It’ll be just my husband and I and we would like to do some hiking and visit a winery in the area. Any suggestions of what hike or winery or where to stay would be great! We’ll be there less than a week and it’ll be in September. Thanks!

Links and information, please!!!

First time there coming up soon…

Going to go from San Diego up the whole coast to the north.

I’m thinking about a going to community college out west, and and trying to decide between San Diego and San Francisco. I realize cost of living in higher in SF, but it isn’t much of a factor. Right now I’m slightly leaning towards San Francisco. Pro’s and Cons? How’s the life for college students out there?

I will be in SF for a few days and plan to drive up to the Napa area does anybody know of a winery that allows self guided tours? I really just want to enjoy the views and landscape without having to be in a tour group. Also any good restaurants for lunch in the area?

So I was wondering what would be some fun rides to go on at night? Like going on the Astro Orbiters at night when Tomorrowland is all lit up, and also in California Adventure.
And what are some fun things to do at night in Disneyland or California Adventure, I love World of Color and Fantasmic, but are there any other fun things to do at night?

Pain at the Pump; Cured by Spa Massage

MENDOCINO, CA, April 26, 2008 — While airlines rush to impose fuel surcharges on beleaguered passengers, hotels around the United States are taking the opposite tack: They’re offering rebates to offset the high cost of gas.

Famed Stevenswood Spa Resort on the ever-eco-centric Mendocino Coast has an offer that’s hard to pass-up.

Guests checking-in between now and September 30, 2008 will receive a complimentary $ 50.00 GAS CARD! Additionally, guests arriving in a hybrid or bio-diesel auto are given a $ 100.00 CASH REBATE.

Stevenswood is known for it’s five-star luxury, in a tranquil, natural and relaxed setting of sumptuous spa treatments and delectable culinary experiences. Also known for their commitment to the environment, the owner’s believe this offer will help inspire guests to travel within the Western US and save money at the same time.

To help combat Global Climate Change, Stevenswood will plant a baby redwood tree on their expansive grounds for every guest utilizing this special offer. Up to 100 trees could be planted as part of this special promotion.

Stevenswood ::: “PAIN AT THE PUMP; CURED BY SPA MASSAGE” (add one)

Stevenswood built this promotion as both a way to take the sting out of -a-gallon gas and as a way to help the environment.

“If this helps people enjoy what’s in their backyard, rather than flying overseas or driving long distances, we think it’s going to help the environment,” said Mike Webster, who owns the resort with his partner Seth Kelman.

The promotion runs through Sept. 30. Details: http://www.stevenswood.com/gaspromo.html

CONTACT: For more information, call: (707) 937-2810; ask for Doug Gillford or email:

media@stevenswood.com

STEVENSWOOD SPA RESORT

8211 NORTH HIGHWAY ONE

LITTLE RIVER – MENDOCINO COAST, CA 95456

(800) 421-2810 ::: FAX: (707) 937-1237

http://www.Stevenswood.com

CONTACT: For more information, call: (707) 937-2810; ask for Doug Gillford or email:

media@stevenswood.com

Paradise Ranch Resort – Grants Pass, Oregon in stunning Southern Oregon. A Destination Resort and community built around a beautiful Jack Nicklaus-Nicklaus II Design Championship Golf course. This Course is the only Nicklaus direct fly in Championship course in the United States. 200 Homes sites with Investment Villas as well as, Spa and Wellness Center, Tennis and Golf Academy’s and the following in and around Paradise: Fly Fishing, Rafting, Kayaking, Vineyards (70+), Redwoods, Crater Lake, Skiing, Hunting, Jet Boats, Hot Air Balloon rides and much much more. 866-956-0707
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Bring The Whole Family To Wine Country Bed And Breakfast

Wine Country Bed and Breakfast for The Whole Family
Northern California Bed and Breakfast is a great idea for the family vacation you have been preparing for a long time but have not had the oppertunity to find the time for you to really do it. If you live on the West Coast, it is a great idea to take advantage of the Northern California Bed and Breakfast hotels or hostels since this could be just a couple of hours or moments away. This is especially valid if you are from San Francisco.

