Lovin' Life, Travel & Events

Weekly Madness Begins

As we kick off the week Relax and enjoy a cruise to Hawaii. Cruising is a great way to see a variety of islands without unpacking and re-packing every time you head to a different island.  See Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui check out this video and Relax a little today.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCwpcvBxCdY  

Travel Tips

Time your cruise purchase right. Purchase your cruise six to 12 months in advance for cruises that sail during prime time, including spring break and summer. Many travelers are making their summer travel plans the winter before, and many ships fill up for their peak-season itineraries in the early months of the year. This also allows you to pay for your cruise on a monthly or bi-monthly payment plan if you choose.

Longer and more exotic voyages should also be booked well in advance to give you plenty of time to acquire necessary passports, visas and airfare.
River cruises should be booked 12 to 15 months advance -- or as soon as the rates are released. Wave or booking season begins in September for river cruises. As of early 2013, all prices for 2014 river cruises have been released and those itineraries are already selling.

Wacky Places to Travel

Have you always wanted a treehouse that you could sleep in?  Maybe you had one as a kid or were always envious of your friend down the block that had one. Well now you can stay at the Treehotel in Harads, Sweden and live out those child hood dreams in style. I am guessing that you childhood treehouses never looked like this. Thanks to leading Swedish architects that gave the backyard staple a strange futuristic makeover at the Treehotel. This hotel was completed in 2010 and inspired by a film about three men who rediscover their roots by building a treehouse. Each treetop suite has its own look, whether resembling a bird’s nest or a flying saucer, or seemingly constructed entirely from Lego blocks. The most ingenious appears constructed from nothing at all: the mirrored exterior reflects the forest on all sides—as if creating a gap in the space-time continuum.

Events

Upcoming Events:
October 1^st: B.R.A.V.O. Events in collaboration with Crown Travel & Events presents Primary Colors Intensive Workshop. Christa Sutton speaker, trainer, and success coach. Do you know what your personality colors are?  If you do or don’t this event is for you. Learn your colors, what they mean and how to use those colors in your business and personal life.  Cost is $99 for everyone that mentions this Blog. For more details, go to http://www.meetup.com/B-R-A-V-O/events/139919502.
October 9^th: NMBWN networking meeting in Firestone at the Carbon Valley Library presents Christa Sutton. Christa will be presenting a preview of Primary Colors. You can learn what your colors are.

Funnies

We love to laugh and know that laughter is good medicine. We also know it is desperately needed in most speaking events. Don’t let this become a reality for your event. Hope that you enjoy this cartoon as much as we did.  

Sales on Sails

Now: Princess Cruises 3 for Free Sale. During this sales event you'll get THREE FREE offers on 2014 Alaska and Europe cruises and cruisetours! You'll get FREE stateroom upgrades where you can get the best stateroom available within that stateroom type for the lowest possible fare†, FREE shore excursions credits that will be added to your onboard account for shore excursions in ports of call during your cruise†† and a FREE specialty dinner for two where we reserve the dining time and venue on your behalf and all you have to do is show up with your $50 voucher from your stateroom!° What's more, you can seal the deal with just a $100 deposit!** Hurry for the best stateroom selection!

Now: Carnival Sale for 2014 Cruises. Get up to $400 off and receive up to a 50% reduced deposit fee. This sale is for a limited time so book your cruise TODAY!

 

 

 

Plan for you Vacations

We are looking forward to a wonderful holiday season, but want to make sure that you have booked you holiday vacation. The Eastern and Western Caribbean and Mexico are popular places to visit during the cold winter holidays. There are some great deals on cruises and All-Inclusive vacations. Call today to book your holiday getaway.

After the holidays you can look forward to a three day weekend on Monday, January 20^th for Martin Luther King Day. Start looking at booking that quick getaway with the friends and family.

It is never too early to think of those that you love. Book your Valentine’s romantic getaway as February 14^th falls on a Friday and you can combine this with Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 17^th for an extra long getaway. Think about a romantic getaway to Sandals Resorts or a Royal Princess Cruise to the Caribbean.

