UpTake on Big Basin, California

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend complete with wonderful weather, outdoor fun and perhaps some BBQ-ing. The sun was shining upon us in Northern California and it was time to hike some trails at Big Basin State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This is California’s oldest State Park and consists of over 18,000 acres of land covered in ancient old growth and recovering redwood forest. Under the canopy of these gigantic conifers there are 80 miles of trail to hike, mountain bike or ride a horse. Big Basin is open all year round and is located only 65 miles south of San Francisco and 25 miles northeast from Santa Cruz. This beautiful park is just a hop, skip and jump from the hustle and bustle to peace, quiet and a break with nature. Grab a map and explore the trails or there are also year round guided walks and scheduled activities.

For those who like to camp, pack up the family and your dog (yes! the park is dog friendly!) and sleep under the redwoods. There is a nominal fee to set up your tent making this a inexpensive weekend getaway. Just imagine sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and staring up at a star filled sky after a day of hiking through lush canyons and splashing in waterfalls. Remember that if you do want to camp that it is best to make a reservation in advance, especially during the summer months.

All of a sudden I have a craving for a s’more!

Happy June everybody! It’s camping time.

Photo courtesy of: ex.libris

The Made in the Shade Beer Festival, Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Arizona’s annual Made in the Shade beer festival is being held this year on June 26th from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Coconino County Fairgrounds (Fort Tuthill County Park – exit 337 off of I-17). General Admission is $40.00 in advance, $50.00 at the gate.

What does that admission fee buy you? More than 100 different craft and microbrewed beers, cool summer weather (low to mid-80′s, as opposed to the 110 degree heat of the Phoenix area), free parking, lots of food choices, live entertainment, and souvenirs. My husband and I go every year and always have a fantastic time. We always come away a bit sunburned, though, so make sure you lather up on sunblock and wear a hat with a brim. Pace yourself with the beverages, because even though the sample sizes are small (just a few ounces each), they add up over a four hour period of time! You’re supplied with plenty of sample tickets to really work up a good buzz. So be responsible and assign a designated driver.

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Looking for a spot to relax, enjoy a good brew and some grub, and enjoy a good view? Check out these three great spots:

The Offshore Ale Co. on Martha's Vineyard

The Offshore Ale Company on Martha’s Vineyard is located on Kennebeck Avenue, right next to Ocean Park. The scratch-made brews are on tap, with seasonal brews as well as year-round offerings. Food is pub-style, with local seafood thrown into the mix (one word: OYSTERS). Live entertainment is provided on most nights by local and regional talent. The atmosphere is casual and kid friendly. Try to score a seat on the patio to enjoy the people watching and refreshing sea breezes.

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These days San Antonio, Texas is quite the vacation destination for many people. We’ve hosted both the men’s and women’s NCAA Final Four; tear up the town each year with Fiesta; and then there’s the world famous Riverwalk. When traveling, I think most of us look to hit the tourist spots, see as much as we can of what we think we are supposed to when visiting a new city. While I love that philosophy, you really can’t go to Rome and not see the Vatican, I firmly believe in living like a local when on vacation.

San Antonio, Texas has many historical areas of town, many dating back two to three hundred years: The Missions, San Fernando Cathedral and of course The Alamo. Not quite as well known outside of San Antonio, but just as historic, is the King William District. The  area started as farmland, getting it’s water from the San Antonio River, owned by the 1718 Mission San Antonio de Valero. In the  the 1800′s each of the missions were controlled by the Catholic Church. One of the missions, Mission Concepcion, was divided into various pieces in the mid-1800′s, creating what became the King William District.  Although not around quite as long yet, the King William District is now home to a restaurant that everyone can call their own; The Friendly Spot.

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