New and old in Old Sacramento

It's a fresh-scrubbed winter day and I'm scuffing my feet through mounds of vivid yellow leaves in Sacramento's Crocker Park and wishing I'd brought my niece's little girls with me. They love this kind of day. I hadn't been to the neighborhood around Old Sacramento (or Old Sac, as locals dub it) for ages when my pal Lucy invited me to tour the new Crocker Art Museum expansion. That is enough to pull me out of the winter doldrums and into the brisk air.

" The new 3-story addition to the oldest Museum in the West is dazzling!" says the writer on tripadvisor.com. Of course, I don't take their word for it--I have to check it out myself. Turns out, they're pretty much right on. The Crocker holds more than 14,000 original pieces of art, everything from drawings, paintings, and sculpture to ceramics, including an amazing exhibit there now—The Vase and Beyond: the Sindey Swidler Collection of the Contemporary Vessel, thru April 10,2011. I've known and loved the museum for years for its famed collections of California art, and I never miss a chance to gaze at the amazing, massive California landscapes like Thomas Hill's Great Canyon of the Sierra, Yosemite, 1871.

And I've always loved the original, jewel-like museum building itself— an exquisite and grand Italianate mansion. But it always felt cramped and a bit dark to me, the kind of place where art is a thing of the dusty past.

Now, the new expansion (opened in October), gives this museum more air, light, and the space to really showcase its incredible collections, many of which have been unseen by the public since their acquisitions. The gleaming 125,000-square-foot Teel Family Pavilion, is a classic, contemporary design. Whether it, indeed complements the historic structures is in the eye of the beholder; indisputably, it more than triples the museum's former size and makes it a better visitor destination.

This month, besides the ceramic exhibit, there's a Classical Concert on Dec. 19 (3 PM), and a Kwanzaa Family Festival on Dec. 26 (12-4). There's a ton of stuff for kids and familes, including studio art classes (wisely divided by age groupings). Don't miss Drop, Yak, Splat! A museum adventure for families each Second Saturday at 1 PM and Third Sunday at 11 AM.

If you have time for a casual bite, and have the kids along, try the fine new Crocker Cafe, run by Bobbin and Patrick Mulvaney, proprietors of Mulvaney’s B&L, Next Door, and Culinary Specialists Catering. Today, I want a more formal, white table cloth experience, so I meet my pal Lucy at The Firehouse, just a short walk away in Old Sac. I start with a cup of the creamy and rich heirloom squash-crab bisque, enlivened by a tiny crabcake in the center, then opt for the chicken Marsala in a heady, wine-infused demi-glace. Lucy has the sea scallops, with pancetta and a watercress pear salad. Both winners. As I look at the whorls of sauce draped across my entree, I can't help thinking that, in the right hands, even lunch can be an artistic experience.


Details: Crocker Art Museum, 916/ 808-7000; The Firehouse, 112 Second St. Old Sac., book at 916/442-4772. For more lodging and dining info, check out the Sacramento Discover Gold site.

California's kid-friendly Truckee River rafting

It’s one of North Lake Tahoe’s most popular family activities: rafting or tubing on the Truckee River. And in the midst of July's heat, we can't think of a better way to cool off. Take a raft trip on California's mild Truckee, and you'll find it is a good river for a kid's first raft trip, or for a grownup who doesn't want to work too hard and chill out on a hot, lazy summer day.

The timing is perfect: we just heard from our pal Pettit Gilwee that the dam gates have flung open, the river is flowing, and rafting along Lake Tahoe’s scenic Truckee River is now underway. Two outfits— Tahoe City-based Mountain Air Sports and the Truckee River Raft Company—have opened for the season, offering self-guided, leisurely five-mile float trips down the Truckee River. North Lake Tahoe is just a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport.

