According to TV every mom wants a bunch of flowers for Mother’s Day.  Also, jewelry, but let’s stick with the practical.

You can buy flowers anywhere- the flower shop, obviously, but also any farmers market, supermarket or kid on the corner.  Flowers are a dime a dozen.  Well, a lot of dimes a dozen, but you get the idea- they’re everywhere.

Instead of killing plants to enjoy them why not visit them in their natural habitat (and kill them with smog and our dependence on foreign oil- sorry, it’s an equal time thing)?

Botanical Garden - Tucson

Botanical Gardens: Most bigger towns and cities have a botanical garden.  A botanical garden is a great place to stop and smell the flowers and/or butterflies.

Botanical Garden Butterfly Exhibit - Tucson

Reflection/Meditation/Self-Realization Garden: Many spiritual and religious groups have quiet sanctuaries where you can walk and enjoy various types of flowers and ponds.  It’s very tranquil and usually very free.  In some towns you may find similar gardens as part of a local park.

Self-Realization Temple in Encinitas, CA

Koi in Pond at Self-Realization Temple, Encinitas

Flower in the Temple

Wildflowers: It’s springtime and the wildflowers are in bloom.  A quick look in a local paper or website will easily guide you to what’s blooming in the area.  Generally speaking, these are called wildflowers for a reason and there may be a bit of a drive involved, but hey, gas is cheap (relatively).

These are but a few options that are available in most markets, whether they be home or just a stop along the journey.  All of them involve a bit more time than a dozen roses from Safeway, but here’s something that the TV doesn’t want you to know- time is the real gift.  Flowers just make it smell better.

by Eric Carle

If your travels find you in the Los Angeles area this weekend then you need to do yourself a favor and visit the annual Festival of Books on the UCLA campus.

The festival is sponsored by the Los Angeles Times and runs Saturday (10-6) and Sunday (10-5) with free admission (and  $9 parking).

Meet the authors!

Among the offerings are over 100 author panels, numerous readings and hundreds of book signings – including celebrities from Michael J. Fox to Tori Spelling (also, actual writers).  There will be tons of other events, including cultural and musical presentations and some pretty good eats.

There are two areas for children which feature storytelling, crafts and more.  According to the L.A. Times, DJ Lance Rock and Brobee from “Yo Gabba Gabba!” will be present, which excites me more than it probably should.

Things to know before you go:

It is supposed to be quite cool, relatively speaking, with highs in upper 60’s/lower 70’s, which means dress in layers or bring a sweater, but this is L.A. and plenty of water and sunscreen are still good bets.

Bring cash.  There are ATMs available, but not readily.

Directions to the UCLA campus from where you are! Yes, I see you.

Allow for distance and lines:

• Parking – Chances are you’re going to be a decent walk from the festival.  Shuttle available.
• Lines – Hard as it is to believe, you may not be the only person interested in meeting your favorite author.  Get to panels and signings early and be prepared to stand in line.  They can get ridiculous, but the front of the line is much more fun than the back.
• Overall area – The festival is HUGE and there is literally much ground to cover.  You will be walking.  A lot.

It’s definitely a good way to spend the day, expand your personal library and meet some of your favorite authors (if you see me, say hi!).  Support the arts, people!

While you’re out and about in the Los Angeles area check out the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival or get some exercise for a good cause with the March of Dimes (not just in L.A.).

Happy reading!

Skagit Valley Tulips abound in April

It’s officially Spring in the Northwest. How do I know this? No, it’s not because we passed March 21st on the calendar. Neither is it because of the schizophrenic weather, having snowed in Seattle on April 1st, only to be a sunny 75 degrees less than a week later. No, I can tell it is officially Spring here in the Seattle area because of the beautiful Tulips that begin to pop-up everywhere.

April is Tulip time in the Northwest, and no place celebrates this Northwest rite of Spring like the Skagit Valley. With more than 1000 acres of dazzling colorful flowers spread across the valley like an endless floral quilt, the valley attracts throngs of tourists looking to celebrate the promise of sunnier, happier days in the region.

Tulip Rows in The Skagit Valley

The 26th Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs now through the end of April and offers multiple tours and events for the whole family to enjoy. These include Motor Coach tours, guided bike tours, Quilt walks, Wine tours, parades, kite demonstrations, salmon barbeque’s, a battle of the bands as well as numerous other fun-filled events.  Follow the link above to the Festival’s official website where you can check out a full listing of events, lodging and dining options, flower maps, as well as plan your itinerary.

The Skagit Valley is conveniently located about an hours drive North of Seattle and an hours drive south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Follow US Interstate 5 North, or South to exits 221-236 where you can pick up tulip brochures at local businesses in the towns of LaConnor, Anacortes, Sedro Wolly, Burlington, or Mount Veron.

Colorful Tapestry welcomes Spring in the Northwest

Planning an overnight stay? Check out the local lodging options. Dining options are numerous but I would be remiss not to recommend stopping by the Skagit River Brewery in Mount Vernon for a tasty wood fired pizza and a cold pint or two straight from the tap. Hey, all that touring will work up a hearty appetite and colorful thirst.

If you end up visiting, have fun and enjoy the beautiful flowers. But, also bring your raincoats. This is Spring in the Northwest after all.

Photos from bellinghamster.com

Tuesday, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day and this being the last Thursday Thirteen before the popular holiday we decided to share some of our favorite Irish Pubs- just in case your travels find you in a strange city and you feel the need for a pint.  It happens.

The list isn’t in any particular order and includes the pub, its website, the city and what makes it special.  Sláinte!

