So what is there to do in this second largest city in California?

Balboa Park Botanical Building in San Diego

Here are some ideas, in no particular order:

1. San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park – Animal lovers will love both of these locations.  The zoo is in Balboa Park and the animal park is a short drive away in Escondido.
2. Balboa Park – Not just the zoo, but also full of theater and performing venues, the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and several other museums, IMAX Theater, gardens galore, the Botanical Building, and so much more that the list would be endless.  You can spend several days in the park and still not see everything.
3. Cabrillo National Monument – At the tip of Point Loma, this is where the first European set foot on the west coast.
4. Fish Tacos – Nothing says San Diego like a fish taco, long since achieving cult status as “the” San Diego dish.
5. Ocean Front Walk – San Diego’s version of Venice Beach, this boardwalk along the ocean is full of walkers, bikers, skateboarders, bikini-clad babes, and lots of quirky characters.
6. Whaley House – Located in Old Town, this 19th century home is now a museum, and is said to be haunted.
7. Surfing – Find a piece of beach, or a school to learn how.
8. Gaslamp Quarter – Walk this once questionable neighborhood, and check out the great restaurants, bars, and galleries.  It’s not seedy any longer.
9. Mission San Diego de Alcala – Built back in the mid 1700’s, this was one of the earlier missions built along the west coast.  Although not its original structure, it does depict what mission life must have been like.
10. Local Brews – San Diego claims to be the birthplace of IPA (India Pale Ale), so try a few and decide for yourself.
11. Horton Plaza – A 5-level shopping mall in the heart of downtown.  If you’ve forgotten something, you’ll find it here.
12. Old Town State Historic Park – 6 blocks of pedestrian only park that is home to some of the earliest buildings in San Diego, including a general store, the first office of the San Diego Union newspaper, and Wells Fargo Bank.
13. Torrey Pines State Reserve – A beautiful parked named for a gnarled pine tree that only grows here and on an island off the coast.
14. SeaWorld – Shamu and the rest of the gang will welcome you.
15. Del Mar Racetrack – Bet on a winner or watch for the star, either way it’s seriously good fun.
16. Take to the air – Try hang gliding, a helicopter tour, a bi-plane ride, or have lunch and watch the planes take off from the airport.
17. Take to the water – Swimming, surfing, kayaking, sailing, parasailing, or just splashing in the surf.  San Diego has weather that’s great for year round water sports.
18. Professional sports – The Padres (NL) of Major League Baseball and the Chargers of the NFL both have loyal fans and attract quite the following.
19. Watch a sunset at the beach – A great way to end the day.
20. Check into a Museum – The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the New Children’s Museum, San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, Maritime Museum, or the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum are all great picks.
21. Visit Little Italy – It may be small, but the community is still vibrant and fun.
22. Walk around Seaport Village – Sure, the tourist go there, but so do the locals.  Take time to walk around the 14-acre outdoor plaza, full of shops, galleries, and plenty of places to eat.  Be sure to ride the carousel.
23. Eat Mexican food in Old Town – Look for a place that makes their own tortillas – by hand.
24. Go back to school at University of California, San Diego – This beautiful campus has a great theater (La Jolla Playhouse), so you may want to catch a performance.  Or wander the Stuart Collection, a group of outdoor sculptures.  Other nearby campuses in the area include the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
25. Take the ferry to Coronado – OK, drive if you must, but the ferry ride is much more relaxing, and prettier, too.  Stop off at the Hotel del Coronado for a step back in time.

Did I miss your favorite San Diego spot?  Take me to task in the comments!

Photo credit: wikimedia

Post from: Blisstree

25 Things to Do & See in San Diego

Wine related travel is a popular part of Sonoma County, with its 13 American Viticultural areas, each with distinctive characteristics.  The Pacific coastline, redwood forests, fertile valleys, and mountains all add to the mix in producing some truly outstanding wines.

Take a day trip from Oakland or San Francisco, getaway for a weekend of wine, or spend more time tasting and learning about all the Sonoma wineries and wine have to offer.

Everyone has their personal wine preferences, and with over 250 Sonoma-area wineries to choose from, coming in all sizes and flavors, it’s often hard to come up with some favorites.  But that’s just what Sonoma County has done for you – put together a list of 13 wineries that offer a little something more than just great wine.

