February 2009 Archives

Jughandle Creek Nature Center on-site naturalist will set up guided whale watching walks by reservations and will provide spotting scopes and educational materials. Contact: Helene Chalfin, 964-4630 or email: jughandle@creek.org

Lighthouse Activities, Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse exhibits and children's activities on Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Includes tide pool exhibit, lighthouse history, bird walks from Audubon Society, whale watching, and a Marine Mammal Center of Sausalito rescue demonstration. Docents & naturalists on hand. Parking $3
 
Plein-air Artists in the Village Weather permitting! See local artists painting on the Mendocino Headlands, Saturday
 
4th Annual Marine Wildlife Exhibit at the Mendocino Art Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Little Lake St., Mendocino. Call 937-5818 features nationally and locally honored marine wildlife artists including the late JD Mayhew, designer of Whale Festival logo

Whale Watching Cruises from Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg all day both Saturday and Sunday, call Chamber of Commerce for charter boat referrals, 707-961-6300 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, 9-3 on Saturday

Whale Watching by Horseback, call Chamber of Commerce for referrals, 707-961-6300 between 9-5 on weekdays, 9-3 on Saturday.
 
Comedian Stu Stuart is set to perform March 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. in the Sequoia Room at North Coast Brewing Co. Tickets are $15 each and available at the brewery.

Party Mardi Gras style in the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego. This Gaslamp-wide outdoor celebration includes two spectacular parades on Fifth Avenue and a fabulous b

lock party featuring several stages with musical a

cts.

Enjoy tasty treats, cold beverages and beads, beads, beads. This event goes on rain or shine. This is a ticketed event for people 21 and up only. Proceeds benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Association.

Event Information

Time: 6 p.m. to Midnight
Parade Times: 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. (last approximately one hour each)
Route: 5th & E Street along 5th Avenue to 5th and K Street
Tickets:
Day of Event - $20 per person. Purchase tickets at entry gates at 6 p.m.
Advance tickets - $15 per person. Purchase online at http://www.gaslamp.org.
Dinner Packages - $30 per person. Includes dinner at one of many dining locations in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Club VIP Tickets - $40 per person. Enjoy exclusive amenities at ten nightclubs. Complete list of nightclubs at http://www.gaslamp.org/articles/special_events/mardi_gras.html 

Drop Zones for Taxis and Personal Rides
East side of event: 8th Avenue between G Street and Market Street
West side of event: Market Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue 

Greenopia has developed a unique Green Leaf award system, which highlights the level of organic and sustainable products that a company uses or sells. Greenopia rates each business with one to four Green Leaf icons to demonstrate its level of environmental commitment.  Businesses are given clear, practical and attainable steps to improve their green practices.  There is no charge to receive a Green Leaf rating.

The partnership between Greenopia and the SFCVB will help encourage both businesses and consumers create a greener San Francisco's visitor industry by increasing the number of businesses with Green Leaf ratings, and by providing consumers with the resources to help them find local green products and services. Greenopia rates all kinds of businesses, everything from organic restaurants and grocery stores, to eco-friendly dry cleaners, interior designers, green builders and home furnishing stores - more than 50 categories in all. 

"The SFCVB's partnership with Greenopia will benefit visitors by giving them information about local businesses that are committed to the environment.  It will benefit SFCVB members by providing the means and motivation to 'green' their businesses.  And it helps the strengthen San Francisco's leadership as a green destination," said Joe D'Alessandro, president and CEO of the SFCVB.

Visitors will soon find SFCVB members and their Green Leaf ratings on the SFCVB's green Web site, www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/green. 

1.  Art Lovers: Art lovers who are members of the Museum of Contemporary Art are invited to attend an advance viewing of "Dan Graham: Beyond," the first North American survey of one of the foremost figures in contemporary art.  Members are also invited to an opening party, with cash bar and music, starting at 7 pm.  Not a member of MOCA? 

Visit the Fashion Institute of Merchandise and Design (FIDM) museum, and take advantage of this exclusive Valentines deal: free admission to The 17th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition: Celebrating Costumes for the Outstanding Films of 2008.  Museum goers will also receive a surprise gift from the FIDM Museum Store.  If you feel inspired, take a stroll down Gallery Row and build your art collection.

