Tag Archives: california

Summer Travel: Cruising the Boardwalk

It was nearly 30 years ago to the day that I took my first stroll along a boardwalk in New Jersey. Growing up in Hawaii I was used to the sound of crashing waves mingling with music, but getting to enjoy that combination while devouring salt water taffy and riding roller coasters, well, that was something the Aloha State, simply couldn’t offer. The United States is home to dozens of popular boardwalks and during the summer months they are packed with people looking for fun in the sun. Here are a few that I have visited that deliver in a … Continue reading →

Beach Vacations that Won’t Break the Bank

Who says you have to obtain a passport to vacation at the world’s best beaches? The United States is home to thousands of miles of spectacular sandy coastline and now’s the time to experience fun in the sun, especially if you are working with a budget. The summer months spark dozens of travel packages aimed to help families save on airfare and hotel accommodations. Take a look at these hot summer deals waiting for beach lovers to snap up: CALIFORNIA One of San Diego’s most luxurious resorts wants you to spend time sunning yourself on their property this summer. And … Continue reading →

Saving Money on Summer Escapes

When flying out of state for a family getaway not only do you have to deal with the cost of airfare and hotel accommodations, but in most case you also have to consider the price of a rental car… and record high gas prices. But not with these cool summer travel deals. The following hotel packages cater to families who are looking to explore virtually car-less destinations such as Nantucket, Catalina Island and Mackinac Island where two feet will get you farther than 4 wheels (which are banned in most of these vacation hotspots). NANTUCKET From now until October, The … Continue reading →

Fourth of July Festivities from Coast to Coast

If you are planning to spend the long Fourth of July holiday weekend in California, Colorado, Texas or Massachusetts you’re in for a real treat. The aforementioned states are home to some of the most unique Independence Day parades in the country. Load up the family wagon (or minivan), find room for a few lawn chairs, and don’t forget to pack a few miniature flags to wave at parade participants and the many men and women who risk their lives fighting for the freedoms we treasure. CALIFORNIA—Old Glory Boat Parade Newport Harbor on Balboa Island is home to a spectacularly … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks

Today I’m wrapping up my series on wet and wild waterparks by spotlighting some of the most popular scream inducing soggy rides in California, Colorado and Minnesota. These parks prove how easy it is to get your family soaked this summer. If you are headed off on a summer road trip in the next few weeks and your car’s A/C bites the dust consider cooling off at one of the following waterparks: CALIFORNIA The hugely popular Raging Waters located in San Jose, California (about 50 miles from San Francisco) is home to more than 23 acres of wet and wild … Continue reading →

More Wild and Wacky Travel Fun

If you are looking to take the adventure of a lifetime start planning now. Some of this country’s wildest and wackiest events are just a few months away. Book your reservations now if you want to taste the nation’s best water, bowl with frozen turkeys or fling dried cow chips across an open field. MINNESOTA Each winter International Falls, Minnesota hosts its annual Icebox Days. The popular event pits city council members from the northern town against lawmakers from its sister city, Fort Frances, across the Canadian border, to a snowshoe race as part of a four-day festival embracing the … Continue reading →

Missing Pyramid and Lighthouse Found

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Now, I can understand losing your glasses, your car keys, or your purse. But, how can you “lose” something as big as a pyramid or a lighthouse? Well, let me tell you these stories, which broke this week in the news. First, the story of the missing lighthouse. Historians in Cape Cod thought that a 30-foot lighthouse that had once overlooked Wellfleet Harbor had been taken down and destroyed in 1925. However, this week, the lighthouse was found – in California! The lighthouse was “found’ last year by lighthouse researcher, but the discovery of it was just published this month … Continue reading →

More Wild and Wacky Family Friendly Festivals

With the price of gas skyrocketing to record levels some families are opting to postpone their annual road trips to the end of summer in hopes that the cost of fuel will decrease after the busy Memorial Day weekend. Heck, I know one family who has put the brakes on their summer vacation and instead will be hitting the road in late September for an extended getaway. If you have plans to do the same then you might be interested in purusing the following list of weird and wacky events that will be taking place around the country this fall: … Continue reading →

Summer Fun—-Wild and Wacky Family Friendly Festivals

A couple of years ago I ran through a list of some of the tastiest summer food festivals I’d ever had the pleasure of attending. This year I’m going wild. Wild for wacky adventures waiting to be had at some of the nation’s most unique hometown festivals. If you are looking for summer fun that will keep you smiling well into the winter consider heading north, south, east and west to these family friendly festivals: CALIFORNIA The Horned Toad Derby in Coalinga, California draws hundreds of thousands of BBQ lovers to town during the second to the last weekend in … Continue reading →

Gay Marriage Legal Again in California

In what some will see as victory and others defeat, the California Supreme Court made history today when it overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage. What Does It All Mean? First and foremost, there are a lot of gay couples rejoicing right about now. This was an enormous decision which ultimately resulted in triumph for the gay rights movement. Second of all, and perhaps most importantly and which will cause those opposed to gay marriage the most distress, is that the ruling sets a precedent. Domestic Partners vs. Married: Rights California already allowed same-sex couples domestic partner rights, as … Continue reading →