BS: California: where to go? what to see?

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 04:26 PM

Also note the show prices- $135 for Bette Midler, and $114-175 for Cirque de Soleil.
The latter is one fantastic show.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 04:22 PM

Las Vegas- Reserve your tickets now! You will be disappointed if you wait till you get there.

This site has the fullest listing, and has a calender of coming openings.
Shows

I am not a fan, but friends have come back with tales of disappointment, or having to pay extra to a scalper.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 03:48 PM

"I'd like to see the Redwoods but that might be a bit far."

There are some fairly impressive stands of redwoods close to San Francisco, just north of the Golden Gate around Mt Tam ~ is it the John Muir National Forest, or something like that? I've never been farther north to the larger and more famous redwood sites, but I found the rather more modest Marin County forest worthy of my attention.

In regard to Las Vegas ~ be sure not to lose your vacation money before your vacation really begins!

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 03:32 PM

Why Las Vegas ?

Partly for the same reason that I had to give in to one day at Disney when we went to Florida – the wife wants to go.

The main reason, though, is to have a couple of days to recover from the flight and adjust to the time change before we start driving long distances. Las Vegas gives us entertainment without putting any effort in and, yes, I would like to see a show while I'm there.

DC

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 03:22 PM

So many ideas – and all of them sound good. I'm in the middle of checking them out against various maps and guide books.

My better half is making a strong play for Yosemite but I take the point about the waterfalls in August. I'd like to see the Redwoods but that might be a bit far. The idea of gliding with condors sounds wonderful. That combined with the wine train puts the Napa valley high on the list.

There's still plenty of time to change our ides but it looks as if we would be heading north rather than south.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I'll keep watching in case any other good ideas come to light.

DC

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 03:15 PM

For railroad buffs, the Railroad Museum in Sacramento is a must.

heric's remarks about heat on 395 and into Yosemite being mighty hot and less interesting in the summer also apply to the route I suggested- 95 to Tonopah, and across to Yosemite.

It's hard to suggest a route from Las Vegas. Cutting west from Nevada, we took the Virginia City (interesting) Reno route, since an early stop in CA had to be Sacramento, where we have relatives.

Why Las Vegas ? Unless you have friends, relatives or like the shows they do there.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: heric
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 02:09 PM

Not too inexperienced. I've been your neighbor here in San Diego for well over twenty years. I wouldn't live anywhere else. I'm just green with envy over Mr. Chadwick's trip.

(I would change my vote and say it's worth the extra hour to San Diego to go up the south coast, if this driving is not too much for him.)

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:12 PM

Heric:

Your discourteous remarks about Southern California reek of inexperienced bigotry, sir, ignorance and insensitivity.

However, given the numbers of people who come to learn the facts each year, and having done so refuse to depart, I shall not discourage you.


A

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: GUEST,astro
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:20 PM

For contra dance, you might look at the google california dance coop...

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: GUEST,astro
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:18 PM

Rapaire, you've been in Idaho too long (though I don't really believe that since I was born and raised in Twin Falls, Id and love it there, in fact, was just in Pocatello), but there are wonderful things to do and to see south of your line...

You might look at what is going on at McCabe's guitar shop in Santa Monica if you are around, there are a lot of happenings going on in southern california. You might look at the website "www.folkworks.org". It provides a great calendar for activities in southern california...also if you like to dance, there is a dance going on every weekend with live musicians (as opposed to dead). There are jam sessions every week and on and on and on...Of course, you should think about the music being performed at the Hollywood Bowl, just remember to bring a bottle of wine and a great picnic...

astro in LA

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:11 PM

Distances, schmistances... we recently returned from a 2-week little jaunt that came to 3500 miles: LA to Berkeley to Seattle to eastern Idaho (via northern Idaho & Montana), then thru Utah to southern Arizona. If you stick to California, Nevada, and Arizona, you'll be fine. ;-)

[Rapaire -- we waved as we drove around Pocatello briefly; it might have looked a little strange to some folks...]

