Travels in and around Sacramento, California

California tourists know big city names like Sacramento, but a visit to Northern California offers more than one opportunity to enjoy the area. A great place for a classic road trip, Camino, Coloma, Columbia, Jamestown, Placerville, Sonora, and  Tuolumne County are full of attractions just around the next bend in the road.

Sacramento

Sacramento is one of California’s largest cities and full of family friendly attractions. Museums dedicated to such topics as transportation, art, and history can all be found here along with shops, restaurants, and “Old Sacramento, a registered national landmark and state historic park”. With the diverse offerings there is something that will appeal to every family member.

visit california

Trains, cars, or both? Sacramento is home to the California State Railroad Museum and California Auto Museum. Transportation and the area’s history are closely tied as the city was part of the transcontinental railroad and Pony Express. The Railroad Museum not only displays restored locomotives and train cars, they also feature “40 one-of-a kind exhibits”. Here you can learn about railroad history from 1850 to the trains we ride today. A mile down the road the Auto Museum is full of examples of more modern four wheeled transport. The collection features cars from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, originals and restorations.

california railroad

Art? The Crocker Art Museum is a perfect stop. Opening in 1885 the museum is a part of history too, the “first public art museum in the Western United States”.  Enjoy more than the art when visiting, there are also live events, tours, and classes for kids, adults, or the whole family. When planning your trip be sure to check out their Events Calendar on the site.

History? Old Town Sacramento Historic District is a living piece of the past. Shops once supplied miners in search of gold, now those historic buildings house shops and eateries that appeal to new visitors in the area. The Sacramento History Museum is there to expand your local knowledge or if you want to go back before the city was founded try the California State Indian Museum.

travel in california

California Gold Rush

Gold brought the original settlers to the region and now you can learn about the history and recapture the experience at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma Ca. James Marshall triggered the “largest migration in history” when he discovered gold in 1848. With a museum, gold panning, candle and rope making you can spend the afternoon living history.

Want more? Hangtown’s Gold Bug Park & Mine combines education and nature. Whether you take advantage of the hiking trails or investigate the two hard rock mines in the park, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about history and enjoy the Placerville countryside. Gold was becoming harder to find by 1852, this is what made mining become more popular. The only gold mines still owned by the state of California, you can take a tour into these two hard rock mines (either guided or self guided) 362 feet into Gold Bug Mine, as well as visit the black blacksmith shop, stamp mill, museum, and more.

gold mine

Looking for a full immersion into the Gold Rush? Columbia State Historic Park is the perfect answer. Costumed tour guides lead you through the preserved Mother Lode town, once the second largest city in California. Now home to an authentic stagecoach, locally made sarsaparilla soda (which is delightful and should be tried), a blacksmith’s forge, and saloon. “Columbia is a real town”, full time residents live the 1850’s lifestyle, practice the trades of the time, and you can join them to eat, drink, sleep, and be a part of living history.  Shops keep regular business hours, but the town never closes. No driving through though, cars are not allowed here. Visitors are hoofing it, by foot or horse back because this is the real deal historical experience. You can even stay overnight in guest houses and hotels, right on Main Street. This was an amazing experience, and one that you and your family will treasure.

jr ranger

Visit Apple Hill

The ranches and farms that make up Apple Hill is a top destination for food and fun. For every season, year round, they welcome visitors. From apples to berries, from pumpkins to pine trees for the holidays, Apple Hill tops the list of outdoor activities. Over 50 ranches and farms are part of Apple Hill. You can find details on the Apple Hill site. Here are the ones we visited.

travel california

Rainbow Orchard, which serves their specialty, “Hot Apple Cider Donuts”, is known for their Bake Shop and produce. A 3rd generation family farm they grow apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, and blueberries. Their farmers market is open in the fall, “Labor Day weekend and daily from September 10 through Thanksgiving weekend.” If you are looking for blueberry picking the season runs from early/mid June through mid/late July, and they are open Friday through Sunday.

trip to California

Harris Tree Farm has been operating in the community for over 150 years and 7 generations since 1857. Open all year from 9:30-4:30 this is the spot for fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, or picking a pumpkin or Christmas tree depending on the season.  If you get hungry a visit to Irene’s Kitchen will hook you up with pies, turnovers, jams, and butters. Their motto, “We believe in operating a sustainable farm and forest. By using local sustainably produced products you support a healthier economy, environment and community which benefits us all.” stands out.

apple picking

Abel’s Apple Acres combines beautiful views, hot BBQ, homemade fudge, candies, and of course apples. Best of all they are dog friendly, so if you are looking for a place for the whole family, two legged or four, this is it. Pony rides, the pumpkin patch, and a walk through maze add to the time spent enjoying all the edible goodies.  They are open to visitors “Labor Day Weekend to 3PM Christmas Eve”.  

