I’d rather go to hell than to a mall. This equates to countless hours scouring both the glamorous and gritty streets of Los Angeles to find local shops for everything from groceries to garter belts to galoshes.

I try to follow the mindset of Be Local, Buy Local whenever possible, even if that means facing LA traffic to do so. Here are a few of my favorite Los Angeles boutiques for when you need some retail therapy (categorized by neighborhoods):

Venice

Both Tortoise Gallery & General Store feature unique modern gifts made in Japan. They are a few blocks from each other on the hipster street of Abbot Kinney that fiercely protects themselves from big box stores. The General Store has super luxe camping supplies, kitchenware, and stationary. Tortoise Gallery is a wonderland of handcrafted jewelry, tea sets and finely-crafted Japanese art.

A purchase at KOKO not only supports local Venice economy but preserves the ancient hand-weaving craft in Cambodia. KOKO has vibrant silken works of wearable art for women designed by owner Marianne Kooimans and her husband. Intricately woven, hand-dyed scarves are unisex, in case you want to pick up something for the stylish man in your life.

Resembling a fine art museum rather than a perfumery, Strange Invisible Perfumes specializes in the sensory experience from the space to the scents. To royally spoil yourself,  arrange for a bespoke fragrance design consultation that takes place in a private chamber based on your favorite aromas, whether that be fresh sheets, chocolate, jasmine, you name it.

Los Feliz

WACKO Soap Plant is filled with thousands of kitchy, eclectic items from ketchup squirting guns to obscene religious ornaments. If you’ve got a prankster on your souvenir list, look no further. It’s also a great place to find off-beat art and photography coffee table books.

For the motorcycle maven, Glory has ’70s vintage helmets, motorcycle inspired racing sweaters,  vintage cut tees from their own Glory Utility brand, and other spiffy speedster accessories.

Mid – LA

Green is all the rage in Los Angeles, even when it comes to tea.  Matcha Source has every thing you could imagine to become a matcha maven. Owner Alissa White will even give you lesson on how to make a proper cup with a sample tasting afterward. Beyond the teas and Matcha accessories, Matcha Source has a bevy of life’s little luxuries like flip-flop socks (Japanese tabi socks), local gourmet brownies, and grow-mushrooms-in-a-box kits.

ARP is hallowed ground for artisan jewelry, with delicate museum-quality pieces from LA and NYC artists that you’ll get compliments on for a lifetime. ARP maybe be tiny, but they have some of the most sophisticated jewelry in Los Angeles. 8311 1/2 West 3rd St.

Leave it the Europeans to set up a super hip Made in USA shop. Shelter Half features a couture curated selection of US craftsmen and artisans producing everything from North Carolinian peanut butter to army canvas tents to leather bow ties. This shop renews my hope in bringing quality manufacturing back to the US again.

Need a Danish boiled-wool slippers or a squirrel bobble head? Check. Have a friend into zany cocktail recipe books? Check. How about a Michael Jackson costume kit? Check. If you like quirky, artsy or design-centric, OK Store has it all, in excellent taste with a side of biting humor. And this a great place to spot celebrities. Last time I was here, I saw Jennifer Aniston and her beau, Justin Theroux, picking up a few items.

Sunset Junction

Support local, and make someone swoon, at Dean with quality leather goods like show-stealing purses, thick leather watches, and hipster messenger bags – all made on site with a keen knack for style and craftsmanship. You can find Dean at Barney’s Department store in Beverly Hills too, but the shop is a worth a visit for the full experience: leather aroma, tactile suede, and rich colors for the eye to behold.

From vintage bar accessories to customized bar kits (including the alcohol) fashioned after LA celebrity mixologist’s recipes, Barkeeper is L.A.’s premium place to go. If you’re into bitters, they have over 30 kinds to sample.

The Valley

There isn’t a lot in the Valley I would recommend making the trek for. But, if you love India inspired clothing and accessories in vibrant colors and sensual silks, Saffron is worth the drive. Owner Tabesh Mirmirani loves to dress you up and make you feel like you’re the most gorgeous woman in the world when you’re in her care. Celebs like Gwen Stephani are seen in her pieces.

Top photo by Travis Conklin, courtesy of LACVB. Additional photos are by the author, with exception of Strange Perfumery/Shelter Half/Saffron, used by permission of respective businesses.

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Burgers in Los Angeles are as pizza is in New York: a birthright. Although the American burger was invented in the Midwest, Los Angeles (specifically Pasadena) is the birthplace of the cheeseburger, created in the 1920’s.

Since then, burgers have been as much of a Southern California icon as the palm tree.  Some of the most famous burger stands started here – McDonald’s, In-N-Out, and Fatburger.

Over the last decade, the haute couture hamburger trend has boomed. With made-to-order ground beef, farmers’ market vegetables and exotic accoutrements like Brie or fish flakes, you’re more likely to see movie stars rather than soccer moms at these beyond-basic burger joints.

When in LA, do as the Los Angelenos and get your beefy fix fashionably at these prolific patty stands with great people watching to boot.

The Counter – This is like a Build-a-Bear for burgers. Choose from an extensive list of topping, proteins and sauces to create a bespoke burger.  If the pressure is too great to be the Next Top Burger Chef, just go for the Counter Burger with fried onions, provolone cheese, mushrooms, sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. There are over 10 Counter locations throughout the Los Angeles area.

Stout Burgers & Beers – The burgers are as eccentric as the Hollywood actresses that flock here.  With over 30 craft beers on tap, the “beertenders” will gladly let you sample a few in shot glasses, and burgers topped with inventive ingredients, it’s a winning combination. Try the Stout Burger with blue cheese, rosemary bacon, roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, and horseradish mayo.

Father’s Office – When he opened a tiny pub in the elite Santa Monica neighborhood in 2000, Chef Sang Yoon launched the current gourmand burger trend and his legacy continues with a second location in Culver City over triple the size. Be forewarned: there is absolutely no substitutions or alterations. Like it or leave, is their motto. And forget about asking for ketchup, it’s a dirty word in daddy’s study. To soothe the ketchup withdrawals, make sure to have a beer float designed by Father’s Office “floatoligists” who pair unusual, house-made ice cream flavors (like Maple Syrup) with imported brews (like Trappist Ales). A favorite among locals is the F.O burger of blue cheese, Gruyere, caramelized onions, and arugula on a baguette.

Go Burger – Go Burger is a part of the BLT family spearheaded by Chef Laurent Torondel. Also home to boozy milkshake concoctions, Go Burger is for the ultimate foodie who doesn’t mind getting crazy with their beloved burger. Like the Ulti-Melt, a burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Or what about the Sunset Stripper of arugula, marinated cherry tomatoes, pickled shallots, olive-cornichon remoulade, and of course, no bun, because strippers don’t do carbs in this city. Go Burger is an irreverent take on classic Superbowl Sunday food, and is great kids and vegetarians.

Umami – Umami is as Elvis was to rock n roll:  pretty much the sex symbol of the hipster burger. Growing like the wildfires of Southern California, within a few years, Umami burger reigns supreme with novices and chefs for not only a trendy hang out but also the best burger in Los Angeles. Umami is the nebulous and mysterious fifth element of taste that gives maximum gastronomy pleasure in the mouth. Umami burgers contain elements of umami (secret recipe of soy sauce, fish flakes, and…?), not to mention a smart bun-to-beef ratio, and made to order ground beef.  Founder Adam Fleishman  says, “We only do one thing, so we’re going to do it the best we can.” Although you can have burgers with lamb, turkey or vegetables, the beef-de-resistance is their classic Umami burger. From downtown to the Valley, there is an Unami Burger near you, each with their own individual design/decor flair.

If your hamburger hankering is still not assuaged, Virginia-based Five Guys Burgers and Fries, is causing a feeding frenzy among Los Angelinos as well.  It is a favorite of the Obama family, and has twelve locations throughout Los Angeles.

Classic Burgers

For the burger lover who appreciates a truly Americana experience in every bite minus the exotic ingredients, complicated ordering, and designer price tag, here are the best classic burger joints in Los Angeles:

In-N-Out – No matter if you stop at a freeway location in the middle of nowhere or a prime location, expect a long line for your basic burger and milkshake. Their menu is simple, but if you’re in the know, there are endless secret menu items like the Animal Style of a mustard-cooked beef patty with additional pickles, cheese, spread and grilled onions diced up and mixed together on the grill before getting dumped on your burger. If you’re visiting from out of state, take a picture of yourself to make all your friends and family green with envy as In-N-Outs are only in Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas.

Pie & Burger – A tiny diner in Pasadena that’s been around for nearly a half a century with a movie/music industry cult following. It’s fast, delicious, and unpretentious. Ask for a slice of their fresh peach pies if you visit in the summer.

Bill & Hiroko’s – With a few bar stools outside a little wooden shack in the heart of the industrial part of Van Nuys, Bill has been making mean burgers for decades with no attitude and certainly no decisions between shitake, crimini or chantrelle mushrooms to select. Some say it’s the grill that has been accruing seasoning over 80 years that gives the burgers such delicious flavor. Go for the double, it’s that good.

Apple Pan – It’s a West Los Angeles institution since 1947, famous for it’s apple pie and burgers. And it’s a great late night stop, open till 1 am, as most West Side restaurants close at 10 pm, even on weekends. Try the Hickory or Steak Burger.

Top photo of Stout Burger/Beer Taps/In n Out by author, Umami Burger photo by Flickr Jun Seita,

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If you live in the Pacific Northwest you likely already know why those living in other parts of the United States flock to your region. From Washington to Oregon to Northern California, the Northwest boasts varying landscapes that suit every travel personality. So whether you’re looking for mountains, the ocean, wine country or an urban exploration to rival East Coast meccas such as New York City and Chicago, the Pacific Northwest has got you covered. And the best part is, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy all that the Northwest has to offer!

Washington

• Seattle – Whatever your taste, Seattle’s got it. If you’re looking for a wine tasting weekend, look no further than Chateau St. Michelle. If sightseeing is what you’re into, then skip the restaurants and instead watch fresh fish fly at Pike Place Market, where you can buy fresh, inexpensive, local fare to create a lunch or dinner picnic. Then, visit the original Starbucks or head to the Seattle Center to take in a panorama of the city from the Space Needle’s Observation Deck, 520 feet above sea level.
• Mount Rainier National Park – This stunning 368-square-mile park was the fifth national park established in the United States. Home to Mount Rainier, 25 glaciers, Wonderland Trail, waterfalls, valleys, meadows and more, you have the chance to take a peek at nature’s finest creations.

 Oregon

• Portland – While some may be familiar with Portland only through the parody TV show “Portlandia,” this city is in fact ripe with culture, style and taste. Save a buck and dine from one of the city’s famed food trucks while you browse Portland Saturday Market, which showcases the best of Portland’s artist community. Or meander through the impressive free parks system that includes swimming pools, nature walks, Jamison Square and more. There is always something fun to do and good to eat in Portland, even on a budget.
• Willamette National Forest – Many may never have heard of Willamette, but this 110-mile stretch of natural beauty houses the western slopes of the Cascade Range throughout western Oregon. With everything from camping at Waldo Lake to hiking Salt Creek Falls, this vast yet widely unknown mountainous area offers a scenic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city for families that want to bypass hotel costs and save money by camping instead.

