Sonoma County, while not the first destination in the state for growing commercial grapes (that being in Los Angeles County), is certainly one of the state's most historical viticultural regions and posseses a heritage that the county does not necessarily promote as much as they should. While not the first wineries founded in the state, two of the oldest ones still in existence are both in Sonoma Valley - Buena Vista (dating from 1857) and the … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Restaurants
The Santa Rosa restaurants listed below are just a fraction of the many restaurants in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. We have eaten at nearly all the restaurants listed below. All are in Santa Rosa unless otherwise specified. Prices are subject to change without notice. Have a suggestion for a Santa Rosa restaurant not yet listed here? Are you a Santa Rosa Restaurant owner who has been in business at least 5 years and would like your … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Ski Resorts
Alpine Meadows is located on the North Shore, on Alpine Meadows Road just off of Highway 89. This is one of the top 6 ski resorts in the Tahoe area. This resort is located 6 miles northwest of Tahoe City. Alpine Meadows is known for its long season and its diverse terrain. They have over 100 runs and 12 lifts. Their summit elevation is 8,637 feet with a vertical drop of 1,800 feet. Up until recently they had banned snow boarding but now snow … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Attractions
Besides extensive shopping areas, wineries, the UCSB campus, beaches, Santa Barbara Mission, historical buildings, various museums, Stearns Wharf and the wonderful climate, numerous other attractions still need to be mentioned. These are a few that we have visited in Santa Barbara - all are listed in alphabetical order: Breakwater Flag Project. Numerous flag poles are located down on the break wall near the Santa Barbara Marina. On … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Carrizo Plains & Soda Lake
Carizzo Plain is located a little over an hour driving from San Luis Obispo - the drive to reach the plains and a visit here reveals the diversity of San Luis Obispo County both in topography, flora and population. Unlike coastal San Luis Obispo which is fairly well populated - the Carrizo Plains are in a part of the county that is almost completely uninhabited by people. It almost reminds one of the rolling prairies of the Midwest other than the … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Attractions
Moorten Botanical Garden has been in existence for more then 70 years; the gardens contain over 3000 varieties of desert plants from around the world. This garden is also a bird sanctuary. They are located at 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive - right at the corner of El Camino Street - about a mile in from the state route 111. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 4:30, and Sunday from 10 to 4. NOTE: They are closed on Wednesdays. Weddings, … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Shopping
Downtown Palm Springs offers excellent shopping - lining both sides of Palm Canyon Drive. Many unique art galleries are located here along with other artisan crafts. Select shopping centers in and around Palm Springs are the following: Desert Fashion Plaza. PHONE (760) 320-8282 Gardens on El Paseo's (760) 862-1990 in Palm Desert Website: www.thegardensonelpaseo.com La Plaza is located in the heart of downtown and offers an excellent … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Art Galleries
Palm Springs has an excellent variety of art galleries located mostly along N or S Palm Canyon Drive - near the center of town. All galleries below are in the city of Palm Springs unless otherwise indicated. General Adagio Galleries exhibits a collection of Southwest American art and is well worth visiting. Many paintings as well as sculptures. Located at 73-300 El Paseo Drive in Palm Desert. Used to be located in Palm Springs. Established … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Spas
Along with Golf courses, Palm Springs has an abundance of Day spas and mineral springs. Today, many resorts are built around the hot springs. Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is located at 10805 Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs. More info: www.dhsspa.com Marriott's Desert Springs Resort and Spa. This is a 2700 foot featuring exercise classes and massage facials. (760) 341-1865 www.desertspringsresort.com Mirela's Spa de Jour. (760) … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Hotels
There are over 200 hotels in Palm Springs, everything from bed and breakfast to full service luxury spas and resorts. A partial list is provided below. For a town of only about 50 thousand people there are quite a few hotels to choose from. Prices listed below range from a low price of single occupancy/off season to a high price of double occupancy/holidays/ weekends. The prices vary considerably depending on the season. If you have stayed at … [Read more...]
