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Black Friday - A Shopper's Paradise or Nightmare?

With Walmart's new shopping policy in place for Black Friday 2009, lines will be obsolete and some stores will be staying open 24- hours on this day to lessen the strain on shoppers looking for a deal. A Memorable Moments' Contributor shares his thoughts on Post - Thanksgiving's "Biggest Shopping Day of the Year" - Black Friday.

"Each year millions of people wake up in the wee hours of the morning to flock to the local malls, shopping centers, and outlets to kick off their holiday shopping season. With the taste of turkey, cranberry sauce, and Grandma's pumpkin pie still lingering on their palate, they rush out into the dark morning to be first on line at their favorite stores. To some, this day is just another ordinary Friday, to others it's known as Black Friday. With many stores opening their doors at 5:00am (or earlier!), millions of people anxiously stand on long lines, and in many cases long COLD lines, only to wait to see that one store employee stroll over to the door and flip the sign to "Open".

Will Black Friday 2009 differ from years' past due to the current economic climate? It doesn't take an economist to predict that sales will not equal what they used to be on this national day of shopping. Stores like Walmart are changing their Black Friday store policies for what they believe to be a continued success albeit the economy's slump this year. Most Walmart stores will stay open 24 hours, so that one does not have to brave the bitter cold queues. Doorbuster deals will still be offered at 5:00am, where you can chance to line up at different displays to try to get your hands on the item of your choice. At least you will be inside already!

One thing is for sure, millions of shoppers will show up to their favorite stores with their credit cards in hand ready to swipe for gifts and worry about the bills later. So what about Black Friday is so appealing? Is it just the sales or is it something more than that? Could it be that it's a tradition that is passed along in many families? Whatever the reason may be, one thing is certain, each year there will always be a rush of shoppers who are lined up waiting for those doors to open . . . Will you be there?"

Nearby to the Marriott Stamford Hotel and Spa in Connecticut, thousands of shoppers looking to kick off their holiday shopping season this year can enjoy over 100 stores at the Stamford Town Center Mall. What are some of your must-go-to stores and best holiday shopping stories? Share with us!

In-Law Get Away!

During a salon manicure this week the conversation hopped station to station about the upcoming holidays - favorite foods, traditions, gift-giving ideas. It was all nice and proper. Then it happened. A shot for the starting gates was heard and the race was on. Someone mentioned IN-LAWS!

No matter how good that turkey looks, how clean the bathroom is, how fluffed the pillows - the monster-in-law will find something wrong, something out of place, some reason you don't take care of her 'baby' as good as she did when he lived with her! Then there is the father-in-law who smokes and the great aunt who can't climb the stairs, so she sleeps in your bed!

Where in the vows did it say you had to sleep on the couch for the holidays?

Your Memorable Moments celebrates life's getaways - my idea for the the best getaway is the "In-Law Getaway!" Everyone will enjoy this idea. You can still have all the festivities at your house, but when it is time to leave the table and head to bed, the in-laws leave your house!

They will love it too. Privacy, comfort, excellent service, a fun gift upon arrival and free breakfast - with no dishes to do and nothing to prepare! Hotels are offering great rates now to make the decision even easier. If my family wants some extras like a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates - they can add this or I can surprise them.

Imagine waking up in your own bed without the sound of a distant relative clearing his throat in your bathroom . . .

I think this idea will buzz through salons across the country. I have to go now, I need to make a reservation for six!

For more ideas on where to send your in-laws this Thanksgiving vacation, look no further than Your Memorable Moments' participating hotels. Want to add on a special package to their room so that they won't be in your hair and around to help cook? Look at some Memorable Moment's getaways here!

The Power of a Personal Greeting Card

A memorable moment's contributor shares her thoughts on the traditional greeting card and how such a small personalized gesture can really brighten up the day!

"Did you ever have one of those days where you are emotionally drained? You're being pulled in so many different directions that you just can not seem to get your hands around it all. You go home and the family is waiting for ... dinner, homework help, questions to be answered. You're standing at the counter opening all the mail from the day - advertisements, newspapers, flyers, bills (Yuck!) - and then, there's a strange envelope addressed to you. You pick it up, open it carefully, and inside is a greeting card. A real live greeting card with a personalized message and signature! The sender is thanking you for spending with them earlier that week. You vaguely recall the phone call. A call you did not give much thought to when you hung up.

You feel yourself sigh and say, "That was nice." All the craziness from earlier seems to melt away. Unconsciously, you have carved a small spot in your heart remembering that person forever. Unlike the other mundane mail, the card is tucked away in a safe place and you plan to call the giver and thank them for their thoughtfulness.

Sending a hand written card is such a back to basics practice. No one does this anymore. Did you know an email is read with your "head", while a greeting card is read with your "heart"? When you can create a heart connection with someone, gain a customer for life, and be remembered for just saying, "I appreciate you," perhaps each of us should rethink this practice. It really is the little things that matter most."

So pick up a greeting card today and let someone know how special you think they are! Or, go to www.YourMemorableMoments.com and with a free greeting card from Give to Give Greetings create a heart connection with someone you care about and let them experience an unexpected smile!

Memorable Halloween Moments from the Harbor Magic Hotels

Harbor Magic Hotels, which encompasses the Pier 5, the Brookshire Suites, and the Admiral Fell Inn, three of the Memorable Moment's Hotels, celebrated a magical Halloween Party last week.


About 60 associates and family members enjoyed snacks and cold beverages in the beautiful "Stone Room" at the Admiral Fell Inn in Fells Point, Baltimore. Children, dressed up in their Halloween costumes, danced and crafted picture frames or drew their own pictures depicting Halloween themes. Even "Bite," a special character from the Brookshire Suites showed up to the party to say hello and join in the festivities!

It was a wonderful Halloween celebration for all, and another example of how our Memorable Moments' Hotels make magic and memorable moments each and every day!

Participating Hotels Join in on Halloween Fun!

