Disneyland rings in the holiday full-force this year, with the presentation of the Fairy Tale Suite at the Disneyland Hotel, the release of the Disneyland Resort Vacation Package and the opening of Cars Land with the “Topping Out” Ceremony.
Fairy Tale Suite
Part of the hotel’s expansion, the Fairy Tale Suite joins the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, Big Thunder Suite and Pirates of the Caribbean Suite. The 750-square-foot suite features a marble foyer leading into the bedroom overlooking the Disneyland Resort through floor-to-ceiling windows. Disney characters adorn the suite, Tinker Bell at the entrance and the Sleeping Beauty Castle mosaic in the bathroom. We like the royal canapoy bed and steam shower and Jacuzzi tub featuring chromo-therapy.
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Wondering what to do in Santa Barbara? Here’s a great listing:
Through-February 2011: Sunlight and Water (www.sunlightandwater.com) transforms eight tasting rooms, a restaurant and a hotel in downtown Los Olivos into a “Meandering Gallery” showcasing Mark Robert Halper’s portraits of Santa Barbara County winemakers.
November 21: Opera Santa Barbara (http://www.operasb.com/) presents “An Evening with Patricia Racette” at The Granada.
December 1-January 7: Annual Julefest Celebration (http://www.solvangusa.com/) in Solvang, including holiday décor, carolers, a parade, more than 150 boutiques and specialty shops hosting free open houses and special celebrations throughout the season.
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Santa Maria Valley on California’s Central Coast may be best known for its picturesque beaches, fine wines and world-famous barbecue, but it is also gaining recognition as a premier destination for sporting events. The Santa Maria Valley resides in northern Santa Barbara County just 160 miles north of Los Angeles.
The Hagerman Sports Complex—considered the crown jewel of the local sporting experience—features four multipurpose fields for softball, baseball, youth soccer and other sports, as well as a restaurant, meeting room and expansive parking facilities. The Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, Central Coast Sports Arena, Atkinson Community Center and the new Orcutt Community Park are among the numerous other local facilities that host sporting events.
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We hear that the The Carneros Inn is a natural choice for weddings, with lots of experience to boot. With a picture-perfect setting in the midst of the Carneros wine-growing region, it’s little wonder that The Carneros Inn garners awards as one of the most romantic resorts in the world. It’s also one of the most exclusive in Napa Valley, but there’s nothing pretentious about it. The Carneros Inn exudes rustic charm with an organic feel drawing on its surroundings. One delighted wedding guest told Luxury Travel Advisor about the “casual chic vibe,” as another raved about the bocce ball on the lawn.
Guests can get buffed in the spa with views of the vineyards, warm themselves under the stars by the outside fire pits and taste the region’s bounty at FARM.
A-listers should contact David Thibaut (dthibaut@thecarnerosinn.com; 707-299-4903), associate reservations manager and VIP specialist. For weddings, contact Wedding Liaison Brooke Baglietto (bbaglietto@thecarnerosinn.com). This vineyard oasis comes with cottage-style accommodations nestled in 27 acres of grape vines and apple orchards. These individual cottages have outdoor showers, wood-burning fireplaces, free mini-bars stocked with local Gravenstein apple juice and sprawling bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and talked-about bath products by Red Flower. Insiders suggest the Vineyard Suite or Harvest Cottage for newlyweds.
Shopping, bungalows and foody delights: We bring you the latest intel from this posh Hollywood playground.
Who doesn’t want a little taste of SoCal luxury? Beverly Hills, is giving travelers the opportunity to sample its culinary scene.
The “Taste of Beverly Hills,” presented by Food & Wine, is being held September 2 (or 9.02.10…get it?) through September 5 next to the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Below is a sampling of opportunities to experience lesser known, yet alluring activities, dining options and more offered in Sonoma County:
Dog-Friendly Wineries
Through the mutual passion for wine and “all things dog,” Mutt Lynch Winery was founded in 1995 by Christopher and Brenda Lynch. This dog-friendly winery hosts monthly themed “Yappy Hours” for wine lovers and their pups. Mutt Lynch Winery also supports numerous local animal rescue organizations in their tireless efforts to save pets’ lives. Mutt Lynch Winery is open for visits by appointment only. For more information or to book a tasting, call (707) 942-6180 or visit www.muttlynchwinery.com.
Additional information about dog-friendly winery tours throughout Sonoma County can be found at http://www.sonomawine.com/visit-our-wineries/suggested-tasting-routes.
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Foodies and shoppers take note: the new L.A. Flea Market opens July 18th at Dodger Stadium.
Details: After the Grand Opening on July 18th, the L.A. Flea Market will be held on the fourth Sunday of every month with the exception of August, when it will be held on August 29th. Admission is $5 for the general public starting at 9am and includes free parking. Early bird tickets are $15 for a 5 am entry, $10 for 7 am and the VIP treatment is $25. Kids under 12 get in free. Leashed pets are allowed.
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Santa Barbara’s new annual fall celebration, epicure.sb: a month to savor santa barbara , returns for its second year this October.
The 31-day, community-wide culinary extravaganza features food and drink festivals, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, special seasonal menus, book signings, lectures, epicurean-inspired art exhibits and many more tasty opportunities to sip and savor the bounty of The American Riviera. The region’s top restaurants, wineries, gourmet purveyors and galleries collectively offer 100+ cuisine, libations and cultural happenings throughout the month.
Signature events include the Harbor Seafood Festival, California Lemon Festival, California Avocado Festival, SB Beer Festival and Celebration of Harvest.
Visit www.epicuresb.com
Hosting two distinct and iconic jazz festivals this summer, Newport Beach is easily the West Coast’s place to be for jazz.
Launching June 25th, the 18th Annual Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series runs through October 1st and features big names in jazz, including The Max Weinberg Big Band, David Sanborn, Bobby Caldwell Fourplay and Steve Tyrell. Click here for a full line-up.
Not to be left behind, the inaugural Sunset Jazz Series, organized by the the acclaimed West Coast Jazz Party and popular jazz radio station KJAZZ, bring straight-ahead jazz to the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel & Spa beginning July 7th through August 25th, every Wednesday night. Click here for a full line-up.
With 70 miles of ocean coastline, many awesome surf spots and a year-round near-perfect climate, San Diego is the epitome of the true Southern California lifestyle.
Add a rich surf culture and history, numerous surf schools and camps, cool hotels with unique surfing amenities, and plenty of shops to find the latest in surf apparel; visitors have all the ingredients for a great surfing vacation.
