USA Travel Magazine

IMS Presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Screening

The INDYCAR Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 are just around the corner, and there are plenty of activities to join like the pre-release red carpet screening of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” at IMS.

On May 12th, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway presents this special screening in Pagoda Plaza during the INDYCAR Grand Prix weekend. This is exciting news because the film won’t be released national released until Friday, May 19th. The fun family film, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” is the fourth movie based upon the wildly popular children’s book series by author Jeff Kinney.

In “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul,” a Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to become famous. Based on one of the best-selling book series of all time, this family cross-country adventure turns into an experience the Heffleys will never forget.

“The addition of a red-carpet screening for ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ further enhances the INDYCAR Grand Prix weekend as one of the best family-oriented events of the year in Indianapolis,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “It’s a perfect fit and a great honor for us to host this event featuring the stars from such a popular movie and book series on both Friday and Saturday.”

Among the celebrities attending the screening will be “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” stars Alicia Silverstone, who plays the character Susan Heffley, and Jason Ian Drucker, who plays the “Wimpy Kid” character Greg Heffley. Also in attendance will be director David Bowers and author Kinney.

The group will stick around to see the stars of the Verizon IndyCar Series in person Saturday, May 13, with Silverstone and Kinney waving the green flag for the fourth annual INDYCAR Grand Prix on the IMS road course. Author Kinney also will hold an open book signing Saturday morning prior to the race near Pagoda Plaza.

Friday evening’s event starts at 7:30 p.m., with a variety of family-friendly activities taking place in advance of the 8:30 p.m. screening of the highly anticipated 20th Century Fox film. Tickets for the family-friendly event are free, but very limited, so be sure to check the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website via the link provided for news on this event.

The thrill of racing at the track starts the weekend of the May 12-13 with the Verizon IndyCar Series action on the IMS road course. Races in all four Mazda Road to Indy ladder series also will take place during the May 12-13 event, providing a full schedule of exciting open-wheel action.

Get Your Race Tickets

Visit IMS.com to buy tickets and learn more about the INDYCAR Grand Prix on May 12-13 and 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on May 28.

Photo Credits: IMS/Kinney

Steve Miller Band Headlines Miller Lite Carb Day Concert At IMS

The clock is ticking down, and before we know it the roar of engines and cheers of race fans will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 101th Indianapolis 500. This year is especially exciting for Parrot Heads because the headline for the Miller Lite Carb Day will be the Steve Miller Band, with the Barenaked Ladies opening the concert at IMS!

“Steve Miller Band and Barenaked Ladies are renowned for their hit songs and high-energy live shows, so this is a tremendous concert lineup for our fans on Miller Lite Carb Day,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “These performances will be a rocking finale to such an exciting day of racing, music and fun at IMS, setting the stage for another fantastic Indianapolis 500 race weekend.”

Miller formed the Steve Miller Band in 1966 as a San Francisco blues-rock phenomenon who also had a solid foundation in the jazz tradition from his parents and his godfather, guitar icon Les Paul. The band then became paragons of American rock in the 1970s and 1980s, recording and performing polished, irresistible and instantly recognizable hits that still dominate radio today, including “The Joker,” “Livin’ in the USA,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Rock’n Me,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Jet Airliner,” “Jungle Love” and “Abracadabra.”

That incomparable career led to Miller being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Then you have the Barenaked Ladies, who formed in Toronto in 1988, and have sold more than 14 million albums. They’ve also earned multiple Juno Awards in its native Canada and two Grammy nominations for its cerebral, witty rock that includes such smash hits as “One Week,” “The Old Apartment” and “If I Had $1,000,000.”

The band released its 14PthP studio album, “Silverball,” in 2015. Barenaked Ladies’ latest release was a live album, “BNL Rocks Red Rocks,” in 2016. Barenaked Ladies consists of a long-standing partnership between Ed Robertson (guitar, vocals), Jim Creeggan (bass, vocals), Kevin Hearn (keyboard, guitar, vocals) and Tyler Stewart (drums, vocals).

Performances by the Steve Miller Band and Barenaked Ladies will cap an incredible day of excitement and action on Miller Lite Carb Day at IMS.

The field for the 101th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will have one hour of final practice to prepare for the race, from 11 a.m.-noon. Then aspiring Verizon IndyCar Series stars will be in the spotlight starting at 12:30 p.m. during the Freedom 100 race for the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires. The speed and precision of top Indianapolis 500 crews will also be on display during the annual TAG Heuer Pit Stop Challenge at 2 p.m., followed by the Miller Lite Carb Day concert.

