17 Dec 2012

2013 Brings New Sights, Sounds and Events to St. Louis

By Donna Andrews

ST. LOUIS -- December 14, 2012 -- Here's a New Year's resolution that's fun to keep: resolve to visit St. Louis to enjoy what's new in 2013.

Each year brings big surprises to the St. Louis scene. During Lucky '13, visitors can experience new sights, sounds and events at some of the Gateway City's famed attractions.

Greet 2013 by saying buh-bye to 2012 at the artsy, family fun celebration called "First Night® Saint Louis." This year's theme, "A Traveling Circus," brings acrobats, clowns and jugglers to entertain revelers in St. Louis' Grand Center arts and entertainment district. The creative fete rings in the New Year on Monday, December 31 from 6 pm to midnight. Revelers of all ages can take in 60 performances at more than 12 venues, two free fantastic firework displays and free outdoor shows throughout the evening. Admission on site is $12 for adults and $6 for kids. Discount admission is available in advance for $10 and $5 at www.grandcenter.org.

The Gateway City's nightspots and hotels host spectacular New Year's Eve parties to greet 2K13. They're going to party like it's 1929 at the Fountain on Locust. The Art Deco-style dining and luxe dessert establishment presents a Speakeasy Spectacular and Prohibition Bootleggers' Ball. An over-the-top soiree, complete with an extravagant laser light show, lights up Three Sixty. Located atop the St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark, the sky-high venue features spectacular 360-degree views of Downtown St. Louis and was named one of the Top Ten Rooftop Bars in the World. You'll be "Puttin' on the Ritz" by dancing in the New Year at the Lobby Lounge party at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. For information about these events and special New Year's hotel packages throughout St. Louis, click on the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission's website at www.explorestlouis.com.

St. Louis' Forest Park is always a "go to" location for visitors and will have even more to offer in 2013. The New Year brings an expansion to the Saint Louis Art Museum, new habitats at the Saint Louis Zoo, and popular outdoor theatre offerings.

See more of the world-class collection at the Saint Louis Art Museum when its highly anticipated expansion opens with a two-day-long festival on June 29 and 30, 2013. New galleries, an underground parking facility, a café and restaurant are just the beginning of the 200,000 square foot addition. The $162 million project means visitors will now be able to view more works from the museum's collection that places it among the top 10 comprehensive art museums in the nation. Founded in 1879, the museum's existing building was designed by architect Cass Gilbert and used as the Fine Arts Palace for the 1904 World's Fair. Admission to the Saint Louis Art Museum is always free.

Also in Forest Park, you can now come face-to-face with some of the Saint Louis Zoo's most popular animal residents. Visitors can't get enough of the newest wet and wild exhibit, Sea Lion Sound. Rising over the central hub of the zoo in Forest Park, the 1.5-acre, $18 million habitat includes a 35-foot-long underwater viewing tunnel -- the first in North America -- where visitors will see the animals swimming around them. Marine mammal residents include 11 California sea lions and four harbor seals. An 811-seat arena offers shows where the marine mammals will display their natural swimming, diving, balancing and sliding behaviors daily during the summer and in weekend shows in the spring and fall. Daily sea lion feedings and keeper chats also get visitors close to the sleek and powerful animals. Admission to the Saint Louis Zoo is always free.

Spotlights shine in Forest Park when The Muny, the nation's largest outdoor theatre, kicks off its 95th summer season in 2013. The seven musicals, four of which are Muny premiere, included Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Nunsense, Shrek?The Musical, South Pacific, Monty Python's Spamalot and West Side Story. The massive park also is home to the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis which brings the comedy Twelfth Night to life this May 24 through June 16.  Free performances are held nightly, except Tuesdays, in Shakespeare Glen near the Saint Louis Art Museum.

During 2013, thrill seekers will pilgrimage to Six Flags St. Louis, a Mecca for Midwest rollercoasters, for the inaugural season of Boomerang.  The new, 125-feet-tall steel coaster will have brave riders twist, turn and shout during a 50 miles-per-hour, heart-pounding ride along 1,650 feet of twisting, corkscrew, looping track.  Boomerang is the ninth coaster at Six Flags St. Louis which is home to more roller coasters than any other theme park in Missouri.

