Barranca and Zoologico Guadalajara . Both attractions are located about a 20 minute ride from the center of the city. Zoologico Guadalajara is located on the edge of the Barranca - a 2000+ foot gorge cut deep into the heart of the earth by centuries of river erosion. Slightly similar looking to parts of the Grand Canyon in the United States, minus the bold colors. As one descends to the bottom, the climate becomes more tropical and fruits such … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Manzanar
Manzanar is located directly West of the 395, about 10 miles north of Lone Pine. Manzanar was the first of ten remote camps that in total held almost 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II. During its peak period over 10,000 people lived there. Over 600 barracks were built (organized into 36 blocks) along with recreation halls, a judo hall, a hospital, an orphanage, 3 schools, and a music hall. Now you can drive down … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Ironstone Vineyards
Ironstone Vineyards is located 1.5 miles from the town of Murphys. The road to the winery starts about halfway through the town (take the road directly next to Murphy's Hotel (a prominent historical landmark in town). As you get close to the winery you will see a number of vineyards. Ironstone grows not only grapes but also other crops such as apples. The owners have spent a significant amount of money and effort into building this into a major … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Coulterville
Coulterville is located at the junction of Highways 132 and 49. This old mining town used to be a booming community along the first stage coach road into Yosemite Valley. Now with approximately 115 people it is just barely reaping some of the benefits of the tourist boom that other historic mining towns have seen in more recent years. Coulterville is slightly removed from the main mining tourist town areas therefore not as many people drive … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area is a sizable region and there are numerous attractions and activities located either in San Francisco or within a short drive. Some of these attractions list coupons in local San Francisco travel guides. These guides are usually free and many can be found at local shops, on street guide racks around select tourist destination such as at Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf. All attractions are alphabetized below. Driving in … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Shopping
There are an incredible array of shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts in San Francisco. There are vast tourist shopping areas selling everything from electronic equipment to post cards. When I play tourist south of Union square, Chinatown, and south of Market street, I am often amazed by the great number of shops all selling similar items. As you walk through these shopping sections soon every store almost looks the same. You will … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Attractions
Bloedel Conservatory is located on a hill overlooking the entire city of Vancouver. The observatory is surrounded by lush gardens. This is a great spot to bring the family for a picnic lunch. The observatory contains a diverse garden of tropical plants and birds. During the dead of the winter months this can be an enjoyable outing to escape the frigid temperatures. For example, one can come up here and dream they are in Costa Rica or some other … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Annual Events
While these events are annual, the specific dates may change. It is best to visit the website or call for information. The area code for all phone numbers is 604. January -Polar Bear Swim Phone Number: 732-2304 February -Chinese New Year Celebration Phone Number: 687-0729 -Chutzpah Festival: www.chutzpahfestival.com -Lunar Fest - contemporary expression of Asian arts & culture: www.lunarfest.org -Push, … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Annual Events
This is only a partial listing of events. Music, arts, wine and food. Common themes. In addition to the annual events listed below, a number of seasonal events are held in Santa Rosa throughout the year. Looking no further then downtown, the weekly Wednesday night market is held from early June to early September. Vendors fill and pedestrians fills some of the space at Old Railroad Square and part of 4th Street is closed to vehicular traffic. … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Event Calendar
This is only a small sampling of the events that occur throughout the year. Many ski resorts have events planned throughout the ski season. January -Winter Celebration at Heavenly Ski Resort. Event includes ski races, fireworks, & ice sculpting. February -Cross Country Ski and Food Festival at Northstar at Tahoe -Snowfest Winter Carnival has been held annually since 1982, events and activities for families on Tahoe's … [Read more...]