California Road Trip

Point Reyes, CA: Northern California's Summer Getaway

2012-05-25T16:52:00.001-07:00

The long, lazy days of summer are finally here, and Point Reyes is kicking off a season of outdoor fun and events. Less than an hour from San Francisco, Point Reyes is an ideal destination for nature lovers, families and anyone looking to get out and about this summer.

Summer starts on Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, with the Point Reyes Open Studios semi-annual event. With over 20 artists planning to display and demonstrate their works, art lovers are invited to explore local studios and workshops and meet some of the finest painters, photographers, sculptors and other artists in the area. The free, self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying unique and wonderful art.

Next, on June 4-5, Western Weekend celebrates the ranching roots of West Marin with 4-H exhibits and homecoming queens. Western Weekend is a great way to get to know Point Reyes, highlighting the quirky and eclectic mix of the area. It combines the area’s cowboy history with great local food and artists. Those planning to come for just the day shouldn’t miss the parade at noon on Sunday at Point Reyes Station. It’s real local fun.

Another local summer staple, the Point Reyes Farmers Market, will be out in full force again this year. Beginning on Saturday, June 23rd, the market will be open from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays. This is the only all local, all certified organic produce market in the wider Bay Area and features the best of what the region has to offer. In addition to fresh, delicious local produce, the market also features guest musicians, book signings and cooking demonstrations from local chefs.

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And as always, don’t forget about the wide range of outdoor activities available. 150 miles of trails greet hikers, bikers and horseback riders alike. Head over to the historic lighthouse or participate in one of the Ranger led programs. And with about 80 miles of shoreline, there's no shortage of beaches to explore or coastline to kayak.

For more information on Point Reyes attractions, activities and events, please visit http://pointreyesweekend.com.

Alpine, CA: Viejas Casino Unveils New Buffet

2012-05-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Viejas tribal leaders, casino executives, Team Members, guests and others gathered together on May 22, 2012 for the Grand Opening of the all-new Buffet at Viejas, which takes the San Diego area’s buffet experience to an entirely new level.

Viejas Casino’s buffet has been enormously popular ever since it opened as the Harvest Buffet in 2000. But the all-new Buffet at Viejas has a new look and feel from the ground up – with a new, open and airy dining room as well as a clean, crisp serving area featuring a Sushi Station, Mexican Station, Asian Station, Southern Style Station, BBQ Station Carving Station, Seafood Station, Pasta Station and much more. Specialty food items include prime rib, crab legs, oysters, fajitas, salmon, pho, and an amazing new bakery and dessert area. The Buffet at Viejas even includes state of the art audio and visual features throughout the dining area.

Tribal elders, tribal leaders, local dignitaries, Chamber of Commerce representatives and the public all joined in the Grand Opening of the new Buffet at Viejas today. The ceremonies included a Tribal Blessing, traditional Native American Bird Songs and a ribbon cutting.

Viejas Casino General Manager Chris Kelley said, “The new Buffet at Viejas tops off a major, year-long renovation of the entire casino floor and continues the modern, clean airy look and feel that our guests enjoy.” Kelley added, “We have upgraded the quality and variety of food offerings throughout the property, adding exciting new venues like North of the Border taco shop and Far East Express. The Buffet at Viejas continues this effort and will provide our guests and all of San Diego with an exciting new culinary and visual experience.”

The Buffet at Viejas is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11am to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday.

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Located east of San Diego, Viejas Casino has thousands of slot machines, exciting table games, a poker room, an off-track betting facility and a new high-stakes bingo room. Viejas Casino features a variety of restaurants including the award-winning Grove Steakhouse, North of the Border taco shop and Far East Express. The beautiful Viejas Outlet Center, located across the street, offers visitors a unique shopping experience with more than 50 name-brand stores, numerous eateries, Viejas Bowl and Viejas Mini Golf.

Viejas Casino
5000 Willows Road
Alpine, CA 91901
800-847-6537
http://www.viejas.com

Los Angeles, CA: Hollywood Museum Presents Marilyn Monroe Exhibit

2012-05-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Hollywood Museum celebrates Marilyn Monroe’s birthday with “MARILYN MONROE: THE EXHIBIT - An Intimate Look At The Legend,” the nation’s largest exhibit of authentic memorabilia celebrating the fabled actress’ life, open June 1 - September 2, 2012.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary milestone of Monroe’s passing. The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building is located at 1660 N. Highland Ave at Hollywood and Highland.

“Marilyn Monroe: The Exhibit” displays the million-dollar dress Monroe wore on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio, which was made famous when she entertained the troops during USO shows in Korea. Items from the Scott Fortner Marilyn Monroe Collection and the Greg Schreiner Marilyn Monroe Collection will be featured in this exclusive exhibit, including film costumes from The Prince and The Showgirl and There’s No Business Like Show Business, clothing and furs from Marilyn’s personal wardrobe, including the brilliant green Pucci blouse Marilyn was wearing in the last ever photos taken of her just a week before she died, along with Marilyn’s personal cosmetics, private documents and annotated film scripts.

On exhibit for the first time ever: Marilyn Monroe’s bedroom dresser, which was next to her bed the night she died. This exhibit also includes original works of art by famed celebrity artists Robert A. Delgado and LUDVIC, original photographs, including the legendary “red velvet” nude photographs shot by Tom Kelly, and a vast photograph collection of her childhood, family and early modeling career when she was still Norma Jeane Baker; and much more.

Highlighting the exhibit are never-before-seen photos by world-renowned photographer George Barris, who shot the last pictures of Monroe while collaborating on a book at the time of her death 50 years ago.

“The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building is the perfect venue for this exhibit because it’s where Max Factor gave Marilyn Monroe her famous blonde hair,” says Museum Founder and President Donelle Dadigan. “When you walk into the ‘FOR BLONDES ONLY’ Room, you feel Marilyn Monroe’s presence.”

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s death in August, The Hollywood Museum will host another special event celebrating “MARILYN MONROE: THE EXHIBIT,” spotlighting Monroe’s last photo shoot ever, with photographer George Barris.

“Fans of all ages flock to Hollywood from around the world each year to honor Marilyn’s life and memory,” says Dadigan, “The Hollywood Museum is proud to host this definitive and meaningful Marilyn retrospective.”

The Hollywood Museum, the official museum of Hollywood, has the most extensive collection of Hollywood Memorabilia in the World. The museum features four floors of breathtaking exhibits and is the home of more than 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures, one of a kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts and vintage memorabilia from favorite movies and TV shows. The museum includes costumes from Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson; Props from ‘Gone With The Wind,’ ‘Twilight: New Moon,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,’ ‘High School Musical 2,’ ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ ‘Glee,’ and more.

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The Hollywood Museum is located in the Historic Max Factor Building on the corner of Hollywood & Highland, where Max Factor, the legend of movie makeup, worked his magic on motion picture stars since 1935. The Hollywood Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Hollywood Museum
1660 N. Highland Avenue (at Hollywood Blvd)
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 464-7776
http://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com/

Hours:
Wednesdays – Sundays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Oakland, CA: Waterfront Hotel

2012-05-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

Located on the resurgent Jack London Square, the Waterfront Hotel celebrates the beauty and charm of Oakland, CA, with its marina and San Francisco Bay views. The hotel's re-emergence brings class, fun and a vacation-feel to the Square.

The Waterfront has 145 spacious guestrooms, many with fireplaces and balconies and a Penthouse suite. The rooms also have plasma televisions that double as computer screens, iPod alarm clock docking stations, in-room honor bars and hotel-wide wireless internet. Guests also have access to the fitness center as well as the heated pool, which overlooks the Bay.

For visitors choosing to arrive via boat, the Waterfront Hotel is a few short steps from the Alameda/Oakland ferry. This easily-accessible ferry transports people to and from San Francisco and Angel Island and is convenient for San Franciscans interested in a calming, environmentally-friendly method to cross the bay.

Along with the guestrooms, the hotel has over 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Each meeting space is equipped with in-house advanced audiovisual capabilities, wireless internet and food is provided by the hotel's restaurant, Miss Pearl's Jam House. Not only is the Waterfront a great place for meetings, it is also a beautiful place for weddings. The bride and groom can choose to marry indoors or outside by the pool. For the special day, the hotel will provide brides and grooms excellent service to make wedding days memorable.

Continuing Joie de Vivre's approach in designing hotels, the Waterfront's design and experience is pulled from 2 specific magazines - Island and Fast Company - and five adjectives - soulful, (business) casual, festive, stimulating and adventurous. The Waterfront Hotel's personality gives the idea of a vacation in your own backyard, a persona portrayed through its nautical décor, amenities, services and restaurant. Each JdV hotel embodies the same process, therefore making all of our properties unique in their own way.

Along with the hotel's re-launch, its adjacent restaurant also "re-launches" itself, but in a different way. Miss Pearl's Jam House, once part of the Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco in the late 80's, moved across the bay to become the restaurant of the Waterfront Hotel. Miss Pearl's celebrates New World cuisine and Island sensibility. Celebrity chef, Joey Altman (who was actually the original chef of Miss Pearl's in 1989), returns to his old stomping ground, this time introducing the East Bay to the grown-up version of the once popular San Francisco eatery.

The new Waterfront Hotel is a key milestone in the ongoing renaissance of Jack London Square which is poised to become the East Bay's newest center of gravity for culture, cuisine and commerce. The Square is undergoing a three hundred million dollar redevelopment that includes restaurants, entertainment, new parking facilities, and 100,000 square feet of class A office space. The centerpiece of the project will be the 170,000 square foot Jack London Market, scheduled to open in Spring 2009. Located within steps of the new Waterfront Hotel, the market will be the largest of its kind on the West Coast. It will house over 70 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses and specialty products with an emphasis on local and sustainable practices.

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Waterfront Hotel
10 Washington Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 836-3800

http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/waterfront

San Diego, CA: Haute La Jolla Nights

2012-05-22T05:23:00.001-07:00

Summer nights are heating up in the Village of La Jolla with a series of festive, evening events that bring together La Jolla’s world-class arts community with live music and unique shopping experiences.

When: Saturday Nights-June 9th, July 21st, Sept. 15th
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Throughout the Village of La Jolla, San Diego, CA, (Girard Ave. from Pearl to Prospect, Prospect St.,Herschel and Ivanhoe.)
Cost: Free

The La Jolla Village Merchants Association created the event series to make La Jolla an exciting night-time destination. “We are creating a series of events for La Jolla that are modeled after some other, very successful events, like “Kettner Nights” in Little Italy and “Ray of Night” in North Park,” says James Niebling, LJVMA Board Member and Partner at Esteban Interiors.

For three sizzling Saturday nights, patrons will enjoy a vibrant nightlife in La Jolla Village with 13 live music acts, art gallery receptions and special events hosted in each of the shops located throughout La Jolla.

Over 75 shops throughout La Jolla Village, from home furnishings and décor to high fashion and accessories are participating in Haute La Jolla Nights. They are keeping their doors open late and have gotten creative with deals, displays, demonstrations, and delectable treats for a nighttime shopping experience that can’t be missed. Customers will enjoy complimentary appetizers and specialty drinks at many of the retail shops. And, they will find special discounts that are available only during Haute La Jolla Nights.

Customers can sip champagne while watching a floral demonstration at Adelaide’s, enjoy fashion shows at La Donna’s Boutique, Kerut’s and Talbots. Warwick's will feature distinct San Diego craft brewers for beer tasting and book signings. Harvard Cooking Girl is cooking up samples of Paella. Geppetos is hosting an arts and crafts event for patrons who want to bring their children.

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La Jolla’s many, world renowned art galleries are throwing open their doors to welcome the public to take in exciting new collections. Madison Galleries is hosting a reception for sculpturist Matt Devine and neo-pop conceptual artist, James Verbicky. Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery is hosting a reception for visionary contemporary artist, Orlando Agudelo-Botero. Africa and Beyond will serve up African music, wine and a presentation on ancient currency.

The La Jolla Village Merchants Association invites all to enjoy this new La Jolla Event. Haute La Jolla Nights - Music, shopping, art, food all in the Jewell of California - La Jolla!

http://www.lajollabythesea.com/

Yosemite NP: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

2012-05-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

The historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad will be resuming their popular “Moonlight Specials” starting May 26, celebrating 40 years of the night time rides.

Located just south of the Highway 41 entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers rides aboard a pair of nearly century old Shay locomotives through the Sierra National Forest. The popular tours run each day in the spring, summer and fall months. The “Moonlight Special” adds another element to the memorable rides.

“In addition to the train rides, guests enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner outdoors in the cool mountain air,” said YMSPRR owner Max Stauffer. “Popular folk band ‘Sugar Pine’ sings during dinner. Then the train heads out on the tour and stops at the picnic area, where everyone gathers around a roaring campfire for songs. It’s a lot of fun for families who enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun,” said Stauffer.

The Moonlight Specials are every Wednesday and Saturday, starting May 26 through Aug. 29 and on Saturdays through the first Saturday of October. Dinner is at 6:30 and the train leaves at 7:30.
This is the 40th year the specials have been offered, marking yet another milestone for the popular attraction. Next year the railroad’s oldest locomotive, Engine 15, turns 100.

In addition to the trains, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad has the Thornberry Museum which highlights what life was like here around the turn of the century, a well-stocked gift store and book store, as well as gold panning, where guests get to keep what gold they find.

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To book your tickets or learn more about the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, visit http://www.YosemiteSteamTrains.com or find them on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/YMSPRR.

Yosemite Mountain
Sugar Pine Railroad
56001 Hwy 41
Fish Camp, CA 93623
(559) 683-7273

Santa Ana, CA: Discovery Science Center to Host a Wild Summer

2012-05-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Beginning May 26, 2012, the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, CA will play host to an amazing array of Wild Summer programming beginning with the opening of the brand new Wildlife Rescue exhibit. The new special exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to experience compelling stories of animal rescue from around the world, including how seabirds are saved from environmental disasters and what happens to orphaned baby elephants. Also during DSC’s Wild Summer, visitors to the Science Center and Wildlife Rescue will each receive one complimentary ticket to the OC Zoo and the Santa Ana Zoo.

On display from May 26 through September 3, 2012, Wildlife Rescue lets visitors experience the excitement of rescuing and returning diverse creatures back to the wild as they explore the new, emerging science of “Restoration Biology” that is saving all types of animals from the brink of extinction. Through interactive exhibits, guests learn the innovative methods used to capture, raise and release endangered species, including elephants, orangutans, pandas, whooping cranes, sturgeon, Iberian lynxes, prairie dogs, American burying beetles, plus many more.

In addition to Wildlife Rescue, DSC will be hosting special wildlife themed days throughout the summer. Each themed time-period will have specific learning stations, presentations, stage shows, and kids’ activities. They are as follows:

May 26 – 28 (Memorial Day Weekend)
‘Wild about Safari’ features Thors’ Safari Extravaganza show where kids and families will be entertained by seeing real snakes, lizards, tarantulas, plus many more. Also, learning stations will include activities on eco systems and digging fossils. This coming Memorial Day Weekend is not to be missed, as DSC kicks off Wild Summer… safari style!

May 26 – June 29
‘Lizards, Toads, and Snakes, Oh My!’ features programs on reptiles, amphibians and arthropods. Guests are invited to learn about scaly snakes, leaping lizards, creepy-crawling insects, slow moving turtles and tortoises, and hissing roaches as they checkout Wildlife Rescue and participate in the “Game of Chance” stage show.

June 30 – July 8
‘Dog Days of Summer’ (Summer Festival) featuring programs on dogs, wolves, coyotes and foxes. Plus, the summer festival will include kids’ obstacle course and inflatables, learning stations, gourmet food trucks, and an exciting LIVE dog show! Rescue groups will also be on hand for pet adoption days.

July 9 – 15
‘Cats Rule, Dogs Drool’ features programs on cats, cougars, bobcats and mountain lions. Families will have the opportunity to learn about how these nocturnal creatures live, hunt, and survive throughout the world. In addition, speakers will be on hand to discuss how residents of Orange County can look for signs of wild cats in the area and what to do if you come across one.

July 16 – 29
‘Take Flight’ features programs on domestic and exotic birds. What’s it like to fly high in the sky with nothing beneath but the wind and clouds? Visitors to DSC will have the chance to find out during “Omar’s Exotic Birds” show and during special presentations on feathers and flight, plus environments and adaptation. Hands-on activities for the kids include making a bird feeder.

July 30 – September 3
‘Sea Life’ features programs on animals of the ocean! Surf is up during the last days of Wild Summer as there will be a hands-on tide pool tank for families, plus presentations on the Irvine Marsh Lands, Huntington Beach Wetlands, and Newport Harbor. Whale conservationists will be on hand to discuss what we can do as a community to help preserve these majestic creatures of the sea.

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Wildlife Rescue is on view from May 26 through September 3, 2012 at Discovery Science Center. The exhibition is included with general admission to the Science Center, which is $14.95 for adults, $12.95 for children and seniors, and is free to children 3 and younger.

Wildlife Rescue is a traveling exhibit developed and produced by Science North, Ontario, Canada.

Discovery Science Center
2500 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-542-2823
http://www.discoverycube.org

San Francisco, CA: Segway Tours Through Downtown

2012-05-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Electric Tour Company is the first company to offer tours of the San Francisco waterfront on the world's first and only self-balancing electric transport mechanism, the Segway.

Combining the unique transport qualities of the Segway with the beauty of San Francisco, these tours provide an entirely new way to experience the city by the bay. San Francisco Electric Tour Company pioneered the tour in San Francisco and was to do so.

"A city as unique as San Francisco demands a one-of-a-kind way to tour it," explained founder Brian Huber. "Segways are an incredibly innovative way to appreciate Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront. They're fun, they're safe, and ideal for families looking for new touring experiences."

