From Lover's Point to Pebble Beach, there are plenty of Monterey hotel deals to choose from between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, 2010.

Following are a few Monterey hotel specials worth watching. Be sure to mention the "Deep Blue Deal."

Pacific Grove Inn - Cuddle up in an ocean view room with a gas fireplace in this historic 16-room Victorian inn combining two buildings — the Buck Mansion and Tuttle Cottage. Queen Anne meets modern as guests unwind with afternoon wine, evening cookies and a full hot breakfast for as low as $102/double. Pop for a weekend suite for $144/double. www.pacificgroveinn.com

Tally Ho Inn - Everything about this hidden gem reflects luxury, from the stellar views to the heated bathroom floor, 42" plasma television, fireplace, Jacuzzi tub and Bose Wave radios. Add a private deck with views of Point Lobos Nature Reserve and Pebble Beach, complimentary breakfast and parking and this city by the sea never looked so alluring. Deep Blue Deal starts at $199/double including a $20 per person credit at adjoining Il Fornio restaurant. Call 800-652-2632.  www.tallyho-inn.com

Martine Inn - The sweeping ocean views of this 100-year old mansion on Monterey Bay are just the start. Add museum-quality antiques - like a signed Chippendale Revival bedroom set - fine linens, claw foot tubs, wood burning fireplaces and fresh florals and a stay at this inviting bed & breakfast is the perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation.  Guests can peruse the 1000-book library, wander amidst the collection of vintage MG cars and enjoy daily gourmet breakfast on a selection of stunning Sheffield silver. Whale watching tour for two is in included in the ocean view guestroom Deep Blue Deal (new bookings only) starting at $339/double, two night minimum.  www.martineinn.com/deepbluedeals.html

Monterey Bay Inn - Film buffs can't get any closer to the deep blue ocean than contemporary Monterey Bay Inn, overlooking the national Marine Sanctuary, one of the world's richest marine regions.  Otters, seals, whales and seabirds are on view from the sleek-styled inn's guestroom decks, and the roof top hot tub is the spot for stargazing in the evenings.  This 49-room gem complete with feather beds, expansive bathrooms and evening turn-down offers a Deep Blue stay by the bay starting at $219/double with complimentary continental breakfast.  http://www.montereybayinn.com

Spindrift Inn - For a romantic romp, the Spindrift Inn is an ideal getaway.  Completely renovated in fall 2008, this distinctive 45-room inn on Cannery Row overlooks the Pacific.  Gracious appointments, including custom-designed canopied feather beds, wood burning marble fireplaces, polished hardwood floors and 37-inch flat screen TVs make for a restful stay.  Other perks include nightly turndown and silver-tray continental breakfast served in-room starting at $259.  Cannery Row view rooms start at $179/double.  www.spindriftinn.com

Hofsas House - Tuck away in a quiet residential area of Carmel-by-the-Sea surrounded by fragrant Monterey Pines at the charming 38-room Hofsas House.  Here, European-style design and hospitality set the stage for a restful retreat, including guestrooms with prime ocean views, fireplaces, a heated pool, continental breakfast and a view deck to catch the sun sizzling into the sea.  Pack the poodle, just eight short blocks away lies one of the state's most dog-friendly beaches, Carmel Beach, with views of Pebble Beach and beyond.  Doubles start at $139.   Call 831-624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa - Step things up a notch this fall at Monterey's only Forbes Four-Star rated property.  Draped along the Pacific with clean Mediterranean-style décor and a stunning "you've arrived" lobby, this 290-room Cannery Row classic with two restaurants and gracious guestrooms perched over Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is offering a two-night escape along with a $100 resort credit which can amply be applied to the rooftop Vista Blue Spa starting at $189/double.   www.montereyplazahotel.com

Asilomar Conference Grounds - Set on 107 acres of natural forest, sand dunes and coastline this is the stop for architectural buffs and outdoors enthusiasts with its direct access to the 17-Mile Drive, Asilomar State Beach, Point Pinos Lighthouse and miles of biking and hiking trails.  The 313-room property offers the simple comforts of rustic historic structures designed by acclaimed Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan.   Tap into this timeless escape for $144.00/double including a day car pass to all four Big Sur state parks and a box lunch for two. www.visitasilomar.com/deepbluedeal