 

 

Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach Ca.

Living Art in California

The Pageant of the Masters in the artistically inclined Laguna Beach California is an oasis by the sea for art, music, and food. Running from July 5th through September 1st this Festival of the Arts stands out from any other you may have experienced before. This is more than art you stroll up to like a gallery or art walk. This is art that fills a whole stage! Accompanied by live music and narration, works of art are brought to life for crowds filling the outdoor theatre. If that was not on a grand enough scale there is the fact that parts of the painting are played by live models!

Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach California sign.

How? Well the models too are painted, their clothes, every detail to match the style of the piece they are a part of. Part of the fun is picking out the real from the painted two dimensional portions. The scale of this event is huge, from the stage filling backdrops, the painted models, the costumes that blend in seamlessly. Even the lighting that adds so much to each scene. This year’s theme is “Under the Sun”, Impressionists from the early 20th century. These artists spent their time under that sun while creating works that are still appreciated today and you couldn’t pick a lovelier place to do the same than The Pageant of the Masters.

Models and costumes for the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach CaliforniaMake sure you leave plenty of time to go through the offerings of the local artist on display outside the theatre. In fact even if you don’t get tickets for the Pageant you can still pay an entrance fee and go and enjoy a day out. There are jazz nights and other events to take part in. Kids and adults can enjoy workshops, classes, watch demonstrations, and enjoy the work of 140 artists working in a number of mediums.

Workshops and demos at the pageant of masters in Laguna Beach CaAll the art might make you hungry so take advantage of the new on site restaurant Terra Laguna Beach. Offering sit down meals and a full bar this is a perfect way to take a break before getting back to walking through the artist displays or taking in the show. The artistry continues though with the California cuisine which will delight you with the farm stand fresh ingredients, and their commitment to sustainable food sourcing. Everything I ate there was delicious from the first bite to the cake. The setting is beautiful doing justice to the whole event.

Terra Laguna Beach at the pageant of mastersWhen visiting Southern California this summer this is a must check out event for the whole family. Make sure you get your tickets early, this event sells out on a lot of dates. Find out more about The Pageant of the Masters on their website – foapom.com or on Social Media – TwitterInstagramFacebook

CloudMover Day Spa Huntington Beach

CloudMover Day Spa Huntington Beach CaliforniaThe Beach and a Spa, What Better Day…

Huntington Beach California is a vacation destination, or if you are lucky might be right outside your backdoor. Sunshine and relaxation are only enhanced by a day at the spa and the one to hit is CloudMover Day Spa. Voted #1 seven years in a row by the OC Hotlist you want to go where the locals go to get the best service in massages, facials, body treatments, and more. My experience was eye opening.

I am going to start with the facial, because I never knew the process could be this good. I have had facials before, but just a few and I never got very excited about them. Often after my skin was irritated and I never felt it looked any better for going through the discomfort and occasionally painful burn of the peels. CloudMover Spa completely changed my mind with their HydroMicrodermabrasion facial. Their staff is amazing.

Basically in the past spas had been using treatments that were too harsh for my skin type and I didn’t know better than to ask for what others recommended, I am not experienced with the beauty treatments out there. So I ended up irritating my skin and not getting good results. The HydroMicrodermabrasion method was amazing because it is gentle enough for all skin types and effective enough to really get results even with the toughest jobs. I went in with my Italian skinned gentleman friend who spends every day in the sun, pool, and slathering on sunscreen, clogged pore city. His skin looked amazing afterwards and the effects have lasted for weeks. My face has never looked so good and all of my skin issues were cleared up without any tenderness.

