This stretch of coastal highway – the 17-Mile Drive, as it’s called – is a beautiful, winding scenic route that traverses Pacific Grove and Carmel. Driving non-stop will take at least 25 minutes, but if …
August 22, 2009
United States
17-Mile Drive: Carmel–Pacific Grove
Gondola Servizio, Oakland
I’ve dreamed of cruising on a romantic Venetian gondola and being serenaded with Italian love songs. I didn’t have to travel any further than Lake Merritt in Oakland. The proprietors of Gondola Servizio, 568 Bellevue …
August 22, 2009
Olvera Street, El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historical Monument
San Diego has Little Italy. Los Angeles has “Little Mexico,” Olvera Street, located in El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument on the site of L.A.’s original birthplace. Colorful celebrations and fiestas happen here year-round. …
August 21, 2009
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love – famous for Breyers ice cream, Tastykake and, of course, Philly cheesesteaks – is located approximately two hours south of New York City and two and a half hours …
August 21, 2009
Indian Canyons, California
Just outside of Palm Springs (on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation), are several good hiking trails situated in what is collectively known as the Indian Canyons, part of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. The prettiest …
August 20, 2009
The Museum of Medical History
After visiting the Museum of Medical History, you’ll be glad you live in this century. A window to our healthcare past, these unique displays show the evolution of medical equipment and practices. Surgeries were often …
August 20, 2009
Hilmar Cheese, California
We all know that real California is about the cheese – you know, those happy cows and all. But do you know how all that cheese is made? At Hilmar Cheese Company, the largest single-site …
August 20, 2009
Get off the Grid in Jalama Beach
Welcome to the feeling of camping in the 1970s: Advance registration for single sites is not available at Jalama Beach Park, located west of Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. From Highway 1, the 14-mile Jalama …
August 19, 2009
Pantages Theatre, Hollywood
The Pantages Theatre, located on 6233 Hollywood Blvd (near Vine just off the 101), is a Hollywood landmark with more than its share of entertainment history. It’s played host to Vaudeville acts in the 1930s, …
August 19, 2009
Where the Wild Things Are: Salinas
It’s hard to imagine an agricultural town like Salinas being home to well-known movie and television stars. But celebrities from George of the Jungle, Mighty Joe Young, and even the model for The Lion King …
August 18, 2009
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, as you know, is about 2 hours away from San Diego, approximately 125 miles north. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, embedded in the sidewalk along both sides of Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to …
August 18, 2009
Gravity Garden, Carmel Highlands
A state of tranquility envelops me as I wander through Jim Needham’s Gravity Garden, located a stone’s throw (so to speak) from the Carmel coastline, three miles south of Carmel where Highway 1 meets Fern …
August 18, 2009
Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway house, Palm Springs
Any Elvis fans out there? A trip to the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway in Palm Springs should be on your to-do list. Although Elvis did not own this house, he and Priscilla lived at 1350 Ladera …
August 17, 2009
Gold Panning in Jamestown, CA
If you want to step back in time and experience the life of an 1849 gold prospector, plan a trip to Gold Prospecting Adventures, 18170 Main Street, Jamestown. The experience will transport you into Gold …
August 16, 2009
Eclectic Venice, California
Venice, the famous funky beach town, bares its colorful, eclectic soul for all to see. Stroll along the pedestrian path or take the designated skate/bike paths along the oceanfront to experience Venice’s street performers, artists, …
August 16, 2009