Monday, October 25, 2010

California Events: Weekend Selections October 29-31, 2010


Concours d'Elegance in Santa Barbara Oct. 29-31

Each Monday you’ll find a selection of events for the upcoming weekend. With so much to do in California, this is just a small sampling. Click on each event for additional information.

Friday, Oct. 29 Santa Barbara – Concours d’Elegance
The “crème de la crème” in automobiles, food and wine, the latest haute fashions and art. See a collection of more than 200 antique, vintage, classic, exotic and modern American & European automobiles and motorcycles from around the world. Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, Oct. 29-31.

Saturday, Oct. 30 Big Bear Lake – 40th Annual Oktoberfest
Celebrate 40 years of friends, family and good times at California’s #1 rated Oktoberfest. Enjoy German beer, bratwursts, sauerkraut, and apple strudel and plenty of festivities - from stein holding matches to log sawing competitions. Shop for handmade arts, crafts and collectibles and be entertained by German bands and polka dancers. Lots of family-friendly activities. Bear Lake Convention Center.

Sunday, Oct. 31 Los Angeles - West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval
It’s the largest Halloween celebration in the world. The 23rd annual Costume Carnaval expects to attract nearly half a million people to Santa Monica Blvd. for games, live music and costume contests. Between La Cienega Blvd. and La Peer Dr., 6pm to midnight.

If you’d like to submit your event for consideration, please email postmarkcalifornia(at)gmail(dot)com. Please include: Date, Location, Name of Event, Description, and website.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

San Jose: Fairmont Hotel for $95 – Savings of 55%


Fairmont San Jose

Travelzoo is promoting an incredible deal at the luxurious Fairmont San Jose. Guests can book a room at the elegant hotel any Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 30 for just $95. That’s a savings of more than $100 per night off the normal room rate. Reservations must be booked by Nov. 2 and require the code PATZ when booking online or DNIS 4772 when calling the hotel at 877-226-9961. Some blackout dates apply.

The Fairmont name has been synonymous with luxurious lodging, extraordinary service and convenient facilities. The AAA 4-Diamond and Mobile 4-Star Fairmont San Jose is no exception. With 805 comfortably furnished guest rooms, a selection of dining options, rejuvenating health club and spa and countless other amenities, guests will want to act fast on this getaway opportunity.

More Information: Fairmont San Jose
170 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408-998-1900

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Newport Beach: Newport Sports Museum – Collectibles!



The idyllic seaside community of Newport Beach has it all – fabulous restaurants, trendy shopping, elegant hotels, sparkling beaches and one of the world’s most picturesque harbors. With a multitude of outdoor activities - ranging from sailing, surfing, swimming and golf to hiking, biking, and fishing - it’s a recreational paradise.

Sports-minded enthusiasts now have another reason to visit this Southern California beachside treasure - The Newport Sports Museum. Located a mile from the Pacific Ocean near Fashion Island, the museum showcases an impressive collection of authentic sports memorabilia. Over 10,000 items are featured, covering the sports of football, hockey, basketball, baseball, golf, soccer and more. The many exhibits will awe even the most casual sports fan. See Babe Ruth’s last homerun ball which is signed, along with baseballs signed by Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, to name a few. See autographed football helmets and jerseys from players such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Bart Starr, Walter Payton and Dan Marino. Game balls signed by Super Bowl champions are displayed. You’ll find Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves from a championship fight and golf clubs from Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. Other notable items include hockey great Wayne Gretzky's 900th goal puck and shoes autographed by basketball superstars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Shaquille O’Neal. If you grow weary from gawking at the collectibles, you can rest your bones on stadium seats salvaged from ballparks such as Yankee Stadium. Once re-energized, you can shoot a few hoops on the small basketball court in the middle of the museum.

Babe Ruth & Nolan Ryan autographed baseballs (Newport Sports Museum)

In addition to the multitude of sports memorabilia, the Newport Sports Museum has a Youth Outreach program which aims to keep kids in school and off drugs by involving them in athletics. Partnering with well-known athletes and sports figures, the museum has a number of different programs designed specifically to teach children self confidence, discipline, courage, teamwork and dedication.