Facial Room at CloudMover Day Spa in Huntington California

Facial Room at CloudMover Day Spa

If like me, you are new to facials and peels don’t hesitate to tell the person booking your appointment that you don’t know exactly what you want. Let the esthetician guide you when they get a look at your skin type and any particular issues, otherwise like me you might request something not suited for you. Don’t go through a bad experience when it is just a mater of  finding the right match, which might take some help from an expert. I can not recommend a better place for that expert advice than CloudMover Day Spa after my experience.

We also enjoyed their couples massage, because there is nothing better than Zen-ing out except perhaps doing so with your significant other. I always appreciate any business that holds themselves to the highest standards especially one that is handling my body. The massage therapists at CloudMover are of the highest caliber. They had us so relaxed there was definitely some snoring going on, both of us claiming it was the other person, PS it was totally him. By the end we were left debating who was more with it to drive home before we fell into bed for a nap.

Couples Massage at CloudMover Day Spa in Orange County

Couples Massage Room at CloudMover Day Spa

Spending time at CloudMover Day Spa was delightful and so rejuvenating, after our little rest we spent the rest of the night and the next few days enjoying loose muscles and glowing skin. There are more services you can check out like, waxing, body treatments, tanning, and an infrared sauna. There full list can be found HERE.

Visit their site Cloudmover.com to get all the details or find out more on Social Media TwitterFacebookInstagram – Yelp

CloudMover Day Spa Orange County LogoCloudMover Day Spa
Located in the 5 Point Plaza
18685 Main St, Ste 104
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

 

 

LA Travel & Adventure Show

Where in the world do you want to travel to next?

LA Travel & Adventure Show

Whether you are planning a trip or just a travel enthusiast the Travel and Adventure Show is a must. Meet wonderful representatives from destinations near and far while getting travel tips from experts, and experiencing some of the culture. Camel rides, live music, and costumes make this a colorful event enhanced by the fascinating information at the different booths.

Travel and Adventure Show Camel Ride

Want an adventure close to home? The Travel and Adventure Show is a perfect place to get a taste of all the destinations nearby too. There are shows all over the country, this one was in Los Angeles and I was impressed by all of the local travel opportunities. There are so many fun trips within driving distance it was eye opening. It was also a geography lesson finding out about all the nearby counties and their attractions. Mammoth Lake, San Bernardino County, the town of Buellton all caught my attention.

mammoth lake at the LA Travel and Adventure Show

New Destinations added to my “To Visit” List?

Tonga – The Kingdom of Tonga is an unspoiled Pacific island nation. They offer attractions like swimming with the whales, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more in pristine natural beauty.

The Azores – This Atlantic chain of islands is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Part of Portugal, though autonomous, this is a location recognized for its commitment to the environment. With nature reserves and other protected lands this is an opportunity to support conservation efforts.

Taiwan – The country is gorgeous, they have so many interesting cultural activities that this destination has moved up on my list.

2018 is my year to travel, so who is with me? You don’t need to go far, find a local museum or festival, try a new restaurant and check out the shops in a town you have never been to. Embrace adventure where you can, if that means visiting another continent, country, state, or county, whatever works for you. Let the Travel and Adventure Show inspire you.

Check out their website – Travelshows.com or find them on Social Media – TwitterFacebookInstagram

Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival and Highland Games

Kilts, Kilts, Kilts, Lads and Ladies!

Travel is a great way to get a feel for other cultures, but there are options closer to home, like the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival & International Highland Games. For one weekend a year Long Beach California becomes home to a boisterous celebration of Scottish food, dance, and athletics.

Queen Mary's Scotsfestival Dance CompetitionFashion, history, and accents are just the start of all the fun to be had. There were so many competitions to watch it was hard to know where to go next. The Queen Mary is a destination not to be missed on any visit to Southern California, being inside this magnificent ship to watch dancing competitions with live bagpipe accompaniment is epic. Outside in the sunshine men and women put themselves to the test in the Highland Games and I was equally captivated. These Scots have developed some sports you likely have never heard of, but man are they fun to watch!Highland games at the Queen Mary

Yes, the competitors are wearing kilts while they take part in nine feats of strength in these different events. Nine! Talk about endurance. They throw a number of different heavy items at varied weights, a stone, a Scottish hammer, a caber (the caber is a timber like a telephone pole at 15 to 23 feet long and weighing in at somewhere between 70 and 130 pounds), a sheaf toss (straw in a burlap sack tossed over a high bar with a pitchfork), and weights tossed for height and distance. They are wild to watch as men and women take their turns at each contest.

