What's New in the West: September 2006
- A collection of artwork and essays, Yosemite: Art of an American Iconexplores how the Incomparable Valley and the artistic world have changed one another. $65 hard-cover, www.ucpress.edu.
- Shop till you drop: An addition to the Westfield San Francisco Centre near Union Square opens in late September and features a movie theater, a day spa, a Bloomingdale's, and 110 other retailers. www.westfield.com/sfc.
- Avoid overweight baggage fees: Ricardo Beverly Hills' Solutions luggage comes with a built-in digital scale so you can be sure to pack light. From $180; 15 percent discount for AAA members. (800) 820-6126, aaa.com/etravelstore.
- The Maui Ocean Center features a new Marine Mammal Discovery Center with interactive exhibits about seals, dolphins, and whales. (808) 270-7000, www.mauioceancenter.com.
- Visit www.homeaway.com to check listings of more than 65,000 vacation rentals around the world.
- SustainLane.com, a Web site encouraging healthy living, ranked Portland the No. 1 Most Sustainable City in the country. Pedestrian-and bike-friendly neighborhoods and an abundance of farmers' markets helped garner the accolade.
- A free cell phone walking tour, Ear for Art: Chihuly Glass, offered through the Tacoma Art Museum takes you by glass sculptures decorating the revitalized downtown. Access the tour by calling (888) 411-4220.
- Bright blue skies, crisp air, and the gilding of cottonwoods—a few reasons to experience Yellowstone this fall through the park's Autumn in Wonderland educational program. The travel package includes three days with a naturalist guide and four nights at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. From $725. (307) 344-5566, www.yellowstoneassociation.org/institute.
- Need a place to hole up for fair-weather hiking or winter skiing? The Trapper Inn & Suites in Jackson, Wyo., recently added 53 rooms and an indoor pool. Plus, it's just one block from the town square. $119-$249. (888) 771-2648, www.trapperinn.com.
This article was first published in September 2006. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
