Solvang: Quicksilver Ranch - See Miniature Horses

 

Miniature Horse at Quicksilver Ranch (photo: Scott B.)

 

Part of the fun of a driving vacation is an unexpected roadside attraction. Quicksilver Ranch near the village of Solvang (30 miles north of Santa Barbara) is just that. This family-owned ranch has been around for over three decades and breeds and sells miniature horses – about 20 to 30 foals a year. Visitors can wander the grounds, free of charge, and admire these adorable little creatures. Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 3pm, it’s the perfect place to stop for a stretch and soak in some cuteness.

 

Quicksilver Ranch (photo Scott B.)

 

Solvang is located in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley on the central California coast. The Valley is recognized as one of the most important horse locations in America. Besides high-quality horses (over 50 different privately owned breeds), it’s known for its prominent clinicians, veterinarians, showmen and judges. Many Kentucky Derby winners and contenders have trained and lived in the Valley.

 

Quicksilver Ranch is located at 1555 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA, 93463. Phone: (805) 686-4002.

California: Christmas Boat Parades 2013

 

 2012 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (photo: John L. Blom)

 

The holiday season is in full swing. How do we know? Because of the dozens of Christmas boat parades taking place this month.

 

Lavishly decorated and brightly lit vessels will navigate California waterways like proud peacocks, each with its own festive style. Whether it’s the multi-million dollar yachts of Newport Beach or the modest skiffs of Mission Bay, one thing is for sure – the boats will be decked out to the nines in lively, seasonal splendor.

 

The lighted boat parades start their procession in early December. Here's a list of holiday boat parades (and start times) for the remainder of the month. Some parades run on multiple nights and all are free to view. Click on the individual links for more information.

 

Friday, December 13, 2013
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Boat Parade, 5:30pm

 

Saturday, December 14, 2013
Channel Islands Parade of Lights (Oxnard), 7:00pm
King Harbor Boat Parade (Redondo Beach), 5:30pm
Long Beach Parade of 1,000 Lights, 5:30pm
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, 7:00pm
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, 6:00pm
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (San Diego), 6:00pm
San Joaquin Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade (Bethel Island), 5:00pm

 

Sunday, December 15, 2013
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, 5:30pm
Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade, 4:30pm

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 through Saturday, December 21, 2013
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm each night

 

Friday, December 20, 2013
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, 6:30pm

 

Saturday, December 21, 2013
Naples Holiday Boat Parade, 6:00pm
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, 6:30pm

Perseid Meteor Shower - A Light Show Not To Be Missed

 

 

One of nature’s most outstanding light shows occurs this month - The Perseid Meteor Shower. It’s expected to produce about 60 to 80 “shooting stars” per hour during its peak on Monday, August 12 through Tuesday, August 13, although you can start watching days before. Ideal viewing is between 11pm and 4:00am, with the best visibility in the northern hemisphere. To enjoy the display, you’ll want to find a dark, open location away from the glare of city lights. No telescope or binoculars are needed – just face the northeast and scan the sky. The meteors may come in spurts and whisk across the sky in many different directions, so grab a blanket or recliner, lay back and enjoy the show. 

 

The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs when Earth travels through a stream of debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. The debris particles, some as small as a grain of sand, hit the Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of 130,000 miles per hour, creating streaks of light as they burn up. These visible light paths or “falling stars” are what make up the Perseid Meteor Shower. It is so named because it appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus.

Santa Barbara: Kardboard Kayak Race – Build It, Race It

 

Kardboard Kayak Race, Santa Barbara

 

The challenge is on! It’s time to channel your inner MacGyver and build a seaworthy vessel from two sheets of cardboard and a roll of tape. Those are your building materials when you participate in the Kardboard Kayak Race on Saturday, July 13 in Santa Barbara. Teams of up to four people will have one hour to construct a kayak with just three tools – a yardstick, utility knife and marker. Then it’s a race of the paddles in the water to test the stability and speed of your jury rigged design. Will it stay afloat or will it snap under pressure like a rusty, old paper clip? Prizes will be awarded in two separate heats: the Family Fun Heat (family groups, 14 years old or younger) and Paddling Pros Heat (adult and/or “skilled” competitors).

