Emperor Penguins photo courtesy Quark Antarctic ExpeditionsWant to visit Antarctica in February compliments of Quark Expeditions? Bloggers have a chance to win a 12 day, all expense paid trip on the cruise ship Lyubov Orlova, a 112 passenger ship. You can join me in entering the contest, or you can vote to send me on this adventure of a lifetime.

Here's what I had to say in my official entry:

"Toto, we must not be in San Francisco," remarked Nancy Brown, as she awoke from her dream. The northern California adventure travel writer was still reeling from the news that she had been selected to be the official Quark Environmental Blogger for the February 2010 Expedition to Antarctica.

Kayak photo courtey Quark Antarctic ExpeditionsBrown, a blogger and social media fanatic, was looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and sharing her discoveries with her What a Trip readers, as well as her Twitter, Facebook and YouTube friends from across the globe.

She'd often fished the wild rivers of Alaska, and felt at home on float planes, helicopters and Zodiac rafts, but the adventure traveler had never been on a cruise ship to Antarctica for an upclose encounter with penguins.

"I see the Quark Expedition as an amazing opportunity and am honored that I was selected. There was a huge response to the call for entries and there was quite a lot of competition among the well qualified participants. I look forward to blogging about my experiences and hope this missoin will be part of the continuing global effort to protect our environment."

Asked how her family felt about her upcoming 12 day adventure, Brown shared that her husband has always been extremely supportive of her travels. The family's two teenagers have learned to become self-sufficient during their mother's journeys and always look forward to her return.

However, Nancy can't go on this expedition unless she receives enough votes. So do your part. Vote for Nancy D. Brown. And, yes, you do have to register to vote.

Swiss Countryside photo taken from medieval village Gruyeres. Photo by Nancy D. BrownMy favorite tips and locations for visitors to Gruyere, Switzerland in the canton (district) of Fribourg. Thank you to Laura Braissant of La Gruyere Tourism for assistance with this post.

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the "Maison du Gruyere" cheese dairy at the foothill of the medieval village of Gruyeres. There you can discover the secrets of the famous Gruyere AOC cheese and see how it is made. Did I mention that they give samples?

When I crave Gruyere cuisine, I turn to Restaurant Le Chalet and enjoy a typical Swiss lunch of salad, "moitie-moite" cheese fondue (half Gruyere cheese and half Vacherin Fribourgeois cheese.) If you have paced yourself, try the Macaroni de chalet.

Maison du Gruyere Cheese Factory photo by Nancy D. BrownTo escape work you can drive to Moleson mountain. There you can walk to the summit, about a two hour walk with good shoes, or you can take the funicular and cable car. The panorama takes in Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura. Of course you have worked up an appetite for fondue at the summit restaurant. If you take the kids, you will discover a fun park and an alp cheese factory, only open in the summer.

If you come to Gruyere, get your picture taken in the medieval village of Gruyeres. Only 100 people live in the traffic-free village. Look around and you will notice the crane ("grue in French.") Take your picture in front of the Jester's House.

Gruyere is my one stop shop for cheese!

Photo opportunties in Gruyere include the Gruyeres Castle, just follow the main street (the only one!) to the top of the small hill. While you are there, be sure to take in the multimedia show, taking you through eight centuries of history and legends. (This is a very well done 18 minute production worth your time.)

HR Giger Museum photo by Nancy D. BrownGruyere's best museum, or should I say, most controversial with the local citizens, is the HR Giger Museum in the Chateau St.-Germain. Have your picture taken in the bar as the furniture from Alien-inspired movie sets come to life.

The most random thing about Gruyere is the Midsummer Day at the Castle. The castle comes to life with a medieval festival on June 19-20, 2010.

In the summer you should attend National day on the 1st of August with Alphorn music and Swiss folk music.

In the winter you should attend "Once upon a time there was...Christmas." During the entire month of December the small village is decorated with a holiday theme.

For a great regional treat, try the fresh raspeberries with double cream.

The best way to see Gruyere is by car or train.

