We recently visited Legoland in Carlsbad, California (just north of San Diego), and the results were a bit mixed. Kind of like nuts.

The good: It is all about Legos, which are, obviously, awesome. The bad: the rides are awful. The majority of rides are geared towards children under the age of six, because personal experience has shown that Lego-obsessed kids around 8-years-old were barely able to hold back a yawn. Sure, it’s great that the younger kids have fun — it’s for them, I get it, but there should be something for kids of other ages, not to mention an occasional block thrown to the adults.

The good: The park itself is quite beautiful. Most of the walkways are wide and clean, and the landscaping is lush and pleasant. The bad: The lines are really long and do not have any sort of theme or interactive components that might keep kids occupied or entertained.

The good: The food served is pretty tasty by theme park standards. The bad: The food is expensive, which is to be expected, but the admission is really expensive — it’s not much cheaper than a day at Disneyland, and it offers about a tenth (if that) of the experience.

The good: It’s close to the ocean. The bad: You actually need to have something else to do, because there isn’t enough to do in the park to last a full day, and even if there was Legoland closes on most days before the sun sets (that includes stores and dining, when they say they’re closed they aren’t messing around).

The good: The Star Wars exhibit is really cool. The bad: It’s basically a museum of things to look at, which would be fine IN A MUSEUM. It’s a theme park about Legos featuring Star Wars things created with Legos, offer something for kids to do that combines the two. Peanut butter and chocolate, people.

We wanted to like Legoland. My wife and I love the San Diego area. Our whole family loves Legos — seriously, there are an embarrassing amount of Legos in our house. We had a fun time at Legoland, but that was despite the park, not because of it. We were on vacation and we made the most of it. Also, we wouldn’t talk bad about something that the kids were enjoying, however, even they noticed the park’s many shortcomings, and when we asked them if they were ready to leave they didn’t hesitate to say “yes.” That’s never a good sign.

Photo: W. Honea

Just across from New Orleans Square in Disneyland is an island that be circled by ship and canoe, or reached via ferry. It used to be all about Tom Sawyer, but now it is about Tom Sawyer and his encounter with the pirates. There are caves to explore, treasure to plunder, and interactive skeleton fun (don’t worry, not your skeleton).

It’s a great place to let kids run wild and burn off some energy — just make sure you have a place to meet should you become separated, and understand that there is only one way on and off of the island.

Have fun!

This post is part of the Uptake Family Friday Series.

Photo: Whit Honea

The website also includes individual hotel ratings based on value, location, amenities, rooms and service. Google maps and color photos are also shown. It’s a great resource and worth a look if you’ve got an upcoming trip this summer.   Visit SleepCritique.com

Little boys and birthdays are full of fun and cake. That’s a fact. Nowhere is this more evident than a Disneyland birthday celebration at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Seriously, go there and see for yourself if you don’t believe me. There is cake everywhere.

We took our now 6-year-old bundle of joy and adrenaline to a Disney character breakfast at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. The hotel is awe-inspiring. The breakfast was fantastic. I love it when that happens.

We bought the buffet, which was fresh, amply stocked, and moved along quickly (unless you waited for a personal omelet, but that’s all you). The buffet was just under $24 per person for adults and slightly under $12 for kids. Smaller kids (0-2) are free.

The breakfast was hosted by Chip and Dale, of Chip and Dale fame, and with some of their other Disney animal friends they visited each table in turn and spent a good amount of time with each child (and adults, too).

Then came singing and cake (an optional addition for $15.99 of a pirate treasure chest or princess-themed box filled with said cake), and the smiles were worth every penny. And then some.

We went into Disneyland full and happy, first stop was Town Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. for free birthday buttons and a character phone call, then it was into the magic and the memories made there.

My son said it was the best birthday ever. I am inclined to believe him.

There is a character breakfast in each of the Disneyland Resort Hotels and one in each park (Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure). Reservations are recommended (call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463). If you are celebrating a special occasion let the host or server know.

Speaking of special occasions, Town Hall has buttons for everything — anniversaries, first visit, birthdays, button wearers… you name it!

We paid for our own stay on Disney property, park ticket admission, and buffet. Disney was kind enough to provide the birthday pirate chest for the purpose of this review. Opinions are my own (and everyone that was with us).

Photo by W. Honea

When most folks think of San Francisco, they get visions of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grateful Dead, Alcatraz Island, riding the trolley into Fisherman’s Wharf and the smoke filled hippie days of the late 1960?s. Smack dab in the middle of these wonders of the West Coast, in San Francisco’s famed Haight-Ashbury district, sits Magnolia Pub and Brewery.

Photo Courtesy of iNeTours

After a day of walking around Fisherman’s Wharf and strolling through Golden Gate park, it was time for a quick visit at Magnolia before the evening events related to the Craft Brewers Conference. I stopped in with a couple of friends and quickly found a seat at the bar. After ordering their Robust Porter named after American songwriter, Cole Porter, we had the chance to take in the atmosphere. Magnolia’s decor will strike you as a mixture of a neighborhood pizza parlor and the psychedelic vibes of the Grateful Dead. Deep mahogany colored tables, benches and walls make up most of the place, with plenty of murals doused in psychedelic colors. Peeking out from the kitchen area I could even see the brewing equipment. The decor was not as surprising when I found out that the Dead were, founder and Brewmaster Dave McLean’s, favorite band. In fact, McLean credits his intro to craft beer to the times he tried it at Dead concerts.

Although food wasn’t in the cards for us that day, I had noticed the extensive lunch and dinner menus available. Regret is what I felt once we left for not having tried their Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich, or their Short Rib French Dip, for everyone I noticed seemed to be tripping on the flavors of the food they’d ordered.

Look at those taps!

