Savvy San Francisco

San Francisco … there is so much to see and do. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf with the frenetic energy of fishing boats, street performers and artists. Pier 39 is an extravaganza of shops and restaurants, where you’ll be amazed at the antics of hundreds of sea lions frolicking in the sun. From here you can hop on a cable car and take in sweeping views of the bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

You won’t want to miss Golden Gate Park and its gem, the de Young Museum, recently re-opened in a stateof- the-art facility that integrates art, architecture and the natural landscape. Spend some time in Chinatown where fish markets, tea and herb shops and exotic produce stalls spill onto the street, or North Beach, the Italian quarter, where you can join locals at an outdoor café for espresso and pastry or wander in and out of the tempting delis, bakeries and pasta houses. Your trip to San Francisco would not be complete without a shopping spree and this city offers many opportunities for that! From the delightful boutiques of Union and Chestnut Streets to the designer shops on Union Square, you will not be disappointed. The newly renovated Ferry Building, San Francisco’s newest showpiece, bustles with a Farmer’s Market, gourmet shops and restaurants.

San Francisco has a love affair with food and you will find a wide range of cuisines, pricing, and restaurant styles. After dinner, head to trendy SoMa, the “see and be seen” club scene, or head back to North Beach and take in Beach Blanket Babylon, the quirky, entertaining and riotously funny musical revue.

The brand new InterContinental San Francisco is designed with a modern look and a surprisingly intimate feel. Located within a short stroll to world-class shopping at Union Square and the many renowned restaurants and clubs of “SoMa,” this luxurious hotel features well-appointed guest rooms with flat screen TVs and spectacular views, a spa, pool and fitness center, as well as a fine dining restaurant and lounge for mingling with colleagues.

Plan to extend your stay and drive one hour north for wine-tasting in the world famous Napa and Sonoma Valley vineyards, or south down the rugged California coast to Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur for spectacular ocean views. For more information about San Francisco and the surrounding areas, visit www.sfvisitor.org.

Magical Orlando

Orlando has something for everyone…adults, kids, and adults who want to feel like kids again! The Magic Kingdom is a natural first stop where you’ll find countless attractions, restaurants and shops, as well as thrilling rides, including Splash Mountain and Astro Orbiter. EPCOT Center’s “worlds” stretches your imagination with educational and entertaining exhibits and attractions. At Disney-MGM Studios, you can salute the world of showbiz and take center stage as the star of your own adventure. And Universal Studios Florida provides lots of action as you blast off as Jimmy Neutron, survive an earth-shattering earthquake or zap aliens on a Men In Black training mission.

In Orlando you can enjoy sophisticated shopping at the Mall at Millenia or find a bargain at the Orlando Premium Outlets, featuring 110 of your favorite fashion and accessory stores. Practice your tee shots at a number of scenic golf courses designed by well-known golfers, such as Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones and Arnold Palmer. You’ll be challenged by fast fairways, awesome bunkers, well-placed water hazards, some of the best greens you’ll ever play and even an occasional alligator!

There are many choices for fine dining in Orlando, including Hemingways, Christini’s, Vito’s Chop House and the California Grill. When the sun sets, visit Pleasure Island for an adult evening out. A partier’s paradise lush with restaurants, bars, live performances and nightclubs, Pleasure Island’s hot spot, Motion, features everything from Top 40’s to alternative music.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, themed to regions of Mexico and the American Southwest, is set around a lake and features a 20,000 square-foot playground with water slide and indoor arcades, offering entertainment for kids and adults alike. And if restful relaxation is more your style, settle in at the adult pool with a good book and a tropical beverage! You can maintain your fitness program at the Health Club which features exercise machines, sauna and massage therapy (fee required). Enjoy the tastes of Mexico and the American Southwest at Maya Grill, or head for the Pepper Market for tasty offerings from around the world.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers complimentary shuttle service to five Disney golf courses as well as complimentary transportation to all Disney resorts, theme parks and Downtown Disney.

As a participant in the “Obesity Treatment and Prevention” conference, you will have access to special Theme Park Tickets at a discount when you order in advance via on-line registration. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando for an excellent combination of education and fun in a spectacular resort area. To receive more information, call the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau at (407) 363-5800 or visit www. orlandoinfo.com or www.disneyworld.com.