Details: With either the Truckee River Raft Company or Mountain Air Sports, most trips take two to three hours; you pull out at River Ranch Lodge near Alpine Meadows Road along Highway 89. Park in Tahoe City and take a free shuttle back to the car vehicles after the float (any time before 6 p.m). Hours: 8:30 —3:30 daily (weather permitting). Trips include parking, shuttle, paddles, life jackets and commercial rafts for 2-20 people; footwear is mandatory. Group rates are available. To watch a video of the trip, go to this link. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

California secret: Lake Tahoe's best beaches

When most of California is baking in triple digit heat, what better time to go to the beach? But no, not the crowded coastline—it's so crowded, nobody goes there anymore (our apologies to Yogi Berra). You should head for the sublime beaches of California's North Lake Tahoe. We got some great ideas from locals about their beach faves:

Best beaches to dip your toes in the water: Moon Dunes Beach in Tahoe Vista, an open sandy beach guarded by a grove of tress and sand dunes or Sand Harbor in Incline Village, with a scenic granite outcroppings and long sandy beaches.

Best beach playground: Tahoe City’s Commons Beach has a big playground and expansive lawn area, perfect for resting in between dips.

Best beach for families: Kings Beach State Recreation Area is one of the area’s most popular spots for families, where a wide stretch of sand is ideal for picnics and playtime (with adjacent playground and barbeques). Parasailing, kayak rentals and paddleboats are also available from a number of shops in and around the recreation area.

Best beach for pooches: Have a canine in your clan? Then head to Patton Beach, just west of the marina in Carnelian Bay or Kaspian Recreation Area on the West Shore, just south of Sunnyside.

Details: North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 877/949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: GoTahoeNorth/Zikas

Rush to a Gold Rush town this spring

Wonder if they make a cake big enough to hold 160 candles? That's the birthday the Gold Country town of Columbia (now Columbia State Historic Park) will celebrate on March 27, and you can join in the fun. Spring is the best time to visit, when flowers are popping up and daytime temps are cool and comfortable in the Sierra foothills.

The town of Columbia became instantly famous when a party of men uncovered a rich gold deposit in 1850, forever altering the land as thousands of people poured in to “strike it rich”. Initially a tent camp, then a sprawl of wooden buildings, Columbia was swept by fire and nearly wiped off the map. Handsome brick buildings arose from the ashes, and today, over 30 of the original brick buildings along the town’s Main Street have been preserved to tell the story of the towns which arose during the California Gold Rush to serve the needs of miners. California State Parks has restored Columbia and continues to preserve the town.

The birthday event is made for families, history buffs and home schoolers (its a self-teaching history lesson), with live reenactments of the discovery of gold, costumed docents in venues throughout town, and special tours highlighting the town’s beginning. Its many historic-style stores and restaurants are run by over 20 concessionaires whose businesses, along with park staff and volunteers, help recreate the experience of the California Gold Rush.

Details: Saturday, March 27 (12 – 4 pm), refreshments will be served. Columbia State Historic Park is located in Tuolumne County and is designated as a National Historic Landmark District. The event is sponsored by Friends of Columbia State Historic Park; the group helps raise funds to support the educational and interpretive programs at Columbia State Historic Park.

Baby zebras at Santa Rosa's Safari West

The note came in the form of a puzzle: what's black and white and new all over? The answer: the cute zebra babies born at Santa Rosa's Safari West wildlife park. Drive 75 miles north of San Francisco and you find a slice of the Serengeti. Some 400 acres in the heart of California's wine country, Safari West is home to over 400 exotic mammals and birds, from cheetahs and reticulated giraffes to newly arrived Speke's weaver birds and flamingos.

January brought three new arrivals to boost the zebra population to 15; the striped bundles of joy weighed in at between 55 and 88 pounds at birth. And late winter/early spring usually heralds the arrival of more hoofed animal babies (last spring saw the arrival of two Bongo antelopes, two Eland and an Addax).

You can stay in a luxury safari tent with a view of exotic African wildlife and dine in their cafe, or just enjoy a daytrip. So while the arrival of adorable animal babies always makes things feel like spring, it's still winter, with winter deals and discounts. But don't delay—deals fade as the weather warms.

Details: Take Safari West's winter safaris now: on a 90-minute safari vehicle tour through the Sonoma Serengeti, get up close and personal with exotic animals. Then, stroll around to visit lemurs, cheetahs and giraffes; back to the Savannah Café buy a hot cider or chocolate. Cost: $58; ages 3-12 $20; Infants $5; offered 10 AM and 2PM - Fridays through Sundays. Book: 707/566-3667.
PHOTO CREDIT: Safari West

Mardi Gras in San Jose

You're never too old to celebrate Mardi Gras (Feb. 16). But if your budget (or beads) won't stretch to a trip to New Orleans this year, then head for San Jose's Santana Row and the Roux Louisiana Kitchen. It's a little bit of the Big Easy in Silicon Valley. Tucked on a side street off the main drag in Santana Row, Roux Louisiana is a bold, lively clash of colors (purple and red) and decor, with folk art, photos, and artifacts that would feel right at home in the French Quarter. Off to one side, a stage for weekend live jazz fronts an elliptical, copper-topped bar below a massive, illuminated ceiling sculpture. I can imagine how this place hops at night.

My old college chum Kathy and I are here for lunch and I'm pleasantly surprised that there are so many items on the menu that I could actually eat (I'm notoriously timid about spicy foods). I admit, the closest I've come to visiting Louisiana is seeing the film "The Pelican Brief" , a pretty good legal thriller with Julia Roberts and dishy Denzel Washington . But I'm told that the name "Roux" refers to the classic, flavor-filled base used in many traditional Louisiana dishes, including the state's quintessential specialty, gumbo.

Of course, you'll find many of the Creole, Cajun and Soul Food specialties that have made the Pelican state famous here--and these dishes are also famous for their heat. But our waitress is patient about explaining the menu and steering me to less painful choices. I'm on a diet, sort of, so I bypass the list of killer apps, like BBQ shrimp; bacon-wrapped oysters; sautéed crab cakes with roasted pepper aioli, shrimp rémoulade with fried green tomatoes (hey, gotta save something for next time). Lunch combos ($9.95) offer a choice of seafood gumbo, crafish etouffe, fried or salad with an added side (for $4) of pulled pork sliders, fried chicken, chicken strips, or catfish. Instead, we go right for a couple of their signature dishes: Jambalaya (shown below) with andouille sausage for my friend and crawfish etouffe (it's a seasonal dish) with a side of creamy grits for me.

The grits are a surprise--more like a smooth, triple cheese polenta. The etouffe is moderately filled with tiny crawfish (the taste is similar to lobster, but from a much tinier animal). I confess, I practically licked my plate; I love crawfish and you just can't find them at many restaurants. The Jambalaya was filled with chicken, shrimp, onions, tomatoes and moderately spicy sausage, (delish, says Kathy, and a more than ample portion). For dessert, I'm tempted by the banana Foster bread pudding, but opt instead for the beignets, small doughnut-like concotions covered in powdered sugar and served with hot, chocolate sauce. A pot of hearty, French-press coffee helps further the illusion of a leisurely lunch in the French Quarter (although way too many coffee grounds made their way into my cup). All in all, we give the lunch two thumbs up.

Details: This month, Roux Louisiana Kitchen will celebrate Mardi Gras on Feb. 16 (from 6-9 PM) with a big bash: samples of food/drink, live music, even fire-eaters and bead tossing. Where: 3055 Olin Ave., Suite 1005 (open daily). Reservations 415/249-8000.

Celebrating Shanghai in San Francisco

I've been reading about the fascinating cities of the Far East recently, in books like The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee (about Hong Kong) and so I'm looking forward to the start next month of The Shanghai Celebration, an unique, year-long festival presented by more than thirty San Francisco Bay Area organizations. It's a chance for local families to broaden the kids' horizons and learn about important world cities without leaving town!

It commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the sister city relationship between San Francisco and Shanghai and is spearheaded by the Asian Art Museum. The Celebration runs through 2010, coinciding with the World Expo in Shanghai from May to October. The more than 50 Shanghai-related programs run the gamut from exhibitions, concerts, performances, films, and lectures, to book readings, artist demonstrations, and other special events. Delve into topics such as Shanghai's architecture, jazz, historic Jewish communities, Art Deco design, filmmaking industry, contemporary art, cuisine, high-rise urban planning and fashion.

Details: One main event: the Asian Art Museum's presentation of Shanghai, a major exhibition examining the visual culture of one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, scheduled for February 12-September 5, 2010. For the Shanghai Celebration program calendar of events, and a list of participating organizations, click here. For details on the Asian Art Museum, click here.

