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546 Woodside Terrace, Madison, WI 53711
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Cabot Shore's Wilderness Resort, Nova Scotia, Canada Dude Ranch Vacations – Green & All Inclusive, CO & WY Wild Earth Llama Adventures, NM Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA Whitepods - Alpine Green, Les Cerniers, France Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ Lac du Flambeau Band, Lac du Flambeau, WI National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C. The Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage, AK Walla Walla Inns, Walla Walla, WA The Ancients in the US, Cahokia, IL |
Great IdeasHere are some of the great ideas that we have found at different destinations. You may have seen them in the Green Concierge Travel Journal Postcards. We hope that you will visit these spots, patronize these businesses and pass the word on! If you have a Great Idea, please send it to info@greenconciergetravel.com Dog Sled Adventures
Mushing or dog sledding, a "silent" sports (i.e. non-motorized), may not be as quiet as other sports because everyone including the dogs are having so much fun! Last winter, I visited my sister in Eagle River, Alaska. On a beautiful Sunday, we joined several friends, their children and a collection of dogs in one of the local parks. Parks in this part of the world come complete with dog poles just like we might have bike racks! About now, you realize mushing is the state sport of Alaska. From racing to recreational, from child sized sleds with one or two dogs to full sized sleds that can take more than one person and pulled by a team of dogs, you can choose how you want experience the winter landscape. And it's all fun! Kids playing, dogs yelping and jumping about and lots of laughter all around. A renewed interest in dog sledding, mushing and Skijoring, a blend of cross country skiing and dog sledding, means you can find a ranch, kennel or lodge offering an opportunity to enjoy one or more of these sports wherever you find a winter snow cover. Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing, Bayfield WI http://www.wolfsongadventures.com/ See the northwoods as pioneers in the upper Midwest might have Ð from a sled bundled in warm layers. Just like other non-motorized sports, mushing often brings you into close encounters with wildlife. Located near Bayfield, add a mushing adventure to a trip to the northwoods this winter. A founding member of Travel Green Wisconsin, Wolfsong's operations leave nothing more than paw prints in the snow! For day trips choose between the Morning Adventure (4 hour) which includes a hot lunch along the trail or the Afternoon Run (2.5 hour) Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing For Other Dog Sledding Adventures in the United States: Tree Houses Take the idea of a tree house and amp it up into your "dream tree house". Modern interpretations of this basic shelter involve capturing that above ground feeling with environmental construction practices. The novelty of these shelters is only diminished by what can be a challenge for accessibility. We have listed destinations that feature one or more tree house options for their visitors while minimizing the environmental footprint. Some have even solved some of the accessibility issues! Fair Oak Farm, East Sussex UK http://www.fairoakfarm.co.uk/treehouse-holiday-accommodation-uk.htm At Fair Oak farm, two eco-lodge tree houses provide luxury self-catering accommodation for two. Built from sustainable timber and fully insulated, these spacious lodges contain a Queen size double bed, seating and dining areas, fully equipped kitchen and sheltered balcony. Accessed via a steps or a ramp, the ecolodges are hidden amongst mature trees including magnificent Scots Pines and other native specimens. Historic maps show that the tree line is an ancient boundary which existed thousands of years ago. From the sheltered, decked balcony you can enjoy uninterrupted valley views of stunning Sussex countryside. What a view to wake up to! Fair Oak Farm, Tree House Lodge, Punta Uva, Costa Rica http://www.costaricatreehouse.com/ Tree House Lodge hugs the shore of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Located within the boundary of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, you can select from several styles of accommodations including the Tree House. The Tree House was built from sustainably harvested hardwoods. Built on stilts, this back-to-your-childhood house is submerged by the forest, with a sloped wooden suspension bridge leading steeply to its front door. Inside it's split level: upstairs, a double king size bed; downstairs, a second double bed, a single bed and a kitchen. There's enough room for a family, however also very romantic and very suited to a couple. Tree House Lodge Cedar Creek Treehouse, Ashford, WA http://www.cedarcreektreehouse.com/ Cedar Creek Treehouse is an Earth-friendly, privately owned and operated mountain retreat, located one mile as the crow flies, 10 miles by car, from the Nisqually River Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and bordering the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. If you choose to add this this unique treehouse vacation rental to your itinerary, you will wake up 50 feet above the ground in a 200-year old Western Red Cedar tree. The views and the sensation of suspension cannot be found elsewhere. The owners have added a Treehouse Observatory with spectacular mountain views accessed by a suspension walkway (its "Stairway to Heaven"). So if you are looking for a unique getaway for your trip to the Mt Rainier area, look no further than the Cedar Creek Treehouse. Cedar Creek Treehouse The Cabot Shore's Wilderness Resort on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Cabot Shores exemplifies a great ecotravel experience – a remote destination but providing a variety of levels of comfort. Guests select from lodge rooms, chalets, a yurt and tipi or camping for their stay. Your adventure continues with hiking, biking, sailing, fishing, wildlife watching to name a few of the activities that you can choose from to explore Cape Breton Island. Local culture and food are highlighted as you play hard and relax comfortable in your choice of accommodations at the resort.
