​Authors to Explore 'Shorts' at Key West Literary Seminar

KEY WEST, Florida Keys -- Leading American and international writers are to explore literary short forms during the 34th annual Key West Literary Seminar, an intimate gathering for literature fans set for Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 7-10. 

Headquartered at Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St., the seminar is to feature more than 15 writers of short stories, essays, poetry and more. Among them are Thomas McGuane, whose work includes the landmark Key West novels "Panama" and "Ninety-Two in the Shade" as well as three short-story collections; Joy Williams, whose "The Quick and the Dead" was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; Ann Beattie, considered a pivotal influence on a generation of short-story writers; award-winning Chinese short-story writer Yiyun Li and two-term United States Poet Laureate Billy Collins. 

The seminar begins Thursday evening with a conversational presentation by Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz and "New Yorker" theater critic and "White Girls" author Hilton Als exploring themes of displacement in selected short literary works. 

Subsequent days feature solo and paired readings, lectures, panel discussions, book signings and receptions where attendees and authors can mingle. Scheduled highlights include a showcase interview with McGuane about his classic Key West novels and a Saturday night discussion between James Gleick and longtime "New Yorker" fiction editor Daniel Menaker about "the inside story" of fiction at the publication. In addition, Menaker is to present two in-depth interviews titled "The Long and Short of Short Fiction."

While most events are open only to seminar registrants, the program includes Sunday afternoon presentations that are open to the public. Beginning at 2 p.m., these include readings and commentary by several of the featured writers. Admission is free with first-come, first-served seating. 

The 2016 literary seminar is sold out, but space is still available in associated writers' workshops scheduled Monday through Friday, Jan.11-15.


Florida Keys events calendar: www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents/
Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS (1-800-352-5397)

VIKING EXPLORATION COMES TO NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN WITH NEW OCEAN CRUISE ITINERARIES
September 2016 Will Mark the First Transatlantic Crossing for Viking Ocean Cruises
 
