MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Hotels, Hotels & Resorts

Hammetts Hotel Opens in Newport, RI

*Hammetts Hotel, Main Street Hospitality’s newest addition to its management portfolio, has opened in Newport, RI, on America’s Cup at Commercial Wharf.*

Newport, RI – Hammetts Hotel, Main Street Hospitality’s newest addition to its management portfolio, opened on Friday, June 26. Centrally located on America’s Cup at Commercial Wharf, the 84-room hotel places guests in the heart of downtown Newport and welcomes the local community to explore, gather, and dine.

The Sarah Langley Gallery at Hammetts Hotel, named for the owner of Hammetts Wharf from 1893 to 1906, also opens to the public on June 26. Purposefully established to engage both hotel guests and the Newport community in artistic conversations, visitors will have an opportunity to connect with artists, curators and gallerists. Inspired by work connected to Newport and the Northeast region, the gallery will also host partnerships with regional art and academic institutions. Exhibitions will be curated by a gallery committee and are scheduled to change seasonally throughout the year. Future plans for community events include gallery opening receptions, artist talks, and more.

The gallery’s opening exhibit features works by young artists at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. Titled “This is Our Town,” the children use art to depict their hometown perspectives. The eclectic collection of artwork ranges from iconic landmarks like the Cliff Walk and Narragansett Bay, while other artists captured the diversity of the city’s North End, illustrated Newport’s “red tide” of seaweed, or caricatured middle school classmates. Together, the paintings represent the juxtaposition of grit and glamour in the “City by the Sea.”

“It is an honor to showcase artwork from young, local artists as the debut exhibition in the Sarah Langley Gallery, and a testament to the importance of the local community to Hammetts Hotel,” said Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality. “All proceeds from sales of any of the pieces on exhibit will go directly to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County was established 1956. It is a place where countless young residents have learned to swim, received academic support, and gained leadership experience. For nearly 65 years the club remains true to its mission “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need help most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

The Sarah Langley Gallery is located in the central corridor of the hotel occupying the east wall for 50 feet of linear exhibition space. Nearby, the sun-drenched lobby features floor to ceiling windows welcoming visitors with abundant seating artfully arranged for individuals to linger and small groups to socialize. Guest rooms and public spaces have been carefully curated, featuring artists with strong ties to Newport. Eustis worked closely with Kristen Coates, a Newport gallerist, artist and art advisor, to engage the artists and curate the collections. Featured artists include William Heydt, Nicholas Lima, Onne van der Wal, Mark Sweeney, Rob Migliaccio, Christian Harder and Maaike Bernstrom.

Slated to open in August, the hotel’s restaurant Giusto will feature an outdoor bar and expansive patio overlooking the Newport Marina, a private dining room, and semi-open kitchen. Helmed by Chef Kevin O’Donnell, the cuisine will focus on regional Italian dishes with playful Rhode Island touches, including menu items from local farms and purveyors to support the community. The bar program will offer a mix of classic and freestyle cocktails, beer from local breweries, and a predominantly Italian wine list with featured natural selections.

Amenities of Hammetts Hotel include a private deck for guests to enjoy, a full-service waterfront restaurant, fitness center, flexible gathering spaces, and valet parking with seasonal rates. Summer rates starting at $300 per night.

For additional information and reservations, visit www.hammettshotel.com or call 401-216-8081. Hammetts Hotel is located at 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI 02840.

Formed in 2014, Main Street Hospitality Group is a hotel management company founded originally at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, with a long tradition of excellence in preservation, innovation, sustainability and operations. As owners and operators of some of the most distinctive hotels in the Berkshires and, most recently in Newport, RI, the company’s mission is to “create places that enable people to connect in meaningful ways” through genuine hospitality, thoughtful operations and an empathy-driven culture. Main Street’s hotel management portfolio includes The Red Lion Inn, Maple Glen at the Red Lion Inn, The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA, North Adams, MA, Hotel on North, Pittsfield, MA, The Briarcliff Motel, Great Barrington, MA, and Race Brook Lodge, Sheffield, MA, an affiliated hotel. Main Street will manage the Hammetts Hotel in Newport and will grow its presence in Rhode Island with the addition of The Beatrice Hotel in Providence also in 2020. For more information, visit www.mainstreethospitalitygroup.com or call 413-298-1610.

