Mammoth Bike Park – Radical Terrain & Tons of Trails

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: visitmammoth.com)

Grab your bicycle and riding gear; mountain bike season at Mammoth Bike Park is upon us. Summer trails open June 10 and if you hurry, you can score a discount on a Summer Bike Park pass if you purchase before June 5.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo:mammothmountain.com)

 

Mammoth Bike Park is a leading pedal-pushing destination and the biggest bike park in the West. With 3,500 acres and over 80 miles of single track, its trails are second only to the spectacular scenery you’ll witness on your outing.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: mammothmountain.com)

 

The variety of terrain draws cyclists of all skill levels to the bike park. Beginners can start out at the Discovery Zone, an area with short practice loops and smooth turns and surfaces that allow the novice to get used to their equipment and handling of the bike. Intermediate and advanced trails are as diverse as the mountain itself, with fast downhills, rocky switchbacks, dirt jumps, and wooden ramps. Experts and pros can push the limit with trails aptly named Bullet, Velocity and Recoil, where you’ll be challenged by steep trails, rough surfaces and fast, adrenalin-rush descents.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: mammothmountain.com)

 

Don’t be intimidated if you’re a first-timer to mountain biking. Mammoth Bike Park offers private and group lessons to ensure you get the most out of your cycling experience. As an added convenience, they have brand new Trek bikes available for rental (standard helmets are included). They even have special bikes built just for kids, so even the little ones can enjoy the awesome trails.

 

Mammoth Mountain is located in Mammoth Lakes, CA and accessible via US Hwy 395. It’s approximately 5 hours north (by car) of Los Angeles.

More Information: Mammoth Bike Park
Location: 1 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes California 93546
Phone: 1-800-626-6684

California Beer Festival 2016: Fun and Suds All Summer Long

 

 

The ever popular California Beer Festival (CBF) kicks off in Novato in Marin County June 4-5, 2016. It’s the first of four stops in the Golden State for this lively, annual salute to the Craft Beer movement. Other stops include Aptos in Northern California and San Dimas and Ventura in Southern California.

 

At each of the four CBF venues, brew enthusiasts can sample dozens of craft beers from local and national breweries and talk suds with notable brewmasters. A selection of tasty bites from food artisans and food trucks will be available, as well as live entertainment. There will also be lively food and beer pairing competitions and plenty of opportunity to gain insight of all things craft.

 

Ticket prices for the CBF vary, depending on the venue, and range from $10 for single day tickets to $150 for multi-day VIP tickets. Click the links below for more information on each festival.

 

CBF Marin: June 4 & June 5
Stanford Lake Park, 3549 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA 94947

 

CBF Santa Cruz: August 12- August 14
Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos, CA 95003

 

CBF San Dimas: September 10 & September 11
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, 250 Puddingstone Drive, San Dimas, CA 91773

 

CBF Ventura: September 16 – September 18
Mission Park, 36 Figueroa Street, Ventura, CA 93001

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

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.

Los Angeles: Hello Kitty Con 2014 – A Purrfect Celebration

 

 

Hello Kitty, the adorable feline first introduced to the world in 1974, turns 40 this year. Its maker, Sanrio, is planning a major celebration to mark the occasion. It’s the first ever Hello Kitty Convention, aptly named Hello Kitty Con. It will be held in Los Angeles October 30 – November 2, 2014 and will include classes and workshops, lectures and panel discussions, and additional Hello Kitty themed activities. Vintage Hello Kitty products will be on display and shoppers will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind items exclusive to the convention. Fans will be able to meet and snap photos with Hello Kitty and enjoy refreshments from some of the trendiest food trucks in Los Angeles. Seems like a purrfect way to spend the day.

 

More Information: Hello Kitty Con 2014

Where: The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA

Date/Time: October 30 – November 2, 2014, 10am – 7pm daily

Tickets: Adults $30/day, Children (Age 6-12 years) $20/day. Children 5 years and under are free. (Limit 4 free children per paying adult). Note: All children under 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Anaheim: SoCal Residents Save at Disney Parks

 

Disney offers discounts to SoCal Residents

 

Disney discount tickets are back for SoCal residents! After a year’s absence, Disney has brought back its popular multi-day discount ticket packages to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for folks living in the Southern California region. You must reside in ZIP codes 90000-93599 (or Northern Baja California ZIP codes 21000-22999) to take advantage of the savings; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. Here’s a breakdown of the ticket packages:

 

$129: 2-day ticket with your choice of one park per day

$164: 2-day Park Hopper ticket

$159: 3-day ticket with your choice of one park per day

$194: 3-day Park Hopper ticket

 

Each of the 3-day ticket packages also includes one Magic Morning early admission to Disneyland.

