Archive for July, 2009

The 7 Man-Made Wonders of Northern California

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - The 7 Man-Made Wonders of Northern California

Sometimes you have to go see something simply because somebody was crazy or determined enough to build it. Take the Winchester Mystery House for example: If someone spends 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for 38 years building a nuthouse, people will line up to see it (and they do). So this week’s getaway theme is a tribute to the top seven man-made wonders that people said couldn’t (or shouldn’t) be built, all of which are a fantastic excuse to get away for fun-filled weekend of exploring Northern California. Read full article »

Posted in Historical California, Offbeat Adventures by Getaway Guru | 2 Comments »

Seaside Spa Getaways

Sunday, July 19th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Seaside Spa Getaways

A trip to the Northern California coast is almost always a guaranteed great getaway, but when it also includes a luxuriating Swedish massage followed by a relaxing soak in an ocean-view hot tub with a flute of bubbly in your hand, then you’re approaching nirvana. Which is why I’ve put together a short list of my favorite coastal spa retreats from Mendocino to Big Sur—and at every price range, from reasonable to oh dear. It was a tough job, but I personally reviewed all of these spa retreats to make sure you won’t be rubbed the wrong way. So c’mon, spoil yourself this weekend and make an appointment for 120 minutes of pure heaven. Read full article »

Posted in Beaches & The Coast, Mind, Body & Spirit by Getaway Guru | No Comments »

The Best Kid-Friendly Museums

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Best Kid-Friendly Museums

Some of my favorite family road trips as a kid were to places like the Exploratorium in San Francisco or Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley to play with all the hands-on science and technology exhibits. My dad was all for it because the tickets were cheap, and my sisters and I always came home with great mind-expanding toys from the museum gift shop. Read full article »

Posted in Kid-Friendly by Getaway Guru | No Comments »

The Best Small-Town Getaways

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - The Best Small Town Getaways

There’s something about strolling around a small town that restores your faith in America— that, in the long run, everything’s going to be alright. It’s the kind of getaway that does your soul some good, a relaxing visit to a place where the locals nod and say hello, the shops and restaurants are locally owned, and the pace is pleasantly slow. So if all this talk of hard times is getting you down, perhaps it’s time for a rejuvenating and quaintly romantic getaway to one of my six favorite small towns in Northern California. Read full article »

Posted in Rural Retreats by Getaway Guru | 4 Comments »