The Magic School Bus® rolls into The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum and parks its Kicks Up A Storm exhibit there from February 9 through May 27, 2013. This electrifying exhibit features three interactive and hands-on Magic School Bus environments, in which parents and children will have a great time learning about different types of weather and weather prediction. Visitors will get an in-depth and behind the scenes look at scientific weather measurements, weather tools, maps, graphs and the various natural indicators we can use to understand and predict weather patterns.

For details on these events and everything that's happening in St. Louis during 2013, check out the detailed Calendar of Events at the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission's user-friendly website at www.explorestlouis.com.

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Follow St. Louis on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest information on what's happening in the Gateway City. www.facebook.com/ExploreStLouis; http://twitter.com/explorestlouis

 

06 Dec 2012

New Life on Historic Route 66 in Missouri

By Tom Uhlenbrock

Jefferson City, Mo. ? New owners of two vintage motels on Route 66 in Missouri are doing their best to see traffic keeps on trucking on the legendary highway.

The Wagon Wheel Motel, in Cuba, is in tip-top shape after a complete renovation under Connie Echols, who bought the rundown motel in 2009 and has lovingly restored each of the stone cottages.

"It was horrible," Echols said of the motel, which was built in 1935 and is the oldest continuously operating tourist court on the historic highway. "It had the original wiring and plumbing."

On the far western side of the state, the Boots Motel, in Carthage, opened (last spring) the completed wing of a restoration project that will return the motel to what the first Route 66 motorists found.

"We want to make it as authentic a motoring experience from 1949 as we can make it," said Deborah Harvey, one of two sisters who bought the Boots, which once was scheduled to be torn down for a Walgreens. "We want to make the rooms as though you're stepping back in time."

A four-night tour of the Mother Road included stays at the Wagon Wheel and Boots, as well as the Rail Haven, in Springfield, the city where Route 66 got its name, and the Munger Moss Motel, in Lebanon, where the iconic neon sign has been repaired and relit.

Route 66 ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, a total of 2,448 miles, including 317 miles in Missouri, from downtown St. Louis to the Kansas state line west of Joplin.

The highway was named officially in April 30, 1926, at a meeting in Springfield. It served as one of the nation's chief east-west arteries until it was removed from the U.S. highway system in 1985, replaced by Interstates. Interstate 44 through Missouri now follows much of the route from St. Louis to Springfield.

But by then, its romantic status as a roadway to the west, and a pathway to adventure, had been recognized in song and on TV. "Get your kicks on Route 66" was the mantra of the faithful who refused to let the highway fade away.

Today, states such as Missouri have erected "Historic Route 66" signs along bypassed sections of the highway, and tourists come from the world over to drive its twisting two lanes and visit the Mom 'n Pop motels and roadside attractions that still line its route.

"It's the best way to see America, end to end," said Echols, owner of the Wagon Wheel. "Overseas, it's a prestige thing to ride 66, especially on a motorcycle. In summer, a third, maybe closer to a half, of my business is from overseas. One night last summer, we had 11 rooms rented from 10 different countries. Half of them didn't speak English."

Followers of the Mother Road know the important stops, and the people they'll find there.

"I rented 36 rooms to travelers from Australia two weeks ago," said Ramona Lehman, who owns the Munger Moss. "Last year, I had a group from the Union of South Africa."

They come to stay in the motel, and to visit with Ramona and her husband, Bob, and hear their stories of life on the Road.

"I make sure I'm here when we have big groups," Ramona said. "I had a guy from Brazil come in and he said, 'Are you Ramona?' He reached over to touch me and said, 'You are real!'

"There's something about the people who travel on Route 66. They fall in love with our country, and our road. It puts goose bumps on me."

A labor of love
Connie Echols owned a florist shop on Route 66 in Cuba, but long had admired the Wagon Wheel, which included a gas station, café and motel.

