CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

California Foie Gras Ban

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:21:47 PST

In case you haven't heard, one of culinary's top delicacies — foie gras — will be disappearing from California restaurant menus on July 1, the result of a state-wide ban on the consumption of force-fed duck liver.

Several California chefs are up in arms about the California foie gras ban, including Thomas Keller, owner of Yountville's 5-star French Laundry. The new law is forcing the closure of Sonoma producer Artisan Foie Gras, which shuts its doors on June 30.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who leads the kitchen at London West Hollywood, is responding with his “Last Bite” Foie Gras Dinner. The 6-course dinner, which includes such menu items as Foie Gras Nigiri and Foie Gras Cupcake, will be offered every Thursday in May. Cost is $135, and an extra $85 for wine pairing.

Here are a few more places to find foie gras in California before the ban:

Salted Licorice and Foie Gras Ice Cream at Humphry Slocombe in San Francisco
Humane foie gras with sea beans and shiso from Cyrus in Healdsburg
Quail stuffed with foie gras from Gary Danko in San Francisco
Pig's blood papparadelle with foie gras & trotters from Incanto in Noe Valley
The "Foie For All" menu at Melisse in Santa Monica, featuring dishes like foie gras flan with blood orange gelee and truffled foie gras agnolotti with chicken oysters and consomme.
Human Artisan Foie Gras seared with Medjool dates, candied orange peel and pistachio nitro bread from La Toque in Napa.

— Veronica Hill • CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

Chef Gordon Ramsay's Last Bite Foie Gras Dinner is available through May.

Mermaid Costumes and Mermaid Tails

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:33:45 PST

Have you always wanted to be a mermaid? Perhaps you'd like to don a shimmery tail for a photo shoot, or be the splash hit of your next pool party.

After filming two beautiful mermaids at a private party for the Disneyland Hotel, I discovered that there is a huge market for mermaid tails. This post will hopefully help viewers pick the right mermaid tail for their occasion and budget.

Although there are plenty of ways to make a mermaid tail, it's easier to buy one. Here's a guide to some of the best, which include mermaid costumes you can swim in!

MERTAILOR: In my opinion, one of the best quality adult mermaid costumes are from Mertailor. These realistic mermaid tails are made from spandex, latex and silicone for a perfectly tailored fit and look. In addition to gorgeously crafted tails, you can buy a seashell top that's custom made to fit your physique, along with a variety of shell necklaces. Although the mermaid costumes for women start at $170 (and $165 for children), the most realistic silicone mermaid tails retail at $2,500. Production companies can rent tails for photo shoots or filming. The mermaid tail rentals include a choice of accessories, and are suitable for use underwater or on land. For more information on the Mertailor's realistic mermaid tails, e-mail mertailor@yahoo.com or call (352) 302-9218.

THOM SHOUSE: These colorful, shimmering mermaid swimming tails are made from latex and urethane for the ultimate fit and function. Calling himself "The Tail Man," Shouse has a loyal following. His realistic mermaid swim tails have been featured in a variety of films and photo shoots — including the TV show "Charmed," a music video for "Incubus" (Wish You Were Here) and a photos shoot for Playboy's Heather Christiansen. Thom Shouse mermaid tails are available for underwater, land and aerial photography, depending on your needs. A variety of props, such as scallop shell bras, rubber sharks and faux dolphins are also available. Pricing varies. E-mail Tailman01@earthlink.net or call (310) 530-0616.

Mermaid costumes and mermaid tails for kids can be purchased from the following online boutiques. Many have cheap mermaid tails for sale that are suitable for a costume party or Halloween event.

— Story and photos © Veronica Hill • CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

7th Annual LAWineFest

Wed, 02 May 2012 07:42:21 PST

The 7th Annual LAWineFest is coming to Raleigh Studios June 9-10, offering more than 500 wines, brews and artisan cocktails, along with a host of epicurean delights. The event, which runs $75 per day or $139 per couple (or weekend pass) will also feature dozens of classes and cooking demos, ranging from cheese and wine pairing with Barrie Lynn and George Rosenthal to mixology courses with Comme Ça bartender Yuval Soffer.