Green Gables Inn - Step back in time with a stay in this classic Queen Anne Victorian, built in 1888, standing front and center overlooking Monterey Bay.  Spend the morning tucked next to the fireplace -- binoculars in hand -- for the show of the season in one of 11 antique-appointed guestrooms.  As the afternoon unwinds, pop onto Monterey Recreation Trail fronting the hotel for a ride to Cannery Row, enjoy a $50.00 certificate for dinner at Fandango or Passionfish restaurants, a signature Four Sisters Inns breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres starting at $195.00/double.   www.greengablesinnpg.com/deepbluespecial.htm

Pine Inn - This classic Carmel property has a rich history, from the days of Upton Sinclair opting for his morning juice here to the hotel's legendary relocation in 1903 by being rolled down Ocean Avenue on logs.  Built in 1889, all 49 guestrooms have been carefully restored yet retain the charm of an era gone by.  Rooms feature pillow-top beds, antiques, marble bathrooms, free Internet and when the sun rises, guests can dive into a full American breakfast buffet.  Doubles start at $169, including a $20.00 per person credit at adjoining Il Fornio restaurant. Call 800-228-3851 or visit www.pineinn.com

Learn more about Monterey attractions by watching our "California Travel Tips" video tour.

The "Taste of Farmers Market" will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, featuring a sampling of the LA Farmers Market's 45 specialty restaurants.

Choose from the $25 package (food only), the $30 package (food plus two wine & beer tickets) or the $50 VIP package, which includes all food, extra beer and wine tickets, expedited admission, a Market tote, free parking pass and choice of either the Farmers Market Cookbook or Farmers Market history book.

During the event, The Market's many retail establishments will also be offering specially priced merchandise for Taste of Farmers Market customers. All attendees will receive a Farmers Market savings book with coupons that can be used for return visits to the Farmers Market.

During the event Chef Amy Pressman of Old Town Bakery and upcoming Short Order Farmers Market restaurant (opening this winter) will be preparing “Ida’s Old School Burger.” The dish, which will be one of the signature items at Short Order, will be offered at Huntington Meats & Sausage.

For more information or reservations, contact (323)933-9211 or visit www.farmersmarketla.com

• Watch our LA Farmers Market video here.
• Read more about the Los Angeles Farmers Market here.

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is offering a variety of special wine country deals and events between September 1-30, 2010.

At $40, the California Wine Month Passport offers a full tasting flight at 5 participating Temecula wineries. Valid Sept 2010, Sun-Thur.

The $269 "Stay and Sip Package" includes two California Wine Month Passports, an overnight stay in a Deluxe Villa at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, bottle of wine, welcome gift and two free tasting flights at South Coast Winery.

You can add a safe shuttle transportation to any package by visiting GoGrape.com and clicking "Temecula."

Special events planned for September include The Temecula Valley Grape Stomp Competition on Friday, September 3, and the Temecula Valley's first Winemakers Roundtable event on Friday, September 17. Following the Q&A, guests are invited to a walk-around wine and food tasting.

To learn more about Temecula, watch our video tour of Temecula wine country here: http://californiatravelexpert.com/Temecula_Video.shtml

For more information about the packages, visit TemeculaWines.org or call (800) 801-9463.

St. Helena, located in California's Napa Valley, was Napa Valley’s first incorporated city.  Located just an hour north of San Francisco, St. Helena is planning a full roster of summer events for 2010, ranging from film festivals and outdoor concerts to traditional fireworks and Main Street gatherings. 

Home to a bounty of beautiful Napa Valley resorts, inns, and B&Bs, St. Helena caters to every type of traveler. Before enjoying one of these Napa Valley events, pack a picnic from local grocers like Sunshine Foods, V. Sattui, Oakville Grocery Store or Dean & DeLuca.

Cheers! (July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1)
On the first Friday of every month, Main Street retailers partner with local wineries for an old-fashioned street fair called “Cheers!”  Local vintners pour samples of their best wines inside St. Helena’s unique collection of Main Street shops. Napa Valley Wine Train offers round-trip transportation from downtown Napa to Cheers. www.cheerssthelena.com  
 
Lyman Park, St. Helena
Located on the northern end of St. Helena’s picturesque Main Street, Lyman Park is home to a free summer concert series, running July 8 through Aug. 19.  Bring along a blanket and picnic to enjoy the 6 p.m. shows, held every Thursday night this summer.

