USA Travel Magazine

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Serving Nation

When help is needed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers like those in the Fort Worth District are there to serve. Among these men and women is John Davis, a general supply technician, who is a retired U.S. Army Solider, who has lived his entire life wanting to help others. It was this desire to continue serving that brought him to Northeastern Oklahoma.

His call to serve came from his boss, who asked if he was interested in heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to help communities respond to historic flooding. Without hesitation, Davis said he would go and was on the road the next morning. “Helping serve the America people,” he said. “That’s what we do, and we are all very passionate about it.”

Davis said he traveled the nearly 300-mile trip while hauling a sandbag machine. The machine significantly reduces the time necessary to fill sandbags, which is critical to communities trying to hold back rising waters. He added that the conveyer belt operation allows a team of volunteers the ability to produce upward of 15,000 sandbags per day. The machine, Davis added, is deployable anywhere in the United States.

Arriving in the Tulsa area, Davis was assigned to help communities near Bixby, Oklahoma. “The locals in Bixby, were in a true, true dire need,” Davis said. They had people loading sandbags with shovels and this machine was able to really boost up the community’s production in order to get the sandbags to the people that needed them most, he added.

As a U.S. Army veteran, Davis said he is proud to volunteer to support the Oklahoma flood fight response. “I’ve got multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Davis. “I was injured and put out early, and it was kind of upsetting to me at the time because they were taking away my ability to serve.”

After leaving the military, Davis said it took some time to find a job but he was fortunate to find a job working for the Corps of Engineers. “Since then,” he said, “I’ve been able to deploy to Puerto Rico, and I’ve been able to work [the Oklahoma flood fight] and it is such a great feeling to give back. Some of us like to serve, and I guess I am one of them.”

We thank our men and women in the Armed Services for their serve at home and beyond!

Photo and Story Credits: Patrick Moes

Military Provides Stability In Pacific Ocean

A day in the Pacific includes support and deliveries for Lt. Michael Wiesman, left, from Greenwood, Indiana and CWO2 Javier Perez from New York. The men watched as a Military Sealift Command SA-330J Puma helicopter mades deliveries. The supplies from the Dry cargo and ammunition ship, USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) were being delivered to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea.

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are deployed to the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations. Together, they provide support to regional stability, reassure partners and allies, and maintain a presence to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations in the region.

We thank our men and women in the Armed Services for their serve at home and beyond!

Photo Credits: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dale M. Hopkins

Westin St. Francis Global Running Day Special

The renowned Westin St. Francis, San Francisco’s premier hotel located directly on Union Square, is proudly participating in Global Running Day this June. Guests can enjoy a series of activation’s designed to support three of Westin Hotels and Resorts’ Pillars of Well-Being – Eat Well, Move Well, and Sleep Well.

Did You Know? – Global Running Day is a worldwide celebration of running held in 128 countries that encourages everyone to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

The Westin St. Francis has prepared a special treat for guests to enjoy before Global Running Day. They have arranged for guests of The Westin St. Francis to experience a restful evening with a complimentary restorative meditation class led by San Francisco-based Anchor Meditation, followed by sleeping well in a Westin Heavenly® Bed. This will be a great way to prepare for the Global Event, and feel refreshed and ready to go in the morning.

On Global Running Day, guests are invited to join Run Concierge Sarah Williams at 6 a.m. for a pre-run fueling meet and greet with juices and fresh fruit. Afterwards, join the scenic run at 6:30 a.m. to the Ferry Building. Complimentary healthy snacks will be provided after the run. This activitiy is vailable for in-house registered guests only. Please RSVP to Sarah.Williams4@marriott.com for the meditation and/or run.

While at the Westin St. Francis be sure to experience their additional amenities designed to encourage wellness. This includes a expansive 6,000 square feet WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio features an array of the latest equipment including Peloton bikes, Life Fitness machines, and free weights. Through a very successful partnership between New Balance and Westin Hotels & Resorts, as a guests of The Westin St. Francis you can borrow running shoes with brand new, disposable insoles for each use, as well as a variety of men’s and women’s apparel.

For healthier, lighter-dining options, the SuperFoodsRx menu and Westin® Fresh by The Juicery are available in The Oak Room Restaurant, Caruso’s, and in-room dining. A rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, SuperfoodsRx such as blueberries, wild salmon, and avocado are incorporated into delicious nutrient-rich dishes. Westin® Fresh by The Juicery offers an assortment of healthy juices and smoothies.