A dreamy (free) home show in Santa Clara

Want to while away a Saturday with your honey without spending a dime? This weekend, you can dream about creating your ideal kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor room at the California Home, Garden, & Gourmet Show at the Santa Clara County Fairground. Pick up a San Jose Mercury News for a free entry coupon. You'll see some great design, a lot of 'green' ideas, and you can catch a few how-to and cooking demos. The seminars offer a lot of help for those looking to go solar.

Details: Friday Jan 8 (noon-8), Sat/Sun Jan 9, & 10 (11-6) at the SCC Fairgrounds (344 Tully Road, San Jose). For more, call 650/593-3462 or click here.

California whale watching tours on the north coast

Some flukey things to plan ahead for: weekend whale talks start January 2 at MacKerricher State Park, near Ft. Bragg on the Mendocino coast. Trained docents will spout off about the annual gray whale migration and about other marine mammals seen along the coast every Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM, January 2--March 21.

March 6 - 7, and March 19, 20 and 21 marks the Mendocino and Fort Bragg Whale Festival. The activities focus on three top whale viewing points: MacKerricher State Park north of Fort Bragg, Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, and the Ford House Visitor Center at Mendocino Headlands State Park. For more about art and crafts, food tasting and events, click here.


Details: The talk/walk starts at the MacKerricher Visitor Center and then proceeds to the whale skeleton before caravanning to Laguna Point for whale watching. MacKerricher State Park is located approximately three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1.Turn at the MacKerricher State Park sign, and park near the entrance station and visitor center. For more, click here.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade begins

It's older than the Macy's T-Day Parade and the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center. Charting a 14-mile route through Newport Harbor, the 101st Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade kicks off on Wednesday, December 16 at 6:30PM and runs nightly until Sunday, December 20th. It is said to be the longest-running holiday boat parade and no doubt is one of the biggest, with more than 100 vessels "decked out" in holiday finery.

You'll see everything from canoes and kayaks to million dollar yachts wend their way throughout the scenic harbor. The show is free and viewing areas are available on public beaches on Balboa Peninsula, at the Fun Zone, and on Balboa Island. And several restaurants and watering holes along the waterfront offer prime viewing (reservations advised). (And while you're in SoCal, don't forget about the great winter birdwatching, which I wrote about last winter.)

For free, kid-friendly fun, you can't beat this wonderful Southern California tradition.

Details: For more info on the parade, including viewing spots, click here. For lodging and dining info, click on the Newport Beach tourism website.

On ice in San Francisco

Holiday shopping can be a real skate when you do it in downtown San Francisco near a seasonal ice rink. Now, San Francisco doesn't seem like a hotbed of ice skating action (unlike San Jose, which has its own ice hockey team), so you might be surprised to know that there are three super cool rinks near shopping meccas, all open now. And one local rink is home ice to Brian Boitano, four-time US National Champion, two-time World Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and full time nice guy (by all reports).

Boitano does his triple axels out at the city's Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center, and so can you. Set in an urban rooftop garden at Yerba Buena Garden downtown, the center offers ice skating all season long and the view of the city from the rink’s giant window wall is, well, pretty cool.

If you want a setting close to the scenery, and the gourmet gift shopping at the Ferry Building, try Justin Herman Plaza and the Embarcadero Center ice rink. This seasonal rink has returned to the waterfront annually for more than 20 years, and will be open to the public for just nine weeks.

And for cool shopping variety, then you can't do better than the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, surrounded by top shops and posh hotels. The rink is in its second year at Union Square and is also open just about nine weeks.

Details: Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center is at 750 Folsom St., open for public skating daily and there's a Children's Skating School for all levels, including Parent and Me classes. For more, visit www.skatebowl.com. The Embarcadero Center ice rink, at Justin Herman Plaza, is open Nov. 11, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010; for more visit www.embarcaderocenter.com. Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square is open Nov. 11, 2009-Jan. 18, 2010; for more visit www.unionsquareicerink.com/tickets
PHOTO CREDIT: Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center

Bike tour of the Stanford Campus

Forget that the calendar says November. It is a lovely, spring-like day, so I get a brainstorm: I'm take my new flat-bar road bike on a ride around the campus of Stanford University. In Palo Alto, California, Stanford is famous as one of the world's leading teaching and research institutions. Of course, in my day I wasn't, ahem, mentally gifted enough to gain entry here as a student, but it doesn't take a brainiac to know this is an awesome place to bike around.

