Q My husband and I had a dream vacation planned for our 25th anniversary: a week on Maui, snorkeling, hiking and lounging by the beach. But the truth is, we can't afford it right now. We can still swing a modest trip, but we won't be flying anywhere. Where can we get a Maui-like experience in October by car?

A Maui, shmaui. You can have a wonderfully romantic retreat here in the Midwest.

Throw out any stereotype you may have of the "Waterpark Capital of the World," and consider a drive to Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Sundara Inn and Spa is an adults-only retreat with a host of pampering spa treatments, a pool that is heated year-round and only 26 suites on 26 wooded acres (www.sundaraspa.com). You can get your hiking fix at Devil's Lake State Park in nearby Baraboo. The Dells' steak houses -- especially Fields at the Wilderness (www.fieldsatthewilderness.com) and Kaminski Bros Chophouse (www.kaminskibros.com) -- are worthy of a celebration. Come October (and for that month only) High Rock Cafe (www.highrockcafe.com) will be serving beer-braised pork belly, a handy replacement for the roast pork luau staple known as Kalua Pua'a. As for the snorkeling, you'll have to stop at the Mall of America on your way out of town, where you can snorkel the Rainbow Reef exhibit at Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium. Go to www.visitsealife.com and click on the "experiences" link for more information.

Just don't give up your Hawaiian dream. It's not too early to start saving for your 30th anniversary.

KERRI WESTENBERG

EAST COAST QUAKE

The magnitude-5.8 earthquake that shook the East Coast on Tuesday has shut down the iconic Washington Monument on the National Mall. The National Park Service found cracks in the stones at the top of the 555-foot-high, 127-year-old obelisk and will keep the structure closed while it assesses and repairs the fissures. The Smithsonian Institution Building on the Mall, designed to look like a castle, also sustained cracks and is closed, though all of the Smithsonian museums -- including the Air and Space Museum, the American Indian Museum and the American History Museum -- remain open. The Washington National Cathedral was also significantly damaged and remains closed at press time.

KERRI WESTENBERG

AIRLINES

If you're wondering when Continental Airlines will disappear into United, their single operating certificate should be approved by year's end and the Continental name should say bye-bye by early 2012. One interesting note: United has adopted Continental's cool globe logo and dumped its tulip logo. As when Delta absorbed Northwest, tickets for flights booked on Continental are safe.

DETROIT FREE PRESS

WEB WATCH

Before you pledge allegiance to one hotel search engine, you might want to check out Google.com/hotelfinder, which provides an easy-to-use search feature. It also allows you to adjust your location search area -- around, say, a museum -- by manipulating the Google map. Bargain hunters, don't miss the column called "Compared to typical" in the search results, which lets you know whether the current price is more or less than a typical room price at that hotel over the last year.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

hotels

The guidelines for tipping at a hotel are like they are for dining out -- you tip for table service in cheap diners and swanky restaurants. Tip a couple of dollars per day in a budget or moderate hotel; in a high-end place where housekeeping involves turn-down service, filling the ice bucket, etc., tip at least $5 per night.

TRIPADVISOR.COM

SIDEROADS

In picturesque Bayfield, Wis., the 16th annual Apostle Island Lighthouse Celebration Sept. 7-17 highlights historic lighthouses that dot the Lake Superior islands. Narrated boat cruises and guided walking tours will be offered on select days. Other events include a lecture, a Keepers' Reunion Day and dinner, visits from artists and authors, and a photography contest. For information: 1-800-779-4487; www .lighthousecelebration.com.

COLLEEN A. COLES