We asked our Memorable Moment's participating hotels what fun things they do for Halloween, and we got back a slew of great pictures and stories! You've already seen the Courtyard LaGuardia's Pumpkin Carving Contest, now check out the Stamford Marriott's Halloween Lunch Party and the Providence Marriott's works of (pumpkin) art!

The Stamford Marriott in downtown Stamford, Connecticut celebrated Halloween in style with a special lunch provided to all of their hard-working associates. Candy apples, cookies, and other treats were shared by all alongside a delicious lunch. What is more fun than Halloween treats without the tricks!?

The Providence Marriott also celebrated with the associates with their Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Each department submitted their designs, and the winners received a Dunkin' Donuts breakfast! The competition was fierce, but the winner of the contest was the Banquet Department with their unique depiction of Transformers' themed pumpkins. Pumpkin carving brings back wonderful childhood memories for all - planning out your strategy to create the best pumpkin in your neighborhood... scraping out the stinky "guts" of the pumpkin... and more!

Halloween Fun with Pumpkin Carving Contests!

This Halloween some of the Memorable Moment's participating hotels and associates really showed their creative side. At the Courtyard by Marriott LaGuardia Airport in New York City, the associates had a pumpkin-carving contest and displayed their pumpkins throughout the hotel for everyone to be proud of. There was a panel of judges from each different department, and they came up the grand prize winners for this event.

• 1st Prize : Danny Panchana, with his "Michael Jackson's Thriller Profile" Pumpkin
• 2nd Prize: Patricia Castillo, with her "Hatchet" Pumpkin
• 3rd Prize: Diane Richman, with her "Silver Boo" Pumpkin

There was also a lunch reception for all of the associates, where they enjoyed a delicious spread of food, along with candy, and other Halloween goodies! It was a lot of fun for all, and many took home wonderful pumpkins and memorable moments!

A non-profit group, Reaching Out to Students, is also holding their Halloween Masquerade Ball at the Courtyard tomorrow evening, and the proceeds for the event will go toward free tutoring and a sponsored enrollment for students in an enrichment program of their choice. Mask and costume required, so come on down and join the fun! See more about the Halloween Party on the Courtyard's Facebook Fan Page.

Bosom Buddies Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer

Earlier this month, the Pier 5 Hotel located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, hosted the 7th Annual Laurie DeYoung Bosom Buddy Girls Night Out to raise awareness for breast cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so this was one of many fundraisers happening all throughout the country. At this particular event the Bosom Buddies raised over $4000 in donations for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Maryland!

Country singer and 4 time Country Music Award "Female Vocalist of the Year" winner, Martina McBride, joined these girlfriends, mothers, sisters - a group of about 180 women - for the event. Laurie DeYoung created this Bosom Buddies event to bring women together and raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. "It's a smaller group of women...That's what I love because we really get time to be together," said DeYoung.


McBride performed, dancing ensued, and there was even a bingo game and other fun activities. Of course, dinner and dessert ranked up there with the performance! Bringing together women on such an important issue, and being able to share experiences and stories with one another, while raising money for such an important cause is surely a memorable moment that will not soon be forgotten!

More Pictures and Videos of the Event!

What Will You Be this Halloween?

Scary vampires, spooky ghosts, wicked witches . . . all conjure up thoughts of Halloween. The typical Halloween costume, that is. Halloween has also always been a way for the older crowds to pick their favorite pop-culture icon and dress up in masks, clothes, and makeup to show off their ability to pull off a look-a-like.

In the past, people dressed as Brittany Spears or Avril Lavigne might have been roaming your streets trick-or-treating, or perhaps at a Masquerade Ball, but this year an all new round of costumes may be showing up in your area. How about every one's 'favorite', Micheal Jackson? I'm sure he'll be a big hit, especially with his recent passing and everyone from your 2 year-old nephew to your dad, trying to pull off the moonwalk. Lady Gaga, anyone? She's a 24-7 Halloween costume herself. Surely some young men will be "Twilight's" vampire Robert Pattinson and be causing young ladies to swoon at this year's Halloween Ball.

Last Halloween, Sarah Palin's wig and glasses were just about sold out in every store, but this year its Bernie Madoff's prisoner costume and mask that is going for $89.99 on eBay because Halloween stores just can't keep up with the demand! Other interesting and creative ideas that you may see:

• Dressing as your (or somebody else's) Facebook profile
• Kayne West (maybe with a Taylor Swift in tow?)
• The "Single Ladies" of Beyonce's hit song
• Twitter - yes, an internet sensation turned costume ... perhaps the blue bird icon, or a shirt displaying 140 characters or less?
• Kate Gosselin of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" and her signature 'do
• Max from "Where the Wild Things Are"

Whatever you decide to be - and even if it's the less unique, but easier to find costumes such as a pirate, princess or pumpkin - decide to have fun, be creative, be safe, and most importantly collect lots of candy!

What will you or your kids be this Halloween? Tell us below and share pictures with us here on the Memorable Moments Facebook page!

The Haunt at Dorney Park

A memorable moment is shared by one of our contributors at Dorney Park's fun, Halloween-themed "Haunt". Do you have any great theme parks or haunted houses in your area that you visit every October?

"As the mother of two teenagers, The Haunt at Dorney Park has become an annual event for us. The each invite a couple of friends - and I get to feel like a teenager again!

When they were small, we would bring them during the day and they would 'trick or treat' all around the park, make fun masks, and enjoy the child friendly "Boo Blast". At night, Dorney Park's Boo Blast is transformed into the "The Haunt" and is not for the faint of heart. My kids love to be scared and scream whether it's on the Dominator roller coaster as they drop 3 stories - or as they are being chased by the scary looking Bozo the Clown.

The rides are great and fog runs through the park making it just a little more creepy and spooky. There are fun houses during the day that become haunted houses at night with creatures jumping out at you at every turn. If you show just a bit of fear these creatures will continue to chase you. My kids are of the age now that they don't want to need me anymore; but I like that they come running to me for safety. It's fun ... it's scary, yet a bit heart warming too! We'll continue our annual trip, as long as they want!"

