| "Road Trip" promo offers great deals | Date: 08-13-2010 |
| Joie de Vivre Hotels has been running a unique "California Road Trip" promotion this summer that offers a lot of special incentives for choosing one of their boutique hotels. Since their hotels are spread throughout the state, it's easy to find one of their hotels at or near your destination and then take advantage of such specials as $50 credits for food and beverages, free passes to local attractions and package deals that save up to 50 percent...One of our favorite California coast properties, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, recently upgraded all its guest rooms in addition to renovation of meeting space and the addition of the spectacular new OverVue lounge. The renovation project enhanced interior design, exterior structure and amenities of the resort. Aesthetic and functional improvements have been made to every one of the resort’s 378 rooms with luxurious, ocean-inspired furnishings, plush new floorings and sophisticated beach house décor with a variety of amenities from new LCD television sets to technological upgrades including faster Internet access. Set high on a bluff in Dana Point overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the AAA Four Diamond Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort & Spa makes the most of its ocean view location, overlooking the California Coastline, Doheny State Beach parkland and Dana Point Harbor, offering 2,500 yacht slips...
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| One of the best breakfasts...ever | Date: 07-28-2010 |
| In this economy, travelers are looking for value and we were reminded the other day of a lodging we stayed at that offers one of the best values in California. The Whispering Pines Lodge in Kernville probably has the best breakfast you'll ever encounter at a moderately priced lodging, and the rooms are designed to feel like a mountain cabin. It's a great place and we hope to go back soon...Two 20 foot towers equipped with a cable pulley system now stand erect in Big Bear Lake to give wakeboarding a new lift. The Cable Park at Big Bear Lake, the first of its kind in Southern California, is now open. The two-tower tow system wakeboard park with 500 feet of cable allows wakeboarders of all skill levels to enjoy wakeboarding without any pressure...Cool down this summer at the world's first LEGO-themed water park. Located at Carlsbad's Legoland, the park features seven different water slides; a Build-a-Raft-River where everyone floats on their own custom LEGO raft; DUPLO Splash Safari toddler play area; a 45-foot Splash Tower; sandy beach wading areas and private cabanas available for rental...
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| Take African safari in Santa Rosa | Date: 07-08-2010 |
| Want to take an African safari but not leave California? Safari West in Santa Rosa not only has the animals, but it now offers overnight accommodations in safari-style tents. Enjoy all the creature comforts when you spend the night in one of their luxury tents. Pale-green canvas walls enclose plush beds, hot showers and rustic but elegant trappings. There are polished wood floors, gleaming copper basins in the private bathrooms and one-of-a kind hand hewn furniture...Santa Cruz is offering GPS-enabled scooter cars to explore Santa Cruz's beaches, beauty and history. They're 100cc-powered two-seat scooters that get more than 60 miles per gallon...The City of Stockton now has a downtown marina that features 1,400 linear feet of guest dock space on the north and south shores of the downtown Stockton waterfront with easy access to the Historic Waterfront Warehouse, Stockton Arena, Stockton Ballpark, Weber Point Events Center and the Lexington Hotel...Tenaya Lodge of Yosemite plans to open a new 10,000-square-foot spa and 15,000-square-foot enhanced comprehensive conference facility this summer...
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| Big Bay Boom planned for San Diego | Date: 06-25-2010 |
| The epic 20-minute Big Bay Boom fireworks display over San Diego Bay is the largest display of its kind in the region. At 9 p.m. on July 4th, fireworks are launched simultaneously from four barges placed around the bay and choreographed to music broadcast on 105.7 FM radio. Back for its 10th year, the Big Bay Boom fireworks display can be seen throughout downtown San Diego, neighboring Coronado, Point Loma and many communities throughout the city. Great viewing spots are all along the bay front and aboard popular harbor cruises....In San Francisco this summer, you can enjoy band concerts at the Golden Gate Park. Regular band concerts began in Golden Gate Park in 1882. The Golden Gate Park Band performs every Sunday through Sept. 26 and the occasional holiday at 1 p.m. in the Spreckles Temple of Music, Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park. History comes alive at the many performances that feature music from specific nationalities and cultures; on these occasions there are dancers, singers, speakers in attendance who “enlighten and entertain,” according to the band’s website....In Newport Beach, one of the most famous and historical yachts in the city is the Wild Goose, once owned by movie star John Wayne, and visitors can now do a dockside tour aboard the vessel. The tour includes a one-hour dockside visit and the cost is $25 per person...
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| Beer pairings for fathers in San Diego | Date: 06-08-2010 |
| Sally's Restaurant in San Diego has come up with a unique gift for those fathers out there who are also beer-drinkers (which is probably most of them). Instead of a wine pairing, its a beer pairing along the San Diego Bay Boardwalk between Seaport Village and the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Running from June 7 through June 21, the Prix-Fixe Dinner & Beer Pairing will offer fathers a chance to pair up gourmet meals with beer, with three courses just $45 including the beer, or $35 without the beer...Summertime in California’s Death Valley National Park is extreme. And that is largely the reason the arid, desolate and ruggedly beautiful park draws more than 227,000 travelers during summer months when daytime temperatures often exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Situated in east-central California on the edge of the Mojave Desert, the park hosts as many as 900 tour bus travelers each day. Nearly all of the visitors are from European countries. “European travelers in particular love it here during our extreme summer months,” said Phil Dickinson, director of sales and marketing for the Furnace Creek Resort...Plan your beach vacation to Santa Cruz County this year with the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council’s (CVC) free 2010 Official Santa Cruz County Traveler’s Guide. The 2010 Guide, 80 pages thick, features a new design, enhanced area maps, and an emphasis on three new feature stories as well as regular elements visitors have come to expect from the 15-year old publication... |
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| Groveland Hotel concerts to start soon | Date: 05-24-2010 |
| The Groveland Hotel, near Yosemite National Park, begins its summer concert season on May 28 with a Tribute to the Legends: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole, presented by Steve Swan and Richard Hall. Next up they have two shows in one night (7:00 and 9:30), June 11, for the all new Beach Toys, an impressive Beach Boys tribute band that "gets around." Then, on June 12, there are two shows (7:00 and 9:30) for the returning Paperback Writer, the popular Beatles tribute band that always rocks the house...On June 6 book a stay at Sorensen's Resort, in the Lake Tahoe area, and take part in the benefit fundraiser for Friends of Hope Valley. From 1-6 p.m., enjoy bluegrass music by the Back 40 Band and the eclectic (folk, blues, jazz) duo of Ten-Dollar Pony with Larry Nair and Beth Oliveto. BBQ chicken and ribs extra...The Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureau presents their 19th Tour des Fleurs on Saturday, July 17th. Tour des Fleurs offers the public a once-a-year opportunity to tour local nurseries/greenhouses, wineries and farms. Many of these businesses are not ordinarily open to the public and during Tour des Fleurs they invite visitors for a “behind the scenes” tour of their facilities and operations...
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| Concert season begins in Temecula | Date: 05-10-2010 |
| The concert season is under way in Temecula Wine Country, where Wiens Family Cellars is featuring Wild Child, a Doors Tribute band, on May 22. The winery plans several concerts over the summer, including a Beatles tribute and some name acts such as J.D. Priest. Temecula is a great place to visit any time of year with dozens of wineries and great valley views, all within a short drive of Los Angeles or San Diego...On Memorial Day weekend, the plaza of the Old Mission in Santa Barbara will be transformed with 200 colorful, large-scale street paintings created by 400 artists and young people. As part of the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival, the artists begin working on Saturday morning of the Memorial Day weekend and continue drawing throughout the three-day festival, or until their street paintings are completed. The festival also features live music on the Mission lawn and free evening concerts in the church, authentic Italian cuisine and a special street painting area for children...Los Angeles is rolling out the red carpet for visitors this summer with special savings on accommodations, attractions and museums. Celebrating the city's major events -- such as the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 75th anniversary of Starline Tours' celebrity tours as well as the openings of "King Kong 360 3-D", a new attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, based on the Oscar®-winning 2005 Peter Jackson film and "Mummies of the World," at the California Science Center -- the promotion is designed to offer visitors exclusive "Red Carpet" offers while highlighting all that is new in Los Angeles...
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| Phone apps for Bay area visitors | Date: 04-21-2010 |
| Technology provides travelers with new paths to discover historic landmarks, dive into the history of a city and even find the nearest restrooms in their vicinity. With San Francisco being at the forefront of technology, hundreds of phone applications (apps) are available to help locals and visitors navigate the streets of San Francisco – from finding a new restaurant, discovering the best places to take your camera, or the closest ATM. The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau has compiled a list of travel-related apps that visitors will find useful before and during their visit to San Francisco...
Do you find yourself dreaming of sunny beaches, boutique shopping, vintage steam trains and classic seaside amusement parks? If so, the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitor's Council is offering visitors a chance to travel to Santa Cruz for free. This spring, the CVC's Santa Cruz Vacation Getaway contest offers visitors a chance to win a two-night stay at a Santa Cruz area hotel, four tickets to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, four tickets to Roaring Camp Railroads, and shopping certificates to use in Capitola Village. The contest will offer several chances to win, as weekly winners will be drawn randomly beginning this month, and continuing through June 30, 2010...Audubon Canyon Ranch, a leader in conservation science, regional habitat protection and restoration and hands-on environmental education programs for kids and adults, has announced its 1,000-acre Bolinas Lagoon Preserve is open now through July 11, 2010, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekday access (Tuesday-Friday) is available by appointment. Bolinas Lagoon Preserve hosts one of the most studied Great Blue Heron and Great Egret nesting sites on the West Coast. The preserve averages about 100 active nest sites yearly in a grove of redwoods on the property. Each month during public season, visitors can witness different stages of the heron and egret nesting cycle including courting rituals, eggs, chicks and first flights...
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| Santa Cruz offers new phone app | Date: 03-30-2010 |
| Fresh on the heels of a redesigned website, the Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council has launched a new mobile application to assist visitors. The application serves as a resource for visitors looking for lodging, dining, events and activities in Santa Cruz County. In addition, the mobile site provides current weather conditions, directions, a surf report and address and phone number to the CVC's year-round visitor Center at 303 Water Street in Santa Cruz...The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau has announced the release of the 2010 Anaheim/Orange County Travel Guide. The 114-page, 2010 Anaheim/Orange County Travel Guide offers a comprehensive overview of Orange County area accommodations, attractions, arts and culture, beaches, sports and recreation, shopping, dining, entertainment and transportation...Watch out for this hotel scam: You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. When
checking in, you give the front desk your credit card and you get to your room and settle in. Someone calls the front desk and asks for a room number, which happens to be yours. Your phone rings in your room, you answer and the person on the other end says the following: "This is the front desk. When checking in, we came cross a problem with your charge card information. Please re-read me your credit card number and verify the last three digits numbers at the reverse side of your charge card." Don't give this information by phone -- walk down to the front desk to verify that it was the front desk calling... |
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| New hotline tells where wildflowers are | Date: 03-10-2010 |
| If you're looking for wildflowers in Central and Southern California, there now is the Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline that will help you find the best places to view wildflowers. The hotline message is narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Joe Spano and is updated every Thursday evening with new information on more than 90 wildflower sites. Call (818) 768-3533...There is something special about a non-traditional Easter egg hunt. Rather than looking for candy-filled eggs on a grassy lawn, or tied up in trees, children will enjoy hunting for their egg-encased treats hidden in the hills of the Calico Mountain. The fun begins at 11:00 a.m. and runs through 5:00 p.m. April 3rd and 4th. This year, Calico will feature musical performances by the favorite Cornbread Washtub Band...If you'd like to go ghost-hunting, join Charlotte of California Ghost Haunts for her guided investigation of the Groveland Hotel in the ongoing search for Lyle, the hotel's resident ghost. Bring an audio recording device, and see what you catch...
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| Save 10% on your houseboat rental | Date: 02-17-2010 |
| Now is the time to reserve your houseboat for this summer on one of several gorgeous lakes in California or nearby states. Renting a houseboat doesn't require boating experience and your vacation will be unforgettable. It's especially rewarding for families or couples who like to vacation with friends. Seven Crown Resorts is currently offering a 10 percent discount on your vacation, even in prime time...Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe is offering a new travel option for skiers and snowboarders in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through a partnership with www.RenoTahoeSkiVacations.com skiers and snowboarders can build and book their own customized ski packages that include lift tickets, lodging and luxury motor coach transportation. Departures will be from several locations throughout the Bay Area...Join the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association as they open their member wineries' cellar doors for our 19th annual World of Wine March 6 and 7. Temecula Valley wine country wineries will offer tank and barrel tastings of future vintages - as well as finished, bottled wine tastings - paired perfectly with complementing food samplings. The event offers an opportunity for guests to visit each of our 27 member wineries over the course of the two-day event, which takes place from 10am to 4:30pm each day...
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| Civil War re-enactments set for Calico | Date: 02-09-2010 |
| Calico Ghost Town will transform into a Civil War experience over Presidents' Day weekend, February 13-15. Civil War re-enactors from across the Southwest Region will bring the Civil War to life allowing Calico guests to engage with company commanders, witness daily battles complete with cannons, calvary and passionate war cries. Various areas around Calico will become encampments for Union and Confederate troops. There will be two battles each day taking place at the Silver Bowl and Artillery Hill. Generals will narrate each of the battles...One of the best in the world -- that's the honor bestowed upon a boutique hotel in Carlsbad, California by TripAdvisor.com. The popular travel website, with more than 30 million traveler reviews, consistently ranks West Inn and Suites as #1 in Carlsbad and now the #3 Best Family Hotel in the World. West Inn and Suites is ranked ahead of hotels in Florence, London, Ixtapa, Cozumel, Costa Rica and Spain. In addition, West Inn and Suites is ranked as the #2 Best Family Hotel in the United States. TripAdvisor.com's customer reviews of West Inn and Suites cite the hotel's spacious suites, comfortable beds, immaculate grounds, delicious breakfast buffet and outstanding customer service as contributing to their favorable opinions of the property...
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| Signs of a thaw in travel economy | Date: 01-25-2010 |
| While many resorts and hotels are navigating their way through a tough economy, a recent CNN article indicates there are signs that the economy could be turning the corner for the travel industry. According to the article: Winter travel numbers are inching up in several categories, such as ski resort visits, and the hotel occupancy rate is expected to rebound later this year, travel analysts say. Scott D. Berman, an analyst for PricewaterhouseCoopers, says that his company's research shows that hotel lodging demand should increase this year. In 2009, the hotel occupancy percentage (the average percentage of rooms a lodge has reserved for customers) was 55.2 percent, seven percentage points below the long-term average of 62.8 percent, Berman says. But PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts predict that the hotel occupancy percentage will grow to 55.8 percent this year to accommodate growing demand, Berman says.