Actually, I'd echo that thought about the distances involved -- it's a day's drive (6 hours) between LA and San Francisco, and that's driving fast on Interstate 5 (not the scenic route). Get a map and wrap your head around what it will really take, and how much time you want to spend where.

~ Becky in Tucson (where it's hotter than the Grand Canyon in August; assuming that you're not hiking down to the bottom, the canyon rim is at a pretty high elevation, and not too bad... relatively speaking!)

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:29 PM

Good point, Rig.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: pdq
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:47 PM

If you are going south from Joe Offer's place and heading toward Yosemite, the road to take is HWY 49. I will give you a tour of the Gold Country. Also goes near the sight of the jumping frog contest we know from Mark Twain.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:42 PM

The town of Napa itself is a blot on the Napa Valley (just plain town, not what a tourist wants). Heric's suggestion is a good one.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: heric
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 07:50 PM

You know, you don't need to enter Napa from the South end – you could travel north of San Fran to your heart's content, then cut east, and approach Napa from the west or north. I did this once on rural roads and it was exceptionally nice country. South of Napa you could then go east to Joe's mountain wildflowers, get Tahoe or the Sierra as much as you'd like, and, when all is said and done, race down the 5 through the central valley. (This gets you the northbound direction up the coast very nicely, avoids the desert heat as much as you can, and gives you maximum freedom.)

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 07:36 PM

Ebbie - I am in an alien society. I'm in post-Reagan America.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 07:04 PM

You know, Rig, I hope for your sake that you never find yourself in deep doo doo in an alien society.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: paula t
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:05 PM

Monterey Bay aquarium was a fantastic place in the early 90s.Sarah loved it. Her favourite thing was being able to watch wild sea otters nearby. The last time I was there they were digging out a huge hole for a deep sea exhibit. Anyone have any idea what it is like now it is presumably finished?

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 04:29 PM

I think I caught a bus along that scenic highway, north of L.A..?

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 04:11 PM

"They all carry signs, do they?"

                They particularly avoid signs, but you can see which ones run when a cop drives by. And, not reading English, sometimes they run from mailmen, UPS drivers, trombone players from the Salvation Army, dog catchers...

                Any if you happen to drive a late model white pickup, you can turn on the emergency flashers and suddenly race off the road into a grape vineyard, and they just simply scatter.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 03:53 PM

On Highway 1, going north, I remember an alarming moment. Going uphill and approaching a sloping right-hand curve I noted that the roadway was mostly covered by liquid clay that looked really slippery. On the left hand side was a drop off.

I hugged the upper side of the road and got by without incident.   

Highway 1 is not designed for the faint-hearted. (This was back in the 60s, by the way.)

"Go to Fresno. See all the illegal aliens on public assistance and understand the reality of California's financial melt-down." Rig

They all carry signs, do they?

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:17 AM

BIG FOOT!

Poem 37 of 230: RODEO DRIVE

On visiting Los Angeles,
    I thought I'd walk Rodeo Drive.
I'd passed a few up-market shops
    When an hombre said, "Take one please."

'Twas info. on exploitation,
    Which I read that night in my room.
It mentioned of the unfair gap -
    Sweatshop-wages to profit-on.

I left him to visit the john,
    Which was all clad in marble stone.
Then I walked past more fortune gowns
    To lunch: four bucks - fair profit-on.

From http://walkaboutsverse.sitegoz.com (e-scroll)
Or http://blogs.myspace.com/walkaboutsverse (e-book)

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: heric
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 05:09 PM

For that matter you could get to San Diego in 5 or 6 hours and then head north. But I'm actually with Rapaire on this one. The only good things about Southern California are the weather and the water. Why drive through waves of stucco tract homes when you're already bound for Glory?

p.s. get conservative driving time estimates from mapquest.com

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 03:56 PM

Go to Fresno. See all the illegal aliens on public assistance and understand the reality of California's financial melt-down.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 02:59 PM

There are also parts of U.S. Highway 101 that go right along the coast and have have spectacular ocean views. In northern Oregon, my car got splashed with ocean spray when I was driving along 101 one day when the surf was particularly heavy. 101 goes right through Redwood National Park in far Northern California.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: heric
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 02:31 PM

Not your fault Poppa G it is very complicated and a good point of distinction.