I park at the car at Stanford Shopping Center, unhook the bike (so light, so sleek!) from the rack and cross the street to the campus' northwest corner at Arboretum and Quarry roads. At that point, I enter a peaceful, leafy world, where the air actually feels cooler and.. what is it.. rarefied?

First, I pass the memorials to members of the Stanford family (granite tombs that are alternately grand and heartbreaking) and then circle the Arizona Cactus Garden (it looks like one of the giant yuccas is about to bloom).

Popping out on the aptly named Palm Drive, I wheel beneath an avenue of giant palm trees, marching in twin, arrow-straight rows toward the heart of the campus. The road ends at the courtyard for the magnificent Memorial Church, where I pass under rows of arches and instantly recall events at the church that were happy (I once attended a friend's lovely wedding) or poignant (years later, I attended a funeral for a cherished boss).

On campus back lanes, I move eastward, past the dorm where my niece lived during her own college days (I visited her there once and was surprised at how they allowed students to decorate their rooms--enough said).

The campus appears generally flat, but there's a slight rise in elevation, so I gear down to climb to Lagunitas Lake. It's a dry lake bed, once used for the Big Game bonfires (or so I've heard) but its nonetheless pretty and ringed by a jogging trail that is busy this day. I imagine the joggers are actual brainiacs—students and profs alike. And then I think: but the brainiacs have to go back to work/class at the end of their run, don't they, poor devils? Unlike me, the doofus, who graduated from a lowly state school and retired young. I almost sprain my arm from patting myself on the back.

As the sun sinks, I work my way back downhill past the imposing Hoover Tower then circle back toward the Rodin Sculpture Garden. And there they are: the massive bronze Gates of Hell, and the famed Burghers of Calais, bent with cares. Others pieces are scattered around the small, tidy garden and I'm struck anew at how accessible they are. As I roll past, I almost feel the brush of one giant, expressive hand (Rodin's work on hands and feet is simply amazing). Inside the adjacent Cantor Arts Center are more works by Rodin--200 in all in a collection that is the largest in the world outside Paris.

I promise myself to come back for the docent tour--sometime when I'm not all helmeted and lycra-ed up and looking like a doofus.

Details: Docents lead free tours of the Rodin Collection Wednesdays at 2 pm, Saturdays at 11:30 am, and Sundays at 3 pm, rain or shine. Meet in the Cantor Arts Center lobby. It's a great place to bring youngsters. Nearby, Stanford Shopping Center has lots of parking, lovely flower beds year-round, and several good restaurants.

Sumo seals at Ano Nuevo State Park

Brace yourself: the big guys are about to return to Ano Nuevo State Park. The sumo wrestlers of the pinniped world, elephant seal males weigh up to 5,000 pounds and during mating season, they really know how to put on a show. Except when they don't feel like it. When they ARE feeling, er, in the mood for love, they do what some tacky guys do. They throw their weight around, do chest bumps with each other, and get into nasty, biting, snorting, snot-slinging fights. That's their idea of fun.

The much smaller elephant seals girls just lie there, eyes closed (thinking of England, perhaps), and hoping not to get squished on their romantic 'date'.

When the elephant seals don't feel like 'it', they just lie on the beach like large, brown turds (hey, you get downwind of them after they've been lying there for a while and see what springs to mind). So after you've signed up weeks in advance, paid your money, and hiked out a couple miles over the dunes to witness wildlife in action, you pretty much hope you see some action.

And, bulls being bulls, you stand a good chance of seeing a lot. But you know what? Even if you don't see a fight, you'll witness one of wildlife's most amazing spectacles. You'll see thousands of animals in a beautiful coastal setting, birthing pups, lunbering along inch-worm style, and living out their lives. Plus you get a nice, informative walk out of it. The guided 3-mile walks (moderately strenuous) go over rolling sand dunes and sloping terrain and last about 2 ½ hours and are held rain or shine. Don't miss one of California's true miracles: it only happens one season a year.