Like cherry blossoms budding at the beginning of spring, the signs of increased winter traveling may be small, but they are there. At one of the premier golfing resorts in Florida, business is up this year, officials say. The PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens hosts professional golfing events, but they also open their courses for public play to resort guests. Now the public is returning to play, says Craig Falanga, the resort's marketing director. He says room revenue in December of 2009 was up almost 10 percent compared to the previous December and golf packages are up 30 percent this month compared to January of 2009. Christmas and New Year's week food and beverage sales were also up 20 percent, he says. "There's only so long people will put their passion for golf on the back burner," Falanga says. "As the economy recovers, we anticipate that our guests will continue to return year after year, or even multiple times each year.'' |
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| Air Shasta opens remote ranch | Date: 01-05-2010 |
| Air Shasta, one of the north state's premiere helicopter charter tour services, has opened its once private ranch to the public. Everson Ranch was originally used by families and friends of Air Shasta's employees, but the 55-acre ranch can be booked for your stay. The ranch is 55 acres altogether. Guests can either drive to the remote property or take one of Air Shasta's helicopters...If you want to see what farms are like up-close, you can now take a Sonoma Farm tour, visiting an artisan farm or family vineyard for a private tour. You'll walk the land with the farmer or winegrower and settle in for a "farm-driven" dinner...The Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched a new website to make it easier to find just what you're looking for in beautiful Marin County, north of San Francisco. The website includes complete info on the several picturesque communities in Marin County...The Pacific Blue Inn is a new eco-conscious inn that has opened in Santa Cruz in the heart of the downtown....
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| Big Bear opens ice skating rink | Date: 12-14-2009 |
| With the holiday season comes lots of special activities. For example, the
Ice Garden Skating Rink is the newest winter attraction in Big Bear Lake this winter. The 5,000 square foot outdoor ice rink is located in the heart of Big Bear Village. It is the first ice rink in Big Bear Lake since Iceland closed its doors three decades ago, and the first outdoor ice rink since the Spalding Big Bear Woods Ice Rink disbanded in the 1930s...Another place to skate is in San Francisco's Union Square at the annual Safeway Holiday Ice Rink. Guests of the nearby Westin St. Francis Hotel will enjoy an overnight stay, admission for two to the ice rink and complimentary skate rentals for two, with rates starting as low as $107.63 per night for a three night stay (a 30% savings)...Speaking of bargains, consider Mt. Rose. Just up the hill from the Reno/Tahoe Airport, Mt. Rose Ski Area is the perfect first and last day of a Lake Tahoe winter vacation. Mt. Rose is Tahoe's Gateway Resort, located only 25 minutes away from Reno and 15 minutes away from Lake Tahoe. Mt. Rose has partnered with lodging properties in Reno and Lake Tahoe to offer amazing ski and stay deals starting at $69... |
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| Bargains just keep coming... | Date: 12-02-2009 |
| The travel deals just keep on coming as the hospitality industry rolls out bargain rates to entice more visitors. This is the best market for travelers in many years. For example many Santa Barbara hotels are offering an extra day free as part of their 24 More program. From beachside inns, B&B's and boutique-style accommodations to luxury resorts, wine country hideaways and family-run hotels, the third night free offer is available at a diverse range of properties. Whether budget-minded (think rates starting at $89/night) or in the mood to splurge on a deluxe suite, 24 More presents substantial savings only available now through March 31, 2010...Weekends are now more affordable for skiers and snowboarders at Big Bear. For the first time ever Big Bear Lake Resort Association gives its guests an opportunity to save money on discounted room rates and lift tickets on the weekends. The new weekend deals are a spin-off of Big Bear's Midweek Lift and Lodging Packages, which are once again active with rates starting as low as $69 per person per night, with double occupancy. Weekend Lift and Lodging Packages are from $89 per person, per night, with double occupancy and require a minimum of two nights lodging and two days of lift tickets. Lift and Lodging packages include discounted lodging at one of Big Bear's participating lodges and discounted, all-day, interchangeable lift tickets good for both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Lift tickets include complimentary shuttle service between both resorts...And up near Lake Tahoe, Sorensen's Resort is offering something quite unique: free snoeshoes for all their guests. Just stay in one of their fun little cabins and you can use their snowshoes to explore surrounding forests, see wildlife in the meadows, or take longer tromps into Hope Valley... |
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| Grand Del Mar awarded five-star | Date: 11-18-2009 |
| The Grand Del Mar, San Diego's much acclaimed luxury resort, has received one of the travel industry's most elite ratings: a coveted Five Diamond rating from the Automobile Association of America (AAA) for 2010. The property's signature dining venue, Addison, reaffirmed its status as one of the region's top dining destinations, achieving both the AAA Five Diamond status and Mobil Five-Star ranking for the second consecutive year...If you're interested in experiencing a luxury resort for just $99 a night, check out the weekly $99 specials offered by the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa, one of San Diego's best situated waterfront resorts...With the holidays approaching, many Santa Cruz County hotels are inviting visitors to give themselves the gift of travel to California's favorite beachside destination with rates that would make even Santa green with envy. In addition to lower hotel rates, there are plenty of free activities and events to indulge in. And to help visitors navigate their way through the top 12 free things to do and see in Santa Cruz County this season, the CVC has developed a flyer listing fun free ideas; call 800-933-3494 to find out what they are...More than 30 restaurants are preparing special menus for San Luis Obispo County's Restaurant Month January 2-31. Participating restaurants will feature three-course prix fixe menus for only $30, plus tax, per person. Meals can be paired with award-winning wines from Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo wine country at an additional charge. The countywide promotion includes restaurants from Arroyo Grande, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo and Shell Beach... |
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| Great places to spend the holidays | Date: 11-10-2009 |
| It's mid-November and the holidays are just around the corner. This holiday season, stroll through Old Town Temecula for an old-fashioned festive atmosphere with spectacular lights lining Old Town Front Street's historic buildings and stores. Bring the whole family and enjoy some holiday fun; visit Santa, go ice skating, listen to carolers and catch a theatrical performance. In Wine Country, thousands of lights will illuminate the vineyards and select wineries during the holiday season. Enjoy a day of wine tasting and shopping at one of our many unique Wine Country boutiques or savor the flavors of Wine Country at an intimate holiday winemaker dinner...The Westin St. Francis Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-François Houdré, aka "King of the Castle", is currently hard at work day and night perfecting his signature 12-foot rotating holiday sugar castle, to be unveiled in the historic Main Lobby of The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco on Friday, November 27. Originally created in 2005, this magnificent castle continually grows larger and more spectacular each year. Resembling a French cháteau, it weighs over 1200 pounds and features more than 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, illuminated windows, and is surrounded by a quaint village and a running train...Another great holiday place is Santa Barbara, where you'll enjoy festive local traditions and take advantage of stellar shopping without big city crowds. Shop for handcrafted gifts at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's 23rd Annual Folk & Tribal Arts Marketplace December 4-6. The 57th Annual Downtown Holiday Parade lights up State Street December 4. Kids will enjoy Santa Barbara Zoo's Sledding at the Zoo & Snow Leopard Festival December 5. The holiday spirit takes to the sea December 13 for the 24th Annual Harbor Parade of Lights. And, you can take in a performance of the State Street Ballet's Nutcracker, Santa Barbara Theatre's Peter Pan or PCPA Theaterfest's The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe... |
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| Inn at Furnace Creek open | Date: 10-26-2009 |
| The Inn at Furnace Creek has opened its doors for the season. The elegant hotel featuring 66 rooms, including two suites, will remain open through Sunday brunch May 9, 2010. All 66 units were refurbished last year. Located in the Furnace Creek Resort, the Inn opened February 1, 1927 with 12 guest rooms, a dining room and lobby area. Over the years, additions were constructed and improvements made until the Inn reached 66 rooms in 1935. Since 1982 the hotel has received the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award...Trick-or-treat like an adult this Halloween on The Perch at Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara. On Saturday, October 31st from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Canary Hotel turns The Perch, the coveted rooftop venue of the hotel, into a Haunted Hollywood Halloween cocktail party where all Starlets and "Mad Men" are all welcome. 1950's to 1980's Hollywood attire encouraged...On Saturday, November 21, 2009, the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association will host Passport Day. Explore the extraordinary viticultural region of the Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation and become acquainted with its incredible diversity of the wines and winemakers. At each winery you visit, a page of your Passport will be given a unique commemorative stamp. This is a special opportunity to visit many of the wineries that are not open to the public at other times. |
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| Wine events, great shows coming soon | Date: 10-02-2009 |
| La Bellasera Hotel reports that harvest in Paso Robles Wine Country is a sensation that can only be experienced among the vines. Over 130 wineries will host more than 150 individual events throughout the weekend of October 16 and 17. The Harvest Festival Tour is the perfect excuse to take a break from your everyday routine...The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is commemorating it's 18th year of celebrating the end of the grape harvest with the annual Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting Weekend November 7 and 8. Over 20 member wineries participate in the event which takes place from 10am to 4:30pm each day. Guests enjoy a self-guided tour through Temecula Valley Wine Country, sampling premium wines paired with wine friendly, mouth-watering morsels at each participating winery...The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies will raise the curtain again for their 19th Season on October 28, 2009. World-famous guest stars include Susan Anton, The Four Aces, Rita Coolidge and Mary Wilson...And for Halloween, how about a Ghost Train? The Legend of Sleepy Hollow comes alive October 30 and 31 at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton as the tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman is narrated during a spooky nighttime ride through the redwood forest. Felton is near Santa Cruz...
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| Redwoods hit cover of Nat Geo | Date: 09-21-2009 |
| National Geographic has a cover story on the California Redwoods in its October issue. Some of the stars include a mystery tree turned a jigsaw puzzle, a tree with a cave 100-foot high, and a tree with a creek running through it. Coincidentally, these and most of the other profiled super giants are in Redwood National & State Parks, which are home to half the world's old growth redwoods...Speaking of which, National Geographic's sister publication, National Geographic Traveler, just named Redwood National Park one of the top 50 world destinations. Only five U.S. spots made the list...
Half Moon Bay truly shines during the fall season. A vibrant coastal town located approximately 40 minutes south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is widely recognized as the pumpkin capital of the world with more than 3,000 tons of pumpkins produced each year by local growers. Bountiful fields are rich with brilliant orange pick-your-own pumpkins, pumpkin beer is on tap, homemade pumpkin ravioli is on the menu and specialty pumpkin spa experiences offer the perfect seasonal indulgence...The
Grand Del Mar continues to offer exceptional wine and food experiences with an enticing line-up of wine events for the fall season. Upcoming events include: featured wineries and wine dinners at Amaya, and The Second Annual Winemakers Quintet at Addison, hosted by Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez and Executive Chef William Bradley...
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| Pacific Edge gives OC a deal | Date: 09-08-2009 |
| Pacific Edge Hotel, located beachside in downtown Laguna Beach, has a new Local Love special discount program offering room rates as low as $99. Available from September 15, 2009 through March 15, 2010, the program is targeted to Orange County residents – especially those working in tourism, restaurants, retail and other industries – who want to book a relaxing beach stay after Labor Day. To qualify, guests must book either directly through the Hotel Reservation Desk and request Local Love, or book online directly. A valid California driver's license will be required to prove Orange County residency...Birch Aquarium at Scripps is offering a new touch-screen display that provides visitors the opportunity
to explore the natural resources, cultural uses and human impacts of one of
the region's most important ecosystems -- San Diego Bay...While most national parks are gearing down, Death Valley is gearing up for its high season. The elegant Furnace Creek Inn reopens on Oct. 9 for its eight-month season and will close again in mid-May when summer heat returns. Sister properties Furnace Creek Ranch and Stovepipe Wells Village remain open year-round... |
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| Zeppelin tours coming to L.A. in Sept. | Date: 08-25-2009 |
| Soar like a star on a one- or two-hour flightseeing experience above Los Angeles in September. San Francisco-based Airship Ventures will be offering rides in their zeppelin between Sept. 3 and 8. Choose your own adventure and enjoy sky-high views of the dramatic Pacific Coast, or historic L.A. landmarks and famous Tinseltown icons. There are also tickets available for the zeppelin's travels between San Francisco and L.A...The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is excited to partner with the California Travel & Tourism Council to celebrate California Wine Month. The Passport to Temecula offers guests a pre-purchased ticket to visit the Temecula Valley any day during the month of September for the month long celebration. Ticket holders travel to the wineries of their choice for special Celebration Tastings. Passports allow guests the opportunity to save between $20 and $120 off of the regular cost of wine tasting...
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| Squaw Valley plans wine festival | Date: 08-12-2009 |
| More than 40 renowned wineries will be present on September 6 at the 21st Annual Alpen Wine Festival, hosted by The Village at Squaw Valley USA and Uncorked Wine Bar. Wine aficionados will imbibe for a good cause, to help raise money for The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis. For a $40 donation to the Heuga Center, wine connoisseurs can toast each other with vintages served in a Spiegalau crystal souvenir wine glass from 2 to 5 p.m. Event attendees can enjoy a variety of flavors from wineries like Tudor, Venge Vineyards, Saddleback Cellars, Canihan Family Cellars, Four Vines, Justin Vineyards and Pine Ridge. The majority of wines served at the event can also be purchased at Uncorked...We recently spent some time on a houseboat on Lake Berryessa, a picturesque lake just a half-hour's drive from Napa. The boat, offered by Forever Resorts, was a 70-foot Millennium and quite simply the most luxurious houseboat we've ever been on...While in Napa, we visited the Westin Verasa and enjoyed dinner at La Toque, reputed to be one of the 10 best restaurants in the U.S. If you visit, ask for the "wine pairings" with your various courses -- it's quite an education in how wine enhances the flavor of certain foods... |
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| Catalina offering free tours, activities | Date: 07-22-2009 |
| If you've been thinking about a trip to Catalina, now's the time. Pavilion Lodge and Hotel Atwater are offering an Unlimited Activities Package that gives you many island activities free with a two-night booking. With the purchase of a two-night stay (including transportation), you will receive free unlimited access on all tours and activities offered by the Santa Catalina Island Company. Activities include unlimited Discovery Tours, golf, mini golf, tennis, movies, and access to the Descanso Beach Club...Less than one mile from downtown Julian, people can enjoy the Julian Train & Gold Mine Tour, which features a 90-minute tour, including a one-mile ride on a narrow gauge gold mining railroad. Visitors will be able to explore an authentic 1870 Julian gold rush mine, pan for gold, and more. It's a fun and educational adventure for young and old alike...