When I'm thinking Pacific Coast Highway I'm thinking Hwy. 1 where possible, whatever the truth may be.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: heric
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 02:19 PM

It is very surprising how hot and dry Yosemite / King's Canyon / Sequoia are in the summer, and you might bring asbestos lined shoes if you plan to get out of the car in Death Valley, AND the drive north observation is astute, but . . . if arriving in LV and departing from LA, I think I'd prefer the counter-clockwise approach.

Of course - you can do a bee-line (sp?) from LV to LA in about five hours I think, then have lots of time to decide how far to go up the coast, or inland to Napa or Joe's wildflowers. If you can still leave from SF instead, it would give you a lot more freedom.

(Not that driving both up and down the coast would be a punishment or anything.)

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 02:16 PM

Joe ~ my bad, I was indeed thinking of Highway 1, not 101. It's been too long...

Years ago, I spent a summer in Bolinas, which is on the coast of Marin County about halfway between the Golden Gate and Point Reyes. It is indeed quiet and very beautiful in that area, and great for whale-watching (the word "bolinas" means "whales" in either Spanish or Portuguese). But people should be forewarned that it's almost always foggy and surprisingly cool in the summer months, even moreso than in the city of San Francisco.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 01:55 PM

Well, US 101 isn't really a problem in California, since it's four lanes most of the way. It's California Highway 1 that can be frightening if you're going from north to south on the edge of the ocean. The treacherous (and spectacular) parts of Highway 1 are the Big Sur area south of Monterey, and the area north of Monterey (through San Francisco) to Mendocino. It's unbelievably beautiful, but much easier and safer if you drive north.

Yosemite can be a disappointment in August - the falls have diminished to a trickle by then. The Tioga Pass drive across Yosemite National Park is wonderful in August, but the more-famous Yosemite Valley is crowded and hot with disappointing waterfalls.

I live on the Interestate 80 Corridor, which also carries the Transcontinental Railroad. We're right next to the spectaular canyon of the North Fork of the American River. The wildflower season is diminishing here (at 2,300 feet), so we follow the wildflowers "up the hill." There will probably still be some snow at 8,000 feet in August. That's when we like to hike Mount Judah and Donner Peak, above Donner Lake. In July, the snow is still too deep for all but the best hikers.

My favorite place in California is Point Reyes National Seashore, just north of San Francisco. It's never very crowded, and it has lots of wildlife and wildflowers, and year-round whale watching. It has wonderful beaches to walk, and a spectacular lighthouse. Did I ever tell any of you I like lighthouses?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 01:49 PM

Poem 38 of 230: THE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES

During my last morning in L.A.,
    I watched on a hotel-room T.V.,
Live from the town of Pasadena,
    The Tournament of Roses display.

Perfectionism was on the go,
    And it seemed little expense was spared,
As floats covered in flowers went by -
    Giving a neat but fleeting show.

Yet, catching the bus to the airport,
    I saw the homeless dragging their sacks,
Or begging for cash on street corners,
    And thought: "Housing could have been bought."

From http://walkaboutsverse.sitegoz.com (e-scroll)
Or http://blogs.myspace.com/walkaboutsverse (e-book)

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 12:50 PM

It has been noted many times before that British/European visitors are often dumbfounded by the vast distances involved in traveling in the US ~ especially the West. Somehow, the reality encountered after actually arriving here is sometimes well beyond what some visitors were able to imagine before their trip

In regard to the Pacific Coast Highway (Rt 101): I routinely recommend driving south-to-north so that you're in the inside lane, not so close to the edge of the cliff(s). For visitors from overseas who are accustomed to driving on the opposite side of the road (and thus already susceptible to a bit of disorientation), I would think this would be especially worth noting.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Goose Gander
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:41 AM

You need to make it out to eastern California, up the 395 through the Owens Valley, up through Bishop and beyond. And make sure to get off the beaten path. Go see the Bristlecone Pine Forest, and Devil's Postpile, and Bodie (old ghost town). Stop in little towns like Independence and Lone Pine.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Amos
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 10:56 AM

I have walked across half of Tijuana for dental work, preferring to park on the US side, and have seen no sign of disruption or danger in the tourist areas of downtown TJ. Last visit was about six weeks ago, IIRC. If you go to Mexico even for an hour, you should have your passport with you to return.

