08 Aug 2013
What's Cookin' This Summer in the Real America?
A Cowboy Chocolatier, Jamie Oliver's Taste of Wyoming plus New Brews & Gourmet Grub...
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the things you did. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." MARK TWAIN
The 'Real America' States of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are the ultimate year round destination for Australians and New Zealanders looking for their taste of authentic Wild West adventure. Summer action is on the menu and served up for all: those looking for an extreme adventure challenge or families simply looking to share outdoor fun. Start with white-water rafting, fishing, mountain biking, trekking or horse riding under big blue skies; all in spectacular pristine natural settings. Try hiking or marvel at wildlife in the spectacular national parks, visit a ranch and hone your cowboy skills or steep yourselves in American history and Native American and cowboy culture - or simply relax and soak up the warm hospitality of the Real America.
These Rocky Mountain States have produced a new combined guide for Australian and New Zealand visitors: "The Real America 2013/14 Your Guide to The American Rockies" and have launched a new website www.rmi-realamerica.com.au , specially designed for the fast-growing Australian/New Zealand markets. The 'Real America' states also provide a year-long calendar of world class events, arts, sport and music ideal for group travel, meetings and conventions. Access to the Real America is easy via the vibrant gateway cities of Denver, Colorado; Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington, Minnesota or Chicago, Illinois or fly into each of the states' major cities; Bozeman MT, Bismarck ND, Boise ID, Cheyenne WY or Rapid City SD.
SOUTH DAKOTA www.travelsd.com
6 September Crazy Horse September Night Blast Crazy Horse SD 20-22 September Mickelson Trail Trek Lead SD 26-29 September South Dakota Film Festival Aberdeen SD 27-29 September Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival Custer State Park SD
Prairie Berry Wiery produces a unique tipple
Set in the breathtaking Black Hills of South Dakota the Prairie Berry Winery product is as popular as it is unique, boasting over 1,000 local and international awards. What do they make exactly? As the head, 5th generation, wine-maker Sandy Vojta explains it; they take locally grown wild berries such as choke cherries, buffalo berries and grapes and turn them into wine. So successfully it seems, they are now doubling production to over 60,000 cases per year and selling it to initially sceptical visitors by the case-load and gaining national and international accolades in return.
Badlands in Top Ten Natural World Wonders List
South Dakota's scenic Badlands has been voted one of the top ten natural wonders of the world by Gogobot the travel guide and review website - based on survey responses and nominations from 2.5 million users, as well as reviews over the last 12 months for each destination. The best-of list is part of Gogobot's annual Travelers' Favorite Awards."We really want to pique people's curiosity and help them discover places they might not have thought about or might not have heard of that they'd find really fun," said Travis Katz, Gogobot CEO and co-founder.
Other top wonders included Yellowstone's Old Faithful geyser and Australia's Twelve Apostles.
Thunder on the Plains: 48th annual Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival
Each September, Custer State Park holds the Buffalo Roundup (September 27, 2013), an annual event conducted to keep the bison population in check with the available grassland. The buffalo are rounded up, corralled and part of the herd is prepared for auction. Spectators can watch the roundup, sorting, branding and selection of certain animals for the fall sale. The majority are released back onto the grasslands of Custer State Park. The roundup will take place prior to the fun-filled weekend Arts Festival (September 28-29th ) that features entertainment, a crafts fair and the magically named Annual Buffalo Wallow Chili Cook-Off .
Trainspotting in Fort Pierre
A historic Fort Pierre train depot has been returned to its original site and will be restored as a museum. Originally built in 1906, the Fort Pierre train depot had been sold as surplus in 1964 and was moved nearly 200 miles to a new location. The restored depot will showcase the area's history, much of which is directly tied to railroads.
Biker Heaven or Bucket List
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the world's oldest, largest motorcycle gatherings offering incredible riding exhibits demos racing concerts and much more. It draws legends, superstars and hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts and is listed as one of the "1000 places to see before you die". 5-11 August 2013.
YOUR OWN PRIVATE IDAHO www.visitidaho.org
- Until 31 December Essential Idaho- 150 things that make the State Unique Exhibition Boise ID
- 30 August- 1 September Coeur d'Alene Diamond Cup Race 2013 Coeur d'Alene ID
- 9-11 August 48th Annual Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival Ketchum ID
- 13-15 September Big Nasty Hill Climb New Plymouth ID
Guess What's Turning 150? Idaho Celebrates!