"I always thought it was a cool place," she said of the fieldstone buildings.

When the owners died, she bought it from their son and began the arduous restoration, which had to conform to the motel's listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the old café houses the motel office and Connie's Shoppe, which sells women's accessories and souvenirs; the 19 rental rooms are stylishly decorated, with modern amenities.

"I know what I like when I travel - white linens, good beds and clean, up-to-date bathrooms," Echols said. "We did keep the original doors and windows, and saved the hardwood floors that we could."

Room 22 is a suite with a queen bed, table and chairs, and flat-screen TV in the front room. A jetted tub, shower, small refrigerator, microwave and granite-topped vanity are in the back room.

The motel has become a popular base for exploring Cuba, which is making an impressive bid as a tourist destination. The town has decorated its buildings with 12 murals, and is home to wineries and restaurants including Missouri Hick Barbeque, Frisco's Grill and Pub, and Cuba Bakery and Deli.

"There were a few times I could have quit in the middle of it," Echols said of her labor of love, "but I've never been a quitter."

Rooms at the Wagon Wheel range from $55 for a single to $110 for the suites. Visit www.WagonWheel66Cuba.com, or call 573-885-3411.


Streamline Moderne architecture
Deborah Harvey, of Decatur, Ga., and her sister, Priscilla Bledsaw, of Decatur, Ill., are devoted Roadies who were making the trek from Chicago to Los Angeles in 2006, when they came upon the closed Boots Motel at the intersection of Route 66 and Highway 71, in Carthage.

"We were driving along and kept saying how fun it would be to own a hotel on Route 66 and wave at all the people going by," said Harvey, who is 62 and a historic preservation consultant.

Five years later, the two were the proud owners of the motel built by Arthur Boots in 1939. The original had a gas station and eight rooms with carports. A back annex of five rooms with an underground garage was added in 1946.

The back building was the first to be restored, opening last May. The sisters combed the flea markets and used furniture shops in Carthage for antique chenille bedspreads and period furniture to decorate each room, many of which maintain their original wood floors and tiled bathrooms.

There are no TVs, but each room has a radio to fulfill Arthur Boots' promise of "a radio in every room."

Future plans include removing a gabled roof that was added later, spoiling the Streamline Moderne architecture of the main building, and replacing the green neon that decorated the exterior.

The sisters figure it will take up to five years to have the Boots back to original condition, but it's already drawing international visitors.

"We got a couple of motorcyclists from Tahiti, and we've had people from nearly every European country," Harvey said. "This is our first year, but we're making enough money to pay the bills."

And they've already achieved one of their important goals. "In the evening, we sit out front and wave to passersby," Harvey said. "People will stop by and tell us stories about staying at the Boots."

Rates for a single are $66 and for a double $71, as in Highway 71. Visit BootsMotel.Homestead.com, or call 417-310-2989.

State's first Steak 'N Shake
Springfield bills itself as the "Birthplace of Route 66," and the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven is a good place to stay while exploring the city's attractions.

The original Rail Haven, built by brothers Elwyn and Lawrence Lippman in 1938, had eight sandstone cottages with adjoining garages and a rail fence. By the time the motel became a founding member of the new Best Western chain in 1951, it had 28 rooms.

Today, that total is up to 98 and the original eight cottages have become part of a modern strip motel with all the expected amenities. Antique gas pumps, vintage signs and a pair of 1955 and 1956 Fords decorate the grounds, paying homage to its link to the historic highway.

"Nothing's been torn down here," said Tonya Pike, a Route 66 historian who helps in marketing the motel. "We're considered a classic example of how a cottage court becomes a strip motel. There are other hotels out there as old as we are, but we're the only one that's a founding member of a national chain and still part of that chain."

A brochure in the motel office describes other Route 66 highlights in Springfield, including the Rest Haven Court, Shrine Mosque, Gillioz Theatre and the first Steak 'N Shake in Missouri, which has its original black-and-white sign and offers curb service.

