tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39058562077477619812024-03-06T00:10:36.835-08:00Exploring California and BeyondExperience and Explore California and Beyond - A Travel BlogChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-8972964986578084912017-10-13T13:21:00.001-07:002017-10-13T13:21:24.428-07:00Top 10 East Coast Campgrounds for Fall FoliageI was born and raised in the Midwest and lived there for many years of my life. I grew to love every season because of the pristine beauty and amazing sights.<br />
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I also spent a lot of time in Virginia. Also a beautiful area for enjoying what nature brings us.<br />
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Living on the West Coast for many years I have realized how much I missed the changing of the seasons, especially around now with the fall leaves showing their amazing colors. <br />
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The East Coast is well known for its amazing color changes in autumn. I would love to visit right now if I could. But knowing where the best places to see the fall foliage can be tricky.<br />
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Hipcamp is a new start up business that creates new places to stay in nature by unlocking access to beautiful private lands such as nature preserves, farms, and ranches. <br />
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With their cool interactive map you can check out below, Hipcamp has hand-picked a few unique nature stays in America's top 5 leaf-viewing regions:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOCu9Orx2wS2z_mUEXRqgzTMpySY1hD8hk2e6blVvVoC1dU65Kb9Tt-wb6e7PkwS5j4TkjUjF9tTQu0mgklp3cS9-cTaaT_GdFisrHa4V_-eiMgjHJRENLX8swRc55nfBqwbkXcsrKImE/s1600/nathan-anderson-194686.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOCu9Orx2wS2z_mUEXRqgzTMpySY1hD8hk2e6blVvVoC1dU65Kb9Tt-wb6e7PkwS5j4TkjUjF9tTQu0mgklp3cS9-cTaaT_GdFisrHa4V_-eiMgjHJRENLX8swRc55nfBqwbkXcsrKImE/s1600/nathan-anderson-194686.png" data-original-width="700" data-original-height="1049" /></a></div><br />
<h2>Top 10 East Coast Campgrounds for Fall Foliage</h2><br />
<h4>*** HIPCAMP.COM'S TOP 10 CAMPGROUNDS FOR FALL FOLIAGE ***</h4><br />
Each campground below contains multiple discrete campsites.<br />
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<h4>#1. THE FINGER LAKES</h4><strong>Shiitake Mushroom Camp: New York</strong><br />
A pristine stream, a working mushroom farm, and fall leaves.<br />
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<strong>Sanctuary in the Woods: New York</strong><br />
Choose a cozy teepee or a double-bed platform.<br />
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<h4>#2. THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS</h4><strong>Beechwood Cabin Tent</strong><br />
Sleep in a protected enclosure with a tin roof and canvas tent.<br />
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<strong>Earthseed: Smoky Mt. Sanctuary</strong><br />
Enjoy a 12-foot-high tent and a babbling creek.<br />
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<h4>#3. THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS</h4><strong>Adirondack Little Star: New York</strong><br />
Elevated camping in a covered cabin!<br />
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<strong>Adirondack Glamping: New York</strong><br />
Peep the leaves from the opening in this sturdy and comfortable tent.<br />
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<h4>#4. THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS</h4><strong>Crow Creek Farm: North Carolina</strong><br />
Enjoy a breakfast of fresh eggs from the farm’s chickens.<br />
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<strong>Apple Orchard Tent Camping: North Carolina</strong><br />
Camp on a grassy knoll overlooking gorgeous yellow leaves.<br />
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<h4>#5. THE GREEN MOUNTAINS</h4><strong>Onion River Campground: Vermont</strong><br />
In the fall, these green mountains dazzle in shades of yellow and orange.<br />
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<strong>Hidden Meadow Tent Site: Vermont</strong><br />
Wander over a bridge to your own private campsite.<br />
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Check out HIPCAMP'S <a href="http://www.hipcamp.com/discover/fall-foliage-map" rel="noopener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FALL FOLIAGE MAP</a> and head out for a fabulous trip today. Hurry, the leaves are changing fast!!<br />
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<em>*Disclaimer - I was not compensated in any way for this post</em>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-66058709057412704322016-03-30T08:14:00.000-07:002016-06-30T11:34:40.444-07:00Visiting the Queen Mary<br />
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If you have the opportunity to visit Long Beach, California, one of the sights on your must-see list has to be the Queen Mary. This retired ocean liner has been docked in Long Beach for many years. It has become a beautiful attraction that offers a hotel, shops, events, and restaurants as well tours of the historic ship.<br />
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If you are in the Marina area, you can see the ship from the marina and get a grasp of the size and the impressive beauty of this old lady. She was built in the 1930's in the UK and offered luxurious surroundings for the guests. During the WWII, she became a troop ship due to her speed and size. <br />
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Long Beach, which is located between San Diego and Los Angeles is a great stopping point on your travels through the LA area and in California itself. We enjoyed our trip and even plan on staying aboard next time we are in the area for longer than a day or two!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-10207610107226448622015-12-09T10:47:00.000-08:002016-06-07T11:08:15.030-07:00Monterey Wharf at DuskThere are so many awesome sights to see on the coastline of California. One of my favorite places to haunt is the Monterey bay area. I often go over for a quick day trip and just enjoy the sights and sounds of the bay. It doesn't take much to make me happy!<br />
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My hubby and I decided to head over one afternoon and being winter time, the sun sets early. We enjoyed wandering around the wharf and watching the boats come in from a days fishing. Plus as night fell, fisherman would start filling up the wharf and fishing off the dock. They were catching a lot of fish too!<br />
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I am sharing a few of my favorite shots from that afternoon as the day rolls into evening. Dusk at the wharf is a gorgeous sight to see.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-4852339633319209672015-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:002015-10-24T12:45:23.665-07:00Harvest Time Fun at Hunter FarmsFall is a great time in California. The weather is cooperating and finding fun family activities outdoors is a perfect way to spend a weekend. <br />
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In Merced County farming is still a large part of our community and I took a visit to one of our larger farms located in Atwater that hosts a fun Pumpkin Patch each October.<br />
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Hunter Farms, located on SP, right off Highway 99 in Atwater, has set up a beautiful area of their farm with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides, critter corral, and a snack station for kids and adults. They offer plenty of activities to keep the kids happy with amazing verities of heirloom pumpkins, regular pumpkins and gourds for sale so you can create a beautiful harvest display at your own home. <br />
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Open daily through October, it is a fun place to take the kids and take a break too! Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-636821073730737642015-07-29T13:39:00.002-07:002015-08-01T08:37:03.280-07:00Enjoying the Monterey Bay AquariumOne of our favorite places to visit is the Monterey bay area of California. The coastline is rocky and gorgeous. The bay is amazing and the sea life is teaming with activity. The weather is awesome year round and any time we can get there to visit, we do.<br />
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Smack in the middle of Monterey's Cannery Row site the beautiful Aquarium. They have become known for the wonderful work that they have done with the sea life surrounding the space and the resurgence of visitors into the Monterey area over the years. During one of my visits to a <a href="http://exploringcaliforniaandbeyond.blogspot.com/2014/11/visiting-hofsas-house-in-carmel.html" target="_blank">local hotel in Carmel</a>, we spent some much needed time at the <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monterey Bay Aquarium</a>. It had been many years since we had visited and I was shocked and delighted with the changes.<br />
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Beautiful and modern inside with massive tanks and loads of fun areas for the kids and adults alike to enjoy and explore. It is a place not to be missed in your travels to this beautiful area. Here are some pictures to enjoy I took.<br />
