Thank you to everyone who came out to two fundraising events at Sunriver Resort this past weekend. We raised close to $30k for local charities in just two days.

Smokey Bear had a nice visit to Skamania Lodge a few weeks ago. He got to meet some wonderful guests and take some great pictures. Come meet Smokey Bear at his visit on August 15th. You can't miss this.

Skamania lodge Raptor Adventures are taking off... literally. Come see the program that is making the news for Skamania Lodge. Meet these amazing birds, learn all about them and see them up close. They are only here through the summer so hurry up for a visit.

The sunsets in Central Oregon are spectacular year-round, but are especially intense in the summer when afternoon thunderstorms develop and then dissipate in the early evening leaving just enough cloud cover to light up the sky. This sunset shot was taken yesterday evening, 7/27/10/, looking west toward the Oregon Cascade mountain range.

Tonight, join us at Manor Vail as the Vail Valley Theatre Company presents The Best Evening on Broadway. Cabaret perfomances begin at 6pm. This event is a great fundrasier and pairs a 3 act song extravaganza with food and drinks perpared by Chef Bailey. Call Manor Vail at 970-343-6126.

Learn more about the event on TV 8 Good Morning Vail!

We are so fortunate at The Gant Aspen to live within the Colorado Rockies, one of the most beautiful locations in the summertime. Some of our favorite destinations include Willow Basin and Maroon Bells. If you love fresh air, the natural beauty of the mountains and a truly inspiring experience, you'll enjoy a trip to the Colorado Rockies.

Every morning in the summer, just before 8am, the horses in the pasture behind the lodge are led to the Sunriver Stables. Watching "The Morning Wrangle" is a great way to start the day at Sunriver.

See video below

Looking for a fun and unique way to tour Santa Fe, New Mexico?  Santa Fe Western Adventures is offering Stage Coach rides around the Plaza.  It is about a 10 minute ride from in front of the new History Museum, around the plaza, up to the Cathedral and a slow swing back around town to the Plaza.  The coach can be picked up in front of the History Museum, just a short stroll from the Inn and Spa at Loretto.  The cost is $5 per person.  Schedule is Noon to 5pm, Thursday through Sunday.  Come experience Santa Fe in this fun way!

Fitness Instructor, Anna Lembke, introduces Stand Up Paddle Fitness Classes as part of the Sunriver Resort Marina FREE Stand Up Sundays. These fun and active classes combine Stand Up Paddling with total body toning and cardiovascular exercises for participants of all levels. Check-in time is at 10:30–11:45 pm. Class size is limited and reservations are required by 10:00 am Sunday. Please call 541-593-3492.

Video below

Oregon pilot Dan Pimentel recently interviewed Sunriver Airport Manager, Stephanie Hartung about a unique perk at one of the busiest private resort airstrips west of the Mississippi - free bikes when you land!

"The biggest surprise I found upon flying into Sunriver Airport for the first time was the free bicycles waiting to be borrowed. I have not seen this at any other airport."

Read the full story and interview on Dan's blog

The Vail Valley Theatre Company and Manor Vail Lodge are teaming up to present a cabaret night at Manor Vail Lodge in Vail on July 26.  This event is a fundraiser for the 23-year-old not-for-profit whose mission is to bring theater opportunities to the community. The event will consist of a three-act food and song extravaganza including Broadway musical revue numbers paired with food and drinks prepared by chef Richard A. Bailey of Lord Gore restaurant.

We recently asked our Facebook "Likers": "If you were giving trip advice to someone coming to Sunriver for the first time, what is the ONE activity or attraction you would consider a "must-do" or "must-see"?

We had over 70 past Sunriver guests reply and these are the top 35 responses:

With a heat wave blanketing most of the US, I think everyone is fully aware that Summer is in full swing. One reason most locals give as their reason for moving to Telluride, is how great it is here in the Summer. Temperatures are mild and the humidity is low, granted it is a much drier climate and you must stay hydrated so that you do not end up visiting another of our landmarks, the Telluride Medical Center....that one does NOT need to be on your "to do" list.

The Sunriver Resort Meadows Restaurant Staff and Culinary team are excited to announce the upcoming Sunfest Winemaker’s Dinner on Saturday, July 24th at 6pm in the Hearth Room.  The event will feature a 6-course Tasting Menu crafted by Sunriver Resort's Chef Fabrice and his team, paired with wines from the King Estate winery, chosen by Assistant Winemaker, Chris Hudson.

Cost is $65 per person and reservations are highly recommended as this event will sell out. Please call 541.593.4609. See the six course menu below:

Junior Tennis Camp at Wigwam Resort in Arizona Draws International Players

Wigwam Resort offers a variety of tennis camps that appeal to all audiences.  This summer, kids from Germany, Guatemala, Spain, Mexico, and U.S. are participating in the Junior Tennis Program at Wigwam Resort.  Director of Tennis, Carlos Hassey is a well respected Pro and has a passion for teaching young players and takes tremendous pride in the quality of his camps.  He personally hires and trains his staff so that each level player can get better and have a memorable experience playing a great game. 

A recent group enjoyed local fresh menu items at Atwater on Gore Creek

Here at L'Auberge Del Mar, life is always a picnic.

So join us in Point Loma on July 18 from 12pm - 4pm at Picnic Basket!, a family-friendly afternoon that will be brimming with creative art activities, silly picnic games, live music, and delicious treats for all to enjoy!  Presented by Chef Works and Cooks Confab, the proceeds will support ARTS - A Reason to Survive, a fantastic organization which provides programs to positively impact child's lives through the arts.

Our very own Executive Chef Paul McCabe will be in attendance, whipping up some tasty bites and enjoying the sunshine.  Bring a blanket and admire a lovely Sunday picnic to support a great cause!

Seeking a little sweetness in everyday life?  Well, come on in, because Sofie L'Auberge loves to share the cheer in honor of her very first birthday!  She surprised our guests at the pool with a delightful selection of scrumptious cupcakes from a local, organic bakery, Cups La Jolla.  The celebration continues the whole month of July with L'Petit Pooches staying for only $1!  So stop by for something sweet.

It has been an amazing fishing season so far at the Resort at Squaw Creek and north lake Tahoe. Our very own instructor and guide Matt Heron has been busy with classes, clinics and guide trips every day for the past month and a half. Programs this year have included a little bit of everything from kids catching their first fish, to expert casting classes, to full and half day guided trips on local public and private rivers. With lots of water in Tahoe this year thanks to a lack of Spring, there has never been a better time to hit the water during the summer months on the north shore. Please check out Matt’s new website, http://www.mattheronflyfishing.com/ for a complete list of program options. Please contact him ASAP if you or your group are interested, classes are filling fast!! Check out the pic of a fish caught recently.

I just returned from visiting our Destination Phoenix resorts and they are amazing!  I toured Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Wigwam Resort Resort & Spa as well as Tempe Mission Palms Hotel & Conference Center.