Rates start at $79.99. Visit BWRailhaven.com, or call 800-304-0021.

Keeping it alive
Change may be coming to yet another landmark motel on Historic Route 66.

Ramona and Bob Lehman, who have owned the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon for 41 years, have listed it for sale.

The hotel has 44 rooms, and 17 two-room efficiencies. Some of the rooms are decorated with themes, including Room 18, which is dedicated to the dearly departed Coral Court Motel, the infamous no-tell-motel that was torn down and replaced by a subdivision in St. Louis.

"It's decorated in pink and black," Ramona said of Room 18. "I also call it my bordello room."

Although Ramona and Bob, like their motel, are in good shape, they both are in their mid-70s and looking for a new lifestyle.

"I won't sell it just to anybody," Ramona said. "I want somebody who loves Route 66 to take it over. It's part of our heritage. We've got to keep it alive for our kids."

Rates are $48 for a single, and $55 for a double. Visit MungerMoss.com, or call 417-532-3111.

Tom Uhlenbrock writes travel stories for the State of Missouri.

About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to www.VisitMO.com.

 

Links referenced in this article:

Wagon Wheel Motel
www.VisitMO.com/wagon-wheel-motel.aspx

Boots Motel
www.VisitMO.com/boots-motel.aspx

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
www.VisitMO.com/best-western-route-66-rail-haven.aspx

Munger Moss Motel
www.VisitMO.com/munger-moss-motel.aspx

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06 Dec 2012

For more information contact: Ryan Bickel, Blank Park Zoo, 515-988-9485 Two Rhinoceros Arrive at Blank Park Zoo

By Ryan Bickel

Des Moines (December 6, 2012) - Two eastern black rhinoceros have arrived at Blank Park Zoo in preparation for the new $4 million Africa exhibit opening next spring.

"Rhinoceros are the perfect addition to the Blank Park Zoo. They are a very large animal that will be popular with our guests. They are also an animal in great danger in the wild as poachers are killing them at devastating rates because of the value of their horns," said Mark Vukovich, CEO of Blank Park Zoo. "We want to raise awareness about this because it's possible that within our lifetime these animals will be extinct in the wild."

According to the International Rhino Foundation, there are less than 5,000 black rhinos left in the wild and less than 30,000 of all species of rhinos.

Blank Park Zoo acquired two black rhinoceros, a male named Kiano and a female named Ayana. The rhinos are part of a breeding program called a species survival plan (SSP), and zoo officials hope they will breed when they become mature. This program's goal is to maintain a sustainable population of black rhinos in zoos. The male came from the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the female came from Zoo Miami in Florida. Ayana was born in August 2010 and weighs 1,900 pounds and Kiano was born in October 2010 and weighs just over 1,000 pounds.

Ayana and Kiano are now going through a required thirty day 'quarantine' process which helps the animals become accustomed to their new home and keepers monitor their health and stress. Once this process is completed, keepers will begin to introduce the animals to each other.

About Black Rhinoceros (source: International Rhino Foundation, www.rhinos.org)

The black rhinoceros has two horns, with the front one being the larger of the two. They can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and be 5.5 feet tall at shoulder height and up to 12.5 feet long if you include the head and body. The black rhino has a prehensile lip that is well-suited for grasping branches, leaves and shrubs. This is the species' most distinguishing characteristic. The black rhino lives in Africa, primarily in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bush lands. Female rhinos reach maturity at four to seven years of age while males reach maturity at seven to ten years. Between 1970 and 1992, the wild population of this species has decreased by 96 percent. The term 'black rhino' is believed to come about because of the color of the soil the rhino covers itself with while wallowing in the mud. Unlike the white rhino, black rhinos are only semi-social and do not live in herds.

 

About Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo, Iowa's WILDEST Adventure, is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. seven days a week this winter. The Zoo will be closed Dec. 24 & 25, & Jan. 1. Winter Admission rates are $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and $6 for seniors and active military. Children two years and under and Blank Park Zoo members are free. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at http://www.blankparkzoo.com. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) The AZA is America's leading accrediting organization that sets rigorous, professional standards for zoos and aquariums. The AZA is building North America's largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring the 143 million annual visitors to its member institutions and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife.