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| Factory tours plentiful in San Francisco | Date: 07-10-2009 |
| From large, well-known brands to small, hidden treasures, Northern California offers self-guided and escorted factory tours filled with excitement and creativity. Some factory tours are perfect for family outings, while others, like tours of brewery or spirit production, are better for curious adults. Many tours are complimentary and available without reservations – perfect ways to explore the region without taxing your wallet. The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau lists many on their website, from breweries to bass guitar manufacturers...Hot Summer Nights in Temecula's Old Town are under way through September 4th. Every Friday night of Summer in Old Town offers a variety of free concerts with top live bands including Aunt Kizzy's Boyz, Bill Magee Blues Band and Nitro Express. Enjoy lots of family fun and games for the kids too...Surfers have been riding the waves in Santa Cruz since 1885. But while Santa Cruz has long been legendary among surfers, few people know that it–s also the best place on the West Coast to learn to surf. If you've ever wanted to feel the rush of riding a wave, Santa Cruz is the place to try it. To capture the surfing spirit, visitors can now try their skill with a surf lesson, provided by Santa Cruz's Club Ed surf school. Club Ed teaches ocean and wave safety, surfing etiquette, paddling skills and other techniques for catching the perfect wave... |
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| Music on the beach offered at Tahoe | Date: 06-25-2009 |
| Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge guests will get a treat this summer, every Thursday and Sunday evening. The beachfront hotel is offering an intimate evening of music, friends, and beautiful Lake Tahoe sunsets. Guests can enjoy the music from their own patio or balcony or get out on the beach to watch the flamenco and jazz artists perform. The music starts July 16 and runs through Thursday Sept. 3...San Diego offers the biggest and boldest Independence Day celebration on July 3rd, and a great place to watch it from is Paradise Resort & Spa. There are fewer crowds, a larger fireworks display, and an all-American barbecue with live entertainment, carnival rides and activities to ignite this very special family fun day...San Francisco's Pier 39 is pleased to announce the arrival of its new San Francisco Carousel. The two-story carousel was custom-made in Sernaglia, Treviso in Italy. Artisans handcrafted the glittering merry-go-round to feature numerous unique marine animals, and hand-painted the double-decker ride with stylized depictions of famous San Francisco landmarks...
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| Beatles group playing near Yosemite | Date: 06-12-2009 |
| The Beatles are coming to Groveland on June 19 -- well, at least a Disney rendition of the Beatles called Paperback Writer. These multi-talented lads are the official cover band for Disneyland and play regularly in the major showrooms in Las Vegas. The Groveland Hotel is offering a Dinner/Show Package for $95, which includes 2 Tickets to the show and a $50 voucher towards dinner. Or you can just see the group for $35. More groups are coming to Groveland (located near Yosemite National Park) and they include:
July 10 - BluesBox Bayou Band - $15;
July 24 - Johnny Cash Tribute - $25;
September 4 - The Unauthorized Rolling Stones - $29;
September 11 - Jack Foltyn as Elvis - $29; and
September 12 - Jack Foltyn as Elvis - $29...Personality Hotels has just opened Hotel Frank, which -- after a $10 million trnasformation -- debuts a bold design that makes no apologies. Striking black and white houndstooth patterned carpet, which prevails throughout the hotel, surprising pops of emerald green and stylish, uniquely textured furnishings create an uptown, city-chic mix. Guestrooms exude a tailored look with the houndstooth-patterned carpet, elongated leather crocodile-patterned headboards in emerald green and white couches, complemented by dangling hand-blown smoke glass bubble lights...Fourth of July celebration is bigger and better than ever this year at Legoland with fireworks, family picnic games and entertainment including special performances by The Jumpitz – one of the hottest emerging children's entertainment groups in the nation... |
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| New elephant exhibit at San Diego Zoo | Date: 05-23-2009 |
| San Diego Zoo has a new $45-million animal habitat, the Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey. The 7.5-acre Elephant Odyssey is home to more than 35 species of animals and, as the name suggests, the cornerstone of Elephant Odyssey will be the elephant. Instead of the Columbian mammoth that wandered through San Diego thousands of years ago, Asian elephants will meander a 2.5-acre exhibit that includes a 137,000-gallon pool, gentle rolling hills, hidden drinkers and feeders to entice foraging, and the half-acre Conrad Prebys Elephant Care Center...If you ever wanted to know more about the legendary Bigfoot, a special event June 7 is your chance to learn the latest. The
Bigfoot Discovery Project and the
North America Bigfoot Search have formed a strategic partnership and have put together a joint exhibit that will be launched with a barbeque and booksigning Sunday June 7 from 12-4 PM at the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton, near Santa Cruz...It's the time of year to consider a trip to Sorensen's in the high sierra near Lake Tahoe. Fly
fishing classes, a painting retreat, history tours, classes on identifying
wildflowers, and a stunning nature photography show are all on the schedule.
Lodging available all-year in a charming mix of bed-and-breakfast or
self-catering cottages and log cabins... |
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| Meeting movers at Beverly Hills market | Date: 05-08-2009 |
| As you might expect, a visit to Beverly Hills will put you in touch with movers and shakers from around the world -- even when you're just looking for some fresh fruit at the Beverly Hills Farmer's Market. It was there that we happened upon Janice Belson, the Executive Director of Medicines Global, a fascinating charity dedicated to taking badly needed medicines to parts of the world that may not have access to them. Several years ago Belson hit upon the idea of asking trekkers -- those people who travel to the far reaches of the earth looking for adventure -- to take medicines with them when they go. We enjoyed talking with her and learning about her program -- and we also enjoyed the produce, food items and crafts available at the market, held each Sunday morning near Beverly Hills City Hall...By the way, if you want to see a celebrity or two when you visit Beverly Hills, the key is to visit Rodeo Drive on a weekday. We have it on good authority that if you hang around any of the alley ways near the elite stores, it won't be more than 30 minutes before you see a celebrity being driven to the side or rear entrance of one of those upscale stores... |
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| Farm stay breaks up San Joaquin drive | Date: 04-20-2009 |
| We came across an unusual getaway on a recent roadtrip to Northern California -- a stay at a real farm where you can see how they grow oranges and sleep with the roosters (not literally). Bob McKellar is to agri-tourism in the Central Valley what Steve Wynn is to Las Vegas casinos. He's not spending millions, but he is spending a lot of time sprucing up his 200 acres of Orange groves for public display. Actually, the public will see only part of his farm, but it's a great little place to spend a night on the way up or down the Central Valley. His Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch is in Ivanhoe, just eight miles northeast of Visalia, and he has a multi-bedroom farmhouse for rent, as well as a smaller bunkhouse. Visitors are surrounded by orange groves and the kids especially will enjoy the hens, roosters and small chicks that make the farm their home. McKellar's also cleared out a parking lot to handle the cars for weddings that are held on the scenic property quite often during summer. And recently McKellar hosted a two-day event in which kids could come out and play games and try out the country's only Orange tree maze... |
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| Bargains galore in CA travel | Date: 04-03-2009 |
| If a visit to Disneyland is in your future, there are even bargains at busy Anaheim area hotels. For example, the Tropicana Inn & Suites and the Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites are each offering a $99 rate that is available only on their website. These two hotels pride themselves on having one of the best locations in Anaheim, adjacent to the Pedestrian Walkway, where you can park your car for your entire stay and walk to both theme parks. Call 714-635-4082 or visit...In recent years major California luxury resorts have been charging $500 or more for basic rooms, so this may be the time for you to see how the other half lives at a place like the Claremont Resort and Spa, a venerable hotel in Berkeley, just across the bay from San Francisco. For nearly a century, this hotel has catered to our guests' every whim, with a legacy of awards and accolades. Set on 22 acres, the resort was named the Top US Urban Spa and one of the Top 20 Spas in America. Now, for $299, you get accommodations, sparkling wine, chocolate dipped strawberries and a rose petal turndown service. Call 510-843-3000 or visit...Rates at upscale Hollywood-area hotels can also be expensive, so the special offered by the nearby Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel and Convention Center stands out. The hotel is close to great shopping locations like the new Americana on Brand and the Grove in Hollywood and, with the hotel's concierge cards, you will be treated like a VIP. This offer includes: $25 Visa gift card; VIP discount card to the Americana on Brand in Glendale; VIP discount card to Grove in Hollywood; Un"wine"d with a complimentary bottle of wine in your room and complimentary hotel parking – all starting at $169 per night. Call 800-228-9290 or visit... |
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| Avila Beach feels economic pinch | Date: 03-21-2009 |
| The economy is taking its toll on Avila Beach, one of the most beautiful vacation spots along the Central California coast, according to Edward Coppola, local businessman. "Unfortunately, due to the economy," Coppola said, "local shops have had to close their doors. Last year, I started a company Wave Jammers Jet Ski Rental with guided jet ski tours as well as fishing boats to bring people here for the summer; that was not enough. We decided to start a new town website for Avila Beach in order to try to get the word out." We can attest to the charm of Avila Beach -- it's quiet, picturesque and feels remote although civilization is quite close by. It's worth a visit...While you're in the area, check out the wildflowers. Even with below average rainfall this year, San Luis Obispo County is still expected to be awash in color from mid-March through early May. From Carrizo Plain National Monument in the east to Montaa de Oro State Park in the west, wildflowers will capture your attention and signal the beginning of spring. In some areas the colorful wildflowers will carpet the hillsides, while in other spots they will have the look of throw rugs placed indiscriminately in grassy meadows and on coastal bluffs...
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| Now is time to act for travel bargains | Date: 03-05-2009 |
| The economy is creating some incredible travel bargains right now -- no one knows how long these great deals will last, but if you have any disposable income at all – and place value on your vacation time – now is the time for action. Here are a few examples of current specials: Santa Barbara real estate is so expensive that many of the people who work there cannot afford to live there. Yet it's possible for you to drop in for a weekday night at the Cabrillo Inn at the Beach and spend as little as $69 for a room on the beach. The room won't have a water view, but the beach is just footsteps out your door, along with restaurants and other tourist activities nearby. If you visit on a weekend, it's just $99...Big Bear does big business this time of year with skiers, but it's also possible to get some deals if you go during the week. Golden Bear Cottages Resort is offering to buy your gas for coming on up -- $25 for each day that you visit up to a total of $100. The cabins are nestled among historic pines on six acres in Big Bear Lake and lots of outdoor games are available for the kids...If a major luxury resort is more your style, now is the time to try out the Fairmont Newport Beach, which is offering a Love California Style package for $199 per person, double-occupancy. The five California Fairmonts are renowned for their luxury and style, and the Newport Beach property is no exception. Fairmont Newport Beach offers 440 luxury guest rooms, including 54 suites, most featuring over-sized soaking tubs. All guest rooms have 32" high-definition LCD flat panel TVs, DVD and CD players, and luxurious Egyptian cotton linens and duvets and European amenities from Miller Harris... |
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| Cozy cottages rented by state | Date: 02-23-2009 |
| If you don't mind making vacation plans way in advance, the state of California is renting some unique vacation cottages on Crystal Cove in the Newport Beach area. For years, the cottages were private residences and unavailable to the public but, in 2005, the lease expired and the state has opened several of them for vacation rental. Fourteen cottages so far have been renovated so that they are suitable for rentals; another 24 are going to be redone. The cottages vary in size, including some dorm-style buildings that offer lower cost rentals for singles. Price points are reasonable -- $168 to $179 per night for a private cottage with an unbeatable close-up view of the ocean, with dorm units going for $61 a night. The catch is that the units are quite popular and are booked as much as six months in advance. Even if you don't stay for the night, $10 gets you into Crystal Cove State Park with three miles of beaches and a fun little historic district to explore...West Inn and Suites in Carlsbad has been recognized as one of the world's best bargains by TripAdvisor.com. The hotel has a great location close to the ocean as well as nearby attractions such as Legoland... |
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| Lance Armstrong coming to San Diego | Date: 02-15-2009 |
| If you were thinking about a visit to San Diego, mark Feb. 22 on your calendars -- the world-famous Amgen Tour of California is coming to Escondido and Rancho Bernardo, two cities just north of San Diego. You can watch Lance Armstrong cross the finish line during the last stage race from Rancho Bernardo to Escondido by way of Palomar Mountain...When much of the country is still under a blanket of snow, California's Death Valley National Park begins its annual wildflower season. Often starting as early as February each year, colorful wildflowers begin popping up at the the lowest elevations of the Death Valley National Park desert. This annual show in the 3.3 million-acre park continues through the middle of April and in some higher elevations, as late as June. "Our average annual rainfall is only 1.9 inches, and the more rain we have the better the show in the spring," said Phil Dickinson, director of sales and marketing for the Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort in Death Valley...A trip to Legoland can also be a great trip for Mom and Dad -- that's what you'll find out when you visit the Ocean Pearl Spa Resort in Carlsbad with its magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Located on the grounds of the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, the overall experience is calming, inviting and gender-neutral to appeal to both men and women of all ages...
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| Historic barracks now open to public | Date: 01-31-2009 |
| The U.S. Immigration Station at Angel Island has been restored and, for the first time, the general public will have total access to the etched poems -- an amazing historic record -- that were left by immigrants in the holding area. Previous visitors to Angel Island have been restricted to only a portion of the barracks. The Immigration Station is called the Ellis Island of the West Coast and was used to detain Chinese immigrants. Angel Island is a short ferry ride from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf...San Diego's Manchester Grand Hyatt has opened its new KIN Day Spa and Salon as well as the 8,000-square-foot KIN Lounge. The new Kin Spa offers seasonal spa treatments ranging from massages to pedicures on the expansive spa pool deck overlooking San Diego Bay...New historical aircraft are on display at the Palm Springs Air Museum, as well as a couple of new exhibits focused on the air war in World War II. The C-47 and PBY are now on display in the museum, while helicopter rides also are being offered -- a 20-minute tour of Palm Springs from the air for $85 per person... |
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| Snowshoe races coming to Big Bear | Date: 01-21-2009 |
| No need to go to Alaska for snow fun -- on Saturday, Feb. 7, Big Bear Lake will be having the 2nd Annual Kahtoola's Snowshoe the Bear. The race challenges athletes from the sound of the gun all the way to the finish line. It begins in Big Bear Village and ascends into the forest on snow-covered trails south of the Village. The course meanders through the woods and descends back to a welcoming, festival atmosphere in the heart of the Village. It's a family-friendly event, which also includes kids' race, sled dog demos, exhibit booths, live music, product-sponsor giveaways and cash prizes. The event is open to all ages and skill levels...We were reminded recently of just how much fun it is to explore Seaport Village on the San Diego Harbor. Although we live in the San Diego area, we never grow tired of being tourists for a day, exploring the shops in the village and having dinner. Our most recent experience was a sunset dinner at the Harbor House, where we can heartily recommend the seafood. But bring a penlight with you - the lights are low to enjoy the sunset and it's difficult to read the menu... |
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| New zeppelin service wows Bay area | Date: 01-07-2009 |
| One of the most unique adventures to come along in a long time is the new zeppelin service offered by
Airship Ventures of the San Francisco Bay area. The new service offers rides for up to 12 passengers to scenic locations in the Bay area such as a trip they're currently offering to Monterey. Passengers ride on the Zeppelin NT, which is designed to have the highest operating safety standards combined with exceptional passenger comfort and visibility. The airship hull, made of a state of the art multi-layer laminate material from the same company that creates the NASA space suits, is filled with non-flammable helium. According to the company's website, even a lightning strike will not affect the flight characteristics. The website also notes that three engines combine to produce a maximum speed of 78 miles per hour, with typical cruising speed of 35 to 40 mph. Because the engines are mounted far above the cabin the passengers experience low noise level. And, the company says, most flights are conducted at about 1,000 to 1,200 feet, perfect for sightseeing. Only three companies in the world offer this kind of service, with the other two in Japan and Germany. Prices vary but special package pricing for a one-hour trip is about $400 per passenger...
