bordered by white fencing and beautifully landscaped grounds. Though not greeted immediately, my check-in was fast and efficient. My special requests made during the booking were accurately confirmed at check-in. Baggage service was seamless and secure. I was escorted to my guest room with a most helpful and discreet orientation of both my room and the amenities of the inn. Overall, I was impressed with the professional and well-groomed staff.
Comfortable, friendly, and casual elegance describes the rooms, public spaces, and surrounding environs. This is the perfect place for honeymoons, leisurely getaways, and family trips. For the romantic couple, spa treatments, picnics, horseback riding, or a hike on one of six trails on this 4,200-acre estate are available. Families can participate in all the amenities plus enjoy Camp Blackberry during special times of the year and learn about the history of this unique area.
As for business meetings or retreats, the inn is limited to 44 guest rooms, but meeting space is adequate, very nice, and comfortable. Blackberry Farm has four dining areas that can serve up to 125 people at one time.”
from the Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.
March 19th, 2007 by Ann Walker

If the love of your life takes joy in hiking and climbing and the austere beauty of Big Sur soothes your soul then the Post Ranch comes well recommended for couples seeking respite and solitude from business and children.
“The Post Ranch Inn beckons guests from its clifftop location overlooking the Big Sur, California, coastline. Just off Highway One and within easy driving distance from Monterey and Carmel, this intimate hideaway lures sunset lovers and romantics. Unforgettable views, rustic elegance, and attentive service help create a memorable visit. With a design influenced by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Post Ranch Inn has a very unique, organic feel that blends with the natural setting while maximizing the majestic views.
A cluster of low-height buildings, tucked amid the towering redwoods on the former private estate of the Post family, houses 30 guest rooms with ocean or mountain views. The accommodations feel rather like luxurious tree houses with all the trappings of a Mobil Four-Star resort. Seamless, diligent service is a hallmark of this property.
The Post Ranch Inn’s “luxurious camping†experience appeals to rugged romantics, making this gorgeous spot ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and marriage proposals. Due to its exceedingly quiet ambience, it is not a good fit for business travelers, and the hotel does not accept children younger than 18 years of age. Single travelers who enjoy serene settings and outdoor activities are well accommodated, though the large number of couples who vacation here may be off-putting to those traveling alone.
The Post Ranch Inn encourages its guests to unwind by doing as little or as much as they desire. The nature-influenced spa is a great place to relax, while the scenic property is full of paths for nature walks and hikes. Inspirational views and tastes are shared at Sierra Mar, the hotel’s outstanding restaurant. Tucked amid the Ventana Mountains, the nature-inspired spa is the hotel’s crown jewel, offering a diverse selection of treatments focusing on well-being and renewal.
The Post Ranch Inn with its blissful quietude and marvelous setting create an almost spiritual experience, making regulars out of first-time guests.”
from Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.
March 19th, 2007 by Ann Walker
The electronics and security packages coming on line in today’s vehicles work hard to prevent the need for ever needing to call for emergency auto assistance, and thought they can’t create a tow truck out of thin air, they will certainly go far to help today’s driver from ever needing to call for one.
If your car senses an imminent accident, there are a number of steps that it will perform to maximize passenger safety. One anti-collision system will,in no particular order, warn the driver,adjust seat positions to improve air bag deployment safety,close windows,activate seat belt pretensioners as well as fully charging up the air bags and brakes.
Cars will chat amongst each other, shouting out warnings and hooting and hollering about hazards ahead – I wonder if they will have handles?
“Intelligent networks. Tomorrow’s cars will have high-speed data networks that allow communication between various automotive systems and other vehicles. Vehicles will be able to send warnings about hazards or potential accidents on the road. For example, if a driver loses control, the systems needed to stabilize the car will be activated and the nearby cars will be warned. In turn, these cars might activate their pre-collision systems or apply braking to avoid an accident.”
There will be warnings for rear-enders,active head restraints,and chimes will sound off if you are detected straying from your lane.
Lane-departure warning. Cameras that detect the stripes between lanes can determine if a sleepy or inattentive driver has let the vehicle wander off its intended path. The driver is then alerted with a chime and warning light. We tested a system on the Infiniti M35x and found that the chime went off constantly on minor roads. Many of our drivers found it so annoying they turned it off. It was more useful on the freeway.
The blind spot detection and rollover mitigation features both provide obvious safety gains, given how often lane changes and loss of control can precipitaite a freeway pile up.
The technology is impressive and can be read about in full at CosumerReports.org
March 16th, 2007 by Ann Walker