The 101th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place Sunday, May 28. Visit http://www.IMS.com to purchase tickets and for more information on the complete Month or May schedule at IMS.

Get Your Miller Lite Carb Day Tickets Now

The concert is free with a general admission ticket to Miller Lite Carb Day, and tickets are $30, and are available for purchase at www.IMS.com/carbday. If you want closer access to the stage you can purchase a $20 upgrade to the Miller Lite Concert Pit. Prices will increase soon, so it’s best to buy your tickets now and save. VIP viewing options and packages will be announced at a later date. Kids 15 and under are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

March Welcomes The Original Marathon Seafood Festival

The popular Original Marathon Seafood Festival is a taste bud-tempting way to spend a weekend with the family in the Middle Keys. It’s set for Mid March, so bring a bib because it’s going to be a weekend full of savory temptations to sample!

With an over 40-year tradition of being an affordable foodie fair, the two-day outdoor event is staged at the Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Seafood lovers line up to receive generous plates from local fishermen-turned-chefs, who prepare the food using Keys recipes. Attendees can choose from favorite indigenous offerings like mahi-mahi (dorado), Key West pink shrimp, spiny lobster, stone crab claws, smoked fish dip piled atop crackers and much more. Conch is served as ceviche, chowder, crammed into golden-fried fritters or as bun-hugging “konkwurst.” Hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages with sides of baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies and French fries also are on the menu. Sweet finishes include the famous Key lime pie, baked goods and cakes, cool smoothies and icy treats.

Conch is served as ceviche, chowder, crammed into golden-fried fritters or as bun-hugging “konkwurst.”

Hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages with sides of baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies and French fries also are on the menu. Sweet finishes include the famous Key lime pie, baked goods and cakes, cool smoothies and icy treats.

Local fisheries and markets catch, clean and cook the feast comprised of nearly 15,000 pounds of fresh seafood that also involves preparing bushels of oysters and bags of clams from the west coast of Florida. Fishermen and their wives are involved each year alongside scores of community volunteers.

Join The Original Marathon Seafood Festival

Live music performances are slated all weekend in genres ranging from reggae and calypso to trop rock, country, folk and groove. A complete entertainment lineup is to be posted at www.marathonseafoodfestival.com/category/entertainment-lineup/.

Other attractions at the family-friendly event include a Keys artists’ village and art show, children’s games, prizes and a raffle giveaway for goodies including a fully stocked cooler of fresh Keys seafood.

More than 200 booths are to dot the park featuring a variety of wares, nautical items, tropical apparel and accessories, plants, flowers, boats, watersports opportunities and information from Keys organizations.

Traditionally a fundraiser for local scholarship programs, to date the festival has contributed to nearly $80,000 in scholarships for Marathon High School students through the Marathon chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida, a statewide group that represents the interests and well-being of the commercial fishing industries.

Co-sponsored by the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, the event also helps fund members’ continuing education opportunities.

To check out the full schedule of events visit www.marathonseafoodfestival.com, and to start planning your trip call 1-800-262-7284 or visit www.fla-keys.com/marathon.

Photo Credits: The Original Marathon Seafood Festival

Acorn TV Presents: Martin Clunes’ Islands of Australia

Catch acclaimed actor and comedian, Martin Clunes on Acorn TV March 13th as they proudly premiere the three-part docuseries: Martin Clunes’ Islands of Australia.

In this gorgeously shot new documentary, Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) is on a quest to discover the Islands of Australia. There are over 8,000 to choose from, and Martin visits 16 that offer a cross-section of island life. Along the way, he learns about the diversity, history and challenges of island life Down Under.

Available at Acorn.TV and on a variety of devices, Acorn TV is the premier streaming service for world-class television from Britain and beyond from RLJ Entertainment.

Discover more programming from the Emmy®-nominated Acorn TV, which includes exclusive new programs every week and features a deep library of mysteries, dramas, and comedies with no set end dates. Learn more about Acorn TV on their website or via your preferred viewing device.

I Am Ali Festival Kicks Off In June In Louisville

Join The I Am Ali Festival In Louisville In June

Get ready for six weeks of festivities, and community gatherings and events as Louisville celebrates the life of native son and global humanitarian Muhammad Ali with the “I Am Ali” Festival. The celebration of Ali’s legacy will include local arts and cultural groups, performances and exhibits – along with two premier girls’ basketball tournament events that will bring 10,000 young female athletes to Louisville.