First introduced in 2003, the Segway is an electric transport mechanism that is guided by the rider's natural motions for forward and backward maneuvering. It easily navigates most walkable areas, including paved surfaces, dirt roads, grass, and inclines.

"After a 20 to 30 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, riders explore the San Francisco waterfront for a full two and a half hours," Huber said. "The Segway expands the amount of ground a person covers from a few blocks to six to eight miles."

Tours begin at Fisherman's Wharf and cover the Cable Car turnaround, Ghirardelli Square, National Maritime Museum and the historic sailing ships, Fort Mason (former military base, now a historic landmark), Marina Green, Palace of Fine Arts (once the site of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition). Tours include views of Alcatraz, a WWII submarine at Pier 45 and Historic Piers. Refreshment breaks and photo stops are included.

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Guided tours depart daily at 9:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 4:00 pm (4:00 pm departure available April until October only) from Fisherman’s Wharf. Fees are $65.00 per person (includes helmet and training) and reservations are required. Riders must be between 12 and 65 years of age; people under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tours are limited to ten riders. Riders must be over 100 pounds and less than 250 pounds. Other custom tours are available for corporate and private groups. For more information, visit http://www.sfelectrictour.com.

San Francisco Wharf Tour Start and Training Location
757 Beach Street - Rear Parking Lot
San Francisco CA 94109-1218
(415) 474-3130
segway@sfelectrictour.com

San Francisco, CA: Hotel Fusion & Infusion Lounge

2012-05-16T19:34:00.001-07:00

The Hotel Fusion and Infusion Lounge have teamed up to create a '4D' experience that is unmatched anywhere else in San Francisco. Offering tempting Drinks, fine Dining, high-energy Dancing, and Dreamy accommodations, the stylish boutique hotel and adjacent award-winning restaurant and nightclub provide everything that's needed for a night of romance or revelry, all in one exciting location.

Reflecting the diverse cultures of the Pacific Rim, the Hotel Fusion is a rich blend of contemporary American and traditional Asian influences. The 124 guest rooms and suites each feature a soothing color palette with warm wood accents. Thoughtful in-room amenities include flat screen televisions, snack bar and mini fridges, in-room safes, and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connections. With a friendly and knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing personalized service, the Hotel Fusion is a fashionable, convenient, and affordable alternative to much higher priced options in the area.

On the subterranean level of the hotel is Infusion Lounge, the dazzling Asian-inspired ultra lounge and restaurant that Condé Nast Traveler named as one of the World's Hottest New Nightclubs. Exotic signature cocktails and premium sprits are skillfully prepared by expert mixologists, and Executive Chef Evan Turner has earned rave reviews and a distinguished OpenTable Award for his mouth-watering cuisine that blends fresh local ingredients with the flavors and intrigue of Asia and the Americas.

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In the club's North Lounge, glowing glass light towers illuminate an expansive dance floor where world-class DJs keep the party going with an electrifying mix of the latest dance hits. Chic fashionistas and international hipsters circle the block Tuesdays through Saturdays, but guests enjoying the 4D experience receive complimentary cover charge and avoid the wait outside.

Off-season rates at Hotel Fusion start at $129 per night and include special "summer and winter" getaway rates, available only by booking directly with the hotel. Call 415-568-2525 or toll free at 866-753-4244 for preferred rates or visit www.hotelfusion.com.

The Infusion Lounge website includes upcoming entertainment calendars, menus, and dining reservation information: www.sf.infusionlounge.com.

Hotel Fusion & Infusion Lounge
140 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 568-2525

Temecula, CA: Five Interactive, Midweek-Vacation Adventures for Mature Travelers

2012-05-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

Visitors to Temecula Valley can enjoy Southern California Wine Country’s award-winning wineries, premium varietals and proprietary blends, golf at vacation-worthy courses, experience Old Town Temecula’s artisan foods and wines, savor the great outdoors, and explore Promenade Temecula and Old Town’s shops.

VisitTemecula.org is pleased to share five, popular, interactive, midweek-vacation adventures for mature travelers, age 50 and better. The casual, picturesque valley is one hour from Orange County and Palm Desert, 1½ hours from Los Angeles; and includes Downtown, Old Town Temecula; Temecula Valley So Cal Wine Country; and Pechanga Resort & Casino.

1-Do a Dedicated Discovery of Temecula Valley So Cal Wine Country - Weekdays naturally provide greater opportunities for appreciating, approximately 40, award-winning wineries’ individual styles, and potential conversations with winery family-members or winemakers. As 5,000+ awards attest, the diverse appellation is gaining well-deserved recognition. Most wineries are family-owned and open daily for impromptu, winery-to-winery wine-tasting.

For in-depth learning, join Callaway behind-the-scenes tours or reserve-in-advance experiences like: Leoness’ 'touch-the-vine-and-taste-the-wine’; South Coast’s ‘wine-cheese-and-fruit pairing’; Wiens’ seated, reserve-andlimited-red wine tasting; Thornton’s sit-down wine-and-champagne tasting; and Palumbo’s hands-on ‘Followthe-Grape’ with Temecula Creek Inn. Consider also: local tour-and-transportation companies’ tours; wineryrestaurants pairing quality wines with fresh, seasonal foods.

2- Golf Temecula Valley So Cal Wine Country’s Vacation-Worthy Courses - Midweek can offer prime, tee-time reservation availability on seven, impressive courses. Arthur Hills-designed, Journey at Pechanga is known for its 435-yard, signature-6th hole with spectacular 175-foot drop from the tee – greatest elevation drop on a California course. With course-designs by Ted Robinson Sr. and Dick Rossen, Temecula Creek Inn features 27 holes of championship golf: Stonehouse-Nine, Creek, and Oaks courses. Arthur Hills describes Cross Creek as “…beautiful variety and challenge for golfers of all abilities. Ted Robinson-designed Legends (formerly Temeku Hills) is on a celebrated rebound as one of Southern California’s best golfing experiences.

With Southern California’s only island greens, Ron Fream-designed Red Hawk is California’s 7th-best, publiccourse. Golf purists flock to Robert Trent Jones-designed Golf Club at Rancho California (formerly SCGA). Accented with oaks, beautifully manicured Pala Mesa provides challenges at every turn.

3- Experience the Old Town Temecula Tasting Trail’s Artisan Foods and Wines - Leisurely weekdays mean more attention in nine, palate-pleasing specialty-food shops and seven, genuinely friendly wine-tasting rooms. Temecula Olive Oil Company’s tasting bar is renowned for fresh, 100% California, 100% extra-virgin, hand-blended olive oil, and knowledgeable, obliging staff. Unique and satisfying, is Temecula Valley Cheese Company. Congenial, Old Town Spice Merchants’ herbs, spices, salts, and teas are intriguing. Old Town Sweet Shop tempts with fresh fudge, caramel-apples, chocolate-dipped treats.

Discover also: Old Town Root Beer Company. Presenting local, boutique wines, many tasting rooms feature live-music weekly. Showcasing works of local artists, Lorimar is popular for structured-tasting or premium, handcrafted wines-by-the-glass. Twenty-one restaurants also serve-up flavorful sensory-experiences. Delve into Baily’s weekly prix-fixe menu; Palumbo’s excellent lasagna and gnocchi; Soro’s fresh, Mediterranean-inspired specialties.

4- Savor with Gusto Temecula Valley So Cal Wine Country’s Great Outdoors - Visitors appreciate Temecula’s natural gifts of climate and geography; midweek, you may even be able to call skies and trails your own. A hot air balloon flight over 5,000+ acres of rolling hills with a commanding wine country view is exhilarating. Launch at sunrise with A Grape Escape, California Dreamin’, D&D Ballooning, or Magical Adventures.

The 8,300-acre Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve protects unique ecosystems like rare oak savannah, riparian wetlands, coastal sage scrub, and bunchgrass prairie. Forty miles of trails (easy-to-advanced plus wheelchair-friendly) are ideal for hiking, nature study, photography. A guided, Wine Country Trails by Horseback ride through vineyards is another scenic, leisurely way to experience wine-country’s natural richness. Ride mornings, afternoons, or at sunset.

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5- Explore the Shops of Promenade Temecula and Old Town Temecula - With distinctive, upscale, and unique stores, weekday exploring of Promenade Temecula and Old Town often yields unexpected surprises. Contemporary, 75-acre, 1.14 million-square-feet, Promenade Temecula is outdoor mall, entertainment plaza, plus trendy Main-Street setting. Browse some 100, specialty-shops like Apple, Express, Coldwater Creek, Walking Company, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Papyrus, Barnes & Noble and anchors like Macy’s.

The pedestrian-friendly, Old Town entertainment-dining-shopping district is home to 60+ independently-owned stores featuring art and antiques to vintage records. Discover specialties like Temecula Lavender Co.’s candles, bath and body products; and Pennypickle’s Workshop unique, educational kids’ toys. Then venture into Granny’s Attic for one-of-a-kind handcrafted furniture and vintage clothing.

