Accommodation in Reno is diverse and varied from the larger casinos to many vintage "one-star" motels - usually one or two stories and often in a state of various decay. Reno is lacking in boutique hotels. Prices for hotel rooms tend to be fairly affordable, perhaps somewhat subsidized or supported by the gambling industry. All Phone Numbers are in the 775 area code. Please also visit our Reno Casino page for additional information about … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA
The small scenic town of Hopland (population around 800) is situated about two hours (1 hour 45 minutes on a good day) north of San Francisco along the 101 Freeway or about 45 minutes north of Santa Rosa. Hopland is in Mendocino County and located on the western side of the Russian River. The 101 is a freeway the entire way from San Francisco until several miles south of Hopland where it turns into a 2 lane road. Reminiscent of parts of the 5 … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA
Monterey (population approximately 29,000) is located roughly 2 hours south of San Francisco. This beautiful historic town takes full advantage of its location on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the ever popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. However, there are more attractions in the entire Monterey Bay area then just those in the town of Monterey. Additional highlights include the scenic 17 … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Monterey Restaurants
Monterey has a great selection of restaurants. This city is known for excellent seafood and this is easy to see, considering Monterey is situated on the coast. If these restaurants have been rated we will be sure to include a rating. The prices listed below are for dinner only. Most of the good restaurants in the town of Monterey are located at Fisherman's Wharf or along certain sections of Cannery Row or in the downtown area. Prices … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA
The city of Palm Springs quickly conjures up images of swaying palms, amorphous pools, golf courses, the strip, and heat. This is all true; there are many native and non native palm trees, a large plethora of golf courses, good shopping downtown and Palm Springs in the wintertime is often among the warmest areas to visit in the state of California. You can be hiking in the desert canyons nearby and the temperatures can be pushing 80 degrees while … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – How to Get There
This part of California is located along US 395 in the south eastern part of the state. Los Angeles is about 200 miles from Lone Pine and San Diego is about 330 miles. Driving time from Los Angeles is between 3 and 4 hours depending on how fast you like to drive. Driving time from the San Jose Bay Area to Lone Pine is about 7 to 8 hours depending on the season. San Francisco is about 400 miles from Lone Pine during the summer months and about 440 … [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...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Big Pine Restaurants
Prices are subject to change without notice. All phone numbers are in the 760 area code unless otherwise noted. Country Kitchen is located right in the middle of Big Pine on the west side of 395 at 181 S. Main St. They serve excellent breakfasts. We've eaten here when it was called Jeff's Country Kitchen and have eaten here again since the ownership change around 2013. Dave's pick is the Eggs Benedict. Casual dining … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Independance
Like Big Pine, Independence is a good starting point for various attractions in the surrounding area. This is the quintessential Eastern Sierra Nevada town - small, laid back and full of history. Oh and surrounded by the gorgeous Eastern Sierra Nevadas. Town features quiet residential neighborhoods with homes that date back decades. And some very historical buildings. It is also the county seat for Inyo. And was the home to noted author Mary … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a small town of about 2000 people with one stoplight in the entire town. Its most well known for three things; gateway to the Alabama Hills, a popular location for filming movies, television shows and commercials and home of the Whitney Portal Road leading to the Mt. Whitney trail head (this road starts in town). Incidentally Mt. Whitney was first climbed by three residents of Lone Pine on August 18, 1873. The town also offers … [Read more...]