Did somebody say car ride?

If I learned anything from John Steinbeck it’s that there may be no better travel companion than a dog — and I don’t mean putting your dog in your purse and going to the supermarket. That’s not travel, that’s a cry for help. I’m talking a good ol’ road trip with a pooch that sits in the backseat with their tongue flapping out the window and their eyes on the prize (the prize in this scenario being adventure). A good dog is a trusted friend, a faithful guardian and the perfect road trip pillow. Dogs are family.

Which makes it hard to leave them behind on family vacations… but what if you didn’t have to? Read More »

Also, beer & rides!

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival is in full-swing. The event opened April 16th and runs through the end of May.

Select locations within Disney’s California Adventure and throughout the Disneyland Resort are hosting cooking demonstrations, seminars and other interactive events as part of this year’s theme “The Art of Flavor.”

Unfortunately the signature events are already sold out, including Ghiradelli’s Sweet Sundays featuring pastry chefs, bakers and chocolatiers (Really? Chocolatiers? How does one get that job?), and the Winemaker and Brewmaster Dinners, respectively. That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see and do! Read More »

UpTake on "My Crossroads"

Continuing on my May blog theme (my pocket of heaven on the Northern California Coast) here is an ’UpTake’  from the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel.  I may be over 7,500 miles from Cairo and over 6,200 miles from  Rome, but when I am visiting this hostel there is no place I would rather be then right there listening to the waves crash on the rocks and the salty air filling my nostrils.

AND it’s inexpensive to sleep there!!!

Read More »

I've taken this tour countless times and still never made it to Endor.

If you felt a disturbance in the force it may have been the realization that Star Tours, the popular ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World) and Disneyland parks, respectively, will soon be flying to the Ewok-laden moon of Endor for the last time. Ever-ish! Or it could have been the burrito you had for lunch, the force is funny like that.

If you’ve never been on the Star Tours ride here’s what you need to know: It’s based on the Star Wars franchise. It’s awesome! However, it’s been around for long time.  In fact, it had been around a long time before the last 3 (first 3?) Star Wars movies filled your world with clones and Jar Jarisms (meee-zah so sorries) — we’re talking long, long ago in a theme park far away (actual distance may vary).  The good folks at Disney are freezing the old ride in carbonite and unleashing a new version with, and I’m just guessing here, some newer technology and a different storyline.  The updated Star Tours will take off in 2011. Read More »