SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 14, 2005–What was built
in 1894, drops 58 feet and was named “The Crookedest Street in the
World” by “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!”? If you guessed Lombard Street
in San Francisco, guess again. The state of Iowa holds the answer to
this stumper, but it’s certainly not the only state with little-known
hidden gems to boast. For travelers looking to uncover local
treasures, Travelocity(R) has released its list of Local Secrets, Big
Finds(SM) for 2005. This online collection will send you straight to
the heart of your destination, revealing insider spots across North
America that are often overlooked by tourists and are the very places
where the locals go.
Travelocity’s editorial team culled down more than 30,000 entries
to develop this exclusive list of Local Secrets, Big Finds. From
natural wonders like Canada’s disappearing lake in Jasper, Alberta, to
one-of-a-kind events such as ostrich racing in Chandler, Ariz., these
finds are sure to pique the interest of locals and visitors alike.
“Travel is very strong right now and no matter where travelers are
headed, whether for business or leisure, these local secrets will come
in handy,” says Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s editor-at-large and industry
expert. “Who doesn’t want to do as the locals do? Our goal in
compiling this list was to make exploration simple and fun by pointing
travelers in the right direction to find authentic local flavor no
matter where they go.”
Each of the 578 finds, including picks from every state,
Washington D.C., and Canada, is highlighted on Travelocity’s site at
www.travelocity.com/localsecrets. Ziff also showcases 26 of the local
hot spots as “Editor’s Top Picks for North America.”
Still wondering what street in Iowa championed over San
Francisco’s Lombard Street as the most crooked in the world? Here’s
the answer to that along with a few of Ziff’s other top picks:
-- Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa -- The folks in Burlington
proudly note that "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" labeled Snake
Alley "The Crookedest Street in the World" -- take that
Lombard Street in San Francisco! The Alley, which drops 58
feet, had both practical and aesthetic purposes. German
immigrants in 1894 built it so horse-drawn carriages could get
downtown without going down the steep inclines of other
streets while appreciating the allure of a winding hillside,
similar to the vineyards in France and Italy.
-- The Big Jud in Ashton, Idaho -- Idaho is known for big spuds,
but what about Big Jud's? This big-time diner in a small town
is home to the one-pound burger, the Big Jud. If you finish
this burger (about the size of the plate it is served on!),
you get your picture on the wall. Say cheese!
-- Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River, Fla. -- Swim with the
manatees or admire them from the shore at the 46-acre Crystal
River National Wildlife Refuge along the Crystal River. Nearly
25 percent of the world's endangered manatees reside here.
-- Balloon Stampede and Winery Open Houses in Walla Walla, Wash.
-- Who says wine and hot air balloons don't mix? On the second
full weekend of May in Walla Walla, 80 to 100 colorful hot air
balloons go up every morning and evening for three days. About
50 wineries are open for tasting, celebrating the release of
some of their latest vintages.
-- Mystery Lake in Jasper, Alberta, Canada -- Located right
outside of Jasper Park, this lake offers great fishing and
winter sports, but only if you time it right. Named by
Indians, Mystery Lake disappears in the fall and returns in
the spring. The disappearing act takes place over a period of
three weeks each winter.
More Details on Travelocity's 2005 Local Secrets, Big Finds
After querying millions of Travelocity members to reveal the
favorite quintessential finds in their area, Travelocity’s editorial
team narrowed down more than 30,000 customer responses to unearth the
best local spots in each state and is now sharing the list of Local
Secrets, Big Finds with vacationers across the country. A total of 510
spots, that is 10 picks for every state, plus Washington, D.C., were
compiled from around the United States. An additional 68 hot spots
were chosen from Canada.
About Travelocity
Travelocity’s industry-leading technology and straight-talking,
honest information help travelers take more rewarding and affordable
trips. With millions of registered users and booking $4.9 billion of
travel in 2004, Travelocity(R) negotiates thousands of low-priced
deals with the world’s most reputable travel providers — top
airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, and other
destination attractions and services. Additionally, Travelocity offers
deeply-discounted rates for weekend getaways and dynamic packages
through its Last Minute Deals and TotalTrip(SM) shopping engines, and
provides customer service support over the phone 24 hours a day. Based
in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also operates Travelocity
Business(SM) for corporate customers, powers international travel Web
sites in eight languages, and has been recognized for its consumer
advocacy and global leadership in online travel. More information
about Travelocity is available at www.travelocity.com. Travelocity is
owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in
travel commerce. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at
www.sabre-holdings.com.
“Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” is a registered trademark of its
owner, which is not affiliated with Travelocity.
CONTACT: VOLLMER
Judy Haveson, 212-808-6541
judy@vollmerpr.com
or
Chintan Talati, 972/488-4790
chintan@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity