Huntington Beach, CA: The Cruise of Lights

For those of you in the holiday spirit, take a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway to the Huntington Harbour.  On December 13 and 14 they will have the 52 annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade, themed “Music in Paradise” this year, kicking off the annual event, The Cruise of Lights.

From December 17 to the 23, take a ride on a boat through the harbor and see the entire glory.  Hundreds of boats, decks, docks and homes decorated in thousands of lights all through the holiday season.  A 45-minute narrated boat tour through the sparkling waterways of Huntington Harbourwill take you what is called one of the most remarkable holiday light shows on water and voted Top 10 by Coastal Magazine.

And while you are there, stop into the Red Table Gastrobar, with their edgy interpretation of comfort food. The menu is comfortably priced with interesting yet approachable items intended to share and savor. Craft beers and outstanding wines have been selected to compliment the distinctive menu items and enhance the dining experience.

The tours leave from the parking lot of the Huntington Harbour Mall. For more information visit the HuntingtonHarbour Boat Parade, The Cruise of Lights and Red Table on their websites. Pictures courtesy of The Cruise of Lights. 

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San Simeon, CA: Hearst Castle Tours

Hearst Castle has long been since regarded as a miraculous place along the exquisite California coastline. A private country estate containing some 165 rooms and situated on 86,000 breathtakingly beautiful acres in San Simeon, California, La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill) is truly a sight to behold. Conceived by W.R. Hearst and constructed by architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle was a playground for the privileged and the few. Members of Hollywood’s A-list, politicians, heads of state and successful businessmen all graced the halls at “the ranch” as Hearst himself referred to this glamorous country house.

Housed within the Castle are countless works of art and antiquity, passionately collected by W.R. Hearst. Spanish ceilings, architectural fragments, medieval tapestries, Renaissance furniture, 19th century sculpture and other decorative arts, such as ceramics, metalwork and textiles all made the long journey from Europe and the Mid-East to the Castle.

These treasures remain on display just as they were during the heyday and splendor of the Castle, now to be enjoyed by everyone who has an interest in beauty, art, architecture and history.

Despite its grandeur, W.R. Hearst welcomed the rich, the famous, the influential and guests from every walk of life to the Castle where he enjoyed hosting parties, screening movies and relaxing by the Neptune Pool. Gifted to the State of California by the Hearst Family, Hearst Castle is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is operated by California State Parks.

A few of the historic locations of the castle are:

HEARST CASTLE POOLS
Two pools can be found at Hearst Castle: the Neptune Pool and the Roman Pool. Each one is truly a sight to behold, and set the stage for lively parties and social gatherings.

WINE CELLAR
Filled with the finest wine money could buy, the Wine Cellar was constructed during the Prohibition Era, and featured gates to protect Hearst’s collection.

THE ZOO
Although no longer in operation, Hearst Castle was once the site for the world’s largest private zoo, holding exotic animals from every continent.

THE GARDENS OF HEARST CASTLE
Discover the lush, serene gardens that were planned and developed as carefully as other parts of the Castle were by Hearst and Morgan.

Reserve tickets online up to 56 days in advance to take a tour of Hearst Castle, a true sight to behold. Find the tours that interest you most, by learning more about the daily Hearst Castle tours open to the public. Hearst Castle offers a 10% discount on the second and third daytime tours booked for the same day, when one tour is booked at full price. Please allow at least one hour between tours when scheduling multiple tours. Visitors may remain on the hilltop between and following the daytime tours to enjoy the gardens and visit the Neptune and Roman Pools at their leisure.

Hearst Castle‎
750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA 93452
(800) 444-4445
hearstcastle.org‎

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Rancho Mirage, CA: Sunnylands, the Walter Annenberg Estate

If you are looking to take in historic estates, wonderful gardens and other fine works that express another time period, Sunnylands is the place for you.

Located in the heart of Rancho Mirage among a variety of sights, Sunnylands is the former estate of Ambassador Walter Annenberg, founder and publisher of such magazines as TV Guide, Seventeen and the Philadephia Inquirer.

At Sunnylands you can not only get a taste of history, but in addition there are activities to engage in as well as feed the tummy and quench the thirst. Equipped with tour shuttles to take you all over the grounds of this oasis in the desert, Sunnylands is a smoke free environment.

Boarding one of the tour shuttles, I took a seat and embarked on one of their guided 90 minute tours. I was quick to observe the diverse historic homes and grounds that exist in the area and the flavor each represents. The historic homes and the stories of their former residents, transported me back in time and allowed me to get feel for the way it was when this property was in its heyday. If you are brand new to the area and you want to get some background, this is a mandatory stop loaded with information on who was here and how they lived.