Contact Crown Travel & Events for all your travel and event needs. Contact us at 970-381-6922 or CrownTravelEvents@gmail.com  http://CrownTravelEvents.com

The Wine Barn

The Wine Barn's 7 acre vineyard was started in 2006 and boasts of 10 different varieties largely of Norton and Chambourcin grapes but also include French Hybrid vinifera and American Native grapes. They have also introduced Zweigelt, an Australian vinifera grape to the area. Located Northwest of Kansas City. The initial intent of the Wine Barn was to grow grapes for sale and enter into wine making only as a hobby. Success in competitions as well as request from friends inspired development of a the winery
 

The winery is ran by the Hiatt family along with their daughter and son-in-law. Mr. Hiatt has been making wine for over a decade. His hobby wine making, previously performed in the cellar of the personal residence, has now become a his full time title and devotes his time to developing wines that sets them apart and can be appreciated by all. It is the Hiatt's family goal to make wine the traditional way with help from current technology. The wide variety of estate produced wines allows them to showcase wines that are satisfying to both the novice and the experienced wine drinker.

The actual Wine Barn building was completed in 2007 and has been developed to provide a winery and tasting room. Our first vintage in 2008 produced over 500 gallons of Kansas grown grapes and fruit wine along with vinifera and French hybrid grapes. Kansas grape wines are augmented by fruit wines also from the State of Kansas. The Wine Barn's signature apple pear blend has been received well in competitions and wine tasting for many years. Other wines such a blackberry, raspberry and other fruit wines are also produced, along with local favorites, such as Racing Adventure, named after the Nascar Speedway, and Legendary Rose’ which gives homage to the Legends Shopping district which is just minutes away.

The Wine Barn is nestled on 16 acres of land. The location is quite beautiful. Located just minutes from the ever growing Legends District of shopping and dining, and minutes from I435 and I70 makes it easily accessible. The Wine Barn itself sets just next to the vineyard and overlooks the pond. Although minutes from just about anything, once you turn onto the grounds, you are worlds away.

We enjoy each and every person we meet and enjoy sharing our story. Stop in to say hello and try some of our family wines! 

Tasting Hours: Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 to 7:00 PM, Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 PM.

Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery

Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery

Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery, a "growing" legend for producing award winning fine wines from the fertile soils of eastern Kansas. This wonderful vineyard is located just west of Basehor, Kansas on a thirty acre Estate. This family owned business founded by father and daughter duo Les & Michelle Meyer in 1986. Holy-Field grows over 12,000 vines located on fourteen beautiful acres at the intersection of 158th Street and 24-40 highway in southern Leavenworth County Kansas. The Meyer's family opened their doors to customers for the first time in 1994. This estate includes a spacious Tasting Room & Gift Shop, Vineyard Room (Banquet Hall), Wine Deck & Gazebo.  

The vineyards are planted with Native American and French Hybrid varietal grapes which are harvested by hand and then immediately pressed. Their wines are fermented, aged and bottled in the cellars located beneath our tasting room. Producing about 7,000 gallons of wine annually from ten varieties of grapes. This careful process has allowed Holy-Field to boast of both domestic and international awards and medals. Their winery has been featured in The Wine Report as well as several articles and magazines.

In addition to producing fine wines, this wonderful estate hosts a variety of entertainment events throughout the year including Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre shows, Mayfest, Summertime Music Series and Oktoberfest. The vineyard, banquet hall and gazebo may be reserved for weddings, receptions and group events of all types.

Location

Follow Interstate 70 west out of Kansas City take exit #224 at Bonner Springs. Head North at the traffic light and go 1 mile north on K-7. At the cloverleaf, take the second right (west) which is the US Highway 24 & 40 West Exit Go west 2.5 miles to 158th Street. Turn norht and the Winery is the first driveway on the left.  158th Street was previously named Holyfield Road hence the Vineyard name Holy-Field.

