Sunday, August 19, 2012

What's new in California: Summer edition


California Travel News Bulletin
SAILING SAN FRANCISCO BAY LIKE A PRO
With a whoosh of water against its sleek, black hull and a thundering crack of wind-whipped sails above, USA 76 came about on San Francisco Bay. Almost immediately, the 115-foot mast — about as tall as a 10-story building — dipped 30 degrees, and I found myself riding the high side of the heeled-over sailboat as we sped under the Golden Gate Bridge. Unnerved by the sudden shift but trusting in the former America’s Cup racing yacht and its crew, I gripped the rails as we entered the towering swells just outside the Gate. (The New York Times)
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MARILYN MONROE: FOLLOW IN HER FOOTSTEPS AROUND HER CALIFORNIA HAUNTS 50 YEARS AFTER HER DEATH



On Aug. 5, 2012, the world will remember the 50th anniversary of the death of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. California has long commemorated her memory with tours, exhibits and behind-the-scenes looks into the life of one of the world’s most iconic celebrities. Today there are more attractions related to her life and film career than ever. (Huffington Post)
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DRINKING GREEN AND “CARBON NEGATIVE”
LA may have a reputation as having other priorities. However, it is more green than you may imagine it. All around, it is really embracing the spirit of going organic. So much so that Greenbar Collective, LA's only distillery, produces the world's largest collection of organic spirits...that also happen to be "carbon negative." (CNN iReport)
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AMERICA’S BEST LAKE: AND THE WINNER IS…
Tahoe - North America's largest and most popular alpine lake, a place Mark Twain once called "the fairest picture the whole earth affords" - is the champion in USA TODAY's recent survey. The poll generated more than 5,000 votes via Facebook and Twitter. (USA Today)
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THE OTHER SIDE OF SAN FRAN BAY: DISCOVER OAKLAND
It's not easy being Oakland, existing in the shadow of glamorous San Francisco. But this is no ugly stepsister of a city…But whether you live in the area or are just contemplating a quick stopover during a visit to that other city by the bay, Oakland has a lot to offer, from elegant neighborhoods and beautiful parks to a thriving food and arts scene. Not to mention lighter crowds and generally balmier weather than the big city. (The New York Times)
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7 BREATHTAKING BALLOONING ADVENTURES
Ever since the Montgolfier brothers launched the first manned hot air balloon flight in France in 1783, enterprising balloonists have capitalized on our fascination with open-air flight by offering rides that soar over some of the world's most stunning landscapes. Just watching the graceful globes aloft is mesmerizing, especially when they're en masse. Here's where to catch them or hitch a ride. (CNN Travel)