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Make sure to add this place on your must-see list! So fun!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" rel=”nofollow” target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/113/276638AA11931F079D125BB5323BEB13.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a><br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-46693793828116506082015-07-27T10:40:00.001-07:002015-07-27T10:40:20.445-07:0018 Safety Tips for Budget TravelersWhether you are visiting a new city in the States or have decided to travel the world, there are some basic safety tips that you need to remember and be aware of. Often we trust people but when traveling and being a tourist for a while, becoming aware of your surroundings and staying safe is not always second nature. Here are some tips that you can use wherever you happen to be traveling, but especially in a different country where tourists are more obvious to the locals and may be targeted for theft more often.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpnE5CQhUiGLNWz984lwL97vivp2-m-VLlO6OKq9ZaztNaVgMIZLJwlOjQInIjnJOzhjIPGrnpQgw4KDTNkH0DQmL16_xscG6x7PWuTewzD-eLaa-GHK8A5D-dP9tTIg9x2mTMpBaLgUc/s1600/ID-100139130+Travel+The+World%252C+Concept+by+potowizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpnE5CQhUiGLNWz984lwL97vivp2-m-VLlO6OKq9ZaztNaVgMIZLJwlOjQInIjnJOzhjIPGrnpQgw4KDTNkH0DQmL16_xscG6x7PWuTewzD-eLaa-GHK8A5D-dP9tTIg9x2mTMpBaLgUc/s400/ID-100139130+Travel+The+World%252C+Concept+by+potowizard.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<h2>18 Safety Tips for Budget Travelers</h2><br />
1) When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting outside the airport grounds in a city you are not familiar with. I know this sounds extreme, but it is by far better to be safe then sorry. <br />
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2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a taxi recommended by the hotel. Again, taxi’s can be dangerous depending on the city or country you are visiting. <br />
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3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night. Things can go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and security at night in some areas is non existent. <br />
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4) Travel in a group if possible. Always a good idea! <br />
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5) When visiting foreign countries, learn the basics in the local language before you arrive. Don't expect that people will speak English. English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you want to be sure. <br />
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6) Keep your valuables hidden. A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. There are many different styles too choose from. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables. <br />
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7) Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide recommended by the hotel. <br />
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8) Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided and best seen. <br />
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9) When leaving clubs or restaurants late at night, take a taxi no matter how close your hotel is. When in doubt about the taxi or area, ask someone who works in the restaurant. <br />
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10) When arriving in a new town in a strange country, keep to your original plan and stay in the hotel that you have already booked. Don't let the taxi driver persuade you that your hotel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He'll be working on commission and the hotel probably won't be in a safe part of town. <br />
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11) Don't wear expensive looking jewelry. Leave it at home or locked in the hotel safe.<br />
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12) On public transportation, keep your day pack close to you at all times, preferably with the straps around your legs or padlocked to the luggage rack. On buses, your backpack will normally go outside, either on top of the roof or in the external luggage compartments. On long distance buses ask for a receipt for your bags. On short rides just keep a careful eye out each time the bus stops to off-load bags. In the event your bags are stolen, stay with the bus - you will probably require a declaration from the bus company accepting responsibility for the loss in order to claim any money from your insurance company. <br />
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13) Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. Obtain a receipt not just for your money belt/wallet etc. but for its contents, with each item listed. <br />
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14) If you have to leave your passport and credit cards together at the hotel, place the items in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap. This way when you return you will know is it has been tampered with. <br />
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15) If planning on going to market areas, crowded streets, fiestas etc., don't go with all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. If you’re planning on buying something expensive keep your money safely in a money belt. Try to be discreet when opening it! To protect small change in your pockets, stuff a handkerchief in after. <br />
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16) If the pavement are really crowded, especially in market areas, walk in the road to avoid pick pockets<br />
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17) If you suspect someone is following you, stop and stare them in the eye until they go. If you really get a bad feeling about a place, go with your first instincts and leave. Bag slashing is rare nowadays but it does happen. For added safety you can wear your day pack on your chest. <br />
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18) When putting your bag down on the floor to take a photo or just to sit in a café, put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also won't forget it! This is the most common type of theft - tourists forgetting bags in cafes and on returning to ask if anyone has seen it, you've guessed it, it's gone.<br />
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Common sense is the first tip! If something does not feel right, you are probably correct. Always be safe when traveling so you can enjoy many more trips in the future!<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-51825129273666107312015-06-11T11:48:00.000-07:002015-06-11T11:48:43.645-07:00The Cross at Groom TexasI have been lucky to travel a lot in my life and I still do. My family and I love to travel the USA by car so we can see the amazing sights and points of history along the way. We don't often travel south but when we head to Oklahoma, we take the lower route. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7Wd_Zl84YyiTR6AHEubG1gC2RbmZHlPfe9sWD72sbnqFwzRVn1Sa04gCYtcT7J46X6Mj2pVlxigbuLB9VWUXbFNpTFyyYyCDggSUZGjQ-9c47ywTyos3Hd4OY6mu3_iBTJeExxfRYv2D/s1600/Cross+in+Groom+TX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7Wd_Zl84YyiTR6AHEubG1gC2RbmZHlPfe9sWD72sbnqFwzRVn1Sa04gCYtcT7J46X6Mj2pVlxigbuLB9VWUXbFNpTFyyYyCDggSUZGjQ-9c47ywTyos3Hd4OY6mu3_iBTJeExxfRYv2D/s320/Cross+in+Groom+TX.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As you travel across 1-40 in the Southwest there is a huge statement to the faith and dreams of one man that arises from the quiet countryside near Amarillo, TX. A statement to the the dedication and belief of a man has been years in the making. Finally in 1995, this huge cross was erected that is 19 stories tall and includes stunning life size bronze sculptures that show the stations of the cross and the story of the crucifixion Jesus. <br />
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It is a moving place that we visit each time we drive through. It is a perfect place to reflection and peace. I just love this spot and something you should check out. <br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-46879960143206370072015-03-02T15:06:00.000-08:002015-05-23T08:58:01.122-07:00Fun Things to Do in Yosemite National ParkYosemite National Park is renown worldwide for its gorgeous setting and peaceful environment. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, campers, and anyone that loves to get one on one with nature. Millions of people visit the park every year and the locals make time to visit often. It is a place where you will discover something new and different each time you visit. <br />
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Located in the Central Valley of California in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Yosemite offers stunning views of granite mountains, giant Sequoia trees and plenty of rushing water and waterfalls recognized throughout the world. When visiting California, it is a spot that must be on your list of places to visit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAylNEHjNoT02k5-0OD7E4uhuBVvuXuLC2_bVAQzdtufw1o_1_L8ZHJnRTaZQaz9hgxYX4pN1-AudWIYd4Z1RIeIQ7BZ_A4uICKXt9fGn8zotRZechAgfuruyRKkn5SdZlUSTp6lT7grE/s1600/Bridal+Veil+Falls+Yosemite+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAylNEHjNoT02k5-0OD7E4uhuBVvuXuLC2_bVAQzdtufw1o_1_L8ZHJnRTaZQaz9hgxYX4pN1-AudWIYd4Z1RIeIQ7BZ_A4uICKXt9fGn8zotRZechAgfuruyRKkn5SdZlUSTp6lT7grE/s400/Bridal+Veil+Falls+Yosemite+wm.jpg" /></a></div><br />