Oz Winery in Wamego, KS

In July 2007, a little winery opened it's doors in Wamego, KS on KS 99 and Lincoln Avenue and is located on the Road to Oz.  The Oz Winery has established itself as the home of award-winning wines and a must-taste destination on the Road to Oz. Its wines salute the story of Dorothy, a young Kansas girl who ventured to Oz only to discover “there’s no place like home.”
The Oz Winery is a member of the Kansas Grape Growers & Winemakers Association and bottles approximately 5,000 gallons of wins a year.
The Oz Winery offers a variety of Kansas grape varietals, which include:
• Seyval
• Vignoles
• De Chaunac (offered by the bottle, 100% Kansas grapes)
• Norton (offered by the bottle, 100% Kansas grapes)
• Fredonia (offered by the bottle, 100% Kansas grapes)
Special edition and limited edition wines include:
Awards and Recognitions for Oz Winery wines:
The Oz Winery’s Emerald City Lights wine was the featured wine for the third course of the KGGWA’s Pioneer Banquet in 2009 and has received several People’s Choice Awards at the Kansas State Fair.
For those of us that love to purchase bottles of wine based on not only the bouquet of the wine but the label you will love these fun labels on your table with friends. 
Red wine labels include: Oil Can, Curl Your Stockings, Ruby Slippers, Ding Dong the Wine is Red, Drunken Munchkin, O.E.O.,  Lion, Tigers, and Bears, Oh Merlot, I'm Melting Merlot, Angry Trees, Sip and Think Some More, Flying Monkey, Run Toto Run, Squished Witch, and Witch in a Ditch
White wine labels include: Can't Find My Way Home, Emerald City Lights, Blue Gingham Dress, Poppy Fields, We're Off, Yellow Brick Road, Witch Gone Good, Fraidy Cat, Little Dog Too, and Kansas in the Rear View Mirror
Blush wine labels are Auntie Em's Prairie Rose and A Wine of a Different Color,
Dessert Wines include The Lions Courage and Surrender.
A complete list of wines made at the winery is available on the winery’s website, www.OZWineryKansas.com
Just 15 minutes east of Manhattan and 30 minutes west of Topeka, Wamego offers many other attractions and things to do in this community of 4,500 nestled along the fertile banks of the Kansas River.
• Wamego has over 90 rooms at motels and bed breakfasts.
• There are more than 16 dining options.
• The City Park is often listed among the top picnic spots in the state.
• There is access for canoeing or kayaking on the Kansas River on the south side of town.
• The Columbian Theatre features many oversized paintings from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The White City at the fair’s Columbian Exposition was the inspiration for what became the Emerald City in L. Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
• The Columbian Theatre, originally built by J.C. Rogers, another visitor to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the man who brought the artifacts from the fair back to Wamego, is also the venue for live theater productions and the Swogger Gallery, which features rotating art and history exhibits.
• The Oz Museum is home to one of the largest privately owned collections of Oz memorabilia in the country. The gift shop also offers a wide selection of gifts and collectibles.
• Wamego is a vital and friendly community which is known for its festivals.
• The July 4 celebration is considered one of the largest in the state and features a carnival, parade and one of the largest fireworks displays.
• The Annual Tulip Festival is the third weekend in April and features artisans and craftspeople from all over the country set against the backdrop of 10’s of thousands of tulips.
• Every October, the OZtoberfest brings several of the original munchkins from the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz, to town, as well as many visitors and Oz fans.
• Other opportunities for sightseeing or exploring the area’s rich history include the Historical Village in the City Park, birthplace of Walter P. Chrysler and the Oregon Trail, which passed just north of Wamego.

Kansas Wine Country

When someone mentions Kansas the first thought might be Dorthy and Toto Standing on the Yellow Brick Road and Dorthy saying "Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore." So if someone mentions visiting Kansas Wine Country, the question is Kansas, wine, really? You must be joking right. Amongst the wheat fields and dry grass lands and tornado's. Yes, there are vineyards and wineries in Kansas. In the Heartland of America you will find some wonderful vineyards. 

For the remainder of March and into April, I will be highlighting some of the vineyards that Kansas has to offer.

If I forget to mention a winery that you have visited or enjoy, please feel free to comment and let me know.

Kansas Wine History
 

At one point in its history, Kansas produced a sizable amount of grapes and has a long history of grape growing and wine making. In 1901, despite Prohibition, over 5,000 acres of Kansas vineyards were still producing grapes. Kansas prohibited the sale of alcohol after prohibition ended and by 1933 vineyards fell into neglect and eventual decline. In 1985, Kansas passed the Farm Winery Act establishing guidelines for wineries and by 2005, 13 licensed farm wineries in Kansas produced 50,000 gallons of wine from only 170 total acres of grapes. Today there are 23 farm wineries from central to northeastern Kansas.