 Northern California

• Wine Country – Between Sonoma and Napa Valley, California’s famed wine country is known for its dozens of privately owned wineries. Go for the day, a weekend or a week and never tire of sipping your favorite Varietal while overlooking some of the most stunning vineyards in the nation. Even if you don’t want to partake in the numerous tastings available, wine country is also known for its renowned cuisine, walking and bike tours, spas and more.
• San Francisco – Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge; drive down steep Lombard Street with its eight tight turns; eat a lobster roll on Fisherman’s Wharf; sample chocolate at Ghirardelli Square; tour Alcatraz; take a cable car ride. You can do it all in a day’s time, or spread it out and leisurely discover all the city has to offer. One thing’s for sure: There’s always something to do in San Francisco, and you won’t break the bank to enjoy a jam-packed day or week in this always-bustling city.

Whether you’ve chosen to find your next adventure in Washington, Oregon or California, one thing’s certain: There’s sure to be something to satisfy your family’s appetite for fun, adventure and budget-conscious travel in any of these three Pacific Northwest staycations. Another way to make sure your family saves money and has a good time no matter where your next staycation takes you is to make sure you have the car insurance you need to stay safe and protected on your next road trip. Compare online insurance quotes to find discount car insurance so you can have more money in your pocket for another glass of wine at dinner in Sonoma or seconds on clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Mary Jo Manzanares

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Israel has rugged adventures for the serious outdoor lover? Oh yes. While most visitors journey to Israel for religious reasons – it is a spiritual destination for not one but three major religions – yet on my trip, I experienced an equally, but altogether different, sacred Israel.

Between Israel’s diverse terrain and spiritual significance, it is ideal for those who like to play as much as they like to pray.

Top Outdoor-Lovers Experiences in Israel

Jeru-Zoom-lem

Why wade through throngs of crowds to see the prolific religious sites in Jerusalem when you can forgo walking and segue to a Zuzu Segway Tour. Zip (safely, of course, under the supervision of a very watchful guide) through Jerusalem for a beyond-pedestrian experience. Taking the Jerusalem Segway tour at sunset is probably the closest thing to making a magic carpet ride a reality.

Masada at Sunrise

There is only one way to get to the top at daybreak (top photo) – by your own two feet. Masada is the ancient remains of King Herod the Great’s summer pad. More significantly, it is the place where Jewish freedom fighters chose suicide rather than be conquered by the Romans. Get there when the park opens, an hour before sunrise, to experience the unpolluted power of brilliant desert landscape in the vibrant pink light of early morning. As a reward for your crack o’ dawn hour long climb, take the 5-minute cable car back.

Dancing with Dolphins

At the very southern tip of Israel, there is an enchanting place where dolphins interact with humans of their own free will – the Dolphin Reef Eliat. No Sea World antics or cajoling here. Don a snorkel or scuba gear and a guide will escort you into the Red Sea where rescued dolphins are free to glide by if you pique their interest. When they do decide to say hello within a few feet of your body, the ethereal experience will leave you smiling ear to ear with no concern for the water that has begun to fill your  mask.

Negev Desert Archery

Imagine a golf game, minus the grass and clubs. Explore the rugged terrain while playing an 18 target course. The fee at Desert Archery Park in Mitze Ramon includes a thorough archery lesson, a guide and copious amounts of camaraderie. Great for a family outing, kids 8 years old and above can play.

Machtesh Ramon Crater Rappelling

Look ma, no hands! Rappelling in the world’s largest crater (5 miles wide, 28 miles long) – the Machtesh Ramon Crater is an exhilarating few minutes of fun (it’s a 20 foot rappel down to a ledge where you hike back up). With one of Adam Sela’s rope masters, rappel down the canyon and when he calls for you to turn around and enjoy the vast crater scenery – do a backbend and see it with a fresh perspective!

Biking in Ben Gurion’s Backyard

Israel’s first president Ben Gurion retired to Kibbutz Sde Boker in the Negev Desert, now deemed Ben Gurion’s Tomb National Park. Rent mountain bikes from GeoFun and tap into why Gurion deemed this place his solace.

Best Reading Spot: Floating in Dead Sea

Feel out of the loop because you haven’t read the daily newspaper since you’ve been on vacation? No problem, catch up on your reading while floating almost upright in the Dead Sea. Just make sure not to shave before or splash any of the 35% concentrate salt water in your eyes. Makes reading painfully impossible.

Parasailing in Eilat Between Jordan & Israel

On the day our group went, the wind was fierce. What usually is a tranquil ride into the sky turned into an aerial roller-coaster on the Red Sea. If you can’t fit a visit to Jordan into your travel plans, the views of Jordan’s city of Argat from high above is almost like you’ve been. Eilat Parasailing take up to three people at a time.

Hugging ‘Shrooms in Timna

Timna Park, the former site of a 6,000 year old Egyptian copper mine, has  rust-colored rock art fashioned by the elements of wind to discover, much like Utah’s Arches National Park. One rock looks similar to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona, another a giant mushroom. The formations are so surreal you’ll think you took some mushrooms rather than just seeing one. To further the psychedelic trip, don’t miss watching the informative movie in Timna Park’s spinning movie theater.

From windswept desert landscapes, tropical waterfalls, cathedral looking rock formations to water escapades in both Dead and Red Seas, Israel, the size of New Jersey, doles out natural adrenalin generously.