 

More Information: Kardboard Kayak Race

Location: West Beach (across from Sambo’s Restaurant)

Date/Time: Saturday, July 13, 2013, 12:00-3:00pm

Cost: $25 (SB Maritime Museum members), $30 (non-members)

Registration: Register online or call 805-962-8404 x115

California: 12 County Fairs – Get Your Summer On

 

 Ice cream cone, Krispy Kreme sloppy Joe, deep fried cookie dough, waffle dog

 

This summer it’s all about the county fair. California has nearly 80 of them throughout the year, and dozens to choose from during the summer. It’s a time for carnival rides, fun zone games, competitive exhibits, loads of musical entertainment and plenty of family fun. And food – well, put your diet on hold. At the fair you can devour everything from deep fried cookie dough to waffle dogs and wash them down with bacon beer.

 

Below are 12 of this summer’s many California county fairs, listed by date of opening. Average admission runs $6-$10. For more information, click the link on each individual fair.

 

June

San Mateo County Fair - June 8-16, 2013

79th year at its current location. Free fair admission on Wednesday, June 12 from 12pm to 3pm. Location: San Mateo County Events Center. Phone: 650-574-3247.

 

San Diego County Fair - June 8-July 4, 2013, Closed July 1

The fourth largest fair in North America, it draws more than 1.5 million visitors annually. The Beachboys kick off the Toyota Summer Concert Series on June 8, free with fair admission. Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. Phone: 858-755-1161.

 

Merced County Fair - June 12-16, 2013

Tractor parade, petting zoo, kiddie rides. Location: Merced County Fairgrounds. Phone: 209-722-1506.

 

Shasta District Fair - June 12-15, 2013
Attracts 90,000 people over the four-day event. Horse show, livestock auction. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” Location: Shasta District Fairgrounds. Phone: 530-378-6789.

 

Alameda County Fair - June 19-July 7, 2013, Closed Mondays
It’s in its 101st season. $1 admission and $1 rides on opening day, June 19. Fireworks show on June 21, June 28 & July 5. Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds. Phone: 925-426-7600.

 

July

Santa Barbara County Fair – July 10-14, 2013

Dollar day is Wednesday, July 10 - admission & carnival rides just $1. Live entertainment, delicious food, exhibits. Location: Santa Maria Fairpark. Phone: 805-925-8824.

 

Orange County Fair - July 12-August 11, 2013

23 days and nights of food, rides, games, exhibits, animals, headline entertainment and more. Location: OC Fair & Event Center. Phone: 714-708-1500.

 

Sonoma County Fair - July 25-August 11, 2013, Closed Mondays

Giant carnival, Wine Country Horse Racing, Derby Dog Dash, Hall of Flowers, free entertainment, more. Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Phone: 707-545-4200.

 

Ventura County Fair - July 31-August 11, 2013

Purchase a personalized brick and your name will be part of the fair’s main entry plaza forever. Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds. Phone: 805-648-3376.

 

August

Yolo County Fair - August 14-18, 2013

The largest and oldest free gate fair in California, it was first held in 1893. Location: Yolo County Fairgrounds. Phone: 530-402-2222.

 

Los Angeles County Fair - August 30-September 29, 2013

One of the largest fairs in the USA. Daily parades, wine tasting, shopping with more than 600 vendors. Location: Fairplex. Phone: 909-623-3111.

 

September

Kern County Fair - September 18-29, 2013

Bakersfield’s largest annual celebration. Free concerts featuring Jo Dee Messina, Los Lobos, Lonestar, Uncle Kracker, and others. Location: Kern County Fairgrounds. Phone: 661-833-4900.

Amtrak: California Rail Pass – Take a Traincation

 

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner travels the California coast

 

Forget the stress of flying or driving on your next vacation. Take a Traincation! Amtrak entices travelers to ride the rails in the Golden State with its California Rail Pass. For $159, travelers have access to unlimited travel within the state on any seven days within a 21-day period. Children (ages 2-15) pay $79.50.

 

The California Rail Pass is good on four different trains: The Pacific Surfliner offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean while it travels between San Diego and San Luis Obispo – the perfect choice for visits to Disneyland, Los Angeles or Santa Barbara. The Capitol Corridor runs frequently between the Sacramento region and the expansive San Francisco Bay Area. The San Joaquin moves you through California’s Central Valley, the state’s agricultural region and gateway to the iconic Yosemite National Park. The Coast Starlight, which runs between Los Angeles and Seattle, is also included in the pass, however, you may only travel between points within California, otherwise it will cost you extra. Most connecting Thruway bus services associated with the trains mentioned are also included in the pass. Reservations must be made ahead of time for all travel.

