MONGOLIA: GOT GAME?
Couldn't score tickets the Euro 2008 soccer championships this summer? A little late to be planning a trip to the summer Olympics? All is not lost, sports fan. Grab a flight to the Gobi Desert for the Naadam Festival July 11-13, centered around the Three Manly Sports -- wrestling, horse racing and archery. The event got its start with warriors out to prove their courage and prowess, but that's just so 13th century. Women and children now participate too.
Details: Nomadic Expeditions has discounted its July 3-14 tour of Mongolia by 10 percent if you can book by Thursday; starting rate is now $2,952. The deal includes three nights' hotel, three nights in a traditional Mongolian ger camp and five nights at the Three Camel Lodge; meals; local transportation; admission fees; and taxes. Airfare is extra. 800-998-6634, www.nomadicexpeditions.com. For more info about travel to Mongolia, check out www.mongoliatourism.gov.mn.
SAN FRANCISCO:LUXE ON THE BAY
National parks have some great lodgings in stellar locations, but it'll be hard to beat the views at the newest entry: Cavallo Point in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, slated to open June 1. The property, on a former military base established in 1897, has views of the city, the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. If the location alone is not enough to draw you, consider the spa and wellness center; three- to five-day programs in cooking, art, adventure and wellness; and a restaurant featuring California cooking with a French influence.
Details: Rates start at $250 a night. 888-651-2003 or www.cavallopoint.com. For more info on the park: www.nps.gov/goga.
-- Washington Post Service
KEY WEST: HOMES AWAY FROM HOMEKey West gets another resort this month with the grand opening of the Parrot Key Beach House Resort, which is celebrating by knocking $100 off its regular rates. On Roosevelt Boulevard, the resort's 74 Conch-style beach homes are minutes from the action on Duval Street and Mallory Square.
Details: Rates for the grand opening special start at $349 through July 31. 305-292-0032 or www.parrotkeyresort.com.
NEBRASKA: TALK ABOUT CORNY
The first Great American Comedy festival will be held at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk June 16-22. The event was created in honor of the late Carson, who spent much of his childhood in Norfolk. The event will start with a comedy showcase featuring comedian Robert Klein. The festival also includes workshops, a youth comedy camp and a competition judged by talk show host Dick Cavett, who was born in nearby Gibbon and raised in Lincoln.
Details: www.greatamericancomedyfestival.com or 888-371-2932. Tickets $5-$75.
-- Associated Press
