Lodging

Posted by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

La Jolla Shores Roadtrip

While some folks visit San Diego for the surf and turf, we’re taking a roadtrip with a car load of females to check out the higher education opportunities. Yes, indeed, as sure as the whales migrate down to Baja to give birth to their babies, we’re following the path of numerous mother’s before us to participate in the spring break college campus visitation ritual.

Of course, what fun is a trip with all work and no play? My daughter and I are staying at the swank La Jolla Shores situated smack dab on the beach. We’re here with another mother/daughter duo and, hey, it’s our spring break, too. Why not live a little? Afterall, the website has promised that our stay at the hotel will create vacation memories that will last a lifetime. But can they guarantee that my daughter will be admitted to UC San Diego?

La Jolla Shores Ocean front room

Let’s put the GPA-angst behind us and concentrate on enjoying the So-Cal lifestyle. We booked a beach-front hotel room with a balcony and access to the outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi. Our room, with an AAA discount, rents for $359 on a Saturday night, dropping to $279 for Sunday and Monday night, of course, rates vary with the season. Check the website for specials.

For those traveling with a large family, or well-funded parent’s with toddlers, I’d recommend a splurge on room #334, two queen beds, a sofa sleeper and a wrap-around deck that is teen and kid-friendly.  The room overlooks Kellogg Park with plenty of grass for exhausting young children and a swing set, too. Teens can chill on the deck with their iPhones and parent’s will appreciate the child-proofed deck. We also enjoyed the Starbucks coffee and hot cocoa available in the room.

After our campus tour of the University of San Diego, we drove to San Diego’s historic Old Town and had lunch at Cafe Coyote. The fajita chicken salad came highly recommended. I liked the homemade flour tortillas, too. We liked that Piatti restaurant was within walking distance of the hotel. For those on a budget, there are plenty of cheap restaurants in San Diego. Tonight we dine at The Shores restaurant. I love vacation.

La Jolla Shores 1 (856) 459-8271 or 1 (800) 237-5211

8110 Camino del Oro

La Jolla, CA 92037

A visit to the historic China Camp Village is a must.

Admittedly, I’m not big into camping. I’ve been known to make an exception for Burning Man but that’s an entirely different thing…

But there are lots of great places in Northern California to get down to basics, commune with nature, and sleep on dirt. One of them is China Camp State Park in San Rafael, CA, about a 45 minute drive north from San Francisco.

A campsite at China Camp State Park.

In the 1880’s, this idyllic slice of land on the San Pablo Bay was a Chinese shrimp-farming village of approximately 500 people from Canton, China.

Today, the state park offers 15 miles of hiking trails and 30 developed campsites in the northwest side of the park at Back Ranch Meadows in a quiet oak and laurel forest.

Sites are exclusively for tent camping and include a picnic table, fire ring and a food locker. Wood is available for $5/bundle. The lockers looked a bit weathered and campers need to furnish their own locks. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers are centrally located.  This is not car camping. While the sites aren’t far from the parking lot (between 50 and 300 yards), you do need to haul all of your gear in and out.

Picnics, mountain biking, hiking, swimming, boating and windsurfing are among the activities enjoyed here.

A visit to China Camp Village is a must. A museum walks you through the history of the camp and there is a little crab shack on the pier that juts out into the shimmering blue bay.

The funky little (crab) shack at China Camp Village.

The park offers free, hour-long “Junior Rangers” programs for kids 7 to 12. Topics include ecology, outdoor safety, survival, wildflowers, California Indians, and history. Call the Ranger Station  (415) 456-0766 for upcoming schedules.

Campsite reservations can be made up to seven months in advance by calling (800) 444-7275.

Photos by Lisa Dion

A view of the redwoods from inside a tent.

Every time I drive down to San Francisco I pass along the Eel River and imagine what it must have been like years ago, when it was deep enough for steamships.

Even as recent as 1964 the Eel River rose 21 feet above the railroad tracks, sweeping homes and entire towns down to the ocean. I have a friend who remembers sitting on her roof watching houses, trucks, and large animals drifting by.

The highway twists and turns among the redwood trees.

This is still wild territory, and that’s what makes it so appealing. The Eel River is much tamer these days, but still a favorite spot for families to enjoy their favorite swimming holes. Some of the best are at Richardson Grove State Park, 200 miles north of San Francisco.

Black tailed deer, racoons, gray foxes, black bear and mountain lions all live beneath the canopy while eagles, hawks, and owls soar above. As a camper all precautions must be taken to store your food properly to keep it safe. During the winter fishing for salmon and steelhead is a favorite activity.

When driving north along Highway 101 from San Francisco, Richardson Grove is one of the first areas where you will find old growth redwood trees. The highway twists and turns among these giants, and for those who have never seen redwoods, this is an amazing sight

Fishing, swimming, and hiking will fill your days, and campfires and stars will entertain you at night. The pleasant climate, plenty of shade from the sun, and the sound of rocks being tumbled by the Eel on its way to the ocean will bring a sense of sanity back into your very busy life.

The lush undergrowth is cool in the summer.