To get to Cape Breton Island you fly or take the train to Halifax, Nova Scotia. From Halifax, rent a car and drive across to Cape Breton Island. A car will enable you to explore the Cabot Trail, a 300 km scenic highway that links fishing communities and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This adventure is for those who love nature, the elements, good food and fun. The island's communities are known for music, food and festivals so go for the incredible views, wildlife and immerse in the culture. Don't forget that citizens of the United States traveling between the U.S. and Canada are now requires to have a valid U.S. passport. Dude Ranch Vacations - Home Grown Family Fun & All Inclusive The Rainbow Trout Ranch near Antonito, CO
Located near Antonito, CO in the eastern edge of the San Juan Range along the Conejos River, the Rainbow Trout Ranch offers high mountain adventure for all ages. The ranch has separate programs for 3 to 5 year olds and 6 to 11 year olds. Younger children still get to ride being led while older children get assigned a horse to work with for the week. The teen program for 12 to 18 year olds organizes riding, fishing, hiking, swimming activities and more for the week. Great scenery, fishing and riding opportunities make this a classic ranch to visit. In addition, river rafting and a trip on the scenic Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad, the highest narrow gauge railroad in the country, can be a part of your week or a punctuation point at the beginning or the end. Family owned and run, the Van Berkums offer classic hospitality. Like many of the best ranches, many guests return year after year building friendships with the Van Berkums and other guests. The Ranch is accessed from Santa Fe/Taos in New Mexico or from I25 corridor in Colorado. Leave I25 at Walsenburg and continue west on Hwy160 to Alamosa taking Hwy 285 south. Turn on to Hwy 17 entering the Rio Grande National Forest. The ranch is off Forest service road 250 just over an hour from Alamosa. From Santa Fe, get on to Hwy 285 north until Hwy 17 in CO. From Santa Fe, it takes about two and a half hours depending on the route and how many stops you make. Note that Amtrak serves Santa Fe. Laramie River Ranch in CO just over 40 miles from Laramie, WY The Laramie River Ranch can be found at the north end of the Roosevelt National Forest along the Laramie River. The location is north of Rocky Mountain National Park and closest accessible city is Laramie, WY. The ranch capacity is 25 guests but they offer a full range of activities for children and adults alike. Fishing and riding and naturalist programs provide the core of the activities. In recognition of the environmental challenges facing the world, the ranch uses green power, recycles and composts waste, conserves water in ranch buildings, uses energy efficiency lighting and cleaner ranch vehicles. Read more on their “green ranching” page of their web site. Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch near Loveland, CO Just west of Loveland, CO on Highway 34, one of the main roads into Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park. The ranch capacity is 50 offering a full range of activities for children and adults most of which are included in the dude ranch rates. The ranch also offers bed and breakfast options for those who have a limited amount of time. The proximity to Denver (Amtrak station and airport) and Rocky Mountain National Park make Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch a great addition to any itinerary. From conservation easements to waste management and green power, Sylvan Dale has made a commitment to going green. And for foodies, their local sustainable beef herd is an added bonus. Read about their awards and green efforts on their web site. Wild Earth Llama Adventures, New Mexico http://www.llamaadventures.com/ For 18 years, the Wilde Family and Wild Earth Llama Adventures have been bringing adventurous travelers into the New Mexico Wilderness. Their mission is to make wilderness experiences available to people of all ages and backgrounds; and to promote conservation and stewardship of our public wild lands. Wild Earth Llama Adventures offers a variety of experiences from gourmet lunch day hikes to personalized family treks to extended backcountry multi day treks. These trips meet the needs of all ages and fitness levels. Their fun and educational excursions travel into the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests and wild areas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Rio Grande Gorge, near Taos and Santa Fe.