Although it was quite crowded while we were there, you wouldn’t have known if it ever fazed any of the wait staff or bartenders. The servers were whizzing in and out of the kitchen bringing in orders and taking them out, while the bartenders expertly poured every beer, both without missing a beat. My only regret was not bring able to talk with McLean, or Head Brewer Ben Spencer, to thank them for the tasty brews and the great atmosphere in which to enjoy them.

A trip back to San Francisco is definitely in the future.

Of Mice and Moments

Sure, Valentine’s Day is more about romance of the couples variety — and it’s on a Tuesday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the excuse of a candy-filled holiday to take a mini-vacation. Am I right?

Personally, I’m a fan of the family theme park outing. Disneyland and Walt Disney World (dinner at Victoria and Albert’s, anyone?) always have something up their, um, glove(?) for Valentine’s Day, which means fun for the whole family. What? Disney is totally romantic.

If theme parks aren’t your thing how about a cabin stay in one of our many state and national parks? It may be brisk out, but a few hours of hiking or mountain biking will warm up the family in no time.

Of course, there is always the option of getting a babysitter and, hopefully, a reservation at some restaurant with a special holiday menu (see, pricy) and being one more sucker in a suit — don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that, but why wait until Valentine’s Day to do it? Go out on any Tuesday, it will be less crowded and a lot more meaningful. Spend Valentine’s Day with the entire family, that’s the love, people.

Photo by W. Honea

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the enormously popular and magical addition to Orlando’s Universal Studios Resort, is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. It’s like Manifest Destiny for wizards and the muggles that love them (you know who you are).

Don’t worry, Florida, your version of  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to be significantly expanded. It is unclear if the new Hollywood version will include the pending Orlando expansions.
From the good people at Universal Studios:

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.”

From the good person that created Harry Potter, author J.K. Rowling:

“I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting.”

I’m pretty excited about the news. I haven’t been to the Orlando version (there’s a story there), but I live in L.A. and that increases my chances of visiting by about a billion percent (give or take).

Now who do I talk to about getting a Hollywood version of the Spider Man ride?

Have you been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? What do you think?

Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort

A farmer volunteer guide at the living history farm.

Farming is the foundation of American history but sadly, farms are quickly disappearing from the daily landscape of  the typical American experience. Generations of kids are growing up without a clear understanding of where their food comes from and how it’s produced. The L.W. Paul Living History Farm provides an active example of how small, one-horse family farms operated generations ago.

cotton fields

Located a few miles outside of Myrtle Beach in Horry County, SC, the L.W. Paul Living History Museum offers opportunities to witness and participate in centuries -old farm activities like cotton picking, grinding sugarcane and grits and syrup making.  A popular weekend excursion, crowds of families were strolling the 17 acre farm when I visited.

Each season brings new activities so I observed fall activities like meat curing and grinding grits. The grits mill was a community machine that farmers would use together and give some of their corn as payment. Another area featured clothes dying, where women used plants to make dyes. Black walnut was used for brown, madderoot for red and acorn for a yellow shade. Mules plowed fields and tobacco was hung up in small shacks to dry.

The L.W. Paul Living History Museum  showcases such an authentic farming experience that it was featured in the movies “Cold Mountain” and “The Patriot”. Admission is free and hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9-4PM. For a little more elegant relaxation after so rustic an experience, head to Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort and enjoy panoramic views of the beach in two or three bedroom luxury condos.

Photos courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean the holidays are! New Year’s Eve is right around the corner and there is lots of fun to be had (please drink responsibly).

While New Orleans would be awesome, it may not be quite as family-friendly as New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Sure, both have beads and Dixie, but one has less public nudity (Disneyland). So there’s that. (And you can buy drinks at Disney’s California Adventure or Downtown Disney)

However you spend New Year’s Eve, make it safe for everyone. Don’t drink and drive!

Photo: Disneyland Resort

When you think of Disneyland you probably think of magic. That’s because they have a great PR team. Also, magic. Christmas brings to mind similar thoughts, but with more sugarplums. See where I’m going here?

The holidays at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA are as magical as you could possibly hope for. Whether it’s meeting Santa in person, seeing your favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, or catching the festive parade, fireworks and other events, there is Disney-wrapped Christmas fun throughout the resort (that includes Disneyland, the Disney hotels, Downtown Disney and Disney’s California Adventure).

But that’s not all!

There are also holiday versions of two classic attractions! The Haunted Mansion features the gang from The Nightmare Before Christmas, putting their touch on the season, and Small World gets a different tune stuck in your head — Jingle Bells has never sounded so happy. For so long. And the lights!

There is also snowfall nightly in Disneyland. It appears right as the fireworks end. Don’t ask me how they do it, sometimes it is best not to know.

And then there is the food. Holiday touches are everywhere, and there is something for the whole family. I’ll let you discover that part on your own (it’s more fun that way).

The holidays at Disneyland Resort run through January 8, 2012 (it’s a great place to spend New Year’s Eve!).

My family and I were treated to a preview of Disneyland Resort’s holiday magic. It was fantastic, as you can probably imagine. The day was on them, the opinions are all me.

All photos courtesy of Disneyland Resort

A Seaport Village Sunset

Looking for a getaway to warmer climes this winter, for you and your significant other? Consider San Diego, California! You can have a FANTASTIC time for around $300! That includes lodging, meals, and entertainment – if you drive, you’ll have to figure in the price of gas. If you fly, you’ll have to figure in the price of airfare and vehicle rental. This is for a two-night stay, including two breakfasts/lunches/dinners, and two days of activities.

Here’s where you stay:

I used Expedia to find hotel rates at around $80 per night – trust me, there are a TON of them. The Best Western Mission Bay and the Wyndham Garden San Diego are each a couple of blocks from Mission Bay, and fifteen minutes from the Gaslamp District or the ocean. The Pacific Shores Inn is a mere 100 yards from the Pacific ocean and San Diego’s famed boardwalk.

Total Cost: about $175

Here’s where you eat:

Breakfast:
Each of the hotels above offer complimentary breakfast – for this budget to work, you need to count on eating a free morning meal at your hotel of choice.

