Virginia's Mountain Lake Lodge

Immersed in the history and spirit of the mountains dating back to the mid 1800s, travelers have long escaped the heat to Mountain Lake Lodge in the temperate Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. For the last weeks of summer, the resort where the iconic movie Dirty Dancing was filmed 36 years ago and afficionados can transport themselves back in time, is offering a cool escape with "Take a Peak" – starting at $225 per night and featuring three nights lodging, breakfast each morning at Harvest restaurant, and $150 resort credit.

While much of the country has been under a heat alert, guests at Mountain Lake Lodge have been enjoying cool breezes away from the noise and hubbub, but still convenient to such major cities as Richmond, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The property is perched atop Salt Pond Mountain in the center of a 2,600-acre nature preserve and bird sanctuary.

"As guests did more than 100 years ago, a similar phenomenon has been occurring during this summer of exceptionally high heat and humidity," says Heidi Stone, president and CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge. "Our cooling sandstone lodge and cabins with their metal roofs continue to be naturals for keeping guests comfortable, no matter how high the temps may soar." This summer, most days have had high temperatures in the mid-70s, then drop to the 50s at night.

Says one resort guest from Savannah, GA, who has gotten away from the sweltering heat and humidity for a Mountain Lake Lodge vacation each of the past three summers, "If you're looking to beat the heat and for great hospitality, Mountain Lake Lodge is the place to be. The staff is friendly and helpful, I've enjoyed several activities, excellent food, and slept with the windows open with temps in the high-50s every night. I'm relaxed and I feel great."

Mountain Lake Lodge offers an adventuresome, activity-filled stay that boasts glorious views and 22 miles of pristine trails. Known as Kellerman's Mountain House in the classic movie, it's still the ideal place "to have the time of your life" and relax in a place faithful to the outdoors. There are scavenger hunts, self-guided tours that highlight filming locations, lawn games, and screenings of the original film.

Activities run the gamut from guided hikes of Lake Loop Trail and scenic Bald Knob with lunch at the Cascades, ziplining at Treetop Adventures, and Gator Tours of the property's backcountry trails and overlooks, to 3D archery, bubble ball, a zero-entry pool complex, lessons at Clays at the Overlook for novice and experienced shooters, the nearby New River for kayaking and fishing, and Appalachian stargazing.

Guests can park their cars upon arrival and take shuttles to activities and through the nature preserve for the length of their stay. Mountain Lake Lodge's newest offerings include two Escape Rooms, naturalist and art programs, the open-air Salt Pond Pub, Kellerman's Gift Shop for official Dirty Dancing® merchandise, and Salt Pond Living with local crafts and regional treasures.

Mountain Lake Lodge has received first place in both Virginia Living's Best Resort and Best Special Event Venue 2023, and was voted The Knot'sBest of Weddings 2023. The resort has also been recognized with TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2022. For reservations, visit www.mtnlakelodge.com or call 540-626-7121.

Holland America More Experiences and Savings for Guests

Holland America Line is making it more affordable for travelers to see the world with a new "Unforgettable Journeys Event" that includes some of the best values on cruises to five continents. Running from June 28 through July 31, 2023, the offer is available on departures from October 2023 through April 2024 and adds several popular perks and amenities to the journey.

In addition to prepaid crew appreciation (gratuities) and 50% reduced deposits, the "Unforgettable Journeys Event" features shore excursions, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi with the "Have it All" premium package. With a savings of approximately $115 per person, per day, this represents a value of $1,610 for a seven-day cruise or $3,450 for a 15-day Panama Canal transit with a double occupancy booking.

"Holland America Line's 'Have it All' premium package already adds exceptional value with some of our most popular amenities, and with the 'Unforgettable Journeys Event' that includes prepaid crew appreciation we're making it even more enticing to start planning that next cruise," said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line's chief commercial officer. "Travelers are looking for offers that provide significant savings or include add-ons to enhance their experience, and our newest promotion does both."

Unforgettable Journeys Benefits

Crew Appreciation: Prepaid stateroom gratuities for crew members is included for the first and second guests in a stateroom.

50% Reduced Deposits: Guests making a booking have reduced deposits, making it more economical to preplan a future cruise.

Shore Excursions (part of Have it All fares): Based on the length of the cruise, guests receive up to three tours valued at $100 each. Choose from among thousands of tours all over the world — from active adventures and immersive culinary experiences to historical explorations and cultural discoveries.