For hotel accommodations and tour reservations, contact Elevation Travel at: http://www.goelevationtravel.com/

Placerville, CA: Eden Vale Inn Bed and Breakfast, Top 10 in the Nation

2012-05-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

Eden Vale Inn Bed and Breakfast was chosen from over 21,000 U.S. inns and recognized as one of America’s top 10 most romantic inns for 2012 by respected iLoveInns.com.

“We look for romantic settings, fabulous décor, hospitality and amenities that support romantic getaways,” noted Deborah Sakach, founder of iLoveInns. “But the tipping point for Eden Vale Inn was the guest reviews, written with such passion and energy. That’s what clinched it for us.” For example, “Our stay could not have been more romantic”, “Perhaps the best B&B in the West”, “Amazing rooms perfect for honeymooning”, “Perfect for our anniversary” and "elegant romantic get-away" are just some of the elegant romantic get-away quotes from real guests who attested to the romantic allure of Eden Vale Inn.

What is the secret of Romance found at Eden Vale Inn? Each of the seven guest rooms feature high-end amenities, a gas fireplace, and most have a couples’ deep soaking spa tub on a private deck or patio. But the amenities are not limited to the rooms. Guests love the sumptuous, gourmet food cooked daily. In addition, the acres of cultivated gardens showcase unique water features and are perfect for wandering, reflecting and relaxing. There’s even a spring-fed swimming pond that includes a rowboat for romantic floats on the water. In the evening, many guests relax around a raised fire-pit and its real-wood-log-fire, just one of the many fine details at the Inn.

All rooms at Eden Vale are designed to enhance the romantic experience for guests. From luxury linens and thick, Tibetan wool carpets to a unique, computerized lighting system and complimentary full gourmet breakfast, everything has been planned to fulfill the needs of discriminating travelers. The décor is modern and sophisticated which pleasingly contrasts with the timber frame beams and massive stone fireplace. The surrounding area has much to offer guests at Eden Vale. The California Gold Discovery State Park, on the American River, is only 5 minutes away. And, over 90 wineries are located within an hour’s drive from the inn; all are family run vineyards and wineries with a friendly, congenial style that’s hard to find in Napa. And, for Romantic Dining a number of recently opened fine restaurants are located just minutes from the inn.

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Centrally located in the Sierra Foothill Wine Region, Eden Vale B&B lies in the heart of the California Gold Country, an ideal Northern California getaway and vacation spot. The Marshall California Gold Discovery State Park is minutes away and over 90 wineries are within an hour of the Inn. The nearby American River is the most popular white water rafting river in the west. Eden Vale Inn’s country setting is within easy reach of major metros San Francisco and Sacramento. These are but a few of the many reasons that Eden Vale was named one of “America’s Most Romantic Inns.”

For a romantic getaway in an authentic and unique inn, Eden Vale Inn Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful choice. To book your sublime experience, contact Owner/Innkeepers Mark or Gayle at 530-621-0901 or visit http://www.EdenValeInn.com to make a reservation.

Eden Vale Inn Bed & Breakfast
1780 Springvale Road
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-0901

Paso Robles, CA: Summer Events May-August 2012

2012-05-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Summertime in Paso Robles, CA is a lively and festive time for locals and visitors alike. From outdoor concerts to food and wine festivals and arts shows of all kinds, Paso Robles plays host to a wide assortment of fun summer events.

Settled in the beautiful coastal mountain range of Central California midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this scenic destination is the perfect getaway for families, couples and groups of friends looking for the ideal summer vacation where they can unwind and have a good time. This vast wine region boasts over 200 vintners, farm-fresh cuisine, a historic downtown grassy square surrounded by local artisan shops, and a wide selection of accommodations.

MAY

National Train Day - May 12
Wine Rail Excursions – May - Oct

(San Luis Obispo County) Leading up to the fourth annual Central Coast Railroad Festival, held Oct. 4-8, are a variety of events including National Train Day on May 12 in San Luis Obispo, a day to celebrate the 143rd anniversary of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. In addition, Central Coast Railroad Festival Wine Rail Excursions are offered the second Sunday of every month. The trips include a ride on Amtrak's Coast Starlight up or down the Cuesta Grade between Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, complimentary wine tasting, light lunch snacks, rail history and a private bus trip in the opposite direction from the rail trip. The trips generally stop at one or two rail related wineries. Tickets for most trips are $49 for adults and $39 for children 15 and under. Excursions are limited to 24 guests and generally sell out in advance. For a list of excursions, visit http://ccrrf.com. For more information about National Train Day, visit nationaltrainday.com.

30th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival - May 18-20

(Paso Robles City Park) Combining past traditions with innovations of the future, the Paso Robles Wine Country comes together to honor 30 years of the Paso Robles Wine Festival in Paso Robles City Park this May. World-class wines, farm fresh culinary delights and winemaker seminars make this festival the place to be for wine enthusiasts. Guests can experience the character and rich history reflected in each glass of Paso Robles wine. This celebration will include the finest food and wine and embrace all that defines Paso Robles Wine County. Whether crisp whites or bold reds satisfy your palate, the Paso Robles Wine Festival has something for everyone. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (800) 549-WINE or visit pasowine.com.

Festival of the Arts - May 25-27

(Downtown Paso Robles) Celebrate summer with this magical three-day event for families. New this year is a Plein Air Masters exhibition, two-day workshops (taking place the week prior to the main events), guest lectures and an Art Tour. Saturday starts with a Plein Air Quick-Draw and auction, followed by a fine art show, a public mural project, hands-on youth art stations, the Travel Channel’s Sand Masters constructing giant sand castles, street performers, adult art seminars, live music, dance performances, stilt walkers and other musical and visual surprises for kids. This three-day family event features guest lectures on Friday, and an Awards Brunch followed by the Exclusive Westside Art Tour of two private collections on Sunday. (888) 988-PASO (7276). Event tickets are available at pasoartfestival.com; the Saturday Main Event is free; Media Contact: Shonna Howenstine, (805) 227-7236, tourism(at)prcity(dot)com.

Great Western Bicycle Rally - May 25-28

(Paso Robles Event Center) Gather some friends, hop on your bikes and get ready for a thrilling weekend of bicycling through the rolling hills of stunning Paso Robles. A variety of routes are geared for all levels of riders so everyone can join in. This is a fun and reasonably priced family vacation option. For more information and to register, call (866) 909-4927 or visit greatwesternbicyclerally.com.

JUNE

First Annual BBQ Fun Fest and Kids Day in the Park - June 1-3, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., June 3, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

(Downtown Paso Robles City Park) Get ready for the First Annual BBQ Fun Fest and Kids Day in the Park, a three-day event filled with mouthwatering BBQ, including pulled pork, turkey legs, chicken, tri-tip and sausage available for purchase as well as beer and wine. On Friday night guests can enjoy live music from Steve Sturgis & Roadhouse, with a special introduction by the Paso Robles High School Jazz Bank, followed by a BBQ Cook Off Contest on Saturday. Fun for the whole family, there will a giant bounce house for the kids to enjoy and a “Kahuna Kids’ Kids Day in the Park” on Saturday, featuring vendors, crafts and youth demonstrations. For more information, visit pasoroblesdowntown.org. Media Contact: Norma Moye, (805) 238-4103, mainstreet(at)tcsn(dot)net.

Model A and Model T Car Show - June 2, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

(Rios-Caledonia Adobe in San Miguel) Join the fun at this free event when the local antique car clubs exhibit their unique old Model A and Model T automobiles on the original old highway that runs in front of the Adobe. Vote for your favorite and participate in the 50-50 drawing. Added interests this year include the Santa Lucis Rockhounds showing their wares in the Information Center and Central Coast Lavender displaying and illustrating their fragrant lavender products. Food will be for sale by the "Three Amigos" - super cooks Terry Scantlin, and his wife, Mary, and Monica Cisneros. Dance to music by Ron Domingos and Friends and sip wine in the old bar in the Adobe by Tackitt Family Winery of San Miguel. For more information, call (805) 238-0506 or visit pasorobleschamber.org.

First Annual Firestone Walker Invitational Brewfest - June 9

(Paso Robles Event Center) Gather around for some of the best breweries in the U.S. as they pour their finest beers at this inaugural festival, where the brewers will be on hand to talk about their beers. Some of the Central Coast’s finest restaurants and food providers will show off their culinary skills as they pair delicious foods with the featured brews. This event benefits the Pioneer Day committee, which is dedicated to the preservation of the unique history and culture of Paso Robles. For more information, visit firestonebeer.com.

NRCHA Derby - June 12-17, 8 a.m. daily

(Paso Robles Event Center) The NRCHA (National Reined Cow Horse Association) Derby, celebrates the working cow horse by upholding vaquero traditions with exciting displays of horsemanship, training and spirit. For more information, call (580) 759-4949 or visit nrcha.com.

Concerts in the Park - June 15 – August 24, Friday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

(Downtown City Park) Enjoy the sounds of live jazz, blues, rock, fusion and more at this free summer concert series in downtown Paso Robles. Savor a glass of J. Lohr wine for sale at the concert. Proceeds benefit the REC Foundation. For more information, visit travelpaso.com.