 

Visit Amtrak’s Web Site for more information. To make reservations, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Travel News: American Airlines – Travel Light, Board Earlier

 

 

In an effort to speed up the boarding process, American Airlines announced yesterday that it would allow earlier boarding for passengers traveling with one personal carry-on item that fits under the seat in front of them. American defines a personal item as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag or a similar item such as a tote that does not exceed 36 inches. Customers will be invited to board immediately before Group 2.

 

Passengers with a carry-on bag who wish to board before Group 2 can check their bag at the gate at no charge. I wonder if American thought this through. This means smart travelers can take advantage of the priority boarding AND avoid a $25 checked-bag fee at the same time. The carry-on bag would be retrieved at baggage claim upon landing.

 

American hopes that by encouraging passengers to travel light, it will create a more efficient and enjoyable customer journey - fewer people will be holding up the line and blocking the aisles while juggling to fit a bag into the overhead bin. Minutes saved during boarding will result in a more timely departure and arrival. Of course, the airlines pretty much created this situation when they started charging fees for checked luggage. To avoid the costly fees, passengers started carrying more and more on board.

 

According to American, the new boarding process was tested earlier this year at seven airports and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers.

Travel App: HotelTonight – Last Minute Hotel Deals

  

 

There’s a simple-to-use mobile app called HotelTonight that offers deep discounts when you reserve your room on arrival day. It’s perfect to use for that spur-of-the-moment getaway or when your travel plans change unexpectedly, or even when you need hotel options for visiting houseguests who show up on short notice. We’ve all been there, right?

 

Each day at noon, HotelTonight releases rooms available to book, and users have until 2am to secure a room for the night. Multiple nights can be booked, but you must arrive on the same day the booking is made. The hotel selection changes from day to day and sometimes hour to hour, with rooms added as others sell out for the day. With discounts up to 70%, you can be certain you’re getting the best deal out there. In fact, HotelTonight guarantees it. If you find a lower rate on another site, they’ll refund the difference in dollar credits applied to your account.

 

 

HotelTonight is about as real as it gets when it comes to booking rooms. It screens all of its hotels, using only those that meet its high standards for quality and value. It doesn’t display any hotel-issued photos. Instead, images are taken by HotelTonight’s own photographers and users of the app to assure you get a true depiction of the property. Hotel info is described in layman’s terms, focusing on features important to the traveler. A simple rating system of thumbs up, thumbs down shows what percentage of users would recommend the hotel. The entire look and feel of the app is user-friendly, and the actual booking process takes less than a couple of minutes. As a bonus, new users can redeem promo code TONIGHT or FREE25 to get $25 off your first booking. 

 

HotelTonight is compatible with iOS (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) and Android and best of all, it’s free. Rooms can be booked in over 80 destinations in 12 countries, with a wide selection of hotels throughout California.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Weekend Rates $9.99 Per Day

 

 

Looking for a cheap car rental? Enterprise has low weekend rates of $9.99 per day for an economy or compact car when renting Friday through Monday. The rate includes 100 miles per day and is good at participating Enterprise neighborhood locations (not at airports) for rentals through May 22, 2013. Rates do not include tax, surcharges or other fees.

 

Enterprise offers special weekend rates on larger vehicles, too – Intermediate: $14.99 (Toyota Corolla or similar); Standard: $17.99 (Chrysler 200 or similar); Full Size $19.99 (Chevy Impala or similar).

 

Here’s something to think about – you may actually save money by renting a car instead of using your own for a quick weekend getaway. Consider the wear and tear on your vehicle, maintenance costs and whether your car gets low MPG, then decide if a car rental is a better choice.

 

Enterprise has over 5,500 car rental locations in North America, including major cities, towns and communities throughout California.

Summer Game Plan – Kids Bowl Free

 

 

Keeping kids entertained over the summer just got easier with the Kids Bowl Free program.  Over 1000 bowling alleys in the US and Canada are offering kids two free games of bowling every day, all summer long. The program is the first of its kind and designed to provide a safe, secure and fun way for kids to occupy their time during the summer.

