Cooking expert Ying Chang Compestine shares insight into the secrets of healthy Asian cooking at a fabulously entertaining dinner on March 27 at Resort at Squaw Creek.

Many words have been written about Sunriver’s historic Great Hall, now used as a meeting and wedding venue.  It is the magnificent legacy of Camp Abbot constructed in 1943 by the Army Corps of Engineers.  We know the camp’s Commander, Col. Frank Besson chose his most elite engineers to construct an officers club in the style of a mountain lodge.  We know the engineers and craftsman used over 500 hand-hewn logs and tons of native rock to complete the project. History tells us construction began in October 1943 and was completed in December 1943.  The Army spent a mere $4,796 to obtain materials not available locally.  It was a training exercise for soldiers and engineers bound for the European front. Yes much is known about the stately Great Hall, but one piece of history remains a mystery… What was the Bush Raising Ceremony?

Just after midnight, on March 8, a large rockfall incident hit I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, near mile marker 125 just west of Hanging Lake Tunnel. As a result, I-70 is closed in both directions to all traffic at Glenwood (mm 116) and at Dotsero (mm 133). While there is no estimate for a re-open time, Colorado Department of Transportation will blast and break up larger boulders today and continue work to assess when a portion of the roadway may be opened for travel. CDOT will implement emergency contracting procedures and meet with contractors over the next couple of days as crews develop repair plans.

At the Inn and Spa at Loretto, we are committed to serving high quality wines from vineyards and winemakers that have a passion for the sustainable concept. All of our wines need to be interesting and have the qualities that all fine wines display-texture, aroma and flavor. It is very gratifying to realize how many winemakers are producing very drinkable wines that are either sustainable or fully organic.

So what is a sustainable wine?  The easiest thing to remember is that a sustainable wine is produced from grapes grown using sustainable farming practices, which are designed to preserve, protect and enhance the environment. It means the wine in your glass came from a healthy vineyard, from a winery that cares not only about its farming practices, but about its community and the people who work there.

See Loretto’s full wine list, including its sustainable wines.

Destination Hotels & Resorts’ properties continually generate creative ways to help the environment.  All of our properties recycle, but L’Auberge Del Mar recently added another dimension to the positive effects of recycling.  The hotel joined Cans for Critters, a recycling drive hosted by the San Diego Zoo, which collects recyclables and donates the proceeds to the Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research.  The Institute is the largest zoo-based multi-disciplinary research effort in the world in which scientists carry out research vital to the conservation of animals, plants and habitats in over 35 countries worldwide.

New innovative dinners offered in Six Peaks Grille.

Russian writer Emma Krasov enjoys a little Tahoe time. 

The Driskill Grill will be offering a $35 menu during Austin's Restaurant Week (February 28- March 3 & March 7-10) .

To make a reservation call (512) 391-7162 or online

To View Menu: Click Here

Loretto really loves brides and that is why we are celebrating by offering a complimentary Honeymoon! All you have to do is book a wedding of $10,000 worth of food & beverage, and you can stay four nights at one of the fabulous Destination Hotels & Resorts properties, including The Inn and Spa at Loretto, for FREE.

Weddings are special to us, and we know that you want to make yours memorable.  Personal and whimsical touches add just the perfect "something extra" that brides are looking for. Have just one unexpected thing that guests will talk about for decades to come - like incorporating your grandmother's best recipe as part of the menu, a champagne station in the restroom, a whimsical favor from the city in which the bride & groom met, or forgoing favors and making charity donations. Even in the most sophisticated of events, just one whimsical touch will get guests talking and give them something to remember.

Learn more about our Loretto Loves Brides package and contact our Wedding Experts today at 505-984-7903.  You can also request a proposal for your wedding online.

Hello Lovelies!

Yet another chance to show your puppy love (and benefit a fantastic local company!).  I've teamed up with Second Chance Dog Rescue and we're working hard to find my furry friends healthy, comfortable and loving homes.  SCDR was founded by fellow devoted fido-lovers to rescue dogs in need and establish support within our tight knit community.

Meet my pal Henna!  An adorable Chihuahua Mix, this little tyke is looking for that special someone.  She is an absolute sweetheart who loves to play and spread her good spirit to all.  Henna also promises not to make any messes, and will even learn new tricks.  This healthy pup's got a hankering to settle down and would love to make your home her own.  Click "view full post" for all the details, pretties!

XOXO,

Sofie

Pampered pets get the royal treatment at various properties in the Destination collection. From special welcome amenities to a hotel dog, your four-legged friend can travel in style to destinations such as Telluride, Austin, San Diego and Phoenix.

Welcome to the athletes, parents and fans of the USAA J3 Junior Olympics!  Manor Vail is pleased to be the race headquarters for this year’s exciting event.  After coming off a great Winter Olympics in Vancouver, excitement is in the air as the Vail Ski and Snowboard Club hosts 180 enthusiastic 13 & 14-year old alpine racers from the Rocky and Central Division. 

Opening Ceremonies begin Friday, March 5 at 5:30pm at the Golden Peak finish area, with the official parade. Downhill racing begins on March 6, followed by the Super G on March 7, Giant Slalom on March 8-9.

See the full schedule of events, and join us in supporting all of the athletes and families.  Be sure to check out this interview featuring Nigel Cooper from the Club, as he tells you more about this exciting event!

On April 4^th, grab your loved ones and indulge in Easter Brunch at T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms, voted Best Sunday Brunch by The Arizona Republic and AZCentral.com in 2009!

I ate at Six Peaks - Wow!

Continuing a legacy that has spanned more than 50 years, Terranea Resort was the site of a major Hollywood production over the last weekend as ABC’s The Bachelor taped the wedding of the decade at the oceanfront property.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa is encouraging you to go green in savings the entire month of March while achieving rest and relaxation!

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa has teamed up with Anastasia’s Boutique and Marriott Photography to offer a new vacation package guaranteed to create memories and celebrate love. 

For nearly 20 years, Oregonians have enjoyed tasting fine regional wines at the annual Sunfest event. This year the free outdoor event will be moving from the Sunriver Village to the Meadows driving range at Sunriver Resort, July 24-25. The move to the Resort will allow organizers more space for new activities and vendors. Oregon wineries participating in 2010 include: Noble Estates Vineyard, Naked Winery, Girardet Wine Cellars and Namaste Vineyards and many more. Please visit www.sunriversunfest.com for more information.

About one year ago, the Sunriver Stables at Sunriver Resort adopted three mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management. They were yearlings, born in the wild and just recently rounded up and brought into holding pens. We came home with these wild horses that night and thought, "We're crazy"!  But working with them this past year has been the most fun and rewarding experience. After hours and hours of training today we finally got up on Mesa for the first time - with no problems at all. What an amazing feeling. These Mustangs are certainly not as wild as they appear. Stop by the Stables any time of year and see these beautiful animals up close. Picture of Mesa below:

To keep up on the latest happenings at the Sunriver Stables, please become a FAN on our Facebook Page.

Congratulations to the Charter Associates who have been with us from the beginning! We appreciate all that you have done in the last 17 years!