Santa Monica, CA: The Bella Vista

For great views of the beach and the mountains, take a cruise from Santa Monica, on the Pacific Coast Highway to Las Flores Canyon Road through the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu Creek State Park. See the Valley and the ocean from a whole new perspective. There are lots of twists and turns and some residential traffic on this short, 17 mile ride, but it is so beautiful.

In the center of the mountains, there is a beautiful bed and breakfast to spend a night or weekend. The Bella Vista is a relaxing California bed and breakfast, located in Malibu Canyon, just five miles from the Pacific Ocean coast. They pair stunning views with comfortable accommodations to give you an unmatched vacation experience in this Ranch style home. Three rooms are available and all are kid and pet friendly. All rooms have satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and each guest receives breakfast in the morning.  The meals include fruit, fresh baked scones, cinnamon-raisin waffles or breakfast crepes.

For more information, visit The Bella Vista online. 

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Hollywood, CA: Hollywood Wax Museum

The world famous Hollywood Wax Museum is located off of Hollywood Blvd, near Mulholland Drive and is a great place to go for a pit stop. It is the only wax museum in the country devoted entirely to celebrity figures meaning it puts you face to face with some of your silver screen favorites. Everything from Hollywood stars, television personalities to characters from your fa

vorite movies. There are also sets devoted to the scariest and most memorable horror movie villains and blockbuster moments from the top 100 movies of all time.

When you are done there, take a walk across the street to the Pig N’ Whistle for a drink or two. One of the few remaining staples in Los Angeles that still offers patrons a true taste of “Old Hollywood” since opening its doors in 1927, the Pig ‘N Whistle has remained a cultural landmark. In addition to the comprehensive menu and bar, they feature Live Entertainment every Wednesday through Saturday in the Back Room along with Karaoke in the Main room every Wednesday and Thursday.

For more information on these places and special events, visit their websites. Pictures courtesy of Pig N’ Whistle. 

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Hollywood, CA: Museum of Death

If you are already in Los Angeles on a cruise of MulhollandDrive, take a detour to Hollywood Blvd if you really want to feel alive. There, near the corner of Hollywood and Gower St, is the Museum of Death. It was established in June 1995 by J. D. Healy and Catherine Shultz with the museum's stated goal being "to make people happy to be alive". The Museum of Death is a self-guided tour, lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour, but those who can stomach it stay as long as they like.

The Museum of Death houses the world's largest collection of serial murderer artwork, photos of the Charles Manson crime scenes, the guillotined severed head of the Blue Beard of Paris (Henri Landru), original crime scene and morgue photos from the grisly Black Dahlia murder, a body bag and coffin collection, replicas of full size execution devices, mortician and autopsy instruments, pet death taxidermy, and so much more!

For more information, visit their website. 

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Los Angeles, CA: Mulholland Drive and The Rock Store

If you are looking for a cruise this weekend, take a trip into Los Angeles and ride Mulholland Drive.  This 21 mile, mostly two lane road runs through the east side of the Santa Monica Mountains. Just off the 405 Freeway, filled with beautiful California landscapes, it has stunning views with some turn offs to enjoy the  Los Angeles Basin, the San Fernando Valley, and the Hollywood Sign. And while you are on your way stop off halfway between Malibu and Calabasas, enjoy a brew at The Rock Store.

The Rock Store is one of the most famous motorcyclist and biker hangouts in the world.  It's the perfect place to come by bike or by car for breakfast or lunch and a drink on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Among the attractions are the rustic settings, celebrity sightings, hundreds of bikes to look at and the food and drinks. The Rock Store is most popular for their hefty breakfasts, BBQ tri-tip sandwiches, teriyaki chicken sandwiches, homemade chili and more and don't forget those ice cold beverages.

For more information, visit The Rock Store online. Pictures courtesy of their website. 

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

From September 12^th to the 14^th, 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.

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Los Angeles CA: MYTH Masquerade Ball

Have you ever wanted to attend a real decadent Faerie Tale Ball?

This is the MYTH Masque: an exquisite, transformational experience that fires the imagination and elevates the senses. High fashion meets high fantasy. In the spirit of MYTH, dismiss your mortal skin in favor of a truer form. The boundaries of reality are laughably defied as you become the impossible, through expression and costuming of the highest creative caliber. For one spectacular night, the chimerical energy you invoke is no fiction. This is make-believe, all grown up

. One might encounter a magnificent wolf, be beguiled by nymphs or ride an eight foot tall rocking unicorn.  MYTH Masque is a veritable feast for the senses that challenges its attendees to become 'A myth of their own making'.