Enjoy the Haunt at Dorney Park when visiting Pennsylvania, and check out other cool, fun, weird spots in time for Halloween with our Weird U.S. Getaway!

The Pink Heals Tour to Help Raise Awareness

A new cancer is found every 30 seconds in the United States.

In Delaware, cancer is the second leading cause of death.

At the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana, Brandywine Valley’s Country Estate, our associates have been affected by cancer in many ways – we are survivors; we are friends and family of those diagnosed with the disease; we have lost loved ones.



The Guardians of the Ribbon are a group of firefighters and police officers driving across America to raise awareness and money for the fight against cancer specifically for women across the country. They are easy to spot in their pink fire engines and uniforms. The trucks are a living memorial, having been signed by survivors and those affected by cancer. They also travel with a large ribbon statue.

2009 marks the third Pink Heals Tour for the Guardians of the Ribbon. Typically, their stops include large venues and events. On Saturday, October 3rd, they made a special stop at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana. This was the beginning of the hotel's commitment in the month of October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - to raise awareness and support the cause in our community.



Hotel associates, guests, and passerbys joined together to greet the Guardians. We all waited excitedly outside of the Estate for them to arrive. Off in the distance, we began to hear sounds of fire engines and police cars. Then, we saw the Guardians coming…traffic stopped as two big pink fire engines made the turn into our pink balloon lined driveway.

The cheers of the crowd became silent as the engines pulled closer and we were all in awe of these living memorials. Slowly, we walked around reading all the words left by those that had been affected by breast cancer in some way. “Fight like a girl!” “Search for a cure!” “Fight, Believe, Heal!” And many in loving memories covered the engines so completely that there was not a blank spot to be seen.

We spent the remainder of the visit talking with the Guardians and their mission, exploring and "driving" the trucks, trying on the uniforms, playing with Jaspar, the fire engine dog, and of course, taking a lot of pictures!


Fund raising efforts at the hotel included making and selling pink ribbons to the staff and guests. Associates will wear these all month long. On Saturday, October 3rd, Front Desk Staff wore pink shirts and ties instead of the normal white of their uniforms. Their coach donated $5 for each person in the department that wore pink. The restaurant servers also wore pink ties on the day of the visit. We will continue to collect donations throughout the month of October.

Thanksgiving Traditions - What Are Yours?

I remember my first Thanksgiving as the in-law. It became time to assign the dishes for the family Thanksgiving. My mother-in-law asked me what I wanted to bring. I began with the sweet potatoes.

"Oh... no, that would not be good, Aunt Mary always brings the sweet potatoes."

"How about the rolls?" I asked, still excited to participate.

"Well..." she said sheepishly, "Bobby's wife always brings those."

"I could do the green bean casserole," thinking to myself that surely no one has a special affinity for cans of green beans and mushroom soup!

"Nope...Aunt Sue."

"Pumpkin Pie?"

"Not a chance... that is Grammies' specialty."

"Whipped cream?"

"No...Uncle Bill brings it from the farm...fresh!"

When our conversation was over I was assigned four two-liter bottles of soda. It was funny. I must have been very good at it because, for years until most of my Aunts passed away, my "thing to bring" was always the soda. I really can cook too. It wasn't about the quality of the cook it was about the tradition.

This month is filled with traditions. Many of them revolve around food. Since that first year as the in-law we have developed many new traditions. Today - the actual turkey is my tradition. I hold that place of honor. We have Andy's Frozen Custard with our pumpkin pie and the green bean casserole has been replaced with green rice casserole. But one thing stays consistent across all tables of America . . . thankfulness.

During this month of traditions, share your own traditions, wonderful recipes and the stories of thankfulness with those around you. It is time we smiled and felt joy in our hearts for what we do have. Let's bring light into our homes and celebrate life.

Trying to Defy Gravity?

In the remote corners of Bedford County, located in South Central Pennsylvania, there is a odd and strange experience that you can only find on Gravity Hill. Whether is it an optical illusion, or you are actually defying gravity...well, see for yourself! Once you reach the spray painted letters "GH" in the road, you will know you'll have your chance soon.

At the bottom of Gravity Hill put the car in neutral, take your foot off the brake, and watch as the car rolls unsuspectingly uphill again! If you do not believe it, like many skeptics out there, try throwing some water, or other environmentally friendly liquids, out the window and be amazed as the liquid flows uphill too.

Some people who don't want to be amazed by the weird and wonderful think that the surrounding land creates an optical illusion. The downhill slope will appear to be an uphill slope, so when the car is left in neutral and your foot is off the break, it will appear to be rolling uphill rather than continuing downhill. We don't really know if it's a supernatural force, a haunted hill, or maybe just an optical illusion - but the video seems to show otherwise!



Find this weird top spot and others in Pennsylvania when coming to visit the Crowne Plaza in Reading, PA!

El Paso, Texas: The Weird and Wonderful

Looking for some weird and wacky places to visit in and around Southern Texas? We've found some interesting weird spots to visit this month in celebration of the 31 Days of Weird!

First stop, the Evergreen Cemetery in El Paso. It dates back to 1894, and as you drive by many people have reported to hear children's laughter emanating from deep within the graveyard... when no one is around! Also, if you're driving by in the wee hours of the morning, people have claimed to see a boy standing on the sidewalk near the train tracks asking for a ride!

Keep traveling through El Paso, and at Fort Bliss, an active military base, you may find some haunted buildings - most of which are seen in Building #4. This building was an old military medical center, where supposedly a doctor "accidentally" killed a soldier whom had been shot in the chest. Many haunted happenings seem to occur here. Building #13 may also have some ghosts - the swinging doors in the courtroom mysteriously swing open and close even though no one is there pushing on them.

If you continue your journey on Trans-Mountain Road, or State Highway 375, you may happen upon a ghost monk. This monk is said to be protecting a lost gold mine where Spanish missionaries were hiding a large fortune. He is often seen leading an equally terrifying ghost donkey along the road, so watch where you're driving - it is said the ghost monk has been the cause of many accidents along this highway!

