February 2009 Archives
Seattle's new cruise facility, recently named Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, will open April 24, 2009. The facility is located at Pier 91, 15 minutes from Seattle's downtown core. The new terminal provides two, 1,200-foot berths,
both equipped with shore power facilities that eliminate the need for vessels
to run their diesel engines while docked. This will create savings in fuel costs
for the cruise lines and translate into an environmental benefit of no air admissions
while docked. The new terminal will serve as homeport for Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. The existing Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 will continue to serve Celebrity Cruise and Norwegian Cruise Line. |
During the 2009 cruise season, 211 vessels will dock in Seattle with a projected passenger volume of 413,000. Cruise lines leaving from Seattle offer seven and 14-day Alaska trips, as well as three- and four-day cruises to British Columbia.
For more information on Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, visit www.portseattle.org/seaport/cruise/.
Wine tasting and whale
watching will be the featured attractions of the 27th Annual Mendocino Whale
Festival March 7 and 8 in Mendocino.
Many wineries will set up tasting stations in inns, galleries and shops throughoutMendocino
Village
With some 20,000 gray whales migrating north from birthing grounds inMexico to their winter home in Alaska ,
there will be plenty of whales to view from the Mendocino
Headlands State
Park , which surrounds Mendocino Village
Major events include:
Wine Tasting in Mendocino's shops-Saturday only noon-4 p.m., $30. Register at Welcome Centers:Crown Hall-Main St
Chowder Tasting in Crown Hall, Saturday from 11 a.m.-till the chowder runs out, $10. Crown Hall located at45285 Ukiah St.
Whale Watching walks on the headlands and Gray Whale Exhibit at the Ford House Visitor's Center, Saturday and Sunday. Call 937-5397 for more information and hoursFord
House Visitor
Center Main Street
Many California State Parks activities atMacKerricher State Park ,
Point Cabrillo Light Station, and Mendocino
Headlands State
Park
Many wineries will set up tasting stations in inns, galleries and shops throughout
With some 20,000 gray whales migrating north from birthing grounds in
Major events include:
Wine Tasting in Mendocino's shops-Saturday only noon-4 p.m., $30. Register at Welcome Centers:
Chowder Tasting in Crown Hall, Saturday from 11 a.m.-till the chowder runs out, $10. Crown Hall located at
Whale Watching walks on the headlands and Gray Whale Exhibit at the Ford House Visitor's Center, Saturday and Sunday. Call 937-5397 for more information and hours
Many California State Parks activities at
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
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
The
San Francisco Convention
& Visitors Bureau has formed a new
partnership with Greenopia, a consumer guide to green living. Visitors may use Greenopia's Green Leaf ratings to make decisions
that reduce their impact on the environment. These ratings will be available
soon on the bureau's green Web site, www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/green.
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
"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
Visitors will soon find
SFCVB members and their Green Leaf ratings on the SFCVB's green Web site,
www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/green.
Early
blooms of sand verbena, popcorn flower, spectacle pod, brittlebush, chuparosa,
and even the spectacular desert lily are popping up in "We anticipate the peak blooming season to hit between the third week of February and the second week of March, depending on the weather," reports Michael Rodriques, the manager of the Park's
When the bloom reaches its peak, the
massive fields of wildflowers are found at the northern edge of Borrego Springs
on Henderson Canyon Road and at the northern end of DiGiorgio Road, about ¼
mile beyond the end of the pavement. A great variety of wildflowers are found
along washes or in the canyons of the Park. An off-road trip through the
badlands, a hike up
Call the Wildflower Hotline
(760-767-4684) to get regularly updated information about this year's
bloom. You can also visit
Avoid the crowds by venturing out
early with an expert to explore, learn about, and enjoy the vast wilderness of
1. Art Lovers:
Art lovers who are members of the
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
4. Aspiring Hipsters:
If you're too cool for school, there are plenty of hipster hangouts in
Downtown. Let the bright lights at the
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
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
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
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
Discover Japanese history at the
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
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.
The Wyland Waikiki, Hawaii's only art-design hotel
in the heart of Waikiki is
offering a variety of value packages in 2009.
Aloha Rates
Aloha Rates
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.
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