The first two annual MYTH Masquerades debuted to enthusiastic crowds of award-winning costume designers, makeup-artists, avant-garde fashionistas and other wildly creative attendees. On May 24th, for its Third Annual Affair, MYTH spreads its wings at the spectacular Los Angeles Theatre, to present: ‘Thrice Upon a Dream’.  MYTH will transform the magnificent Film Palace into a playground for visionaries wishing to immerse themselves in a wonderland of inspiration.  Guests may escape into a night of dreams that offers an array of amazing visuals, music, dancing, live performances, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and other tantalizing treats. 

Unique highlights of the Third Annual MYTH Masquerade Ball include 'Sanctuary of the Sirens,' wherein guests are invited to mingle with the Mermaids of MYTH. Music, artistry, dancers, and performance forge an elegant dreamscape of enchanted revelry where legend and inspiration come to play. These showcases of spectacles are able to weave themselves into the fabric of the fantasy. Masque guests can expect Electronica, 80s, Medieval and other styles of music that focus on instrumentation and expression. Energetic, well-known dance music will also fill the grand halls of the Los Angeles Theatre. Earlier in the evening, guests will enjoy a set of elegant Waltzes, as any formal ball should have. The dark-hearted denizens will dance to deliciously tenebrous tunes in the Chambre du Vampire, our exclusive vampire club, where guests can explore the darker, more seductive side of the ball, deep within the shadowy recesses of the Masquerade.

VIP Passport holders are escorted to the 'purple carpet' by Unicorn-drawn carriage, and formally heralded upon arrival in true regal fashion.  The VIP Reception also includes early evening entertainment, complimentary drinks from our Sponsors, a special champagne service by live Mermaids, as well as gourmet cupcakes and other enticing bites.  Our most esteemed guests will enjoy exclusive access to secluded VIP Lounges on each level of the Theatre.

Attendees will also discover imaginative and interactive photo-op areas throughout the Masquerade, in which to showcase their brilliant costumes and indulge their inner child. Formal portraits in the gorgeous Baroque Los Angeles Theatre are available, and enter your own impressive costume creations into a $500 First Place "Costumers' Challenge," with 2015 MYTH Masque tickets as additional prizes. Costumes (or black tie/formal attire with a mask) are required for this upscale affair.

Tickets are on sale online. Visit the site for a list of entertainers and more information. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales are donated to BUSTED FOUNDATION, an organization that supports breast cancer victims who are unable to cover the costs of treatment.

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Los Angeles, CA: dineLA Restaurant Week

Diners can now prepare to eat their hearts out at some of Los Angeles’ most coveted dining destinations, as reservations are now being accepted for dineLA’s Restaurant Week. The widely-popular, twice-yearly program returns January 20-31, 2014 featuring delicious newcomers Herringbone LA, Mud Hen Tavern, and Allumette alongside returning favorites such as Crossroads, FIG Restaurant Santa Monica, and Petrossian Paris Restaurant & Boutique. To book a reservation, simply visit dineLA's website and choose from over 300 restaurants offering a selection of specially-priced $15, $20 and $25 lunch menus and $25, $35 and $45 dinner menus.

For the first time in its six year history, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board has added $85 experiential tasting menus to dineLA's Restaurant Week, as part of a new pilot program. Designed for those looking to elevate their dining experience, the multi-course tastings are available at some of the city’s most sought-after restaurants. The full list of restaurants participating in the $85 tasting menu program will be released in early January 2014.

dineLA, the official authority on all things culinary in Los Angeles, presents Restaurant Week to invite both Angelenos and travelers to experience the variety of globally-influenced culinary offerings throughout the greater LA area. From Venice to Hollywood, Downtown L.A. to Beverly Hills, both casual diners and foodies are invited to enjoy meals at a great value from acclaimed chefs including Sang Yoon, Ricardo Zarate, Susan Feniger and Jimmy Shaw.

For a chance to savor Los Angeles’ cuisine all year long, diners can enter to win “dineLA for a Year.” Food lovers who sign up for the dineLA newsletter are automatically entered to win the ultimate prize—a restaurant gift certificate every week for one year. The 52-week prize-pack is valued at an appetizing $2,600.