 

To register for free games, visit the Kids Bowl Free website to locate a bowling center near you and complete the required form. Once the program has started at your selected center, you’ll receive an email each Sunday that contains a link to your coupons for that week. Print the coupons and take them to the center you’ve registered with to get your free games. You may enroll at more than one bowling center, but you must use a separate email address for each.

 

In California you’ll find 42 bowling centers in 40 cities participating in the Kids Bowl Free program. Applicable dates vary by bowling center - some establishments have already started the program, while others will begin over the next couple of months - and free games continue until as late as October 15, 2013. Age restrictions vary - some lanes offer free games to kids as old as 18 years – so be sure to check the registration page of each individual center for complete terms and conditions. Although the bowling is free, in most cases you’ll have to pay for shoe rental. Kids Bowl Free offers a great deal for adults, too. A Family Pass can be purchased for $24.95 which allows up to four adult family members to bowl two games per person per day, leaving no excuse for anyone to sit idle this summer!

 

For additional information, contact Kids Bowl Free at 888-342-2594

Piedras Blancas: Elephant Seal Rookery – Nature up Close

Elephant seals at Piedras Blancas

As you approach the beach at Piedras Blancas, the landscape appears to be littered with hundreds of boulders on the sand. Not until you get closer do you realize that the shapes are actual living sea creatures, now moving, squawking and bellowing. What you’ve encountered is the elephant seal colony at Piedras Blancas, a site on the Central Coast well worth a peek.  

The elephant seals were first spotted on this small inlet in 1990 and numbered just a couple dozen. Today, more than 15,000 seals migrate to the Piedras Blancas rookery each year. That’s quite impressive considering these mammals were hunted to near extinction in the northern hemisphere by the late 1880s. Their oil-rich blubber was a hot commodity. The seals are now legally protected from hunting and harassment and continue to thrive in breeding grounds up and down the California coast. 

 An elephant seal posing for the camera

The time of year you visit Piedras Blancas will determine whether you witness the elephant seals breeding, birthing, molting or resting. Breeding season begins in late November marked by the arrival of the huge adult males with their protruding, trunk like noses (hence the name elephant seal). Battle often erupts as the bulls stake out their territory and establish dominance within the colony. Pregnant females begin to arrive in December and the first pups are born around December 20. Births continue through January - typically one pup is born to each female. Each pup spends about four weeks nursing, gaining as much as 10 pounds a day. Once the baby has been weaned, the mother mates and returns back to sea, allowing the males to take over guard duty of the youngsters. It will be another 2 ½ months before the pups have the swimming skills to tackle the ocean alone. The next significant time at Piedras Blancas is April through July when the seals return to the shore to molt. The shedding of dead skin and old fur make the seals look quite pitiful, but it's a necessary function in the cycle of this mammal’s life. During this time, the seals also get a much needed rest from their journeys across the open waters.

Female protecting her pup (Photo: Friends of the Elephant Seal)

The Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery is located 4.4 miles north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1. A designated parking area is clearly marked and leads to a boardwalk along the bluffs for viewing. Winds can be brisk and cold along the shoreline, so dress accordingly. There is no admission fee to view the seals and docents are usually on hand to answer questions.

More information on the Piedras Blancas rookery can be obtained from the non-profit organization, Friends of the Elephant Seal, which also runs a small visitor center and gift shop at 250 San Simeon Avenue in San Simeon. Contact them at 805-924-1628.

Red Roof Inn: Rooms for $19.73 on your 40th Birthday

Red Roof Inn, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, invites guests to spend their 40th birthday at any one of its motels for an incredible room rate of $19.73. The offer is good throughout 2013 – just show a valid ID with birthdate upon check in.

 Red Roof Inn San Diego

Red Roof Inn has 345 properties in 36 states and the District of Columbia. There are 14 locations in California, including, San Diego, Santa Ana, Fresno, Sacramento, Monterey and San Francisco Airport. Amenities vary and can include free continental breakfast, in-room coffee, microwave, free newspaper and coin laundry. All locations offer free, high speed Wi-Fi in every guest room.

