A Visit to Catalina Island

November 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment

It begins with a boat ride…

Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is a vacation destination and adventure start to finish. From the beautiful vistas to the quaint town of Avalon, Catalina is worthy of its hundred plus years as a travelers’ oasis. To get to the island you have two options, boat or helicopter. Most of the islands visitors go by way of ocean travel which takes a little over an hour.

There are two major towns on the island but Avalon is by far the most popular and iconic. Much of the island is undeveloped and now home to herds of bison, wild foxes, and deer. You can even catch sight of a bald eagle if you head out on one of the nature tours of the island.

JazzTrax Festival. Hearing live music where Hollywood stars of the Golden Age partied is a thrill. Or you can catch a movie downstairs in the art deco theatre. Taking a Casino Tour to learn the building’s history is a great way to get a look at everything as well.

Another adventure on Catalina Island is the underwater activities. Swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are a big draw.  One option to see the abundant sea life is to get in and get wet, but certain months of the year that is less enticing than others. If you want to get up close and personal while staying dry give the Glass Bottom Boat Tour a try. You can go out and give catching your dinner a try too. The island is known for its great fishing.

Even if you don’t reel anything in you won’t be short on seafood to enjoy. There are restaurants all over Avalon serving fresh fish and other delicacies. With so many options to chose from a Taste of Catalina Food Tour is a way to get started. Visit some Island hot spots on this guided tour which blends Island history, and I spy into a drinking game of Bingo.

The Catalina Island Museum is not to be missed. Learn the history of the island from the first people to live there, through the Spanish explorers, to the purchase of the land by the Wrigley Family. Sports fans will appreciate the ties to the Chicago Cubs who came out for spring training from 1921-1951. Not to mention the art at the museum. Their Chihuly Glass exhibit is stunning.

There are plenty of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts to chose from for your stay. A couple days is perfect to see the island. Our ride back was at sunset and it could not have been a lovelier end to the trip. Overall we loved the island so much that we are planning another trip back to visit again and take part in even more of the activities offered there. My snorkel gear will be packed next time for sure!

Find out more about Catalina Island – Catalinachamber.com

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July at SF Zoo!

July 12, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Major events every weekend in July, plus bonus activities throughout the summer

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Red, White & Zoo!
July 4, 5, and 6
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

This July 4th weekend, show your patriotism and your commitment to conservation by celebrating the Zoo’s red, white, and blue animals. See special animal feedings and hear Keeper Talks about our adorable red pandas, white pelicans, polar bears, and blue-tongued skink. Get your face painted like your favorite one! Also, don’t miss live animal shows all weekend at the Wells Fargo Wildlife Theatre and musical performances by kids’ folk band Hanna Banana at the new Elinor Friend Playground. All activities are free with paid Zoo admission.

Teddy Bear Festival
July 12 and 13
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Pete the Polar Bear and Baxter the Brown Bear will be on hand to greet children of all ages for a weekend of live music by the Raytones, take-home crafts, and a special photo opp with the whole family of Berenstein Bears. Plus, visitors can see a special animal enrichment activity at Grizzly Gulch: Grizzly sisters Kachina and Kiona will be searching for food in a simulated campsite. This fun learning opportunity gives us the chance to talk about camping safety and the importance of respecting wildlife during summer travels. What’s more: Kids who bring their own teddy bear to the Zoo to get checked out at the Teddy Bear Clinic receive $2 off the price of admission. Join us for this weekend filled with fun and adventure. All activities are free with paid Zoo admission.
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Seven Family-fun Things to Do in Southern California

April 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Southern California boasts diverse landscapes with plenty of activities to keep even finicky children entertained. From theme parks to museums and wildlife, Southern California has things to do for kids of all ages- even when you decide to skip Disneyland! These are some of the best activities for kids in Southern California.

pic9Legoland

Legoland in Carlsbad, Calif., offers thrilling rides, a waterpark, and an aquarium all within one park. The toys that children adore come to life in this adventure park. More than sixty rides and shows keep kids entertained throughout the day. Visitors that stay on the resort at the Legoland hotel can take advantage of special deals for the park and enjoy kids’ favorite foods in one of the many hotel dining options.

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo in San Diego, Calif., is one of the best places for children in Southern California. The zoo houses hundreds of animals with interactive exhibits to give children an up-close view of wildlife. Children can see a range of animals and insects, such as lions, polar bears, komodo dragons, meerkats, and much more. Families can even take a trip on the Skyfari, a cabled lift, to see the animals from a bird’s-eye view.

California Science Center

The California Science Center in Los Angeles, Calif., is an interactive science museum that is sure to peak any child’s interest with over 100 exhibits, including a tour of the Endeavor Space Shuttle. Children learn about the world around them and themselves through exhibits, 4D shows, and live entertainment. As a bonus for parents, access to most of the exhibits is free.
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LA Bound

February 22, 2014 by 3 Comments

muppets LA evemt

Very shortly, I will be headed to LA to visit (among other things) the Muppets.  I’m pretty excited about that- Kermit has always held a soft spot for me- as has Gonzo, the well-meaning and often misunderstood creature of unknown origins.

Here is a brief synopsis of what we will be up to during our #MuppetsMostWantedEvent and #CaptianAmericaEvent trip-

  • Attending the red carpet premiere of The Muppets Most Wanted. This will be the highlight for me, I’m fairly certain.
  • Interviewing the cast/directors of The Muppets Most Wanted, including Kermit and Ms. Piggy.
  • Attending the press junket for Captain America-The Winter Soldier and interviewing the cast/directors. My husband is pretty upset I will get to see the movie a whole month before it comes out, and he can’t.  He’s a huge, huge comic geek.

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