“The Carson National Forest is lush with Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, and aspen. The majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains are home to healthy populations of mule deer, elk, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Flocks of grouse and wild turkey often make themselves visible to us. Magnificent birds of prey such as golden and bald eagles, great-horned owls, and red-tail hawks are often seen soaring above us in the clear New Mexico sky. On the trail, our gentle and sure-footed llamas will carry your gear, leaving your body, mind, and spirit unburdened to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Northern New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The pace on our treks is non-competitive, with the emphasis on enjoying yourself in the backcountry. We specialize in seeking out trails that are less traveled, offering our guests a true wilderness experience.” (from Wild Earth Llama Adventures web site – 6/17/10) Wild Earth Llama Adventures, Taos, New Mexico Ristorante Avanti, Santa Cruz, CA Ristorante Avanti from the outside could fool you but locals know this is the place to get well prepared, locally grown food. As a member of Chef's Collaborative, Ristorante Avanti puts to good use the numerous local sources available to them. Meat, vegetables, fish and dairy can all be found nearby and pulled together in creative combinations. While California wines are covered, Old World wines are featured from Italy, France, Spain and Austria. The owners seek the best wines at the best prices that compliment and enhance the food without overpowering it. The evening I visited, the dining room was full and I gladly took a stool at the bar. I started with a local sardine crostini with water cress, blood orange, haricots verts and homemade aoli. I followed with a mouthwatering Marin Sun Farms porkchop surrounded by spring vegetables (asparagus, beans) and some apricot chutney. On the whole, it was a comfort meal in a comfort setting. I will be back! Ristorante Avanti is recommended in Green Concierge Travel's itinerary Walking in the Coastal Redwoods. Ristorante Avanti, 1711 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (831) 427-0135. Open Mon – Fri for lunch and Mon – Sun for dinner. Google Bike Maps On March 10th, Google announced what it claims is its most requested new feature – bike maps! Fifty seven million Americans ride their bikes and biking is becoming the mode of choice for more and more Americans who commute. The new bicycling layer for Google Maps, accessible via the “More…” drop down menu at the top of the map, will display an overlay of the various bike-friendly roads and trails around town. The layer is color-coded to show three different types of paths:
Thousands of miles of trails are available to help cyclists plan their routes and to show new cyclists learn about the availability and convenience of bike trails. To check it out, visit http://maps.google.com/biking. Google is constantly adding new trail information and encourage bikers to send feedback and route information for inclusion via a reporting tool found at the bottom of the map. Plimoth Plantation – Living history http://www.plimoth.org/
Don't be shocked when they don't acknowledge your cell phone, ipod or other modern conveniences. Remember, these do not exist for them. To get the indigenous perspective walk to the Wampanoag homesite. The Mashpee Wampanoag, “People of the First Light”, have lived on this land for 12,000 years. The Homesite is staffed by Native people dressed in traditional deerskin clothing from different Nations. In contrast to the English Village, these “guides” use their own language and modern perspective to teach you about the experiences of the Wampanoag. In the Homesite, please be aware of Plimoth's cultural sensitivity guidelines. These guidelines will help you respect the Native People who staff the Homesite. For more information, see Green Concierge Travel's resource section on Indigenous Tourism. Respect for cultural and indigenous heritage at a destination is integral to ecotravel. In general, when planning a visit to an indigenous site, be mindful of requests regarding such things as access, photos, dress, etc. Don't assume its ok; be proactive and ask! To get the most from these exhibits ask lots of questions and be ready to restate modern terms when you are at the English Village. The more you inquire, the more you will learn. Compare and contrast the lifestyles and how suitable they were for the realities of life in the 1600s. You may be surprised by what you find!
