San Francisco: 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project

 

16th Ave. Tiled Steps Project (photo: Rashimi G)

Head to San Francisco’s Sunset District where you’ll find an eye-catching staircase known as the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood about 15 minutes from Golden Gate Park, the stairway is decorated with 163 separate mosaic panels, one for each riser. Over 2,000 handmade tiles and 75,000 fragments of tile, stained glass and mirror were used on the project. Look closely, and you’ll notice a sea-to-sky theme, with fish and sea shells near the base of the steps and birds, leaves and stars rising to the top. 

 

A portion of the 16th Ave. Tiled Steps Project in San Francisco

 

The mosaic stairway was conceived in 2003 and the project was completed two years later. More than 300 neighborhood residents participated in the creation of the panels and over 220 community members sponsored the handmade tiles imbedded in the colorful mosaic. With a sharp eye, you’ll see the names of the sponsors interlaced into the design.

 

View of San Francisco from Grandview Park (photo: Yusaku K)

 

Once you’ve admired the artistic steps from afar, go ahead and climb them to the top, pausing occasionally to gaze at the magnificent Pacific Ocean view behind you. Want more views? For a spectacular 360-degree panorama of San Francisco and beyond, continue on to Grandview Park. To reach the park from the top of the mosaic steps, take the stairs on your right leading to the upper level of 15th Avenue. From here, continue on the old wooden steps on your right to Grandview Park. Tip: Wear comfy walking shoes (many, many stairs!) and a sweater or jacket for the breeze that welcomes you at the top of the park.

 

BE SMART:  Prowlers know that tourists frequent this neighborhood and car break-ins can occur, even in daylight. Don’t tempt them! Remove valuables and belongings from your car and lock your car doors before exploring the mosaic steps. Also, pay notice to the parking and street cleaning signs to avoid being ticketed or towed. 

 

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project is located on Moraga St. between 15th & 16th Ave. in San Francisco.

Los Angeles: 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations

 

4rh of July fireworks - Americafest at the Rose Bowl

If you’re in the Los Angeles area and haven’t yet decided where to celebrate the 4th of July, here are five Independence Day parties to consider for 2015.

 

Americafest at the Rose Bowl
See the largest fireworks show in Southern California at the 89th Annual Americafest at the Rose Bowl. It features food, games, inflatable rides for kids, motorcycle stunts and a special performance from the Grammy nominated Beatles Tribute Band, Liverpool Legends. At the conclusion of the fireworks show, there will be a viewing of movie, Despicable Me 2.

Where: The Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91103
Time: Stadium parking opens at 9am; festival starts at 2pm; fireworks start at 9pm.
Cost: $13 General Admission (5yrs & under free); $25 Reserved Seating.
Parking: $25 per car
More Info: 626-577-3100

 

4th of July Extravaganza at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a fireworks extravaganza at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Viewing is from Christmas Tree Lane on the South Lawn of Exposition Park. There will be food, rides, games, sponsor exhibits and musical performances.

Where: Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90037
Time: 12pm - 10pm. Fireworks at dusk (around 9pm).
Cost: Free
Parking: $10 per car in Exposition Park
More Info: Peter Bellas 310-914-0015

 

Palisades Americanism Parade
The Palisades Americanism Parade is one of the top Independence Day parades in the U.S.A. and has been around for 67 years. This year’s parade Grand Marshal is KFI AM 640 radio host Bill Handel. Following the parade, head to Palisades Charter High School for a family-friendly concert, followed by spectacular fireworks. Additional activities include a kid’s fun zone and gourmet food trucks.

Where: Parade is on Sunset Blvd. between de la Paz and Drummond St. in Pacific Palisades. Entertainment and fireworks at Palisades Charter High School located at 15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.
Time: Skydivers 1:50pm, parade 2pm, entertainment 6:30pm, fireworks 9pm.
Cost: Parade is free. Concert and fireworks tickets are $10. (12yrs and under free).
Parking: Limited free parking available at the Palisades Charter High School lot.
More Info: Keith Turner 310-454-6190 or Rob Weber 310-595-3009.