For more Israel travel ideas, read on at The Traveler’s Way: Biking the Sea of Galilee, Israeli Wines, Negev Desert.

Photo credits:  Lanee Lee & Lindsay Taub.

NOTE:  This trip was sponsored by Go Israel.

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The long stretches of desolate road and wide-open spaces of the Wild West have been luring the curious, the dreamers, and the nature enthusiasts since nearly the birth of America. Each summer baby boomers and the retired escape the ordinary by hitting the road to experience the open frontiers—but most likely they’ll pull over for more than just that. The absurd and quirky roadside attractions of South Dakota have epitomized all that we love (and sort of hate) about the tempting call of the west.

Quirky, obscure, and usually over-the-top big, one thing is certain: whether you’re cruising on a Fat Boy or in a Winnebago, you can’t help but to stop. I could tell you not to, but you will. I did. We all do. In its own bizarre way, it’s worth it.

Wall Drug

What is Wall Drug? What isn’t Wall Drug? It’s located in Wall, South Dakota and coins itself as “America’s Favorite Roadside Attraction.” Get anything from bobble heads to boot spurs, and see anything from banjo-playing dummies to a mechanical dinosaur. Can you actually get a prescription filled? That’s a good question.

Wall Drug has survived drought and the great depression. Its patriotic mantra is “…if [we] can make it in the dust bowl days of the Dirty 30s then there is no such place as Godforsaken in this great country we live in…AMERICA.”

Driving by Wall Drug without stopping just feels un-American. Go ahead, let your kids pan for gold, just don’t let them get their hopes up.

Corn Palace

Mitchell, South Dakota proudly displays its architectural phenomenon, Corn Palace. It is, in fact, a large multi-use building made of corn: architectural genius or architectural boredom? It’s up to you to decide.

Since 1892 settlers have showcased their crop on the exterior of the building to display the fertility of the soil. Keeping with tradition, new corn murals are designed for locals and visitors to admire each year. The Corn Palace hosts a variety of events and a corn festival. Besides the excitement of Corn Palace, Mitchell is a sleepy town. After snapping a few shots of the murals, there’s not much else around. Conveniently, a small casino sits across the street. I suppose if you stop, you may as well make a donation.

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

Americans may not think Mt. Rushmore National Memorial is a quirky roadside attraction, but when the idea was pitched to sculpt  four great American presidents’ faces into the side of the granite Rushmore rock, the idea must have sounded a tad bizarre.

Today more than three million visitors come each year to admire Gutzon Borglum’s world famous sculpture of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodor Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Dinosaur Park

It’s difficult to imagine that nearly 140 million years ago, dinosaurs were roaming the South Dakota Black Hills and the incredible Badlands National Park. Dinosaur Park pays tribute to these Jurassic giants with seven life-size concrete and steel reproductions. Kelly green in color and non-threatening in appearance with semi-smiling faces, kids enjoy climbing all over the extinct beasts while parents enjoy the 100-mile views and the Badlands to the east.

Four Mile Old West Town

Four Mile is an old western ghost town in Custer, South Dakota that has been left as is. Take a self-guided tour of 50 homes and businesses, all fully furnished, and see some of the historic relics left behind. It’s cheap, small, and a nice place for kids and photo ops.

The owners of the town take their roles pretty darn seriously, too. You may find them sitting around a table playing a game of cards, attired contemporaneous to the time. But don’t expect it to stop there. Their jokes, stories, and colloquialisms will most likely stay true to their Four Mile characters as well.

Various Trading Posts

South Dakota has a rich history of trade between the settlers and Native Americans. Most trading posts carry Native American arts and crafts, relics of the past, western wear, furs, leather goods, and guns, but don’t be surprised by what you can find. They’re always fun to peruse and often are the main source of income for local Native American tribes. It’s a good place to find an authentic souvenir or conversation piece for your home.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is the largest mountain carving in the world, but it’s far from finished. It’s larger than Mt. Rushmore, and is also located in Black Hills, South Dakota. It honors the Native American hero, culture, and living tradition of Native American Indians.

Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski was the brainchild of the project but has long since passed. His family works to complete the mission as first envisioned by their grandfather and Chief Henry Standing Bear. Most admirably, the foundation refuses state or federal funds from the government, as they are the same government responsible for the death of Crazy Horse.

The memorial has a theater and large gift shop. It’s an ambitious and incredibly well-intentioned project. It is a little more costly than seeing Mt. Rushmore, but a percentage of the entrance fee goes toward the completion of the project.

Photo credits:  Parkerdr via wikimedia (Corn Palace); all others courtesy of the author

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Haec omnia tibi dabo si cadens adoraveris me.

Latin scholars know that the words “tibi dabo” mean “I’ll give you,” and that the sentence means “All of this I will give to you if you fall down and worship me.”  Biblical historians tells us that Satan stood on top of a mountain and said these words to Jesus. Residents of Barcelona believe that this noteworthy event took place on top of their very own Mount Tibidabo, and that “all this” refers to the splendid panoramic view of the city of Barcelona and the aquamarine Mediterranean Sea.

Eat, Pray and Play

Rising 1,680 feet above the city of Barcelona, Mount Tibidabo houses a selection of quintessentially Spanish cafes, along with  the Neo-Gothic Sacred Heart Church, or in Spanish, El Sagrat Cor.  The church sits incongruously adjacent to the  Tibidabo Amusement Park, the oldest amusement park in Barcelona.

El Sagrat Cor, boasts three steep terraces that seem to plunge off the mountain’s precipice. It  offers an adventure in its own right, which requires visitors to make a leap of faith, and stay calm at dizzying heights. Climb a staircase to reach the first terrace. Going higher requires paying a small fee to take the elevator. The steepest terrace sits at the top of the church.

