California - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T18:19:06Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/California8 of the Best Beaches in and around Los Angeleshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/beaches-los-angeles-california2023-11-19T10:10:00.000Z2023-11-19T10:10:00.000ZStephen Salvadorhttps://tripatini.com/members/StephenSalvador<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11035792689?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br />
Among the many allures of the <strong>City of Angels</strong> are its beaches, serving up a <strong><em>Baywatch</em> </strong>vibe of "endless summer" all year round, and here are eight choice examples, from <strong>Malibu</strong> to <strong>South Bay</strong>. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12294240267,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12294240267,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12294240267?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El_Matador_Beach_%28231445251%29.jpeg" target="_blank">Rodrigo Argenton</a></em></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.laparks.org/beach/cabrillo-beach" target="_blank">Cabrillo Beach</a></strong></span></p>
<p>A favourite both among both locals and visitors - especially families with kids - this peaceful spot is located in the L.A. coastal community of <strong>San Pedro</strong>, on a small peninsula close to <strong>Point Fermin Park</strong>. Cabrillo has two sides, one outside the breakwater and open to the sea, and the other on the harbour and much calmer. Popular activities besides swimming include kayaking, scuba diving, and thanks to stiff breezes, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Another major local attraction is the <strong>Frank Gehry</strong>-designed <strong><a href="https://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/" target="_blank">Cabrillo Marine Aquarium</a></strong>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/el-matador-state-beach/" target="_blank">El Matador State Beach</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">A 15-minute drive north of <strong>Malibu</strong> and marked by dramatic sea stacks, caves, and rock arches, this petite beach (above) is quiet, boasts some strong surf, and is accessible via a steep set of steps down from the parking lot (we´d recommend using the restroom at the top before making your way down!). .It´s especially scenic around sunset.<br />
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.hbchamber.net/" target="_blank">Hermosa Beach</a></strong></span></p>
<p>In <strong>South Bay</strong>, about a half hour from downtown L.A., there's a distinct style prevalent in this town of just under 20,000, with shops, restaurants, and bars full of the tanned and toned before and after enjoying the two miles of beachfront and activities including volleyball, surfing, paddleboarding, biking, rollerblading, and jogging. One of the main landmarks is the <strong>Hermosa Beach Pier</strong> at the end of <strong>Pier Avenue</strong>, where many of said shops, restaurants, and bars can be found.</p>
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<span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12294239294,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12294239294,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12294239294?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gorbould/50041294653" target="_blank">MLB California 2016</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616" target="_blank">Leo Carrillo State Park Beach</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Twenty minutes up the coast from <strong>Malibu</strong> and just under an hour from downtown L.A., it´s named for the 1950s actor and preservationist who was a longtime fixture on the <strong>California Beach and Parks Commission</strong>. There´s a mile and a half´s worth of swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, beachcombing, as well as tidepools and sea caves to explore. On land, the visitor centre has interpretive nature exhibits, and you´ll also find hiking trails picnic areas, and sites for tent and RV camping. .</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=835" target="_blank">Malibu Lagoon State Beach (Surfrider Beach)</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Surfin´ USA! Time to haul out on the board, put on a fresh coat of wax, and zip into your wetsuit. This lagoon has been part of a 72-year-old, 110-acre state park was a cradle of SoCal surfing culture in the 1960s, with a famous right break and three main surfing areas (above) suitable for beginners as well as experts. You can grab food and drink at the famous <strong>Malibu Pier</strong>, and there´s actually other intersting stuff to see/do around here, too, including nature trails, the landmark Spanish-Revival <strong><a href="https://adamsonhouse.org/main.php" target="_blank">Adamson House</a></strong>, dating back to 1929, and the next-door <strong><a href="https://adamsonhouse.org/main.php" target="_blank">Malibu Lagoon Museum</a></strong>. Then of course there are all the allures of tony Malibu, around a half hour from downtown. <br />
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com/" target="_blank">Manhattan Beach</a></strong></span></p>
<p>Also in South Bay just north of Hermosa and just south of <strong>LAX</strong> airport, with a population around 36,000, here too it's all about gorgeous people, shiny rides, huge sunglasses, and cutesy lap dogs. The in-town dining scene is classy (though to be sure, there´s something for everyone), and out on the more than two miles of sand - a backdrop over the years for countless TV shows and movies (like <em><strong>Point Break</strong></em>) - the swimming and surfing are superb. Plus at the end of its own iconic pier you´ll find the <strong><a href="https://roundhouseaquarium.org/" target="_blank">Roundhouse Aquarium</a></strong>.</p>
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<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M7R9q-UrHUI?si=ucOaxELEPWTFF1B9" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br />
<a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/busy-street-in-venice-beach-5849680/" target="_blank"><br />
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<span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.santamonica.com/things-to-do/santa-monica-beach/" target="_blank">Santa Monica State Beach</a><br />
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Just 15 minutes from downtown, this 3½-mile sandy stretch is one of SoCal´s most famous, with a slew of the usual beachy activities - particularly surfing and sand volleyball courts ((SMB is considered to be where beach volleyball originated), and divided into a north and south section, linked by a paved path known as tthe <strong>Strand</strong> and divided by its own iconic pier, which is home to an amusement park, <strong><a href="https://healthebay.org/aquarium/" target="_blank">Heal the Bay Aquarium</a></strong>, shops, and restaurants. Notable south of the pier are the <strong>Original Muscle Beach</strong> and <strong>Carousel Park</strong>. There´s also the <strong><a href="https://www.annenbergbeachhouse.com/" target="_blank">Annenberg Community Beach House</a></strong>, open to all with a pool and a variety of activities on offer.<br />
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.laparks.org/venice/" target="_blank">Venice Beach</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">At perhaps the most famous (and certainly the most colorful) on this list, just to the south of Santa Monica, the excitement involves as much crowd as surf and sand.. Stretching more than two miles, the world-famous, much photographed Ocean Front Walk *above( often upstages the Pacific for its offbeat character (and characters); Be on the lookout to see <strong>Harry Perry</strong>, the turban-wearing guitarist often seen rolling across the boardwalk (and he´s featured in myriad TV shows and films). Bodybuilders, street vendors, chainsaw-jugglers, breakdancers, musicians as well as palm readers and all sorts of performers keep things plenty lively and often more than a bit kooky..Away from the beach, You can also take walking tours and check out the canals which give the neighborhood (founded as a town in 1905) its name. <br />
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<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Discover the best deals on flights to Los Angeles from <strong><a href="https://www.lowestflightfares.com/cheap-flights-minneapolis-los-angeles-msp-lax/" target="_blank">Minneapolis</a></strong> and elsewhere, including special discount and offers.</span></em></p>
<p> </p></div>A Profile of Balletto Family Vineyards in Sonoma, Californiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/balletto-family-vineyards-sonoma-california2023-11-18T06:20:33.000Z2023-11-18T06:20:33.000ZBottle Barnhttps://tripatini.com/members/BottleBarn<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12293802690?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>This winery is more than just a producer of fine wines in the heart of Sonoma County's picturesque landscapes. Balletto Family Vineyards is a story woven into the very fabric of this wine-rich region, and its tale is as captivating as the wines it crafts. Come along with us as we discover the secrets and stories behind Balletto Family Vineyards, a place where passion and tradition meet, and every Balletto wine bottle is a testament to the dedication of its maker. Browse our <strong><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all">online wine store</a></strong> for a curated collection of Balletto Family Vineyards wines.</p>
<h2><strong>Balletto Family Vineyards: Crafting Excellence from the Ground Up</strong></h2>
<p>Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, California, Balletto Vineyard stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a family devoted to the art of winemaking. Founded by John Balletto, this winery has humble roots that trace back to 1977 when the family began farming vegetables in the Napa Valley. However, their deep-rooted connection to the land soon led them to embrace a new venture: grape growing and winemaking in the Northern California. Over the years, their dedication bore fruit, quite literally, and transformed the Balletto Family Vineyards into a celebrated wine destination.</p>
<h2><strong>A Journey Worth Taking: Visiting Balletto Family Vineyards</strong></h2>
<p>For those eager to embark on a wine-filled adventure, Balletto Family Vineyards welcomes visitors with open arms. Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, the estate offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can explore the vineyards, tour the winemaking facilities, and indulge in tastings of their exceptional Balletto wines. To make the most of your visit, it's advisable to schedule a reservation in advance and check their website for the latest information on tours and events.</p>
<h2><strong>The Balletto Family Legacy: Crafting Fine Wines</strong></h2>
<p>What sets Balletto Family Vineyards apart is their unwavering commitment to producing premium wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley. Their vineyards are meticulously tended, and their winemaking process blends traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques by a talented winemaker. The result? A portfolio of wines that beautifully capture the essence of the region. As you dive into the rich tapestry of Balletto Family Vineyards, don't forget the convenience of our online wine store USA, where you can effortlessly <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all">order wine online</a> to savor the essence of this remarkable winery.</p>
<h3><strong>Exploring Balletto's Wine Portfolio</strong></h3>
<p>Now, let's raise our glasses and delve into the exquisite wines of Balletto Family Vineyards, each offering a unique expression of this remarkable winery's dedication. At our wine store in the USA, you can conveniently access a handpicked collection of Balletto Family Vineyards' exquisite wines.</p>
<h4><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all/products/2018-balletto-bcd-vineyard-syrah"><strong>Balletto BCD Vineyard Syrah</strong></a></h4>
<p>This Syrah is a bold and expressive Balletto wine that reveals rich notes of blackberry, plum, and hints of black pepper. It's a testament to the family's mastery of this varietal, showcasing the Russian River Valley's potential for crafting exceptional Syrahs.</p>
<h4><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all/products/2020-balletto-russian-river-valley-zinfandel"><strong>Balletto Russian River Valley Zinfandel</strong></a></h4>
<p>The Zinfandel from Balletto dances on the palate with flavors of dark cherries, raspberry jam, and a touch of spice. It's a delightful example of the winery's expertise in capturing the essence of this beloved grape.</p>
<h4><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all/products/2022-balletto-chardonnay-teresas-unoaked"><strong>Balletto Vineyards Teresa's Unoaked Chardonnay</strong></a> </h4>
<p>Teresa's Unoaked Chardonnay is a refreshing and vibrant white wine. It's marked by bright citrus notes, green apples, and a crisp minerality—a perfect representation of Balletto's commitment to crafting elegant Chardonnays.</p>
<h4><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all/products/2019-balletto-vineyards-sexton-hill-vineyard-pinot-noir"><strong>Balletto Vineyards Sexton Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir</strong></a> </h4>
<p>The Sexton Hill single Vineyard Pinot Noir is a true gem in their collection. With aromas of ripe black cherry fruit, forest floor, and a silky texture with good acidity, it showcases the finesse Balletto brings to Pinot Noir.</p>
<h4><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all/products/2022-balletto-rose-of-pinot-noir"><strong>Balletto Vineyards Estate Rose of Pinot Noir</strong></a></h4>
<p>This Rosé is a delightful exploration of Pinot Noir's versatility. With its notes of fresh strawberries, watermelon, and a zesty finish, it's a wine that's perfect for any occasion. And for those seeking ease and speed for their special events, our online wine delivery ensures your favorite Balletto wines arrive at your doorstep promptly, allowing you to experience the Balletto magic from the comfort of your home.</p>
<p>Elevate Your Wine Journey with Balletto Family Vineyards. Balletto Family estate Vineyards stands as a true gem in the vibrant world of wine. Our <strong><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/">wine store in California</a></strong> is your gateway to explore their exceptional range.</p>
<p>In addition to these exceptional Balletto wines, you're invited to explore the <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/blogs/news">BottleBarn blog</a>, where you'll find a wealth of wine-related insight and suggestions. Our online wine store is a great place to learn more about the world of wine as well as experience it firsthand. Here, you'll discover an extensive collection of wines from around the world, each bottle telling a unique story of passion, terroir, and craftsmanship.</p>
<p>You can experience the heart of Sonoma County through Balletto Family Vineyards wines, where tradition meets innovation, and every sip celebrates life's finest moments. A toast to winemaking!</p>
<p>Source by- <a href="https://www.atoallinks.com/2023/winery-profile-balletto-family-vineyards/">https://www.atoallinks.com/2023/winery-profile-balletto-family-vineyards/</a></p></div>Why Sonoma, California Is the Ideal Getaway for Any Wine Loverhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sonoma-california-wine-country-tourism-travel2023-09-08T06:07:11.000Z2023-09-08T06:07:11.000ZBottle Barnhttps://tripatini.com/members/BottleBarn<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12219341293?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Sonoma County, with its picturesque landscapes and world-class wineries, is a haven for wine lovers seeking an unforgettable getaway. Nestled in the heart of California, this region boasts a rich winemaking history and a reputation for producing a lot of great wine. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning to explore the world of <strong><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/sonoma-county">Sonoma wine</a></strong>, Sonoma offers an ideal escape filled with vineyard tours, tastings, and breathtaking views.</p>
<p>Steeped in history, Sonoma County holds a significant place in California's winemaking heritage. It was here that the state's first premium varietal wines were produced, leading the way for the flourishing wine industry that exists today. With its rolling vineyards, charming wineries, and passionate winemakers, Sonoma continues to captivate visitors seeking an immersive Sonoma wine experience.</p>
<p>Sonoma's allure extends beyond its incredible wines. The region's unique terroir and favorable climate create an ideal environment for cultivating a variety of grapes. From the rich and robust <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/cabernet-sauvignon">Cabernet Sauvignon</a> to the elegant and crisp Chardonnay, Sonoma showcases a wide range of varietals that delight any wine enthusiast worldwide. The area's proximity to the Pacific Ocean, along with its diverse soil compositions, contributes to the complexity and character found in each bottle.</p>