When seeking a healthy and relaxing retreat, the Westin St. Francis has your well-being in mind!

Plan Your Getaway At The Westin St. Francis

For reservations and more information about The Westin St. Francis, call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458, or visit www.westinstfrancis.com.

Photo Credits: Westin St. Francis

Loews Loves Families Getaways Make Summer Fun For All

Focusing on kids of all ages, from infants to teens, the launch of Loews Loves Families offers a summer full of fun for everyone. Loews Hotels are known for catering to children, and will elevate the experience for the entire family, parents and children alike. “Family needs and anticipations continue to evolve, and Loews Hotels always strives to meet those needs, exceed expectations, and inspire parents and children to experience travel together,” said Piper Stevens, Vice President of Marketing at Loews Hotels & Co. “Loews Loves Families draws inspiration from the ways families interact and are present in each other’s worlds to offer memorable and engaging experiences.”

Loews Loves Families will focus on the three pillars of Comfort, Imagination, and Exploration, aiming to provide engaging experiences that can be shared among different generations. The Comfort pillar offers convenience and peace of mind, especially for new parents and young children (ages 0-3). The Imagination pillar dreams up charming opportunities for parents and children (ages 4-10) to open their minds, unleash creative potential, and create memorable shared experiences. The Exploration pillar encourages a spirit of independence and discovery with programming for tweens and teens (ages 11-15) to enjoy on their own.

“Loews Loves Families” offerings at Loews Chicago Hotel, Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, and Loews Minneapolis Hotel:

Leave it to Loews – printed list of amenities available at Loew Chicago Hotel, Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, and Loews Minneapolis Hotel, upon request, which offers conveniences for families from bottle warmers to outlet covers to everyday necessities. Leave it to Loews has everything families may need while traveling. From complimentary cribs and Johnson & Johnson baby amenity kits to rainy day guides and video consoles for tweens and teens to enjoy, our hotels offer the essentials and amenities for families while they travel together.

Fun Starts At Check In – “Loews Loves Families” will offer a new arrival experience for each age group, from welcome amenities to our new Loews traveler pin for kids ages 4-10, Loews is changing the way kids, tweens, and teens check in to hotels. Kids receive Happy Sacks at Loews Chicago Hotel and Loews Minneapolis Hotel. Family friendly games, books, and more are available for use from the front desk for families to enjoy during their stay.

Congrats. You made it! – Loews knows that parents of younger kids have been through a lot to get to their hotels. To celebrate those victories they are offering 25% off an appetizer at any of their food and beverage outlets including ETA Restaurant + Bar and Streeterville Social at Loews Chicago Hotel, The Ashburn at Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, and Cosmos, Apothecary Lounge & Bar, and Relevé at Loews Minneapolis Hotel.

To jump start summer travel and celebrate Loews Loves Families, Loews Hotels invites parents to book their next getaway with the Family Road Trip package. This packages example offers a second guest room at 50 percent off, complimentary breakfast for up to two children, a food and beverage credit, and complimentary parking for convenience.

Book your Loews Getaway

To book the Family Road Trip package visit https://www.loewshotels.com/special-offers/family-road-trip-package, where you can also explore more specials or call 1-800-23-LOEWS.

Photo Credit: Loews Chicago Hotel

Hilton Celebrates Capital Pride With Colorful Specials

Interested in visiting the nations Capital for upcoming Pride events? We’re thrilled to share some exciting vacation ideas in Washington D.C. for Pride Month. Seven of the city’s Hilton properties will “grow” benches to assemble a rainbow in celebration of DC’s LGBTQ+ community during Capital Pride weekend in Early June.

From enjoying a vacation to local residents dropping by the admire the special activations in addition to each featured bench, the Hilton invites everyone to come out for a visit. While you’re there, snap and post a photo of all seven benches on Instagram using #HiltonPride and you’re automatically entered to win a one-night stay at a NYC Hilton hotel for World Pride the last weekend in June.

Participating Hilton hotels offering unique activations, specialty cocktails, and other fun items in addition to the provided benches. Among the seven Hilton’s partipating in this spectacular event are:

Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf, where you can enjoy DC Brau Pride Pilsner and their draft Pride Punch, made with Absolut Vodka Pride Edition.

The Graham Georgetown, where guests can drink ROYGBIV colored cocktails plus receive a complimentary app with entrée purchase at The Alex for showing a photo of themselves on the bench.