Kansas Grape Varieties

Kansas vineyards produce wines from American native, American hybrid and French Hybrid grapes. These wines have won awards not only in the Midwest, but also on a National level, and the wine community is coming to recognize the value and unique quality of Kansas wines. The following is a brief guide of native grapes grown in Kansas vineyards:

NORTON (also known as CYNTHIANA) - Norton grapes produce a robust red wine that is dry in style and similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but also has the distinct berry flavors of Zinfandel.
CHAMBOURCIN - Chambourcin grapes make a medium bodied red wine similar to Pinot Noir, with a pleasing fruity aroma. Chambourcin is a French/American hybrid and can produce wines of light to medium body with fruity aromas, cherry and earthy/spicy complexities. Chambourcin goes well with barbecue, pork, and grilled dishes.
ST. VINCENT - This hybrid makes a red wine that is delicate and elegant. Often used for Nouveau style wines in the Fall, it also can have a Burgundian character and is occasionally slightly sweet, regarded by some as vaguely similar to a young Italian Chianti wine.
SEYVAL - This hybrid white grape makes a dry or semi-dry white wine with a crisp, refreshing flavor similar to Chenin Blanc. It can be fermented in barrels to take on the oak characteristics of a Chardonnay. Semi-dry Seyval pairs well with pork and Asian cuisines, while a barrel-fermented Seyval complements the flavor of poultry and rich cream and butter-based sauces.
CHARDONEL - This hybrid is actually a cross of the Chardonnay grape and the Seyval grape listed above. Chardonel is usually barrel fermented and is very dry. Chardonnel goes well with heavier seafood dishes as well as chicken with cream sauces.
VIGNOLES - This white grape is used to make a wide range of wine styles from quite dry to wines resembling late harvest wines. In both swee and dry styles Vignoles makes an amazingly flavorful for wine sipping on the deck or enjoying with anything Thai or Mexican.
MELODY - This white-wine hybrid grape was bred in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Its parents are European and American. Melody is light-bodied with a crisp, refreshing acidity and is a perfect compliment to fish and poultry.
FREDONIA - A cousin of the Concord grape, this red grape is native to North America. The wine is full bodied and fruit forward with a delightfully crisp astringent finish and is a perfect match for Sangria in the summer and mulled wine in the winter.

Enjoy your wine tour of Kansas and when you visit one of the vineyards that I will be blogging about, let them know I sent you.

Have a great tour

http://grapebrewtrips.com

Grape Brew Trips: Don't forget your Passport when you go to Missouri...

Grape Brew Trips: Don't forget your Passport when you go to Missouri...: "What a great addition to Missouri Winery's. Collect stamps and get some great rewards. Have fun collecting those stamps Well, ..."

Don't forget your Passport when you go to Missouri

What a great addition to Missouri Winery's. Collect stamps and get some great rewards.  Have fun collecting those stamps 

Well, now The Country's First Wine Country has its own passport. That’s right. And this Passport can help you earn rewards. Just bring it with you and get it stamped at every winery you visit. How exactly does it work, you ask?


Level 1
Four Winery Visits
Reward:  Bar Towel
Level 2
Eight Winery Visits
Reward:  Deluxe wine opener
Level 3
12 Winery Visits
Reward:  Missouri Wine Apron
Level 4
20 Winery Visits
Reward:  Neoprene Carrier
Level 5
40 Winery Visits
Reward:  Private food and wine pairing for 10
Level 6
60 Winery Visits
Reward:  Dinner for 4 by an executive chef at a winery
Level 7
100 Winery Visits
Reward:  Weekend winery getaway for 2

What I Did Not Know About Missouri Wines

What I Did Not Know About Missouri Wines

By Ron Senn 

Every year my wife and I try to plan a fall trip to some place we have not been before. The choice this year was an RV trip to Branson, Missouri. Branson is infamous for its broad range of entertainment shows that one can attend and enjoy. We also like to find out more about a particular state's wine industry. For example, I did not know that the area just west of St Louis overlooking the Missouri River is officially recognized as America's first wine district. Missouri is also home to over 90 different wineries, comprising an industry that is on the rise.

