eWire
July 15, 2003
California Roaming
Travels-with-Hian
Contact:
Howard Hian
www.Travels-with-Hian.com
858-453-8233
hian@znet.com
Coronado is a peninsula connected to San Diego by the stunning two mile long Coronado Bridge. There are eight parks, three state beaches, shopping, theater, and terrific restaurants. Although home to the world famous Hotel Del Coronado, my favorite is the Glorietta Bay Inn. John D. Spreckels, the son of a sugar baron, began buying land in Coronado in1887 and soon thereafter began construction on the Hotel Del Coronado. In 1906, he built his dream home, the Spreckels Mansion, on five acres of land overlooking Glorietta Bay, across the street from the Del. Today, the Glorietta Bay Inn is part of what was originally the Spreckels Mansion. The Mansion, with eleven bedrooms and suites, has been fully restored. Over the years, six small buildings with 89 contemporary rooms have been added. For reservations call 1-800-283-9383 or online at www.gloriettabayinn.com.
On Coronado, there are many good restaurants in every price range. Chez Loma is located in an historic home (circa 1889) and is an easy walk from the hotel. Featuring French Continental cuisine, Chez Loma has earned accolades from Mobil, AAA and an "excellent" rating from the Zagat Survey. This moderately priced restaurant is open for lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch. You can visit Chez Loma online at www.chezloma.com. At the Ferry Landing Place, a pleasant 15-minute stroll from the Glorietta Bay Inn, there are a variety of restaurants and shops. Try the Bay Beach Café for brunch. The patio overlooks the harbor and skyline of San Diego. It is a beautiful place to sit and watch the boats go by. Try the Ramos Fizz and the signature French toast made with thick cut egg bread, dipped in egg and rolled in corn flakes. The Bay Beach Café also serves lunch and dinner, all at reasonable prices.
The best way to get the lay of the land and appreciate the historical significance of Coronado is to take a guided walk with Coronado Touring. The delightful outing begins at the Glorietta Bay Inn and features a history lesson of the Inn, the Hotel Del and the community. While out on this leisurely walkabout, you will see the cottage of the Duchess of Windsor (and hear the local gossip about her) and the home where Frank K. Baum created the Wizard of Oz. At $8 per person, this is an absolute must and a bargain to boot! The tour departs at 11 AM every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and space can be reserved through the Glorietta Bay Inn or call1-619-435-5993.
The Lamb's Players Theater is San Diego's third largest theater company. Originally based in Minnesota, Lamb's Players operated for 15 years as a street theater troupe. In 1978, they opened their first resident theater in a suburb of San Diego. In 1994, the Company moved to Coronado, into the historic Spreckels Building. Check online at www.lambsplayers.org for their schedule. The Arts & Crafts Fair, held on Sundays throughout the year, features carved wood figurines, garden novelties, collages, original art, and wonderful gifts made by local artists. It is a place to shop for one of a kind items. Call the Coronado Visitor Center at 1-619-437-8788 or go online at www.coronadovisitors.com. When in town, pick up a copy of the free weekly Coronado Eagle & Journal.
Palm Springs is next on the list. My choice in the desert is the Del Marcos Hotel, formerly the San Marino. This mid-century, architecturally important, historic charmer was designed by William F. Cody in 1947. It features 16 individually decorated bedrooms with original artwork, custom furniture, private patios and a wonderful relaxed ambiance. The area by the small pool is pleasant, with backdrop views of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains. It is a quiet spot to catch up with your reading, napping and relaxing. Early morning, head for the hiking or biking trails that are a few blocks west of the hotel. Located in the legendary Palm Springs Historic Hotel District, The Del Marcos is a short two-block walk to downtown Palm Springs' shops and restaurants. Check the rates (which include continental breakfast, beverages and bicycles) and online specials at www.delmarcoshotel.com or call1-800-676-1214.