Espresso with Gruyere cream photo by Nancy D. BrownJust 10 minutes by car, outside of Gruyere, you can visit Broc. Maison Cailler is the only milk chocolate factory of Cailler-Nestle in the world. You can see how the good quality of the milk from the La Gruyere region is used in the chocolate. Did I mention that the tour, with plenty of chocolate tasting, is free? The factory is open for tours from April to the end of October. As a confessed-chocoholic, this was my FAVORITE part of the trip.

Shure SE115 EarphonesAs soon as the package arrived on the front porch my 17-year-old was all over it like a curious toddler.

"What's in the box? Can I open it? Oh, earphones. I need new earphones. The ones that came with my iPhone suck. Okay if I try them out?"

Mistake #1, letting your teenage daughter test Shure's newest earphones. The SE 115 Sound Isolating Earphones are going to engage any music lover. The fact that they come in shades of pink, red, blue and black appealed to the iPhone and iPod users in the house. Matching accessories for their gadgets; sure.

Initially, I felt the custom ear sleeves that cam pre-installed on the earphone were too big for my ear canal. I tried in vain to remove the sleeve to install a smaller one. The sleeve squished and morphed into silly putty, yet it would not budge from the metal piece. Fearing that I'd ruined the $119.99 earphones, I gave up.  Fortunately for me, the sleeve bounced right back to shape.

I brought the earphones to my daughter for assistance with the ear sleeves and she promptly put me in my place.

"They fit perfect and sound perfect. In fact, I can't even hear you. Give them to me and I'll write your review," she said as she walked into her room and closed the door.

The sound quality on the earphones is concert quality. No surprise, as Shure is the pioneer in microphone technology. The company began as a radio parts wholesaler back in 1925 and now leads the way in audio electronics. By the way, Sure earphones are NOT worn in the same manner as headphones and require a proper fit. Is the $120 price tag worth the sound quality? It is if you travel often and want to block out 90 percent of ambient noise. I tested the earphones on a recent trip to Switzerland and was very happy with the performance of the product.

Would I purchase these earphones for my 13-year-old who might  misplace them? No, I would not. Would I split the cost with my 17-year-old? Yes, as she is very careful with her music gadgets and would use the Fit Kit and carrying case that comes with the earphones. The earphones also come with a two-year limited warranty.

 Shure Contact Information 1 (800) 25-SHURE

Myten Big and Small by Nancy D. Brown My favorite tips and locations for visitors to Schwyz, Switzerland. Thank you to Monica Muller of Schwyz Tourism for assistance with this post.

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the main square of Schwyz where you can see the beautifully painted historic town hall. Here you can also take in the beauty of the two majestic mountains called Mythen.

When I crave Schwyz cuisine, I turn to the oldest restaurant, Schwyzer Stubli or Wysses Rossli.

To escape work I go to the car free mountain village Stoos. To reach Stoos you'll need to take Europe's steepest cable car and continue on by chairlift. In the winter time you can enjoy all types of winter sports. In the other seasons you can walk around, enjoying more than 10 lakes of central Switzerland.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in Muotathal, home to one of the world's largest cave systems called, Hell's Hole.

 If you come to Schwyz, get your picture taken in the main square and on a mountain trip to Mythen, Rigi or Stoos. You can also take a sightseeing tour to Brunnen, located 10 minutes from Schwyz, on the shore of Lake Lucerne. Wysses Rossli Restaurant

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant Wysses Rossli, get the carpaccio made from Muotathaler calf, marinated with white balsamic vinegar and truffle oil with shaved cheese and tomato basil sorbet.

Schwyz is my one stop shop for Eichhorn accordions, custom made cow bells, Swiss chocolate made by Felchlin and, of course, the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife based here in Schwyz.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go to the Mythencenter where Migros and more than 20 other shops are located, including Dany's Fast Food restaurant with a large selection of burgers, pizza and such.

For a huge splurge, I go to Hotel Waldstatterhof in Brunnen by the lake.

Eichhorn Accordion by Nancy D. BrownPhoto opportunities in Schwyz include the Abbey of Einsiedeln and Ital Reding Hofstaff.

The best vantage points are taken by the main square in Schwyz, lakeside in Brunnen and the mountain tops of Mythen, Stoos, Fronalpstock or Rigi.

The most random thing abut Schwyz is the Carnival of Schwyz that takes place in February.

