Travel Tote

Shhh...it's San Clemente

2011-02-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” San Clemente offers a traveler some breathing room in the glutted exploited scenes of Southern California. There are not many beach communities where one can experience local fare and a laid back atmosphere. This is not a “what is there to do here,” kind of place as much as it is a “I hope no one else knows about this place.” It's smaller in size to Laguna Beach to the north, but richer in character. It offers ten beaches which include world renown surfing beaches San Onofre and Trestles, but don’t tell anybody.

San Clemente is not off of Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway as are other California beaches. This one is tucked away about a mile from the freeway. Through a series of twists and turns through residential neighborhoods, you descend down a curved street to find a pier. The San Clemente Pier is also accessible by Amtrak Train www.amtrak.com (San Clemente Station is the pier). Catching the train to San Clemente is great; no need to hassle with metered parking.

It is a place to catch your breath, relax and have a killer bucket of steamed clams at the Fisherman’s Restaurant www.thefishermansrestaurant.com on the pier while watching the sunset. But you’d better get there before sunset because Fisherman’s on the pier doesn’t take reservations and your clams are getting cold.

Santa Rosa and Merry Edwards

2010-08-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

Northern California Coast

I’ve had the best Pinot Noir ever, and I discovered it at a hotel’s dining room in Santa Rosa. There I am eating dinner, minding my own business when my palette awoke to what a fine wine should taste like. Now, mind you, I enjoy wine, but I’ve never considered myself a connoisseur by any means. I always felt that wine is subjective and if you like it, you like it. But now I get it. Smooth, delicate and little heavier than a typical Pinot but more like a Cabernet. It's characteristics stood out from the very first sip. The wine I'm talking about is a 2007 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir. http://www.merryedwards.com

I’m in Santa Rosa for a sport weekend, like many of my travels around the country, not yet the world, it is for a sport weekend of some sort. This particular weekend I was in Northern California for the Sonoma State Shootout for lacrosse. And when in Sonoma…….

Image Courtesy of Merry Edwards - Russian River Valley

So I take a few hours and explore, when not watching sport, to see if I can squeeze a winery, or two, into my schedule. Turns out, I only had time for one with the tight sport schedule I had. One afternoon I take a drive along the 116 to find Miss Merry Edwards and see what else she has to offer. I get there just as the tasting begins, not having gone to a tasting before. There we were 12 strangers gathered around a large heavy wooden dining table with placards depicting the wines we would sample in the order in which we would sample them. Lucky for me, the Pinot was one of them. Each of the four wines was unique and flavorful. I especially enjoyed how some of the patrons swished and swirled they glasses. So I swished and swirled. Or how some chomped the wine like chewing gum. So, again when in Sonoma County, I dutifully chomped. All the while our host discussing how each wine pairs with what food. All I needed was the suggestion to conjure up cravings for the rib eye he said went with the red I was partaking. After each small, and I mean small tasting, we poured water into our glasses to rinse them and pour it into a silver decanter. This allowed the glass to be ready for the next sampling. A very unique experience for me, it being my first tasting. Where was the food? Wasn't there lunch at these things. And, now I'm craving a rib eye.

Smoke Shack Seafoods (707) 829-6699

After the tasting, I continued west on Highway 16 toward Jenner. The twists and turns of the road along the Russian River was breathtaking. Peaking through the pines was a small glimpse of the river itself. Along the way, I stopped at met an Irishman selling smoked salmon on the side of the road. You often see the homemade signs of fruits and nuts sold from local growers, but smoked salmon? Turns out, he’s been selling smoked salmon on the side of the road since 1971.

The weather that day was decent, a little cold and overcast in the morning, but it is Northern Cal after all. I stopped in famed Bodega Bay, where I heard Alfred Hitchcock filmed "The Birds" for lunch at The Tides Wharf Restaurant http://www.innatthetides.com. There I sat by the window watching, what else, perched birds watching my every move during lunch. While sitting at my table, the breeze outside caused the bay water to flutter in a way I felt as if I was on a boat rather than sitting in a building. After lunch I poked around a bit before making a loop by way of Highway 12 to Cotati for the rest of the lacrosse games.


Bodega Bay - Next to The Tides Wharf Restaurant

All in all and quick and interesting little adventure of California's Northern Coast that started with a sip of a Pinot?

What are some wines that made you stop and say, "Wow, this is the best wine I've ever had?"

High Steppin'

2010-04-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is a short post because as of yet I have not ventured into the land of costumed swing dancing. Although I would love to doll up my hair '40's style and get into a snappy outfit. Alas, no, it has not happened yet. But I am looking forward to the day when I muster the courage and bring along (ahem, drag....) my husband to Maxwell Demille's Cicada Club in downtown L.A. where you can "...dine and dance to Hollywood's popular 20-piece band."

In the meantime, check out their website, http://www.clubcicada.com/ and see if you're brave enough to venture out.... old school style.

Old Towne Pasadena

2009-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Within the shadows of Mount Wilson and the Angeles National Forest is the spirit of a small town. Old Pasadena, with its museums, antique shops and sidewalk cafés, mixes old 19th Century brick buildings and shade tree courtyards with new contemporary boutiques and bistros. At the heart of the city is Colorado Blvd., Old Pasadena’s main drag, and home to the Tournament of Roses Parade. From here, you can meander through quirky alleyways and sidewalks checking out shops and restaurants that are just as unique as the city itself. From Walnut Street to the north and Del Mar Blvd. to the south, Arroyo Parkway to the east and Pasadena Avenue to the west, Old Pasadena’s 22-block district is as hip as it is historic.

SEE Exhibits of California Painter Wayne Theibaud, known for his iconic paintings of all-American food, delicatessens, and bakeries, will be on display at the Pasadena Museum of California Art (70 Years of Painting October 4, 2009 – January 31, 2010) 490 East Union Street Pasadena, CA 91101 626-568-3665 http://www.pmcaonline.org/ and the Norton Simon Museum (Sweets and Treats; June 26, 2009 – November 2, 2009) 411 West Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91105-1825 626.449.6840 http://www.nortonsimon.org/

SHOP One Colorado where avant-garde meets old design. Tucked between turn of the century architecture are the likes of Urban Baggerie http://urbanbaggerie.com/banbaggerie.com/ and The Soap Kitchen, which offers made from scratch soaps. http://thesoapkitchen.com/.

SAVOR Far from the little wooden shanty the original was back in 1942, Barney’s Beanery is a feast for not only the eyes, but the palate. Enjoy an all-American lunch while scoping out all there is to see in the restaurant. 99 East Colorado Pasadena, CA 91105 626-405-9777 http://www.barneysbeanery.com/

For that afternoon sweet, pop into Dot’s Cupcakes second location in Pasadena. Located at One Colorado, the most popular cupcake is the Red Velvet Cupcake made with pure Mexican cocoa, red and cream cheese frosting. 400 S. Arroyo Parkway • Pasadena, Ca 91105 http://www.dotscupcakes.com/

Also check out:

PFAR.ORG - Taste of Old (Town) Pasadena September 22, 2009
Rose Bowl Flea Market, 2nd Sunday of Every Month
Pasadena Art Weekend

Photos by Catherine Tinsley

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel Silver Anniversary

2009-06-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever gone to Salt Creek Beach in Southern Cal, you know how it goes: you spend a great day at the beach and then have to schlep you stuff back up that hill. It doesn’t seem so bad going down, captivated by the beauty of the ocean, the wind lightly blowing through your hair.

Ah, but when you’re done you’re faced with that arduous task of carrying everything you thought you needed up the hill to the parking lot. As you curse the guests riding the complimentary golf cart from the adjacent Ritz Carlton you swear one day you going to ride that cart. This hill is so not worth it and why did I bring this much stuff?

Normally a stay at the prestigious Ritz will run you onward and upwards of $400-1500 on weekends, but since she is turning 25, she’s cutting us a deal, well, at least for summer, but you had better hurry!

It’s the hotel’s Silver Anniversary Rate $205 weekdays and $275 weekends. Here’s the catch, although according to the hotel reservationist I just talked to, the deal started today, June and July are booked for those rates. So, as I perused the online reservation calendar I found the following weekend dates still available for the Silver Anniversary Special:

Aug. 14-16
Aug. 21-23
Aug. 28-30
Sept. 4-6

Yes, that’s it. The special rate is not listed anywhere on their site until you put in the above dates and see that it is listed as Silver Anniversary Rate. Also, you have to book your stay by June 27th. I know, that’s in three days. Good deals don’t come easy.

Las Vegas Luxury for Less

2009-05-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

As if Las Vegas needs another resort-casino. Well, need, want, it’s all very fuzzy. But as a new hotel goes, it’s all about location, right? The latest trend hitting Las Vegas is san-strip. The movement started a few years ago with Lake Las Vegas. Tucked away from it all, hotels such as the Ritz Carlton Resort and Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort offer a more laid back Mediterranean Las Vegas. Then the Red Rock Resort opened set in the crimson shadow of the Red Rock Mountains. An uber-stylish resort with sleek designs it’s modish without the crowds of the strip.

The latest opulent offering, located on the fringe of Las Vegas, The M Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson opened earlier this year. With the recession comes discounts, a recent mid week stay went for $104/ night and weekends are currently running under $150/night and that’s for the 590 square foot Executive Resort Room. This is an exceptional value considering the quality of this newest creation. The standard room currently runs for around $75/night midweek and a little over $100 on the weekends.

What makes this hotel like the others is the family behind it; Marnell Architecture, responsible for the design and/or construction of hotels such as the Wynn, the Bellagio, New York New York and many others, created a hotel catering to business travelers and local residents. In addition, it will appeal to visitors who want an away from it all, but not too far away experience of the Las Vegas Strip. However, unlike the resorts in Lake Las Vegas, the drive to the strip for dinner or a show won’t be a schlep. And different from the almost residential location of the Red Rock Resort, albeit a nice neighborhood, the location of The M Resort is standoffish but close enough to engage, if you want.The size of this hotel is not as grandiose as some others of the strip, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in elegance. The embedded television in the bathroom mirror or peep show window between the bathroom and bedroom of the room are little touches that remind you that you are still in an upscale Las Vegas resort. What you won’t find is the long walk from self parking to the main parts of the building. Again in keeping with its clientele, it allows guests to come and go freely and conveniently without waiting in a long line for the valet.

This type of resort works well for those not wanting the usual Las Vegas experience. For travelers on business who need to get to meetings, play a round of golf, maybe see a show then head home, it’s perfect. It also allows corporations trying to scale back convention costs without losing comfort or indulgences. And, for those travelers who want to enjoy Las Vegas but not be in the thick of it, it is far enough away to avoid the crowds yet close enough to enjoy all Las Vegas has to offer.

The M Resort Spa and Casino is located 10 minutes south of McCarran Airport at 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. S Henderson, Nevada 89044. 1-877-M Resort (1-877-673-7678) http://www.themresort.com/.

Visit the Queen Mary for Free

2009-03-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid growing up in Southern California my family and I used to find things to do for free. It was called free fun. Back then it consisted of bike rides along the beach, watching airplanes land at the airport and surprising to some today, going to the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Back then you only paid if you wanted to take the guided tour but to step aboard and walk around was free. These days the self-guided tour is part of the admission price, until now.

To celebrate her 40 years in Long Beach the Queen Mary is welcoming her neighbors once again if only for a brief time. From March 1st – March 15th, 2009 residents of California can visit the Grande Dame herself for free. Now while the cost of parking is not included, the self-guided tour is with proof of residency.

This is great for those residents who grew up like I did, and want to take their children but the cost of admission for family was a little out of reach. From the World War II exhibits to the Art Deco architecture, it’s something to behold, especially for free.

And, during the two week promotion you can enter to win a free roundtrip ticket on Jet Blue. This partnership with the Queen Mary lets each visitor enter the contest to win a trip to San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Portland or Seattle. While it’s not a free ticket to let’s say Hawaii or New York, it’s pretty good. But, you have to enter at The Queen Mary box office to win.

As always there are additional attractions in and around the ship, but for a nominal price. The Cold War Era’s Russian Sub Scorpion is available to board, the Ghost and Legends tour takes you through a paranormal adventure through the ship and the Behind the Scenes Guided Tour will reveal some parts of the ship that have been hidden since the late 1960’s.

It takes me back to the days of free fun, at least for the next two weeks.

Sensual Sonoma in time for Valentine's Day

2009-01-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

Romantic ideas abound in California’s Sonoma County

A 30 mile drive north of San Francisco or a short flight from Seattle, Portland, L.A. and Las Vegas through the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport are some romantic options that include wine flights and chardonnay massages. Below is a list of the offerings happening during the Valentine’s Day weekend in Sonoma County.

Sip

20th Annual Wine and Chocolate Fantasy at Rodney Strong

The winery will host the event on February 7th from 1 to 4pm and offer pairings of Rodney Strong’s red wines with the best of Sonoma County Chocolatiers. Make reservations in advance as tickets will not be sold at the door. Rodney Strong’s Collector’s Circle Members can purchase tickets for $35 and begin the event at 12 noon. 20th Annual Wine & Chocolate Fantasy

Chocolate and Reds at B.R. Cohn

Beginning on Valentine’s Day, B.R. Cohn’s Winery and Tasting Room will be offering flights of their four flagship wines and pairing them with four Sonoma County artisan cheeses. The tasting sessions will be offered weekly on weekends with three sessions at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. The cost is $25 per person. Also on Valentine’s Day, the winery will be hosting the Chocolates and Reds event. This free event is from 11am to 5pm and matches bittersweet chocolate with its 2006 Olive Hill Estate Cabernet Port. Chocolates & Reds

Savor

Get Hot in the Kitchen on Valentine’s Day

With the help of professional chefs from Hands-On-Gourmet, couples will create a three course meal of Buckwheat Blinis with Cedar Planked Trout, Steak au Poivre with Potato Puree and Heirloom Carrots, followed by Milk Chocolate Pot de Crème with Chantilly. Afterwards enjoy an elegant dinner in the formal dining room. The cost is $125 per person and includes appetizers and wines to start the evening. Landmark Vineyards

Spa

A glass of champagne and an assortment of chocolate truffles are provided with each Valentine spa treatment at the Spa at Montecito Heights. Romantically inspired treatments are:

50 minutes Chardonnay Massage ($90)
50 minute Couples Rose Petal Massage ($190)
50 minute Sweetheart Manicure or Pedicure (Mani $55; Pedi $65)
50 minute Rose Petal Sugar Facial ($95/person)
50 minute Chocolate Sugar Scrub ($95/person)

A custom essential oil seduction blend was created specifically for the spa and it is said to inspire romance and love. Montecito Heights Spa

Celebrate Thanksgiving in New York

2008-11-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

Looking for Something New this Thanksgiving Spend it in Manhattan

Escape to Manhattan's Midtown section and enjoy Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a carriage ride, a spin on the ice under stars and a fine dinner at Tavern on the Green.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for traditions and spending time with family. However, this Thanksgiving create new traditions by spending the holiday in New York City. The list of things to do within the avenues and streets of Manhattan is long and illustrious. Here are a few suggestions.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

See the Macy's Day Parade in person is a must. Start the morning jockeying for a spot on Columbus Circle, one of the best spots for watching the parade. Standing on Central Park South facing the Time Warner Center is a pretty good vantage point for first timers. The energy of the crowd is intoxicating. Get their early, as some people arrive around 6:30am to get a good spot. Also, dress warm, preferably in layers

After catching a late breakfast in one of the many diners or cafés in the city, take the opportunity to window shop along the 5th Avenue, or Madison Avenue. Many stores will have the holiday windows ready to go. The engineering and imagination of these store windows is a treat not many city’s offer.

Carriage Rides

Take a carriage ride around Central Park. The horse drawn carriages are parked across the street from the Plaza hotel at the corner of 5th Avenue and W. 59th Street. Although touristy, it’s a fun little trek through the park. A seventeen minute carriage ride runs $40. One hour rides are available upon request and reservations are not required.
Ice Skating

Go ice-skating in Central Park’s Wollman Rink located between 62nd and 63rd Streets on the east side of the park. While not as classic as perhaps Rockefeller Center, it will be less crowded and less expensive. The rates at the Wollman Rink are $12.00 for adults, $5.00 for children under 12 and $8.25 for seniors. The rates at Rockefeller Ice Rink are $19.00 for adults, $12.50 for children under 11 and seniors.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner choices abound, after all, this is New York City. However, a grand dame worth the visit is Tavern on the Green. Offering a three course prix fixe menu, guests can choose to sit in the Crystal Room for $135 per person. The other rooms are available at $105 per person. With its exquisite Central Park location, it is the icing on the cake, or the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie, of classic New York City at Thanksgiving.

Bargains, Bargains

Quintessential Friday after Thanksgiving activity is trying to get up early enough to hit the sales. Known as Black Friday, it is the official beginning to the Christmas season. What better place to begin Christmas shopping than in New York? Hit Macys, Bloomingdales, and FAO Schwartz, just to name a few.

Spend a day, or a couple of days, creating new traditions for Thanksgiving in New York. From ice skating to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, New York has so much to offer.

I'll be home for Christmas......maybe not this year.

2008-08-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Traveling during the holidays was never an easy task, now the Fareologists at Live Search Farecast (http://farecast.live.com/) predict it's going to get even tougher. They are predicting airline fares onward an upward of 35%.

Crowds, security, cut routes and the hassle of it all aside, this holiday season it might be a little tougher going home to see the folks. Add to that the added cost of baggage and dare I say, a pillow and blanket, what's a traveler to do?

Fareologist Joel Grus of Farecast offers some suggestions:

Watch October for holiday price drops. During 2006 and 2007, most Christmas itineraries saw price drops in the first two weeks of October. Farecast data suggests there are 50 percent more price drops during the holidays than other times of the year, so alerts are critical to catch elusive deals.
Travelers from big markets should wait. Travelers flying to and from major airports are much more likely to see price drops this fall and should closely monitor for lower fares before purchasing. Those flying in or out of smaller regional airports, which have been more affected by airline capacity cuts, should buy as soon as they find a fare with which they are comfortable - don't expect major price drops this fall.
Travelers will pay more this year. Unless a traveler finds the deal of the season, he will pay more for his holiday flights than in years past. Travelers should accept this and not hold out for a lower fare; it likely won't come and the cost will just continue to rise.

Farecast, acquired by Microsoft in 2008, is the smart travel search site that helps consumers buy with confidence. In addition to providing flight and hotel search, Farecast helps consumers know when to buy with airfare predictions and know where to stay with Hotel Rate Keys. Farecast has been recognized as the 2008 Webby Award Travel winner, named Conde Nast Traveler's "Best Site for Knowing When to Book" in 2008, named one of Travel + Leisure's Top 25 Travel Websites in 2007, awarded Budget Travel's 2007 Extra Mile Award, named one of PC World's 20 Most Innovative Products for 2006, listed in "Best of What's New 2006" by Popular Science, named one of TIME Magazine's "50 Coolest Websites" in 2006, and named one of the "Best Trip Planning Tools" by BusinessWeek readers in 2006. Buy travel smarter at http://farecast.live.com/.

If all else fails, there's always Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's stay-cation style.

Last Minute Travel from City Pass

2008-08-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

There's still time to capture the last days of summer and CityPass is offering tips on how you can save money using their CityPass for California.

1. Print City Pass from home to save on shipping charges. Redeemable at each of the included attractions, so you don't miss any time waiting for the fun to begin.

2. No Guidebook needed: with helpful hints, maps, coupons, discounts and transportation information, you can pack lighter and save room for souvenirs.

3. Use local transportation: California not known for their mass transit as we are car country, but the Metro Red Line will get you from Downtown to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Southern California CityPass give you access to Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld in San Diego and the San Diego Zoo for $247, a $356 value.

If your trip to California includes those attractions, the CityPass is a must. Discounts for the Southern California CityPass can be found at Coscto (if you're a member). Normally $247, Costco lists the CityPass for $217. That's an addition $30 per ticket!

http://www.citypass.com/

Social Media Best Western Style

2008-08-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Visitors to California, Nevada and Hawaii can now share their experiences with others through Best Western's new social media; it allows recent guests to share their favorite attractions, pictures and tales of travel with other would be travelers to these states. Check out the links below for more information.

http://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/vacation-attractions
http://www.bestwesternnevada.com/vacation-attractions
http://www.bestwesternhawaii.com/vacation-attractions