Rates Green Cab, Seattle area, WA Looking for a ride between Amtrak’s Cascade Corridor service and Seattle’s SEATAC airport? A new cab service is on the scene – Green Cab. I pre ordered a cab for pick up so I could catch my red eye flight back to the Midwest. When the train left Tacoma WA, I called the dispatch to let them know when the train was due in. “Look for the green Prius!” the dispatch told me. And as I filed down the ramp from the tracks, there was the green Prius from Green Cab. I felt special and I admit pretty cool. Unfortunately, the mainline does not currently serve the airport directly so you have to either catch a local bus or take a cab. Green Cab serves the Seattle/King Co area including the airport and the Amtrak stations. They provide door to door and airport service in their all hybrid fleet! Check them out at http://greencabseattle.com/ or to order a cab call – 206.575.4040. Whitepods - Alpine Green, Les Cerniers, France Whitepods is a private ski experience located in the Swiss alps. They offer two types of lodging – the Refuge (open summer and winter) and the Camp (open winter only). The Camp, which will be closed for the 2008/2009 season, offers nine pods accommodating 24 guests at one time. The pods set up on platforms minimally impact this high altitude ecosystem and can be reached by foot or skis. A dining room, lounge and spa can be found at the main lodge. The Refuge, located at 1800m, accommodates up to 60 guests. Lodging includes both bedrooms and dormitories. In addition to dining and lounge space, the Refuge offers meeting and spa facilities and a gym. Breaking fresh tracks for winter recreation, Whitepod won a Responsible Tourism Award. Their daily passion, the environment, means
Location: Whitepods is located above "Les Cerniers", a small village at the foot of the Dents du Midi, a mountain range with peaks over 3,000m. The closest airport is Geneva, which is 1h 30 mins away from the camp. Rates: THE REFUGE - Summer and winter. The refuge is opened throughout the year, except May and November. Rates start at $54 (65CHF) per person per night, including half board. All taxes are charged separately.
Taking a trip to Austin? Look no further than Habitat Suites! Like Green Concierge Travel, Habitat Suites is a member of Coop America’s Green Business Network. Located north east of the University of Texas campus, the Suites was built along the edge of the Highland Mall. This award winning hotel strives to model sustainability from its landscaping, in room amenities, power supply (solar array on the roof!) to water conservation and water and air quality. With spacious rooms with kitchenettes, lovely gardens and pool with Jacuzzi, and full breakfast with thoughtful inclusion of vegan, vegetarian and traditional selections, Habitat Suites provides great value for the business or leisure traveler!
Listed Rates: Call Green Concierge Travel to book your next trip to Austin – 1.877.200.2844.
