Posts by Ron

California’s Catalina Island offers numerous water activities. The gorgeous turquoise waters are the perfect playground for snorkeling, fishing, boating, swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving.

First, Catalina Island features four beautiful beaches, all of which you may swim in. The four main beaches located in Avalon are Descanso Beach, South Beach, Middle Beach, and Step Bach. The Descanso Beach is part of the Descanso Country Club. Many people favor kayaking at Descanso Beach, and the Descanso Beach Ocean Sports offers great kayak and other boating accessories for rent.

South Beach is located to the right of Green Pleasure Pier, a very popular fishing location, and is close to plenty of activities such as dining and shopping facilities. When spending the day at the beach, you’ll find there’s plenty of time to enjoy a great day in the water, or fishing, and then enjoy some of the attractions. On the left of Green Pleasure Pier, you’ll find Middle Beach, and just north, you’ll find the smallest beach, Step beach. It’s important to realize that lifeguards are only on duty during the summer months.

In addition to the wonderful beaches, the fishing at Catalina Island is plentiful. People of all ages enjoy fishing at Catalina, from very young children to experienced anglers. You will need a saltwater fishing license and you can pick one up at the Two Harbors General Store. There are also several bait and tackle shops on the island. You’ll also discover that Two Harbors offers a number of incredible activities, from Buffalo Safaris, to Scuba and Snorkeling rentals.

Scuba Diving Magazine credited Two Harbors with the honor of being the World’s Healthiest Marine Environment. The water is crystal clear and provides the optimum scuba diving experience. Beginners will enjoy snorkeling, as there are plenty of lessons and guided underwater snorkeling tours. One of the most fascinating scuba diving locations is the Lover’s Cove Undersea Gardens. The Marine has been preserved and offers a wonderful underwater view for novice as well as experienced scuba divers. Whether you are spending the day at the beach, fishing, or enjoying the amazing sites while scuba diving, Catalina Island is full of wonderful water based activities.

For those visiting California’s gorgeous Catalina Islands, boating and kayaking provides a wonderful activity. Catalina Island is rich with scenic beauty and one of the best ways to explore these natural treasures is by boat or kayak.

The only way to reach Catalina Island is by ferry or plane, and once on the island, you’ll discover that boating or kayaking is the best way to access some of the more inaccessible areas of the island. Kayaking offers many benefits to those who want to view the island due to the fact that they are small and easy to navigate. Even a novice can handle a kayak, so you don’t have to worry about your boating skills before setting off on your adventure.

Santa Catalina island has a number of different boat rentals available and you can pretty much pick and choose the boat or kayak that best fits your needs. There are double kayaks that have an additional seat. This is a great option for those kayaking with children. In addition, you can take one of the guided tours of the island by kayak. An instructor, who gives a lesson regarding paddling and the basics of kayaking before setting off on the journey, leads these excursions. One company in particular, Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, provides guided kayaking tours as well as charter boats for those who would like to kayak in more remote parts of the island.

You can rent kayaks by the hour, by half a day, or a full day. The prices vary for single and double kayaks. You can expect to pay about $16.00 per hour, $35.00 for half a day, and $48.00 for all day rentals. The price for double kayak rentals is roughly $24.00 per hour, $52.00 for half a day, and $64.00 for a full day. In addition, there are several other boat rental facilities on the island, worthy of mention are Joe’s Rent-A-Boat and Wet Spot Rental.

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 the Queen Mary first launched on September 26, 1934 it was considered to be the ship of the future. Weighing in at an impressive 81,237 tons it was larger than the Titanic and faster than any ship made previously. The maiden voyage set sail on May 27, 1936 and to all accounts was a major event.

John Brown and Company out of Scotland built the Queen Mary to be a weekly express from Southampton England to New York to be one of the fastest ships on the ocean at that time. It certainly held up to that name as it did indeed garner the record for the fastest North Atlantic crossing in 1937. For 3 years she traveled back and forth bringing the rich and elite across the Atlantic in luxury and style. In 1939 she was on a trip when World War II started and was ordered to become a troopship to carry soldiers from Australia and New Zealand to the United Kingdom.

