Morro Bay: Charm along the Central CA Coast

If you like seagulls, you’re going to love California’s Morro Bay. These creatures make a point of welcoming visitors to one of hte most charming coastal communities in the state.

Apparently the word’s out amongst the seagull population: Visit Morro Bay and you’ll not only be well fed by curious and somewhat startled tourists, but you can also retire to the local bird sanctuary. In fact, it’s a crime to harm a bird once they make it to the sanctuary, so a seagull’s golden years are not likely to be cut short by any pesky kids with bb guns.

Morro Bay is the quintessential seaside village, steeped in charm with unsurpassed views of the sometimes angry Pacific Ocean. People travel to Morro Bay, on California’s Central Coast, to breathe that fresh salt air, drink in the gorgeous ocean views and listen to the above-mentioned birds. This is one of those places where you find a great local hotel and just spend a lot of time on walks and visiting the local seafood restaurants.

Driving into town you can’t help but notice the big rock monolith that defines the town — named not so coincidentally Morro Rock. That rock actually was named in 1542 by a Portuguese sailor, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. He called it El Moro because it resembled a Moor – people from North Africa who wore turbans. It certainly was a rock that needed naming – it rises high above the coastline and juts out into the ocean where everyone on sea or land can see it.

Today tourists are drawn to the rock and its nearby trails and beaches that give you an up-close look at some of the most powerful waves you’ll ever see. It’s common to see seals and other sea life in the inlet on the southeast side of the rock while a series of waves are mesmerizing as they crash upon the broad beach on the northern side of the rock. It is near the rock that you’ll encounter a squadron of seagulls trained to swoop in and grab whatever you have that resembles food. Many visitors try to take refuge in their cars but the birds are so intense sometimes that you feel like you barely got the car door shut before the seagulls followed you inside.

It’s all part of Morro Bay State Park, which features a lagoon and natural bay habitat. You can sail, fish, hike or bird-watch at the park and the park museum offers exhibits on the area’s natural features and culture. Exhibits focus on Native American life, geology, and oceanography.

Within an easy walk of the rock are the restaurants and shops of Morro Bay, stretched along a picturesque boat harbor that allows you to combine your shopping with a truly spectacular nature walk. If fishing boats anchored in a scenic bay are your idea of a really good backdrop for hiking, this walk is for you.

Fishing, in fact, is a big part of Morro Bay’s past and present. While the area once had quite a vibrant abalone industry, today the boats are more likely to be carrying halibut, sole, rockfish and albacore. Oysters also are farmed in the area.

We stayed at the Embarcardero Inn, a comfortable hotel just across the street from the water and a perfect headquarters for our brief stay. The hotel is built up a few floors with parking underneath the building giving the front rooms great views of the bay and Morro Rock. Our spacious room came with a fireplace and flat-screen television as well as table and chairs and a balcony where we could sit and enjoy the view and watch our fellow travelers exploring the nearby shops. There were all sorts of nautical paintings and decorations in the room so there was no chance we would forget where we were.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Morro Bay is in San Luis Obispo County and is about half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. There are several beach towns in the vicinity and the area is one of California’s most popular beach areas.

WHAT: Morro Bay is a picturesque beach community that is heavy on charm. Its connection with the fishing industry makes it feel almost like a New England fishing village and it’s especially good for visitors who like long coastal walks and bird-watching.

WHEN: Anytime of the year, although it can be chilly in the winter months. The climate is temperate so that even in summer it doesn’t get too hot.

WHY: Morro Bay’s small-town charm is easily reached from San Francisco or Los Angeles, so it’s a convenient destination for a weekend or vacation. The ocean vistas are spectacular and the ambience makes you feel like you are far from the Big City.

HOW: For information on the Embarcadero Inn, phone 888-223-5777.

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Museums in Sacramento

Sacramento is a culturally rich city and has a glorious past. Apart from being a hot favorite among the local people, the city attracts the rich and famous from neighboring countries as well. Sacramento promises its affluent visitors a vacation of a lifetime, on account of its musical heritage, exquisite events and fine dining experience. However, Sacramento is better known for its variety of museums that appeal to the aesthetic tastes of the wealthy visitors.

The California State Railroad Museum is one of the most famous museums in Sacramento, well known for its exhibits and display of restored trains and other artifacts. They demonstrate the fascinating rail history that captures the interest of the young and old alike. Through its fun filled activities offered year round, visitors get the opportunity to explore and rediscover the magic of the railway. This museum is extremely popular with the younger generation, due to its thrilling train rides, frequently changing exhibits and special events.

The special events include seasonal events like the Train Time for Santa held during the Thanksgiving weekend and the occasional Rail Fairs. The exhibits in the museum cover a broad range of topics. In spite of having been to the best places in the world, the elite crowd cannot deny the distinctiveness of the train rides offered at this particular museum. The train ride is six-mile long and promises forty minutes of fun and excitement.

