PRELUDE: IN THE KNOW
in the know
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1. Tee Off
Having trouble finding a fairway near your AirTran Airways destination? A new website dedicated to taking the hassle out of finding the perfect course has just been launched. Golf Resorts Online has an extensive database of over 550 courses throughout North America. The site provides up-to-date information on course specifics, accommodation, booking and tournaments for the more than 15 million golf travelers in America. It’s an easy site to navigate, and your winning birdie may be just a click away. www.golfresortsonline.com
2. Bang the Drum
The largest black heritage celebration of its type in the country, the Goombay Festival, kicks off on June 4 in Miami. It’s been a colorful and noisy celebration of the Bahamian roots of the Coconut Grove area of town since 1977. The multi-colored processions, myriad of musical displays and party atmosphere reverberate across the state each year. Named after the skin-covered Goombey drums, the festival will feature the traditional Junkanoo parade, with wild and wacky papier-mâché creations, and the Royal Bahamian Police Marching Band performing drills. www.ymicc.org/goombay.html
3. Burning Rubber
One of the world’s most famous races roars into action on Sunday May 29. The Indy 500 is held annually at the Indianapolis Speedway’s oval track and draws in excess of 120,000 fans. This is the 89th race at the track, nicknamed the Brickyard because it was completely re-surfaced with bricks shortly after its construction in 1909. A host of the nation’s favorite drivers and teams will test their nerve and machines over the 500 miles of nail-biting racing. The green light lifts at 11am on the day, but the stadium opens at 5am. www.indy500.com
4. Outdoor Unwinding
For the person who’s tried everything from shiatsu to hot rock treatment, the next step is an adventure spa. The Red Mountain Spa, easily reached from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, is sparking this trend. It offers stunning mountain surroundings to frame a variety of walking, hiking, meditation and outdoor relaxation activities combined with signature facial, massage and therapy treatments. Its “exercise first, relax later” ethos is attracting those who want to unwind in an active way. A nighttime, mountain walk in Snow Canyon under the stars should not be missed. redmountainspa.com