After the war had completed, and Queen Mary narrowly escaped being sunk by the orders of Adolf Hitler and his U boats, the Queen Mary was used as a transatlantic passenger trade until 1958. Then the jets were starting to fly and it seemed that people wanted quicker ways to get across the Atlantic Ocean. Finally in 1966 it was put up for sale and bought by H.E. Ridings of Long Beach California where it still resides today.

Today, Queen Mary is on the National Register of Historic places and serves as a hotel, entertainment venue, and a museum. It is an extremely popular tourist attraction that brings people in from all over the world. You can choose a self guided ship walk tour that takes you from the engine to the wheelhouse, or you can have a daily guided tour that explores the elegant bygone era. You can even go on the special tour called The Ghost and Legends tour that talks about the paranormal experiences of the Queen Mary which people swear have taken over the ships at certain times.

Many people come to the Queen Mary to stay in one of the 365 original staterooms, 8 of which are luxurious suites of their time. Each room is artfully appointed in the style of the 1930’s and 1940’s with original artwork and much of the art deco feel that it had in the past. The room rates are very reasonable depending on the season and you can buy packages that include dinner or show tickets. After checking in you can experience award winning dining in many of the waterfront restaurants such as the Sir Winston restaurant or you can just grab a quick bite to eat at The Promenade Café if you are in a rush to get back to your self guided tour of the Queen Mary.

Visiting and staying on the Queen Mary is like taking a step back in time to the more elegant and fascinating bygone years. It is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills is a wonderful treasure: Roxbury Park. Roxbury Park is the perfect get away for those who would just like to take an afternoon to relax, use the grill, or rest under the shade of the canopy trees, Roxbury Park also provides plenty of activities for children, adults, and seniors. Whether it is taking a new class, learning a new sport, or simply enjoying the beauty of California, Roxbury Park is sure to please.

Athletics

For those seeking an athletic outlet, Roxbury Park offers many top of the line choices. There is a baseball field that also serves as a soccer field, 1 ½ basketball courts, 4 lighted tennis courts that rival those in the finest country clubs, and sand volleyball courts that are sure to provide hours of entertainment. The lush green hills look as if they roll endlessly and are the perfect backdrop for croquet and lawn bowling. If you’ve never played lawn bowling, don’t worry, the park also provides free classes, so all are invited to join in the fun.

Children At The Park

The children will love the large playground that features a pirate theme, and young children will enjoy playing in the designated toddler area. Preschool classes for children, such as Mommy and Me, community based senior activities, and adult classes are abundant. Some of the choices include yoga, creative writings, sculpting and other art related classes, as well as theater. The park also provides lunches for seniors between 11:15am to 12:15pm for $1.75.

Parties & Special Gatherings

Roxbury Park is the perfect place to host family reunions, special gatherings, or birthday parties. You must call ahead and reserve grills and picnic tables before your event. A permit may also be required so make sure to leave plenty of time before your function to get everything in order.

Park Rules

Be sure to read the rules before planning your trip to the park. Some of the rules include: making sure that dogs are kept on a leash no longer than six feet, no alcohol, smoking, or narcotics, children must be supervised; especially around water areas, and there are no bikes, skateboards, skates, or scooters allowed in the park.

Parking

Parking is metered, so be sure to bring plenty of change.

Nestled in the heart of Malibu, in the Santa Monica Mountains, lies a treasure waiting to be explored. The hiking trails in Solstice Canyon are the true star of Hollywood. With breathtaking scenic views of waterfalls, indigenous flora and fauna, a stream that flows year round, and numerous majestic Oaks, Alder, and Sycamore trees, the Solstice Canyon Park is great any time of year.

The canyons are a beautiful way to observe nature in all of her glory. It isn't uncommon to see animals such as deer, bobcats, quail, and mountain lions. There are over 45 mammal species that call the Solstice Canyon home, and over 380 bird species. The streams and lagoons are home to fish that are indigenous to the mountains, and are plentiful year round.

First opened as a public park in 1988, by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, today they are under the management of the National Park Service. With five hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, Solstice Canyon is revered as one of California's national treasures.

Getting Here

Getting to Solstice Canyon is quite simple. Travel along Pacific Coast Highway until you reach Corral Canyon Road. Turning on Corral Canyon Road, you'll see a large white fence with a gate off to the left side. Once you enter the park you will pay for parking, so inquire about direct routes to the trail you are looking for.

