Archive for January, 2010

Kid-Friendly Museums

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Kid Friendly MuseumsSome 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.

So if y’all are looking for something fun, warm, and affordable to do during the rainy season, this week’s theme is all about where to take the kids (or the kid in you) for a getaway adventure that’s both fun and educational—the best kid-friendly museums in Northern California. Read full article »

Posted in Kid-Friendly, Offbeat Adventures by Getaway Guru | 6 Comments »

Valentine’s Day Getaways

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Local Getaways - Great GetawaysSo you’re going to take your lover to a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day, eh? How original. C’mon people, let’s spice it up a bit. Let’s plan the kind of romantic weekend getaway that your significant other would never have dreamed you’d be clever enough to think of.

This year Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday, so that gives you the entire weekend to woo and wow your better half with one of our special Valentine’s Day weekend getaways that will keep you out of the doghouse for months (well, for weeks at least). Read full article »

Posted in Holidays, Romantic by Getaway Guru | 2 Comments »

Affordable Spa Retreats

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Affordable Spa RetreatsJust because economic times are tough doesn’t mean you have to forego the simple pleasures in life, such as a good long soak in a naturally carbonated mineral pool followed by a soothing foot massage. Like most other businesses, even the local spa resorts are feeling the pinch, so many have lowered their rates in hopes of enticing you to take a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway that you so deserve. And why not? It’s a great excuse to take a road trip to the coast or Wine Country and give your brain, soul, and body a well-needed mini-vacation. Ergo, this week’s theme covers my favorite-yet-affordable spas in Northern California. Read full article »

Posted in Mind, Body & Spirit by Getaway Guru | 1 Comment »

The Top 5 Road Trips

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Top 5 Road Trips - Avenue of the GiantsSome of the best memories I have as a kid growing up in Sacramento include piling into the Country Squire station wagon with my sisters (Seatbelts? What seatbelts?) and taking family road trips to the mountains or coast. Every trip was a mini-adventure filled with discovery and danger (Don’t make me pull this car over!). Even now I still get that tingle of anticipation as I load up the car with luggage and hit the open road to anywhere but my office. So in the spirit of good times and grand adventures, I’d like to share with you five of my favorite road trips in Northern California. Read full article »

Posted in Offbeat Adventures, Parks & Wildlife, Thrills & Adventure by Getaway Guru | 5 Comments »

Magnificent Museums

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Magnificent Museums
Now that winter has officially started, it’s time to plan some indoor (and warm) getaways to get you out of the house. So this week’s travel topic is about my favorite museums in Northern California. As the author of the Frommer’s California guidebook for the past 15 years, I’ve been to just about every museum in Northern California, and below are my top picks for a great winter getaway. Believe me, all of these museums are a must-visit mind-blowing experience, and the perfect excuse for an entertaining, educational, and affordable mini-vacation with friends and family. Read full article »

Posted in Kid-Friendly, Mind, Body & Spirit by Getaway Guru | 2 Comments »