Los Angeles (December 1, 2015) – Viking Ocean Cruises® (www.vikingoceancruises.com) today announced that the line will expand its destination-focused cruising to North America and the Caribbean with five new itineraries launching in September 2016. As a nod to the most famous Viking explorer, Leif Eriksson, who set foot on North American soil 500 years before Columbus, Viking Star will also cross the North Atlantic – with a new itinerary that sails from Bergen to Montreal, with stops in the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. From Montreal, the award-winning ship will cruise the St. Lawrence River and down the coast of New England to New York, during the peak period of fall foliage in October.Viking Star will then make her way down the Eastern seaboard to San Juan, Puerto Rico, which will serve as her homeport for winter Caribbean itineraries. The ship will return to Europe in February 2017, with a transatlantic sailing from San Juan to Barcelona.
                “We have always had a vision to reinvent ocean cruising – to bring destinations back to the forefront of the itinerary and to build ships that are designed to help our guests better explore their destinations,” said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises. “We launched our ocean cruises in Europe earlier this year, and just as the Viking explorers before us, we are now looking across the Atlantic for new discoveries. Our new itineraries in North America and the Caribbean will offer travelers experiences that broaden their horizons both on and off the ship.”
New North America & Caribbean Itineraries     
                Created in part to honor early Viking trade routes beyond Scandinavia, Viking’s new North American itineraries will allow guests to sail the North Atlantic and visit original Norse settlement sites that date back more than 1,000 years. Viking’s Caribbean itineraries will provide an alternative to the cruises typically offered in the region – with more time in port and experiences that go beyond the iconic and expected. Highlights from the new program include:
·         NEW for 2016 – In the Wake of the Vikings (15 days; Bergen to Montreal) – Trace the route of Viking Leif Eriksson, setting off from his homeland, Norway, sailing from the old mercantile city of Bergen to the rustic Shetland Islands of Scotland the Faroe Islands, once home to the Viking Parliament. Witness the magnificent natural beauty of Iceland and Greenland; then, as Eriksson before you, land at Newfoundland, where L’Anse aux Meadows reveals evidence of Norse settlements. Sail on to Quebec, with explorations of Saguenay and Quebec City, before arriving in Montreal. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $6,499 per person. Sailing Date: September 18, 2016.
·         NEW for 2016 – Eastern Seaboard Explorer (13 days; Montreal to New York) – Witness the shores of Canada and New England come alive with fall’s vibrant hues during this once-annual sailing. From cosmopolitan Montreal, cruise the St. Lawrence River to French-flavored Quebec City. Learn about Canada’s colonial past in Saguenay and about its Scottish and Acadian heritage on Prince Edward Island and in Halifax. An overnight in Boston gives you ample time to visit its historic treasures. Then, enjoy a rare crossing of the Cape Cod Canal en route to New York City, where you’ll experience the highlights of Manhattan. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $4,999 per person. Sailing Date: October 2, 2016.
·         NEW for 2016 – Eastern Seaboard to the West Indies (15 days; New York to San Juan) – Trace the Atlantic seaboard of the United States into the Caribbean, calling on an array of vibrant capitals and lush islands. An overnight in exhilarating New York City lets you take in its dazzling sights. Then explore Newport’s grand mansions and Baltimore’s historic riches. Immerse yourself in colonial Jamestown from our port in Norfolk, and enjoy an overnight stay amid the coastal beauty of Port Everglades. Then explore the lush and lively Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos, Antigua and St. Thomas. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $4,999 per person. Sailing Date: October 14, 2016.
·         NEW for 2016/2017 – West Indies Explorer (11 days; San Juan to San Juan) – After time to explore the colonial treasures of San Juan, Puerto Rico, immerse yourself in the British, French and Dutch cultures of the Lesser Antilles. Take in the steep green hills of Tortola and Antigua. Explore settlement towns on St. Lucia and Barbados. Witness the rainforest beauty of Guadeloupe and the rich past of St. Kitts. And marvel at the French and Dutch sides of St. Martin and the splendid vistas of St. Thomas. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $2,999 per person. Sailing Dates: October 28, November 7, December 17 and December 27, 2016; January 6, January 16, January 26, February 5 and February 15, 2017.
·         NEW for 2017 – West Indies to Iberia (18 days; San Juan to Barcelona)– Embark in colonial San Juan, and call upon the Dutch side of St. Martin. Then, enjoy a leisurely six-day trans-Atlantic crossing, savoring the offerings onboard Viking Star.You’ll make landfall on the garden-draped Portuguese island of Madeira and visit the French-inflected Moroccan city of Casablanca before exploring Spain in Cádiz, Valencia and finally, Barcelona. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,299. Sailing Date: February 25, 2017.
Viking Star
                Christened in May 2015 in Bergen, Norway, the 930-guest all-veranda Viking Star – as well as her two sister ships under construction, Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Sky (2017) – is classified by Cruise Critic as  a “small ship,” and is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, so guests have easy and efficient embarkation and disembarkation. The small size of Viking’s ocean ships provides greater maneuverability, allowing them to dock where mega-liners that dominate the world’s ports today cannot. From prime, central berths in the world’s great cities, cuch as Venice and Monte Carlo and in smaller, seldom-visited ports like Kotor, Montenegro, and Scotland’s Shetland Islands, enriching cultural discoveries are just a short walk away from the ship. Viking Star was named “Best New Ocean Ship” in the 2015 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards and was rated number one in its category in the recently released Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016.  Featuring understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design, highlights onboard Viking Star include:
·       All Veranda Staterooms: Guests can choose from five stateroom categories, starting from a 270 sq. ft. Veranda Stateroom, all with private verandas and premium amenities that include king-size beds with luxury linens, large showers, luxury toiletries and large interactive flat-screen LCD TVs with movies-on-demand.
·       Explorer Suites: The ship features 14 Explorer Suites, which are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 sq. ft. that offer sweeping views from wraparound private verandas as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category onboard.
·       Two Pool Choices: In addition to the Main Pool with a retractable roof permitting any-season swimming, the ship features a first-of-its-kind glass-backed Infinity Pool cantilevered off the stern, allowing guests to swim surrounded by their destination.
·       LivNordic Spa: In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Spa onboard is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind—from the centuries-old tradition of the sauna to a Snow Grotto where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air. Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016 named it one of the “5 best cruise ship spas.”
·       Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s: Share a cocktail with friends. Linger over a Norwegian breakfast and a nautical history book. The Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s gourmet deli are thoughtful spaces located at the bow and designed in the Scandinavian spirit, for complete relaxation and for marveling at sweeping views through double-height windows.
·       The Wintergarden: Guests looking for serenity will find it in the Wintergarden. In this elegant space under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood, guests can indulge in afternoon tea service.
·       Dining Choices: Viking Star offers multiple restaurant locations and food choices—from fine dining in The Restaurant, which serves three full meals and the widest choice of culinary options, and the World Café, which serves international fare and regional specialties—to intimate dining experiences at The Chef’s Table, which offers a multi-course tasting menu complete with wine parings, and Manfredi’s, which features freshly prepared pastas and Italian favorites. Additionally, The Kitchen Table focuses on regional dishes from market to table; the Pool Grill specializes in gourmet burgers; afternoon tea and scones are available in the Wintergarden; and Mamsen’s serves Norwegian deli-style fare. Furthermore, with multiple choices for outdoor seating during meals, Viking Star offers the most al fresco dining at sea.
·       Enriching Entertainment: Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking in creating “the thinking person’s cruise.” Instead of casinos and water slides, guests are offered Viking’s Culture Curriculum® including: world-class lectures on history and art; tasting of vintage wines from their destinations; restaurant menus inspired by local cuisine; informative port talks; enriching Destination Performances featuring folkloric shows and musicians playing regional and classical music; an onboard cooking school allowing guests to learn how to prepare local specialties.
·       Sustainable Features: Designed with the environment in mind, Viking Star features energy-efficient hybrid engines, hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hull and bow for maximum fuel efficiency and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the strictest environmental regulations.
Viking Ocean Cruises
                Viking developed its ocean cruises by leveraging extensive feedback and input from Viking River Cruises® passengers, and with experienced travelers in mind. Itineraries are designed to spend more time in port, with fewer days at sea and more overnight stays, so guests can have ample time to immerse themselves more fully in each destination. Ports include both cosmopolitan cities and “collector ports,” and appeal to those with an interest in history, art and culture. In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides unparalleled value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—a value of more than $2,400 per couple for an average cruise.
Booking Details
                From now through December 31, 2015, Viking is offering U.S. residents a 2016 Early Booking Discount with up to $1,000 off 2-for-1 pricing on cruise departures, plus up to free all-inclusive airfare. Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464).

