If you’re a fan of the Antiques Roadshow on PBS, you’ve likely already heard that they’ll be visiting South Dakota soon. This will be the show’s first visit to South Dakota. The TV Show will be at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center on Saturday, July 14, 2012.

If you’re interested in being on the Antiques Roadshow, you can apply for two free tickets for one of the events until April 16. Click here to be taken to the ticket application page.

There are several things to consider before applying for tickets, including information on how large the items can be. For everything you need to know about the items you’re interested in bringing in, or information about the location of the event in Rapid City, click here.

Watch July 14th, 2012 — ROADSHOW Comes to Rapid City, SD! on PBS. See more from Antiques Roadshow.

If you’re not able to attend the event, look forward to watching your programming for the Antiques Roadshow in Rapid City, South Dakota. We look forward to their visit this summer.

Ready to chase away the winter blues? It seems like this time of year I am itching to get out of the house, take a quick weekend get-away, and indulge in something to get ready for spring. One great way to get ready for spring is to treat yourself to a nice spa treatment. Many of South Dakota’s hotels, resorts and lodges offer spa treatments. It’s worth checking into.

I’m tempted to find a relaxing lodge, splurge on a good spa treatment and sit around by the fireplace all evening. In South Dakota, you certainly can find some great places to receive excellent spa treatment.

In Sioux Falls, check out Radiance Holistic Day Spa. It’s a full service day spa providing services that are centered around natural health principles. Enjoy a massage, yoga, facials and more. While in the Black Hills, stay and spa at the Hotel Alex Johnson; inside the hotel is a Paul Mitchell salon and spa.

There are several spa locations across communities of South Dakota. It’s a great opportunity to freshen up and feel revived for spring!

Ride with Larry is an inspirational documentary that puts a human face on the day-to-day fight against Parkinson’s disease. Larry Smith, a retired police captain, beloved small-town baker, and avid cyclist has had Parkinson’s disease for the last 20 years. This spring he will be followed by a camera crew as he bikes across South Dakota to raise awareness about the benefits of recumbent cycling and Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease affects over a million and a half Americans and, although there is no cure for Parkinson’s yet, Larry doesn’t give up. He fights every day to live the best life he can and enriches the lives of everyone he touches. It’s his courage and tenacity that helps him battle Parkinson’s in the best possible way: staying active and positive.

Larry’s daily bike rides have had such an incredible impact on both his mind and body that he has decided it’s time to spread the message. Together with his family and community, Larry will push his limits and expand the boundary of possibilities for those with Parkinson’s disease as he rides across the state.

Each leg of Larry’s journey, through beautiful South Dakota, will be filmed for the documentary. Weaved amongst this narrative will be an intimate portrait of the everyday battle against Parkinson’s, the voice therapy, exercise routine, medications, treatments, and the community love that makes it all possible and worthwhile.

This documentary is being made because as filmmakers want to make a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s disease, family members, and caretakers. Beyond Parkinson’s disease, anyone facing a life altering illness can find inspiration in Ride with Larry. Join in on Larry’s ride, and follow updates about his journey.

Click here for a video and more about Ride with Larry. Please  help spread the message about his journey through South Dakota.

Question #3 – After whom was Mount Rushmore named and where did he live?

Answer - Charles E. Rushmore, a New York City Attorney in 1885, who was in South Dakota on business.

Question #4 – How many steps did the workers at Mount Rushmore climb every day to work on the mountain? And how much was their daily wage?

Answer -400 workers climbed the 700 steps to work each day on the mountain. They earned only $8 per day.

Question #5 – How many years did it take to carve Mount Rushmore?

Answer - The Shrine of Democracy took 14 years to carve.

OTHER EXCITING INFO -
You can watch for Mount Rushmore’s American Pride to go through the NBC telecast around 10:22 a.m. in which ever time zone you are watching from. Right before the Mount Rushmore float will be the Golden Express Train and Ronald McDonald’s Big Red Shoe Car and Balloon. We are so excited to watch the entire parade!

From the staff at the South Dakota Office of Tourism, we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

If you happen to be traveling through or to South Dakota this week or next week, please keep an eye on the weather. There is a system rolling through with snow, high winds and cold temps. Which really isn’t anything new for December in South Dakota, but please travel with caution.

For more updates on statewide weather, visit the Weather Channel for the most up-to-date forecast in the Midwest. http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/region-midwest-weather-forecast_2009-10-09?from=hp_news&anchor.

You can also dial ”511″ from any phone and receive up-to-date, location-specific road restriction, construction, condition, and weather information on any Interstate, US, or state highway in South Dakota and several adjoining states. You can also call 866-MYSD511 (866-697-3511).

All the best to everyone in 2010 and if you need any affordable travel ideas for the upcoming year, feel free to drop us an email at TravelSD@state.sd.us or visit www.TravelSD.com.

Happy Holidays,

SD Tourism Staff

Check out this article in the Argus Leader, published today.

http://www.argusleader.com/article/20091216/OUTDOORS01/912160324/1047/outdoors

Troy Derksen of Minnetonka, MN took this photo of a large mule deer buck in Badlands National Park and sent it to us.