The Amusement Park

Once one of Barcelona’s lesser-known attractions, film director Woody Allen brought the Tibidabo Amusement Park to the public’s attention by featuring it in his film titled Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Aside from a brief allusion to it in an episode of Friends,  mentions of Tibidabo rarely appear in US travel media.

While the juxtaposition between church and amusement park raises a few eyebrows, a couple of days of exposure to the whimsical architecture of Antonio Gaudi leaves visitors ready for the serendipitous and the spontaneous. Nothing seems odd after viewing the mosaic dragons of Park Guell. Such is Barcelona’s culture of the quirky.

Tibidabo  History

Construction of the amusement park dates back to 1889.  In  June of 1900, work began on the creation of a tram, which transported visitors from the city of Barcelona to Tibidabo Mountain, and a funicular railway, which carried guests to the mountain’s summit, where a medley of colorful rides awaited their eager visitors. The tram, called the Blue Tram, still exists, and provides the most efficient means of getting to the mountain.

Getting There Is Half  The Fun

The old-fashioned, electric  Blue Tram, called Tramvia Blau, in Spanish, winds uphill through the streets of Barcelona,  and carries  its passengers to Mount Tibidabo. To get to the tram, take the L7 train, which leaves from Plaza de Catalunya  in the center of town. The 10-minute ride brings you to Plaza de John Kennedy. When you get off the train, the tram stop, located at 2 Avienda Tibidabo, will be directly in front of you. A one-ride metro ticket costs 1.35 euros, and a 10-ride, called a T-10, costs 7.70 euros.

As the tram makes its tight,  serpentine turns, it takes you past Barcelona’s most elegant architecture. When the tram drops you off, the ticket office for the funicular will be right in front of you, but before you ride,  savor a coffee or an espresso, along with a Spanish pastry at one of the many cafes at this lower part of the mountain.  Take in the view, then, board the funicular and enjoy the steep ride to the top. Tramvia Blau costs 3.10 euros round trip, and the funicular costs 3 euros round trip.

Quick  Tip: If you’re short on time, and want to make the make the most of your stay in Barcelona, the city’s many “hop on/hop off” bus tours bring you to 2 Aviendo Tibidabo, where you catch the Tram Blau. You purchase a ticket, which usually costs about 25 euros.  Listen to the recorded tour, and hop on or off when the description inspires  you. Almost every major hotel desk in Barcelona sells tickets for these tours.

The Ambiance

Tibidabo Park has many rides and amusements, but take in the ambiance before trying any of them. The park’s tun-of-the-century atmosphere offers an unparalleled, Somewhere in Time experience, one which induces a strong desire for the candies apples, cotton candy and big colorful lollipops sold at the stands. Then, stroll past the antique carousel and ferris wheel, and enjoy.

Tibidabo Overlooking Barcelona

Thrills and Chills

Tibidabo’s rides offer your local Six Flags Great Adventure no competition in terms of thrill factor, but there is something a bit scary about a roller coaster on top of a mountain. Other attractions have an interesting history.

• The Avion: Built in the Estrada workshops of Barcelona in1928, this plane ride circles the entire park. It is a replica of the first plane that ever flew the Barcelona/Brazil route.
• The Atalaya Lookout Tower: Built in 1921, this large metal structure carries rides to 551 meters above sea level. Rumors of its healing powers prevail. Apparently, children suffering form whooping cough are healed after spending a few minutes on top of the tower.
• The Wizards and Witches Den: Built in 1915, this aerial railway combines spectacular mountain views with spooky stage sets.

While Tibidabo might be just a bit out of the way, it’s definitely worth a visit.  Don’t miss it on your next trip to Barcelona.

Photo credits: Both from wikimedia commons, Yifan Wang (carousel); Lalupa (Ferris wheel)

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When you are the sister of Jimmy Buffett you have quite a reputation to live up to as far as entertaining goes.  As a restaurateur,  Lucy Buffett opened the friendly LuLu’s Sunset Grill on the edge of Week’s Bay, Alabama, in the spot where she and her brother used to fish when they were children.

Located adjacent to a nationally protected bird estuary, the state denied her lease renewal.  Faced with closure of her popular burger joint, Lucy did what any Buffett would do – she loaded up the entire establishment on a barge, palm trees and all,  threw a huge party, and headed south through the Bay to a new location on the Intracoastal Waterway in the town of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

No longer just a burger joint, Lulu’s at Homeport Marina, or best known as simply LuLu’s, is popular for serving local food and providing live entertainment nightly. Driving through a small residential area, then into vast parking lot, I was surprised at the enormity of the restaurant.  So popular is this place, that there is signage for additional parking several blocks away.

Borrowing from themes of her brother’s songs, the establishment has an island feel to its decor.  Numerous tiki style huts provide a place to purchase merchandise, beverages and food items from a smaller version of the menu, while throngs of guests wait to be seated. The actual dining area is located within a brightly painted large metal building with concrete floors and industrial garage doors that roll up or down depending upon the weather.  Tables with wicker seats fill the interior area, while larger groups are seated at brightly painted picnic tables that line the exterior of the dining hall.

Since no reservations are taken here, wait time for a table has been known to take hours.  Adults will be easily entertained by the shop, live entertainment, beverage offerings, and sand volleyball.  Younger guests can enjoy a large sandy area supplied with shovels, pails and sand toys as well as a newly opened three story safe rope climbing area known as the Mountain of Youth.  Creating their own fun, a group of teenagers held a hula-hoop contest among themselves as tables of strangers cheered them on.  I enjoyed exploring the Buffet family photos that hung on the interior walls – Jim as an altar boy, a long-haired singer early in his career, and a young Lucy vacationing at a nearby beach.