While nature has a lot to do with the park, there are a lot of fun activities that will entertain you and the kids too. Even though most of the 750,000 acres of the park is considered wilderness, the outdoor activities are exciting and fun for all ages. Here are some of the favorites the family will enjoy.<br />
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• Horseback Riding<br />
• Panning for Gold<br />
• Fishing<br />
• Rafting<br />
• Picnicking<br />
• Visit the Big Trees<br />
• Ansel Adams Gallery<br />
• Hiking<br />
• Camping<br />
• Tours<br />
• Photography<br />
• Bird Watching<br />
• Rock Climbing<br />
• Skiing, Snowboarding - Winter<br />
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Camping in the park is a wonderful experience but there are also many hotels and motels that are outside of the park and even a few inside the park too. You need to make sure to book early as the camping sites go quickly and the hotel rooms can be at a premium. The park is open all year round, but winter can see closures due to snow. Make sure to check ahead for road closures and weather conditions. This is Mountain territory!<br />
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Have fun in the park and visit often for the full experience of Yosemite! <br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-72297962578909577682015-02-24T15:31:00.000-08:002015-06-11T11:49:09.401-07:00Golden Mountains of YosemiteIt is no secret how beautiful Yosemite National Park is. If you have never experienced it, you need to make sure that you put it on your list of must see destinations. There is something special about the park during certain times of the year and in February the light from the setting sun hits the canyon and mountain walls just right. The light show is amazing and if you are lucky you can see an amazing sight much like I got to see this year.<br />
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Take on Valentine's Day, this is take from a small special spot called Hidden Lake. We happened upon it quite by accident waiting for the traffic to clear at about 4:30 or 5:00 in the evening. The sun was setting and I caught the most amazing sight. The mountains looked like they were made of gold and on fire! Maybe this is where the term The Golden State came from?? Plus I could get the reflection of the image n the lake, much like a mirror too! It was awesome!!<br />
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Enjoy one of the amazing images I got.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTC_U8UjMgtlVJsBSikssH7ijRj_BkEMQGDA082pqIRoyLUMWyfT-n88FlyUU934b0yPK6biMDobSsp8Fcxb6DhOy3j8O5JcopfIiQv-uDg2TPa5c8y_PVhYL_8LABBV2DIyMdlxLnTFM/s1600/Golden+Mountains+of+Yosemite+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTC_U8UjMgtlVJsBSikssH7ijRj_BkEMQGDA082pqIRoyLUMWyfT-n88FlyUU934b0yPK6biMDobSsp8Fcxb6DhOy3j8O5JcopfIiQv-uDg2TPa5c8y_PVhYL_8LABBV2DIyMdlxLnTFM/s640/Golden+Mountains+of+Yosemite+wm.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-36810174247944376622014-12-31T10:30:00.000-08:002015-01-02T10:36:03.908-08:00Wine Lovers Enjoy the Zinfandel Experience in San Francisco January 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YjtqU_2HuGdpveSBBHj0cWJ0BPhsiYgKBo47LNZ8-NrTdHqU_PCQd6QpmCz8G6cAgsW4x-srV-0vuS-a_RGTJ_L6Cnoj3HSAjybHLKyOguDTvE9YH495Ay5rIW0u7E8Juso_lXvzkjyj/s1600/Zinfandel+experience.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YjtqU_2HuGdpveSBBHj0cWJ0BPhsiYgKBo47LNZ8-NrTdHqU_PCQd6QpmCz8G6cAgsW4x-srV-0vuS-a_RGTJ_L6Cnoj3HSAjybHLKyOguDTvE9YH495Ay5rIW0u7E8Juso_lXvzkjyj/s400/Zinfandel+experience.png" /></a></div><br />
Attention Wine lovers! Combining a beautiful weekend escape with a wine tasting extravaganza is something you cannot miss! There is a cool event in California coming up that you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere and a perfect travel destination for the weekend! Wine, Weekend and San Francisco? A triple delight!<br />
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From January 29-30, 2015, Zin lovers from around the world can attend the <a href="http://www.zinfandelexperience.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zinfandel Experience</a> in San Francisco. The Zinfandel Experience is celebrating their 24th anniversary by treating you with three days of wine tasting, impressive culinary treats, and more! <br />
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This big event features a diverse selection of wines from renowned producers and specialty emerging wineries that offer amazing tastes of their specialty zins that you will not soon forget! Set in the historic and gorgeous Presido in San Francisco as well as the iconic Four Seasons Hotel, you are invited to enjoy the wonderful weekend of fun events, wine pairings and amazing meals from master chefs, plus a wealth of knowledge from winemakers from all over California and beyond.<br />
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Check out the Zinfandel Experience site for event information, winery lineup, tickets and weekend getaways today. Tickets are limited and so are the package deals. Make plans today for a wonderful weekend and enjoy the delights of the vine at this exciting event. I will be there on Saturday and hope to see you too!<br />
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-35629423373802833402014-11-28T15:21:00.000-08:002014-12-31T16:20:26.514-08:00Visiting the Hofsas House in Carmel California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NYXFDFV66NL-SE2Tckc6yWUN3CL0tfRc32TQYdvwII7lRbOh81x_rTNC_sViq3vslYcVdpsKbtt5huQKY1g9WwvOw5BgQ7lDxJpl4p_iNmDACtMWZnv6CswNubrZCS-j18Y7v8KyIPTJ/s1600/Hofsas+House+Mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NYXFDFV66NL-SE2Tckc6yWUN3CL0tfRc32TQYdvwII7lRbOh81x_rTNC_sViq3vslYcVdpsKbtt5huQKY1g9WwvOw5BgQ7lDxJpl4p_iNmDACtMWZnv6CswNubrZCS-j18Y7v8KyIPTJ/s400/Hofsas+House+Mural.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My hubby and I were excited to be able to spend a weekend away from home. It had been a while since we are able to escape and I cannot remember how long it has been since we went alone! So being able to take off to one of my favorite places made it even more exciting. So off to Carmel for a lovely stay at the Hofsas House for a fun weekend.<br />
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Situated right on San Carlos street in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, this quaint hotel has a definite Bavarian look and feel to it. It made me feel right at home! This hotel offers 38 unique rooms,many of which look out over the trees right to the ocean. There are even a few family rooms that sleep up to 6. The hotel is built right into a big hill and since it was raining a bit that weekend and we were treated to an amazing sunset each night. They offer a pool and a big meeting room with a kitchen and fireplace, perfect for business or pleasure. Some pets are welcome too.<br />
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Our original accommodations were for the 4th floor, but with hubby being handicapped, it was difficult for him to get up and down the stairs. The hosts were so accommodating and switched us to a third floor room, which is actually street level. While street parking is at a premium, they also put out a handicap parking sign so we could park easily on the street right by the room. Awesome. Other parking is below the hotel and seems ample.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3fo-EoGdE16kpLvJNzok72c4A8bd26YGWDszafyFmOGuPO-n3rURmHD1JreZeXMVYmdGhf65E7VnjklixJzKREJxseByO9eXNGvwUpXrpfdz0rpwWXs7UDo4znmlLP_YB8zXpP4Dt5Ug/s1600/Hofsas+House+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3fo-EoGdE16kpLvJNzok72c4A8bd26YGWDszafyFmOGuPO-n3rURmHD1JreZeXMVYmdGhf65E7VnjklixJzKREJxseByO9eXNGvwUpXrpfdz0rpwWXs7UDo4znmlLP_YB8zXpP4Dt5Ug/s400/Hofsas+House+Room.jpg" /></a></div>The room was delightful. We had a private balcony and enjoyed the views. The bed was sooo comfortable and we slept like rocks each night. It featured a small kitchenette, a full size bath with tub... not great for some one who is handicapped, but doable with assistance or your own bath seat. I loved the old time decor and tiny TV (who is there to watch TV anyway) and the mattress was new and felt awesome.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.hofsashouse.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hofsas House</a> features so many packages that you can elect to add on. They were wonderful in arranging our whole weekend. From a superb dinner at Anton & Michel's in Carmel to wine and cheese in our room. We also had the option for a fire and S'mores on the beach, which we elected not to do due to the wet weather. Each morning, the light continental breakfast is served next to the amazing fireplace in the lobby that features fabulous Danishes made by a local bakery. So good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOMshFAY8ZConiQ-QRo2oIMAFdKF-tWkE4ApgGhlYRJ1nNBymd2_7C3HkFUFAHfD8gABZletvq5oEPytRcT09l3rwLKnKYoVWkF6XlT6W3F5qO_Ndnm2tNT_SB32ou0m8xQDvEIvU1tFC/s1600/Hofsas+House+Lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOMshFAY8ZConiQ-QRo2oIMAFdKF-tWkE4ApgGhlYRJ1nNBymd2_7C3HkFUFAHfD8gABZletvq5oEPytRcT09l3rwLKnKYoVWkF6XlT6W3F5qO_Ndnm2tNT_SB32ou0m8xQDvEIvU1tFC/s400/Hofsas+House+Lobby.jpg" /></a></div>We also enjoyed the Carmel Wine Walk which was so much fun! You purchase a passbook of tickets to enjoy up to 9 samplings of wine at any or all of the 14 wineries in Carmel. This is a town made for walking and this Wine Walk is a fun thing to do for friends and couples. I love that the tickets do not expire so you can enjoy your samples any time you visit.<br />