​International Sailing Regatta to Bring World-Class Racers to Key West Jan. 17-22

KEY WEST, Florida Keys -- Veteran sailboat racing teams from around the world are to compete in the waters off America's southernmost city Sunday through Friday, Jan. 17-22, putting on a colorful display for spectators during Quantum Key West Race Week 2016.

One of the most prestigious sailing regattas on the international calendar, the Key West event includes a diverse fleet with teams hailing from 12 nations. 

After the fleet's harbor start at 10:15 am, the action is slated to begin daily at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18-22, with 10 races scheduled during the challenge. Shoreside activities, prize presentations and evening parties round out each day's itinerary. 

Race organizers say teams are drawn to Key West to enjoy January sailing in warm subtropical waters, reliable breezes and fierce competition. Competitors are to race on Atlantic Ocean courses just off Key West's shore and inside the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef. 

Presented by the Storm Trysail Club, the 2016 regatta is to feature several innovations. They include a Performance Cruising division whose participants will sail one longer race per day, the return of speedy Corsair 28 trimarans and the debut use of an international rating system, ORC, in one of the handicap classes. 

"Quantum Key West Race Week has long been chosen by sailing's innovators as the proving ground for new classes and technology," said regatta administrator Amy Gross-Kehoe. 

The 2016 regatta will feature a large fleet of the new C&C 30s, a mid-sized one-design boat suited to offshore and inshore racing.

J/70s are to continue their strong class presence in Key West with early entrants from around the U.S. as well as Italy, Bermuda, Norway and Brazil. In the Maxi 72 class, heated competition is expected between Hap Fauth's Bella Mente and George Sakellaris’ Proteus.

The field of international racing professionals includes 2006 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and world champion sailor Jud Smith competing on the J70 Africa.

"It’s the largest international regatta in the U.S. for the non-Olympic racers, although a number of Olympic aspirants and medallists compete in Key West Race Week," said Gross-Kehoe.

The 2016 regatta's headquarters, where sailors and sailing aficionados can mingle, is to be on Caroline Street between Duval and Whitehead streets. 

To view the races, fans can book seats on spectator boats ranging from excursion catamarans to historic tall ships. Prime land-based viewing spots include Key West's Atlantic-front restaurants, resorts and beaches.


Florida Keys events calendar: www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents/
Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS (1-800-352-5397)

SPEND SOME TIME EXPLORING COLUMBIA INSIDE AND OUT THIS WINTER


Columbia, MO - Spend some time exploring Columbia inside and out this winter. From fantastic shopping to extravagant holiday decorations, visitors to this college town will find more than they expect in Central Missouri.

