California Flavors – A Constant State of Reinvention

Posted on August 9, 2011 by CCox

Everywhere in California food circles, things are getting turned inside out and completely re-imagined. In the city centers of San Francisco, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, and along the North and Central coasts, the cuisines are as a varied as the hues of a Pacific sunset. The menus are imaginative, the ingredients are locally sourced and organic in many instances, and the artisans plying their craft do so with vigor and passion. The sheer abundance of produce, fauna and creativity in California kitchens is unsurpassed anywhere. Speaking of anywhere, California’s penchant for culinary exceptionalism isn’t limited to large urban centers and coastal hamlets. Visitors are amazed at the “finds” in places like Palm Desert.

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Year-Round Waves on California’s Beaches

Posted on August 9, 2011 by CCox

Beaches and California are of course synonymous, but there’s more to this story than meets the SPF factor. California’s coast is a diverse ecosystem with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. And those activities aren’t limited to aquatic endeavors. Along the coast you’ll find some of the most interesting places on Earth. Places like Venice Beach with its eclectic personas and well-muscled citizenry have to be seen in person to believe. There’s also Laguna, rife with swank boutiques and the otherworldly views from restaurant decks stretching from Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay to the surreal landscapes along the Mendocino coast. Once outside the reaches of coastal California’s briny effervescence, you can find yourself amid the splendor of the High Sierra. There are several bucket list-worthy above the tree line national parks to choose from. Sure, everyone knows Yosemite is amazing, but not too far from there, are other gems in the national park system that don’t receive nearly the publicity, but are every bit as magical and grand: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Escaping the crowds at California’s better-known parks is also easy in the Shasta Cascade region, featuring every kind of recreation on Mt. Shasta and Lassen, Burney Falls, and some of the best fly-fishing in the state. The allure of California’s National Parks are there for all to enjoy, and on September 24th, there’s no fee for visiting. Start planning today at visitcalifornia.com.

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Experience California; the Land of Dreaming Big and Doing Bigger

Posted on August 9, 2011 by CCox

What is California about? Asking people on the street might prompt answers like this: “California is all about beaches, movie stars and perfect weather.” And this is true of course, but there’s so much more to the Golden State.

It’s a place of unimaginable abundance and an “anything’s possible” attitude. In fact, possibility is etched in California’s DNA, from the urban chic of San Francisco to the trend-setting novelties and culture-shifting curiosities so prevalent in Los Angeles, to the globally iconic attractions of Anaheim and San Diego. If that were the end of the story, it would be a pretty compelling tale for sure, but it’s not. The list of everything known about California (and dig) is about to grow exponentially. For instance, many already know about California’s superb wine regions and coastal majesty, but what about the active volcanoes? Speaking of mountains, California is home to Mt. Whitney: at 14,496 feet, it’s the tallest peak in the lower 48. There are Salton Seas, tar pits, golf courses, spas, redwood trees taller than office buildings and national parks the size of Midwestern states stretching from north to south and east to west. The possibilities in California can boggle the mind, or totally relax it. California’s not at all what many assume it to be. One thing’s for sure: finding out is going to be a blast. Start planning today at visitcalifornia.com

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More Beach for Your Blanket at North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

Posted on August 9, 2011 by CCox

With more than 45 miles of pristine beaches, beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the water and a temperate climate year-round, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are the ideal place to vacation. While there is plenty of room on the beach to relax, the waves are perfect for learning to surf. And the soft sand beckons the young – and the young at heart – to build sandcastles, collect shells and soak up the sun.

Each of the islands and surrounding mainland towns possesses its own, unique character with a variety of activities to delight every member of the family. Explore the intriguing lighthouses of Bald Head Island and a world-famous, coastal feast at one of Calabash’s fishing tournaments or seafood festivals. Take in a little history in Southport or see the charming shops in Shallotte. Whether you want to discover wildlife, go on an adventure, find more beach for your blanket or day-trip to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, the islands and towns of Brunswick County are the perfect escape.

Also the perfect scene for golfers, Brunswick Islands offers more than 30 championship courses. Catering to golfers of all skill levels, Brunswick Islands has variety to choose from with over 30 championship courses. And for the more experienced golf enthusiast, there are world-class courses designed by some of the sport’s greats, including Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones and Dan Maples. With plentiful accommodations in the form of hotels, motels, condos and homes, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are a family vacation paradise designed to fit any budget. Visit www.ncbrunswick.com to learn more.