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Historic Places, Historic Preservation

Greater Williamsburg, Virginia, Attractions Reopen for Visitors With Health Protocols

Discover personal stories of enslaved and free African Americans on both sides of the American Revolution and their contributions toward establishing an independent nation in “Forgotten Soldier,” a special exhibition at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (photo courtesy of Greater Williamsburg)

Greater Williamsburg, Virginia, arguably America’s first outdoor destination established in 1609, is easily accessible by car from many East Coast cities and is now back in business welcoming vacationers from near and far. Area attractions, lodging, dining, and other industry partners have started to reopen or begun to announce reopening plans and timelines along with some exciting improvements and updates.

While there are new restrictions and guidelines being followed in this post-quarantine world, the major attractions that make this iconic destination so famous are open or will open soon, including Colonial Williamsburg, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, most restaurants, hotels, resorts, wineries, breweries and more.

To encourage visitation to the region, the Williamsburg Tourism Council has launched a new “Life. At Your Pace” marketing campaign to remind guests that the region’s varied and diverse attractions and experiences – from kayaking to Segway tours of battlefields, from brew pubs to amusement parks and golf – offer everyone from all walks of life multiple experiences that allow them to explore at their own pace and comfort level.

Travelers should come to Williamsburg prepared and follow all CDC and local health guidance including practicing good hygiene and social distancing, wearing facial coverings in public spaces both indoors and outdoors, and staying home and not visiting while sick. For a full and most up-to-date list of what is open as well as health and wellness guidelines, visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com.

As of June 23, 2020, here is an overview of what’s open in Greater Williamsburg. As information continues to change, please visit respective websites for updates and the latest policies.

Williamsburg

Restaurants in Merchants Square have expanded outdoor seating areas, which has also been enhanced with the addition of new outdoor dining furniture on Duke of Gloucester Street from North Henry to Boundary Street. New restaurants include David Everett’s La Piazza, offering handmade pastas and light Mediterranean fare and Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop, and there are also new stores catering to fashion, home furnishings, interior design, and gardening. Additional information can be found at merchantssquare.org.
Colonial Williamsburg reopened several of its historic interpretation sites on a limited basis on June 14. The art museums, Governor’s Palace, Capitol, Courthouse, Weaver trade shop, Carpenter’s Yard, Peyton Randolph Yard, Colonial Garden, Magazine yard, Armoury Yard, Brickyard, George Wythe Yard and Curtis Square will operate at reduced capacity and follow site-specific guidelines developed as part of the foundation’s COVID-19 business resumption plan, consistent with the state’s Phase 2 requirements. The Williamsburg Lodge and the Market House, Colonial Williamsburg’s open-air market on Duke of Gloucester Street, is open. Several changes have been made to the guest experience for the initial reopening, including moving interpretive programming outdoors. Ticketed guests can also expect limited interaction with interpretive staff. The foundation will open additional sites and expand programming in coming weeks.
- JULY 4th: Colonial Williamsburg also has special programming to celebrate the Fourth of July, including readings of the Declaration of Independence, a dramatic program titled “Created Equal,” a pig roast at Chowning’s Tavern Garden, and more. Due to social-distancing requirements and state gathering restrictions intended to limit health risks associated with COVID-19, this year’s fireworks as well as performances by Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums are cancelled. A community-wide grand reopening event is planned for after the state enters Phase 3 of its “Forward Virginia” reopening plan. The latest information about July 4^th programming in Colonial Williamsburg can be found at colonialwilliamsburg.org/july4.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets has reopened with most store hours from noon to 7 p.m.
Go Ape Treetop Adventure and Journey reopened its Freedom Park location in James City County on June 5. New regulations and procedures include reduced session capacities to adhere to social distancing requirements, advanced reservations, completing waivers online prior to arrival, and credit cards only.
On June 10, the Colonial National Historical Park reopened access to the Colonial Parkway for vehicle traffic from Highway 199 (west of Colonial Williamsburg) to Jamestown Island. More details will be provided soon when full operations are resumed.
Busch Gardens, Water Country USA and Great Wolf Lodge are slated to open soon…