 

Tickets must be purchased by May 30, 2014 and are valid through June 6, 2014 (blackout dates apply March 31 to April 20, 2014). You may purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID. For additional information or to purchase SoCal Resident Tickets, visit the Disney Parks website.

San Francisco & Los Angeles: Edwardian Ball & World’s Faire

 

 

Are you in a party mood, but tired of the same hum-drum get-togethers? You may want to check out the Edwardian Ball & World’s Faire, an eclectic event that’s anything but mundane. This annual bash celebrates the life and works of writer Edward Gorey, known for his illustrated books, but that’s only the beginning. The party is a mish-mash of music, dance, theater, art, fashion, gaming, and circus, where party-goers are encouraged to dress in costume – and that they do! It’s kind of like Dickens meets Goth meets Roaring 20’s, with a little top-hat and lace thrown in for elegance.

 

 

The Edwardian World’s Fair takes place on Friday, January 17 in San Francisco and is less formal and a little more rambunctious than the Edwardian Ball which occurs on Saturday, January 18 in San Francisco and also Saturday, February 8 in Los Angeles. 

 

More Information: Edwardian Ball & World’s Faire 2014

 

Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness, San Francisco, CA 94109

Date/Time: Friday & Saturday, January 17 & 18, 2014, 8:00pm

Tickets: $40-$50 General Admission; $80-$95 VIP (All prices increase $5 at the door)

Phone: 415-673-5716

Parking: Validated flat rate of $14 at Holiday Inn Garage, located at 1500 Van Ness. Limited street parking. Closest BART station is Civic Center.

 

The Fonda Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

Date/Time: Saturday, February 8, 2014, 8:00pm

Tickets: $45 General Admission, $75 VIP

Phone: 323-464-0808

Parking: Several parking lots are located next to and near the theater. Prices vary.

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?

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)

Los Angeles: Magic Restroom Café – Toilet-Themed Eatery

 

Bathroom-themed Magic Restroom Café (photo: Elizabeth Daniels)

 

Sure to be the butt of many jokes, America’s first toilet-themed restaurant has splashed onto the scene in Southern California. The Magic Restroom Café, where diners sit on toilet seats and eat out of toilet-shaped bowls, officially opens for business this Friday in the City of Industry.  It features Taiwanese cuisine with "bathroom" titled dishes such as “smells like poop” (braised pork over rice). While this potty-mouth theme is popular in restaurants in China and Taiwan, it remains to be seen if it will be successful here in the USA. What do you think....will it be a hit or will it tank?

 

 Meals are served in miniature toilet bowls (photo: Elizabeth Daniels)

More Information: Magic Restroom Café

18558 Gale Ave, Suite 222, City of Industry, CA, 91748

Phone: (626) 664-3766.

Hours: 11am to 11pm daily

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. 

Newport Beach: Fairmont $99 Per Night – Save up to 60%

 

Palms Pool and Cabanas at Fairmont Newport Beach

 

Snag a room at the Fairmont Newport Beach for just $99 per night. This incredible deal, offered by Travelzoo, is good Thursdays through Mondays in June and September, and includes valet parking, Internet access and a $25 spa credit. For travel in July and August, it’s $119 per night (Thursdays through Mondays). If you’d rather travel mid-week, the rate is $189 Tuesdays and Wednesdays through September 2013. Book by June 28 and use booking code PTZO when making reservations.

The Fairmont Newport Beach is a AAA Four Diamond resort situated in close proximity to shopping, nightlife, local attractions and of course, the fabulous beaches. It offers courtesy shuttle service to and from John Wayne Airport, Fashion Island, South Coast Plaza, Balboa Island and Corona del Mar Beach.

 

More information: Visit Travelzoo or call Fairmont Newport Beach at 866-840-8401.

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.