Discovery Museum’s Gold Rush History Center takes its visitors back in time, to the early 1800s, to relive the Gold rush era. Old exhibits illustrate the details of the lifestyles of the typical miners at that time. After the renovation of the Gold Gallery, the museum now boasts of an extensive exhibit The Lure of Gold, depicting the history and science of gold. Another major attraction of the museum is a hard rock simulated mineshaft that allows visitors to discover the history, technology and other features involved in gold mining.

State Indian Museum is situated in downtown Sacramento, on the grounds of the Sutters Fort. The museum showcases some of the finest artifacts and exhibits, which depict the culture of the early inhabitants of California. Before the arrival of the first Europeans, California was occupied by a large number of Native Americans, divided into more than 150 tribal groups.

Typically, the museum displays artifacts that include beadwork, clothes and basketry that amply highlight the Native American traditions. The affluent crowds are specially impressed by the display on Ishi, the last Yahi Indian who managed to conceal his identity from the western people. He was finally discovered in the northern parts of California in the year 1911. Another lure to the State Indian Museum is the series of events it hosts all year round.

The Old Sacramento State Historic Park includes the commercial structures that existed in the early Gold Rush period. Structures include the 1849 Eagle Theatre, the 1855 Big Four Building and the 1853 B.F. Hastings Building.

Other museums that are of special interest to the affluent class include Discovery Museum’s Science & Space Center, Crocker Art Museum, Governors Mansion State Historic Park, Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and Towe Auto Museum. All museums and historical landmarks in Sacramento are a manifestation of its golden history and offer an insight into its rich cultural heritage.

Encinitas Hotel Gives The Chance To Feel The Encinitas Accommodation From As Like Home.

Encinitas California sits on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. To the north of Encinitas there is Batiquitos Lagoon and the San Elijo Lagoon to the south. First people living in the area of today Encinitas Ca were Indians called San Dieguitos, the La Jollans, and the Dieguenos.

The City of Encinitas California was founded around 100 years ago and today consists of five communities that take pride in their own distinct personalities. “Historic Encinitas” occupies the Highway 101 Corridor that parallels the beautiful beaches and ocean. “New Encinitas” centers on El Camino Real.

“Cardiff-by-the-Sea” is made up of quaint homes dotting the hillsides overlooking the sea. “Leucadia” is famous for its giant eucalyptus trees that line the main thoroughfare on the Coast Highway. “Olivenhain” (which means “olive grove” in German) boasts plenty of open horse country, pastures, and a rural way of life.

Beautiful Encinitas, in northern San Diego county, is perched on the coastline about 30 miles from downtown San Diego. To get there by car, you would take the Interstate 5 north, or you could hop on the Coaster, a train that runs between San Diego’s main train station and Oceanside (about 10 miles north of Encinitas). The Coaster only runs on weekdays with a limited schedule on Saturdays and no service on Sunday.

Encinitas is one of the most beautiful cities in California. It is considered to be the “symbol of beauty” in the United States and second in California. Located along the blue Pacific coast, it enjoys a warm, dry climate that never fails to delight visitors. The glorious sunrises over the mountains and the awesome sunsets over the Pacific serve as incredible natural attractions for the tourists.

The Encinitas hotels are centrally located to ensure a broad view of the surroundings. Encinitas houses some of the best resorts and luxury hotels. Many of them are located along the waterfront. The other types of Encinitas accommodations include discount hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, beach hotels, and condo rentals. The wonderful weather in Encinitas ensures good business, since tourists visit the place throughout the year.

Cleanliness is an integral part of the hotels’ strategies. These Encinitas hotels struggle for customer pleasure and offer excellent facilities. Luxury Encinitas hotel along the coast provide deluxe rooms with an ocean view. The catering service ensures a luxurious American breakfast along with a selection of different cuisines. The guests enjoy several facilities in the Encinitas hotel like outdoor pools and non-smoking rooms, and within the rooms, they are provided access to voicemail, cable TV, and coffeemakers.

Many Encinitas hotel provide transportation to neighboring attractions of Encinitas. The tourists definitely get their money’s worth in the attractive discounted vacation packages introduced by the hotels, which include breakfast, lunch, and a visit to the local attractions.

A visit to Moonlight Beach is another highlight. This wide, sandy beach, at the bottom of a hill that gently rolls towards the Pacific Ocean, offers swimming, surfing and sand volleyball courts. The “moonlight” in the name of the beach comes from the fact that residents used to come to the area for midnight picnics in the early 1900s. On a sunny California day (and there are many!), a walk along Moonlight Beach, with its palm-fringed cliffs is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of this region of the world. This Encinitas accommodation is ready to receive you in Encinitas.

A good way to get in touch with the “flavor” of Encinitas accommodation is to stroll along its downtown thoroughfare, South Coast Highway. Here, you’ll encounter a variety of novelty boutiques, antique stores, sporting good stores, surf shops and a wonderful variety of restaurants, ranging from upscale bistros to down-home diners. If you like vegetarian fare, be sure to visit “The Roxy”. For under you’ll get fresh, tasty salads and imaginative dishes that are hard to beat at twice the price. Another favorite is “The Siamese Basil”, a hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant that is big on taste.