 

4th of July Block Party at Grand Park
Grand Park in LA’s Civic Center will be the epicenter of a multi-block, alcohol-free Block Party. Musical acts perform on two main stages; additional entertainment is provided by mobile DJ’s. Bring your own picnic or purchase food from a variety of vendors, then watch an incredible rooftop fireworks display high above the civic center skyline.

Where: Grand Park, 200 North Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Time: 3pm – 9:30pm. Fireworks at 9pm.
Cost: Free
Parking: Parking garage rates vary. Public transportation is recommended.
More Info: 213-972-8080

 

July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at Warner Park
Head to Warner Park in the San Fernando Valley for a free concert followed by an electrifying fireworks show set to live music. Over 15 local restaurants will be on hand along with arts and crafts vendors and local businesses. Children will have a special play area to explore.

Where: Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Time: 6pm – 9:30pm
Cost: Free
Parking: $20 in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard.
More Info: 818-704-1358

San Francisco: Alice 97.3 Summerthing 2015 Free Concert

 

(Clockwise) Kelly Clarkson, Mat Kearney, Rachel Platten and Elle King perform at Alice's Summerthing

 

San Francisco’s popular AC radio station, Alice 97.3, presents its annual Summerthing concert on Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Offered free to the public, this year’s musical guests include Kelly Clarkson, Mat Kearney, Rachel Platten and Elle King. Doors open at 10:30am and the concert winds down around 4pm. Besides music, there will be interactive booths, fun activities, gourmet food trucks and more.

 

Public transportation is encouraged due to limited parking. Parking is available at St. Mary’s Hospital (off Fell St.) and UCSF (Irving & Arguello), three blocks from Sharon Meadow.

 

Approximate Set Times
Elle King 12:35pm
Rachel Platten 1:20pm
Mat Kearney 2:15pm
Kelly Clarkson 3:30pm

 

Alice 97.3 sponsors two other concerts each year; the “Now and Zen Fest” in September and “Alice in Winterland” in December.

San Francisco: Fillmore Jazz Festival 2015

 

Fillmore Jazz Festival 2015 (poster: Craig Frazier)

 

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the 31st Annual Fillmore Jazz Festival in San Francisco July 4 & 5. Touted as the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, it spans 12 blocks of historic Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. Visitors will enjoy stellar performances on multiple stages – from contemporary jazz, to funk and soul, to reggae and traditional blues. Great music is just part of the fun. Street side merchants will offer a range of goods for sale and there will be plenty of tasty food and beverage choices. This year’s festival celebrates the discovery of new jazz musicians and the rediscovery of old friends and past festival experiences. Hours: 10am to 6pm both days. Here’s the line-up:

 

Saturday, July 4
California Street Stage
10:15 a.m.: California Jazz Conservatory Ensemble led by Luis Salcedo
12:15 p.m.: Caili O'Doherty - "Padme" CD Release
2:15 p.m.: Contemporary Jazz Orchestra
4:15 p.m.: Kim Nalley

Eddy Street Stage  
10:30 a.m.: Tiffany Austin
12:30 p.m.: Valerie Troutt Quartet
2:30 p.m.: Native Elements
4:30 p.m.: Martin Luther

Sutter Street Stage
10:30 a.m.: Blue Grazz featuring Jenna Mammina
12:30 p.m.: Jungle Biskit
2:30 p.m.: Jonah Smith
4:30 p.m.: Sugar Pie DeSanto

Sunday, July 5
California Street Stage
10:30 a.m.: California Jazz Conservatory Ensemble led by Dillon Vado
12:30 p.m.: Tammy Hall Quintet
2:30 p.m.: Manny Moka and the Band on Fire
4:30 p.m.: Kim Nalley

Eddy Street Stage  
10:30 a.m.: Jackie Gage Group
12:30 p.m.: Lilan Kane
2:30 p.m.: Bobby Webb
4:30 p.m.: Manicato

Sutter Street Stage
10:15 a.m.: Americano Social Club
12:15 p.m.: Grace Kelly
2:15 p.m.: Mingus Amungus
4:15 p.m.: Shayna Steele

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.

