Category: Uncategorized

A few things coming up in 2015

Staycations California Picks:

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire: A themed festival features more than 1,000 costumed actors re-creating a small 16th-century-style English village, complete with Queen Elizabeth’s court, jousting and sword battles. Visit www.renfair.com.

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival:  This festival features more than 50 hot-air balloons,  wine tastings from the local wineries, top-name country and rock entertainment, vendor booths, and plenty of family activities  Visit tvbwf.com.

Pageant of the Masters: Can’t even describe this one, it is a must see. Actors  dress up and become a part of a famous painting or sculpture.  lagunafestivalofarts.org.

Comic-Con:   This has become one of the most popular events in Southern California.. All at the San Diego Convention Center. International film stars and illustrators mingle with some 200,000 fans at this four-day event.  Visit comic-con.org.

MCAS Miramar Air Show:   You have to see this at least once in your life. More than 500,000 spectators turn out each year for this free three-day celebration.. Entertainment includes stunt planes, helicopters, rescue demonstrations, air drops and wing-walkers, with the highlight being the  Blue Angels precision flying team.

Zap Wine festival in San Francisco: Head over to the Presidio on January 29 – 31, 2015 for the all new Zinfandel Experience Wine Tasting event! – See more at: http://www.sftourismtips.com/zap-wine-festival.html#sthash.gsHvYDnc.dpuf

Martin Luther Celebration and Parade in San Francisco: This weekend long festival celebrates the life and work of MLK. It features a parade, film festival, arts festival, health & wellness festival, and more.

Mendocino Wine and Crab Days
Rated one of America’s Top 10 Seafood & Wine Festivals by Coastal Living Magazine!

People, people, and more people Part 2

Venice Beach is one of the most well known and legendary beaches in Southern California.   Besides movies and TV shows filming at its location, occasionally a magazine snap shot shows a celebrity bicycling along the nearby beachside trail.  All walks of life stream back and forth on the now famous boardwalk and that alone is enough to keep you people watching for hours.

Situated just south of Malibu and Santa Monica, this eclectic beach town is known mostly for its circus like atmosphere along the 2 mile beachside promenade.   Of course there is much more to this area than the celebrated Venice Beach walkway.  Beautiful homes line the south side while the quiet and serene Venice Canals stay hidden just down the road.    For this story we are only featuring the boardwalk and Muscle Beach.

On this November day we successfully found parking at a lot right next to Muscle Beach. I have made many trips to Venice beach in the summer and ended up changing plans due to of lack of parking spaces.  At that time finding a spot was like finding gold.

This time luck was on our side, as we piled out of the car on our way to the world famous beach.   Many a cast and crew have filmed here for the day and one such cult classic was Xanadu featuring Olivia Newton John.  A wall mural was featured prominently in the movie in which Olivia’s character comes to life as she leaves the painting.   Although I never saw that particular mural, there were plenty others to add to the color of the area.

Even though it was 6 weeks into fall, the crowd was thick.  The weather was nice enough to wear shorts and the sun was beaming strong as if it believed it was summer.  I couldn’t imagine how busy it must be in July or August.  No wonder I could never find a parking spot the few times I visited.

As you step onto the side walk you are greeted by shops and stores selling everything you can imagine. Geared towards tourists, obviously there are tons of  t-shirts , novelty, and souvenir stores.  Strewn along the route are snack bars and restaurants with even an oxygen bar thrown in for good measure.

Scattered out along the sidewalk on the beach side are local artists selling their goods and local musicians performing alone or with a band.  I couldn’t believe how good the contemporary jazz band was that performed just outside the restaurant where we stopped for lunch.  Each player and especially the guitar player had the skill of any top musician now making it in the music business.    Along the way we stopped and listened to a piano player whose hands skillfully hit the keys to a point where you felt like you were at a concert at Carnegie Hall.  A slight exaggeration I know but it speaks to the quality of talent in these musicians.

There were a few shall we say unusual people. One guy dressed up in some crazy costume with a flower pot hat was actually charging people to take a picture with him.  A lot of photo ops had signs that said they kindly take donations.   Half the time I was afraid to take a picture and the other half I was trying to take one while avoiding someone’s head in the shot.