Details: During the winter breeding season – December 15 through March 31 –you can only access the breeding area while on a guided walk (hey, it's for everyone’s protection). On October 20, individuals, families, and other groups can start making their reservations for the Public Seal Walk, for any dates up to 56 days in advance and as late as one day prior to their walk. Cost: $7; Children 3 and under free. Parking $10. Details: 650/ 879-2025 or 650/ 879-0227. To BOOK, click here or call ReserveAmerica 800/ 444-4445.
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of California State Parks, 2009

Shipwreck: the haunting of the Queen Mary

I love wandering the decks of the graceful Queen Mary, permanently moored in the Port of Long Beach. The lovingly restored ship is rich in maritime history and loaded with authentic Art Deco period decor. The views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline make you feel as if you're just setting out on a romantic sea voyage (albeit on very calm seas).

Today, it's a grand hotel, with 314 suites that harken back to the ship's glamour days. Their Sunday Brunch is to, ahem, die for. For others, the main attraction of the Queen Mary are the tales of ghosts who wander the bowels of the ship to this day—lost souls permanently shipwrecked. (Check out the YouTube videos of recent sightings.)

Which is why their Annual Halloween Terrorfest, SHIPWRECK! is such a big draw, now through November 1. They've put together five mazes both on and off the haunted vessel: Vampire Village; The Graveyard; the Isolation ward (paging Nurse Slasher); Blackbeard's Revenge (a Pirate Maze, AAAAAARRRRGGG); Paranoia's House of Horror (sounds like my last job). And if you're already afraid of clowns, don't go through the Psychedelic Krazy Klown Maze. Scarey fun.

Details:1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, 800/ 437-2934 or 562/ 435-3511. Shipwreck run from 7 PM- midnight.; open later on weekends. Admission - $29; VIP Fast Pass - $40 (includes cut-the-line privileges); Month Pass - $69; VIP Month Pass - $99 (includes cut-the-line privileges); Prices Subject to change. For more info, click here.

Photo credit: Queen Mary/Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts

Halloween fun in the Bay Area

As a kid, when my sister wanted to scare me witless, she'd button her robe over her head, stick her arms straight out and moan like the Headless Horseman from the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. And then spend the next hour explaining to my Mom how much her little sister actually enjoyed having the poop scared out of her (truth is, I did).

At Fremont's Ardenwood Historic Farm, you can take a ride on their Halloween Train (Thursday and Friday this week), tour the semi-spooky Patterson Home, or roam the Pumpkin Patch to pick up a pumpkin from the field. (It all may not scare the kids as much as the Headless Horseman, but maybe that's a good thing.)

Or join one of Ardenwood's educational programs where you can see/ participate in many activities common to a turn-of-last-century farm. Beyond Halloween, there's plenty to see here: Board a horse-drawn train and ride into the park with docents dressed in period costumes. Roam a Victorian Garden or the 1857 Patterson House with its turreted Queen Anne addition. See sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats, and cows or poke your head into the Blacksmith Shop.

Details: Pumpkin Patch hours are 1 to 7, Monday – Friday; 9 to 5 Sat. The pumpkin patch will close at 5:00 p.m. on Halloween (October 31st). Weekdays, naturalists provide programs for school classes and other groups by reservation; call 510/ 544-2797. Parking is free but there's a modest entry fee for the park.

Oktoberfest in Disney's downtown district

In Anaheim, the Downtown Disney® District is slated to host its first Oktoberfest celebration this weekend: October 23-25. The streets of the Disney District will be alive with the sound of Bavarian music, as three different live acts stroll through.

The Downtown Disney District, a lively Orange County promenade with unique shopping and dining, is set just outside the theme parks and adjacent to the Disneyland® Resort hotels. The bands—in full costume—will be performing throughout the nightly (and yet, family-friendly) festival, so pull on your lederhosen and head on down. Ask about Give Me a Break discount packages.