Santa Clarita: Walk of Western Stars – Legends of Old West

 

Walk of Western Stars honors John Wayne and others

 

Walk down Main Street in Old Town Newhall in Santa Clarita and you’ll be reminded of legends of the Old West. Embedded in the pavement of the sidewalks are plaques honoring members of the entertainment industry – specifically those in Western film, TV and radio. Known as the Walk of Western Stars, this stretch of sidewalk is a fitting testament to Santa Clarita’s deep-rooted Western heritage.

 

Walk of Western Stars on Main Street, Old Town Newhall

 

Santa Clarita has always had a love affair with the Hollywood Western movie. The wide open space, the diverse landscape, and close proximity to Los Angeles have attracted movie directors to the area for more than a hundred years. Singing cowboy Gene Autry and legendary actors Gary Cooper, John Wayne and Roy Rogers are among those that have filmed Old West movies here and have all been inducted into the Walk of Western Stars. Other notable inductees include Tex Ritter, Chuck Connors, and Dale Evans. The most recent honorees are Charles Bronson and Steve McQueen, whose plaques were revealed earlier this year at the annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.

 

Besides being a hub for movies, a variety of western-themed television shows have filmed in Santa Clarita, including Gunsmoke, Annie Oakley and The Wild, Wild West. Today, several movie ranches call Santa Clarita home and filming has extended past the Western genre to include movies such as action-packed Spider-Man and Fast & Furious as well as television shows such as NCIS.

 

A saddle is the centerpiece of each plaque

 

As you browse the sidewalk tributes, consider a stop at the William S. Hart Museum and Park on Newhall Avenue. Once the former home of William Surrey Hart, a silent screen actor who became one the first big stars of Western movies, it houses a collection of significant Western artwork, early Hollywood mementos, and furnishings and artifacts representing multiple Native American cultures.

 

Santa Clarita’s Walk of Western Stars is less than 60 minutes from most areas of Los Angeles. It can be accessed via Interstate 5 at Lyons Avenue or off Highway 14 at Newhall Avenue.

San Francisco: Free Dining Deals for the Work Week

 

Gerald Luna, Chief Waffle Officer at b.Street Waffles

 

Looking for dining deals in San Francisco? Need a pick-me-up during the Monday through Friday grind? Here are five tasty offers - one for each day of the work week. Best of all, they won’t cost you a dime because they’re free. Of course, gratuities are always appreciated. Choose your day(s), and then click on the links for more information. Offers may change without notice.

 

Monday: Free Bagels from Sour Flour (Mission District)

The folks at Sour Flour not only bake bread, but they teach you how to make it. Fee-based workshops are offered on sourdough bread-making as well as how to make bagels. Not interested in getting a culinary education? That’s okay – you can still stop by on Mondays for a free bagel. Where: La Victoria Bakery, 24th St. & Alabama Street, San Francisco. When: Every Monday starting at 8am, while supplies last.

 

Tuesday: Free Wine & A Movie at Top of the Mark (Nob Hill)

Sample some wine and enjoy a free screening of popular films each Tuesday night at this classic lounge atop the historic Mark Hopkins Hotel. Arrive early to soak in the spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Where: Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins Hotel, 999 California Street, San Francisco. When: Tuesdays through August 26, 2014. Wine tasting at 5:30pm. Movie starts at 7:30pm.

  
July 22, 2014 – The Blind Side (2009)
July 29, 2014 – Pretty Woman (1990)
August 5, 2014 – Bull Durham (1988)
August 12, 2014 – My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
August 19, 2014 – Field of Dreams (1989)
August 26, 2014 – When Harry Met Sally (1989)

 

Wednesday: Free Belgian Waffle from b.Street Waffles (Financial District)
These aren’t waffles plucked from the frozen food aisle of the grocery store. No siree, Bob! These are freshly-made, gourmet, Belgian-style street waffles with sumptuous flavors baked right in. A different flavor is featured each month such as Apple-Cinnamon, Pumpkin, and Snickerdoodle. Where: Capital One 360 Café, 101 Post Street, San Francisco. When: First Wednesday of each month; 9am - 11am (or while supplies last).