<h2><strong>Wineries to visit in Sonoma </strong></h2>
<p>When visiting Sonoma, you'll have the opportunity to explore a plethora of renowned wineries with wine tours, each offering a unique and memorable experience such as a Sonoma wine tasting or other great opportunities if you want to <strong><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all">buy wine</a></strong>.</p>
<p>Among the notable establishments and also popular wineries in any wine store in California, <strong>Beringer Vineyards</strong> stands out as a bastion of timeless elegance. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Beringer Vineyards welcomes visitors to indulge in their acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which showcase the region's terroir and winemaking expertise.</p>
<p>Another must-visit destination is <strong>Jordan Vineyard & Winery</strong>, a historic estate that has been crafting exceptional Sonoma wines for decades. Jordan is renowned for its meticulously crafted Bordeaux-style blends, which strike a perfect balance between elegance and structure. As you explore their vineyards, barrel cellars, and tasting room, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for their dedication to winemaking excellence.</p>
<p>For Pinot Noir enthusiasts, a wine tour to <strong>Merry Edwards Winery</strong> is a true gem. Celebrated for its superb expressions of this delicate varietal, Merry Edwards Winery offers an intimate and immersive experience. Their Pinot Noir wines are characterized by their complexity, elegance, and distinct sense of place, reflecting the unique terroir of Sonoma.</p>
<p><strong>Ravenswood Winery</strong> is another prominent player in the Sonoma wine scene, specializing in Zinfandel. With a focus on old-vine Zinfandel, Ravenswood crafts great wine of exceptional quality and character. Known for their bold flavors, richness, and complexity, their Zinfandels capture the essence of the region and make for a perfect accompaniment to grilled cuisine.</p>
<p>Immerse yourself in the charm and history of <strong>Gundlach Bundschu</strong>, one of California's oldest family-owned wineries. Located in the Sonoma Valley, Gundlach Bundschu offers a delightful range of varietals, showcasing their passion for winemaking and commitment to sustainability. From their aromatic Gewürztraminer to their luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, each sip tells a story of the tradition of Sonoma County wine and craftsmanship. </p>
<p>As you explore these wineries, you'll witness firsthand the dedication of Sonoma's winemakers and the exceptional quality of their Sonoma wines. The region's diverse microclimates and soil compositions create the ideal conditions for producing a wide range of varietals, ensuring that every visit to a Sonoma winery is a unique and enlightening experience.</p>
<h2><strong>Where to buy or taste Sonoma Wines</strong></h2>
<p>Remember, even if you can't visit these wineries in person, you can still experience the exceptional wines of Sonoma by ordering wine online. Explore reputable wine store in California and <strong><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all">online wine delivery</a></strong> platforms to buy wine and have these remarkable bottles delivered straight to your doorstep. Embrace the opportunity to taste the flavors of Sonoma from the comfort of your own home, allowing your palate to journey through the region's remarkable offerings.</p>
<p>To truly indulge in the flavors of Sonoma, explore the local wine shops and tasting rooms. Discover hidden gems and boutique wineries as you wander through Healdsburg's charming streets or explore the vibrant wine scene in Sonoma Valley. If you're unable to visit in person, fear not! You can still enjoy the exquisite wines of Sonoma by ordering online from trusted wine stores. Experience the diversity and quality of Sonoma wines delivered right to your doorstep, allowing you to savor the region's finest offerings from the comfort of your home.</p>
<p>As you indulge in the remarkable Sonoma wines, let your taste buds embark on a journey of flavor and nuance. Delight in the bold and structured <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/sonoma-county/products/2021-goldschmidt-cabernet-sauvignon-katherine-alexander-valley">Katherine Goldschmidt Stonemason Hill Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</a> or experience the elegance and complexity of <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/sonoma-county/products/2021-paul-hobbs-crossbarn-chardonnay-wa91">Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay</a>. For Pinot Noir enthusiasts, <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/sonoma-county/products/2019-flowers-pinot-noir-sonoma-coast">Flowers Sonoma Coast</a> offers a delightful exploration of the grape's delicate aromas and vibrant fruit flavors.</p>
<p>Sonoma County is an idyllic getaway for any wine lover. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the region, enjoy Sonoma wine tasting sessions, learn everything before you buy wine, and discover its renowned wineries. Whether you choose to visit in person or <strong><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all">order wine delivery</a></strong>, Sonoma's wines and this wine country will transport you to a world of sensory delight. So, raise a glass, toast to the wonders of Sonoma, and embark on a wine journey that will leave a lasting impression.</p>
<p>We invite you to explore more about the world of wine and discover additional recommendations on our <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/blogs/news">BottleBarn blog page</a>. Visit us to enhance your wine knowledge, find expert tips, and uncover new treasures waiting to be uncorked. Cheers to your wine adventures in Sonoma and beyond!</p>
<p>Source by- <a href="https://medium.com/@bottlebarn/why-sonoma-is-the-ideal-getaway-for-any-wine-lover-bb841cfb788f">https://medium.com/@bottlebarn/why-sonoma-is-the-ideal-getaway-for-any-wine-lover-bb841cfb788f</a></p></div>Google's Top 10 Most Searched Scenic Spots in the USA - Some Will Surprise You!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/united-states-google-scenic-spots2023-07-03T04:55:00.000Z2023-07-03T04:55:00.000ZVictor Blockhttps://tripatini.com/members/VictorBlock<div><div class="subscription-widget-wrap">
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<div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Eileen Tan/Dreamstime.com</em></span></div>
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<p><strong>Google</strong> recently released <a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/yis/2022/US/" target="_blank">its list of its most popular searches during 2022</a>, and when it comes to scenic spots in the <strong>United States</strong> there are some surprises. For starters, “scenic spots” in Google’s definition does not include iconic places like <strong>Vermont</strong>’s Technicolor <strong>White Mountains</strong> in fall or the yawning <strong>Grand Canyon</strong> in <strong>Arizona</strong> (and by the waym more about canyons later). Instead, Google users were primarily interested in where to see and photograph some of Mother Nature’s magnificent scenic locations, along with several monuments to man’s ingenuity. Here’s the list of the chosen ten and, for those who might wish to visit over the course of this year, a few additional surprises.</p>
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<div class="fake-input-wrapper">Interestingly, the compilation is led by <strong><a href="https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/brooklyn/dumbo/" target="_blank">DUMBO</a></strong>. No, not the pachyderm that starred in the 1941 Disney film; to New Yorkers, it's the acronym for “Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass” (top). A stretch of <strong>Washington Street</strong> in the borough of Brooklyn offering a dramatic view of the <strong>Manhattan Bridge</strong> soaring overhead with <strong>Empire State Building</strong> framed in the distance, it was the most often searched scenic spot in the country last year. (fun fact: when traffic began crossing the span in 1909, after the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges had been built, the plan was to name it simply “Bridge No. 3").</div>
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<p>Clear across the country, another span also ranks high on the list. The <strong>Golden Gate View Point</strong> in <strong>Mill Valley</strong>, a half hour north of <strong>San Francisco</strong>, is where many visitors assemble to gaze at the orange-colored overpass that connects <strong>San Francisco Bay</strong> with the <strong>Pacific Ocean</strong>. <strong>Frommer’s</strong> travel guides have described it as “possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world.” In addition to carrying vehicles and pedestrians, the Golden Gate is designated as part of <strong><a href="https://www.wikiwand.com/en/U.S._Bicycle_Route_95" target="_blank">U.S. Bicycle Route 95</a></strong>, which runs through California, <strong>Washington State</strong>, and <strong>Alaska</strong></p>
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<p>For third on this ist, I’ll place a bet you wouldn’t guess the spectacular splashing <strong><a href="https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/fountains-of-bellagio.html" target="_blank">Fountains of Bellagio</a></strong> in <strong>Las Vegas</strong> (above) project jets of water up to 460 feet skyward as lights flash and music plays. The installation has been featured onscreen aplenty, including in popular movies like <em>Ocean’s Eleven</em> and <em>Jason Bourne</em>. In 2019 <strong>Celine Dion</strong> and <strong>James Corden</strong> performed from a boat in the lake created by the fountain, reenacting a scene from the film <em>Titanic</em>.<br /> <br /> Hopping back east, it's no surprise that the Statue of Liberty, one of the nation’s most recognized landmarks, is included in this list. Popular places for viewing and photographing the robed Roman goddess of liberty include the <strong>Brooklyn Bridge</strong> and <strong>Manhattan</strong>’s <strong>Battery Park</strong>. (Another fun fact: Lady Liberty acquired her present greenish hue years after she was dedicated in 1886; government officials felt that a sea-green tone would appear softer than the original copper finish and they allowed natural chemical reactions to alter her color).</p>
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<p>Next on the list is Arizona's aptly named <strong>Horseshoe Bend</strong> (above), a meandering stretch of the <strong>Colorado River</strong> that resembles what its moniker suggests; it’s best viewed from the east rim of the Grand Canyon. Geologists predict that the river eventually will bisect the neck of the bend, producing a natural stone bridge and eliminating the curve. Don’t worry, though - this will take eons, so there's plenty of time to catch this dramatic sight!</p>
<p>Moving right along, a train ride rather than a turn in a river thrills passengers in <strong>North Carolina</strong>, where <strong><a href="https://www.gsmr.com/" target="_blank">Great Smoky Mountains Railroad</a></strong> chugs through the <strong>Nantahala National Fores</strong>t, an expanse of dense old-growth woodlands and plunging waterfalls. Among actors who have appeared in movies in which the railroad also starred are <strong>Harrison Ford</strong>, <strong>Jack Lemmon</strong>, and <strong>Sandra Bullock</strong>. If you go along for the ride, check out the <strong><a href="https://www.gsmr.com/smoky-mountain-trains-museum/" target="_blank">Smoky Mountains Trains Museum</a></strong> adjacent to the depot, featuring more than 7,000 Lionel model engines and cars and a large miniature track layout.</p>
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<div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Wirestock, Dreamstime.com</em></span></div>
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<p>Then up across the state line in <strong>Tennessee</strong>, the <strong><a href="https://www.gatlinburgskylift.com/skybridge" target="_blank">Gatlinburg SkyBridge</a></strong> offers a different kind of thrill. The longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America stretches 680 feet over a deep valley, providing panoramic views of the <strong>Great Smoky Mountains</strong>. Its 30-foot-long stretch of see-through glass isn’t for the faint of heart, but rest assured that the thick multi-layered panels are safe for those willing to take the “pass the glass” test.</p>
<p>A Grand Canyon also makes the list, but not the world-famous one in Arizona. <strong>Pine Creek Gorge</strong> is a 45-mile-long slash with depths up to 1,500 feet that’s grandiosely known as "the Grand Canyon of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>" for its steep walls and plummeting waterfalls. The <strong>Pine Creek Rail Trail</strong>, a converted railroad bed that follows the canyon floor, is perfect for hiking and biking; <strong><em>USA Today</em> </strong>ranks it among the 10 best places in the world for a bike tour. <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11578683492,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11578683492,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11578683492?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/beverly-hills-sign-5402913/" target="_blank">David Vives/Pexels</a></em></span></p>
<p>Another surprise: coming in ninth is a <strong>Los Angeles</strong> sign but not the famous one that spells <strong>HOLLYWOOD</strong>. This landmark identifies <strong>Beverly Hills</strong> (above), the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood that’s associated with lavish estates owned by celebrities; the 40-foot emblem we see today in the linear <strong><a href="https://www.beverlyhills.org/departments/communityservices/cityparks/beverlygardenspark/?NFR=1" target="_blank">Beverly Gardens Park</a></strong> is actually a replica of one built in 1907. During spring and summer, a beautiful pond in front of the letters comes alive with blooming lilies, making for the perfect photo backdrop.</p>
<p>Last on the list - though certainly not in the hearts of its many fans - is the <strong><a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/glacierpoint.htm" target="_blank">Glacier Point</a></strong> overlook in <strong><a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm" target="_blank">Yosemite National Park</a></strong>. Perched at an elevation of 7,214 feet, it offers superb views of several of the park’s best-known landmarks. In winter, cross-country skiers may experience the view after a 10½-mile slosh through snow. The Glacier Point Road usually is open from late May through October or November, but recently was closed for repairs.</p>
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</div></div>Sweet Solvang, California Is Cool for Both Culture and Naturehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/solvang-california-attractions-tourism-travel2023-06-13T08:55:00.000Z2023-06-13T08:55:00.000ZSimon Hopeshttps://tripatini.com/members/SimonHopes<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11580776675,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11580776675,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11580776675?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://garystockbridge617.getarchive.net/media/solvang-in-santa-barbara-county-california" target="_blank">Carol Highsmith</a></em></span><strong><br /> <br /> <br /> Great Danes!</strong></span><br /> <br /> Nestled in <strong>Southern California</strong>'s <strong>Santa Ynez Valley</strong>, a 45-minute drive north of <strong>Santa Barbara</strong> and a bit over two hours from <strong>Los Angeles</strong>, this small town of just over 6,100 offers visitors a unique blend of nature and culture. One of Solvang's top attractions is its unique Danish, which you can explore by strolling its charming streets. Founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, and its downtown remodeled in the 1940s to reflect that country's architectural heritage, Solvang has a rich cultural heritage delightful to both the eye and stomach. Apart a self-guided walking tour to learn more about local history and architecture - including landmarks like the <strong>Little Mermaid Fountain</strong>, <strong>Round Tower</strong>, a giant red clog, and no fewer than five windmills - visitors can explore the <strong><a href="https://www.elverhoj.org/" target="_blank">Elverhøj Museum of History & Art</a></strong>, which showcases the town's Danish heritage, and the <strong><a href="https://solvangca.com/museum/h1.htm" target="_blank">Hans Christian Andersen Museum</a></strong>, which of course focuses on the 19th-century Danish author most famous for his fairy tales. Other notable local attractions narrated tours on the horse-drawn <strong><a href="https://www.solvangusa.com/directory/solvang-trolley-carriage-company/" target="_blank">Solvang Trolley</a></strong>, the <a href="https://wildlingmuseum.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Wildling Museum of Art and Nature</strong></a>, the <strong><a href="https://www.motosolvang.com/" target="_blank">Vintage Motorcycle Museum</a></strong>, the <strong><a href="https://thecopenhagenhouse.com/solvang-amber-museum/" target="_blank">Amber Museum</a></strong>, and the early-19th-century Spanish <a href="https://missionsantaines.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Old Mission Santa Inés</strong></a>, still a Roman Catholic parish church.<br /> <br /> And when you're ready to sample some of Solvang's delicious Danish and other cuisines, try restaurants like Bit o' Denmark and <a href="https://www.solvangusa.com/dining/" target="_blank">more than two dozen other excellent eateries</a> (including at least five Danish bakeries). Top specialties include <em>frikadeller</em> (meatballs in brown gravy with boiled potatoes), rullepolse (a pork cold cut filled with herbs and seasonings, kringle (a pretzel-shaped pastry), and Danish wafflers (a puff pastry baked, rolled in sugar, and stuffed with raspberry jam and buttercream filling).<br /> <br /> And for an extra dose of Scandinavian heritage, come visit during <strong><a href="https://www.solvangusa.com/things-to-do/danish-days/" target="_blank">Danish Days</a></strong> in mid-September and the Christmas season's cheerful <strong><a href="https://solvangjulefest.org/" target="_blank">Julefest</a></strong>. <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11595421479,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11595421479,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11595421479?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.fessparker.com/gallery" target="_blank">Fess Parker Winery</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Great Outdoors & Wine<br /> </strong></span></p>