About dineLA’s Restaurant Week:

dineLA’s Restaurant Week is a 12 consecutive-day, non-ticketed dining event, showcasing Los Angeles as a premier dining destination and highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences LA has to offer. Presented by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and in partnership with American Express®, dineLA’s Restaurant Week is designed to stimulate business and introduce new customers to restaurants located in the many neighborhoods throughout LA County. For more information, visit their website or visit them on Facebook.

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Beverly Hills, CA: Winter Solstice Vampire Wine Tasting for MYTH Masque

Certainly you don't want to miss opportunity for Californians and California visitors to welcome Winter with Vampiric style.

On the evening of December 21, 2013 The Winter Solstice Vampire Wine Tasting is being held at the Vampire Lounge and Tasting Room in Beverly Hills. Held in the legendary Fang Club, known as the Vampyre Elisium of the original purveyors of Decadence, this event is being held in collaboration with MYTH Masque's own Chambre du Vampire. Guests are invited to an elegant wine tasting experience at the Vampire Lounge, which is rumored to be owned by a circle of vampires, with this cool seductive tasting room is the first of its kind.

Guests will enjoy limitless pours from an extensive wine menu, tantalizing food pairings, music, and lush vampiric ambiance. Upscale white, red or black attire encouraged! Two tasting tiers, with two very limited seating options now available for booking.

Roam with the rogues of the night, sipping the blood of juicy grapes, and dancing with abandon. What vampire would ever decline a night of such tasty bites?

For more information visit the Chambre du Vampire website or the Facebook event.

Tasting Vampire Lounge and Tasting Room
9865 S. Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212


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Long Beach, CA: Hotel Maya

One of the grandest civilizations in the history of the world is that of the Mayans, the collapse of which is still shrouded in mystery. Beginning in 2000 BC and thriving until 1500 AD, The Mayan culture built awe-inspiring temples, pyramids and cities within their complex social and political order. While the growth of this society was well documented, lost are any details of the decline of their world, with only remnants left behind of this ancient civilization.

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. Spacious, well-appointed rooms greet guests with all of the amenities one would long for in a resort stay. Organic yet sumptuous decor and beautiful, comfortable bedding, combined with a stunning terrace view set the mood for a well deserved respite from reality.

Tucked away throughout the resort are hidden cabanas, with intimate seating and built in romance. Along the dramatic poolside, as well as hidden in Fuego Restaurant within the hotel, private love nests await affectionate couples. Perfect for lovers and families alike, Hotel Maya offers fire pits, volleyball, tennis courts, bicycle rental and beach front activities. Just a stone's throw away from the historic Queen Mary, and just moments from Downtown Long Beach, Hotel Maya provides a quiet refuge for vacationers.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and sporting an active bar as well, Fuego Restaurant lies perched within the second floor of the Main Building, divided between indoors and out, boasting a dramatic terrace for seaside dining. Opulence abounds in the alfresco dining room, with a staff serving up more than delicious dishes and refreshing drinks, but also a "getaway" atmosphere. The warm surroundings set the tone for the fine dining choices, creating a truly authentic Latin American feel.

Specializing in mariscos dishes, a combination of fish and shellfish, Fuego Restaurant also features a sumptuous array of appetizers and entrées, including steak, carnitas and pasta. The house specialty is the Seafood Crepas, crepes filled with crab meat and rock shrimp, covered lightly with a roasted Poblano sauce. Flavorful, yet delicate, the Crepas are the perfect representation of the mariscos style. The Bone In Rib Eye is a generous portion of excellent beef, rubbed with New Mexico Chili and grilled, served with a tasty Roasted Tomato Pasilla Sauce and fresh roasted vegetables. Thick, juicy and deliciously tender, this rib eye will please the hungriest of men as well as the most discriminating palette.

Whether a guest is in town on business at the Long Beach Convention Center, or vacationing for a lengthy stay on the harbor, Hotel Maya will meet every expectation with a smile. Evident in their graciousness and warmth, the staff at Hotel Maya genuinely want to please each and every guest, on every visit.