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Another activity we enjoyed was a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located in Monterey, just a few minutes away, this aquarium is not one to be missed. A wonderful time for family of all ages!<br />
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Overall, we had a wonderful experience at the Hofsas House. It is one that we would be delighted to stay at again and again. everyone we met in town and at the hotel were so friendly and I look forward to returning in the Summer to spend time at the beach and do some shopping at all of the unique shops in town. <br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-8600267437939671272014-07-21T15:08:00.001-07:002014-07-21T15:08:34.248-07:00Central California Gilroy Garlic Festival Coming July 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZ5dF4sLJ1HuUM_LwmHYqHcSunXTFDYByNWTJjk_mWovkxE2SwmmZCFrFs0pG53VLLk-aZOCsJOcDy4x9vTFLA3wr1spYCohc0XLhj1XR9ExREdsclGY2zVmAPCQYdIGGO_L-ajguWJuT/s1600/ID-10079997+by+BrianHolm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZ5dF4sLJ1HuUM_LwmHYqHcSunXTFDYByNWTJjk_mWovkxE2SwmmZCFrFs0pG53VLLk-aZOCsJOcDy4x9vTFLA3wr1spYCohc0XLhj1XR9ExREdsclGY2zVmAPCQYdIGGO_L-ajguWJuT/s320/ID-10079997+by+BrianHolm.jpg" /></a></div>It is that time again. One of the most unique festivals that is held in Central California is coming up this month. It is less than a week away for the start of the Gilroy Garlic Festival. <br />
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Gilroy, located on Highway 101 south of San Jose and north of Salinas, is home to rich fertile land that offers the perfect weather for growing garlic. Gilroy has long been the home of amazing fields loaded with garlic of all sizes. The scent wafts through the small town throughout the harvest season and during one of the tastiest festivals around.<br />
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This year, the festival is held from July 25-27, 2014 to celebrate all things garlic. The festival has grown to include amazing foods created using the potent spice and garlic lovers from around the world travel to Gilroy to taste these amazing creations. Chefs, businesses, and garlic lovers combine to create amazing flavors and foods that you cannot resist. The <a href="http://gilroygarlicfestival.com/" target="new">Gilroy Garlic Festival</a> is a one of a kind fun time for the whole family. <br />
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You can enjoy such fun events as the Garlic Cook Off, Gourmet Food Alley, Kids Area, Art & Crafts, Garlic Ice Cream, the Wine Pavilion and Entertainment in the Amphitheater. <br />
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This year is the 36th annual and it will be yet another great time for a family outing. Open from 10am-7pm, there is plenty of activities and things to see for a fun day out. Plus you can download their app so you don't miss a thing! Check out the website for directions and more info on the festival.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-11594581196336391042014-07-14T12:59:00.000-07:002014-07-17T22:01:03.819-07:00Road Trip Essentials for Safe Summer Travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8PRLyNqqP3SMYxWrTfRi28ueLIx2ry8ibDvuCecJM99PasqK0FpIOVbxKl83ckDKsDuvfTUOiuC4gPBt0O3HizBA3gXyM804MjF_1bFexUf8EYnFJNFJOiYXhmPBFxXUdkJ2zGaX8D0M/s1600/ID-10046088+by+digitalart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8PRLyNqqP3SMYxWrTfRi28ueLIx2ry8ibDvuCecJM99PasqK0FpIOVbxKl83ckDKsDuvfTUOiuC4gPBt0O3HizBA3gXyM804MjF_1bFexUf8EYnFJNFJOiYXhmPBFxXUdkJ2zGaX8D0M/s400/ID-10046088+by+digitalart.jpg" /></a></div>I love a great road trip. I grew up traveling by car and spent many summers criss-crossing the country. Since I live 2000 miles from my family, I still travel cross country via car often and my son grew up the same way I did. It is so fun to see the sights and all that our country offers often missed when flying.<br />
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If you are planning a long distance car trip this summer, you have to check out the list of my favorite necessities and essentials for a safe journey. <br />
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<h3>Road Trip Essentials for Your Summer Travels</h3><br />
<h2>Emergency Service Assistance</h2>Always the first on my list is to make sure that my emergency service assistance is in effect and covers everything I need. AAA or a similar service often found through your car insurance is important. Often, there are discounts for hotels as well as a break down service that is a must have. I never leave home without my coverage and yes, we have used it - several times! Plus the hotel discounts really add up! Worth the investment<br />
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<h2>Medications or Prescriptions</h2>I know it is hard to imagine, but my hubby has forgotten his medications when we were traveling. Luckily, we used a national drugstore chain and were able to get an emergency refill easily but it did take some time. Plan out your medications to take with you along with some extra for emergencies. If you use a national chain you can have a supply refilled at your destination.<br />
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<h2>Health Insurance Information</h2>Don't leave home without your medical cards and insurance info. This also includes others that many be traveling with you, such as minors. We often have another child that travels along with us that is a friend of my son. We also carry their medical cards and a letter of authorization from the parents to be able to treat the child should something unexpected happen. This is very important as you would not be able to obtain medical care until the other parents are reached!<br />
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<h2>Your Will and Medical Directive Information</h2>If you are taking any kind of trip this needs to be in place before leaving. If something should happen, make sure that everything is covered as far as your needs and wishes. If you don't have your will completed, do one today and leave directions with a trusted family member or close personal friend where to find it. Don't forget your medical directive too! <br />
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<h2>Credit Card with Plenty of Room</h2>I always make sure to carry one credit card with plenty of room on it for emergencies like car break downs and unexpected expenses. I have had my motor home break down in the middle of New Mexico in 100+ weather with no A/C and no toilet and trust me, the card came in handy!<br />
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<h2>Plenty of Reading Materials and Things to Do</h2>For me, having plenty of reading material is must. When I am traveling I spend hours a day reading and crocheting. I hate to be bored and if I am not driving, I need something to do. Books on CD are awesome! The Harry Potter series is fabulous to listen to on road trips for kids and adults too! I remember one trip my son only brought a few things and within the first 3 hours he was bored. Needless to say, we stopped at the next big town to find more appropriate activities for him and it never happened again! He remembered :) <br />
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<h2>Tasty Healthy Snacks and Munchies</h2>Plenty of healthy snacks or the road is always on my list. We started traveling with my son when he was a baby and we never stopped. Trust me when I say snacks are a necessity whether you are on a ship, a plane or in the car. I carry healthy, easy to pack treats like peanuts, small cheese crackers, <a href="http://jerkyonthego.com">beef jerky</a>, dried fruits and similar non perishable snacks.<br />
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If a summer road trip is on your agenda this year, add these tips to your check list. Let me know what some of your must-have essentials are for your road trips.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-75442338023280946922014-06-25T11:23:00.000-07:002014-06-25T11:23:03.846-07:00Things to Do in Monterey County This Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxm5lnAIkDeEL4gTbVn33p4SLUlbtJIZpgROdc9dWpA5tjPNZad5PJWYynSJT2PeSblb73jwXfOLrWCk8b98EN3bpNji2-yW6y-F_CvsYqIIixQQ5n-Qtw_yStsUbSVO_AosWZwTpuQMk/s1600/1389128_footprints_in_the_sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxm5lnAIkDeEL4gTbVn33p4SLUlbtJIZpgROdc9dWpA5tjPNZad5PJWYynSJT2PeSblb73jwXfOLrWCk8b98EN3bpNji2-yW6y-F_CvsYqIIixQQ5n-Qtw_yStsUbSVO_AosWZwTpuQMk/s320/1389128_footprints_in_the_sand.jpg" /></a></div>One of my most favorite places to visit in California is the Monterey area. I was thrilled to be able to offer an article for <i><a href="http://exploringcaliforniaandbeyond.blogspot.com/p/published-articles.html" target="new">Things to See in Pebble Beach for the First Time Visitor</a></i> on Blog Monterey and today I am planning my next weekend getaway and I was excited to receive in my email the newest list of <a href="http://www.seemonterey.com/blog/post/2014/6/10-Reasons-to-Visit-Monterey-County-This-Summer/5597/" target="new">fabulous things to do in Monterey County this summer</a>. I just knew I had to share it with you.<br />