Wine tasting is included in the price of admission, along with an in-depth look at regions of Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara (and other regions throughout the world).

If you plan to stay the weekend, Hilton Universal is offering a $169 nightly rate for all LAWineFest attendees (June 6 -11). Proceeds from the event — which is the largest educational wine tasting event in LA — benefit City of Hope. Visit LAWineFest.com for details.

— Veronica Hill / CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

Airstream Los Angeles

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:28:31 PST

It's no secret that I want an Airstream — especially that slick new Sterling Concept Trailer designed by architect Christopher Deam. Until I win the lottery, the Silver Bullet will remain a dream. But for those of you who have some cash to burn, the new Airstream dealership in Los Angeles will be carrying the full line of Airstream travel trailers.

The Airstream dealer in Los Angeles opens May 4, showcasing Deam's awesome concept trailer along with the super stylish and eco-friendly Eddie Bauer Airstream, Flying Cloud, International, Classic and Sport models. The Airstream Interstate, built with Mercedes-Benz, was the best-selling Class B motorhome of 2011.

The Los Angeles Airstream dealership will hold its grand opening from 4:30-7 p.m. on May 4. It's located at 1212 E. Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776. Call them at (626) 285-2222. See you there!

— Veronica Hill / CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

The Sterling Concept Trailer designed by architect Christopher Deam can be seen at Airstream Los Angeles.

Burger Lounge

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:32:09 PST

Premium burgers with four types of patties

Who makes the best burger in California? In a showdown between In-N-Out, Five Guys and San Diego's Burger Lounge, there are no clear winners. The fact is, they're all amazing in their own juicy, grilled-to-perfection way.

My friend Laura introduced me to Burger Lounge during a yoga weekend in the Gaslamp Quarter, and I was smitten. Although I was expecting some ultra-modern hipster's lounge, the restaurant is small and simple with a walk-up order counter and big menu on the wall.

Take your pick of grass-fed beef, free-range turkey or wild Alaskan salmon. Each is topped with crispy lettuce, sliced tomatoes, melted white cheddar or American cheese, and onions (fresh or grilled).

My wild salmon burger was the bomb, topped with a homemade barbecue glaze and fried green tomatoes. Laura's turkey burger was also amazing, filled with loads of fresh chopped basil. Unfortunately I can't vouch for the beef burger, but if the other two are an indication, it has to be good.

Unlike the other two burger chains, you can order booze at Burger Lounge. They serve local San Diego craft beers and premium wines, along with organic root sodas and shakes for the kiddos. Vegetarians can enjoy the fresh vegetable salad or organic veggie burger — made with quinoa, zucchini, carrots, corn and brown rice.

I enjoyed Burger Lounge so much that I wanted to return again the next night. It was that good. So go ahead — check 'em out. The menu is simple, the food spot-on.

Burger Lounge West Hollywood and Burger Lounge Beverly Hills are the two latest additions to this growing chain. It's only a matter of time before they take over California. Visit them online at http://burgerlounge.com

Disney exhibit at Ronald Reagan Library & Museum

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:39:20 PST

More than 500 rare Disney artifacts will be on display from July 6 through April 2013 when "D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives" opens at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.

This massive 12,000-square-foot exhibit of Disney art, costumes, props and more promises to be the largest of its kind — encompassing more than nine decades of Disney history.

Highlights of the Disney exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Library include:

The original script, written by Walt Disney, for Mickey Mouse’s film debut in 1928’s Steamboat Willie;
A faithful recreation of Walt’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, including original furnishings and many of his personal items;
Hand-drawn artwork and hand-sculpted models from Disney animated film classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi, and Sleeping Beauty;
Props from classic Disney live-action productions, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Shaggy Dog, Babes in Toyland, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and more;
Lavish pops, costumes, and set pieces from recent Disney classics, including the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON: Legacy, National Treasure and Captain America;
A salute to Disneyland, showcasing theme park artwork, Audio-Animatronics characters, memorabilia, and authentic attraction vehicles

“Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney were longtime friends, two optimists who shared an unwavering belief in the essential goodness of the American way of life,” said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company.

The exhibition also pays tribute to the long personal friendship and professional collaboration between Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan, which began many years before President Reagan’s political career.

