Archive for the Category »California «

Feb
17th		   An LA Icon That’s Great For Kids..And Free!
Leave a Comment Category: California, Family Travel, Los Angeles, Travel, Travel and Design, frugal traveling, outdoor concert venues, southern california Tags: , ,

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

I recently took a field trip with my UCLA architecture class to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. I had been to the hall before for performances, but this time I got a tour led by a docent…and you can too.

Frank Gehry Designed Walt Disney Concert Hall

If you have seen photos or been yourself, I don’t have to tell you how stunning the stainless steel-clad building is.

The inside is breathtaking too – but not in such a grand way – it is simply gorgeous wood, mixed with white walls, steel accents, and a lot of light from large windows and sky lights. (Of course, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but most would agree the structure is a beauty.)

If you are visiting LA, or are a local – this is a fantastic place to visit on the weekend.  Many locals eat lunch in the beautiful garden area on weekdays, and it is a quiet time to take a tour, but on some weekends there are free musical concerts and arts and crafts activities for the kids. (Look up “Phil the House” activities on  the WDCH website.)

In my opinion, it’s one of the best cultural experiences for the little ones in all of my travels. The concerts don’t happen every week so plan ahead. The kids are also able  to create a masterpieces at art tables set up outside.

If you don’t have children along, take the docent led tours…or if you prefer, a self-guided audio tour. Both take about an hour. The tour leads you throughout the inside of building, and some outdoor spots like the garden or public balcony.

Along the way you learn the story of how the magnificent downtown centerpiece came to be – Lillian Disney donated $ 50 million for a concert hall….there was an architectural contest … Frank Gehry’s design won, it is supposed to resemble a ship’s hull…the grand opening was in 2003.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The tour goes into a little more detail, but I have to be honest, I would have liked more in depth information from the docent. If you are someone who only wants to learn more, I’d recommend the book that tells the whole story – makes a nice coffee table topper.  http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Frank-Gehrys-Disney Concert/dp/0810949814

Unfortunately, the tours don’t go inside auditorium because there are rehearsals. Disappointed?  It is still a worthwhile tour, but if you are dying to see the auditorium, why not go back for a LA Philharmonic performance? Here’s a tip:

If you are a student or a senior, buy rush tickets – show up two hours before concert time and get discounted tickets for $10 – $20!!! (Good seats normally can go for more than $100)

And don’t park in the hall’s parking lot – it is cheaper on the street, or in some of the lots nearby.

Check the WDCH’s website for schedules of both the self-guided and docent-led tours. http://musiccenter.org/visit/toursched.html

Now that spring is almost here, you can enjoy a clear view of downtown from various places on the tour. As much as LA is criticized, this landmark will leave one in awe, and hopefully inspire some appreciation for the City of Angels.

 
Jan
19th		   A Fun Way to See the Harbors of Southern California
One Comment Category: California, Family Travel, Los Angeles, San Diego, Travel, eco-friendly, southern california Tags: , , , , ,

If you live on the east coast, this is a warning before you read on. It may be hazardous to keeping your envy in check, considering all the snow you all have been under, to read about the utterly summer time activity we So Cal locals can do in January. (And all year long I might add.)

Cruising Newport Harbor

Cruising the harbors lining the coast of Southern California makes for an enjoyable way to see some of the Golden State’s most beautiful areas. You don’t have to own a boat – there are places in various beach towns to rent a small electric boat, known as the Duffy, named after the man who invented it – Marshall Duffield. The boats are quite quaint – going only 5 mph and topped with a canvas canopy, ranging from 14-22 feet in length.

All aboard!

Just last week a group of about 20 of us was down in Newport Beach, California, for our daughters’ soccer tournament. Between games, the families rented a couple Duffy boats from Duffy Electric Boat Company ..where you can see in the photo below, they have quite a few boats.

Duffys at Duffy Electric Boat Company in Newport Beach

We then journeyed out on Newport Harbor. Our Duffy fit about 10 adults comfortably….and they come with Ipod hook ups, life jackets for kids, and a map to help you navigate the waterways…which is very helpful.

There are tables on board for food and drinks…came in handy to hold the “adult beverages,” or wine. Note: A cocktail cruise at sunset is highly recommended.

The kids on the other hand, appreciated the novelty of the whole outing, and used the table to complete a game and some challenges based on what they see in the harbor – provided by the Duffy Electric Boat Company.

What you see in the harbor is picturesque… I grew up right in this part of the state, and still don’t get tired of the view or the experience. If you love real estate you are in for a treat because you cruise by lovely homes… some famous owners are pointed out on the map – i.e. the former home of John Wayne. It may inspire you to rent a home in Newport for the summer.

If you appreciate the beauty of nautical architecture, it is interesting to look at the private yachts and sailboats docked here in the marina. The kids enjoyed the marine life along the way.