If you wish to spend additional nights or won’t be hitting the 40th birthday milestone this year, Red Roof Inn always offers budget conscious travelers affordable prices. Normal rates at California locations start at $44.99 to $79 per night.

For reservations, visit the Red Roof Inn website, or call 800-RED-ROOF

San Luis Obispo: Bubble Gum Alley – Sticky Attraction

A business card among layers of chewed gum at Bubble Gum Alley

When it comes to attractions in San Luis Obispo, Bubble Gum Alley is one site where you’ll want to look, but not touch. Stuck to the walls of this downtown passageway, you’ll find layers upon layers of chewed bubble gum deposited by passers-by over the years. It’s both unique and fascinating - albeit gross and disgusting.

You'll want to look....but not touch!

Nobody knows exactly how this gum graffiti began. Some attribute it to a high school graduating class event after World War II. Others claim it started as a rivalry between high school and college students in the 1950s. Oh, those crazy kids!

Chewed gum in a variety of shapes decorate the alley walls

You’ll notice a lot of creative uses for gum along the alley’s 70-foot long, 15-foot high walls. The chewed glop is used to attach coins, bottle caps, business cards and notes to the brick walls. You’ll also see gum artistically stretched to draw letters, shapes, and pictures (lots of smiley faces). And let’s not forget to mention the aroma of the outdated Bazooka chewy stuff, which grows more intense during the summer months when the temperatures rise. Just giving you fair warning.

Bubble Gum Alley in San Luis Obispo

Over the years the alley walls have been hosed down, scraped, and steam cleaned, but the gum keeps returning. For every person who thinks it’s an unsanitary eyesore, there are an equal number of people who see the attraction as a moneymaker to the surrounding businesses. What do you think?

Bubble Gum Alley is located in downtown San Luis Obispo on Higuera Street, between Broad and Garden streets. Look for it between 733 and 734 Higuera Street.

ABC Wednesday, Round 10

Paso Robles: February Hotel Month – 3rd Night Free

Paso Robles Wine Country (photo: TPRA)

Throughout the month of February 2012, visitors to the Paso Robles Wine Country who stay two nights will get the third night free at selected hotels, resorts and inns. It’s part of the inaugural “Paso Robles Hotel Month,” sponsored by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Guests will also receive a complimentary bottle of Paso Robles wine (one bottle per room) and amenities exclusive to each property, such as dining discounts and special pricing on spa services.

Participating properties include Adelaide Inn, Best Western Black Oak Lodge, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inns & Suites, Holiday Inn Express Suites, La Bellasera Hotel & Suites, La Quinta Inns & Suites and Paso Robles Inn.

Paso Robles Wine Country is situated on California’s Central Coast, about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Set against the backdrop of gently rolling hills, it’s an ideal getaway for wine touring. Its 200 wineries produce more than 40 premium winegrape varieties, including its heritage varietal Zinfandel. Other attractions include olive oil tasting, historic downtown Paso Robles and the nearby hilltop estate, Hearst Castle located in San Simeon.

More information on Paso Robles may be found at http://www.travelpaso.com/.

Hotel Offers: Black Friday and Cyber Monday Hotel Deals

Pacifica Hotels' FogCatcher Inn located in Cambria

The biggest sales of the holiday shopping season aren’t just for electronics, toys, or gadgets. Hotels are offering incredible deals when you book on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. So, take advantage of discounted rates and special perks available during this time to plan your ideal getaway.

Here’s a list of hotel deals you can book online. As always, read the fine print for any restrictions. Happy traveling!

Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 33% during the “December Sale.” In addition, Hilton HHonors™ members earn 1,000 Bonus Points for each stay of at least two nights.

Reservations: Book between November 25, 2011 and January 1, 2012. Stay between December 8, 2011 and January 8, 2012. Must book at least seven days prior to arrival.

Website: Hilton Hotels

Details: Located in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco.

Loews Hotels: Get 20 percent off Loews Best Rate plus free in-room Internet access.

Reservations: Book November 28, 2011 between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. Travel between November 29, 2011 and March 31, 2012.

Website: Loews Hotels

Details: Located in Santa Monica and San Diego.

Omni Hotels: “Holiday Treat” package offers rooms ranging from $79 to $119.

Reservations: Book Black Friday, November 25 through Cyber Monday November 28, 2011. Stay through January 31, 2012.