St. Helena Bocce Ball
Enjoy a night of bocce in picturesque Crane Park, nestled below Napa Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains.  The game may be the main draw, but the food and wine are co-MVP’s.  Nearly 1,000 people in St. Helena – 20 percent of the city’s population – play on 80 competitive teams, five nights per week in the local bocce ball league.  Grgich Hills Estate, Robert Mondavi Winery and Rubicon Estates all have teams in the league – and everyone pulls out all the stops for an upscale, down home potluck featuring everything from the best wines in their cellars to elaborate meals cooked by all the players.  The bocce courts are open to the public for $20. Travelers can reserve a court by downloading a form on the City of St. Helena Web site at www.ci.st-helena.ca.us or by calling 707-963-5706.  

St. Helena Fourth of July
Louis Martini Winery in St. Helena serves up a slice of Americana, wine country-style.  Live music, food from wine country restaurateurs, reserve wines and a sensational fireworks show await patriotic revelers at Louis Martini Winery on Independence Day. Louis Martini is located at 254 South St. Helena Highway. Call 1-800-321-WINE or visit www.louismartinicom   
 
The White Barn
This 1872 Carriage House, an intimate 75-seat performing arts venue, will host its annual film festival under the stars on Aug. 20 – 22. Staffed by volunteers, all proceeds from White Barn events benefit local and international charitable organizations.  Complimentary Napa Valley wines and desserts are served during performance intermissions.  The White Barn is located at 2727 Sulphur Springs Avenue in St. Helena, Call 707-963-8536 or visit www.TheWhiteBarn.org

For more information about St. Helen summer events, call (707) 963-4456, (800) 799-6456 or visit www.sthelena.com

For a summer of mystery, check out the Winchester Mystery House Package at Doubletree Hotel San Jose.

Starting at $113 per night, the San Jose hotel special includes a deluxe overnight stay and two admission tickets. The offer is valid through Dec. 31, 2010.

The mysterious and spooky mansion, once home to Winchester rifle heiress Sarah Winchester, is now an architectural marvel. Legend has it that, upon the advice of a psychic, she continuously built additions onto the home to confuse the spirits of rifle victims.

Tour through 110 of the 160 rooms and look for the bizarre phenomena that gave the mansion its name; a window built into the floor, staircases leading to nowhere, a chimney that rises four floors, doors that open onto blank walls, and upside down posts. 

Additional tickets can be purchased directly from the Winchester Mystery House at (408) 247-2101. To reserve this package visit www.sanjose.doubletree.com and click on "hotel specials."

If you plan on attending the world-class horse races at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club this summer, be sure to check out The Grand Del Mar's "A Day at the Races" hotel package, valid Thursday, July 21 through Wednesday, September 8, 2010.

The Grand Del Mar hotel package, at $425 per night, includes:

• Luxury overnight accommodations in a Grand guest room (mid-week)
  
• Two tickets confirmed stretch run seats at the Del Mar Racetrack
• Complimentary transportation to and from the track, based on availability
• Complimentary Racing Form
• Complimentary Racing Digest
• Two complimentary mint juleps upon return from track in the Lobby Lounge
• Complimentary overnight valet parking

Rates are based on double occupancy, exclusive of taxes and gratuities. Not valid for Opening Day.

The Grand Del Mar is located at 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130. For reservations, call 858-314-2000 or visit www.TheGrandDelMar.com

San Diego’s newly renovated Paradise Point Resort & Spa, a tropical 44-acre island retreat set on Mission Bay, is kicking off the summer with a slew of San Diego hotel deals and activities.

At 6 p.m. on July 3, Paradise Point is holding an All-American Barbecue & Fireworks Extravaganza, with live entertainment, carnival rides, BBQ buffet and a 9 p.m. fireworks display.

Following are a few more hotel specials and San Diego promo codes worth checking out:

