by Howard Hian
It’s Spring and the entire area blossoms. For two weeks, the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is aflame with colorful wildflowers. Rainfall was good this year, so it should be quite a show. To find out more, log on to http://www.parks.ca.gov. There is also a 24-hour “Wildflower Hotline” (1-760-767-4684) so you can plan your outing to view this phenomenon.
The Flower Fields of Carlsbad California feature a sea of giant ranunculus which transforms 50 acres of hills into rows of brilliant color. Guests can stroll past oceans of flowers and through beautiful gardens, including a miniature rose garden and another featuring more than 50 All American Rose Selection winners, a fragrant sweet pea maze, and a spectacular display of red, white and blue flowers planted in the shape of a giant American flag. For information call 1-760-431-0352 or go to www.theflowerfields.com online.
World famous Balboa Park offers free one-hour tours highlighting their lush botanical plants and flowers. Two must-see stops are the beautiful Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, displaying approximately 2,500 roses and nearly 200 varieties and the award-winning Alcazar Garden, with a floral design patterned after the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain. All tours meet at and begin at 10 AM on Saturdays at the Balboa Park Visitors Center located in the historic House of Hospitality on El Prado walkway. More information can be found at www.balboapark.org/info/tours.php.
Anzo-Borrego Desert Park is the largest desert park in America and the second largest state park in the US. The park is named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and "borrego" is the Spanish word for bighorn sheep. The eastern side of the park is in San Diego County, with portions extending east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. Complete information about the park can be found at www.abdsp.org.
Anaheim/Orange County
The 2010 Anaheim/Orange County Travel Guide is now available. It offers a comprehensive overview of area accommodations, attractions, arts and culture, beaches, sports and recreation, shopping, dining, entertainment and transportation options. The guide also features updated maps, a calendar of annual events, itineraries and in-depth information about Southern California theme parks. One can order a complimentary copy of the 2010 Anaheim/Orange County Travel Guide by calling 1-714-765-8888 or online at www.anaheimoc.org.
Fish Camp
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is now open for the season through October. Starting its 44th year of operation, it runs on a segment of railbed used by the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company from 1899 to 1931. Two restored, vintage Shay steam locomotives provide visitors with the sights and sounds of old world, steam-powered transportation. There is a weekly Moonlight Tour on Saturday nights which includes a barbecue dinner. There is also a museum featuring numerous artifacts used in logging and in the daily life in the mountains and there are gold panning demonstrations and lessons. To learn more about the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, including schedules and pricing, go to their website at www.ymsprr.com, or call 1-559-683-7273.
Safe travels and enjoy the journey…
Howard Hian
www.Travels-with-Hian.com
Thanks to the various websites for information. Before you go please check details; military and senior discounts may be available and some restrictions may apply. Photos courtesy of the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, the San Diego CVB and www.SanDiegoNorth.com.
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