 

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04 Dec 2012

2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide Now Available

By Stephen Foutes

Jefferson City, Mo. – If the approach of winter doesn't already have you thinking about your summer vacation, the 2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide certainly will.

The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) has published its 2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide, a carry-along travel-planning tool for visitors seeking information about the Show-Me State's incredible lineup of attractions and destinations. The cover is an inviting scene showing a couple enjoying a beautiful sunset over the Lake of the Ozarks.

This annual publication offers information on thousands of Missouri tourism assets - from public tours and museums to live-show venues and ziplines - plus lodging options, golf courses, wineries, breweries, campgrounds, canoe outfitters and Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites.

"The Missouri Travel Guide continues to be a popular and useful tool for travelers to enjoy," says Katie Steele Danner, MDT's director. "Missouri has a diverse tourism industry, and we're pleased to share the Show-Me State with future visitors."

You can pick up a 2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide at a variety of locations across Missouri, including MDT's seven Official Welcome Centers, MDT's Affiliate Welcome Centers, local chambers of commerce, and convention and visitors bureaus. Call 800-519-4800 to order a copy of the guide, and you can order online at VisitMO.com.

In addition to listings of tourism-related businesses around Missouri, the Travel Guide includes color photos and feature stories on Missouri's vacation regions. Other content focuses on made-in-Missouri products, regional dining options (with many favorites selected by MDT's Facebook fans), and genealogy-research facilities.

For more information about the 2013 Official Missouri Travel Guide, or to schedule an interview with Tourism Director Katie Steele Danner, please contact Stephen Foutes at Stephen.Foutes@ded.mo.gov or call 573-751-3208.


About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to www.VisitMO.com.

26 Nov 2012

Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB - Night of Luminaria is set to glow in downtown Galena

By Celestino Ruffini

December 15 event transforms the city into a winter wonderland

GALENA, Ill. - Watch Galena come alive with the glow of thousands of luminaries on this special winter night, Saturday, December 15. Take part in this Galena tradition by helping to set out luminary bags during the day or assist in lighting the candles before the spectacle begins. Later in the evening, relax and enjoy the magical winter wonderland scene as night falls. It is a must see event!

Night of Luminaria is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year. From Galena's Main Street to the hills overlooking the park, all of town will be glowing. Enter a land of enchantment on this night when you see more than 5,000 candle-lit luminaries on streets, steps and sidewalks.

Whether you drive the streets of Galena, walk the sidewalks, take a trolley or enjoy a carriage ride, you'll be amazed at the sights. Walk through Grant Park on Galena's eastside or take in a gorgeous view from Prospect Street as you look across downtown Galena.

Local businesses offer extended hours of operation on this night, so take advantage of it and wrap up your holiday shopping. Afterwards, warm up as you enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of many local restaurants.

For further event information, visit www.galenachamber.com, e-mail office@galenachamber.com or call 815.777.9050. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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26 Nov 2012

Governor Quinn Reminds Travelers to Think of Safety First

By Ryan C. Woods

Police will be Out in Force Across Illinois to Keep Roads Safe, Cracking Down on Impaired Drivers and Enforcing Seat Belt Laws

CHICAGO - November 21, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today reminded Thanksgiving holiday travelers to think of safety first while traveling on the state's busy roadways this weekend. Millions of drivers are expected on state highways over this Thanksgiving holiday and Illinois transportation and law enforcement officials are mounting a statewide crackdown to bust impaired drivers and make sure drivers and passengers are buckling up on every trip.

"Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with family and friends and take stock of our blessings," Governor Quinn said. "But it's also a time when roadways can be more dangerous. That's why everyone who is traveling during the holiday week should remember to buckle up each time, and never, ever allow an impaired driver to get behind the wheel."

