People of all ages and walks of life come together to stroll around in circles, step by step, slowly and methodically. Some stare downward as they place each foot in front of the other. Some walk with eyes closed, trusting their feet to stay on the layered path. Some even read from a favorite book as they make their way around the narrow maze. By  Brian Crocker
(more…)

 North of San Antonio, the Lone Star State’s ripening wine industry is centered in the Hill Country, a landscape shaped by an ancient earthquake that buckled limestone and granite into rugged hills and valleys. Today a favorite vacation getaway, the region is textured by majestic live oaks, tinted by wildflowers, and is home to parks, antiques shops and an increasing number of quality wineries. By Paris Permenter and John Bigley
(more…)

Join us as we welcome one of our newest additions to the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson system as of March 19, 2010.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Montgomery at Chantilly Pkwy
10095 Chantilly Parkway
Montgomery, AL 36117
334-277-4142
(more…)

Join us as we welcome one of our newest additions to the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson system as of March 22, 2010.
 
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, College Station, TX
1010 Southwest Parkway East
College Station, TX 77840
979-693-7777
http://www.countryinns.com/hotels/txcolleg
(more…)

When snow starts falling in December, outdoor enthusiasts in Canmore, 60 miles west of Calgary, get ready for a busy season of winter sports that extends through March. While the famous ski resorts of Banff National Park are within striking distance for day trips from Canmore, this mountain town is better known for recreation that puts you closer to nature. But don’t worry: Even though you’ll be sharing the surrounding wilderness with elk, deer and lynx, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Developed for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, the Canmore Nordic Centre (Spray Lakes Road; 403-678-2400) is a world-class cross-country skiing facility with 42 miles of groomed trails radiating from a day lodge, where visitors can pick up a trail map and warm themselves with a hot drink. The trails are geared for every ability level, from an easy riverside loop to an experts-only descent through the wooded lower slopes of Mount Rundle. The staff at Trail Sports will set you up for a day of skiing with rentals for all ages and levels. Rent snowshoes and you can leave the marked trails behind.

If driving a dog team sounds like something you’d like to try, book a trip with Snowy Owl Dog Sled Tours. Guests have the choice of sitting back and letting an experienced guide lead, or taking the reins themselves.

For anglers from southern latitudes, ice fishing is another winter experience to remember. Employing a guide from Wapiti Sports has many advantages—local knowledge, equipment supply and more—but none will be more appreciated than the use of this company’s heated hut that sits atop a private fishing hole drilled through the ice of Spray Lake.

INSIDER’S TIP:

When the sun sets on a day of snowy sports, enjoy a drink in front of the fireplace at the non-smoking Miner’s Lamp Pub (1101 Bow Valley Trail; 403-678-3439), then head to Zona’s http://zonascanmore.com/ for creative cooking in a funky setting. Still feeling energetic? Bands play at the Drake Pub http://www.thedrakepub.com/ most nights.

You don’t have to trot the globe to be an eco-friendly traveler. While green travel usually is associated with visits to tropical retreats in places like Costa Rica or Belize, it’s possible to be a responsible guest much closer to home.   Country Inns & Suites new property in Tuscon, AZ is a great example of how you can live green a bit closer to home.  Read on for more details about this exciting new property, and information about what you can do as a hotel guest to positively impact the environment!
(more…)

…but obviously our Mesa, AZ property thinks that it’s worth the effort.  This beautiful property, located at 6650 East Superstition Springs Boulevard, was the first Mesa hotel to be awarded with iStayGreen.org’s coveted Eco Green Leaf rating.  (more…)