The Ronald Reagan Library & Museum is located in Simi Valley, approximately two hours north of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. For more information, go to www.reaganlibrary.com, or www.Disney.com/D23. Admission to the Disney exhibition is included with the purchase of admission to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club save $2 on every adult admission.

This piece of Disney Art, by Eric Robison, is shown in the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel. Photo: Veronica Hill.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:24:23 PST

Titanic Artifacts a Chilling Reminder of Fateful Day

San Diego Natural History Museum - San Diego, CA

A few weeks ago, my husband and I visited the "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit" at the San Diego Natural History Museum in San Diego. Today marks the 100th anniversary of that fateful sinking of the world's largest ship.

I was given a Boarding Pass for first class passenger Mrs. James Baxter. Like many first class passengers, she survived.

Upon arrival in the exhibit, you are given a ticket aboard the ship, which describes your name, age, class and other important details. My card was Mrs. James Baxter, 50, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada — who was accompanied in first class with her daughter, Mrs. Frederick Douglas, and son Quigg E. Baxter. She was sailing from Cherbourg back to Montreal after seeking medical help for her heart condition.

As you pass through each chamber of artifacts, the ghostly artifacts come into full view, accompanied by descriptive posters that bring the crew, passengers and events to life. In addition to faithful recreations of the boiler room, first class and third class bedrooms, you'll be able to touch an iceberg that recreates the temperature of the chilling sea water on the night Titanic sank. It was this freezing sea water that brought many of its passengers' lives to a tragic end.

Felt hats, exquisite jewelry, bottles of perfume, and perfectly preserved china are among the artifacts you'll discover in the exhibit. In all, more than 5,500 Titanic artifacts were recovered from the ship's watery grave, more than 2.5 miles below the chilly Atlantic Ocean.

As I left the exhibit, I couldn't help being moved by the list of survivors, and those who had perished. Like many first class passengers, Mrs. James Baxter survived. Most of the third class passengers never made it.

"Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" tickets are $27 adults and $18 children ages 3-12. The Audio Tour runs another $4. Get your Titanic tickets by calling (877) 946-7797 or online. Last tickets are sold by 5 p.m. daily.

— Story and photos by Veronica Hill • CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

Golden Door Spa

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:22:20 PST

ESCONDIDO — It's one of the world's most exclusive spa retreats — a sprawling 377-acre sanctuary filled with Japanese koi ponds, Zen sand gardens and shaded bamboo forests.

Cleverly tucked in the hills of San Diego's fabled Avocado Highway, the Golden Door Spa is world renowned for its 7-day health retreats that pamper the mind, body and spirit.

Since 1959, its intoxicating blend of Japanese hospitality and cutting-edge health programs have made it a favorite getaway for first ladies, royalty, and celebrities. Oprah Winfrey, Barbra Streisand and Martha Stewart are among its fans, and after stepping through the golden gates, it's easy to see why.

When you arrive in your room, you'll be welcomed with the tokonama shrine — a raised teak platform with a traditional ikebana flower arrangement. Each guest suite, clustered around a garden courtyard, is roughly 400 square feet. You'll enjoy maid service 5 times daily, plus your own sensei sandals, Japanese robe, sun hat and exercise attire. Daily laundry and shoe cleaning is also included!

Only 40 guests take part in the Golden Door's world-famous programs each week, allowing a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience. There are four staff members to each guest, and with that kind of service, you can rest assured that every need will be cared for.

"Our guests come for many reasons," says executive director Judy Bird. "Often times, many people think of weight loss, but that's not the primary reason. We see people in transition, athletes wanting to improve their game, people taking care of older parents, perhaps changing jobs. We provide a program that's here for anyone and everyone."

Every guest gets their own Fitness Guide and tailor-made workout regimen, which may include archery, hiking, weight lifting or pilates. The Golden Door yoga program is especially popular, and the spa offers more than 7 types of yoga in their Odori Gym.

While you're here, don't miss the resort's classical labyrinth — a 4,000-year-old practice of meditation and reflection. The Golden Door labyrinth is a replica of the one found in Chartres Cathedral in France.

