Northwest moves to Terminal 5 at LAX in Delta merger

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Things may look a little different the next time you fly out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Northwest and Delta Air Lines are joining forces. When you travel out of LAX,  you'll notice that Northwest has moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5. The signage has been replaced by the Delta brand.

Delta Sky Club members and BusinessElite passengers can head to the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 on the mezzanine level between gates 53 & 55 to enjoy the premium perks you know and expect.

Spend the Fourth at Pier 39 in San Francisco

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San Francisco offers fireworks, film festivals and jazz this summer. Pier 39 is one of the best places to spend the Fourth of July.

Free concerts by Take 2 and Tainted Love at the pier's entrance welcome you to an Independence Day festival of food, crafts and music.

Of course, the main event is a spectacular over-the-bay fireworks display. The show begins at approximately 9:30.

Be sure to dress warmly, as the breeze off the water can make the pier a bit chilly.


The Fillmore Street Jazz Festival (July 4-5) brings art and soul to three stages. The festival features 300 artists' booths as well as an international food court.

Ride the rails this Fourth of July

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On Saturday and Sunday, July 4, 5, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park invites visitors to celebrate our American heritage by taking a steam train ride, and picnicing on the shaded grounds. 

 

Railtown's excursion trains will depart on Saturday and Sunday from the Railtown Depot, on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip ride takes passengers through the rolling Gold Country foothills, passing through meadows and along grassy hillsides covered with ancient oak trees.  

 

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic, set up your BBQ on our shaded lawn, or enjoy lunch at the new Carriage Room Café and Snack Bar at the Freight Shed.  On Fourth of July from 11-2, there will be a special offer of 1/3 lb hamburger, fresh coleslaw and beans for $7.50. 

 

During the holiday weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to ride first-class, on Railtown's restored Pullman car, and also see the San Diego & Arizona Eastern's Ford Model AA 1931 Fire Engine in service.  Additional activities throughout the weekend include live music, old-fashioned games and demonstrations in the roundhouse shops.

 

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park's Depot Store, Interpretive Center, and grounds are open daily April-October from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided Roundhouse Tours are available daily. On Saturdays and Sundays, Trains depart hourly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from the Railtown Depot; regular train tickets are $8 adults, $3 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under ride free.

 

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Reservoir Road in Jamestown, near Sonora.  For more information, call 209-984-3953.

Celebrate Fourth of July in San Diego

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San Diego has some of the best Fourth of July festivities. Here are some top picks for watching fireworks this Independence Day. 

CENTRAL SAN DIEGO

  • Glorietta Bay (Coronado): 9 p.m. Day-long festivities with the annual Coronado Independence Day parade at 10 a.m.  
  • La Jolla Cove: 9 p.m. 
  • Mira Mesa Recreation Center: Food, rides, games and entertainment in Mira Mesa Community Park during the day.
  • Mission Bay Yacht Club: 9 p.m. 
  • Ocean Beach Pier: 9 p.m.
  • Paradise Point Resort and Spa: 9 p.m.
  • PETCO Park: Fireworks follow the evening game 
  • San Diego Bay: 9 p.m. 
  • SeaWorld (Mission Bay): 9:30 p.m. 

EAST COUNTY

  • Town Center Community Park Ballfields (Santee): 9 p.m. 
  • Spring Valley Park: 9 p.m. 
  • Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks (La Mesa): 9:05 p.m. 619-583-5211.

NORTH COUNTY

  • Bradley Park (San Marcos): 9 p.m. 
  • Brengle Terrace Park (Vista): 9 p.m. 
  • Del Mar Beach: 9 p.m. All day activities. 
  • Grape Day Park (Escondido): 9 p.m. 
  • Julian: No fireworks, but a day full of celebration! 
  • LEGOLAND (Carlsbad): 8:30 p.m. 
  • Oceanside Pier: 9 p.m. 
  • Olive Peirce Middle School (Ramona): 9 p.m. Grounds open at 5 p.m.
  • Rancho Bernardo High School: 9 p.m. (619) 889-8505.
  • San Diego County Fair (Del Mar Fairgrounds): 9 p.m. 
  • Valley Center High School: 9 p.m. (760) 670-7062.

SOUTH BAY

  • Kimball Park (National City): 9 p.m.

4th of July Hotel Deals


 

West Park Inn - Rates from $79 based on availability.

The Vagabond Inn Chula Vista - Exclusive Limited Time Offer - 25% off . Rates from $86 based on availability.

Hampton Inn San Diego/Kearny Mesa - Rates from $109 based on availability.

Lake San Marcos Resort - Summer on Sale! Stay 2 Nights, Save 20%. Rates from $124 based on availability.

Inns of America Suites - Stay 2 nights & Save 15%. Rates from $140 based on availability.

The Keating - Super Hot Spring Promo! Save 30% + a $30 Dining Credit. Rates from $202 based on availability.