2.  Traditional Romantics: For only $2, take a stroll and smell the roses at the L.A. Flower Market, and buy a bouquet of the freshest flowers in the area.  Afraid to come across as stingy?  Head to the Jewelry District, one of the greatest concentrations of jewelry retailers and manufacturers in the nation (with some of the best deals), to peruse and purchase a something sparkly for your lover. 

Noe Restaurant and Bar at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel is offering a six-course menu for couples in the mood for amour, "La Vie De Bohem," at $120 a person (includes tax and tip); wine pairing is available for an additional $60 per person (includes tax and tip.)  Or go to The Restaurant at The Standard for a three course prix fix menu for dinner, specially created by chef Yuji Iwasa, including a Champagne Toast, for $60.00 per person. 

3.  Musically Inclined   Options abound in Downtown L.A. for music lovers.  Start at the new Grammy Museum, where you can take advantage of this exclusive V-Day 2-for-1 deal for couples ($15).   If you want to stay nearby, head to Club Nokia to see Babyface or to the Nokia Theatre to see Mijares Y Manoella Torres' La Gira Del Amor.  If you favor more classical music, plan on seeing pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet play Gershwin, or, with tickets only $10 - $20, the Penderecki String Quartet at the REDCAT Gallery.   

4.  Aspiring Hipsters:  If you're too cool for school, there are plenty of hipster hangouts in Downtown.  Let the bright lights at the Museum of Neon Art illuminate your heart - student tickets are $5 and adult tickets are $7.  Skip the traditional, and head to Provecho for tequila tasting (80+ different tequilas) - or for the Chef's Valentine's Day Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu. 

Older souls and traditionalists can go to the Irish-infused Seven Grand to sample some of the 125 whiskeys at the hand-carved, black walnut bar.  Continue your conversations about little-known bands at The Edison, an intriguing lounge that celebrates the era of invention and imagination with beautiful architecture and a fantastic drink menu, or revisit oldie-but-goodie Golden Gopher.  And if you're not ready to end your night (or morning), go with a classic: The Pantry never closes.

5. Dancing Queens:  If you're goal for V-day is to further woo your significant other with your moves, fear not.  Put on your dancing shoes and feel the beat at any of these venues: Get steamy at The Mayan on Tropical Saturday.  Dine and dance at The Congo Room - Start with dinner at Boca restaurant and slide into an easy salsa beat while the orchestra and DJ play to move both your heart and feet into excitement.  The Rooftop at The Standard will be hosting "2009 Sweethearts Party" featuring DJ Rockwell from the '87 Sick Up Kids' & 'Swimming with Sharks' fame.  Celebrate with heart shaped Jello, champagne specials for one, two, or three, and the best DJs to serenade the cupid in you. (21+. 1-7pm).

If you're not in love, but love to dance, Elevate, a stylish lounge that feels like a high-rise penthouse, will be hosting an exclusive singles party from 7:30 - 9.  The club opens to the public with Champagne specials for bottle service tables starting at 9.

6.  Fun Lovers: The Center Theatre Group is offering three musicals: "Pippin," "Minsky'" and "Taking Over," with tickets starting at $20.  Feeling lucky?  Head to L.A. Live and Lucky Strike Lanes, an upscale bowling lounge with billiards, DJ's and private party space. 

After eating dinner and bowling a perfect score, see if you're equally as talented in the vocal arena by going to Little Tokyo for late night karaoke and sake.  Be prepared for a romantic duet with your significant other.  Or head to Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant, located 21 floors above the Financial District, for unparalleled views of Los Angeles' own jewels.  In honor of the day of lovers, Takami will be offering their regular a la carte menu, as well as complimentary red roses for all of the ladies.      

7.  Sports Lovers:  Do couples that sweat together, stay together?  Find out at Sexy Couple's Boot Camp at the New Vista Hermosa Park, for $20 per couple.  A picnic lunch, tailored to what the couple wants and served after boot camp, can be added for extra.  The L.A. Kings are playing at the STAPLES Center; continue the excitement afterwards at the ESPN Zone. 

For $225, guests at the Los Angeles Athletic Club can enjoy a deluxe room for one night, dinner for two at The Plunge to enjoy the Synchronized Swimming Valentine Dinner, breakfast for two in the Grill Room, complimentary parking and Valentines amenities.  