Yorktown

Yorktown Market Days returned to its regular time and waterfront location at Riverwalk Landing on June 13 and will run on Saturdays through the end of October, rain or shine, with the exceptions of July 4 and Oct. 3
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown was scheduled to reopen on June 24. Adjustments to museum operations include limited capacity in the outdoor living-history areas including buildings and structures as well as the indoor museum theater, gallery films and galleries. Additional details on summer programming and special events will be announced soon.
- Special exhibition “The Forgotten Soldier: African Americans in the Revolutionary War”will also reopen on June 24 for an extended two-week showing through July 8. Forgotten Soldier explores the personal stories of enslaved and free African Americans on both sides of the American Revolution and illuminates the difficult choices and risks faced by African Americans during a revolutionary time in history and the varied and indispensable roles they played during the war and beyond.
- JULY 4th: Visitors can salute the 244th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence during Liberty Celebration at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, including interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations, a rare July 1776 broadside of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic programming in outdoor recreations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm, and more.
Yorktown’s Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival has been rescheduled for Aug. 9 from noon to 6 pm. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Attendees can sample more than 30 different craft beers, dig into some of the region’s finest BBQ, and listen to some of the best Blues musicians in Hampton Roads.

Jamestown

Jamestown Settlement was scheduled to reopen on June 24. Adjustments to museum operations include limited capacity in the outdoor living-history areas including buildings, structures and ships as well as the indoor museum theater, gallery films and galleries. Additional details on summer programming and special events will be announced soon.
Historic Jamestowne reopened on June 29. All public programs will take place outside and follow social distancing protocols. Tickets will be available for purchase starting June 22, and visitors are encouraged to purchase online at https://historicjamestowne.org/visit/tickets-2/. Contact-less payment will be available on-site (no cash accepted).

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Hotels & Resorts

Ranch at The Oasis at Death Valley, Calif. Reopens

*Ranch at The Oasis at Death Valley, California*

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – For those looking for sun, heat, stunning natural beauty both day and night and lots of space, the most unique resort destination in the US may well be The Oasis at Death Valley. 61 miles from the nearest town (with nothing in between), and an official population of 320 people, Death Valley is located in Inyo County, Calif. one of the least populated counties in the state with about 1.8 people per square mile. If you need more space just ponder that this historic resort, ranch and golf course sits in Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the Lower 48 States on more than 3.4 million acres (about 710 acres per staff and guest). Social distancing, for that matter civilization distancing, is one of its main features.

The Oasis at Death Valley is just that, where ancient waters bubble up to the surface to create a real American oasis with gardens, date palm trees, bubbling brooks, nature fed outdoor swimming pools, and even an 18-hole USGA golf course – the lowest golf course on the planet. Death Valley is known for its stunning beauty and exceptionally dark skies where the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. Besides hiking and sightseeing, outdoor enthusiasts will also find tennis, cycling, horseback riding (seasonal) and jeep tours (seasonal).

Down at The Ranch at Death Valley, all guest rooms open directly to the outdoors (no hallways, elevators or large public spaces) and guest park directly in front of their accommodations. The spacious lawns, massive pool and abundant open green space is an ideal environment to relax and escape the rushing, crowded world.

The The Ranch at Death Valley will awaken to guests on June 18 and while initial offerings may be somewhat limited, there is plenty to keep guests engaged and entertained. This is where Clark Gable would escape Hollywood, as did Ronald Reagan and numerous movies were in part filmed, including Star Wars.

Please check the website for the most up-to-date information and news, as well as, explore The Ranch’s 10-20-30 Deal where the longer you stay, the more you save:

Stay one night, receive a 10% discount with promo code STAY1.
Stay two nights, receive a 20% discount with promo code STAY2.
Stay three nights, receive a 30% discount with promo code STAY3.

For additional information and updates on The Inn at Death Valley’s October reopening, visit oasisatdeathvalley.com.

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Active Travel, National Parks

Xanterra Has Rare Availability at National Parks; Offering 30% Savings For Limited Time

View from South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Vacationers can stay on the south rim of the majestic Grand Canyon in the renowned and historic El Tovar hotel and receive 30 percent off from Xanterra for a limited time. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“There is rare availability in the national parks this summer,” observes Betsy O’Rourke, the Chief Marketing Officer for Xanterra, the company that runs the concessions, lodging and many of the activities in national parks including Death Valley, Grand Canyon (South Rim), Zion. There are even the occasional cancellations, and thus availability of lodging in Glacier and Yellowstone.

“The fact is, people come from all over the world to experience the U.S. national parks, and with limited air travel and closed borders this year, those vacationers are not able to come, freeing up rooms in some of the greatest outdoor places on earth.” Now that parks are officially opening, for a limited time savvy travelers can book and save up to 30%.

For example, vacationers can stay on the south rim of the majestic Grand Canyon in the renowned and historic El Tovar hotel and receive 30 percent off for a limited time. Even the legendary Grand Canyon Railway that runs from Williams, Arizona on Route 66 to within footsteps of El Tovar and the South Rim of Grand Canyon is 30 percent off. The same is true at The Oasis in Death Valley, a true American oasis with water bursting from the ground (the resort even has a golf course, the lowest on earth) and bask in a 30 percent savings. And Zion Lodge is also offering 30% off for a limited time.

For information about what’s open, what services will be available, reservations as well as any travel guidelines in this post-quarantine world, access www.xanterra.com.

So, pick your park, save up to 30 percent and take advantage of what nature has to offer, and rare summer openings when the skies are quiet and we’re all looking for someplace great to go that’s outdoors, beautiful and happens to be the trip of a lifetime. Visit www.xanterra.com
for reservations and information.

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Active Travel, camping trips, camping-glamping, luxury travel, National Parks

Moterra Luxury Camper Vans Lets You Pave Your Own Path to Explore National Parks, Wilderness

June 10, 2020 MoralCompass

You’ve probably now heard of glamping – luxury camping. Now Moterra CamperVans offer a novel way to experience the national parks and wilderness by luxury camper van, which also provides amazing self-sufficiency.

With all the luxury of a 50-foot long RV, but, at 19-foot long, the size of an SUV, without the cumbersome size that makes it difficult to drive and park, and even the need to plug into electricity (the vans are powered with rooftop solar panels) or water (they hold 24-gallons of fresh water), their own sink, cooking facility, refrigerator and even their own bathroom facilities (a couple actually have its own shower and toilet, but others have port-o-potty), these camper vans give a new level of mobility. The vans can be used in tent camping spots in National Parks, so you can stay away from the noisy RV parks.

Founded by Gabe Aufderheide and Trevor James who were formerly with Backroads, the company offers these are specially outfitted Mercedes Benz Sprinters, built out by Sportmsobile, in Yellowstone, Wyoming; the Grand Tetons; Utah; Glacier National Park (Montana); and California.

These camper vans come with bluetooth audio, cruise-control and touch-screen navigation. A backup camera, blind spot sensors and lane assist technology make maneuvering a breeze. You don’t have to stay in an RV park, but can go wherever tents are allowed.

The vans come equipped with absolutely everything you need for camping, from sleeping stuff (memory foam pillow!), to cooking (marshmellow skewers) and dining, cleaning supplies, amenities like chairs and table, inflatable solar lights, even bear spray.

There are two models to choose from: The High Roof is perfect for couples- it includes a queen sized bed in the back, as well as a kitchen, sink, indoor shower and portable toilet. The Pop Top, which sleeps four, is perfect for families- it has both a double bed down below, and a double bed up top in the Pop Top! While the Pop Top does not have an Indoor Shower, it offers a solar shower that can be used outside, and it also includes a sink and stove. Both models are rented for $319 a night.

Add-ons available include hammocks & bike racks, services such as pre-bought groceries and airport pick-ups, and packaged and customized tour itineraries.

All-inclusive packages consist of:

Moterra Campervan Rental and cleaning fee
Day-by-day personalized Itinerary with directions and destination info.
Pre-booked campsites, handpicked and booked in advance where possible, or GPS locations for off-the-grid dispersed camping spots.
Scenic Routes that take you to the heart of the action while minimizing road traffic.
Individualized suggestions depending on your preferences for hiking, scenic attractions, restaurants and activities.
A wide range of activities to make the trip your own, like white-water rafting, wildlife safaris, road biking, horseback-riding, kayaking and scenic floats.