In alphabetical order, here’s the list, along with some tasting notes:

1. Acorn Winery – Variety of wines offered at this small winery.  Call in advance for a visit, but give it a try even if you’re just down the road.  Located in Healdsburg.
2. Annapolis Winery – Small family owned winery that produces small barrels.  Located in Annapolis.
3. Balletto Vineyards/Dutton Goldfield – Two wineries, one tasting room.  Balletto features Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Pinot Gris.  Dutton Goldfield features Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Located in Santa Rosa.
4. Gundlach Bundschu Winery – Gewurztraminer.  One of the oldest wineries in Sonoma County, located in Sonoma.
5. Hawkes Winery – Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay.  Located in Healdsburg.
6. Matanzas Creek Winery -  Merlot.  The winery is surrounded by lavender fields.  Located a little off the beaten path in Santa Rosa.
7. Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog lovers will love this places with the cleverly named wines, Merlot Over, Play Dead, and Unleashed Chardonnay.  Good wine always goes with good humor.  Located in Healdsburg.
8. Quivira Vineyards – California Grenache, Grenache Rose, and Sauvignon Blanc.  Located in Healdsburg.
9. Robert Rue Vineyard – Old-vine Zinfandel.  Located in Fulton.
10. Robledo Family Winery – Variety of wine offerings.  Open by appointment only, but the owners are very accommodating, and short notice isn’t usually a problem.  Located in Sonoma.
11. Russian River Vineyards – Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.  Winery also has a restaurant.  Located in Forestville.
12. Stryker Sonoma Winery and Vineyards – Zinfandel and Cabernet.  Located in Geyserville.
13. Twomey Cellars – Merlot.  Located in Healdsburg.

Do you have a Sonoma favorite that didn’t make the list?  Leave your favorite, and tell us why, in the comments!

Photo credit: SXC

Post from: Blisstree

13 Sonoma Wineries Not to be Missed

Moon Cakes

Of course, just like the US Thanksgiving, it’s full of lots of food!  Moon cakes are one of the most popular treats during the festival.  They are a round semi-sweet pastry, filled with all sorts of goodies from savory to sweet, and they sort of resemble the moon.  You may find yourself waiting in very long lines to buy moon cakes, but they’re worth the effort.

San Francisco’s Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival will be held the weekend of September 19 – 20th, 2009, 11 am – 6 pm daily.  During the Moon Festival, Grant Avenue in Chinatown will be closed to automobile traffic, and the street will turn into a big bazaar, full of shopping, entertainment, arts and crafts, activities,  lots of food, and teeming with life.  There is no charge to visit the festival, and if you’ll be in town, it’s a fabulous cultural experience.

Some other related Moon Festival events include:

Moon Festival Photo Contest – As a way to encourage people to take lots of photos, this amateur only contest is simple to enter.  Fill out a Moon Festival photo contest registration form, and snap away.  Top prize is $500.  More details are available from the Chinatown Photographic Society.

Autumn Moon Film Festival – A new feature this year, the mini film festival will be held at the Four Seas Restaurant (731 Grant Avenue), both days.  Check out the viewing schedule and see if there’s something that interests you.  It’s a great opportunity for film buffs, and also a nice break in an otherwise busy festival day.

Follow the Moon Festival on Twitter @SFCMA.

Photo credit: miss karen @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

Celebrate Autumn Moon Festival in San Francisco’s Chinatown

The story of Disney will evolve from the drawings of his youth, to the founding of his first company (Laugh-

Walt Disney Stamp from 1968

O-GramFilms), to the birth of Mickey Mouse, to the opening of Disneyland.  Along the way, you’ll discover just how creative and technically innovative Disney was, and learn how about some of the revolutionary techniques and concepts that became commonplace.  This guy was a creative genius!

The exhibits will be full of film clips, art, scripts, photographs, personal correspondence, home movies, and other artifacts that give us a glimpse into the man and his creative processes.  And, as you would expect, there will be lots of video monitors throughout the museum, along with lots of interactive displays.  The museum also has a movie theater, learning center, cafe, and gift shop.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is located at 104 Montgomery Street in San Francisco, and will be open Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 6 pm.  It will be closed on Tuesdays.

Admission is by timed-entry tickets, available for purchase online up to 60 days in advance.  Tickets may not be available at the door, based on online sales, so plan to buy online and guarantee yourself admission.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65+) and students, $12.50 for children ages 6-17, and children under age 6 are admitted FREE with an adult admission.  Tickets are already on sale.

Strollers are not permitted in the galleries, and there is only limited stroller parking available.  If you’re traveling with little ones, take this into consideration.  Strollers are best left behind, and you’ll be prepared to carry your little one when tired.

Traffic and parking in the Presidio is often difficult, so consider public transportation.  Get specific transportation and parking information from The Presidio’s website.

It sounds like there’s one MORE reason to visit San Francisco!