Lodges, Museums and Interpretive Centers
Metepenagiag Heritage Park, New Brunswick, Canada
Metepenagiag Outdoor Adventure Lodge, New Brunswick, Canada Metepenagiag Outdoor Adventure Lodge features comfortable accommodations and first class hospitality in a unique wilderness setting. The lodge combined with the Heritage Center offer you a Mi'kmaq cultural experience. Metepenagiag First Nation has its roots in an aboriginal Mi'kmaq community. The Metepenagiag use their past knowledge and history with wildlife, salmon fishing and canoeing. Explore the aboriginal Mi’kmaq culture that has existed for over 3000 years.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ "Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, the cultural resources of Canyon de Chelly include distinctive architecture, artifacts, and rock imagery while exhibiting remarkable preservation integrity that provides outstanding opportunities for study and contemplation. Canyon de Chelly also sustains a living community of Navajo people, who are connected to a landscape of great historical and spiritual significance. Canyon de Chelly is unique among National Park service units, as it is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land that remains home to the canyon community. NPS works in partnership with the Navajo Nation to manage park resources and sustain the living Navajo community." (From the NPS web site) The Visitor Center is open daily all year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Christmas Day. The North and South Rim Drives and the White House Trail remain open all year. Fees apply for hiking and driving in the Canyon. NOTE: From March through November, the Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time. The rest of Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time all year. Navajo Guides can be engaged to explore this area. Both Gallup, NM and Flagstaff, AZ have Amtrak train stations and Greyhound bus stations. Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lac du Flambeau, WI
George W Brown Jr. Museum and Cultural Center, Downtown Lac Du Flambeau, (North of Minoqua), Phone: 715-588-3333 Wisconsin has a rich and diverse aboriginal history and the modern nations have provided insight into some of this history and culture. Experience Ojibwe culture at the George W. Brown, Jr. Museum. The museum exhibits the old ways with the current in a rich presentation of Ojibwe life and history drawing on hundreds of years of continued Ojibwe presence. Rare artifacts are combined with modern multi-media displays. Videos show modern versions of tribal traditions – the harvesting of wild rice, fish and game.
During the summer months, Waswagoning Village offers a hands-on experience for visitors to Lac Du Flambeau area. Privately owned and hosted by Nick Hawking and his partner Charlotte, the Village presents several styles of indigenous camps illustrating different seasonal needs and purposes for successful living in the Northwoods. At the summer camp you experience the variety of summer activities and games. Children and adults will enjoy feeling the animal pelts, hearing how the camp functioned, and testing their skills at some of the games. The fishing camp shows how canoes were constructed and what fishing techniques the indigenous people used. One way baskets are set in the waters that invite fish in but don’t let them out!
Be prepared to be engaged, to experience, taste and touch and to spend more than an hour walking the site and talking with your hosts. The "Village" is laid out on a trail that winds through the property. The site is level and fairly accessible with places to site at each stop. The Village operates on its own time so be prepared to relax, enjoy the gift shop and generally absorb the atmosphere offered by Nick, Charlotte and Bob (Guide) and the other guides and friends. Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am. - 4 p.m. Mid- May – end of September. Admission: Adults - $8.00, Seniors and Children (5-12) - $6.00 National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
"The National Museum of the American Indian is the sixteenth museum of the Smithsonian Institution. It is the first national museum dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans. Established by an act of Congress in 1989, the museum works in collaboration with the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere to protect and foster their cultures by reaffirming traditions and beliefs, encouraging contemporary artistic expression, and empowering the Indian voice." (From the National Museum of the American Indian website, April 2008) The museum encompasses three different locations. Two locations in New York, New York and Washington DC welcome visitors. NMAI’s museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. opened on September 21, 2004. The museum has permanent collections and changing multimedia exhibits that provide insight to the past and present of Native cultures across the hemisphere. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; closed Dec. 25. (Exhibition spaces, café, and stores begin closing at 5:15 p.m.). Note: there is a second location in New York City. The Alaska Native Heritage Center
Hours: Summer: Mother's Day through Sept. 19, 2006. Open Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. General Admission: Adults - $23.50, Seniors/Military - $21.15, Children - $15.95 (Ages 7-16), Free for children six and younger, Family - $68.50 (2 adults, 2 children); each additional adult family member - $15.95; each additional child is $13.95 