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| GRAMMY Museum opens in L.A. | Date: 12-29-2008 |
| The much-anticipated GRAMMY Museum recently opened at L.A. LIVE in Downtown, celebrating music's past, present and future with artist profiles, films, timelines, memorabilia, multimedia presentations, interactive exhibits, thought-provoking programs, a 200-seat soundstage and a mock studio, where visitors can experience the actual recording process, with industry experts leading the way through mixing and producing. "Music always has played a vital role in our culture and society, and the GRAMMY Museum will provide visitors a unique and hands-on opportunity to experience music's rich legacy, as well as the special process that goes into creating it," says Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy...Situated along the Pacific Flyway, Morro Bay is showcased during the 13th Annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival, January 16-19, with events featuring birding hikes, tours, field trips on the ocean and bay, plus workshops, guest speakers and exhibits. San Luis Obispo County is one of the top birding destinations in the nation, with the focus on Morro Bay, a Globally Important Bird Area and a designated State and National Estuary. All levels of birders will find the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival of interest, with more than 35 land, ocean and bay field trips, discussions and presentations, social events, and workshops focusing on everything from warblers to elephant seals being offered. Scheduled field trips include pelagic (open sea) trips, kayak trips, shorebird field trips, excursions to view Sandhill Cranes and Bald Eagles, and the much anticipated "see as many species as possible" field trip. |
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| Not too early to plan Valentine | Date: 12-18-2008 |
| Okay, Valentine's Day is still almost two months away, but top hotels already are promoting some very special packages. For example, this year you might want to consider San Diego for your romantic getaway. The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, located on San Diego Bay, offers the "Tender Heart" package for parents who want to bring the kids and still find private time. The package includes accommodations on Feb. 14 in two connecting rooms, a welcome snack for the kids and free in-room movie. If mom and dad decide to dine at the hotel's Harbor Edge restaurant, the kids are treated to a free, supervised dinner and movie screening, giving parents a well-deserved romantic interlude. The package is priced at $309, plus tax, and does not include the adult meal. Additional nights are subject to availability...The US GRANT, located in downtown San Diego, has partnered with the San Diego Ballet and Chauo Chocolatier to offer an "Indulge, Dance and Romance" package on Feb. 14. The package includes one night of luxury accommodations, an early three-course tasting menu with a glass of wine at the Grant Grill, a box of Chuao Chocolatier's "Latin Lover" chocolates and two premium tickets to the San Diego Ballet's production of Romeo and Juliet at the Spreckles Theater, located just two blocks from the hotel. The package is priced at $350, plus tax and gratuity... |
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| Big Bear mountains open for season | Date: 12-08-2008 |
| If you're headed for Big Bear, you might want to bring your skis along -- Big Bear Mountain Resorts has announced their two ski areas are now open with limited runs. These areas have invested in a lot of high-tech snow-making equipment that makes them a little less dependent on Mother Nature. They still, however, have to have temperatures that are low enough...Those Southern California residents wanting to ski at Mammoth Mountain will find it a bit easier this year -- Horizon Air is now offering daily flights to Mammoth Mountain from Los Angeles, eliminating the five-hour drive each way...Hotel Vertigo opens this month in San Francisco and if the name conjures the image of Alfred Hitchcock, it should -- in its former life, the hotel was used in the filming of Hitchcock's movie, Vertigo. With a $5 million renovation, the hotel becomes another one of the stylish Personality Hotels... |
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| Travelers looking for packages | Date: 11-21-2008 |
| The Travel Industry Association recently released its annual travel forecast
indicating that an uncertain economic climate is leading American and global travelers to change
their behaviors. Although leisure travel is stable, business travel is projected to decline and the
United States is likely to be hit hard by a further decline in international arrivals...
"Consumers are responding as we might expect during an economic slowdown," said Dr.
Suzanne Cook, Senior Vice President of Research for the Travel Industry Association...Despite current economic conditions and lagging consumer confidence, the forecast shows that
leisure travel volume remains stable for 2008 (-0.2%) and is expected to decline modestly in
2009 (-1.3%). According to the latest travelhorizonsTM survey co-authored by TIA and
Ypartnership, seven out of ten (71%) respondents intend to take an overnight trip of 50 miles or
more from home during the next six months. Fully half (48%) of all respondents stated they
were not planning any changes to their future travel plans as result of the recent turmoil in the
financial markets...
According to Dr. Peter Yesawich, Chairman of Ypartnership, "The results corroborate what we
have been preaching now for several months: American travelers are trading down, but not out."...
Consumers are likely to plan and purchase leisure trips differently with the pursuit of a "good
value" as the primary reason why. Three quarters (76%) "expect to book a packaged vacation to
save money" and six out of ten (58%) "plan to comparison shop for prices and rates specifically
on the Internet." |
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| California Chic alive and well in L.A. | Date: 11-12-2008 |
| Just returned from a weekend in L.A., which will be the subject of at least a couple of future travel columns. On this trip, we stayed at two primo hotels, the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey and the Hotel Oceana in Santa Monica. Both lived up to the California chic reputation of their respective locations...Incidentally, we tried something we won't do again -- a drive through rush-hour traffic from the beach areas to downtown L.A. I had to leave home early so my family joined me by taking the train from the San Diego area. It took them about two hours to take their trip; it took me one hour, 45 minutes to reach Union Station from Marina del Rey, a distance of about 20 miles...We made a discovery this trip, although the museum we found actually opened five years ago -- it's the Hollywood Museum, where there are four floors of memorabilia and props from the movies -- really a fun place to tour...Another discovery this trip was Will Rogers State Historic Park, where we not only toured the Rogers home but got in some great hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, where the views of L.A. are spectacular... |
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| Grand Del Mar No. 94 in the world | Date: 10-31-2008 |
| The November 2008 issue of Conde Nast Traveler features the prestigious 2008 Readers Choice Awards for the worlds best hotels, cruises, islands, cities, and resorts. San Diego ranked # 9 on the top 10 list of best cities in the United States. Grand Del Mar ranked # 94 on the worlds top 100 best of the best and #4 on the list of 75 mainland resorts....On Saturday, November 16, 2008, the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association will host Passport Day. Explore the extraordinary viticultural region of the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation and become acquainted with its incredible diversity of the wines and winemakers. At each winery you visit, a page of your Passport will be given a unique commemorative stamp. This is a special opportunity to visit many of the wineries that are not open to the public at other times. After exploring the local wineries stop in at a participating local restaurant for a discount...Hotel Vertigo opens this December in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Hitchcocks 1958 classic masterpiece Vertigo. Frequently listed as one of the greatest films ever made, Vertigo starred James Stewart and Kim Novak, and Novaks character lived in the hotel during the last half of the film (then called the Empire Hotel). Designers have endowed the former York Hotel with imaginative style, playfulness and sophisticated references to the film... |
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| Angel Island re-opens after fire | Date: 10-23-2008 |
| Maybe you saw in the news where one of the big California fires was on Angel Island, an idyllic spot in San Francisco Bay that has been a popular destination for hikers and history buffs for decades. The fire blackened half the island, but the good news is that none of the dozens of historic buildings was destroyed -- and the island is once again open for visitors. We highly recommend that you check it out...While in San Francisco, we had the opportunity to stay at the Hotel Union Square, a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. Operated by Personality Hotels, the hotel has just undergone a renovation that has made this historic building into an upscale retreat with a lot of attention to detail. If you're taking the kids to the city, be sure to ask for their Kids Suite -- it comes with its own Mac computer, a treasure trove of toys and even a Wii game that you and your kids can play utilizing the wide-screen TV also provided...With temps on their way down, it's a great time to head for Death Valley. The winter months are the most popular time of the year for travelers to explore this surreal and quietly captivating California park. The largest national park in the continental U.S. with 3.3 million acres, there is plenty of park to explore. Check out the Furnace Creek Inn, a true oasis in Death Valley...
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| Resorts planning for the holidays | Date: 10-09-2008 |
| It's not even Halloween yet and California resorts are already rolling out their special offerings for the upcoming holiday period. For example, the Apple Farm Inn and Restaurant in San Luis Obispo treats locals and guests alike to its annual Traditional Holidays at Apple Farm from November 8 through Christmas Day. Visits with Santa, strolling Victorian carolers, cake walks, hot cider, gingerbread cookie decorating -- well you get the idea. With its warm, embracing atmosphere, Apple Farm invokes nostalgic feelings of home and hearth that we like to celebrate with our Traditional Holidays festivities, said Kim Wykoff of Apple Farm....Diamond Peak Ski Resort is on track to unveil its new base lodge in November. The base lodge renovation includes new restrooms in the Loft Bar area, a 300 sq. ft. banquet room, a new food service counter, an outside deck with a stairway that leads to the bottom of the lodge, an expanded rental shop, expanded Food & Beverage storage, raised Loft ceilings with skylights, upper deck with heated paving stones, new siding, new F&B offices, fresh paint, new carpet, new fixtures, and more... |
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| Luxury tent camping in Santa Barbara | Date: 09-29-2008 |
| We had a chance to experience a different kind of camping a few weeks ago -- luxury tent camping. El Capitan Canyon, about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara, is one of the most unique getaway options we've encountered. The canyon location is in the woods, but just a short walk from the beach. But the really unique feature is that you sleep in a tent that has been erected over a foundation and furnished with a bed, furniture and other creature comforts you don't normally associate with tents. The resort also has several cabins available for rent...Fall colors are coming soon to Big Bear Lake, with evening temperatures already dipping into the 30's and 40's, which provide perfect conditions for leaves to turn. From October to November, Mother Nature transforms Big Bear Lake into a sea of gold, crimson, amber and yellow. Big Bear's fall season is ideal for those who want to escape for a day or take a mini-vacation to experience the splendor of Big Bear's autumn hues. These remarkable fall colors appear only once a year and are expected to peak the third week of October... |
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| Catalina Blues Festival Sept. 26-28 | Date: 09-17-2008 |
| Catalina Island is a great getaway anytime, but jazz-lovers will want to be sure and check out the Catalina Island Blues Festival, Sept. 26-28. The festival features headliners Johnny Lang and Buddy Guy giving a special concert in the world-famous Casino Ballroom. The festival kicks off Friday with the ever-popular Blues Walk throughout Avalon in which many of the local hot spots and night clubs will feature various artists performing the blues late into the night. A free outdoor concert will be held on Saturday with the headline event starting at 7 p.m. in the Casino Ballroom...Planning on taking the kids to San Francisco? We just spent a night in the amazing kids suite at the Hotel Union Square in the heart of the city. This room comes equipped with a special Mac computer, a room full of toys and -- get this -- a Wii game with a high-def wall-mounted wide screen TV. In our case, the parents spent as much time on the Wii as our eight-year-old daughter...On the same trip we took the ferry to Angel Island, just a 20 minute boat ride out into San Francisco Bay. Again, this is great for kids -- lots of fascinating history on the island with old military buildings and gun batteries to explore, and plenty of trails to give you lots of exercise. It also features the best views ever of San Francisco Bay...
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| Big Bear premieres Ghost Town | Date: 09-06-2008 |
| Head for Big Bear for the 9th Annual Big Bear Lake International Film Festival from Thursday, September 11 to Sunday, September 14. The festival includes screenings of more than 100 independently produced films, which include feature-length films, shorts, student films, animation and documentaries. Interestingly, festival-goers will screen the new movie Ghost Town before anyone else in the country...Amusement park enthusiasts from around the world have voted Legoland California as the Best Childrens Park for the fifth year in a row. Amusement Today, a monthly trade newspaper, awarded the 128-acre family theme park in Carlsbad the esteemed Golden Ticket Award...While in Carlsbad, be sure and spend a little time in this charming coastal community. Several blocks of great shopping and restaurants are all within easy walking distance and the beach is spectacular. Check out Fidel's Norte Mexican Restaurant with its colorful patio, where we love spending the occasional sunny afternoon enjoying scrumptious Mexican food and margaritas...
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| Best fudge in the Golden State | Date: 08-25-2008 |
| We've passed it many times on the way in and out of the charming historic town of Julian, but when we finally stopped at the King Leo Chocolate Factory we knew we hit pay dirt. The company makes candy that is sold far and wide, but of particular interest to us was the multiple flavors of fresh fudge, simply the best we ever had. They have a deal that gives you six big pieces for the price of four and assured us the fudge would last for three weeks if kept in the refrigerator. It was so good it only lasted one day...It was also on this trip to Julian -- which, by the way, is in San Diego County -- that we stopped by Julian Cafe and Bakery for lunch and a take-home freshed-baked apple pie, which is the best souvenir you can get from a trip to Julian. We didn't spend the night but we've heard the nearby Orchard Hill bed and breakfast inn is a good choice if you want a quiet night in this tiny little mountain town...Another great mountain town is Groveland, which is actually at the edge of the mountains close to Yosemite National Park. On August 29, the Groveland Hotel will be featuring a "Courtyard Concert" featuring a popular zydeco dance band, the BluesBox Bayou Band. This premier festival dance band is featured annually at the Isleton Crawdad Festival and many other Northern California events... |
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| Temecula golf course nears completion | Date: 08-11-2008 |
| If you're looking to combine golf with a visit to Wine Country, a new 18-hole public course is nearing completion in Southern California's scenic Temecula Valley. Journey at Pechanga, destined to be one of the finest in California, rises dramatically from the Temecula Valley, along with a 62,000 square foot Clubhouse accentuated by the latest in high-end resort amenities. It's an extension of the popular Pechanga Resort and Casino
...If you've ever been to the national parks in the fall, you know it's a different experience. Our guest demographics change significantly in the fall, said Judi Lages, vice president of sales and marketing for concessioner Xanterra Parks and Resorts
. We see fewer children and our interpretive programs such as motorcoach tours, trail rides and interpretive boat tours tend to be mostly adults"...But kids will find plenty to do in San Luis Obispo, where the new San Luis Obispo Childrens Museum
offers visitors opportunities to explore, investigate and create through a variety interactive exhibit environments...Death Valley's Furnace Creek Resort
opens again on October 10 to show off about $600,000 in improvements. The resort has new furniture for the lobby, lobby bar, guest room verandas and front lobby patio; 32-inch flat-screen televisions in all 66 guest rooms; bathroom fixtures and vanity lighting; box springs, mattresses, bedspreads, coverlets and throw pillows; draperies; luggage racks; guest room art and floral arrangements; in-room radios with IPOD docking; towels, hairdryers and other in-room amenities... |
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| Kenny Loggins to play Catalina | Date: 08-06-2008 |
| Music-lovers of all ages will be able to combine an island vacation with top-flight entertainment when they visit Catalina Island in early August. On Sunday, August 10, legendary rocker Kenny Loggins and his band will be performing for the first time in the famous Casino Ballroom, a 1929 Art Deco masterpiece that sits on the edge of beautiful Avalon Bay on Santa Catalina Island. For ticket information, phone 1-800-595-4849...Over 20,000 short film buffs are expected to attend the 2008 Palm Springs International ShortFest at the Camelot Theatres in downtown Palm Springs from August 21-27...Recognized as one of the worlds premier short film festivals, The Palm Springs ShortFest will feature more than 300 short films which include comedies, thrillers, animation, romance, documentaries and more
...For some of the most varied and stunning photographic opportunities in the
Sierra Nevada, join professional photographer Terry Nathan, a faculty
member at Davis Art Center and an instructor at UC Davis, for a
full-day, all-outdoor class on Sept. 20 at Sorensen's Resort near Lake Tahoe. Terry will teach how to use lighting and
composition to effectively capture a personal vision from delicate
wildflowers to rugged mountain cliffs. For class reservations and
lodging call (800) 423-9949...
