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546 Woodside Terrace, Madison, WI 53711
ph ++1.608.204.2717 fx ++1.608.204.3818 toll free ++1.877.200.2844 info@greenconciergetravel.com Find us on Facebook 
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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 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, Washington is not exactly on the tip of everyone’s tongue as a destination. But for many people who enjoy food and wine, Walla Walla is becoming a destination of choice. Walla Walla has been known for a sweet onion of Italian origins and Whitman College, its resident small liberal arts college. It is now becoming known for its wineries, wines and accompanying wine culture. We discovered a great place to stay that should be cloned if possible! Walla Walla Inns (www.wallawallainns.com) offers two locations, a historic downtown inn and at the vineyard. We stayed at the historic downtown inn. The second floor of a renovated 1904 brick building provides a wonderful location for the Walla Walla Inns suites. Each suite has 14 foot ceilings, modern furniture and fully equipped kitchen, living room and bedroom. The suites operate without a front desk; staff are on call but not at the location. For 2008, rates at the downtown inn run from $75 to $400 depending on the time of year, day of the week and suite. We let ourselves in to the building using a personalized key system. Entering our suite, we were welcomed by soft lighting, music and snacks and beverages in our kitchen. There was plenty for both an evening snack and light breakfast the next morning. The Walla Walla Inns historic downtown location provides a great formula for accommodations – a beautifully renovated building, modern conveniences and welcoming atmosphere. 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 © 2010 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
info@greenconciergetravel.com
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