Here are a few travel tips for your stay. Try to arrive on a Thursday so you can attend the Palm Springs VillageFest. Sonny Bono dreamed up this weekly event when he served as mayor. The VillageFest features arts & crafts, food and live entertainment. Palm Canyon Drive is closed to traffic from 6-10 PM and is transformed into a grand bazaar. While wandering along Palm Canyon Drive take note of the stars on the sidewalk, memorializing movie stars, recording artists and celebrities with a connection to Palm Springs. Do not miss Ristorante Momma Gina's - their pasta and veal dishes are outstanding. Camelot Theaters, home to "art, foreign and independent" films, along with the Desert Cinema Society regularly schedule wonderful film festivals in this state-of-the-art multi-screen theater. Check the calendar of events at www.camelottheatres.com or www.desertfilmsociety.com. For a real treat, stop by the Spa Resort for a day of pampering. After "taking the waters" try your luck at the casino. The spa facilities are first-rate and the staff is energetic and helpful. Pick up a copy of the Desert Key Magazine, a visitor's guide that features coupons and a calendar of events. The Palm Springs Visitors Guide is a publication distributed by the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. Go online at www.palm-springs.org.
In San Francisco, my recommendation is the Hotel Rex located on Sutter Street, just steps from the cable car and newly renovated Union Square. With its literary theme and recent million-dollar remodel, this boutique charmer features Café Andree, a bistro serving Franco-Latino food and live jazz on weekends. For you techies, there are high-speed outlets throughout the hotel and the connectivity is free. This gem is run by Joie de Vivre Hospitality. Call 1-800-433-4434 for reservations or go online to www.jdvhopitality.com.
Drop by the conveniently located San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourist Center at the foot of Powell Street near the cable car turnabout. The website is a must for travelers to the City by the Bay (www.sfvisitor.org). While at the visitor center, pick up a copy of City Guides Free Walking Tours, describing daily walks lasting 90 minutes to two hours. The tour guides are knowledgeable and well versed in San Francisco lore and the tours are free. Recorded tour information can be obtained by calling 1-415-557-4266.
Shopping is the number one vacation activity and San Francisco has it all: boutiques, shopping centers, department stores, and specialty shops. One of my favorite stores for travel wear is Orvis, located near the Hotel Rex on Sutter Street. Orvis, the oldest continuously operating catalog company in the country, has been around since 1856. The store features over 100 models of fly rods alone. Fly-fishing schools, guided fly-fishing trips, outfitting service and free "how to" seminars are offered on a regular basis. Stop by the store or call 1-415-392-1600 for information. Browse online at www.orvis.com. For more shopping, head to the historic Ferry Building's Marketplace located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. There are numerous cafes and restaurants and the shops offer artisan cheeses, organic produce, sweets, baked goods, wines and the freshest of local fish and meats. On Saturdays it becomes a bustling Farmers Market. Go online to www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com.
I am continually amazed by the exciting choices of restaurants in San Francisco. There is everything from five star dining to fast food, with all ethnicities represented. Here are two of my favorites: The Daily Grill has taken over the spot on Geary Street that New Joe's occupied for years. They have recreated the charm one expects in a San Francisco restaurant; clubby with dark wood and leather booths. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this moderately priced American grill offers a large selection of entrees. Leave room for desserts, especially the fresh fruit cobbler of the day. Website: www.dailygrill.com. Johnny Foley's Irish House is a neighborhood restaurant in the middle of the Union Square area. The proprietors, Mary and Marty Connelly from County Cork, opened this restaurant and pub in June of 1998. Foley's features hearty portions at reasonable prices. The pub food is authentic and traditional Irish fare abounds. The curried potato wedges with mango chutney are a signature item. My favorite dessert is the Guinness flavored ice cream. You will enjoy this place.
Nighttime in SF is glorious: jazz and blues clubs, symphony, opera and theater including many free and low cost events. Near the Hotel Rex is the "Theater District" including the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.). For a complete listing of plays, music, arts and cultural events check online at http://www.sfarts.org.
Sonoma County is 40 miles north of San Francisco. Suddenly very trendy after years of living in the shadow of its neighbor, Napa Valley, it offers great opportunities to explore and unwind. Restaurants, resorts and spas, redwood forests, fields, rivers, streams and vineyards dot the landscape. My lodging recommendation is the charming Gables Wine Country Inn located in Santa Rosa, CA. This restored Victorian mansion sits on 3 ˝ pastoral acres with vineyard views. The innkeepers are attentive, rooms large and comfortable, and the breakfasts sumptuous. Look online at www.thegablesinn.com for rates and specials. For the outdoor enthusiast, the Gables is minutes from great hiking, biking and fishing at Annadel State Park. Within minutes you can visit Armstrong Redwoods Park, the dramatic north coastline, the quaint town of Healdsburg and historic Sonoma Plaza. The arts are alive in Sonoma and close to the Gables. It a short drive to the Green Music Center, the Dorothy Rohnert Spreckels Performing Arts Center, the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Sonoma State University, and Snoopy's favorite, the Charles Schultz Museum,
A visit to Matanzas Creek Winery, halfway between Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park, is mandatory. The wines are wonderful and the gardens fabulous. With an eclectic blend of wind-blown native grasses, olive trees, exotic perennials, terraced rows of lavender and rolling vineyards, the Matanzas Creek Estate Gardens is a great place for picture taking, lunch and wine tasting. In the tasting room try a "flight" of eight wines for only $5. Hint: If you decide to buy, the $5 will go toward the purchase of your wine. Check online at www.matanzascreek.com.