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

Loews Hotels: Cyber Spring Forward Sale - Save 40%

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, you can roll back the price of your next hotel stay. In honor of Daylight Saving Time, Loews hotels and resorts offer up to 40% off room rates during its Cyber Spring Forward sale. The sale runs for one day only from 9:01p.m. (PDT) March 10, 2013 to 11:59p.m. (PDT) March 11, 2013. Travel is good through June 30, 2013. Included with the discounted rate is free in-room internet service.

Loews has three luxury properties in California - the newly renovated Loews Coronado Bay in San Diego, Loews Santa Monica Beach, and Loews Hollywood (formerly the Renaissance Hollywood).

To make reservations online, visit www.loewshotels.com or call 855-905-6397.

Los Angeles: Oscar Nominated Costumes on Display at FIDM

Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables

The FIDM Museum in Los Angeles pays tribute to the film industry’s premier costume designers by showcasing their Oscar nominated works at the 21st Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition.

Keira Knightley, Anna Karenina

Costumes from all five Academy Award nominees for Best Costume will be on display: Anna Karenina (Jacqueline Durran), Les Miserables (Paco Delgado), Lincoln (Joanna Johnston), Mirror Mirror (Eiko Ishioka), and Snow White and the Huntsman (Colleen Atwood).

Julia Roberts, Mirror Mirror

In addition to the five nominees, the exhibition features over 100 original costumes from more than 20 films of 2012, including Argo, Django Unchained, Hitchcock and Skyfall. Costumes from last year’s Oscar winner, The Artist, will also be on display. The exhibition runs through April 27, 2013. Admission is free.

Daniel Day Lewis, Lincoln

Charlize Theron, Snow White and the Huntsman

More Information: 21st Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition

Fashion Industry of Design & Merchandise (FIDM) Museum & Galleries

919 South Grand Avenue, Suite 250, Los Angeles, California, 90015

Phone: 213-623-5821

Hours: 10am – 5pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission: Free

Los Angeles: Union Station - National Train Day May 12

Replica locomotives at the Golden Spike National Historical Site, Utah

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, Amtrak stations across the country will celebrate National Train Day. The occasion marks the 143rd anniversary of the historic completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. It was on May 10, 1869 in Promontory Summit, Utah that the “Golden Spike” was driven into the last tie, connecting the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads, thus linking the eastern and western halves of the United States.

A major celebration of National Train Day will take place at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles with lots of exciting activities. Visitors can learn about the history of train travel, view model train displays and tour a broad selection of train cars – from luxury rail cars to freight and commuter cars. Throughout the day there will be live musical entertainment, demonstrations by the Amtrak Police K-9 Units and cooking demos by the Amtrak culinary team (with lots of free samples). The AmtraKids Depot will entertain children with playtime activities and clowns from Ringling Bros will perform juggling acts and teach basic clowning skills. Nickelodeon star, Dora the Explorer will be around to pose for photos. Of course, there will be lots of train related memorabilia available for purchase at the merchandise store.

More Information: National Train Day - Union Station

800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Date/Time: Saturday, May 12, 2012, 11am to 4pm

General Admission: Free

Beverly Hills: Sprinkles Cupcakes - 24-Hour Cupcake ATM

What do you do when you get a craving for cupcakes in the middle of the night? If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you stop by the Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM and withdraw a freshly baked, thick-frosted indulgence. Open for nearly two months now, the vending machine is attached to the Sprinkles Cupcakes flagship bakery in Beverly Hills and dispenses the famed cupcakes 24 hours a day.

Cupcakes 24-hours a day at Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM

The Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM has an interactive touchscreen that makes ordering easy. Simply scroll through the flavor options, make a selection, insert a credit card for payment and then watch as a robotic arm grabs your boxed cupcake and positions it in the pick-up area. Remove your cupcake and you’re good to go. The machine can hold up to 600 cupcakes and is restocked throughout the day with a variety of flavors including chocolate marshmallow, dark chocolate and the luscious red velvet. Each cupcake from the ATM costs $4 (un-boxed cupcakes inside the store cost $3.50). The ATM even offers a sugar-free Doggie cupcake for your favorite pooch for $2.50.

Boxed cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM

Sprinkles Cupcakes has 10 locations nationwide, including three in California - Beverly Hills, Newport Beach and La Jolla. It plans to have ATMs installed at all 10 locations by the end of the summer. Founder and owner, Candace Nelson started the bakery with her husband 10 years ago. Now you can see her as a judge on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” TV show.

More Information: Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM

9635 S Santa Monica Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: 310-274-8765