Recently TripAdvisor picked the Spindrift Inn in Monterey as the top spot on its 2010 Travelers' Choice Awards as 'Best for Romance in the U.S.'  Its romantic guest rooms include wood burning fireplaces and many luxurious amenities. 

To celebrate, the oceanfront inn is offering its Everlasting Romance rate from Feb. 15 to March 14. From Sunday through Thursday, rooms overlooking Cannery Row are only $139 a night; while oceanfront rooms are $209 per night.

On Friday and Saturday nights, rooms over Cannery Row rise to $179 per night; while oceanfront rooms are $249 a night.

A continental breakfast is included every morning and served on a silver tray. Reservations must be booked by Feb. 12.

Availability is limited and restrictions apply, so book now or call 800-841-1879.

For those looking for new ideas, the Downtown Center Business Improvement District has created "Valentine's Day in LA - 14 Things for the 14^th." 

Activities for all kinds and budgets abound in Downtown Los Angeles.  For exclusive discounts and full details, please visit www.downtownla.com.

 

1. Valentine's Day dinner.  A classic, tried and true winner, you can't go wrong with Downtown LA, which prominent food critics have recently touted as one of the hippest dining destinations in the city - all surrounded by the bright lights and big city of Downtown. 

·         Chaya Downtown: Three-course meal followed by complimentary shuttle service to all theaters. 

·         Ciudad: Mention DowntownLA.com and get one split of cava with dinner for two, a four-course menu of Spanish and Mediterranean fare. 

·         Noe: Executive Chef Glen Ishii has created a three- and six-course tasting menu featuring Neo Bistro cuisine.

·         Roys: Enjoy a decadent, 4-course meal and receive a $20 bonus card per couple for your next visit.

 

2. Downtown hotels. Step it up a notch with a romantic stay.  Not feeling the love these days? Take advantage of President's Day and plan a girls-only getaway weekend.

·         LA Athletic Club: 1-night V-day package with deluxe room, four-course dinner, champagne breakfast and discounted parking.

·         The Standard: 2-night "Huge Love Package" includes breakfast, champagne, parking, access to the rooftop each evening, strolling cupids and other--ahem-- creative amenities. 

·         Hilton Checkers: 1-night stay, with four-course dinner, rooftop cocktails, an in-room bottle of champagne, an in-room movie with fresh popcorn delivered to the door, breakfast in bed. 

·         Wilshire Grand: Free 1-night stay (for two in the newly remodeled Junior Suites) after spending $100 on dining in either of its two restaurants. 

 

3. Liquid courage. Need some help impressing a new date?

·         The Must: A concept wine bar and gastropub featuring more than 50 local and global wines. 

·         The Edison: This bar offers hand-crafted cocktails amid the majestic relics of a long-lost era of glamour. Try the Rosebud Martini and fresh oysters.

·         The Conga Room: Sizzling sounds on the 14^th with the Latin jazz infusions of Poncho Sanchez, LA's King of the Congas. 

·         Play the field with your friends: Visit www.downtownla.com for dozens of bar options.

 

4. Crave some drama on the 14^th?  The Music Center will host two brilliant performances filled with enough emotion and excitement to last you until next Valentine's.  "The Butterfly Lovers" - China's Romeo and Juliet - will be playing at the Ahmanson Theatre at 2pm on February 14, while "The Subject was Roses," with Martin Sheen, is playing at the Mark Taper Forum at 8 pm.  Tickets are available at www.musiccenter.org.

 

5. Express your love through music at the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Ravel's lushly scored ballet.  The afternoon performance with conductor Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos begins at 2pm at the magnificent Walt Disney Concert Hall.  Tickets are available at www.laphil.com.

 

6. Whether you are exploring the art of love or just love art, the MOCA's First Thirty Years exhibition is an inspiring way to spend the 14^th.  A two-part exhibition that includes the largest-ever installation of MOCA's permanent collection features impressive works added since the museum's founding.  They include Mondrian, Rothko, Rauschenberg, Pollock, Kline and others.  

 

7. For something intriguing and exotic, La Bistecca Presents "A Night in Morocco" at the Millennium Biltmore.  Enjoy a Moroccan menu featuring appetizer "mezze" courses, authentic entrée choices and rich desserts. Lavishly decorated, the Rendezvous Court will feature colorful fabrics, romantic lighting, and private cabana tables, with live belly dancing performances at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. 

