Shopping Canada Is Simply Fabulous

16 March 2010 Categories: general

The Edmonton area is one of the most fabulous places in Canada for shopping, at least in terms of size. The world’s largest shopping mall is located here and shoppers can spend hours and even days happily wandering past the brightly lighted and attractive store displays.
West Edmonton Mall contains over 800 shops and 100 eating places and 9 world class entertainment activities. It is the number one tourist attraction in Alberta and covers the equivalent of 48 city blocks on the west side of Edmonton. There are so many things to see and do at the West Edmonton Mall that some people never bother shopping there, they just go for the entertainment features.
Galaxyland, associated with the mall since 1985 is the world’s largest indoor amusement park. There are 26 full-sized rides for thrill seekers of all ages, including the Galaxy Orbiter and singular roller coaster ride that never repeats. Teens are invited to Rock ‘N Ride Dance parties each school year at the Mall where from 8 to midnight, teens can get unlimited rides, watch two giant video screens and have all the danceable music anyone could ask for.
An ice rink, live performing sea lions in their own enclosure and miniature golf are just a few of the other attractions that bring people in by the thousands daily. People can enjoy window shopping Canada style and feel quite invigorated by it afterward.
Your shopping experience at West Edmonton Mall couldn’t be better. There are shops for swinging seniors as well as for toddling tykes and each one is made to feel unique no matter what body size you are. Merchandise from all over the world is found in the anchor stores as well as the specialty shops that make mall shopping so interesting.
And the food experience here could keep a gourmet satisfied for months to come. There are the usual ethnic cuisines and of course fast food places, but there are some unusual experiences in food shopping as well. For example, there is health food and an Asian Market located on the theme street known as Chinatown. Two other major theme streets are found at the mall–Europa Boulevard fashioned after major European cities; and Bourbon Street, that will make you think you are entering old New Orleans.
If you decide to make a vacation out of the mall, you can choose to stay at one of the luxury hotels located at the mall and in many other locations around the city. For those who like to shop, it’s the ideal vacation.

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Discover Classic Mountain Golf at Pole Creek

16 March 2010 Categories: general

Elevate your golf game and your spirit. Pole Creek Golf Club is everything a Colorado mountain golf course should be. Stunning alpine views, drastic elevation changes, cool clear mountain air and the right amount of quiet and solitude make Pole Creek a Colorado classic; a mountain course like no other.

Our patio is surrounded by dazzling perennial and annual flowers and has the best view in the county. Directly in front of the Club House, we offer excellent practice facilities with a Putting Green, Driving Range and Chipping Green.

The Club House at Pole Creek Golf Course

Club House Hours of Operation:

7:00am – 8:00pm

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Book your next tournament at Pole Creek and prepare to be awed by the Club’s alpine beauty and an expert staff experienced with operating smooth and fun events. We offer amenities and professional services sure to keep your guests happy and returning year-after-year.

Amenities:

• 27 Championship Holes

• On-Site Catering with Clubhouse and Beverage Cart Service

• PGA Certified Professional Staff

• Full-Service Tournament Organizing

• Practice Facilities include Grass Driving Range, Putting Green

• Separate Chipping Green with Sand Bunker

• Rental Clubs for Men, Women and Children

• Private Tented Area for Awards Party or Banquet

• Upper Deck Patio for Private Cocktail Parties

Professional Services

• Cart and Hole Assignments

• Handicapping

• List of Participants

• On-Course Events

• Personalized Local Rules Sheet

• Placement of Proximity Markers

• Registration Table Set-up with Optional Check-In Service

• Scoring Services

• Score Sheets

• Tournament Pairings

• Welcome Speech

Pole Creek Golf Club Awards

2006 – Zagat Survey – Best course to play in the Rocky Mountain Region including CO, ID, MT, NV, UT & WY.

2005 – Avid Golfer Magazine:

1. 5th best course to bring out of town guests

2. Best Finishing hole #9 Ridge

3. 2nd Place – Best Public Mountain Course

4. 3rd Place – Best Golf Course in the $50-$99 range

5. 4th Place – Most Scenic Course (public or Resort)

6. 3rd Place – Most underrated Golf Course (public or resort)

2004 – Denver Post, Colorado Peaks – Best Mountain Golf Course

2003 – Rocky Mountain News – Top Mountain Golf Course – Top of the Rockies Award

1995 – Golf Digest – Americas 500 best places you can play – Colorado #1 Pole Creek

1990 – Golf Digest – Americas Best 75 Public Golf Courses Pole Creek rated in the top 75

1988 – Golf Digest – Americas Best 75 Public Golf Courses Pole Creek rated in the top 50

1985 – Golf Digest – Best New Public Golf Course

Treat yourself to 27 holes of Classic Mountain Golf on three distinct courses: The Ranch , The Meadow and The Ridge (see descriptions below). Pole Creek’s Golf resort in Colorado was designed by Denis Griffiths, who incorporated existing lodgepole pine, valley meadows, sagebrush and a variety of water hazards including five lakes to create a diverse course appealing to a wide range of golfers.