<p>The town is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including rolling hills with some of California's best trails for <a href="https://www.theoutbound.com/united-states/california/solvang/hiking" target="_blank">hiking</a> and <a href="https://www.solvangusa.com/things-to-do/cycling/" target="_blank">biking</a>, as well as scenic drives in California (out here the <strong><a href="https://www.alisalranch.com/?NCK=8662211474&msclkid=db8194f4f3b513276215f077ccbe55ad" target="_blank">Alisal Ranch</a> </strong>offers guided horseback rides through the valley's rolling hills and vineyards).</p>
<p>And speaking of vineyards, Solvang is also surrounded by more than 125 wineries producing some of the world's best vintages and many accepting visitors for tours and tasting; among of the most popular are half-century-old <strong><a href="https://www.firestonewine.com/" target="_blank">Firestone Vineyard</a></strong>, <a href="https://www.fessparker.com/fess-parker-wines" target="_blank"><strong>Fess Parker Winery</strong></a> (above, founded in 1988 by the actor famous for playing Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone on TV in the 1950s and 60s), and <strong><a href="https://sunstonewinery.com/" target="_blank">Sunstone Winery</a></strong>, in business since 1990 and with an enphasis on environmental sustainability.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11595503501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11595503501,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11595503501?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://kingfrederikinn.com/gallery/" target="_blank">King Frederik Inn<br /> </a></em></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Best Places to Stay</strong></span></p>
<p>There are <a href="https://www.solvangusa.com/where-to-stay/" target="_blank">some two dozen good-quality hotels</a> to choose from in the area, and here are a pair of prime picks: <strong><br /> <br /> <a href="https://kingfrederikinn.com/" target="_blank">The King Frederik Inn</a></strong><br /> <br /> Named after the king of Denmark when it was founded in 1960, this is a unique and unforgettable downtown Solvang experience (above) for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the area's Danish culture, which extends to its charming architecture, cozy rooms, and warm hospitality. The lobby features traditional Danish décor, including a cozy fireplace and comfortable seating areas, creating a space that is both inviting and relaxing. Each of the rooms is also decorated in the traditional Danish style, with cozy furnishings, warm colors, and unique touches that give each room its own character. Whether you're staying in a standard room or a luxurious suite, you'll feel right at home in the cozy and comfortable surroundings. The courtyard features colorful flowers, winding pathways, charming benches, as well as an outdoor pool. Breakfast included; no pets.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.peasoupandersens.com/" target="_blank">Pea Soup Andersen's Inn</a></strong></p>
<p>Starting out as just a restaurant (hence the name), another great and atmospheric option in the nearby town of <strong>Buellton</strong> offers nearly 100 comfortable rooms and easy access to some of the area's best cultural and natural attractions. Rooms featuring all the amenities you need to feel at home, including flat-screen TVs, excellent beds, and free Wi-Fi (several even have working fireplaces to help keep toastier during those 40⁰ Fahrenheit winter nights). <a href="https://www.peasoupandersens.net/" target="_blank">The famous restaurant is still here</a>, and other amenities include a heated pool and whirlpool.</p>
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<p>For more information, check out <a href="https://www.solvangusa.com/" target="_blank">SolvangUSA.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p></div>13 of the Top Recreational Lakes to Enjoy in Californiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/california-lakes-swimming-boating-ecotourism-outdoor-recreation2023-05-06T06:25:00.000Z2023-05-06T06:25:00.000ZAdy Kanghttps://tripatini.com/members/AdyKang<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11026565463,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11026565463,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11026565463?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.wallpaperflare.com/big-bear-lake-united-states-go-sightseeing-mountain-cloud-sky-wallpaper-whxpr" target="_blank">Wallpaper Flare</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The <strong>Golden State</strong> is a bonanza for lovers of nature and the great outdoors, and in addition to natural beauty, its most stunning freshwater reservoir lakes usually offer a plethora of activities and amenities - swimming, boating, fishing, and various other pursuits on the lands surrounding them. And here's a round-up of some of the state's most popular with visitors from near and far:</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.bigbear.com/" target="_blank">Big Bear Lake</a></span><br /> </strong></p>
<p>Located at an altitude of more than 6,700 feet In the 824,000-acre <strong>San Bernardino National Forest</strong>, about two hours east of <strong>Los Angeles</strong>, snow- and rain-fed <strong>Big Bear</strong> (top) is seven miles long, about 2½ miles at its widest, and reaches up to 72 feet in depth. In warm weather it's popular - especially with Angelenos looking for a cool mountain escape - for fishing, boating, kayaking, and water skiing, though because of obstacles near shore as well as the water's coldness (it can drop as low as the 30s Fahrenheit), swimming isn't encouraged. The surrounding pine forests are also popular for hiking, biking, quad riding, ziplining, and other adventure activities, as well as skiing and snowboarding in winter.<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="https://www.visitplacer.com/donner-lake/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Donner Lake</span></a><br /> </strong></p>
<p>In the northern California town of <strong>Truckee</strong>, close to the <strong>Nevada</strong> border (just a half hour from <strong>Reno</strong>, in fact) and a three-hour drive from <strong>San Francisco</strong>, it's named after the ill-fated Donner Party, wagon-train pioneers who were stranded near here in 1846 and became notorious for resorting to cannibalism to survive. These days the lake - just over 2½ miles long and up to a half mile wide - provides a much happier experience, with swimming, fishing (its trout are among Cali's largest), boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, and picnicking along its shores. In nearby <strong><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503" target="_blank">Donner Memorial State Park</a></strong>, folks like to hike, mountain bike, and camp, and in wintertime go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=500" target="_blank">Folsom Lake</a></span><br /> </strong></p>
<p>About an hour and a half south of Donner Lake and a half hour from state capital <strong>Sacramento</strong>, in the foothills of the <strong>Sierra Nevada Mountains</strong>, this lake - 18,450 acres in size, with 75 miles of shoreline - is the result of the damming of the <strong>American River</strong>, and the <strong>Folsom Lake State Recreation Area</strong> is one of the most popular in the California state park system. All the usual fun activities are on offer - swimming, boating, kayaking. canoeing, Jetskiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing - and land options include camping, hiking, mountain biking, and a bit more unusually, horseback riding.There are also a bevy of nearby attractions, including the charming town of <strong><a href="https://visitfolsom.com/" target="_blank">Folsom</a></strong>, with a historic district dating back to the time of its mid-19th-century gold-rush-era founding; and the city of <a href="https://www.visitsacramento.com/" target="_blank">Sacramento</a> with its own considerable array of attractions. <sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference" style="line-height:1;white-space:nowrap;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11.2px;color:#202122;font-family:sans-serif;letter-spacing:normal;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px;background-color:#ffffff;"></sup></p>
<p><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11026579867,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11026579867,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11026579867?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/celine181/7239881050" target="_blank">Céline Colin</a></em></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><br /> <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/17" target="_blank">Lake Berryessa</a></span><br /> </strong></p>
<p>Here's a lake-and-wine-country two-fer! The largest in <strong>Napa County</strong> (16 miles long and three wide), about two hours north of San Francisco, this one (above) was formed in the 1950s by the damming of <strong>Putah Creek</strong>. known for boating, water sports, and jet skiing. Various sandy beaches and marinas also provide great swimming and fishing as well all kinds of boating - from kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing to sailing and motorboating - along with waterskiing and Jetskiing. And the area around the lake is popular for picknicking, hiking, biking, motorbiking, birding, and wildlife spotting.<span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.countyofsb.org/637/Cachuma-Lake" target="_blank">Lake Cachuma</a></span><br /> </strong></p>
<p>Covering 3,100 acres of SoCal's <strong>Santa Ynez Valley</strong> near the charming town of <strong><a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/solvang-california-attractions-tourism-travel?edited=1" target="_blank">Solvang</a></strong>, here swimming and other "body-contact" aquatic fun are a no-no because it's used for drinking water (though this doesn't obviously isn't considered an issue with most other Cali reservoir lakes). But kayaking, canoeing, and boating are fine, and visitors can also enjoy the scenic beach as well as the nearby oak forests, filled with hiking tracks, picnic spots, and options for tent camping, RVs, and cabin and yurt rentals. There's also bar and grill as well as a clubhouse with a pool and other activities.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Lake Havasu</span><br /> </strong></p>
<p>In the state's southeast corner and shared with <strong>Arizona</strong>, this 19,000-acre reservoir, 45 miles long and created from the <strong>Colorado River</strong>, is bordered by desert landscapes and is famous for fishing (especially bass), boating, houseboating, sailing, water- and Jetskiing, and like pursuits. Swimming is mostly off watercraft because the rugged shoreline is largely inaccessible by land; there are, however, some tent and RV campsites nearby</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.golakehemet.com/" target="_blank">Lake Hemet</a></span><br /> </strong></p>
<p>Nestled in the <strong>San Jacinto Mountains</strong> an hour southwest of <strong>Palm Springs</strong> and two east of <strong>Los Angeles</strong>, this 470-acre reservoir with 12 miles of shoreline is one of the state's oldest, created in 1895 Besides swimming, folks like to come here to fish for bass, crappie, bluegill, trout, and catfish. You can rent pontoon boats, outboard motorboats, kayaks, and canoes, and camping options include regular tents, "glamping" tents, RVs, and cabins. There's also a café and a store stocking food and souvenirs. And if you're lucky, you might even spot an eagle soaring overhead!</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11026584260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11026584260,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11026584260?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://pixabay.com/es/photos/lake-tahoe-california-monta%C3%B1a-1591339/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>12019</em></span><br /> </a></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://visitlaketahoe.com/" target="_blank">Lake Tahoe</a></span><br /> </strong></p>
<p>Up north and also shared with another state, this time <strong>Nevada</strong>, at up to 22 miles long and 12 mi. wide Cali's most famous lake is also its largest in terms of volume as well as the entire USA's largest after the <strong>Great Lakes</strong>. It attracts people especially because of its scenic beauty - including its cobalt-colored water and gorgeous views of the surrounding <strong>Sierra Nevada Mountains</strong> - as well as its huge array of fun options on both water and land. In addition to the usual array mentioned at all the preceding lakes, the Tahoe area also offers a huge raft of facilities and amenities include good golfing; relaxing spas; a vairiety of shops and galleries; several casinos; a great dining scene; several family-oriented attractions; and in winter a raft of skiing and other winter sports options. (And by the way, Lake Tahoe made rare good environmental news this past month due to a scientific report stating that its clarity is now the best in 40 years thanks to the natural recovery of zooplankton which cleanse the water.)</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/mono-lake/" target="_blank">Mono Lake</a></span><br /> <br /> </strong>This relatively small lake (13 mi. long by just over nine wide) two hours south of Tahoe is rather different from the rest on this list because it's both natural and saline rather than freshwater.Plus along its shores you'll find jagged tufa towers created by fresh water bubbling up through the alkaline waters of the lake - which also sustain billions of brine shrimp, which in turn attract scores of migratory birds. Swimming here is a special experience because you have the feeling of floating like a cork, and boating and kayaking are also popular pastimes. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=651" target="_blank">Perris Lake</a></strong></span></p>
<p>Farther south in the region known as the Inland Empire, a half hour southeast of the city of <strong>Riverside</strong> and an hour and a half from <strong>L.A.</strong>, this 40-year-old reservoir offers the usual swimming, boating/kayaking, and fishing, while in the surrounding rocky scrubland of the state recreation area folks come to go picknicking, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, and biking. There's also an interesting museum of local Native American culture.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11027610080,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11027610080,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11027610080?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/47746669372" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Pyramid Dam and Pyramid Lake, California, USA</em></span></a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:line-through;font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://water.ca.gov/What-We-Do/Recreation/Pyramid-Lake-Recreation" target="_blank"><br /> </a></strong></span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://water.ca.gov/What-We-Do/Recreation/Pyramid-Lake-Recreation" target="_blank">Pyramid Lake</a></strong></span><br /> <br /> On the other side of L.A., just over an hour north and surrounded by the <span style="font-size:1em;"><strong>Angeles</strong> and <strong>Los Padres National Forests</strong>,</span> this 1,360-acre reservoir built in 1972 is named for a nearby pyramid-shaped rock carved out during the building of the nearby highway. There are a number of sandy stretches, the most popular of which is <strong>Vaquero Beach</strong> near the <strong>Vista del Lago Visitor Center</strong>, with swimming, picnicking, and rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.cityofshastalake.org/" target="_blank">Shasta Lake</a></span><br /> </strong><br /> Up north just outside the town of <strong>Redding</strong> and some 3½ hours north of <strong>San Francisco</strong>, this is the state's largest reservioir - at nearly 47 square miles in size, with 370 miles of shoreline - created by the enormous <strong>Shasta Dam</strong>, the USA's second largest (of which you can take a free tour), with <strong> Mount Shasta</strong> looming more than 14,000 feet above. In addition to the usual menu of swimming, boating, and fishing (bass, catfish, crappie, and sturgeon), one of the main allures here is houseboating, with a variety of models from basic to luxurious available for rent. Another cool local attraction is a guided tour of <strong><a href="https://www.lakeshastacaverns.com/" target="_blank">Lake Shasta Caverns</a></strong>, accessible only by water. <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11026599897,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11026599897,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11026599897?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Silverwood_Lake,_San_Bernardino_Mountains_4-11-15a_%2816917252147%29.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>inkknife_2000</em></span></a></p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=650" target="_blank">Silverwood Lake</a></span><br /> </strong></p>