SHOPPING IN THE DISTRICT 
With roughly 65 shops in 43 city blocks, Columbia's historic downtown, better known as "The Disctrict," is the place to be when shopping for the holidays.The District, which places an emphasis on shopping "small," is home to many independent, locally owned boutiques, most of which dress up for the holidays with festive decorations and window displays. Shoppers will find the latest in fashion trends as well as time-tested vintage pieces from decades gone by. They can create unique fragrances at the local perfumery or browse the titles at intimate book shops. For more worldly gifters, international shops carry goods from around the globe. A craft beer cellar stocks an impressive selection of micro-brews from all points near and wide and even encourages you to sip while you shop. There are shops specializing in locally crafted fine art, handmade chocolates and confections, contemporary kitchen wares, antiques, hard-to-find vinyl records and video games, musical instruments and much more. The shops in The District surely have something for everyone on anyone's gift list.
 
As visitors stroll from shop to shop, they will also find many warm, welcoming restaurants, bistros and coffee shops interspersed throughout downtown, making it easy to take a break from their shopping and sample some local fare. The dining options are nearly as diverse as the shopping. For more information on shopping and dining, as well as special wintertime events in The District, visit www.DiscoverTheDistrict.com.

And, in the unlikely event that a shopper can't find what they're looking for in The District, chances are they'll find it at the Columbia Mall or the department stores nearby. The mall features over 120 stores including H&M, Express, Joseph Banks, Eddie Bauer, Victoria's Secret, Dillard's and more. In the Shoppes at Stadium plaza, located adjacent to the mall, visitors will find Macy's Department Store, Gap Factory Outlet, Old Navy, Bed, Bath and Beyond and others. Columbia also has several massive antique malls - including the 60,000-square foot Midway Antique Store and Flea Market, which was featured on the Travel Channel show, "Truck Stop: Missouri" - with large selections of treasurers from yesteryear. For more information on the different shopping options in Columbia, check out the "Where to Shop" page on www.VisitColumbiaMO.com
 
STUFF YOUR STOCKINGS WITH FESTIVALS
Looking for more unique gifts that can only be found in Columbia? How about stuffing your stockings with passes to two of the city's most popular annual festivals - True/False Film Fest and Roots N Blues N BBQ?  
 

The internationally renowned True/False Film Fest - which has been hailed as one of the top cultural events to experience by TIME magazine, called the "most vital" film festival in America and was once again named one of the "coolest film festivals in the world" by FilmMaker Magazine - celebrates groundbreaking films and filmmakers that push and stretch the boundaries of documentary cinema. This four-day fest takes place March 3-6, 2016 in downtown Columbia and combines artful films with thoughtful Q and As with filmmakers, panel discussions, live concerts, busking musicians, dance parties, a hilarious game show, a ragtag parade and a lot more. Passes for the 13th installment of True/False are on sale now at www.TrueFalse.org.
 
The 10th annual Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival takes place September 30 through October 2, 2016 in picturesque Stephens Lake Park, just a few miles east of downtown Columbia. Roots N Blues features over 30 performers from around the globe playing all shades of "roots" music: blues, gospel, soul, country, bluegrass, folk and rock and roll. Recent headliners include Buddy Guy, Dwight Yoakam, Al Green, Lucinda Williams, Brandi Carlisle, Charles Bradley, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Fitz and the Tantrums, and the Wood Brothers, to name just a few. To celebrate the tenth anniversary, festival organizers are looking to make it even bigger and better with the first round of headlining acts for the 2016 fest to be announced in April. The festival also features interactive art installations throughout the park, delicious barbecue, a 5k and half-marathon and more. Tickets for the 2016 festival go on pre-sale December 7. For more information, or to order passes, visit www.RootsNBluesNBBQ.com. 

A MAGICAL TOUR
The Magic Tree at the quaint Village of Cherry Hill.
What started in 1995 as one Columbia resident's personal project, involving many strings of lights and a small crab apple tree in his front yard, has morphed into one of Columbia's most gorgeous and popular holiday attractions. Now, locals and visitors alike make a tradition of bundling up, piling family and friends into the car and heading out to visit the Magic Tree at the Village of Cherry Hill, located on the southwest part of town at 4200 Merchant Street.