Have any mysterious and strange ghost stories from this area or your own? Share them with us! You can learn more about these stories and more weird spots in El Paso, TX by trying out the "Weird US" getaway at the Holiday Inn, El Paso.

The Columcille Megalith - Lehigh Valley's Stonehenge

A guest writer for Memorable Moments lets us know about her trip to Columcille, a "Weird U.S." spot in Lehigh Valley, PA. Enjoy!

"A friend and I decided to take a quick trip Sunday to check out what has been declared as one of the "Top 10 Weird Spots" of Lehigh Valley. We don't live far away and it was easy to find. Thinking we were going to a park that would be similar to Stonehenge in England - we tried to put our spiritual selves in the car and leave our cynicism behind.

We were pleasantly surprised by the Columcille Megalith. It is spread out over many acres and honestly - how did those rocks get into those particular and peculiar arrangements? The leaves were peaking on the trees as we walked freely over the walking path and through Thor's Gate and along the rest of the over 80 standing stones.

Nestled in the woods along the Kitatinni Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, we found the Columcille to be more mysterious than necessarily weird. What was whispering over the wind through the trees? Was something or someone trying to speak with us - or were we just caught up in the tales and mystery of the Columcille?"

To visit Columcille and the other Weird spots of Lehigh Valley, PA try our 'Weird U.S. Getaway Package' for $31 off in the month of October!

Happy National Boss Day!

It's Boss's Day! Some call it a "Hallmark Holiday." Others call it "Brown-Noser Day." But it actually is a real holiday and has been one since 1958 when it was registered as a National Celebration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The original day was designed to say thank you to our bosses for being fair and kind all year long.

Fair and kind are good qualities for a boss to demonstrate. But there are other qualities that make some bosses more than just "good." There are some bosses that change our lives for the better, inspire us, truly lead us to a higher ground than we have ever imagined. This blog entry challenges you to think about the bosses you have had in your life. What qualities did the best ones demonstrate? Which leadership qualities do you believe are most important? Why? Let us get a spirited conversation started around the good, the bad, and the amazing bosses in our lives.

No matter what you call October 16th and no matter how good or bad you believe your boss to be... it is a day to celebrate having a job! It is also Friday, and maybe... if you're lucky... it is also payday! Now that is a memorable moment!

Rhode Island's Favorite Vampire

A contributor to Memorable Moments shares a story about Mercy L. Brown, Rhode Island's favorite vampire. This weird and unusual tale has been circulating throughout the years, and in celebration of the 31 Days of Weird, we hope we've added some fun and fright to your day!

"George T. Brown had a problem - members of his family kept dropping dead. George and his wife, Mary, and their five children lived on a small farm in Exeter. As was the case for many families in those days of high mortality rates, George's family seemed to have more than its share of illness. George's wife fell ill first, succumbing to consumption on December 8, 1883, at age of 36. Mary Olive, 20, his eldest daughter, followed less than six months later.

For seven years death seemed to take a holiday, but then George's only son, Edwin, a healthy 24-yr-old who worked as a store clerk, contracted the disease. Hoping he might find a cure in the mineral waters of Colorado Springs, Edwin packed up and headed West. While Edwin was gone, his sister Mercy Lena also became sick. On January 18, 1892, she died. She was only 19. Because it was winter and the ground was frozen, her body was placed inside a crypt near the rest of the her relations at the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, also known today as Cemetery #22.

After Mercy's death George's neighbors began insisting he do something. Local superstition suggested that perhaps one of the deceased family members was rising from the grave to consume the life of the living. George was a pragmatic man, not given to such flights of fancy, but he did have two more daughters to think about. So, if only to set the minds of his neighbors at ease, he arranged for a doctor from Wickford to accompany a small group of friends and neighbors to the cemetery. They went to exhume the corpses of the Brown women.

Once uncovered, the bodies were found to be in a state of advanced decay, which was only to be expected since they had been dead almost ten years. But when the men entered the crypt to examine Mercy, they found that her corpse had shifted from its original position inside her coffin. What's more, her body was still fresh, for when the doctor cut out her heart, it dripped blood. The doctor drained her organs of fluid and the men buried her heart on a nearby stone wall. The balance of Mercy's remains were presumably given a proper burial later in the spring.

Some of the ashes were given to Edwin when he returned from Colorado, to drink as a sort of talismanic potion. Despite such desperate measures, Edwin died less than two months afterward. After that the deaths ceased. George survived well into the 20th century, finally dying at the ripe old age of 80. What happened to the other two unnamed daughters is still unknown.

Mercy's was the last of five alleged Rhode Island vampire cases, dating back to 1796. After the Mercy Brown exhumation in 1892, nobody in Rhode Island ever dug up the body of a suspected vampire again, probably because in 1882, it was discovered that tuberculosis (or "consumption") was spread by bacteria. In addition, the practice of embalming had begun to reach rural areas, making it implausible to imagine that thirsty fiends were rising from the grave to search for blood."

39.3 Miles for Bust

In honor of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many people are participating in walks 'For the Cure' this October. These efforts and donations help raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. Also, charities such as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer help people who cannot otherwise afford the medical expenses to get the tests and medications they need. One of the staff from Memorable Moments participated in the Avon Walk this past weekend in New York City, and shares her story with us.

"I've been training for 6 months. I've been collecting money for donations, and have met and exceeded my goal of $1800. I've bought all the necessary gear for rain or shine with me for the walk. I still had no idea what to expect on Saturday morning, but I knew one thing - I was going to walk as hard and as far as I could because both my mother and my aunt battled and survived breast cancer last year.

'39.3 Miles for Bust' one pin read, and I decided I had to have it. Whether or not I made it, I knew the other men and women who I was walking with would have the same goal in mind. Some would make it further than others, and some would definitely make it to the end, but either way, we were all doing it for the same reason - to end the fight against breast cancer.

