COMPASS

amelia island specials

Head to Amelia Island, northeast of Jacksonville on the Atlantic coast, for some good prices on lodging:

•The 14-room Addison on Amelia is offering the "I Need a Break Right Now" special through July 31. Guests will get half off the rate of the second night on any reservation made within two days of arrival.

For details, go to www.addisonon

amelia.com or call 1-800-943-1604.

•The 25-room, beachfront Elizabeth Pointe Lodge's "Park & Pedal Package" offers guests staying three nights a daily buffet breakfast, a picnic lunch for two each day and daily bike rentals. Rates start at $735 (based on double occupancy).

For details, go to www.elizabeth

pointelodge.com or call 1-800-772-3359.

•The Hampton Inn, Amelia Island offers several specials, including one called "We'll Fuel Your Fun!" at $139 per night, plus tax. Stay two nights and receive a gift card worth $50. Guests get gas cards after staying two nights.

For details, go to www.amelia

islandhamptoninn.com or call 1-800-426-7866.

wine tour cd

Sure, you can drive from winery to winery in California's Sonoma and Napa valleys, but by listening to a new CD, you can learn more about the wineries, their owners, restaurants and tastings along the way.

"Wine Tasting in the Carneros Region of Sonoma & Napa Valleys," presented by Corinne Van Houten, describes nearly a dozen wineries and features owners telling how they got started in wine-making, why they love it and why they enjoy living in wine-making country.

The region is known for pinot noir and chardonnay, but also offers cabernet sauvignon and muscat canelli. Van Houten steers listeners to the best places for them all.

She also tells which wineries have tasting fees. Her CD, which costs $17.50 (shipping included), comes with $40 worth of coupons for wine tastings. To order, go to www.

corinnevanhouten.com.

zoo guide

Who knew how many zoos were in the United States? Learn about 60 of the best in "America's Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families," by Allen W. Nyhuis and Jon Wassner (The Intrepid Traveler, $15.95).

It features all sorts of facts about the zoos, including addresses, hours, admission fees, directions, highlights, tips and attractions children are sure to love.

The guidebook is organized by regions of the country, so it's easy to use.

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is featured among Southern zoos. The authors' tip for it: Save money on rides by buying the unlimited-ride wristband, sold at the main entrance.

Karen Haymon Long