August 2010

New New York James Hotel has unique waterfall

The posh 114 room James Hotel in West Manhattan of New York City opens on Wednesday. One of the magnets of the hotel will by a 2nd floor garden with waterfall. From the rooftop bar, one will be able to get an an impressive view of the cityscape. If you stay at the new James Hotel, let us know!
 

Pilsen, Czech Republic town continues to thank American soldiers for liberation

Received this special email. Thanks to Ron Forsythe and Raymond Lingenfelder for forwarding this. I do not know the original writer.
I have a new found love for this small Czech town, and just may have to visit May of next year! Be sure to read to fully appreciate this special place, and email your friends to read.

Have you ever wondered if anyone in Europe remembers America 's sacrifice in World War II?
There is an answer in a small town in the Czech Republic . The town called Pilsen (Plzen). Every five years Plzen conducts the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic .
May 6th, 2010 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd Army.
Pilsen is the town that every American should visit. Because they love America and the American Soldier...

even 65 years later...by the thousands

the citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you...

lining the streets of Pilsen for miles.

From large crowds…to quiet reflective moments…

Including this American family's private time to honor and remember their American hero. This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on. At the time this 20 year old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory. For 65 straight years, Zdenka, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil’s crash site and memorial near her home.

On May 4th she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka's home town of Trhanova , Czech Republic , for her sacrifice and extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.

Another chapter in this important story...the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.

American Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these children and their parents want autographs from..Yes, Rock Stars !...
As they patiently waited for his autograph, the respect this little Czech boy and his father have for our troops serving today was heartwarming and inspirational.

The Brian LaViolette Foundation will established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.

Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to General Patton's memory and their mission to liberate Europe. This award will be presented to a graduating senior who will be entering the military or a form of community service such as fireman, policeman, teaching or nursing, a cause greater than self. The student will be from one of the five high schools in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
The first award will be presented in May 2011 in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20 year old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII (see photo above).

Presenting Virgil's award will be someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice... someone who looks a lot like Virgil…

Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army Air Corps!

In closing...here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of General Patton's grandson. George Patton Waters (another Rock Star!) we're proud to say, serves on Brian's Foundation board.

And it's front page news.. not buried in the middle of the social section..

Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka - 1st Deputy Chief of Staff - Ministry of Defense - Czech Armed Forces.

So please join this amazing journey…

So come visit Pilsen (Plzen) that loves our American soldiers during the next special event the first part of May 2011. Plzen is famous for Pilsner beer, and dates to the 13th century. There is lots to see here, and it may also be a life changing experience for you.

Ask your family and friends to read this as well...every American should hear this story.

Old Soda Fountain in Dallas

During our recent quick trip to Dallas we made a special trip to Highland Park Pharmacy at 3229 Knox just a few blocks from the Hotel Palomar. I love to see it when a soda fountain is still serving up custom sodas like the old days. This corner pharmacy is a great place to get a tasty lunch and soda and get all nostalgic. Serving sodas like days of old, the doors were opened back in 1912. Glad to see it was busy with the lunch crowd. Now owned by local grocery magnets Sonny and Gretchen Minyard Williams, Mr. Williams has been a steady customer since he was a kid and continues on a great tradition of service. When you visit be sure to read about the history of the place that hangs above the soda fountain. We settled on a fudge sundae for dessert. Yummy, and yes they serve cherry Cokes and the original Dublin Dr. Pepper (with pure cane sugar) as well.

Read our new feature on the highly acclaimed Hotel Palomar in Dallas.

Treat Yourself to the Hotel Palomar in the Big D

Recently I made a quick visit to the big D. Dallas. Business mecca. Home of former President G.W. Bush, T. Boone Pickens, Zig Ziglar, and a host of other notables. Course, the city always reminds me of J.R. Ewing and his exploits. Yes, I'm still a fan. Be sure to visit Southfork Ranch when in the area.

Read our new feature on the highly acclaimed Hotel Palomar in Dallas. Situated near downtown just off of Interstate 75 at Mockingbird Lane, I was impressed by the rich wood interiors in the lobby and the refreshing Infinity pool with disappearing edges. The large cabana lounge chairs (not seen in this photo) offer plenty of privacy while relaxing by the pool or hot tub.

Our King Deluxe room was spacious with earthy colors and cozy bed. A bevy of fresh fruit was waiting for us in our room.

Read more about the Hotel Palomar in Dallas in our new feature.

There is plenty to do in this busy city. We will be creating a new Dallas section with top places to see and specials.

Slim, Lightweight and Recyclable: Paper Wallet

Looking for a slim wallet to take on your next trip? Try the Paper Wallet. This paper thin and lightweight wallet is surprisingly durable. Made of an elastc and 100% recyclable material called Tyvek®, many appealing colors and designs are available. Visit their website to find out more info.
Mention Southpoint and get a 10% discount!
 

Free Entry to National Parks August 14th-15th

Elk at Yellowstone National Park

Be sure and head out this weekend to enjoy our National Parks. Visit here to view a handy map of locations for each state.

Grand Teton up for sale?

There is an interesting news story developing out of Wyoming. The Governor is threatening to auction off land that the state owns inside the Grand Teton National Park and valued at $125 million if the Federal government does not cough up additional money to the state for education.

Here is a link to the story. From years past, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip through the Grand Teton with its' immense beauty.

As many states are strapped for cash, this may become more of a common trend.
What are your thoughts? Let us know via our new Facebook page.

New Addition: Dogwood Springs Campground Resort in Jasper, Arkansas

We would like to welcome a new addition to our RV Resort/Campground Directories - Dogwood Springs Campground Resort.
Nestled in the Ozarks, the area around the resort has lots of fantastic outdoor scenes and historic sites to see. Read about our visit a few years ago to the Ozark Mountains near the Buffalo River.

For tent or RV camping, or to rent a cabin in the Ozarks, visit Dogwood Springs Campground Resort, and tell them Southpoint sent you.
 

Are You a Road Warrior?

The inflight magazine for American Airlines, American Way, has just introduced their 9th Annual American Way Road Warrior Contest.
Lots of prizes are on tap, including upscale Bose home entertainment, music, and headphone systems, and a five-night trip for two at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort in the Caribbean.
Located on the southernmost tip of the Mexican Baja peninsula along the beach, with 18-hole gold resort and lots of amenities.

The top five contest finalists will be picked by magazine staff and then readers will vote online for the Grand Prize, 2nd Prize, and 3rd Prize winners.
Each of the winners will be featured on the cover of the magazine as well.

With the cool prizes, it's worth a shot, so visit www.americanwaymag.com/roadwarrior by Aug. 31 for official rules and to enter.