Lunch:
Day One: The Boardwalk Bistro (on Mission Beach) – grab two lunch combos (salad, soup and 1/2 sandwich) and a drink for $10.00 each.
Day Two: Greek Island Cafe (Seaport Village) – share a Combo Platter which includes Gyros, Souvlaki, Salad, Pita, Dolma, and Spanikopita. Add a couple of drinks and get out of there for under $20.

Dinner:
Day One: Split a pizza and a house salad at the Sidebar in the Gaslamp District. Throw in a couple of glasses of wine and spend about $35.
Day Two: Time to spoil yourselves a little bit! Indulge in dinner at the Coronado Boathouse – seafood entrees are about $25 per person, so if you add drinks you’ll probably spend about $65.

Breakfast = $0
Lunch = $40
Dinner = $100

Total Cost: about $140

Here’s what you do:

Day One: Hit Mission Beach and the Oceanfront Boardwalk. People watch, wander shoeless in the sand, soak up the sun, and be lulled by the sound of the waves. In the evening enjoy the culture and vivacity of the historic Downtown Gaslamp Quarter.

Day Two: Check out Seaport Village during the day – watch the boats meander about, window shop, and enjoy the fresh sea air. In the evening cross the bridge over to Coronado Island and experience the energetic yet serene island atmosphere.

Total Cost: The $35 you have left in spending money! The perfect amount for some San Diego themed souvenirs!

Photo credit:

- Seaport Village by Jay Martinez on Flickr Creative Commons.

The view from our table at McCormick and Schmicks, Portland Oregon.

Portland Oregon

Best place to eat: McCormick & Schmicks Harborside at the Marina. The shot above was taken directly to my right as we sat at our table on a lovely summer day. I had the steamed clams and the rare Ahi nicoise salad, and both were excellent.

Best place to sleep: The Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland is such a neat, atypical place to stay. It’s downright cozy, yet has a young and upbeat atmosphere. It’s certainly one of the more stylish hotels I’ve ever seen. Since you’re within walking distance of so much you probably won’t want to eat in, but their on-site restaurant/bar is great for a quick cocktail or full-menu room service.

Best thing to see: Washington Park sits high atop a hill above the city and offers spectacular views. Visit the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum all in one lovely day.

Entrance to the Portland Regency Hotel, Old Port district of Portland Maine.

Portland Maine

Best place to eat: J’s Oyster, right on the Portland Harbor, is a true Maine dining experience. The wait staff have the classic friendly yet brusque Maine manners, the seafood is pulled right off the boats at the back of the restaurant, Maine-accented conversation around the oyster bar is fast and entertaining, and the place is PACKED all the time. If you go mid-week for a late lunch you should be able to get a table right away, but on the weekends expect an hour wait. I have only one thing to say to you: HAVE THEIR KING CRAB LEGS. Wait, two things: HAVE THEIR LOBSTER ROLL TOO.

Best place to sleep: The Portland Regency Hotel is, in my opinion, the PERFECT place to stay while in Maine. In fact, it’s one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at, and I’ve been all over this blessed country. Tasteful decor, more than attentive service, and an on-site restaurant that serves the best breakfast around (hit their Sunday brunch if you can).

Best thing to see: View some of the most famous lighthouses of Maine via Lucky Catch Cruises. Catch your own lobsters for dinner, learn about the scattering of Civil War era forts, and flirt with the seals. Private charters and regularly scheduled “Special Excursions” (including bird watching, Fort Gorges and the Lobsterboat and Tugboat races) are also available.

All photos copyright Tiffany Joyce.

Portland, Maine – your grandparents might have come for the leaf-peeping, but today Portland is making a name for itself as a hotbed of fermentation. Half a dozen craft breweries are found in this New England town, including the Peak Organic Brewing Company. Book your visit for February and you can catch the Bartenders Bash.

Portland, Oregon – same name, different coast, an equally impressive collection of microbreweries to tour. The beer scene is hopping in the Pacific Northwest and wannabe brew masters can often find local events centered around tastings and competitions. Check out PortladBeer.org before your trip to get current updates.

Denver, Colorado - home of the Great American Beer Festival each fall, Denver is the domestic holy land for beer lovers. Take the Denver Microbrew Tour to take in all the sights with a designated driver. Reward the kids for good behavior (and patience) by taking them on an epic bike ride along Denver’s miles of gorgeous trails before heading home.

Photo Credit

The day was not crisp. In fact, it was rather warm. There was a light rain in the afternoon. It could have passed for spring.

The end of September was the winding down of whirlwinds and the precipice of a free fall into holiday excitement and the trappings thereof. We decided to blur the line all the sooner.

We took a trip to Disneyland for Mickey’s Halloween Party and suddenly fall was in the air.

The event requires a separate ticket, but don’t fret — admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party actually allows ticket holders to enter Disneyland a few hours prior to the park closing (the Halloween event happens after the park is closed) so that they can enjoy a bit more of the magic. For dates, times and pricing please visit Disneyland.com/halloween. (Walt Disney World offers Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)

While kids are able to wear costumes to Disneyland whenever they please (assuming it also pleases their parents), adults are usually not allowed to do so. I know, we’ve all seen some adult characters in the parks, but that’s actually their normal thing. Don’t judge. The beauty of Mickey’s Halloween Party is that everyone can dress up, and they do!

Families dress as the characters from their favorite Disney movie, superhero team, television show, etc. — the originality and cleverness that people put into their costumes is pretty darn impressive. However, you don’t need to be a costume designer to enjoy the fun. You don’t even need to dress up, but come on, why wouldn’t you?

Mickey’s Halloween Party offers the opportunity to take photos with your favorite Disney Villains and other Disney characters in their own Halloween costumes. There are special treat stations (candy and healthy options) throughout the park for all of your trick or treating needs (Disney doesn’t run out of candy!), live music and dance parties (Buzz Lightyear’s Intergalactic Space Jam in Tomorrowland Terrace, and Piratepalooza in the Ranch del Zocalo Restaurante), plus lots more fun for boys and girls of all ages.