It was 5:30 am on Saturday morning, and over 6,000 of us met at Pier 84 in Manhattan to begin our 26.3 miles (a marathon's length) for Day One. I've never felt such pride, and such a cohesiveness, as I did that day. Everyone was smiling, stretching, conversing about their loved ones that they were walking for. There were survivors, those who had breast cancer, people who lost loved ones to breast cancer, and those, like me, who were there to support their family who had been diagnosed with it and fought it.

After the emotional opening ceremony, where we learned over $9.5 million was raised by the walkers who joined us, my boyfriend and I followed the crowds through the streets to start our journey. At Mile 1, the crowd roared for what seemed like 10 minutes as each of us passed the first mile marker. It did not even seem like a mile had passed when walking alongside so many supporters to the cause. When practicing at home, 6 miles in one day seemed grueling and intense - but with these men and women surrounding us, 6 miles flew by with intense feeling and energy that I did not even know I had in me.

The crew and staff of the Avon Walk could not have been better. They cheered us on, they provided us food and water every 2 miles, they helped us cross the crowded streets of Manhattan, they smiled every step of the way. The medical stations at each stop provided bandages for the sore, tired, and blistered feet. They helped us stretch in places we did not even know could be tight. They were amazing, and I do not think this could have been pulled off without all of them.

We survived a half marathon (13.1 miles) on Day One. My hip gave out and I could not go on if I wanted to participate in Day Two. We went home knowing that tomorrow would be another day, and cheered on the remainder of the people who would make it to Randall's Island, or Avon's "Wellness Village," that night for festivities, food and much-needed rest.

The next day we knew we would finish our goal - another 13.1 miles to the finish line! We learned a few tricks from the day before, such as not to stop too long because your muscles start to stiffen up immediately, and we were on our way. Each mile marker seemed such an accomplishment, and by mile 13, we were exhausted, sore, and beaming from ear to ear - we had made it! Families and friends came out to cheer everyone on who was walking - their wives, mothers, sisters, brothers - it was a wonderful sight to see! It may have only been "26.2 Miles for Bust," but we knew who it was really for - my mom, my aunt, and every woman and man who needed the help and money to kick breast cancer out for good!"

Oktoberfest - "O'zapft is!"

Every year around this wonderful time when the leaves are changing colors, the weather is getting a bit nippier, and the Halloween decorations start to come out in droves - another great celebration of fall returns with Oktoberfest. It's the celebration of good beer, food and festivities, and it kicks off officially every fall in Germany around the end of September for 16 days.

Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany on Oct 18th, 1810 and the tradition has continued, though changed, for the next almost 200 years. Once organized around a horse race commemorating Prince (later King) Ludwig's marriage, Oktoberfest now kicks off with a twelve-gun salute and the tapping of the first keg by the incumbent Mayor of Munich. "O'zapft is!" -- "It's tapped!"

This world famous fest brings images to mind of Germans in Lederhosen, women in Dirndl, any type of Würstel you can imagine, and "Bierleichen" - the infamous "beer corpses," or rather those stumbling around after too many libations. It may be mostly stereotypical, but it sure brings the crowds, year after year... over 6 million people, making it the largest Volksfest (People's Fair) in the world.

Those who aren't lucky enough to be traipsing to Europe for a fun filled and intoxicating 2 1/2 weeks, can enjoy smaller but just as entertaining, festivals around the U.S. Such include, the 20th Annual Harpoon Oktoberfest in Boston; the 30th Annual Oktoberfest and Honk in Harvard Square, Boson; one of the biggest Oktoberfests in the U.S. in La Crosse, Wisconsin; and the fasting growing in the country, the Soulardo Oktoberfest - happening this weekend in St. Louis, Missouri.

From the Bostonist.com (again, Boston, are we detecting a pattern here?), "a traditional Oktoberfestbier is full-bodied, rich, toasty, typically dark copper in color. In other words, it doesn't taste like pumpkin pie in a bottle." So whether it's that pumpkin-spice-flavored beer with the brown sugar coating on the rim that sure is delicious, or a more traditional German recipe - salute the fun that happens around the world in your hometown this fall!

What's Weird Around Here?

October is a month filled with the ghoulish delights, mania for the macabre, and a spotlight on all things ... Weird! Your Memorable Moments celebrates this month by highlighting some of the funky, fantastic, off-the-beaten-path legends, characters and bizarre attractions from around the USA. We have partnered with the authors of "Weird U.S.", Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman to bring travelers quite a different getaway with "Discover Weird U.S."

In celebration of this month of weird, Memorable Moments promotes the "31 Days of Weird," with a savings of $31 off the price of a "Discover Weird US" getaway package booked in the month of October. This getaway includes the author's exclusive guide to the "Top Weird Spots to Discover" which differs at each participating destination. Also, the guest will receive their own copy of the blockbuster book, "Weird U.S.: Your Travel Guide to America's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets." This package is available at a variety of hotels - boutiques and major brands - and destinations from major cities to small, quaint towns throughout the U.S.

"Even after years of traveling, we know that we've only just begun to scratch the surface," said the authors. "In this respect, Weird U.S. is a lot like life. It is the journey itself, not the destination that is really important. So come take a ride with us now as we hit the road less traveled through America to see just what a weird, weird place it really is."

What's weird around here? Well, find out along this journey of discovery into the heart of the bizarre with a "Weird U.S. Getaway" near you!

Book a Weird US Getaway package today and save! Look for more wild stories about weird places to visit in celebration of the 31 Days of Weird on the Memorable Moments' blog!

Haunted Happenings at the Admiral Fell Inn

In honor of the 31 Days of Weird Celebration, one Memorable Moments contributor shares her story about her haunted experience at the Admiral Fell Inn, one of the Harbor Magic Hotels in Baltimore. Something spine-chilling is happening at this haunted Inn!

