Vacations Blog

During 70’s we had ourselves a big t-shirt fad. There were all sorts of custom T-shirt stores around; The Shirt Shoppe, The T-shirt Shack, etc. Folks were big into wearing T-shirts adorned with pithy sayings and cool decals. One that I’ve always remembered read “Go Climb a Rock,” which apparently was the logo for the Yosemite Mountaineering School.

Well this past Saturday the boy and I joined some friends and did just that, except the rocks we climbed were at Rock City located in the Mt. Diablo State Park.

Having grown up in the San Francisco/Bay Area, I’ve been to Rock City a few times in my 40-something years, however my last visit was probably during the latter part of the 80’s, and most definitely “pre-boy.” So when friend KC invited us to spend the day with his folks and family I jumped at the chance to show the boy all the good, wholesome fun to be had climbing around on a bunch of rocks. Sarcastic as that might sound (even more so if you know me), Rock City is a great time.

Located somewhere just beyond the 2,000 ft level in Mt. Diablo State Park, Rock City is, described thusly in the Mt. Diablo State Park online brochure; “Rock City: You will find unusually large sandstone formations and small caves here.”  Wow, is that some exciting copy or what?

Be not deterred by the lack of colorful adjectives, would be outdoors-person. Rock City is an awesome place to spend the day. You can climb all over those “unusually large sandstone formations,” and many have had actual foot/hand holds ground into them over the years. The views are spectacular, plus you’re getting exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. And because KC’s parents are so generous and well organized, I also got hot dogs and fried chicken. I can’t promise the same on any visit you might make.

Many visitors have taken to carving their names, and in some cases the occasional vulgarity, into the rock, and while this sounds something akin to vandalism, it actually adds a certain charm to the place. In honesty I prefer the dedication of those willing to take the time to carve something as opposed to some lazy sods that actually used markers to add their names to the sandstone.

There are numerous picnic sites available, each equipped with a table and a bbq stove/grill, and while we did grill, (and when I say “we” I mean KC’s dad) I’d recommend bringing sandwiches or the aforementioned fried chicken. The distance between the actual grill top and one’s charcoal is rather yawning, thus requiring us (us also equals KC’s dad) to assist the charcoal in its task by adding wood and small animals to the blaze. I’m kidding. It’s against the law to gather firewood. Actually I have no idea if that’s true, and if it is KC’s dad broke the law.

Anyway, I can say from personal experience that the boy and I had a great time at Rock City. The entry fee to Mt. Diablo State Park is $7.00 per car.

For more information you can check out the California State Parks website.

A few words of caution; keep a close eye on small children. There are many places where they can get lost, and many very large, very high rocks from which they can fall. DO NOT let young children climb on the rocks without an adult present. Also, this being California mountain country you might run into a rattlesnake. In fact, we did. Fortunately it was on our drive down the mountain and we were able to snap some pictures from the safety of our car. Even still, they’re pretty scary and I cried a little.

The Eight Presidents from Ohio--The Mother of Presidents (photo world almanac.com/us gov)

One would think that the selection pool for presidential office holders in the United States would be spread fairly wide.  There are 50 states, we’ve had nearly 50 presidents.  To be exact we’ve had 44.  Unless you live under a rock, and no offense intended if you do, I hear rocks are very nice, you certainly recall the historic events of last month.  (We inaugurated the 44th president of the United States.)  The thing most fascinating about Mr. Obama is not that our new president is left handed for there have been others.  No, what I find most astounding is that he was not from Ohio!

That’s right.  Ohio is noted not only for cold, harsh winters and a disturbing fascination with a football team that considers a poisonous nut its mascot but also to have provided this great nation of ours with eight presidents, more than any other state in the nation.  Hence its fitting nickname, The Mother of Presidents.

Presidents Day is coming up this Monday, February 16.  And certainly you could spend the three day weekend firing up the barbecue and celebrating with family and friends, relaxing at home.  Or…

You could pack up the caravan and give yourself a three day weekend of history in America’s Heartland.  A mini presidential tour.

• William Henry Harrison (9th)  The Harrison Gravesite is located in North Bend, Ohio a small village on the Ohio River just 21 miles west Cincinnati.  There is also a marker at the corner of Symmes Avenue and Washington indicating the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison (23rd).  He was the grandson of William Henry and though Indiana also claims him Ohio gets him, too, because he was born here.  (Apparently, the rules for claiming a president are fairly lax as William Henry was born in Virginia but lived in Ohio.)