A

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 10:51 AM

Some listings for folk/bluegrass/roots music shows in Southern California:

http://www.aliveandpicking.com/calendar.html

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: heric
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 10:35 PM

Hate to admit it Q, but the VERY recent news may not adequately describe the dangers. I know a handfull of people who are currently not even going to visit their own properties down there. Odds of course are very much against any violence or bad incident from a little trip to TJ, but the risks are considerably higher than normal right now.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:40 PM

Ah, southern California.
The San Fernando Valley long has hosted porn film producers and their multi-billion dollar industry. I can't make any recommendations myself, but some mudcatters may know of tours to their studios.

No interest?
The del Coronado Hotel in San Diego is well worth a visit. If you don't stay there, have a leisurely lunch, and enjoy this late Victorian landmark.
The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are famous and justly so. At the later, take one of the small tours (reserve).

To see the countryside ride the trolley from San Diego to the Border. About an hour's cheap ride.

Walk across into Tijuana. Take a cab to Avenida Revolucion, a prime tourist trap and indulge yourself buying junk you don't need. Or take a bus from the American side. Go to the Zona Rio and the Guadalajara Grill for fajitas and margaritas. Ask for directions to the outdoor market, Mercado Hidalgo. There are upscale shopping malls, but no cheaper than on the American side. You can buy Cuban cigars and smuggle them back.

Danger? Not as much as the news would lead you to believe. Use cabs even for short distances unless you know the city.
Don't take your car across unless you have extra insurance. There are parking lots on the American side.

I eat Medjool (Halawy) dates most days (addicted), so I was impressed by the groves- a very tall, attractive palm. At Mecca and Bard, in southern California. On second thought, nothing else to see there and it is very hot so just buy them at a grocery store. The dates are very sweet, soft, and large, they do not stick together unless compressed or it is very hot.

Joshua Tree National Park (far east of San Diego) is interesting in the spring, but summer temperatures reach 100 F most days, definitely not a time to visit.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 07:19 PM

The order our confused friend was offering was merely geographical, not sorted by attraction or importance. His perception of Southern California is distorted by the fact that he has only been here for visits to military bases or at night, and has no appreciation of what is available to someone with a little time and an eye for pleasure.


A

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: paula t
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 07:02 PM

Domaine Chandon and Krug were definite goodies in the wine valleys. Hic!

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 05:10 PM

South. I meant SOUTH!!

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 04:58 PM

Something that I found interesting were the caves where wine was stored, and disturbed by the 1906 earthquake so they became unsafe to enter. One can get a peek into one (or could some years ago) and see the wine racks and barrels that had to be left and are still there. Something to sigh and wonder about while sampling current production at Beringer Winery, St. Helena (Now owned by Nescafe). Reserve for the Vintage tour: Beringer tours

A tour of the wineries, Sonoma, Napa Valley, etc. etc. justifies a visit to California. The Napa Valley wine train (good food, a fair selection of wines) offers a pleasant and relaxing day, we enjoyed it.
The serious wino, however, will check out the various wineries and plan on spending a week or more investigating those of particular interest to them. Bring a high limit credit card!

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:59 PM

Rapaire has been suffering from multiple-source cross-condescension of late, and he therefore gets his ups and downs confused sometimes.

A

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:40 PM

North of San Luis Obispo, Rap? All of your itemizations are north of San Luis Obispo, so is that a typo?

