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 – Jamestown
Jamestown is located about 3 miles south of Sonora on Highway 108. This mining town has had its share of history. It is named after a Colonel, George James. Nearby Wood's Creek was extremely rich and provided some sizable nuggets over the years. This creek is named after an Oregon miner Benjamin Wood who first discovered gold in the area in 1848 (one of the earliest gold mining related settlements in this part of California). The town has a … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Murphys
Murphys is a quaint tourist town that today is much loved all year round by locals and visitor's alike. There is a lot of gold mining history contained on these streets - young Irish immigrants (and brothers) John and Daniel Murphy were among the early California gold miners and struck it rich near here in 1848 taking out an estimated 2 million dollars in gold ore from the nearby diggings. This was one of California's richest most concentrated … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – More Info
For a great picture and caption book on the northern and southern California gold region I highly recommend "California's Gold Rush Country", a book that highlights the gold country from 1848 to 1998. This is not a book that provides much travel information. Leslie Kelley is the author and photographer. He took three years to travel and do research for this book. The book … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Coeur d’ Alene Restaurants
Beverly's is located at the Coeur d' Alene Resort. It is rated 4 stars and serves continental cuisine. Reservations are suggested and the dress is casual. Prices range from $21 to $40. The menu changes seasonally. There is a great view of the lake from the restaurant. They also boast a large wine cellar with many different choices. Call (208) 765-4000. www.cdaresort.com/dining_nightlife/beverlys The Cedars is located on the 95 Freeway just … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, or as locals call it, "The City", is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. How many cities have a population of just over 750,000 and have the instant name recognition that San Francisco has? What other city can lay claim to have founded the United Nations, introduced the topless dancer, and the hippie movement? How many cities are known world wide for its cultural diversity and cultural acceptance? Where else can you … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Accommodations
The following is only a partial list of lodging options in San Francisco. A wide range of hotels are listed that accommodate various budgets. Prices range from the low (single occupancy/off season) to the high (double occupancy/high season) and are subject to change at any time. The downtown/financial district tends to be quite expensive and crowded. For budget travelers recommended lodging is in the outskirts of San Francisco - for example a … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Napa Wine Tasting
Ever wanted to visit the Napa Valley and see the most famous wine tasting region in the United States? How about neighboring more low key Sonoma with its small personalized wineries in Dry Creek and the Alexander Valley? Look no further than our concierge services. We have an extremely unique point of view into the Napa Valley from a winery perspective as Dave has personally visited and tasted with more than 1,000 wineries/producers in Napa … [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 – Napa Valley
The Napa Valley is a fairly small geographical region - with the Napa Valley appellation encompassing much of Napa County (but not all). The valley only produces about 4% of the state's entire wine production. The focus here is on quality over quantity - much of the valley is harvested by hand. There are over 1,100 unique producers in the valley - of which there are around 500 physical wineries (ranging from small garagiste operations to much … [Read more...]