Several stages are set up to provide live entertainment:  a small stage in the interior, a large outdoor tiki stage known as Crazy Sista Stage set close to the sand pit, and scattered beverage huts offers views of the waterway.  A monthly calendar lists the scheduled entertainment of regional bands and, while rare, it is not unheard of for Jimmy to appear here as well.

While it cannot be denied that a big draw to this establishment is the Buffett family connection, the food is tasty with some original recipes like the L.A. Caviar.  Far from what you might imagine, the  L.A. in the appetizer stands for Lower Alabama, not the city on the West Coast, and the caviar is actually black eyed peas.   The appetizer is a fresh combination of balsamic vinegar, red onion, sweet bell peppers and cherry tomatoes mixed with the peas.  It’s served with saltine crackers, but I much preferred it scooped with crispy tortilla chips.  Add in an ice cold beverage, and it’s a tasty starter or snack.

Speaking of beverages, LuLu’s has a lengthy menu of frozen concoctions.  Even if that’s not typically your beverage of choice, there’s something about a frozen drink that screams “beach vacation.”  I enjoyed the Marina Mama, similar to a Bahama Mama at other establishments, but this version added banana puree.

For dessert, the Krispy Kreme bread pudding, made from the name brand doughnut, is deliciously rich. I hate to think of the calories I ingested.  Equally sinful, was the chocolate laden brownie served with ice cream, and while I can be quite finicky about my Key Lime Pie, LuLu’s offering was deliciously fresh tasting with its thick graham cracker crust and creamy tart lime filling.  It would be difficult for my to distinguish which dessert was truly my favorite.

Other notable menu items include burgers from locally grown grass-fed beef, and fresh local seafood including shrimp, oysters, and red snapper.

Location:  200 E 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, Alabama.  Boaters can access LuLu’s at Mile marker 155 on the ICW

Hours:  Sunday-Thursday, 11 am-9 pm, Friday-Saturday till 10pm

Prices: A typical meal will run you $25, which includes appetizer, entree, and non-alcoholic beverage.

Photo Credits: Musicians from PatriciaH via flickr; other used with permission, LuLu’s - Homeport Marina

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What to hear a hot, nitty-gritty secret? I’ll only tell you if you promise not to tell a soul. I want this to remain between you and I to preserve it’s sanctity. Three hours southeast of Los Angeles, California’s Secret Desert is one of my favorite hidden retreats of badlands, sci-fi land art and surreal stargazing.

Borrego Springs, the tiny town of 2,500 residents, is where our entourage’s (which included myself, two friends and my partner) adventure began. With more than 600,000 acres to explore of California’s largest state park, Anza Borrego Desert surrounding Borrego Springs, there is much to do for the outdoor enthusiast from hiking, biking, bird watching and off-road jeeping.

How an area so vast could remain unknown to even Southern California locals is beyond me, but that is part of its beauty. It’s a place to escape the noise and crowds of the city life: a locale with monastic-like serenity and balm for the urbanite’s soul.

Anza Borrego State Park offers hundreds of trails for both the beginner and avid hiker or mountain biker with views of moon-like black volcanic rocks, red-flowering ocotillo cactus and traces of ancient Native American life.

Taking the ranger’s advice at the sophisticated Anza Borrego State Park Visitor Center, my boyfriend and I opted for the 3-mile Borrego Palm Canyon Trail since it was short yet ended with a rewarding climax of native palm trees shooting out of a natural spring offering much need shade. Make sure to grab a self-guided pamphlet before heading out as it points out things to see along the way, including the elusive bighorn sheep if you keep your eyes peeled. The ranger said to look high in the mountains for them, but we saw none during the entire hike, only to have one greet us unexpectedly at the trail entrance near the parking lot!

Seeing the bighorn sheep was only the beginning of the incredible animals we encountered in Borrego Springs. Driving a few miles out of town on a lonely road, we were on the hunt for Galleta Meadows Estate that featured metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda’s land art. Seeing nothing more than a few houses dot the barren landscape, I began to doubt it even existed. Then suddenly, a rust-colored metal eagle with a 30-foot wingspan appeared on the horizon, followed by a life size tiger pouncing on its prey and galloping horses and on and on.

It was like a bizarre African safari frozen in time, complete with giant current, prehistoric, and magical animal metal sculptures. Spanning hundreds of acres in both directions off Borrego Springs Road, Galleta Meadows Estate, owned by Dennis Avery of Avery Labels, is like Burning Man and Marfa, Texas rolled into one fantastical experience. The ultimate of Breceda’s meticulous metal work is the 350-foot dragon that spans both sides of the road.

It gave me chills to see the incredible mastery of Brecada’s skill exemplified in the dragon’s mammoth scaled, undulating body and fire-breathing expression. This is one of those larger-than-life monuments you have to see to believe.

Another must-see sight of the Anza Borrego State Park is Fonts Point. Although I didn’t make it because I was in my tiny red convertible sports car instead of a 4×4 jeep, locals say Fonts Point at sunset rivals seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. Fonts Point is a sprawling vista of Anza Borrego’s badlands. When I return, I will reserve a spot on Borrego Spring’s 4×4 Jeep touring company, California Overland Desert Excursions, to explore the inner mysteries of the park’s back country.

On the ground, Borrego Springs offers much to inspire and surprise. Up above, with the utter darkness of the night sky, Borrego Springs’ stargazing is legendary. With only a dozen streetlights in the town, the International Dark Sky Association designated Borrego Springs as the second-ever Dark Sky Community (right behind Flagstaff, Arizona), and was the first award given to a California community. To gaze upon a billion stars that sparkle brilliantly in quiet stillness, the desert’s secrets reveal profound inspiration.