"The labyrinth has been a very powerful source of inspiration for our guests, using that walking meditation as a metaphor for life," says Bird.

There are more than 20 miles of private trails to explore on the property — including a shady bamboo forest that leads to a hidden prayer rock and quiet meditation area.

One of the best parts of a vacation is the food, and the Golden Door Spa cuisine can't get any fresher — or delicious. Executive chef Curtis Cooke harvests most of his produce from the spa's 4-acre organic vegetable garden, which is blooming with fresh baby beets, carrots, lettuce and fava beans.

"Our cuisine is garden to table, so we take it from our garden and bring it in," says Cooke. "That dictates everything I'm going to put on the plate. You source the right ingredients and the right proteins, then take out fat and sugar, and you've got a healthy meal."

Cooke's mouth-watering meals are served in-room for breakfast, and poolside for lunch and afternoon snacks. At night, you can join other guests in the Dining Room for personalized gourmet meals like ahi tuna sushi in a Japanese Bento Box, Miso Soup and Greek Chicken Salad.

When night falls, you can soak away your cares with a dip in the spa, or relax on your own private moon viewing deck.

The Golden Door is a very special place, and it's easy to see why it's been a favored retreat for personal renewal for over 50 years. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, and look forward to returning again soon.

The Golden Door is located at 777 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA. Visit them online or call (760) 744-5777.

The Golden Door is home to several quiet places for reflection and meditation. Photos by Veronica Hill.

Golden Door Video - Luxury Spa Retreat

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:08:40 PST

California travel expert Veronica Hill tours the Golden Door Spa in this episode of "California Travel Tips." The Golden Door is one of the top yoga retreats in San Diego — if not the world, having drawn guests including first ladies, royalty and countless celebrities. While you're here, don't miss the Golden Door yoga program, which includes 7 types of yoga classes, and the classic labyrinth, which has been a source of meditation for thousands of years. It's no wonder that the spa is a top San Diego yoga retreat, drawing fans from around the globe. Although there are several locations of the spa throughout the world, including Arizona, Utah, Florida and Puerto Rico, the Golden Door Escondido is the original location. It is situated in a lush woodland in Northern San Diego's famous Avocado Highway.

To learn more about the Golden Door retreat programs, go to http://www.GoldenDoor.com

Disneyland Deals

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:51:15 PST

Southern California residents in ZIP Codes 90000–93599 can get two days of Disneyland and California Adventure for $99. It's valid April 16 - June 9, 2012, with blockout dates on June 4-5. Additionally, guests can save up to 25 percent at a Disneyland Resort hotel when you book by May 26, 2012, with travel completed by June 10. Click here for details.

While you're there, check out my Disneyland Resort app, now available on Android! http://bit.ly/HL65nR

— Veronica Hill / CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

Enjoy the best of Disneyland Resort — along with menus and video ride-throughs — with the Disneyland Essential Guide, now on Android.

Lotusland Video

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:47:55 PST

California travel expert Veronica Hill of http://www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com and the California Essential Guide (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id428163062?mt=8) tours Lotusland Santa Barbara in this episode of "California Travel Tips."

If you're looking for things to do in Santa Barbara, this is a must for garden lovers. The Lotusland gardens in Montecito are among the world's best examples of mass planting, leading the trend for many gardeners today. The estate, once owned by Polish opera singer Ganna Walska, is truly magnificent — filled with a theater garden, desert garden, rose gardens, Japanese garden and rare collection of cycads.

Lotusland is located at 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Call 805-969-9990 for reservations, which are offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday between Feb. 15 and Nov. 15. Cost is $35.

Oaks at Ojai Spa Specials

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:22:51 PST

Spring is bringing some sweet surprises to the Oaks at Ojai, a charming destination spa housed in a former 1920s hotel. The weight-loss spa, founded by Sheila Cluff, is known for its wellness regimens where guests lose an average of three pounds every five days.