Harrison Tomb in North Bend, OH (photo by Bonnie Wetik)

• Ulysses S. Grant (18th)  Ulyssess was born in Point Pleasant, OH, east of Cincinnati on the Ohio River.  The Grant birthplace is a 3 room cottage located at 1551 State Route 232, just off of U.S. Route 52.   It has been meticulously restored and furnished with period items.  The site is open April-October Wednesday-Sunday.

Grant Birthplace Point Pleasant, OH (photo Bruce Uher)

• Rutherford B Hayes (19th)  Rutherford B. Hayes was born in Delaware, Ohio.  There is a marker on E. William St. where the house once stood but I wouldn’t waste too much time looking for it unless you need some gas and a snack or a maybe a haircut.  The marker is in front of a gas station and sits next door to a barber shop.  No appointment is necessary.  Rather, you’ll want to visit the Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, OH on the sprawling estate known as Spiegel Grove.  The center consists of the Hayes Home, a 31 room mansion constructed by Hayes’ uncle, and the Hayes Museum and Presidential Library.  It was the first presidential library in the country and houses over 70,000 books.  The library is closed on Sundays, otherwise the facility is open year round, save holidays.

Rutherford Hayes Home Fremont, OH (photo Tom Reed)

• James A. Garfield (20th)  The Garfield home, known as Lawnfield, located in Mentor, OH offers regular tours of the home and grounds.  There are also various special tour options available to appeal to any age visitor.  The center is open weekends November through April and seven days beginning May.

James Garfield Home Mentor, OH photo public domain

• William McKinley (25th)  The McKinley birthplace home located at 40 South Main St. in Niles, Ohio is decorated with period furnishings and artifacts.  The home is open daily for tours but it is suggested by  their website to call for specific details prior to visiting.  Just up the street at 46 N. Main St. is the McKinley Memorial Museum and Library.  The facility, which takes up an entire city square, is open year round and does not charge an admission fee.

McKinley Birthplace Home Niles, OH (photo public domain)

• William Howard Taft (27th)  The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is located at 2038 Auburn Ave. in Cincinnati, OH.  It is open year round (save Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years) and is free to the public.  The center is operated by the National Park Service and offers numerous educational and informative programs.  The park service recommends visiting the TEC (Taft Educational Center) for more information on Taft and some other points of interest in Cincinnati.

Taft National Historic Site Cincinnati, OH (photo nps.gov)

• Warren G. Harding (29th)  The Warren G. Harding Home at 380 Mt. Vernon Ave and Harding Memorial at the intersection of Delaware and Vernon Heights Blvd are located in Marion, OH.  The house reportedly contains almost all of the original furnishings of President Harding.  It is open for tours year round with hours of operation varying.  Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and free for children under 6.  The Memorial is free to visit.

Harding Memorial Marion, OH (photo Ed Lamaze)

So there you have it.  One state, 8 US Presidents.  OK, so it may take you more than three days to hit them all.  So stay longer.  Really, we’ve just had a winter heat wave move through our fair state and most of the snow has melted.  The resulting flooding has been minimal and should not be of concern to the heartiest of travelers.

Happy Presidents Day!

Photo: World's Biggest Dinosaurs Website

Do you like Jesus and Dinosaurs?  Then do I have the place for you!

Most likely the only reason you would ever be in Cabazon, California is to drive through it on the I-10 corridor at 70mph.  Sure, there are some pretty decent outlet stores and it’s close to the Coachelle Festival and the resorts and golf of Palm Springs, but it isn’t exactly a destination, per se.

However, it is home to one of America’s more popular roadside attractions, which any parent worth their family truckster salt knows is a staple to a good road-trip vacation. It’s in-between destinations where the real memories are made. The fact that we’re talking about dinosaurs, namely The World’s Biggest Dinosaurs, makes stopping a must for anyone that has a kid (of any age) in the car.

This is the scared part...

Dinny the apatosaurus (the dino formerly known as brontosaurus) and Mr. Rex the obvious, respectively, are fantastic.  They’re huge and awesome and the kids will be awed, excited or scared shitless.  Sometimes all three.

Here’s the twist that will have you scratching your head.  The attraction is under (fairly) new ownership and in addition to letting you climb inside really cool dinosaurs for a $5.00 fee they’ll also throw their religious beliefs on you at no extra charge!  What a deal!

You see, the owners believe in Creationism and they want you to, too.  The gift shop plays videos preaching the belief and there are signs throughout the dinosaurs promoting their views and contradicting science- not to mention discrediting everything you just told your kid about dinosaurs.

These aren’t your Pee-Wee’s dinosaurs.  Well, not anymore.

There is a restaurant adjacent to the property and easy access to Interstate 10 should you need to flee treacherous jaws or opposing viewpoints.  Please do so in an orderly fashion.

