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.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Ramona CA-Oktoberfest


Looking for a reason to get out for the weekend? Music, food, wine and of course, beer will be on tap for Ramona's third annual Oktoberfest on October 4th. Oktoberfest means "celebration of the harvest" and this year there will be plenty to celebrate. The event will feature traditional Bavarian accordion musicians, a beer garden, stocked by Stone Brewery of Escondido and a wine garden showcasing local Ramona wines. Traditional Bavarian food, such as brats and pretzels, will also be available.

Enjoy a long ride through the mountain pass on your way. There is plenty of fun for adults with horseshoes and more contests. And don’t miss the car show and more than 70 commercial and craft vendors that will be on there.


Military and children under 10 get in fir free and $10 admission for everyone else. For more information, visit their website at the Ramona Chamber.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Folsom CA- Folsom Historic DIstrict

If you are looking for a nice ride off the beat and path, take a trip to Folsom, CA. Johnny Cash once wrote of this town in his album "At Folsom Prison" to regain popularity in his career, but there is much more than a correctional facility there now. The Folsom Historic District has more than 80 businesses, including restaurants, art galleries, live theater, museums, antique stores and specialty shops. With at least one event happening every month, Historic Folsom is the place to visit for events and festivals! The diverse event schedule includes Live Entertainment, Art Walks, Car Shows, Antique Fairs, Craft Fairs and wonderful community events throughout the year!

For example there is the Folsom History Museum. The Museum is operated by the Folsom Historical Society, located in historic downtown Folsom. It is the home to a wonderful collection of artifacts and treasures that chronicle the settlement and development of the Folsom area. You'll see fascinating and educational exhibits throughout the year along with special events highlighting the Gold Rush era and Folsom. The History Museum focuses on exhibits about Folsom's native people, the discovery of gold and the formation of mining camps, ethnic groups who contributed to the area, the formation of the town, railroad, prison, powerhouse, and later efforts at gold mining.

You might also like the stay a night at the Folsom Hotel and Saloon. This hotel, previously named the New Western Hotel, was built by Charles Zimmerman. The hotel’s Completion was marked by the installation of the back bar mirror. Samuel Levits, the maker of the mirror, accompanied it on it’s journey to California. Eager to start his new life in the silver mines of Virginia City, he persuaded Zimmerman to give him the hotel keys so that he could work through the night to install the mirror. While cutting the mirror, Levits was cut severely and he died before dawn. Although dead, he still resides in the hotel. Many nights, Levits can still be heard in the bar kicking the keys toward the locked front door in an effort to get out and get help. Levits is not alone in the Folsom Hotel either. Camille, an aloof woman who once served Zimmerman as a maid and cook in payment for her son’s education, is still present. She continues to help the present owners tidy up in the early morning hours, spending most of her time in the dining room and kitchen.


Come enjoy entertainment, history and fun in Folsom. For more information about the Folsom Historic District, Folsom History Museum or the Folsom Hotel and Saloon, visit their websites.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

San Pedro, CA: The Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival


From September 12th to the 14th, 2014, enjoy one of the world’s largest lobster festivals; The Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival, winner of four Guinness World Records and the “2013 OUTSTANDING CORPORATE CITIZEN AWARD”.  It features fresh discount Maine lobster meals flown in fresh daily and cooked on the spot, and plenty of free entertainment. After feasting on the world famous lobster meals, guests enjoy dancing, street performers, a pirate camp, tall ships, shopping for arts and crafts, and musical performances by some of today’s best up-and-coming acts. Accompanied by a music festival all weekend, “Lobsterfest” is the place for you and your taste buds to be.
A one day pass for an adult is only $10 but don’t think you can’t bring the kids. Children under 12 are free.
If you want to splurge for the $41 First Class Tickets you will get weekend admission, one guaranteed Maine lobster meal, front line privileges for Meal line and Bar all weekend and one beverage. In the VIP Dining Area you will enjoy your delicious wild-caught Maine lobster, cole slaw, potatoes, rolls, buttery dipping sauce, and a wedge of watermelon.
Lobster lovers enjoy a scenic outdoor park along LA’s historic waterfront, and shops at Ports O’ Call Village at the intersection of 6th Street and Harbor Drive. We are easy to find at the end of the 110 Harbor Freeway in San Pedro, California, only 20 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles. There is plenty of free parking and buses will be shuttling guests from the free parking areas at no charge.
Come for the feast and stay for the fun. For more information about Lobsterfest, visit their website.