Doral Arrowwood Presents its First "Staycation" - Book Lovers Weekend Invites Guests to Immerse Themselves in a World of Books and Ideas

Rye Brook, NY (PRWEB) September 2, 2008 -- It's the dream mini-vacation for book lovers - a weekend devoted to literature, history, science, politics, and even mysteries and short stories with authors and editors in an idyllic Westchester setting just about one gallon of gas from New York City. The Doral Arrowwood Resort has created the first ever Book Lovers Weekend - featuring books, recreation, and fine dining - an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in a world of books and ideas. The event, presented with Publishers Weekly magazine, will be held at Doral's premiere resort in Rye Brook, NY, on November 14-16, 2008.

Book Lovers Weekend features presentations by and discussions with nearly 30 non-fiction and fiction authors, columnists, editors, and even bookstore owners. Among the many confirmed speakers are Patricia Hannon, author of 100 Things You Didn't Know About Jane Austen, John Granger, author of Unlocking Harry Potter, Heidi Pitler, series editor of Best America short stories, on "What Makes a Great Short Story?;" Benjamin Wallace, and author of The Billionaires Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine, on business books. Other speakers include Abby Ellin, a New York Times freelance writer, speaking on "Writing About Books," and United Features columnist Kevin McDonough speaking on "Turning Books into Movies."

Doral Arrowwood, a 373-room luxury resort nestled on 114 wooded acres, invites book lovers to indulge their body as well as their mind. Only 40 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Doral Arrowwood offers an extensive selection of recreational activities, including an indoor/outdoor pool, spectacular golf course, indoor/outdoor tennis, spa services, fitness center, walking and jogging paths, squash, racquetball, sauna, and whirlpool. Among its fine dining options are the Atrium, with its daylight views and romantic evening ambiance and The Pub, offering relaxed camaraderie.

The themed weekend represents a new venture that reflects Doral Arrowwood's growth strategy for expanding its targeted markets on weekends. "In these challenging economic times with rising gas prices and a slowing economy, people are looking for 'staycation' opportunities close to home," says Steve Mabus, General Manager of Doral Arrowwood. "This is the first of several themed weekends at which we will offer unique programming and opportunities for social networking in our elegant resort setting. In many ways the current economy has actually created new opportunities for us."

A partnership with Westchester Library System and New York Public Library is under development to encourage participation among library card members, and an onsite Barnes & Noble store will allow guests to purchase author's books. Book Lovers Weekend was conceived by entrepreneur Steven Schragis. His most recent project was One Day University, which he co-founded in 2006 in Westchester and is now in 11 different cities. According to Schragis, who was also a founder of Spy Magazine, the Carol Publishing Group, and the Learning Annex Expos, "Book Lovers Weekend represents an innovative partnership between a conference center and book publishers looking to expand beyond their usual business markets." Schragis and Doral Arrowwood are planning similar weekends in 2009 for film and music lovers.

Cevin Bryerman, Associate Publisher, Publishers Weekly, noted "The partnership with Doral Arrowwood is part of the magazine's effort to expand its franchise into the consumer market. Publishers Weekly is a great brand and we're excited about the opportunity to get people involved with books and reading."

Book Lovers Weekend begins on the evening of Friday, November 14 and ends Sunday afternoon, November 16. The price of $489 for two ($289 for one) includes hotel accommodations for two nights and complimentary breakfast. Library card holders and book club members receive a 10 percent discount off the cost of the weekend. Door-to-door shuttle transportation from New York City is available by advance reservation for $80 round trip. For reservations and additional information, call 866-428-9739 or visit www.doralarrowwood.com.

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