Lemon lime air, velvet soft towels and hand mixed lotion and oils. In Laguna beach, on the ocean and just a reservation away for the weary.
“Spa Montage is a stunning facility that takes advantage of its superior beachfront setting. An indoor-outdoor structure and floor-to-ceiling windows framing 160-degree views alleviate any guilt you may feel for opting to leave the outdoors behind for a day at the spa. The spa’s holistic, get-back-to-nature approach is evident in its design, as well as in the products it uses. Custom-mixed lotions and oils blend natural ingredients, including eucalyptus, lavender, orange blossoms, and citrus.Wrap yourself in one of the spa’s sinful cashmere robes and breathe in the fresh ocean air as you begin your spa experience. The natural surroundings influence many of the treatments here, including the thalasso bath, marine wrap, sea salt body scrub, and algae cellulite massage. Vichy showers harness the healing powers of water, while botanical baths and hydrotherapy sessions ease aches and pains. The mineral-enriched mud used in clay body sculpting helps eliminate toxins, while the clay wrap draws out impurities with a rosemary and eucalyptus exfoliation followed by an application of warm clay. The powerful antioxidants in lemons, limes, and oranges serve as the basis for the California citrus polish. Facials deliver supple skin with marine-based treatments, toning stones, and seasonal fruits and vegetables, and the spa offers a variety of massage techniques in 30-, 60-, and 90-minute sessions.
Spa Montage’s signature treatments offer the opportunity to experience different healing traditions in one spa appointment. The elements of life therapy covers you in warm mud, bathes you in rose and jasmine, exfoliates your skin, and massages you into utter ecstasy, while the aroma-balancing therapy blends bathing, massage, antiaging techniques, and lymph drainage into one treatment. If all this relaxation makes you hungry, find a spot by the lap pool, where you can order healthy snacks and meals from the Mosaic Grille.”
from Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.
March 15th, 2007 by Ann Walker

If your looking for a great vacation spot to bring the family, Nemacolin Woodlands will pamper each and every member plus, it’s a mere 20 minutes from Frank Lloyd Wright’s,Falling Water and Kentuck Knob.
“Located about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh in the center of Pennsylvania, Nemacolin Woodlands is a destination resort that combines pampering amenities with a picturesque, natural setting. Although there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied for an extended stay , there are a few offsite area attractions that shouldn’t be missed. Architecture fans should take the time to visit two of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces, Falling Water and Kentuck Knob, both located within a 20-minute drive of the resort. The closest town, Uniontown, offers basic shopping options, fine dining, and a movie theater.
I found Nemacolin Woodlands to be an ideal choice for a family vacation. Kids can participate in organized activities through the Kids Club, which includes a Dino Discovery program about paleontology, crafts, swimming in both indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, and croquet, and an arcade stocked with video games. Baby-sitting is available by advance arrangement with the concierge.
If it’s romance you seek, you and your sweetheart can find it here. Extra amenities like a couple’s massage at the spa, private dining at a chef’s table at Lautrec or Aqueous, cooking classes and posh room finishes like marble baths and 1200-count sheets on the beds in Falling Rock add up to a pampering experience. Creature comforts are a top priority throughout the resort, with all the rooms outfitted with top quality bed linens, oversized plush towels, and cozy bathrobes.
Business travelers will appreciate the meeting space options, along with the resort’s two golf courses, and golf academy. During my visit, the business center was closed, but the front desk took care of my needs, including copying, faxing, and help with Internet access. Dial up and Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms, as are oversized desks which allow ample workspace for business travelers.”
from Mobil Travel Guide
One of the many benefits of your Auto Roadside Assistance Service membership is access to Exxon/Mobil Travel Guide’s services and discounts. In order to help you appreciate those services this blog will regularly feature one of the thousands of destinations that you can consider for your next vacation.