The Welk Resort - Stay 2 nights & save 20% on your stay. Rates from $247 based on availability

Across the sea to Catalina Island

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Break out to the blue waters of Catalina Island, and try these packages at Pavilion Lodge, centrally located just steps from the beach - www.VisitCatalinaIsland.com.   


All packages listed below are at starting rates and are priced per person, double occupancy for one night, midweek.  They are valid through Sept. 12, and some offer accommodations at the charming Hotel Atwater.


·         Cruzin’ Catalina, beginning at $310, includes two nights accommodations, round trip boat transportation aboard Catalina Express, one-hour kayak rental, all day bike rental, Inland Motor Tour, and lunch for two at Catalina Country Club.

·         Island Escape Package, starts at $219.25, and includes one night hotel accommodations, round trip on the Catalina Express and a choice of 2 out of 4 tours: The Casino Walking Tour, Glass Bottom Boat, Avalon Scenic Tour or the Seal Rock Coastal Cruise.

·         Family Adventure Getaway, starting at $220, includes accommodations, kayaking and snorkeling in Catalina’s crystal waters, miniature golf, and glass bottom boat tour.  Save up to 20 percent on this package.

·         Golf Package begins at $240 and includes accommodations with round trip on Catalina Express and 9-holes at the pastoral Catalina Island Golf Course. Package offers 22 percent savings.

·         Cape Canyon Package, from $390, includes round trip aboard Catalina Express, the Cape Canyon Tour, Undersea Tour and Fox Canyon Kayak trip.  Save up to 16 percent on this package.


Celebrate Stagecoach Days in San Diego

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It's been over a century since the last stage line operated in San Diego. Beginning in 1857, stage lines passed through rural San Diego moving passengers, freight, and mail. These new services helped bring the outside world a little closer to this emerging frontier community that we know today as San Diego.

On July 11, 18, 25 come to Old Town San Diego Historic Park to  travel real horsepower - before the train and automobile. Take a wagon ride around the park.  Imagine yourself traveling dirt roads with a maximum of 25 pounds of luggage to make your way to San Diego in the 1860s.

 In addition to the permanent collection of historic wagons, the new reproduction mud wagon will be on display. View a colorful Mexican women's equestrian precision riding team. 

Hear the sounds of blacksmiths pounding iron and carpenters sawing wood. Try your luck by participating in 19th century games for both children and adults.  Enjoy live music that is evocative of days gone by.

Stay the day and enjoy activities that reflect life in San Diego during the mid-1800s. All of the activities are part of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park's celebration of 19th century transportation, especially the stagecoach.

Through vignettes, demonstrations, living history, stories, songs, and stagecoach equipment, visitors will gain an appreciation for travel and daily life.

 Old Town San Diego State Historic Park along with the Boosters of Old Town are proud to offer these free activities to adults and children of all ages. The park is located on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street in San Diego, and is conveniently located next to the Old Town Transit Center, with Coaster, Trolley, and MTS bus service.

 For more information, go to www.parks.ca.gov/oldtownsandiego

Stay and Bike Package includes all day tcket to Mammoth Mountain Bike Park

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Downhill, freeride and cross country - Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has it all with over 90 miles of trails! Uphill transport by gondola, shuttle and lift, a full service repair shop, top-quality rentals and Bike Park Rangers round out a great day on the hill.

Make the most of your trip by staying in a convenient Mammoth Resort property! Choose your lodging from the following prime locations:
bik2.jpgThe Mammoth Mountain Inn - located at the base of the Panorama Gondola; The Village Lodge - located at the base of the bike park; and Juniper Springs Resort - with easy shuttle access to the park.
 
The package is valid through Sept.19. Prices start as low as $85 per person, per night, based on double occupancy in a Standard Hotel Room at Mammoth Mountain Inn. No refunds for early departures. Excludes service fees and taxes.

For more information, visit <http://www.mammothmountain.com> www.mammothmountain.com or call 800.MAMMOTH/800.626.6684.


Going camping for the Fourth of July?

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Feel like heading to the beach for Fourth of July weekend but don't want to shell out money for a hotel? How about staying in a campground?

As of mid-June, campsites near the beach were still available in Southern California, including Mission Bay RV Resort in San Diego and Malibu Beach RV Park in Malibu.

And if you're looking for activities to enjoy with your family, many campgrounds and RV parks can provide that, too.

At the Santa Cruz KOA, for example, campers will be able to participate in a Fourth of July parade, a pet costume contest, make a patriotic craft, ride banana bikes and join in an ice cream social.

Meanwhile, Far Horizons 49er RV Resort in Plymouth will host its annual Kids and Pets Parade, a Fourth of July RV and campsite decorating contest and a tri tip barbecue, complete with ranch style beans, corn on the cob, watermelon and lemonade.

Other campgrounds and RV parks are located in places where fun activities are taking place, including Creekside Cabins and RV Resort in Willits, which hosts California's longest continually running rodeo over Fourth of July weekend as part of the city's Frontier Days activities.

