Seasonal Escapes

Whale Watching

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

It’s time to witness one of the greatest wildlife migrations on the planet, and it’s happening just west of you. Every March herds gray whales can be spotted from shore as they journey northward along the coast, completing the last leg of their 14,000-mile annual round-trip. The proud parents are heading back to their Arctic feeding grounds after giving birth to their calves in the warm waters of Baja California (yes, even baby whales are adorable).

Ergo, this week’s theme is all about my favorite places along the Northern Coast to spot gray whales—from Mendocino to Monterey Bay—as well as the best whale watching boat tours and places to stay during your whale watching getaway. And don’t forget to bring binoculars. Read full article »

Snow-Play Getaways

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Snow Play Getaways

This week’s local travel tips are for everyone who’s tired of listening to his or her skier friends boast about all that fresh “pow pow” in Tahoe. So you don’t ski or snowboard—big deal. There are plenty of other exhilarating winter activities in the Tahoe region that don’t require you to buy absurdly expensive lift tickets and humiliate yourself on the bunny slopes.

I’ve been heading up to Tahoe every winter since I was a toddler and I know ALL the best places to play in the snow, whether it’s bombing down the hill on a saucer at Granlibakken or dog sledding through a snowy alpine meadow. No previous experience is required for any of these getaways, so start planning a Tahoe getaway today to play in all that glorious new snow. Read full article »

Last Minute Holiday Getaways

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Last Minute Holiday Getaways

Tis’ the year to procrastinate, eh? It’s December 20th and you still haven’t decided what you’re going to do for New Years Eve. Heck, you barely started your Christmas shopping. Well it’s not too late to plan a relaxing winter getaway that will help release the tensions from all this holiday hubbub. Not only has the team at LocalGetaways put together some special holiday hotel deals, we’ve also combined them with our top picks for fun end-of-the-year local events for friends, couples, and families. Think of it as a present to yourself for being such a wonderful person all year. Read full article »

Winter Wildlife Watching

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Local Getaways - Great Getaways - Winter Wildlife WatchingIf you’re looking for something interesting and affordable to do this winter, Mother Nature is putting on some pretty good free shows this time of year. Much of the wildlife in Northern California is doing the wild thing, and they don’t care who’s watching. Some of the most fascinating eco-excursions in the state only take place in the winter, such as the monarch butterfly migration to Pacific Grove, millions of migrating waterfowl in Sacramento Valley, and elephant seal mating rituals at Año Nuevo State Reserve (believe me, if you’ve never seen a pair of 2-ton elephant seal bulls fighting over a lady, you’re in for a treat). So grab your day-planner right now and carve out a few days this December for a winter wildlife watching getaway. Read full article »