Richardson Grove State Park now offers WiFi, so while you feel like you’re away from it all, you really don’t have to be.

On Saturday, my friends and I heard the most perfect thunder. I started to look at the clouds, but a friend stopped me, telling us that what we just heard was a sonic boom, aka the shuttle reentering the atmosphere. There is a limited number of launches scheduled to occur out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and if you want to take advantage of these opportunities, why not make a beach weekend out of it with the family?

Should you decide you want to watch an upcoming launch, consider staying at The Inn at Cocoa Beach. Located on the beach, it’s just seven minutes from Cape Canaveral. This area is the one of the best viewing spots, and you won’t have to fight and traffic after the event.

The Inn at Cocoa Beach, an ideal spot for viewing shuttle launches

The inn has 50 rooms, many of which have balconies, some even with Jacuzzis. In addition to enjoying freshly baked breakfast, guests are also invited a nightly wine and cheese social.

The inn is on one of Florida's best beaches for watching the shuttle launch

The Inn at Cocoa Beach is also near six golf courses. Nearby tennis courts are also an option. Kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, biking and other sports can all be arranged to help you make the most of the family’s weekend getaway to sunny Florida.

For more details about the bed and breakfast, call 800-343-5307.

Photos courtesy of the Inn at Cocoa Beach.

Guest Post from our friends at Hostel Bookers

Be sure to check out Hostel Bookers new Twitter competition where you can win a free week at St. Christopher’s hostel in Amsterdam.

With scenic parks, historical sights and excellent shopping, London makes one of the best city breaks in the world. From the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace to riding around on an iconic red bus, the city is full of memorable moments, but has a reputation for being a pricey place to visit.

Luckily there are hundreds of London Hostels all over the city providing you with great value accommodation, close to most of the main sights. Forget crowded dorms and broken bathrooms, the capital’s hostels offer the ‘best of British’ hospitality, with wi-fi facilities, funky design and in-house bars for enjoying a pint of beer.

Palmers Lodge

Palmers Lodge Hostel

Fancy really soaking up some London history? Then stay at Palmers Lodge, an elegant Victorian mansion in a leafy, affluent area of North London. Built in 1881, the Lodge’s rooms are thoroughly modern, ranging from private rooms to a bumper 28-bed dorm. With a lounge, games room, and laundry, this hostel adds a touch of the English country manor to life in the big city. With free breakfasts and a bar serving pizzas and Paninis, you won’t get peckish during your stay here.

Astor Hyde Park

Astor Hyde Park

London has an awful lot of green spaces for a big city, and you can experience country living close to the expanse of Hyde Park. The Astor is part of a popular chain of hostels in London, and the Hyde Park outpost is housed in a historic period building, updated with ultra-modern interiors and abstract art on the walls. Each room has its own ensuite bathroom, and the hostel boasts a stainless steel kitchen, two lounges and a digital TV amongst other facilities. Situated in hip South Kensington, you are close to the upscale shopping of Harrods and High Street Kensington, and the National History, Victoria and Albert and Science Museums for a dose of culture.

St. Christophers Inn

St Christopher’s Inn Village

Across the street from foodie heaven Borough Market, St Christopher’s Inn Village is only a short walk from the cultural delights along the Southbank, with scenic views over the River Thames. Once you’ve explored the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Tower of London, return to the ‘chill-out room’ and watch a movie. With its own Belushi bar serving cheap drinks all night, and basement nightclub, St Christopher’s has a full-on party atmosphere. The rooms range from 2-14 bed dorms, but the best thing about St Christopher’s are the personal touches – from the sauna and roof terrace, to walking tours and free breakfasts.

UMI Hostel

UMI London

Live like Hugh Grant in the film ‘Notting Hill’ at the UMI London, located in the trendy Notting Hill and Bayswater area of West London. This hostel is chic and cheap, housed in an elegant townhouse in a quiet leafy square. Each room is private with an en-suite bathroom and plasma TVs, and the in-house coffee bar and lounge with complimentary newspapers feels like a first-class hotel. You’re close to the quirky cool stalls of Portobello Market if your budget won’t quite stretch to the department stores in Knightsbridge.

YHA Hostel

YHA London Central

Few hostels can claim to be in the heart of London’s sprawling metropolis, but the YHA London truly is ‘central’; a stone’s throw away from the shopping on Oxford Street, the nightclubs of the West End and cool cafés in Soho. With a free locker room and wi-fi, travel desk that books tours and offers travel tips, and hip bar with tube maps on the wall, this is the perfect base for young backpackers.

Journey

Journey’s London Eye

Journey’s may look like a traditional pub from the outside, and the hostel comes complete with a fully-licensed bar serving cheap drinks. But inside you’ll find a more homely affair, with comfortable rooms, an internet café, pool table and roof terrace upstairs. Welcoming parties ‘of all sizes’, the friendly staff give every guest a welcome pack on arrival. On the banks of the Thames, you’re a short walk to Westminster and the houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and yes, the London Eye, boasting panoramic views over the city.

As the cost of fuel rises, I’m not surprised to see more people biking to work. Nor am I surprised to see bike-themed eateries popping up (Beans, Bikes and Bordeaux in Orlando: you rock).