A day-trip to Encinitas is well worth your time–and it’s subtle, relaxed, friendly charm will stay with you for a long time to come. In Encinitas accommodation you can feel the beauty and I ensure that you will not miss your home because of Encinitas hotel.

An Overview Of The Best Ski Resorts In The West

With winter on the way, lovers of snow and winter sports are excited about the upcoming new season. Every mountain getaway and the area surrounding the lodge or resort is busy with various winter activities you can enjoy. While there are many different places you can go to enjoy your winter wonderland, here are a few that are considered to be the best ski resorts in the West.

When people think of California, they often picture the sand and surf of the coastline, the vineyards of the Napa Valley, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or the excitement of the famous amusement parks. However, there are some excellent California ski resorts and numerous places to pursue your favorite winter sports and activities.

Located on the Eastern slopes of Central California’s Nevada Mountain range, the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is considered by many to be one of the best ski resorts you can find in California. Mammoth almost always enjoys at least 150 inches of snowfall each season, but some years the actual snowfall reaches an amazing 250 inches, which is enough to keep the most enthusiastic skiers happy.

One of the reasons that Mammoth is among the best of them is that it boasts of the Hangman’s Hollow. This is known as the siren-of-the-steeps for experts skiers from around the world. In addition, Mammoth also has a full terrain that offers cross-country skiing and also, an Olympic-size half pipe.

The Mt. Shasta Resort is in the heart of another California area that is both well-known and very popular, making it another on the list of best ones in the West. The Mt. Shasta resort is located in the Siskiyou mountain range, which is near the northern border or California. Within the Mt.

Shasta national recreational area there are many activities available such as hiking, snowmobiling and a skiing area that even includes a bunny flat. After a long day on the slopes, the Black Bear Restaurant is well-known and highly recommended for delicious meal and in addition, they also offer delightful homemade pies for a well-earned dessert.

A bit farther north from Mt. Shasta is Oregon, which is filled with numerous slopes and top ones as well. Timberline Lodge is an historic chalet that sits right at the timber line of the majestic Mt.

Hood in the Cascade Range and which has long been hailed as one of the best resorts. Because Timberline Lodge sits higher than many mountain ski resorts, you will often find that you can ski all year round on the nearby Palmer Snowfield, which is near this great snowy retreat.

Continuing on the northward track, the mountain ones of British Columbia are easy to add to the list of best ski resorts in the West. Whistler is another famed area where you are also able to ski any time of the year with few rare exceptions.

In addition to the Whistler-Blackcomb area, the fabulous skiing and other winter sports, there is also incredible scenery. After dark, there is a lively night life in the area which you can enjoy after a long day of shredding the slopes.

These are just a few of the best ski resorts that you can find throughout Western United States and Western Canada. Ski vacations in the West are a popular way to get away from the daily grind of the work week. If you also happen to live in a western state, then most of these top ones are close enough to enjoy a weekend ski package, simply to feel rejuvenated for the coming week.

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How to find a dentist in Mexico

I had a very positive experience finding low cost dental care in Mexico.

In these very tough economic times, one has to be very careful with their money, and try to look for good deals.  If you need to get some dental work done, you may be putting it off longer than you should simply because you can’t afford what it is going to cost. I am writing this article to tell you about a high quality, low cost alternative.  Simply, go to a dentist in Mexico! Below, I tell you about my experience, and give you my recommendations. 

Dentists scare me. It’s not the drilling, nor the shots of Novocain, but its the price they want to charge. While living in Denver, back in 1995, I had a molar break in half. I went in to see a dentist about it and was told that it would require a root canal, and a crown. I about fainted when I learned that the root canal alone was going to cost me 0 and the crown was 0. (Today, in 2009, the root canal would cost me about 00 and the crown would be around 0). I had a friend who was living in Chihuahua, Mexico, and as I had already planned to go and see him, I decided to see if I could get my tooth fixed in Mexico. During my vacation time that year, I had the dental work done on my tooth at a great savings. The root canal cost me 0 and the crown cost 5 for a total of 5. Compare 5 to the price in Denver of ,300 and you find that I saved over 00. The savings more than paid for my vacation!! That was 13 years ago, and my crown is still holding up great with no problems.

Through the years I have had a lot of dental work done in Mexico. I have also had some work done in the USA. The truth is, I have had fewer problems with the Mexican work than I have with the American work. The American dentists have commented very favorably to the many Mexican dentists crowns they have seen in my mouth. I have decided to share a few of my experiences with my fellow Americans who might read this to help them to take advantage of the great savings and high quality dental work available just across the line.