More Information: Newport Sports Museum
100 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949-721-9333
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm.
Admission: Free

Participating in ABC Wednesday. For more “N” themed posts, click here.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

California Events: Weekly Selections October 22-24, 2010


Actor Sean Penn will receive an award at Hollywood Film Festival

Each Monday you’ll find a selection of events for the upcoming weekend. With so much to do in California, this is just a small sampling. Click on each event for additional information.

Friday, Oct. 22 Hollywood – Film Festival
A pre-Oscar showcase. Fourteenth annual Hollywood Film Festival features screenings, premieres, seminars and star-studded awards ceremony. ArcLight Cinemas, Oct. 22-25.

Saturday, Oct. 23 Mecocino County – Fall Passport Weekend
Experience 16 Mendocino County wineries. Hopland area wineries show their finest in Rhone, Italian, Burgundian, and Bordeaux varietals ranging from Arneis to Zinfandel. Live music, barrel tasting, barbecues, book signings and more. Hopland, Oct. 23 & 24.

Sunday, Oct. 24 Costa Mesa – Gem Fair
World renowned marketplace for the finest in gemstones, beads, jewelry, minerals, fossils, and much more at the lowest prices. Over 150 exhibitors. OC Fair & Event Center/Building 10, Oct. 22-24.

If you’d like to submit your event for consideration, please email postmarkcalifornia(at)gmail(dot)com. Please include: Date, Location, Name of Event, Description, and website.

Ramona: Oasis Camel Dairy – Far From Ordinary


Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, California

When you think of a dairy farm, you probably think of cows, but at the Oasis Camel Dairy, you won’t find cows grazing on its 34 sprawling acres. Instead, as the name suggests, this dairy is devoted to camels. Unusual - yes. In fact, it’s the only camel dairy in the United States.

Located in rural Ramona, about forty five minutes northeast of downtown San Diego, the dairy is run by founders Gil and Nancy Riegler, who have worked with camels for more than 20 years. They share their love of these fine animals and work to educate the public about the amazing nature of camels and their milk. Camel’s milk, by the way, reportedly has triple the amount of vitamin C found in cow’s milk and 10 times the amount of antibacterial and antiviral properties found in cow’s milk. In the U.S., however, law forbids the selling of camel milk – only people who own camels can consume the milk. For now, the Rieglers incorporate the milk into other products such as homemade soap, which they sell at the dairy as well as online.

The dairy has been featured on two episodes of Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe. Once a month, the Oasis Camel Dairy opens its gates to visitors from around the world. The next scheduled tour date is Sunday, October 24, 2010. You’ll be able to see the facilities and pastures where the camels live, learn about the friendly creatures, and be close enough to touch the gentle giants. Camel rides are sometimes offered, as well. Tour ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for kids ages 4 to 14 years. Besides camels, the Rieglers have donkeys, sheep, horses, turkeys, exotic birds, cats and dogs.

Oasis Camel Dairy is located between the towns of Ramona and Santa Ysabel on rural Highway 78 in San Diego County. For more information, call 760-787-0983.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

San Francisco: Hometown Hideouts Contest – Win A Trip!



Think you know San Francisco? Where would you take out-of-towners? What would be the ultimate 3-day tour of must-see spots, beyond the typical tourist traps and major landmarks?

Virgin America will reward one California resident a super prize package for submitting a winning essay (under 400 words) describing a 3-day San Francisco city itinerary of not-to-be-missed spots.  The winner and 9 friends will receive round trip airfare to Toronto, Canada, accommodations at the Hilton Toronto and a private concert with Broken Social Scene on Halloween. Hurry, the contest ends October 20, 2010. Complete details, rules and regulations can be found at Virgin America’s Hometown Hideouts contest page.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

San Jose: Genghis Khan – The Exhibition



Time is running out. You have until October 24, 2010 to see Genghis Khan – The Exhibition at the Tech Museum in San Jose. Making its only Bay Area appearance, the blockbuster exhibition moves on to Singapore in December.

The interactive exhibition tells the fascinating true story of the famous 13th century Mongol who conquered half the known world. A ruthless leader and fierce warrior, Genghis Khan was also an innovative statesman who motivated his followers, rewarded loyalty and brought unity and stability to his people. The most powerful man of his time, he is also credited for bringing us passports, printed money, the pony express, and even pants.

