Archive for October, 2009

The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Dog Friendly Beaches

Have you ever seen anything as happy as a dog playing on the beach? Me neither. Sometimes I borrow my neighbor’s dog just to take him to the beach and watch him go nuts chasing after his tennis ball into the roiling surf, completely oblivious of the chilly water and crashing waves. It’s not only fantastic exercise for the dog, it’s cathartic for humans as well, being able to bring so much joy to a dog’s day. So open your day-planner right now, find a free weekend, then call your dog over and let him know that he’s about to have the best beach getaway a pooch could ever hope for. Read full article »

Posted in Beaches & The Coast, Pet-Friendly by Getaway Guru | 5 Comments »

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Lassen Volcanic National Park

Here’s an idea: Instead of driving to Lake Tahoe again for your alpine getaway, consider a detour to one the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states: Lassen Volcanic National Park. Okay, so maybe it doesn’t offer the same incredible scenery as Lake Tahoe (what place does?), but Lassen Volcanic National Park definitely has something Tahoe can’t touch: Lassen Peak, one of the most active volcanoes on the continent. If you live in Northern California, you really should visit this Yellowstone-of-the-West wonderment at least once in your life. Read full article »

Posted in Kid-Friendly, Parks & Wildlife by Getaway Guru | 5 Comments »

5 Top Spots to Play the Slots

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

top_slots_headerConsidering Reno is the epicenter of slot machine production in the U.S. (IGT, the largest American slot manufacturer, is based there), it’s no wonder Northern California is home to some of the most exciting slot experiences around. I’m not about individual machines; for me, it’s all about the overall vibe. With that in mind, here are my favorite regional places to pull the reels. Read full article »

Posted in Casinos & Gaming by Gaming Guru | No Comments »

7-Day Dream Getaway – Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

7_day_getaway_header

Because the California Coast is so vast and geographically varied—from misty redwood forests to gold-sand beaches and rugged mountain ranges—it would take weeks to see all its major attractions. I’m guessing your vacation days are limited, so I’ve put together this recommended itinerary to help you make the most of your time.

This 7-Day Dream Getaway begins with a half-day’s leisurely drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, and then continues south past Monterey and Carmel into thickly forested Big Sur. And on this getaway the journey is half the fun: The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the nation’s most thrilling drives, twisting and turning, climbing and descending along Highway 1 as it takes you past coastal redwood forests, ocean cliffs, and secluded coves battered by the dazzling Pacific Ocean. Read full article »

Posted in Beaches & The Coast by Getaway Guru | 1 Comment »

5 Top Gourmet Gaming Getaways

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

gourmet_gaming_headerCasino resorts aren’t just casinos anymore. These days, the gambling meccas offer top-notch amenities from luxurious spas to killer golf courses. Another popular feature: upscale restaurants. While not every casino eatery is worthy of focused attention, some establishments deserve the spotlight and are among my favorites around Northern California. Read full article »

Posted in Casinos & Gaming by Gaming Guru | 1 Comment »

The Best Family-Run Farm Experiences

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Family Run Farm Experiences

So there you are, sitting in your office or cubical on a sunny day, wishing you were working somewhere, anywhere else right now. Like on a small family farm for instance, planting strawberries and picking pears in dirty jeans and warm sunshine. It’s not an impossible dream you know. Mavericks such as Dee Harley of Harley Farms have pursued their passion for life beyond office walls and made it work. So beyond the obvious benefits of taking a weekend getaway to a family farm—fresh produce, scenic drives, baby goats—is the incentive of inspiration, of meeting people who, even in these troubling economic times, are happily living off the land. Read full article »

Posted in Green & Organic by Getaway Guru | 3 Comments »