"It was winter of 2003. My three year-old son and I were visiting the Admiral Fell Inn in Fell's Point, Maryland. This historic hotel is famous for its stories of ghost sightings and even offers ghost tours and storytelling to aid in the adventure. On this day I was carrying my son on my hip down the fourth floor hallway. We were taking a tour of the property, guided by the hotel's General Manager. We paused to visit and read about the name plagues on the doors, each telling a story of a specific sea captain who frequented the Inn in its' early days. Behind us was a large picture window that looked out over a small cobblestone courtyard. The courtyard was secluded from the street by a six-foot white fence and an arched, locked gate. Hotel guests could step out for a breath of fresh air at their leisure. My son tapped me slightly on the shoulder to get my attention. I was engrossed in the story being told by our tour guide and ignored his attempt to gain my attention. He tried again and again until I turned to face him. He was smiling and waving into the courtyard. I asked him what he was waving at - there was no one there.

He replied, "That lady Mommy - in the big dress."

Just then, the locked gate opened up and slowly closed again. A chill ran down my spine. My little boy simply smiled and waved goodbye.

Later that day we were in the lobby and he was busying himself with some coffee table books. One told the tales of the history of the Admiral Fell Inn. He opened it to a sketch of a maid that worked at the Inn in the late 1700's. He squealed, "Mommy - here is my friend from the window!"

Something weird is happening at the Admiral Fell Inn... Better check it out!"

For more ghost stories, a historic guided tour, and delightful tales of the dark, you can visit the resident "Ghost" at the Admiral Fell Inn in Baltimore. Add the Weird U.S. Package and receive a discount of $31 off when booked in the month of October in honor of 31 Days of Weird.

We Thank Stingy Jack for the Jack O'Lantern

It is an old Irish folk tale that explains the creation of the carved out pumpkin known as a jack-o-lantern. Stingy Jack was a mean and sneaky farmer who loved to play nasty tricks on his friends and family. One day Stingy Jack tricked the Devil into climbing up an apple tree. As soon as the Devil was off the ground, Jack nailed crosses around the trunk so that the Devil could not come down and pass over the crosses. After much bartering, the Devil agreed that Stingy Jack would never pass the gates and enter hell. The Devil would never take his soul.

Many years later Stingy Jack died. Of course, his life had been too sinful for Jack to go to heaven. He was turned away, but the Devil had promised not to take his soul. He had no where to go. He was lost in perpetual darkness between heaven and hell. He asked how he would see where to go, as he had no light. The Devil laughed and tossed him an ember that would never burn out from the flames of hell. Simultaneously God tossed him a hollowed out turnip in which to keep the ember and protect his hands. Jack cut slits in the turnip to let the light shine out and he began endlessly wandering the Earth for a resting place.

On All Hallows Eve, the Irish would hollow out turnips, gourds, potatoes, and beets and put lights in them to ward off Stingy Jack and warn him to stay away.

Irish immigrants came to America in the 1800's and discovered the pumpkin was much bigger and could carry a much brighter light. Stingy Jack was credited with his 'lantern' and the name Jack O'Lantern was born.

Think about Stingy Jack as you make a few memorable moments carving your Halloween pumpkins this fall season!

Do you have any great stories or pictures of Jack O'Lanterns that you carved? Please share the pictures with us here, on our Memorable Moments Facebook Page!

Edgar Allan Poe - Master of the Macabre

October is here! It's a month filled with ghost tours, spooky tales, and an overall celebration of all things weird! So it's the perfect time to honor the Master of the Macabre himself - Edgar Allan Poe.


This year actually marks the 200th anniversary of Poe's birth and the city of Baltimore has been toasting the writer all year with it's Nevermore 2009 celebration.



Why Baltimore? Well, Poe lived and worked in Baltimore for a good part of his life. In addition to his grave site at Westminster Hall, traces of Poe's life, and death, can be found throughout the city. Poe also wrote his first horror story in Charm City.



One of the Poe-related special events in Baltimore is the funeral that Poe deserved but never had. You can visit these landmarks, such as the Westminster graveyard where Poe's grave is located and participate in these events:

• All Night Vigil at Poe's Grave - begins at midnight, one hour after the Poe House closes, until 7 am on Thursday, Oct 8th. Held at the Westminster graveyard on Fayette and Greene Streets. It is a public opportunity to offer tributes to Poe.
  

• Poe Funeral Procession - On Sunday, Oct 11th, leave the Poe House at 203 N. Amity Street at 11:30 am and arrive at the Westminster graveyard at 12:00 pm. You will be able to view and follow an antique horse-drawn hearse escorted by the Loch Raven Drum and Pipe Unit with a police escort.

• Poe Funeral Services - Held at Westminster graveyard, the service is first held at 12:30 pm and again at 4:30 pm. See musical tributes with eulogies by actors playing people who knew Poe, and writer's influenced by Poe include Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, H.P. Lovecraft, Charles Baudelaire, Walt Whitman, and more. The beloved Addams Family icon, John Astin, will officiate over both services.

Additional details about these Funeral events and services can be found at Poe Bicentennial.com.

Some other ideas for Edgar Poe fun and interest while in Baltimore include:

• Westminster Hall - a converted Gothic church built on arches above Westminster Burying Ground, creating catacombs. Poe, his wife, and his mother all found their final resting place within the Burying Ground, each having been previously buried elsewhere.

• The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum - The 5 room, 2 1/2 story home, displays some of Poe's personal effects, portraits of the writer with his family, and mementos of Poe's life.

• Poe Collection at the Enoch Pratt Free Library - Home to many personal letters, images, poetry, and memorabilia. The collection includes a lock of Poe's hair, a piece from his coffin, and important letters regarding his mysterious death in 1849.

For more information on the Poe experience in Baltimore, visit Harbor Magic's Poe Celebration!


This October, on Your Memorable Moments, we celebrate 31 Days of WEIRD! $31 off any Discover Weird US Getaway package at one of our participating hotels, booked in October. Come celebrate with us!