Personally, when I am looking for information on the internet, I hate to have to read on and on to find the vital information that I am looking for, so right now let me say that I think I have found the perfect place to get dental work done in Mexico. It is in Tijuana, just South of San Diego, CA. Airfares to San Diego are cheap, (I just booked a flight from Orlando, Florida to San Diego for 0 one way, including tax), and transportation to the border is very easy via the Old Town Trolley, (light rail). My Tijuana dentist, SAM Dental, actually has a website that you can access to find out about prices, contact information, and how to find the clinic. It’s found at http://www.goodsamdental.org  The website is very informative and is worth checking it out.

6 BASIC TIPS on dental care in Mexico.

1. Price.

Be careful what you pay for dental care. You can get ripped off by dentists who charge Americans a lot more than the going rate. The quality of the dental work done in Mexico is very comparable to that in the USA, and the price is much cheaper. The reason for this is because the price of University training is subsidized by the government, and the costs of education are not so bloated, compared to the USA. A dentist in Mexico will come out of school and will not be head over heals in debt, like an American. Also, the costs of doing business, and the cost of living is a fraction of that in the USA. The result is, there are a lot of great dentists who simply don’t have to charge so much in order to make a good living. Besides that, the local Mexican people are very limited in their income and ability to pay for services. Although there are many dentists near the boarder who cater only to Americans, their prices are still affected by the cheaper dentists just a little further in. But don’t get excited over the lower prices and just use any dentists. If they have a big fancy office, it’s because they are catering only to Americans and are charging a lot more than the competition. If you look around, you can find an equally competent dentist who will charge you less for the same work. I have found that often there are two prices. What they charge a American can be much more than what a regular Mexican pays. That is why I fell in love with Sam Dental. They actually post the prices for the work they do on their website. I recently checked out the cost of having a porcelain over metal crown at a couple of other dentists. They wanted to charge 0 for a root canal, 5 for the crown, and $ 75 for a post, for a total of 0. Sam Dental Tijuana dentist clinic charged me 5 for everything.

2. Location.

You will want to find a dentist that is fairly close to the border crossing. What I recommend is to take the Trolley to the border. If you fly into San Diego, it is not necessary to rent a car. By asking at the info desk in the lobby at the baggage claim, they will direct you to where you can catch the 992 bus that takes you into down town. Tell the shuttle bus driver that you want to get off to take the Trolley, (light rail train). He’ll drop you off in front of the American Plaza train platform. (From Airport to Trolley it takes 15 minutes). There you’ll buy a ticket at the machine for .50 to go on the blue line to San Ysidro, Mexican Border. You just go to the end of the line. When you get off, you’ll see a pedestrian bridge that you walk over until you enter Mexico. Once there, you’ll find dozens of Taxi drivers who are clamoring for you attention. Just grab one. They’ll have someone standing out front, who speaks English, who’ll be asking you where you want to go. Just give them the address. My dentist is just 5 minutes away. The website can give you the exact address to copy down to hand over to the taxi driver. When you call ahead of time to set up your appointment, they’ll walk you through it. The first time I went, they actually sent someone to pick me up.

3. Transportation & Lodging.

If you want to stay in San Diego, and rent a car, I still recommend that you park in the parking lot for the trolley and take it down to Tijuana. I don’t recommend driving a car into Tijuana. All the traffic can make you nervous. If you want to stay in San Diego, there are a lot of inexpensive hotels in Chula Vista off of E Street, which also has access to where you can catch the trolley. If you are a little more adventurous, you might want to simply stay in Tijuana. There are a lot of nice hotels, that are a lot less expensive than in San Diego. In fact, there is a descent hotel, clean but not too many frills, right across the street from my dentist. However, I kind of like to stay about 15 minutes away, over in Playas de Tijuana, by the beach. There is a cool walkway with stores and restaurants right on the beach, and I found a coffee shop that I like to sit at and read a book while drinking a frapechino and listening to the breakers. In any case, my dentists office helped me to find a hotel and took care of booking arrangements. I just had to tell them what I wanted.

4. Time frame required.

I have made several trips to Mexico and had root canals and crowns done in just 5 days. I have had crowns, with no root canal required, done in 2 days. It costs a little more to have the lab expedite the work, and it is tiring to sit for a long time in the chair having everything done at once, but it is possible and worth it. However, I have to say that in order to figure out how long it will take, the dentist has to check out what needs to be done. If you have a tooth that is infected, you have to get the infection cleared up before a root canal can be performed. Nevertheless, the dentist can get give you a good idea of how much time you need to budget when she talks to you on the phone. If you live in the San Diego or L.A. area, it is a lot easier to go across the border for multiple visits. But if you are flying in, you’ll want to budget enough time to get it all done. There are many US citizens who are going on medical vacations to Mexico today. Last time I was in Tijuana, we had a couple of days to spare and so we went down to Ensenada. I’d like to go down and do some fishing in the ocean off a boat next time.

To Enter Mexico: USA Visitors to the northern part of Baja California do not need US passports or tourist cards if staying in the country for a short time. If you plan to stay for an extended period, or if you plan to travel beyond Ensenada, You will need to obtain a tourist card.  Proof of US citizenship would then be required.

