Enjoy Summer in Winter at Todos Santos!

Located off the tip of the southern Baja peninsula on the Pacific Ocean side is a charming little Mexican town called Todos Santos. About an hour away from La Paz, my favorite place to vacation in Mexico, Todos Santos is a beach town well known for its thriving artist community. It is also only forty-five miles north of Cabo San Lucas, so if you are in the mood for a day trip while vacationing there, Todos Santos would be an ideal little place to incorporate into your itinerary!

I suggest visiting Todos Santos this time of year is because of the wonderfully warm weather and the great galleries all around town. It would be a great vacation to take if you are weary of the cold weather here in Los Angeles. The beaches are incredible! Playa Los Cerritos is the best beach for surfing, in my opinion, which has a beach bar and restaurant you can lounge around all day, and Playa Las Palmas, is picture perfect and one of the best beaches for swimming in Southern Baja. If you do decide to hit the surf, however, be sure not to leave your valuables in the car—break-ins in that area are not uncommon!

If you end up venturing towards Todos Santos in the near future, a great place to stay for the night or weekend is the Todos Santos Inn, run by my good friend John Stoltzfus. John has owned the inn for at least five years after the he swapped his 9 to 5 job selling dental hygiene products for inn keeping. It is the perfect, cozy place to stay if you head to Todos Santos any soon—satisfaction guaranteed!

References:
http://www.todossantosinn.com/advocate.html
http://www.todossantos.cc/index.asp

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Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort

It is that wonderful time of year again, when filmmakers and movie stars alike attend one of the biggest cinematic events to hit Park City, Utah—the Sundance Film Festival. Spanning from January 20-30th, the 2011 festival comprises ten straight days of emerging independent films that could potentially see the same success as the Blaire Witch Project or Memento, two movies made famous by the popular festival in the past. The best part about it is the lodging—at Robert Redford’s very own Sundance resort!

Before Redford took ownership of the property in 1969, the resort was called Timphaven. Nestled at the bottom of Mount Timpanogos, Redford envisioned the resort as a place where nature and humanity could co-exist in a balanced, synergistic environment. Despite suggestions from New York investors who urged him to build a lucrative promenade with hotels and condominiums, Redford chose the artistic, environmental route, and to this day the resort remains a hub of natural scenery and creativity.

The entire Sundance resort is eco-friendly, and has had longstanding green policies since its inception. Their cleaning products are non-toxic, the soaps in the rooms are made organically from the resort’s Art Shack, and all glass products are turned into decorative pieces of art. Activities available at Sundance range from guided hiking tours, to spas and winter sports activities like snowboarding and skiing. You can even purchase a season pass on their site to enjoy the festivities all year long. If you are headed to the Sundance Film Festival, this would definitely be the ideal lodging spot—what a wonderful way to start the year!

References:

http://www.sundance.org/festival/

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Northstar-At-Tahoe For Your Winter Travel

If you are planning on hitting the slopes this holiday season, one of the best year-round mountain resorts to visit is Northstar-at-Tahoe. This is one of the most ideal places to visit in the winter because unlike many of the surrounding resorts, Northstar is less crowded, giving you and the family ample opportunity to take part in all of the great winter sport activities it has to offer!

If you are not a big fan of winter sports however, the Northstar resort is still your best bet for holiday travel. There are plenty of fun and festive activities to partake in. First and foremost, they have over 30 unique shops and restaurants to visit, which are, in my opinion, both chic and hip. Secondly, their skating rink clocks in at 9,000 square feet, which gives plenty of elbow room for beginning skaters. It is a hub of activity this time of year because of their tubing, skiing and snowboarding lessons, adventure parks, mountain tours, and panoramic sightseeing tours. For lodging guests, there is also a pool, spa, and fitness center, so your workouts do not fall to the wayside!

Northstar Resort is also very environmentally responsible, admirably so for a four season destination. They strive to enhance natural resources by espousing a Habitat Management Plan that balances land use with aquatic and rural habitats. Their seral (ancient) forests contain unique wildlife like the California Spotted Owl and Pileated Woodpecker, which are survived by restricting access from visitors during critical nesting seasons.

Northstar-at-Tahoe was ranked the fifteenth top resort in North America, which further cements my reason for visiting year after year. The absence of huge crowds has added so much value to my experience there, and the slopes are just too good to pass up! You will definitely find me on the mountain snow boarding during New Year’s weekend, would love to see you there too!

References:

http://www.northstarattahoe.com/

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Spread Your Wings in Pacific Grove

Every year from October to February some 50,000 to 70,000 Monarch butterflies flock to the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary to overwinter. The Monarch butterfly is incapable of withstanding temperatures colder than 55 degrees. The butterflies migrate to safer climates like Pacific Grove, where the shrouded pine forests keep them safe from wind and colder temperatures with proper shade and humidity. The butterflies’ migration is so unique; inhabitants of Pacific Grove have even coined their town as “Butterfly Town, U.S.A”.

