may 14, 2010

Social network with travelgirl.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at travelgirl by following us on Twitter! We're listed as travelgirlmag. We're also looking for more fans on our Facebook page - we'd love to see you there.

Travelgirl gets a blog!
We'll all contributing to our brand-new blog.
Check us out at http://travelgirlsblog.wordpress.com

Hooray for Harrah's

I attended an event in Atlanta last week for Harrah's Cherokee, which is undergoing a major expansion. We enjoyed nibbles from restaurants that will be added – including Brio and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Our butter-lovin' fav Paula Deen made a surprise visit to talk about the opening of one of her restaurants there, the closest to her original Lady and Sons in Savannah. She also regaled us with stories of being a "slot slut." The $633 million project, due for completion in 2012, also includes a third hotel tower, spa and 3,000-seat Events Center. Check www.harrahscherokee.com for information on how you can be a "slot slut" in North Carolina.

Thanks Berry Much

I thought pillow and pet concierges were a the latest. How about a berry concierge? All 19 Loews properties will host an official Berry Concierge in their lobbies and poolside for the 4th of July weekend. They won't peel your blueberries for you, but they will be offering complimentary red, white and berry cocktails and demonstrate smoothie making. The berries are from Driscoll's, the nation's largest berry provider. The program is the first in a series of "Taste of Loews" that will run weekly at participating hotels that offer a variety of culinary creations. www.loewshotels.com

Mass BikePike

August is a great time to escape to New England, so why not see it by bike? The Mass BikePike tour, August 5-8, begins and ends in Amherst with riding options from 30 to 65 miles each day. Bikers will camp each night and dine on fresh local cuisine. Or you can sleep indoors at host schools or local inns. If you don't have a tent, opt for Camptel VIP service and your tent will await you after your ride. Registration fee is $375; register by July 19 at www.massbikepike.org

Daily Giveaways

Nearly 50 top destinations in America have joined for a promotion with DailyGetaways.com and the U.S. Travel Association to offer great deals of up to 50 percent off travel. It works like this – every weekday from now through June 4 different deals are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Here are just a few examples: a suite at the Bellagio and tickets to "O" by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas for $1000 or a three-night stay at any Comfort Inn for $140. And if you have an American Express you can join in the daily auction for a special city package each weekday.

Pick of the Week

Maybe I'm all kinds of lazy, but I hate pulling out ironing boards. And I rarely trust the irons in hotel rooms, having been a victim of spewed-out rusty water. So I love this cute little travel steamer from My Little Steamer that only requires a little space and some water. It works in two minutes and is safe to use on any garment. It's less than five inches tall so won't take up valuable real estate in your suitcase. $34.95 at HSN.com