But like I said before, let’s keep this between you and I.

Borrego Springs Travel Guide

Where to Stay: The Palms at Indian Head was a swinging 1950’s hotspot where Hollywood’s rich and famous would land their private jets on the hotel’s airstrip, including Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, to frolic in the desert sun while sipping martinis by the Olympic sized pools. Today, it is a modest stay with great mid-century bones, now if only the walls could talk. Rooms are $119-$219 depending on season.

Where to Eat: Carmelita’s has fresh Mexican food with $4 Margaritas, Carlee’s Lemon Drop Martinis compares with LA’s finest, and Kendall’s Cafe serves up stick-to-your-ribs American diner eats for breakfast and lunch.

When to Go: Borrego Springs’ high season is October-April with balmy temperatures in the 70’s, making it an ideal escape for snowbirds. I went during the low season with sizzling heat in the triple digits. Despite dripping in sweat every time I ventured outside, I absolutely adored going then because the town was like an Alfred Hitchcock Twilight Zone episode, where an extraterrestrial has kidnapped all the townspeople. It’s nearly deserted, which makes it eerie yet exciting.

If you go in the summer, check out the Borrego Springs Visitor Bureau’s Summer Survivor Guide publication that lists which businesses are open; available at the Chamber of Commerce.

For more on Borrego Springs aka California’s Secret Desert:
www.borrego-springs.com

Photo credits:  Top photo by Lindsay Taub, used with permission, the others are from the author.

NOTE:  The hotel stay at Palms of Indian Head was sponsored by the San Diego CVB. The opinions expressed are my own.

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For festivals, look no further than the country of Spain for an exciting reason to celebrate.  With as many as 50 festivals to celebrate thoughout the year, a person could literally take in a festival somewhere in Spain just about any week of the year.  For me, I have my favorites for no particular reason other than when I took part I had a good time and made good memories.

For example, the Fallas Fiesta in Valencia in March offers amazing fireworks that end in a massive burning of papier-mâché effigies.  Madrid’s San Isidro Festival brings together all the best matadors in the bull fighting ring,  And for wine lovers, the many Wine Festivals beginning in August to October throughout Spain are just one more reminder of the Spanish people’s love of life and good drink.

Let’s take a look:

Las Fallas in Valencia

Valencia’s Las Fallas really is the best time to visit the city.  Taking place the week of March 19, Las Fallas preparations go on all year long, and by March Valencia is transformed for the big event. It is something akin to Mardi Gras – when visiting it’s hard not to get caught up in the Las Fallas revelry.

Valencia’s Fallas is by many the most eagerly awaited time of the year and that’s for visitors and as well as residents.  Every city in Spain has a big festival, but Valencia’s Las Fallas feast is the festival of all festivals.  The city swells from 1 million to a whopping three million in town to enjoy the celebration.

Las Fallas means “the fires” in Valencian, and the Las Fallas fiesta is all about the creations of ninots or puppets sometimes several stories tall. These ninots are made from huge cardboard, wood, paper-machè and plaster statues and are created to lifelike to depict bawdy, satirical scenes and  current events.  The streets are filled with these works of art, which compete in ingenuity and creativity.

On the final night of Fallas an epic end awaits these figures – fire.  The ninots are placed in the appropriate locations around the city during the week and remain there until March 19th, the day known as La Cremá or “the burning.”  The burning begins in the evening when the men of the city take axes and chop holes in the statues and put fireworks inside.  From here the ninots are ignited creating a spectacle that is unmatched around the country.

Besides burning the ninots other Las Fallas activities in Valencia include bullfights, parades, paella contests and beauty pageants.

Las Fallas (in photo at top) is considered the most unique and crazy festival in Spain.  One visit during this celebration and you will likely be hooked and return again and again.

San Isidro Festival in Madrid

Wine Harvest Festivals

Being a wine junkie, the Wine Harvest Festival particularly appealed to me in the latter part of the year.  It is also an excellent way to get to know the variety of wines throughout Spain during the harvest season.

There are many different options and ways to enjoy the various wine festivals taking place around the country, but getting on one of the Wine Routes will give you a chance to collect and stomp the grapes as well as enjoy some great wine tasting opportunities no matter what part of the country you find yourself.

There are a number of Wine Routes to chose from; here are a few I recommend:

• The Navarre Wine Route in northern Spain is where the Navarre Wine Harvest Festival is held every September. You will find the major celebration for this festival in the town of Olite complete with concerts, tasting sessions and shops holding window-dressing competitions in conjunction with wine harvest themes. Of course you can also trek through the vineyards on foot, by bike or horseback and while I wouldn’t do it, a wine route balloon flight might also be on the agenda.
• The Penedès Wine and Cava Route in Catalonia features the Catalonia Wine Culture Museum and the not-to-be-missed Parés Baltà, Can Feixes and Capità Vidal wineries.
• The Jumilla Wine Route is in the Murcia region in southeastern Spain.  Its Wine in the Andalusian features my favorite Spanish pastime – flamenco.  Here you’ll find a Flamenco tasting theme.
• The Tenerife Wine route is a little off the beaten path in the Canary Islands.  The Insercasa Winery is one of the best in the world and in September you can take part in the nocturnal grape collection.  And who can pass up the Canary Islands for a little R & R too?

Once you get to know the many festivals in Spain, you’ll come to appreciate and enjoy the many themes and celebration.  It’s a little bit like opening birthday presents all year long, because in Spain, after all, there is always a reason to have another celebration.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Valencia Tourism

NOTE:  The author received some assistance from the Spain Tourist Office in attending these festivals; the enjoyment and opinions are all her own.

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When I think of Barcelona, Spain, the thought of Antoni Gaudi, the Catalonian architect born in 1852, always comes to mind. After all, the city is covered in the man’s work.  In fact, Gaudi’s work over the years has irrevocably influenced the face of Barcelona architecture like none other before or after.

Influenced primarily by nature, Gaudi played with a bevy of curved construction stones and twisted iron sculptures that are today one-of-a-kind in Barcelona and you’re not likely to see it anywhere else in the world either.  He used colored-tiles, often red, arranged in mosaic forms to add splashes of color and dimension to his work and you will find these whimsical touches on buildings and homes all around his beloved city.

Because Barcelona is all about boasting Gaudi’s prowess too, a tour of at least a few of his most famous buildings is a must when visiting the city.

Indeed, Gaudi’s work during his lifetime, and certainly now, are admired around the world and if you have never seen one of his works of art you will know it by sight the second time.

Want to learn about the master architect on your own Gaudi tour, here’s where I started my visit learning about the intricate designs and colors that this artist embraced.

La Sagrada Familia Basilica 

If you’re not sure where to start, for first-time Gaudi newbies or even Gaudi-ophiles who haven’t been, the place to begin your exploration is Gaudi’s church (or the one he started designing) called La Sagrada Familia Basilica.  Even though the man has been dead for many years, the cathedral of La Sagrada is still unfinished and folks are still arguing about the final stages of this great work of art.  What would Gaudi want the finished product to look like they wonder?

La Sagrada Familia Basilica is by far the most visited tourist attraction in Barcelona.  While it is a Gothic cathedral, it is also much more – inside the cathedral there is also a museum, a number of exhibitions, and children’s workshops are even held from time to time on various subjects.

The Museum began in 1961 in the half-basement on the Passion façade and in both the museum and lining the church walls are drawings, photographs, liturgical furniture and models either restored originals, replicas of originals and new ones that are on display.  You can also see the model-makers’ workshop where Gaudí’s original models have been restored so that current architects are held accountable for getting the Gaudi project just right even year’s later.

When visiting La Sagrada Familia Basilica notice the difference between the front and the back of the building as both the color of the stone and the construction of the old versus the new sections are noticeably different.  When Gaudi died in 1926 he was still chipping away and working on the construction of the still unfinished cathedral. However, during the last 15 years of his life, he planned much of the future architecture of the church so that it could continue to be built after he was gone.  He did this by combining geometrical forms of various shapes and sizes thereby developing a system of proportions applied to all the dimensions and elements of the church.

With the unusual shaped stones however, it seems that many believe this was merely an interpretation of what the architect “might” have intended to create.  Not surprising, there is a lot of controversy in the ongoing construction as new creators try to interpret his work.

Folks line up every day of the year from around the world to visit the Basilica today, after all how often do you get to enter a building that has been under construction since 1882.  Even more puzzling is that it is not expected to be finished for at least another 30 years.

Location:  Calle Mallorca, 401, Barcelona.  The nearest metro stop is the Blue Line L5 or the Purple Line L2.

Hours:  October – March: 9 am – 6 pm; April – September: 9 am – 8 pm, with reduced hours for holidays.

Admission: $20 (based on current exchange rates.

Other Gaudi must-sees in Barcelona:

If you’ve fallen in love with Gaudi, as happens to so many visitors to Barcelona, or are a bit curious, here are some other Gaudi locations worth a visit:

Park Guell - This is as Gaudiesque as it gets in Barcelona and you could spend the day.  It’s a park with buildings, sculptures and tile work designed by Gaudi. Gaudi’s old home is located in Park Guell and is open to the public.  Inside the park a number of artists have set up booths and stands to sell art work and jewelry that in some cases depicts Gaudi’s flamboyant style. Also notice the serpentine ceramic bench, water fountains and the Hansel-and-Gretel-style houses that Gaudi also designed inside the park.

Entry to the park is free and to get there take the metro from La Sagrada Familia up to Lesseps – Parc Guell and you will see signposts from there.

Casa Batllo - Casa Batllo is one of the most interesting and unusual houses in Barcelona, and is hard to describe.  The site was renovated by Gaudi in the early 1900s, and despite his penchant for not finishing work, this was a project he did complete – both the exterior and interior. All stone and glass on the facade and colorful like a fun house the exterior walls are designed in such a way as to look wavy topped with lime mortar and mosaics in a variety of bright colors.  For me, just exploring Gaudi for the first time. I wanted to open yet another piece of the puzzle of his mind.  His work is a cacophony of shapes, colors and light constantly playing on one another in what has been called a pre-empt to the theory of rationalism.

To get inside Casa Batllo you will have to pay $25, but this includes an audio tour.  Getting there take the Metro to Passeig de Gràcia L2, L3 or L4. L2, L3.

La Pedrera - On the street called Passeig de Gracia,  La Pedrera, also called Casa Milo, is less opulent than Casa Batllo, but it’s all Gaudi.  There are concrete and twisted iron balconies that were meant to grace the likes of a residential building when built.  Now the building is owned by a local bank hosting art exhibitions and concerts.

The fee is $12 to visit the interior.  It’s worth the p;rice of admission to get a little insight into Gaudi’s interior world.

Photo credits:  Courtesy of Barcelona Turisme 

NOTE:  The author took a trip to Spain with the Spain Tourist Office where she gleaned most of her knowledge about Gaudi, these impressions are her own.

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