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Archive for the ‘California’ Category

The Best California Bed Breakfast

Tuesday, September 5th, 2006

The many wonderful things about a good California bed breakfast are homemade biscuits at breakfast, which are, yes, served in the room; the fresh bedding; the special guest dinners; the perks and amenities. But what I find most impressive in not only the California bed breakfast experience but the bed and breakfast experience in general is the theme room/hotel. Maybe you have a penchant for nature. Maybe you are a history buff. Or maybe you have a fetish for a particular travel destination or have a thing for art. Whatever the desire or need, you can indulge in a weekend fantasy at a themed California bed breakfast.

CALIFORNIA BED BREAKFAST THEME HOTELS/INNS

For example, the following are just some of the possible fantasy weekend packages offered:

At the Churchill Manor Bed and Breakfast in Napa Valley, you can experience the plantation in the Gone with the Wind rooms in the old southern Colonial home.

The Gone with the Wind theme is also delightful at Plantation Bed and Breakfast in Lemon Grove, and

At The Union Hotel and Victorian Mansion, in Los Almos, you might enjoy the Victorian age in the manse or indulge in the fantasy of the 1950s, the gypsy life, Roman antiquity, Egyptian royalty, French history, or Pirate swashbuckling.

At Leucadia Inn in Encinitas, besides having subtly placed microwave and other modern amenities, you can have the dream of your choice come true in a Tropical setting, in the Hollywood Nostalgia room, on an African Safari, or by way of the decor that takes you to Nantucket, Calypso (style), or New Orleans.

The Splash Spa in Los Angeles has the infamous cave, the Monte Carlo, and the Jungle Room, as well as rooms ala the Mediterranean, Barcelona, and Japan. But note that this California bed breakfast is not really a b&b but an hourly place to stay for a quickie or short rest (and, of course, spa treatment).

And the wilder, more natural, and appropriately, more western urges can be satisfied at such places as The Featherbed Railroad Company, where you and yours can get loose with Mint Julep (rooms), engage in the romance of Casablanca, go alternative in the Easy Rider or La Loose, relive (so to speak) the mystery of The Orient Express, or go right back to the heart of The Wild, Wild West.

California bed breakfast experiences, then, take you where you want to go or need to be, whether it is to re-experience your teen years in a Rockin 50′s Suite, with the bed that is fashioned out of a 1959 Cadillac; to play nouveau riche in a five-star Garden Theme room, in The English Rose, the Apricot Blossom Suite, or the Forget Me Not room; or exact the life of a writer in a cottage or a tortured one with James Dean angst in the Rebel Room.

With the California bed breakfast, you can appreciate the amenities, can be coddled by old world cuisine and courtesy and charm of the caretakers, and can find appeal in anything from the attractive views, the ambience, or the general atmosphere. But further, with the themed California bed breakfast, you come away with a memory of having gone back in time, gone forward in time, and having gone into the lives and spirit of another be it Elvis or Scarlet Hara, an astronaut or a Neanderthal or a thug.

Romantic San Diego Vacation

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006

Going to California for a vacation? Then you should really consider the San Diego area. There is multitude of activities and sights to see; you probably won’t have enough time to do it all! To make your San Diego vacation is one to remember, be sure to start plenty ahead of time. It’s possible to purchase tickets online for such attractions as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, which are usually available at a discount when purchasing in advance. There is something for everyone, depending on what you have in mind. Torrey Pines State Park offers room to run with viewing of wild rare birds and a stately abundance of pine trees, which of course, gives the historic park its name.

With such a wide variety of activities, events, restaurants, and lodging, you can plan your trip on a budget or spend lavishly, whichever you prefer. Such historic sites as the Hotel del Coronado, offer upscale shopping, dining, and informative tours as well as fine overnight accommodations. Many festive occasions take place at this ocean side historic landmark; grand weddings being the most popular. There are many family friendly activities also available, such as bike rentals, swimming, and sand toys to rent. This grand old hotel is also rumored to be haunted, something for those who enjoy the paranormal!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular attractions. It is considered to be America’s best, and one of the most famous zoos also, with many of the rarest animals on display. According to Frommer’s, a well respected travel publication, the zoo serves as residence to over 4,000 different creatures and is operated by the Zoological Society of San Diego. Plan on spending a whole day and then some meandering through the many paved walkways of the park, or you can take the popular tramway for a wonder aerial overview. There can sometimes be a wait for some of the zoos newest and most popular exhibits, but all well worth it! Bring your camera and take lots of pictures, the animals love the attention!

Another must see attraction is Sea World, home of Shamu and as of December, 2004, Baby Shamu, the killer whales. These spectacular creatures put on shows daily exhibiting their unique relationships and many talents. Watch out for the big splash if you’re sitting in the front rows! Brrrrr! When the killer whales make their dives, they splash chilly 55 degree salt water on the closest fans; an exciting, wet experience!

Where ever you stay, or what attractions you see, you won’t be disappointed by the over abundance of things to do or experience in San Diego. Fine dining on the wharf, or shopping in Gaslamp Quarter, the possibilities are endless. Bring the kids or leave them with the grandparents for a romantic trip for two, you can’t go wrong! Either way, you will get to enjoy a unique San Diego vacation.

Huntington Beach, California – Premier Surfing Beach

Sunday, July 23rd, 2006

One of the ways I get to see the world–as one who doesn’t travel all that much or doesn’t have the money to do so–is to watch really well-done films, check out TV shows, or even listen to superbly depicting songs. When I was younger and sequestered in a solemn community in Puritan New England, I used songs and old Elvis movies to do the same thing. For example, I discovered the Hawaii shores and the Huntington Beach, California, and other, neighboring beaches by way of Blue Hawaii. I. Blues, the Beach Boys, and better, Patti Smith and other rockers.

Do you ever see a potential vacation spot, a viable plot of real estate, or a school or hotel or home by way of movies or TV shows? Hey, in effect, they are 3-D, 2-hour brochures. Check out Huntington Beach, California, this way, for example. First, you likely know that like most of the popular and/or secluded beaches, Huntington Beach, California offers premier surfing off eight miles of accessible beach/shore. This means, of course, numerous world-renowned competitions and events are hosted in Huntington Beach in California including the AVP for Pro Beach Volleyball and the U. S. Surfing Opens, as well as Van’s World Championship of Skateboarding. So you can watch the sports events, and catch sight of the oceans, the sands, the weather or you can watch the psychological thriller, Dementia: An Experiment in Terror, an independent film shot totally in Huntington Beach, California, so you can get the dimensions and dynamics, as well as a general idea of some of the people (though be sure not to confuse characters with residents’ ahem).

Or, you might intentionally look for Huntington Beach, California landscape, politics, and society in focused films such as The Ten Best Beaches in California or the KQED special, Coastal Clash, wherein the coverage includes discussion of who owns what part of which beach, but also features images that are alluring and enlightening. Or, you can watch HBTV3 or catch clips of the sights and sites on the official Huntington Beach, California web pages.

I haven’t had the chance to visit Huntington Beach, California, yet, though I did years after listening to Patti Smith Redondo Beach hitchhike down the coast to see what all the lyrics portrayals were about.  You may want to try the movies, the shows, and the clips whether they are fictional and set in Hunting Beach or factual and about such areas that are sunny, surfable, and most welcoming and visit-worthy.

Palm Springs Vacation Rentals For Family

Thursday, July 13th, 2006

When considering vacation spot for the next vacation, many of us consider basking in the warm California sun. Such retreats are prominent in areas like Palm Springs. This relaxing tourist attraction draws thousands of vacationers every year. Many of which find a home away from home in Palm Springs vacation rentals.

Finding a comfortable yet affordable vacation lodge can be tricky. While rentals can break the bank account, you don’t have to blow your savings to have a good vacation. Palm Springs vacation rentals run anywhere from 60 dollars and up per night, depending on your taste and budget. Such lodges offer amenities to suit anyone’s needs. From relaxing in the Jacuzzi to playing a few rounds of golf, Palm Springs offers all you need for a complete getaway of fun in the sun.

With spas, casinos, and restaurants around every corner, Palm Springs vacation rentals allow all sorts of travelers a variety of fun things to do. When I visited this beautiful desert city, I found the mountains rather refreshing for a peaceful hike or simply taking in the sights of nature. In addition to sunbathing by the pool, and checking out the local attractions, this makes for quite the rounded stay.

If your destination is Palm Springs, some local favorites for dining that are worth checking out are the Blue Coyote Grill or La Casita, which both offer a tasty variety of southwestern dining. There are many others, from Asian to Italian, to choose from as well. Wherever your tastes lie, you’ll find it in Palm Springs.

While some Palm Springs vacation rentals offer basic amenities, others provide a more at-home feeling for their renters. For a little extra buck, vacationers and tourists can find themselves taking advantage of a fully equipped home with furnished rooms, laundry equipment, and even dishwashers for convenience. These homes away from home can go for a pretty penny, but some are reasonable if you do your research.

Finding a nice combination of luxury and savings can be difficult these days when it comes to vacationing. However, if you research all of your options, a great source being the Internet, you can plan a memorable and pleasurable trip for you and your family without breaking the bank. Palm Springs vacation rentals offer any traveler an enjoyable stay for the right price. We simply have to sort through our options, get all the information and plan ahead. Good vacation planning can stretch your vacation dollars to the maximum.

Tour California Wine Country for a All Wine Holiday

Thursday, July 6th, 2006

All wine lovers listen up! If you’re planning a trip to California wine country, there are many resources available that can make your trip fun and enjoyable. Many self-planning guides are available for visitors to complement the wine tasting experience and make for a pleasurable adventure. Family wineries in Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, and Medocino area vineyards, just to name a few, offer a variety of options, such as walking vineyard tours, wine tasting seminars, and retail stores that offer endless selections of wine and wine related products!

A tour of California wine country can be enjoyed by many means, since drinking and driving is not encouraged, visitors can make their way by limo, bus, jeep, carriage, train, plane, and even by hot air balloon! Many tour packages are available and can accommodate any travelers’ desires and pocketbooks. Tours of select counties, such as, the wildly popular Sonoma and Napa valley tours, can be combined with lunch or dinner, a mystery theater, mountain biking, or overnight resort and spa accommodations. Vacations can be booked online and be made as unique or as carefree as you’d like. Some tour operators even offer surprise packages that combine a little bit of everything for those visitors that desire an element of the unknown! Many packages can also be revised on a whim so you don’t miss a thing, and of course, you can always visit again!

To find the tours that interest you most, you may begin by searching by destination, most popular tours, or by what activities various vineyards offer. There are many excellent on-line guides available, with stunning photographs of California vineyards, travel recommendations, and historic information. California wine country is vast and statewide, with different offerings throughout the year. The weather can also be a factor, and you may want to check ahead of time with tour operators or the specific vineyards you would like to visit, as to what they recommend to ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons!

The possibilities are endless and can be as unique as you want. If a romantic getaway is what you’re looking for, then possibly a quaint bed and breakfast surrounded by panoramic vineyard views would be just the ticket! It is also possible to fit in other attractions as well, depending on the area you plan on visiting.

If you only have time for a short vacation, you can settle on a tour of the popular wineries at Sonoma Valley. Many of the most popular tours fill up quickly, so do your research and book well in advance. With whatever amount of time and money you have available, there is a unique experience awaiting you in California wine country!