Where the buffalo stampede

Here's a chance to see 8 tons of gen-u-ine American bison. Beginning Feb. 25, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction in Branson, Mo., will present “Return of the Buffalo!”  nightly in the 35,00-square-foot arena.  In addition to the buffalo, the show presents 32 horses as  North and South conduct a friendly rivalry, assisted by audience participation. The show comes complete with a four-course feast. Ticket prices begin at about $25 for children and $46 for adults, but there are sometimes coupons and other discounts.  Visit www.dixiestampede.com.   

As for those buffalo, they are the largest terrestrial animal in North America, and once numbered 60 million in massive herds roaming the grasslands.  In modern time, buffalo have been restricted to a few national parks and reserves, and nowadays Branson.

Trivial question

Which South American countries does the equator pass through? Hint: There are three of them. (Answer somewhere below.)

Here comes the world's largest pub crawl

A  world record is expected when the 10^th Annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl hits the road on Feb. 19 at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks.  Considered the world's largest pub crawl, this year's festivities are expected to attract a  record  6,000 participants, organizers say. During the crawl,  shuttle buses will carry participants to 19 Lake-area restaurants and bars.  Participating venues will feature a variety of food and drink, including Ozarks barbecue, Chicago-style pizza, seafood, Mexican favorites and more.  Bars will offer live rock, blues and country music, plus DJs and karaoke.  Along the way, revelers will be able to collect plenty of Mardi Gras beads and souvenirs. A $5 wristband, available at any of the venues and participating hotels, is all you need to ride and participate, but you do have to be 21 or older. Visit www.lakepubcrawl.com.

Fascinating fact

In 1791, Maine's first lighthouse keeper got an anuual salary of $160. But then he had a unique residence with a seaside view. 

Mmmmmm ... chocolate -- all month long 

Throughout this month, Kimpton hotel guests, restaurant diners and local cocoa cravers can indulge in complimentary chocolate-themed events at more than 50 hotels and restaurants across the country.  And on Feb. 17, Kimpton will celebrate “Chocolate Lover’s Day” from 5-7 p.m. in hotel living rooms with complimentary chocolate-inspired desserts, tastings, hors d’oeuvres and Kimpton’s ultimate hot or chilled chocolate drinks. Also, participating restaurants around the country will feature at least two chocolate loving desserts on the menu all month. Visit www.kimptonchocolate.com for recipes, featured chocolate desserts at restaurants and a schedule of tasting events.

Worth quoting

"Let your memory be your travel bag." -- Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Three Las Vegas deals

The following offers can be found at www.vegas.com:

Book a room marked with the Up to 30% Off Your Stay offer at Trump International Hotel and Tower between now and Feb. 28,  for stay dates between now and Feb. 28 and get up to 30 percent off your stay and a $50 spa credit. Book a room marked with the "Includes Free Bottle of Wine and $50 Food Credit offer The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for a two-night stay between now and Feb. 28 for stay dates between now and Sept. 30 and get a free bottle of wine and $50 food credit. For a limited time, buy a ticket to see Penn & Teller  (pictured) and get dinner at Cafe Martorano of Buzios inside Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino. 

 

Trivial answer

 The three South American countries the equator passes through are Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia.