Redding, CA: Shape Up In Shasta Cascade

The breathtaking Shasta Cascade region offers world-class rivers, lakes and trails making it the perfect location to shape up with a plethora of outdoor activities....

Long Beach CA: Hotel Maya

Paying homage to this mysterious culture stands the Hotel Maya along the harbor in Long Beach. Complete with the unique and spectacular architectural style of the stepped pyramids, Hotel Maya welcomes guests into their "village" of modern structures assembled to create this luxurious seaside resort.

Murphys, CA: Murphys Haunted Hotel

When you arrive in the authentic town of Murphys, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, the locals will ask about where you are staying. If your response is Murphys Historic Hotel, expect the response to be, Haunted! That hotel is haunted!

San Diego, CA: The Keating Hotel

Southern California. Italian design. Ferrari. Stainless steel. Maserati. Bang and Olufsen. Rain showerheads. Just one of these by itself is damn sexy. Put them all together, add a king-sized bed, and you have the uber sexy Keating Hotel.

Arrowhead, CA: Mountain Swimming Hole

Nothing beckons the old days of hiking up the mountains to a nearby waterfall and jumping into the water feet first. Local photographer Sam Katz brings us back to those old memories with a look back.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Temecula, CA: Bel Vino Winery Annual Harvest Clam Bake

Bel Vino Winery will host their annual Harvest Clam Bake on Saturday, October 13 in Temecula, CA. Like years past, the Harvest Clam Bake promises celebrating fine wines paired with traditional clambake seafoods, served outdoors with breathtaking views of Temecula Valley Wine Country. The event will be held at Bel Vino’s outdoor concert venue, which allows event-goers to capture some of the most incredible views Southern California has to offer.
The Harvest Clam Bake will gather people outside for an evening of fun, wine and music. Shoot 4 Tuezday will provide live entertainment covering favorite songs by Led Zeppelin, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others spanning from the 1960s to today.
Staying true to tradition, the clam bake will feature a hearty menu including salad, Traditional New England Clam Chowder, Market Fresh Clams and Mussels, Raw and Baked Oysters, Grilled Chicken, spicy sides, delicious dessert choices and much more.
Bel Vino’s Harvest Clam Bake will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. Tickets for wine club member are $65, non-members $75. Prices include four glasses of wine or beer. Additional Live Main Lobsters are available for purchase for $25. Reservations are required and tickets are non-refundable.


Bel Vino Winery
33515 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92591

951) 676-6414

amber@belvinowinery.com

BelVinoWinery.com

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

San Diego to Paso Robles

Driving from San Diego to Paso Robles, the sights of California. . .
Orange County traffic on a sunny day.

Good Year Blimps drops in for a visit in the O.C.

Weather is Picture Perfect in Burbank

Along the coast, approaching the lovely village of Seaside, CA

The landscape begins to change the further we head up the coast

Where the 101 leaves the Santa Barbara coastline, north of Gaviota

Miles of vineyards, as far as the eye can see

Rustic barns and ranches pop up along the horizon

A 2012 Fiat Abarth, a rarity for these parts


The historic bells hanging from a shepherd's hook line El Camino Real

Paso Robles, CA: Paso Robles Inn

El Paso de Robles, or "Pass of the Oaks," was originally part of a 25,000-acre Spanish land grant that was purchased by James and Daniel Blackburn in 1857, and was a rest stop for travelers of the Camino Real trail.

Known for its mineral hot springs, Franciscan priests from neighboring Mission San Miguel constructed the first mineral baths in the area. Pioneer settlers to the area would later establish cattle ranches, orchards, dairy farms, and vineyards.

The first Paso Robles Hot Springs Hotel was built in 1864 right next to the natural artesian hot springs well. In 1891, the old hotel was replaced with a magnificent new all-brick hotel. Taking more than one million bricks and two years to build, the new hotel became known worldwide as a health resort.

Situated in the heart of Paso Robles, among the quaint boutiques and antique storefronts, gourmet restaurants, wine tasting rooms, olive tasting rooms, wine bars, and art galleries, lies The Paso Robles Inn. Now home to 98 guest rooms, Traditional Guest Rooms, Queen Garden Fireplace Rooms, Deluxe Spa Rooms and Jesse James Two-Room Suites, The Inn has been named as one of the Historic Hotels of America. The popular Paso Robles Steakhouse, outdoor heated pool and spa, the lovely garden setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll, and spa indulgences from The Spa Central Coast, are among the amenities that keep guests returning.

Upon check in, guests will find the Deluxe Spa rooms and Jesse James Two-Room Suites as honest, genuine to the countrified setting, spacious and serene, cast with a rustic fireplace, and graced with a spa-like bathroom. To each guests delight, positioned on the terrace, is offered the soothing thermal waters of the Paso Robles mineral springs in your own private spa tub. Draw the terrace drapes and sink into the healing waters, in complete seclusion.

The Paso Robles Inn continues to be a cornerstone in the hub of Paso Robles, the perfectly idyllic destination for the busiest and most celebrated time of year, the 2012 Harvest Wine Weekend, October 19 - 21. Harvest in Paso Robles Wine Country is a time filled with the scent of ripened fruit, scenic drives through rolling hills of red and gold, and the culmination of a year of hard work; the anticipation of a new vintage.

Indulge in a wide array of individual events at area wineries in the vineyards, on the crush pad, and in the tasting rooms, including vineyard tours, special tastings, and winemaker dinners. Take part in a blending seminar, or jump feet first into a two-ton grape stomp. Explore more than 120 winery events, as Paso Robles bustles with excitement to welcome the new vintage.

Paso Robles Inn
1103 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

800-676-1713
805-238-2660

www.PasoRoblesInn.com

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Murphys, CA: Murphys Historic Hotel

murphys historic hotel
Haunted!

When you arrive in the authentic town of Murphys, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, the locals will ask about where you are staying. If your response is "Murphys Historic Hotel," expect the response to be, "Haunted! That hotel is haunted! Did you see Eleanor?"

Legend has it that a former chambermaid Eleanor waited 30 years for her new husband to return from the gold mining hills with their fortune until she died broken hearted at Murphys Historic Hotel. Certainly not the only ghost to haunt these halls, Eleanor has become the most notable of the cast of spiritual characters in permanent residence. Guests enjoy exchanging their encounters with one another and hotel staff, comparing thrilling notes of spiritual intrigue.

The hotel was built in 1856 and has been in service, never missing a day, to hotel guests since opening day. A former Wells Fargo Stage coach stop, Murphys is a registered National Historic Landmark having hosted such notable historic figures as Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain, Horatio Alger, Susan B. Anthony, JP Morgan, John Wayne, Sunny Ficus, and Charles Bolton, a.k.a. Black Bart the “Gentleman Bandit. Rich with history, legend, folklore and nostalgia, Murphys Hotel is a "must visit" for travelers with a thirst for yesteryear.

Divided in two sections, historic and modern rooms, travelers have options for their stay. Historic rooms are nearly perfectly authentic. Original hardwood floors, complete with the squeaks, grace each space. Elegant french doors, still fitted with the iron shutters that once saved the hotel from a town-devastating fire, lead to the second story veranda on street facing rooms. Period furnishings lend to the essence of the late 1800's still rich in the air. Equipped with a sink and electricity, these rooms utilize shared bathrooms. The 4 "water closets" are located at the end of a short hall, shared with 9 rooms, as well as 4 showers, all located in small, individual rooms. Lovely and sweet modern rooms come complete with all of the conveniences, for those who prefer to keep the "history" in the quaint town. Impeccably clean, intriguingly authentic and thoroughly enjoyable, even the mildest adventurer will relish their own step back in time.

The town of Murphys is filled with adorable shops and beautiful wine tasting rooms. With 16 tasting rooms within a short walking distance, Murphys Hotel is located in the prime spot for the wine lover. Nestled amongst the tasting rooms, cupcake shops, clothing boutiques, Indian curiosities, consignment stores, and antique dealers line Main Street for a exciting shopping experience. Our favorite find, and quietly deceiving by it's name, Murphys Motorcycle Company, evokes a sense of goods for the hardcore biker. Yet, surprisingly elegant clothing for ladies hangs within; high end, designer brands, beautifully made and so soft to the touch, women who've never touched a bike will find something she can't live without here. While the girls oooo and ahhh, the guys will enjoy the selection of awesome T-shirts and riding paraphernalia as well.

murphys hotel restaurant
Murphys Historic Hotel serves an array of dining options, from hometown breakfast to elegant dinner dining. The Famous Fried Chicken is "Andy Griffith Mmmmm mmmmm" good! Made by one of the hotel owner's himself, the chicken is amazingly tender and moist, with a perfectly spiced crust that is crispy and flavorful. Homestyle, country mashed potatoes, tender fresh vegetables, and heavenly chicken gravy complete the serving. A House Specialty, diners will long for the Old South with every bite.

Graced with the professional, kind and sincere staff, Murphys Historic Hotel meets every need for visitors, often before a request is made. Mention you're traveling around the state, and the front desk clerk offers a new National Geographic map. Ask a question in the restaurant about your food and the chef comes tableside to answer. Above and beyond expected service, the only disappointment guests will have will be leaving. Some hotels make one's stay lovely. Murphys Historic Hotel makes one want to just stay.

Murphys Historic Hotel
457 Main Street
Murphys, CA 95247

(209) 728-3444
(800) 532-7684

reservations@murphyshotel.com

http://www.murphyshotel.com/