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SURF, SAND AND SANTA MONICA
On a recent trip to Southern California, we were blown away by the beachy-chic lifestyle of Santa Monica—so we’ve decided to drop everything and move there. (Vitamin Daily)
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TRAVEL TRAILS: GO WEST, SASHA, GO WEST
Built in the 1920s, Route 66 stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif. During the Dust Bowl, the road was a lifeline to the West for many seeking fresh starts. Today, the highway has a cult-like following, especially among Europeans; Beatle Paul McCartney celebrated his 66th birthday on The Mother Road. (Home & Away)
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10 SUMMER ESCAPES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Leave your watch at home and turn off that phone. Tear up your itinerary and forget the bucket list. Now you're ready to get lost, to surrender to the meandering spirit of exploration. Take a dozen roads less traveled in the Laurentians. Listen to the songs of sand dunes in California. Have an ancient city all to yourself in Mexico. (USA Today)
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SURF ‘N STAY: 5 CALIFORNIA HOTELS WHERE YOU CAN LEARN TO RIDE THE WAVES
If you're looking to try your hand at surfing this summer, there's no better place to pick up a board than California. For decades, California's surf beaches have beckoned rookies and professionals alike with their laidback atmosphere and consistent waves. Dozens of surf schools line the coast, offering instruction from beginner to advanced. But if time is limited and research intimidating, look up the following hotels, which offer surf packages on California's gnarliest beaches to help ease the introduction. (Gadling)
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HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR IN PALM SPRINGS
Marilyn Monroe's measurements, as supposedly recorded by her dressmaker, were 35-22-35. The Marilyn Monroe that stands before me today is 7.9 metres tall, 5.2m wide and weighs in at 15,558 kilograms. She may have been trying to rest in peace for the last 50 years but in downtown Palm Springs, Monroe is causing quite a stir. (Stuff.co.nz)
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FALL IS IDEAL FOR VISITING CALIFORNIA’S THEME PARKS
I could barely contain my excitement as I fiddled with my in-flight socks en-route to the Californian coastal cities of San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The charms of this trio of metropolises have been well documented but done nothing to dent their power and, for first time visitors to the golden state, San Diego, LA and San Francisco are on the standard schedule because – well they’re worth it. (TravelingMom.com)
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PLACES FOR ORANGES IN THE GOLDEN STATE
California's "Second Gold Rush" began after the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent two little navel-orange trees to a resident of Riverside in 1873. The fruit that grew from those trees was so sweet and flavorful that groves of citrus - especially oranges - soon carpeted large swaths of Southern California. Although few orange groves are left (even in, well, Orange County), the citrus legacy in the state lives on. (San Francisco Chronicle via SFGate)
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CALIFORNIA’S CLASSY CITY HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
San Diego could be improved. If the county had 75 miles of beaches instead of 70. If the Padres won a World Series or the Chargers won a Super Bowl. Or if the municipal sloganeers dropped “America’s finest city” in favor of “You stay classy, San Diego.” But this is nit-picking. (Wisconsin State Journal)
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TYING THE KNOT IN TEMECULA VALLEY
Beautiful Temecula Valley wine country comes as a pleasant surprise to many first time visitors. Located in an ideal spot (less than an hour’s drive from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs), the wine trails are easy to find, easy to follow, and filled with picturesque wineries and inns…perfect places to say “I do.” (Touring & Tasting)
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FRONT OF THE LINE RIDE PASSES AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
On a recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, I discovered the joys of the Front of the Line pass. A pricey $159 ticket, the pass allows visitors to jump to the front of the line of every ride in the theme park once. I scoffed at the idea of a family of four having to pay $600 for such a luxury, until I got into the park and discovered just how valuable the passes are. (FamilyVacationCritic.com)
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CARS LAND AT DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
On a recent trip to Disneyland and its neighboring Disney’s California Adventure (definitely get the Park Hopper pass for these two parks!), I was wowed by the new Cars Land, based on the Disney animated picture, “Cars.” (FamilyVacationCritic.com)
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TOP 5 NATIONAL FORESTS IN CALIFORNIA FOR SUMMER CAMPING
Are you planning a summer camping trip to California? If so, you may want to consider reserving a campsite at one of America's National Forests. There are several forests located with the state. Each one has its own unique characteristics. Here's a quick look at five of my favorite ones. (Yahoo! Sports)
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TOURISM BUREAU CHANGING SLOGAN TO ‘CALIFORNIA BEGINS HERE’
The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau is set to launch its new tagline this month: “California begins here.” In most cases, it will replace the “Discover Gold” campaign that began in 2001-2002. Discover Gold was a natural fit for Sacramento because of the city’s role as the center of the California God Rush. That slogan didn’t replace anything. There was no previous slogan. (Sacramento Business Journal)
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DESTINATION: WINE COUNTRY
Temecula has become a wine lovers’ destination. It’s no longer necessary to trek to Napa or Paso Robles for award-winning varietals. Riverside County has thrown its hat in the ring and is competing with the big boys, with much success. Grapevines, orange groves, and tasting rooms line Rancho California Road, De Portola Road, and a maze of side roads making up this 35,000-acre wine country. (UTSanDiego.com)
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