Travel Fun programs welcomes the following guest:

-Chris Hanen, General Manager of The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Vail Valley, Colorado, will be on the phone to chat about golf and the experience it provides atop the Rocky Mountains. Considered by many as a golf Mecca, the gated community of Cordillera boasts three world-class Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Hale Irwin Signature courses. There's also a ten-hole Dave Pelz short course for those looking to improve their short game. Pelz is the short-game guru that coaches Phil Mickelson. Cordillera is one of the locations of his summer golf schools. "It's not unusual for me to see Pelz having lunch at the pub that overlooks the course," Chris says. The Big 63 is another conversation starter at Cordillera: This annual event centers around the playing of all sixty-three holes on the course. Golf lollygaggers need not apply. But here's a confidence booster for you, particularly for those accustomed to playing at sea level: you'll get ten percent more distance on every shot at these Rocky Mountain elevations (between 7,300 and 9,000 feet). "It's called ego golf up here," Chris says. What a great way to improve your game! As with many other renowned golf locations across the country, the setting here will also surely inspire you to achieve more. The majesty of the peaks and the calming rhythm of the fauna and flora such as elk herds and wildflowers will remind you why it's so important to discover different courses in diverse settings. Go to www.cordilleralodge.com to learn more about their golf offerings and this superior-quality lodge.

A Few Words of Golf Wisdom from Chris Hanen
"Golf is a challenge; you never really master it. Don't take it too seriously. Enjoy the moment. Be sure to remain humble; if not, golf will humble you."

-Matt Massei will be on the phone from another mountain resort also recognized for its beautiful setting and blue-chip golf. Matt is the General Manager of Mount Washington Resort, a historic destination in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Mount Washington is largely distinguished by its two golf courses, one an old classic that has been lovingly restored. Originally created in 1915 by famed golf architect Donald Ross, New England native Brian Silva has primed this grand 'ole course for an August unveiling that would certainly make Mr. Ross proud. Bunkers and sand traps were built ten to fifteen yards from the green back in the old days. Donkeys and plows were used to create the green surrounds and green complexes. "Many of the features were raised up---almost crowned," Matt explains. "We restored the character of the original design in addition to adding some length." And in terms of setting, here you can count on the White Mountain National Forest framing your shot on many of the holes. "We sit in the valley of the foothills of the White Mountains...the resort almost looks like a cruise ship in the night," Matt adds. Visit www.mountwashingtonresort.com to view images of this glorious red-roofed sailing ship and the sea of green that surrounds it.

A Few Words of Golf Wisdom from Chris Hanen
Both Chris and Matt agree that golf is a very complex game but it's often the comradery provided by this sport that saves the day. "And you can always get better," Matt says. "Even Tiger Woods is always working on his game." Matt also encourages people to walk the course. "That's a great way to play the game. You're more in touch with it, more tuned in. Plus it's great exercise."

Suggested Reading
Augusta: Home of the Masters Tournament, by Steve Eubanks
The Mount Washington: A Century of Grandeur, by Ted Landphair and Carol M. Highsmith

My Special Recommendation
Telluride, world famous destination for summer festivals of almost every ilk, is welcoming a new kid on the block: The Telluride Yoga Festival. Some of the finest yoga instructors in the world will gather here in our tranquil mountain town to help ease us into an array of poses and postures for OM-seekers of all ability levels. There will even be yoga for children! It's all taking place July 11 through 13; you can learn more at www.tellurideyogafestival.com.

Another Special Recommendation
Those looking to get a little more crazy over the weekend of July 12th, must plan to attend the KOTO Doo Dah, the radio station's annual summer happening in Telluride's Town Park. As the alpenglo emerges over Ajax Mountain, this year we'll be dancing to the reggae beat of The Meditations. Once the sun sets, we'll surely be rocking out to Lez Zeppelin. The concert is Saturday, July 12th; information will soon be posted at www.koto.org.

