By Compiled by JANET K. KEELER from staff and wire reports
Published December 18, 2005
Loews Hotels knows how much we love our dogs and is offering learning vacations for them. Yes, you read right. Dogs can learn new tricks at Loews properties in Nashville, Denver and San Diego.
The most pricey is "Hound of Music" in Nashville, where your four-legged diva can cut a CD plus get a voucher for pet room services, a grooming session and massage, a limo ride to the recording studio and a personalized CD case. The package is $1,599 a night and includes sleeping arrangements for a couple of humans.
Fido can learn to hang 10 at the Coronado Bay Resort and Spa at "Su'ruff Camp" or hike the mountains around Denver in the "Outward Hound" program. These packages start at less than $200 a night. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-235-6397 or go to www.loewshotels.com
GARDENING SYMPOSIUM
Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 miles southwest of Atlanta, is celebrating two decades of sharing expertise with gardening lovers, at the 20th Annual Southern Gardening Symposium, Jan. 20 through 22. Horticultural experts will give lectures, presentations and demonstrations for gardeners of all levels of experience and ability. Speakers include:
- Master gardener Linda Cobb, who will present "Growing English Roses in a Cottage Garden."
- Southern Living Magazine editor Charlie Thigpen, presenting "Before & After, Southern Living Style."
- Author and gardening expert Tom Peace on "Winter Gardening in the South."
Registration is required by Jan. 13. Rates begin at $112 per person, per night based on double occupancy, two-night minimum. For additional information, call toll-free 1-800-225-5292 or go to www.callawaygardens.com
DOULTON COLLECTORS
Royal Doulton collectors can be a dedicated sort. If you are among them, head for West Palm Beach Jan. 27 through 29 for the free 20th Annual Florida Doulton Convention & Sale.
The show will be held at the Airport Hilton, 150 Australian Ave. The showroom opens Jan. 27 from 7 to 10 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception/preview party. Tickets for the reception are $10. For the complete schedule, visit www.pascoeandcompany.com click on Events or call toll-free 1-800-872-0195.
WRITE ABOUT TRAVEL
The 11th annual Institute for Travel Writing & Photography is Jan. 27 through 29 at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne, a historic inn in downtown Orlando. The not-for-profit Society of American Travel Writers sponsors the event, with professional writers providing information on many aspects of the business, including a survey of travel and guidebook writing, article queries and book proposals, contracts and negotiations, editor-publisher relations, how the work gets done, Web magazines and e-guidebooks, self-publishing, marketing and photography. Institute registrants can also have their writing and photography critiqued.
A registration fee of $345 covers course materials, all meals, breaks and social events. For further information, go to www.satwinstitute.org or call Herb Hiller at 386 467-8223. Rooms are $99 a night (www.orlandohistoricinn.com)
DREAM TRIP
Designers such as Christian Lacroix, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino and Escada show off their 2006 spring and summer collections during a week of fabulous parties, fashion shows, and nonstop retail therapy in Cannes, France, starting Jan. 5. The week is devoted to long days of credit card debauchery, followed by evening soirees such as the Chopard & Escada Russian New Year party at the Hotel Martinez Jan. 13 at 8:30 p.m., $340 and Celine & Chaumet's catwalking event at the Majestic Barrihre hotel (Jan. 5 at 8:30 p.m., $100). Information: www.cannesshoppingfestival.com
- Compiled by JANET K. KEELER from staff reports and the Boston Globe. Reach her at 727 893-8586 or krieta@sptimes.com