Photo source: wikimedia

Post from: Blisstree

Walt Disney Family Museum to Open October 1st

San Francisco, a city full of great food options, wants to make the decision a little easier for you with its website Taste SF.

Organized into useful sections like Inspiring Views (great ideas for special occasions) and brunch, as well as by type of cuisine, price range, and neighborhood, the list is easy to use and gives you all the information you need to make a dinner choice.

The section on Drink includes brew pubs and wine bars, and a good amount of information if you’re interested in heading into the wine country.  A few specialty categories need entries, like Chocolatiers and Cooking Schools, but there is some fun information about Culinary Tours of the city as well as upcoming food events.

The site is laid out for easy use, gives practical and useful information, and provides links to take you directly to locations that you are considering.  I visit San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area, fairly frequently, and this site is now bookmarked for future use.

Photo credit:  paraflyer @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

Choosing a Restaurant in San Francisco

Here are 5 FREE things to do in Beverly Hills this summer:

1. Outdoor concerts at Beverly Hills Civic Center Plaza as part of the Summer Nights in the Plaza series, starting July 11th.
2. Take a self-guided walking tour of the various public art sculptures around town.  Give Fido a work out as well by taking him along on your walk.
3. Wander the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, Sundays from 9 am – 1 pm on Civic Center Drive.
4. Get a fix of classic television with daily screenings at The Paley Center for Media.  Or, for a mere $5 charge, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences offers “Best Picture of 1939” screenings every Monday at 7:00 pm throughout the summer.
5. Enjoy some beautiful scenery while hiking Franklin Canyon Park at the north end of the city.

And since all those FREE activities are going to make you hungry and thirsty, here are 5 Beverly Hills food and beverage bargains, where you can grab an inexpensive bite to eat or something to drink without losing any of the BH swank:

1. Score a 2-course prix fixe lunch at one of the top spots around town with the Business Express Lunch at Crustacean.  Only $15.
2. Enjoy “Groove on Blue” DJ nights at the Avalon Hotel’s pool therapy happy hour.  You’ll find $8 drinks (that’s cheap for BH) and small bites every Thursday, 7 – 10 pm.
3. Signature martinis for $3.60 is the special at Bar 360’s Happy Hour, Monday – Friday, 4:30 – 7:30 pm.  Located at the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive.
4. Feel like your part of the Golden Triangle, lunching at the new Mediterranean restaurant, Villa Blanca, where you’ll find a fresh lobster and crab salad lunch for $15.
5. Sweets aren’t just for dessert, so try pastries at Fulfilled ($2.95), truffles at Madame Chocolat ($14 for four), cupcakes at Crumbs ($3.75) and frozen yogurt at Yogen Fruz ($2.95 and up).

Photo credit: jonlclark @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

FREE & Nearly FREE Things to do in Beverly Hills

Here are 20 FREE (or nearly FREE) experiences to be had in this beautiful city along the Pacific:

1. Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara and smell the roses in the Mission Rose Garden
2. Experience local culture on State Street
3. Enjoy the 360-degree views of downtown from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse (west wing shown in photo) clock tower
4. Play or watch volleyball at East Beach
5. Stroll Stearns Wharf
6. Check out today’s catch from the fisherman at Santa Barbara Harbor
7. Meet the artists at the Sunday Arts & Crafts Show
8. Learn about the city’s Spanish roots at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
9. Bird watching at Andree Clark Bird Refuge
10. Whale watching from Shoreline Park where you have a view of the migratory path
11. Select some fresh produce at the downtown Farmer’s Market
12. Have a Zen experience at Alice Keck Memorial Park Gardens
13. Walk, jog, or bike the Cabrillo Bikeway
14. Relax and enjoy the American Riviera Franceschi Park
15. Let history come alive at the Historical Museum
16. Hike from the San Ysidro trailhead to a gorgeous waterfall
17. Drive the scenic Highway 154 to the Santa Barbara Wine Country (and maybe find a special bottle or two)
18. Walk the nature trails at Elings Park
19. Enjoy sunset from the Douglas Family Preserve bluffs
20. Play on the Guadalupe Dunes

Source:  Courtesy of Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau

Photo credit:  tkksummers @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

20 FREE (or Nearly FREE) Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Wildlife lovers will get their fill in San Luis Obispo County.  It’s a top birding destination (over 450 species have been noted here), it’s on the winter migration path for spot gray whales, it’s congregating ground and mating spot for elephant seals, and it’s a wintering ground for migrating Monarch Butterflies.  Sandhill cranes call it home, as do bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and brown pelicans.  Water residents include sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters.