<p>A bit more modest in size (976 acres, 13 miles of shoreline), here's another Southern California Inland Empire favorite - nestled in the <strong>San Bernardino National Forest</strong> about an hour from L.A. - for swimming (with two beaches), boating (various classes of watercraft available for rent), stand-up paddleboarding, waterskiing, windsurfing, and fishing (bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and trout). You can buy food and other stuff at the marina; at the lake's southern end you can find a concentration of lakeside tent and RV sites; and in the surrounding 2,400 acres of ancient Douglas firs and black oaks there's plenty of great hiking on 13 miles of trails. </p>
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<p>Check out some surprising options and deals in <a href="https://www.ethiopianairlines.airlinevault.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ethiopian Airlines tickets</a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p> </p></div>Yosemite National Park: Scenic Sights Overwhelm the Senseshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/yosemite-national-park-california-usa-united-states2021-12-06T11:10:00.000Z2021-12-06T11:10:00.000ZFyllis Hockmanhttps://tripatini.com/members/FyllisHockman<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585497,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585497,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132585497?profile=original" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Haveseen/Dreamstime.com</em></span></p>
<p><br /> When I encountered my first giant sequoia in <strong>Mariposa Grove</strong>, my head did not tilt back far enough to see the top. Walking around the trunk practically required a GPS. Leaving noise and civilization behind to walk among these ancient trees brought us to the famous "Grizzly Giant," the grove’s elder statesman, which rivals the Statue of Liberty in height and sports a branch extending outward that is larger than the trunks of most trees.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585854,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585854,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132585854?profile=original" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Anna Dudko/Dreamstime.com</em></span></p>
<p> <br /> Welcome to just one of the many natural wonders of <strong>Yosemite National Park</strong>, about four hours north of Los Angeles. The expanse of Yosemite is invigorating, a place where people have always gone for social distancing; its history immersive, its beauty immeasurable, its tiny towns intriguing. Yosemite is a visceral experience: you not only see its grandeur, you feel it inhabit your body.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585877,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585877,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132585877?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Visit Yosemite/Madera County</em></span></p>
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<p>Driving through the park along hilly, winding roads overlooking the tree line beside you and towards the mountains ahead is but a harbinger of the visual delights yet to come. Those that have succumbed to the ever-more-present California wildfires add a touch of sadness to the otherwise exhilarating drive.</p>
<p><strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">You Can Spend Days Exploring Yosemite - But You Don't Have To</span><br /> </strong></p>
<p><br /> Unless you plan to spend days exploring the park from all four entry points, accept the fact that the park is huge and you’re only going to see the merest fraction of it -- 90 percent of visitors see only 3 percent of the park -- but it will be enough to enthrall nonetheless. And there are options right outside the park as well that beg to be noticed.</p>
<p>When you think of Yosemite, maybe you visualize waterfalls and scenic overlooks; perhaps mining towns and giant sequoias; or even bountiful hiking trails and old historic villages. You probably don’t picture 15,000 fossils from close to 800,000 years ago or a collection of <strong>Ansel Adams</strong> photos or any number of museums that are themselves small gems of mining, ranching, Native American and logging lifestyles.</p>
<p>That’s the ying and yang of Yosemite – the many things you come to the park to see and then the lesser-known attractions that populate <strong>Madera County</strong> that you never expected. It makes for an enticing combination.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132585679?profile=original" width="750" /></a>The Fossil Discovery Center in Madera County, California has one of the largest collection of fossils from the Middle-Pleistocene era Photo courtesy of Visit Yosemite/Madera County</em></span></p>
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<p>There is no way to prepare for the indescribable thrill of Glacier Point. The expansive roadside vistas make scenic overlook signs woefully inadequate. Dramatic multi-colored layers of massive rock formations reaching ever-skyward, punctuated by occasional waterfalls breaking through the sepia-toned line of sight. And not just any waterfall – but Yosemite Falls, at 2425 feet, one of the largest in North America. </p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132586070,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132586070,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132586070?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Glacier Point’s view of the famous Half-Dome in California’s Yosemite National Park is breathtakingly beautiful Photo by Pneison/Dreamstime.com</em></span></p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Natural Wonders Abound</span><br /> </strong></p>
<p><br /> The famous Half Dome dominates the landscape and as trite as it sounds, especially for one whose career is devoted to words, it is one of the most spectacular creations of nature I’ve ever encountered. Or as overhead from a three-year-old: “That’s a big wow!”</p>
<p>Did I mention that the views are deceptively unending and can be observed from multiple angles, each eliciting a new round of oohs and aahs? Mountainous cliffs that go on and on seemingly beyond infinity and certainly beyond one’s imagination.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132586091,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132586091,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132586091?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Yosemite Falls is one of the largest in North America Photo courtesy of Visit Yosemite/Madera County</em></span></p>
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<p>Give yourself time to recover a bit before approaching El Capitan. Sheer cliffs hundreds of feet high that for some inexcusable reason people actually choose to climb. I was happy to watch the little ant-like creatures from below.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585900,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132585900,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132585900?profile=original" width="750" /></a>You need binoculars to see the climbers on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park Photo by Erin Donalson/Dreamstime.com</em></span></p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Soaring Signts & Ground-Level Attractions Entice Throughout the Park</span><br /> </strong></p>
<p> <br /> Unless you easily tire of endless photo ops, take the time to stop – a lot. And appreciate yet another opportunity to revel in nature’s gifts; to reflect upon where you are, and where you probably will often want to return. And for a change of pace from ogling – and to give your neck a chance to re-align itself -- a fun excursion on the 1928 Sugar Pine Railroad Midnight Special is called for. Four miles of tracks take you through decades of history recounting the lumber industry and Gold Rush era that defined the area in the late 1800’s.</p>
<p>For railroad buffs, they use one of the world’s largest narrow gauge Shay locomotives still operational today. And you’ll be riding in open-air log flumes replicating the way Sugar Pine lumber was transported from the mountains down the rivers to their land-based destinations. You’re reliving history – but before you go, you get to eat a traditional lumberjack’s barbecue dinner – steak, hot dogs, succotash and baked beans -- accompanied by some traditional lumberjack sing-a-longs, all the while under the very Sugar Pine trees responsible for the historic majesty.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132586471,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132586471,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132586471?profile=original" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>The Sugar Pine Railroad transports you through decades of lumber industry history in the Sierra National Forest Photo courtesy of Visit Yosemite/Madera County</em></span></p>
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<p>The Kids’ Depot, a large toy store, will probably appeal to the kids more than the history of the lumber industry until they learn they can actually pan for gold. Not exactly a replica of the 1849 Gold Rush, but don’t tell that to a five-year-old. Folks a whole lot older than five, listening to the specific panning instructions and trying their hand at the age-old get-rich-quick venture, were just as transfixed. It’s a meaningful and nostalgic way to wrap up a visit to Yosemite National Park. Your neck will thank you. </p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9132586652,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9132586652,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9132586652?profile=original" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Both kids and adults enjoy trying their hand at panning for gold at the Sugar Pine Railroad depot Photo by Victor Block</em></span></p>
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<p>For more information about visiting Yosemite National Park, log onto <a href="http://nps.gov/yose" target="_blank">nps.gov/yose</a>. For information about exploring Yosemite's southern gateway communities in Madera County visit, <a href="http://yosemitethistear.com/" target="_blank">YosemitetHistear.com</a></p>
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<p> </p></div>8 Top Activities of Pismo Beach, Californiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/top-8-activities-of-pismo-beach-california2018-08-23T19:56:44.000Z2018-08-23T19:56:44.000ZOlivia Bondhttps://tripatini.com/members/OliviaBond<div><p><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Pismo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Pismo.jpg" class="align-center" alt="Pismo.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pismo.jpg" target="_blank">Nodq</a></em></span></p><p><br /> <br /> In California's San Luis Obispo County, some 3½ hours north of Los Angeles, this charming small town is known for its beaches and wineries, but also has a number of other cool attractions well worth your time, from historical to cultural. Here are eight of the coolest; for a complete list of Pismo Beach attractions, click <a href="https://www.triphobo.com/places/pismo-beach-united-states/things-to-do" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p></p><h2>Be enchanted by butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Grove.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/1-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" target="_blank"><img src="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/1-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" class="align-center" alt="1-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" /></a></h2><h2>Enjoy the sunset at Pismo Pier.</h2><h2><br /> <br /> <a href="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/2-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" target="_blank"><img src="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/2-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" class="align-center" alt="2-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" /></a></h2><h2>Explore sand banks in buggies at Oceano Pismo Dunes Preserve.</h2><h2><br /> <a href="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/3-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" target="_blank"><img src="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/3-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" class="align-center" alt="3-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" /></a></h2><h2><br /> <br /> Walk through eccentric Bubblegum Alley.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/4-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" target="_blank"><img src="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/4-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" class="align-center" alt="4-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" /></a></h2><h2>Take your kids for an enjoyable time at the Dinosaur Caves Park.</h2><h2><br /> <a href="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/5-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" target="_blank"><img src="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/5-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" class="align-center" alt="5-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" /></a></h2><h2><br /> Unwind with a glass of wine at Tastes of The Valleys Wine Bar and Shop.</h2><h2><br /> <a href="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/6-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" target="_blank"><img src="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/6-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" class="align-center" alt="6-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" /></a></h2><h2>Take your kids to Central Coast Aquarium.</h2><h2><br /> <a href="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/7-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" target="_blank"><img src="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/7-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" class="align-center" alt="7-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" /></a></h2><h2>Head towards the nearby Point San Luis Lighthouse.</h2><h2><br /> <a href="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/8-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" target="_blank"><img src="https://gofortravelblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/8-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" class="align-center" alt="8-pismo-beach.jpg?w=525" /></a></h2><div id="wordads-preview-parent" class="wpcnt"></div></div>An Oasis in Death Valley is Restored Beyond Its Original Grandeurhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/an-oasis-in-death-valley-is-restored-beyond-its-original-grandeur2018-03-30T00:04:20.000Z2018-03-30T00:04:20.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisDesertScene.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisDesertScene.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="OasisDesertScene.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">When exploring the vast open spaces of the Western United States, millions of travelers visit iconic National Parks like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. For the uninitiated, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm">Death Valley National Park</a> may appear to simply be a wasteland with record breaking temperatures famous for frying eggs on blacktop. But dig deeper and you have one of the country’s largest National Parks with extremely comfortable daytime winter and early spring temperatures rarely climbing above 85 degrees. There are magnificent striations of color in the barren landscape that change by the minute as the sun's light changes angle. The tranquility of utter silence is bathed in natural beauty resembling the surface of another planet rather than simply a desert.