TravelLeisure

Imagine Florida. This instruction is going to elicit different scenes in peoples' inner-thought lives. Some might imagine something akin to what viewers of CSI Miami are used to seeing, while others might dream of theme parks in Orlando. Still others will think of Jacksonville or Tampa, while the Northwest Coast, Pensacola excluded, gets little attention other than for the politicians in Tallahassee or the Spring-Breakers in Panama City. These realities, in addition to the variety of good destinations in Florida often add up to the Northwest Panhandle area being overlooked or forgotten. Enter St. Joe.

St. Joe Company, a real estate developer, is out to refute that stereotype. With nearly 600,000 acres of land concentrated primarily in Northwest Florida, St. Joe has made raising awareness of the beauty, desirability, and availability of land in this area one of its top concerns. Of course, St. Joe knows that not every potential homeowner is seeking the same environment, amenities, and location. For this reason the company has developed, and is continuing to develop, multiple unique communities on its land. Their business model is simple: they sell you land in one of their communities, on which you build your home, or you buy a previously completed home in their community. For most people, this is a second home, which enriches the lives and experiences of the typical city-dweller who seeks an aquatic escape or rustic environment. St. Joe currently offers about ten different residential communities in Northwest Florida, and despite being geographically separate and designed to cater to the needs of the multitude of unique potential homeowners, the communities bear a strong resemblance to each other in their well planned, well maintained and luxurious feel. St. Joe pinches no penny and spares no expense to make sure its residents and vacationers have a first-class experience in any of the communities they decide to stay or live. Read more

Loews Hotels rolls out the red carpet for four-legged guests this holiday season with its "Houndly Holidays" package. Designed for canine and feline family members, the program features a special rate on a one-night stay, an in-room holiday meal for pets, Loews Loves Pets amenities, and a Bow Wowzer toy from West Paw Design®.

The package is available at 17 Loews Hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada from October 19, 2009 to January 10, 2010; prices vary by date and location. Examples of starting prices are $134 for the Loews Denver and Loews New Orleans hotels. Package prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to availability.

The Houndly Holiday menu items were developed by Loews Hotels Executive Chef Marc Ehrler, an award winning Master Chef from France, a country known for their fondness of pets. Menu items include Dog Nog, Turkey Rolls a la Pug, Spaniel Stuffing, Persian Pumpkin Pie, Lassie Latkes and more. Standard pet menu items are available at all Loews Hotels, but vary at each location. Most include bow wow burgers, chicken and rice and grilled filet for dogs. All menu items were approved by a licensed veterinarian.Read more

This Halloween, Caesars Palace Twitter followers can grab their cell phones and head to the resort for the first ever, "Trick or Tweet" weekend taking place Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31.

Here's how it works: follow Caesars Palace on Twitter.com or become a fan on Facebook and link to their exclusive package for @CaesarsPalace followers including 2-night classic accommodations; two Roman Ritual passes to enjoy at Qua Baths & Spa; complimentary in-room Internet access; a complimentary in-room movie (might we suggest "The Hangover?"); VIP passes to PURE Nightclub for Friday or Saturday night, hosted by Nicky Hilton; a $50 resort credit and much more. Read more

Summer may be officially over, but it's never too early to start thinking about next year's vacation. Denali Park Resorts and Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours, two very different but inspiring national parks in Alaska, are offering a 2010 Early Booking Special* for those that want to have something to look forward to for the next year.

For a limited time only, Denali Park Resorts and Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours are offering 25 percent off room rates for any date in the 2010 season. Early birds that want to get a jumpstart on their 2010 vacation must book their trips by Dec. 31, 2009.

From hiking and biking to mountaineering and wildlife viewing, visitors to Alaska will never have a shortage of things to do at either Denali or Glacier Bay National Parks. Spanning six million acres, Denali National Park includes Mt. McKinley and is the home of moose, Dall sheep, wolves, caribou and many other wildlife creatures. A Denali vacation is the perfect way to unwind in the outdoors with such exhilarating activities as river rafting and backcountry camping.Read more

As the second oldest and second largest city in Georgia, many significant people have walked the historic streets of Augusta, Ga. and left their mark on the town. The city boasts several historic districts commemorating its rich past. Augustans claim that the spirits of those who founded the city and who helped shape it into what it is today never truly left. This October, come experience "Walk with the Spirits," in Magnolia Cemetery and determine for yourself if the tales are true.

For those daring enough to seek these spirits, Historic Augusta, Inc. invites locals and visitors on a special trip through time during "Walk with the Spirits" at the historic Magnolia Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children and $10 per person for groups of ten or more. To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Historic Augusta, Inc. by telephone at 706-724-0436, or visit www.historicaugusta.org. The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 5. Refreshments will be provided. Read more