| California May 2009
 | | Big Bear Lake | Talk about stimulus plans! Big Bear Lake is offering two terrific promotions. Visitors staying at participating properties can receive $25, $50 or $100 Visa gift cards depending on their length of stay. Available now through November, the program is ideal for vacationers seeking a “rebate.” Additionally, if you are a fisherman, imagine reeling in a fish worth $50,000! Big Bear Lake’s Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby takes place May 30th. & 31st. There are ten tagged fish and the lucky angler who lands the grand-prize tagged trout will win $50,000! The other nine are worth cash prizes and variety of Big Bear Lake lodging and adventure packages. For details on the gift card promotion, the $50K Trout Derby or to book reservations, call 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR or go online to www.bigbear.com. Oceanside. The California Surf Museum has moved into a newly designed building that captures the spirit of our Golden State’s iconic surf culture. Already known for its impressive collection of surfboards dating back to the 1920s, the innovative setting provides an inspiring and hip backdrop for its permanent and rotating exhibits. The history, development and enhancement of the surfboard are connected to the legends and the people who rode them. For their new location and information go to www.surfmuseum.org or call 1-760-721-6876. San Diego. There are two completely different events of note this month. On May 2nd. And 3rd., in the “birthplace” of California, Old Town State Historic Park, Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated. It is the oldest and largest celebration of its kind in San Diego. The event is free and will feature an array of activities and entertainment for all ages to enjoy; mariachi bands, the Mercado, over 30 restaurants, specialty stores and museums will keep you busy. For additional information go online to www.oldtownsandiego.org or call 1-619-233-5008. On Saturday, May 23rd., at the Reuben H. Fleet Museum in Balboa Park, one will find the 4th. Annual Rubik’s Cube Competition. Watch the fast-paced, high-energy madness as most competitors solve the famous colorful cubes in under three minutes…blindfolded! Amazingly, some competitors can crack a cube in 13 seconds. Learn how basic mathematical algorithms make working out the puzzle quick and easy. The event is included free with the regular admission. Check online at www.rhfleet.org or call 1-619-238-1233.  Lompoc. The six year project of updating, improving and adding to the historical displays in the visitor center at La Purísima Mission is complete. “The Mission Story, Past and Present” was one of the most extensive exhibit projects ever undertaken by the California State Parks. Fourteen displays interpret the history of the Mission. The story begins when the land was occupied by the Chumash people and moves to the establishment of and the collapse of the Mission community in 1834. It then picks up in the late 1800’s until the 1900’s and onto the Civilian Conservation Corps restoration in the 1930’s. The last exhibits extend to the present featuring the involvement and management by the California State Parks. Additional information is available by emailing wchap@parks.ca.gov or calling 1-805-733-3713.
Odds & Ends. I recently attended a California Travel & Tourism Commission conference. Since the location was in downtown Los Angeles, I decided to take Amtrak from my home town, San Diego. If you haven’t ridden on a train in awhile, you are in for a pleasant surprise. It was inexpensive, convenient and productive (I finished this column). You might consider a little splurge and buy a business class ticket. Amtrak information can be found online at www.amtrak.com. I was doubly impressed with the easy connection from LA’s Union Station on the Red Line to the host hotel, the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown. The hotel staff is friendly and it is a smoke-free environment. Connected to a shopping mall, it is an oasis in the City of Angels. For information and reservations go to www.starwood.com or call 1-213-488-3500. Safe travels and enjoy the journey… Howard Hian www.Travels-with-Hian.com Thanks to the various websites for information. Please check details, rates, etc., before you go. Photo credit Dan McKernan.
April 30th, 2009
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