The scientific name for the monarch butterfly is Danaus plexippus. It is a tropical insect that can fly as high as 10,000 feet, and has far as 2,000 miles at 100 miles a day. Who knew such a little insect could cover so much ground in one day? The difference between these migrating insects and other migrating animals like whales and birds is that most of the butterflies have never been to their warmer destinations. The female Monarch butterfly for instance lives anywhere from six weeks to eight months, depending on the climate in which she is born. Monarch butterflies born in late summer and fall tend to live longer as there is less daylight, which delays their sexual maturity. Regardless, several generations of Monarchs will pass before it is time to migrate again to a warmer climate.

Pacific Grove has been a butterfly community for years and has always fought to keep the Monarchs protected. The Monarch sanctuary is free to visit and an absolutely brilliant sight to see on a warm weekend afternoon. It is open year round, but the best time to go is when they are overwintering from October to February, as I mentioned earlier. Although I wouldn’t suggest trying to touch or capture the butterflies -the fine is $1000!

References:

http://www.ci.pg.ca.us/monarchs/default.htm

http://www.seemonterey.com/pacific-grove-california/monarchgrovesanctuary

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Kailua: The Best Beach in Hawaii

On the windward side of Oahu lies a sprawling beach named Kailua, my favorite on all of the Hawaiian Islands. Twenty minutes from downtown Honolulu, Kailua is the perfect spot to vacation with the family, with its turquoise blue water, miles of clean white sand, numerous reef formations and three off shore islands offer a place of beauty, abundant wildlife and gorgeous scenery.

Home to recreational activities like swimming, stand up paddling, kayaking, and snorkeling, Kailua is also known as a world-class location for wind surfing, an aquatic sport that combines surfing and sailing. The beach is recognized for its steady winds, gentle surf, and dazzling tropical backdrop. You can find a number of rental facilities with gear for both wind surfing and all other types of aquatic activities in Kailua’s surrounding town, which houses shops, small eateries, and everything you need to make your trip as active and fun-filled as possible. The town acts as a middle ground between sprawling urban areas and more secluded sections of the beach.

Directly offshore, about 700 meters, from Kailua Beach is Popoia Island (“Flat Island” to the locals), a bird sanctuary. Flat Island hasnumerous holes in which sea birds make their nests and it’s not uncommon to come across seabirds nesting in these holes on the ground as you walk around the island. Kayaking or stand up paddling is a perfect way to get out to this sweet bird sanctuary.

Approximately one kilometer off shore, the Mokulua Twin Islands, are also wonderful destinations for kayaking and picnicking. The waters around are rich with coral formations, and are excellent spots for snorkeling and diving. Beginner kayakers’ stick to Flat Island, to get to Mokulua it will take some physical strength and endurance.

As always, when frequenting any beach, pay close attention to weather conditions that may affect the surf. Beware of any posted signs that warn of stinging limu (seaweed), and thePortugese Man-of-War jellyfish, which are rampant from June to September. While I cannot attest to the dangers of these marine creatures, I can tell you the recreational activities in Kailua far surpass any sea-creature phobia you might have. It is a great time for the whole family, so grab your gear and test out the waters!

Dr. Bennett Must Do’s: Stop off at the Kalapawai Market on your way out, it is 200 feet from the Kailua Beach parking area and is well known for their gourmet Hawaiian coffee and fresh yummy food!

References:

http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/beaches/kailua_beach_park.htm

http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/beach/kailua.htm

http://www.kalapawaimarket.com/

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Whale Watching at Point Dume in the Winter

There are many great beaches to visit along the California coastline from Marina Del Rey to Long Beach, and even more so in Los Angeles, where the sun is almost always shining. Granted that it is nearing winter, however, a beach visit may not be the first outdoor outing on your to-do list. Before you completely scratch off the beach from your itinerary this weekend though, remember that the winter months provide more than just Christmas carols—it is the migration period (December to April) for the Pacific gray whale!

By far the best beach in Los Angeles to spot the Pacific gray whale annual migration from the Bering Sea in Alaska to Baja California Sur, Mexico is at Point Dume. A beautiful, vast beach at the northern tip of the Santa Monica Bay, Point Dume has an ascending trail that leads you right up to the top of an ancient sand dune where you can span the entire breathtaking vista of the Santa Monica Bay.  This is a great place to spot migrating whales, along with dolphins and sometimes seals. Below the coastal summit is a boardwalk that leads to a viewing platform where you can catch starfish-filled tide-pools, and travel to a more isolated beach area.

Point Dume is a California State Preserve located 18 miles west of Pacific Coast Highway, along Cliffside Drive. Operated by Los Angeles County, it is overseen by the lifeguard branch of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and was named after Padre Francisco Dumetz of Mission San Buenaventura by George Vancouver in 1793. The beach was officially named “Dume” after the misspelling of Dumetz’s name on an 18th century map was never corrected!