In Schwyz, an active day outdoors involves walking, hiking or biking.

My favorite jogging or walking route is the area of Lake Lauerz.

Schwyz best museum is the Museum of Swiss Charters.

For a night of dancing, go to small bars like Hirschen Pub. In Brunnen, you'll find several bars and music places.

To find out what's going on at night or on weekends, read Bote Der Urschweiz or the Schwyzer Zeitung, but only if you can read German.

Schwyz Cowbell You can tell a lot about Schwyz from visiting the rural valley of Muotathal or Illgau and watching the Swiss Wrestling event on the mountain of Stoos in mid-June.

In the spring you should attend Culinary Swiss Week.

In the summer you should attend the Swiss Wrestling Festival June 10-13, 2010.

In the fall you should visit the Alp Cheese Fair in Muotathal, October 23-24, 2010.

In the winter you should go to the Christmas Market, November 27 - December 10, 2010 in Einsiedeln.

A hidden gem in Schwyz is the monestary at Muotathal.

For a great regional treat, try the Muotatal Alpcheese or the Muotataler Cream Kirsch Cake from the Schelbert Bakery.

 Just outside of Schwyz you can visit Brunnen, Stoos, Rigi, the Mythen region, Sattel-Hockstuckli, Muotatla, Illgau and Einsiedeln.

The best way to see Schwyz is to walk or take the public bus.

If you have kids, you won't want to miss the Landscape and Animal Park Goldau, the huge playground and jump areas and the summer toboggan run at Sattel Hockstuckli. Also check out the Swiss Holiday Park at Morschach.

Entlebuch, Swiss CowMy favorite tips and locations for first-time visitors to Entlebuch, Switzerland. Thank you to Maurus Stockli of UNESCO Biosphere Tourism for assistance with this post.

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the UNESCO biosphere reserve.

To escape work I get on my mountain bike and head out into nature.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the Schrattenfluh, a picturesque mountain near Sorenberg.

If you come to Entlebuch, get your picture taken at Heiligkreuz.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant Bahnhofi, get the Cordon Bleu.

Entlebuch is my one stop shop for local honey and tea. You'll find a lot of regional products at Wirz Getranke.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped, I go to the Restaurant Bahnhof in Schupfheim. Here you get big plates of food for less money.

For a huge splurge, I go to the sorcerer of Entlebuch. Stefan Wiesner and his crew in the Gasthaus Rossli in Escholzmatt are famous for their very special dishes.

Entlebuch UNESCO Biosphere TrailPhoto ops in Entlebuch are anywhere along the Entlebuch UNESCO biosphere trail.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of the Brienzer Rothorn. You can take the cable railway for easy access.

The most random thing about Entlebuch is the annual event called Alpabfahrt when the cows parade down from the alps to their winter residence.

In Entlebuch, an active day outdoors involves a walking trip from the Marbachegg to Kemmeriboden-Bad. Afterwards, treat yourself to the biggest desserts and "Meringues" in the area.

My favorite walking route is the UNESCO Biosphere moorland trail. A five day tour through the biggest moorland landscape in Switzerland.

Entlebuch's best museum is the museum of local history in Schupfheim.

For a night of dancing, go to Go-In-Club in Sorenberg.

The Hotel Port in Entlebuch is the spot for late night dining.

To find out what's going on at night or on weekends, read the Entlebucher Anzeiger (in German.)

Panning for gold in SwitzerlandYou can tell a lot about Entlebuch from visiting the rural valley like the Romoos and watching a traditional yodel-concert.

In the spring you should attend the Romoos gold panner. You will be rich in memories for the experience.

In the summer you should visit one of the alpine dairymen; producers of excellent cheese.

In the fall you should visit the moorlandscape in Entlebuch and view the multiple colors.

In the winter you should go to Sorenberg, the biggest ski resort in the region. Skiing in Sorenberg, Switzerland

A hidden gem in Entlebuch is the Chessiloch in Fluhli - a marvelous waterfall at the end of the world.

Just outside of Entlebuch you can visit Willisau, have lunch at the Hotel Krone and buy the traditional Willisauer Ringli in the local bakery.