Signature Beverage Package (part of Have it All fares): Guests enjoy a large selection of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, soda, water, coffee and more. Up to 15 drinks per day are allowed, and bar service charges are included.

Specialty Dining (part of Have it All fares): Depending on the ship and duration of the cruise, guests can indulge in Holland America Line's award-winning specialty dining up to three nights. Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, while Tamarind showcases the traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan with sensuous flavors and dishes. Canaletto is a relaxed venue serving authentic Italian cuisine.

Wi-Fi Surf Package (part of Have it All fares): Stay connected while away from home. With Holland America Line's most popular Wi-Fi package, guests can visit their favorite sites, including email, news, sports and more.

With the "Unforgettable Journeys Event" offer, travelers can explore Antarctica, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America and Tahiti. Included in the offer is Koningsdam's 22-day Solar Eclipse and Circle Hawaii cruise that positions the ship for total eclipse viewing April 8.

Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Unforgettable Journeys Event is not valid on Grand Voyages or cruises of three days or less. Visit HollandAmerica.com for terms and conditions.

Textron Aviation Delivers the First Flagship Cessna Citation Longitude

Textron Aviation just announced that it has delivered the first flagship Cessna Citation Longitude business jet registered in Mexico to a customer who plans to utilize the aircraft for business travel throughout Mexico and North America. The Longitude received certification from the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) in 2022.

The Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet is designed, produced and delivered by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

“The Citation Longitude’s performance, efficiency and unrivaled cabin experience make it the perfect aircraft for passengers and pilots alike, and we are pleased to deliver this for our customers in Mexico,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales and Flight Operations. “We’re grateful for the owners and operators who continue to choose Citation business jets for their business and personal travel, and to the extraordinary Textron Aviation workforce that designs, builds and maintains our legendary lineup of aircraft.”

The Citation Longitude incorporates the latest technologies throughout the aircraft like integrated autopilot, autothrottles, and emergency descent mode (EDM). The aircraft is equally designed around the pilot experience, passenger comfort and overall performance, delivering an aircraft that lives up to its designation as the flagship of the Citation family of business jets. No other super-midsize business jet offers more range, greater payload or higher cruise speed at a lower direct operating cost. Longitude owners and operators in Mexico can appreciate city pairs such as Monterrey, Mexico to Asuncion, Paraguay; Toluca, Mexico to Belem, Brazil; and with only one stop, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Tokyo, Japan. The company recently announced that the 100th production unit of the Citation Longitude rolled out of the factory and is expected to deliver later this year.

About the Cessna Citation Longitude

With a range of 6,482 kilometers (3,500 nautical miles) and full fuel payload of 726 kilograms (1,600 pounds), the Citation Longitude is designed to elevate passenger expectations in the super-midsize class by delivering the quietest cabin, a low cabin altitude (1,509 meters / 4,950 feet) more standard features and a comfortable, bespoke interior. With seating for up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat, the Longitude features a stand-up, 6-foot tall flat-floor cabin. A standard double-club configuration delivers the most legroom in the super-midsize class. Fully berthable seats are designed and manufactured in-house, and a spacious walk-in baggage compartment is accessible throughout the flight. State-of-the-art cabin technology enables passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from a mobile device. The spacious cockpit incorporates easier access and an ergonomic design that fully focuses on crew comfort and efficiency.

The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, bringing customers the lowest direct operating cost in its class. Powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines, the Longitude combines on-condition engine overhaul periods to best-in-class airframe intervals of 18 months / 800 hours, whichever occurs first. Textron Aviation's full time diagnostics recording system (AReS) and 3D Technical Publications combine advanced technology to reduce maintenance downtime and overall costs to operation.

About Textron Aviation

We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com | www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

SeaWorld Orlando and Coral Conservation in USA

SeaWorld Orlando opened its first and all new Coral Rescue Center to park guests following a VIP ribbon cutting ceremony with esteemed members from Florida's conservation and rescue communities and local, state, and national lawmakers. It is one of the largest public-facing facilities dedicated to coral conservation in the country. The state-of-the-art rescue facility provides the public with a unique opportunity to observe and interact with coral biologists as they carry out daily husbandry for "at risk" Florida corals. The center provides an important way to view living corals up close, learn more about conservation, and understand the steps everyone can take to make a difference in ocean health. Park guests to the new center marveled today at the hundreds of living coral colonies and 15 different species – many of which are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The center is part of SeaWorld's ongoing commitment to coral conservation as the private and public sector come together to help save the Florida coral reef. The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is the partner of the coral rescue center initiative.

