Kimpton's Leap Day Sale

Photo credit: priyanphoenix from morguefile.com

Kimpton Hotels are usually up to something a little different. When I stayed in one with my family a few years ago, the surroundings were plush and comfortable, but what made an impression was "Mike," the fish that lived in a bowl in our room.

Now, Kimpton's three Alexandria, VA hotels (just outside of Washington, D.C.) are running a great promotion. On Leap Day, you can book a hotel stay for 29% off for dates between March 1 and April 15, 2012. Rates start at $113 a night (a steal for a luxury hotel in the D.C. area). To book, go here or call 1-800-KIMPTON and use
rate code LEAPYR.

Celebrate President's Day with a Tour of Virginian Presidents

Photo credit:morguefile.com

I'll take any excuse to travel and President's Day, while being a little cold, is a great time to spend some time reflecting on U.S. Presidents with a trip to beautiful Virginia. Virginia's beauty and history is often overlooked by travelers who head for the big sites in Washington D.C.

My first visit to Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington, was so inspiring that I bought a yearly pass.  And then moved 3,000 miles away. I've still gone back time and time again, and my husband wisely took me to dine at the fine restaurant there the night that he propose.

Virginia is one of few states which hasn't cut off its tourism office in the current economic crisis. And planning a visit is as easy as going to their website: www.virginia.org.

Virginia is the birthplace of 8 U.S. Presidents. Even if you just attempt to visit places associated with George Washington, you will have a hard time making it to all of them. If you do visit in February, be sure to check out the list of celebrations associated with President's Day, including free admission to Mt. Vernon.  And even if you are going to visit the area for other reasons, you can easily check out the nearby historical sites with the website's feature that allows you to search by city.

So beat the Spring Break rush. Take a President's Day getaway to Virginia.

Alaska Airlines and Starbucks Team Up for Free Tickets, Free Coffee

Alaska Airlines is now serving Starbucks coffee on all its flights beginning this month. To launch this joint venture, you can have free coffee at select west coast stores during one afternoon hour on Tuesdays in February. During that hour, you can text Alaska to win free round-trip tickets; they will be giving away five pairs of tickets during each hour. Hours and locations (Seattle, Feb. 7; Portland, Feb. 14; San Diego, Feb. 21 and; San Jose, Feb. 28), will be released on Alaska's Facebook and Twitter pages at 8am PST.