• Fourth Night’s the Charm: Guests need at least four days to truly experience San Diego's only island resort. Stay for four consecutive nights and the fourth night is complimentary. Dine in our award-winning BALEENsandiego restaurant and spend extra time pampering yourself at the luxurious SpaTerre.  Rates starting at $299 per night plus tax. Promotional code: 4FREE
• SeaWorld Splash Package: The world-famous SeaWorld is just a short walk from the resort, and with this package, guests enjoy tickets to this ever-popular destination, with shows such as Believe, Dolphin Discovery and Pets Rule, and wild rides ranging from Journey to Atlantis to the Wild Arctic. Rates starting at $399 per night plus tax.  Promotional code: SPLASH
• Kids Kamp/Date Night: Kids have fun and parents get a break with Kids Kamp and Date Night specials. An exciting, supervised experience, this program for the pint-sized features arts and crafts, swimming, beach games, face painting and more. Rates for Half-Day are $50 or Full Day $100. Date night offers a chance for Mom and Dad to have dinner while we take care of the kids.
• Beach Bonfires: Head to the beach and the nearest bay-front fire ring and make sumptuous s’mores for traditional summertime fun. The resort’s signature S’mores Kit comes with a bundle of wood, fire starter, sodas, chips and all the necessary ingredients to create these sublime bonfire treats. $56 serves a group of 4-6, available at the Island Market.
• Dive-in Movies: Offering the coolest way to spend a summer eve, Paradise Point’s maritime marquee flickers with film favorites projected poolside on a big screen. Catch them from a lounge chair, or stretched out on a float. Movies are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays and are complimentary for in-house guests.
• Onsite Fun: In addition to strolling the lush tropical grounds or lazing by one of five pools, guests can indulge in a multitude of recreational activities, among them beach rentals (horseshoes, bocce and volleyball), bicycle and quadracycles rentals, croquet, ping-pong, basketball and tennis. An 18-hole putting golf course is a perfect practice ground or a just-for-fun activity for the whole family. The resort’s full-service marina has a variety of options, including fishing, motorboats, sailboats, kayaks and jet skis.
• Girls Day Out: Spend the day with Mom by indulging in our Girls Day Out Mother/Daughter Package at the luxurious, Asian-inspired SpaTerre. Guests relax while luxuriating in side-by-side massages, transformation radiance facials and passion-flower pedicures. 3.5 hours, $650 (includes gratuity)

To learn more about Paradise Point Resort & Spa, watch our video.

The Islands of Hawaii will share its brand of summer fun with shoppers at The Grove (June 19, 12-6 p.m.; 189 The Grove Drive) and The Americana at Brand (June 20, 1-6 p.m.; 889 Americana Way).

Both malls will become an island paradise, complete with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Hawaii.

Relax to Hawaiian music and hula by two of Kauai’s top performers, Nick Castillo and Noelani Kaui. Enjoy delicious Kauai Coffee and Kauai’s popular Sugar Cane Snax, and learn how to dance the hula. You'll also enjoy the sweet sounds of Maui’s Keoni Manuel with vibrant hula provided by the dancers of Halau Hula o Na Pua o Pakipika. Make your very own fresh flower lei with plumeria blossoms flown in from Maui’s sister island of Molokai and sip coffee from Coffees of Hawaii.

Saturdays at The Grove will be complemented with special performances by the Center Theatre Group’s cast of South Pacific, the famous movie and Broadway show whose original was filmed and set on Kauai. It is currently running at the Ahmanson Theatre through July 17. Additionally, music and hula lessons by the Polynesian Cultural Center will be featured.

For more information about Hawaii or this promotion, visit GoHawaii.com/perfectmoments

For today's modern traveler, smart phones are an essential tool, providing everything from maps and navigation to restaurant and hotel reviews. Just a quick search for iPhone apps and Android apps reveals hundreds — if not thousands — of choices.

Here's our guide to some of the best travel apps we've discovered, in no particular order. Most are available on both Android and iPhone.

1) OpenTable: Free
This app, available on iPhone and Android, allows you to view restaurant menus in your GPS-enabled location, or search by restaurant name. Then, you just choose the reservation time of your choice. Android and iPhone.

2) TripIt: Free
This handy little app allows you to forward your travel itineraries to a special e-mail address. Your travel information is arranged in a tidy format on your phone, complete with reservation #, addresses, rental car info, etc. You can also create your own itineraries for trips online and send them to your phone. Android and iPhone.

3) Gowalla: Free
A fun travel game that helps you discover nearby restaurants, hotels, attractions and guided walks. You can "check in" at locations, add photos, pick up virtual souvenirs and then share where you've been on Facebook and Twitter. Android and iPhone.

4) Trimble Outdoors: $9.99
This handy app allows you to find and follow local hiking trails, bicycle rides and runs, or navigate off-road maps. You can view and upload .gpx files from other hiking Web sites, or use the program to find geocaches in your area by sending the cache coordinates from Geocaching.com to your phone. Another plus, you can shoot location-tagged photos and videos along the way to share with friends. Android and iPhone.

Yelp is a great tool for finding out whether that Chinese restaurant next to your hotel is worth a visit.

