Castle Wood

Looking for a romantic place minutes from skiing or simple want a romantic weekend?

Fairy tale fantasies can come true in these uniquely themed cabins, available at Castle Wood Cottages. Eleven themed cottages are available ranging from Cave Men to Gone with Wind and everything in between( the picture is of the Castle Garden Cottage). Complete with inviting jacuzzi and working wood fireplaces could this place be more perfect? Romance packages are available included message service, chocolate dipped strawberries, fresh flowers even your own special request can be set up!

Quick Tips

*Check in is at 4:oopm check out is at 11 am

*Prices depend on the day and the room theme

*Restaurant is located across the street no on site food services

*no kids

For More Info to just check out pictures of the rooms visit

http://www.castlewoodcottages.com/

The Gamble House

This beautiful home is an outstanding example of the American Arts and Crafts movement. It was designed in 1908 by the Charles and Henry Greene for the Gambles ( as in Procter and Gamble). It is now on the National Historic Registry and operated by USC; fortunately for us public tours are available.

Fun Facts

~ the garage and house were used as Doctor Emmett Brown's in the Back to the Future films.

~ a lantern that was stolen from the outside in the 1970's ended upon eBay in 2005

~ two USC architecture students live in the house full-time

Located in Pasadena

Tours are available Thursday-Sunday

Cost: Adults $10

Children under 12 free

Senior and student discounts available
~ Specialized tours are available at a higher cost.

For More Info :

on tours

http://www.gamblehouse.org/tours/index.html

on the house

http://www.gamblehouse.org/history/index.html

California Adventure: Food and Wine Festival

One of the greatest times to visit Disney's California Adventure is during their Food and Wine Festival. This year's theme is A World Celebration. This six week festival runs from April 24-June 7, 2009. Enjoy cooking demos, seminars and collect recipes ! Stop by The Festival Welcome Center ( at the Sunshine Plaza) to get a daily schedule and to make same day reservations ( if space is available). Note: Guests must be over 21 to drink alcohol.

Complimentery Events ( with admission ticket to CA Adventure) :

* Wine, Beer and Spirits Education and Tasting Seminars

* Culinary Demonstrations ( by noted chiefs & celebrity chiefs)

*Junior Chef ( for kidos 11 and younger)

Enjoy:

*Wine shop & Bistro

*Festival Gift Shop

* The Lounge at the Golden Vine Winery

* Wine Walk

Signature Events ( cost extra Signups start TODAY ( 2/24/09)!!)

* Behind the Scenes with...

"Attend an evening with the personalities, This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal, take a photo or get an answer to that question you've always wanted to ask. Don't miss out on this superstar, evening to remember! "

Cost $185 -- admission ticket not required celebs include Guy Fieri , Keegan Gerhard, & more-- depending on day of visit.

*Napa Rose Cooking School

You are able to cook under Executive Chef Andrew Sutton , the class is held in the beautiful show kitchen of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel..only 14 guests per class and you get a chief coat ! Cost $450

* Sweet Sundays

Enjoy a light buffet with and a toast, then continue the day by watching an acclaimed pastry chefs demonstrate how to make three signature desserts. Cost $65.00 For a list of chiefs and days click below.

* World Celebration Dinners

The official description is so brief I couldn't restate it so here it is, " Celebrate the flavors, aromas and traditions in a delicious journey around the globe. Each evening's menu focuses on a single country, region or theme, blending the food, wines and celebrations that make each unique. " The celebrated countries are Italy, France, Spain, Korea and Japan. Cost $135

AND

*Intro to Wine Tasting

*Advanced Wine Course
* Wine receptions

* Taste Food, Wine, Life

Click here to get all the info

Avalon Casino, Catalina

Found on the beautiful island of Catalina is an impressive Casino ( derived from the Latin a place of gathering not to be confused with the the modern usage a place to lose money) . This casino has a beautiful art deco ballroom that is well worth seeing click here for a 360 degree tour .

The ballroom has a" lavish medley of rose-hued walls, black Art Deco reliefs, and an arching fifty-foot ceiling. No less than five resplendent Tiffany chandeliers illumine the crowd, and curving windows capture postcard views of the aqua sea. "Perfect for weddings, a tour or attending a dance.

Fun Fact: The Catalina High School Basketball Team had to use this ballroom for their basketball games while their gym was being remolded. They won the season and attribute it to the visitors being distracted by their surroundings!


The theater located below the ballroom is equally impressive for all Art Deco enthusiasts, even those who aren't well have their breathe taken away by its beauty. Click here for a 360 degree tour.

Fun Facts:

The theater has only 1 screen and a new movie is shown almost weekly.

Movies are played nightly.

On the back wall above the exit of the theater are the Greek comedy and tragedy masks. Locals are said to walk out of theater under the tragedy mask if they did not like the movie and under the comedy mask if it was enjoyed.

Quick Facts:

* To get to Avalon you have a few choices: plane, helicopter or boat. Click here for more travel information

* Hotels on the island fill quickly make sure you have reservations if you plan on staying the night

* If you can go on a weeknight, on Friday Avalon changes from a cozy bed and breakfast town into a "tourist trap"

*Tours of the casino currently cost $16.00 for adults and $12.00 for children. There is a senior discount available.

* Duration of tour : 50 minutes

* please call 310-510-TOUR (8687) for tour times

* available Year-round

Upcoming Events: The Avalon Ball May 16, 2009

This is a wonderful chance to experience the ballroom the way it was meant to be with big band music floating through the air and the sound of heels clicking on the dance floor. Buy tickets early it sales out fast.

For more info click here, to purchase tickets click here.

Devil's Postpile

This amazing natural treasure is incredible to witness in person. The posts are created through volcanic activity and are polygon in shape. From the top they look like highly polished tiles, amazing to think they were made naturally! Located near Mammoth Mountain Ski Area

Quick Notes

*must pay a small transportation fee in order to enter Reds Meadow Valley if driving in*

*Shuttle mandatory* $7.00 adults $4.00 kids (3-15 years old)

*easy hike ranging from 1- 5 miles

*can camp ($14.00 per night fee)

For More Info:

http://www.nps.gov/depo/

or http://www.geohiking.com/postpile.html

*"Most visitors must park at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and use the mandatory shuttle. The shuttle bus operates from mid-June through the end of September.Exceptions to the shuttle system are those visitors who drive into the Valley before 7:00am or after 7:30pm, or who are overnight guests of Reds Meadow Resort, who are camping within the Reds Meadow Valley, who are hauling stock trailers, whose vehicles are carrying small watercraft for use in the lakes, or who can provide proof of physical handicap."-taken from http://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/directions.htm

The Nethercutt Collection

This museum is located in Sylmar, it has antiques, instruments, and a train but the real purpose is the car collection boasting over 250 rare American and European cars dating from 1898-1997. There are 2 buildings 1 is referred to as "the collection" the other is referred to as "the museum."

The train is located behind the museum and has guided tours.

Quick Notes:

*To see the collection you must make reservations for the 2 hour guided tour (children must be over the age of 10)

* The museum is self -guided no reservations required ( no age restriction)

* Be sure to check out the first hard top Mustang ( in the museum)

* Be certain to visit all the facilities !

Cost: Free

Hours: Vary ( Collection has different hours than the museum and the train)
For More Info: http://www.nethercuttcollection.org/Home.aspx