Trading Day and Kids Flea Market - June 23, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

(Downtown City Park) Find that coveted antique table or discover the perfect piece of artwork at this popular outdoor yard sale filled with collectibles and curiosities. Not be left out, children between third and eighth grades will learn the basics of entrepreneurship by selling their own items at the Kids Flea Market. For more information, call (805) 238-4103 or visit travelpaso.com.

JULY

Central Coast Shakespeare Festival - July 13 – August 11 - Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 6 - 8 p.m.

(River Oaks Amphitheater) Enjoy a summer of outdoor classical theater under the stars next to a beautiful lake. Be sure to bring low back lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic meal to enjoy during the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit centralcoastshakespeare.org.

Lavender Festival - July 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

(Downtown City Park) Relax and recharge your spirit at this fragrant festival. Indulge in lavender ice cream and unwind with body oils and bath products infused with this aromatic herb. Learn about lavender cultivation, distillation and sustainable farming practices from growers from around the country. Guests will also be treated to live music, a special children’s activities area, a juried arts show, a lavender tasting garden and complimentary samples and demonstrations. For more information, visit cclavenderfestival.com.

California Mid-State Fair - July 18-29

(Paso Robles Event Center) This star-studded annual event features the brightest stars in show business. Past headliners include Aerosmith, Kid Rock, Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Stone Temple Pilots, Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez, just to name a few. Accompanying the live music are carnival rides, fabulous fair food, and amazing Paso Robles wine, of course. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (800) 909-FAIR or visit midstatefair.com.

AUGUST

Winemakers’ Cookoff - August 11, 6 - 9 p.m.

(River Oaks Hot Springs) More than 30 winemakers will show off their culinary talents, pairing culinary creations with their finest wines to compete for the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards. Proceeds from this event support local high school seniors in need of financial assistance for college. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (877) 264-6979 or visit winemakerscookoff.com.

Olive Festival - August 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

(Downtown City Park) Bring the family for a day of olive-inspired fun. Enjoy complimentary olive oil and olive product sampling (including olive oil ice cream!) from producers from all over California, a “Culinary Row” filled with delectable local cuisine, local wine and beer tasting and an open olive dish cooking contest. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (805) 238-4103 or visit pasoroblesolivefestival.com.

Wine Country Auction - August 18

Join your favorite local winemakers for the Paso Robles Wine Country Auction as they bring out rare wines from within their cellars to be auctioned off. Held at Summerwood Winery, guests will gather for a delicious locally-inspired meal and a riveting evening of competing bids. Funds raised through the Wine Country Auctions will benefit San Luis Obispo County organizations that support healthcare, education and greater community services. Summerwood Winery, 2175 Arbor Road, (805) 239-8463, pasowine.com.

Paso Robles Classic Car Weekend - August 31 – September 2

(Downtown Paso Robles) A Paso Robles tradition, every Labor Day Weekend classic car owners converge on Paso Robles and fill the downtown. Classic Car Weekend includes a Friday Cruise, Saturday Car Show, and Sunday BBQ with live music. For more information, visit travelpaso.com.

About Paso Robles, CA

Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains of the Central California Coast midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is a welcoming retreat that offers the authentic California experience. The extensive variety of activities and experiences provide enjoyment for everyone including untouched natural beauty, more than 200 wineries, renowned cultural attractions including nearby Hearst Castle, a bounty of fresh cuisine supplied by local organic specialty farmers, ranchers and fisherman, first-class shopping, golf and entertainment, and much more.

Visitors can choose from a wide selection of accommodations, from historic hotels and boutique inns to leading brand properties and affordable, family friendly motels. For information on how to make the most of your stay in Paso Robles and to order a free visitor guide, visit http://www.travelpaso.com, call (888) 988-PASO (7276) or email tourism(at)prcity(dot)com. For the latest news on the area, visit http://blog.travelpaso.com, join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/travelpaso and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/travelpaso.

About the Travel Paso Robles Alliance

The Travel Paso Robles Alliance (TPRA) was founded in 2008 by a group of 19 area hoteliers with the mission to market Paso Robles as world class visitor destination. The alliance offers information on the 1,100 luxury, specialty, value, and budget room choices available to visitors, as well upcoming events, leisure and group activities and specialty promotions. For more information on Paso Robles and to order a free visitor guide, visit http://www.travelpaso.com, call (888) 988-PASO (7276) or email tourism(at)prcity(dot)com. For the latest news on the area, visit http://blog.travelpaso.com, join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/travelpaso and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/travelpaso.

Cabazon, CA World's Biggest Dinosaurs

2012-05-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

The T-Rex greets visitors upon entering

We have all driven by them, some of us have stopped to look at the two big ones in front, but even fewer of us have gone to the back to see the Museum. The "Worlds Biggest Dinosaurs" in Cabazon, CA is a hidden, small, but fun and educational time.

First, my kids and I started with a short little video that told us about all the things they have to do there. I was pleasantly surprised that they actually had interactive things for the kids to do. As we walked through their museum, we looked at the small robotic dinosaurs. They do move and, for the smaller kids, it can be a little frightening if you don't prepare them. A few of the dinosaurs have a seat on top and, for a small fee, children under 40 lbs. can ride them. The museum has things to buy so we could purchase a keepsake for the day.

Outside, as we followed the trail of dinosaur tracks, we came to the dinosaur dig. The kids dug in the sand to find rocks with a dinosaur name on them. When they found a rock they took it to the front desk and turned it in for a small prize. The kids really enjoyed that part!

Next, we arrived at the Gemstone panning. For free, we panned for small rocks. They showed up in our pan as the sand fell through the grate and put them in the little bag they gave us at the front desk. For a fee, you can purchase a panning bag. The large bag contains larger rocks and gemstones. All the gemstones and rocks you find are yours to keep.

As we followed the trail, we saw a lot of other dinosaurs and boards full of information about dinosaurs and fossils. There is a small building on the trail that we went into to check out some fossils.

...inside the mouth of the beast!

Don't get EATEN!!

At the peak of our adventure, we came to the Tyrannosaurus Rex. We went inside his body to find a few sets of stairs. When we got to the top of the stairs we were inside the mouth of the beast! You can look outside between his teeth and there is some room for a picture. How many opportunities do you have to have your picture taken inside a dinosaurs mouth?!

They have some tables set up so we could enjoy a picnic with the dinosaurs. Other than the stairs in the T-Rex, it was easy to get around and plenty of space for a stroller. The trail is outside so this would be an adventure for a good weathered day.

We were only there for about an hour and a half but had we known how much there was to do and that we could bring food we would have scheduled more time in the day.

Overall the kids had a good time. It was small, but so was the fee to get in. They had things to do so they were not bored and the educational boards added a little learning.

So, the next time you are planning a trip that travels down the 10 Freeway, stop in and visit "The World Biggest Dinosaurs." It will give everyone some time to stretch their legs and add some fun and learning to your day.

Cabazon Dinosaurs and Museum
50770 Seminole Drive
Cabazon, California 92230
951.922.0076

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San Diego, CA: Whiskey Girl Reinvents Menu and Dining Experience

2012-05-03T08:44:00.002-07:00

Whiskey Girl, where San Diego goes to dine, dance, drink and enjoy live entertainment has launched a revamped, expansive new menu that will appeal to a wider array of casual diners and Gaslamp Quarter nightlife-goes alike.

Chef and Restaurateur Brad Anderson, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, was brought in as a consultant to create a fresh and fun menu that encompasses Whiskey Girl’s energetic atmosphere and new design elements. "My goal was to create original menu items to help elevate the venue out of the shadow of bar-food and become a relevant dining location to a more diverse crowd of ever changing Gaslamp Quarter patrons,” said Brad Anderson.

The contemporary menu features high quality fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, unexpected textures and unique food combinations. “We wanted everything on this menu to reflect Whiskey Girl’s new image; a pop-art inspired, casual and fun atmosphere,” said managing partner David Schiffman. Several signature dishes suggested by the Chef are:

Cowboy Pasta

Whiskey Burger- Whiskey basted ½ lb. Angus beef burger topped with cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, Philly sirloin steak, sautéed onions and mozzarella cheese on a Whiskey Girl “branded” bun – served with a shot of Jack Daniels. Must be 21 or older to order – No Kidding.
Seared Ahi Salad- Sesame ginger crusted seared Ahi, served rare, spring mix greens, julienne vegetables and tomatoes tossed with sesame ginger vinaigrette. Suggested Pairing; Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay
Santa Fe Tostada Burger- Angus beef burger, Chorizo, pepper jack cheese, crispy tortilla, avocado, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, red onion and chipotle mayo on a Whiskey Girl “branded” bun. Suggested Pairing; Blue Moon Belgian White.
Cowboy Pasta- Marinated grilled skirt steak or grilled chicken breast, fire roasted tomato sauce, garlic, onions, jalapenos, beer, tumbleweed onions and a touch of hot sauce over linguine. Suggested Pairing: Dos Equis

Breakfast dishes around $7, served all day. Lunch and Dinner entrees range in price from $9-$20, full menu available until 11:00pm. Special Late Night Menu from 11:00pm-12:30am. Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4:00pm-8:00pm offering $3 wells, drafts and select wine as well as ½ off select appetizers.