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnExteriorDetail-1024x575.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnExteriorDetail-1024x575.jpeg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="OasisInnExteriorDetail-1024x575.jpeg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">At the center of it all is a natural spring fed oasis nestled into a lush hillside ringed by date palms, gardens, pools, and even a nearby golf course. First discovered by Native peoples, a steady stream of visitors soon followed including 49er prospectors during the California Gold Rush, legendary Borax 20 Mule Teams, and Hollywood film crews along with throngs of curiosity seekers and tourists. Remaining the only place to stay in the National Park, Furnace Creek Resort was built here in 1927 and is now AAA Four-Diamond <a href="https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/">The Oasis at Death Valley</a> undergoing a multi-million-dollar renaissance.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnLobby.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnLobby.jpg?width=984" class="align-center" width="984" alt="OasisInnLobby.jpg?width=984" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><b>The Inn at Death Valley</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /> Featuring 66 newly refurbished rooms resulting from a complete rehab from frame to furnishings, everything in the Inn including the lobby was stripped of dated and ill advised upgrades over the years covering up the property's original Spanish Colonial Revival Mission style architectural grandeur.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnRoom-1024x682.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnRoom-1024x682.jpeg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="OasisInnRoom-1024x682.jpeg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Inn’s renowned dining room and bar once again sports polished wood and Saltillo tile flooring, new banquette seating, walls adorned with period paintings from the owner’s personal collection, and original exposed timber beamed ceilings. Expanded outdoor terraced seating includes sweeping views shaded by pergolas shrouded by vines and misters.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnPoolDusk2-1024x682.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnPoolDusk2-1024x682.jpeg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="OasisInnPoolDusk2-1024x682.jpeg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The addition of cabanas and a poolside bar further enhances the spring-fed 85 degree pool surrounded by an extensive patio and rows of barrel palms. A renovated fitness center, sauna, and massage rooms all overlook the serenity of a cascading stream running through the lush Oasis Gardens.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnSpring.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisInnSpring.jpeg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="OasisInnSpring.jpeg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">22 new private 2-bedroom casitas are being built right on the periphery while across the street, the <a href="https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/connect/stories/till-death-valley-do-us-part/">Mission Gardens</a>, originally the site of the inn's original laundry facilities now hosts event space for meetings and retreats.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisRanchExterior-1.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisRanchExterior-1.jpeg?width=964" class="align-center" width="964" alt="OasisRanchExterior-1.jpeg?width=964" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><b>The Ranch at Death Valley</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Ranch portion of the property is a mile down Route 190 from the Inn. Evolving from its initial 1950s footprint as a simple motor lodge with rooms and accompanying patios overlooking a grassy courtyard shaded by century old willow trees to the back, everything at The Ranch is being redesigned and redeveloped. What was once a barren parking out in front with many disparate components like a Post office, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/indooractivities.htm">Borax Museum</a>, and riding stables will be tied together with a mission-style town square where resort guests and Death Valley visitors alike can gather and trade stories.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisRanchSquareAtDusk-1024x383.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisRanchSquareAtDusk-1024x383.jpeg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="OasisRanchSquareAtDusk-1024x383.jpeg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A wrap-around portico will overlook the square and central fountain while inside, a town-hall-style hotel reception area will accompany a real general store, old fashioned ice cream counter, buffet, and authentic Western Saloon complete with swinging doors a la <em>Gunsmoke</em>.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisRanchPool-1024x575.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisRanchPool-1024x575.jpeg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="OasisRanchPool-1024x575.jpeg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A large spring-fed pool for guests will remain and retro touches like hitching posts and troughs will provide a historical as well as practical repose particularly for those on horseback from the onsite stables.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisSolar.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisSolar.jpg?width=982" class="align-center" width="982" alt="OasisSolar.jpg?width=982" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><b>Energy Efficiency</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Dependent on their own energy sources and water from the beginning, <a href="https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/">The Oasis at Death Valley</a> utilizes even fewer resources than before thanks to the latest technological advances like Auralast Low E 366 glazing on the windows, low-flow water fixtures, and capture and reuse of gray water whenever possible. Low wattage energy efficient LED or compact fluorescent down lit outdoor lighting is powered by solar according to time of day and usage requirements reducing light pollution protecting the night skies.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisDesertScene-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisDesertScene-1.jpg?width=978" class="align-center" width="978" alt="OasisDesertScene-1.jpg?width=978" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><b>Dark Sky</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">George Lucas was so taken aback by Death Valley's stunning natural beauty that he filmed scenes for the original Star Wars movies at nearby <em>Dante's View</em>, <em>Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes</em>, and <em>Golden Canyons</em>. The Oasis has you covered with an exclusive map of all the filming locations, many of which are easily accessible by car.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/oasisnightsky-1024x683.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/oasisnightsky-1024x683.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="oasisnightsky-1024x683.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">But Death Valley is equally stunning once the breathtaking western sunsets give way to expansive night skies with endless stars and the Milky Way visible on clear nights without a telescope. Total darkness is increasingly hard to find across the globe and those seeking dark skies for witnessing astronomical wonders make Death Valley a must-visit destination as one of the only gold-tier designated <a href="http://www.darksky.org/idsp/parks/">International Dark Sky Parks</a> in the United States. Staff in conjunction with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society host a series of <a href="https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/plan/stargazing/">Star Parties</a> and moonlit horseback rides.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisGolfCourse-1-e1522072239188.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisGolfCourse-1-e1522072239188.jpg?width=979" class="align-center" width="979" alt="OasisGolfCourse-1-e1522072239188.jpg?width=979" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><b>Golf <br /></b></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:12pt;">At 214 feet below sea level, The Oasis's on site golf course is the world's lowest. You may wonder why anybody would even think of building a golf course in Death Valley where water is such a precious resource but this USGA sanctioned 18 hole course has been in place since the resort opened over 90 years ago and now utilizes the latest in water conservation technology.</span></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisGolfCoursePond.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisGolfCoursePond.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="OasisGolfCoursePond.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:12pt;">13.70 acres of turf were replaced with regionally appropriate desert plantings watered by computerized single head drip irrigation zoned by plant type, water requirement, and sun exposure. A new reinforced polyethylene (RPE) lake liner in the course's irrigation pond prevents seepage of tens of thousands of gallons of water.</span></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisGolfCourseDriveUp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/OasisGolfCourseDriveUp.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="OasisGolfCourseDriveUp.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">At the end of your game, be sure to steer your golf cart over to the 19th-hole drive-in lunch counter accessible by ramp and place your order for their classic <em>Back Nine Burger</em> or a Birdie Sandwich.</span></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Coverage made possible by participating in a sponsored tasting. Photos courtesy of The Oasis at Death Valley & Steve Mirsky.</em></span></blockquote></div>California's Paso Robles Collective Producing World-Class Bordeauxhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/paso-robles-california-bordeaux-wineries2018-01-19T18:18:05.000Z2018-01-19T18:18:05.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pasorobleshistoricpic.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pasorobleshistoricpic.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="pasorobleshistoricpic.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /> A small city at the lower end of northern California, Paso Robles dates back to the Spanish mission era of the 18th century, and wine making may have here as early as 1797, but it wasn’t until six wineries were established throughout the 1940s that the region began developing a reputation for premium California wine.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CABCollectiveEvent.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CABCollectiveEvent.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="CABCollectiveEvent.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Fast forward to today where some reds, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, "out Bordeaux" France's Bordeaux and rival certain internationally recognized wine regions north of San Francisco. <a href="http://www.pasoroblescab.com/">The Paso Robles CAB Collective</a> was established in 2012 to protect and promote small independent wineries that make these distinctive vintages possible. To put things into perspective, nearly two-thirds of Paso Robles' wineries produce less than 5,000 cases.</span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/fromaggeriesofiecollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/fromaggeriesofiecollage.jpg?width=1337" class="align-center" width="1200" alt="fromaggeriesofiecollage.jpg?width=1337" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Staying in downtown Paso Robles is the most convenient lodging option but for a more edgy nightlife and cultural scene every day of the week, downtown San Luis Obispo is packed with dining and shops, <a href="https://www.slobrew.com/the-lofts/">SLO Brew Lofts</a>, soon-to-open <a href="https://www.serrahotelsandresorts.com/hotelserra">Hotel Serra</a>, and perhaps most importantly, <a href="https://www.fromageriesophie.com/">Fromagerie Sophie</a> with the area's widest selection of cheeses and picnic fixings, providing the perfect place for launching your CAB Collective explorations.<br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allegrettocollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allegrettocollage.jpg?width=1349" class="align-center" width="1200" alt="allegrettocollage.jpg?width=1349" /></a></p><h3>Allegretto</h3><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Thirty minutes north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 101 off exit 231, Four-Diamond AAA <a href="https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com/">Allegretto Vineyard Resort</a> is situated on a hill amidst 20 acres of vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees. Named after a sprightly Italian music tempo, Allegretto's vaulted common areas as well as 171 guestrooms and suites showcase antiques and artifacts gathered from across the globe from the owner's travels including original oil paintings and sculpture.<br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allegrettopoblanodish.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allegrettopoblanodish.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="allegrettopoblanodish.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">On site farm- to-fork dining at <a href="https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com/dining.aspx">Cello Ristorante & Bar</a> is a great place to kick off your day of tastings with hearty breakfast dishes like Poblano Chili Relleno and Huevos Rancheros. Chef Eric Olson’s rustic Northern Italian inspired dishes on the main menu utilize fresh ingredients sourced from regional farmers and ranchers.<br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allegrettotastingroom.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allegrettotastingroom.png?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="allegrettotastingroom.png?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Allegretto's onsite private label tasting room overlooks a 12,000-square-foot Tuscan inspired courtyard containing among other relaxation spaces, a French-inspired abbey. To the right of the tasting counter, a massive cross-section of a sequoia tree with rings dating back to before the Great Wall of China make for a great conversation piece particularly while sampling.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allegrettowinelineup.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/allegrettowinelineup.jpg?width=1000" width="1000" class="align-center" alt="allegrettowinelineup.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><ul><li><em><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /> Tannat, Bella Collina Vineyard, 2013</span></strong></em> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- A nose of cinnamon and anise followed by hints of red cherries. Rich, supple, bitingly sophisticated with a lingering finish.<br /> <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Zinfandel, Loma Linda Vineyard, 2013</strong></em> – Elegant and balanced with notes of white pepper, ginger, baking spices, a deep violet full bodied wine. Wild blueberries and blackberry compote across the palate.<br /> <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek Vineyard, 2013</strong></em> – Layers of black currant and green peppercorn made possible by firm yet supple tannins yield a rich mouthfeel with a long smooth finish.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberlesmallboar.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberlesmallboar.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="eberlesmallboar.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><h3><br /> Eberle Winery</h3><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Just minutes up Route 46 from Allegretto, Gary Eberle opened <a href="http://www.eberlewinery.com/">Eberle Winery</a> in the late 1970s, releasing his first 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon debuting his iconic label depicting the German origin of his surname meaning “small boar.” A replica of the original bronze <em>Porcelino</em> (Wild Boar) statue in Florence Italy is on display outside the front entrance.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberlevineyards.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberlevineyards.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="eberlevineyards.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Considered Paso Robles' pioneer winemaker, Gary's 40-acre estate vineyard surrounding the winery is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat Canelli, and Chardonnay. <em>Terroir</em> is defined by well-drained, granite-based gravely loam that absorbs relatively little rainfall curbing vigorous vine growth while optimizing ripeness.