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The article is posted on the site through the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau and it offers many fabulous tips and destination that you will love. Always family friendly and plenty of good things to do and see. Whale watching, camping, beach activities, sport activities like kayaking and golf. How about art and wine festivals and even motor sports? There is always something going on in and around Monterey and Carmel. It is no wonder that it is a favorite destination for so many people, like my family!<br />
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If you are looking for fabulous things to do this summer, check out the Monterey area. I think you will love it, just like we do.<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-59913462710401994132014-05-12T10:30:00.000-07:002014-06-25T11:00:50.325-07:00Is Travel Insurance Worth the Money?There is one thing to know about travel and that is it can get expensive and quick. Traveling on a budget is doable with just as much fun. There are some things that you can forgo on a trip, but is travel insurance one of those things? Everyone is different and every trip is different. Here are some thoughts about travel insurance you should know before dismissing it entirely or just signing on the dotted line<br />
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<h2>Is Travel Insurance Worth the Money?</h2><br />
<strong>Lost Baggage Insurance</strong><br />
A major concern for many people is lost baggage. Before buying this coverage, know that if you use a credit card to pay for your ticket, this could be covered already depending on your card company. Check with your card provider for what travel insurance coverages are offered when using their credit card.<br />
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<strong>Non Refundable Ticket Coverage</strong><br />
If you know there is a chance for a change to your trip, then this product may be helpful to protect your money. It makes sense to buy if you cannot afford to lose the price of the tickets but always read the details of the coverage and what is covered and what is not. <br />
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<strong>Trip Cancellation Insurance</strong><br />
This type of insurance will come into effect if you need to cancel your trip before you leave. Canceling could be due to major illness, job loss, a natural disaster near your home, a death in the family, and similar issues. Trip Cancellation insurance could be a good choice for you if you have have a trip planned that includes multiple destinations or if you have issues that may come up that fall within the guidelines of the policy. There are also policies offered by some companies that will cover you if you cancel a trip for any reason. <br />
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<strong>Medical Insurance Coverage for International Destinations</strong><br />
If you already have health insurance, check with your provider before leaving the country. Most health insurance companies will not cover illness, hospital stays or emergency evacuations while out of the country. In that case, purchasing a short term medical policy for international trips could be smart. Make sure to look for exemptions for pre-existing conditions, if necessary and read the policy completely before purchase.<br />
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<b>Look for a Top Rated Insurance Company</b> <br />
Don't try and save a few bucks on insurance as the exclusions may cover more than the coverages. Do your research and choose the best policy for your needs and your trip. Make sure to check credit card companies for included coverage before purchasing additional coverage too.<br />
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There are many more types of travel insurance offered but these are just a few that concern many travelers. Traveling can be costly on its own but so can missing flights, connections, hotels and more. Having insurance in place for the larger trips can be a safe money bet. Check it out before your book your next large trip.<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-34980978498811036422014-04-02T09:42:00.000-07:002014-06-18T10:22:30.821-07:00Entertaining Activity While Visiting San Francisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2Dl2RgTux5bGeoC1tMSmQ7ulV6hyphenhyphenqNangNgWYZu5JCsQVGLdklcCEGayzxpgJMxNIzllyV9KWGz6EORsbVpbEaIGsx2xoR_519j7PVrk_cLCTJBzYQAAjSlhMCUzMKj4MbDhVIrXWrSc/s1600/City+from+Fort+Point+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2Dl2RgTux5bGeoC1tMSmQ7ulV6hyphenhyphenqNangNgWYZu5JCsQVGLdklcCEGayzxpgJMxNIzllyV9KWGz6EORsbVpbEaIGsx2xoR_519j7PVrk_cLCTJBzYQAAjSlhMCUzMKj4MbDhVIrXWrSc/s640/City+from+Fort+Point+wm.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If you are a movie lover, I have a fun activity that you and your family can do while visiting San Francisco. Several months ago, we were visiting with friends in the city and we took a movie tour through the streets of San Francisco that was so fun and entertaining! <a href="http://www.sanfranciscomovietours.com/" rel="nofollow target="new">San Francisco Movie Tours</a> is a small bus tour that is unlike any tour we have done before.<br />
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As a previous long time resident of the Bay Area, I have spent hours and hours in the city and have seen most of the city sights. So when we first talked about doing this tour, I was kind of ambivalent about it. I figured it would take us through the typical areas of the city. But once we got into the the comfy bus and started the tour, I was excited. The tour guide is an actor that has had small parts in many movies and the entire tour is timed to match the clips of movies that you see running on the TV screens in the bus. <br />
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This tour shows over 70 different scenes from movies and TV shows that were made in San Francisco. It even goes a bit into the music industry during the famous Haight-Ashbury eras. I have to say that there were many many areas of the city that this tour took us on that I had never seen before. The ride was comfortable and very entertaining. Our teenage son also was on the tour with us and he enjoyed the trip too!<br />
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I liked that you can pick up this tour right at Fisherman's Wharf and we took the morning tour which I am glad we did. Parking was a breeze and the traffic was not horrible during the tours. We have recommended the San Francisco Movie Tour to many of our friends that have visited the city. IT is a fun way to see so many parts of this beautiful town in an exciting and entertaining way.<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-53750297623991698492014-02-04T11:07:00.000-08:002014-02-17T08:01:02.750-08:00Studio Diner in San Diego Serves Up Diner Classics <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWEZxgjaUX4KiJpZ1X1CmSjT07Xv1V_xYOVOp-XMo2BGQXbvSgTdOa7LbtDVdi5VesEfR1nEtsi5ThoX184Wor8-cpwk6mPHdMJQuJ0O-sJsDiiXE_d4-suc9PyHQljdwX1nJTv2aoIrQ/s1600/Studio+Diner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: center; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Studio Diner Front http://exploringcaliforniaandbeyond.blogspot.com/2014/02/studio-diner-in-san-diego-serves-up.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWEZxgjaUX4KiJpZ1X1CmSjT07Xv1V_xYOVOp-XMo2BGQXbvSgTdOa7LbtDVdi5VesEfR1nEtsi5ThoX184Wor8-cpwk6mPHdMJQuJ0O-sJsDiiXE_d4-suc9PyHQljdwX1nJTv2aoIrQ/s320/Studio+Diner.jpg" title="Studio Diner in San Diego Serves up Diner Classics on Exploring California and Beyond Travel Blog" /></a></div><br />
One of our favorite places to visit is San Diego. Jon lived there for many years and it is still a favorite city. Home to Naval bases and plenty of sunshine, there is always something to do in this city. We got a chance to visit a few weeks ago and stayed in the Claremont Mesa area of town. One of the places we ate has become a favorite of both locals and visitors alike. <br />
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Studio Diner<br />
4701 Ruffin Road<br />
San Diego, CA 92123<br />
