Archive for August 2007

Located off the coast of California, Catalina Island is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and plethora of activities. Whether it's spending a wonderful day golfing, or exploring the island on horseback, Catalina offers scenic splendor and activities everyone can enjoy.

Catalina is a hot spot for tourists and sees nearly one million tourists per year. The island is accessible by ferry or helicopter and day ferry tours are also provided. You can access the island by private boat and you’ll find that there are many cruise lines in California that make Catalina a favorite destination.

When visiting the island, you’ll have your choice of staying in one of the four star hotels and enjoying all of the amenities afforded by a luxury island resort. For example, the plush Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa offers benefits such as a garden courtyard and private balconies. The resort is styled in true Mediterranean architecture and you’ll wonder if you’re in Greece or Italy instead of California. The spa offers the best service and you’ll enjoy candlelit rooms where you experience the powerful healing benefits of aromatherapy and the most cutting edge trends of massage.

In addition, you’ll find that a trip to Catalina Island may also be explored best by staying in the campground, Two Harbors. You will need a permit to camp but you will find that the experience is well worth the stay. There are facilities available that include showers, toilets, a barbecue pit, lockers, and fresh water. You can choose to either set up your own tent or take advantage of one of the tent cabins that sleeps up to six people and includes cots, a stove, lanterns, and picnic tables. Whether you choose one of the exquisite hotels on the island or to experience the beauty of Catalina Island first hand while camping, you’ll discover that the island offers some of the most exciting adventures and exhilarating activities for all visitors.

Whether you are planning the wedding of your dreams, looking for a romantic get-a-way for two, or planning a family vacation, you’ll find that Catalina Island meets your expectations and then some more. Activities abound and in addition to the swimming, boating, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures, you’ll also find that Catalina offers a number of planned events. From outdoor nature hikes and learning adventures to cultural art displays, Catalina offers numerous activities and events to enhance every visitor’s experience. The Catalina Museum also provides insight into Catalina Island’s rich history and is a great way to learn more about this fascinating island.

 

Additional Information On Catalina Island

Boating & Kayaking Opportunities
Catalina Island: Dining
Getting There
History
Horseback Riding
Catalina Island Nightlife
Water Sports & Activities

 

When you think of Chinatown you may just think of one particular place. What you’ll find though is both Old Chinatown and New Chinatown, both with their different exotic sights, incredible smells of authentic Chinese food, and the many different shops and stores that hold treasures for everyone.

Walking the streets of Chinatown is by far the best way to get around. It is a simple trolley ride on the Gold line or you could take the Dash Minibus B from downtown Los Angeles. You can jump off right as you get to the base of Chinatown and you’re on your way.

With the many shops, restaurants, and décor of the architecture, the color and appearance makes it a popular tourist spot, as well as a place locals like to go to experience a culture that may be far from the norm in Los Angeles. You’ll know when you reach Chinatown by the landmark East Gate on N. Broadway. From there you can start your own self guided tour of Chinatown or you can take one of the many guided tours that lead you in to the most well sought after parts of Chinatown that few people know about.

You’ll most likely start with the Golden Pagoda which is about 50 feet high and one of the last newer buildings that was built in Chinatown. Although typically a tourist spot, it is a sight to behold. You can then make your way over to The Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well. With the magnificent architecture around this wishing well, it’ll be hard not to see the splendor of Chinatown in all of the old and new glory.

Meander your way through the alleys and you’ll find some of the most sought after Chinese herbs that have been used traditional Chinese medicine and teas for thousands of years. Fresh and ready to be bought, you’ll learn quite a bit about prolonging your life with the likes of ginseng root, pearl pills, and even gecko lizards.

For a little fun you should stop by the fortune cookie factory and see how they are really made. Sure, it’s a little self indulgent, but who doesn’t want to know how those tiny papers really get in those cookies? While you are being self indulgent, it may be time to eat by now. The Stockton Street food market is just the place to stop. Whether it’s Dim Sum you’re craving or a more exotic cuisine that you have yet to try, you’ll find it here. You may even pick up a few authentic foods to take home and try to make yourself.

For the art and history lover, Chung King Road is a must. They will do art openings in the evening that give you a chance to enjoy the beautiful and moving pieces of art. After you take in your fair share of culture you can hit the bars or more restaurants to talk late into the night with your friends. Chinatown is more than just a place to buy silk; it is a cornucopia of knowledge, food, culture, and fun.