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberlegarywife.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberlegarywife.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="eberlegarywife.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Educated in cellular genetics at Louisiana State University, Eberle was bitten by the wine bug after extensively tasting first and second growth Bordeaux from his professor’s cellar. He soon enrolled in the enology doctorate program at U.C. Davis California cultivating a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon with a mission of producing American wines that now rival those coming from Bordeaux.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberleproduction-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberleproduction-1.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="eberleproduction-1.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Eberle's production facility and tasting room opened for business in 1982, and in 1991 Gary expanded underground creating Paso Robles' first underground wine cave, now 16,000 square feet. To this day, Eberle along with his son Chris still greet guests each day with complimentary wine tastings and public tours.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberlewinecave.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eberlewinecave.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="eberlewinecave.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">First to produce 100-percent Syrah in Paso Robles back in 1978, their 2015 Steinbeck Syrah exemplifies the distinction with blue & blackberry aromas and flavors with hints of chocolate espresso. Their signature 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is great for cellaring. A deluge of black cherry coats the palate with hints of cola and cedar wrapped in velvety balanced tannins. The biggest surprise here is an elegant 2015 Zinfandel that eschews the varietal's typical bold oakiness to display its tasty often overlooked nuances.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/adelaidaexterior.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/adelaidaexterior.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="adelaidaexterior.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><h3><br /> Adelaida</h3><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Nestled in the craggy mountainous terrain of the Santa Lucia range, <a href="http://www.adelaida.com/">Adelaida Vineyards & Winery</a> sources grapes from seven distinct properties totaling 168 acres. Only 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean</span> <span lang="en" xml:lang="en"><span style="font-size:12pt;">at elevations ranging from 1400-2320 feet above sea level, vineyard <em>terroir</em> is characterized by chalk rock limestone soils and afternoon blasts of cool coastal air causing temperatures to at times fluctuate 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit within 24 hours.</span><br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/adelaidavineyardcollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/adelaidavineyardcollage.jpg?width=1338" class="align-center" width="1200" alt="adelaidavineyardcollage.jpg?width=1338" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In 2013, Jeremy Weintraub took over as wine maker here straight from his success at Napa's Seavey Vineyard now creating vintages drawing from Adelaida's</span> ten<span lang="en" xml:lang="en"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Rhône varieties, old vine Pinot Noir, dry farmed Zinfandel, and mountain style Cabernet Sauvignon grown on stressed vines producing low yields with precise flavor profiles.</span><br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/adelaidatastingcollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/adelaidatastingcollage.jpg?width=1347" class="align-center" width="1200" alt="adelaidatastingcollage.jpg?width=1347" /></a></p><p><span lang="en" xml:lang="en"><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Adelaida's new <a href="http://www.adelaida.com/visit">Hospitality Center and Tasting Room</a> opened in 2016 where an old family farmhouse once sto</span></span><span lang="en" xml:lang="en"><span style="font-size:12pt;">od, providing the perfect setting for sampling their Signature <em>Viking Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon</em> aged 20 months in 50-percent new French oak, yielding well balanced tannins with fruit that's rich yet not astringent. Other favorites include their Pinot Noir HMR Estate Vineyard 2015 from vines planted in 1964 as well as a barrel fermented HMR Chardonnay from 2016 with a low PH and refreshing mouth feel.</span><br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUExterior.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUExterior.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="DAOUExterior.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><h3><br /> DAOU</h3><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Situated on a mountaintop at 2,200 feet above sea level in the rugged coastal range west of Paso Robles, <a href="https://www.daouvineyards.com/">DAOU Vineyard</a>'s 115 acres of vineyards are 68-percent dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon while the remaining acreage is planted with an eclectic mix of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon.</span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUVineyard.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUVineyard.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="DAOUVineyard.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">DAOU's terroir is blessed with a remarkable equilibrium of calcareous clay soil comparable to Bordeaux's Right Bank, yielding some of the darkest, most deeply textured and naturally acidified Bordeaux varieties, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon, in the world.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUVineyardLot.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUVineyardLot.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="DAOUVineyardLot.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">A variety of clones from France were carefully selected to match the <em>terroir</em> and microclimate of each vineyard block. All grapes are hand picked and sorted using both human eye and cutting-edge optical technology ensuring optimal fruit purity. Using only 100-percent free run juice, winemaker Daniel Daou initiates fermentation with native yeasts cultivated from the estate. Each fermentation is customized by measuring phenolic composition and sensory characteristics enabling Daniel to orchestrate natural balance and texture.</span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUBarrelRoom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUBarrelRoom.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="DAOUBarrelRoom.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">All vintages are aged in 80-percent new French oak as well as their own proprietary barrels made from <em>bois rosé</em>, a fine-grain pink oak open air aged up to five years and prized for imparting an array of complex yet subtle flavors. These <em>bois rosé</em> barrels are also finished with Daniel’s custom toasting reducing char bringing nuance and depth to the wines' finish.</span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUTastingCollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DAOUTastingCollage.jpg?width=1347" class="align-center" width="1200" alt="DAOUTastingCollage.jpg?width=1347" /></a></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Their outdoor mountaintop patio provides the perfect backdrop for sampling resulting masterpieces like their <em>2015 Eye of the Falcon</em> 83% Cabernet 17% Petit Verdot aged for 19 months in 70-percent new French oak and 2012 Reserve Zinfandel Library Wine lightly aged in 50-percent new French oak for 16 months exhibiting the grapes' delicate fruit forward essence.</span></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Photos: Steve Mirsky, PasoRoblesWineriesEast.com, pasoroblescab.com, travelpaso.com and individual wineries featured herein. Coverage made possible by participating in partially sponsored tastings.</em></span></blockquote></div>How to Enjoy California's Central Coast if the Pacific Coast Highway is Closedhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-enjoy-california-s-central-coast-if-the-pacific-coast2018-03-22T15:34:30.000Z2018-03-22T15:34:30.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CACentralCoast.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CACentralCoast.jpg?width=866" class="align-center" width="866" alt="CACentralCoast.jpg?width=866" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /> It's really hard to beat a road trip across <a href="http://www.centralcoast-tourism.com/">California's Central Coast</a>. Challenging but spectacular terrain, wine regions rivaling Napa, beach towns ranging from art enclaves to laid back surfer hangouts, and eclectic lodging at every turn drive you forward towards new discoveries. But if Mother Nature isn't cooperating and extreme weather leads to coastal mud slides over the Pacific Coast Highway, here is an alternative approach:<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sanfrancisconeighborhood.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sanfrancisconeighborhood.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="sanfrancisconeighborhood.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><h3><b><br />San Francisco Touchdown</b></h3><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br />There are other logical points of arrival for your Central Coast road trip besides San Francisco like San Jose or perhaps Sacramento to the north but heading straight to SFO puts you within a 20 minute BART train ride into the City by the Bay, perfect for getting your California dreaming on.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareExterior-1024x452.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareExterior-1024x452.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareExterior-1024x452.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /> A quick walk from Union Square station, cable car, and all that San Francisco has to offer, <a href="http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-san-francisco-union-square-SFOFHHH/index.html">Hilton San Francisco Union Square</a> is an ideal place for overcoming your jet lag especially upon parting the curtains and realizing you have a private balcony all to yourself with city skyline views of icons like Coit Tower and the Bay Bridge.<br /> <br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareBalconyRoom-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareBalconyRoom-1.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareBalconyRoom-1.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p lang="en" xml:lang="en"><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Most recently renovated in 2017, 1,919 rooms occupy a three-tower skyscraper, making this not only the largest hotel in San Francisco but the entire West Coast. No fewer than five onsite venues and bars give you an impressive array of choices even before stepping out into the street.</span><br /></p><p lang="en" xml:lang="en"><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareHerbKitchen.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareHerbKitchen.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareHerbKitchen.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-san-francisco-union-square-SFOFHHH/dining/index.html"><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Herb N' Kitchen</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">'s gourmet marketplace has fresh grab-and-go seasonal eats including just-made flat bread pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and locally made snacks like Thatcher's White Cheddar Popcorn and Kika's Treats' Chocolate Covered Espresso Shortbread Cookies. Breakfast buffets at <a href="http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-san-francisco-union-square-SFOFHHH/dining/index.html">Poached</a> can't be missed, with cooked-to-order as well as regional and international dishes.</span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareUrbanTavern.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareUrbanTavern.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="HiltonSanFranciscoUnionSquareUrbanTavern.jpg?width=1000" /></a> <br /> <a href="http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-san-francisco-union-square-SFOFHHH/dining/index.html"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Urban Tavern</span></a> <span style="font-size:12pt;">showcases the bounty of the Bay area's seasonal ingredients with house specialties like candied pork belly, ahi salmon hamachi poke, devil fried duck eggs, wild mushrooms, and blackened cauliflower. Libations include your choice of 50 wines made within 50 miles of the hotel. A transformed lobby bar and <a href="http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-san-francisco-union-square-SFOFHHH/dining/index.html">Cityscape Lounge</a>’s 46th-floor panoramic views are a perfect backdrop for savoring evening cocktails like Blackberry Old Fashioned and Cucumber Apple Martini.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/carmelbeach2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/carmelbeach2.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="carmelbeach2.jpg?width=1000" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">At some point you'll be ready to rent a car and push forward with your Central Coast excursion. Head south on I-280 and then Route 85 to 17 over hairpin turns through redwood forests to Route 1 south on the coast arriving in Carmel-By-The-Sea in approximately 2.5 hours.</span></p><h3><b><br />Carmel-By-The Sea & Monterey</b></h3><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br />Within 15 minutes of each other and nearly equidistant from Cannery Row, the coastal town of Pacific Grove, and much of what the Monterrey Peninsula has to offer, <a href="http://www.hofsashouse.com/">Hofsas House Hotel</a> and <a href="https://monterey.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?&mckv=sxo9hinqo_pdv_c_pcrid_210723246688_pmt_e_pkw_hyatt%20regency%20monterey_slid__&src=adm_sem_agn_pfx_crp_ppc_bps_D+Brand-Monterey-NonGP_google_Brand-Monterey-HR+Monterey-Exact_e_hyatt%20regency%20monterey_Brand_Corporate">Hyatt Regency Monterrey</a> offer two completely different lodging experiences.</span></p><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/hofsashousecollage-1024x304.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/hofsashousecollage-1024x304.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="hofsashousecollage-1024x304.jpg?width=1024" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea, built into a hill side overlooking the mighty Pacific, family owned and operated <a href="http://www.hofsashouse.com/">Hofsas House Hotel</a> offers magnificent sunset views from their fourth-floor deck area. Bavarian chalet-style architecture and outdoor mural painted by Maxine Albro are defining exterior characteristics while inside, many of Hofsas' 38 spacious rooms include fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, and partial kitchens.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/hofsashouseroom-1024x336.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/hofsashouseroom-1024x336.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="hofsashouseroom-1024x336.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Continental breakfast each morning is a casual affair served in the living room lobby with pastries delivered each morning from a local bakery, French roast coffee, fresh juice, fruit, and yogurt accompanied with trays and carafes for loading up to enjoy back in your room if you wish.</span></p><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/carmelstreetscene-1024x394.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/carmelstreetscene-1024x394.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="carmelstreetscene-1024x394.jpg?width=1024" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Outside you have access to a year-round heated swimming pool and saunas while walking to the village center just several blocks away takes you past fairy tale cottages and modern ranches clustered around boutique shopping, art galleries, and <a href="http://www.arroyosecowinegrowers.com/">Arroyo Seco AVA</a> winery tasting rooms like <a href="http://www.manzoniwines.com/">Manzoni Cellars</a> and <a href="https://www.shalecanyonwines.com/">Shale Canyon</a>.</span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/carmelbeach.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/carmelbeach.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="carmelbeach.jpg?width=1000" /></a> <br /> <a href="http://www.5thavedeli.com/"></a></p><p><a href="http://www.5thavedeli.com/"><span style="font-size:12pt;">5th Avenue Deli</span></a> <span style="font-size:12pt;">is the perfect place to gather your provisions for a picnic lunch before heading down Ocean Ave. to Carmel Beach which is spacious enough to be off leash dog friendly while leaving plenty of room for those who instead wish to retreat into serenity. Dinner presents many options but <a href="http://www.beachhousepg.com/">Beach House at Lovers Point</a> in neighboring Pacific Grove overlooking the Pacific is renowned for ultra fresh seafood dishes like panko crusted sand dabs and scallop pot pie while catching a magnificent sunset.