caltraveler

Tonight, Anthony Bourdain's new Travel Channel show, The Layover took us to San Francisco. The episode explores various dining and drinking establishments (and some not so established) off the beaten tourist path. Bourdain stays at the elegant and historic (opened in 1907)  Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill, but throughout the show he eats and drinks his way through various places in the city from the Lower Haight to Chinatown. He shows us that drinking is a sport in San Francisco, with a great... Read Full Story

Well, if you're in San Francisco for New Year's Eve, then there are at least 925 things for you to do according to San Francisco Travel . And, if you're concerned about transportation, all MUNI lines and routes are free on New Year's Eve from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (for more information check out MUNI's website .) Read Full Story

The  Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is located in San Jose and contains the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the Western US. The museum is located in Rosicrucian Park, which includes a planetarium (closed), temple, research library and peace garden. The Rosicrucian Order is not a religious order, but a " non-sectarian body of men and women who study the elusive mysteries of life and the universe."  The buildings are very exotic looking... Read Full Story

So, it's been a while since I came back from my last trip to California and I'm just getting around to writing my posts. I did try to post while I was on vacation, but for some reason the BlogPress app on my iPhone/iPad wouldn't post what I wrote. Now that the weather at home has gotten cold and is only going to get colder, I'm definitely California dreaming. So, I will be reliving my last vacation through my upcoming posts over the next few weeks. Enjoy, especially if this winter's day is... Read Full Story

View of San Francisco from the Bay. So, I opened up the Groupon page today and what did I see? Another discount deal on a San Francisco attraction. Today, the Groupon is for 50% off a 60-minute bay cruise for two on  the Red and White Fleet , departing from Fisherman's Wharf. Whenever I go someplace near the water, I love to go for a boat tour and have done this several times in San Francisco. You typically get close up views of the Golden Gate Bridge and fantastic views of San Francisco... Read Full Story

One of the new things I'll be seeing on this trip to California will be the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum and Mirror Maze at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, courtesy of my Groupon purchase . I've walked by this museum numerous times while in San Francisco, but have never gone in. Now, with this great deal available from Groupon, , how could I resist? I couldn't. I love bargains, and half price tickets for something to do on vacation is even better. For $11 you can get one combo... Read Full Story

Vacation is on in less than two weeks and I couldn't be more excited. It's been a little under two years since I've been to California, so it's definitely time. I'm looking forward to visiting some familiar places (Monterey, for one) and hoping to explore some unfamiliar locations, as well. I'm in the process of finalizing some plans and researching a few locations, so we'll see where we end up. Some of the time will be spent with the BF's family and some time will be spent on our own. Nine... Read Full Story

Spa Week's  Fall 2011 Event, presented by CAREFREE®  is a nationwide event taking place from October 10 - 16, but there are a lot of participating spas in California . I always think it's nice if you can combine a spa treatment with vacation, but even if you aren't on vacation, it's a great deal to take advantage of the $50 spa treatments during Spa Week. You can purchase Spa Week gift cards in advance online . Spa Week launched this past Monday, so book your appointments now...especially if... Read Full Story

Act now for some great deals on hotels in San Francisco. The first deal is a Living Social Escap e and only has one day left to  purchase . For $139 for a weeknight stay or $169 for a weekend, you can stay at the new boutique hotel da Vinci Villa  located in the Marina District near Russian Hill. The deal includes a stay for two in a deluxe room, a 25% discount to the hotel's Caffé Como and a bottle of wine. The second deal is from Historic Hotels of America ® which is featuring special... Read Full Story

Photo courtesy of   El.lE Photography.  Petite L'Amour by   El.lE Photography. Well, I've been writing this blog for over three years now. At times I've been way better at posting than others. I say I'll change my ways and post more, but then I drop off. I'm hoping that this post will continue my recent streak of posting. I now work out of my home, so having the freedom and flexibility that comes with that should allow me to post more. There's a lot of work that goes into some of the posts... Read Full Story