The Idaho Territory and the City of Boise are both celebrating their sesquicentennial in 2013. 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of Idaho becoming a territory and Boise becoming a city, with special events commencing in March 2013. Boise's biggest celebration party will occur on the weekend of July 6-7, so what better time to plan a visit to this vibrant, cosmopolitan city?
On the morning of March 4, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed a congressional act creating the Idaho Territory. On July 3, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed a congressional act establishing Idaho as the 43rd state. The Boise Department of Arts and History has compiled a list of activities, events, workshops, river walks, historic tours and a lecture series that will take place throughout 2013 to commemorate the city's founding 150 years ago.
Get Excited for Awesome Fun this summer in the Whitewater Capital of the World!
Grab the swimsuits, sunscreen and your sense of adventure! Idaho's snowpack levels are looking good this year which means an exciting, fun-filled white water river season is upon us. Don't wait to plan your adventure! Multi-day trips on the most popular rivers and dates fill up fast. Whether you are considering a multi-day trip, or a half-day thrill ride, a jet boat trip or a rafting excursion, be sure to visit the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association website (www.ioga.org) to learn more about Idaho's rivers and locate the outfitter and trip that is right for you. In 2012, National Geographic paid tribute to the legendary Salmon River, choosing Row Adventures Middle Fork rafting adventure amongst its'50 Tours of a Lifetime'.
New Whitewater Tours by the Best in the Biz
Swan Falls Excursions (owned and operated by the family run Hells Canyon Adventures) offers mild white water airboat tours and inflatable kayak adventures on the Snake River, Walters Ferry. They also offer the ONLY airboat tour available in the Pacific Northwest. These exciting adventures on the Snake River explore the geology, aboriginal, and early mining settlements of the Owyhee Mountains and Treasure Valley. This 14 mile reach of the Snake River is encompassed by the Birds of Prey National Conservation area and is located 45 minutes from Boise, Idaho.
38th Annual Port Neuf Muzzleloaders Mountain Man Rendezvous...
The annual Rendezvous was for the mountain men and women, a release from the daily struggle for existence, the solitary life, the toil and the fight for self-preservation. It was their yearly payday, summer vacation, and shopping trip. Held in McCammon Idaho...if you're game, check it out at: http://www.visitidaho.org/event/historical/annual-port-neuf-muzzleloaders-mountain-man-rendezvous/
Rolling Fairways and Flowing Waterways... Families Enjoy Both in Idaho
From lakeside greens in Northern Idaho to mountain landscapes in the southern part of the State, Idaho's golf courses are officially open. The Idaho Golf Trail is a golfer's playground, with four loops in different regions of the State and 14 courses of world-class golfing. While each loop offers fabulous courses, there is plenty to do around those courses to entertain the whole family. Each loop is unique and offers courses of varying difficulty situated in or near resort-style settings which means plenty of activities nearby.
Go Directly to Gaol
At the Old Idaho Penitentiary, opened in 1872 in Boise, you can visit and tour the cell blocks, gallows, solitary confinement and grounds, all year round. The Old Pen was built from sandstone quarried from the foothills that surround it, and is one of only four territorial penitentiaries still open for tours.
NEW IN LEGENDARY NORTH DAKOTA www.ndtourism.com
- 7 June-5 Sept Medora Musical ND
- 4 - 7 July White Cloud's 17th Birthday and Tatanka Festival Jamestown ND
- 17-18 August International Country Gospel & Quilt Show Dunseith ND
- 24-25 August END-AR Extreme North Dakota Adventure Race ND
- 5-8 September United Tribes Annual Powwow Bismarck ND
North Dakota Tourism debuts new website with mobile enhancements www.ndtourism.com
The launch of North Dakota Tourism's new website NDtourism.com kicks off the summer travel season and makes it easier for travelers, especially those on the go, to access information about the things to see and do in North Dakota.
The website features a fresh look and incorporates stunning photography that showcases North Dakota's diverse tourism offerings. Travellers can take advantage of the improved mapping feature to locate attractions and destinations.
New Scenic ByRider program
North Dakota's natural beauty is everywhere, from the rugged Badlands in the west, to the tree-lined rolling hills along the Canadian border and colourful fields and valleys in the east. The best way to experience the sights, sounds and smells of this great state is to tour on two (or three) wheels. North Dakota's 10 scenic byways and backways provide sensory overload for bikers looking for a thrilling afternoon run or a relaxing evening ride with friends. Quaint towns, unique dining spots and great scenery await along these state-designated routes. The North Dakota Scenic ByRider Program has been launched as a reward for bikers who take time to tour the state's scenic byways and backways. Riders travelling five of the 10 scenic byways or backways in the state in one calendar year can receive a patch indicating they are a North Dakota Scenic ByRider.
