any suggestions? staying about a week, boys are 11 &9, we are fairly athletic, and we are planning to avoid the LA area.
what are the best sites to see or things to do?
anyone been to alcatraz or redwood np?
Planning to avoid southern area
we lived in SoFla for a long time and have been to disney a billion times.

I’d like to go somewhere really special for a few days on my own to celebrate my 30th birthday. Thanks for your ideas!

Outdoor Furniture – Fill Your Patio Paradise With Style That Lasts

So you want to create a backyard retreat? Well once you have built a patio or deck and installed a pond or maybe a pool you need to furnish the area with comfortable chairs, and a table or two and it will become a place where many happy memories are made.

You may try browsing your local stores for your outdoor furniture options but unfortunately patio furnishings may not always be in season where you live. Instead try shopping online to peruse not only the best selection, but also the best prices. And outdoor furniture is always in style online.

Choose from classic wood pieces, resin chairs that are available in a rainbow of colors or even aluminum furniture that will make you feel like you stepped into a posh five star resort when you cross the threshold of your patio door. The most common woods for patio chairs and tables are pine, alder, cypress, cedar, mahogany, redwood, shorea and teak. All can withstand the elements to an extent and some need to be treated to maintain their beauty. Teak is probably the best wood for outdoor furniture because of its natural resistance to water. You can leave teak furniture outside year round and it will last season after season weathering to a silvery gray patina.

If you don’t want any maintenance at all try resin or aluminum outdoor furniture. Resin furniture has the thickness and appearance of wood without the bother of annually applying protector. They come in a variety of colors that will never fade to match your backyard décor with enduring beauty. Aluminum furniture can be delicately scrolled and topped with different, brightly hued cushions for a decidedly sophisticated look.

So, as you browse the internet for some new outdoor furniture consider your many seating options once you have decided on a material. Try a bench in the garden and some chaise lounges by the pool. If you like to entertain a sitting area with a thickly cushioned couch might be in order in addition to a table and chair set. Maybe a pub table and chairs for your poolside cantina will complete the resort vibe you are going for?

Finish your cottage’s yard with a charming white-washed porch swing or try some rocking chairs for a Southern touch. Who wouldn’t want to rock gently while sipping a cold mint julep in the afternoon sun? You could even create an outdoor living room complete with matching sofa and chairs, coffee table and end tables topped with outdoor lamps. Or create your own Spanish island getaway with scrolling aluminum lounge chairs and loveseats topped with plush orange and red cushions.

No matter what type of outdoor furniture you are looking for you’ll find it online any time of year. So dream big and create your ultimate backyard retreat with a few classic Adirondack chairs or some elegant aluminum benches. And don’t forget to bring a little nature in with a few planter boxes filled with cascading blooms. Complete your patio with great, long-lasting outdoor furniture and enjoy it for many summers to come.

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Cheap But Comfortable Motels in California

California is a tourist’s haven. It is best for tourist to know the cheap but comfortable motels where they can rest before proceeding to their destinations.

California is situated on the western coastal area of the United States. The state is around 200 miles wide from the western pacific shores to the eastern deserts that border the states of Arizona and Nevada. It is bounded in the south by Mexico and in the north by the state of Oregon, a stretch of almost 900 miles.

California is blessed with various geological features that cover almost the entire length and width of the state. These create a variety of climates and unique sceneries that makes California an excellent place for tourists. In fact, the California coastline stretches from the tropical soft sand beaches of San Diego to the craggy northern coastlines near Oregon. The pacific waters is warm in the southern portion of the state, reason enough for surf loving tourists to flock its beaches dotted with palm trees.

Down north, waters are cooler and sandy beaches scarcer. But this lack is amply compensated for by a more scenic coastline. Swimming and hiking take a backseat in northern California, while visiting isolated beaches to watch sea otters, seals, birds or whales are the more popular activities for tourists.

There are many motels in California that do brisk business with tourists who are on their way to visit the numerous vacation spots of the state. The following are some of the relatively cheap motels that cater to the needs of tourist and locals alike:

Vagabond Inn Sacramento Midtown
The Vagabond Inn is located some 12 miles from the Sacramento International Airport and within easy distance from local attractions that would include the California State Railroad Museum, Fort State Historic Park, Old Sacramento and the ARCO Arena, home of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA.

The Vagabond’s amenities consist of a continental breakfast, free weekday newspaper, free parking, and free local calls, free incoming faxes, a swimming pool and a Spa. The guest rooms come with data ports, cable TVs, free internet access, and work tables with lamps. There are also family rooms and pets are allowed.

Half Moon Motel
Half Moon Motel is located in Sepulveda Blvd. in Culver City. It offers non-smoking rooms, airconditioning, and free Internet access. It is a few blocks or minutes away from some of California’s landmarks like Disneyland, Sony Studios, Downtown LA, Century City Beverly hills, and the Dodger Stadium, Universal Studios, Chinatown, Getty Center and many others.

It is conveniently near excellent restaurants and a community park where guests can dine and perhaps relax for a few minutes. It offers free parking and constant maid services.

Ayres Inn Alpine
Ayres Inn Alpine is located near the Cleveland National Forest, three miles from the Viejas, and 30 miles from downtown San Diego and some 40 miles from the town of Tijuana, Mexico. Alpine offers a comfortable lobby with pleasant furniture, European decors, and charming outdoor patios. There is a heated swimming pool where guests can swim and a whirlpool where you can relax your tired limbs. For some stretching exercises Alpine provides a fitness facility.

Hotel guests are offered free continental breakfast as part of the room rate. Although Alpine does not have a restaurant, there are excellent eating places nearby. There is also a meeting place for guest, free morning papers, fast service dry cleaning, and free shuttle services to the Casino and the San Diego Airport.

Rooms have four-poster beds, mahogany armoires, a television, coffeemaker, telephone, and a desk, mini-refrigerator iron and ironing board.

Here is some pictures from the trip I took to Northern California in 2002. Included are shots from my Grandparents (Mandville) 60th Anniversary and family reunion as well as my visit to other Grandparents (Street). Other things include are shots from the Trees of Mystery and The Exploritorium. Some of the people in the video are no longer with us and I really like this video that shows them at a happy time.

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We are looking to rent a cabin or cottage somewhere in/close to a Redwood park in the Santa Cruz area. We would like something with a close proximity to a nice (hopefully un-crowded) ocean beach. We prefer at least some modern conveniences and a somewhat safe area, but would still like to feel somewhat secluded. We are not familiar with the area so we are hoping people have some good suggestions.

I’m just looking for anyone who has stayed in a cabin at Cabins in the Redwoods camp I cannot find any reviews online.
Thank you!

I was thinking of planning a trip to Cali but I don’t know to which city and beaches. I just want a place that has clean beaches, water sports, good restaurants, a hotel with spa treatments and shopping in the area. I know nothing about Cali though so its hard for me to plan a trip. Any suggestions on places to stay and places to go?

I’m staying at a Hilton Garden Inn in Orange Beach, Alabama, and there’s a balcony with a light that I can’t figure out how to turn on. There’s no apparently light switch either on the balcony or right inside. How do I turn it on?