Taming the wild beast...

unless otherwise credited all photos property of Whit Honea

One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new city is walk along the streets with my camera pointed at the sky.  My traveling companions will often admonish that I “look like a tourist!”, to which I reply, “I am a tourist!”

Miami Beach’s South Beach offers a unique and distinct skyline rich with history and pop culture folk lore.

The Carlyle in South Beach

Any self guided walking tour through the Art Deco Historic District should include a look at (and several pictures of) these buildings:

The Carlyle Hotel – this art deco building has been featured in many films, including The Birdcage and Scarface and is still a sought after location for photo and movie shoots.  In fact, it’s not uncommon to see fashion shoots taking place on the sidewalk in front of the building as you walk by.  The Carlyle is now home to private, luxury condos – so you’ll have to take your pictures from the sidewalk.

The National Hotel – located on Collins Avenue, this hotel has hosted glamorous events by MTV and fashion magazines.  The palm tree lined infinity pool at the back of the lobby provides a postcard perfect photo opportunity.

The National Hotel in Miami Beach

The Infinity Pool at The National

The Ritz Carlton – right next door to The National, this unique Ritz property blends in perfectly with the art deco towers on either side of it.

Casa Casuarina – the infamous former mansion of Gianni Versace, this luxurious building was all the site of Versace’s highly publicized murder in 1997.  Despite it’s gruesome past and break from the classic art deco, it still serves as an excellent testament to the rich architectural history and a must see spot in Miami Beach.

Colony Hotel – a shining example of the impact of neon lights on the South Beach skyline, the Colony Hotel is frequently featured in photographs.  The building’s tacky blue glow at night could only appear at home on Ocean Drive.

Room with an Art Deco View

While these are just a few of the highlights and notorious spots to enjoy in South Beach, nearly every building you come across has an architectural story to tell.  I’m using that as my excuse for taking about  200 pictures in roughly 2 hours.

For those visitors looking for more than a pretty picture, The Miami Design Preservation League offers a variety of tours and historical information about the buildings you’re gawking at.

All photos by Britt Reints.

Architecture is an important part of travel.  It is the postcard out your window that lets you know you are here.  You’ve arrived.  You know you are in Russia when surrounded by onion domes, New York when you can only see skyscrapers and Seattle when you can’t see anything because there is rain in your eyes.  That’s the role of architecture, and to a lesser extent, weather.

Here is a group of ten fantastic, incredible and weirdly, wonderful buildings in the U.S. that are worthy of a visit if you are on vacation or just happen to be in the neighborhood.  More than one of them make me think of Star Wars.

Longaberager corporate Headquarters is a picnic basket.

1. Let’s start with my favorite which is found in Newark, Ohio, the picnic basket aka Longaberger corporate headquarters. This fanciful creation was the dream of the Longaberger Basket company’s founder Dave Longaberger.  It is said, most people (employees, bankers, architects and builders) didn’t take him seriously at the time.  I wonder why.

Kansas City Public Library

2. This was designed by Dimensional Innovations and it camouflages the parking garage. The fantastic book titles were suggested by Kansas City residents. See the building and read the classics!  Photo courtesy of: ChicagoEye.

Robert Bruno

3. This award winning home in Lubbock, Texas took 28 years to complete and is designed by Robert Bruno. It doesn’t really say “come in and take your shoes off,” though, does it? But it is engaging and I do want a peek inside.

Aqua Building, Chicago, Illinois

4.  The Aqua Building was on a list from Syed Mobin Architects.  It is scheduled to be finished in 2009 and is in Chicago, Illinois. Design is from Studio Gang Architects.

Kettle House, Texas

5. Kettle House, in Galveston, Texas – I wonder, when the wind comes sweeping ‘cross the plains, does it whistle?

Shoe House, Hallam, Pennsylvania

6. Shoe House in Hallam, Pennsylvania was not built by an old woman but was built by a shoe millionaire and it is a real house.  No word on the number of children, if any, that reside in it.

Air Force Academy Chapel

7. This chapel falls into the wonderful category.  Its stark beauty could soothe a soldier’s soul.  It is located in the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Oakley Headquarters

8. This awesome futuristic building is the corporate headquarters for Oakley.  What do you think?  I love the description, “Oakley’s design bunker is where inventions are conceived, developed, perfected and manufactured. In addition to the hidden catacombs of research labs and proving grounds, the architectural design of Oakley President Colin Baden includes an NBA basketball court, a 400-seat amphitheater, and absolutely no adult supervision.”  I wonder if they’re hiring.