Solstice Canyon has five trails designated for hikers. Three of these trails are deemed easy and are great for the novice hiker or for those who just want to enjoy a leisurely scenic hike.

Dry Canyon Trail

Easy (1.2 miles): This trail is a great hike for the novice hiker. You'll enjoy viewing the 150-foot waterfall at the end of your journey. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your journey, and don't drink the water in streams, as they are not deemed suitable for drinking. When hiking, remember that you must always yield the right of way to horseback riders.

TRW Loop Trail

Easy (1.5 miles): The TRW Trail is a nice gentle hike. While on your journey you will pass through many oak trees. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Red Tailed Hawk. There are also a number of snakes that are indigenous to the region, so it is best to avoid snakes, as the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is venomous. Fortunately, it is the only venomous snake that lives in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Solstice Canyon Trail

Easy (2.1 miles): When hiking through the Solstice Canyon Trail be sure to keep a watchful eye out for the famed, Keller House. This is an excellent way to view some of Malibu's past history. If hiking with dogs, the dog must remain on a leash at all times, and they are only allowed on trails as well as access roads.

Rising Sun Trail

Moderate (3 miles): It is believed that this trail derives its name from a winery that was founded by Matthew Keller during the later 1800's. You'll enjoy the scenic views of the ocean while hiking along this trail.

Sostomo Trail/ Deer Valley Loop

Moderate/Strenuous (7 miles) This trail is the most strenuous and should be tackled by the seasoned hiker. This trail is beautiful and provides a breathtaking scenic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Everyone knows what raw cuisine is right?

I’m actually kind of ashamed to admit it, but I only learned about raw cuisine a few days ago. A friend was suggesting that we add it to the site and I had no idea what they were talking about. Isn’t that the same thing as Vegan, I asked? Not quite. Well for those you who are like me and don’t know much about it, let me cover some of the basics.

Unlike the traditional vegetarian or vegan dishes, raw cuisine consists of organic foods that are uncooked, unprocessed, and have not been heated above a certain temperature (usually between 95 and 110 degree Fahrenheit). Furthermore, an individual whose diet consists of raw food isn’t necessarily a vegetarian or vegan…many consume raw eggs, fish, and even meat (although the majority of restaurants won’t serve raw meats/fish for health reasons).

The rationality behind consuming uncooked (or raw) food is primarily for the health benefits. Many believe that they are able to prevent and/or cure many common ailments that are derived directly (or indirectly) from the consumption of processed foods. They advocate that eating uncooked food maintains enzymes which aid in digestion (cooking the food destroys these enzyme). In turn, these enzymes allow for enhanced digestion, stimulation of the immune system, and a decrease of toxicity in the body.

For those of you interested in giving raw cuisine a shot, here are some fantastic restaurants around Los Angeles that specialize in raw cuisine:

 

Los Angeles

Leaf Cuisine
11938 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-390-6005

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8am to 9pm
Sunday: 10am to 9pm

Taste of the Goddess Cafe (at the Ona Spa & Hair Salon)
7373 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-933-1400

Hours:
NA

 

Sherman Oaks

Leaf Cuisine
14318 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-907-8779

Hours:
Open daily from 10am to 9pm

 

Silver Lake

Cru
1521 Griffith Park Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-667-1551

Hours:
Wednesday-Monday: 12pm to 10pm
Closed Tuesday

 

West Hollywood

Leaf Cuisine
8365 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Hours:
Open daily from 9am to 9pm

Taste of the Goddess Cafe
7253 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
310-874-7700

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 10am to 7pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Sunday: 10am to 6pm

When a romantic dinner just won’t cut it…

Looking for something totally spontaneous and out of the ordinary to surprise that special someone? Whether it’s your anniversary, birthday, or just another date - a helicopter tour of the city is a fantastic experience that’s sure to be a hit (assuming of course that your significant other isn't afraid of heights).

Los Angeles is home to about a half dozen helicopter charter companies that would be more than willing to help you plan that perfect evening. Packages vary from a simple 25-minute tour of popular Los Angeles landmarks and/or Pacific Coast to something a little more elaborate such as a limousine ride, tour, and dinner.