Here are a few spots to catch a look at wildlife and sea life:

Piedras Blancas – Located along Highway 1, this spot is home to Northern elephant seals.  Viewing is best during winter, the birthing and mating season.

Pismo State Beach – Home to one of the largest Monarch butterfly winter gathering spots, estimated at over 50,000, these beautiful creatures peacefully interact with humans on the North Beach campground.  Great viewing November – February in a grove of eucalyptus trees.  Be sure to keep your eyes open, you’ll find them on the ground, in the air, and in the trees.

Morro Bay – This estuary along the Pacific Flyway is the location of the annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival every January.  The Museum of Natural History, located in Morro Bay State Park, has hands-on and interactive exhibits and displays that cover the eco-system and environment of the area.  The museum is on a hill and overlooks the water, giving you fabulous views in addition to a learning experience.

San Simeon – The Coastal Discovery Center is located on Highway 1, directly across from Hearst Castle.  Exhibits include rainbow trout, a tide pool sculpture, deep sea videos, and more.  FREE admission.

South of Morro Bay – Montana de Oro State Park, with 8,000 acres of cliffs, beaches, and canyons, is home to black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher.  Plenty to do for naturalists and backpackers along hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails.  Camping is available.

Bakersfield – Carrizo Plain National Monument has an area for wildlife viewing, and you’ll likely spot tule elk, pronghorn antelope, giant kangaroo rats, San Joaquin kit fox, sandhill cranes, and raptors.  It’s also home to Painted Rock (a sacred place to Native Americans) and the San Andreas Fault.  In spring, wildflowers burst into bloom all over the place.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau

Post from: Blisstree

Family Wildlife Vacations in San Luis Obispo

This recipe is a specialty of the Candlight Inn in Napa, California - just about 4 hours south of me. The Candlelight Inn is located in the heart of the California wine country, on grounds surrounded by beautiful Redwoods and Cypress Trees. They serve a 3-course breakfast each and every morning in a gorgeous romantic atmosphere.

Artichoke and Roasted Red Pepper Strata

Ingredients:
12 eggs
2 tsp. hot sauce
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup melted butter
1 pint cottage cheese
1 lb. shredded cheese, such as Jack & Cheddar mixed
8 oz. marinated artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped
8 oz. roasted red peppers, chopped
4 slices white bread, crusts trimmed off and cut into cubes

Directions:

Beat eggs and add hot sauce. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together, whisk into eggs. Add melted butter, then fold in cottage cheese, shredded cheese, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers.

Sprinkle bread cubes into 2 buttered 8″ x 8″ glass baking dishes. Pour egg mixture evenly over the top. Recipe can be prepared ahead up to this point, covered, and refrigerated over night.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until eggs are firm and knife comes out clean. Garnish with sour cream and green salsa. Serves 16.

Recipe posted with premission from BNBFinder.com
Image credit: BNBFinder.com

Post from: Blisstree

Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Strata

Coit Tower in San Francisco; photo from wikimedia

The art deco tower was built in 1933, with funds donated by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, after whom the tower was named.  Folklore claims that the tower was designed to look like a fire hose nozzle, and was a tribute to the firefighters of the 1906 earthquake fire.  Although this may be more urban legend than fact, the story is consistent with the quirky personality of the donor, and many people choose to believe that it’s true.

A sunny San Francisco afternoon is the perfect time for a tour of Coit Tower and its surrounding grounds.

From the surrounding grounds you have expansive views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco Bay.  Just sit and enjoy the sun, practice a bit with your photography, or stroll around enjoying the flowers and the view.

Inside the first floor of the tower are murals of depression-era art.  Although done by 26 different artists, they are all in a Diego Riviera style.  These murals of working men and women during the depression are considered some of the best of its genre.

Depression Era Mural at Coit Tower; photo from wikimedia

Coit Tower can be a bit confusing to get to as it is only accessible by one road.  There is a small parking lot at the top of the hill.  You can also get there by walking two blocks (fairly steep) up Filbert or Greenwich Street from Grant Avenue.  Or, take the #39-Coit Muni bus.  This latter option is especially attractive during the summer months when traffic and parking is difficult.

Coit Tower is open daily from 10 am – 6 pm.  There is no charge for entrance into the ground or the lobby level.  There is a small charge for the elevator to the top.

And if you can’t visit during the nice weather, don’t let that put you off.  The views are fantastic all year round (I love looking at the city shrouded in fog), and it will be much less crowded.

Post from: Blisstree

Art & a View: San Francisco’s Coit Tower