Traveling can leave you feeling more tired at the end of your trip than when you left. But making time for fitness when you’re on the road can keep your energy up and make your trip more enjoyable.
(more…)

As I approach Monmouth Battlefield State Park in New Jersey, I see rows of white tents, hundreds of people in 18th-century dress, stacks of muskets, horses, wagons and cannons. I hear a fife and drum, and smell the scents of roasting meat and campfire smoke. It’s as if I have stepped back in time to the American Revolutionary War battle of Monmouth, although I know it’s only a re-enactment.  By Ben Anderson
(more…)

Mexican food has the bass and treble turned up. It’s rich, it’s full, and it’s exciting,” says Bill Phillips, associate professor in Culinary Arts at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. An important part of Mexican cuisine is its use of chiles. Experts believe that chiles originated in the Amazon jungles of South America as hot, berrylike fruits before coming to Mexico by way of Central America and the Caribbean. By some estimates, there are more than 200 known varieties of chiles currently cultivated in Mexico.

By Mark Caskie
(more…)

Past Sense
Let Amish customs in Pennsylvania Dutch Country subtly tickle your senses with a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of 21st-century living.

  (more…)

When Paula Butler travels, she won’t leave home without it. Her pillow, that is. As former vice president of public relations for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Butler is a seasoned traveler. And her orthopedic pillow is always with her at bedtime so that Butler stays rested on the road—which can be easier said than done. “This way, no matter where I am, I know I will sleep comfortably,” she says.  By Beth D’Addono
(more…)

Travel doesn’t always have to be exotic. While journeys to faraway locales have their place, for most of us, balancing affordability with convenience and the chance to spend quality time with our families is the real bottom line.
(more…)

I love this Country, and I love New York — now you can experience everything you’ve come to love about this Country in  Queens — just 5 miles and a few minutes from Manhattan, you’ll be surrounded by theaters, concerts, sporting events, restaurants, and a family-oriented arts community.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, New York City at Queens, NY
40-34 Crescent Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-729-0111

(more…)

More than two hundred years ago, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark followed the Missouri River into current Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota—today, you can too.Follow the trail of explorers Lewis and Clark  in an ascent of the Missouri River through Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.

A River Runs Through It

Fort Atkinson, Nebraska
Lewis and Clark set up camp here, not far north of Omaha, for their first official council with American Indians. The parties gave speeches and exchanged gifts.

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska
Just north of Atkinson, passersby can see much of the flora and fauna Lewis and Clark recorded 200 years ago.

 
Lewis and Clark State Park, Iowa.  There’s rest for the weary at this trail spot in Onawa, where visitors picnic, camp, swim and fish.

Sergeant Floyd Monument, Iowa
Pay your respects in Sioux City to the only member of the Corps of Discovery to die on the journey.

Spirit Mound, South Dakota
Just north of Vermillion, Lewis and Clark boldly hiked to the top of this mound once feared by the Indians. On the other side, they beheld beautiful and seemingly unending plains filled with bison.

Road Rules
If you’re from a country other than the United States and plan to operate a motor vehicle in Nebraska, Iowa or South Dakota, you will need an international driver’s license and the insurance card of the vehicle owner at all times. South Dakota http://www.state/sd.us/DRR2/motorvehicle/index.htm requires drivers to have a Resident Alien Card (green card). Nebraska http://www.dmv.state.ne.us requires a valid passport. And Iowa http://www.iamvd.com requires a vehicle registration card.

Map: Laszlo Kubinyi

It’s Wednesday and you know what that means — check out www.countryinns.com/offers to take advantage of our great offers at select locations!  There’s still time to plan a geteway to your favorite Country!

OR, if you’re planning ahead, make sure you take advantage of our Sweet Deal — save 15% when you stay 2 or more consecutive nights!

Happy travels,
~Emily

Business and golf have been undeniably, er, linked since the first time Fred Flintstone tried to impress his boss Mr. Slate on the Bedrock back nine.  By Beth D’Addono
(more…)