The best way to see Entlebuch is to walk along the Emme river. The river flows from the source in Sorenberg to the end in Emmenbrucke.

If yu have kids, you don't want to miss the adventure playground Zyberliland in Romoos.

Jesuit Church with SwansMy favorite tips and locations for first-time visitors to Lucerne. Thank you to Christian Haueter of Lucerne Tourism for assistance with this post.

The first place I take a visitor is to Chapel Bridge. The bridge was constructed in the first half of the 14th century as a part of the city's fortifications and named after St. Peter's Chapel, which is located nearby. The paintings that were added in the 17th century illustrate scenes of Swiss and local history, (each with a skelton in the painting.) The Water Tower was built around 1300 as part of the city wall and used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber. It is Lucerne's landmark and the most frequently photographed monument in Switzerland.

When I crave Lucerne cuisine I go to Wirtshaus Taube and order Roesti. My health conscious mother was shocked when I told her it was a combination of grated, crispy potatoes, gruyere cheese, fried egg, tomato and bacon. Yummy!Roesti - Typical Swiss Dish

To escape work I can take a cogwheel railway from Vitznau or Goldau to Mt. Rigi.

For complete quiet, I can take a sailboat or catamaran on Lake Lucerne.

If you come to Lucerne, get your picture taken by Musegg Wall. A part of the rampart walls built in 1386; the wall is almost entirely intact. Three towers are open to the public: Schirmer, Zyt and Mannli. The oldest city clock, built by Hans Luter in 1535, is in the Zyt tower. This clock is allowed to chime every hour one minute before all the other city clocks. Visitors can climb the Musegg Wall (Easter - November 1st) 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Cuckoo!

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant Burgerstube it has to be Lozarner Chugelipasteli, a puff pastry shell filled with diced veal and mushrooms in a cream sauce.

Lucerne is my one stop shop for fine watches and Swiss chocolate. The car-free old-town center offers exclusive shops such as Bucherer at the Schwanenplatz and Confiseur Bachmann is a leading Swiss confectioner.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go to the Farmer's Market along the right bank of the Reuss River. Every Tuesday, Friday (the Fish Market) and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.

For a huge splurge I go to Hotel des Balances (14 points in the Guide Gault & Millau.)

Photo ops in Lucerne include photos from Mount Titlis, the highest viewpoint in Lake Lucerne. Take the Ice Flyer chairlift and go snow tubing in Titlis Glacier Park.

The best vantage points are taken from Mount Titlis, Mt. Rigi or on a paddle steamer on Lake Lucerne.

The most random thing about Lucerne is the Lion Monument. The dying Lion of Lucerne is one of the world's most famous monuments. It was carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792. Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucerne as the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.

In Lucerne, an active day outdoors involves hiking Mount Titlis or Mt. Rigi or sailing on the lake.

My favorite trail is anywhere on Pilatus Kulm peak. Walkers and hikers will experience Alpine meadows, mountain streams, rugged cliffs and maybe ibex, chamois and Alpine roses.

Lucerne's best concert hall is the KKL Lucerne (Culture and Convention Center) at Europaplatz and is the work of the Parisian architech Jean Nouvel. The 1800 seat concert hall is one of the finest concert halls in the world. The Lucerne Hall, the Convention Center with the auditorium and the Museum of Art - the fourth largest in Switzerland - are also part of the construction.

For a night of dancing, go to Casineum, it's in the same building as the Grand Casino Lucerne.

The Suite Lounge and Bar above the Hotel Monopolis the spot for late night dining.

To find out what's going on at night or on weekends, read Neue Luzerner Zeitung.

Swiss Long Horn PlayersYou can tell a lot about Lucerne from strolling through the narrow streets or public squares and people watching.

In the spring you should attend a real Swiss wrestling event in Beckenried. Here you will see local customs such as yodeling, flag throwing and long horn blowing. I took the boat to Beckenried and returned by public bus and train to Lucerne.

In the summer you should attend the Lucerne Festival. Every year the leading performers from all over the globe gather together on the shores of Lake Lucerne to celebrate music in Jean Nouvel's concert hall known for its phenomenal acoustics and exquisite architecture.