To return back into the USA: To return back into the USA: As of June 1, 2009, US customs will  begin asking for a passport.  While the truth is, if you have your drivers lisc. and birth certificate, they will definitely allow you back into the country. Nevertheless it is best to go ahead and get your passport to avoid being hasseled by customs.  you If you have any doubts, by all means go to the government website to check it out. Click here to link to the Department of Homeland Security. If you have time, it is good to get a U.S. passport, but don’t be overly concerned. If you live in San Diego or L.A., you’re good to go, with your California Drivers license and your birth certificate, for at least 2 or three years.

6. Funds.

This is an important point that I don’t want to forget. It is no necessary to travel with a lot of cash to Mexico. I only take a couple of hundred dollars in my wallet. Dollars are as accepted as Mexican pesos for the purposes of purchasing things. However, sometimes you’ll get a better exchange rate changing some of your money at a “Cambio” store front. But what I do is simply bring my ATM card and get cash at any banks ATM machine. The exchange rate at the ATM is usually pretty good. You can use your VISA or MASTERCARD to pay for hotels, and most restaurants. I use cash just to pay for small things like taxis, or food at a taco stand or a hamburger joint. Some dentists will even accept your credit card for payment. I know mine does. I have found that the amount charged to my card has been at a good exchange rate in dollars.

Again, click here:Mexico Dentist in Tijuana for the website of Sam Dental in Tijuana

Holiday Suggestions for the Month of January

All you travel lovers out there, if you missed out on the opportunity to spend your new year at your dream place, Globester has come up with great holiday suggestions for the month of January in the New Year. Indulge yourself in some of the very exotic places around the world and make 2010 an unforgettable one, with Globester as your friend and travel guide.

Here are some great ideas to celebrate your New Year lavishly:-

v      For all the nature lovers it’s the best time to visit Northern Tanzania, Kenya that offers a spectacular view of the migration of the thousands of wild animals like zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs ,hyenas and many exciting wild beast.

v      If you are planning to have a low profile New Year, travel across India that promises you a great holiday that too with a low budget. With cities like Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer you can have an opportunity to have a look of the magnificent architecture from ancient India or you can enjoy colorful carnival and cruise in Goa. Weather is just perfect to travel across India at this time of the year.

v      In Cartagena, North Colombian, it’s the time for the famous hay festival, visited by many great writers, speakers and musicians. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this captivating festival.

v      If you are love food then it’s the time for the ice wine festival in Canada. You can taste over 100 different wines in this 10 days event. Canada is also famous for its ski lands. With its deep and terrific ski slopes; it is also a perfect spot for the ski lovers.

v      January 26 is celebrated as Australia Day. Australia attracts visitors from all over the world due the events like Cricket matches and an outdoor music concert throughout the day.

v      If you want to escape the cold and snow in the US, Mexico is the perfect place to hide yourself in this hot spot. It’s climate being rated as the second best in the world by National Geographic. Other options are Florida or Dominican Republic.

v      Golf is always a perfect vacation in California or Arizona. If you are a Golf aficionado then head out west for a golfing vacation. We recommend Gray hawk Golf Club in Scottsdale Arizona and Pebble Beach Golf course in Pebble Beach California.

Globester offers deep discounts on airfares and flights to all these great destinations. Escape the lazy and dull winter routine and make the month of January a memorable one by visiting one of these incredible vacation destinations.

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You Will Enjoy 2010 More

You may wish to have a good travel vocation to spend your new year at your dream place for the first month of 2010. If you do and your wallet allowed, here I’ll give you travel guide for the month of January in the New Year. You can make your new 2010 be an unforgettable one, just take these ideas and celebrate your New Year lavishly:

If you are planning to have a low profile New Year, travel across India that promises you a great holiday that too with a low budget. With cities like Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer you can have an opportunity to have a look of the magnificent architecture from ancient India or you can enjoy colorful carnival and cruise in Goa. Weather is just perfect to travel across India at this time of the year.

If you are love food then it’s the time for the ice wine festival in Canada. You can taste over 100 different wines in this 10 days event. Canada is also famous for its ski lands. With its deep and terrific ski slopes; it is also a perfect spot for the ski lovers.

If you want to play golf with your taylormade r9 irons in cold winter but just want toescape the cold and snow in the US. Then Mexico is the perfect place to hide yourself in this hot spot. It’s climate being rated as the second best in the world by National Geographic. Other options are Florida or Dominican Republic.

Golf is always a perfect vacation in California or Arizona. If you are a Golf aficionado then head out west for a golfing vacation. We recommend Gray hawk Golf Club in Scottsdale Arizona and Pebble Beach Golf course in Pebble Beach California. You can pack your golf equipment travel to there or just go to there and rent some cheap golf clubs. Great course and beautiful place, get your perfect first shot of the year. 

For all the nature lovers it’s the best time to visit Northern Tanzania, Kenya that offers a spectacular view of the migration of the thousands of wild animals like zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs ,hyenas and many exciting wild beast.