There is also a Halloween parade called Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade, and holiday-themed attractions like the very awesome Haunted Mansion Holiday with a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay (not scary) and the Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (pretty scary!). Most of the other attractions in Disneyland are also open for guests to enjoy.

The highlight of the event, as far as my family was concerned, was the Halloween Screams Firework Spectacular (below). It was one of the best fireworks displays I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a few.

We left Mickey’s Halloween Party and headed back to our room at the Disneyland Hotel (which I can’t recommend enough) because the kids were too tired to continue. They changed out of their costumes, washed their faces and fell asleep somewhere between recaps of the evening and failed candy negotiations. They woke mid-sentence, and their words were full of magic.

Photos and video: W. Honea

Disclaimer: My family and I were guests of Disneyland for the Mickey’s Halloween Party event. We would have gone anyway (but don’t tell Disney that!). I paid for the room myself.

511destinations.com is a different kind of travel guide. While most vacation guides on the Internet concentrate on the major tourist destinations, this new website presents smaller market and off the beaten path destinations… with a twist.

Rather than being bombarded with local information to sift thru, each 511destination is a snapshot. Where to stay, eat, go and how to get around are the basics, presented in a clean, well designed layout with eye-catching graphics and great functionality.

What’s more, users are encouraged to build their own destination guide simply by submitting a brief overview. Right now, there are no limits. You can be a proud resident that wants to tell the world about your town, a traveler that’s itching to share a destination they’ve discovered, or a business looking to promote themselves via a little local information.

It’s a great little website loaded with information that you often just can’t find anywhere else. 511destinations.com is also built to accommodate viewing on smartphones and mobile devices!

Visit 511destinations.com

Under the Sign

There is a lot happening today at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Disneyland is launching their version of Star Tours 2.0 and Disney’s California Adventure is continuing its expansion with the debut of a new Little Mermaid ride.

That’s right, visitors at the Disneyland Resort are going to explore space and the deep, blue sea all in one day. That’s adventure, people!

The updated Star Tours ride will have the same amazing modifications as the Walt Disney World version at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’re talking 3D and multiple Star Wars experiences in each journey! I’ve heard good things.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a dark ride featuring some of our favorite scenes from the movie BROUGHT. TO. LIFE. Believe it.

If you’re going to the parks today you should be prepared for some pretty big crowds, but as someone that has attended plenty of big events and special occasions at the Disneyland Resort, I can assure you that it is worth it!

Churros not included in the price of admission.

This post is part of our Friday Family series.

Photo from The DisneyParks Blog

An aerial view of Golden Gate Park (Photo Flickr: Telstar Logistics-Todd Lappin)

When traveling to San Francisco, most people limit their touring of The City (this is how San Franciscans refer to their home) to the iconic, “San Franciscoey” places: Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cable Cars, Alcatraz, Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower and Lombard “the Crookedest street in the world” Street. Others will head to its famous neighborhoods, such as the Haight-Ashbury District, Chinatown and North Beach. But if you have an extra day or two, and if you are blessed with good weather, you need to spend a day in and around Golden Gate Park.

The Park, an east-west rectangle of 1,017 acres of public grounds, splits the western half of the city and stretches to the Pacific Ocean. While its shape is roughly similar in shape to New York City’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park is about but 20-percent larger. It is more than three miles (5 km) long and about half a mile wide. If you make the trip to the park, you’ll be one of 13 million people who visit the park every year—making it third-most visited city park in the U.S. (Central Park in New York City and Lincoln Park in Chicago are first and second)—although they are not all tourists, as city residents put the park to use all year round.

Many people get surprised by the summer weather in San Francisco, and while quoted ad nauseum, Mark Twain was right about it being downright cold during June, July and August. The best time to visit Golden Gate Park, in this former resident’s view (I lived in San Francisco from 1988 to 2003), is in May, September and October. The weather is gorgeous, the large expanses of lawns in the park are usually dry, and the people-watching is world-class.

If you decide to go to Golden Gate Park, these are just some of the highlights:

Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
415.379.8000

http://www.calacademy.org/

The living roof of the new California Academy of Sciences.

One of the largest natural history museums in the world, the California Academy of Sciences is enjoying its second life. Damaged during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the museum reopened in 2008 in a breathtaking new building, designed by Renzo Piano. The complex is home to the Steinhart Aquarium and the Morrison Planetarium and features exhibits of reptiles and amphibians, astronomy, prehistoric life, various gems and minerals, earthquakes and aquatic life. If anything, stop by to see the building’s roof, which looks like rolling hills from some fantasy movie.

AIDS Memorial Grove
Bowling Green Drive and Middle Drive East
415.750.8340

http://www.aidsmemorial.org/

The only national AIDS memorial in the United States; offers numerous trees, waters, meadows, and tributes. The idea for the National AIDS Memorial Grove (NAMG) was conceived in 1988 by a small group of San Francisco residents representing a community devastated by the AIDS epidemic, but with no positive way to express their collective grief. They envisioned a serene place where people would come alone or in groups to hold memorial services and to remember loved ones lost to the disease. The Grove is an award-winning example of civic beautification, combining both public and private sectors in urban-park restoration and promoting AIDS awareness. The Grove has become a model project for like-minded groups throughout the world.

The Beach Chalet
1000 Great Highway (at Fulton)
415.386.8439

http://www.beachchalet.com/

A WPA-era mural on the wall of the Beach Chalet.

The two-story Beach Chalet, which faces the Great Highway and Ocean Beach at the far western end of the park, is another Golden Gate Park venue enjoying a new lease on life. Originally opened in 1925 as a city-run restaurant, it sat shuttered for several years before a renovation in 1996 that led to the building housing the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant on the second floor. A second restaurant, the Park Chalet, is in the rear of the Beach Chalet facing the park and features outdoor dining. Something to note while waiting for a table is the intricate Works Progress Administration murals painted on first-floor walls in 1936 depicting the people of San Francisco. The San Francisco Visitor’s Center (415.751.2766) is also located on the first floor.