 

8. Neihule, a sophisticated urban salon, offers plenty of V-day options, whether you want to start the romance early or just get ready.  Couples can enjoy the "Bed of Roses" package with a manicure and pedicure for two and champagne in a romantic setting.  If you want to get dolled up for your date or need a great gift for your Valentine, go to www.neihule.com for more specials.  Visitors who mention DowntownLA.com will receive a free lip balm.  

 

9. The old adage that diamonds are a girl's best friend still rings true, especially at Valentine's Day.  For the most unique assortment of diamonds, gems and other jewelry, the St. Vincent Jewelry Center , the largest jewelry complex in the world, is a sure bet to find special sparkles for that special someone on any budget.  For last-minute gift givers, the Broadway side of the jewelry center will be open on February 14.

 

10. For first dates, friendship, mom, anniversaries, or just because, flowers never fail.  The Los Angeles Flower District, the largest wholesale flower market in the U.S., features virtually every variety of cut flower, potted plant and exotic blossom that is commercially available, with many California grown.  A fresh, exquisite bouquet will brighten anyone's Valentine. Valentine's weekend hours: February 13-14, 6:00 am - 2:00 pm.

 

11. All the single ladies (and gents) should definitely partake in a free singles mixer party on Saturday, February 13, from 8pm to 2am at Remedy Lounge, who is partnering with theLEK.com, an LA-based website for singles.  Come enjoy drink specials, games, entertainment, and, of course, the crowd. RSVP required at www.thelek.com/heartbeat.

                       

12. Bowl the night away with friends at Lucky Strike, the perfect night out for those who would rather avoid the V-day hype.  More than just a bowling alley, Lucky Strike at L.A. LIVE is bowling blended into a sleek atmosphere with plush seating, cozy dining areas, DJs and places for private parties, including the four-lane Luxe suite.  Details at http://www.lalive.com/index.php. Bowlers who mention DowntownLA.com can enjoy 2-for1 appetizers and bowling.

 

13. Can't find a babysitter on the 14^th? Take the whole family to STAPLES Center to see the Harlem Globetrotters.  An entertainment experience like nothing else, enjoy high-flying dunks, fan interaction and laughs by some of the world's greatest athlete-entertainers. www.staplescenter.com.

 

14. Your ever-loyal pet will always be your No. 1 Valentine.  Dog lovers can find a date for their pooch at the Bark Avenue Valentine's Sweethearts Dance, a free "pawtry" and adoption event on February 13. Corsages and ties for pups will be provided, and the party will feature high school dance décor, music, snacks and desserts (for people and pooches), plenty of wine and a crowning of the Valentine's Day King and Queen.  Mention DowntownLA.com for a free Natural Balance treat bag. www.barkavela.com.  
    

Leave your heart in San Francisco this Valentine's Day.

The Red And White Fleet in San Francisco is offering two romantically-inspired cruises, namely the Valentine's Day and California Sunset cruises.

On Valentine's Day, Sunday, Feb. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m., romantics will enjoy the "Sweet Valentine Cruise" featuring a lavish appetizer buffet by Boudin and Champagne toast as the cruise sails under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.  The cost is $58 a person.

 

Visit Visit http://www.redandwhite.com/seasonal_valentines_cruise.asp for more information and reservations.

 

The California Sunset Cruise is a romantically-inspired journey that singles and families will enjoy.  Beginning on April 1 through May 25 and then again from Sept. 7 to Oct. 24, the California Sunset Cruise sails at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  From May 26 to Sept. 6, the cruise will leave at 7 p.m., daily (with the exception of July 4^th.).

On this relaxed 2-hour cruise, guests enjoy spectacular sunset views, live guitar music and hearty appetizers that include a variety of sandwiches, salads, fruit, and dessert. 

The tour cruises past the island of Alcatraz, around Angel Island National Park, under the majestic span of the Golden Gate and along the beautiful shorelines of Tiburon and Sausalito, as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.

Advance booking is recommended as this event often sells out.  The costs are $54 for adults (18+), $36 for youth (5-17) and free for kids under 5 years of age.

Enjoy a virtual cruise at http://www.redandwhite.com/video_csc.asp.

 

Evergreen Lodge, an historic Yosemite resort that completed a major expansion earlier this year, is offering a 25-percent room discount on weeknights now through September. Located on the western border of Yosemite National Park near Hetch Hetchy Valley, the resort offers the opportunity to experience one of America's premier national parks in its most popular season.

