Big Bear offering half off lodging this Memorial Day

Big Bear Lake Resort Association is offering 50 percent off lodging accommodations this Memorial Day Weekend for a three-night stay with check-in starting May 24.

The special offer requires a three-night stay, is valid for new reservations only, and must be mentioned at the time of booking. There is limited availability, participating lodges only, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply, and it cannot be used with any other specials or promotions.

The Memorial Day Weekend Special Offer is a one-time 72-hour sale that is available online at www.bigbear.com Monday, May 20, 2013 at 9 a.m. to Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 9 a.m. or by phone at 800-424-4232 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (May 20-23).

Ski, bike and golf all in one day at Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth
EXPERIENCE 3 FANTASTIC SPORTS IN 1 AMAZING DAY.
Love winter? Crave Summer? Rock them both this Memorial Day Weekend with the Ski-Bike-Golf-Challenge – a one-day pass that includes lift tickets, entrance to the bike park, and 9 holes of golf – for only $99.

This epic weekend at Mammoth features:
• The 12th annual WCI presented by Monster Energy and Snowboarder Magazine
• Barbecues with live music
• DJ Party at the Top of the Sierra
• Exclusive Reception for Ski-Bike-Golf Challengers
• 20% off lodging for Ski-Bike-Golf Challengers
• Visit Mammoth Memorial Day for more information

We’re one of the only mountains in the country that’s still open for skiing. So make Mammoth your Summer Base Camp and enjoy all your favorite sports for just $99.
Get your Ski-Bike-Golf Challenge Pass now.

Glen Ivy celebrates Mother’s Day

Glen Ivy celebrates Mother’s Day. Every Wednesday in May, mothers, grandmothers and moms-to-be too, receive two-for-one Taking theWaters admission with the purchase of two 50-minute spa services (including Facials, Massages or Body Treatments).  In addition, The Club Mud Fairy will grant two admission passes for a future visit to the Hot Springs.

Glen Ivy will also hold a mother-daughter Skincare event Saturday, May 11th from 11 am-4 pm.  Mothers and daughters will learn about effective skincare for every generation of life from Glen Ivy’s expert skincare team.

The complimentary event will include an in-depth skin analysis, exfoliation and multiple layers of hydration.  Guests will also enjoy the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar as they soak up some sunshine at The Lounge Pool.

Glen Ivy is also offering a Mother’s Day Gift Card promotion through May 12.  Purchase a $100 Gift Card for $85, redeemable at both Glen Ivy Hot Springs and Glen Ivy Brea.

For more information on these activities and other offered at Glen Ivy, check out our Classes & Activities page at glenivy.com.

 

For Reservations, please call 1-888-GLEN IVY (1-888-453-6489). Our representatives are available M-F: 7:30am-6:00pm and Sat-Sun: 8:00am-4:00pm

Carlsbad Hilton offers ultimate golf package

Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa has introduced the ultimate in golf packages, allowing golfers to play on the green at acclaimed Aviara Golf Club.

The Golf Beach Package is priced from $335 per night and features the following: Deluxe accommodations, One round (18 holes) of golf at Aviara Golf Club, golf cart with GPS system, unlimited use of Aviara practice facilities and range balls, transportation to and from Aviara Golf Club.

Guests can eliminate the cost and hassle of traveling with golf clubs and shoes, and instead rent the newest Callaway clubs for $50 and golf shoes for $15 per day.

The Golf Beach package may be booked by calling 855-369-4447 or by visiting http://www.hiltoncarlsbadoceanfront.com.

Find new Shangrila in Santa Monica renovation

Hotel Shangrila in Santa Monica is celebrating the completion of multimillion renovation and recent addition of one-of-a-kind Art Moderne and Art Deco collectibles. The 71-room luxury hotel boasts 35 suites.

The Artful Lodger – Total $765 for two persons

One Bedroom Suite Accommodation Private Towncar to Getty Villa Entrance and Reservation for Getty Villa Relaxing Foot Massage at Sybaris Rejuvenation Lounge for Two Surprise“House” Confectionary Turndown Amenity Chocolates Complimentary Valet Parking. The Artful Lodger applies to one or two persons in the room, nightly valid through 2013.

Your Very Own Private Shangrila – Total $1,297 for two persons / $985 for one person

Veranda Suite Accommodation with outdoor verandas with view of the sea, Al fresco Breakfast, Stocked Refrigerator with Santa Monica’s famous Farmers Market produce, Entrance to Soulcycle – the ride which delivers an intense full-body workout with a fun and energizing atmosphere, Dual Massage at Sybaris Rejuvenation Lounge for 90 minutes, One of the hotel’s highly touted signature cocktails

Both packages are valid through 2013, subject to availability, and is exclusive of tax and gratuity. For additional information, visit www.shangrila-hotel.comor call 310/394-2791.

Looking for the Red Baron in New Zealand

Omaka Aviation Centre offers a wonderful visit to gallant pilots of World War I in Marlborough, New Zealand. (Photo courtesy of Omaka Aviation Centre

We all want to be Snoopy, fighting the Red Baron in our imaginations. And Classic Flights at Lake Wanaka, New Zealand, offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the excitement of early flying machines.