8.  Spa Goers:  The Hilton Checkers is offering a discount for two on 60-minute couples Be Well Massages, regularly $320 for two, discounted to $255 (gratuity not included).  The package includes complimentary aromatherapy and Herbal Foot Care Cream, as well as a 15-minute Fresh Face Massage for Her and 15-minute Thermal Fusion Hair and Scalp Revitalizer for Him.  At Neihule Salon, couples can enjoy a "Bed of Roses" manicure and pedicure with champagne for $45 each, a "Say I Love You" brazilian waxing with design for $65, and a Valentine's Day Blow-dry Style and Make-up Touch-up for $65.     

9. History and Culture Enthusiasts:  Check out L.A. from a tour bus. Luckily, StarLine Tours is offering an exclusive deal of 2-for-1 tickets ($30).  Likewise, the Los Angeles Conservancy is offering 2-for-1 admission ($10) for any regularly scheduled walking tour on Feb. 14.  (Reserve in advance, using discount code DCBID09). 

Discover Japanese history at the Japanese American National Museum, or explore "the birth place of Los Angeles," Olvera Street / El Pueblo Historic Monument. If you just want to try something new, the Millennium Biltmore is offering a Moroccan-themed dinner packages and live belly dancers, starting at $120 per person for a regular table or $400 per couple for a cabana table, bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne and open bar during dinner.      

10. Pet Lovers:  So you've found someone that loves you and dogs?  Celebrate by planning an outing that includes your pets.  Enjoy a long stroll at The Cornfield (http://www.notacornfield.com/) or at Vista Hermosa Park.  Or spend the day pampering your pets at Bark Avenue: spa treatment for dogs and cats includes grooming, mani/pedi and massage, and the first 15 appointments booked for Feb. 14 receive a 20% discount.  For a purr-fect Valentines Day gift, commemorate your relationship with that special cat or dog with a commissioned portrait session by Sonia Paulino for $150. 

Is it just you and your pet fur-ever?  Treat your pet to a V-day spa day and lunch at the Pawbar at Pussy and Pooch.  All baths include a blueberry facial, freshly prepared meal for your pet from the in-store pet café, champagne and cupcakes for people and pupcakes for dogs. 

A "no frills" $109 rate for a standard guest room. Guests enjoy the Chill Room featuring iJoy massage chairs and Xbox entertainment system, free use of the business center offering two iMac computers and printer, free use of in-room safe, free self-serve coffee and tea in guest rooms, free daily local newspaper, free high-speed Internet access and free telephone calls to the mainland U.S. & Canada. These "hot rates" are valid through Dec. 21.

The Wyland Waikiki Free Night Package

Book a three-night minimum stay through Dec. 21, and receive the third night free, plus a complimentary room upgrade upon check-in (upon availability), and a free continental daily breakfast for two at KiMOBEAN Coffee Company. Nightly rates start at $179 for a standard room. Offer per room per stay. Blackout dates may apply. Not combinable with other promotions and a three-night minimum stay is required.

Feel the Passion Romance Package

Discover your passion in the heart of Waikiki at The Wyland Waikiki. The Passion Package, valid through Jan. 4, 2010, includes a city view room with upgrade to a one-bedroom suite upon availability. Enjoy a flower lei on arrival, plus an in-room Passion Pack featuring chocolate-dipped fruits, chilled champagne, signature Wyland champagne flutes, Passion Mango massage oil, and a silk blindfold. Package rates begin at $189 per night for a city view room based on double occupancy. For an additional $150, a roundtrip sedan limousine transfer from Honolulu International Airport can be provided. Three-night minimum stay is required.

Forget candlelight and roses - for a more thrilling Valentine's Day, couples and singles alike can catch Lance Armstrong's first ride in the U.S. as he returns to cycling in the Tour of California prologue in Sacramento. On Feb. 14, race fans can try their hand at the race route during the Community Ride, then grab a seat to catch the pros in action. After the race, lovers (and those looking for love) can take advantage of hotel deals, a burgeoning restaurant scene, thriving nightlife and much more.

For more information on Tour of California travel deals in Sacramento, check out www.discovergold.org/amgen.