Flying through the crowd was our first sighting of Harry Perry the now well known guitar playing, roller skating, and turban wearing man.  I know that sounds like a tongue twister but that is exactly what he is. I have seen him on TV a few times as he is a local icon and known for strumming his electric guitar while gliding through the vast sea of people.  He only slows down long enough for a photo op with tourists or to offer up his signature t-shirt, both at a cost.  To honor the man trying to make a buck, I only photographed his back side for posterity’s sake.

With such a cast of characters all in one place it was no wonder there was an attraction called Freakshow with sword swallowers, and other freakish acts.   The outside Barker promises that once you pass through the door you will be amazed at the wonders inside. Those wonders include two headed snakes or lizards, and various other animals with missing or added limbs.   Once he mentioned sword swallower I was done, not my cup of tea.   However, the place has been there for years, so there must be something of interest to bring in the crowds.

As the sidewalk continued on for more and more blocks, the sound of drumming hit our ears.  There were two separate areas where groups of people equipped with various percussion instruments expertly played a synchronized beat.  In one area a saxophone chimed in to add to the rhythm.

Located right on the beach and more towards the water is a skate park with tons of riders and an equal amount of onlookers.

Nestled between the various artists and musicians, street performers were at the ready to come to life as soon as a greenback was placed in their basket.  Food was abundant with snack bars and quaint curb side restaurants dotted along the way.  Public bathrooms were also readily available.

As we passed by Muscle Beach on our way back to the car there were a few chiseled men working out on various apparatuses. On some type of double bar they were performing cleverly worked out routines much to the pleasure of the surrounding crowd.   One muscle man announced that if we like what we see, they would kindly accept donations.    Even the muscle men were getting into the action that has become the norm for Venice Beach.  In their defense, what they were doing was quite impressive unlike the guy simply standing there in a funny hat asking for money.

Venice Beach is a sidewalk circus with people overload.    It is a place you need to see at least once in your life.

Once seen, I can go back to my sleepy beach town and take pictures to my heart’s content without paying a dime.   With any luck there will only be a few heads in the way instead of a hundred.

Staycations California made all efforts to blur out the faces of pedestrians along the way to honor their privacy. No you are not seeing some new alien invasion.

Photos: Debbie Colwell

 

Santa Monica Pier

People, people, and more people.  A few weeks back I did a story on the Belmont Shore Veterans Memorial Pier.  In that story I mentioned that when I was strolling on that pier, it was if I had gone back in time.   The design of the pier seemed reminiscent of a time long ago with old lanterns that subtly lit the walkway and an unusual lack of crowds.    It felt like something from the 1950’s.

Two weeks later it was feeling more like the  21st century as we stepped on to the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles County, California.  Unlike the Belmont Pier, we were now sharing it not with a handful of people, but with thousands!!    It was bumper to bumper people as far as you can see.

So what attracts so many to the Santa Monica Pier and not the Belmont Pier?

The Belmont Pier has a snack bar, fishing, plenty of bathrooms and a great view, what more could you ask?   In comparison, the Santa Monica Pier also has those features but with a few wee minor additions, such as,  a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel,  a carousel, a two story restaurant, a flying trapeze,  shops,  carnival games and rides,  vendors, music,  and much more.  It is an amusement park sitting on top of a pier and that is why it is so crowded!

The Santa Monica pier is where you go to play, eat, drink, and have fun.   We went on the Saturday after the Thanksgiving holiday so I am sure it was more crowded than normal, although I can’t be sure of that fact.  Summer is probably even more crowded and I also overheard someone say it was busier at night.   So with that in mind, plan to to spend the day here as you would any amusement park or fair.

The Santa Monica Pier was built in 1909 and strangely its purpose at the time was to carry sewage out to sea,via pipes.  Obviously through the years it has been re-built to house and to hold the weight of the amusement park type rides and structures.     I stood in awe as I watched the waves crash against the pilings wondering how they could possibly hold up all of those rides.

Looking north you can see Malibu in the distance and Venice Beach to the south. With its close proximity to Hollywood, the pier has been used in many films and TV shows.   Some scenes from Forrest Gump were filmed at the pier and not surprisingly a Bubba Gump’s restaurant still sits at the entrance.  I’m  told it is owned by some of the producers of the film.