A gorgeous backdrop to films like Iron Man and Planet of the Apes, Point Dume is a hot spot for surfers, fishers, rock climbers, hikers, and scuba divers alike, looking to make the most of their winter weekends.  Since most people steer clear of the beach during the winter, you will have ample opportunity to beat the crowd. Do not forget to bring your binoculars and snacks!

Address:

7103 Westward Road

Malibu, CA 90265Road, Malibu

References:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=623

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Under the Sea at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Your week is over, and now it is time to scoop up the kids and have a little fun. While it is often hard to find venues that are both inexpensive and adventurous, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is a perfect place to visit, filled with nature and discovery that the whole family can enjoy!

Including nineteen major habitats and thirty-two exhibits, the Aquarium takes you on a journey through the floor of the Pacific Ocean with close-ups of some of its most feared aquatic predators. The Tropical Reef Habitat in particular features great close-ups of colorful fish, sea turtles, zebra sharks, and best of all, my favorite- the weedy sea dragons and seahorses. Other exhibits include the sea otter habitat, the shark lagoon, and an outdoor aviary, where you can touch and even feed some of the animals.

Teeming with over ten thousand species of marine life from scattered regions of the Pacific Ocean, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the fourth largest in the nation. A non-profit organization founded in 1998, the Aquarium is highly educational, offering hands-on activities, programs, and lectures by leading scientists for people of all ages regarding the sustainability of our oceans and our planet as a whole. As one of the first aquariums to initiate greenhouse gases and practices, the Aquarium is more than just a zoological location. It is dedicated to celebrating the interactions between people, animals, and nature. Adjacent to the beautiful shores of Long Beach, take the whole family and make a day of it!

References:

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

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Ice Skating By The Sea

While the chances of a pond in Santa Monica freezing over this time of year are slim, the buzzing beach city has opened up its annual ice skating rink on the corner of 5th and Arizona near the Third Street Promenade. What a great way to ring in the holiday season!

The annual return of Santa Monica’s ICE by the sea opened Friday, November 1st, and will be open to ice skaters until February 15th.  That means Valentine’s Day on ice! This year the 8000 square foot rink will also have flowers embellished underneath the ice by artist Ed Massey, who similarly adorned the lifeguard towers on West Side beaches earlier this summer. A 400 square foot rink will also be provided for beginners and little ones.

Festivities at the rink include an opening ceremony on November 10th with California Gold synchronized skaters and a guest appearance by the LA Kings hockey team, who will share the ice with guests.

Entrance to the rink is $10 with skates included. Additionally, the rink provides private cabanas for parties of anywhere from 15-300 people, and stays open from 10am-10pm during the week, and from 10am-12am on the weekends. They’re even open on Thanksgiving and Christmas!

So far, the weather this weekend is predicted to be in the mid 70’s. Where else but in Santa Monica can you wear beach clothes to an ice skating rink?

Address:

1324 5th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(Corner of 5th St. & Arizona Ave.)

References:

http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2010/October-2010/10_26_2010_Winterlit_Returns_to_Downtown_Santa_Monica.html

http://www.downtownsm.com/about/icerink.html

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Espiritu Santo For Your Next Vacation

About 4 miles off the coast of La Paz, Mexico sits a beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez called Espiritu Santo, or “holy spirit”. Espiritu Santo Island is a great trip to escape from the everyday routine. Not only is it the perfect place to clear your head and be in the moment, it’s one of my favorite islands because of all the outdoor activity!

For starters, you can rent out a little boat called the panga for a reasonable price. The island is only about an hour boat ride from La Paz, and from the moment you arrive, you won’t be able to wait to get your feet wet. The clear blue water in Espiritu is teeming with marine life. Swim with the sea lions at Los Islotes, a long distention of gnarled rocks off the tip of the island, or take one of their guided tours to different parts of the island where you can snorkel, hike, camp, or kayak near rocky terrain and breathtaking mountains.

My last trip to Espiritu Island was absolutely majestic. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and I’d certainly recommend it if you’re looking to take a weekend excursion to an adventurous new place. Be sure to pack some sturdy hiking shoes, a camera, and more importantly, don’t forget your snorkel gear!

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Halloween Health – Orange and Green

Halloween HealthFor many of us who have children, Halloween is the big kick-off for fall festivities and happy holidays. I have been looking for a pumpkin patch with organic and sustainable pumpkins and found a great one called Mr. Bones!. Located on N. Doheny Drive just north of Melrose in West Hollywood, Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is dedicated to preserving the environment and sustainability. Their lot is carbon neutral, solar-powered and portion of their proceeds go to local environmental organizations. After carving a spooky squash, try this recipe I found for Toasted Pumpkin seeds: http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/toasted_pumpkin_seeds

Fact: Pumpkins are the most alkaline seed of all seeds nuts and sprouts.

702 North Doheny Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 276-9827
http://www.mrbonespumpkinpatch.com/

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