Bison Paddock
John F. Kennedy Drive between Chain of Lakes Drive and Spreckels Lake

In the late 1800s, when the population of the North America bison had dwindled to an all-time low, San Franciscans endeavored to breed them in captivity to help stem the species’ decline. Because of that effort, bison have lived continuously in Golden Gate Park since 1899, when the paddock in the park’s western section of the park was created. The animals today are cared for by staff from the San Francisco Zoo.

Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum
1199 Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way
415.661.1316 ext. 312 (Tours)

http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/

The San Francisco Botanical Garden was laid out in the 1890s, but was unable to find funding until Helene Strybing willed funds in 1926. Planting began in 1937 with WPA funds supplemented by local donations and today the arboretum covers some 55 acres and features more than 7,500 plants. The arboretum also houses the Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library.

Conservatory of Flowers
JFK Drive
415.666.7001 (Information)

http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org

The glass-and-wood Conservatory of Flowers.

The Conservatory of Flowers is one of the largest conservatories of its kind in the world. Built of wood and glass panes, the prefabricated conservatory was originally intended to be built at the Santa Rose estate of a local entrepreneur, but the man died in 1867 before beginning the project so the building sat, unassembled and sitting on pallets, when a group of San Franciscans bought it and offered it to the city. The conservatory’s grand opening was held in 1879, but seems to have had a cursed existence, catching fire after a boiler explosion in 1883, surviving the 1906 earthquake only to catch fire again in 1918. It was closed between 1933 and 1946 because the construction was deemed to be unsound, and after repairs, 100 mph winds blew out 40 percent of the windows and damaged the structure again. After painstaking remodeling and repairs, it reopened in September 2003. All the work has been worth it as the building is beautiful and the greenery inside offers an amazing variety, including a really cool carnivorous plants display.

de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
415.863.3330

http://www.thinker.org/deyoung

Another of the facilities in Golden Gate Park that needed retrofitting after the 1989 quake, the de Young was rebuilt from the ground up. Named for M. H. de Young, the San Francisco newspaper magnate, the De Young Museum is filled with international displays of fine art and creativity. The museum houses collections of American art from the 17th through the 20th centuries, and art of the native Americas, Africa and the Pacific. Along with the Academy of Sciences and the Japanese Tea Gardens, the de Young is a near-standard field trip stop for elementary school children from around the Bay Area.

Dutch Windmills and Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden
West end of Golden Gate Park                            
Campaign to Save the Golden Gate Park Windmills
415.668.0763

The Dutch windmill and Queen Wilhelmina tulip garden.

In 1902, the parks commission authorized construction of two windmills to pump subterranean water to supply the park. The first one, on the north side of the park facing the Pacific Ocean, was completed in 1903 and became known first as the North Windmill and later as the Dutch Windmill; it is now paired with the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, a gift from the Dutch monarch. The gardens are planted with tulip bulbs for winter display and other flowers throughout the seasons. The second, Murphy’s Windmill, on the south side of the park, began operation in 1908. The pair operated for several decades, but fell into disrepair after the park switched to electric water pumps. The Dutch Windmill was restored in 1981, but, as of 2009, Murphy’s Windmill’s restoration is still in progress

Golden Gate Park Golf Course
47th Avenue between JFK Drive and Fulton Street
415.751.8987

http://goldengateparkgolf.com/

A nice little pocket gold course, the GGPGF offers a nine-hole pitch-and-putt course. It is advertised as “the place San Franciscans learn to golf,” an in my case, I can say this is true. The par-3 course is ideal for beginners but challenging enough for those who know their way around the links. The course features a practice range, tournaments, special events, golf lessons and the Ironwood BBQ restaurant

Japanese Tea Garden
Tea Garden Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
415.752.4227

The Japanese Tea Garden (Photo Flickr http2007 – Thierry)

If you are looking for a place to take a little time off or for a little Zen, these five acres of calming surroundings, relaxing natural scenery and teahouse is the place to do it. The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, designed by Makoto Hagiwara for the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. Of all the original structures built in the park, the Tea Garden’s Drum Bridge and the tea house have stood solid through the two major earthquakes and more than a century of harsh weather.

Picnic Table Reservations
415.831-5500

While you can park just about anywhere along the many roads snaking through out the park, throw down a blanket and have a picnic, actual picnic tables are sometimes scarce and usually reserved in advance. If you’re going to want a table, call ahead and try to grab one, especially on a good-weather weekend day.

Post and photos (unless otherwise noted) by Gregory Watkins.

Chicago

It’s estimated that about 43.6 million people will get on a plane between now and January 3rd.  While this actually isn’t the busiest time of year for airports (the summers typically see more fliers), the surge of “amateur” travelers and flight delays can make for stressful trips through the terminals.  Follow these simple tips to make your trips less stressful.

8 Tips For Happy Holiday Air Travel

1.  Play by the rules with carry-on luggage.

We’ve all seen the woman with two bags and a purse or the guy who completely ignores the airline’s size restrictions for carry-on bags.  Don’t be that person.  Even if you’re not concerned with being a courteous traveler, hoping to skate past the rules is a good way to wind up delayed at security or at the gate.  You may even delay your flight’s takeoff if your luggage has to be gate checked.  Make sure your carry-on meets size restrictions before you leave home.

2. Plan for the security line.

You will have to go through the security line.  Everyone does.  And yet I never fail to get behind someone who is completely unprepared for this experience.  Wear shoes you can remove easily.  Be prepared to remove all medal from your person and your pockets.  Put your liquids (only 3.4 ounces of each) in a clear bag that can be easily removed from your carry-on bag.  Put your laptop in a pocket that’s easy to reach so you can quickly take it out and put it back before and after the scanner.