The statewide "Drive to Survive" crackdown, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) Division of Traffic Safety, involves Illinois State Police (ISP) and nearly 300 local law enforcement agencies across Illinois. The campaign focuses on the deadly nighttime hours when data shows more vehicle occupants die in crashes than during any other time of day. Due to this trend, late night motorists throughout Illinois will see roadside safety checks, seat belt enforcement zones and other police saturation patrols looking for seat belt law violators and drunk drivers.

Traffic safety officials are also concerned about the high number of people who die unbuckled during nighttime hours. Studies show that an average of less than one-third of occupant fatalities are restrained properly using seat belts between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. During daytime hours, seat belt usage increases substantially, with 62 percent of vehicle occupant fatalities properly restrained. This lack of belt use means far too many people are dying on Illinois roadways, particularly during nighttime hours when alcohol often is involved.

IDOT and the Illinois Tollway are also reminding drivers to focus on the road at all times and that it's illegal to text or check email while driving in Illinois.

During the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday eight people died in traffic crashes on Illinois roadways over the five day period and 839 were injured. Of the eight individuals who were killed, four died in crashes where at least one driver had been drinking.

Statewide, year to date, 854 people have died on Illinois roadways, according to a provisional count maintained by IDOT.

For more information about IDOT's traffic safety enforcement campaigns and safety data, please visit http://www.trafficsafety.illinois.gov./.

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26 Nov 2012

Last Chance! Register to travel to Germany with GAHC by December 1st!

By GAHC
Dear Friend,

We would love for you to go to Germany with us here at the German American Heritage Center! But we need your registration by December 1st for our August 2013 trip!
Trip Details
Visit our website for more information:

Travel Agent Contact:
Blue Horizon Travel
Linda Meadors (309) 912-4888

Don't Hesitate! Call Today!
20 Nov 2012

See Our CR This Holiday Season

By Jennifer PIckar

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - We invite you to see our Cedar Rapids this holiday season! Make a point to visit the area's newly opened restaurants and attractions including NewBo City Market, Paramount Theatre and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. From theatre to festivals, mansion tours to music, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy with a number of great holiday offerings including:

NewBo City Market Holiday Markets

11/24/2012 - 12/30/2012

NewBo City Market

On Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, NewBo City Market hosts a variety of seasonal vendors in addition to a great list of full-time anchor merchants.

Read More

Brucemore's Holiday Mansion Tours

11/23/2012 - 12/30/2012

Brucemore

Throughout the mansion, visitors will enjoy the seasonal splendor of glowing trees, a dining room set for Christmas dinner, stunning mantel arrangements, the lush garland adornment of the grand staircase, and other holiday cheer. 
Read More

Meet Me In St. Louis by Theatre Cedar Rapids

11/23/2012 - 12/15/2012
Theatre Cedar Rapids

Join the Smith family at the 1904 World's Fair, and see how their love and respect for each other is tempered with the genuine humor that can only be generated by such a special family. 
Read More

Old Prague Christmas Market

11/30/2012 - 12/01/2012
Czech Village area

A celebration of Sv. Mikuláš (St. Nicholas) Day! Outdoor holiday shopping, fire juggling, music, hot food, children's activities and more. This unique event, presented by the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library brings festive shopping of international treasures and artisan gifts to Cedar Rapids.
Read More

Nature's Noel

12/01/2011 
Indian Creek Nature Center
Centerpieces, wreaths and swags made with fresh greens; frozen soups and appetizers; vendors with various handmade wares; cookie dough and candy; and live music combine to create a festive holiday event. 
Read More

Fire and Ice Festival

12/01/2011 
Downtown Cedar Rapids
A chili challenge in the Armstrong Food Court, lighted holiday parade, carriage rides, Santa Meet and Greet along with the return of the always popular Ugly Holiday Sweater party are just a few of day's highlights!

