Search results for 'california'

In 1967 nearly 100,000 young people converged on the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, turning San Francisco, CA into the epicenter of a cultural phenomenon known as the Summer of Love. During this transformative time, music, fashion, art and new ideas flourished and there was a feeling that everything was possible.

You know it has to be close to Paradise, when one of America’s truly richest men at the time buys a part of Heaven on Earth and sets out to create Paradise. 

If your travels take you near Great Falls, Montana, then please add a couple nights and visit the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton. Located 36 miles north of Great Falls, this is Montana’s oldest operating hotel. Built in 1882, 7 years before Montana became a state and at the height of the Steamboat era, this property cost $50,000 to construct and $150,000 to furnish. It ran on hard times in the 1980’s and had to close, but thanks to Jim and Cheryl Gagnon, Montana natives, the hotel was purchased by them in 1997, restored and then reopened in 1999. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Havana is a city almost 500 years old. There is a lot of history on every street. Every “barrio” or neighborhood has stories to tell, and secrets to be discovered by the curious visitor.

Silk Road Treasure Tours is offering a series of two different educational group tours for 2015-2016.  These include: Following the Central Asia Silk Road (2015: June 2-19, July 10-27, August 14-31, September 18-October 4; 2016: June 2-19, August 4-21, September 15-October 2), and a Silk Road Study Tour to Uzbekistan (2015: June 3-12 and July 29-August 8; 2016: May 20-30, June 16-26, September 15-25).

Susie and Beau are always glad to hear about new opportunities for pets in travel. It has come to our attention that a bill has recently passed the House of Representatives (HR 2066) that will require Amtrak to allow pets aboard trains. The billed is dubbed the Pets on Trains Act, which is part of a larger package called the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act.

We recently spent the day in Jamestown, NY - the hometown of Lucille Ball. Our visit happened to be on Lucy’s birthday weekend, which is also the date for the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. 

We all remember the FIRST TIME! Yes, that first time, but all the other wonderful ones that fill our lives with joy and happiness. I was living in San Francisco, a fine place to live, and like so many places I have lived; it’s in the center of so many other things. It’s a hub, to the north and the wine country, to the south LA, Palm Springs, the heat and Hollywood. And, just a short ride away into the mountains for skiing.  And there I fell in love – with skiing and Squaw Valley.

If you like deserts, you’ll fall in love with PALM SPRINGS!  It’s like a giant mirage built in the desert, in the suffocating heat, with a/c spritzers cooling you as you walk the action packed streets.

Sacramento is not usually the first city that comes to mind when you visit California, but having been there twice, I have come to find it charming and well located. It has a Mediterranean climate, which makes it great to visit year round.

The United States is abundantly full of grand landscapes, iconic landmarks, and local cultures. There is no need to go around to world to have a fantastic time on tour with Collette! Collette offers tons of tours right in our own backyard that are filled with rich history, beauty and charm. From the exotic beauty of Hawaii to the frontier character of Texas, a wealth of surprising cultural experiences await. 

When I was a young girl, my mom would take me to pick fresh blackberries. We would both come home and make pies and jam. To this day, blackberries are on the top of my favorites. As I started traveling by car throughout the US, I always had an urge to stop if I saw a farm stand or farmers market come up on the roadside. Wherever my address has been, you will see me at the local farmers markets. They are all so different, so unique and special and have become a way of most of our lives.

Fresno is very lucky to have Pismo’s in this city. There were people waiting outside here for the doors to open. Now that tells you about success of a place always.

The station in Fort Bragg is crowded with excited families, couples, a Boy Scout troop, and gangs of friends. As we climb aboard the Skunk Train, I take a window seat in one of the restored passenger cars. We’re on our way up the Noyo River, and deep into the redwoods.

Collette debuts a new leisure-stay tour for 2015 named Spotlight on San Francisco that features a relaxing four-night stay in San Francisco, “the City by the Bay.” Collette’s Spotlight on San Francisco offers travelers a chance to unpack their bags just once and enjoy their stay in the exciting city. From a sightseeing tour of the city, to a visit to Napa Valley, this tour has something for everyone to enjoy.

A few years ago, in mid-August, four friends and I set off down the beach from the mouth of the Mattole River. This short hike into the Northern California coastal wilderness offers plenty of stunning scenery, wildlife watching, and no crowds. Renown for its deep sand, disappearing trails, steep climbs, and isolation, the Lost Coast would not seem a likely choice for a lazy weekend. If you pack light, though, and bring some good hearty food, and don't hike too far, the Lost Coast makes a great trip, even for first time backpackers. 

In order to enjoy traveling, we need to stay fit and healthy, so Peggy Buchanan from Santa Barbara, California keeps us on track during Healthy Aging Month.

Two restaurants in Carmel, California owned by Clint Eastwood.

Heading to the west coast and looking for a touch of Mediterranean luxury – the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego is the place to go if you have a decent budget for your stay. Rooms start at $495 per night and in addition Villa style suites are available.

If you travel west, take the Highway that’s the best… So go the lyrics of one of the most famous songs of bygone days. Well, that Highway, Route 66 really isn’t one of the most beautiful in the world. HIGHWAY 101, between San Francisco in the north, to Los Angeles in the south, is truly one of the world’s most scenic routes.

Susie and Beau are definitely happy dogs! They are always looking for new places to carry their happy canine energy and believe they have found another one on the west coast in the Nob Hill district of San Francisco.

As baby boomers, when deciding where to set up your “retirement home” in addition to making plans for those dream holidays, allow me to share with you my own personal story.

5 cities to have the ultimate scare-cation.

Summertime is just about over and the fall season is starting to roll in. A cool breeze, leaves changing color, fall decorations, and of course - pumpkin everything! The fall season is also ideal for weekend getaways! This off-peak season is the perfect time to land some great deals on some short, but memorable trips. Here is a list of some of the best places to relax, unwind, and enjoy the fall season.