3. Get to the airport early.

Speaking of security lines, expect them to spend more time than usual in them.  A lot of people who don’t normally travel decide to take to the skies – often with small children – during the holidays, and they tend to slow down the security process.  Get to the airport two hours early for domestic flights.  It’s much better to be reading a book at your gate for an hour before boarding than stuck in security 15 minutes after the doors have closed.

4. Check in at home.

Taking advantage of online or mobile phone check in can save you a lot of time at the airport, especially if you don’t check bags.  If you only fly with carry-on luggage, you can print your boarding pass at home and head right to the TSA lines when you get to the airport, which may save you an hour at the front check-in counters during busy times.

5. Don’t wrap your presents.

If you’re taking gifts with you to your destination, wrap them when you arrive.  Wrapped gifts can throw up security flags in both checked and carry-on luggage.  Flags mean headaches for you and the person behind you.

6. Weigh your bags at home.

Just because your gifts and clothes and shoes all fit into your huge suitcase doesn’t mean they’ll meet the weight restrictions.  If you don’t want to avoid paying extra baggage fees OR rearranging your items on the airport floor (have done it!), weigh your suitcases at home and compare them to your airline’s weight limits.  Most airlines will charge an additional fee for bags over 50 lbs.

7. Bring snacks and books.

If you’ve been a good traveler and arrived at your gate early, snacks and books will keep adults and children happily entertained until it’s time for boarding.  Of course they’ll also be convenient on your flight if you’re not content with the limited snack varieties offered in coach these days.

8. Chill. Out.

You probably spent a lot of money to be able to fly during the holidays, which suggests that where you’re going is some place pretty important to you.  In other words?  The minor annoyance of a few hours in an airport is worth what’s waiting for you at the end of your trip.  Focus on that, expect a few delays here and there, and relax.  Check the type-A attitude at the curb and resolve to enjoy the journey.

Photo by Miamism

Ski Northstar at Tahoe, photo courtesy of tibchris at Flickr

Northstar at Tahoe

Several friends gave this resort a BIG thumbs up. We visited this summer, for hiking and geocaching, and Northstar at Tahoe has really changed their image from the last time I visited (circa 1900, it feels). Now a winter destination, everything has been designed so you never have to leave the property – downtown Northstar is full of shops, restaurants and even a Starbucks outlet. With an ice skating rink, tubing and s’mores around fire pits, there is something for even the non-skier in your group. And be sure to check out the apre ski options, including a signature cocktail, the Dirty Snowman. Supposedly well worth a day at Northstar!

Ski and snowboard lessons for kids 3-12 and adults start at $99, with packages including lesson, rental and lift tickets. Private lessons, as well as the special Burton Snowboard Academy, are also available. Reservations can be made online, or by calling 1-800-GO-NORTH.

Alpine Meadows, photo courtesy of chika at Flickr

Alpine Meadows

One friend said Alpine Meadows is a great place to learn  – special ski school parking right in front; small and intimate program with nice instructors; and all around easy and stress free. She has even gone during ski week and not found it too crowded.

The Mountaineers program for kids 7-12, offers a full or half-day package which includes full-day lift ticket, equipment rental (including helmet), flaik GPS, lesson, and for the whole day program, a kid-friendly, healthy lunch. Prices start at $93, higher on holidays.Take a break from skiing on Alpine Meadows Tubeville, good for adults and kids.

Other cool programs? How about for Women by Women Ski and Snowboard Clinic? Held a couple times a year, in either 1 to 3 day formats, this program provides a safe and welcoming environment for skiers of all levels, with morning yoga, small group size and video analysis. Sounds like the perfect girl’s getaway!

Off road trail in Badger Pass, Yosemite, photo courtesy of snickclunk

Badger Pass at Yosemite

Several friends agreed that Badger Pass at Yosemite was a great place to learn how to ski, with the bonus that the ski resort is located INSIDE Yosemite Park! What a bonus. With 85% of the slopes devoted to beginner and intermediate levels, this does sound like an ideal learning environment. One friend remembered skiing Badger Pass as a kid, and all commented on how Badger Pass is only 4 hours from the Bay Area, similar in driving distance to Tahoe, but with less traffic. Sounds great, especially after this weekend’s mess on I80!

For young kids, ages 4-6, Badger Pass offers the Pups program, which includes lesson, rental equipment and beginner lift ticket. These packages start at $49 for one lesson, $69 for two. For the older child, Badger Pass has a Guaranteed Learn to Ski or Snowboard Program, which, as the name implies, guarantees that you will learn to ski, otherwise you may come back as many times as you need for lessons! This package includes equipment rental, beginner lift ticket and morning and afternoon lesson.

Other non-skiing options include snowshoeing, on your own or with a guided hike; snow tubing; and ice skating on the rink at Curry Village.

Photo credits: Northstar at Tahoe by tibchris, Alpine Meadows by chika, Badger Pass by snickclunk.

Bay Area Discovery Museum

All I can say is that I wish we had visited the Bay Area Discovery Museum when my kids were a little younger. It is that awesome. And it is that age specific.

Located in near Fort Baker in Sausalito, right across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is an outstanding educational resource geared towards kids 2-8 years old. My son was over the age guidelines, but still managed to find entertaining activities, especially around the Lookout Cove outdoor creative play space. But in certain exhibits, he was asked to limit his time and make sure the younger kids had a chance to participate. Which frankly, is a good idea no matter what your age!

Potty in Space Exhibit

And creativity is what this museum is all about – from clever ways to interact with local marine life, to creating art and exploring the day-to-day operations of a San Francisco wharf, the Children’s Discovery museum brings resources together to provide engaging interactive experiences for young children.