5) Yelp: Free
This is one of my favorite apps for discovering nearby restaurants, bars, banks, gas stations, hotels, campgrounds, ski resorts and more. Each listing has photos, navigable directions, phone numbers, Web sites and customer reviews. You can even add your own photos and reviews straight from the phone. Android and iPhone.

6) California Travel: Free
Shameless plug. You can view all of our latest California travel videos and blog links in one central spot. Our Pick of the Day feed takes you right to our Web site, where you'll find all the latest California travel deals, news and tips. We hope to upgrade the app to include the full articles inside the app. Android only; iPhone TBA.

7) Tip Calculator (Android) / Tipulator (iPhone): Free
These apps allow you to calculate the tip at a restaurant, or split the bill between several people. Great for people like me who have trouble figuring these things out.

8) SpaFinder: Free
Fun for the girly-girl in all of us, the SpaFinder app allows you to discover nearby spas, book appointments and read reviews.  iPhone only.

Surf Report, available on iPhone and Android, is powered by Surfline.

9) Quick Check Surf Report (Android) and Surf Report by Oakley (iPhone): Free
These apps, powered by Surfline, offer the latest surf conditions at beaches around the world, updated several times daily. All of the best California surf spots are here, so it's great for your next beach vacation.

10) Evernote: Free
I use this app all of the time. When you sign up, you'll get a Web account and desktop account that allows you to sync voice memos and notes to and from your smart phone. I use it for our travel scripts. A toolbar addition allows you to save Web pages from your home computer to your phone for later reading. Great stuff. Android and iPhone.

11) Google Sky Map: Free
Perfect for camping trips (or places where you can actually see the stars, this app allows you to point your phone in the direction of a star and learn its name and nearby constellations. Android only.

12) Swirl: Free
This wine app offers expert wine reviews, suggestions for new wines, or opportunities to add your own notes and photos. Android.

13) Mileage Tracker (Android) and Mile Bug (iPhone)
Great for keeping track of the mileage and trips for our business trips.

14) Seasonal Harvest: Free
This fun app shows you what fruits and veggies are in season in your area. Perfect for visits to your local farmer's market. Android and iPhone.

15) ShopSavvy: Free
This handy app allows you to use the BarcodeScanner to scan an item, then it tells you where it's available for less from local and online retailers. Android.

TripIt, available on iPhone and Android, is a great tool for your travel itineraries.

A few more of the best apps I'm using at the moment:

• Mobisle Notes (Android): Clickable boxes for all my To-Do lists. I use GeeTasks on iPhone
  
• DirecTV (Android and iPhone): Record shows on my home DVR from wherever I'm at
• Dolphin Browser (Android): My favorite Internet browser for Android
• The Weather Channel (Android and iPhone): All the latest weather and forecasts
• Calorie Counter (Android) or Fast Food Calorie Counter (iPhone): Shows the calories of foods from most major restaurants
• First Aid (Android): Free tool offering step-by-step advice for all types of First Aid needs
• Seesmic (Android): For viewing my Twitter accounts
• Movies by Flixster (Android): Free app for finding local theaters and movie reviews
• Last.fm (Android): Live streaming radio for my favorite musical artists
• Shazam (Android): Your phone listens to a song on the radio and tells you the artist and song name. Wow!
• mAnalytics: Google Analytics app
• Epicurious: My favorite recipe app, direct from the pages of Bon Appetit and Gourmet magazines. Android and iPhone.
  

Boasting some of the most fun and funky patterns on the market, Yak Pak bags are affordable and stylish.

  This summer, I'll be toting my new Taylor Duffle around California. It's perfect for weekend overnighters, and at $25 per bag, it's easy on the wallet as well.

Yak Pak is introducing a new line of Yak Pak luggage this year (priced at under $100), along with a new lightweight Mesh Backpack and Sling Bag.

What I love most? Once you choose your favorite Yak Pak patterns, you can customize your collection to include bean bags, yoga bags, Amazon kindle cases, guitar bags, lunch bags, stainless steel water bottles, sneakers, stationary and phone cases in the same pattern.

The Yak Pak backpack is perfect for back-to-school, and the Yak Pak messenger bag is great for guys. Other popular items include the Yak Pak knife bag, Yak Pak laptop sleeve, Yak Pak purse and Yak Pak wallet.

Too fun! Yak Pak is sold at most cutting-edge retailers like Hot Topic, PacSun, Zumiez, Tilly's, Journeys and Urban Outfitters. To learn more, visit them at www.yakpak.com