Story Book House in Ollala, Washington

9. Built in Ollala, Washington, this looks like it belongs in a Grimm’s fairy tale (or Disneyland) . Photo courtesy of Unusuallife.com

Coit Tower, San Francisco

10. My final choice from all the weirdness of American architecture is Coit Tower in the beautiful city of San Francisco. They say this San Francisco icon isn’t a fire hose nozzle, but those of us who know the story think otherwise. The story is told a need-to-know basis. Beautiful photo courtesy of http2007.

So what did you think?  Pretty cool, right?  If you have any weirdly, wonderful buildings that you think we should add to our travel itineraries, let us know.  Just leave a suggestion in the comments.

With its upscale restaurants, landmark buildings, beautiful bridges and breathtaking views, San Francisco always tops the lists of favorite US cities and tourist destinations.  Many people come to visit during the summer months and get disappointed by the cold fog and damp weather. However you would be pleasantly surprised if you made a trip to the city during this time of year.  The winter months often bring cold temperatures but very blue skies during the day and nights full of stars.

San Francisco is almost more beautiful at night during the holidays than any other time of year – and that is saying something.

During the holidays living in the City is such a gift: the bright lights on the Embarcadero Center row of buildings, outlined to look like giant present boxes; the beautiful window displays in high-end stores like Gump’s and multi-colored lights adorning neighborhood parks and homes. Walk through any of these areas of the city and you can’t help but smile and get a little more into the holiday spirit.

If you are visiting the City or planning to in the future and want to experience a uniquely San Francisco evening, I have the perfect recipe for you. The itinerary will need a little planning but should only require one phone call for the dinner reservation.  This evening is a local favorite for a romantic date but it can be adjusted for just a great night out with friends or family.

First thing you want to do is plan on wearing some warm layers of clothing, especially a scarf and gloves.  San Francisco at night, during this time of year, can be very cold. Wear some nice holiday clothes and comfortable shoes and you will be set for the evening.

Begin the evening with a drink at the beautiful Big Four Restaurant on Nob Hill. Located inside the Huntington Hotel, this secret spot doesn’t have the view that you can get from the Top of the Mark, but this is the place locals go. Filled with beautiful dark wood, the bar area is rich and a historic reminder of the robber barons that built San Francisco.

After a glass of wine or cold cocktail, walk slowly across California Street, watching out for the cable cars and taxi drivers heading across town. Criss-cross the street and stroll through Huntington Park, a wonderful small city park situated between Grace Cathedral and The Fairmont Hotel.  It is one of my favorite parks to visit at night during the holidays because the neighborhood association installs beautiful old-fashion lights in the trees.

Walk through the park towards your dinner reservations, at Venticello Ristorante on Taylor Street. This wonderful Italian restaurant has a warm intimate setting that reminds you of San Francisco society pages from the 1920s. I have had dinners where I have watched patrons walk in that could have been related to Grace Kelly or Kim Novak, in their style of dress and manner. The food is classic Italian with homemade pastas, risotto and roasted meats. The fireplace and wood oven add warmth to your dinner setting along with a backdrop of cable cars going up and down California Street.

After your dinner walk down Taylor Street to Jackson Street and catch the Powell-Hyde Cable Car, with its maroon colored sign, to head towards the waterfront and Hyde Street Pier.  The cable car ride will be very chilly but you can cuddle up inside the center of the car or wrap your scarf tighter and hang onto the outer poles like a local.

Your ride will take you up past Nob Hill and across Russian Hill until you head down Hyde Street to the end of the line. Hop off and turning your back to the bay, walk into The Buena Vista Cafe – home of the perfect Irish Coffee!

Irish Coffee

The recipe of this famous drink was created in 1952 when the restaurant owner and a well known travel writer worked to re-create a highly touted “Irish Coffee” served at Shannon Airport in Ireland.

The Irish Coffee served here at the Buena Vista is the perfect night cap any night of the year, but especially in winter.  How and when you decide to end your evening is up to you, but after all the lights, rich foods, fresh air and drinks – I recommend taking a cab home. Enjoy!

If you’re planning a trip, check out flights to San Francisco.

Photo credits to bill lim, tinou, shayne kaye and rick

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.

Looking for a certain je ne sais quoi for your next Las Vegas vacation? Luckily the era of themed resorts added a little French to the center of the Las Vegas Strip. Whether planning a risqué weekend with a partner or a rendezvous with family and friends, the centerpiece of a French inspired vacation is Paris Las Vegas. The resort, along with a variety of French restaurants and stage productions on The Strip, offer vacationers who can’t afford a trip to Paris a taste of the famed City of Light with the added excitement of Sin City, of course.