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Hotel Maya
A Doubletree by Hilton
700 Queensway Drive
Long Beach, CA 90802

562.435.7676
562.481.3908

Visit their website

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Long Beach, CA: The California Women's Conference

For nearly thirty years, women in California have enjoyed a conference that provided a forum for building successful businesses, strengthening careers, and positively influencing the world around them. The California Women’s Conference is continuing the tradition of empowering women and providing resources in every aspect of their lives, and embracing philanthropy by donating a portion of proceeds to charitable partners.

This year’s conference is scheduled for September 23rd and 24th, 2012 at the Long Beach Convention Center, and the theme is “The Women’s Economy Starts Here!” It will feature a vast marketplace of ideas, exhibits, and internationally known speakers. Included in the star-studded lineup are Donna Karan, Gloria Allred, Marcia Cross, Janet Evans, and many more top name speakers. For more information on the speaker line-up, please visit the website.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to purchase tickets to a phenomenal conference at a great price! Visit The California Women's Conference and use the discount code: CAROAD to get 10% off your ticket.

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The California Women's Conference
September 23-24, 2012
(949) 218-0866

Long Beach Convention Center
300 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 436-3636

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Los Angeles, CA: Melting Pot Food Tours

Melting Pot Food Tours launched in July 2008 at The Original LA Farmers Market in mid-city Los Angeles, along adjacent 3rd Street, offers tour guests samplings of Japan, India, Mexico, France, Brazil, and savory and sweet American fare.

Four year later, it's still hosting, and generously feeding, thousands of Los Angeles locals and visitors from all around the globe, on their highly-acclaimed walking culinary tours. Now with three tours, The Original Farmers Market and 3rd Street, Old Pasadena, and East LA Latin Flavors, guests are treated to stories of local color, introductions to merchants, and enjoy exotic tastings of world cuisine.

"Starting a LA-based food tour company just as the economy tanked in 2008 wasn't precisely our plan,” muses Lisa Scalia, who changed careers mid-life to start the business with her sister. “But we knew we had a winning concept, and our continuing success in a down economy has certainly proven our instincts to be right."

“We love that we were the first to do this in LA,” adds Diane Scalia, who is also a restaurant chef.

The sister team is supported by a vibrant group of friendly and enthusiastic tour leaders, all of whom share their passion for LA’s diverse neighborhoods, and the special international cuisine that helps define the City of Angels.

“Los Angeles is incredibly blessed that immigrants came here and brought their foods with them. They’re sharing a very important part of who they are,” gushes Diane, who considers herself a gourmet storyteller. “We’re so lucky to have amazing international cuisine around every corner. Foodies visiting LA really deserve to experience these special cafes and restaurants, some of which are hidden gems.”

Harriot Manley of Sunset Publishing/Time Incorporated heralded this tour as, “A great way to take a big bite of the Original Farmer's Market—especially for a first-timer like me. Lisa Scalia gave us intimate insights and a chance to enjoy it all in an efficient and enjoyable way.”

Jessica Gelt of the Los Angeles Times stated that this tour is, “Not just for tourists, but for Angelenos looking to learn more about the splendid flavors of the city they love.”
With straightforward applause, Simon Todd, publisher of Essentially America, the UK’s leading consumer magazine about travel to the US and Canada, positively cheered. “Great tour guides. Great food. Great fun! Highly recommended.”

The Old Pasadena Tasting Tour, offered on both evenings and weekends, was added in July 2009. Guests explore back alleys and secret throughways while filling up on delicious tastings from the Middle East, Mexico, France, Peru, Italy, and Asia. Visits to an artisan chocolatier, unique handmade soap kitchen, and a California olive oil boutique round out the itinerary.

Orange County’s Coast magazine writer Denise Adams thoroughly enjoyed this tour. "There is no better way to see the area than with Melting Pot Food Tours. The Old Pasadena food tasting and guided walking tour was the highlight of our stay."

LA’s Latin core district at the eastern end of downtown, including Boyle Heights, is the site of the East LA Latin Flavors Tour since winter 2010. Adventurous tour guests savor time-honored, traditional, and contemporary Central American and Mexican foods whilst learning all about their origins, including birria (goat stew) that dates back to a century-old recipe.

One fascinated tour guest hailed this Latin Flavors tour, "Although the food was great, this tour was about so much more than the food. We were totally inspired and enriched by this tour."

Guests typically come away from a Melting Pot Food Tour feeling both happily full, and like they’ve enjoyed first-class, VIP treatment. “Our warmth and hospitality are the hallmarks of what we do and how we do it,” asserts Lisa.