I was really amazed at the setting, among the retired Fort Baker buildings. Kids had lots of space to run around outside, and inside the Bay Hall and Discovery Hall, thoughtful exhibits were set up. Highlights of our visit included the Wave Workshop, where kids can make their own vessels to tackle big, kid-created waves, and the Discovery Hall, which has rotating exhibits. When we visited, the exhibit was all around space and we had much fun with the “Potty In Space” display!

Word of warning – it can be very chilly up at Fort Baker and the museum. You do need to travel between buildings and exhibits, so be sure to bring a sweatshirt or jacket just in case. There is an on-site Cafe, if you get hungry, and I also saw many groups who had brought their own lunch and snacks. And as you exit, there is a small gift shop to take home a souvenir.

Bay Area Discovery Museum

557 McReynolds Rd
Sausalito, CA 94965

Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays, except when noted.

$8: Children (1 – 17)
$10: Adults
$8: Seniors (62+ years)
Children under 1 and members: FREE!
Free on the first Wednesday of each month

Additional posts of interest, if traveling in San Francisco with young children:

San Francisco Weekend: Plan appropriately with a toddler in tow

Kids’ Suite at Hotel Union Square

Great Children’s Museums in San Francisco to visit on a rainy day

Photos courtesy of Gudrun Enger, Kitchen Gadget Girl.

Our room in the Eastland Park Hotel in Portland Maine, during our July 2010 vacation.

If you find yourself staying in a hotel room for a handful of days, use these tips to make your stay more comfortable.

One – Ask for an extra flat sheet. I don’t know about you, but when I stay in a hotel room I’m kind of loathe to lounge about on top of the comforter, or on the couch cushions. Depends on how posh the place is, of course, but tossing the spare flat sheet over the bed or couch aids in my own personal comfort level.

Two - Unpack. Utilize dressers and drawers and hangers. You don’t really realize how off-putting it is to literally live out of a suitcase until you have to do it for a few days. Reserve one of the dresser drawers to stuff your dirty clothes in, which also prevents you from losing a sock under a bed or something. Then when you’re ready to go home, stuff all of the dirty clothes into a plastic bag (there’s usually one somewhere in the room for utilizing the hotel’s cleaning service), stuff the plastic bag in your suitcase under your clean clothes, and that’s one less sorting nightmare you have to deal with when you get home.

Our room at The Cody in Cody Wyoming, during our vacation in July 2009.

Three – Bring dryer sheets. Strategically placed dryer sheets – inside the pillow cases on the hotel room bed, in the bottom of dresser drawers, tucked in the pocket of a hanging coat, inside your suitcase – bring a sense of freshness and homey comfort to the linens that surround you.

Four – Bring your own coffee mug. This may sound silly to you, but to me nothing screams “I’m staying in an impersonal environment” more than drinking coffee out of those dinky disposable cups provided in most hotels. My first cup of the day is a comfort and a necessity to my mental well-being. Even mediocre coffee becomes adequate when I’m able to sip it from my favorite mug.

Five – Add your own personal touch. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or excessive. Slip a framed picture of your loved ones or your dog or what have you inside your suitcase when you pack, then place it on your bedside table. Buy a cheap bouquet of flowers from the local grocery store and place them on your desk. Burn a scented candle. Listen to CD’s or watch movies on your laptop – out loud, not on your headphones. Bring your favorite robe and fuzzy slippers. Buy a small stockpile of beverages and munchies (get one of those cheap-o Styrofoam coolers at a local gas station and fill it with ice, if you don’t have a fridge in your room). Do whatever you need to do to make your environment less sterile and more “you”.

What are your tips for making your hotel room more comfortable? Feel free to share them in the comments!

Photo credits (all): Tiffany Joyce. Pictured: The Eastland Park Hotel in Portland, Maine; and The Cody in Cody, Wyoming.

Behind the scenes at the San Diego Zoo

Many consider it to be the best zoo in the world. It’s certainly one of the biggest.

So, when you visit the San Diego Zoo, you’re seeing something quite special.

But why not make it just a little more special by going behind-the-scenes with the zoo’s memorable Backstage Pass program?

That’s what my family did on a recent visit to San Diego.

Like our Universal Studios VIP Tour a few days earlier, this one was also pricey, to the tune of $99 per person (which does not include zoo admission).

For a trip of a lifetime, however, it was worth the extra expense. But not by much.

First off, you don’t really go “behind the scenes,” and they don’t advertise it as such. Instead, you get the VIP treatment in a special staging area, where you receive a private viewing of some of the zoo’s animals.

The encounter began at lunchtime, so it’s a good thing the zoo served us up a delicious box lunch. Sitting at our comfortable tables, it wasn’t long before the animals appeared.

My kids wanted to take this cheetah home

We were getting our money’s worth right away as various wild creatures were paraded right past our outstretched legs. A zookeeper took a good amount of time to discuss and show off each animal.

My kids were enthralled by the up-close and personal views of a cheetah, Asian Bearcat, wolf, hedgehog, and various birds of prey.

Up next, we left our seats to get even closer to the biggest animal I’ve ever touched, a rhinoceros.

Hand-feeding a rhino at the San Diego Zoo

The rhino was just about worth the entire price of the Backstage Pass. We fed him with our bare hands, gave him a good rubdown with brushes, then jiggled his skin folds.

You haven’t lived until you’ve jiggled a rhino’s folds.

If you’re looking for something to leave your kids awe-struck, this definitely qualifies.

After the rhino, zookeepers led us to an area for photo-ops with a baby zebra and an elderly emu.

Baby zebra

Again, very cool to be able to pet these animals and pose for pictures. How often do you get to put your arm around a zebra?

The 90-minute program ended here, and it seemed rather abrupt. For the price, I felt like I needed a bit more. Putting us all on a bus or trolley for a guided tour of the zoo would’ve been a nice way to end things.

Instead, we were left to tour the zoo ourselves. For the next 3 or 4 hours, we wandered through the vastness of the place. By itself, the San Diego Zoo is a marvel. We especially loved the gorillas, polar bears, pandas, and sea lions. There’s plenty to do all throughout the zoo to keep your family busy the entire day.