WHAT                 WHERE                                     WHY

• Biddy McGraw’s /Portland
• Timmy Nolan’s /Los Angeles
• The Kerry Irish Pub /New Orleans
• Finnigan’s Wake /Pittsburgh
• The Irish Oak /Chicago
• The Blarney Stone /San Diego
• Fadó /Austin
• The Harp /Cleveland
• Molly’s /New York
  
• The Dubliner /San Francisco
  
• The Green Dragon /Boston
  
• Owl N’ Thistle / Seattle
  
• Auld Dubliner /Tucson
  

Should you choose to partake in the festivities please do so responsibly.  Don’t drink and drive!

Photo from Beer Brains

Today, February 27th, marks the official start of Bike Week 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida!

If you’re a local within 100 miles of Daytona, that means watch out for extra bikes on the roads and give yourself extra time to get pretty much anywhere up and down the Volusia county coast.

Daytona Bike Week Street Model

If you’re a motorcycle fan, Bike Week is the perfect opportunity to get together with approximately 500,000 of your closest friends (or fellow bike enthusiasts at the very least).

Your first stop should be Riverfront Park, across from the Daytona Harley-Davidson.  That’s the official headquarters and you’ll find more event info, tours, shows, exhibits and live entertainment.

From there, you’ll find an endless supply of things to do from motorcycle drag racing to coleslaw wrestling!

Bike row at Daytona Beach Bike Week

Organized events during Bike Week at Daytona Beach:

Smiley’s Annual Pig Roast – March 1st at Smiley’s tap 1161 N US1, Ormond Beach. Music, beer and outside vendors.

Free Sober Pig Roast - March 1st from 12pm – 5pm.  Bring kids, canned soda and a side dish, but not alcohol or pets!  2512 Orange St., Bunnell

Daytona 200 by Honda – March 6th at the Daytona International Speedway.  The bikes will be on the track at 2pm and the racing begins at 8pm.  Daytona 200 tickets start at $45.00.

31st Annual Daytona Bike Week Swap Meet – March 6th going on all day.  Antique Bike Day & Show. Models ‘84 and older get in free. Daytona Flea Market, Tomoka Farms Rd., Daytona Beach

Country Mystery Road Tours – March 6th beginning with registration at 9am (rides start at 10am).  Choose from 150, 200 or 250 mile guided tours along Florida back roads.  Cost is $15 per bike and starts at 3602 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach

Daytona Supercross by Honda – March 7th at the Daytona International Speedway.  Timed trials begin at 12:30pm and official opening ceremonies start at 6:45pm.  Supercross tickets start at $10.

Bike Week Pigfest – March 7th beginning at 1:00pm.  Sponsored by American Legion Post 270, get food, music and prizes for the oldest Bike Week shirt!  Located at 119 Howes St., Port Orange.

Fit to ROAR Seminar - March 7th at 10am, ROAR motorcycles talks about motorcycles and accessories exclusively for women.  12pm-4pm you’ll find free food and live music. 897 Bellevue Ave;, Daytona Beach

Custom Chopper Show – March 7th, show begins at 10am.  This is he 37th annual Rat’s Hole Custom Chopper Show and will feature bikes from around the world.  Daytona Lagoon, 601 Earl St., Daytona Beach

Classic Motorcycle Auction – March 7th at 11:00am.  This is billed as America’s oldest antique motorcycle auction. Stetson University, Edmunds Athletic Center, DeLand

Blessing of Bikes – March 8th at 9:30am.  Have your bikes blessed in the North Church parking lot of St. Paul’s Basillica. 300 Blk. North Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach

Get a full list of Bike Week events, including sponsors, locations and times at Daytona’s Official Bike Week site.

Daytona Bike Week

While you’re enjoying the Florida sun and mild February temperatures, remember there’s lots to do in Central Florida before, during and after Bike Week!

Other things to do and see in Central Florida include:

See the manatees in Blue Springs State Park – hundreds of manatees are looking for warmth at the springs in Blue Springs State Park.

Central Florida Zoo – about a 20 minute drive from Daytona Beach down 1-4, the Central Florida Zoo offers one of the few crowd free attractions in the area.

Local Central Florida Landmarks - the eastern coastline of Florida was home to some of the earliest settlements in America.  That means there is an ample supply of historic and interesting landmarks to see in the area.

No matter how long you stay or how far outside of Daytona Beach you venture, remember to ride safe and sober.  The Florida Highway Patrol will be out in full force, just in case!

Photo: TucsonAZ.gov

When people think of Tucson, Arizona and its gun-slinging element they tend to conjure up images of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday hopping trains to nearby Tombstone.  Not many people think of the infamous criminal/folk hero John Dillinger and his gang that were all captured there.  Dillinger Days can change that.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the moment which put the notorious Dillinger Gang behind the bars of a Tucson jail (Dillinger was shot 6 months later in Chicago) – all without a shot being fired.

The event kicks off this evening at the legendary Hotel Congress and fills the downtown area tomorrow with era-related car shows, lectures, tours, period costumes and a re-enactment of the big moment.  Dillinger Days also serves as a charity supporting C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) that benefits families of officers killed while in the line of duty.

A schedule of events can be found here.

If you plan on visiting Tucson for the event or just the mild winter there are plenty of places to stay in the Downtown area, most notably Hotel Congress (also a great club and restaurant).

From downtown a quick walk will take you to 4th Avenue where a trolley can connect you to the University of Arizona (Go ‘Cats!) and the surrounding historic area and/or bars (that’s where the trolley really helps out).