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Studio Diner lives up to it's name as it located on the lot of a working movie and TV studio, Stu Segall Productions. They have produced such TV shows as <i>Silk Stalkings</i> and <i>Renegade</i>. The diner was added to feed the crew 24/7 and what restaurant would be a better fit than a traditional All American diner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk-LsCdJUtj5VyRSUuG1C8JHPJiBPBMzg1NkFksCM492cNtQrTnsq47NjSfuy2olIVi7V4-8DMtXQ_1IenEkkF5DX-fUrCq7gl6kcoHW9PxjSpZhrggt3XEsR1roVvhEsdOtXKGxBI35u/s1600/Studio+Diner+Dude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Studio Diner Dude http://exploringcaliforniaandbeyond.blogspot.com/2014/02/studio-diner-in-san-diego-serves-up.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk-LsCdJUtj5VyRSUuG1C8JHPJiBPBMzg1NkFksCM492cNtQrTnsq47NjSfuy2olIVi7V4-8DMtXQ_1IenEkkF5DX-fUrCq7gl6kcoHW9PxjSpZhrggt3XEsR1roVvhEsdOtXKGxBI35u/s320/Studio+Diner+Dude.jpg" title="Studio Diner Serves up Diner Classics - on Exploring California and Beyond Travel Blog" /></a></div>Studio Diner serves up delicious traditional diner classics but adds many fabulous twists. Our family and friends enjoyed a delicious meal that is very filling and was wonderfully made. The atmosphere adds a lot to the experience too with movie memorabilia and such - like this guy who is outside on the patio. <br />
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Since this is a diner, we were a bit concerned with handicap accessibility as diners are traditional small and packed. We did not need to worry as there are plenty of tables and chairs and an entire patio out back that was perfect for us. Jon was able to roll though the diner with little concern and we replaced the plastic chairs outside for a regular wooden chair. We did not visit the rest room, so we have no info on the accessibility there.<br />
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All of our meals were delicious and we enjoyed sharing a bit of this and that. There a huge selection of breakfast classics, sandwiches, salads and regular meals. Great menu all around and we will definitely be back for more next time we visit!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0San Diego, CA 92123, USA32.8102534 -117.1323578999999932.703502900000004 -117.29371939999999 32.9170039 -116.97099639999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-4495985827915918122014-01-27T09:59:00.000-08:002014-02-19T18:01:15.329-08:00Things to do When Visiting Merced, CAMerced is situated along Highway 99 and known as the "Gateway to Yosemite" so it is home to many hotels and motels convenient for lodging before the trip into Yosemite Valley. Merced sees thousands of visitors a year that may be looking for some family activities while spending a few days in town.<br />
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Here are some local features that you may be interested in checking out for some family fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv5skF3HiRlukTK8v6E16MbylMLw9x6RpHD24AjrwqhNjvBJUvHR45X_xpMsBIHs3uMe-QSXDKsAH7rMA1gFJVJJmaK5VhKaUTqhhKnxoCne3i3G4t-Gvy_XxeevdCSzvPmKmra4xs3PL/s1600/UA+Regency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv5skF3HiRlukTK8v6E16MbylMLw9x6RpHD24AjrwqhNjvBJUvHR45X_xpMsBIHs3uMe-QSXDKsAH7rMA1gFJVJJmaK5VhKaUTqhhKnxoCne3i3G4t-Gvy_XxeevdCSzvPmKmra4xs3PL/s400/UA+Regency.jpg" /></a></div><b>* Movie Theaters</b> - Merced has 3 theaters in town; one at the Merced Mall (UA Regency), one downtown on Main Street (Main Place Stadium Theater) and the third is also on Main Street (<a href="http://www.mercedtheatre.org/" rel="nofollow" target"_blank">Merced Theater</a>) and shows classic movies, headline events and other features. <br />
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<b>* Playhouse Merced</b> - offers plays by local actors. Great family enjoyment in a small setting, the plays are well done and feature a range of showtimes.<br />
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<b>* Bowling</b> - The only bowling center is in Atwater, approximately 7 miles north. Bellevue Bowl is located on Bellevue Road and is easily accessed from the highway.<br />
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<b>* Fitness Centers</b> - Merced has a number of fitness centers - InShape City- in various locations all over town. Several have pools and child care available.<br />
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<b>* Shopping Mall</b> - Merced does have a shopping mall with the main anchors of JC Penney, Kohl's, CVS Drug Store, and Sears, along with many smaller stores located on Olive Avenue. It is clean and well attended and perfect for forgotten purchases or something to do on a rainy day.<br />
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<b>* Local Shopping</b> - Downtown Merced has many various stores for shopping. Visit Main Street and surrounding areas for nice local shops as well as Bear Creek Galleria on G Street. Olive Avenue also has plenty of shops such as Barnes and Noble, Lowes, Pier I and more. Go North on G to Yosemite Ave and turn right to The Promenade and other local shops and restaurants, like Strings Cafe.<br />
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<b>* Farmers Markets</b> and street fairs also occur in the downtown Main St area. The Merced Certified Farmers Market is located at 19Th and N every Saturday from 8-12pm all year long! Also located in The Promenade center from May to Dec. 8-12pm each Wednesday<br />
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<b>* Merced Multi-Cultural Center</b> - Offer displays of artwork and other features by artists. Located on Main Street in Merced<br />
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<b>* Parks and Outdoor Fun</b> - Merced offer several parks that are of note for family fun. Applegate Park offers a lovely setting for family picnics and enjoyment. With playgrounds and equipment for kids at KiddieLand and the Applegate Zoo. Also Lake Yosemite in North Merced offers water activities and picnic areas.<br />
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<b>* Roller Skating</b> - For a relaxing afternoon on skates, Rollerland offers a great way for everyone to burn off some steam and excess energy! A fun family activity.<br />
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<b>* Castle Museum -</b> Located in Atwater on Santa Fe Road, Castle Air Museum offers daily tours of Military aircraft definitely worth seeing. <br />
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Next time you are visiting Merced or just passing through looking for something to do, check out some of these activities that you and the family will enjoy.<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-26985709402096625652014-01-12T18:55:00.000-08:002014-01-22T20:46:42.486-08:00Nuts Fresh From the Farm at Buchanan Hollow Nut Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qE_GLhfZEd1IB3070kErm7ox4RHv1XN5z3qalShOTbmOQGstPGwOKJ4hcBypMKhyhcEwdy7kSN2IZeNz6U8hUc20YQTRr6axHUHvV1cb-98Hkv4-itlfEeKrFgFFsix45-z7SW2HoOdC/s1600/buchanan+hollow+nut+co.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nuts Fresh From the Farm at Buchanan Hollow Nut Company http://exploringcaliforniaandbeyond.blogspot.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qE_GLhfZEd1IB3070kErm7ox4RHv1XN5z3qalShOTbmOQGstPGwOKJ4hcBypMKhyhcEwdy7kSN2IZeNz6U8hUc20YQTRr6axHUHvV1cb-98Hkv4-itlfEeKrFgFFsix45-z7SW2HoOdC/s400/buchanan+hollow+nut+co.png" title="Nuts Fresh From the Farm at Buchanan Hollow Nut Company on Exploring California and Beyond" /></a></div><br />
Living in the Central Valley of California has a lot of benefits. The most important one for me is that this is the main growing area for amazing nuts and fruits that get delivered all over the world. We are surrounded by beautiful almond trees, walnuts, pistachios, peaches, apples, grapes and so much more! Fresh is definitely best.<br />
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One of my favorite places to buy my fresh nuts is a nut company located in the heart of Merced County, in a small town called Le Grand. For 30 years <a blank="" href="http://www.bhnc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buchanan Hollow Nut Company</a> has been providing quality nuts, dried fruits and candies from California's San Joaquin Valley. Locally owned, BHNC provides a fabulous section of the freshest nuts around. My favorite is their 4 Nut Brittle which is made right there in the shop. So good! Their chocolate covered nuts and chocolate covered raisins are amazing as well. Only the highest quality ingredients are used and you can taste the difference!<br />
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Buchanan Hollow Nut Company ships all over the world, in bulk or packaged for gift giving. Their organic pistachios, organic almonds and walnuts are grown right there on the farm. You can stop by the shop, take a farm tour or visit them through their website for pictures and order placement. The shop is full of sweet gifts and the owners watercolors too! <br />
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If you love fresh nuts and fruits right from the farm and the local huller, you owe it to your self to take a drive to see and shop at Buchanan Hollow Nut Company. They are located off of Highway 99 just north of the Chowchilla exit on Minturn Road. It's worth the trip and you will be hooked. That stuff in the stores will never be good enough again!<br />