The center's corals were selected and transferred from the Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC) to the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center for world-class care with the goal of being returned to the Florida reef as part of state and national restoration efforts. The reef is suffering from the devastating effects of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) – a highly lethal disease with a mortality rate of up to 100 percent.

"The new SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center represents another significant commitment to protect and conserve coral reefs and the Center enables the public to get a close up look at our work as we provide exceptional care in a safe haven for vulnerable corals as the conservation community works together to restore our vital coral reef system," said Jim Kinsler, Zoological Curator at SeaWorld Orlando and Manager of the Florida Coral Rescue Center in Orlando. "By raising awareness about the importance of corals and their role in the environment, we hope to ignite a passion for conservation in our visitors, empowering them to become ambassadors for the protection and preservation of Florida's corals."

SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center Serves as a Vital Hub for Coral Preservation and Education

Building on the success of the FCRC, the Coral Rescue Center at SeaWorld Orlando serves as an additional holding facility for these vulnerable corals. The Center is a 3,750 gallon fully functional, guest-facing coral facility housing 350 coral colonies and 15 species of at-risk coral, several of which are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Moreover, it will act as a crucial platform to educate and engage guests about the significance of coral reefs to sustaining healthy oceans.

Experienced coral biologists at the Center provide the rescued corals with expert care. This involves meticulous attention to water chemistry, flow, filtration, and lighting to ensure the corals thrive. The Center also aims to preserve a natural environment by introducing reef cleaners such as fish, snails, crabs, and sea urchins. These helpful creatures play a crucial role in cleaning algae from the corals and their surroundings, allowing for continued coral growth. To supplement their nutrient requirements, the SeaWorld biologists provide the corals with supplemental nutrients that they process for energy. Through these comprehensive care practices, the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center contributes to the long-term conservation of corals.

SeaWorld has a longstanding relationship with the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center is an extension of the partnership on the FCRC, providing funds towards the coral housing units that allow SeaWorld to house and care for the rescued corals. "Corals are the rainforests of the ocean," said Andrew Walker, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida President & CEO. "In addition to providing a home for a quarter of all marine life, corals buffer our coastline from damaging storms and fuel our state's economy. We're grateful to SeaWorld for providing a space for these rescued corals to thrive and for the public to learn more about our partnership to restore Florida's Coral Reef."

Bringing Together the Public and Private Sector to Save the Reef

Critical to the recovery of the coral reef system is the partnership between the private conservation community and public sector lawmakers. Legislation aimed at safeguarding coral reefs along Florida's coast, such as the Florida Coral Reef Protection Act and the Coral Reef Conservation Program, are instrumental in enacting protective measures and providing critical funding for restoration projects.

"The Florida coral reef is in trouble which poses both an ecological and economic threat to the state of Florida and the country. It's the largest coral reef ecosystem in the continental United States and vital to maintaining healthy oceans. It also supports over 71,000 jobs and generates over $6.3 billion in tourism revenue every year," said Congressman Soto. "I am proud to have worked across the aisle to pass the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act. Alongside our legislative efforts, partnering with world-class conservation and animal care organizations like SeaWorld will allow us to make a real difference in preserving our reefs for future generations."

SeaWorld's commitment to the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Program began in 2019 with the establishment of the FCRC. Selected due to its decades of extensive knowledge and expertise in coral, SeaWorld is one of 22 AZA-partners that has been chosen to facilitate and safekeep coral. In addition to maintaining rescued, healthy coral at the new SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center, SeaWorld is involved at the FCRC – the largest coral nursery in the country – providing world-class care for at-risk corals with the eventual goal of repopulating Florida's Coral Reef.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news from SeaWorld.

About SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the SeaWorld Entertainment (NYSE: SEAS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.

About the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other public and private partners to conserve Florida's native animals and plants and the lands and waters they need to survive. Operating as a statewide community foundation for conservation, the Foundation has raised and donated more than $66 million to conserve nature and our outdoor heritage. More information can be found at wildlifeflorida.org.