Magazine names best ski towns in U.S.

Magazine namesbest ski towns in U.S.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Sick of the rat race? Thinking about turning that annual ski vacation into a lifelong commitment? Check out the September issue of Skiing magazine, which lists the top 10 ski towns in America. The magazine looked at towns with populations ranging from 5,000 to 50,000, then factored in real estate prices, weather and, of course, proximity to excellent skiing. The towns are: Jackson, Wyo.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Vail, Colo.; Bozeman, Mont.; Hood River, Ore.; Truckee, Calif.; Park City, Utah; Breckenridge, Colo.; Aspen, Colo., and Stowe, Vt.
Groople.com reducesgroup-planning stress
DENVER (AP) -- Organizing the family reunion, or the class reunion, or even the girls or guys getaway weekend can be an incredible hassle.
A new Web site promises to help reduce the stress of planning such get-togethers. At www.groople.com, you can book group trips without having to talk to 100 people on the phone to compare discount rates and availability.
Itineraries can be customized and group members each pay for their own trips once the place is chosen.
Group leaders can book the lodging for more than five rooms in a single online session or request a block of rooms without tracking deposits, additions and cancellations.
Travelers should beaware of dengue virus
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) -- Here's a good reason to use mosquito repellent if your travel plans include the Caribbean or other tropical destinations: dengue fever.
The August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter says that certain mosquitoes spread the severe flulike illness. The only treatment is bed rest, fluids and fever-reducing medication.
Dengue virus is present in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, North and South America, islands of the Caribbean, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in Texas and in the southeastern United States.
Magazine announcestop gay shopping cities
Dallas made the list.
Out & amp; About magazine has named the top 10 gay shopping cities in the United States, and Dallas made the cut.
It's not surprising because, as the magazine points out, Dallas boasts more shopping centers per capita than any U.S. city.
Hot spots mentioned include Highland Park Village, NorthPark Center, the "Crossroads" area at Cedar Springs and Oak Lawn, and West Village.
The other top gay shopping cities are Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans, Seattle, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Minneapolis.
For more information, visit www.outandabout.com or www.planetout.com.
Maine architectureis guide's focus
Maine's architecture ranges from rambling farmhouses to Greek Revival-style buildings. With the just-released "Guide to the Architecture of Maine's Small Towns and Villages," visitors will learn more about the styles found here and their history.
Travelers can follow the guide through towns that reflect Maine's rich maritime history, along the National Scenic Byways influenced by the logging industry and through the towns and countryside of Aroostook County, where they'll discover Acadian culture and potato barns.
Historic properties that are open to the public are noted in the free guide.
To receive a copy, call (800) 782-6497.