Website: Omni Hotels

Details: Located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco

Pacifica Hotels: Get $50 off room rates with the “Cyber Monday Deal.”

Reservations: Book Cyber Monday, November 28, 2011 from 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. PST. Stay through February 16, 2012. Enter promo code CM2011.

Website: Pacifica Hotels

Details: 24 hotels, inns and cottages in and around Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Central Coast, Orange County and San Diego.

Shell Vacations Hospitality: Discounts up to 50%.

Reservations: Book Black Friday, November 25 from 12 a.m. through midnight November 28, 2011.

Website: Shell Vacations Hospitality

Details: Located in San Francisco (Inn at the Opera, Suites at Fisherman’s Wharf, The Donatello), San Diego (Harbor Vacations Club, Inn at the Park), Anaheim (Peacock Suites) and Napa (Vino Bello Resort)

Starwood Hotels:  “One Day Wonder” package saves up to 40 percent off regular rates.

Reservations: Book November 28, 2011. Facebook and Twitter followers get early access to booking site on Sunday, November 27 at 6pm EST. Travel January 1 through April 30, 2012.

Website: Starwood Hotels (special booking site – effective on Monday, November 28)

Details: Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels throughout California

California Events: Weekly Selections Sept. 27 - Oct. 3, 2010

Blue Angels perform at MCAS Miramar in San Diego Oct. 1-3

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, September 27 Orange County – Restaurant Week

Enjoy a three-course meal at participating restaurants in Orange Country at tiered pricing: lunch $10, $15 or $20; dinner $20, $30 or $40. Sept. 26-Oct. 2.

Tuesday, Sept. 28 Pomona – Los Angeles County Fair

The largest fair in North America features carnival rides, animal exhibits, horse races, live music and over 300 food choices. Concert headliners include Hall & Oates and Bad Company. Ends Oct. 3.

Wednesday, Sept. 29 San Diego – Film Festival

5 days of film. 5 nights of parties. 9 years strong. The San Diego Film Festival in downtown’s Gaslamp District features independent feature films, documentaries and shorts.. Reading Gaslamp Cinemas, Sept 29-Oct. 3.

Thursday, Sept. 30 Santa Margarita – Savor The Central Coast

You won’t want to miss Sunset Magazine’s Savor The Central Coast, the largest Food & Wine event on the Central Coast. Santa Margarita Ranch and venues in San Luis Obispo County, Sept. 30-Oct. 3.

Friday, Oct. 1 Carpenteria – 24th Annual Avocado Festival

Fabulous food, terrific music, family fun & lots of avocados! Linden Ave. in Carpenteria, Oct. 1-3. Free.

Saturday, Oct. 2 San Francisco - The Sandcastle Classic

The 27th annual Sandcastle Contest is Northern California's largest sandcastle building event, bringing together teams of architects, engineers, contractors, designers and local elementary school students in a spirited competition. Ocean Beach. Free. 

Sunday, Oct. 3 San Diego – Blue Angels

See precision flying at its best. Watch as the US Navy’s magnificent Blue Angels perform breathtaking acrobats across the sky. MCAS Miramar, Oct. 1-3.

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.

San Luis Obispo County: Sunset Savor the Central Coast

More than 8000 people are expected to attend Sunset Savor the Central Coast, the first major food and wine event at the Santa Margarita Ranch in San Luis Obispo County. The four-day culinary adventure is scheduled for September 30 through October 3, 2010 and will celebrate the talents of California's Central Coast winemakers and chefs with unique culinary tours, celebrity chef demonstrations and one-of-a-kind winemaker dinners. Guests can meet and get harvest updates from more than 100 wineries from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey and Ventura counties and experience as many as 500 wines.

Food Network's Chef Tyler Florence

Notable appearances include Food Network’s popular celebrity chef, Tyler Florence who will showcase his culinary expertise at scheduled cooking demonstrations Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3. Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Chris Isaak will headline a special concert and fireworks finale on Sunday, October 3.

General admission tickets for the event at Santa Margarita Ranch are $85 per day. A $10 discount is being offered by the LA Times. Mention LA Times Special by phone (805-541-8000) or enter LAT discount code at online checkout.

Santa Margarita Ranch is located on California’s Central Coast, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, just off the 101 freeway.