Sunnylands has been called one of the outstanding mid-size art museums and I can certainly see why. Its grounds and layout lived up to their billing. Sunnylands has on display collections and exhibits from when people like former president Ronald Reagan met Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. There are also mementos from when past presidents discussed foreign policy. There are also personal items of Walter and Leonore Annenberg, including an exhibit of when they conceived such programs as a $50 million donation to the United Negro College Fund.

Surrounded by all this history, I couldn't help but think about the debates that took place in the rooms and floors that I walked.

Sunnylands makes it relative easy to experience its wonders as it is free to the public and has free parking. The guided tours, however, must be made in advance and they cost $35 to $45 per person depending on the time of the year.

If you are interested in taking a trip back to the past and see how the captains of industry, president's and dignitaries lived a trip to Sunnylands is a must for your next vacation to Palm Spring and the surrounding desert cities.

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Sunnylands
37977 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
760.328.2829
contact@sunnylands.org

http://sunnylands.org/

For discounts and deals on hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Palm Springs, CA, visit http://www.palmspringsvacationdiscounts.com/.

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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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San Diego, CA: Lajollacooks4u Takes Guests on Two-Day Culinary Adventure

Lajollacooks4u provides private, hands-on cooking classes and dining experiences. Based in La Jolla, CA, Lajollacooks4u was the recent starting point for two guests from Pasadena who got to see and taste the flavors of Farmers’ Markets, bakeries and olive shops, in addition to cooking up a 5 course gourmet meal in the kitchen of Lajollacooks4u.

La Jolla, a suburb of San Diego, has long been a top destination for tourists with its idyllic Mediterranean climate, quaint shops and its beaches. Now the location getaway is also becoming a popular culinary getaway, thanks, in part, to Lajollacooks4u - the number one ranked tour destination on Trip Advisor.

Jodi Abel, founder of Lajollacooks4u, said her guests are looking for a complete cooking experience and that includes visiting local farmers’ markets,foodie tours and, of course, hands-on cooking classes. "Not only do we teach how to cook a delicious, nutritious meal, we create memories that will last a lifetime,” Abel said. Abel added that her guests want a unique experience." Our two-day Culinary Adventure gives our guests something very unique and special. We specialize in Californian Cuisine; a cuisine that generates its heritage from the abundant locally grown produce and infuses Latin and Asian flavors."

Lajollacooks4u offers guests the opportunity to customize their menu and recipe selection based on their palate preferences. The location provides a very intimate and beautiful setting, allowing guests to relax, sip wine, listen to music and have plenty sample tasting along the way.

Loretta Smith and her dear friend and business partner, Tillie Collins, recently visited Lajollacooks4u for a two- day culinary adventure that began with an evening gourmet cooking and dining experience. This was followed up with a unique foodie tour the following day, culminating with a farm-to-table Asian influenced cooking class and meal. Smith and Collins are both seasoned cooks and have been on several other culinary vacations. "The two days we spent with Jodi where so much fun and special; we learned a lot and we’re excited to try her recipes at home" Smith said.

Lajollacooks4u, founded in 2008, provides an ideal activity for couples, corporate team building, special occasion celebrations and any foodie looking for a cooking and culinary experience in an ideal setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Based in La Jolla, a suburb of San Diego, CA, Lajollacooks4u has enjoyed record growth since its inception and has been ranked the number one attraction in La Jolla on the world’s largest travel review site, Trip Advisor.

For more information, contact Jodi Abel at jodi(at)lajollacooks4u(dot)com or phone 1-858-752-4980.

Visit online at: http://lajollacooks4u.com/

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Yosemite NP: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

The historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad will be resuming their popular “Moonlight Specials” starting May 26, celebrating 40 years of the night time rides.

Located just south of the Highway 41 entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers rides aboard a pair of nearly century old Shay locomotives through the Sierra National Forest. The popular tours run each day in the spring, summer and fall months. The “Moonlight Special” adds another element to the memorable rides.

“In addition to the train rides, guests enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner outdoors in the cool mountain air,” said YMSPRR owner Max Stauffer. “Popular folk band ‘Sugar Pine’ sings during dinner. Then the train heads out on the tour and stops at the picnic area, where everyone gathers around a roaring campfire for songs. It’s a lot of fun for families who enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun,” said Stauffer.

The Moonlight Specials are every Wednesday and Saturday, starting May 26 through Aug. 29 and on Saturdays through the first Saturday of October. Dinner is at 6:30 and the train leaves at 7:30.
This is the 40th year the specials have been offered, marking yet another milestone for the popular attraction. Next year the railroad’s oldest locomotive, Engine 15, turns 100.