Patrick Logue, from Cape May Resorts, will be talking about Cape May, New Jersey, America's oldest seaside resort. Situated between Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean at the very tip of New Jersey, Cape May has been a favorite vacation spot for easterners---particularly those from the Washington D.C. area---for nearly two centuries. By the middle of the nineteenth century, Cape May had become a booming holiday destination, rivaling Newport, Rhode Island and Saratoga Springs, New York. Congress Hall, a big, rambling oceanfront hotel that exudes all the charm of yesteryear, has always been the anchor of Cape May. "The great lawn is really something to behold," says Patrick. It's almost two blocks long and stretches right to the beach." Many illustrious people, including countless politicians (as the name implies) and the renowned nineteenth century composer, John Philip Sousa, have vacationed at Congress Hall. "My favorite event of the year here is the 4th of July," Patrick says. "Cape May is the quintessential American town." Congress Hall hosts a festive day on the 4th which includes sack racing, pie eating, lots of patriotic music (à la John Philip Sousa) and beachfront fireworks attended by some 30,000 people. Go to www.congresshall.com and www.capemaychamber.com to learn more. And check out the arts and cultural scene of Cape May at www.capemaymac.org.

More Reasons to Visit Cape May, New Jersey
-The town boasts the greatest number of examples of fine Victorian architecture in America (over 600!). A huge fire wiped out most of Cape May's seafront in 1878. Since it was already a well established seaside resort, it was quickly rebuilt in the style of the times. Expect lots of gingerbread.
-The second largest scallop fleet on the east coast hails from Cape May, so you know you'll be indulging in the freshest of fresh here along with crab cakes, and, of course, salt water taffy, a perennial seaside treat first confectioned in nearby Atlantic City, New Jersey.
-Outdoor attractions abound at Cape May and the surrounding countryside. In addition to long walks on the beach, other great family activities include bicycling (it's real easy here since it's so flat), visits to farm markets, and trolley touring.

Ed Mayotte, from Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains, will also be talking about all the multi-generational fun you can share at another of America's most classic destinations. Just a two-hour drive from New York City and Philadelphia, you can luxuriate in Old World rural America (there's an oxymoron for you!) at a destination lodge where men still wear jackets and ties to dinner, finger bowls make up part of the table settings, and the staff knows most guests by name. Part Dirty Dancing, part The Great Gatsby, the allure of this resort is largely its timelessness which is perhaps why families have been vacationing here for generations. Built in 1928 on 5,500 acres atop rolling hills, Skytop is a member of the National Trust of Historic Hotels of America. Be sure to stay for a Saturday night to partake in one of the greatest hotel traditions in America. A live orchestra plays for guests young and old, most of whom participate in a dance contest invented long before Dancing with the Stars fame. The winner of the competition leads the Grand March throughout Skytop's expansive lobby and the rest of the common areas. Lifetime memories guaranteed. For more on Skytop and the Poconos, go to www.skytop.com and www.800poconos.com.

More Reasons to Visit the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania
-To go antiquing in the quaint little towns of the region.
-To enjoy the undisturbed, wooded land of this sparsely populated area.
-Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels will want to carve out time to horseback ride, hike, bike, and fish during the summer months.
-Challenge yourself at the adventure center that just opened at the nearby ski area. They offer climbing walls, kayaking, and other activities that you probably don't have the chance to try out at home.

Suggested Reading
Tommy's Folly: Through Fires, Hurricanes, and War, the Story of Congress Hall, Cape May, America's Oldest Seaside Hotel, by Jake Wright
The History of Skytop, by Harris Smith; check directly with Skytop Lodge for availability.

My Special Recommendation
Cape May, New Jersey puts on Christmas like no other place in America. I know it's steamy throughout most of the country and not even officially summer, but you may want to book early if you're looking to experience holiday merriment brimming with beauty and tradition. Nighttime tours begin just before Thanksgiving to the historic cottages (they're really mansions!) that so characterize Cape May. Many of these Victorian gems now operate as bed and breakfasts, and surely The Queen Victoria (www.queenvictoria.com) is the most regal of them all. Enthusiasts of the British crown absolutely must pay a visit.

Another Special Recommendation
Probably the most old-fashioned fun a family can have is spending time together. Renting a villa is a good way to bring generations together without overdoing the togetherness aspect. Villa rentals also offer some of the most sensibly priced lodging around and often come with a full staff that allow you to spend most of your vacation recreating. The price/quality relationship at Mexican Destinations www.mexicandestinations.com is particularly appealing. And their summer specials will make you glad you decided to beat the crowds of more popular summertime destinations. Even better, most listings come with a private pool, spectacular views, and the possibility of partaking in a great variety of activities and tours. This Colorado-based company is accustomed to responding to a discriminating clientele, especially from those in search of exclusive locations to celebrate special events such as birthdays and anniversaries.