About Chef Brad Anderson

After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Brad continued his education at Florida International University, School of Hotel and Restaurant Management where he received his Bachelor of Science. With more than 30 years experience as a restaurant professional, Anderson has used his talent and education to improve restaurant performance and success. He has impressed colleagues with strong leadership and creative solutions while delighting customers with his culinary ability, passion for food, superior service and fine wine. Chef Brad will be embarking on an exciting new journey this summer as General Manager of The Range Kitchen & Cocktails at The Market Place, Irvine.

About Whiskey Girl

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Whiskey Girl is owned by partners David Schiffman, Robert Lane and Vania Raitano, who also own The Range Kitchen & Cocktails in the Hillcrest area of San Diego. Other projects of Schiffman include The Tipsy Crow and Double Deuce, located in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, and 1st Street Bar, located in Encinitas. For more about Whiskey Girl, visit http://www.WhiskeyGirl.com. To stay in the know about Whiskey Girl, become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/whiskeygirlsd or twitter @WhiskeyGirlSD.

Whiskey Girl
702 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-1616

Madera, CA: Meet the Winemaker Weekend

2012-05-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Madera Wine Trail is gearing up for their next weekend event on May 12 and 13, and it’s just in time for Mother’s Day.

Located in Madera County, CA, at the base of the Sierra Nevadas, the Madera Wine Trail is home to a dozen wineries, and is accepted as one of the oldest grape growing regions in America.

The annual Meet the Winemaker Weekend is a popular annual event along the trail as wine-lovers can not only sample their favorite wines or find a new favorite, but also talk with those responsible for making that wine.

“One of the great benefits of the Madera Wine Trail is that the small nature of the wineries is guests can enjoy the wine in a more intimate setting and hear from the winemakers themselves about the processes, and the passion, that went in to a particular wine. It helps them develop a much deeper appreciation of the wine they are sampling,” said Jarrod Lyman with the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau.

In the late 1800’s, settlers came to Madera bringing their old world winemaking expertise from such countries as Italy, Armenia, France and others. Before the turn of the century, Madera County was host to two wineries that shipped wines bearing the Madera label to many parts of the world. Madera County has long been known for producing world-renown dessert wines and ports. It's microclimate is bounded and cooled by the San Joaquin River on the southwest and the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the east. Warm summer temperatures and varied soil types in Madera County provide a foundation for the full development of the grapes. Recognizing these distinctive characteristics, Madera was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1985.

Guests visiting the Madera Wine Trail can enjoy the benefits of the region’s rich history, knowledgeable hosts and tasting rooms that are still small enough that you can visit with the winemakers themselves. Along the Madera Wine Trail, visitors can experience old world techniques and state-of-the-art technology in the same day. Madera County winemakers celebrate each other’s unique wine and winery styles and so can you!

Click map to enlarge

The timing of the Meet the Winemaker Weekend makes it a perfect gift for mothers who enjoy wine. Many of the wineries also bring in chefs showcasing local cuisine as well as local artists and musicians to add a festive atmosphere to the weekend.

Tickets cost $25 and include a commemorative Madera Wine Trail Glass and tastings at all the participating wineries along the trail. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.MaderaWineTrail.com.

For more information, contact...

Madera Vintners Association
P.O. Box 697
Madera, CA 93639
info@maderavintners.com
http://www.maderawinetrail.com/
Tel: 800.613.0709

For local accommodations and reservations, contact...

Elevation Travel
(877) 294-3918
bookit@goelevationtravel.com

The Plate Shop, Sausalito, CA, Locally Grown Dining

2012-04-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Focusing on affordable food and using locally grown ingredients, Plate Shop is an organic restaurant in Sausalito that specializes in authentic California cuisine. Having opened their doors last year, Plate Shop features an ever-changing menu based on the freshest ingredients that are available on a given day, unique local wines, a fully-stocked bar and more.

Plate Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and bar service. Each visit is unique, and diners will surely be surprised and delighted every time they visit Plate Shop.

As a testament to its passion for farm-to-table offerings, Plate Shop passed its one-year anniversary this past February. The first anniversary solidified Plate Shop’s status as a top organic restaurant, one which wants to keep people healthy and happy.

“All of our produce is organic, and the meat is from local small farms, grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free,” Kent Liggett of Plate Shop said. “We have a backyard garden that does supplement the kitchen, as well as chickens for eggs.”

As part of a year-long celebration, the organic restaurant will be offering a happy hour on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with $2 off all specialty cocktails available at the bar. Plate Shop offers an amazing selection of red and white wines and different specialty cocktails, including Pacific Rims, Bayside Flings, Shipyard Mules and Cable Cars.

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“This Sausalito organic restaurant has plenty to offer for everyone,” Liggett said. “Enjoy soup, salad, seafood, pork, beef, game and desserts when you visit our restaurant.”

Plate Shop Restaurant
39 Caledonia Street
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 887-9047

Hours:

Tuesday thru Thursday & Sunday: Doors open at 5pm kitchen opens at 5:30pm and closes at 9:00pm. Friday and Saturday doors open at 5pm, kitchen opens at 5:30pm and kitchen closes at 10pm.
Happy hour from 5:30-7pm Sunday through Thursday

Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Celebration, May 27, 2012

2012-04-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend in San Francisco will coincide with the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge. Under the theme “Bridging Us All,” the weekend long festival harkens back to the spirit of the Golden Gate Fiesta when the Bridge opened on May 27, 1937.

Highlights of the 2012 celebration include an historic watercraft parade, multiple music and dance stages, art installations, history and educational presentations, display of cars from 1937 to the present, and Bridge-related activities on Crissy Field and the Marina Green. These activities will be complemented by Bridge-themed events and performances at waterfront venues including Fort Mason Center, Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39, among others.

On Sunday evening, May 27th at approximately 9:30 pm, the weekend celebration will conclude with a spectacular 75th anniversary fireworks display and grand finale.

In addition to The Golden Gate Festival, the year-long 75th anniversary features:

75 Tributes to the Bridge, a series of public programs being presented throughout the year by Bay Area museums, cultural centers, universities, arts organizations, children’s groups, and others.
Construction of a new 3,500-square-foot Bridge Pavilion to serve as a welcome and interpretive center and to provide a museum store featuring a wide range of commemorative and interpretive Bridge merchandise;
Renovation of the historic Round House into a program staging and visitor education center;
Upgrades to the Bridge Café, including a new menu with locally sourced and sustainable items;
A “green screen” photo area where visitors can picture themselves in dramatic and publically inaccessible Bridge locations, such as the top of the tower;
New personally guided Bridge tours, including the first-ever night tours, utilizing the latest in audio technology; and
Enhancements to the Bridge Plaza and the adjacent national parklands, trails and overlooks within Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).

A full schedule of events can be found at: http://goldengatebridge75.org/celebrate/

Elevation Travel is ready to help you book your stay in San Francisco for this unique event: http://www.goelevationtravel.com/

Elevation Travel
(877) 294-3918
bookit@goelevationtravel.com

San Francisco's "Lands End" Unveils New Visitor Center

2012-04-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

The National Park Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, today unveiled the Lands End Lookout, the newest visitor center within the Golden Gate National Parks. Located along San Francisco’s rugged Pacific coast, the new 4,150-square-foot “green” visitor center sits directly above the former Sutro Baths at the northwest edge of the City, and features a museum store, café, and educational and interpretive exhibits highlighting the natural landscape and cultural history of this remarkable site.

Open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, the new Lookout presents visitors with stunning 30-mile views of the California coast, and provides the opportunity to explore the natural and cultural history of this beloved park site. The new Lands End visitor experience includes:

Interactive Displays and Panels: Visitors will learn about the coast’s geology, the original inhabitants of Lands End, the Yelamu (Ohlone) tribe, Adolph Sutro’s role in developing this part of the City in the 1880s, and the archeological remnants of an early amusement park. Educational displays also reveal the many animals and plants that call the area home, and why native plants and habitat restoration are key to the endurance of wildlife.

Interpretative Items and the Lookout Café: Visitors can take a peek into the future thanks to a fortune-telling machine from the Musée Mécanique, an old fashioned “arcade” at the nearby Cliff House, and choose from a selection of unique interpretative items for purchase. The new Lookout café features a selection of fresh, locally-sourced grab-and-go fare, including the It’s It, which was originally developed by George Whitney for sale at Playland At the Beach.

Sustainability and Design: Designed with the surrounding natural landscape in mind, architectural components of the new Lookout include reclaimed Redwood siding, natural ventilation and lighting, low-flow fixtures, native-plant landscaping and photovoltaic systems, and windows that showcase the panoramic view of Sutro Baths and the California coastline. The structure also offers storage space for the ongoing volunteer-driven stewardship efforts that will help sustain the maintenance and preservation of Lands End as well as the nearby California Coastal Trail.