</span></p><p><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HyattRegencyMontereyExterior-1024x342.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HyattRegencyMontereyExterior-1024x342.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="HyattRegencyMontereyExterior-1024x342.jpg?width=1024" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><span lang="en" xml:lang="en">Over on the Cabrillo Highway heading out of Monterey towards Salinas, 550 room <a href="https://monterey.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html">Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa</a> nestled on 22 acres which includes</span> <span lang="en" xml:lang="en">18-hole Del Monte Golf Course</span> <span lang="en" xml:lang="en">is another excellent place to stay on the Monterey Peninsula particularly if you're looking to use your Hyatt points or simply prefer the predictably high standards of a brand name hotel. Business and event based travelers in particular rejoice with</span> 27 suites, along with more than 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space for conferences and weddings.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HyattRegencyMontereyTuscaCollage-1024x307.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HyattRegencyMontereyTuscaCollage-1024x307.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="HyattRegencyMontereyTuscaCollage-1024x307.jpg?width=1024" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">California-inspired <a href="https://monterey.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining.html">TusCA Ristorante</a> serves up Tuscan favorites with a healthy twist like Tuscan white bean soup, asparagus and lump crab omelet, and an airy ricotta and lemon ravioli. Following their latest $6 million refresh, the hotel pays homage to its Monterrey roots with live Jazz Nights in the <a href="https://monterey.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining.html">Fireplace Lounge</a> every Friday and Saturday night.</span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HyattRegencyMontereyCollage-1024x276.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HyattRegencyMontereyCollage-1024x276.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="HyattRegencyMontereyCollage-1024x276.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Their expansive lobby, filled with cozy chairs and leather couches, is perfect for sipping a cocktail while <a href="https://monterey.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/our-hotel/spa.html">Marilyn Monroe Spa</a>, two heated outdoor pools, and <a href="https://monterey.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining.html">Knuckles Sports Bar</a> offer additional places of respite when you're not out and about exploring.</span></p><p><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/RobinsExterior.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/RobinsExterior.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="RobinsExterior.jpg?width=1000" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><b>Village of Cambria</b></span></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">While a landslide still blocks the Pacific Coast Route 1 at Big Sur, your only alternative for heading south of Monterey is the El Camino Real (aka the 101). At exit 228 take winding route 46 past steep rolling golden pastures and soaring mountains to the low key coastal town of Cambria.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/robinscollage-1024x284.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/robinscollage-1024x284.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="robinscollage-1024x284.jpg?width=1024" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Boutique shops and eateries like <a href="http://www.robinsrestaurant.com/">Robin's Handcrafted Global Cuisine</a> abound serving up handcrafted comfort dishes made with farmers' market fresh ingredients. Owners Robin and Shanny Covey started out in the back room of a small health food store but quickly expanded into a restored adobe home on Burton Drive serving the area's largest selection of vegetarian dishes. Seating ranges from spacious garden seating open to the outside to tables in front of the fireplace inside when it's chillier.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CovellHorses.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CovellHorses.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="CovellHorses.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Just above town high on a hill surrounded by 2,000 conservation easement protected acres of pristine Monterey Pine forest and rolling pastures with an exquisite view of the Pacific, some of the biggest herds of Clydesdale horses in the world roam free at <a href="http://www.covellscaliforniaclydesdales.com/">Covell's California Clydesdales</a>.</span></p><p><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CovellTrailRide-1024x404.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CovellTrailRide-1024x404.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="CovellTrailRide-1024x404.jpg?width=1024" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Trail rides and farm tours are available by appointment. Ralph provides an in depth history of the place upon arrival while both he and his daughter Tara lead tours over roads on their extensive estate. They also arrange events like weddings and steak dinners accompanied with hay rides and barn dancing.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SLODowntowncollage-1024x509.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SLODowntowncollage-1024x509.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="SLODowntowncollage-1024x509.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><h3><b><br />San Luis Obispo & Surrounding Attractions</b></h3><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Heading inland a bit, your next destination should most definitely be San Luis Obispo. Thanks to Cal Poly, <a href="http://visitslo.com/">SLO</a>'s vibrant pedestrian friendly downtown, roughly a 3x10 block street grid, is lined with historic brick storefronts filled with Mom & Pop shops like no fewer than three locally operated coffee roasters for your morning fix, dive bars and artisan restaurants, and record shops selling classic vinyl accompanied by vintage players lovingly on display.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/fromaggeriesofiecollage-1024x323.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/fromaggeriesofiecollage-1024x323.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="fromaggeriesofiecollage-1024x323.jpg?width=1024" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">70-foot long Bubble Gum Alley has walls plastered in chewed gum from passersby over the decades while a block over, a decidedly more appetizing attraction awaits gourmands stocking up for their next wine tasting party. <a href="https://www.fromageriesophie.com/">Fromagerie Sophie</a> has an impressively mouthwatering selection of cheeses from across the globe ranging from blue Rogue River Blue to Colston Bassett Stilton. Unique and decadent accompaniments include unique charcuteries, oils, crackers, and syrups.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/slobrewloftinteriorcollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/slobrewloftinteriorcollage.jpg?width=1152" class="align-center" width="1152" alt="slobrewloftinteriorcollage.jpg?width=1152" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Right at the epicenter of it all, <a href="https://www.slobrew.com/the-lofts/">SLO Brew Lofts</a> directly above <a href="https://www.slobrew.com/the-brew/">SLO Brew</a> <a href="https://www.slobrew.com/the-brew/">Pub & Brewery</a> in the historic 1905 Carissa Building are essentially five dream apartments with fully outfitted kitchens, separate living and dining rooms, and an ambiance that embraces the rustic industrial aesthetic of exposed brick, beamed ceilings, and riveted sheet metal wall treatments. Natural touches include reclaimed wide planked Douglas fir wood flooring and copious paintings & sculpture on display everywhere. The three-bedroom Voyager and Drifter Suites each have their own private patio overlooking SLO Brew's beer garden, San Luis Obispo Creek, and nearby <a href="http://missionsanluisobispo.org/">Mission De Tolosa</a>.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/slobrewinteriorcollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/slobrewinteriorcollage.jpg?width=1357" class="align-center" width="1200" alt="slobrewinteriorcollage.jpg?width=1357" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Leading the west coast craft beer movement since 1988, SLO Brew is now one of 9 other microbreweries that have opened across the Central Coast. SLO Brew's gastro pub menu features craft pizzas and quirky pub-favorites like street tacos,Nasty Nashville's Hot Chicken Thighs, and bacon-fat donuts. Steam punk influences abound like exposed pipe beer taps and wall sconces made from pipe and gauges lit with Edison bulbs. Their vibrant nightclub and stage spotlights local bands and an occasional big name like Jeff Bridges or Dick Dale.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sunbuggie.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sunbuggie.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="sunbuggie.jpg?width=1000" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Just about 15 minutes out of town on the coast in Pismo Beach, <a href="http://www.sunbuggy.com/pismo">Sun Buggy</a> rents out dune buggies for exploring the extensive <a href="http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207">Oceano Dunes State Park</a> next door. You have to watch a safety video and feel like you're signing your life away but no worries. These belt driven vehicles are easy to operate since they have no transmission and large high flotation paddle tires keep you on top of the sand. And just in case, a four-point safety harness keeps you secure in the unlikely event that you experience a roll over.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/pasoroblesdistillerytrail.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/pasoroblesdistillerytrail.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="pasoroblesdistillerytrail.jpg?width=1000" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">If you have an extra day before heading back up the 101, check out either the vineyards of <a href="https://pasowine.com/visit/wineries/">Paso Robles</a>, <a href="http://www.visitcentralcoastwine.com/edna-valley-wine-tasting-and-wineries/">Edna Valley</a>, or hop on the <a href="http://www.pasoroblesdistillerytrail.com/distilleries">Paso Robles Distillery Trail</a> sampling the goods of 10 distilleries ranging from Grappa & Limoncello from <a href="http://www.pasoroblesdistillerytrail.com/distilleries/manucci-spirits">Manucci Spirits</a> to the Barrel Aged Gin at <a href="http://www.pasoroblesdistillerytrail.com/distilleries/krobar-craft-distillery">Krobar Craft Distillery</a>.</span><br /></p><blockquote><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Photos: Steve Mirsky, CarmelCalifornia.com, Hilton.com, Hyatt.com. Coverage made possible by participating in a partially sponsored trip.</em></span></blockquote></div>A Fantastic California Road Trip: San Francisco to Carmelhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/san-francisco-to-carmel-california-road-trip2019-05-07T10:39:43.000Z2019-05-07T10:39:43.000ZTeresa Brashearhttps://tripatini.com/members/TeresaBrashear<div><p><br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Lone_cypress_tree_Monterey_CA_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg/800px-Lone_cypress_tree_Monterey_CA_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Lone_cypress_tree_Monterey_CA_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg/800px-Lone_cypress_tree_Monterey_CA_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-Lone_cypress_tree_Monterey_CA_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lone_cypress_tree_Monterey_CA_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg" target="_blank">Don Ramey Logan</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Northern California</strong> offers some of the USA's loveliest road tripping, with scenic views, great beaches, beach towns and state parks as well as attractions such as the <strong>Monterey Aquarium</strong> and the <strong>Carmel Mission</strong>. One particularly appealing stretch is the 122 miles (196 kilometers) between <strong>San Francisco</strong> and the town of <strong>Carmel</strong> along coastal <strong>Highway 1</strong>. You can drive it in a little over two hours, but there's so much to see and do along here that you could easily spend a week stopping to enjoy its many fantastic places (especially state parks like <strong>San Mateo Coast Beaches</strong>, <strong>Pigeon Point Light Station</strong>, <strong>Año Nuevo</strong>, <strong>Wilder Ranch</strong>, <strong>Natural Bridges</strong>, <strong>Santa Cruz Beaches</strong>, <strong>Seacliff</strong>, <strong>Sunset</strong>, <strong>Zmudowski</strong>, <strong>Moss Landing</strong>, <strong>Salinas River</strong>, <strong>Marina</strong>, <strong>Monterey</strong>, <strong>Asilomar</strong>, and <strong>Carmel River</strong>.</p>
<p><br /> Keep in mind, by the way, that the weather in the area changes quite a bit, strong winds are common (water- and wind-proof clothing is recommended), and temperatures can be cool. And with that said, here are some of my favorite highlights along the way:</p>
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<p><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/Pigeon_Point_Lighthouse_%282016%29.jpg/800px-Pigeon_Point_Lighthouse_%282016%29.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/Pigeon_Point_Lighthouse_%282016%29.jpg/800px-Pigeon_Point_Lighthouse_%282016%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-Pigeon_Point_Lighthouse_%282016%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pigeon_Point_Lighthouse_(2016).jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Frank Schulnberg</em></span></a></p>
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<p><strong><br /> Half Moon Bay</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> Located close to both San Francisco and <strong>Silicon Valley</strong>, Half Moon Bay provides scenic roads, ocean views, golfing, fishing, horse back riding and much more. In the area there are several beaches, including <strong>Moss</strong> and <strong>Pigeon Point Beach</strong>, as well as great trails such as <strong>Gray Whale Cove Trail</strong> and <strong>Coastside Trail</strong>. One of the famous sights in the area is the <strong>Pigeon Point Lighthouse</strong>, one of the tallest in the US, now home to a <a href="https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road" target="_blank">hostel</a>.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Santa_Cruz%2C_California_-_Boardwalk.jpg/800px-Santa_Cruz%2C_California_-_Boardwalk.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Santa_Cruz%2C_California_-_Boardwalk.jpg/800px-Santa_Cruz%2C_California_-_Boardwalk.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="800px-Santa_Cruz%2C_California_-_Boardwalk.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Cruz,_California_-_Boardwalk.jpg" target="_blank">Matt314</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Santa Cruz</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> With a laid-back surfer vibe and famous for its boardwalk and a wide range of watersports such as wind surfing, Santa Cruz (pop. 63,000) also has a great downtown for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Fantastic for an overnight or longer!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Capitola_CA_-_beach_with_wharf.jpg/800px-Capitola_CA_-_beach_with_wharf.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Capitola_CA_-_beach_with_wharf.jpg/800px-Capitola_CA_-_beach_with_wharf.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-Capitola_CA_-_beach_with_wharf.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Capitola_CA_-_beach_with_wharf.jpg" target="_blank">Monica Liu</a></em></span></p>
<p><strong><br /> <br /> Capitola</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> A small village just south of Santa Cruz along a wide beach, it offers great views, craft and art galleries, boutiques, and charming beachfront restaurants. <strong>New Brighton State Beach</strong>, an almost 100-acre park with picnic areas, fishing, a beach and camping ground, is one of the most visited in California.</p>