Delta Queen Update – A National Historic Landmark The Delta Queen's exemption to the Safety of Life at Sea Law expired November 1, 2008. The exemption overrode a prohibition on operating vessels constructed mainly of wood carrying 50+ overnight passengers. On September 16th, 2008 Sen. George V Voinovich (Ohio) introduced S.3498 which would extend the Delta Queen's current exemption from the law. The bill went to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation but did not pass during the fall session of Congress. Current hopes for renewing the exemption lie with a request made to President Bush by Republican Representatives from Ohio and Kentucky. These members of Congress have asked for an Executive Order to reinstate the exemption. For more information or to get involved now, try Save the Delta Queen or the Library of Congress information system Thomas for up to date information on the Library of Congress web site and enter the bill number S. 3498 into the search line. Last call for a National Historic Landmark – Delta Queen The Delta Queen, a classic riverboat and national historic landmark, made its last trips up and down the Mississippi River in the fall of 2008. The Delta Queen spent much of her time this past year of operation plying the waters of the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers between Nashville, Pittsburgh, Chattanooga. "Built in 1926, gleaming with four decks of teak and original Tiffany-style stained-glass windows, the Delta Queen accommodates just 176 guests, all in outside staterooms. Unique touches abound, including a rare ironwood floor gracing the Orleans Room, the heart of the ship's nightlife, and an 1897 steam calliope that was once salvaged from a sunken showboat and sold to a circus. You'll even find the very same ship's bell that sounded out landings for the steamboat Mark Twain rode downriver in 1883." (From the Majestic America Line's web site, 1.08) Stay tuned for more information on the fate of this great piece of American History and your window on life and culture of the American heartland. Walla Walla Inns 
Walla Walla, WA – The wonderful downtown suite complex of the Walla Walla Inns is under new ownership. Rick and Debbie Johnson have taken over and are complimenting the great accommodations with wine and art. The properties are being managed under Walla Faces. The Tasting Room for the Walla Faces wines is right below the downtown inn at 216 E Main Street, Walla Walla, WA. The downtown Inn, located on the second floor of a historic 1904 brick building, has fourteen-foot high ceilings with crown moldings giving each suite an expansive feel. The Inn suites include sleek kitchens and baths and modern furniture while leaving the historical elements of the building. (from http://www.wallawallainns.com/downtown/default.cfm) If you are interested in staying at the Walla Walla Inns or would like to book accommodations elsewhere, contact Green Concierge Travel at 1877.200.2844 or email liz@greenconciergetravel.com. The Ancients in the United States - Cahokia National Monument, IL.
The Mississippian culture is an ancient culture that thrived along the great waterways of the Midwest – the Mississippi and Ohio and other
rivers from 900 Before the Common Era to about 1300 Common Era. These people spread across the country using the riverways and leaving
behind mound cultural sites for today's travelers to explore. Along the upper Mississippi and the Wisconsin Rivers one can find beautiful and
But further down the Mississippi River, you can see the remains of the largest city of its time – Cahokia (Cahokia Mounds - IL). This state
historic site is stunning. In addition to the variety of mounds, the site includes a replica of an ancient stockade and an ancient calendar made
from cedar trunks reminiscent of more famous stone calendars. The interpretive center is well laid out and the introductory film should not Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is located just eight miles from downtown St. Louis at: 30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL 62234. Hours of Operation
While entrance is free of charge, Green Concierge Travel encourages travelers to contribute at least the suggested donation of $2 per adult and $1 per child. Explore the Mississippi River in 2 Hours??!! The River Walk - Memphis, TN If you visit Memphis, don't miss the incredible model of the Mississippi River on Mud Island River Park. The River Walk "is a 5-block long replica of the lower Mississippi river, from Cairo, IL, to New Orleans, LA. Each 30" stride is equivalent to one mile on the actual river. Along your journey, you'll revisit historical events and learn about geographical transformations." (From the River Walk web link, 11.12.07). Its physical layout invites you to stroll, jump and explore the reaches of the Mississippi observing its meanders, elevation changes, tributaries and communities. The terraced (topographic) layering of the exhibit invites both young and old to have an interactive experience.
Mud Island can be accessed by walking or a monorail. There is also a museum, canoe, kayak bike and pedal boat rental on the island. Make sure you leave time to get back at closing! Hours:
Last Admission is one (1) hour prior to closing. Closed Mondays throughout the season. Admission to the River Walk itself is free. Green snow? That is one of the new phrases to describe an industry that is on the front lines of global warming. Winter sports especially skiing rely on seasons and a good snow pack. But in recent years, getting and keeping snow on a mountain has not been that reliable. And in some areas like the alps, the snow line has been retreating. Ski areas and mountain resorts have organized in recognition of the real threat that climate change poses to their operations. Green snow and sustainable slopes are now buzz words in the industry. If you are a powder hound or a dedicated recreational skier or a beginner, check into some of these resources to see if your favorite resort has joined the bandwagon. If not, talk to the management or use the feedback/comment system that exists and let the resort managers know that their skiers care.
