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 is excited to announce new adventure packages to Glacier National Park for the summer of 2011.   Modeled after the Great Lodges of Glacier Tours, these adventure packages are for guests that want to spend more time hiking and exploring Glacier National Park.

Iceberg Lake

The first night will begin at Glacier Park Lodge with a welcome BBQ and narrative around the campfire with a Blackfeet Tribal member.  The following morning, guests will board the vintage Red Buses for a tour of Glacier’s East Side before a guided hike to spectacular Iceberg Lake and overnight at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.  The next morning, guests board the Red Buses and sightsee on the way  to the Many Glacier Hotel.  A guided hike to Grinnell Glacier will take you along the shores of several mountain lakes and a chance to stand on an actual glacier in the heart of the Park.  Day 4 is dedicated to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road on the Red Buses,  a hike along the Highline Trail  and the next two nights at Lake Mc Donald Lodge & Cabins on  Glacier’s West Side.  Your last day in the Park will include a 2-hour Fly Fishing lesson and 1/2 day Whitewater trip as well as a farewell dinner.

These packages are offered from mid-July through the first week of September and are limited to 24 people per group.  Fully escorted and inclusive of hiking  guides, most meals, accomodations in the Park and transportation via convertible, vintage Red Buses, they are the best possible way to enjoy Glacier National Park.

Contact Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours of Coeur dAlene and reserve your adventure vacation package today to experience the best of Glacier National Park 2011.  1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

Cruising the beautiful lakes of California, Arizona and Nevada aboard your own personal houseboat is a unique vacation choice.  Modern houseboat rentals are luxurious, offering comforts only dreamed about a few year ago.  Todays houseboats offer private accomodations, fully equipt kitchens and living areas, and sun-decks with BBQ,  wet bar and water slide.  

Below are a few of our favorite locations for you to enjoy the fun and adventure of a houseboat vacation.  With a wide variety of modern houseboats to choose from at each location, your biggest decision will be  where to start first.

Lake Oroville is Northern California’s largest state reservoir. Lake Oroville is the cornerstone of Lake Oroville State Recreation Area and is conveniently located on the Feather River, about 75 miles north of Sacramento, in the chaparral oak-pine belt of northern mother lode country.  Lake Oroville Marina has endless opportunities to enjoy the uncrowded atmosphere. Soak up the sun while reading a book on your California houseboat rental and cool off by sliding down the waterslide into the lake. The calm waters are ideal for swimming, waterskiing or snorkeling. Cruise the waters or park along shore to enjoy some great lakeside hiking or camping.

Don Pedro Lake – a recreational gem in the Sierra Nevada foothills of the Stanislaus National Forest, near the communities of Moccasin and La Grange, and bordering the northwestern corner of Yosemite National Park. Here you’ll find nearly 160 miles of shoreline, excellent fishing and seemingly endless opportunity for water sports and fun.  Don Pedro Lake is actually the 5th largest man-made lake in California with over 2.3 million acre feet of water. Surrounded by rolling hills and oak trees, this beautiful reservoir is situated in a canyon carved out by the Tuolumne river. Several tributaries drain directly into Don Pedro Lake allowing the water levels to remain high and the comfortably warm summer water temperatures.

Trinity Lake is  one of Northern California’s favorite houseboating playgrounds. Here you’ve got miles of tree-lined shores to explore and countless secluded coves perfect for claiming as your own houseboat base camp. Trinity boasts unparalleled water sports opportunity – from world-class trout and bass fishing, to miles of smooth blue water perfect for boating, skiing and boarding. Accommodations range from lakeside cabin rentals, nearby RV parks and campgrounds, and nearly 147 miles of shoreline for camping and anchoring private and rental boats.

Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina on Lake Mohave is one of the best kept secrets in Nevada. We’re conveniently located on the Colorado river, just a short drive from Laughlin, NV and Bullhead City, AZ. We’re also part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, administered by the National Park Service.  This pristine desert lake is approximately 67 miles long and is backed up by Davis Dam on the Colorado River. Lake Mohave is always full and the sparkling calm waters are legendary. Enjoy spectacular scenery, endless beach opportunities, sheer walls, and fascinating canyons along the way hosting names like Black Canyon, Pyramid Canyon, Painted Canyon and Eldorado Canyon.

Antelope Point is the  newest marina on beautiful Lake Powell, located just 12 miles from Page, Arizona.  Antelope Point  offers both convenience and brand-new upscale services catering to long-time Powell boaters and newcomers alike.  The marina  is anchored in the Lake’s main channel at mile marker 5, just a few minutes boat ride from the Glen  Canyon Dam and nearby Wahweap Marina. Antelope is the closest land-based marina to world-famous Rainbow Bridge National Monument – commemorating 100 years in 2009, and adjacent to popular Antelope and Navajo canyons. Like the other marinas on Lake Powell, Antelope Point is administered by the National Park Service. The Point however is located within the Federal Reservation of the Navajo Nation. You can see the native influence in the unique design and engineering of the marina facility – one of the largest of its type in the world.

Lake Mead offers 550 miles of pristine shoreline, soaring red rock cliffs, countless bays and beaches, and a convenient location within an hour of the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.  Few places can beat the recreation opportunities that await you on Lake Mead.  Few places on earth match the raw, natural beauty of Lake Mead. Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is getting up at dawn to greet the sunrise with a cup of coffee or a waterski run on glass-like water. Or maybe it’s just relaxing on the top deck of a houseboat with friends and enjoying the glow of the sunset.

TMI Tours of Coeur d”Alene, Idaho  will customize a unique and exciting houseboat vacation for you from anywhere in the world.  For information and arrangements, contact Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com and let us handle all the details.

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

If you have attempted to make reservations to stay within Glacier National Park this summer, you know that almost every lodge is sold out for the summer 2010.   Glacier National Park is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary and with a limited number of hotel rooms located within the Park, availability is  a scattered few dates here and there.   It is still possible to enjoy a vacation to Glacier this summer and experience the history and ambiance of the great lodges of Glacier National Park with all inclusive, escorted tours operating throughout the summer 2010. 

These 5 night/6 day tours include overnight stays at the Glacier Park Lodge, The Prince of Wales Hotel, the Many Glacier Hotel  and Lake Mc Donald Lodge.  This tour is fully escorted and all transportation within the park will be aboard the vintage Red Buses.  Highlights include boat cruises of Two Medicine Lake & Swiftcurrent Lake, a Blackfeet Cultural History Tour,  escorted sightseeing hikes, afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, a musical evening with singer/songwriter David Walburn,  an authentic western cowboy cookout and well as two other dinners and breakfast each morning.

Space is very limited for June, August and September departure dates.  Call or email Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand at TMI Tours  for detailed itineraries and current availability.  Bring your family and explore Glacier National Park during the 100th anniversary this summer, staying at the historic, beautiful lodges within the park. Contact TMI Tours of Coeur dAlene, Idaho at 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com.  We are your Glacier National Park specialists.