Originally known as Cassius Clay, Ali was born in Louisville on Jan. 17, 1942. It was here he honed his ability as a boxer, and it was here he returned to after winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the 1960 Rome Olympics. He returned often after capturing the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World and was actively involved with the vision and direction of the Muhammad Ali Center.

Having lived most of his young life in Louisville, the city is full of “landmarks” that are the backdrops of the events and experiences that molded Ali into the man who was both loved and respected throughout the world as a legendary sports figure and humanitarian, as well as a man of true principles. A self-guided tour brochure helps fans trace some of Ali’s “Footsteps of Greatness.” A local tour company also offers visitors an opportunity to experience many of the stops that have historic relevance to Ali’s life.

The inspiration for the event was the quickly-arranged “I Am Ali” celebration that was held at the Kentucky Center in June 2016 during the week of Ali’s death and memorial, attracting 15,000 young people.

In correlation with two premier girls’ basketball tournament events — the Run 4 Roses Basketball Classic and Battle in the Boro – both taking place at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the “I Am Ali” Festival will offer a conglomerate of programming, films, events, entertainment, and other activities around the city that connect with and reinforce Muhammad Ali’s legendary legacy as a global citizen, athlete, and humanitarian. This one-of-a-kind festival was created in conjunction with Tucker Neale, Executive Director of ohiobasketball.com and owner of TSN Camps & Clinics.

Many of the events will take place at the Muhammad Ali Center, the $80 million museum and international cultural center located in Ali’s hometown that has honored his life and legacy for more than a decade. The Kentucky Exposition Center will also play host to festivities.

Several local attractions and organizations have events and exhibits planned in honor of the festival, including the Muhammad Ali Childhood Home, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Louisville Quest, Looking for Lilith Theatre Co., Copper & Kings, Louisville Bats and Louisville Bicycle Tours.

Among the fun to enjoy is a a night out at the Louisville Slugger Field. When the festivities kick off on June 3rd be sure to gather the whole family and your friends for a exciting night out with the Louisville Bats baseball team. They’ll be hosting a special Muhammad Ali Appreciation Night at their baseball game on June 3 at Louisville Slugger Field. The players will be wearing Muhammad Ali-themed jerseys to commemorate “The Greatest,” and there will be special tributes and events highlighting Ali’s “Six Core Principles” throughout the game. Plus, get there early because the first 5,000 fans will receive a free commemorative Louisville Bats/Muhammad Ali baseball hat!

Join The “I Am Ali” Festival On Your Louisville Trip

As more programming is announced, it will be added to curated web content at www.gotolouisville.com/ali. You can also download the Footsteps of Greatness Tour Brochure via this link so you can visit the wonderful sites around Louisville that honor Muhammad Ali.

Start planning now and make a visit to Louisville for the “I Am Ali” Festival part of a special summer getaway in Louisville. In addition to the festival, take the self-guided Muhammad Ali Footsteps of Greatness Tour, which highlights local landmarks that celebrate “The Greatest,” including the Muhammad Ali Center, the Muhammad Ali Childhood Home, Columbia Auditorium and Cave Hill Cemetery. Pick up the tour brochure at the Louisville Visitor Center (301 S. Fourth St.). The Louisville CVB provides several planning resources, including suggested itineraries, the monthly Lookin’ at Louisville video series, a searchable list events at www.gotolouisville.com, a free Louisville Visitors Guide and complimentary hotel booking service via 1-888-LOUISVILLE.

Photo Credits – Louisville CVB and Muhammad Ali Center

Top 5 Reasons To Visit The Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region

Located in one of the most diverse areas in Germany, the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region offers great food and wine, half-timbered houses, beautiful countryside. And, it is home to amazing sites to enjoy as well as Celtic Sites to explore and the original Frankenstein Castle.

Ready to discover the enchanting rivers and historic towns within the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region? Here are the Top 5 Reasons To Go!

1. Pack your copy of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to read or download it from your favorite site to read on the way to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, where you’ll find the original Frankenstein Castle. When you visit this castle that dates back to 1252, you can easily see what inspired the author.

2. If you’re visiting in February, the it’s time for Carnival! And, Germany has a great carnival tradition, and Mainz is one of the major carnival capitals of the country. The main parade on Shrove Monday, which is a huge party for all ages, with decorated parade floats, people wearing costumes waving and collecting sweets, and loud music.

3. Travel 2,500 years back in time on a visit to Glauberg, which is situated on the edge of the Wetterau plain, and explore the world of the Celts. Here, you’ll find a unique Celtic settlement. There are numerous archaeological attractions, including three Celtic burial mounds dating back to the 5th century BC, a statue of a Celtic prince and the fortifications, have made this place one of the most exciting discoveries in European history. A research center and a large archaeological park complement the museum, making it a perfect place for hiking or cycling.

4. Experience engaging art exhibit’s like the paintings of René Magritte, one of the major artists of the 20th century. “The treachery of images” is the SCHIRN’s first major exhibition this year and a cultural highlight in Frankfurt.

5. Hop aboard the Apple Wine Express, a little tram that shows you the city’s sights while you sample the apple wine. The Apple Wine Express is celebrating its 40th birthday, and hope’s you’ll join them on your visit to the region!

Plan Your Visit To The Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region

Looking for a place to stay on your trip? Then, consider the Fine Living Hotel in the town of Oestrich-Winkel, which just opened and features 42 atmospheric rooms. Relax on the terrace, sipping the finest, local Riesling and enjoy the breathtaking view of the river Rhine in all its glory. The hotel is good starting point for exploring the famous Rheingau area. A new visitor center opened in Rüdesheim last year, making a cable-car trip up to the Niederwald Monument even more worthwhile!

To discover more, and plan your trip to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region visit their website.

To explore current news and trip ideas for visit Germany go to the Germany Tourism website.

Game On With Rob Dougherty Live iAMA

Gamer’s have you ever dreamed of chatting with White Wizard Games designers? Well, you can learn more about what happens behind the scenes with Rob Dougherty, Game Designer and CEO of White Wizard Games. He’ll be answering questions live today on iAMA on Reddit starting at 4 pm EST today.

Rob will answer questions about Star Realms, Hero Realms, Epic Card Game, Cthulhu Realms, game design, running a game company, running a Kickstarter, and anything else that you are curious about. It is called an AMA because it means “Ask Me Anything”. If you can’t join today, he will continue to answer questions for 48 hours. If you can’t think of any questions, head on over and read what other people are asking :).

Fun For All At The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

The clock is ticking down to the start of the annual Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. Run for fun, run for fitness, just get out and join the festivities and runs that include the Half Marathon, Dopey Challenge, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, 10K, 5K and runDisney Kids Races. Along with the varies running options there will also be lots of entertainment and visits with your favorite Disney characters, and much more!

Stop in at the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo that is open daily and hosted within the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. For those participating in the races this should be your first stop. You’ll be able to pick up your race numbers and gear as well as check out the Speaker Series that includes appearances by celebrity runner and seminars on training, running, and nutrition featuring speakers and panelists from the running industry. Also onsite will be vendors revealing the latest in Official runDisney Race Weekend Merchandise, plus, you’ll get a sneak peek at the latest in fitness apparel, footwear, sunglasses, high tech gadgets, and nutritional products.

The Walt Disney World® Marathon is a 26.2 mile run that’ll take you through all four Walt Disney World® theme parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Imagine the fun of running with friends and family through the Magic Kingdom® Park, then on to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park before heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and on to Epcot®, plus running through the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex! While the Walt Disney World Marathon takes place on Sunday, there will be plenty of events in-between to enjoy.

These events include:

Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge

Dopey Challenge

A 5K and 10K Race Castaway Challenge

runDisney Kids Races

And so much more!

Plan Your Trip To The Walt Disney World Resort

To explore upcoming races that include the Star Wars Half Marathon and Disney Princess Half Marathon, as well as news on training and travel options visit the Run Disney website via this link. To explore current packages available and plan your trip to a Walt Disney World Resort use this link.

Photo Credits: Run Disney

Plan Ahead and Join A Pullman Rail Journeys Train Excursion

While time zips by on high speed rails around the world, you can sit back and unwind and enjoy a leisurely trip on a Pullman Rail Journeys tour. With a variety of train excursion available it’s easy to plan ahead for your next memorable adventure with a Pullman Rail Journeys tour, and here are a few ideas to help you start planning.