In Cartagena, North Colombian, it’s the time for the famous hay festival, visited by many great writers, speakers and musicians. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this captivating festival.

Hope these are great destinations for you. Just escape the lazy and dull winter routine, you should make your first two month of 2010 memorable by visiting one of these incredible vacation destinations. Wish you have a pleasant journey and a happy beginning.

As Beach Destination, Ventura Has it All

Those who love beach vacations usually want a great little town to go with it — a place with ambience and cultural flair to go with magnificent scenery.

We found all we needed in Ventura, one of those places that we always wondered about as we drove through this area on our way up to other scenic destinations on the Central California Coast. For us, this was drive-by country – scenic, yes, but always someplace we just passed on the way to someplace else.

Ventura is located in a place that really is advantageous for travelers. For Southern California residents, it’s an easy drive that takes you just beyond the megalopolis where back-to-back cities finally give way to a coastline that is less overwhelmed by development. Beaches along the Central Coast are great, but if you’re coming from the south and don’t have a lot of time, Ventura is a fun beach destination all on its own.

For Northern Californians, Ventura is a just close enough to the “Big City” to be a reasonable base of operations for visits to many L.A. tourist attractions, most within an hour’s drive. Yet, you’re staying in the quintessential California beach community that is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t want to go into the city for a day? Just chill out on some of the state’s most scenic beaches.

The one reminder of the city was our hotel – the Crowne Plaza, a former Holiday Inn that is being converted to the more upscale brand name. At 15 floors, it’s the only high-rise in the area and could not be built again with today’s stringent coastal regulations. The hotel offers incredible views of the ocean, the Channel Islands and the verdant hillsides at Ventura’s northeastern edge. The Crowne Plaza is situated so that every room above the second floor offers guests spectacular coastal views.

Within minutes of arrival we were walking the promenade that stretches far from the hotel in both directions along the shore. A great beach is just footsteps from the hotel, and there are restaurants and plenty of activity at the nearby Ventura Pier. Bikes and other contraptions are available for rent and, on this Sunday, vendors offered a variety of wares in the plaza just between the beach and our hotel.

Just up California Street from our hotel was a colorful small-town shopping district with shops of all kinds, restaurants and a high concentration of antique stores that are fun to browse. Several surf shops are nearby and, like other California beach towns, the feel is more retro than trendy. The historic City Hall sits majestically on a slight hill at the edge of the downtown district, serving to remind us that Ventura really is a town and not just a stretch of uncoordinated beach development.

Intersecting with California Street is Main Street and, if you walk just a few blocks, you come upon the Mission San Buenaventura. This mission was established on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1782 and became the ninth California mission founded by Father Junipero Serra. Fires and earthquakes have taken their toll on the mission but, over the years, local residents have restored the building to much of its former glory. In any event, the mission “feels” original and is worth a stop when you’re downtown.

Just across the street from the mission is the Museum of History and Art, which offers a broad range of exhibits tucked into a relatively small space. Historical artifacts, farm implements, 18th Century figurines – the museum offers quite a variety.

One thing you notice after spending a few hours in Ventura is that, every place you go, you’ll hear ’60’s music. It’s probably not unrelated to the fact that many surfer and beach types from that era continue to hang out in this popular beach town. But no doubt about it – whether it’s the hot dog vendor on the promenade, the antique store on Main Street or even the downtown sushi restaurant, they’re all playing music from the ’60’s.

The aforementioned sushi restaurant is the Sushi Marina, a local hot spot where we stopped by for dinner. But a word to wise here – the restaurant apparently is quite popular with locals, yet it has relatively few tables and no real space to wait for your table to be called. The food was good but we definitely will time our future visits to avoid the rush.

There are about two miles of beach in the Ventura area that are considered to be part of the local State Park, and visitors are enthralled by the wide, relatively unpopulated beach where one can look out on the Channel Islands and also get a spectacular view of the coastline stretching west and north to Santa Barbara. At sunset, we made a point to stop by Surfer’s Knoll where you can walk through the sand dunes to find an ideal place to view the sun going down in the western sky. Folks around here treat the sunset much as they do in Key West – it’s an event, and people make a point to amble down to the beach each night to celebrate the area’s scenic beauty.

If the beach and a vibrant local shopping district aren’t enough to get your attention, here are a few other visitor attractions from the Ventura area:

The Ventura Harbor Village and Marina – If you like boats — or just being close to them — the harbor area has hundreds of them along with a 33-acre shopping and entertainment complex, Harbor Village. There are lots of boat rentals, fishing charters and an assortment of restaurants. Be sure to check out the “almost” antique Carousel with its 36 animals that was built in 1955. This arcade also offers home-made fudge, fresh popcorn and enough games to keep your youngsters occupied for hours.

Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center – Located in the Ventura harbor area, the center offers exhibits on the flora and fauna of the island as well as a graphic relief map that gives visitors some idea of the islands’ size. The islands are visible from the Ventura area and are a favorite for daytrips, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and bird watching. It’s also possible for visitors to camp, hike and picnic on the islands, with tours leaving from the harbor area.

