Vacations Blog

Check your attitude at the gate. Courtesy of Stock Xchng.

Even though there are an expected 14% less people traveling through LAX this holiday season, there will still be up to 2.35 million people doing it.  Um, that’s a lot of carry-on baggage, not to mention wait times in the security lines.

If you are flying in or out of Los Angeles over the next two weeks, pay attention to peak travel times and days:

• Friday December 19
• Monday December 22
• Friday December 26
• Friday January 2

For flight times from 6AM to 9AM, 11AM to 2PM, or 7PM to 9PM, the airport recommends that you arrive TWO HOURS before takeoff to allow time for security checks etc.  Also, the crazy weather hitting many parts of the country are causing delays, so make sure you check ahead.  There’s a cool delay ticker on the right sidebar of LAX’s website, but you can also call your airline  to be sure.

Encounter Restaurant, courtesy of IFlyLAX.com

There are a few ways to make your adventure at LAX a little bit more excellent.  Instead of taking a half hour to circle the airport 20 times waiting for your guests to emerge from baggage claim, wait at the Cell Phone Lot located at 9011 Airport Blvd.  It’s well-lit, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers a safe place to wait in your car texting your friends while NOT burning extra fuel.  (Personally, I enjoy waiting at Encounter, the space-age-looking bar at the center of the airport complex.)

Going somewhere?  Avoid the hassle of parking by using the LAX Flyaway bus system, with terminals in Van Nuys, Westwood, and at Union Station.  Parking at those stations is cheaper, and you get a hassle free ride to the terminal.  You can even check in bags at the station.  Word to the wise:  if you arrive at the airport’s higher numbered terminals, those Flyaway buses are filled by the time they get to you and you’ll be waiting longer.  If you can, hike down to a lower numbered terminal to avoid missing the ride.

Baby's first plane ride, by Kathleen Tracy

If you’re traveling with young children, first of all, I feel your pain, having done it too many times already.  Be mindful of security guidelines about bringing liquids on a plane (only baby formula and milk are allowed).  And just in time for the holiday travel season, the TSA recently announced the opening of special security lanes for families to make the pressure of unbuckling the kid from the stroller, removing his jacket/shoes/hat, putting the stroller on the conveyor belt, putting all your bags/sippy cups/teddy bears on the conveyor belt, passing through X-ray, and reversing all the previous steps a little easier.

Oh, and another little tip:  snow globes count as items containing liquid.  Don’t carry them on.

Winter Wonderland at The Grove

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, shopping in L.A. is a more than a passing fancy- it is a way of life.  Shopping is the cause and cure of all that ails the City of Angels.  Well, shopping and the Lakers, but you get the idea.

When the holidays roll around it all goes into high gear.  A higher gear.  It’s a blur, really.

We talked earlier about The Americana at Brand and the seasonal delights it offers to locals and visitors alike.  It’s a great place.  However, The Grove is the original in that respective mold and it still the best.  Not only that, unlike The Americana, it is upscale but still affordable.

It’s a place to see and a place to be seen.  Celebrities are everywhere.

The seasonal decor is very festive.  There is a musical water show in the fountain, live bands and a very quaint cottage in which Santa spends his days gathering Christmas wishes from children, starlets and even canines.  It snows twice nightly.

One of my favorite things about The Grove is that it is adjacent to a Farmer’s Market that houses some of the best food in the area, from crepes to BBQ.  It is in this market that you will find a little bar that serves Anchor Steam’s Xmas Ale on tap, and that is the greatest gift of all.

The Grove is holiday shopping at its best, and it represents L.A. pretty well, too.

If you’re planning a trip, check out Los Angeles flight deals.

All photos by Tricia Honea

The Americana at Brand - Christmas Time

There are many reasons to take a vacation in Los Angeles.  The L.A. area has something for everyone, and the holiday season is no exception.  Don’t let the lack of snow fool you.

A favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike is shopping.  Granted, this holds true regardless of season, but the holiday months really turn it up a notch.

Should your vacation plans find you in Southern California, namely Glendale, then you must stop in at The Americana at Brand.  Much like its sister location The Grove, The Americana is not just a place for shopping, but rather an experience.  There are stores, many of which most people can’t afford, and great places to eat, but it is the overall atmosphere that really sets the mood.

For Christmas they have lighting and decorations strung over the entire property, and many of the tenants that live above the stores in the luxury apartments decorate their balconies as well.  It’s quite festive.  If you only have a limited time to commit to your visit consider timing your arrival just prior to sunset.  This will allow you to appreciate the transformation of The Americana from sunny and hip to a winter wonderland (but still hip).

