Dublin, Ireland

ORIENTATION: Downtown Dublin is only about 20 minutes from the airport (located NW of the city). Unless you've been to Ireland (specifically Dublin), don't bother driving in Dublin. Take a taxi to get to the city and then get by via foot after that. It is a pretty manageable city.

HOTEL:

• Four Seasons Hotel - located in the Ballsbridge area, near the US Embassy.
  

RESTAURANTS:

• Roly's Bistro - located in the Ballsbridge area, this is a great little restaurant. Make sure to order something with potatoes on the side, they do them especially well here.
• Salamanca - located close to Grafton St. and Temple Bar. This is a great tapas bar in the heart of Dublin.
  

PUBS:

• Temple Bar - very famous, but you'll pay a premium here

ATTRACTIONS:

• Trinity College and Books of Kells - you can't miss this. Students give a great tour here and the grounds are beautiful. The tour should end in the library.
  
• Grafton Street Area - walk around the shops or grab a pint!
  

GOLF:

• Portmarnock Golf Club - 27 holes, allegedly some of the best in Ireland. Recent host of a Walker Cup.
  
• Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links - set on the old Jameson estate, not quite the same of Portmarnock Golf Club
  
• European Club - about an hour drive south of Dublin, but worth the trip! This is right on the coast and gives excellent links golf.
  

Interlaken, Switzerland

GETTING THERE: Your best bet on traveling to Interlaken will be by train. Whether you are coming from another country or within Switzerland there are two stops that drop you off on either side of Interlaken. Interlaken West will drop you off in the heart of the city, giving you access to town and many of the hotel options. Interlaken Ost will be your station to continue up the mountain via train. The town is very walkable. Hiking paths or the regional train can take you to other villages up the mountain.

LODGING:

• Balmer's Hostel - if you are traveling cheaply this is the spot to stay. Come summertime this place is swarmed with traveling students/backpackers, making for a huge international scene at nighttime. Balmer's is a good base for any outdoor activities as they can book your reservations or point you out to nearby locations with various services.
• Hotel Goldey - almost directly between the Ost and West train stations. This is a quiet hotel right off the river. Ask for a mountain view for beautiful views of the Jungfrau.
  

ACTIVITIES: if you enjoy the outdoors this is your spot. At any point of they year you can find anything possible to do.

• Hiking - stop by the tourist information offices near either train station. You should be able to get a hiking trail map in English. You'll follow the yellow signs on your "wanderwag" which are all written in German. For a couple rewarding day hikes start in Interlaken and head to Grindewald or Wengen. If you are tired from walking up the mountains, the Jungfrau Regional trains can get you back to Interlaken.
  
• Skiing - Wengen and Grindewald are two ski areas. Wengen has beautiful views of the Jungfrau and Eiger. For a link to snow conditions check out RideGuide.
  
• Canyoning - a mix of hiking, repelling, swimming in the heart of the alps.
  
• Paragliding - ride tandem with one of several outfits in Interlaken. You'll start up one of the mountains and and in the center of town. You'll have the option to document this through your guides camera. The pictures of interlaken below are gorgeous.
  
• Bungy Jumping - several different providers here. In the past they've had moonlight jumps.
  
• Rafting - said to be one of the better spots in Switzerland.
  
• Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe - 3,454m (11,333 ft) - view of Alps (at the Sphinx) and restaurant available near top of the Jungfrau. This is a UNESCO World Heritage location with the trainstation built into the mountain.
  

FOOD:

• Budget - look for a Coop or Migros grocery store in town. Note: they will close on Sunday (all day) and early on Saturdays.
  

Highlands, North Carolina

HOTEL:

• Inn at Half Mile Farm - this place is a treat and frankly worth the spend. If you have a large group this would be an excellent spot to base your vacation. We attended a wedding here in Fall which was beutiful!

GOLF:

• Highlands Cove GC - great mountain golf and scenerary here. You'll want to stick with the cart here, especially on the front 9!

SHOPPING:

• Bryant Art Glass Studio - great antiques and gifts. 216 S. 4th St. (828) 526-4095