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-13854112590650442014-01-04T10:24:00.000-08:002014-01-09T10:34:39.254-08:00Take a Virtual Tour of California<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMs_15uTw4n8nTrvBa-n-Lhj3fUuedIv2rPse-SH7bf1DtfdxPMmPpsFzgX81dnV-kAHhULetvSsdSmkAtO1o_thv0eDkaUQTPi8FXxHbBiYtblyswstyFINeOY5g8Jqz7vROFk5hoXeR/s1600/exsus+Hiway+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMs_15uTw4n8nTrvBa-n-Lhj3fUuedIv2rPse-SH7bf1DtfdxPMmPpsFzgX81dnV-kAHhULetvSsdSmkAtO1o_thv0eDkaUQTPi8FXxHbBiYtblyswstyFINeOY5g8Jqz7vROFk5hoXeR/s400/exsus+Hiway+1.png" /></a></div>California has been in the travel destinations of millions of people over the years. If it is still one place that you have been wanting to visit but have not actually made it here yet, now you can take a virtual tour of Highway One and the Pacific Coast Highway! It is a cool new way to visit before you get to visit.<br />
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Seated in a classic Cadillac Eldorado, you'll travel from the Redwood Highway in North California before joining Highway One, passing Big Sur, San Francisco, Morro Bay and into the culture capital of Los Angeles before heading into San Diego, stopping in a few places along the way.<br />
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You can take the <a href="http://www.exsus.com/highway-one-roadtrip/" rel="nofollow" Target="new">virtual trip along Highway One</a> yourself by simply clicking on the link and waiting for it to load and then scroll down to start your journey. The designers did a great job adding fun things along the way like Guides, a Mailbox even a radio! PLus it is interactive with Google maps so you can really see where you are.<br />
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What a great to to "see" California and get a feel for the state. Enjoy!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-68906659105133650732013-12-27T13:34:00.000-08:002014-01-18T17:19:32.583-08:00Chilis Restaurant Dinner Review in Turlock, Ca<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMGoDd59CgUIwqpr8JIX_QoNHqOiOSFGjGUcM-VpnVHpXhw-TSKDnAkefPxT3XK8EP81d7OrpDVHKJTMA9byyBzx0ix4sFZs_qNtoUyQqNJi2AN5xz9paW9bclxgiamBqe3On5EbVU34q/s1600/chilis+appetizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMGoDd59CgUIwqpr8JIX_QoNHqOiOSFGjGUcM-VpnVHpXhw-TSKDnAkefPxT3XK8EP81d7OrpDVHKJTMA9byyBzx0ix4sFZs_qNtoUyQqNJi2AN5xz9paW9bclxgiamBqe3On5EbVU34q/s1600/chilis+appetizer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have been on a mission to try more restaurants that have been popping up around me. We tend to get stuck in a rut and go to the same places over and over and there are so many places that offer great food to eat and enjoy. I cannot tell you how long it has been since I had eaten at Chili's restaurant, so I grabbed my girlfriend and headed over for an afternoon of relaxing chit chat.<br />
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We went to the Turlock location and the atmosphere was nice. Their tables were comfortable and they offered great iced tea! I had the mango and it was delicious! <br />
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We started off our meal with the Chips and Queso dip. Really super delicious. The chips were light and airy, not greasy at all! The dip was very good. I wanted more! For the meal, I selected the mini burgers, Big Mouth Bites and fries and it was excellent! My friend had the ribs and this too was excellent. She even got to play with the sauces and ended up mixing two together for the perfect BBQ sauce for her ribs! We topped off our date with dessert and gosh, it was fabulous! We decided on the cheesecake with strawberry sauce and this was the best tasting cheesecake I have had in a loooong time! <br />
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Everything was most excellent and I was so glad I came. The wait staff was great and very attentive. It had been years since I had eaten at Chili's and now I have a new place to go! I cannot wait to go back with my family so they can try it too. They are located right off of Highway 99 In Turlock, Ca. A perfect location for a family dinner if you are traveling through the area too.<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-69913898021658504112013-12-19T21:22:00.001-08:002013-12-19T21:23:23.676-08:00Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurant Dinner Review<br />
One of my favorite meals, hands down, is Mexican food. Living in the Bay Area of San Francisco for 25+ years, I had eaten at Chevy's Fresh Mex a few times as it is a Bay Area based restaurant chain. But it has been at least 15 years since I dined there, so when the opportunity came for me to do a dinner review for them, I was excited to see how they have changed through the years.<br />
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My son and I went to the Modesto, Ca location to check out the Chevy's. When we arrived, it was about 4:30 on a Saturday and there were quite a few people in the restaurant surprisingly at that time of day. The ladies at the hostess podium were extremely polite and we were seated immediately.<br />
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Within a minute or two we were brought chips and salsa and within another minute our server was at our side getting drinks and explaining the specials of the day. My son and I were given ample time to review the menu, discuss what we wanted to have and all the while was attended to by the server. Our drinks were never empty and we enjoyed being spoiled.<br />
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The menu is a wonderful mixture of traditional Mexican dishes along with beautiful salads and seafood. With all of the tasty choices we had a difficult time deciding on what to try. One of my favorite dishes that I love is cheese enchilada's and theirs is made with a New Mexico red sauce, which is one of my favorites, so I ordered that with a Carnitas Taco, beans and rice. My son ordered the same but with their Spicy Beef taco.<br />
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Our food came out quickly and we devoured our meal. The food was incredibly awesome! It was full of flavor and prepared just right. Plus the food was nice and hot... which is a biggie for me. The red sauce was fabulous and all I could think of was that my hubby was going to be annoyed that he was not here to to enjoy this food. This is exactly the type of Mexican food he loves; full of flavor and not spicy at all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmS8lyQ1CAAzJD39qga9qER4rKBN3DwS2l4BIesco169wFLDgXPHMeRq8cC9aWhP42Dys7QxXai5mQOH2K2Lid4cLQ28Hxy-zdemmvxiAX7ZE-Sz7bLOzcgB94J8vK_g8gQfcFBr2Xby5/s1600/chevys+dessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmS8lyQ1CAAzJD39qga9qER4rKBN3DwS2l4BIesco169wFLDgXPHMeRq8cC9aWhP42Dys7QxXai5mQOH2K2Lid4cLQ28Hxy-zdemmvxiAX7ZE-Sz7bLOzcgB94J8vK_g8gQfcFBr2Xby5/s320/chevys+dessert.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My son ordered the Fried Ice Cream after we were done with our meal. It came in a margarita glass on a bed of cinnamon sugar tortilla strips that were so delicious! My son let me taste 2 bites of it and that was about it. So I enjoyed my coffee instead!<br />
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Honestly, I am pleasantly impressed with the quality of the food at Chevy's Fresh Mex. It is amazingly good and I am thrilled to have been able to rediscover this restaurant. My son absolutely Loved his meal and asked when we would be coming back. My hubby I know would love it too. <br />
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Thanks Chevy's and Chevy's Modesto for a fabulous experience!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-7642133854595394672013-12-15T20:42:00.002-08:002013-12-16T13:21:27.925-08:00Top Must Have Items for TravelingI love to travel and with all of the moving and traveling I have done over the years, I have complied a list of items that I have to bring with me for a comfortable, easy travel experience. I think we all find ourselves with a loss when we forget an important item so having a great list that can be added to as time goes on works for me! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwUJTVkRFhq-raWeMadapk1HnfA465tzjERPu2Q85bdDaTi3nNh680ankwgVRb0DTUC7aUSVr8JaXp8blMhKWi1AKJ6jjpg9n6hB_N03Pz4biYvwqyggWLYaATexUpbkM6bWzZ-heHKvM/s1600/sign-trip--group-ticket-and-passport-holidays-abroad-1416932-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Top Must Have Items for Traveling http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1416932" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwUJTVkRFhq-raWeMadapk1HnfA465tzjERPu2Q85bdDaTi3nNh680ankwgVRb0DTUC7aUSVr8JaXp8blMhKWi1AKJ6jjpg9n6hB_N03Pz4biYvwqyggWLYaATexUpbkM6bWzZ-heHKvM/s320/sign-trip--group-ticket-and-passport-holidays-abroad-1416932-m.jpg" title="Top Must Have Items for Traveling" /></a></div><br />
<b>Here are my top picks for Must Have Travel Items</b><br />
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** Slide off Shoes - Must have for flying and perfect for getting comfy in the car<br />
** A sturdy tote that can be used for a carry on and as a purse<br />
** A wrap or pashmina that can go in a tote <br />
** Plenty of reading material in print and in ebook form<br />
** Snacks that travel well like jerky, crackers, nuts, etc.<br />
** Large bottles of Water<br />
** Crocheting project of some sort that can go in my tote for when I get bored<br />
** Medical info, copies of credit and debit cards, and passport <br />
** Advil and small medical kit<br />
** Copies of pet medical info, if applicable<br />
** Pet collar with mobile contact info, if your pet is traveling too<br />
** plenty of Lip Balm and lotion<br />
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I know some of my items are odd, but I don't like to be without reading materials or a crochet project in case I get bored. Water, food, Advil and lip balms are a top priority for me!<br />
