This is the perfect weekend to visit with us at Turf Valley….

read the invitation. Enjoy our three tournament-level golf courses, world-class spa treatments, gourmet cuisine, fabulous service, and more well appointed meeting space than many in-city hotels.

Well, I thought, this seems like a lovely invitation, but where in the world is Turf Valley? Scanning the globe I tried the Asia Pacific region, and then moved on to Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Still no luck. Back to the invitation for another clue. The web address, www.turfvalley.com , shows wild horses galloping across my screen. I am still clueless. Finally I am rewarded with an address, Turf Valley is located in Elliott City, Maryland. All of this magnificence in the United States! When was the last time I thought of a meeting or holiday in the United States? I could not remember. I usually select the exotic destinations of Singapore, China, and Thailand when I plan a personal retreat or a conference. Maryland was going to be a stretch - but I thought it might be a new cultural experience and decided to accept the gracious invitation.

Whether you go by road, rail, or air, travel within the United States is very civilized. The roads are well paved, the signage is abundant, and the highways are attractively landscaped, providing a lush green panorama for the journey. Turf Valley is about 20 minutes from the Baltimore/ Washington Airport (BWI) and a security-level car service is available to pick-up Turf Valley guests and transit them to the resort. Located in Maryland's Hunt Country, the property is within drive distance of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C. The resort and conference center sits on over 1,000 beautifully landscaped acres, and boasts three, 54-holes of championship golf, a full-service spa, tennis courts, an indoor (heated) and outdoor (unheated) pool, two restaurants, room service and is handicap accessible. The young staff is well schooled in customer-care and makes "southern hospitality" a 24/7 reality. I had forgotten what it was like to stay in an USA hotel, and be treated as a guest and not an inconvenience. Turf Valley, with all its well-appointed 40,000 square feet of meeting space, including ballrooms, banquet and meeting rooms, excels in customer care.

For global travelers with a concern for personal safety, and for the corporate meeting planner with VIPs to protect, Turf Valley is an excellent site for the popular mix of business and pleasure. The resort and conference center is located in a rural area and not accessible by public transportation. Except for Turf Valley extended-stay and town house residents, there are very few people living in the immediate vicinity. Pinkerton Security patrols the grounds and additional guards are in-place for major events and celebrities. Excellent medical facilities are nearby and the police emergency team can reach the resort within minutes of notification. Perimeter security can be enhanced by an opening/ closing of the entrance/exit road, making it desirable for the most security conscious organization. Limo, car service and auto rentals are easy to arrange through Turf Valley. A good transportation choice is to fly into BWI, have the car service pick you up, and arrange for a auto rental company to deliver a car to the resort for your use during your visit.

You will want to drive the lovely roads and see the surrounding sights. A must on your to-do list is Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia, Maryland. New York and London caliber talent performed the Jazz Singer the night that I visited. The performances of Larry Munsey and A. K. Brink were so good, that I could not believe they were working their way to the bright lights of Broadway. The stars and supporting cast members contribute to an enjoyable evening by waiting on your table, serving drinks, desserts, and otherwise encouraging you to have a good time. I strongly recommend leaving very big tips for the young talented "starlets" who labor very hard to bring you a quality evening, at very moderate prices. Guests enjoy a buffet dinner, including dessert and coffee, gratuity and the show for under $40 per person. For reservations visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

Why go to Turf Valley when there are hotels, spas, and golf courses around the world? In addition to the attractively furnished 223 hotel rooms and VIP suites, the top three reasons on my list start with the superb spa treatments. Whether you select a full body massage ($75), a facial ($75), a make-up ($25), or a hot stone massage ($90), you will know that well-trained spa experts are treating you. Reason 2. The abundance of excellent meeting space. Whether you intend to hold a wedding for 100 or an exhibition for 1,000, Turf Valley will make you look good to your clients and employees for there are many options -from room size and ambiance, to views and location. In addition, there are excellent food and beverage selections and a "can do" attitude from the staff. Reason 3. It is a golfer's paradise, with three courses, a lighted putting green, and P.G.A. professionals for advice and guidance.

International visitors will find Turf Valley a superb opportunity to see Americans at leisure and to learn that the USA is more than Washington politics and Wall Street financial deals. I have traveled to remote parts of the world to find what the people in the PRC and Sri Lanka do when they are not working. Here is the perfect opportunity to see what Americans do when they turn off their computers and spend the weekend with their families.

For information and reservations contact Regina Ford at reginaford@turfvalley.com

000 Elinor Garely
For eTurboNews elinor@eturbonews.com