Plan ahead and join Pullman Rail Journeys on their special rail departures this fall and into the holiday season. Offering First-Class Nostalgic Rail Service between Chicago and Select Destinations, Pullman Rail Journeys takes you on one-of-a-kind journeys that feature the meticulously restored and renowned service of the Pullman Sleeping Car Company paired with iconic hotels, meals, transfers and a variety of all-inclusive adventures.

Among the upcoming trips is a railway journey to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in late September – early October. This adventure includes round trip overnight rail travel aboard Pullman, two-night accommodations at Hyatt Regency Albuquerque or similar, Gondola VIP Passes, plus a private city tour.

“Pullman Rail Journeys continues to bring passenger rail travel back to the American traveler’s consciousness as a relaxing, sophisticated and even preferable way to travel,” says Angela Lane, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Rail Collection. “We promise a fantastic rail experience to any destination, especially when paired with these world class events.”

As the holiday season kicks off it’s the ideal time for a trip to New York City Thanksgiving in mid November. This trip features roundtrip overnight rail travel aboard Pullman, three night accommodations at The Roosevelt Hotel, Radio City Music Hall performance or Broadway Show, Macy’s Parade, and a visit to the 911 Memorial.

Let the magic of the season bring holiday cheer as you head off on the Christmas at the Greenbrier, located White Sulphur Springs, WV in Mid December. Featuring roundtrip overnight rail travel aboard Pullman, three night accommodations at the Greenbrier Hotel, tours, culinary demonstrations and the glorious Christmas ambiance and decorations of the Greenbrier hotel and grounds, this will be a trip to remember.

Looking for something special to do for New Year’s Eve? Spend it in New York on a trip that includes roundtrip overnight rail travel aboard Pullman, three night accommodations at the Roosevelt Hotel, tickets to Radio City Christmas Spectacular or Broadway Show, Top of the Rock admission at Rockefeller Center and a New Year’s Eve Dinner Party at The View atop the Marriot Marquis 48 floors above Times Square.

Departing from Chicago’s Union Station, you’ll ride comfortably aboard fully restored mid-century dome and sleeper cars that reflect the style, ambiance and tradition of the golden age of rail travel. The cars come complete with modern amenities including comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. First-class service and sweeping views of passing landscapes make for a journey that is just as memorable as the destination.

Pullman Ski Train Package is also available through the end of March on Friday thru Sunday and includes pairs rail transportation, rail car accommodations, two day ski lift passes, some meals, transfers to the slopes, a pop-up Lodge with locally-made furniture provided by the Hudson River Trading Company and the surrounding beauty of the Adirondacks. “Thanks to the Pullman Rail Journeys Ski Train, visiting or residing skiers and snowboarders in NYC can have access to the premier offerings at Gore Mountain without renting or even getting into a car,” shares Angela Lane, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Rail Collection. “There is no better location than North Creek for avid skiers with their families and friends to escape for a weekend in New York this winter.”

This Pullman Rail Journeys trip is ideal for adventure seekers, ski and rail enthusiasts alike. “Thanks to the Pullman Rail Journeys Ski Train, visiting or residing skiers and snowboarders in NYC can have access to the premier offerings at Gore Mountain without renting or even getting into a car,” shares Angela Lane, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Rail Collection. “There is no better location than North Creek for avid skiers with their families and friends to escape for a weekend in New York this winter.”

Plan Your Trip Aboard Pullman Rail Journeys

From Albuquerque, N.M. to New York City, these four amazing Pullman journeys offer memorable getaway, and to learn more and booking options call 1-888-978-5563 or visit their Face Book page. Or, you can also visit the Premier Rail Collection for upcoming train excursions.

Photo Credits: Pullman Rail Journeys

Bourbon and Beyond Is This September – Get Your Tickets

Among the highlights of the festival is a chance to sample some of the best bourbon’s around. You’ll have plenty of choices because the Big Bourbon Bar will be mixing up a variety of bourbon cocktails. Over at the Hunter’s Club they’ll feature experimental, rare and hard-to-find bourbons.

Also check out The Distillery, which is an interactive experience that let’s you discover the life of a master blender, taster and distiller. And, don’t miss the Bourbon Barrel Cooperage that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how coopers craft the oak barrels used to age bourbon. Plus, there will be a number of great Bourbon Workshops to join.

Along with bourbon, you’ll discover a delicious mix of culinary delights prepared by renowned local chefs and over 20 Louisville restaurants.

Bourbon & Beyond is scheduled for Mid Sept., and now is the ideal time to get your tickets for this new festival before they sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.BourbonAndBeyond.com.