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| Bigfoot experts coming to Santa Cruz area | Date: 07-24-2008 |
| If you have not come across Bigfoot yet in your California travels, stop by the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton (Santa Cruz area) on August 9. The museum is hosting two of the biggest names in sasquatch research, Dr. Jeff Meldrum and Richard Noll, who will be joined by bigfoot authors Kathy Moskowitz Strain and David Paulides in a four-hour mini-conference on sasquatch starting at 5:30 p.m. at the local Community Hall...The best place to meet under the clock in San Francisco is back as the Great Magneta Grandfather Clock has returned to its original place of glory in The Westin St. Francis historic Main Lobby. The return of the clock complements the restoration of the Main Lobby and the July 15th opening of the Clock Bar...More than 20 tall ships and fascinating vessels from around the world will participate in the 2008 Festival of Sail, hosted by the Maritime Museum of San Diego , August 20 24. The festival begins with a majestic parade of tall ships on San Diego Bay followed by a showcase of marvelous food and drink, one-of-a-kind shopping and live entertainment, including live cannon battles between several of the vessels...
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| Lodgings rolling out the specials | Date: 07-12-2008 |
| As travelers opt for vacations a little closer to home, resorts and lodgings all over CA are getting very creative -- and generous -- in their special offers. It's a great time for anyone looking for a reasonably priced getaway and the hospitality industry in CA seems bound and determined to make up whatever extra money you might be spending on gas. MacCallum House, for example, will reimburse you between $75 and $150 for gas, depending on whether you come mid-week or on a weekend to this charming Mendocino bed and breakfast...the Apple Farm Inn in San Luis Obispo is taking the approach that families would love to have all their daytime expenses covered so they are offering a package that includes beach toys, beach towels and picnic lunches along with lodging at their attractive inn located within easy driving distance of beach areas and wine country...California has three of the Best Places to Live as judged by Outside Magazine, which gives a lot of weight to nearby outdoor recreation. Eureka made the Top 10 (at position 8) and Sacramento and Oakland were just outside the Top 10, somewhere in the unranked positions between No. 11 and No. 20... |
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| How much more will a getaway cost? | Date: 06-30-2008 |
| Several newspapers have done stories on gas prices and how that's affecting local tourism and the upshot seems to be that those people surveyed still will be taking vacations, but will modify their spending. But here's some food for thought: If the IRS figures it costs us 50 cents a mile to travel, what is the percentage increase in our total vehicle expense with a rise in gas price from $3.50 to $4.50? A 20 mpg vehicle will spend an additional $5 for 100 miles. Since the IRS tells us total vehicle expense is $50 for 100 miles, we've increased our total vehicle expense by 10 percent. I think most people have figured out that's not enough percentage increase to completely ditch a vacation or getaway...On a related note, be sure to check out our new FuelTool, which will help you figure just how much you'll spend on gas for your next getaway. The new calculator has been featured on TV and in national media...BTW, you have just until July 15 to enter our Getaway Giveway for a two-night stay in a rental home in the beautiful mountain town of Idyllwild...
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| Try Reagan Library for July 4 | Date: 06-21-2008 |
| A visit to the Reagan Presidential Library might be just the perfect Fourth of July getaway and the nearby WestLake Village Inn is making it easy with special rates for dates between June 30 and July 6. Courtyard Rooms, normally $189-235, are offered at $129 per night and $245 mini suites just $166. This hotel has many great amenities, too...Want to see Frank Sinatra, Jr. for free? The Moonlight Amphitheater in suburban San Diego is putting on a free concert with the San Diego Symphony on June 26 at 7:30 p.m. This is one of those events in which you will need to get there early...In the mood for a little Shakespeare? If you are anywhere near Los Angeles this summer, check out the plays being presented as part of the Mountain Shakespearean Festival in Frasier Park at the top of the Grapevine. Several plays and events are planned, and there are many affordable cabins available in the area, as well as hiking and other mountain activities... |
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| Hadsten House opens new restaurant | Date: 06-06-2008 |
| The Hadsten House Inn and Spa located in the Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara, has recently opened an impressive new restaurant and the Haven Day Spa. There are several packages available which offer one and two night stays with spa treatments and a dinner package as well. The Hadsten House is rated by Trip Advisor as the number one hotel in Solvang...The Port of San Diego was chosen best homeport for cruises in the 2007 TravelAge West Western Agents Votes of Excellence (WAVE) Awards, and for good reason. That year, the Port of San Diego hosted 238 cruise calls servicing over 700,000 passengers...The Santa Barbara Wine Festival is coming Saturday, June 28. You'll be able to experience tastes of more than 50 of the California Central Coasts premiere wineries -- along with great local food -- all in one beautiful setting at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History...If you are looking for souvenir merchandise from , the Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort in Death Valley National Park is now offering merchandise from its gift shops online...
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| Big musical events coming up | Date: 05-28-2008 |
| With summer weather just around the corner, big events are gearing up all over California. For example, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band revisits the by-ways and gravel roads of Americas musical past with a 6 p.m. concert June 15 in Victorville. The event is Huck Finns Jubilee and the setting is Mojave Narrows Regional Park, an 800 acre woodland located just minutes from historic Rt. 66. Numerous other country and bluegrass musical acts will be presented over the weekend...The first annual SUNSET Strip Music Festival will be June 26-28 in the city of West Hollywood. It's initial lineup of talent includes such diverse artists as B Real of Cypress Hill, Slash, Hot Hot Heat, Everclear, Soul Asylum and Dilated Peoples. The Roxy Theatre, Whisky A-Go-Go, House of Blues, Viper Room, Key Club and the Cat Club are all uniting for the festival...Want a quieter experience? An international hostel in Redwoods National Park has been named best in the world. Hostelling International visitors rated 4,000 hostels in 80 countries and the Redwood Hostel, a renovated 100-year-old farmhouse turned guesthouse, won top honors...
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| Some hotels will pay you to visit | Date: 05-17-2008 |
| If you are looking for a getaway that will really pay off, consider the 2008 Fly, Drive and Dine promotion offered by Costa Mesa Hotels. When guests book a stay in one of nine participating Costa Mesa hotels before Sept. 30, they will receive a $25 per night dining certificate per reservation for each night they stay in that is redeemable at many Costa Mesa area restaurants. Additionally, a $25 reimbursement on airfare or purchase of gasoline will be mailed to guests within a few weeks of their stay in Costa Mesa...Tales of life on the river, jumping frogs, hot air balloons and the arrival of a small town circus can be lived first hand this Fathers Day weekend when the 32nd Annual Huck Finn Jubilee rolls into Victorville. During the three-day festival which runs June 13-15, families can whitewash fences, build river rafts and climb a greased pole...Paradise Point Resort and Spa on Mission Bay in San Diego is offering visitors a $100 gas card and free parking with a qualified 4-night stay. Rates start at $249 per night, and a minimum 4-night stay is required. Gas cards are issued at check-out. Reservations must be booked by June 30, 2008, and travel must be completed by September 30. To book this package, reserve online by using the promotion code FREGAS... |
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| New way to see Bay area sights | Date: 05-12-2008 |
| Just back from a trip to San Francisco where we enjoyed some shopping and sightseeing downtown and sampled something a little unusual -- Segway riding near the waterfront. If you haven't tried it, by all means include this on your itinerary, whether it be in the Bay area with the San Francisco and Sausalito Electric Tour Company or in San Diego, where you also can ride Segways. The general consensus of our group was this was an activity well worth doing again...On the same trip, we had a delicious lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train, a really enjoyable way to spend a few hours that combines wine country scenery with gourmet food...With the ocean fishery for salmon closed this season, the announcement this week by Redwood Adventure Tours takes on special significance: They're doing river-fishing tours where you can fish for -- you guessed it -- salmon...Another excellent place to go fishing is the Sacramento Delta where we recently rented a 17-foot runabout from H2O to Go. It was fun getting out onto the Delta waterways but one note of caution: either bring a gps or be really observant about where you are going. It's easy to get lost in the many waterways of the Delta... |
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| MacCallum House offers 'stimulus' | Date: 05-04-2008 |
| While checks are in the mail for your tax rebate from Uncle Sam, one California bed-and-breakfast has jumped on board with its own Economic Stimulus Package that gives you $200 off a midweek stay between now and June 30.
MacCallum House is known as one of the finest lodgings in Mendocino...It's not too late to catch the spring flowers if you head for Big Bear Lake. Most wildflowers in the desert and inland regions of Southern California have already bloomed for the season, but Big Bear is known for its late bloomers, which are just getting started...On Mother's Day, May 11, the
Westlake Village Inn has put together a Mother's Day Spa Package for $250 that includes flowers, wine or champagne and a massage along with a mini-suite in this very Italian-villa-feeling resort...If you're anxious to do a little hiking on your next getaway, check out the Summer Adventure Package offered by
Apple Farm Inn. The package includes a trail map of Montana De Oro State Park, a printed guides of local birds, two gourmet box lunches, a 30 percent discount on Apple Farm logo wear in the gift shop and a night's accommodations...
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| Fallbrook Festival to feature 50 Indy films | Date: 04-24-2008 |
| The Fallbrook Film Factory expects more than 50 independent filmmakers to attend the first Fallbrook Film Festival on April 25-27 in downtown Fallbrook, just north of San Diego. Film enthusiasts who wish to mingle with the filmmakers may purchase passes for $150 that gives them access to all events. More than 80 films are being shown in four venues...Also in the San Diego area, consider a visit to Torrey Pines State Reserve, which spans 2,000 acres. Among the eight miles of trails, guests can encounter native chaparral plants, wildflowers, birds, reptiles and butterflies...If you are near Napa on May 14, check out the Saveur 2008 Bonjour Culinary Series at Meadowood Resort where you can observe cooking demos by world-renowned chefs, savor a full luncheon of exceptional dishes prepared before your eyes, and spend a unique day in a delightful setting... |
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| Caching in with your hand-held GPS | Date: 04-10-2008 |
| A neighborhood friend brought out his hand-held GPS unit the other day and began relating his family's newest outdoor activity -- geocaching. Soon we had our own GPS and were downloading coordinates where our family could find hidden boxes of trinkets as a kind of high-tech Easter egg hunt. Now comes the latest: a GPS map called SnowRanger that you can use to find your way around California ski resorts and mountains. The software includes detailed maps of 14 different California-Nevada ski resorts...Wondering what to do on Mother's Day? The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel is hosting a pair of elegant Mothers Day affairs on Sunday, May 11th -- a festive Champagne Brunch and a three-course dinner. Both will feature specially prepared gourmet items that sound like the perfect complement to a weekend on the beach in Ventura...Emily Polsby of the Mendocino County Lodging Association wrote to remind us that the whales are currently in season and that you can see them from the Mendocino County shore -- with no risk of getting seasick. In fact, the coastal town of Gualala hosts special whale activities throughout the month of April. Check out these Mendocino County lodgings...
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| San Clemente getaway worth repeating | Date: 04-03-2008 |
| There are certain getaways that you know you want to repeat -- in fact, repeat often just because they feel right, and comfortable, and easy. We found one such getaway in San Clemente which we included in our recent article about bed-and-breakfast inns. The Casa Tropicana is one of those special places with just the right location -- across from the San Clemente Pier and beach area -- that makes you feel like you're a million miles from home...California lodgings continue to be pro-active about gas prices and the latest example is the $100 gas card being offered at Big Bear Lake. This year for the first time Big Bear Lake Resort Association (BBLRA) offers a free $100 gas card for guests booking five or more nights at a participating lodge, or a free $50 gas card for guests booking a three or four nights stay at a participating lodge. Click here for a selection of properties...This is the time of year to check out the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, just north of San Diego. The colors are amazing and there now are several high-quality lodgings in the Carlsbad area... |
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| Grass Valley fun for day trip or weekend | Date: 03-19-2008 |
| If you're traveling somewhere between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, consider a slight diversion to a little town by the name of Grass Valley. The downtown is historic with a variety of shops and restaurants and a Gold Rush feel. Just outside of town is the Empire Mine, a historical park where you can see the inner workings of the state's oldest and largest gold mine. It's no wonder that so many people visit this beautiful little town on weekends...The spring melt means that river-rafting season is upon us. For a fun adventure, check out Tributary Whitewater Tours, which offers rafting adventures for nearly all ages and abilities...Still more thrills can be found at Legoland, just north of San Diego, which recently unveiled Land of Adventure, a brand new area that features four new attractions including the parks first-ever dark ride, Lost Kingdom Adventure...Still not enough adventure? Then visit Surf Diva, one of the countrys most popular surfing schools. Located on the La Jolla Shores near San Diego, this is where surfing professionals teach women, children and men the fundamentals of surfing with weekend and week-long clinics...
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| Fallbrook an ideal smalltown getaway | Date: 03-10-2008 |
| If you are looking for that small town with colorful scenery, wineries nearby and great trails to hike, consider Fallbrook. Located about 45 miles north of San Diego, this area is slightly inland and close to the wineries of the Temecula Valley. Lodgings in Fallbrook are inexpensive and the town features museums and other points of interest. We especially enjoy hiking the Santa Margarita Trail, just a five-minute drive from downtown Fallbrook...The higher gas prices are starting to bring out offers of gas reimbursement from several lodgings around California. In March, MacCallum House in Mendocino is offering a $40 cash voucher good at their acclaimed restaurant, towards a package or to help fill up your gas tank -- in addition to a bottle of award-winning Roederer Estate sparkling wine ($34 value). All reservations must be made for two nights or longer for stays between now and March 31...One of our favorite places to visit is Sorensens, about 20 miles from South Lake Tahoe, where you can stay in your own very elaborate cabin. Be sure to check out the many classes they offer throughout the spring and summer such as a fly-fishing workshop, star-gazing, a sketchbook workshop, an emigrant trail tour and the study of medicinal plants...