Read More

Orchestra Iowa presents The Nutcracker

12/01/2012 - 12/02/2012
Paramount Theatre/Orchestra Iowa

Three performances featuring Ballet Quad Cities at the recently re-opened Paramount Theatre.
Read More

Christmas in the Park and Peppermint Walk

12/07/2011 
City Square Park, Marion

Activities will include the lighting of the Community Peace Tree, live holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by fire engine. 
Read More

Holiday Time in Santa's Workshop

12/08/2011 
Ushers Ferry Historic Village
You'll enjoy breakfast in the Hotel, baking and decorating in the Telephone House, and toy making in the Town Hall. Don't forget to have your photo taken with Santa Claus!

Read More

Find these events and so many more at www.Cedar-Rapids.com.

About the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CRACVB) is where the experience starts for visitors, residents and organizations. The CRACVB is responsible for attracting new destination events to the community, providing service and support to existing and repeat events, providing comprehensive information to area visitors and helping drive decisions of future visitor product development. Locally the organization encourages community pride and educates the community on the value of visitors, tourism and travel. Tourism resulted in domestic travel spending of $440 million in Linn County in 2011 and employed 5,600 people in Linn County. For more information about the CRACVB visit: www.cedar-rapids.com

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16 Nov 2012

Illinois Approves Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail Corridor

By Ryan C. Woods

Tier 1 EIS Decision Expected in December on Historic Transportation Project

SPRINGFIELD -November 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have signed and issued the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the full build-out of the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail corridor. The EIS advances the identification of preferred alternatives, including the Rock Island Corridor as the recommended route between Joliet and Chicago and a Tier 2 project-level evaluation for the Springfield Rail Improvement Project, which recommended a consolidated train route along 10th Street through Springfield. The document will now be available to the public and a potential Record of Decision could be issued at the end of December.

"This historic achievement advances the crucial Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail project while signifying that all environmental impacts and route alternatives have been analyzed to determine the best option," Governor Quinn said. "Today's issuance of the EIS demonstrates Illinois' steadfast diligence and partnership with the federal government, Senator Dick Durbin, communities along the route, private rail partners and other key supporters to move this project forward as quickly as possible."

The Tier 1 EIS includes IDOT's preferred Chicago-Joliet route?the Rock Island Corridor (RIC) instead of the existing route?the Heritage Corridor. The $1 billion estimated cost for upgrading the RIC is $500 million less than for the Heritage, mainly because fewer grade separations would be needed. The EIS also represents significant progress on the next stage of high-speed rail after upgrades to the Dwight-Alton portion of the corridor (expected as early as 2015) and the Dwight-Joliet section (anticipated to be complete in 2017) are finished.

"We are one step closer to the Tenth Street corridor in Springfield," U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said.  "Our community-wide efforts and the Springfield meeting we arranged with federal, state and local officials last year put us on the 'right track': Tenth Street."

"I was thrilled to sign this historic document, which represents thousands of hours spent by our staff and contractors researching and using environmental, scientific and engineering evidence along with public input to determine the most logical and effective routes for Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail passenger service," Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider said. "Today marks a major milestone in our pursuit to advance the project, and we hope it results with a Record of Decision from the federal government in the next couple of months."

The Tier 1 EIS focuses on double-tracking the entire line, while the Tier 2 EIS pinpoints two alternatives along the existing 10th Street rail corridor as finalists to carry the high-speed trains through Springfield. A series of statewide public hearings were held by IDOT and the FRA this year to seek comments on the Draft EIS. To view a copy of the EIS online, please visit idothsr.org.

"The approval from IDOT represents a major step forward for the project and indicates we will receive a favorable Record of Decision in December," Springfield Mayor Mike Houston said.

EIS approval is a process required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for federal projects that might significantly impact the environment. The EIS is required to complete the full build-out of the project, including double-tracking and route improvements between Joliet and Chicago and through the city of Springfield.

"This is welcome news that IDOT and the FRA have approved the final Tier I EIS, which reflects the selection of 10th Street Corridor for high-speed rail through Springfield," Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said. "We are excited about the opportunities this will bring to our community and wish to thank Senator Durbin, Governor Quinn and Secretary Schneider for their vision and continued support in moving this forward as rapidly as they have.  We look forward to the Record of Decision in December when, with IDOT's help, we can start the design phase of the project."