City life has its drawbacks. Apart from the air pollution you get from city living, stress is par for the course. The busy buzz that San Francisco has will mean you’ll want to take a breather occasionally. Fortunately, just a few miles north there would be a huge number of Northern California Bed and Breakfast for just about any family size.
Wine Country Bed and Breakfast means that you could enjoy city experiencing intermittent wine mouth watering weekends in between. Not only does Northern California’s Wine Country Bed and Breakfast spots supply you with the break you need, you also get to breathe the clean air that city life will not offer you as well as a refreshing place to replicate on how you do up to now. You can enjoy a weekend together with your loved ones with some of the Wine country Bed and Breakfast locations obtainable in Northern California or go for a intimate weekend with your spouse to rekindle the love you had whenever you first got married. Wine country Bed and Breakfast inns also characteristics tours of the around vineyards, wine tasting routines, wine steward led wine mouth watering tours as well as several things to do for children.
Mendocino bed and breakfast inns allow you to benefit from the stunning view of Mendocino bay when you awaken every early morning in your Mendocino bed and breakfast by the bay. Some Mendocino bed and breakfast consists of Sea Rock Bed and Breakfast Inn, Auberge Mendocino, cottage at Little River cove and Sea Gull Inn. Each kind of Wine Country Bed and Breakfast offers its own qualities. Some have family suites, some have honeymoon packages, and some have group bedrooms.

There are group’s tours that allowed vacationers from all over the world in most of the Wine Country Bed and Breakfast inns. If you’re located on the West Coast, arrive and look for what Wine Country Bed and Breakfast inns ought to offer for you and your complete loved ones.
Find out more information about Wine Country Bed and Breakfast here.

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Santa Barbara Beach House Vacation Rental Tips: Making the Most of Great Amenities for Outdoor Living

California is famous for its beaches and legendary beach lifestyle. As a Santa Barbara vacationer you have an advantage over the native Californian. While only a tiny fraction of the almost 40 million Californians live within shouting distance of the coast, you get your pick of Santa Barbara beach house rentals to watch the waves lap the sand 24/7.

Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #1: Enjoy the Great Outdoors.

A Santa Barbara beach house rental means different things to different people. Some guests are happy to scrunch sand between their toes while they watch and listen to the mesmerizing surf. Others will use their Santa Barbara beach house rental’s sound system to crank up their Best of the Beach Boys CD while enjoying mai tais on the back deck.

Regardless of what kind of vacation you’re planning, Santa Barbara beach house rentals can help you enjoy the great outdoors. Additionally, while some are just a few steps from the beach, other Santa Barbara beach house rentals also provide proximity to shopping and great restaurants.

Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #2: “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”

Some Santa Barbara beach house rental guests come to town eager to play, play, play! Fortunately, there is plenty to do in the Santa Barbara area for even the most ADD among us. Staying at a Santa Barbara beach house rental is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the ocean by day and the local attractions by night. Santa Barbara is home to many great lounges and nightclubs that offer dinner, dancing, drinks and theme parties including Eos, the Wildcat Lounge and even a few pubs like the James Joyce.

If you wake up with a hangover, visit Cold Spring Tavern, a former 19th-century stagecoach rest stop to nurse yourself back to health. A little off the beaten path, it is now a laid-back rustic restaurant that features four fireplaces, indoor/outdoor dining, live music during summer afternoons and delicious American-style food (their breakfasts are especially renowned) just like mom used to make.

Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #3: It’s a Dog’s Life.

If Fido is due for a vacation too, there are lots of places for you to play together. A Santa Barbara beach house rental gives you and your four-legged best friend a vacation to remember.

Not far from many Santa Barbara beach house rentals are some great spots that dogs can visit. Many parks and hiking trails welcome dogs on leashes, but if you want your furry friend to run free off-leash and feel the wind in his fur there are a few options. Douglas Family Park, at the end of Medcliff Road & Selrose Lane, is a 70-acre facility that features both a beach and stunning hiking trails. Hale Park, at Camino Viejo and Eucalyptus Hill Road, has lots of tree-lined walking trails. Orcutt Park, at Alameda Padre Serra and Moreno, is a long narrow exercise park that the locals favor.

If you’re planning on renting a Santa Barbara beach house in mid-July, get your dog spruced and pruned for the annual Poodle Parade at the Santa Barbara French Festival (all breeds are welcome).

As with any doggy outing, bring a leash, your own poop-pick-up bags and water. Santa Barbara authorities are particularly keen that dogs visiting public places use their best guest manners.

Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #4: Life’s a Beach.