“Just because people are in a big, unfamiliar city doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to receive kind, old-world consideration,” Diane hastens to add, smiling. “That would be our job.”

Melting Pot Food Tours
(424) 247-9666
info@meltingpottours.com
http://www.meltingpottours.com

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Camarillo, CA: Casa Pacifica Angel's Wine & Food Festival

The Yummies competition is an action-packed culinary showdown involving Ventura County’s top restaurants and chefs, and will be held at the 19th Annual Casa Pacifica Angel’s Wine & Food Festival on Sunday, June 3, 2012 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The Yummies culinary competition showcases each chef’s entry to be judged based on flavor, presentation, innovation and quality. Entries will be tasted by a panel of celebrity judges comprised of television and print media personalities, food and wine editors, and food and wine columnists based on which chef’s dish they feel is the “Yummiest.”

The panel of celebrity judges includes Top Chef Season five and Season eight participant, Fabio Viviani, and runner-up on Season two of MasterChef, Adrien Nieto. Viviani is also a talented chef and owner of Café Firenze in Moorpark, California and Firenze Osteria in Toluca Lake, California. Nieto is also the founder of …Cruda…, a new food company that offers foods created from local, sustainable, seasonal, and organic sources.

Celebrity chefs will be complemented by Emcee Oded Fehr, television & movie celebrity, who is best known for his portrayal of the mysterious warrior, Ardeth Bay, in Universal’s “The Mummy” and “The Mummy Returns” and his recurring role on USA’s “Covert Affairs.” The panel of judges also includes Angela Pettera, dining editor for 805 Living Magazine; Chef Daniel Atkin; Chef Robin M. Atkin; Lisa McKinnon—Ventura County Star’s weekly Café Society columnist; Lynne Andujar—co-founder and editor-in-chief of 805 Living Magazine’s Taste section; radio show hosts Tom Hilton and Sandy Seekin; and trained chef and writer Brittany Bassett. Yummie Co-chairs Fran Elson and Cheri Elson will be overseeing the competition and invite all guests to join them at the Yummies pavilion to watch and enjoy the judging.

All-inclusive general admission tickets to the Angels Wine & Food Festival can be purchased online at http://www.cpwineandfoodfestival.com for $100 each until June 1, 2012. General Admission tickets will be $125 at the door. For access to the exclusive VIP Lounge presented by Wells Fargo, $200 VIP tickets can be purchased online. VIP tickets include early admission to the event at noon, allowing guests an extra hour to enjoy the festivities, as well as VIP valet parking which offers easier access into the event.

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A shuttle service will also be available for guests to travel to and from their homes safely. Make a reservation for the Safe Ride Program today by calling (805) 389-8196. Prices start as low as $15 per person each way, or book a room at the Courtyard Marriott, Camarillo, and ride the free shuttle to and from the Festival. Room reservations can be made at the Courtyard Marriott by calling (805) 388-1020.

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Los Angeles, CA: Hollywood Museum Presents Marilyn Monroe Exhibit

The Hollywood Museum celebrates Marilyn Monroe’s birthday with “MARILYN MONROE: THE EXHIBIT - An Intimate Look At The Legend,” the nation’s largest exhibit of authentic memorabilia celebrating the fabled actress’ life, open June 1 - September 2, 2012.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary milestone of Monroe’s passing. The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building is located at 1660 N. Highland Ave at Hollywood and Highland.

“Marilyn Monroe: The Exhibit” displays the million-dollar dress Monroe wore on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio, which was made famous when she entertained the troops during USO shows in Korea. Items from the Scott Fortner Marilyn Monroe Collection and the Greg Schreiner Marilyn Monroe Collection will be featured in this exclusive exhibit, including film costumes from The Prince and The Showgirl and There’s No Business Like Show Business, clothing and furs from Marilyn’s personal wardrobe, including the brilliant green Pucci blouse Marilyn was wearing in the last ever photos taken of her just a week before she died, along with Marilyn’s personal cosmetics, private documents and annotated film scripts.

On exhibit for the first time ever: Marilyn Monroe’s bedroom dresser, which was next to her bed the night she died. This exhibit also includes original works of art by famed celebrity artists Robert A. Delgado and LUDVIC, original photographs, including the legendary “red velvet” nude photographs shot by Tom Kelly, and a vast photograph collection of her childhood, family and early modeling career when she was still Norma Jeane Baker; and much more.