While you're here, don't miss the local artwork displayed throughout the hotel. The Oaks also offers a weekly Oaks Art Stroll through town, visiting local art galleries and artist studios. The Oaks’ Olive Oil and Art Tour includes a peek inside the Ojai Olive Farm, where you can sample olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Here are 3 new spa treatments to check out for 2012:

Achy Breaky Recovery Massage: After a day’s workout, muscle soreness is common. The herb Arnica (Arnica montana) has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and has been used to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. The Oaks has developed a treatment that focuses on joint pain and relieving it.

Acupressure Massage for Metabolism: This new treatment is a relaxing, full-body massage focusing on stimulating specific acupuncture points that affect food and water metabolism as well as energy production. It can increase the metabolic rate of the body and help strengthen the endocrine & digestive systems. This encourages weight loss. This massage uses a combination of the Swedish technique for full body relaxation and acupressure to gently stimulate the pressure points connected to metabolism. A chart for self-stimulation of acupressure points will be available for guests to take home.

G.M. Collin Collagen Regeneration Facial: With age, the cellular renewal process is delayed. Facial contours lose their definition and the skin appears to sag. This treatment includes AHA exfoliation and the best available collagen product, using Collagen 90-II, an exclusive age-defying treatment by G.M. Collin Skin Care that associates a pure native collagen sheet with selected ingredients, to provide intense hydration, firm the skin, and reduce appearance of aging. It provides outstanding results in terms of epidermal regeneration, hydration and wrinkle smoothing.

Tips: Time for visit for Mother's Day or Father's Day, and you'll enjoy a 40 percent shared room discount for Mom or Dad. Rates start at $119 nightly. The Father's Day getaway includes extended hikes and complimentary passes to the Ojai Valley Athletic Club. On June 7-10, the Ojai Wine and Music Festival comes to town, making it a perfect weekend to enjoy the spa.

The Oaks at Ojai is located at 122 East Ojai Avenue (Ojai’s main street). Visit www.oaksspa.com.

Omni San Diego Hotel Package

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:33:57 PST

One of my favorite San Diego hotels, the Omni, is offering a Shortstop Baseball Package now through September 30, 2012.

Located in the historic San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, the Omni San Diego Hotel is connected to the San Diego Padres' PETCO Park, making it the ultimate getaway for baseball fans.

This San Diego hotel package includes:

Deluxe accommodations for two
Two tickets to a San Diego Padres game
Breakfast for two in the hotel's restaurant or room service
Complimentary valet parking
Chuao Chocolatier Potato Chip Chocolate Bar.

Additionally, if a Padres player hits a grand slam during your visit, the Omni will give you a $99 rate for your next visit.

Omni hotel rates for the Shortstop Baseball package start at $269 nightly for general admission Padres tickets, and $299 nightly for field box seats (plus tax).

Rates are based upon double occupancy and are subject to change and availability, and the package must be purchased 14 days in advance. Book online at www.omnihotels.com.

— Veronica Hill / CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

When you're not at Petco Park, relax poolside at the Omni's rooftop pool deck. Photo by Veronica Hill.

Santa Barbara Zoo Video

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:39:16 PST

California travel expert Veronica Hill of http://www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com and the California Essential Guide (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id428163062?mt=8) tours the Santa Barbara Zoo in this episode of "California Travel Tips."

Located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the most beautiful small zoos in America. Plan on roughly 3 hours to tour the grounds, which are home to more than 500 different animals, from playful Asian otters to inquisitive elephants. You can even feed the giraffes! Santa Barbara Zoo hours are 10-5 daily. Santa Barbara Zoo discount tickets are offered to seniors and college students.

Music: Creative Commons by Jason Shaw at http://www.AudioNautix.com

Review: OmniFocus for Travel

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:06:02 PST

As a travel writer, videographer, stay-at-home mom and soccer chauffeur, managing my time is crucial. Which is why I'm smitten by a trio of apps for iPhone, iPad and Mac called OmniFocus.

The beauty of this app is its cloud sync, OmniSync Server, which keeps all of my personal and work tasks close at hand. (It also works with MobileMe, Bonjour and WebDAV). You can flag items that need immediate attention, create recurring daily duties and chores, and add GTD contexts with pinpointable maps. The Forecast mode on iPad allows you to quickly check all of your to-do items, along with any calendar events from that day. Another great feature, which is available on the Mac app, is the Focus mode, which zeroes in on the current task or project at hand, and magically "erases" the other clutter on the screen.