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| San Diego hosts Pompeii exhibition | Date: 02-11-2008 |
| If you are planning on being in San Diego, the San Diego Natural History Museum has a new exhibition, A Day in Pompeii, that will reveal daily life in a city steeped in legend and mystery. Pompeii and its neighboring cities were buried -- and frozen in time -- after the fateful eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on August 24, 79 CE. After being forgotten for nearly 1700 years, the city was accidentally rediscovered by well-digging shepherds in 1748. Since then, its excavation has yielded extraordinary artifacts -- from the rarest of art objects to the most common trinkets of daily use -- and provided a comprehensive portrait of the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. The exhibit begins Feb. 15...Expect a colorful wildflower starting in early March when you visit Death Valley. This annual show in the 3.3 million-acre park continues through the middle of April and in some higher elevations, as late as June. The unusually heavy rainfall this year means the flower show will probably be one of the most spectacular in recent memory. Phil Dickinson of the Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort says the .38 inches of rainfall in late January is like a monsoon out in Death Valley... |
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| Civil War re-enactments planned for Calico | Date: 01-27-2008 |
| No need to visit the East Coast to get a taste of those Civil War re-enactments you've heard about. From February 16th through 18th - Presidents Day Weekend -- Calico Ghost Town, near Barstow, will come alive with Civil War battles, the sounds of bugles, and the thunder of cannon and musket fire. Calico, in partnership with the American Civil War Society, invites visitors to come and witness historic presentations, troop inspections, artillery demonstrations, period fashion shows, and military battles. Battles will occur daily at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m... The first annual snow shoe race in the Big Bear Valley will take place Saturday, February 9th at 10 a.m. Known as Snow Shoe the Bear, racers may compete in a 10k (6.2 miles) or a 5k (3.1 miles) course distance. Other festivities scheduled for the weekend include race-day childrens programs organized by The Discovery Center, live entertainment and an awards ceremony to take place at the conclusion of the event. More than 150 racers are expected to participate in this inaugural event...The San Diego waterfront is one of our favorite places to visit and last weekend we finally had the chance to sample Ruth's Chris Steak House, offering arguably the best steaks in the city. It did not disappoint -- and the views from the restaurant of the harbor area are quite spectacular...
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| Resort to give away Ferrari, yacht cruise | Date: 01-18-2008 |
| If you can't quite afford to treat your significant other to a Ferrari, luxury yacht cruise and a stay at an exclusive resort, San Diego's Estancia La Jolla Hotel will take care of that for you -- if you win their new Sweepstakes. One lucky couple will be given a two-night stay in one of Estancias deluxe guestrooms; breakfast for two each morning; a half-day Ferrari F430 rental; limousine transportation to a three-hour luxury yacht cruise off the beautiful La Jolla coast; and a fabulous couples massage in their lush spa. Valued at approximately $7,500, the sweepstakes opportunity will close on April 1, 2008. To enter, click here...If on the other hand you have a dog who would like an equally fine package -- in dog-terms, that is -- then consider this Fido-friendly offering from The Cliffs Resort, a Boutique Hotel Collection oceanfront property that overlooks one of the finest beaches on Californias beautiful Central Coast. If you pre-register your dog at the Cliffs Resort, you can get a doghouse full of special treats for $50 including: a souvenir dog tag, an over-sized, over-stuffed decadent dog bed, a bowl for food and water, doggie turn-down service, dog walking service, and an in-room doggie dining menu... |
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| Heavenly seems bigger, better than ever | Date: 01-12-2008 |
| Oh what a difference a decade makes...we're at Heavenly ski area in South Lake Tahoe and it's our first return trip since the '90's. We always remembered the area as big, but with steady improvements over the past few years, there just seems to be even more lifts, more runs and more intermediate terrain. This area is truly world-class and you know how you can tell? The foreign languages you hear everywhere you go on the mountain...We're staying at Harrah's, just a five-minute walk from the Heavenly gondola. We're enjoying the huge rooms and terrific mountain and lake views from our unit on the 8th floor...When in the area you have to plan a meal at Friday's Station Steak and Seafood Grill, on the 18th floor of Harrah's. The sunset last night was spectacular as we dined on top-quality steaks and salads served by a very attentive wait staff...One of the advantages of skiing at Lake Tahoe is that you can combine your ski trip with a little gambling - in our case, very little since we haven't figured out exactly how to always stay ahead. But someone in our party was quick to win at Blackjack so we know that people do in fact win... |
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| Bear Valley a unique ski experience | Date: 12-31-2007 |
| As ski season gets into full swing, we're reminded of a ski vacation we took last winter to Bear Valley in Northern California. As we indicated in our article, the ski area turned out to be quite a discovery because of its excellent groomed slopes, minimal lines and almost no crowds. It's a little bit of a drive to get there, but stay for a night or two and it's well worth it...Another favorite spot of ours is Big Bear, an amazing ski area when you consider the fact you're an hour away from the sun and palm trees of Palm Springs. When we sampled the skiing there last winter, we went mid-week and found it delightful -- they say the conga lines get a little long on the roads into and out of Big Bear if you time your visit to go with the Friday night rush. So best to leave Friday morning or, even better, take a couple days off from work and go midweek...If the beach is more your style, check out the new tour company in San Diego offering four-hour excursions to popular beach communities in the San Diego area. San Diego Insider Tours offers specialty tours -- such as the Beads, Baubles and Jewelry Junket which, we're sure, is a little lean on male participation... |
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| Whale-watching starts in December | Date: 12-17-2007 |
| Time to make those plans for whale-watching. The California coast is a whale-watching showground, especially in winter and spring when thousands of whales are migrating to warmer waters. Travelers to California can grab a front-row seat and get close to all the action, as well as take part in a variety of festivals that celebrate the migration, according to Caroline Beteta, executive director of the California Travel and Tourism Commission. In California, the gray whale is the most commonly seen migrating whale, and they can be seen from many points along the California Coast. If you're near a marina, they probably have boats that take regularly scheduled whale-watching trips starting in mid to late December...The folks in Santa Barbara are encouraging you to leave your car behind on your next visit to their beautiful city. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project, celebrating its 10th year of green-tourism partnership is again offering a Car Free Experience Discount Package, featuring savings up to 50 percent at 22 hotels and 20 activities and restaurants. Just by mentioning the Santa Barbara Car Free Experience Package when making a reservation, visitors will receive significant discounts up to 50 percent off regular room rates at participating hotels. Best way to get to Santa Barbara and still leave your car at home? The train. Amtrak offers great views, whether you're coming from the north or the south...
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| Great bargains in early December | Date: 12-07-2007 |
| Early December is a great time to find deals at hotels and resorts that normally don't have to offer discounts. Here are a few we've just come across...Check out the Hyatt Regency Orange County that is close to Disneyland and offering 20 percent off the best available rate if you book by Dec. 21 for travel through Dec. 26. For $20 more you get a cool Kids Suite...One of the best getaways we can imagine is La Jolla and the Best Western Inn by the Sea has a perfect location that is close to shopping, over 50 restaurants and, of course, the beach. Through January 31, they are offering four nights for the price of three...Lake Tahoe's ski season is just getting geared up, so get up there and enjoy the early-season discount of 20 percent off when you stay at the lake-front Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge...And finally, if you want an inexpensive getaway in a world-class location, head to Santa Barbara where you'll find rooms for as little as $79 at the Cabrillo Inn at the Beach, which is offering great deals through March 31, 2008... |
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| Global Warming exhibit at Birch Aquarium | Date: 12-03-2007 |
| If you want some help explaining climate change to your kids, San Diego's
Birch Aquarium has opened a new exhibit that will bring the problem home with interactive displays. "Feeling the heat: The Climate Challenge" is an exhibit for all ages and is open every day...Those London style cabs you see on the streets of Orange County are coming from the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, where a company called
Her Majesty's Ride is now offering taxi rides to major OC attractions...Next time you and nine of your friends want to tour Sonoma County wineries together,
Terrific Tours will show you the best wineries in the area and give you pointers on how to taste wine. You can also join up with strangers to fill out your group of 10...Ever had the desire to snowshoe Yosemite? Well now's your chance with a new tour offered by the
Evergreen Lodge. The guided adventure will take visitors along the Dewey Point trail, one of the prettiest in the park... |
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| Hilton San Diego has new spa | Date: 11-24-2007 |
| The Hilton San Diego Resort has a new $5 million two-story spa called Essence, which features nine treatment rooms, a fitness center and many extras. It's a 7500-square-foot facility altogether. The resort is ideally located on the beach just a short drive from downtown San Diego and quite close to SeaWorld...Also in San Diego, the Grand Del Mar Hotel has just opened. It's a 249-room resort that includes a spa, four pools, a golf course and just about as much luxury as you'll ever need...If you're looking for a unique state park experience in Northern California, the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is now renting 24 new innovative family style cabins. The cabins are for sleeping only and do not contain bathroom or cooking facilities, but restroom and shower facilities are nearby...If a trip to Monterey is in your future, check out the newest permanent exhibition at Monterey Bay Aquarium called Mission to the Deep in which visitors can learn about underwater robots and other high-tech tools used to explore the deep sea... |
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| Get ready for Newport Boat Parade | Date: 11-13-2007 |
| Just returned from a weekend at the Balboa Bay Club, an impressive hotel that makes you feel like a million bucks -- actually that would probably be a low estimate of the average annual income of Balboa Bay Club members. The good news for the rest of us is that the hotel has opened 160 units to the public, many of them waterfront with incredible views of the Newport Harbor scenery. By the way, the perfect holiday getaway would be a stay at the Balboa Bay Club while they are having the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, this year from Dec. 12 through the 16th. Gorgeous rooms at the club are still available, according to club marketing director George Lysak. Guests are guaranteed parking spaces which, Lysak points out, is a really big deal...Another great holiday event will be the First Annual Lighting of the Palms celebration, taking place Saturday, Nov. 24 at The Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach. In addition to the ceremonial Lighting of the Palms at sunset, the celebration will also include music and dancing from 2:30-5:30pm featuring Grammy-winning artist Louie Ortega and the The Wild Jalapeos; complimentary hot cider; a full bar of festive spirits from signature sangrias and traditional libations to hot mulled wine; and a full menu of Santa Maria-style barbeque...
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| Perfect time to visit San Diego | Date: 11-05-2007 |
| With a disaster as big as the recent Southern California fires, there is of course the immediate devastation followed by the long road to recovery for the affected homeowners. But it is easy to forget there is another part of the local population that is impacted as well -- the tourism industry. With fire and smoke on national television for several days running, even the most popular tourist areas can temporarily lose their allure. And that can put a dent in the local economy, as happened in the aftermath of fires last year at Lake Tahoe. The ironic fact is that often the destination is just as gorgeous and inviting as ever. Since we live in the San Diego area, we are here to tell you that everything is completely back to normal for San Diego guests -- the weather is as beautiful as ever, there is no sign of fire damage in the areas normally frequented by tourists and -- probably because of the fire publicity -- everything is just a little less crowded right now...If you are over 50, check this out: Boutique Hotel Collection introduces its Nifty Fifty package, honoring those born in 1957 or earlier with a 50 percent discount on accommodations, dinners and specialty items at its distinctive California Central Coast properties. It is being offered from Nov. 26 through Feb. 7...
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| Resorts give firefighters needed respite | Date: 10-26-2007 |
| The Southern California fires have filled many SoCal hotel rooms, although not quite in the manner in which everyone would prefer. The hotels were glad to offer evacuees a place to stay, but sorry for the circumstances...Some hotels served as a much-needed base for weary firefighters. The Pala Mesa Golf Resort, in northern San Diego County near Fallbrook, is currently being utilized by on-site emergency agencies to house firefighters, volunteers and other emergency personnel. As you can see from the Pala Mesa website, helicopters are using a nearby lake to fill up their tanks with water before attacking nearby fires...The Lake Arrowhead Resort also was evacuated to serve as a base of operations for firefighters. Fortunately the resort is between two fires in that region and has not sustained any damage. Altogether the hotel had 29 strike teams from all over California and other states staying at the resort. One morning, GM Peter Henry got 150 pounds of bacon donated from the local Stater Brothers and cooked it up for the firefighters himself... |
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| Cruises offered on San Joaquin Delta | Date: 10-20-2007 |
| The trip up and down the Central Valley can be a long one with hundreds of miles of boring freeway driving. Consider breaking up the drive next time with a stop in Stockton where you can now take a cruise on the San Joaquin Delta on board the Princess of Whales, a 149-passenger catamaran. Cruises are offered year-round and are of various lengths, including a day-long cruise to San Francisco...Here is an option for your next trip to Sacramento: a stay in a new Tuscan-style villa that has just been added to the Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa. The rooms all feature fireplaces and most have a Jacuzzi tub for two...Another great hotel is being added to the already excellent selection on Catalina Island -- the Aurora Hotel is a completely renovated property that has just opened its doors. It features 16 guestrooms and three suites, all with many upscale amenities. It's operated by the same people who bring you the high-quality Avalon Hotel... |
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| $270 million resort opens in San Diego | Date: 10-13-2007 |
| If you want to see what a $270 million resort looks like, check out the newly opened Grand Del Mar, a 249-room Mediterranean-style resort in the San Diego area. According to Thomas Voss, president of Manchester Grand Resorts, this lavishly appointed resort with meticulous details including over 30 types of marble and stone, vibrant Portuguese tile, Venetian plastered walls, more than 25,000 square feet of handcrafted wood flooring and intricate hand-stenciled ceilings is among the highest priced new builds in California...November and early December are good times to visit Mendocino, where you'll get 50 percent off your room at MacCallum House if you stay two nights. To receive the discount you must reserve online and type GM's Fall Getaway Special into the notes field of the online reservation system. This promotion may not be used towards existing reservations...Another great holiday destination is the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo. They are holding a running festival, of sorts, that will offer lots of traditional festivities from Nov. 10 through Christmas. The Victorian-flavored Apple Farm -- which features a restaurant, bakery and inn -- will ring in this holiday season with its annual Kick-Off Event Nov. 10, which is free for the entire family. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, an old-fashioned cakewalk, photo-ops with Santa, drawings for free baked goods, strolling Victorian carolers and more...