For example, a 10-day/9-night Mighty 5: Utah’s Desert National Parks is priced from $5499, providing two-days each in Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.

A six-night/seven-day package offers the highlights of Yellowstone National Park and The Grand Tetons National Park (from $3699).

Moterra operates out of Jackson, WY, Whitefish, MT, Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA.

Moterra Camper Vans, 2950 West Big Trail Drive, Jackson, Wyoming, 307-200-7220,
[email protected], gomoterra.com.

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Uncategorized

Palm Beach Zoo Reopens; Chance to See Newborn Tiger Triplets

June 6, 2020 MoralCompass

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society has reopened to visitors. It’s particularly exciting time to visit since in May, Api, a Malayan tiger, gave birth to three healthy cubs. The impact of a visit to Palm Beach Zoo extends beyond the gates, inspiring people to take action and save wildlife in wild places.

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society has reopened to for visits seven days per week from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last ticket sale is at 4:15 p.m.) and will be operating normally with a few notable exceptions:

Capacity will be limited and carefully monitored to allow for physical distancing.
All visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at palmbeachzoo.org.
A one-way path will be designated throughout the Zoo in the Florida Wetlands, Tropics of the Americas and The Islands.
Certain exhibits will be closed or roped off including the carousel, train, observatory, cafe, aviary, butterfly garden and bronze statues.
Food service is available at the concessions window and kiosks in Fountain Plaza.
Hand-sanitizer stations will be available throughout the Zoo.
Animal talks and animal experiences will not take place at this time.
Strollers and wheelchair rentals are not available and guests are encouraged to bring their own.
Guests to the Zoo are asked to refrain from visiting if they are in a high-risk category for COVID-19 complications, are not feeling well or have a fever. Guests are also highly encouraged to wear masks, utilize hand-sanitizing stations, and maintain a six-foot distance from other groups.

It’s particularly exciting because in May, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society announced that beloved Malayan tiger Api gave birth to three healthy cubs. Api and her mate Kadar, are part of the Association of Zoo and Aquarium’s (AZA’s) Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The SSP® is a cooperative reproduction program that serves as an important backup population for critically endangered Malayan tigers in the wild.

“This is a tremendous milestone for Api, Kadar, Palm Beach Zoo and the Malayan tiger subspecies. It is cause for a global celebration,” said Margo McKnight, president & CEO of Palm Beach Zoo. “Malayan tigers are critically endangered and number fewer than 200 in the wild. Having a secure backup population at AZA institutions like ours may be the only safeguard for the future of these magnificent creatures.”

*Api, the Malayan tiger, gives birth to triplets!*

A critically endangered status means Malayan tigers will go extinct in the near future if illegal hunting and habitat destruction are not curtailed. Tigers at Palm Beach Zoo also have an important role to play as ambassadors for the greater tiger species. McKnight points out, “The tigers inspire the Zoo’s visitors to act on behalf of wildlife.”

Tiger cubs are born blind and they don’t gain sight for the first few weeks. They spend the first month or so in the den with their mother and will not venture far for several months. The Zoo will provide updates, adorable photos and video via facebook and Instagram (@palmbeachzoo) to keep the community connected with the cubs. An announcement will follow on when the cubs will be visible in the Henry & Charlotte Kimelman Tiger River and Tiger Falls Habitats sponsored by Braman Motorcars.

Without daily visitors, Palm Beach Zoo was significantly affected by the loss of admission revenue during the temporary closure. Support of the cubs through donations is welcomed on the Zoo website, www.palmbeachzoo.org/cubs.

For more than 50 years, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society has provided visitors with up-close and personal animal encounters that connect people to wildlife. Palm Beach Zoo guests explore a WILD ecosystem thriving on 23 lush, tropical acres while discovering hundreds of exotic animals. Visitors enjoy interactive animal experiences, nature and water play, and a lakeside cafe. Palm Beach Zoo participates in AZA Species Survival Plan® programs, ensuring healthy animal populations for rare and endangered species. The impact of a visit to Palm Beach Zoo extends beyond the gates, inspiring people to take action and save wildlife in wild places.

For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.