I really love donning the old-style leather jackets and flying helmets, the white silk scarf streaming out behind you. There is something special about the smell of aviation fuel and wind in your face.

The company flies vintage Tiger Moth biplanes on flights from Spitfire Lane at Wanaka Airport on the South Island of New Zealand.

The friendly pilots offer 20 minute scenic flights over beautiful Lake Wanaka and Mt. Aspiring National Park in the Southern Alps. Braver lads and lasses can take the 30 minute barnstormer tour that includes many of the aerobatic skills of the bygone era.

After this flight experience, aviation buffs must stop at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough. It’s like walking onto a movie set, thanks to the influence of famous movie director Sir Peter Jackson, who is chairman of the 14-18 Heritage Trust.

In the Knights of the Sky Great War Exhibition, famous biplanes are shown in scenes recreating many actual incidents, such as the last flight of Manfred von Richthofen on April 21, 1918. The Red Baron was fatally wounded while pursuing a Sopwith Camel at low level, just as another Camel was trying to attack from behind.

Read more in Rich Irwin’s story REDBARON

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Old Town San Diego

More than just tacos and tequila, celebrating Cinco de Mayo in San Diego is full of rich, cultural offerings and fun for the whole family. From the first annual Mariachi Festival to the 30th annual Fiesta Old Town, this fifth of May find yourself the perfect place to celebrate the music, food and fun of the Mexican culture.

Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo

cincodemayo2013

Now celebrating its 30th year, Fiesta Old Town is the largest event of its kind in Southern California. This free, three-day event is fun for the whole family including 3 stages of live entertainment, beer garden, bustling Mercado and interactive activities for the kids. Cruise down low-rider lane to check out custom paint jobs and gravity-defying hydraulics on display. Enjoy a high-end tequila tasting or satisfy your appetite by visiting over 20 restaurants featuring holiday specials.

Where: Old Town San Diego
When: May 3-5, 2013
Cost: Free
> Find out more about Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo

Big Bear Lake giving away free gas

Big Bear Lake is giving away free gas this spring and summer. Guests that stay two nights at a participating lodge receive a free $50 gas card, a three-night stay is worth $75 in free gas, or stay four or more nights at a participating lodge and receive a free $100 gas card.  To top it off, anyone who books Big Bear’s free gas card offer automatically qualifies to win a free $500 gas card.

The bonus $500 gas card is given out twice during the promotion. The first drawing is set for Aug. 1 for lodging arrivals from April 21 to July 31, 2013. The second drawing is Nov. 25 for lodging arrivals from Aug. 1 to Nov. 18. There is one entry per drawing.

The free gas card offer for $50, $75 and $100 ends Nov. 22. Minimum night stays vary per lodge, and other restrictions may apply. The free gas card promotion must be mentioned at the time of booking.

A $50, $75 or $100 Shell Gas Card, redeemable at participating Shell gas stations, will be given to the guest at check-in.  Limit one gas card per reservation. This offer may not be used in combination with any other offer.

Anyone who books the free gas card offer automatically enters to win a free $500 gas card. To learn about the free gas card promotion, or to book accommodations log onto www.bigbear.comor call 800-424-4232.

Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show coming to Half Moon Bay

There are car shows, air shows, motorcycle shows, tractor shows, county fairs, music festivals, food festivals and living history festivals galore.

Mix them all together in one venue on one weekend and you’ve got Half Moon Bay’s beloved, one and only Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, coming up April 27-28,running both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Half Moon Bay Airport.

An added bonus this year: with the opening of the brand new Devil’s Slide Tunnels on Highway 1, driving to the show will be easier and more interesting than ever!

admission to the show is $20 ($30 for 2-day pass) for adults, $10 ($15 for 2-day pass) for ages 11-17 and 65+, and free for kids age 10 and under. Tickets are available at the gate only.

Half Moon Bay Airport, at 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway, is located on Highway 1, about 20 miles south of San Francisco and five miles north of Highway 92. For information, call650-726-2328 or visit www.miramarevents.com

Legoland Hotel opens in Carlsbad

Premium room at Legoland Hotel. (Photo courtesy of Legoland California)

Driving up to the Legoland Hotel in Carlsbad, it’s clear that this isn’t your usual hotel. The brightly colored columns can be seen clear across the vast parking lot. And a large smoke-breathing dragon hangs above the portico.

Welcome to the latest addition to Legoland California. The new 250-room hotel opened Friday. And everything inside caters to children 2 to 12 years of age.

Inside the lobby, kids are greeted by large Lego sculptures, with airplanes and pirates ships sailing overhead. In fact, the resort features more than 3,500 Lego models built from three million blocks.

While you’re checking in, check out the Lego minifigures lining the wall. Kids love to collect the little figures and this is one of the largest collections in the world. A bicycle slowly pedals across the wall, it’s plastic wheels magnifying the detail on 5,000 figures.

Read more in Rich Irwin’s story LEGOLAND.