San Simeon: Hearst Castle – Enchanted Evening

Roman Pool at Hearst Castle - San Simeon

On September 25, 2010, guests can enjoy an Enchanted Evening at Hearst Castle, the magnificent hilltop estate of newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst. The elegant evening begins with a sunset wine reception on the Terrace followed by a gourmet dinner of local cuisine. A live and silent auction will offer unique items for bid such as private Castle tours or swims in the Neptune or Roman pools. The evening, reminiscent of Hearst’s glory days, promises to be a night to remember.

Hearst Castle Estate - San Simeon

Perched high atop La Cuesta Encantada (the Enchanted Hill) overlooking the Pacific, Hearst Castle was built between 1919 and 1948 under the direction of William Randolph Hearst. He had inherited the land from his mother and used the wilderness as a  place where family members could gather on camping trips. Desiring more comfortable accommodations, he instructed his architect to “build a little something”. That “little something” turned out to be a grand masterpiece estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.

 Gothic Study at Hearst Castle - San Simeon

The estate’s main house, “Casa Grande” (35 fireplaces and 41 bathrooms) and three guest houses are of Mediterranean Revival style while the signature towers gracing the main house drew inspiration from a Spanish cathedral. Interior furnishings include European antiques and art pieces and the landscaped gardens include elaborately decorated pools. An avid animal lover, Hearst even had a private zoo on the property. Frequent galas and parties were held at the estate and included celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Harpo Marx and dignitaries Calvin Coolidge and Winston Churchill.

William Randolph Hearst died in 1951. Donated to the state in 1957 by the Hearst Corporation, the Hearst estate was opened to the public on June 2, 1958. Today, millions of people from around the world enjoy its exquisite beauty and historical significance.

More Information: Hearst Castle

750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452

Phone: 800 444-4445 (Tour Reservations)

Hours: Open for tours at 8:20 a.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years

Tour Prices: Adults $20-$30, Youths 6-17 years $10-$15, Children under 6 years free

Participating in ABC Wednesday. For more "H" themed posts, click here.

Coastal California: Estero Bluffs – Escape to Nature

Estero Bluffs along the California coast

California has miles of unspoiled coastline begging for the naturalist to explore. One such place is Estero Bluffs State Park, just north of Cayucos in San Luis Obispo County. You’ll find grasslands blending with wetlands and dunes on the 355 acres of windswept bluffs overlooking the Pacific. The ever-changing scenery produces green vegetation in the winter, multi-colored wildflowers in spring and gold grasses in summer.

  

Estero Bluffs - harbor seal

Along the coastal waters of Estero Bluffs, you’ll find marine life such as harbor seals, California sea lions, Southern sea otters and brown pelicans.

 Estero Bluffs - Western snowy plover and willet

A rich ecosystem provides habitats for several sensitive plant and animal species, among them the Western snowy plover and willet shorebirds.

If you’re looking for rich scenery, abundant wildlife and a multitude of photo opportunities, explore Estero Bluffs and the surrounding area including Morro Bay with its famous Morro Rock. Both can be accessed off California's north/south Hwy 1.

(All Estero Bluffs photos by Michael L. Baird)

More Information: Estero Bluffs  

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Paso Robles: 7th Annual Olive Festival - August 21

If you’re in search of olive-inspired recipes, start making your way to California’s Central Coast. The 7th Annual Olive Festival takes place on Saturday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Paso Robles, about 30 miles north of San Luis Obispo. From appetizers to entrees, you’ll find award-winning creations to inspire any cook. Admission to the festival is free and features items from olive producers throughout California. You’ll get free samples of olives and olive products, free tastings of olive oil, and even free olive oil ice cream. There will be an olive-inspired cooking competition, beer and wine tastings (for a fee) and a “Culinary Row” of gourmet food vendors serving mouth-watering dishes. Children’s activities, art galleries, and much more round out the day.

A Social Mixer on Friday evening, August 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the historic Paso Robles Inn  precedes the festival. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres as well as local wine and olive tastings. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved by calling 805-238-4103.

More Information: Paso Robles Olive Festival

Location: Paso Robles Downtown City Park

Date: Saturday, August 21, 2010, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free Admission, $15 for Wine Tasting

Phone: 805-238-4103