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Historic Places, Uncategorized

Famed Newport Mansions, The Breakers, The Elms Reopen with Health Precautions

June 6, 2020 MoralCompass

*The Breakers, one of the most famous among the Newport mansions, has reopened with strict health protocols © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

NEWPORT, R.I. – The Preservation Society of Newport County today received final state approval to reopen the Newport Mansions to visitors under strict health precautions.

The Breakers is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day with the last tour admission at 5 p.m.

The Elms is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day with a final tour admission at 4 p.m. The Servant Life Tour will be available during that same time.

“By reopening The Breakers and The Elms, we will bring in revenue we need to survive, and our visitors will help to jump-start Newport’s economy and support local businesses,” said Trudy Coxe, executive director and CEO of the Preservation Society. “With so many events canceled this summer, the economic stimulus of the Newport Mansions on the city and the state will be greater than ever.”

The Preservation Society hopes to reopen Marble House and Rosecliff later in the season.

In response to the pandemic, all of the Preservation Society’s historic properties and house museums have been closed to the public since March 15. Because 70 percent of the nonprofit organization’s revenue is derived from tour and events admissions, its annual budget has been cut dramatically.

The Preservation Society has prepared the following measures to help protect the health and safety of visitors:

• Audio tour equipment will no longer be distributed. Audio tours of The Elms or The Breakers can be downloaded onto smartphones and visitors can use their own earbuds to listen. The download is free and available through the Newport Mansions app.

• Tickets will be sold only online at NewportMansions.org. Ticket buyers can download and print their ticket at home or show their ticket on their smartphone when they arrive on site. Tickets will be for a specific day and time. Visitors will get to choose when they prefer to visit, subject to availability.

• Preservation Society members will continue to enjoy free admission but must make reservations through NewportMansions.org using their email address and ZIP code.

• A limited number of visitors will be allowed in each house at one time, as determined by state COVID-19 regulations. Staff members will wear face masks and guests will be required to wear masks, too.

• As always, guests will not be allowed to touch any objects or surfaces inside the house except as necessary, such as stair handrails. Staff will wipe down the handrails and any other surfaces visitors might touch throughout the day.

• Restroom attendants will make sure the number of people in each bathroom does not exceed the limit and will clean throughout the day.

• Visitors will be required to maintain a safe distance from each other. Lines on the floors of some rooms will show visitors where to stand until the next spot is available. All tours will be one-directional.

• Because the elevators in The Breakers and The Elms, which require a staff operator, are too small to accommodate people while practicing social distancing, they will not be in operation during the initial phase of reopening.

• The Preservation Society is also working with state officials to devise a plan so guests can purchase sandwiches and snacks from the Welcome Center at The Breakers and enjoy seating on the lawn.

The Preservation Society, which owns and operates 11 historic properties, hosted more than 1 million tours for the fourth straight year in 2019. In July, it delivered the 40 millionth tour since the organization’s founding in 1945.

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2020, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

For more information, visit NewportMansions.org.

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Active Travel, bike trips, camping-glamping, National Parks

Escape Adventures Offers 6-Day Camping + Cycling Tour of Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

June 5, 2020 MoralCompass

Escape Adventures is offering a six-day camping and cycling trip in Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park. This tour is designed for travelers of all fitness levels and appropriate for families with older children.

(Las Vegas, NV) – Escape Adventures is offering a six-day camping and cycling trip in Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park. This tour is designed for travelers of all fitness levels and appropriate for families with older children. Guests will witness magnificent peaks, enormous canyons, glacial lakes, lots of wildlife, and American West icons like Old Faithful. Daily cycling routes range in length from 14 to 59 miles. E-bikes are available upon request. Tours are being offered June – September 2020 and start at $1,695 per person.

Highlights include:

Riding Geneva Pass, Salt Pass, and Teton Pass

Visiting Intermittent Spring, the largest rhythmic spring in the world

Cycling through Star Valley and Snake River Gorge

Spotting grizzly bear, bald eagles, elk, bighorn sheep, bison and more

Viewing Isa Lake at 8,262 ft.

Hiking from Artist Point down to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

Riding from Teton Village to the quaint, Old West town of Wilson, WY

“Guests will cycle through a geothermal Disneyland, sweeping past a phantasmagoric succession of percolating mud pots, hot springs and belching fumaroles, including Morning Glory Pool, Biscuit Basin, and the Grand Prismatic Spring,” said Escape Adventures Director, Jared Fisher.