The 25-percent discount is available for new bookings in all cabin types Aug. 23 - Sept. 30, Sunday through Thursday. Advance booking is required and restrictions apply. Details of the offer are available at http://evergreenlodge.com/latesummerspecial.html.

  

The resort's recreation program and guide service offers a featured hike every month, among other seasonal hiking, biking and sightseeing trips. The September featured hike is the High Country Naturalist Hike to Mono Pass, a 9.4-mile trip with spectacular eastern views past the park boundary and an elevation range of 9,700 to 10,600 feet. This five-hour hike is recommended for active guests and costs $110 for adults or $65 for youths 12 to 14.

 The Evergreen's experienced recreation staff can also advise guests interested in planning customized adventures. They offer maps and guides and an array of rental equipment such as mountain bikes, mountain strollers, trekking poles and GPS units.

Guests may also enjoy the lodge's many free activities such as s'mores over the campfire, horseshoe tournaments, kids' crafts, naturalist presentations, live music and more. The resort's guided activities offer guests the opportunity to experience both Yosemite's most famous attractions and its hidden gems.

 This past spring, the Evergreen completed an expansion and many upgrades. Twenty-four new family and couples cabins were added, bringing the total to 90. The renovated recreation hall now includes a 25-seat movie theater, parlor games and a toddler play area.

Other upgrades include a new outdoor event area, outdoor dining area, plaza sun deck, kids play area, expanded restaurant and open-air massage cabana.

 All cabins have forest views and are furnished with beds with feather pillows, heat, fans, private bathrooms, scenic decks, SIRIUS satellite radio.

 Room rates for the cabins range from $99 to $299, depending on the season and type of cabin. The Evergreen also offers custom camping, where fully furnished campsites include tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and lanterns. Rates start at $55.

 For more information about Evergreen Lodge or to make reservations, visit http://www.evergreenlodge.com/, call (209) 379-2606 or email info@evergreenlodge.com.

Resort at Squaw Creek at Lake Tahoe has put together a Labor Day Family Bed & Breakfast Package that includes gourmet breakfast for up to two adults and two children (12-and-under) with nightly accommodations.  Starting at $199 per night, per room, the package is available from Sept. 4 - 7. 

 

During the holiday weekend, guests will find a wide array of activities planned, from bocce ball and croquet to tie-dye T-shirt making and s'mores roasts at the outdoor fire pits.  Movies for children take place daily over the holiday weekend. 

Mountain biking, golf, which are offered on-property, and kayaking are popular during this time of year at Lake Tahoe too. 

 For more reservations visit www.visitsquawcreek.com and utilize promo code LDPRRSC or call 800.401.9501. 

California State Parks day-use and camping fees will increase and begin to help offset recent budget reductions and help keep more parks open. Partners in the public and private sectors are still being sought, as the fee increase will help keep some parks open, but not all.

             "In these dire economic times, we can no longer afford to keep our fees at their current levels," said State Parks Director Ruth Coleman. "The people of California understand that by charging more, we will be able to keep more parks open and preserved for these and future generations."

 Beginning Aug. 17, day-use parking fees will increase by $2 to $5, and camping fees will increase by $10 - $21 a night. Camping reservations made prior to that date will be honored at the lower price.

Annual Passes will go back on sale immediately at the existing price of $125. In future months, additional fee and pass increases are possible as State Parks assesses how the partnership program stretches the reduced budget funding to help keep parks open.

A list of specific parks where fee adjustments will occur will be made available when they go into effect. In deciding which parks will receive a fee increase, and by how much, park managers are evaluating attendance, with higher fees charged where demand is greatest. In that way, the fee increase will have the least effect on attendance, resulting in a revenue gain. Managers will watch revenues closely, and may make adjustments to particular fees throughout the year.

 It should be noted that these increases do not raise park revenues to the level of self-sustainment for the system.  Doing that would require steep increases that would price people out of their public park system.  These increases are another tool in the efforts being taken by California State Parks to keep more parks open during this time of budget cuts and employee furloughs.   

The department continues to seek support from cities, counties, corporations and nonprofit organizations who may want to sponsor or operate particular parks to help keep them open. Further, park managers have been reducing services and modifying their operations by closing portions of parks and reducing operating hours.

            "We have loyal visitors who truly love our parks," added Coleman.  "We will do our best to maximize the use of additional funds so that parks continue to be available for public enjoyment."