Things To Do
Baltimore

It's Time for a Little Leaf Peeping

I know it is a simple little chemical phenomenon just short of magic that causes the leaves of autumn to turn colors. But it is truly more fun to imagine Jack Frost with a palette of vivid paints and a large brush. Fall is undeniably a majestic time on earth when the leaves perform their metamorphosis and dress in the most brilliant of colors.

It is all quite easily explained... in the warm summer months, trees are in their growth period and are actively collecting rain and sun to produce chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is green and therefore the leaves are green. Deep within the green leaves are also the colors of yellow and orange, but we can't see the colors masked by intense green.

When the leaves stop making food for growth and when the sunlight decreases, the green starts to fade and the yellow and orange can now be seen. Other chemical changes occur too. Different trees turn different colors... dogwoods and sumacs turn red and purple. The sugar maple shines a brilliant orange, while other maples pop as hot red. Oaks achieve a dark, rich brown color. Sourwood, sweetgums, tupelos, cherry trees and persimmons are also among the best trees to watch for their amazing fall colors.

The process of changing colors happens quickly and, unfortunately, doesn't last very long. The Weather Channel features a Leaf Peeping map that indicates the best times to visit areas all throughout the country.

Leaf peeping is about appreciation for the phenomenon, but it is more about enjoying the true beauty Mother Nature provides, and finding peace with those that mean the most to you.

There are so many great vacations to take in the fall to experience all that leaf peeping has to offer! Check out the Holiday Inn Mt. Kisco to discover the Hudson Valley's beauty. If you're in the New England area, try the Courtyard by Marriott Copley Square.

Post your leaf peeping pictures on our Memorable Moments Facebook page!

Making Memorable Moments at Hudson Valley's Country Manor

What is more memorable than a wedding, especially when the wedding was given away in a time of economic hardship? "Hudson Valley's Country Manor" created lasting memories as one of 18 participating hotels who generously bestowed a free wedding to one fortunate couple. Over 60 entries were sent in describing stories (in 50 words or less!) about their most romantic memorable moment. All were vying for the chance of the grand prize - a wedding valued over $10,000 - at this beautiful countryside setting in Mt. Kisco, New York.

There were stories about proposals under the Christmas tree; a helicopter displaying a banner with the words "I love you" written in the sky; a blind date at an ice-skating rink which turned into a proposal seven years later at the same rink; a cartoon drawing of the couple together in a vacation spot where they always wanted to go; and many, many more romantic tales. The chosen winner struck a heart string with a poem:

"It all began on our June '09 vacation.
To our favorite Outer Banks location.
Little did I know what he had in store,
A proposal down by the shore.
At the lighthouse on one knee,
This is just the beginning for you and me!"

Laura Goldin and Scott Olson were the lucky winners that night, and the nine other finalists won $100 Memorable Moments gift cards to be used on future travel! Everyone was a winner that night, whether or not they won a wedding - Love was in the air!

What are your most memorable and romantic moments with a loved one? Would your story win a free wedding? Share it with us!

A Perfect Fall Activity: Mastering the Cornmaze

Funny... if we were forced to enter the maze of a mouse and told to find our way to the cheese, we would resent it and feel trapped. But this time of year thousands of people voluntarily enter human-sized mazes for the sake of fun. And fun it is! It is corn maze time. Slip on the sweater and the tennis shoes, it is time to find the cheese.


The idea of human navigated mazes dates back 4,000 years in ancient Greek myths. The mazes were not used for fun however; they were processionals and rites of passage. Today Adrian Fisher of Dorset, England is considered the master of mazes and his company, "Maize Maze," is a site where farmers can get one of his designs and begin creating a masterpiece.


Here are some tips to mastering the mazes this season:

• If you have little kids - visit during the daylight hours... the adults and teenagers often prefer the nighttime maze activities with a dash of haunting.




• If you are up for a little nighttime terror - bring your flashlight and watch Stephen King's "Children of the Corn" before you visit.




• Bring an extra set of clothes just in case the dust and dirt is too much.

• Wear really comfortable closed-toe shoes.

• Dress in layers... Sometimes it is cool on the outskirts of the maze and much warmer inside where the wind cannot find you.




• If you live in an area with mosquitoes - bring the bug spray!




• Bring bottled water for the bigger mazes... some are more than 20 acres!

There are corn mazes all over the country. Visit the corn maze directory and discover over 600 listings! Happy navigating! Leave your GPS at home - it is not fair!

Coming Home to What is in Your Heart

There is a wonderful saying - "Homecoming means coming home to what is in your heart." It is a powerful word that conveys so much more than just a reunion tailgating party tied to an Alma Mater football game. Homecoming is a time to return to the past and unite those memories with the present. It can be a time to rejoin family and catch up. It can gather old friends around an event, catching up and feeling new again. It is a time of remembrance . . . a time to reconnect with people, places, and feelings that once moved you.

I remember a specific homecoming. I had been out on my own for several years. My career was flourishing. Life was good. Fall had arrived. The leaves were brightly colored and the apples were ripe for the picking. Something inside of me yearned to return to traditions and memories of childhood. I went home for a visit. It was a 'homecoming'. Mom had prepared my favorite foods - chocolate chip cookies, roasted chicken, pecan pie, mashed potatoes. Those smells of home filtered through every corner of the house. But the memory that is so strong in my head is bedtime. I kissed my parents good night and went to my childhood bedroom to go to sleep. I was deep in my twenties and fully independent but when my head touched that pillow, I was a little girl again. All was right in the world. I was safe. If anything bad happened in the night my dad would take care of it. I drifted off into the deepest, most content sleep I had experienced for a long time. It was a coming home to what was in my heart. It was good.

Fall is a beautiful time to come home . . . or wherever that place is that rekindles the memorable moments of your heart.

S'mores: An American Tradition

One of the most popular memorable moments of childhood is making the wonderful treat known as a S'more: Perfectly roasted marshmallow and a Hershey chocolate bar nestled between two graham cracker squares. The treat is so delicious you just cannot get enough... "Give me some more (s'more)!"