The Ranch 9 and The Meadow 9 wander through lush fields, while The Ridge 9 showcases what golf pro JT Thompson calls “the most spectacular view in Colorado.”

Ranch

The Ranch has a variety of terrain, with Pole Creek meandering through the course. The Ridge has a serene setting with views that can only be described as breathtaking, combined with only two holes where players will be able to see other golfers.

Meadow

The Meadow is a nice blend of tree-lined and open holes that cross Pole Creek and two lakes several times. The Ranch has a variety of terrain, with Pole Creek meandering through the course.

Ridge

The Ridge has a serene setting with views that can only be described as breathtaking, combined with only two holes where players will be able to see other golfers.

For the non-golfer, Pole Creek is minutes from endless Rocky Mountain adventures. Enjoy white water rafting, hiking, fishing and boating, mountain biking, rodeo, horseback riding , or simply spend your day shopping, dining and relaxing. Colorado’s crown jewel, Rocky Mountain National Park is minutes away and Winter Park Resort offers fun for the whole family just 12 miles away.

Contact Pole Creek’s friendly staff for assistance with reserving tee times, planning a golf vacation, and organizing events, tournaments and weddings.

Pole Creek and Winter Park are located 67 miles from Denver. Take I-70 West to Exit 232 onto U.S. 40, then follow U.S. 40 to Winter Park. Pole Creek is 11 miles beyond the Town of Winter Park. Turn left at the 220 mile marker and follow the signs to the course where you can begin your Colorado Golf Vacation.

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Use Yoga To Focus On Your Golf Game

16 March 2010 Categories: general

Even during winter months, golfers can still work on their game so they can bring a smooth swing to the course once the snow melts â?? and evenlook to yoga for an edge.

“A few simple exercises and activities over the winter can really prepare you for the next golf season and shorten the time needed to find your game,” says Barry Wallis, Callaway Golf Canada on-staff professional.

According to Wallis, most of the force and momentum in a swing is generated from the lower body and to develop a strong lower body it is important to use squats and lunges. Tricep dips will also build strength in the triceps and shoulders. “Squeezing a tennis ball will build strength in your forearms and wrists; you can also go to the garage and take your club back to the top of your backswing and hold it for 30 seconds â?? make sure you feel a slight stretch across your back.” Wallis adds.

Wallis also recommends practicing your swing in front of a mirror, watching for proper form, and putting on the carpet to keep the tempo of your stroke and the feel of bringing the putter face back on line (not worrying about the speed of the ball).

A unique activity to build power and flexibility in your golf swing is to sign up for a yoga class. Yoga will help you maintain flexibility in your core and shoulders, so you can make a full backswing and follow the proper movement on your downswing. Yoga will also help you build strength in the proper areas of your body to gain the extra yardage we all seek.

According to Trish Stratus of Stratusphere Yoga, who also happens to be a golf student of Wallis, “the physical benefits of yoga will definitely aid your golf game, but perhaps an even greater advantage will be the mental benefits.” Meditation techniques used during a yoga practice provide golfers with the tools to help develop the mental discipline that golf demands.

Being aware of your breath helps to quiet the mind and cultivates focus. As your mind calms down, your breathing settles down, and your body relaxes which puts the body’s natural state into one of relaxed alertness â?? an ideal state in which to approach a game of golf.

Next time you step up to the tee, try to take a few moments to be still and just breathe.

“In the ‘Yoga for Golfers’ sequence, which I launched last year, 25 per cent of the program focuses on breathing, introducing meditation and visualization techniques. Creating a mental image or intention of what you want to happen or feel can be an effective tool on and off the golf course,” says Stratus.

One of the benefits of yoga is that you don’t need to be in a yoga studio to practice these techniques. Find a quiet, comfortable place and sit with your back straight. Put all thoughts aside and focus on your breathing, paying attention to how the air enters and exits your nostrils. As thoughts enter your mind, simply observe them then let them pass and refocus on your breath.

Whether it’s through yoga, stretching, or other fitness activities, staying active throughout the winter can only help your game when spring arrives.

More information can be found online at www.trishstratus.com.

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