Details: The "Give Me a Break” deals include discounts to several OC hotels – including free night stays, food and beverage credits and savings on spa treatments. A number of hotels are helping to ease the “pain at the pump” by offering gas cards, as well as mileage and fuel credits. As an added benefit, those who book a three-night stay or more at participating hotels receive a $50 Disneyland® Resort Gift Card. For more Anaheim fall festivals, check the Anaheim calendar.
PHOTO CREDIT: Disneyland® Resort

Happy birthday to Big Basin State Park

One of our favorite parks, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, has a birthday coming up. On September 26, from 10 – 8, you can celebrate Big Basin Founders’ Day and Redwood Jubilee at Big Basin Redwoods State Park (nine miles outside of Boulder Creek on Highway 236). The visionaries, valued workers, and visitors that have shaped the character of Big Basin State Park over the past 107 years will be honored during this special event. So revel in the beauty of the majestic old growth redwoods and enjoy historic hikes, music, games for kids and a melodrama.

It's a good time to remember how much we value our state parks. State parks are under attack, with funding cuts threatening to close some 100 parks. For Californians who treasure the outdoors, the prospect of sacrificing parks to the state's budget woes is unthinkable. (The parks department has begun modest fee increases to help keep parks open, but the major funding still comes from the state budget.) According to the California State Parks Foundation, the list of parks threatened with closure is set to be released next week.

Meanwhile, there's no better time than now to celebrate the parks we love: go out this weekend and visit a state park near you, pay the modest day use/parking fee, and thank the ranger (or volunteer) who staffs the visitor center, and support the nonprofit California State Parks Foundation.

Details: Going to Big Basin: call 831/ 338-8883 or click here. Want to help stave off park closures? Click here for more info on how to take action.
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of California State Parks, 2009

San Francisco and chocolate: a match made in Heaven

I love mine dark and semi sweet. Chocolate, that is. So I've gotta love Ghirardelli Square this weekend. Just the aromas alone will drive a chocolate lover wild. Why? It's San Francisco's 14th Annual Chocolate Festival, running noon-5 Saturday and Sunday. It's a tribute to all things chocolate PLUS a benefit for Project Open Hand, so what's not to like?

You can see a host of chocolatiers, listen to live music, and taste something delish at each booth. Don't miss cooking demos (like the Ghirardelli Chocolate School's Steve Genzoli or Kara Lind of Kara's Cupcakes). Kids will go for the Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest, at 2 p.m. daily. Or just buy some of the dark, semi-sweet stuff and take it home to whip up your own dessert-they have a bunch of recipes online.

Details: The festival is free, but tasting isn't: chocolate tasting tickets cost $20 for 15 tastes; pick them up at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. (I tried going online-fughedaboudit).

Fun pix for kids

A great egret wades in a lake near Karpavichi, Belarus; a cannibalistic praying mantis is shown in Los Angeles; an Australian crested pigeon is pictured, along with a note on the pigeons' secret way of alerting fellow birds to predators – a "whistle" emitted by flapping their wings when it takes off in alarm.

These are the photos you can see on an amazing website I discovered recently, that's a project of the Guardian newspaper, published in the United Kingdom. It struck me, as I scrolled through the pix, that this was a fabulous teaching tool for parents with little ones, anyone who is involved in home schooling, or anyone who loves animals.

Besides looking at pretty pictures, there are sections on Conservation & Wildlife, World News of animals, and Science & Zoology. There's also a series titled This week in wildlife.

Details: click here for the site. It's a free, fun "outing" to see critters, without leaving home.

You 'otter' go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Otters got it goin' on.

Cute, furry, and smart, they’re also among the most charismatic creatures around. They’re the Ashton Kutchers of the wild. And they're worth celebrating, says the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Hence: Otter Days, Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13. The weekend also marks the last chance to see the African spotted-necked otters and Asian small-clawed otters before the clsoing of the special exhibition, Wild about Otters, an exhibit covering five galleries and some 32 species.

The Otter Days weekend includes special programs, a family craft room, face painting and otter-related prizes (a chance for families to win behind-the-scenes tours of the Aquarium's sea otter exhibit). You'll also learn about efforts to save California's threatened southern sea otter population, from the Aquarium's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program and staff of Defenders of Wildlife.

Details: Get Aquarim tickets in advance by clicking here. Can't go? Then visit virtually and play kids games by clicking here. Get lodging and dining info from the Monterey CVB.

PHOTO CREDIT: © Monterey Bay Aquarium/Randy Wilder