Food-wise, Sonoma County ranks with the best regions in the nation. Here are two favorites. The Girl and the Fig is located in the historic Sonoma Hotel. It features "country food with a french passion." Their seasonal menu reflects the availability of local growers' produce and specialties. As you might expect, they serve outstanding wines as well as wonderful cheeses for serious nibbling. The wine list is aptly named "Rhone Alone" because they only pour100% Rhone varieties. Lunches include homemade soups, salads, eclectic sandwiches as well as seasonal entrees. The dessert menu is a real winner and forget about calorie counting, you will enjoy the experience much more. They also have a location in Petaluma, CA. In Glenn Ellen, CA, their bistro is named The Girl and the Gaucho. Check online at www.thegirlandthefig.com or call 1-707-938-3634. Reservations are recommended In Kenwood, CA, on the Sonoma Highway, look for Café Citti. This restaurant is one of those places you dream of finding. Wood planked walls, oilcloth covered tables, a wood burning fireplace and lively surroundings make this Italian Trattoria a real delight. This family style restaurant features superb sandwiches, pizza, dozens of salads, homemade soups and pasta. Do not miss the fresh rotisserie roasted chickens stuffed with garlic and fresh herbs. They also sell homemade mozzarella. Go with a group so you can try everything at this terrific spot. Call 1-707-833-2690 for directions and hours.
For additional travel and vacation information contact the Sonoma County Tourism Program at 1-800-576-6662 or online at www.sonomacounty.com. Information can also be found at the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce online at www.rpchamber.org. For a calendar of events at Sonoma State University including theater, music, art exhibits, films, lectures, sports and special events check online at www.sonoma.edu.
The South Fork of the American River, near Coloma, CA is the playground of the adventure travel company, Whitewater Excitement. They offer ˝ to 3-day river rafting trips on four of California's best rivers. Our trip included two days of rafting, two nights of camping and five meals served buffet style and prepared at their own private deluxe riverside campground (which included a full bathroom with hot showers, flush toilets and sinks). The 21-mile river route encompassed 50 major rapids. Here is a synopsis of our river adventure. Day One started with a hearty breakfast. After meeting the guides and members of our party, there was a safety lecture and general briefing on what to expect. We entered the water
mid-morning and encountered mild rapids followed by an opportunity to swim a portion of the river aptly named Swimmers Rapid. We then stopped for lunch prepared and served on the riverbank. Resuming our trip, we eventually entered the American Gorge where the rapids were almost non-stop. We rafted two more hours and then made our way back to camp where a hot shower and dinner awaited us along with a real time slide show of our day. On Day Two we put in Chili Bar, near Placerville, CA and continued 10 miles downstream to our base in Coloma, CA. The first six miles of this section features non-stop rapids with names like Meatgrinder, Racehorse Bend, Maya and Troublemaker Rapid. The last four miles offered a chance to relax and lazily float through the picturesque Coloma Gold Country. Lunches included fresh fruit and vegetables, a deli style buffet and cold beverages. Dinners featured tri-tip steak, grilled chicken, Caesar salad, French bread, baked potato, corn on the cob, beer, wine, and brownies. It is amazing how hungry one gets on the river. The staff and our guides were friendly and knowledgeable and it was clear that our safety was their number one concern. The two day trips on the South Fork of the American River range from $229-$269 per person and run April through September. Contact Whitewater Excitement for information at 1-800-750-2386 or go their website at www.whitewaterexcitement.com.
California roaming......whether searching for an historic mansion in Coronado, a boutique hotel in San Francisco, a mid-century classic in Palm Springs, a Victorian bed & breakfast in Sonoma, or white water rafting on the South Fork of the American River, get out and travel!