 

Thursday: Doggy Yappy Hour at K9 Scrub Hub (Noe Valley)

Doesn’t your doggy deserve some chow, too? Grab your four-legged friend and head over to the K9 Scrub Hub’s weekly social hour. Indulge in free refreshments and treats – both the human and canine kind – and mingle with plenty of other dog-friendly folks. Where: 1734 Church Street, San Francisco. When: Every Thursday 6pm – 7pm.

 

Friday: Alisha's Home Cookin' Happy Hour at The Riptide (Sunset District)

Self-proclaimed as the “Bay Area's best little honky-tonk by the beach,” The Riptide has been around since 1941 and serves up potent drinks in a friendly, rustic atmosphere. Happy Hour occurs weeknights from 4-7pm and features drink specials and free eats. Stop by on Fridays to taste comfort food favorites like chicken pot pie, tater tot casserole and chili con carne – all free. Where: 3639 Taraval Street, San Francisco.: Every Friday 4pm – 7pm, or until it’s gone.

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

Los Angeles: Oscars Red Carpet Tickets 2014

 

George Clooney greets fans on Oscars Red Carpet (photo: oscars.org)

 

The Oscars aren’t until next March, but now is the time to win coveted tickets to the red carpet and a chance to see A-list celebrities on Hollywood’s most glamorous night.

 

Monday, December 2 starts Academy Fan Appreciation Week, and the folks behind the golden statuette are using social media to find Oscar’s biggest fans. Unlike years past where red carpet tickets were obtained by lottery, this time around a pair of tickets will be offered to fans who actively engage with the Academy by tweeting, commenting and sharing their posts. It’s a way to reward their most active and devoted followers. Newer fans will have fun ways to win, too.

 

To get in on the action, connect with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences via any of their social platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Google+, and Tumblr.

 

The 2014 Oscars will be presented on March 2, 2014 at the Dolby Theater at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood. It will be televised live in more than 225 countries around the world. Will we see you there?

Riverside: Festival of Lights – A Holiday Must-See

 

Riverside Festival of Lights - Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

 

Today is the day! It’s the start of the five-week long Festival of Lights in Riverside. And what a spectacle it is! With the flip of a switch, downtown Riverside will be illuminated by the glow of nearly 4 million holiday bulbs and electrified by the burst of fireworks. The lights, accompanied by dazzling holiday decorations and animatronic displays, can be found along Mission Inn Avenue as well as at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and numerous other buildings. A tradition for 21 years, the Festival also features an outdoor skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday vendors, live entertainment, carolers, and delectable food. Of course, Santa Claus will be there too.

 

The festivities get started today at noon, with the official lighting ceremony commencing at 4:30pm. This is an extremely popular event, drawing over 250,000 visitors over the multi-week run. If attending opening day, plan to arrive early – it’s estimated over 60,000 folks will be there and downtown streets surrounding the event start closing to motor vehicles around noon.

 

More Information: 21st Annual Festival of Lights

Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

Dates/Times: Friday, November 29, 2013 - 12:00pm to Saturday, January 4, 2014 - 10:00pm (Closed Christmas Day)

Admission: Free

Parking: Parking Garages, Metered and Free Parking

Lancaster: Musical Road Will Have You Humming

 

Musical Road in Lancaster

 

A stretch of road in the city of Lancaster has earned the moniker Musical Road and will actually have you hearing music while you drive – specifically the William Tell Overture. Here’s why: rumble strips, like those on the shoulder of a freeway to keep you alert, are strategically placed on a section of road on Avenue G between 30th and 40th Streets West.  As you drive over the grooves in the pavement, the sound generated produces notes of the familiar song, otherwise known as the theme from the Lone Ranger. It may not be note perfect, but it’s recognizable enough.

 

The Musical Road is the brainchild of Honda. It was built in 2008 for a commercial featuring the Honda Civic. Originally located at Avenue K, it had to be moved to its present location after locals within earshot complained that the noise kept them awake. Since the move, the musical road has been a hit, luring tourists to the location and putting Lancaster on the map. Drivers can’t seem to get enough of the engineering marvel, circling around to listen a dozen times or more while humming along with the tune. It’s a rarity, to be sure; this is the only known "musical road" in the nation.