Highland Games at the Queen Mary weight throw

Seeing a 56lbs. weight hefted 12 feet in the air is addicting. Watching as round by round the bar goes higher and the crowd cheers the contestants was a highlight of the Highland Games. I honestly was surprised how addicting the games were as a spectator. I am not usually a fan of live sporting events, but this is one I will be looking forward to again next year. I will be better prepared though and carry an umbrella to keep off the sun so I can plan to spend more time watching the action.Sheep herding at ScotsFestival on the Queen Mary

The whole day was filled with fiddles, harps, drums, and bagpipes. If dancing and other human athletics are not your cup of tea there were animal displays to entertain you. Birds of prey, war horses, and a display of sheepherding were all options. As a dog lover and sheep enthusiast I had to see what goes into training a sheepherder. The intensity and concentration of these canines when they are working is clear. The information at all of the animal shows was great!

ScotsFestival Reenactment

Reenactors give the history a new dimension. They’re also interactive, and another opportunity for visitors to learn in a fun Q&A or through their demonstrations of crafting and daily life. All of the costumes and kilts running around brings to mind the Renaissance Faire. Modern items are available in the venders stalls and shoppers will enjoy the wares. The t-shirt “Sassy Lassie” caught my eye, but if you want to gear up to dress up this is the place.

What really stands out? Not the haggis, though like the Scottish sports it is an interesting invention. No, it is the people I met who came from all over the country, some from Scotland, their warmth, their love of the Scottish culture, and the enthusiasm they have for sharing it. You will want to add the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival and Highland Games to your yearly calendar just like I am adding it to mine.

Find out about this event and others going on at the Queen Mary on their website –  Queenmary.com
Or on Social Media – FacebookTwitterInstagram

 

ScotsFestival at the Queen Mary Giveaway!

Kilts are not required, but are encouraged… Comment and Enter Below

The 25th ScotsFestival is taking place at the Queen Mary in Long Beach California this February 17-18 from 9am-6pm and we are giving away 4 General Admission Passes for opening day! Food, fun, and family activities are all on the agenda with live music, dancers, and the Scottish Highland Games. If your only connection to Scotland is Braveheart than this is the perfect opportunity to get an authentic feel for the culture and the history.

So what are the Scottish Highland Games? They consist of some activities you might be familiar with and others that might sound strange. Putting the Shot is similar to what we do in track and field today, but then the Scotts start throwing the interesting stuff. The Caber Toss – a large pole, The Hammer Throw – an actual sledgehammer, The Sheaf Toss – throwing a burlap bag of straw with a pitchfork. Who doesn’t want to check that out?

After watching the athletics you might want to put yourself to the test. ScotsFestival comes complete with a sixty-foot obstacle course FEAT OF STRENGTH. No joke. You can see where you stand after competing against your peers and rising to the challenge. I am for sure going to give it a try! For the little ones there is a whole section of kids activities to enjoy so everyone can get involved in the games.

There is plenty to see and hear with piping competitions, drums, dancing, and at night the Greyfriar’s Pub for live entertainment and a few cold pints. The athletic displays are more than just those involving pitchforks and sledgehammers. The dancers are there to compete as well with the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, and the Scottish Lilt.

Food and other venders fill the rows of the Scottish Market offering traditional wares and tasty treats for visitors. You can take home your very own kilt or other authentic garb so when you come back again next year you are ready to rock it. Find out more at the Queen Mary site – Queenmary.com or on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

So one more time – Enter here to win 4 General Admission Tickets for Saturday February 17th to the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival in Long Beach California. Be sure you are close enough to travel to the Queen Mary before you enter!  Giveaway ends February 13th.

Leave a comment on the post and enter below!
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Ski Mountain High in California

Just outside LA you can hit the slopes!