Under the leadership of Governor Quinn, Illinois has received more than $1.4 billion in federal funding to develop high-speed service between Chicago and St. Louis, which is expected to significantly reduce travel times between the two cities and create about 6,200 direct and indirect jobs. The Governor's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program has contributed $42 million toward construction. The first trains traveling at 110 mph made their successful debut between Dwight and Pontiac during a demonstration run in October.

 ###

16 Nov 2012

Lights, Parade and Magic Will Liven Up Holiday Season in St. Louis

By Donna Andrews

ST. LOUIS - With several festive and fun events taking prominence on the holiday calendar, the upcoming weeks are going to be a whirlwind of activity in St. Louis.

Lights Will Delight

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, the Macy's Festival of Lights officially kicks off the season at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis. There will be festive performances, fun characters for the kids, the lighting of the huge Christmas tree, downtown lights, a fireworks show and a visit from Santa.

After the lighting of the tree, the fun continues at Macy's Holiday Open House. Located inside Macy's Downtown St. Louis, the open house will feature a holiday sing-along with Baker's Songs for Children, Christmas cookie decorating with Schnucks Bakery, face painters, jugglers, a magician, holiday crafts, giveaways, and, of course, Santa himself!

A Thanksgiving Day Tradition

Celebrating its 28th year, the 2012 Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade will step off at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 22 from the corner of Washington Avenue and Fourth Street in downtown St. Louis. The parade will be broadcast live on KMOV-TV Channel 4's "Great Day St. Louis."

The annual Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade is hosted by Christmas in St. Louis along with presenting sponsor Ameren Missouri. The parade charitable recipients are the Joshua Chamberlain Society www.chamberlainsociety.org and the National Children's

Cancer Society http://www.thenccs.org/. Honorary grand marshals are Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Olympic champion), Jeffrey P. Bonner (President and CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo) and Adrian E. Bracy (Chief Executive Officer for the YWCA Metro St. Louis).

Magic Time in St. Louis

St. Louis Holiday Magic is a holiday tradition coming to the America's Center on November 23-25. McDonalds is the presenting sponsor.

Once again, the show will be a popular destination for families in search of shopping and entertainment options such as: hands-on arts and crafts projects; trackless train rides; live music and dance performances; full-scale carnival rides; and photo opportunities with Santa and Snowflake.

Produced by the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, Holiday Magic is a unique shopping and entertainment destination for families throughout the region. For more information, visit www.stlouisholidaymagic.com.

Historic Holiday Kick Off

It will be an historic holiday season as the National Park Service presents a series of festive events starting with two November 23 concerts by the St. Louis Brass Quintet and The Caroling Party.  Other events include The St. Louis Holiday Historic House Tour on November 29, Historic Holiday Noon Concert (every Wednesday, November 28-December 19), the 772 St. Louis Holiday Program December 8, the 1812 St. Louis Holiday Program December 15, the 1862 St. Louis Holiday Program December 22, and the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation December 31. All events, except the St. Louis Holiday Historic House Tour, are free. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/events.htm.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree at Dome

In conjunction with the St. Louis Rams vs. New York Jets game, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, en route to Washington, D.C., will be on display outside the Edward Jones Dome from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 18. For more information, please visit explorestlouis.com.

Alternative Transportation

With extended hours of operation and additional trains to accommodate holiday events, MetroLink metrostlouis.org is a convenient alternative to driving and allows guests to,avoid the cost of parking and traffic. Metro will continue MetroLink service until the downtown stations are cleared after events.

Media Partners

In addition to KMOV-TV, Christmas in St. Louis events are sponsored by Fresh 102.5, Y98, and KMOX.

About Christmas in St. Louis

Christmas in St. Louis christmasinstlouis.org is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting activities that inspire people to show their unique holiday spirit while enhancing the texture and heritage of the St. Louis community.  For more information, follow us on facebook.com/ChristmasInStLouis.

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