 

To reach the Musical Road in Lancaster, exit Avenue G off the 14 Freeway and travel west. Stay in the far left lane and watch for the road sign signaling the start of the tune. For best sound quality, it’s best to be going 55mph.

Veterans Day 2013: Free Admission Knott’s Berry Farm

 

Knott's Berry Farm - Timberline Twister ride

 

Starting today, members of the military can score free admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Better yet, you can bring a guest. It’s Knott’s way of paying tribute to our armed forces for all that they do. The promotion runs through November 27, 2013 and is valid for both active-duty military and veterans. Valid proof of military service with photo ID is required – just present it at the turnstile. Up to six additional tickets may be purchased for accompanied guests for $22 each.

 

Knott's Berry Farm is just 20 minutes from John Wayne/Orange County Airport and 30 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport. 

 

More Information: Knott's Berry Farm

Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park CA 90620

Phone: 714-220-5200

Hours: Varies

Parking: $15 (Busses & RV’s $20)

San Francisco: Weekend Events – Movies, Music and More

 

Polk Street Blues Festival September 21 & 22

On any given weekend in San Francisco you can find an endless list of things to do. With summer winding down and fall approaching, it’s an ideal time to be outdoors. Here’s a tiny sampling of events to get you outside and out of the house. 

 

Tour de Fat 2013 Bike & Beer Festival

Slip on your craziest costume, hop on your bike and pedal through Golden Gate Park to help raise money for local bicycle nonprofits. Afterwards, celebrate your bike-riding accomplishment with beer, great food and live entertainment. The event is free. Proceeds from beer and merchandise sales go to the non-profits.

Location: Golden Gate Park

Date/Time: Saturday, September 21, 2013; 11am – 5pm

 

The Polk Street Blues Festival

Soulful sounds will saturate Polk Street when blues musicians take to the stage at this increasingly popular festival. Two main stages will feature continuous live entertainment over a two-day period which also features food and beverage booths, a beer garden and a selection of items for purchase from local merchants. Free.

Location: Polk Street, between Pacific and Union Streets

Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, September 21-22, 2013 | 10 am to 6 pm

 

Film Night in the Park – Skyfall 007

Sit under the stars and experience outdoor movie-watching in Dolores Park. The James Bond blockbuster, Skyfall, will screen on Saturday night as the June to September film festival winds down. Bring your favorite blanket, pillow or backrest, kick back and enjoy. Admission is free (donations appreciated); refreshments can be purchased on the premises. 
Location: Dolores Park

Date/Time: Saturday, September 21, 2013. Films begin at dusk, arrive by 8pm

 

Golden Gate Park Band Free Public Concert

A San Francisco institution almost as old as the city’s famed cable cars. The Golden Gate Park Band has been in existence since 1882 and is one of America’s oldest professional concert bands. The weekly (Apr–Oct) concerts pay tribute to music of specific nationalities or cultures. Saturday’s concert salutes Irish patriot and orator, Robert Emmet, and features Irish music, singing and dancing.

Location: Spreckles Temple of Music, Music Concourse at Golden Gate Park

Date/Time: Sunday, September 22, 2013; 1pm – 3pm

 

Off the Grid's Picnic at the Presidio

Nosh on food from San Francisco’s top restaurants as you picnic in a lovely park-like setting. Thirsty? Enjoy “blanket-side” cocktail service to compliment a selection of tasty food items. Afterwards, compete in lawn games, fly a kite or work off your meal with a session of yoga. Bring your wallet – admission is free, but food and drink are not.
Location: Presidio Main Post Lawn, next to the Montgomery Street Barracks

Date/Time: Sunday, September 22, 2013; 11am – 4pm

Omni Hotels: Win a Weekend Stay

 

Cabana at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad (San Diego North County)

 

Omni Hotels & Resorts is awarding one lucky winner each month a weekend stay at any of its properties. The “Social Sweepstakes” started in January and continues until the end of 2013, so you still have time to enter. It’s Omni’s way of thanking its fans for using social media to spread the word about their Omni Hotel experience. Winners can choose from 50 luxury hotels and resorts in destinations across North America. California locations include Carlsbad, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego and San Francisco.