Each year, Randy Fletcher, or "Will Treelighter" as he's better known, spends hours upon hours wrapping tens of thousands of lights around every branch of the Magic Tree. While the original Magic Tree was located in Will's front yard, the growing popularity of his work and resulting increase in traffic in the residential neighborhood necessitated finding a new tree in a new area. The Magic Tree display moved to the Village of Cherry Hill in 2010, making it easier for more people to enjoy Will's art. The popularity of the Magic Tree continues to grow exponentially each year and now, there are six different Treelighter projects located throughout the city. Visitors to Columbia during the holiday season can take a driving tour to bask in the glow of each extravagantly lighted trees. The "magical loop," as we'll call it, covers just under 16 miles and meanders through some historic neighborhoods with views of other elegant lighting displays and can be completed in less than an hour. "Magical" tourists should feel free to linger to take in the lighted trees in all their splendor. We suggest starting in the downtown district at the tree located on the corner of Broadway and Ninth streets, that way visitors can pop in and out of shops and grab a bite to eat before embarking on their tour. The trees are alight from 5-11 p.m. every night, now until January 6, 2016. For detailed turn-by-turn driving directions, visit TinyURL.com/MagicTreeTour.

WINTER AMONG THE WOODS 
Visitors looking to unwind in solitude during or after the holiday season can experience the quieter side of Columbia by exploring one of the area's most beautiful state parks.Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, located just 5 miles south of the glow of Columbia's downtown lights, offers wintertime wanderers the chance to trek along some of the most popular hiking trails in the state without the usual crowds. The 2,272-acre park is home to impressive karst geological formations, a namesake rock bridge, a natural spring and underground stream in the imposing seven-mile long cave system that makes up the "Devil's Icebox." During the warmer months, thousands of visitors take advantage of the Devil's Icebox Trail, a half-mile walk along a wooden boardwalk, to peek around inside the cave. But, during the winter, the park takes on a state of stillness unlike any other time of the year. 

All in all, Rock Bridge features eight designated trails covering over 22 miles, encompassing large sinkholes, brooks and streams, grasslands, hardwood forests, high ridges and panoramic overlooks. The solitude and scenic views afforded by the park's natural setting will have visitors forgetting about the hustle and bustle of the holidays and even the city just a few miles away. For more information on Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, as well as the other two state parks in the area and Columbia's different city parks, view the Parks and Trails page atwww.VisitColumbiaMO.com.

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ABOUT COLUMBIA
Columbia features a mix of small town charm and friendliness with the amenities and cultural offerings of a big city. There is always something exciting to see and do in Columbia, so for more information on these and other ways to have fun in Columbia, please contact Megan McConachie at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-652-0987 or at VisitColumbiaMO.com.

Explore the World by Bike
Are you tired of taking the same old vacation? It's time to leave the average vacation in 2015 and go car-free in 2016. 

We are excited to share 4 of our favorite European cycling trips with you. Ron van Dijk, our European Operations Director, is bringing back 4 of his favorite cycling trips: Vienna to Prague,Denmark, Burgundy, and Holland/Belgium . With 40 years of experience guiding European cycling tours, Ron is truly an expert in the field. Learn details about each trip, their limited departure dates, travel safety, and general Europe travel tips by joining Ron van Dijk and Dan Austin for a special webinar on December 8th at 3 PM EST. This informative webinar will answer all your questions about our 4 cycling trips and travel in Europe. Register here.

Book your cycling trip on one of these limited departures by calling us at 800-575-1540. Get ready to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, the breeze tousling your hair, chat with the locals, and take in the reginal beauty at your own pace. Don't simply take a vacation, create an unforgettable experience. 

The Austin Adventures Team

P.S. Don't forget as a first time traveler with Austin Adventures, you receive $100 off your first trip. Learn more ways to save here.
TAKE ME TO ALL DESTINATIONS
Vienna to Prague
 
Lose yourself in a mixture of the old world and new world. Bike through vineyards, along the Danube, to the Czech Lake District, and through the Bohemian Forest at a leisurely pace. In the evenings, enjoy fine dining and settle into hand-picked, cozy inns.

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Denmark | Danish Isles
 
Island hop on a gently rolling route that unfurls along the seashore of the Danish Riviera. Cycle in the refreshing salt air, delight in the region's famous seafood specialties. Enjoy getting to know the friendly Danish people as you visit the royal castles and old seafaring towns that bring the past to life. 

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France | Burgundy
 
Savor world class wines and richly textured cuisine as you explore the very heart of Burgundy. Our gentle route follows ancient roads through vineyards and farms, to quaint villages and tiny wine towns. Sample Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines and let the product speak for itself.
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Holland/Belgium | Brussels to Bruges & Ghent
 
Experience a land where carefree cycling is a way of life and where the continental experience can still be savored, far away from tourists and crowds. Cycle along the North Sea coast to lively resorts and tiny harbors, then turn onto scenic inland canals offering pristine landscapes and a relaxed pace. 

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