The cost is a little hefty so it’s not the most practical idea if you’re working with a budget. Prices vary based on the charter company but can expect to spend about $150/each for a 30-minute tour and upwards of $200/each for a 45-minute run. Add dinner and a limousine ride and you'll be in for a $1,000 evening.

Here are a few of the companies offering tours in Los Angeles (listed alphabetically):

Adventure Helicopter Tours
Departs From: Whiteman Airport - Pacoima
Reservations: 818-612-3676
Company Website

Briles To Fly Los Angeles
Departs From: Van Nuys Airport
Reservations: 877-863-5952
Company Website

Celebrity Helicopters
Departs From: Varies
Reservations: 877-999-2099
Company Website

HeliClass
Departs From: Van Nuys Airport
Reservations: 661-253-1437
Company Website

In the mood for a little magic?

Located in Santa Monica along 4th Street, Magicopolis first opened its door in March of 1998 with magicians Penn & Teller performing its very first show. The shows at Magicopolis aren't what you'd normally expect from a traditional magic show…you won't find tuxedos, top hats, and rabbits here. Instead, you'll enjoy a highly entertaining live performance featuring comedy, magic, music, illusions, and best of all – audience participation.

The shows at Magicopolis run about 90-minutes and public performances are held Friday through Sunday. Magicopolis also holds shows for private parties, events, and tapings on other days of the week.

Visit their website for up-to-date show time information and/or to purchase tickets.

Parking

Metered parking may be a little hard to come by in Santa Monica, but if you're lucky enough to find a spot, make sure to read the signs carefully. Alternatively, there is a parking structure (#5) between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd (same block as Magicopolis). Parking is free for the first two hours if you're entering before 6pm, otherwise, there's a flat-rate of $3 if you enter after 6pm.

An authentic Southern Brazilian Churrascaria, the Fogo de Chao location in Beverly Hills opened its doors in March of 2005 along La Cienega Blvd. The restaurant is really hard to miss – the prominent blue tower at its entrance helps it stand out among other restaurants along the Boulevard. The blue tower also offers an excellent view into the authentic Brazilian process of roasting meats. For about $50 per guest, you’ll enjoy continuous tableside service of fifteen different succulent cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken.

The Food

Traditionally referred to as Churrasco, a Gaucho (a Southern Brazilian Cowboy) would skewer large pieces of meat and then grill them over open flame pits. This Gaucho way of roasting meats has been passed down over the centuries and is an essential element of the Gaucho culture. It is also the foundation of the Fogo de Chao concept.

The Fogo de Chao concept features continuous tableside service by Gaucho chefs bringing you a variety of delicious meats. You’re provided with a small coaster (3rd picture below) – one side is red and the other is green. When you’re ready to be served, signal the Gauchos by flipping your coaster over to the green side. Alternatively, if you need a break, flip the coaster over to the red side and they’ll skip your table. Let the Gaucho know how you like your meat cooked and they’ll slice you a piece right there at the table.

I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical when I first heard about Fogo de Chao. As a huge fan of beef, it was hard to imagine that an all you can eat concept could actually deliver on quality. The first meat to arrive at my table (the meat doesn’t arrive in any particular order) was the Beef Ancho…a succulent and tender piece of rib eye. Next came the Filet Mignon which was just as good (if not better) than the rib eye.

Another fantastic cut of meat (one of their most popular) is the Picanah…a prime cut from the top sirloin. If you’re not a fan of beef, the lamb chops and pork ribs are excellent. They also serve a variety of chicken cuts but I was pretty full by the time those came around.

The Ambiance

As you step inside Fogo de Chao, the first thing you’ll probably notice is the 27-ft tall wine cellar…it’s really an amazing sight. Adorning the walls are colorful murals depicting the scenes of the Gaucho lifestyle and Brazilian culture. The Beverly Hills location seats 280 people and it also offers both semi-private (80 guests) and private (20 guests) dining areas.

The Service

For a restaurant of this size, I was really surprised with the quality of service. The staff and Gauchos were all knowledgeable, attentive and they really strive to ensure that you have a fantastic dining experience.