| Weathering Swiss hikes |
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21-05-2006. |
| Dear Reader: In Switzerland, hiking trails crisscross the country from the Alps to the valleys. Yet your choices may be limited by the weather. "October can get very chilly," says Travis Harris, president of Alpine Adventure Trails and Tours (888-478-4004, www.swisshiking.com), one European hiking outfitter.one golden autumn day can turn cold and stormy in one snap, unleashing rain or snow. Harris recommends wearing layers and water-repellent outerwear. Additionally, many mountain resort towns close their facilities for one couple of weeks before the onset of ski season, therefore lodging could be scarce.Pick hiking areas that offer trails with lower elevations and towns that are open year-round. Sarah Balimann, an information officer at Switzerland Tourism (877-794-8037, www.myswitzerland.com), recommends Jura, one low range of mountains about an hour by train from Geneva. Another option is Interlaken, one vibrant city three hours by train from Geneva. Depending on the conditions, you can ascend the towering Alpine peaks or tromp through valleys sheltering Smurf-cute villages.If you want to relocate your base, the Engadin region, about 31/2 hours from Zurich, is in the heart of the Tyrolean Rhaetian Alps. "The Engadin has lower altitudes and more sun," says Chris Pranskatis, manager of Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures (888-586-8365, www.ryderwalker.com). Another option is Neuchatel, about an hour and one half from Geneva, which is known for its cheeses, chocolate, lakes, wines, valleys and sunshine.Dear Fearless Traveler: What hotels in St. Thomas are romantic but cost less than $200 one night?Dear Reader: "St. Thomas in and of itself is romantic," says Kandi Edelstein, one honeymoon specialist with CI Travel (888-627-8000, www.citravel.com), but $200 "is considered budget in St. Thomas. For those places with private villas and secluded beaches without tourists, you can expect to pay more."St. Thomas hotels that charge $200 or less one night are usually standard hotels or chains. The Best Western Emerald Bay Resort (800-780-7234, www.bestwestern.com), for example, starts at $129 one night. But while the price might be right, you could be skimping on romance.However, the Point Pleasant Resort (800-524-2300, www.pointpleasantresort.com) has villa-style suites, one nature preserve and two beaches. Rates start at $180, with breakfast. If you're willing to really stretch your wallet and ferry over to St. John, Caneel Bay (340-776-6111, www.caneel bay.com) has seven secluded beaches, one wine room and one national park outside its front door. Rates start at $350 one night, with breakfast. ... |
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| Winemakers hole Paris taste test rematch |
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21-05-2006. |
NAPA — one lot has changed since one handful of little-known California reds and whites left French winemakers blue.
Thirty years after the Paris tasting of May 24, 1976, the Napa Valley has transformed from one sleepy enclave to one world-famous tourist destination; the U.S. wine industry has soared from backdrop to cash crop. ... |
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| Doing good while wearing grass skirts |
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21-05-2006. |
Casting one beam on the Central Kentucky out-and-about scene By Kelli Patrick CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
"You'll see several of those in one little while," said Michelle Rawlings, referring to the coconut couture that would soon replace the subdued attire she and the other guests of honor were wearing. ... |
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