<p><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009311097,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009311097,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009311097?profile=original" /></a><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/fisherman-s-wharf-monterey-1597744/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>David Mark/Pixabay</em></span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Monterey</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> This city of 28,000 is especially notable for its historic downtown, <strong>Old Monterey</strong>, which is a state historic park with some 55 sites dating back to the days in the 18th and 19th centuries when it was the capital of Spanish and then Mexican Alta California. Another major attraction is the <strong>Monterey Aquarium</strong>, part of the reknowned <strong>Cannery Row</strong> area made famous by the novels of <strong>John Steinbeck</strong>. On the way here, by the way, you'll pass by Seacliff, Sunset, Zmudowski, Moss Landing, Salinas River, and Marina state beaches; all are great for picnicking and fishing, but only Seacliff and Moss Landing lend themselves to actually getting into the water.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009310891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009310891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009310891?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/california-victorian-gm158419247-20710445" target="_blank">Skyhobo</a></span></em><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Pacific Grove</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> A hop and a skip north of Monterey, this charming town of some 16,000 is known for its Victorian houses (many of which are now bed and breakfasts), boardwalk, and bucolic area such as Asilomar State Park.</p>
<p><br /> <br /> <em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009311487,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009311487,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009311487?profile=original" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/pebble-beach-golf-course-monterey-california-usa-gm518878239-49328758" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">isogood</span></a></em><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Pebble Beach</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> One of the most famous destinations along this route is an unincorporated community that's long been a resort destination for the well heeled, especially famous for its seven golf courses, such as <strong>Cypress Point Club</strong>, <strong>Monterey Peninsula Country Club</strong>, and <strong>Pebble Beach Golf Links</strong>, as well as the scenic <strong>17th-Mile-Drive</strong>, meandering along the beaches and forests between Monterey and <strong>Carmel</strong>. There's a $10 fee to enter the area.</p>
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<p><br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Carmel_%2C_CA_USA_-_Mission_San_Carlos_Borromeo_-_panoramio_%2822%29.jpg/800px-Carmel_%2C_CA_USA_-_Mission_San_Carlos_Borromeo_-_panoramio_%2822%29.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Carmel_%2C_CA_USA_-_Mission_San_Carlos_Borromeo_-_panoramio_%2822%29.jpg/800px-Carmel_%2C_CA_USA_-_Mission_San_Carlos_Borromeo_-_panoramio_%2822%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-Carmel_%2C_CA_USA_-_Mission_San_Carlos_Borromeo_-_panoramio_%2822%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carmel_,_CA_USA_-_Mission_San_Carlos_Borromeo_-_panoramio_(22).jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>MAREBLU</em></span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Carmel-by-the-Sea</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> With a population of less than 4,000 and famous for its great beach, amazing homes, artsy vibe, and nice downtown area anchored by <strong>Ocean Avenue</strong>, Carmel is for many the perfect beach town to spend a day or two. It has a rich history, colonized by the Spaniards in the late 18th century, and in fact is home to one of California's most famous and beautiful Spanish missions, <strong>San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo</strong>, which is still an active place of worship as well as site of many cultural events and activities. The 97-acre (120 hectare) <strong>Carmel River State Beach</strong> just south of town has a mile-long strand and is popular with hikers, kayakers, and birders attracted to its fecund lagoon.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Point_Lobos_17.jpg/800px-Point_Lobos_17.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Point_Lobos_17.jpg/800px-Point_Lobos_17.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-Point_Lobos_17.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Point_Lobos_17.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Brocken Inaglory</em></span></a></p>
<p><br /> <br /> <strong>Point Lobos</strong> <br /> <br /> <br /> Two miles south of Carmel, this reserve is widely considered the "crown jewel" of California's state parks. Highlights include <strong>Pinnacle Point</strong>, which you can reach through the <strong>Cypress Grove Trail</strong>; <strong>Headland Cove</strong>; <strong>Sea Lion Point Trail</strong> to <strong>Sea Lion Rocks</strong>, where you can see barking sea lions; and <strong>Whalers Cove</strong>, great for scuba diving as well as home to a history museum covering the commercial whaling the 19th century; you can still spot gray, humpback, and blue whales at certain times of year during their offshore migrations.</p>
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<p> </p></div>San Francisco, California Is an American Originalhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/san-francisco-california-is-an-american-original2017-10-25T22:16:46.000Z2017-10-25T22:16:46.000ZDavid Paul Appellhttps://tripatini.com/members/DavidPaulAppell16<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12366914263,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12366914263,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12366914263?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/golden-gate-bridge-94528795?src=0-IepeIqQhSlqGdIAQ71VQ-2-2" target="_blank">Randy Runtsch</a></em></span><br /><br /></p>
<p>There are excellent reasons northern <strong>California</strong>‘s “<strong>City by the Bay</strong>” is one of America’s most storied cities (if far from its most typical). Born as a colonial <strong>Spanish mission</strong> and fort on the tip of a peninsula, <strong>San Francisco</strong> was transformed by the gold rush of the 19th century; spectacularly flattened by the Great Earthquake in the early 20th; home of the 1960s “<strong>Summer of Love</strong>“; and in the 21st, once again reinvented as the pre-eminent world capital of high tech. This is an entertaining drama queen indeed, and one of this country’s most fun and fascinating cities to explore. <br /> <br /> <span id="more-9031"></span></p>
<h3><strong>The Top San Francisco Attractions</strong></h3>
<p>Wow, where do I start? There are several very good options, but why not where it all began – coincidentally in 1776, the year the thirteen English colonies on the other side of the continent declared independence from the mother country. Though now a park spectacularly sited by the bay, back when, the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/prsf/index.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Presidio</strong> </a>(top) was the fort established by Spanish explorers, and after the city was won in the <strong>Mexican-American War</strong> was continued as a base by U.S. military until 1994 till it passed to the <strong>National Park Service</strong>. Its oldest extant structure, <strong>Fort Point</strong>, dates back to 1861, and there is a very good visitors’ center telling the story over the centuries.</p>
<p>The Presidio now forms part of <strong><a href="http://sfrecpark.org/parks-open-spaces/golden-gate-park-guide/" target="_blank">Golden Gate Park</a></strong>, whose long main section is actually a few blocks south, a positively delightful mix of greenery, gardens, wooded areas, lakes, and cultural institutions such as <strong>San Fran</strong>‘s oldest museum, the <strong><a href="http://deyoungmuseum.org/" target="_blank">De Young</a></strong>, a superb collection of American art going back to the Spanish colonial period, as well as treasures from Asia, Oceania, and pre-Columbian Mexico. Other park highlights include a gorgeous <a href="http://japaneseteagardensf.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Japanese Tea Garden</strong></a>, the <strong><a href="http://sfrecpark.org/destination/golden-gate-park/san-francisco-botanical-garden/" target="_blank">San Francisco Botanical Garden</a></strong>, the Victorian-era <strong><a href="http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org/" target="_blank">Conservatory of Flowers</a></strong>, and the <strong><a href="http://www.calacademy.org/" target="_blank">California Academy of Sciences</a></strong>, with its aquarium, planetarium, and natural-history museum.</p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12366910499,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12366910499,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12366910499?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a>Patara Limpanachaipornkul/Shutterstock</em></span></p>
<h3><strong><br /> Wharf Speed</strong></h3>
<p><br /> San Francisco’s single most popular visitor allure, however, is hands-down <a href="http://www.fishermanswharf.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Fisherman’s Wharf</strong></a>, at the peninsula’s northeast corner. A bit of a touristy, carnival atmosphere, for sure – but undeniably fun, and just as undeniably a must for first-timers to the city. A central feature here is <a href="http://www.pier39.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Pier 39</strong></a>, with buskers, myriad shops (don’t miss the original <strong><a href="http://www.ghirardelli.com/locator/northpoint-original-san-francisco-ca" target="_blank">Ghirardelli Chocolate</a></strong> shop/café!) and restaurants (one of which, <strong><a href="http://www.forbesisland.com/home.html" target="_blank">Forbes Island</a></strong>, is especially cool – on a converted houseboat boasting a lighthouse and even dining below the water line); rides including a two-storey <strong>carousel</strong>; and the <a href="http://aquariumofthebay.org/?gclid=COLk9ZyYxsUCFQqGaQodclAAOw&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank"><strong>Aquarium of the Bay</strong></a>; as an extra adorable bonus, in recent years, hundreds of the bay’s sea lions have taken to hanging out on some of the piers lower docks – a wonderful photo op, indeed! Other Wharf attractions include historic ships such as the 19th-century <em><strong>Balclutha</strong> </em>and the World-War-II sub <em><strong>USS Pampanito</strong></em>; attractions such as a wax museum and a <a href="http://www.ripleys.com/sanfrancisco/" target="_blank"><strong>Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!</strong> “odditorium”</a>. And here is where you catch harbour cruises, including excursions to another huge visitor favourite, infamous <strong><a href="http://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm" target="_blank">Alcatraz </a></strong>island and prison (seen in background below). OMG, you could easily spend more than a day at the Wharf.</p>
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<h3><strong><em><span style="font-size:8px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12366908501,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12366908501,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12366908501?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a>Ritu Manoj Jethani</span></em><br /> <br /> Downtown Delights</strong></h3>
<p>Below here you’ll also want to explore downtown, a shopping, financial, and <strong>San Francisco hotels</strong> district with <strong>Union Square</strong> as its hub. Out here on the “<strong>Barbary Coast</strong>” waterfront you’ll find the the <strong>Embarcadero</strong>, with its markets and food halls, while heading away from the water is the monumental <strong>Civic Center</strong> area, packed with grandiose neoclassical architecture and cultural spots such as the <strong>Asian Art Museum</strong>, concert halls, and art galleries.</p>
<p>Speaking of items Asian, also several blocks in from the Embarcadero, north of the great downtown dividing line that is <strong>Market Street</strong>, is <a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/2015/02/worlds-best-chinatowns/" target="_blank"><strong>Chinatown</strong></a> – one of the world’s most famous – covering 24 blocks with a fantastic array of dining and shopping options, as well as places to learn about Chinese-American history and culture such as the <strong><a href="http://www.c-c-c.org/" target="_blank">Chinese Cultural Center of San Francisco</a></strong> and the <strong><a href="http://chsa.org/" target="_blank">Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and Learning Center</a>.</strong></p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12366462862,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12366462862,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12366462862?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Pius Lee/Shutterstock</em></span></p>
<h3><strong><br /> ‘Downmarket’ Draws</strong></h3>
<p><br /> South of Market Street, top of the list of districts not to miss – especially in you’re into “alternative” vibes, is <strong>SoMa</strong>, a onetime area of warehouses and rundown Victorian clapboards which artists started reviving in the 1980s. The tech boom brought major gentrification to the neighborhood, but the boho flavor is still in evidence (as well as some of the city’s hotter music clubs and its most eclectic dining), and corners of it even remain a bit sketchy, especially at night. Here’s also where you’ll find the <strong>baseball stadium</strong> that’s home to the <strong>San Francisco Giants</strong>, as well as the lovely <a href="http://yerbabuenagardens.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Yerba Buena Gardens</strong></a>, an 87-acre (35-hectare) multi-use park that’s the site of a skating rink, the cool <a href="http://www.westfield.com/us/#centres=metreon" target="_blank">Metreon </a>shopping centre and a bevy of museums including the <a href="http://www.sfmoma.org/" target="_blank"><strong>San Francisco Museum of Modern Art</strong></a>, <a href="http://creativity.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Children’s Creativity Museum</strong></a>, and the <a href="http://www.moadsf.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Museum of the African Diaspora</strong></a>.</p>
<p>A bit farther down Market, the <a href="http://www.mycastro.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Castro District</strong></a> has famously been one of the world’s most progressive city’s most iconic <strong>gay neighbourhoods</strong> for generations now, with one of its latest additions a Hollywood-style sidewalk “walk of fame” celebrating <strong>LGBT history</strong>-makers including the likes of <strong>Alan Turing</strong> and <strong>Oscar Wilde</strong>. There is also some superb historic architecture hereabouts dating back to the Victorian era, and if you’re into funky, right above it you’ll want to check out the <strong>Haight</strong> right next door, which was the epicentre of the 1960s hippie “Summer of Love” and remains an eclectic – dare I say groovy – mix of counterculture and black culture.</p>
<p>Then of course there are many of the <strong>streets of San Francisco</strong> themselves, crisscrossing the famously hill cityscape. A stretch of one, <strong>Lombard Street</strong> between <strong>Hyde</strong> and <strong>Leavenworth</strong>, is dubbed the world’s “crookedest” (not actually so, but its eight hairpin turns are quite a sight to see). Others, such as <strong>Powell</strong>, <strong>California</strong>, and <strong>Mason</strong>, offer the chance to ride an actual national landmark: the famous <strong>San Francisco cable cars</strong> in operation since the 1870s (those which, as singer <strong>Tony Bennett</strong> famously crooned, “go halfway to the stars”). Just another of the many reasons why you, too, will be left singing “<strong>I Left My Heart in San Francisco</strong>“.</p>
<p>And believe it or not, all the above is just scratching the surface. For more on <strong>San Francisco sights</strong>, as well as dining, lodging, and more, start with <a href="http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/" target="_blank">SanFrancisco.travel</a>. For another cool twist on San Fran, check out some of the local shooting locations for films like <strong><em>Vertigo</em> </strong>and <em><strong>Rebecca</strong> </em>from master of suspense <strong>Alfred Hitchcock</strong>.</p>
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<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7lc327Hdnv4?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <br /> <em><br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-1">images | <a id="portfolio_link" href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-94528795/stock-photo-golden-gate-bridge.html?src=0-IepeIqQhSlqGdIAQ71VQ-2-2" target="_blank" name="portfolio_link">RRuntsch</a>, Ritu Manoj Jethani, <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-109236104/stock-photo-san-francisco-usa-september-powell-hyde-cable-car-an-iconic-tourist-attraction-descends-a.html?src=zCb24H9Cu0jUCZq-Ikz0XA-1-58" target="_blank">Pius Lee</a></span></em></p>
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