For travelers, OmniFocus is great for organizing planned business trips or vacations. I created a 1-day, 3-day and week-long packing list template that I drag into each of my destination projects. For example, for a "Weekend in Santa Barbara," I used my 3-day packing list, which is divided into "Before Leaving," "Electronics," "Toiletries" and "Clothing" categories. I've also created a camping checklist, which is a great help before heading out in our travel trailer. Unlike most packing list apps, OmniFocus can be created on your computer, which is incredibly more convenient than keying in dozens of items on your iOs devices.

OmniFocus also works as an itinerary planner, and it can be used much like TripIt. I add planned events, such as restaurant visits, activities, and hotel accommodations — along with important notes about each destination. And when I'm on the road, everything magically appears on both my iPhone and iPad. Pretty cool!

OmniFocus is a powerful GTD system that works best when purchased with the desktop and mobile apps. My only gripe? The iPhone interface isn't as visually stunning as other ToDo apps (such as 2Do, which I also love), but its features are infinitely more powerful.

OmniFocus for Mac sells for $79.99. OmniFocus for iPad sells for $39.99, and OmniFocus for iPhone sells for $19.99. Learn more at http://www.omnigroup.com/products/omnifocus/

— Veronica Hill / CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

OmniFocus is a powerful GTD app that works well for travelers.

Lotusland

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:45:55 PST

Tucked in the lush hills above Santa Barbara, Ganna Walska Lotusland is a whimsical 37-acre estate that's home to some of California's most unique and beautiful display gardens.

During the 2-hour tours, which are only available by reservation, you'll explore the 1920s estate of Polish Opera singer Ganna Walska, who created the botanical masterpiece between 1941 and her death in 1984.

Starting in the Australian garden, we wind our way through the grounds, which are filled with unique and fragrant tropical and sub-tropical plants.

Don't miss the peaceful Japanese Garden, filled with delicate maples, pine and camellias, or the ancient cycad garden, which has three of the world's rarest specimens perched above the koi pond.

The Topiary Garden, which sits outside Walska's pink Mediterranean mansion, boasts 26 circus animals contained in a boxwood maze.

You'll find the estate's namesake lotus in the Water Garden, which occupies the former 1920s swimming pool, along with the former bath house designed by famed architect George Washington Smith. The second swimming pool, located near the Fern Garden, is surrounded by a faux beach with giant clam shells.

A highlight is the 1948 Theatre Garden, which features dozens of antique French grotesques, and the boulder-strewn Cactus Garden, designed by Eric Nagelman in 2004. Behind the Lotusland Santa Barbara estate, you'll find the formal parterre, which boasts a Moorish fountain and statue of King Neptune.

Several events are held at Lotusland throughout the year, including summer twilight tours and bird walks.

Docent-led tours are available for ages 10 and up. Families with smaller children can join the self-guided tours. On your way home, don't miss the Garden Shop, where you can purchase rare plants from the garden.

View garden map

If You Go
Lotusland Montecito Gardens & Estate
$35 adults; $10 (ages 5-18)
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday (Feb. 15 to Nov. 15)
(805) 969-9990
http://www.lotusland.org/

USS Midway Video

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:00:17 PST

California travel expert Veronica Hill offers a video tour of the USS Midway in San Diego. This USS Midway video offers a glimpse at some of the sights and tours available on the ship, along with a few historical tidbits.

Birch Aquarium

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:57:07 PST

I'm a sucker for jellyfish. Which is why I absolutely love the Birch Aquarium, a division of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography that dates back to 1903.

Perched on a cliff above the crashing waves of La Jolla Cove, this small aquarium is home to all types of jellies, from pulsing moon jellies to delicate bell jellies (which are found locally in the eelgrass beds of Mission Bay). Other species include the tropical lagoon jelly — found in the Indo-Pacific — and the upside-down jellies, which are raised here in the aquarium.

When you arrive, start in the Hall of Fishes, where you'll find beautiful specimens of San Diego marine life. Be sure to keep a lookout for the Wolf Eel, which is found in the cold, deep waters off Southern California. Their strong jaws can easily crush prey such as crabs and sea urchins with a quick snap.