Some people come to Santa Barbara for the mountains or the valleys, but let’s face it, most visitors are here for the ocean. There’s something cathartic about listening to the pounding surf while you watch a seagull weightlessly ride a coastal air current. When you’re choosing a Santa Barbara beach house rental, consider whether it has all the amenities you’ll want. A Santa Barbara beach house rental that already has the toys you’ll need can save time, stress and money. Here’s a partial list of things to ask about when booking your Santa Barbara beach house rental for a beach vacation:

•           Beach bicycles

•           Beach chairs

•           Beach games like volleyball and Frisbee

•           Beach mats

•           Beach towels

•           Boogie Boards

•           Kayaks

•           Roll-away ice cooler

•           Sun umbrella

Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #5: Eat, Drink and Be Merry.

One of the best parts of staying in a Santa Barbara beach house rental is being able to cook and eat outside in the temperate California coastal climate. Whether your preferences run to creating your own molto bene meals or dialing 1-800-BRING-DINNER, make sure your Santa Barbara beach house rental has all of the al fresco amenities that you want, including:

•           Gas BBQ grill and accessories

•           Local menus and dining guides

•           Mountain or ocean views

•           Outdoor dining area

•           Private deck with table, chairs

•           Seating area

Santa Barbara Beach House Rental Great Amenities for Outdoor Living Tip #6: Embrace The Good Life.

Once you settle into your Santa Barbara beach house rental, you’re not going to want to leave. And why should you? It’s got every outdoor amenity a body could possibly want in a little slice of heaven, including:

•           Courtyard

•           Doggy door

•           Games: basketball hoop, croquet set, pool table

•           Fire pit

•           Fireplace

•           Fountains/water features

•           Heat lamp

•           Local entertainment guides

•           Lounge chairs

•           Observation deck

•           Outdoor shower

•           Outdoor speakers

•           Outdoor TV

•           Pool

•           Private balconies

•           Redwood sauna

•           Rooftop terrace

•           Spa

•           Steam shower

•           Umbrellas

•           Wireless internet (WiFi)

•           Wraparound covered porch

•           Yard with fruit trees, lawn and flowers and/or herb garden

•           Jacuzzi

The only question is, which Santa Barbara beach house rental will you choose? With so many possible amenities we recommend the sensible approach. Try them all until you find your favorite Santa Barbara beach house rental.

The Best of California

California is a giant-sized wonderland of preserved wilderness, world-class cities, famous beaches, tantalizing cuisine and unparalleled wines. Be close to the action from any destination in California, whether it is Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego or Bakersfield! Travel within California is fantastically scenic and simple; with the largest network of state highways that bring all of the Golden State’s wonders to your car door, you can surf, ski and enjoy fine dining all in one day… but you might want to make it two or ten!

A California for Every Kind

California is the third largest state in the United States, as well as the most populous state in the country. Consequently, California attracts visitors for all kinds of reasons. National Parks such as Joshua Tree in the expansive Mojave Desert, Pinnacles National Monument in the Central Coast, and Ansel Adam’s famously photographed Yosemite are rocky havens for rock climbers and hikers alike. The Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east boasts California’s premier ski resorts, including Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe.

North of the easy-going Sacramento capital lies California’s world-class wine region. Enjoy a trip through Napa Valley for some of the most exquisite restaurants and wine tastings the country has to offer. Lose yourself in quaint luxury at a Bed & Breakfast along the Carmel coast after spending a day at the Hearst Castle. Get star struck during a visit to Hollywood or wonder-struck at Southern California’s Disneyland Resort and California Adventure theme parks, across the street from each other. Don’t forget to explore California’s coastline with a trip to the historic Channel Islands or a whale watching expedition off of San Francisco’s Pacific shores.

The Platinum State

When you book your airfare to California, you will soon discover why this massive and diverse region along the Pacific Ocean is more precious than gold. The 48 state’s tallest peak resides in the Sierra Nevada region of California. Mt. Whitney welcomes thousands of climbers and hikers each year to its 14,505 feet of serene wilderness. Giant Sequoias, the largest living organism in the world, reside in Sequoia National Park and the tallest organisms on Earth, the California Redwood trees, grace the shores of California’s rugged northern coastline. California’s Death Valley is the largest National Park in the country as well as the hottest place on earth (in the summer) and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Treat yourself to Death Valley’s spectacular wildflower bloom in March and April.

California also offers one of the most superb collections of luxury resorts, celebrity chefs and nightlife. It is not surprising, considering the state is home to America’s entertainment, music and tech industries as well as one of the largest economies and ports in the world. Don’t wait another minute to book your airfare to California; you could be tanning on the beach or summiting a mountain tomorrow!