Long before Europeans arrived in North America, Lands End was a seasonal home to the Yelamu Ohlone tribe. In the late 1800s, Adolph Sutro, a San Francisco entrepreneur, supported the building of the Cliff House Railroad to bring the general public to his ocean-side amusements—the Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights Gardens. In 1887, at Sutro's urging, Seal Rocks became a designated marine preserve—one of the nation's first. In its many reincarnations, the site has served as the Playland amusement park and a 1960s ice rink, but these early visitor amenities were destroyed by fire in 1966. In the 1980s, the land was purchased by the National Park Service and the recent improvements are the latest in a long line of innovative and sustainable projects made possible through their partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

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Work began on the visitor center in 2011, through a generous lead gift from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, with major support from the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, and additional funding from the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund. The Lands End improvement project also received lead support from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund for upgrades to the USS San Francisco Memorial overlook and parking area, a new wheel-chair accessible trailhead and overlook at Merrie Way, renovations and extension of the Coastal Trail, expanded bicycle and vehicle parking, and restoration of coastal views and natural habitat largely driven by Parks Conservancy and NPS volunteers. Additional funding came from the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation and the California State Coastal Conservancy.

http://www.parksconservancy.org/park-improvements/current-projects/san-francisco/lands-end-lookout.html

San Francisco Marriott Union Square Wins "Hotel of the Year" Award

2012-04-28T09:16:00.001-07:00

San Francisico Marriott Union Square earlier this month won several awards at Marriott International’s Global Full Service General Managers Conference last month. The hotel was recognized as Hotel of the Year, which honors the best hotel in the Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand across the Americas, and won the inaugural BLT (Breakthrough Leadership Training) Excellence award, recognizing leadership and accountability, as well as financial excellence and operational excellence awards.

FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated, which owns the distinguished hotel located in downtown San Francisco, made the announcement.

“We could not be more pleased with the performance of the hotel since we completed its redevelopment. We are very proud of Oscar Rodriguez, the hotel’s General Manager, and his team, for this tremendous accomplishment. Their tireless efforts have made all the difference at this property”

The San Francisco Marriott Union Square is situated among San Francisco’s vibrant cultural offerings, legendary restaurants and world-class shopping. This distinctive upscale property is located at the corner of Sutter and Powell Streets in downtown San Francisco, within walking distance to the Financial District and Moscone Convention Center and directly on the historic Powell Street Cable Car line. The property opened in 2009 following an extensive redevelopment and rebranding.

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“We could not be more pleased with the performance of the hotel since we completed its redevelopment. We are very proud of Oscar Rodriguez, the hotel’s General Manager, and his team, for this tremendous accomplishment. Their tireless efforts have made all the difference at this property,” said Troy A. Pentecost, FelCor’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

FelCor, a real estate investment trust, owns 76 primarily upper-upscale, full-service hotels that are located in major and resort markets throughout 22 states. FelCor partners with leading hotel companies to operate its diversified portfolio of hotels, which are flagged under globally recognized names such as, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites®, Fairmont®, Hilton®, Marriott®, Renaissance®, Sheraton®, Westin® and Holiday Inn®, and premier independent hotels in New York. Additional information can be found on the Company's Web site at www.felcor.com.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square
480 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 398-8900

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfous-san-francisco-marriott-union-square/

Hotel Indigo Opens in the Heart of Del Mar, CA

2012-04-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

Hotel Indigo, InterContinental Hotels Group's (IHG), upscale boutique brand, announced today the grand opening of the Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation and rebranding, the 94-room hotel in downtown Del Mar offers guests sophisticated lodging with modern furnishings and a contemporary style, exuding the charm of the Del Mar community.

“Not only does the hotel’s new design incorporate community staples like the beach and the racetrack, but the friendly service makes guests feel welcomed in a neighborly setting.”

Located at 710 Camino Del Mar, the property boasts a full-service day-spa, two pools, hot tub, sauna and bistro-style restaurant with a full bar, among other amenities. Upgraded guest rooms feature a fresh look with new furniture, luxurious linens, warm colors, tiled bathrooms, granite countertops and spa showers. Guests will feel in harmony with the Del Mar surroundings as each room features indigenous murals depicting elements from the Del Mar Racetrack and local beaches. Additionally, two ocean-view terraces, created by local design firm Design Line Interiors, allow guests to enjoy the temperate Southern California weather, with fire pits available for cooler evenings.

“The Hotel Indigo brand is a perfect fit for this location,” said Mary Dogan, director, Brand Management, Hotel Indigo, the Americas, IHG. “Del Mar is community-driven with charming and sophisticated offerings for visitors and residents alike, and the Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar seamlessly complements the local surroundings.”

The Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar was the site of the original Stratford Inn, built in 1910. The upgraded décor reflects the Del Mar neighborhood—from the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, to the breathtakingly beautiful beaches. The Del Mar Plaza, a shopping center with more than 30 shops and boutiques, offers the best of the area’s apparel, collectibles, fine jewelry, artwork and home décor. Other nearby attractions include Legoland, SeaWorld, Birch Aquarium, San Diego Botanic Garden, San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. At the surrounding beaches, guests can enjoy recreational activities, including surfing, boating, swimming and jet skiing.

Room amenities include high-definition flat screen TVs, iHome stations and Aveda products. The hotel also offers 24-hour access to the business center, complimentary Wi-Fi in public spaces, high-speed Internet connections in each room and a fitness room.

Each Hotel Indigo property is uniquely designed to reflect the culture, character and history of the surrounding neighborhood. No two hotels are the same. Brand standards don’t dictate the number or size of rooms, making it ideally suited to conversion properties or independent boutique hotels.

“Aligning with Hotel Indigo was a natural fit,” said Susan Knapp, General Manager. “Not only does the hotel’s new design incorporate community staples like the beach and the racetrack, but the friendly service makes guests feel welcomed in a neighborly setting.”

Pacifica Host Hotels owns and manages the Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. For reservations, contact Hotel Indigo Del Mar at 858-755-1501 or 1-877-8-INDIGO.

Hotel Indigo properties participate in IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards, the industry's first and largest guest loyalty program with 63 million members. Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG's more than 4,400 hotels worldwide.

Claremont, CA Culinary Scene Is a Foodie's Delight

2012-04-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Claremont's unique and wide selection of restaurants has long been "on the map" for many in Southern California and for the frequent international guests to the Claremont Colleges. With several hip, new restaurants and dozens of locally famous eateries keeping the food scene fresh, foodies and vacationers are discovering this Los Angeles-area hamlet as a delicious dining destination.

"A famous college town with international visitors demands a high level of fine dining experiences," said Andrew Behnke of Discover Claremont, the Claremont tourism board. "We know tourists come to Claremont for the shows, museums, trips into the mountains, festivals, regional events or when visiting the colleges. Now is a great time to come Discover Claremont for its dining as the city is emerging as a culinary center for eastern Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire."

With half of the city's 80 restaurants located within the walkable downtown area comprised of the Claremont Village, Village Square and Claremont Packing House, visitors can choose to enjoy the city's free parking and literally stroll to wherever their appetites lead them.

Many of the city's notable eateries are within the famous Claremont Village, an idyllic collection of boutiques among peaceful tree-lined streets. In the village, epicureans encounter white linens inside wood-paneled restaurants, bustling outdoor cafes and gourmet bakeries. Popular Italian choices include Aruffo's Italian Cuisine, La Piccoletta, and the award-winning Tutti Mangia, with "best of the Inland Empire" Chef Jose Ruiz. Diners will find French cuisine at Harvard Square Cafe, tapas at Viva Madrid, Afghan dishes at Walter's, and new American at Union on Yale.

In both the nearby Village Square and Packing House, diners will find rare wines, microbrews and fine American whiskeys at restaurants that include The Back Abbey, Eureka Burger, and the Packing House Wine Merchants. The Hotel Casa 425 lounge and outdoor living room is known for its signature margarita and offers a small plates menu by its outdoor fire pits. Other favorites here include La Parolaccia and Casa Moreno.

Local choices that combine entertainment with fine food include Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue in the Packing House; belly dancing at Casablanca Bar and Grill, also in the Packing House; and The Press restaurant in the Village. Fine dining meets Broadway at Ben D. Bollinger's Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre just a few blocks north of the village; and the lively PianoPiano dueling piano show right next door at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont serves American bar fare to accompany their Las Vegas seasoned performers.

A weekend stay in Claremont means visitors can enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning stroll through the region's largest farmers and artisans market in downtown Claremont, and enjoy coffee and freshly baked pastries at places like Some Crust Bakery and Last Drop Cafe.

A complete listing of restaurants, hotels, boutiques, events and more can be found at http://www.discoverclaremont.com.