Specialized bicycles are provided and equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, electric pedal assist bikes are available. All road bike trips include a Garmin GPS device to help navigate through each day safely and smoothly.

Escape Adventures utilizes high-quality camping gear, including a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp. Trip Leaders will ensure equipment is set up properly each night. Most campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers.

Expect three delicious meals a day consisting entirely of freshly prepared foods, including organic fruits and vegetables, as well as meats. Escape Adventures also offers energy snacks aboard its support vehicles and can accommodate vegans or vegetarians.

“There is nothing better than rolling into camp to fresh made chips and salsa, homemade guacamole, and Dutch oven enchiladas,” said Fisher. “Then making your way to a sweet and inviting campfire, sharing your favorite anecdote or image from the day’s activities while marshmallows roast.”

Escape Adventures has operated adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world since 1992. Building on over 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type, from road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels.

For more information visit, https://escapeadventures.com/tour/grand-tetons-yellowstone-road-bike-tour/#overview or contact Escape Adventures at 800-596-2953.

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Adventure Travel, National Parks, river rafting, Uncategorized

With Reopening of Arches National Park, Moab Adventure Center Counts on Nature to Restore the Pandemic Weary

June 5, 2020 MoralCompass

With the reopening of Arches National Park, Moab Adventure Center suggests three guided tours to nudge the housebound into the outdoors. The company is also armed with newly instituted COVID-19 mitigation and operations protocols.

MOAB, UT– Arches National Park in the world’s favorite red rock playground of Moab, Utah, has reopened to visitors. Guided tours of this iconic park have resumed, along with a variety of half-day, full-day and overnight river rafting programs along the Colorado River.

“The benefits of getting into nature for a few days are just what the doctor ordered – especially now,” said Cort Wright, Manager of the Moab Adventure Center, which operates programs into Arches National Park, Utah, and on the Colorado River. “As depression and anxiety diminish, our renewed vitality gains a foothold and positive attitudes surface. It will be a joy for us this summer and fall to see our guests transformed by the activities we provide.”

According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, “being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.” (For the full report see: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing.)

Moab Adventure Center, a full-service resource for the adventure-minded, suggests three guided tours of Arches National Park to nudge the housebound into the outdoors. The company is also armed with newly instituted COVID-19 mitigation and operations protocols (see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/covid-19

Guided Tours of Arches National Park: Daily morning and sunset tours of Arches National Park help interpret the 150 million years of geology and nature that have created this masterpiece of more than 2,000 arches – the highest concentration on the planet. Tour rates are $89 for adults and $79 for ages 5 to 12. See: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-tours

A third tour offers a breathtaking aerial tour of the park. Departing mid-morning, the half-hour flyover views formations such as Courthouse Towers, North and South Window Arches, Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, the Colorado River, Fisher Towers, and Castle Valley. Youth two and under fly free on a parent’s lap. Tour rates are $109 for adults and $55 for youth 3 to 12. For details see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-air-tours

Colorado River Tours: Full and half-day rafting adventures on the Colorado River along the southern border of Arches National Park can also be arranged through the Moab Adventure Center. A half-day morning tour showcases the mild to moderate rapids under a background of red rock cliffs, spires and buttes. Rates are $74 for adults and $64 for ages 5 to 12. Another half-day option comes with a BBQ lunch. Rates are $89 for adults and $79 ages 5 to 12. A full day on the river, with lunch, is a memorable seven-hour excursion. Rates are $109 for adults and $79 for age 5 to 12. (For details see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-river-tours.)

As of May 1, 2020, the Southeast Utah Health Department authorized a phased reopening of businesses in and around Moab. Lodging, commercial campgrounds, restaurants and activities are now available and operating within recommended guidelines. The town is seeing quite an influx of visitors as so many now are choosing an outdoor vacation as the best escape with loved ones.

Moab Adventure Center is offering most of its regularly scheduled activities along with new private tours (www.moabadventurecenter.com/private-tours). These include exclusive Hummer Safari outings for up to nine people; private canyoneering adventures; exclusive Arches National Park morning tours; private stand-up paddle boarding lessons for up to six people; and private Moab rock climbing outings for up to four people.

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

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