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| Coast Guard House historic, upscale | Date: 10-06-2007 |
| Just returned from a couple of days on the Northern California Coast and, I've gotta tell you, fall is a great time to visit the many scenic locations from Bodega Bay right on up to where Highway 1 joins once again with 101. There is no shortage of scenic vistas, or public access to the beach. One of our nights was spent at the Coast Guard House Inn in the Point Arena area, where guests can see in the local history books just how important this building was to the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which eventually became the Coast Guard. Innkeeper Kevin Gallagher has spruced up the individual rooms to be quite upscale, but still historic and charming...Another interesting stop on our recent trip north was at Redwoods National Park, about 40 miles north of Eureka. We met with John Russavage, CEO of the Redwood Parks Lodge Company, which is offering a phenomenal overnight accommodation package in a newly refurbished three-bedroom house for $199 per night. Large enough for two families, and furnished with everything imaginable, these houses are located in Elk Meadow, a prime part of the park, just a five-minute walk to the nearest trail and close enough to see elk right out the back door. While we were chatting with John, as if on cue, two bull elk began sparring about 30 yards from where we were standing... |
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| Tahoe-area resort offers guitar workshop | Date: 09-29-2007 |
| One of our favorite cabin-in-the-woods experiences is at Sorensens Resort near Lake Tahoe and, since we play guitar, we now have another reason to appreciate this great resort. They are planning a March workshop that will be presented by internationally acclaimed
guitarist and recording artist Alex de Grassi. It would be a great time to do a little cross-country skiing as well...A good way to save money this winter on skiing and snowboarding is Big Bear Lake Midweek Ski and Ride Packages, which start at $69 per person, per night with minimum double occupancy. Midweek visitors can save up to 27 percent on their favorite winter sport and lodging accommodations. Ask one of these Big Bear lodgings for more details...The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club offers a Gourmet for a Day package, designed to inspire the culinary genius in everyone. Enjoy accommodations at this exclusive oceanfront retreat, featuring one of the only private beaches in Southern California, combined with a one-hour cooking experience in The Marine Room kitchen, followed by a five-course tasting menu in the award-winning Marine Room, and a special gift from the chefs... |
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| A Wild West event for whole family | Date: 09-22-2007 |
| A Wild West parade, burro run, miners triathlon, barbecue, cowboy honky-tonk and bluegrass music help recreate the life and times of Calico Ghost Town at its 41st annual Calico Days celebration October 5-7. The highlight of the weekend is the Calico Days parade, commencing at high-noon on Saturday. The whole family will enjoy the egg tossing contests, beard and mustache contests, horseshoe pitch, coloring contests, bucket brigade contests, and the greased pole climb. Calico Ghost Town is near Barstow...If you're already planning your Halloween haunts, you might want to check out the Queen Mary Shipwreck event in Long Beach, to be offered 13 nights in October. Known for its paranormal activites, the Queen Mary is the perfect place to encounter spooks during the Halloween season...Nature lovers can take flight to the Inn at Morro Bay in Morro Bay, CA, this January to catch a glimpse of several species of winged wonders with the new Audubon Package an offering that celebrates the months nationally-recognized Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival by giving guests a custom bird watching kayak tour, a trip to the Natural History Museum, a local bird map and more...
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| Iron Butterfly in free Palm Desert concert | Date: 09-17-2007 |
| The Coachella Valley Recreation and Parks District has a free rock concert coming up in Palm Desert on October 4 with Iron Butterfly playing with Wild Child between 6 and 9 p.m. at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park...Looking for great Mexican food in California? We stopped by Miguel's Cocina Coronado, just across the street from the Hotel Del Coronado on San Diego's Coronado Island and found this to be the perfect atmosphere for a Mexican restaurant. It's located in the courtyard of the El Cordova Hotel so parts of it are outdoors. Conveniently, the reservation desk also has a small bar where you can leave your name and pick up a drink without missing a beat. And the food's good, too...Editors of Dog Fancy Magazine named San Diego the 2007 DogTown USA, an annual recognition of Americas most dog-friendly city based on reader nominations and presence of dog-friendly activities, restaurants and businesses; dog parks, and critical-care facilities...
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| Westlake Village Inn a surprising "find" | Date: 09-11-2007 |
| Just returned from a weekend at Westlake Village Inn, a surprising find just north of Los Angeles. With its elaborate gardens, landscaping and lake, it's no wonder that locals choose this place for a lot of weddings. Travelers to the Los Angeles area will find it's in an excellent location for daytrips to Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and the Reagan Library...If you want to see a real TV and movie star up-close, head this weekend for the Redwoods where Redwood Adventures is holding an open house to show off the recently renovated Elk Meadow Cabins at Redwood Adventures Village. Held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., the event features tours of the cabins, a free barbecue and a ceremony featuring actor Robert Conrad, best known for his role in the popular late 1960's television series Wild Wild West...Located on the salty-air bluffs above beautiful Shell Beach, the Cliffs Resort is expanding on its seaside spa offerings with the introduction of two new product lines and an indulgent new spa-centric vacation package. Osea and Epicuren products are now available at the Spa at The Cliffs Resort... |
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| Unusual Kids Buffet at Loews Coronado | Date: 09-03-2007 |
| Some of California's best beaches are on San Diego's Coronado Island. One of those is Silver Strand State Park, which actually is connected by walkway-underpass with the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. We stopped by the resort to have dinner at the Market Cafe, which offered something we haven't seen before: a Kids' Buffet table. There on a table about half the height of a regular table was an assortment of kid-friendly items such as s'mores, peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, veggie trays, chocolate chip cookies, salads -- just about anything your kid would want. The adult food at the cafe was excellent as well...Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren and now five Boutique Hotel Collection hotels are offering a Grandparents Getaway Package for the months of November and December. These special Sunday-Thursday packages are for grandparents and up to two grandchildren. Each property offers a variety of fun activities and amenities including milk and cookies upon arrival, free dinner for kids under 12, and a teddy-bear turndown service. For example, Apple Farm Inn, in San Luis Obispo, offers a one-night stay in a deluxe room with two queen beds and fireplace. Package is $199 per night, plus tax, and includes a trip to the Red Hot Pottery store to create an item (one per child) to be glazed, fired then shipped back home within a week of visit...
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| New luxury hotel opens in Paso Robles | Date: 08-22-2007 |
| We've visited the Paso Robles wine region and find it one of the most beautiful and magical places in California and now there's yet another reason to visit Wine Country. La Bellasera Hotel & Suites opened its doors last month, becoming the first luxury boutique hotel in Paso Robles. Located in the heart of California's Central coast wine region, La Bellasera is a full service resort hotel offering 60 luxury oversized suites, restaurant, spa, and meeting facility. Located at the gateway to Hearst Castle and the Central Coast wine country, the hotel is a blend of Mediterranean and Italian architectural elements with wood and glass textured entry doors, natural stone floors, oversized guest rooms, suites with fireplaces, whirlpools and full kitchens, according to Ken Garvin, Vice President of Operations. The hotel currently is offering grand opening specials...If you can't get enough of Johnny Depp and his pirate movies, check out the San Diego Maritime Museum and its exhibit called Pirates of the Pacific. The exhibit highlights the exploits of William Dampier, a sophisticated buccaneer who mixed an interest in natural science and geography with a lust for adventure. The exhibit also focuses on Chinese pirates that threatened merchant ships in the South China Sea...
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| Octoberfest just around the corner | Date: 08-16-2007 |
| With September just around the corner, it's time to start planning your Octoberfest getaways. One of the biggest and longest running in California is the one at Big Bear Lake, now in its 37th year. For seven consecutive weekends, Saturday, Sept. 15 to Saturday, Oct. 27, thousands of people will enjoy traditional Bavarian songs and polka dances, as well as games and contests such as the log sawing competition and queen stein carrying contest. Be sure to make your lodging reservations well in advance...Disneyland is capitalizing on all the buzz about High School Musical 2, the Disney movie that is premiering on the Disney Channel August 17. Following the TV premiere, an all-new "High School Musical 2: Schools Out!" live show will debut at Disneys California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort on Saturday, August 18...If you like all things spooky, no need to wait until Halloween. Ghostfest II, to be held on Sept. 28 and 29, is a scientific and spiritual exploration of poltergeists, psychic phenomena and ghost research. It's conducted on the Queen Mary in Long Beach... |
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| Panda-monium breaks out in San Diego | Date: 08-07-2007 |
| Panda-monium has broken out at the San Diego Zoo with the birth of a panda cub on August 3. There's a Panda Cam at the zoo's website that is getting a lot of traffic. Panda Cam viewers received a sneak peek of the San Diego Zoo's 3-day-old giant panda early Monday morning when 16-year-old Bai Yun left the den for the first time since birth for a drink of water...The San Luis Obispo area is just gorgeous this time of year. And for $399 plus tax, the Apple Farm Inns Southern Exposure package features deluxe accommodations for two for two nights, a detailed farm and winery itinerary, a gourmet picnic lunch for two, a $20 credit for gasoline, a homemade Apple Farm fruit pie to take home, a bottle of Apple Farms barbecue sauce, and a daily wine reception. Now THAT's a package...Like live music? Head for the Napa Valley and Calistoga where the Calistoga Inn is known for nightly entertainment. Providing nighttime entertainment is a priority for owner Mike Dunsford. "When people travel they want to have a good time," says Dunsford... |
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| Where to find a cabin with character | Date: 08-01-2007 |
| Nowadays it is sometimes hard to find that cabin with character for your mountain or lake getaway. Often, the cabins are really big new houses, or as we once discovered, a series of modular homes. But check out the
Tsasdi Resort on Shasta Lake -- these are really cool cabins in the woods with little kitchens and living room areas. Very charming...The
Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club in Redondo Beach doesn't have cabins, but their Boys Will Be Boys package is the next best thing to an escape to the woods. As the hotel puts it,upon arrival youll be welcomed with two of the best things in life: a cocktail and a cigar -- along with tickets to a comedy or magic club...If you want to see big-name acts that are maybe just a little out of their prime but still good and -- get this -- appearing for ticket prices of just 20 or 30 bucks, visit the
Riverside Hotel in Laughlin, Nevada. Just over the California line, this is a great hotel that offers big-town fun for small-town prices. Check out performers like Mark Chesnutt, Collin Raye, Doug Kershaw, Vicki Lawrence and Debbie Reynolds... |
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| Fairmont Miramar courts single travelers | Date: 07-23-2007 |
| Single travel is growing. Recognizing this niche, The Fairmont Miramar Hotels Single & The City room package includes deluxe room accommodations, continental breakfast (guests can enjoy their meal in The Grille or outdoor at the Koi Pond), and a special amenity kit from the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau which includes info and maps of fun and interesting things to experience while visiting in Santa Monica...Humboldt County's Richard Stenger says you can do more than examine prize heifers, bite into the best-tasting BBQ ever and cheer dogs herding sheep at the oldest county fair in the state. The 111th annual Humboldt County Fair also offers ten days to wager on your choice of lucky hooves. Most will be on horses, but a few races at the track will pit cloned mules against each other. The fair, which runs August 9th to 19th, takes place at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in the Victorian village of Ferndale...A popular activity for many years at Yosemite's Tenaya Lodge has been the Flashlight Hike, an easy hike that operates any night there are at least four participants. Perfect for kids six and up, the cost is $10 per person and includes a souvenir Tenaya flashlight. The hike is conducted by a Guest Services staff member...
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| Kids Play Weekend at Wild Animal Park | Date: 07-16-2007 |
| The Wild Animal Park in North San Diego County is always a great place to visit with the kids whenever you're in the area. On August 4 and 5 the park will be holding Fisher-Price Play Weekend. The event features a supersized playpen filled with the coolest new toys from Fisher-Price. A Power Wheels driving track featuring the new NASCAR Power Wheels and Ford F-150 vehicles will be available for little cruisers to take for a whirl. On Saturday kids can meet Ace and Digger from the new Planet Heroes. And on Sunday, Diego, from Nick Jr., will be there to meet fans. The event runs from 11 to 4 both days and is free with park admission...Stargazer Productions and the Queen Mary announce the opening of a special new cabaret-style dinner theater production called Dancing Queen that will sing and dance audience members through the generally glamorous, sometimes sordid history of the Queen Mary Cruise Liner.
Running from now through Nov. 18, Dancing Queen showcases a unique perspective of American history through the eyes of the Queen Mary and the ship's extensive past-from serving as a troopship during WWII, through her 1,001 transatlantic crossings, to her final "resting place" in the Long Beach harbor. Tribute will also be paid to the numerous celebrities, both beloved and notorious, who have graced her royal decks. For more information, phone 1-562-499-1757...