There are public docks in front of some restaurants where you can pull up and eat… but since you are renting by the hour, you may want to maximize your time on the Duffy, unless you are willing to pay more and rent for a longer amount of time. I wouldn’t rent for less than two hours. I’ve seen rental prices vary from $75-99 an hour.. so if you have a large group, or a bunch of couples, it can be as low as $15 per person for a two hour tour. Worth every penny too. Peaceful and pretty, the cruise relaxes you (or is it the wine?), melts all your troubles away, and makes you appreciate life. How often can you say that?

Here are some rental companies for Oceanside, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, and Newport Beach. Summer books up, and so does Christmas in Newport Beach, so book ahead.

http://adventuresboatrentals.com/
http://boats4rent.com/
http://www.duffyofnewportbeach.com/  (Duffy Electric Boat Company where we rented.)

 
Dec
17th		   Waxing Nostalgic: Trips That Touch
Leave a Comment Category: California, Las Vegas, San Diego, Travel Tags: , , , ,

I have a personal confession to make. I cry at Christmas carols. Not of the “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” type… but more of the Bing Crosby and Carpenters genre.

Why would I share this? Catharsis. Analyzing my melancholy over holiday music is making me more melancholy. I can’t seem to figure it out, because the holidays have always been a source of joy, but I am sure others experience this.  One explanation is that at this time more than any, we think of people who are not with us, either by death, distance, or duty.

So do we ever get over it? When will I ever be able to keep “White Christmas” on the car radio?

It is almost impossible to conceive things will change – especially if you have reached a point in your life where you find you certain traditions have taken place for years…only building on the nostalgia, reminding you of  decades past, and where the time has gone. One tradition that recently sparked this feeling is an annual holiday dinner I have with three close girl friends that we have done for 10 years. It is always a fun time; Proof: A few tables away from us was an “Only-In-LA” comedic ensemble of Larry David, Billy Crystal, and Martin Short all dining TOGETHER. Truth is, there was more laughter at our table.

There are also places that can make us nostalgic – unrelated to holidays. Here are some travel destinations that may make you long for something past:

National Pinball Museum, Washington, D.C.

1) The National Pinball Museum in Washington, D.C. – Relive your youth and forget your troubles for one afternoon while you revisit a childhood game. The museum just opened and is more than 14,000 square feet of pinball machines dating all the way back to the 19th century. There are more than 850 games here. http://www.nationalpinballmuseum.org/

Other must sees for pinball aficionados: Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda, CA… and the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas – more like an arcade, but you probably won’t lose as much money as you would at the casinos since we are dealing with quarters here :)

Hearst Castle, San Simeon, CA

2) Hearst Castle – Relive the indulgent 20s and 30s when newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst entertained all the movers and shakers up at his San Simeon mansion. Taking some of the tours here will make you appreciate the castle’s history, and bring you back, even if you aren’t old enough to remember the times. Also- if you make it to Santa Monica ever, tour the guest house of Hearst mistress Marion Davies. This was the spot of their vacation home, but all that remains is the guest house, which is open to the public. It is not as ornate or glitzy as the castle, but once again, the history and stories of Davies and Hearst are fascinating. Marion Davies is an interesting woman in her own right.

http://www.santamonicalandmarks.com/landmk12.html

http://www.hearstcastle.org/

Freedom From Want, Norman Rockwell

3) Norman Rockwell Museum, Berkshires, MA – His work is iconic…for years on the Saturday Evening Post… reflecting family life and holiday celebrations that can make anyone nostalgic for old-fashioned values. Right now at the museum through Jan. 16, 2011, a special exhibition titled “Home for the Holidays” might put you over the holiday-nostalgia edge.:) www.nrm.org/

4) San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park offers a great glimpse at different model trains – and even offers a summer camp for kids. Also the Twin City Modern Rail Museum in Minnesota is another option if you are in the Mid-West..and there are others across the country.

For many, this has always been the childhood toy that brings back memories. I still have one grown up friend who spent a fortune on a model train to go around his Christmas tree…

http://www.sdmodelrailroadm.com/#, http://tcmrm.org/

Of course, you can always climb aboard a train yourself and travel North by Northwest style… There are many amazing train travel tours – the Orient Express is one well-known company, and I’ve always wanted to travel across Canada by train – www.canadiantrainvacations.com, www.orient-express.com

Enjoy.

Even though I can’t listen to the music, I can still appreciate the lyrics… so to borrow a line from Bing  – ” And though it’s been said, many times many ways… Merry Christmas to you.”

 
Dec
11th		   Hotel of the Week With Some Holiday Spirit.. and Deals.
Leave a Comment Category: California, Cool Hotels, Luxury Travel, Travel, hotels, southern california Tags: , , ,

Beverly HIlls Hotel

The iconic pink hotel in Los Angeles gets pretty red and green during the holidays. I’m talking of course about the Beverly Hills hotel which is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Since Beverly Hills is an international destination – especially for shopping I might add, the Beverly Hills Hotel is a nice respite from any holiday purchasing that might take place on Rodeo Dr. (There are more affordable streets in the Beverly Hills flats!) The last time I did a story about Beverly Hills for the Travel Channel, the high end designer stores were filled with more international customers than locals…so if visitors need a place to stay, the hotel is also offering a winter special – stay two nights and get the third free..along with two complimentary cocktails in the Polo Lounge. The hotel is a five-star hotel, so it is still expensive, but cheaper than normal with these specials.

