One of my greatest discoveries this summer had to be The Gorge Ampitheatre on the Columbia River near Quincy in Washington State.    Perched on the edge of the Columbia River Gorge and surrounded by vineyards, orchards and wineries, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect backdrop for attending a concert and seeing my favorite artists in live performance.   Imagine my surprise to find the elegant Cave B Inn and Winery at Sagecliffe right next door and, in fact, The Gorge Ampitheatre sits on land that once was part of the vineyards.

Poised 900 feet above the Columbia River, Cave B Inn is surrounded by estate vineyards and fragrant orchards with breathtaking views of sky, water and canyon.  The guestrooms are serene and comforting but your eyes will be drawn to the exquisite Cliffehouses perched on the edge of the Gorge and facing the evening sunset.  This unique resort offers guests full spa services, a cliff-side swimming pool, exquisite dining and of course, the distinctive  Cave B/Sagecliffe wines.  Aside from offering visitors standard wine tastings, there are also options for  blind wine challenges, wine blending experiences and “ right from the barrel” tastings to make your visit memorable.  Should you choose to spend a couple days, be sure to embark on an eco-adventure of  bicycling through the vineyards, rock climbing the walls of the gorge or kayaking  the Columbia River.  Even better, combine a stay at Cave B Inn with a concert at the Gorge Ampitheater and you may find yourself breakfasting with your favorite band the next morning.

The Gorge Ampitheatre is set against the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and takes full advantage of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever experience.  With the cool breezes blowing up from the river mixed with music from the stage and thousands of fans relaxing on the sloping lawns, there isn’t a better venue for an evening of fun and friends.  As the sun goes down behind the stage, the Columbia River Gorge is bathed in all the colors of a Pacific Northwest sunset.  Acoustics in this natural ampitheatre are fantastic so whether you choose to kick back on the sloping lawns or join the excitement of front row seating, this will be an experience you’ll never forget.  Getting there is easy with it’s location about 2.5 hours from either Seattle or Spokane airports and plenty of parking is available if you aren’t staying within walking distance.

The Columbia River Gorge is rich in history and culture including the 1806 arrival of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their way to the Pacific Ocean.  Over the years, this famous waterway has seen the installation of several locks and dams which are engineering marvels of their own, the establishment of successful vineyards and wineries producing world-class wines, beautiful venues for the Arts and an ever widening array of over- night accommodations for visitors.

 TMI Tours of Coeur d’Alene can put together a fantastic girls get-away, romantic weekend for two or exciting corporate event combining luxurious accommodations at Cave B Inn, wine tastings, concerts, airline tickets and rental cars.  Call Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand for details, availability and rates.  1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

TMI Tours invites you to enjoy  exclusive 7 night cruises on the might Columbia River this fall aboard the 12-passenger yacht,  Safari Spirit.  Explore the extraordinary wine regions of the Columbia River Gorge with guest Sommeliers, Vintners, Chefs and culinary arts specialists.  

The  Columbia River Gorge is home to some of the finest wineries in the United States.  Washington wineries are welcoming travellers from around the world to their intimate and diverse tasting rooms.  The Columbia Gorge region offers visitors a wide-range of vineyards and wineries to visit as well as a myriad of outdoor activities with outstanding scenery and true Pacific Northwest hospitality.   Guest aboard the intimate yacht, Safari Spirit,  will enjoy an ambiance of refinement, luxury and relaxation  while  cruising between the river ports of Portland, Oregon and Lewiston, Idaho. 

Adventure  is just around each corner and guest will enjoy such activities as a thrilling jet-boat ride into the Snake River’s famous Hells Canyon, a personal tour of the impressive Bonneville Dam and a visit to the enchanting Maryhill Museum and Winery.   Sample hand-crafted, award-winning wines at 5 private, family-owned wineries with private tours and tastings.  On-board you will enjoy locally purchased produce and seafoods of the Pacific Northwest, prepared by expert Chefs and guest culinary hosts.

Indulge your passion for highly-rated wines and hand-crafted meals amidst one of the United States most scenic backdrops–the Columbia River Gorge.  Contact Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours & Cruises for details and availability aboard the exquisite yacht, the  Safari Spirit.   Departure dates for 2010: Oct 15, 22, 29 and Nov 05.  TMI Tours 1-800-975-7775 or info @tmitours.com

Getting outdooors in North Idaho is what vacationing and living here are all about.  Whether you are new to the area or enjoying a family vacation at one of our beautiful lakes, guided adventures let you enjoy the activity without any of the worry. 