In addition to the trains, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad has the Thornberry Museum which highlights what life was like here around the turn of the century, a well-stocked gift store and book store, as well as gold panning, where guests get to keep what gold they find.

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To book your tickets or learn more about the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, visit http://www.YosemiteSteamTrains.com or find them on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/YMSPRR.

Yosemite Mountain
Sugar Pine Railroad
56001 Hwy 41
Fish Camp, CA 93623
(559) 683-7273

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San Francisco, CA: Segway Tours Through Downtown

San Francisco Electric Tour Company is the first company to offer tours of the San Francisco waterfront on the world's first and only self-balancing electric transport mechanism, the Segway.

Combining the unique transport qualities of the Segway with the beauty of San Francisco, these tours provide an entirely new way to experience the city by the bay. San Francisco Electric Tour Company pioneered the tour in San Francisco and was to do so.

"A city as unique as San Francisco demands a one-of-a-kind way to tour it," explained founder Brian Huber. "Segways are an incredibly innovative way to appreciate Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront. They're fun, they're safe, and ideal for families looking for new touring experiences."

First introduced in 2003, the Segway is an electric transport mechanism that is guided by the rider's natural motions for forward and backward maneuvering. It easily navigates most walkable areas, including paved surfaces, dirt roads, grass, and inclines.

"After a 20 to 30 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, riders explore the San Francisco waterfront for a full two and a half hours," Huber said. "The Segway expands the amount of ground a person covers from a few blocks to six to eight miles."

Tours begin at Fisherman's Wharf and cover the Cable Car turnaround, Ghirardelli Square, National Maritime Museum and the historic sailing ships, Fort Mason (former military base, now a historic landmark), Marina Green, Palace of Fine Arts (once the site of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition). Tours include views of Alcatraz, a WWII submarine at Pier 45 and Historic Piers. Refreshment breaks and photo stops are included.

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Guided tours depart daily at 9:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 4:00 pm (4:00 pm departure available April until October only) from Fisherman’s Wharf. Fees are $65.00 per person (includes helmet and training) and reservations are required. Riders must be between 12 and 65 years of age; people under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tours are limited to ten riders. Riders must be over 100 pounds and less than 250 pounds. Other custom tours are available for corporate and private groups. For more information, visit http://www.sfelectrictour.com.

San Francisco Wharf Tour Start and Training Location
757 Beach Street - Rear Parking Lot
San Francisco CA 94109-1218
(415) 474-3130
segway@sfelectrictour.com

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Hot Air Ballooning in Temecula

Once you arrive in Temecula you will quickly learn that the Temecula Valley is namely known for two things, wine and hot air balloons.

While the local vineyards are lovely, and abundant, you can find wineries most anywhere you travel. What really makes this city unique is the fleet of hot air balloons that take flight nearly every morning. There are dozens of companies to trust to sail you into the sky; we would recommend Above The Rest Hot Air Ballooning, well, above the rest.

Beginning before the sun even rises an experienced team of balloon pilots and supporting ground crew tests the early morning air and promptly decides on a location for take off.

The team works quickly unfolding the larger than life nylon and Nomex balloon. Then using industrial strength fans they begin to inflate the 210,000 cubic square foot balloon.

From beginning to end, the experience is really rather spectacular. Each passenger gets to observe first hand how a balloon of such magnitude comes to life and then takes flight.

The feeling is nothing short of magical...

The truly enchanting part of the balloon trip begins the moment the basket leaves the ground. The feeling is nothing short of magical, as though you are being drawn into the sky by the unseen hand of some otherworldly force.

As the balloon gains altitude, the basket gently swaying, all you can do is watch in awe as the details of below disappear from sight and you are suddenly surrounded by nothing more than the big blue sky.



It’s a surreal feeling, to find yourself floating into the wide open air, comparable only to maybe actually flying. On an optimum flight morning, the sky will swiftly fill with dozens of brightly colored balloons in an almost jolly manner.

Passengers are laughing and pointing out sights far below, as their skilled pilots ease them into the wild blue yonder. The pilot navigates with knowledge, educates their onlookers throughout the flight, and then safely lands on a grassy knoll just as seamlessly as he left the ground.





You will be greeted upon arrival back on solid ground with a celebratory champagne breakfast. The pilot will then let you in on the secret of why it is customary to carry a bottle of champagne on every balloon flight. We’ll let you find the answer to that yourself.

The adventure takes just under three hours total, and is worth every moment and penny spent.

Above The Rest Hot Air Ballooning
(888) 364-7421
info@abovetheresthotairballooning.com
Website: www.abovetheresthotairballooning.com

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