Chico - Artoberfest is an annual celebration of arts and culture throughout the month. The festival includes dance, film and video, literature and lectures, museums and historical sites, art, music and theater. In his book, Art Towns California: A Guide to Galleries, Museums, Festivals, Lodging & Dining, John Villani ranks Chico #10 in the state.  Log onto www.artoberfest.org for a complete schedule of events.  Although the city is home to Chico State University, the crown jewel is Bidwell Park.  It is one of the largest municipal parks in the USA, covering more that 3,600 acres and stretching nearly 11 miles.  It's a magnet for outdoor exercise; walkers, joggers, skaters and bicyclists all share a passion for the park. There are also trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.  Big Chico Creek, in the Lower Park, is an idyllic spot for picnics and swimming.  Its website can be found at www.bidwellpark.org. There are also some terrific restaurants in Chico.  Easy on the budget spots include Smokin' Mo's BBQ, Pluto's and Upper Crust. One of my two favorites in town is the La Paisa taco stand on 8th. Street and Pine (don't miss their shrimp dishes). Christian Michael's, my other favorite, features a happy hour with $3 martinis and a $20 price-fixe, three-course dinner. 

Los Angeles – Outward Bound is offering wilderness expeditions specifically designed for war veterans. They are offered free to current and former members of the active and reserve components of the United States military who participated in combat operations in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom and/or in Iraq with Operation Iraqi Freedom. A person is eligible, whether active, inactive, discharged or retired, as long as he/she deployed in support of OEF or OIF combat operations, Funding has been provided by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project, a joint partnership of The Sierra Club, The Sierra Club Foundation, The Anschutz Family Foundation and The Disabled American Veterans. Note: Apply now - participants are chosen through a lottery system (family members are not eligible). Don't be discouraged if you are not selected for one of the current courses. Another opportunity to participate will arise when the 2010 – 2011 calendar is finalized. Go online to www.outwardbound.org and click on their Custom Courses tab or call 1-866-669-2362 for more information.

San Diego – It’s back! San Diego Restaurant Week, now in its fifth year, rolls out its mouth watering delights September 13 – 18. This month, 180 restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus with price points of $20, $30 or $40 per person. The event is a great way to try new dining adventures and reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, call 1-858-523-9020, or visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com. The arts are alive in the Fall and at the La Jolla Playhouse, located on the campus of the University of California San Diego. The La Jolla Playhouse consists of three separate venues, all featuring comfortable seating and good stage views from any location. In September, you can catch Tony Award winning The 39 Steps (think Monte Python meets Alfred Hitchcock in an homage to the 1940s movie classic). Also playing in September is Creditors, an update of August Strindberg’s 1889 play. For the 2009 and 2010 schedule go online to www.LaJollaPlayhouse.org or call the box office at 1-858-550-1010. Ask about discount pricing and “rush” tickets.

Santa Cruz County - According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 31 percent of Americans engage in wildlife watching as a hobby or recreational activity. So, the Pajaro Valley’s Fifth Annual Monterey Bay Birding Festival, headquartered in Watsonville, September 24 - 27, 2009, is the place to be.  The event offers over 50 expert-led field trips, specialized birding outings for beginners plus kayak “safaris” of the Elkhorn Slough, a trip to Pinnacles National Monument, vagrant chasing at the Carmel River mouth, pelagic trips of the Monterey Bay, excursions to the Big Sur Ornithology Lab to view California Condors and other activities.  The festival’s theme, “Bridging the Americas,” will feature birding experts and researchers from South and Central America. Their website, www.montereybaybirding.org, provides information regarding registration and ticketing, the festival schedule, description of events, fees, etc.  To plan your trip log on to www.birding.travel.com or call 1-800-833-3494. Another good source for information is the Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council at www.santacruz.org.

California Kids – Curiosity and children go together like peanut butter and jelly. Are “Why?” and “How?” your kids favorite questions? Coinciding with National Inventors’ Month is the kickoff of LEGO’s annual essay contest for children. The LEGO CLICK Awards deserves your attention for a Fall project for your sons and/or daughters. Created to develop a future generation of inventive thinkers and problem solvers, entrants have an opportunity to share their bright ideas. The essay question is “If you could invent anything, what would it be?”  Then, describe how to use it and how you got the idea. Interested in getting your child to participate? The deadline for the entry forms is November 2, 2009 and it’s for all kids 6-13 years old (not just those living in California). For more information visit online at www.LEGOCLICKAwards.com. Note: the top five grand prize winners will receive a $5,000 savings bond.

Safe travels and enjoy the journey…

Howard Hian

www.Travels-with-Hian.com

Thanks to the various websites for information and photos. Theater image © La Jolla Playhouse. Before you go please check details, dates, rates, availability, etc., and some restrictions may apply.

2010

Home | Contact | Top