In the fall you should visit the Lucerne Blues Festival.

In the winter you should go to Carnival. Every year, towards the end of winter, Carnival breaks out in the streets, alleways and squares of the old town. Strange characters in masks and costumes appear, while musicians (Guggenmusigen) play their instruments as thousands sing and dance away the winter.

A hidden gem in Lucerne is the Picasso Donation Museum and the Rosengart Collection. The Rosengart offers a selection of Classical Modernist art, with collections by Pablo Picasso thanks to S. and A. Rosengart's friendship with Picasso.

Just outside of Lucerne you can take a train to Schwyz and visit the oldest production site of Swiss accordions or take a train to Entlebuch and hike the Swiss UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The best way to see Lucerne is by walking or boat.

Nancy Brown rides a cable car at the Transport MuseumIf you have kids, you won't want to miss the Swiss Museum of Transport.Your railpass will serve as entrance to this amazing museum that demonstrates travel by road, rail and water, as well as air and outer space.

Medieval MurtenMy favorite tips and locations for first-time visitors to Murten and Lake Murten, Switzerland. Thank you to Elisabeth Ruegsegger and Anita Renaud of Murten Tourism for assistance with this post.

The first place I take a visitor is to the Medieval town of Murten (Morat) with its magnificent baroque houses and arcades in the Main Street and the Town Wall with its towers.

When I crave Lake Murten cuisine I go to Hotel Schiff for the local fish dishes with homemade pasta and local vegetables.

To escape work I hike Mount Vully or go for a boat ride on Lake Murten.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the Nocturame, a dome in Papiliorama Swiss Tropical Gardens, or rent a paddle boat for a cruise on Lake Murten.

If you come to Murten, get your picture taken in the medieval town of Murten at the top of the Ring Wall or at the top of Mount Vully with wonderful circular views over the lakes to the swiss alps and the Jura.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant l'Ours in Sugiez, get a fish speciality or fish soup.

Chateau de PrazLake Murten is my one stop shop for local wines. There are over 16 wine cellars in the region.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go eat a hot dog at Minigolf Murten on the lake shore.

For a huge splurge I go to Restaurant Le Vieux Manoir au Lac (14 points in the Guide Gault & Millau 2009.)

Photo ops in Murten include photos from the medieval tower and Mount Vully in Lake Murten.

The best vantage points are taken from the tower windows and at the top of Mount Vully.

The most random thing about Murten is the Carnaval Murten which is every first weekend in March from Saturday to Monday.

Relais-Chateau Le Vieux-Manoir au LacIn Lake Murten, an active day outdoors involves walking on one of the numerous theme paths, biking on the bike trails and inline skating.

My favorite jogging or walking trail is the vineyard path through the Vully vineyards.

Murten's best museum is the Museum Murten.

For a night of dancing, go to BB Events in Hotel Murten.

Restaurant Captain Cook is the spot for late night dining.

To find out what's going on at night or on weekends, read Der Murtenbieter, but only if you can read German.

You can tell a lot about Murten from visiting the Bodenmunzi, site of the Battle of Murten (1476) and watching the Solennitat, the celebration of the Battle of Murten every June 22.

In the spring you should attend slowUp Murtensee - Lac de Morat

Nidelkuchen In the summer you should attend one of the many local festivals such as Wake + Jam Wakeboard Festival, the Openair-Cinema Murten, Opera festival Avenches, Murten Classics, classical music in the Castle Court. or Rock Oz'Arenes Avenches.

In the fall you should visit Murten and stop at the bakery for a slice of Nidelkuchen, a local specialty.

In the winter you should go to the Murten Christmas Market.

A hidden gem in Lake Murten is the beach restaurant See & Sein in Restaurant des Bains Murten.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso go the Confiserie Monnier.

Just outside of Murten you can visit Avenches, the roman capital of the Helvetics and have lunch at Restaurant Mont-Vully.

Mount Vully, Switzerland's smallest vineyards The best way to see Lake Murten is to bike, walk and boat.

If you have kids, you won't want to miss the Swiss Tropical Gardens or the Vully Caves, old military fortifications dug into sandstone during the First World War, now a hide and seek paradise for children and the young at heart.

Fifth Street MarketMy favorite tips and locations for first-time visitors to Eugene, Oregon. Thank you to Stacey Malstrom of Travel Lane County for assistance with this post.

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Fifth Street Public Market and Skinner Butte for great views of the city.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in the Campbell Memorial Courtyard at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the University of Oregon campus. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

If you come to Eugene, get your picture taken with the Ken Kesey statue in Kesey Square at Broadway and Willamette.

If you order one thing off the menu from Adam's Sustainable Table it has to be the Chocolate Volcano.

Marche Provisions is my one-stop shop for great picnics. I ate dinner at the restaurant and was impressed with the quality of the food and focus on sustainability.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go on the First Friday ArtWalk.

For a huge splurge I would go to King Estate Winery and purchase a bottle of their 2006 Pinot Noir Block 4 D, clone 777. My second choice would be the 2006 Domaine Pinot Noir. Of course, lunch or dinner at the winery is recommended, as well.

Photo ops in Eugene include the DeFazio Bike and Pedestrian Bridge, Hayward Field at the University of Oregon, Hendricks Park in May and Owen Memorial Rose Garden in June. The best vantage points to view the city are Skinner Butter and Spencer Butte.

The most random thing about Eugene is that it is home to the world's oldest recorded pair of shoes, which can be found at the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

In Eugene, and active day outdoors involves cycling the river paths, hiking Spencer Butte and kayaking the Willamette River.

Eugene's best art museum is the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and my city's best historial museum is the Lane County Historical Society.

My favorite jogging/walking route is Pre's Trail in Alton Baker Park.

For a night of dancing, go to The Tango Center. Or, for live music, check out the McDonald Theater or Cuthbert Theater during the summer season.

Davis Restaurant and Bar on Olive and Broadway is the spot for late-night eats.

To find out what's going on at night and on the weekends, read Eugene Weekly.

You can tell a lot about Eugene from people watching at Saturday Market. Pick up a slice of Dana's Cheesecake (Oregon Berry) while you're there.

In the spring you should see the rhododendrons at Hendricks Park or take a wildflower walk at Mount Pisgah.

In the summer you should check out the Oregon Country Fair in nearby Veneta.

In the fall you should take a tour of the University of Oregon campus for spectacular fall foliage and take in a Duck football game. (Go Ducks!) 

In the winter you should go to the ballet at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. (I was fortunate to have seen the Grateful Dead play at the Hult Center when it first opened. Glory days.)

A hidden gem in Eugene is Cascades Raptor Center, a nature center and wildlife hospital for birds of prey.

American Kestrel Cascades Raptor CenterFor a great breakfast joint try The Glenwood. 

Don't miss the Oregon Truffle Festival in January.

Just outside Eugene, you can visit the Cascade Mountains or the Oregon Coast, both just an hour drive.

The best way to see Eugene is by bike.

The best book about Eugene is Tyler Burgess's Eugene, Oregon Walks, a compilation of urban walks ranging from .5 miles to 10 miles.

If you have kids, you won't want to miss RiverPlay Playground at Skinner Butte Park or Roaring Rapids Pizza Company and Camp Putt for mini-golf.

The "To Do" list; it runs my life! My life is one big "To Do" list. I'm a travel writer. I love what I do for a living (if you could call it a living) but the constant travel doesn't leave me much time for getting together with my girlfriends. I squeeze in a walk with a friend or a quick catch up conversation at the grocery store between trips, but it certainly isn't the way to maintain deep, connected friendships.

So instead of tackling my "To Do" list of writing assignments and lodging reviews from my latest trip, I'm taking a moment to enter the Spa Girl Getaway contest being offered on the Uptake.com website. Since I live in Northern California, a quick 40 minute drive from Napa Valley, my odds of making it to the Silverado Resort are certainly in my favor.

My top ten "To Do" list of why I need a Spa Girl Getaway:

*  My shoulders are up to my earlobes from lugging around a duffle bag & laptop 24/7. This body is screaming for a massage.

* If I treat my girlfriends to a Napa Valley Spa Getaway they will actually believe me the next time I say, "We should get together soon."

* My kids and spouse will benefit from my spa girl personality transformation. Repeat after me, "When mama's not happy, ain't no body happy!"

