When most people think about river rafting trips, Colorado or Idaho immediately spring to mind. But California has some excellent river rafting and most of it’s not far from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, or Sacramento. So if you’re visiting Northern California, why not add some excitement to your itinerary.
Half-, full-, and two-day trips are available. And you’ll get to experience nature at its spectacular best. Plus, you’ll really get your heart racing. Read more…
California wine country produces a lot more than just grapes. Because of the mild climate, there are excellent local fruits and vegetables all year long. The nearness of the Pacific guarantees impeccably fresh seafood. And artisanal food purveyors are producing wonderful cheeses, salumi, and condiments.
Although wine country is best known for its French restaurants, there are also some great Italian restaurants in the valleys. Read more…
Unlike many American cities, Los Angeles never had a large Italian immigrant population. In fact, there’s no predominantly Italian neighborhood like San Francisco’s North Beach or the North End of Boston.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t terrific Italian restaurants in South California. They’re just not all concentrated in one area. Which means that no matter where you are, there’s probably one that’s not too far away. Read more…
No visit to Southern California is complete without a trip to the beach.
Not only is Santa Monica Beach one of the best, it’s also one of the most fun. In fact, it was named one of the “10 Great Public Spaces in the U.S.” by the American Planning Association.
It’s also easy to reach. If you’re flying into LAX, Santa Monica Beach is less than 10 miles away. And you can get there without getting on a freeway, which is always an advantage in SoCal. Read more…
Palm Springs has been a popular destination since the 1920s when the clear, desert air was thought to cure all sorts of maladies. It fell into disfavor in the 1970s, when its iconic mid-century architecture just looked tired and dated. But by the 1990s, Palm Springs was cool again. And these days, it’s a popular winter getaway for Los Angelenos, affluent gay travelers, and those who love swanky piano bars, well-made cocktails, and 1950s and ‘60s-style glamour.
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If you’re expecting old-fashioned, movie-star glamour, Hollywood is likely to disappoint. Today’s Hollywood is more Target than Tiffany. But where else can you stroll along the Walk of Stars, admire Marilyn Monroe’s hand prints, and have your picture taken with Spiderman?
The heart of the neighborhood is Hollywood & Highland, where you’ll find the Kodak Theater (where the Academy Awards are handed out), Grauman’s Chinese Theater, and lots of restaurants and shopping.
With a lovely central plaza lined with antique and kitchen shops, restaurants, and inns, Healdsburg is one of the most charming towns in the Sonoma Valley. And with numerous tasting rooms on or near the plaza — including Kendall-Jackson, Todd Hollow, La Crema, and Souverain — you can taste dozens of wines here without ever moving the car.
Most Healdsburg hotels are within walking distance of the plaza, which has concerts, and farmers’ markets in summer, and tree-lightings and holiday markets in winter. A building boom in the 1870s produced many charming Victorian mansions, and several have been turned into world-class inns. Read more…
One of the most charming towns in the Napa Valley, Yountville is named for George Calvert Yount who was the first to plant grapes in the valley. There’s just one main street, and it’s only about six blocks long. But there are several wonderful Yountville hotels. And some of the finest restaurants in America are located here. In fact, there are four Michelin-starred restaurants in this town of 3,000 people.
Uber-chef Thomas Keller’s flagship, The French Laundry, is here. As are his Bouchon and Ad Hoc. You’ll need to reserve months in advance to eat at the former, but depending on when you visit, you may be able to nab a table without a reservation and Bouchon or Ad Hoc. If you’re in town on Monday, don’t miss the fried chicken at Ad Hoc. Read more…
The northern Napa Valley town of Calistoga was named by Sam Brannan, who hoped the town would be the west coast equivalent of Saratoga Springs. It’s been a popular destination since the first mineral springs pools opened here in 1859. Today, people still come to take the waters, and many Calistoga hotels have full-service spas that provide countless ways to be pampered.
Calistoga is a low-key, unpretentious town with a laid-back main street lined with shops and restaurants. There are also several good wineries close to town. Chateau Montelena is one of the most appealing. Housed in a French-style chateau that dates from the 19th century, their 1973 Chardonnay beat the French at their own game in a 1976 blind taste test. The story was told in the movie Bottle Shock. The Chinese gardens surrounding the pond here are a pleasant place for a picnic. Read more…
Boise, Idaho is a terrific town. It provides easy access to outdoor activities like river rafting, as well as sophisticated attractions usually only found in big cities.
There’s a large Hewlett-Packard campus on the outskirts of town. And many HP executives who spent a couple of years there, return when they retire, drawn by the great weather and laid-back lifestyle.
It’s especially attractive to people who love the outdoors. It’s easy to enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding, river rafting, fly-fishing, or hiking, and then spend the evening enjoying drinks and dinner downtown. Or heading south of town for a rollicking performance at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Read more…
With incredible natural beauty, exciting regional cuisine, and a hip, inventive culture, Seattle is one of America’s most vibrant cities. And the hotels in Seattle offer everything from classic elegance to cutting-edge cool.
Sadly, everything you’ve heard about the Seattle weather is true. “Patchy morning fog with partial afternoon clearing” is a great forecast in Seattle. And even though it gets much less rain than, say, Miami, it’s still grey and misty much of the time.
All that moisture keeps everything lush and green. But if you’re determined to enjoy the sun, — and catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier — come in July or August. Otherwise, come prepared with a Goretex coat, a sturdy umbrella, and sensible shoes. Read more…