A place to start is the Sustainable Slopes Charter of the National Ski Areas Association. Ski areas endorse the Charter and its principles. Adopted in 2000 and revised in 2006, the environmental charter serves as a framework for sustainability in the operations of the skiing industry. It presents a set of principles guiding resorts to sustainable practices in development, water conservation and protection, energy efficiency and alternative source, waste minimization etc. Since the Charter was adopted, the Association has produced an annual report on progress and activities. Over 70 resorts submitted information to the 2007 report. Desert Botanical garden, Phoenix AZ. Several people I met at the Green Festival in Chicago already new about this first gem – the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Arizona. Located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, the garden is a short 10 minute drive from the Phoenix Airport. This beautiful ridge-top garden highlights the wonderful and often surprising diversity of desert plants in a beautifully laid out garden. The entrance fee of $10 is well spent as you wander the What looks like a vast array of paths can actually be enjoyed in about an hour which makes th Wendell Gilley Museum, Southwest Harbor ME. The second gem featured is the Wendell Gilley Museum in Southwest Harbor Maine. I discovered this on a rainy day at the first North American International Ecotourism Conference held in Bar Harbor ME. Accessible by car, bike or local transit form Bar Harbor, TheWendell Gilley museum is a bird lover’s, hunter’s or wood carver’s dream. The museum hosts a beautiful collection of carved birds - the wood springing to life! This is an active studio and current carvers show their skills and works. The museum is located in Southwest Harbor, a 25- minute drive from Bar Harbor or Ellsworth. A short walk from Great Harbor Marina in Southwest Harbor. Or you can take the Island Explorer bus route #7 to get to the Museum. The museum is open from Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm June to October closing at 5 PM July and August. For more information, call 207-244-7555 or email info@wendellgilleymuseum.org |
If you and your family find yourself in the Boston/Providence area, take a morning or afternoon to visit Plimoth Plantation. Located 3 miles south of Plymouth, this scale replica settlement complete with stockade, animals, building and people – yes, people in period costume, speech and way of life, will introduce you to life in the 1600s. In the 1627 English Village, you will smell baking bread, hear the blacksmiths hammer, or watch a militia practice.
Hours 
Habitat Suites, Austin TX
Waswagoning Village
The winter camp shows the difference between a winter and summer wigwam. One shell allows a visitor to understand the heating system – an early form of radiant heating!
Fourth Street & Independence Ave., S.W.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a must see if you are stopping in Anchorage. It is just north of Anchorage (just off the Glenn Highway, Highway 1, exit Muldoon Road north) not more than 10 minutes from downtown. The Center presents an introduction to Alaskan indigenous peoples and their culture through permanent and living demonstrations in the indoor/outdoor exhibits. The five major cultural groups are presented in six authentic dwellings and traditional living exhibits on the site. Native Alaskan staff interpret the various exhibits and demonstrate a range of types of living skills. There are regularly scheduled dancers, singers and demonstrations of skill in the main building. You can see native artisans and crafts persons at work and talk to them about how they learned their trade and interpret their works. Heritage gifts can be purchased directly from the artisans or in the on site shop - works of art, jewelry, books and clothing. I make a point of visiting the Center to see what’s new and I really enjoy engaging with the staff. The Center offers a very rich cultural and educational experience. You can access the Center by car, bus or shuttle that runs from downtown in the summer months. Staffed and run by native people. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible non-profit organization that Green Concierge Travel encourages travelers to support.
All site content © 2012 Green Concierge Travel. A member of CABN, NACTA, and TIES.
546 Woodside Terrace, Madison, WI 53711
ph 608.204.2717 • fx 608.204.3818 • toll free 877.200.2844
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