The Girl Scouts first shared their recipe for "Some Mores" in the 1927 pamphlet "Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts." The name was soon shortened to S'more and a tradition of memorable moments was born. Today there are many wonderful variations of the basic S'more shared on numerous websites, such as here on eHow.com.

I thoroughly enjoyed the All American S'moresgaboard experience at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is a Friday night activity unlike any I have experienced at a hotel. We were even able to put decadent toppings on our graham cracker creations. It was so much fun to sit by the pool and roast marshmallows over open fire pits.

Hit the grocery store and pick up the basic ingredients for a perfect S'more. It's a memorable moment in the making!

A Weekend on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

For one Memorable Moments contributor, the fall is the perfect time to enjoy one of the finer things in life, a mouth-watering glass of wine on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. Visiting vineyards with your girlfriends while sipping spectacular, citrusy whites or engaging the taste buds in some toasty oak flavored reds is just divine! Our participating hotel, the Holiday Inn Lehigh Valley, offers guests a chance to discover the wine trail, a hidden treasure in Pennsylvania, and create lasting memories indulging all of the senses...

"The weather was picture perfect for this past weekend's Harvest Festival along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. This was the most opportune time for a group of girlfriends to spend some time doing what we love best... tasting wine and celebrating moments together...away from our husbands and the kids!

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail comprises of nine locally owned and operated vineyards and wineries. While there are nine wineries along the trail, time allowed us to travel to three of them - which leaves us a few more weekends together to tour the other six.

Our first stop was at Clover Hill Winery, which is owned and operated by the Skrip family. We pulled in to the winery which is at the bottom of a hill covered by vines. Their tasting room is beautiful and tastefully decorated. We were able to taste several of their vintages and learn about the grapes that are grown overlooking the vineyard. They had partnered with Breakway Farms and were featuring delicious samples of their organic meats and cheeses to pair with the wines.

Our next stop was just down the road to Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery. The hills overlooking this winery were even more beautiful than our experience at Clover Hill. The Landis Family were our hosts as the owners and operators of Vynecrest. They shared their passion and knowledge of winemaking with us and taught us how the grapes make all the difference in a dry versus a sweet wine. They had also partnered with Stonecroft Farm for the sampling of goat cheese and a bakery of freshly baked artisan breads. Learning how to pair foods with different wines was fun and educational. We also learned that there really doesn't have to be rules with the serving of the wine - just serve what you enjoy!

Our last stop for the day was our best experience (nice how it worked out that way!) We experienced Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars. Our hosts were Vickie and Joe Gref. The view from the deck of their winery was the most spectacular we had seen all day, with the hills covered in grape vines and a beautiful pond. We felt like we could just lose ourselves in the view, but there was touring to do and wine to taste! Vickie was a gracious hostess and Joe (who calls himself "cheap labor") is the winemaker. He added to our fun and learning with a tour of the vineyards and winery. Prior to this trip, I thought you actually picked the grapes, but you don't. You cut them from the vines. Who knew? My personal favorite for the day was Blue Mountain's Riesling, fruity to the smell, but refreshingly dry to the taste. I could now continue the experience from my living room, unfortunately without the breathtaking view.

The girls and I are already planning our next weekend tour to continue our tasting along Lehigh Valley's spectacular wine trail!"

Enjoy the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Package at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Lehigh Valley, and receive a welcome bottle of wine from the featured Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellar, along with a pair of souvenir wine glasses, and a map of the trail so you can plan your own wine tasting tour! Click here for more information.

Things To Do
Allentown

Convention of Disney Memories

It's hard to think of a company that has been responsible for more Memorable Moments than Disney - from it's ground-breaking theme parks to blockbuster films to iconic characters. This year, Disney launched its first official fan club, D23 (1923 was the year Walt founded the studio). This past weekend, the company held its inaugural D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. It was a four day celebration of all things Disney and a Memorable Moments contributor was there to take it all in.

"It was 10am on Thursday morning. Every seat in The Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center was full. The crowd stirred with excitement and curiosity. While there was a schedule and a guide book detailing what would occur at the Expo, I think most people there didn't know what to expect. Or rather... they knew in their hearts what was about to happen would be magical (this is Disney after all), and they couldn't wait for it to begin.

So when the lights dimmed... the crowd roared! The first-ever Disney fan experience was beginning and we were a part of it. As a montage of Disney products and characters played across the giant screen, people cheered for each as if they were seeing old friends.

Bog Iger, the President of the Walt Disney Company, delivered the first memorable moment. A lucky winner from the audience would be staying overnight in the Dream Suite inside Disney Land - the very suite that Walt Disney himself had designed for his own planned personal use. The winner came up on stage in a state of shock. When he was finally able to speak, he talked about how much Disneyland meant to him and how it brought him back to his childhood. His father, it turned out, had a been a street sweeper at the park when he was a kid.

This was just a small taste of what was to come:

• The first public crowd to watch the first 30 minutes of the upcoming Princess and the Frog movie. The film marks Disney's return to the full length animated movie, a genre it defined for decades.

• The introduction of the Golden Girls and Robin Williams into Disney Legends.

• A sneak peak at upcoming movies featuring in-person appearances from John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, director Tim Burton, and...the biggest surprise of the Expo... Johnny Depp in costume/character as Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Then there were the true Disney legends - the men and women who worked on all of the creative aspects of Disney's famous theme park attractions and films. They spoke about what it was like to work with Walt Disney. What it was like to be a part of American pop culture history. And we, the crowd, got to stand and applaud the people who helped shape our childhood.

And that brings me to the fans, which is really what this event was all about. It was an opportunity for the fans to come together and celebrate the Disney experience. A chance for fans to not just be viewers, but to interact and connect. New friendships were made simply by waiting in line and talking to the people around. There was the Mac software programmer there with his wife. There was the autistic teenager from New York whose artwork was hanging in the Expo's gallery... The bar-owner from New Orleans... The student from Florida... Everyone brought together by the love of the memories created because of the Walt Disney Company, and the passion to create many, many more.