Canopy by Hilton Washington DC Bethesda North

Did You Know? Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its 100-year history! Now would be a good time to plan ahead and book a getaway and experience Pride Month in Washington, DC.

Plan Your Hilton Escape For Pride Month

For reservations call 1-800-445-8667or visit the Hilton Pride offers page. For those looking to extend their stay for Pride, the Weekend Like a Local package currently offers up to 50% off Sunday night stays plus local dining discounts. Check the Hilton website for current specials and packages available for your vacation.

Also, check out the award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors, that has over 89 million members who book directly with Hilton and can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy, plus enjoy instant benefits, including digital check-in with room selection, Digital Key, and Connected Room.

Gen Con Host Over 4000 Roleplaying Games To Experience

As Gen Con grows closer we learn about more entertaining and exciting activities like over 4,000 Roleplaying Game (RPG) events that make it the best four days in gaming! Imagine… you can play your heart out this August, and join one of the largest gathering of tabletop gamers in North America.

Gen Con has broken down the RPG events into categories so it will be easier to select which events you want to participate in. Check out the next evolution in tabletop roleplaying games when you visit Gen Con co-sponsor Paizo. They are bringing Pathfinder, Starfinder, and Pathfinder 2.0 to the show!

Monte Cook Games RPG will feature all your favorite Dungeons and Dragons events Thier RPG events included D&D Adventurers League, D&D Experience, Living Arcanis, Moonshae Isles, and more to enjoy. As we get closer to Gen Con they will share more news on programs. We’re certain to hear more from Chaosium Inc. that will have over 100 events featuring award-winning game systems such as Trail of Cthulhu, Night’s Black Agents, and the d20 fantasy 13th Age.

Do you have a favorite RPG character? The National Society of Crazed Gamers certainly do, and they are excited to celebrate their 40th anniversary. There will be plenty of Pelgrane Press RPG events with Pathfinder tournaments emphasizing puzzle-solving and roleplaying. withh so much to do, it might e good to start registering for events now before they fill up.

Have you heard about the Pop-Up Gen Con events that will be hosted around the nation and different locations? This event brings the top games to a store near you to experience before August when Gen Con takes over the Indianapolis Convention Center and other venues like Lucas Oil Stadium. “We’re excited to bring the Gen Con experience to more tabletop gaming fans than ever before through our new Pop-Up Gen Con program,” said Gen Con President David Hoppe.

One of our favorite gaming stores is The Angry Robot in the Heritage Mall Shoppes in Nashville, Indiana. It’s nice to stop in and check out the great selection of comic books and collectibles, and talk gaming. Depending on your location you may find one of the Pop-Up Gen Con events in your area that is a great way to experience new games before August.

Learn More About Gen Con’s Roleplaying Events and Pop-Up Experiences
To explore the wide selection of RPG events to join visit the Gen Con website via this link.

Keep an eye out on the Gen Con website for news on this special event. Pop-Up Gen Con registration will be available for a small fee and include a commemorative badge and an exclusive pin. To order your badges, check the schedules, and register for events go to the Gen Con website at http://www.gencon.com/

Explore The Biltmore Gardens and Railway

Seeking a beautiful spot for a outing in North Carolina? Then, travel onward to One Lodge Street in Asheville, where you’ll find the stunning Biltmore Estate. Each year, folks from far and near visit to estate to view the beauty nature offers. As the summer begins you’ll find colorful annuals filling the Walled Garden, Estate Entry, and Winery beds. Other estate blooms include roses and perennials and lush perennial borders in the Walled Garden, Winery and Antler Hill Village.

Oh yes, we cannot forget the Fall Season, which is a perfect time to visit the Biltmore Estate. Fall colors blanket the region as the vibrant chrysanthemums and salvias fill the Walled Garden, Estate Entry, and Winery beds.

Be sure to save time to explore the Biltmore Gardens Railway that runs from Late May through Late September. This is a marvelous model train exhibition in two estate locations: the historic Conservatory and Antler Hill Village. Take a closer look and you’ll find the trains weave through exotic botanicals and miniature replicas of estate landmarks. The plant-based recreations of estate structures include replicas of Biltmore House, the Stable, the Conservatory, Lodge Gate, the Bass Pond Waterfall, the Gardener’s Cottage, plus All Souls Church and the train depot in Biltmore Village.