Glad the glass was extra thick!

The Backstage Pass experience just gave us that extra little special memory, helped by a couple of free family photos included with the program.

I would recommend spending the extra money if it’s your first time to the zoo, and if your kids are old enough to appreciate it. I know mine will never forget giving that rhino a good scrubbing.

Scrub-a-dub rhino

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the zoo, the downtown Holiday Inn Express is a great family hotel.

White wolf

The sea lion show was cute

Cheetah’s best friend

Hungry hungry rhino

This is a guest post from Yvonne Condes, a blogger in Los Angeles who specializes in gluten-free baking.  She and her husband and two young boys look for moderate to easy hikes to enjoy together on the weekends.  Note the many places where you can get a spectacular view of the ocean.

One of the great things about visiting Los Angeles is access to hiking, biking, and walking trails. Here are a few fun, easy to moderate hikes to do with your kids.

Solstice Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains:  This hike works well with both younger and older kids. There’s a nice paved trail that will take you to the ruins of the beautiful Roberts House, which was destroyed in a 1982 wildfire. If you’re feeling adventurous, the family can climb over a few rocks and see some lovely little waterfalls. Or if you feel like a workout, you can head to Upper Solstice Canyon and enjoy a 3 hour hike with spectacular ocean views.

Malibu Creek State Park:  This area has picnic tables, a big grassy area for kids to play and a wide, well maintained trail. You can push a jog stroller all the way to the area where they filmed the television series M*A*S*H* or you can hike to a reservoir and have a picnic. It’s a combination of shady and sunny, hilly and flat. Watch out for bike riders and riders on horseback.

Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park:  There are great hikes in Topanga Canyon and many of them start at Trippet Ranch. You can park at the ranch and take a look around or go on a short nature walk. Hikers with older kids can stop and get a map at the entrance to the park and hike any of the 45 miles of trails and fireroads. The Backbone Trail has incredible views and you can catch part of the roughly 70 miles of trail here (it starts at Point Magu State Park and ends at Will Rogers State Historic Park) and hike as much of it as you’d like.

Franklin Canyon:  This is a nice urban hike in the mountains above Beverly Hills. There are bathrooms, picnic tables and the option to do a short nature walk or a strenuous hike with views from the Valley to the Ocean.

Temescal Canyon:  This is a very popular hiking spot and I chose it because if you’re new to experiencing nature with your children, this is a great place to start. There’s convenient parking, a large, well maintained trail, and a big grassy area to picnic. It’s in Pacific Palisades and close to restaurants and coffee shops if picnicking isn’t your thing.

Tip: The Children’s Nature Institute offers family hikes, toddler education programs, and trail and beach cleanups in the Los Angeles area. The non-profit’s classes and walks offer a friendly introduction to the outdoors.

[photo by Jonathan Isaac via sxc.hu]

The ceiling of Harbor Wind and Kite and Ventura Harbor Village

Just 65 miles north of Los Angeles, Ventura Harbor sparkles on the Pacific Ocean with less traffic, fewer people, and less of everything.  But in this case, less is more.

Ventura Harbor Village is a shopping and entertainment complex that wraps around one end of the harbor.  It is easily accessible from the 101 freeway, and parking is free.  Yes, I said free.  The village offers a lovely day trip experience for families.  And dogs.  And dogs doing yoga.

A number of small shops are nestled among the archways and stucco breezeways of the complex, great for gift shopping or to pick up souvenirs.  Harbor Wind and Kite sells nothing but kites and flying things.  On a recent afternoon we picked up a kite for our 5-year-old son after asking 1,000 questions of the proprietor, who really knows her kites.  She assured us the kite we chose was easy to fly, and sure enough, it went up in the air on the first try.

Ventura Harbor Village

On the weekends Ventura Harbor Village offers live entertainment – currently a steel drum musician performs every Sunday.  As you walk along the marina’s edge, you could be in the Caribbean.  Well, except for the chilly breeze.  There’s a lot to see to keep you moving.  On Saturday mornings a fish market operates, and the carousel and arcade can keep the kids occupied for while.  Ventura Harbor is where you embark for a visit to the Channel Islands, and you can also charter fishing or diving boats from here.

There are plenty of restaurant selections as well.  You get a great view of the harbor from inside Margarita Villa, and the colorful Mexican restaurant has plenty to l0ok at inside as well.  It’s big and noisy enough that your rowdy kids won’t bother anybody, and there’s a kids’ menu with just enough choices but not so many as to overwhelm.  After lunch or dinner, during the summer months you can take a water taxi ride to the other side of the harbor for $2 each way.

This being California, of course there’s at least one offbeat activity or two at Ventura Harbor Village.  You guessed it:  Dog Yoga.

Dog Yoga!

Photos:  Harbor Wind and Kite, Ventura Harbor Village, Doga Dog.

Golden leaves

If only the palm trees changed color in the fall.  Alas, this is a desert, and one must travel, quite literally, UP, to see that iconic vision of autumn:  fall foliage.  Fortunately in Los Angeles, everything is a day trip away.  One of the best local places to see the landscape in its glory is Mt. Baldy.

The tallest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles, Mt. Baldy is a popular ski resort area.  During the summer and early fall months, the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort’s lifts operate to bring hikers and visitors to the summit sans snow.  That is certainly one way to see the grandeur of the changing foliage of Southern California.  Bonus, the restaurant at the top of the ski lift is open and has Happy Hour every Saturday night, and it even throws a full moon hiking party.

If you are afraid of heights or you want to experience the vistas on foot, a hike on the Icehouse Canyon trail is very popular (and sometimes very crowded).  Parking at the trailhead requires an adventure pass, which sounds awesome.For up-to-date information on Mt. Baldy, contact the visitor center at (909) 981-3344.

[Photo by Scott Lidell via sxc.hu]