In the 1830's, some of the first settlers to the Missouri River Valley were German immigrants from the Rhine River Valley. They were looking to settle down and become crop farmers. They were dismayed to find the plots they staked were not the optimum for accomplishing what they wanted to do. Instead, the idea of starting vineyards and producing fine wines became the goal. One such vineyard, Stone Hill Winery, was so successful that it won the first of eight gold medals at the Vienna World Fair in 1870. The wine industry in Missouri was off and running and building a reputation of producing some of the best wines in the world.

The hub of the wine industry in the eighteen hundreds became centered on the town of Hermann, Missouri, first settled in 1837. The city of Hermann takes its name from Hermann the Cherusker, who beat back three Roman legions in the Battle of Teutoburger in 9 AD. To Germans, he is a symbol of strength. Historical Hermann is one of those places you visit where "time has seemed to stand still". It is full of quaint, red brick buildings, several personalized bed and breakfast inns and numerous other shops and museums. The town has all the amenities to make a visit there a great experience. Hermann is the heart of Missouri wine country with its wineries producing nearly 70,000 gallons of wine per year, 1/3 of the state total.

Aside from the Hermann area, there are four other areas of note worth your time to visit. In the central part of the state west of Hermann near Fulton, Missouri and accessed by Interstate 70 is the Missouri River wine area. In the southeastern part of the state near Chaffe and Cape Vardeau is another wine growing area (Route Du Vin) that can be accessed by Interstate 55. The wine growing area near Springfield (Ozark Mountain) in the southwestern part of the state is accessed using Interstate 44. Finally, the area just west and adjacent to St Louis is called the Missouri Weinstrasse Tour and is located south of I-70 and north of I-44.

There is a broad array of events often planned within these wine growing zones. Wine tasting, winery openings, wine and dinner theatres, wine release parties, and winery anniversary celebrations abound. I also discovered that most of these events feature "live entertainment" to make the discovery tours even more enjoyable. As in many other places in the country, the October Fest celebrations always seem to cap off a great wine growing season, making a Missouri October wine tour extra special. Because of Prohibition in the 1920's, the Missouri wine industry nearly disappeared, but since the early 1960's the industry is once again flourishing.

In 2009, Stone Hill Winery received the Governor's Cup Award. That competition featured over 220 different Missouri wines. Gold medals awarded totaled 42 with 54 Silver and 64 Bronze medals also awarded. The most important grapes are the Norton, Chancellor Noir, Cayuga, Catawba, Niagara and Concord. New French hybrids that are also gaining in reputation include Vidal, Seyval, Vigroles and Chardonel.

Missouri is often affectionately called "The Show Me State". My investigation of Missouri's Wine Country ended up "showing me" that they have carved out a nice niche in wine producing. Remember, store your wine properly, serve it at the right temperature and enjoy it immensely.

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, 4/2010

Author: Ron Senn, Vice-president Ideal Wine Coolers, Tucson, Arizona
Ideal Wine Coolers offers a wide selection of products to address your wine and beer cooling needs.

http://idealwinecoolers.com/page/home/index.html

We also have a blog that you can visit.

http://winecoolerblog.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Senn

Comments:

Ron Senn's Article really shows how Missouri is a state that is nothing short of great wine.  This article lets the reader know that there are a variety of vineyards in this beautiful state. Like Ron, next time you decide to head to Branson, MO take a drive off the interstate and enjoy some wineries along the way. Hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did.

Wines of Missouri Video

This blog was originally posted on 1/21/11 http://grapebrewtrips.com

Comments:
I like how Doug explains the wines of Missouri. If you have not had wines from Missouri Vineyards this video gives you a wonderful idea of the flavors that wines in this part of the country has to offer.