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Small Town Charm and Luxurious Accommodations at Cannery Row

Posted on August 5, 2011 by CCox

When John Steinbeck wrote about Monterey’s industrial canning street and its cast of genuine albeit imperfect characters, he did not know he was propelling the street to becoming one of the most beloved travel destinations in the country. Cannery Row has evolved from gritty “tin and iron” into a welcoming travel and entertainment district full of history, heritage and all the modern amenities desired in a seaside escape.

At the heart of Cannery Row is Monterey’s small-town charm; locally owned restaurants, shops and hotels offer extraordinary products with personalized touches. The world-famous Sardine Factory, an elegant, locally owned restaurant on Cannery Row, has been in operation for 42 years and has received virtually every major restaurant and wine award in the industry. The also locally owned Spindrift Inn is the #1 Most Romantic Hotel in the U.S. as voted by millions of TripAdvisor users two years in a row. Details like in-room wood-burning fireplaces and complimentary breakfast delivered to your room on silver service keeps guests coming back to Spindrift Inn.

Visitors to Cannery Row have their choice of luxury oceanfront hotels, each offering warm accommodations and relaxing spa treatments, many inspired by Monterey’s natural beauty. Rising out of the sea like a terraced village on Italy’s Amalfi coast, the Forbes Four Star-rated Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa has the only penthouse spa on the Peninsula, Vista Blue, with panoramic views of the entire bay. Energia Spa at the posh AAA Four Diamond InterContinental The Clement Monterey celebrates nature with services inspired by the ancient East India practice of Ayurveda, or the “Science of Life.” The Monterey Bay Inn and Spindrift Inn offer personalized, in-room treatments that quiet the soul.

Dining on Cannery Row is an authentic exploration into the culinary history and bounty of the Monterey area, where the only thing distracting patrons from the restaurants’ expansive ocean vistas is the delicious meal before them. Cannery Row restaurants specialize in using locally grown, organic ingredients and locally caught, sustainable seafood to create stylish and tasty dishes. Monterey County is now a world-renowned wine appellation and many of Monterey County vineyards have tasting rooms on Cannery Row, bringing the best of local wine from the inland valleys to the coast.

From delicious wines to fresh seafood, and from coastal views to luxury accommodations, Cannery Row is the quintessential California getaway.

Enjoy a morning exploring the bay by kayak, browse boutique shops in the afternoon, sip Monterey County wine in the evening and enjoy a romantic meal into the night. Fall in love with the charm of Cannery Row and experience the magic that John Steinbeck captured so many years ago. To learn more visit www.canneryrow.com.

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San Francisco Like A Local

Posted on August 5, 2011 by CCox

Words that describe only one place: San Francisco. A city where first impressions evoke lasting memories. Notable and quotable. Needing no introduction. And still capable of catching even the most sophisticated traveler by surprise. Neighborhoods rub up against each other like tectonic plates and changes can be abrupt. Or sometimes there’s just a hint of some slight shift in the streetscape, triggered by the opening of a restaurant drawing rave reviews or the debut of a storefront gallery.

Visit some of San Francisco’s great attractions such as the Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. Ramble around Golden Gate Park and cycle along the Embarcadero. Stroll through Chinatown and shop in Union Square.  Step inside a four-story rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences and sort through “sonic soup” at the Exploratorium.

Don’t let San Francisco’s famous inclines intimidate you. The hills are laced with stairways that lead to hidden gardens and breathtaking views. Don’t leave the kids at home. San Francisco is an adult playground, no doubt about it but it’s also brimming with things for children to do. Kids can play pirate at the Hyde Street Pier or get acquainted with a swarm of jellyfish at Aquarium of the Bay.

Don’t think about eating a frozen pizza or defaulting to a fast food meal. San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any major city in the U.S. and options range from haute cuisine to a crepe brimming with veggies and feta cheese from a street truck. And with more than a dozen farmers markets and the enormously popular Ferry Building Marketplace, there’s really, really no excuse not to become an instant locavore. To learn more visit www.sanfrancisco.travel.