Imagine the exhilaration of hiking high in the mountains, cresting the ridgetop and looking down on a sparkling mountain lake nestled into a alpine meadow.   The rugged Selkirk Mountains in the Idaho Panhandle offer a chance to hike in the native habitat of moose, elk, bear and eagles.   Hiking trails wind through old growth forest, over cascading streams, through huckleberry patches and along mountain tops where the views go on forever.  Local guides will enchant you with stories of early fur trappers and traders, mountain men and native americans that lived and walked these same trails. 

Mountain biking in the Selkirks is easy with the help of the Great Escape Quad lift, whisking  bicycles and their riders up the mountain with ease.   For a great family outing  join a 19 mile downhill bike run from the top of the mountain  to a private 6-acre ranch located on pristine Priest River.  Spend the day enjoying a leisurely ride through spectacular scenery complete with a support vechicle, lunch at the ranch, swimming and playing in the river and van transportation back to your point of departure. 

Of course with all this tumbling water around us, guided kayak adventures can be taylored for almost any level of enthusiast.   Specially designed trips for beginners and young teens are available on beautiful Priest River using stable, inflateable kayaks and include just the right amount of fast and slow water to keep it fun.

TMI Tours of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho has complete details on these and many other guided outdoor adventures available in North Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.  Contact Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand for airfare, lodging and activities for your perfect vacation in the great state of Idaho. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is the perfect place to plan a corporate meeting  or family special event.  Set on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene and surrounded by thickly forested mountains and  sparkling rivers, Coeur d’Alene offers beautiful summer weather for enjoying our abundant outdoor activities. 

Luxury yacht on Lake Coeur dalene

Rent a luxury yacht and enjoy a totally care-free experience for your meeting or special event.  Considered one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Coeur d’Alene has over one hundred miles of scenic shoreline and three breathtaking, navigable rivers.  Each river is an adventure in itself offering unique yachting and sightseeing experiences.  Cruise the crystal blue waters while gazing at amazing wildlife; bald eagles, osprey, deer and moose-all in their natural habitat.  Meetings are always more enjoyable with the calming waters under you, the barbeque smoking and of course, your favorite beverages on board. 

How about a real western cook-out complete with trail and hayrides?  Local ranches offer true western hospitality for groups of any size, complete with sizzling steak bar-b-ques and all the fixin’s’.   They love to hitch up the haywagon and transport your guests  back to a simpler way of life while taking in  fresh mountain air and scenery.  For the more adventurous, saddle up a horse and take a guided trail ride across the meadows and streams that lace our backyard.

Already coming to Coeur d’Alene with a group or event?  Let TMI Tours arrange activities for after-hours adventures or corporate team building.   We offer a wide array of outdoor activities such as white water rafting,  guided mountain bike or hiking adventures, fishing excursions, golfing, river floats and day-trips to Glacier National Park. 

Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding communities offer accomodations to fit any budget whether a luxury resort hotel,  farm-stay or lakefront luxury homes and cabins.  For information on activities, accomodations, airfare, transportation and meeting planning contact Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  Let us help you plan a unique event for your family or company this summer on stunning Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Whatever kind of fishing adventure you are looking for, you’ll find it on the Mighty  Columbia River.  Rising from the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, this magnificent river flows through Eastern Washington on it’s way to the Pacific Ocean.  The pristine area of the Upper Columbia offers some of the best fly-fishing in the world along with beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.

Guided fishing packages include your choice of 2, 3 or 4 nights accomodations in river-front log cabins.   Local guides, well versed in the waters of the Upper Columbia, will meet you at the private dock to board your boat for an exciting day of fishing and fun.  Non- fishermen and women can enjoy access to mountain bike trails, hiking, boating,  swimming or shopping at local artisan studios.

TMI Tours can arrange all-inclusive guided fishing adventures on the Upper Columbia River  including airfare, rental cars, accomodations and excellent guides.  Contact Rhonda or Linda at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com  We are your Pacific Northwest adventure specialists.