Highlighting the exhibit are never-before-seen photos by world-renowned photographer George Barris, who shot the last pictures of Monroe while collaborating on a book at the time of her death 50 years ago.

“The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building is the perfect venue for this exhibit because it’s where Max Factor gave Marilyn Monroe her famous blonde hair,” says Museum Founder and President Donelle Dadigan. “When you walk into the ‘FOR BLONDES ONLY’ Room, you feel Marilyn Monroe’s presence.”

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s death in August, The Hollywood Museum will host another special event celebrating “MARILYN MONROE: THE EXHIBIT,” spotlighting Monroe’s last photo shoot ever, with photographer George Barris.

“Fans of all ages flock to Hollywood from around the world each year to honor Marilyn’s life and memory,” says Dadigan, “The Hollywood Museum is proud to host this definitive and meaningful Marilyn retrospective.”

The Hollywood Museum, the official museum of Hollywood, has the most extensive collection of Hollywood Memorabilia in the World. The museum features four floors of breathtaking exhibits and is the home of more than 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures, one of a kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts and vintage memorabilia from favorite movies and TV shows. The museum includes costumes from Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson; Props from ‘Gone With The Wind,’ ‘Twilight: New Moon,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,’ ‘High School Musical 2,’ ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ ‘Glee,’ and more.

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The Hollywood Museum is located in the Historic Max Factor Building on the corner of Hollywood & Highland, where Max Factor, the legend of movie makeup, worked his magic on motion picture stars since 1935. The Hollywood Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Hollywood Museum
1660 N. Highland Avenue (at Hollywood Blvd)
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 464-7776
http://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com/

Hours:
Wednesdays – Sundays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

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Claremont, CA Culinary Scene Is a Foodie's Delight

Claremont's unique and wide selection of restaurants has long been "on the map" for many in Southern California and for the frequent international guests to the Claremont Colleges. With several hip, new restaurants and dozens of locally famous eateries keeping the food scene fresh, foodies and vacationers are discovering this Los Angeles-area hamlet as a delicious dining destination.

"A famous college town with international visitors demands a high level of fine dining experiences," said Andrew Behnke of Discover Claremont, the Claremont tourism board. "We know tourists come to Claremont for the shows, museums, trips into the mountains, festivals, regional events or when visiting the colleges. Now is a great time to come Discover Claremont for its dining as the city is emerging as a culinary center for eastern Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire."

With half of the city's 80 restaurants located within the walkable downtown area comprised of the Claremont Village, Village Square and Claremont Packing House, visitors can choose to enjoy the city's free parking and literally stroll to wherever their appetites lead them.

Many of the city's notable eateries are within the famous Claremont Village, an idyllic collection of boutiques among peaceful tree-lined streets. In the village, epicureans encounter white linens inside wood-paneled restaurants, bustling outdoor cafes and gourmet bakeries. Popular Italian choices include Aruffo's Italian Cuisine, La Piccoletta, and the award-winning Tutti Mangia, with "best of the Inland Empire" Chef Jose Ruiz. Diners will find French cuisine at Harvard Square Cafe, tapas at Viva Madrid, Afghan dishes at Walter's, and new American at Union on Yale.

In both the nearby Village Square and Packing House, diners will find rare wines, microbrews and fine American whiskeys at restaurants that include The Back Abbey, Eureka Burger, and the Packing House Wine Merchants. The Hotel Casa 425 lounge and outdoor living room is known for its signature margarita and offers a small plates menu by its outdoor fire pits. Other favorites here include La Parolaccia and Casa Moreno.

Local choices that combine entertainment with fine food include Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue in the Packing House; belly dancing at Casablanca Bar and Grill, also in the Packing House; and The Press restaurant in the Village. Fine dining meets Broadway at Ben D. Bollinger's Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre just a few blocks north of the village; and the lively PianoPiano dueling piano show right next door at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont serves American bar fare to accompany their Las Vegas seasoned performers.

A weekend stay in Claremont means visitors can enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning stroll through the region's largest farmers and artisans market in downtown Claremont, and enjoy coffee and freshly baked pastries at places like Some Crust Bakery and Last Drop Cafe.

A complete listing of restaurants, hotels, boutiques, events and more can be found at http://www.discoverclaremont.com.

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Hilton Garden Inn Rolls Out the Red Carpet for New Property in Los Angeles

Hilton Garden Inn today announced the grand opening of the newest addition to the brand's portfolio, the Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood. The 160-room property, which officially opened for business on March 6, 2012, replaced the historic Hollywood Heights Hotel and is conveniently located just minutes away from some of the city's top attractions.

The addition represents the brand's growing portfolio of more than 540 hotels worldwide.

The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood is owned by RLJ III – HGN Hollywood Lessee, L.P. and is managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts. "We're thrilled to have the Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood join our portfolio," said Ted Knighton, Interstate's chief operating officer. "Between the history of the property, the location and all of the amenities that the hotel has to offer, we are looking forward to achieving great success with the property."

"The repositioning of the historic Hollywood Heights Hotel to a Hilton Garden Inn is such a great addition to our brand portfolio," said Adrian Kurre, Global Head, Hilton Garden Inn. "HGI's Pavilion lobby, combined with comfortable guestrooms and convenient guest services, make the hotel an ideal choice for travelers visiting the Los Angeles area. The property provides the amenities to ensure guests sleep deep, stay fit, eat well, work smart and treat themselves while on the road. Whether traveling for business or leisure, we can ensure guests have everything they need to be successful."

The hotel features the Hilton Garden Inn Serta Perfect Sleeper as well as both wired and WiFi Internet access in guestrooms and public spaces. The hotel also features an ergonomic Mirra desk chair by Herman Miller; a spacious and clutter-free work desk; and two speaker telephones equipped with data ports and voice mail. Guests will also benefit from the complimentary 24-hour business center, featuring Print Spots remote printing which allows wireless printing from any laptop or PDA.

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Guests can start off their day with a full-cooked-to-order breakfast featuring omelets, fruit, breads and the brand's signature waffle in the Great American Grill® restaurant. The restaurant also serves cocktails and dinner, as well as evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours and features a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats, cold beverages as well as freshly prepared, frozen and microwaveable packaged items.

Other hotel amenities include: a glass-enclosed Pavilion lobby featuring a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; an easy-to-set alarm clock that allows guests to play their portable CD or MP3 player; 32" LCD HDTVs in every room; an in-room "hospitality center" with a mini fridge, microwave oven and coffee maker; a sitting area with an easy chair and ottoman; a hairdryer; and an iron and ironing board. The hotel's recreational facilities consist of a fitness center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training equipment, as well as a swimming pool and whirlpool. The hotel also features one meeting room offering 546 square feet of flexible space and an on-site guest laundry facility.

In addition, the brand is proud to announce the Hilton Garden Inn Promise. This confirmation to guests ensures that Hilton Garden Inn will do everything possible to make sure that they are satisfied with their stay, or they don't have to pay.

Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles participates in Hilton HHonors, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & Miles® and No Blackout Dates.

The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles is located at 2005 N. Highland Avenue in Los Angeles and is currently accepting reservations.

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Antelope Valley California Poppy Fields

Grab your camera and head out for a day trip to Lancaster, as the poppies await. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SNR hopes to have a pretty good poppy crop this season. With miles of golden petals swaying above their lush green carpet, it is easy to see why the California Golden Poppy is the State of California's Official State Flower. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The Earth Laughs in Flowers."

Don't forget that backpack and those hiking boots (OK, just walking shoes will do). Eight miles of trails wind through the gentle rolling hills of the Reserve. Take the time to walk through the poppy fields and get back to nature in this one-of-a-kind California experience.

The poppies begin to bloom mid-March and continue through April, depending upon the year's rainfall. This year the fields had only 3 inches of rain which has put a bit on a damper on their overall crop. But certain meadows have shown real hope, so park the car, grab your sneakers, and hit the trail.

The Earth Laughs in Flowers.

For a guaranteed good time, visit the California Poppy Festival held in Lancaster. This festival runs April 21 & 22, rain or shine, with live entertainment, activities, vendor booths with unique items and food, food, food! A place where families can get back to their roots and enjoy being a family! What more could you want?

The festival will be held at Lancaster City Park, conveniently located off the 14 freeway.
For more information contact the City of Lancaster.

Lancaster City Park
43011 10th Street W.
Lancaster CA 93534

Phone: 661-723-6000


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