After touring the gardens at the Biltmore join one of their Concert Series. Concerts are held on the South Terrace of Biltmore House, with breathtaking twilight views of Mount Pisgah and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Among the wonderful performances at the estate includee The Beach Boys, which is Sold Out already. Do not worry, there’s more music to enjoy when the multi-award-winning pop music legends, The B-52s, take the stage. This is just a sample of musical events and performaces to enjoy at the Biltmore Estate!

Plan Your Visit To The Biltmore Estate

To explore current packages, events, and programs offered at the beautiful Biltmore Estate call 1-800-411-3812 or visit their website.

Plan Your Adventure In Asheville

Beautiful Asheville, North Carolina has many events, attractions, and more to enjoy on your trip, so got to Explore Asheville website to plan your trip.

The Marquee – Offering A One Of A Kind AR Vacation Experience

Southern charm and hospitality awaits at The Marquee, located in New Orleans’ historic theater district. This is the newest addition to the Bluegreen Vacations collection, and it is certain to become a popular selection among their top leisure and urban vacation destinations. Offering a unique immersive guest experiences using augmented reality moments, The Marquee is the first vacation destination of its kind within the timeshare industry.

Inspired by the rich traditions of theatre, vaudeville and story in New Orleans, this luxury property is set to officially open its doors in the heart of New Orleans’ historic theater district this June. A vacation to remember begins as you enter the tall, elegant and stylish resort that rises 17 stories above the vibrant streets of New Orleans. Here, you’ll find relaxing moments to simply sit back and enjoy a refreshment while admiring the impressive views of the Crescent City.

An unexpected addition that will truly make this vacation memorable begins once you download the Bluegreen Vacations mobile app. Then, point your phone or tablet at certain elements in your guest rooms for an amazing experience as you meet the resort’s A/R characters. They are here to share the historic and engaging stories about New Orleans.

“We set out to provide our owners and guests with a one-of-a-kind stay that fully immerses them in New Orleans’ history and makes them the center of the experience by incorporating unique virtual and augmented reality and design elements. The Marquee is like no other in the marketplace, and we’re excited that our owners and guests will soon get to start making unforgettable memories at this remarkable property,” said Shawn Pearson, President and CEO of Bluegreen Vacations.

The Marquee offers the comforts of home, plus a outdoor pool and a Fitness Room. Stop in to see the Concierge, who can help with suggestions for touring the Cresent City. Nearby attractions include the Aquarium of the Americas, Longue Vue House and Gardens, and of course, the world famous French Quarter. These are only a sampling of the exciting sites to explore – this is New Orleans – that has a rich history and festive events to enjoy. And, there’s plenty of tasty Southern food and libations to sample throughout your stay.

While at The Marquee you can also learn more about the Bluegreen Vacation Club. They offer a flexible, points based, real estate backed vacation ownership program that leads its members to new discoveries in exciting destinations, offering an engaging, cost-effective way to guarantee memorable vacation experiences by providing choice, flexibility and quality. Accommodations are ideally suited to comfortably accommodate guests in a space that feels like a home-away-from-home, with resort-style amenities and services just steps away.

Plan Your Getaway With Bluegreen Vacations

The Marquee is a short distance from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) at 144 Elk Place, New Orleans, LA 70112. For reservations call 504.371.5800 or visit the Bluegreen Vacations website to explore the collection of resorts and destinations, and begin planning a unique, value-added vacation experience.

Find The Longest Water Slide At The Outdoor Gravity Park

The Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge, TN is where you’ll find the Fishpipe – the longest water slide in the world, which goes over 1/8 mile per minute!

It is also where you can try out a OGO – a giant ball that is a 11 foot diameter inflatable ball with a 6 foot ball suspended in the middle, and is made of 300 square feet of plastic. Once inside, you’ll roll all the way down the hill, and it’s a wild ride!

Get Ready For A Wild Summer At Outdoor Gravity Park

The OGO at the Outdoor Gravity Park is the only one of its kind in Tennessee. And, it’s just off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge at Traffic Light #1. Check out their website for current news, coupons, and other specials available.

Remembering Those Who Have Served This Memorial Day!

This Memorial Day weekend there will be many festive events taking place throughout the nation, and right in your region. As you prepare to enjoy the festivities we hope you’ll join us in taking a moment to honor those who have fallen, and to thank those still serving.

Wherever your trip takes you have a joyous and memorable journey with those you cherish!