"There's plenty of things to do at campgrounds and RV parks throughout California, and many of them still have campsites and cabins available over the holiday weekend," said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. The Auburn-based association markets campsites and cabins through its website at www.Camp-California.com.

In fact, an online survey by the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds has identified more than 100 campgrounds that still have campsites and cabins available over Fourth of July weekend.

"If you log on Camp-California.com, click the 'Find a Park' tab and type in the dates you want to camp, the website will automatically locate campgrounds that have sites or cabins available those days," Sipe said.

The website also allows campers to search for campgrounds by region and by specific amenity so that they can find the type of park that best suits their travel needs. Not all campgrounds offer online reservations, however.

Some campgrounds only offer a fraction of their sites for booking online and hold the rest for people who call to make their reservations by phone. So if a campground says it is sold out, you might still want to call about campsite availability.

Camp-California.com allows visitors to jump to individual websites of each campground or RV park of interest to them, so that they can gather more information about specific activities taking place at each park.

The website also includes a statewide calendar of special events, so consumers can quickly find fun things to do, not only over Fourth of July weekend, but throughout the year.

"There are festivals, concerts and other interesting outdoor activities taking place every month in California, and there's almost always a private campground or RV resort nearby," said Sipe, who added that Camp-California pairs its listings of festivals and other events with recommended campgrounds and RV parks that are located nearby.

Passel of fun in Paso Robles

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Summer-time and the living is easy.  It's also fun and affordable in Paso Robles.
An old-time downtown, "Paso" is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy some lemonade sipping. 
 
Start packing now, and plan on enjoying the passel of events scheduled this summer.   More information, including accommodations can be found at:  www.travelpaso.com:
 
  • Paso Robles Main Street Association Concerts in the Park:  Every Friday 5:30-7:30 p.m. in downtown Paso Robles through Aug. 28. What's more fabulous than music and the outdoors?  Especially when it's free.
  • Outdoor markets in the Park:  North County Market is held every Tuesday in the City Park from 3-6 p.m.; the Country Farm and Craft  is there held Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Fresh produce, craft, gourmet food and other treats!
  • Wine-tasting:  okay, this is year-round fun, but with over 20 local wineries rolling out music, food, fun and tastings, there's no better time to discover Paso's wine country.
  • Annual Fourth of July Celebration:  the largest on the Central Coast.  A spectacular, old-fashioned 4th for the whole family.  Hurry before the ice cream is gone

Mango Festival planned on Hawaii's Big Island

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Exotic, luscious, sweet, and juicy - all these words and more have been used to describe the mango. Ranked among the most widely produced and consumed fruits in the world, mango takes center stage on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the first Mango Festival 2009 held on Hawaii's Big Island.

 

The Keauhou Beach Resort will host this luscious all-day event and invites mango lovers to take advantage of its KEAUHOU MANGO FEST package. Priced at $149 single occupancy or $199 double, the package includes one night accommodations, a self-service buffet breakfast the following morning, and entry to the Mango Festival's Kona Mango Experience and the Mango Inspired Dinner on Aug.1. For reservations or information, call toll free (866) 326-6803 or the hotel direct at (808) 324-2515, or visit www.keauhoubeachresort-hawaii.com.

 

Mango Festival 2009 celebrates all things mango with a day filled with events and activities. The festivities begin at the Keauhou Farmers' Market at the Keauhou Shopping Center from 8 a.m. to noon, complete with farmer-chef cooking demonstrations and tastings that begin at 10 a.m. This year, Stuart Johnson, also known as Mango Man, and Chef William Trask, President of the ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association, will be featured.

 

The fun continues at the oceanfront Keauhou Beach Resort from 2 to 6 p.m. with the "Kona Mango Experience" held in the hotel's Royal Garden. Here attendees will learn how to grow and prepare mango for eating, vote for the best mango-inspired art, enjoy live entertainment and shop for mango-themed gifts. Refreshing "Mangoritas" also will be available during the day at the hotel's Veranda Lounge for $6.

 

Topping off the evening at 6:30 p.m. will be a three-course "Mango Inspired Dinner." Prepared by Keauhou Beach Resort's Executive Sous Chef Cy Yamamoto, the menu includes Thai Style Beef Salad with Mapulehu Mango Vinaigrette; South Kona Mango Scented Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice, Asparagus and Rapoza Mango Relish; and Warm Haden Mango Sweet Bread Pudding with Mango Cream Anglaze.

 

Admission to the morning's Keauhou Farmers Market is Free. Entrance to the Kona Mango Experience at Keauhou Beach Resort is just $10 and includes a Kona Brewing Company beverage or the festival's mango coloring book. The evening's Mango Inspired Dinner is priced at $40, plus tax.

About this blog

With the high price of gas squeezing household budgets, many families will be spending their vacations closer to home. Fortunately, there are many wonderful vacations destinations only a tank of gas away. Places where you can build those wonderful vacation memories with loved ones. So here are our picks for places that will have you saying "Tanks for the Memories."

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