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| Arrowhead Resort adds more luxury | Date: 07-10-2007 |
| Just returned from a thoroughly enjoyable weekend in Lake Arrowhead where we got our first chance to see the extensive improvements to the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. This classic resort has been renovated top to bottom and now ranks with some of the best luxury resort properties in the state. Its location on the lake and next to the bustling Arrowhead Village is a big plus, but now the resort really looks the part of a big-time luxury resort...While in the area we had the chance to stop by Wildhaven, a rehab center for wild animals indigenous to the San Bernardino Forest. Directors Roger and Diane Williams invite visitors to come out and see the bears, bobcats, deer and other animals up-close. Diane explained to our group that these animals became her life's calling when, at age nine, she was going through a challenging childhood. The connection she felt with animals brightened her childhood and remains with her to this day as she raises many animals from the time they are only weeks old. For a completely fulfilling experience, we recommend you take the entire family out to Wildhaven on your next visit to the Lake Arrowhead-Big Bear area... |
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| Fire spooks Tahoe bookings -- for no reason | Date: 07-03-2007 |
| The recent fire just outside of South Lake Tahoe has created an unusual opportunity for travelers wanting to visit the lake during the absolute most beautiful time of the year. Publicity from the fire has softened hotel reservations to the extent that lakefront hotel properties have July vacancies -- something usually unheard of. Word is that bookings are down between 20 and 30 percent because of the public misconception that the fire destroyed portions of downtown. Laura Maffitt, director of sales for the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge and Spa says there really is no significant impact on the vacationer's experience. "You can see where it burned along Highway 50 as you come into town, or you can see the area from a boat," she said, "but aside from that you wouldn't even be able to see anything." It's probably worth your while to check out a few Tahoe hotels and see what special rates might be offered in the immediate future to help fill up rooms that might otherwise go empty. Tahoe Lakeshore, for example, is relaxing its multi-night stay requirement for the 4th of July and the following weekend... |
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| Squaw is a summer wonderland | Date: 06-28-2007 |
| One of our favorite ski resorts becomes an incredibly beautiful mountain playground in the summer. Squaw Valley is transformed into some of the best hiking terrain in the country and a magnificent venue for outdoor leisure. The epicenter of the summer Squaw season is High Camp Bath and Tennis Club, elevation 8200 feet. A breathtaking recreational paradise above the lake, High Camp is home to a mountaintop Swimming Lagoon and Spa, tennis courts, hiking center, ice skating pavilion, and dining...Just returned from a trip to Calico Silver Rush Ghost Town, near Barstow. This time of year, brace for some heat, but the authentic western saloon is the perfect stop about half way between L.A. and Vegas. Passengers will be refreshed with the cold draft beer, but there is plenty of non-alcoholic refreshment for the driver as well, all in an atmosphere you just cannot beat...Sam and Shawnda Marmorstein, owners of the Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Cafe, have started a new program featuring artists and their works changing on a monthly basis. On the first Tuesday of each month, the public is invited to a free opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. where they can meet the featured talent and enjoy complimentary hors d oeuvres and wine. It all starts with John Fitzpatrick, whose photographic images capture the luscious Santa Ynez Valley and its people in portraits, landscapes and documentary styles. Opening reception is July 3... |
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| Fire lookout open again for stays | Date: 06-24-2007 |
| The Morton Fire Lookout has reopened to the public for overnight stays, after being closed down for eight months. The fire lookout was officially closed down for overnight trips due to the Esperanza fire that occurred in October 2006. Guests who stay atop the remote 30-foot tower will find peace in knowing they are worlds apart from the daily grind of urban living. For more information, call 800-4-BIG-BEAR...To celebrate the Summer Solstice, the talented chefs at The Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica have created a tasty poolside BBQ menu for guests to enjoy every Friday night throughout summer. The All-American Poolside BBQ consists of all the familiar fixings including home-style potato salad with fresh herbs, heirloom tomato salad with bocconcini, Miramar coleslaw with poppy seeds, roasted corn-on-the-cob and vegetable kebobs. Chefs manning the BBQ grill will be cooking everything from chicken breasts to hot dogs to burgers, and of course, baby back ribs. Call 310/576-7777, ext. 3260 for dining reservations...Redwood Adventures, a business unit of Redwood Parks Lodge Company located in the heart of Redwood National and State Parks, has announced that all six of the their luxury cabins are complete and ready for rental use. Each of the cabins in the Redwood Adventures Vacation Village has been decorated to reflect the habitat and history of the Redwood forest. The cabins are built on seven acres at the southern end of a 40-acre parcel of land north of Orick, California that was originally a sawmill... |
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| Resort planning big July 4 barbecue | Date: 06-20-2007 |
| If you are undecided about Fourth of July travel plans, consider visiting Paradise Point Resort and Spa for Independence Day Weekend, where you can enjoy what the resort says is the Most Spectacular Independence Day Weekend Fireworks and BBQ Extravaganza in San Diego. An All American Kansas City Barbecue starts Monday, July 3rd on Paradise Lawn at 6 p.m. with great food, live music and the best possible view for the 9 p.m. fireworks over Mission Bay...While in town you can take in the the San Diego Zoo, which starts its Nighttime Zoo festivities on June 23 with an exciting new theme and entertainment line-up. Fiesta De Las Caras is a celebration of the Americas bringing the sights, sounds and tastes of California and Latin America to the Zoo each evening through Sept. 3rd...If you are headed to L.A. this summer, consider seeing the Tony Award-winning musical Wicked. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica and several other L.A. hotels are offering a special VIP Wicked package that includes guaranteed VIP tickets to Wicked and your hotel stay...
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| Lake Almanor is a surprising find... | Date: 06-14-2007 |
| We had the opportunity to stop by Lake Almanor on a recent trip to Northern California, where Best Western Rose Quartz Inn manager Mark Gilrey knows he has it made. This lake is pristine -- a mountain setting that's not too far inland from the Central Valley. Residents of that part of the state flock to the lake to enjoy boating, fishing, golf, great scenery -- and just getting away from the crowds. Gilrey, a former associate pastor from out of state, feels like he has found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...Stay out of the sun and still boast a beach-bronzed look with the Sea, Sand & Fog package at Marina Dunes Resort. Guests get a special liquid bronzing treatment applied by spa professionals. Getting too much sun on a summer vacation is simply not a healthy choice, according to Lisa Dias, general manager for Marina Dunes Resort, located along the edge of Monterey Bay...Looking for some cool jazz? Its the natural outdoor amphitheater at Snow Summit Mountain Resort that sets Big Bear Lakes jazz festival apart from other music festivals in Southern California. Big Bear's 3rd Annual JazzTrax Summer Music Festival (JazzTrax) will be held Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24... |
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| The Yosemite bears are back... | Date: 06-08-2007 |
| Just returned from a visit to both Yosemite and Sequoia national parks and the word is that the bears are back. After a couple of years of less frequent bear sightings, bears are being spotted more often in both parks as we close in on the peak summer travel season. While driving through Yosemite, we encounted one particular sighting that had attracted dozens of cars and a park official who was trying to keep the traffic moving...Speaking of Yosemite, we spent some time in Groveland, a small town about 20 miles from the park's entrance that is the perfect place to stay if you prefer to not overnight in one of the park's campgrounds. We especially enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Charlotte, located along the town's old west style Main Street...Another great place to stay overnight is Wuksachi Lodge, where we headquartered while in Sequoia National Park. The scenery just doesn't get more spectacular than the giant Sequoia groves that are located just a short distance from the Wuksachi... |
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| Hello from the Greenhorn Ranch | Date: 06-03-2007 |
| Just spent the weekend at Greenhorn Guest Ranch, a magical place about 60 miles norhtwest of Reno. The drive in is spectacular, whether from Reno or approaching from the west. But what's special is that you just won't be around a finer group of people than those who work at the ranch. Each summer the ranch gears up for a busy summer season, hiring 11 wranglers to watch over 125 horses and dozens of guests each week. The ranch is on about 600 acres with another half-million deeded acres for trail-riders. Many of the employees are college-age kids who are working at the ranch for the summer, returning to classes in the fall. Many others are folks who have grown up around a ranch and enjoy treating guests to the simple pleasures of great food, unbelievable scenery and lots of interaction with great people. Kids love the ranch, of course -- on Saturday night, the highlight of the evening was the frog race, pitting just-captured frogs against one another as kids do everything they can short of touching the frog to get their frog over the finish line first. Feature article coming soon.... |
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| Redwoods celebrates National Trails Day | Date: 05-31-2007 |
| If you are planning a hike this coming weekend, consider the Redwoods. Redwood Adventures, a business unit of Redwood Parks Lodge Company, will host a festival in honor of the American Hiking Society's fifteenth annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1. In celebration of America's beautiful trails, all visitors of Northern California's Redwood National and State Parks and surrounding communities are invited to participate in specially guided bike rides, horseback rides, kayak trips and interpretive hikes. Sponsored by the Orick Chamber of Commerce and hosted at Redwood Adventures Events Center, the National Trails Day celebration is designed to inspire the public to visit the trails in and around the Redwood National and State Parks to discover, learn about and celebrate the area while participating in guided tours, gear demonstrations, educational exhibits, art, food and music. Also check out the cool new cabins offered by Redwood Adventures...Stay tuned for a coming feature on one of California's most interesting ghost towns. We just visited Calico, a former silver mining community that has a number of buildings that have been rebuilt in their original locations. It's well worth a visit if you're driving I-15 toward Las Vegas... |
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| Historic Calistoga getting new resort | Date: 05-30-2007 |
| Just a few weeks ago we were enjoying a scenic drive through the back country of Sonoma County when we drove on over some hills into Calistoga. This historic town, built around the hot springs there, is now getting a new resort -- the Solage Resort. Scheduled to open in July, the Solage is the first of a new hotel concept created by Auberge Resorts. The architecture of Solage interprets the local rural heritage with a stylish twist described as San Francisco loft meets Napa Valley barn. Guests may choose from 89 rooms ranging from $325 for a deluxe room to $850 for a one-bedroom suite. The property will feature a bar and casual restaurant opening onto large outdoor terraces, fire pits, bocce courts and views of the Palisades Mountains. The heart of the resort will be Spa Solage, featuring many special spa experiences and soaking pools tapping the famous Calistoga geothermal springs...The Apple Farm Inn of San Luis Obispo highlights South San Luis Obispo County, offering the new SLO Southern Exposure package, featuring everything from harvest wine tours to a gourmet lunch and homemade pie. For just $399, guests choosing the SLO Southern Exposure package can indulge in a pre-planned harvest tour featuring the south countys most charming farms and cellars clearly designated on a prepared map of the nearby wine country with a detailed itinerary. Additionally, guests will receive a two-night stay at the cozy Victorian-style Apple Farm Inn, a gourmet lunch for two, an Apple Farm fruit pie and a bottle of homemade Apple Farm BBQ Sauce to take home, as well as a $20 gas voucher. The SLO Southern Exposure package is available select Sunday through Wednesday nights from June 17 through September 12, 2007, excluding holidays.
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| Costa Mesa will PAY you to shop | Date: 05-23-2007 |
| Everyone knows South Coast Plaza is the ultimate shopping center in Southern California, and most people know that part of Orange County is home to lots of theater and live music. But what many people may not know is that the city of Costa Mesa will PAY you to visit. The 2007 Fly, Drive and Dine promotion runs through September 30, 2007, based upon room availability. Heres how it works. When travelers book a stay in a participating Costa Mesa hotel this spring and summer, they will receive a $30 per night dining certificate per reservation for each night they stay in the hotel that is redeemable at many fine Costa Mesa area restaurants. Additionally, a $30 reimbursement on their airfare or purchase of gasoline will be mailed to guests within a few weeks of their stay in Costa Mesa...Further north, San Francisco is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Summer of Love. The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau and 16 hotel partners are offering a special hotel promotion exclusively for California residents. Residents may book online for stays between June 1 through 30, 2007 to enjoy three nights for the price of two at a participating hotel. A California billing address must be provided when booking reservations...
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| Live music on Pismo Beach | Date: 05-18-2007 |
| If a beach is in your future, Pismo Beach on the Central California coast is a great choice. We've spent many a day there exploring the beachfront caves and enjoying the spectacular views from the wide and seemingly endless beach. If you go, be sure to take in the SeaVenture Restaurants Sundays on the Deck. As the restaurant recently told us, this is "a special new offering that invites Central Coast residents to enjoy a laid back day of rest with live music, delicious lunch and small plate selections and tropical drink specials from the comfort of heated, oceanfront patios." It runs from now through the end of August and is offered on Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m...If you plan your visit for early June, you'll also be able to take in the Fourth Annual Pinot & Paella Cook-off, which will be held in Templeton on June 10. The Cook-Off features 16 great chefs and 13 Paso Robles Pinot Noir producers. San Luis Obispo Countys best chefs will compete with unique Paella recipes, paired with wine from more than a dozen Paso Robles Pinot Noir producers from 2 p.m. 5 p.m. at the Community Park in Templeton. The Cook-off will showcase the Spanish beat, paella, live music and dance. |
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| Catalina's hot, but this is ridiculous | Date: 05-11-2007 |
| We've done several articles on gorgeous Catalina Island and have a full appreciation for just how beautiful and rare this little piece of paradise is. So it's wrenching to see portions of it ablaze. Everyone's hopeful that damage can be kept to a minimum and hats off to the firefighters who must work in the very steep terrain behind Avalon. For a perspective on the island's interior, check out our story on the Catalina Island Interior...If you're anywhere within an hour or two drive of Temecula on Father's Day, Ponte Winery is putting on what sounds like the perfect Father's Day blues and barbecue bash. LA Jones and the Blues Messengers will play cool Chicago-style blues while a Chef grills a delicious BBQ lunch. Check out the menu: Chicken Drumettes with Jalapeno Chili BBQ Sauce, Gilled Tri Tip with a Smokey Sweet Onion Glaze, Baby Back Ribs with a roasted garlic Cabernet BBQ Sauce, Grilled Chicken with a Chardonnay Garlic Butter, Roasted Corn on the Cob, Apple Pie and much, much more...Also under the category of planning ahead, don't forget that the Dead Sea Scrolls are coming to Balboa Park in San Diego beginning June 29...
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| Bargains just keep coming | Date: 04-30-2007 |
| It never ceases to amaze me how many good travel deals are added to our Value Packages, Midweek Bargains and Gas-wise Getaways sections. Today, for example, we just put up a 20-percent-off special for Napa's Wine Country Inn which still includes their gourmet breakfast and afternoon wine tasting. We just put up a May special for
Silverado Resort offering a huge discount on greens fees for the first part of May. Be sure and check out our other offerings in those special departments...One of our favorite pastimes is cruising San Diego Bay on our powerboat so it was fun learning that San Diego Marriott marketing pro Mark Erskine also likes to spend time on the bay in a 27-foot sailboat. It was great comparing notes on the interesting sightings we've both enjoyed on the bay...Two types of businesses that book up early for those prime summer weekends are houseboats and guest ranches. We have our reservations in place at
Greenhorn Guest Ranch; if you want a prime week on the water this year, be sure and contact
Houseboats.com soon... |
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| Wine Country has new luxury inn | Date: 04-25-2007 |
| We got hooked on Santa Barbara Wine Country last year when we took the Sideways tour -- a map tour that followed the adventures of the main characters in the popular Sideways movie. A few weeks back we discovered the Danish village of Solvang, where owner Mark Davis has pulled out all the stops in creating
Hadsten House the town's newest luxury lodgings. Davis even hired former Fess Parker honcho Bill Phelps to ensure the property would have the highest standards of service...While in Santa Barbara Wine Country, you might consider a special treat: seeing the incredibly beautiful countryside by hot air balloon. The new service has an introductory price of $199 during the spring months. Call
Adventures Out West at (805) 882-1214...Just returned from a visit to the
Hilton San Diego Resort so stay tuned for an upcoming feature on the resort and Pacific Beach. The Hilton is being renovated and will soon have a new spa. Water enthusiasts just can't beat this location on Mission Bay, where the resort has its own dock and fleet of boats and watercraft available for rent. If you're considering an active water vacation in San Diego, the Hilton is a good choice... |
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| Huge country music fest May 5-6 | Date: 04-23-2007 |
| Southern California's country music fans are all atwitter over one of the biggest country music festivals ever to be held in the Western U.S. This one happens to be slated for the polo grounds in Indio, California and is being referred to as the Stagecoach Festival. To be held May 5 and 6, this event has managed to put many of the genre's leading stars on the stage all in one weekend, to wit: Brooks and Dunn, Sugarland, Alan Jackson, Sara Evans, Kenny Chesney, Willy Nelson, Emmylou Harris and about a dozen up-and-coming stars who have top 10 songs right now on country radio. The event's about a half hour from Palm Springs, and fans will be staying at many Palm Springs area resorts. The event also encourages fans to bring their RV's and camp out for the festivities, although at this late date camping spaces may be limited. We're headed for the Pacific Northwest that weekend, but we almost changed our schedule for this one -- it promises to be the best gathering of country musicians this side of the country has seen for quite some time. For info, go to www.stagecoachfestival.com. |
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