Land & Sea Farmers Market, Half Moon Bay, CA

2012-04-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

100 year (and 4 Month) old Italian American Coastside Farmer Rina Pacini cut the ribbon at 10:00 A.M Sunday Morning, April 25, 2012, to officially launch The Land & Sea Farmers Market at Harbor Village in Half Moon Bay, CA. The event brought out 1000's of people from all over California throughout the day.

The Sunday event led to the highest levels of foot traffic ever experienced inside the mall development, marking a period of over 5 years since the one-time controversial small town commercial real estate project broke ground in early 2008. It led to record sales levels for the majority of the small business merchants who have sacrificed their entire livelihoods to surviving and finally seeing the day in which one of the most beautifully designed boutique malls in California would be flooded with consistent levels of foot traffic.

Katelyn Mullins, Owner of Aqua Beauty Lounge, said "Sundays at Harbor Village will never be the same".

The Year Round Land and Sea Farmers Market will feature an Outside Certified Farmers Market, Mobile Petting Zoo, Indoor Artisan Fair, Educational Activities, Music, Entertainment, Monthly Cooking Classes and Demonstrations, Exhibits, and other Seasonal themes.

While millions of people flock to pillar point harbor every year strongly driven by seafood tourism, the Indoor Mall portion of the Harbor Village development located across from the busy Marina still has remaining spaces that have never been leased out, despite current lease rates offered at $1.00 PSF for class-A retail waterfront space. For a Mall development project which was 110% leased out with an original pro-forma of $3.00+ PSF prior to the breakdown of global finance markets in 2008, the delays with the nearly 30-year $440 Million Dollar Highway Tunnel project (finally expected to open in the next year) have not helped much either.

However, the Land and Sea Farmers Market taking place every Sunday from now until infinity provided a foreshadow into the future of what California's most undiscovered Marinas may look like over the years to come.

In terms of long-term potential the Farmers Market and Harbor Village mixed-use development (Oceano Hotel and Spa, Crab Landing Restaurant, Mezza Luna Cafe, Harbor Village Event Center and The Shops at Harbor Village) combination was described by many seasoned vendors selling at the event Sunday as having the potential to offer a truly unique and boutique version of the Ferry Building farmers markets experience that is offered in San Francisco.

However, with Harbor Village offering Free Parking and being walking distance to the world famous Mavericks Surf Spot, Coastal trail, Top Rated Dining and Fresh Seafood, and other close by Eco-Tourism options, the Land and Sea Farmers Market at Harbor Village is destined to rival the Ferry Building Farmers Market on many other levels. Harbor Village Property Manager Dave Seaton Said "I have been to over 50+ farmers markets over the past 6 months in California analyzing the success factors of each market. If the Ferry building is defined as Northern California's most successful farmers market, then Harbor Village is Northern California's 2nd best farmer's market location sites".

As U.S consumers continue to be defined by eco-conscious and hyper-local buying trends the Pop-Up Shop Style Events taking place every Sunday at Harbor Village provide Bay Area consumers access to local Farmers, Artisans and other Bay Area Entrepreneurs whom would otherwise be difficult to access or unreachable all together.

The Land and Sea Farmers Market at Harbor Village is put on by the Non-Profit Harbor Village Merchant Association (HVMA), a group made up of the small businesses inside the Harbor Village Mall and around the Harbor Village development. Based on the turnout of people showing up to the inaugural event the group proved the power of what can be accomplished with limited financial resources.

Other than the administrative costs required to organize the farmers market, a small marketing budget used at Vistaprint.Com and the costs for their logo which was completed with the help of hundreds of designers around the world at 99designs.com, the group had very few financial resources to launch the inaugural event. They used Facebook and other social media platforms, along with Hand Made Signs and 100's of Free Craigslist.com postings in a variety of different sections seeking to obtain vendors and market the event to the public.

Mike Seaton, President of the Harbor Village Merchant Association and owner of HMB Taffy, said "We conceived it, we believed in it, and on Sunday we were able to achieve a huge goal".

The Land & Sea Farmers Market
270 Capistrano Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Hours: 10:00am - 3:00pm

http://harborvillagefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Hilton Garden Inn Rolls Out the Red Carpet for New Property in Los Angeles

2012-04-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hilton Garden Inn today announced the grand opening of the newest addition to the brand's portfolio, the Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood. The 160-room property, which officially opened for business on March 6, 2012, replaced the historic Hollywood Heights Hotel and is conveniently located just minutes away from some of the city's top attractions.

The addition represents the brand's growing portfolio of more than 540 hotels worldwide.

The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood is owned by RLJ III – HGN Hollywood Lessee, L.P. and is managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts. "We're thrilled to have the Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood join our portfolio," said Ted Knighton, Interstate's chief operating officer. "Between the history of the property, the location and all of the amenities that the hotel has to offer, we are looking forward to achieving great success with the property."

"The repositioning of the historic Hollywood Heights Hotel to a Hilton Garden Inn is such a great addition to our brand portfolio," said Adrian Kurre, Global Head, Hilton Garden Inn. "HGI's Pavilion lobby, combined with comfortable guestrooms and convenient guest services, make the hotel an ideal choice for travelers visiting the Los Angeles area. The property provides the amenities to ensure guests sleep deep, stay fit, eat well, work smart and treat themselves while on the road. Whether traveling for business or leisure, we can ensure guests have everything they need to be successful."

The hotel features the Hilton Garden Inn Serta Perfect Sleeper as well as both wired and WiFi Internet access in guestrooms and public spaces. The hotel also features an ergonomic Mirra desk chair by Herman Miller; a spacious and clutter-free work desk; and two speaker telephones equipped with data ports and voice mail. Guests will also benefit from the complimentary 24-hour business center, featuring Print Spots remote printing which allows wireless printing from any laptop or PDA.

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Guests can start off their day with a full-cooked-to-order breakfast featuring omelets, fruit, breads and the brand's signature waffle in the Great American Grill® restaurant. The restaurant also serves cocktails and dinner, as well as evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours and features a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats, cold beverages as well as freshly prepared, frozen and microwaveable packaged items.

Other hotel amenities include: a glass-enclosed Pavilion lobby featuring a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; an easy-to-set alarm clock that allows guests to play their portable CD or MP3 player; 32" LCD HDTVs in every room; an in-room "hospitality center" with a mini fridge, microwave oven and coffee maker; a sitting area with an easy chair and ottoman; a hairdryer; and an iron and ironing board. The hotel's recreational facilities consist of a fitness center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training equipment, as well as a swimming pool and whirlpool. The hotel also features one meeting room offering 546 square feet of flexible space and an on-site guest laundry facility.

In addition, the brand is proud to announce the Hilton Garden Inn Promise. This confirmation to guests ensures that Hilton Garden Inn will do everything possible to make sure that they are satisfied with their stay, or they don't have to pay.

Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles participates in Hilton HHonors, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & Miles® and No Blackout Dates.

The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles is located at 2005 N. Highland Avenue in Los Angeles and is currently accepting reservations.

Enter the "California Milestone Moments" Photo Contest

2012-04-27T19:56:00.001-07:00

The first 'wow' moment when you saw the Half Dome. The first photo you snapped out the window as you crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. Your first hug with a giant Sequoia, or your dog catching his first Frisbee on a California beach.

These are the kinds of "California Milestone Moments" that people can share -- and win prizes for -- during a new photo contest launching today by Visit California, the state's official tourism agency.

The easy-to-enter contest aims to collect images of those incredible first-time experiences that could only happen in California. To enter, participants should go to Visit California's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/VisitCA/app_244041225639079). Next, they can upload a photo and brief description capturing a personal "California Milestone Moment." Once the image is uploaded, Visit California's Facebook fans can "like" their favorite photos and stories.

At the end of the three-week contest, the ten entries with the most likes will win special prizes – including a branded eco-friendly water bottle and an iPhone 4/4s case – from Visit California. "California Milestones" runs April 26 – May 16, 2012.

Visit California (formerly known as the California Travel & Tourism Commission) is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state's travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to Visit California, travel and tourism expenditures total $102.3 billion annually in California (19.1 percent of which is international), support jobs for 893,000 Californians and generate $6.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

Nojoqui Falls County Park

2012-04-27T18:14:00.001-07:00

Nestled just a few miles south of Solvang, CA is a hidden gem for travelers who love a short hike in the morning to get the blood pumping before breakfast.

Nojoqui Falls County Park is home to a spectacular water fall reminiscent of those found in the tropical forests of Hawaii. Dropping nearly 100ft over a rock cliff, the water spray provides a cool, misty shower that perks up hikers under a canopy of trees and canyon walls.

From the trailhead, the hike is a short 1/4 mile to the falls, with an easy elevation gain. The trail follows the creek and at one point crosses over via footbridge.

Dogs are welcome, provided that you keep them leashed and pick up after them.

Moss and maidenhair fern covers the waterfall, creating a scene that reminds you of paintings of water nymphs, elves, and other creatures from the middle ages. If you're quiet enough, you might even hear the pan flute of a centaur.

Parking is free, but camping will cost you.

Hours: 8:00 AM to Sunset
Camping Reservations: (805) 934-6211