Take a moment or two to recognize the services and sacrifices…

In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. It falls near the end of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May.

The day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense. It was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Days, but the separate days are still observed, especially within the respective services.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. In 1962, President Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday. The United States’ longest running city-sponsored Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Bremerton, Washington. In 2009, Bremerton celebrated the 61st Armed Forces Day Parade.

I get discouraged sometimes thinking about all the people who celebrate days like Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day as just a day off work or a day to shop for sales versus why these days became holidays.

An article in today’s FoxNews gives a prime example: Vietnam war hero to receive posthumous Medal of Honor 42 years later

Here’s a guy, Leslie H. Sabo Jr., who at the age of 22, made some tough decisions that cost him his life, but saved the lives of countless others. He was just married but had less than one month total to spend with his new wife – and certainly no time for children of his own.

42 years ago on May 10, 1970, the 22 year-old Sabo gave his life for his country and his fellow soldiers…don’t forget him, and thousands like him this Memorial Day – click the link below to find out why this holiday was originally called, “Decoration Day.”

+ History of Memorial Day

+ Observance at Arlington National Cemetery

+ National Memorial Day Parade – Washington, DC

+ Military FREE at Knott’s Berry Farm!

Check before you go as many recreation destinations have free days or even free weekend passes for military and their dependents.

+ Be careful on the roads Memorial Day (and every day!)

Check state, city, and town web sites for parades and festivities in your area. Memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial start to Summer 2012. Make it a safe and happy Summer!

From their web site:

On a late summer evening in 1868, an agreement among sportsmen to stage a special race to commemorate a memorable occasion became the foundation for the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.

The Preakness Stakes has remained throughout history a true test of a horse’s ability and class, a race where remarkable horses meet one another in a great classic.

The phrase “Triple Crown” was not coined until the 1930′s, but it is this race on every third Saturday in May where the best Derby horses gather to see if there will be that window of opportunity for a Triple Crown Prospect. Much goes on during this colorful time at Pimlico, but it has always been the horse that draws the fans.

As poet Ogden Nash wrote: “The Derby is a race of aristocratic sleekness, for horses of birth to prove their worth to run in the Preakness.”

If you missed the 2012 Kentucky Derby, here’s a video of the event:

This was a really exciting ending to the race as “I’ll Have Another” came from about 5th in the race at the final turn, to a win at the line. This means that “I’ll Have Another” is the only horse in the running eligible to win the Triple Crown.

Part Three of this exciting Triple Crown event will conclude with the Belmont Stakes which will happen June 9, 2012 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

+ Visit Baltimore
+ Visit New York
+ History of the Triple Crown

There hasn’t been a Triple Crown winner since 1978 – here’s a video of that race and the rookie rider, (Steve Cauthen) of the winning horse! (Notice how much improvement there has been in video between the 1978 and 2012 versions!)

Still time to get to Pimlico for The Preakness and to get tickets for the Belmont Stakes. Look for great deals on flights and accommodations…

No rest for the weary…

Actually, this travel savings coupon is for anyone who couldn’t make it home for Mother’s Day tomorrow but is definitely going to make the trip for Father’s Day which is June 17, 2012.

And some upcoming events for your Summer 2012 travel planning…

++ Beer, Bourbon & BBQue Festival
(various locations and dates)

++ Bloomin’ Barbeque & Blugrass: May 18th & 19th, 2012
Sevierville, Tennessee.

++ Mudbug Madness: May 24 – 27th, 2012
Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana

++ Tennessee Strawberry Festival – TODAY!
Dayton, Tennessee

++ RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival: June 16, 2012
Bell Buckle, Tennessee

++ Wine, Blues & Brews Festival: May 19, 2012
Escondido, California

++ Whole Earth Festival: May 11 – 13, 2012
UC Davis (CA) Quad (click here for a map)

Check back here each Saturday for some great ideas on summer festivals and events – “Saturday Travel Treats.”

Here are a few clues:

+ The sky is brilliant blue, the sun is shining, and there is a light breeze.

+ Forbes.com called this golf resort and spa “The biggest “new” golf course opening of 2011.”

+ The No. 2 course was awarded a 5-Star rating by Golf digest.

+ This location will host the men’s and women’s 2014 U.S. Opens in consecutive weeks.

Have you guessed it?

Today we’re taking a virtual trip to Pinehurst Golf Resort and Spa in the beautiful Sandhills region of North Carolina.

Pinehurst features 8 unique golf courses making it the largest golf resort in the United States. Golfers such as Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart, and Ben Crenshaw are among the long list of pro-golfers who have enjoyed the whispering pines that surround Pinehurst, one of America’s greatest golf courses and premier resorts.

History of Pinehurst

In early 1895, when Boston Philanthropist James Walker Tufts purchased 5,800 acres of ravaged timberland in the Sandhills region of central North Carolina, his plan was to create a New England-style village, with walkways and year-round greenery where middle-class Americans could take advantage of the “pine ozone” of the area.

December 1895 saw the completion of a general store, dairy, boarding house, more than 20 cottages, and the Holly Inn – followed by the immediately popular Carolina Hotel which opened in 1901.

In 1900, Donald J. Ross, a Scottish golf pro, was hired to direct golf operations. His first 18-hole design here was Pinehurst No. 2, a championship course with sand greens and a natural, gently rolling topography.