Santa will be visiting The Americana every night in December through Christmas Eve.

The Glendale Galleria is directly across the street and there is ample parking for both locations.  The Americana also has a nice gated play area for children.

All photos by Whit Honea

Marble House

Peak tourist season in Newport, Rhode Island is summer.  Founded on Aquidneck Island in 1639, Newport was one of the first major seaports in the colonies, was significant in whaling and the slave trade, and was one of the first popular getaway locations for wealthy American families when the rich first became richer in the 1870s.  Newport is also a major naval base, frequent host of the America’s Cup regatta, location of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (the U.S. Open was first played here in 1895), home to annual jazz and folk festivals, and the summer residence of two presidents.  In short, Newport is where money meets the sea.

The Breakers Library

Being a summer resort doesn’t mean that Newport isn’t a popular destination other times of the year. Year-round, tourists come by land and sea to sightsee, shop, dine and relax.  Christmastime, in fact, is probably the second busiest time of the year.  It’s then that tourists can see holiday decorations in the mansions built here by America’s very rich—families with names such as Vanderbilt and Astor—in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.  Nine of those mansions are operated by The Preservation Society of Newport County.  Three of these—The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House—are especially decked out for the holidays.  Inside are hundreds of ornaments on dozens of trees, thousands of poinsettias, fresh flowers and wreaths, dining tables set with period silver and china, and mannequins in period holiday dress. Another mansion, The Astors’ Beechwood, is not only decorated but populated with actors portraying the Astor family and their servants.  Visitors can tour the home as these characters prepare for Christmas, sing carols, and entertain in the grand ballroom.  Guests can even dine with the family at Beechwood’s Victorian Christmas Feast featuring a multi-course period meal.

The Elms Foyer

The Preservation Society’s Breakers, Elms and Marble House are decorated and open daily for tours from November 15 through January 4 except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  A Winter Passport ticket providing daytime admission to all three houses can be purchased for $25 for adults and $9 for children ages 6 to 17. Purchased separately, admission to The Breakers is $16.50 for adults and $4 for children ages 6 to 17. Marble House and The Elms are each $11 for adults and $4 for children 6 to 17. Information on additional ticket packages and special holiday events such as visits with Santa Claus on Sundays in December (at no extra charge), holiday concerts and refreshments, and a holiday dinner dance are available at the Preservation Society website.

At Beechwood, a schedule of holiday tours and events is available at the Beechwood Web site.  Standard tour admission is $20 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 to 17. A family rate of $50 is available for two adults and up to four children. Reservations are strongly suggested. Tickets for the Victorian Christmas Feast are $125 for all seatings and reservations are required.

For travelers planning to visit Newport, dozens of choices exist for accommodations and even more for dining.  A couple favorite restaurants of my family are the Red Parrot and the dockside Candy Store at the Clarke Cooke House which my wife and I (and our waitress) agreed makes the best hot fudge anywhere.

All photos courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County. The Breakers Library and The Elms Foyer photos by John Corbett.

‘Tis the season for holiday decorations. From the most outrageous light displays to the basic red bows and candles I look forward to seeing them all. We’ll pack the kids in the car and drive for hours visiting all the homemade displays in our area. The creativity, or maybe OCD, on display during this time of year can’t be matched. I wouldn’t want to miss any of it. If there wasn’t YouTube, what other time of the year would we get to see a light display that flashes in time with Christmas techno music?

To the other extreme, there are many displays that take a much more organic approach to the holidays. The best example of this may be at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Along with Jamestown and Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg is one of three locations in the historic triangle that attempts to preserve the past by living in it. While not a true representation of a Colonial Era Christmas, Williamsburg offers a beautiful and unique display of natural decorations that are sure to catch your eye.

Williamsburg offers many seasonal programs that will capture the attention of every member of the family. You can take in a musical performance designed for children, dine with George Washington, or enjoy a candlelit ghost tour.You can get more information on these and other events in the Holiday Planner.

At $37 for adults and $18 for children over six, general admission to Colonial Williamsburg can be a bit steep for a family visit. However, many local hotels offer reduced rates passes and there are many vacations packages to choose from.

Photo Credits: Restroom sign photo from the public domain. Wreath photo derived from original photo by Tonamel

Snow for Sleeping Beauty

When most people think of Disneyland Resort (that being the area containing the original Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney hotels) they tend to think of a summer destination for their family vacation.  Here’s something to consider, Disney for the holidays.

The entire area is transformed.

The hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian) each have their own Christmas trees and holiday decorations, respectively, as well as daily winter-based activities for guests of all ages, including crafts, tours and workshops.