The exhibition features more than 200 rare artifacts from Genghis’ reign, including gold jewelry, silk robes, musical instruments and other relics never before seen outside of Mongolia. Visitors can see a life-size "ger," a traditional Mongolian dwelling, and a mummy of a Mongolian woman from the 13th or 14th century. There will be several engaging, family-friendly activities, as well as live cultural performances of Mongolian singers, contortionists and musicians.

Location: The Tech Museum, 201 South Market St., San Jose
Phone: 408-294-TECH
Admission: $25 Adults, $15 Children (ages 3-17)
Hours: Sun.-Wed. 10am - 5pm, Thurs.-Sat. 10am - 8pm

Sunday, October 10, 2010

California Events: Weekly Selections October 11-17, 2010


Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is Oct. 16-17, 2010

Each Sunday you’ll find a selection of events for the upcoming week. With so much to do in California, this is just a small sampling. Click on each event for additional information.

Monday, Oct. 11 San Francisco – Chocolate Tour
The 3-hour walking tour along a flat route makes 7 stops with generous tastings of chocolates at each. Begins at Justin Herman Plaza, ends at Westfield Centre. $49.

Tuesday, Oct. 12 Los Angeles – Falcon Crest: A Look Back
Relive the decadent eighties when nighttime soap creator, Earl Hamner, and the cast of Falcon Crest look back on one of the most popular shows of the decade. 7:00pm at the Paley Center for Media. $15.00.

Wednesday, Oct. 13 Anaheim – International Film Festival
Five spectacular days and nights of film screenings, industry panels, workshops, tributes and star-studded gala events. Anaheim GardenWalk, Oct. 13-17.

Thursday, Oct. 14 Auburn – Art Walk
Over 40 artists showcase their work in photography, paintings, ceramics, clay, and mixed media. Venues range from Art Galleries to Specialty Shops. Ride the free shuttle bus between venues. Downtown and Old Town Auburn. 6:00-9:00pm.

Friday, Oct. 15 Ventura - 2010 Harvest Festival
Shop, eat, be entertained, and win prizes. Still the best craft show around featuring American, handmade arts and crafts in hundreds of booths. Oct. 15-17. Seaside Park at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Saturday, Oct. 16 Half Moon Bay – Art & Pumpkin Festival
This world-famous event draws hordes of visitors to the “World Pumpkin Capital” for an epic festival on historic Main Street. See titanic weigh-off champion pumpkins on display and remarkable pumpkin carvers in action. Enjoy harvest-inspired crafts, blockbuster entertainment, home-style foods, a parade, Haunted House, and 3,000 tons of pumpkins waiting to be picked. Oct. 16-17, 9am-5pm. Admission is free.

Sunday, Oct. 17 Pismo Beach - Clam Festival
The 64th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, Surfin' Safari, promises to be better than ever with a link back to 60 years ago and the birth of a surf town. Food, entertainment, contests, beer garden. Oct. 15-17.

If you’d like to submit your event for consideration, please email postmarkcalifornia(at)gmail(dot)com. Please include: Date, Location, Name of Event, Description, and website.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

San Diego: Rancho Bernardo Inn – Sensational Savings


Guest Room at Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort & Spa

Act fast to take advantage of a fantastic deal at the Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort & Spa. For just $99 per night, guests can enjoy a midweek stay (Sun.-Thurs.) at the sprawling resort, located 30 minutes north of San Diego. Most weekends are just $30 more. Regular rates are $229 per night, so that’s an incredible savings. The hotel is also including free valet parking and wireless Internet service, a $30 value. The $99 rate is good through December 2010, but must be booked by October 7. Call Rancho Bernardo Inn at 877-517-9340 and mention Travelzoo to obtain the discounted rate. Rates are subject to availability and blackout dates apply.

The Rancho Bernardo Inn is situated on nearly 300 acres of lush gardens and has 287 newly renovated guest rooms and suites. Its 18-hole championship golf course has hosted a PGA and LPGA tournament and its luxurious spa is a tranquil oasis. It boasts an award winning restaurant, El Bizcocho and is just minutes from popular attractions such as the Wild Animal Park, Legoland, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.