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A Look Inside Hotel del Coronado

Posted on August 5, 2011 by CCox

The legendary Hotel del Coronado is located on 28 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island. Built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark, The Del is an American treasure with over 120 years of stories to tell. The Del’s visionary founders, Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, dreamed of building a seaside resort that would be “the talk of the Western world.”  Since then, the resort has become a living legend, visited by celebrities, dignitaries and U.S. presidents.

Rated one of the top 10 hotels in the world by USA Today, The Del continues to maintain its rich history while also offering contemporary conveniences such as unique beachfront dining experiences, an award-winning spa, upscale shopping, a variety of recreational activities and the luxurious cottages and villas at Beach Village. To discover more about Hotel del Coronado check out www.hoteldel.com.

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Smiles in San Diego

Posted on August 5, 2011 by CCox

Discover the creativity bursting from San Diego in the region’s most vibrant art scene. Visit the underground galleries of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, like Barrio Logan and East Village or experience the museums and theatres in Balboa Park. Take in the old factories and abandoned warehouses that artists have reclaimed for galleries and performance spaces. Or discover why San Diego is the top producer of Broadway shows in the country.

Recognized as the Napa Valley of Beer, San Diego has a booming craft beer scene sure to make any beer lover swoon with award-winning breweries and a wide variety of pubs and restaurants catering to those who enjoy unique, locally crafted beers. Industry innovators like Karl Strauss and Stone Brewing Company make their homes in San Diego and it is no coincidence that the city was named “#1 Beer Town in America” by Men’s Journal magazine in October 2009.

With over 90 amazing golf courses and more playable days than anywhere in the U.S., San Diego is truly one of the greatest golf destinations. The diverse terrain allows golfers the chance to play well-designed links in a variety of stunning settings, from rolling hillsides and canyons to majestic cliffs towering above the Pacific Ocean – all offering spectacular views. To learn more about San Diego visit www.sandiego.org.

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Temecula – A Special Part of Wine Country

Posted on August 5, 2011 by CCox

Rolling hills covered with vineyards, expansive views reaching to 11,000-foot high mountains, air swept by ocean breezes and world-class wineries await in Temecula Valley. Just a short drive from anywhere in Southern California lies the breathtaking beauty and unlimited possibility of Southern California Wine Country.

Step back in time in Old Town Temecula where rustic buildings reflect the historic golden west of the 1880s. Specialty boutiques now house treasures found in antique stores and art galleries. Stroll through Old Town and discover the unique Southern California dining experience and exciting events held throughout the year.

Golf courses wind their way through the valley, offering challenging play in lush settings. Experience the luxurious Pechanga Resort and Casino. Choose from a variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget from bed and breakfasts to world-class resorts. This makes Temecula Valley the perfect Southern California getaway. Go to www.VisitTemecula.org for more information.

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Little Left to Desire in Laguna Beach

Posted on August 5, 2011 by CCox

Blessed with ideal weather, hidden coves and majestic canyons, Laguna Beach is the perfect place to plan a vacation, but it is much more than a pretty place; it is also a famous artists’ colony and is known for its art galleries, festivals and theatre.

Laguna Beach’s tradition of the arts is intricately woven into its very beginnings, which is not surprising since its natural beauty has always drawn people here to live, create, and to be inspired. From clothes to jewelry, to works of art, there are plenty of treasures to be discovered through the many unique shops dotting the coastline. Laguna’s downtown village offers some of the finest dining on the Pacific Coast. Exciting, local café’s and bistros with settings both casual and formal, tempt both the eyes and the palate.  From five-star restaurants to family favorites, Laguna offers an array of delicious cuisine. Hotels and other accommodations are as varied as the dining and the shops. There is a wide range of attractive choices, from charming B&B’s, to hotels, resorts, or a 5 star spa resort. A quaint 9-hole golf course can be found nearby, but perhaps the most beautiful attractions to discover are the beaches themselves. Laguna is graced with over 20 beaches and coves, many with landscaped gardens, tide pools and inviting walking trails with views of the ocean on one side and the majestic canyons on the other.

Dazzling beauty, safe and friendly streets, exhilarating one-of-a-kind attractions…there is only one vacation destination that offers them all. To learn more about Laguna Beach visit www.lagunabeachinfo.com.

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