During his five decades at Pinehurst and until his death in 1948, Ross built a reputation as one of the foremost golf professionals and course architects in the country.

During his career, Ross designed or redesigned more than 400 golf courses throughout the North American continent.

Today at Pinehurst

Head here for current information on Pinehurst, North Carolina Golf Courses and discount tee times.

At the end of a long and (hopefully) relaxing golfing day, don’t forget The Spa at Pinehurst. This 31,000 square-foot facility boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, 6 spa suites, over 40 spa services including therapeutic baths, the Hot Stone Massage and Magnolia Facial, and a three-lane lap pool with cascade whirlpool.

Traveling with your family to Pinehurst? Send them off to the Pinehurst KidSpa, (ages 6-11) and TeenSpa, (12-16) with a new menu just for the younger set – a first for any North Carolina-based spa.

If scenic countryside, luxury, and professional-level golf courses are your requirements for a 2012 vacation, Pinehurst Golf Resort and Spa should end up at the top of your destinations list.

Looks like my wait to see Season 5 of “Doc Martin” will be over soon!

You can order Season 5 from Amazon.com via the link here – shipping will begin June 5, 2012. I also found, via Acorn, that you can either purchase now, without delivery delay or, download and view the entire Season 5 – today!

+ More on Season 5 and a trailer to watch…

+ More on Port Issac, Cornwall – the actual town shown as the fictitious “Portwenn.”

+ Vacation rentals in and around “Portwenn” from our “UK Vacation Cottage of the Month” series

Even better news, Season 6 of the show will begin filming in 2013.

New to the Doc Martin series or missed an episode or two? Season One through Four available streaming via Netflix…

I even have a great option for a Memorial Day “special treat.”

I’ve ordered several times from The Crab Place and have not been disappointed.

The steamed crabs I’ve ordered were properly cooked and seasoned and arrived on time. The crab cakes I’ve ordered were, in a word, awesome. No filler – just crab meat.

You can do a lot worse for the unofficial kick-off to Summer 2012 than staying at home with family and friends and having a crab feast of your own. For this one holiday this year, let FedEx do the driving!

And let’s not forget what Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, is all about…

Multitasking at its finest is available for you at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Lucia Mountains and lush vineyards of Carmel, California is the beautiful Carmel Valley Ranch. On 500 acres of rolling foothills and breathtaking landscape, this resort will imbue you with the spirit of its renowned location.

Sophisticated guest suites are styled with warm earth tones, modern entertainment amenities, and private decks with peaceful forest and valley views. Rich with activities ranging from hiking and yoga to wine tasting and beekeeping, the resort and your experience here will elicit memories of a lifetime.

One of the things I remember most about Carmel Valley is that for people who don’t like really hot, hot, summer weather, this will be a great destination for you! Ocean breezes on the entire Monterey peninsula tend to keep things warm and sunny without oppressive heat. No wonder so many golfers golf here! But don’t worry – there is plenty of sunshine and swimming pools will be a welcomed distraction.

Choose from the list below of entertainment options:

+ Horseback Riding
+ Wineries
+ Art Galleries
+ Restaurants
+ Golf
+ Beaches
+ Parks
+ Vineyards

And don’t forget to plan a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

10% off your first purchase of $1,000 or more at Luxury Link through 5/31 with code LUX10

Even better news, 10% off your first purchase of $1,000 or more at Luxury Link through 5/31 with code LUX10.

Some of the on-sight amenities:

+ Beauty Salon + Concierge
+ Spa on Property + Library
+ Fitness Center + Bicycle Rental
+ Boutiques + Outdoor Pool
+ Tennis Courts + Personal Trainers
+ Driving Range + 18-Hole Golf Course

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa
Anguilla, British West Indies

Makena Beach & Golf Resort, Hawaii

Makena Beach & Golf Resort on the island of Maui, Hawaii, is perched on 1800 stunning acres of oceanfront property, between the dramatic slopes of Mount Haleakala and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Undisturbed peace and quiet is yours, with an ocean view free of charge and exquisitely plush offerings that will comfort your family. Spa themed wash rooms and delectably soft bedding invite you to a deep sleep or afternoon nap. A post card perfect Hawaiian sanctuary.

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina

Located in Cambridge, Maryland, and perched on the stately banks of the Choptank River, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort,Spa and Marina faces the waterfront on an expansive 400-acre Eastern shore property in Maryland.

Discover the unrivaled services of the Hyatt, ensuring exquisite comfort for traveling families during your stay. Centrally located to the historic centerpieces of Annapolis museums and landmarks, expect the finest treatment and amenities at this Four Diamond resort.

News this week for your travel – maybe in the great outdoors!

+ Minnesota state parks and trails to offer ‘how to’ camping, paddling, climbing, fishing, archery programs for families this summer

+ Camping at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

+ New Climbing and Moutaineering Summer Camps for Teens

+ Participation in Outdoor Recreation Reaches Highest Level in Five Years

+ Park and Read Program Gives Library Customers a Free Pass

+ Chesapeake, VA Parks And Recreation Announces KayaXpedition Event June 9 – 10

+ 7 Great Hotels Where You Can Cook Like a Local

+ Hilton Queenstown, New Zealand named one of the world’s hottest new hotels