A.J. Comstock Museum – a look at early firefighters and their methods. It’s a free museum and open all the time.

The Albinger Archeological Museum – Located near the mission, this free museum features artifacts dating back 3,500 years and several different cultures. You can also see the original mission foundation in the dig area. AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Ventura is located about 65 miles north and west of Los Angeles on one of the state’s major north-south freeways, Highway 101. If you don’t want to drive, it’s easily accessible by Amtrak and the Ventura stop is only two-tenths of a mile from the Crowne Plaza.

WHAT: Ventura is the quintessential California beach community with miles of broad beaches and an eclectic shopping district that blends the surf subculture with a touristy downtown. It’s Small Town, yet close to the Big City.

WHEN: Anytime. Ventura enjoys a sunny climate, although its location can make it breezy at times, especially on the beach.

WHY: Ventura truly has its own character and charm. Geographically, Ventura is located in one of California’s most scenic coastal areas.

HOW: For more information on Ventura, contact the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau at 800-483-6214 or visit www.ventura-usa.com. For information on the Crowne Plaza Hotel, phone 1-800-980-6429 or visit http://www.cpventura.com.

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As Beach Destination, Ventura Has it All

Those who love beach vacations usually want a great little town to go with it — a place with ambience and cultural flair to go with magnificent scenery.

We found all we needed in Ventura, one of those places that we always wondered about as we drove through this area on our way up to other scenic destinations on the Central California Coast. For us, this was drive-by country – scenic, yes, but always someplace we just passed on the way to someplace else.

Ventura is located in a place that really is advantageous for travelers. For Southern California residents, it’s an easy drive that takes you just beyond the megalopolis where back-to-back cities finally give way to a coastline that is less overwhelmed by development. Beaches along the Central Coast are great, but if you’re coming from the south and don’t have a lot of time, Ventura is a fun beach destination all on its own.

For Northern Californians, Ventura is a just close enough to the “Big City” to be a reasonable base of operations for visits to many L.A. tourist attractions, most within an hour’s drive. Yet, you’re staying in the quintessential California beach community that is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t want to go into the city for a day? Just chill out on some of the state’s most scenic beaches.

The one reminder of the city was our hotel – the Crowne Plaza, a former Holiday Inn that is being converted to the more upscale brand name. At 15 floors, it’s the only high-rise in the area and could not be built again with today’s stringent coastal regulations. The hotel offers incredible views of the ocean, the Channel Islands and the verdant hillsides at Ventura’s northeastern edge. The Crowne Plaza is situated so that every room above the second floor offers guests spectacular coastal views.

Within minutes of arrival we were walking the promenade that stretches far from the hotel in both directions along the shore. A great beach is just footsteps from the hotel, and there are restaurants and plenty of activity at the nearby Ventura Pier. Bikes and other contraptions are available for rent and, on this Sunday, vendors offered a variety of wares in the plaza just between the beach and our hotel.

Just up California Street from our hotel was a colorful small-town shopping district with shops of all kinds, restaurants and a high concentration of antique stores that are fun to browse. Several surf shops are nearby and, like other California beach towns, the feel is more retro than trendy. The historic City Hall sits majestically on a slight hill at the edge of the downtown district, serving to remind us that Ventura really is a town and not just a stretch of uncoordinated beach development.

Intersecting with California Street is Main Street and, if you walk just a few blocks, you come upon the Mission San Buenaventura. This mission was established on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1782 and became the ninth California mission founded by Father Junipero Serra. Fires and earthquakes have taken their toll on the mission but, over the years, local residents have restored the building to much of its former glory. In any event, the mission “feels” original and is worth a stop when you’re downtown.

Just across the street from the mission is the Museum of History and Art, which offers a broad range of exhibits tucked into a relatively small space. Historical artifacts, farm implements, 18th Century figurines – the museum offers quite a variety.

One thing you notice after spending a few hours in Ventura is that, every place you go, you’ll hear ’60’s music. It’s probably not unrelated to the fact that many surfer and beach types from that era continue to hang out in this popular beach town. But no doubt about it – whether it’s the hot dog vendor on the promenade, the antique store on Main Street or even the downtown sushi restaurant, they’re all playing music from the ’60’s.

The aforementioned sushi restaurant is the Sushi Marina, a local hot spot where we stopped by for dinner. But a word to wise here – the restaurant apparently is quite popular with locals, yet it has relatively few tables and no real space to wait for your table to be called. The food was good but we definitely will time our future visits to avoid the rush.

There are about two miles of beach in the Ventura area that are considered to be part of the local State Park, and visitors are enthralled by the wide, relatively unpopulated beach where one can look out on the Channel Islands and also get a spectacular view of the coastline stretching west and north to Santa Barbara. At sunset, we made a point to stop by Surfer’s Knoll where you can walk through the sand dunes to find an ideal place to view the sun going down in the western sky. Folks around here treat the sunset much as they do in Key West – it’s an event, and people make a point to amble down to the beach each night to celebrate the area’s scenic beauty.