Picture Yourself in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association announced their second "Picture Yourself in Theodore Roosevelt National Park" photo contest. The winning photo will be featured on the 2014 annual park pass and will appear, along with the other 11 finalist photos, in a 2014 Theodore Roosevelt National Park calendar. Prizes will be awarded to the grand prize winner and to three others that
best represent the park. Photos must be taken in Theodore Roosevelt National Park between 30 Sept. 12 and 31 Aug. 13 to be eligible. For official rules, entry forms, and other information visit www.nps.gov/Thro
White Cloud's Birthday
Celebrate White Cloud's birthday! The live bison herd maintained by the North Dakota Buffalo Foundation at Jamestown currently numbers around 30 animals. The herd has approximately 200 acres of pasture land and are a big draw for the museum and represent the beginning of the "wild west" to visitors. Included in the live buffalo herd is White Cloud an extremely rare female albino bison born on July 10, 1996, at the Shirek Buffalo Farm near Michigan, North Dakota. White Cloud and her calves are a big attraction for the museum not only because of the rarity of an albino buffalo but also because of the sacredness that some Native Americans place on a white buffalo. White Cloud will be 17 this summer and the National Buffalo Museum is celebrating.
Find Peace
Experience two countries in one location at the International Peace Garden near Bottineau. Stroll through the garden at the Canadian border in northern North Dakota then explore the Lake Metigoshe area where you can canoe & kayak, shop the unique stores in Bottineau, discover the magic of Mystical Horizons and stop in for some Juneberry Icecream at Pride Dairy! Find more to explore at http://www.ndtourism.com/all-cities/bottineau
Cowboy Christmas
Did you know that the 4th of July is also considered "Cowboy Christmas"? Here are just a few places that you can catch a rodeo in North Dakota: http://ow.ly/mumD5
ROAMING IN WYOMING www.wyomingtourism.org
- 1 June- 31 August Cody Night Rodeo Cody WY
- 19-29 July Cheyenne Frontier Days WY
- 13-14 July Gold Rush Days South Pass City WY - 3-4 August Wild West Balloon Fest Cody WY
Buffalo Bill Center of the West (formerly Buffalo Bill Historical Center) rides again
Located just 50 miles from the East gate of Yellowstone National Park, Buffalo Bill Center of The West tells the story of the American West- and now offers trail rides for adults, children and groups: Browsing their interactive travel guide is easy and fun. It showcases all the exciting events, attractions and activities that the destination has to offer.
A cowboy chocolatier - every girl's dream
Tim Kellogg has to come close to being every girl's dream! He is a good-looking, working 'roughstock' cowboy living in the Bighorn Mountain Basin of Wyoming and...a renowned chocolatier! Starting out making truffles as a fundraiser for a new rodeo saddle, the Meeteetse Chocolatier's artisan delights are now in hot demand all over the country and the world. His unique and decadent treats incorporate a growing variety of organic ingredients and are also made in an ethical and environmentally - friendly manner striving to be a zero-waste business.
New ranch opening summer 2013
Nestled in the majestic Jackson Hole Valley in the heart of the Bridger Teton National Forest, the new Turpin Meadow Ranch (opening summer 2013) specialises in true western hospitality. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, a guest rodeo, fly fishing, fireside cookouts, kids' programs and live entertainment. Accommodation is in rustic, western-style cabins with fantastic views of the Teton Mountains.
Jamie Oliver Cooks Like a Cowboy
Jamie Oliver embraces his inner cowboy during his visit to Wyoming as part of his new TV series Jamie Oliver's US Roadtrip and learns to cook like one, on a real Wyoming cattle roundup and at the Cody Rodeo. Check it out and get the recipes at http://www.smh.com.au/tv/food/show/jamies-us-road-trip/wyoming-4370301.html
Wind River Offers Cultural Experience
Along with Wyoming's largest Casino, Wind River country, within driving distance of Yellowstone National Park offers visitors culture, adventure and history plus the opportunity to meet members of the local Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, tour their reservation and enjoy a cultural performance every Tuesday evening.
