Travelrific® Travel Journal
A blog for travel enthusiasts. Listen to our podcasts at Travelrific® Radio, and visit our Wanderful Places® Travel Shop!Archive for california
Butterfly Town, USA
By Linda Tancs
October is a special time of year at Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, California. That’s when you can witness the annual migration of the monarch butterfly. The pines and eucalyptus trees of the Sanctuary are saturated with the colorful insects that overwinter in this pleasant climate every year. If you thought this only happened in Mexico, you’re not imagining things. Monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains do indeed spend their winters in high mountains in central Mexico. Monarchs west of the Rockies migrate to locations on the central California coast. This spectacular event on the coast has earned the town the nickname Butterfly Town. Led by a team of dedicated docents, you can reach the Sanctuary at Ridge Road between Lighthouse Avenue and Short Street.
Air Show Turns 21
By Linda Tancs
The number 21 often signals a coming of age. No wonder, then, the folks at South Lake Tahoe California’s Lake Tahoe Airport are throwing a big bash at this year’s air show on 28 August. Among the many events planned are guest appearances by aerobatic performers Bill Cornick and Jon Melby and the gravity defying antics of Spencer Suderman in his famous Pitts. Gives new meaning to the phrase, birds of a feather fly together.
Feeling Blue Around the World
By Linda Tancs
Feeling blue? In some parts of the world, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. That is to say, if you live in a blue zone–areas of the world where the population regularly lives to the ripe old age of 100 or more. Places like Loma Linda, California, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Sardinia, Italy and Okinawa, Japan. Don’t pack your bags just yet, though. Just being there won’t increase your chances for longevity. You gotta walk the walk, as they say. That means lots of whole grains, veggies, beans and fruits. Maybe Mama was right after all.
Drawing Lines in the Sand in California
By Linda Tancs
In Imperial Beach, California they’ll be drawing lines galore in the sand at the 30th annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition. An event for pros and amateurs alike, the competition on 8 August includes a Masters contest for pros and cash prizes up to $21,000 for pro and amateur sand carvers in other categories. Works will be available for viewing until 4 p.m. due to the tides. Why wait until Sunday? Make it a beach weekend and enjoy the Sandcastle Dance on Friday and the street fair along Seacoast Drive on Saturday. Sounds beachy keen to me.
Big Wheels in California
By Linda Tancs
Mountain bikers will find nirvana at northern California’s Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, where they offer over 100 miles of trails and a season bike pass for $279. Best of all, if you don’t want to use the lifts, you can bike the trails for free. You can get your rental at the Village at Northstar. Once you’ve conquered the hills, why not entertain yourself at the Village? Through the end of August you can enjoy your favorite tunes from the 70s and 80s on Tuesdays at the roller rink, or watch a movie there after sundown. You’ve got 21 open shops and 12 places to dine, too. A good day, as they say at Tahoe.
Summer Celebration in Santa Barbara
By Linda Tancs
Today marks the northern hemisphere’s summer solstice, a transition dating back to ancient Greek celestial navigation and celebrated in many cultures as a midpoint between the seasons. Santa Barbara marks the event later in the week with one of the largest single-day arts events. Enjoy the multicultural jamboree at the festival on 25 and 26 June, including drum and dance, flamenco and soul. The theme of Saturday’s parade is Carnival, an apt description considering the more than 1,000 parade participants, complete with extravagant floats, whimsical costumes and creatively choreographed dancing ensembles. It’s all happening at Alameda Park.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Racing Through California
By Linda Tancs
If the thrill of the chase like Monte Carlo’s Grand Prix or the memory of Italy’s Mille Miglia gets your adrenaline rushing, then no doubt you’ll enjoy California’s vintage version beginning on 25 April. Northern California’s Mille, now in its 20th year, follows classic cruisers on a 4-day journey through 1000 miles of northern wine country, open roads and quaint hotels. Pick your favorite at the Fairmont in San Francisco before the race. With all the natural beauty lining the route, let’s hope the drivers can keep their eyes on the road.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Hog Wild in Carmel
By Linda Tancs
Did you know that the Hog’s Breath Inn restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea is owned by actor and former mayor Clint Eastwood? I’m sure you’d make his day if you stopped by for a visit, but that’s not the only attraction in this city in California’s Monterey Peninsula. The town is known for its story book-style cottages, characterized by turrets and stone chimneys, like those at Torres Street and Sixth Avenue. Another feature is its mile-long pure sandy beach. And then of course there’s the visual and performing arts centre along with the third oldest art gallery in the country, Weston Art Gallery–not surprising, considering Carmel’s origin as a bohemian art colony. This pet-friendly destination was rated a top ten locale by a leading travel magazine. If you go, consider a scenic walking tour. Then eat, shop and explore some more and find out for yourself why they call it California’s Jewel City.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Bear Valley Beckons
By Linda Tancs
About an hour north of San Francisco, California, the rugged coast comprising Point Reyes National Seashore awaits your visit. Boasting 150 miles of trails, four backcountry campgrounds, several historical structures, three visitor centers, and beaches galore, you better have a game plan to tackle this national treasure. At Bear Valley Visitor Center, you can ponder the ecological and historical exhibits along with a seismograph, weather station, and auditorium for enjoying educational programs. Whatever you do, don’t miss Kule Loklo (Bear Valley), a replica of a Coast Miwok Indian village representing the earliest inhabitants of this area. If time permits, look for the herd of nearly 400 elk at the north end of the park on Tomales Point within the Tule Elk Reserve or watch for birds or whales at the Lighthouse. It seems almost trite to call 70,000 acres of dunes, sandy and rocky beaches, coastal grasslands, Douglas fir and Bishop Pine forests, wetlands, chaparral, and wilderness lakes a national park. But as British author Landt Dennis observed, a park symbolizes man’s humanity to man. And that, after all, seems pretty grand.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it on sites such as StumbleUpon, vote for it, or bookmark it. Thanks for your support! Travelrific® was featured as Blog of the Day on NJ.com!
California Needs Cash
By Linda Tancs
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says the state wallet is empty. All the more reason, then, to spend some tourism cash in California. You can spend lots of it at Chateau du Sureau in Oakhurst, four hours north of Los Angeles. Live life like those to the manor born in a resplendent country-style chateau, complete with all the accoutrements of a grand house of Europe. Take your tea in the Grand Salon amidst its floor to ceiling fireplace–or retire to your room with its own embers. Around the meticulously manicured nine acres you’ll find walking paths, fountains, a swimming pool, a bocce court and a life-size chess set. And Yosemite National Park is just miles away. What more do you need? Start packing.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it on sites such as StumbleUpon, vote for it, or bookmark it. Thanks for your support! Travelrific® was featured as Blog of the Day on NJ.com!
