Vancouver was founded in 1886; today this very cosmopolitan city anchors the west coast of Canada and attracts visitors from around the world. Those who have never been to Vancouver will be surprised by its size when viewed from a distance. Vancouver can be defined by its surrounding natural beauty but more so by its international population. Vancouver is thriving and continually pursuing the future. This is evident when one sees all the modern … [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 – Victoria
Victoria is accessible via ferry from Vancouver or from select areas in the state of Washington. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. It is a very quaint city. It also has among the more mild climates in Canada, and often times when the rest of Canada is covered with snow, Victoria is cold, but free of snow. The ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 2 hours. It is a beautiful ride especially in the summer months and on a … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – More Info
This is an important section. We cannot possibly cover all that there is too see in Vancouver or what we saw on the rest of our 17 day trip, however the following websites describe the locations we visited in Western Canada and Vancouver in particular. The Vancouver Convention and Visitor's Bureau can be reached at 1-800-888-8835 or (604) 683-2000. For more travel information about traveling in British Columbia call Phone Number … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Neighborhoods
Bennett Valley (named after a resident in the area James Bennett - who lived here in the 1860's) is a mostly residential part of Santa Rosa spread out southeast of downtown with prominent roads in this neighborhood being Bennett Valley Road, Bethards Drive, Tachevah Drive and Yulupa. Located only about a 10 minute drive from downtown Santa Rosa. If there was a 'heart' to this neighborhood it would be where two shopping centers are located across … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Parks
The following are the most popular community, neighborhood or state parks found either within Santa Rosa or among the surrounding area. Nearly all of the ones located outside of the city limits listed below are within a 10-30 minute drive of downtown Santa Rosa (unless otherwise noted). Camping - for information about camping please visit the Sonoma County Parks Website here. Annadel State Park is located east of Santa Rosa off … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Specialty Farms
Note: Much of Sonoma County typically is not a good place to grow stone fruits or melons – exception to this are the Crane Melons which need certain micro climates. Any fruit or vegetable that requires a lot of heat will typically not do well in most of Sonoma County – especially West county and near Santa Rosa/Petaluma. Leafy green things you can eat – grow best in the mild growing conditions of this country. Some farms, ranches, and orchards … [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...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Hotels
The following list is only a partial one, but it provides a sampling of the wide range of places to stay in Santa Rosa. While some hotels are spread out around town, there are two main concentrations of hotels, the most being along Santa Rosa Avenue and then others along Cleveland/Hopper Ave. Most of the hotels in Santa Rosa are located fairly close to the 101 freeway. America's Best Value Inn & Suites is rated 2 stars and is … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara called the "Queen of the Missions" was founded on Dec 4, 1786, on the Feast of St. Barbara. This mission is the tenth of the California missions and is the only one with two bell towers. It's construction was completed in 1820, and today is still one of the best preserved missions. However, between the founding of the mission and today it has been severely damaged by several earthquakes, one in 1812 and one in 1925. Both … [Read more...]