* No one in my girlfriend possee has yet to visit the Black Stallion Winery, however, it should be noted that I have ridden horses on the property. It used to be an equestrian center and Napa Valley locals will remember that Francis Ford Coppola filmed a scene from Apocalypse Now on the property.

* Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If I win this getaway, I'll have my choice of breakfast in either of Silverado Resort's two cafes and more time to chat with my girlfriends over coffee, or orange juice, or hot chocolate, or pancakes or....

* I'm happy winning just about anything free. A Spa Girl Getaway valued at $1,140 would send me over the edge. Yes, I confess, I'd be happy winning a Silverado Resort tote bag. Admit it, you like looking at my tote bags when I use them in the grocery store. Even the check stand baggers make comments. Now if only I could get them to leave a comment on my blog!

* I love writing about Northern California and this trip would give me an opportunity to check out Silverado Resort and maybe write about it in my newspaper column.

* The off-season is the best time to visit the Napa Valley and since accommodations and spa appointments are based upon availability at time of booking, I have enough time to coordinate schedule's with three busy girlfriends. (I'm not the only one with a "To Do" list.)

* My husband could bring the kid's up for the day and hang out by the pool. Scratch that! A momentary lapse in sanity.

* Cross off "Enter Spa Girl Getaway" on my "To Do" list. The last thing I should be doing right now is writing a post about a Spa Girl Getaway in the Napa Valley. What's on your "To Do" list?

Lugano photo by Nancy D. BrownMy San Francisco post was fortunate to be featured in National Geographic's Intelligent Travel blog. Since then, I've decided to offer my favorite tips and locations for first-time visitors to select regions. Here are my recommendations for a trip to Lugano, Switzerland in the canton of Ticino. Thank you to Guide Marco Mastelli and Ticino Turismo for assistance with this post.

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to downtown Lugano and the Parco Ciani. 

When I crave Lugano cuisine, I go to: Grotto Ticinese in Cureglia, five minutes by car; or Grotto Rossi in Castelrotto in the Malcantone region west of Lugano or I turn to the Mendrisotto region south of Lugano to find easy paths among many vinyeards in Ticino where grottos as Grotto Fossati in Tremona offer traditional, affordable meals.

To escape work I hike a nearby mountain.

For complete quite, I can hide away at the Canton Library.

If you come to Lugano, get your picture taken at the top of a mountain.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant Olimpia in Plazza Riforma, get the steak tartar.

Laderach Chocolate photo by Nancy D. BrownLugano is my one stop shop for chocolates, watches and fashionable clothes because it can be cheaper to shop here than in Italy. Via Pessina is the gourmet street. Check out the five specialty shops of Lino Gabbani.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped, I go to Migros or the Coop department store for food and clothes.

For a huge splurge, I go to Cristallo Ristorante.

Photo ops in Lugano include Lake Lugano and Mount San Salvatore.

The best vantage points are taken by riding a finicular to the top of Mount San Salvatore and going on the roof of the San Salvatore church.

The most random thing about Lugano is the swim race in mid-August in the lake.

In Lugano, an active day outdoors involves walking, hiking or biking.

My favorite jogging or walking route is the Lugano Gandria Olive Tree Path.

Lugano's best museum is the Museum of Cultures.

For a night of dancing, go to Madai Disco, Tito's Place, Laroy or Al Lido.

The Pearl Casino is the spot for late night dining, but be warned ,Lugano is not the place to grab a meal after midnight.

To find out what's going on at night or on weekends, read Corriere Del Ticino, but only if you can read Italian.

You can tell a lot about Lugano from visiting the rural valley like Monte Bre.

In the spring you should attend walking Lugano.

In the summer you should attend August 1, it's like our Fourth of July Independence celebration.

In the fall you should attend local harvest festivals.

In the winter you should go to Piu Gusto in December.

A hidden gem in Lugano is Grotto Flora.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Grand Cafe Al Porto.

Just outside of Lugano you can visit Morcote, have lunch at the Grotto del Parco and visit the Scherrer Garden.

The best way to see Lugano is to walk.

If you have kids, you won't want to miss Swiss Miniatur.