MAGIC MONTANA www.visitmt.com
- Until 14 September Downtown Bozeman Art Walks Bozeman MT
- 20-21 July Bannack Days Dillon MT - 3-4 August Buffalo Kite Festival Ulm MT - 10 August Commemoration of the Battle of The Big Hole Wisdom MT - 5 October Bear Paw Battle Commemoration Chinook MT
NEW Adventures at Glacier National Park
The crew at Glacier Guides & Montana Raft has launched new ways to actively enjoy "Montana's Crown Jewel" this year:
Hikes to Avalanche Lake - Join a gorgeous 5-mile roundtrip hike through an old growth cedar/hemlock forest to an alpine lake every Monday from the end of June to the first week in September.
Hike to Iceberg Lake - Try a 9-mile roundtrip trek in the spectacular Many Glacier valley, hiking to a brilliant blue alpine lake surrounded by towering rock walls.
New Whitewater Launch Time - Get out on the river and take advantage of all the sunlight! A 4:15pm launch (until August 15th) has been added to the five earlier departure time options.
Try the local Glacier brew and gourmet grub
Track down a conveniently-located post-adventure brew--with Kalispell Brewing Company opening this summer, you can sip though six different Glacier-area breweries (like Desert Mountain in Columbia Falls, Glacier Brewing in Polson and Tamarack Brewing in Lakeside). If you're craving more than beer, head to foodie havens like Showthyme in Bigfork and Wasabi Sushi in Whitefish, or over to Kalispell for standbys like Moose's Saloon and Sweet Peaks ice cream.
Virginia & Nevada City Turn 150
Virginia City is a rarity—an 1860s boomtown fuelled by a massive gold strike in nearby Alder Gulch, commandeered by vigilantes, abandoned, and then—most importantly—rescued by history buffs. Now, it's a Wild West moment frozen in time, right down to the creaking boardwalks, rickety wooden buildings, antique furnishings and (okay, staged) gun-slinging duels and hoopskirt galas. 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the gold strike in Alder Gulch. Hit Nevada City (minutes from Virginia City) on a summer Living History Weekend, when the town swells with "locals" re-enacting chapters of Wild West history—hangings, trials, flour riots—as well as daily life (like blacksmithing and quilting), circa 1864. Afterwards, poke around the largest automated music museum in the world (think player pianos, organs, and mechanical orchestras) at Nevada City's Music Hall.
Big Sky biking
Mountain biking in and around Big Sky area means miles of back country scenery, wildflowers, wildlife and few human encounters Big Sky Resort offers the area's only lift-accessible downhill trails with the chairlift operating 10-3pm daily, weather permitting. If you are a beginner or intermediate rider there are hundreds of miles of National Forest Service roads and trails suitable for mountain biking and downhill or cross-country bike rentals are available at the Different Spikes Bike shop.
MICE CONTACTS FOR THE REAL AMERICA STATES:
MONTANA: Marlee Iverson miverson@mt.gov
WYOMING: James Scoon james.scoon@wyo.gov
IDAHO: Mitch Knothe mitch.knothe@tourism.idaho.gov
NORTH DAKOTA: Fred Walker fwalker@nd.gov
SOUTH DAKOTA: Maureen Droz Maureen.Droz@travelsd.com
IN AUSTRALIA: Caroline Davidson caroline@davcomm.com.au
GETTING THERE
Qantas and United offer flights from Australia to Los Angeles, while V Australia flies from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to LA and San Francisco. Delta Air Lines has direct services from Sydney to Los Angeles with onward connections to the Rocky Mountain States: www.qantas.com www.unitedairlines.com.au www.vaustralia.com.au www.delta.com
WHEN TO GO
Summer in the "Real America" runs from June to September; snow sports are best enjoyed from December to April.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN STATES MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
For media enquiries or high resolution images please contact:
Caroline Davidson
Davidson Communications
E: caroline@davcomm.com.au
P +612 99070020
Notes to Editors:
The Idaho Tourism Division news & media room http://www.visitidaho.org/news/
Montana's Press Room www.montanapressroom.com
North Dakota Media Room http://www.ndtourism.com/media/
South DakotaTourism News Room http://www.travelsd.com/newsroom
Wyoming Tourism Media Room http://www.wyomingofficeoftourism.gov/
Rocky Mountain International (RMI) coordinates the international tourism activities for the state tourism departments of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming - The Real America - as a region.
www.visitidaho.org; www.visitmt.com ; www.ndtourism.com ; www.travelsd.com ; www.wyomingtourism.org .