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What is on your Must Have Travel Item list?<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-52494031433480926732013-12-07T13:46:00.002-08:002013-12-07T23:18:49.921-08:00Holiday Travel Tips For Traveling With Your DogTraveling with a pet can be stressful. Not only for your pet but also for the family. Stopping additional times along the way will add time to your trip. Finding places for your dog to run and play takes valuable time too. But we love to be with our pets, especially during the holiday since they are such a big part of our lives.<br />
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There is a a new book out that focuses on traveling with your pets. New from Simon and Schuster is <i>DogTipper’s Texas with Dogs</i> written by Paris Permenter and John Bigley. They offer up some fabulous tips and tricks that you can use for traveling safely with your pet this holiday season. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWdStGFsT1i2_2bf48AugzLqFBY8bi8tyS2zoSOZyfALAnWGuAB3qPWnMylLROjffhozs-qxXIeezpDwg5dfXObsRbdQRvs3qvjD4zkW2XJmzmxrs7HnhdkvM0Mor5ZuY43pqglmrx_57/s1600/Louie+Nov+2010+wm+Travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Holiday Travel Tips For Traveling With Your Dog image property of http://exploringcaliforniaandbeyond.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWdStGFsT1i2_2bf48AugzLqFBY8bi8tyS2zoSOZyfALAnWGuAB3qPWnMylLROjffhozs-qxXIeezpDwg5dfXObsRbdQRvs3qvjD4zkW2XJmzmxrs7HnhdkvM0Mor5ZuY43pqglmrx_57/s320/Louie+Nov+2010+wm+Travel.jpg" title="Holiday Travel Tips For Traveling With Your Dog" /></a></div><br />
“Traveling with your dog can be a stress reliever during what is a stressful time of year for many people,” explains Paris Permenter. “Not only will you not have to worry about boarding your dog while you’re traveling, but having your dog along can also serve as a great icebreaker at family get to-togethers.”<br />
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Before making plans to deck the halls on a trip with your dog, here are 10 tips to make sure you—and your dog—have a jolly time this holiday season:<br />
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<b>1. Plan in advance.</b> Make plans early during this peak travel time. When booking, call the hotel directly and let them know the size and breed of your dog so there are no surprises at check-in.<br />
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<b>2. Watch out for ornaments and decorations.</b> Decorations, from tinsel to ornaments to lights, present chewing and choking hazards. Even if your dog ignores decorations at home, he may be tempted in a new environment.<br />
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<b>3. Be prepared for accidents.</b> Pet accidents happen, even with the most reliably housetrained pets. Carry a roll of paper towels and a cleaner such as Rug Doctor Urine Eliminator spray for quick cleanups and to keep from putting your hotel pet deposit (or your relatives’ good humor) at risk.<br />
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<b>4. Make a pre-trip vet visit.</b> If you’re traveling out of state by car or traveling anywhere with your dog by plane, visit your vet to obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Make sure your dog is current on vaccinations and ask for an immunization record to carry as well.<br />
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<b>5. Carry your dog’s food and treats.</b> The holidays may be a time for us to indulge (or over-indulge) on food and treats but our dogs should be kept on their usual diet to avoid tummy upset.<br />
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<b>6. Place an extra ID tag on your dog.</b> Consider a special dog tag with your cell phone number. If you’ll be at one location for several days, make a tag with your holiday number and address as well.<br />
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<b>7. Buckle up.</b> Icy roads and heavy holiday traffic are two more reasons to always buckle up furry family members, just as children are always buckled up in the car.<br />
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<b>8. Keep your dog warm and dry.</b> If you’ll be walking in snow or ice, be sure your dog’s paws are protected with booties. Many dogs also appreciate a warm sweater or coat.<br />
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<b>9. Carry the scent of home.</b> Whether a blanket, a doggie duvet, or just a plush toy, bring along the scent of home for time on the road and for your hotel stay.<br />
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<b>10. Be prepared to travel more slowly.</b> Just as if traveling with a small child, your holiday travel is going to be enjoyed at a little slower pace with your dog. Make time for more frequent potty stops and at least one hour of walking per day. And don’t forget to work plenty of time together into your schedule. After all, isn’t that what a holiday with your best friend is all about?<br />
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<b>About DogTipper’s Texas with Dogs</b><br />
DogTipper’s Texas with Dogs (Open Road, distributed by Simon and Schuster) features the best dog-friendly destinations across Texas. The full-color book was written by Paris Permenter and John Bigley, founders of the award-winning DogTipper.com. The 10,000+ page site features tips for dog lovers, giveaways, recipes, and more. Paris Permenter, a certified dog trainer and America’s Pet Economist™, also co-hosts the weekly Dog Travel Experts radio show with tips on traveling with your dog. For more information, visit www.dogtipper.com and www.TexaswithDogs.com.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09548860204544950268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905856207747761981.post-70383924750197997142013-12-01T10:55:00.000-08:002014-07-06T10:01:28.029-07:00A Quick Trip Through Owen's Valley: California's High Desert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbHdi4z1Y7GoEDwzfOXXYyC5kDoBKqBLksnyB_ClVbusSr9XUImEzfcfcE9K4VOS8vVmwdXrNfCBLVg93UfIkRaX0J1N2LmPNIdA3HG8G3AuiKEnCOv0H1T3K42tR_-jIYzJ3KiuGbqh8/s1600/death-valley-4-885293-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Quick Trip Thru Owens Valley: Californias High Desert http://www.sxc.hu/photo/885293" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbHdi4z1Y7GoEDwzfOXXYyC5kDoBKqBLksnyB_ClVbusSr9XUImEzfcfcE9K4VOS8vVmwdXrNfCBLVg93UfIkRaX0J1N2LmPNIdA3HG8G3AuiKEnCOv0H1T3K42tR_-jIYzJ3KiuGbqh8/s320/death-valley-4-885293-m.jpg" title="A Quick Trip Through Owens Valley: Californias High Desert" /></a></div>California is known by many as land of beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Reality is so much more than that. California is also home to huge mountains ranges, the main one being the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This creates many different climates, from the desert heat to ski slopes. One of the more historic areas of the state is the Owens Valley. This is located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in a lesser populated portion of the state.<br />
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Owens Valley is located on Highway 395 and is made up of several towns such as Bishop, Independence, Big Pine, and Lone Pine. This area is rich in history and it was also a favorite of the movie makers. Many western movies starring Roy Rogers to John Wayne have been made in the Owens Valley. The area is also famous for other reasons, such as Independence was where Charles Manson was held after being caught at the Spann movie ranch and the area offers one of the largest Elk populations in the country.<br />
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As you are traveling through the area there are many great places to stay and stop:<br />
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** Tom's Cabin for trout fishing.<br />
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** Stop at the several museums in each town<br />
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** Lee's Frontier great place to stop, has a great deli, soups and sandwiches made to order. Also a non petting zoo and the best food on 395.<br />
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** Alabama Hills Inn (Best Western) offers great movie memorabilia and décor<br />
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** Boulder Creek RV park is a wonderful place to stay with pull thru sites, rental cabins, convenience store, playground and pet friendly.<br />
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** Check out the Bishop Mule Days festival<br />
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If you are looking for a beautiful drive with tons of history, check out the Owens Valley.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761375897816094866noreply@blogger.com0