A short drive from the major cities in Southern California, Mountain High Ski Resort is a must visit this winter. Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, or looking to go down the hill by sled this is the place. My visit was a pleasure from start to finish. The drive is pleasant, the food is tasty, and the winter sports are where it’s at.

Me in my Mountain High Yeti mask!

If you didn’t know January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. So I figured I would take on the challenge at Mountain High. Skiing is totally new to me and I could not have picked a better destination to get started. Everyone raved about their ski instructors and I agree. Mountain High has a top notch ski school, their instructors are certified PSIA and AASI, use the latest equipment, and boast some of the highest success rates in the country with lessons for all skill levels.

If you are an expert already there is plenty to keep you busy. Mountain High is broken into three resorts, East, West, and North. Each is packed full of great runs and when the weather gifts SoCal with snow we are ready to rock. There are 290 acres of skiable terrain, The trail breakdown is 25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 35% Advanced to keep everyone racing along. With a maximum elevation of 8,200 feet keep hydrated and don’t be surprised if you get winded more easily. Hydration is key.

Mountain High’s North Pole Tubing Park offers some family fun for everyone no lessons required! They have ten lanes of high speed sledding with a magic carpet to get you back up to the top of the hill! All the fun and none of the awkward climb with your tube to suck up your energy. The Park is only open on weekends and holidays weather permitting so make sure you check online.

NORTH POLE TUBING PARK PHOTOGRAPHER: MOUNTAIN HIGHYou can read up on all of the ski and weather reports before you go, and you should! The drive is not terribly windy, but you might need chains on your tires at certain times. Or you can take advantage of my favorite feature, the Rally Bus. Go from one of the central pick-up points in LA or Orange County and avoid the drive all together! If you are a local who has never dealt with icy road conditions keep that option in mind.

Find out about all the Mountain High adventures on their website mthigh.com

See pics and get updates on Mountain High’s Social Media – TwitterFacebookInstagram

Mountain High Ski Resort
24510 State Highway 2,
Wrightwood, CA 92397

 

 

Chill at the Queen Mary, Long Beach Ca.

A Winter Wonderland in Southern California!

Chill at the Queen Mary is the United States’ first-ever Ice Adventure Park and it is a great way to enjoy the Holiday Season. With the beautiful Queen Mary ship lit for the Holidays in the background Chill is a lovely destination of lights and activities. There are any number of adventures to enjoy, from the sweet, to the bumpy, to the high flying, they have options for the whole family. Why not also enjoy some seasonal specialties of both food and drink to add to the experience.

The most obvious activity for an Ice Park is skating of course and that is the center piece of Chill. Included in the price of admission this will keep you busy as you skate from section to section. Skate through a giant igloo dome showing the Northern Lights, enjoy the live shows on the different stages along the path. You can hop off at the Swiss Chalet for a snack, or to take a break. A large portion of the park is accessably by foot or skate.

The next Winter classic that comes to mind is sledding. My favorite to enjoy is Chill’s tubing hill where you can race down next to your friends and family. If something milder or for the very little ones is more your speed check out a ride on the Worlds Largest Rocking Horse! If you get the Ultimate Expedition there are some more rides included or for an additional fee you can ride the bumper boats, take a turn around the speedway on a tricycle, or zipline in the park. Feeling creative? Try your hand at decorating a stocking or a gingerbread house. You can also take a break for the 4D Rudolph video on the actual ship theatre and get a look inside the Queen Mary.

The Park is broken up into different countries to offer an International flare to Chill. Germany, Holland, Switzerland, China, Russia, and the North Pole! Each offers their own activities, live performances, and seasonal treats. Pretzels, beer, and an authentic Alpine band in Germany. Shuffleboard on ice and vodka at the Palace Ice Bar which is kept frozen by keeping the room at freezing temperatures. China has dumplings, a winter favorite there, and the best shows! Acrobats, the costumed Lion Dance, and Shaolin Monks all take the stage in front of the Tea House where you can get a hot drink before sitting down to watch.

Chill at the Queen Mary runs now through January 7th 2018. A visit to the Ice Park is a lovely taste of winter with an International flare for locals or tourists. Expect to be at the park for the night if you are going to experience everything Chill has to offer. You can find out more about Chill at the Queen Mary on their site Queenmary.com or check it out on Social Media – FacebookTwitterInstagram