Polo Lounge, Beverly HIlls Hotel

Speaking of the Polo Lounge – a great night time haunt, but also that is where I’d have lunch in between Christmas shopping… I actually had  lunch there recently for a friend’s birthday. There is a lovely patio, with no cost spared on poinsettias to add some holiday spirit. Fun people watching too – I’ve seen both George Michael and Rod Stewart there. The menu is varied… the Kobe burger and pear salad were both delicious. There is an indoor area too in case the Southern California weather doesn’t cooperate. The good news is you don’ t have to stay here to eat like you are :) www.beverlyhillshotel.com

To help you get in the spirit, the city of Beverly Hills hosts a number of fun holiday activities…from Christmas Carolers strolling the streets… to kids’ photo opps with Mr and Mrs. Claus… to a toy workshop. For more holiday fun that may interest you go to http://www.beverlyhillsbehere.com/cvbgeneral.asp?id=618May

Here’s to the holiday spirit…Beverly Hills style!

 
Oct
15th		   Hotel of the Week: A Heavenly Haven in Hollywood
Leave a Comment Category: Amusement Parks, Belize, California, VT Tags: , ,

Found a cute little gem of a place in Hollywood this week when I was on a shoot there. Petit Ermitage is a boutique hotel, with a Bohemian vibe.  The lovely garden cafe and rooftop pool  is a must for your next date, if you’re a local. But – it is a “members only” club, so you need to book a room in order to eat there. I don’t love that sort of  ”too cool” policy, give me a break. However, the food looks tasty, and the atmosphere, sublime.

European in feel, the hotel has all suites  - and, you know what makes me happy in a hotel – FREE WiFi! It is located on a neighborood street near Sunset Blvd – a very central location to explore the hipper side of Los Angeles.

Butterfly Bar at the Petit Ermitage

What it lacks in top luxury it makes up for in personality…a cute, ethinc-y bar (Butterfly Bar) and a heck of an art collection! I was admiring all the prints in the hallways, when I had a moment to stop and look at the artist’s name  - There were at least 20 Rauschenbergs just on the floor on which I was shooting. The hotel also has works from Miro, De Kooning, and Dali – all from a private collection. And did I mention the cookies waiting for you at the front desk?

Le Petit Ermitage, Hollywood, CA

Getting back to my favorite part of the hotel – the rooftop pool and garden.

There is a lovely fireplace with big couches and chairs to lounge… and the bar is right off the garden. It takes a romantic turn at night…

It is becoming a chic hang out – quiet, and with a view of the Hollywood HIlls. (Of course, our set in the below phoeo is not normally part of the view.)

I love that it is away from the main LA traffic. The photographer with whom I was working lives nearby and said he takes his girlfriend there for dinner and then stays the night. I love the thought of getting away from it all by walking there. Quite quaint.

Have a great weekend – and if you don’ t live near Petit Ermitage, maybe it’s time to follow the photgrapher’s lead discover a neighborhood getaway next to you :)

www.petithermitage.com

 
Sep
29th		   Bottoms Up: The New Napa
Leave a Comment Category: California, Travel, restaurants Tags: , ,

Continuing my week long special on wine country (mostly CA) this harvest week.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to start drinking wine or to visit wine country, harvest time is one good reason to motivate you. If that’s not enough, how about the recent article in Time magazine highlighting a surprising study that finds heavy drinkers outlive teetotalers..and moderate drinkers live the longest of all. Bottoms up! http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2014332,00.html?iid=WBeditorspicks

Most people do visit wine country to taste the vino. But because wine is so central to food and cooking, there is a whole crop of beyond excellent restaurants too.

This generally is true all over – but specifically I am referring to the wine country I know best – Northern California.

Some of my favorites are:

The Girl and the Fig - Sonoma, CA

The Girl and the Fig in Sonoma…www.thegirlandthefig.com

Tra Vigne Restaurant, St. Helena, CA

Tra Vigne in St. Helena…(patio table for sure. Lovely on a warm night.) www.travignerestaurant.com

Terra Restaurant, St. Helena, CA

Terra in St. Helena, www.terrarestaurant.com

But there are a lot of new choices to be excited about – with the spruced up Napa River, some really dynamic restaurants are opening this year.

Napa Riverfront

One in particular I am dying to try is “Fish Story’ by the team who is responsible for some of my other favorites – Lark Creek Inn in Larkspur – and Bradley Ogden in Vegas. I’ve always been a fan of their food.

 
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