Standing tall like a beacon for Margarita lovers, the two stories of the Marisol Mexican restaurant are positioned at the end of the pier for your dining and drinking pleasure.    Directly behind it you will find a set of bleachers perfect for relaxing and viewing the stunning Pacific Ocean to the west.   At the absolute end of the pier there is a second level for anglers to reel in their prizes without contending with the crowds.

Scattered about are small street vendors as well as the sweet sounds of performing local musicians.   Bathrooms are aplenty much to my relief after guzzling two large iced teas.

Santa Monica Pier is a floating party, a carnival, a street fair, and an amusement park all wrapped up in one.    Staycations California recommends it as a fun place to visit for the day and enjoy the rides, games, food, and shops.   Or people watch, there are plenty of them.

However, if you want mellow there is always the San Simeon Pier some 200 miles up the coast or the peace and quiet of above mentioned Belmont Pier.

Wherever your mood takes you, nothing beats taking a stroll on a pier, even if it means sharing it with a thousand of your closest friends.

 

When I was a kid my Mother would take me  on a Sunday drive just to get out of town.  We would pick a place up the coast and just go.  The best time was when I could take a friend and most of the time we would giggle in the back seat for no apparent reason.   I did however pay attention to where we were going and I enjoyed the sights along the way.

Push the clock forward some 40 years and I still like to go on Sunday drives.  For this week’s staycation, the Sunday drive was actually on Saturday and it wasn’t just one friend, it was a car load of 5 including me. We picked a place up the coast and off we went.   Things haven’t changed since I was a kid, the giggling turned to laughter and there was plenty of it.  Funny how a Sunday/Saturday drive makes you feel happy.

We choose as our first destination Huntington Harbor some 60 miles up the coast from Oceanside.    From the 405 freeway you get off on Warner Avenue and proceed west for a few miles until you end up on Pacific Coast Highway.

Huntington Harbor is a community in the north end of Huntington Beach in Orange County, California. This residential development consists of five man-made islands with waterways that are used for boating.

Along PCH we saw a small street fair and decided to check it out.  I went off snapping photos and found a little area with shops and restaurants which looked like a relaxing place to have lunch and enjoy the day.  20 minutes later we were on our way again with one t-shirt purchase under our belt and all of us ready to explore the next area.

We drove north and passed through a small community called Sunset Beach.  Located south of Seal Beach, this small town has a population of fewer than 1,000 people and consists mostly of houses on the beach.  There are  however,  restaurants and shops on Pacific Coast Highway.    Adding to the charm of this town is the Water Tower House which hovers 85 feet above the ground just west of PCH.    At first glance it looks like an actual water tower but in reality it is a 3,000sq ft  tri-level home with 360 degree views.    They say it is available for vacation rental and with its uniqueness and proximity to the beach, I am sure that it is  a great place to stay.

However,  at that height, heaven help you if the elevator breaks.

Just a few miles away we arrived at Seal Beach.  As of the 2010 census the population in Seal Beach was around 24,000, so a small town for Southern California standards. A majority of the cities acreage is devoted to the Naval Weapons Station with the rest either modern and expansive beach homes or small cozy cottages.

The main attraction is the Seal Beach Pier which is the second longest wooden pier in California stretching out some  1,865 feet.

Finding parking on this fall day was abundant, considering Seal Beach is full of activity and beach goers during the summer months.    We took a leisurely stroll on the pier while admiring the 360 view along the way. You can see the Tower house from the pier too.

With a transportation strike going on at the nearby Long Beach port, cargo ships dotted the horizon waiting their turn to finally be unloaded.   Quite a sight to see  these huge ships just sitting there with their goods stacked high. I am sure a few Black Friday products are anxiously waiting to make their way to the stores.

At the base of the pier sits Main Street with its eclectic array of restaurants, shops, etc.  Spanning a few blocks, it is a popular destination for locals as well as visitors.

The next stop is one of my favorite places, Alamitos Bay.  It seems like Alamitos Bay is endless with its nooks and crannies, canals, and channels scattered about.   I am going to do a staycation and rent a boat some day to explore it all, including the Naples Canals.

