Blog
California State Fair in Sacramento
| 22 June 2010
The California State fair is a 19-day event held every year in Sacramento at the Cal Expo. Travellers who really want to experience the true spirit of American living should not miss this opportunity. The fair is packed with events including exhibitions, competitions and contests, fireworks, horse racing, farm entertainment, music and food. There will be plenty of adrenaline for the more daring who may want to experience the bungee jump and gravity-defying eurobungy trampoline or a take a drive at full speed on the speed track, where you can hurtle round in a drag race car, going from 0-60 mph in less than 1.5 seconds. There is plenty of action for families and fun educational activities for kids of 12 and under.
The San Diego County Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds
| 15 June 2010
Get to a close encounter with the locals at the San Diego County Fair and enjoy the wide range of events including food, music, sports and dance. The 22 days of pure entertainment have already started on the 11th June and will continue through to the 5th of July at Del Mar Fairgrounds. A detailed list of the major events is available here. The San Diego International Beer Festival is one of the Highlights of the County Fair. Held over three days from the 25th of June to the 27th of June the juried event comprises 150 breweries showcasing over 350 beers including lagers and ales.
Yosemite with kids
| 01 June 2010
Besides the appeal for hikers, rock climbers and super fit people, Yosemite National Park is also a great destination for families who want to spend time together at contact with nature. The park has a lot of activities for kids that run during summer including stories, songs, games and crafts for kids 6 and under. Kids between 7 and 13 can take part in the Junior Ranger Program and earn the official Junior Ranger badge by completing an activity book, attending a one-hour Junior Ranger Walk, and picking up a bag of litter to help keep the park clean. The booklet is published by the Yosemite Association and costs $3.50 + tax. Another booklet Little Cubs is designed for younger children (3-6) who will earn the little cubs’ button upon completion. For further information on family friendly activities at the park visit the Yosemite for kids.
Yosemite Falls Trail
| 24 May 2010
The Falls Trail is arguably the best trail in Yosemite National Park. One of Yosemite oldest historic trails, the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, which is 739 m above the Valley floor. The 11.6 km round-trip is strenuous and very hard in winter. Only experienced and fit hikers should take this hike that takes all day between 6 and 8 hours. Less demanding hikes, but just as spectacular give access to the Bridalveil Fall and the Lower Yosemite Fall. Bridalveil Fall is a 20 minute hike starting at the Bridalveil parking area; the paved trail, 0.8 km round trip, goes from here to the base of the fall that flows all year round. Lower Yosemite Fall is best seen in spring and early summer as it dries up typically from late July or early August through October. The round trip to this fall takes about half an hour and is 1.6 km long. Both trails are fairly easy although icy conditions may apply in winter. They are popular with families and school groups.
Glacier Point - scenic landmark in Yosemite National Park
| 19 May 2010
Glacier point is one of the most famous landmarks in Yosemite National Park. No visitor of the park should miss the views from this scenic point from where you can see the entire Yosemite Valley. If you don’t feel like walking you can reach this point by car in just under an hour. Roads are still currently closed for winter and normally reopen late May or early June according to weather conditions. The adventurous explorers however would rather hike there following the Four Mile Trail, which is arguably the best trail for views of Yosemite Valley down into the meadows and towards El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.
Hiking to the top of Half Dome in the Yosemite National Park
| 12 May 2010
The hike to Half Dome opens the 4 post-series about the Yosemite National Park's Trails. This hike is an arduous adventure into Wilderness. Only people in good physical shape should attempt the 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike to Half Dome. Thousands of people enjoy this hike every year and for those who succeed turns out to be a very rewarding experience. Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. It takes 10 to 12 hours to hike to the top of Half Dome and back so it is advisable to start at sunrise and have non-negotiable turning back time. This is not a route for inexperienced hikers and safety must always come first, which can be done by following some simple basic rules. Firstly it is important to time the hike so that if it takes more than originally planned and by a set time you have not yet reached the top it is important to turn back to avoid getting stuck in the wilderness after sunset.
San Diego Seal Tours
| 03 May 2010
I have always wanted to try one of those amphibious vehicles that go from land to water in minutes, but I have always thought they were some kind of extreme sport activity. I was very surprised to discover this unique sightseeing tour in San Diego that uses a “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicle for the most exiting tour in the city. The San Diego Seal offers a tourist route on land first and then it splashes into water when it approaches the Big Bay. Once in the Bay the San Diego Seal takes you along the harbour gliding by Navy ships, tugboats and fishing boats with a close encounter of the coastal wildlife including the Californian sea lions. The whole route is properly narrated with background info on the sites. For further information on this hybrid tour visit Trolley Tours.
Sausalito - Day Excursions from San Francisco
| 21 April 2010
Sausalito is a small town across the San Francisco Bay that makes a nice day out. Easily accessible by Ferry from Pier 39 or Embarcadero at Market, Sausalito is a sweet town with spectacular views over the Bay. The town is quiet and makes a change from the busy vibe of San Francisco. The souvenir shops and art galleries along the Bridleways are popular with tourists, but the floating houses are its most fascinating attraction. Otis Redding wrote his famous hit song The Dock of the Bay while he rented one of these floating jewels. Every year in September the Floating Houses Association organizes a tour around these unique homes; this year the tour will take place on the 25th of September.
2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
| 13 April 2010
This weekend the appointment is at Long Beach for the 36th Annual Toyota Grand Prix. The 2010 Grand Prix features the return of the Indy Car Series. And with names such as Danica Patrick, Scott Dixon, Marco Andretti and Graham Rahal battling wheel-to-wheel on the historic 1.97-mile, 11-turn seaside street circuit the action will be hot. The car racing lovers won’t want to miss this fantastic event when the streets of Long Beach come alive with the roar of engines and the applauding crowd. For more information on the hottest car racing event in California taking place on the scenic Long Beach harbour between April 16 and April 18 visit the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach official website.
The Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley
| 30 March 2010
The Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley is a deluxe retreat to enjoy the pampering Spa's treatments and indulge in the gourmet food and famous wine list. On top of that, the Inn is set within the most spectacular surroundings in the heart of Wine Country. The Inn boasts 29 rooms including 4 deluxe suites, double bath tubs, private courtyard and swimming pool. The restaurant run by acclaimed Chef Renzo Veronese offers classic Italian dishes featuring the highest quality, locally produced ingredients from the region’s best farmers, winemakers and fishermen.