Missouri Ozark Highlands Wine Region

This blog was originally posted on 1/18/11 http://grapebrewtrips.com

Spotlight on St. James, Missouri
In 1826, construction of the Maramec Iron Works by Thomas James. Around the business grew a community that led to the purchase of land six miles north of the Maramec Iron Works. The James family proposed the town be named "Jamestown." Since that name was already being used, they followed a custom prevalent at the time by prefixing James with "Saint."
In the early days, iron was used for kettles, plows and other utensils that could be hauled by wagons. Bar and pig iron were later floated down the Meramec and Gasconade rivers. The area's level terrain offered an ideal spot for a railroad, which would increase transportation. The first train arrived in St. James on July 4, 1860. The Town of St. James was incorporated in 1869. Less than a decade later, in 1876, the Maramec Iron Works closed when the furnaces grew cold.
St. James experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century. Route 66 came through St. James, bringing the population up to about 3,000.Today the population is around 3,700. In the 1950's, a tree planting project began giving the city recognition as the "Forest City of the Ozarks."
As St. James continues to grow and improve, it also continues to celebrate its rich history but apart from that is its significant viticulture’s spread about the region.
Officially recognized as the Ozark Highlands, the region is fondly known as "Little Italy of the Ozarks" thanks to the establishment of an Italian settlement in the area more than 100 years ago. The Italians who settled here planted vineyards, and by 1922 over 2000 acres of grapes on about 200 vineyards dotted the landscape. Over the years a strong Italian heritage and influence has remained in the St. James area.
There are 10 wineries in the St. James Area. Below is a bit of information about each winery in the Ozark Highland Region.
Ferrigno Winery: St James, MO. If spending an afternoon in the cool shade of a rustic wine garden overlooking the vineyards appeals to you, the come to Ferrigno Winery. While here sample ten handcrafted wines of quality and character. Fine cheeses , Missouri sausages, and snacks are available at the Winegarden Deli. Stroll the vineyard trail down to the pond and wooded wildflower trail where you can picnic and relax.
Heinrichshaus Vineyard & Winery: St James, MO. Every day at Heinrichshaus is special, but summer days on the sylvan terrace, are precious gems. Imagine good friends, a sumptuous picnic basket, a cool breeze on a hot day, and sharing a bottle of wine.
Maramec Vineyards: St. James, MO. Warm welcome awaits visitors! Classy setting encourages you to stop and enjoy our wines, ask questions and browse our attractive gift shop. The Art Gallery contains works from nationally recognized local artists. Bistro d'Vine, serves Euro style tasty lunches.
St. James Winery: St James, MO. Grape and wine production have a long history in the St. James area.
Three Squirrels Winery: St. James, MO. This winery boast of both a winery and an art gallery. The winery and gallery are inside a former dairy barn at the edge of their vineyards. People can stroll through their gallery featuring local and regional artists and then enjoy a complimentary wine tasting. Their art gallery is a unique find in the heart of Missouri Wine Country.
Peaceful Bend Vineyards: Steelville, MO. This is a small farm winery that's big on quality and service. Their focus is on providing high quality wines with exceptional service. Located in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, the winery estate offers an endless variety of settings and possibilities.
Whispering Oaks Vineyard and Winery: Seymour, MO. The winery takes its name from the remnants of the beautiful oak forests of the area. The vineyard is separated by an oak forest to the north of the winery overlooking a picturesque valley in the beautiful Gasconade watershed of southwest Missouri.
Seven Springs Winery and Vineyards: Linn Creek, MO. This vineyard sits atop 160 acres of rolling Missouri foothills between Camdenton and Osage Beach. The winery is less than a 10 minute drive from either location. The covered porch and patio area are ideal for enjoying a glass of wine and admiring the beautiful views.
Traver Home Winery: Willow Springs, MO. This winery serves Missouri wines, sangrias, and a few micro-brews for those with an alternative pallet. Three generations of the Traver family have worked together to produce superior hand-crafted and award winning wines. The winery offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere for guests to learn about wine from the vintner.
Belmont Vineyards: Leasburg, MO. Vineyards sit on 14 acres of fine winery land separated by three specific vineyards that cater to specific wine types. Each vineyard contains different hybrid grapes from St. Vincent to their own sweet Rommelman red wine. This family owned winery offers sweeping landscape views of the countryside and creates a quality experience for all visitors.