Happy Holidays to You
December 22, 2009 by Melanie
Filed under California, Northern California, Southwest, The Americas, USA
While Christmas isn’t really my holiday per se…I have to admit I do enjoy it.
Bring a tree indoors, exchange gifts, eat cookies and sing songs about snow?
Head out into a whole new neighborhood to check out the best light displays?
Do something nice for someone else just because you know it will make them smile?
Why, yes. Â Sign me up.
We’ll be celebrating the holiday in Northern California, around Adam’s mom’s tinsel-sparkly tree in Oakland.
Adam doesn’t have to go to the office today, so with any luck, we’ll even be able to take some of Highway 1 up the coast.
Wherever you are, I wish you and yours a happy holiday, a nap, something delicious to eat, the weather of your dreams…and a maybe even a break from telemarketers.
May your spirits be bright and 2010 bring with it a whole wide world of possibilities.
TWT Travel Binder: California
August 20, 2009 by Melanie
Filed under California, Central California, Northern California, Southern California, Southwest, The Americas, USA
We live in California and love it dearly. Â
We’re based in Los Angeles, but gravitate repeatedly to the gorgeous center of the state.
With both sets of Adam’s parents in Northern California,
we happily find ourselves there at least three times a year.Â
California is almost a country unto itself, and full of adventures.
Here are some resources to help you plan your own “travels with two” to California.
San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences
May 12, 2009 by Melanie
Filed under California, Northern California, San Francisco, Southwest, USA
By October of last year, I’d already read five articles about the newly revamped California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park; overkill, to be sure, as we were hooked at first glance. Â
Housing a four-story rainforest lit by skylights in a “living roof,” an undulating field of California native plants, this incredible science museum is also home to coral reef aquariums, African penguins, a rare albino alligator, a hall full of gorgeous wildlife dioramas, and the largest digital planetarium dome on Earth. Â It’s like a trip around the entire universe.
But none of the press prepares you for the huge crowds, long lines and odor of cafeteria food…and feet. Â So, here’s how to have a better time than we did.
Thousand Islands: More Than Just Dressing
May 11, 2009 by Melanie
Filed under Canada, New York, Northeast, Northern California, Thousand Islands, USA
We can’t wait to get back to the Thousand Islands in July…
Where are the Thousand Islands, you ask? Â Well, on the St. Lawrence River between upstate New York and Ontario, Canada. Â There are actually more than 1000 islands here, but we’re not counting.
Unplugged from much of the modern world, this is the perfect summer spot to turn off your cell phone, kick back in a wooden deck chair, open a book you’ve long neglected, and listen to the river slap the dockside…’til the fireflies come out twinkling.
Tasting the Anderson Valley
February 18, 2009 by Melanie
Filed under Anderson Valley, California, Northern California, Southwest, The Americas, USA, Wine Countries
Northern California’s Anderson Valley wine region, a 2 1/2 hour drive north of San Francisco, runs 18 miles along State 128 through a quiet, cozy wedge of woodland countryside.  It’s less traveled than Napa or Sonoma, but offers friendly people, rustic architecture, and some darn good wines. Â
It’s perfect for getting away from any city you can think of, and hearing yourself think. Â Especially if you want to think about wine. Read more