Upon arrival at the 2,915 room Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino the essence of Paris is overwhelming apparent as the front facade of the elaborate and luxurious structure is designed to emulate elements of the Paris Opera House and the Louvre. Its architecture also incorporates many of the famous sights of Paris, including a 540-foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, now a signature of the LasVegas Skyline, a neon sign in the shape of the Montgolfier balloon, a two-thirds size Arc de Triomphe and a La Fontaine des Mers. This picturesque resort is sure to make any vacationer utter “c’est magnifique!”

The Eiffel Tower
Start your vacation on a high note with a trip up the Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget your camera because the observation deck provides extraordinary views up and down the Las Vegas Strip and a 360° panorama of the entire Las Vegas Valley.

Tickets may be purchased at the Eiffel Tower Box Office located inside the casino. The cost is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors 65 and older and children 6-12; free for children younger than 5. From 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., when the Las Vegas Strip lights up, admission is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. Family packages (two adults and two children) are available for $30 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Las Vegas Strip north from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

A Culinary Adventure
If you’re like me, you’re really into food. Paris Las Vegas’ restaurants turn vacationers into the bon vivant with an offering of everything from the classical French cuisine to the Pan Asian Parisian.

Popular for its al fresco dining, with an up close view of the impressive Fountains of Bellagio, Mon Ami Gabi French Bistro offers a simplistic French menu with everything from traditional Hors D’Oeuvres to Steak Frites. The restaurant’s desserts, including profiteroles and crème brûlée, are awe inspiring. A children’s menu offers a number of kid-friendly meals, including macaroni and cheese and burgers.

Reservations at Mon Ami Gabi are highly recommended for indoor seating. Unfortunately, seats on the patio are first-come, first-serve. Since they are highly sought by guests, a request may result in a long wait as guest tend to stay a while. Of course, who can blame them for enjoying a café au lait and the stunning view after their meal?

Another great restaurant with al fresco dining is Ah Sin, offering an Asian Fusion menu with a diverse collection of flavors and cooking techniques from the Pacific Rim. Reservations are recommended for both patio and indoor dining.

You’ll say “bon appetite” as you make a toast to the dazzling lights 100 feet below your table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Located on the 11th floor of the iconic structure, the restaurant is fine dining with view. The restaurant serves the most acclaimed French cuisine available in the city, including a flawlessly seasoned lamb and foie gras that’s unrivaled. To ensure a seat with the best view, reservations are required.

It’s all about great food and ambiance at the two-story, art deco inspired Les Artistes Steakhouse. The restaurant’s à la carte menu offers a variety of specialties, including grilled rack of lamb, a 50-ounce porterhouse steak, and roasted whole Maine lobster and tasty poultry dishes. Reservations at Les Artiste Steakhouse are recommended.

In all, Paris Las Vegas offers 11 dining options, from the low-cost, no-frills to the epicurean experience. There are also a variety of French restaurants in the Las Vegas resort corridor, including Daniel Boulud Brasserie at Wynn, Alizé at the Palms, Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay, Joël Robuchon at the Mansion at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, and finally the famous Pamplemousse, located at 400 E. Sahara Avenue.

No matter your appetite, you’re sure to find the right French meal for the occasion.

Bring on the Night
After the sun sets behind the Spring Mountains to the west and the neon glows, Paris Las Vegas’ nighttime establishments come to life. From the ultra-chic Risqué Nightclub, to the charming Le Cabaret lounge to the lively Napoleon’s Bar, guests are sure to find the right setting for an all night vacation celebration.

Paris Las Vegas’ location at the center of the LasVegas Strip also provides for easy travel to city’s most popular nightclubs, including Pure at Caesar’s Palace, LAX at Luxor, Tao at the Venetian and Tryst at Wynn. Take a taxi, limo, the Las Vegas Monorail or a walk along the Strip to find your ultimate party spot.

And who can forget the shows of Cirque du Soleil. Okay, the shows are not a product of France, but Canada’s Quebec province, so they are still essentially French. There are now six Cirque du Soleil shows at various hotels in Las Vegas: O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Ka at MGM Grand, Zumanity at New York-New York, Love at the Mirage and the newest show, Criss Angel’s Believe. Tickets for these shows are expensive, but well worth the money.

From the street, the 540-foot Eiffel Tower extends into the clouds.

The Spa Treatment
After a night out, a spa treatment at Paris Las Vegas’ Spa by Mandara provides the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Massages and facials, as well as other beautification packages are available. For folks not willing to skip their fitness routine, the spa also features a fully equipped fitness center, personal training and steam and saunas rooms.