If the beach and a vibrant local shopping district aren’t enough to get your attention, here are a few other visitor attractions from the Ventura area:

The Ventura Harbor Village and Marina – If you like boats — or just being close to them — the harbor area has hundreds of them along with a 33-acre shopping and entertainment complex, Harbor Village. There are lots of boat rentals, fishing charters and an assortment of restaurants. Be sure to check out the “almost” antique Carousel with its 36 animals that was built in 1955. This arcade also offers home-made fudge, fresh popcorn and enough games to keep your youngsters occupied for hours.

Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center – Located in the Ventura harbor area, the center offers exhibits on the flora and fauna of the island as well as a graphic relief map that gives visitors some idea of the islands’ size. The islands are visible from the Ventura area and are a favorite for daytrips, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and bird watching. It’s also possible for visitors to camp, hike and picnic on the islands, with tours leaving from the harbor area.

A.J. Comstock Museum – a look at early firefighters and their methods. It’s a free museum and open all the time.

The Albinger Archeological Museum – Located near the mission, this free museum features artifacts dating back 3,500 years and several different cultures. You can also see the original mission foundation in the dig area. AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Ventura is located about 65 miles north and west of Los Angeles on one of the state’s major north-south freeways, Highway 101. If you don’t want to drive, it’s easily accessible by Amtrak and the Ventura stop is only two-tenths of a mile from the Crowne Plaza.

WHAT: Ventura is the quintessential California beach community with miles of broad beaches and an eclectic shopping district that blends the surf subculture with a touristy downtown. It’s Small Town, yet close to the Big City.

WHEN: Anytime. Ventura enjoys a sunny climate, although its location can make it breezy at times, especially on the beach.

WHY: Ventura truly has its own character and charm. Geographically, Ventura is located in one of California’s most scenic coastal areas.

HOW: For more information on Ventura, contact the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau at 800-483-6214 or visit www.ventura-usa.com. For information on the Crowne Plaza Hotel, phone 1-800-980-6429 or visit http://www.cpventura.com.

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As the fall months quickly lead into the months of winter, avid skiers and snowboarders are eager to catch a glimpse of the first snowfall. At the same time, many of the best ski resorts in the West are preparing to welcome their guests who come to revel in the winter activities around their facilities.

When people think of California, they often the sand and surf of the coastline, the vineyards of the Napa Valley, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or the exhilaration of the well known amusement parks. However, there are some pleasing California ski resorts and numerous places to pursue your much loved winter sports and activities.

Many avid skiers consider the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort in Central California to be one of the best ski resorts in the state. Mammoth boasts an average snowfall of over one hundred and fifty inches and some years, up to two hundred and fifty inches. That’s enough snow to fulfill the dreams of the heartiest of snow lovers. This top ski resort sits on the eastern side of the Nevada Mountain range.

One of the reasons that Mammoth is among the top ski resorts is that it boasts of the Hangman’s Hollow. This is identified as the siren-of-the-steeps for experts skiers from around the world. In addition, Mammoth also has a full terrain that offers cross-country skiing and also, an Olympic-size half pipe.

The Mt. Shasta Resort is in the heart of another California ski area that is both well-known and really popular, making it well known on the list of top ski resorts in the West. The Mt. Shasta resort is located in the Siskiyou mountain range, which is close the northern border or California. Within the Mt. Shasta national recreational area there are many activities available such as hiking, snowmobiling and a skiing area that even includes a bunny flat. After a long day on the slopes, the Black Bear Restaurant is popular and highly recommended for delicious meal and in addition, they also offer delightful homemade pies for a well-earned dessert.

A bit farther north from Mt. Shasta is Oregon, which is filled with numerous slopes and top ski resorts as well. Timberline Lodge is an historic chalet that sits right at the timber line of the majestic Mt. Hood in the Cascade Range and which has long been hailed as one of the top resorts. Because Timberline Lodge sits higher than many mountain ski resorts, you will often find that you can ski all year round on the nearby Palmer Snowfield, which is close this great snowy retreat.

Continuing on the northward track, the mountain ski resorts of British Columbia are painless to add to the list of top ski resorts in the West. Whistler is another famed ski area where you are also able to ski any time of the year with few rare exceptions. In addition to the Whistler-Blackcomb area, the fabulous skiing and other winter sports, there is also incredible scenery. After dark, there is a lively night life in the area which you can enjoy after a long day of shredding the slopes.

This is just a short list of the many best ski resorts that are located in the mountainous areas of Western US and Western Canada. The various ski vacations that you can take in the West are a nice way to escape from the stress and the demands of work. For those who live in the west, many top ski resorts are nearby and even a quick weekend ski package can be enough to provide rejuvenation to make it through another work week.

Visit http://www.my-vacation-ideas.com for more great vacation ideas.