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:14 PM

Skip anything north of San Luis Obispo -- the only good things in SoCal are Death Valley, the La Brea Tar Pits, and Amos (in that order). I haven't been to SF for a long time, so any suggestions would be outdated. But the redwoods...yes. The wine country...yes. And the northern coast clear up to the Canadian Border (if you reach it you'll be underwater)...definitely.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 02:28 PM

A glider ride over the Napa Valley will take you soaring with the eagles, condors and other boids (depends on what's there when) and is truly a beautiful experience.

San Diego has a really fine Maritime Museum, centered around the nineteenth century barkentine wool clipper now known as Star of India (ex Euterpe with four or five other lovely boats on exhibit, including (the last time I was down there) a Russian submarine.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: paula t
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 01:18 PM

Haven't been for many years , but I enjoyed the wine valleys(Napa valley and Sonoma), Monterey, Carmel and Solvang. Half Moon Bay made a peaceful stopover. The Pacific Highway was well worth driving.There's lots to do. Many beautiful places to find.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:46 AM

Hi, Doug-
If you can find your way to Colfax, California, I can take you on a nice hike in the Sierras.
I've always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon and Death Valley, but haven't found the opportunity - and I don't know that I'd want to do either in August. I don't know what's the best time of year for Grand Canyon - winter is best for Death Valley, late Spring for Yosemite.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 09:30 PM

You know, back several years ago I had some friends who were getting married and they were not sure of where to go for their honeymoon; as a result, they sent letters of inquiry to the tourist boards of several countries and received a ton of literature and coupons, etc., from each country. I would suspect (and I know it's done in Texas) that there is a touist/travel board for each state and probably for every major city/area you would want to visit in the US. I do not work for the post office but I'd suggest you send off some letters or seek out some websites and ask them to mail you what they've got to get you to spend money in their community. I betcha a beer you'll get a lot of useful stuff. Take what I've just written and add it to the good stuff above as well as other stuff to follow. Good luck. Cheers,............mwh

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 08:38 PM

From the Grand Canyon, if you don't mind a bit of driving, go west to Boulder City, then up 95 to Beatty and Rhyolite (motels at Beatty; Death Valley to the west), Goldfield and Tonopah (motels at Tonopah), then cut west through Montgomery Pass to Yosemite Park. This is western country that you will never forget although long since bypassed as worthless). Carry a couple of sixpacks of water.
From Yosemite, an interesting drive to Stockton (an inland seaport, connected to San Francisco Bay by a channel), then several routes into the San Francisco Bay area.

I have done the Pacific Coast Highway from The Olympic Park area, following 101 and 1 for the most part, all the way to San Diego, mostly in parts, but it should be a separately planned trip. Much to see, many side roads to explore, and really too much for a single trip.
Zion is a son's favorite area for a biking break, but I haven't been there, although I have covered much of the Navajo reservation and NW New Mexico area.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: bobad
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 07:41 PM

The Pacific Coast Highway , I've done it twice and plan to do it many more times before checking out, one of my most favored venues. Santa Catalina, even though it is mostly a tourist trap, has much to offer if you can get get out of Avalon into the back country.

Subject: RE: BS: California: where to go? what to see?
From: heric
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 07:06 PM

If this is your chance to see the Grand Canyon you need to do it - but it does impact an otherwise spectacular drive - Death Valley up the 395 to Yosemite, then straight across to SF (the extra drive to Tahoe not worth the precious time). SF to LA on the PCH and you're golden. That's what I'd do.

August is a tough time for the Grand Canyon (otherwise I'd recommend Zion two hours or so east, as well.) Here's an air conditioned coach tour, helicopter ride, and twenty minutes on the river at $280 bucks. http://www.lasvegasgrandcanyontour.com/helicopter/grand-canyon-bus-helicopter-boat.htm ??

LA is awesome but not after the trip you'll have had. You won't have the time or energy to absorb the good stuff - just be frustrated by traffic. Maybe cruise along the Mulholland.

NEXT time Mendocino and the coastal redwoods!