To enter the sweepstakes, fill out the form at the Omni Hotels Facebook Page. 

Fairfield: Jelly Belly Candy Palooza – September 28 & 29

 

 

Satisfy your sugar craving at the first annual Jelly Belly Candy Palooza held at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center in Fairfield on September 28 and 29, 2013. Splurge in free candy samples throughout the day, including exquisite treats from local Chocolatiers. Additionally, for the 21 and over crowd, there is the Chocolate and Wine Experience. Pay $15 per person and you’ll sample selected wines paired with hand-made confections (a souvenir wine glass is included). Other festivities of Candy Palooza include arts and crafts exhibits, carnival rides, pony rides, and entertainment from a variety of local performers. And if you’ve ever wondered how those colorful jelly beans are made, tours of the Jelly Belly Factory are offered free of charge.

 

More Information: Jelly Belly Candy Palooza at the Jelly Belly Visitor’s Center

One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, California, 94534

Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29, 2013; 9am to 5pm

Admission: Free
Parking: Free

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.

Oxnard: Woolworth Museum – Nostalgic Five and Dime

 

Woolworth Museum - Oxnard, California

 

A once thriving Woolworth’s store in Oxnard now houses a museum paying homage to its namesake. The Woolworth Museum takes up a tiny space on the ground floor of the building and is more of a display rather than a museum. It will probably take you all of 10 to 20 minutes to peruse, but it’s enough to stir up nostalgia for anyone who grew up shopping at any of the iconic variety stores (remember the wooden floors?).

 

Long before dollar stores, F. W. Woolworth pioneered the concept of the five and dime or “dime stores,” selling goods to shoppers for five and ten cents. He opened his first store in New York in 1878 and by 1899 he owned 54 stores, selling items such as toys, housewares, sewing supplies and shoes. By 1913 he had constructed the Woolworth Building in New York, the tallest building in the world at the time. Woolworth’s continued to expand and by 1979 had become the largest retail chain of department stores in the world. Its signature lunch counters made Woolworth the largest seller of restaurant food, too. In the late 80’s and 90’s, increased competition resulted in a decline in sales and Woolworth closed its doors in 1997, focusing its attention on its Foot Locker division, which exists today.

 

 

The Woolworth Building in Oxnard, which houses the Woolworth Museum, was built in 1950. Oxnard resident, David Feigin purchased the building in 2002 and developed the idea of the museum. You’ll find a collection of books and photos depicting the history of the retail chain, along with memorabilia such as old vending machines, a vintage cash register, games and items that sold at Woolworth. Menus from the 40’s and 50’s will have you looking back at prices of 25 cents for a sandwich. There’s a real-working dial pay phone, an old-time 1940’s photo booth and an old-style Coca-Cola machine. Videos recounting the history of Woolworth and his family play on an old TV. Other items on display relate directly to this specific building and its employees.

 

More Information: Woolworth Museum

210 W. Fourth Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 2:30pm, Saturday: 9am – 2:30pm

Admission: Free

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.

Catalina: It's Avalon’s Birthday – Free Ride to the Island

 

 

Catalina’s bustling town of Avalon celebrates its 100th anniversary! To mark the occasion, Catalina Express is extending its “Free Ride on Your Birthday” promotion until April 30, 2014. That means you can travel round trip to the island free of charge, as long as you depart on your actual birth date. You may return any time within 30 days. You must pre-register online prior to your birth date to take advantage of this promotion. Once you have pre-registered and received email confirmation, book reservations online or by calling Catalina Express at 800-995-4386.

 

Tremendous birthday deals, discounts and free offers on food & beverage, shopping, activities, and island hotels are also offered from Catalina Express. Even more discounts can be found in the Avalon Centennial Travel Planner which can be downloaded and printed.

 

Avalon Harbor (photo: Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce)

 

Catalina Express has a fleet of eight high-speed vessels which carry passengers between the mainland and Catalina. The trip takes about an hour and boats depart from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point to Avalon and Two Harbors. Each vessel offers inside and outside seating, bar/food service and wheelchair access.

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