Downtown Disney takes on the festive feel of the season, complete with themed displays and a constant soundtrack of holiday tunes provided by live musicians, wandering carolers or piped through the speakers.

Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) sticks with its California motif and embraces Santa in a more relaxed mindset.  Here you will find sand instead of snow and the reindeer games consist of beach activities- even Santa opts for bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt rather than his traditional garb.

Winter in the 100 Acre Woods

Disneyland goes a more traditional route with its decorating.  The entire park is a holiday, evoking the likes of Norman Rockwell, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives.  There are special shows, parades, treats and merchandise (including a fantastic and large assortment of holiday decor and clothing).

The Disney characters are often dressed accordingly, especially Goofy that spends his days in Toon Town dressed as Santa and posing for pictures.

Mickey for the Holidays

Each night snow falls throughout Disneyland, from Main Street, U.S.A. to New Orleans Square.

The Small World and Haunted Mansion attractions have special holiday themes which are so well done that many, including my family, prefer the seasonal overlay to the original.

The winter weather in Anaheim is typically sunny with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.  The nights cool down quite a bit and you should pack accordingly- especially since it can become chilly and wet without much warning.

If at all possible, try to arrange your vacation during the week to offset the crowds, but keep in mind that the closer you get to the holidays the more likely that local schools will be on break.

The Holiday festivities run from November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009.

Photos by Whit Honea

Clifton, Ohio

I can think of countless ways to usher in the Holiday Season, but none better than a Christmas Lighting Extravaganza.  Couple over 3.5 million lights with the gorgeous backdrop of Clifton Gorge and the Little Miami River at Clifton Mill and your Holiday Season can officially be declared as having begun.  Clifton Mill has been celebrating the Christmas season for almost 20 years with an extraordinary lighting display that takes a crew of six roughly 3 months to set up.

The Mill is located at 75 Water St. in Clifton, Ohio just 9 miles south of Springfield.  Follow OH-72 south (Exit 54) off of Interstate 70 and you can’t miss the Mill on your right.  Parking is free.  Gates open daily at 5pm.  Admission is $8 (children 6 and younger are free).

The weekends are definitely the busiest time, so you may want to keep that in mind when visiting.  Loosely translated, you will have a much more relaxed and leisurely visit if you can swing a trip during the week.  This is really important when you travel, as I do, with a horde of small children.  The area is accessible to strollers but they are not allowed in some of the buildings.

Clifton Mill Lighted for Christmas

The lights go on at 6:00 pm with the flip of a single switch.  It’s absolutely amazing to see the darkened gorge and mill come to life with the brilliant lights.  A definite, “Ooh” and “Ahhh” moment.  My kids often prefer to just scream, “WOW!!!”  There’s even a synchronized light show set to music.  Each hour the lights go out leaving visitors standing in the darkness and slowly they dance back to life as music echoes through the gorge.  It’s captivating, really!

While at the Mill you’ll want to check out the Santa Claus museum, home to over 3000 Santas and Santa memorabilia, the Miniature Village and the spectacular views from the Covered Bridge which spans the gorge and river below.  Concession style meals are served (soups, hot dogs, hot chocolate, cookies) during the evening.

Hours of operation for the lighting display are from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm.  The display starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs every night until January 1st, closing at 8pm on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve.

The Waterfall at Clifton Mill

I suggest, though, that a trip to Clifton Mill should encompass the whole day.  The Millrace Restaurant located inside of the Mill is open for breakfast and lunch 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.  There’s no better way to start your day than with a stack of fresh pancakes.  The flour, of course, was milled fresh on the premises probably just hours earlier. (Normally closing at 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm on weekends, the restaurant observes abbreviated hours during the Christmas lighting season.)  Afterward, you may wish to tour the mill, which boasts itself as the largest water powered grist mill still in operation in America, for a firsthand look at one of America’s earliest industries.

You’ll have plenty of time in the afternoon to do some antiquing at Weber’s Antique Mall in Clifton or maybe just a leisurely hike at nearby Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve.  It offers incredible views of the gorge from several bridges and platforms.  If you’re looking for a truly unique gift idea or collectible check out The Fish Decoy Company on the corner of Dayton St. and OH-72.

Clifton Mill Overlooking the Gorge

After having explored Clifton’s charm you’ll have plenty of time to make it back to the Mill, grab a cup of hot chocolate and welcome the Christmas Season with the Legendary Lights at Clifton Mill.

Photos courtesy of Clifton Mill website and Bret Arnett (creative commons).