Planes mark the entrance to the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park (Photo courtesy of Air and Space Museum)

By Richard Irwin, Staff Writer

Bridal parties were scattered around Spreckels Organ Pavilion posing silently like the little grooms and brides you find atop fancy wedding cakes.
The newlyweds were enjoying the sunny skies and beautiful gardens at Balboa Park for their wedding pictures. They picked the beautiful pavilion in San Diego for its classic architecture.
No one seemed to mind when the giant outdoor organ began to play. Many probably didn't even know they were standing next to the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world. In fact, it has 73 ranks with more than 4,518 pipes.
But then everything about Balboa Park is big. Really big. This 1,200 acre urban park may be the cultural heart of San Diego, home to many wonderful gardens and interesting museums.
There's the Museum of Man, Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, Natural History Museum -- well, you get the idea.
Most are located along El Prado, a long promenade running through the center of the park. The museums are housed in Spanish Revival style buildings. Be sure to take some time to enjoy the detailed ornamentation on the beautiful facades.
But this time, I was visiting with my two younger brothers and a sister-in-law, so we each picked a museum that we really wanted to see.
With so much to see, we started at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and worked our way down El Prado.
Our first stop was the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Located in the basement of the Casa De Balboa, this is billed as the largest indoor model railroad exhibit in the world.
Having built many model railroads in our home in Pittsburgh, we wanted to see this world-famous layout.
They didn't have just one model railroad, this museum featured huge model layouts in different scales.
One 2,700-square-foot layout represented the rail route from San Diego to Sacramento in the large O scale. My favorite was the 4,500-square-foot HO layout based on the rail line from San Diego Union Station east through spectacular Carriso Gorge to the desert floor at El Centro.
The detail on the moving trains and scenery was amazing. Just watching the freight trains wend their way through the miniature world brought back childhood memories.
Children seemed to enjoy the toy train gallery, where a camera car gives the little visitors an engineer's view of the layout. There's also a coal mine at the kid's level, where children can push buttons to run the trains.
As we walked down the main boulevard, we stopped to visit some of the extensive gardens maintained by the park. These include Alcazar Garden, Cactus Garden, Casa del Rey Moro Garden, Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, Japanese Friendship Garden -- well, you get the idea.
My brother wanted to stop at the San Diego Automotive Museum next. He's a car and motorcycle buff.
The car museum had a very nice collection of antique cars and motorcycles. It also some hot rods and one-off vehicles.
We'd never seen a 1924 Ford Model T Speedster before. It was a racing version of the 15 million Model T's that put the world on the road.
Exhibit placards provided many fascinating facts. We learned that Model T's didn't have fuel pumps; gas flowed to the engine by gravity. This worked well unless drivers encountered long, steep hills. Resourceful motorists turned their Fords around and drove up the hills backwards to avoid stalling.
We also enjoyed the 1948 Tucker Torpedo, a car of the future built by Preston Tucker. Tucker cars featured advanced safety elements like a padded dash, pop-out windshields and a "safety chamber" for passengers in case of a crash.
Tucker was immortalized in the 1988 movie "Tucker -- The Man and His Dream."
I wanted to visit the Aviation and Space Museum next door. This museum has a nice range of vintage aircraft.
The different galleries highlight not only the planes, but also the spirit of the time. The brooding World War I exhibit has Sopwith Camels battling German biplanes over sandbagged trenches.
Another exhibit traces Pacific Southwest Airlines, the world's first low-fare airline. PSA was founded in San Diego in 1949.
The World War II section has a German Messerschmitt looping over a colorful American Mustang and British Spitfire.
An interesting carrier exhibit honors San Diego's long history as a naval town. Climb up into the control tower to see how the war was fought in the Pacific.
Jet aircraft in the collection include the Skyhawk, Hornet, Phantom and Mig 15.
Unfortunately, time had run out before we had run out of museums. But everyone had enjoyed their day in the cultural center of San Diego.
Admissions range from $6 for an adult at the Railroad Museum to $8 at the Auto Museum and $15 at the Air and Space Museum. Children are free with an adult admission at the railroad, $4 at the car and $6 at the plane museums.
Or try the Passport to Balboa, a one-day pass good for adult admission to your choice of any 4 of the 13 museums on the same day. The $29 passports may be purchased online at www.balboapark.org or at the Visitors Center.