In the fish nursery, you can get up close to juvenile moon jellyfish, search for bay pipefish in the eelgrass, and discover baby banggai cardinalfish hiding in long spine sea urchins.

The ocean beneath Birch Aquarium is home to the 6,000-acre San Diego-La Jolla underwater park, and the aquarium has a nice exhibit of what you'll find during a dive or snorkeling expedition. Specimens on display include the Senoria, Opaleye, giant kelpfish and green abalone. Don't miss the vibrant orange garibaldi, which just happens to be our state fish.

In the submarine canyon exhibit, look out for the flag rockfish, which lives in narrow gorges off the coast. Scripps Canyon, located just offshore from the Birch Aquarium, is a popular diving site.

One of the centerpiece attractions is the 70,000-gallon kelp forest tank, which is teeming with fish, ranging from the ominous California moray eel, to leopard sharks and 500-pound giant sea bass. These amazing fish can live more than 75 years!

Birch Aquarium sits on a prime piece of real estate, and Tide Pool Plaza offers gorgeous views of La Jolla Cove and Shores. Here, you can get up close to tide pool creatures while learning more about local sea life. Animal feedings are held here at 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

In the Smargon Courtyard, kids can learn about the local water flow, ride a teeter-totter, and explore the 13,000-gallon Shark Reef, which is filled with epaulette, blacktip reef and whitetip sharks.

Try to time your visit for a Birch Aquarium whale watching trip. These guided excursions, narrated by a naturalist, are offered between December and April annually. For a more adventurous outing, check out their Baja California whale excursions, which include six days at sea to visit the gray whale birthing grounds. The tours are offered at 9:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Tickets are $40 adults and $20 children. Whale watching discounts

IF YOU GO

Birch Aquarium tickets are $14 adults at $9.50 children ages 3-17.
The aquarium's Splash Cafe serves up a quick to-go menu of sandwiches and salads. It's open from 9 to 4:30 weekdays and 9-5 weekends and holidays.
Birch Aquarium hours are 9-5 daily. The last tickets are sold at 4:30 p.m. (Come during the afternoon to avoid field trips.)
Birch Aquarium discounts are available through AAA and the Go San Diego Card. Birch Aquarium coupons are sometimes offered through Foursquare upon check-in. During museum month in February, Birch Aquarium tickets are half off with a free Culture Card, available at San Diego county Macy's.
The Birch Aquarium address is 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037. For more information, call (858) 534-3474 or visit them online at http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

WATCH MY VIDEO

Hotel Palomar Museum Package

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:45:29 PST

LA's stylish Hotel Palomar, located in Westwood, is offering a spring "Art in Motion" package, starting at $225 nightly.

Good now through Dec. 31, 2012, the LA museum package includes:

Accommodations in a deluxe room at Hotel Palomar Los Angeles
Artist’s sketchbook
$15 food and beverage daily credit
Complimentary parking

Additionally, if you visit two LA museums during your stay, you'll get half off your next visit at Hotel Palomar. All you need to do is show your receipts or tickets.

Hotel Palomar is located in pedestrian-friendly Westwood, just a short distance from Hammer Museum, Fowler Museum and the Getty Center. The hotel has its own gallery (a partnership with Salazar Contemporary Art Exhibits), featuring local art from Palo Klein Uber, Chris Trueman and Alison Rash.

For more information, call 800-472-8556 or visit www.hotelpalomar-lawestwood.com and entering “art” in the rate code box.

Hotel Palomar Los Angeles is offering an "Art in Motion" package through Dec. 31, 2012. Photos courtesy of Hotel Palomar.

Birch Aquarium Video

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:44:15 PST

California travel expert Veronica Hill of http://www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com and the California Essential Guide travel app offers a guide to the Birch Aquarium in this episode of "California Travel Tips." The La Jolla Birch Aquarium dates back to 1903, and is part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and UC San Diego. This California aquarium boasts a variety of sea life including jellyfish, wolf eels, and an impressive 70,000-gallon kelp forest tank. It is one of many popular San Diego attractions.

READ THE ARTICLE