There are different sections sprawled out over the bay with restaurants, boat rentals, and shops.  We didn’t spend a lot of time there as we were hungry and ready to eat, however I made a mental note to come back during Christmas as the whole bay is lit up with small Christmas tree barges during that time.

With Stomachs full, we set out for Belmont Shore and the Belmont Shore Veterans Memorial pier. Belmont Shore is a region of Long Beach that’s buzzing with a variety of shops, restaurants, visitors, and beach-goers.

Finding plenty of parking again for a mere $2, we parked and took a walk on the Belmont Shore Veterans Memorial Pier.  The pier had an old fashioned look to it and I mean that in a good way. Even though it was re-built in 1966, walking on it felt like you took a step back in time. The restaurant on the end looked like it was being refurbished and I am sure once finished,  it will be a great place to eat a meal while enjoying the view of the Pacific. In the meantime a snack bar is available for its pier guests.

From the end of the pier you can see downtown Long Beach,  Long Beach port with its enormous cranes, the break water , the Queen Mary, a huge cruise ship dwarfing the Queen Mary, the oil islands, and of course the patiently waiting cargo ships.  Although others prefer a less chaotic view from a pier, I found the view very interesting. The mix of ships against sailboats, against industry, against historical icons like the Queen Mary, can keep me there for hours.

Watching the sun set directly over one of the oil islands, we were ready for our trek home.

However, one last stop, Naples Canals, a small neighborhood of Long Beach.  The islands of Naples are divided by canals which open into a main channel of Alamitos Bay.   The center of Naples features a large fountain and most of the streets have Italian names such as Sorrento and Tivoli.  The pedestrian walkway along the front of the homes spans the whole neighborhood and you can view the elaborately decorated homes at Christmas, while enjoying the canal below.  Fido is welcome but bring the leash. These artificial canals were created in the early 1900s and on any given day or evening you can hear the soft sound of a gondolier singing Italian songs as he gently steers his gondola through the romantic canals. You can rent one too at http://www.gondolagetawayinc.com,  although not all gondoliers have the chops to sing. At sunset it was beautiful and at Christmas it is a must see.

So homeward bound with sight-seeing overload, giggled out, and just plain tired.  Just like when I was a kid except this time I was the driver and the kids were actually middle aged woman.

If you want to spend a full day just discovering our back yard here in Southern California, I suggest following our route and seeing for yourself the hidden gems of Huntington Harbor, Sunset Beach, Seal Beach, Alamitos Bay, Belmont Shore, and finally Naples Canal. You won’t be disappointed.
;

Had a fast and furious trip to Palm Springs this past weekend and didn’t get a chance to ride the world famous Palm Springs Tramway. With it being the world’s largest rotating tramway, it is a must as a California staycation activity. The other large rotating tramways in the world are in South Africa and Switzerland, not exactly our backyard. So it is quite a treat to have something like this so close to home.

Unfortunately, the closest we got this time was at the Coachella Valley floor with a 300mm lens straining to find an actual tram on its way up. Some 8,500 feet up the mountain we were able to see where the tram ends at the top of San Jacinto Peak, sadly no trams were in sight.

I did check some info about the tramway and here it is:
At the bottom station, you enter the tram to begin your twelve and a half minute ride up the rugged and sheer terrain of Chino Canyon. The tram makes two complete revolutions during the ride so that you can see in all directions without moving yourself. The tram is roughly 18 ft long and has a max capacity of 80 people.

Once you reach the top station, you are in a different temperature zone. The air can be as much as 40 degrees cooler than the bottom floor. So be sure and check the temperatures at the top to dress appropriately. You could be swimming in the pool in Palm Springs and an hour later be playing in the snow at the summit.
As well as playing in the snow during certain seasons, you can also take a burro ride or hike the many trails around that area.

There are also two restaurants as well as gift shops at the summit but the real star of the trip is the spectacular view!
Cars depart at least every half hour from 10 a.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. weekends and holiday periods. Last car up is 8 p.m. with the last car down at 9:45 p.m
Since we didn’t do this staycation activity ourselves, we are giving you only a few shots of the mountain and the top station.

The spectacular view and the thrill of the ride is up to you!!!!