Seven Reasons To Take A Connecticut Vacation

As a New England vacation travel writer I’ve always considered Connecticut an overlooked state when people choose destinations and attractions for a New England vacation. As you’ll discover here a Connecticut vacation offers excitement… or peace and quiet, depending on your mood.

Let’s take a quick look at seven reasons why you should consider a Connecticut vacation for your next New England trip.

THE MUSEUMS OF CONNECTICUT

With more than 14 diverse theme museums in Connecticut, there’s bound to be something to suit your taste. Here’s a quick rundown…

Bridgeport is home to The Barnum Museum and Discovery Museum, and at Danbury you’ll find the Military Museum of Southern New England and the Danbury Railway Museum. Keeping with a train theme Thomaston hosts the Railroad Museum of New England and Naugatuck Railroad.

In Bristol you can find The New England Carousel Museum and period time pieces at the American Clock and Watch Museum. Just a little south in Waterbury is Time Expo, and a chance to celebrate the heritage of the Litchfield region at the Mattatuck Museum. At the Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum in Kent experience machinery that once drove commerce in the area.

Windsor Locks is not just home to Bradley International Airport but also to the New England Air Museum and south in East Haven experience another form of transportation at the Shore Line Trolley Museum.

And rounding out our must-see list is Mystic’s Museum of America and the Sea, and the fabulous Mashantucket Pequot Museum in nearby Mashantucket.

THE CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL

Wineries in Connecticut? Yes, in fact there’s 16 of them scattered throughout the state, and they make a perfect basis for a Connecticut Vacation. The climate in Connecticut is mild compared to the rest of New England and wines produced include: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, and Riesling. While Connecticut wines have only been produced since 1978, many farms where the grapes are grown are hundreds of years old. The wine tasting room will usually be open but call ahead for a tour time. You’ll find these wineries not geared for large bus loads, but on the plus much more intimate than wineries in Northern California.

The wine trail is split into two major regions and it’s suggested your tour is split up over three to four days. But because the trail takes you near so many other destinations and attractions in Connecticut let yourself be distracted and enjoy the jaunt through scenic and historic New England towns.

FOXWOODS AND MOHEGAN SUN

Combined Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun make the largest casino complex in the world. Foxwoods in owned and run by Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and Mohegan Sun by Mohegan Tribe on lands they own in Uncasville. These are sophisticated high-style experiences with shopping complexes, hotels, high profile entertainment acts, and top-rated restaurants. They are both close to each other and located in the eastern region of Connecticut, and close to museums, scenic drives, and the Connecticut vacation attractions in Mystic.

HISTORIC HOMES OF CONNECTICUT

Perhaps the most famous home to see on your Connecticut vacation is Mark Twain’s in Hartford, which is now a museum as well full of many artifacts he accumulated in the 17 years he lived there. Also in Hartford is the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe – of Uncle Tom’s Cabin fame. Another famous woman’s home is the academy run by Prudence Crandall in Canterbury – it’s the site of the first academy for black women in New England. Your trip to Connecticut should include the town of Litchfield where you can view museum quality preserved colonial homes, and the Litchfield History Museum and Tapping Reeve House and Law School.

Connecticut includes many historic homes that played an important role in the Underground Railroad and the African-American journey from slavery to freedom.

ESSEX STEAM TRAIN AND THE CONNECTICUT RIVER

The historic 1892 Essex station is your kick-off point for a unique vintage Steam Train and Riverboat Cruise along the Connecticut River. This combined tour takes 2 and 1/2 hours. In the summer it’s cooling, and in the fall stunning with the turning of the leaves. The Connecticut River Museum is also in Essex and vividly brings to life the river’s history as told through paintings, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

THE TOWN OF MYSTIC

Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium are magnets for visitors to Connecticut. The seaport is billed as The Museum of America and the Sea and depicts an authentic 19th century seafaring village, tall ships to tour, and a Preservation Yard where master shipbuilding skills are still practiced. The Mystic Aquarium includes a delightful array of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including Beluga whales, and a stunning model of the Titanic.

THE ANTIQUE RUNS

Connecticut is famous for its concentration of antique shops, and draws thousands of treasure hunters each year who take a Connecticut vacation just to stock up on bargains and specimens to collect and decorate their homes. The village of Woodbury is known as the “Antiques Capital of Connecticut” and has over 45 dealers, but the fact is you’re never too far from that special purchase no matter where you are in the state. Just sometimes its nice to take the time to follow your nose along a scenic New England road and see where it takes you… you can bet if it’s in Connecticut, it’ll take you close to an antique shop.

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