I was surprised to find bike-themed accommodations. And I love it.

The Bed and Bike Inn located in Gold Hill, North Carolina, is just that: a retreat that’s very much in harmony with the surrounding wild scenery. Located on 11 acres, it’s quiet and restful. Ellen Whiteside and Tim Beebe, the inn’s hosts, have created a great spot for communing with nature. On the property, you’ll find walking trails, gardens, a fire pit and a meditation labyrinth. In addition to the two-bedroom private cabin, this bed and breakfast also offers a yurt. It’s even air conditioned.

Bed and Bike Inn's cabin

Here’s the hand-built log cabin. And here’s what it looks like on the inside. Romantic, no?

Romantic cabin in North Carolina

The inn’s hosts serve breakfast whenever you like. So treat yourself to the rest you deserve and sleep in. Or get up early and hike or — how fitting — go for a bike ride.

The Bed and Bike Inn is close to Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Greensboro. For more information about this cozy retreat that’s perfect for family reunions, company retreats or other large functions, call 704-463-0768.

Photos courtesy of the Bed and Bike Inn.

Enjoy an unobstructed view of the ocean from the deck.

There’s no best time to go to Trinidad, California. But there is a best place to stay. Rent Sea Cliff, a house with an unobstructed ocean view. Let yourself settle into the rhythm of the ocean.

Stormy seas and blow holes are fun to watch in the winter.

During the winter months you can snuggle up with your favorite book and watch the storm come to shore, slamming monstrous waves against the bluffs and blow holes spouting one hundred foot fountains. Sometimes the winds are so forceful that it’s a fight to stay erect without being blown over.

The wetlands of Humboldt Bay attract birds during migration

During the spring time you won’t believe the birds. Being located on a primary route of the Pacific Flyway the spring migration brings hundreds of thousands of birds to the local wetlands where they feed and rest on their way south.

Summer is full of fun, food, and festivals. Local wines, cheeses, olives, and organic produce are sold at local grocery stores as well as the local farmers markets. Fresh fish, including the coveted Humboldt Bay oyster, is readily available. You can even go to the marina and get fresh fish right off the boat. And it’s no wonder Humboldt grass fed beef is so delicious. You should see the verdant pastures that feed those happy cows.

And fall is often the best of all, when Indian Summer brings a final blast of heat that Humboldt County is not used to. There’s a softness in the air as the leaves quietly float down to the ground while streams that roared in the springtime trickle gently beneath the trees.

Comfortable accommodations for up to four people

Trinidad is beautiful every day of the year. And with a stay at Sea Cliff you may not even want to go out for meals. With access to all of the fresh local products you’ll be tempted to just stay right where you are, watching the sunset from your deck with a bottle of local wine. Birds, whales, and sea lions might be all the company you need. 

Photos by Trinidad Retreats

Trinidad Retreats
707-677-1606
www.trinidadretreats.com/seacliff/seacliff.php

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

California Foothills

Nothing says father and son bonding like sharing a cheap hotel room before an early morning hunting trip. My husband and teenage son were heading to Grindstone Outfitters of Elk Creek, California to go pig hunting. Now before you go all animal rights on me, I consider these trips nature hikes. Between you and me, they only come back with mud on their shoes, grins on their faces and great pictures to share of their walks in the beautiful foothills.

This particular trip, they came back chatting about the new hotel they had discovered. Only a week old, my son was quick to point out that the mattress was much better than his at home and that no one else had ever slept on the beds.

Holiday Inn Express

Conveniently located on I-5, midway between Sacramento and Redding, the Holiday Inn Express is near Thunderhill Raceway, Mendocino National Forest and the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge. Budget travelers will appreciate the continental breakfast included in the rate. There is also a Subway shop and Starbucks nearby.

Rates start at $140. Check the website for specials. AAA rates

Holiday Inn Express (530) 934-8900

545 North Humboldt Avenue

Willows, CA 95988

King bed in Imperial Club room at Hotel Nikko.

Earlier this month I attended the fabulously informative Eye for Travel Social Media Strategies for Travel Conference held at the Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco. I spent two nights at this high-rise property that’s just steps from a BART station (great for commuting from SFO), Chinatown, Union Square and the Bay City’s famous cable cars. Truly, a brilliant location if you want to be in the thick of things downtown.

Other amenities, services and offerings I liked:

• The awesome Frette linens on my pillow-top king-size bed.
• Flat-panel TV, DVD player and CD player in my Imperial Club room.
• The view of the city and bay from my 24th-floor room.
• Complimentary continental room-service breakfast or hot buffet breakfast in Anzu restaurant (also an Imperial Club amenity).
• The killer pool and Jacuzzi in a sunny (yes, even in foggy San Francisco!) atrium on the 5th floor.
• A clean, full-service fitness center.

Indoor pool at the Hotel Nikko.

I’m sorrry I didn’t have time to eat dinner at Anzu, offering “EuroJapanese” cuisine; it’s known for its signature Sake martinis. The Brazz Room is touted as one of the city’s best nightclubs with a variety of headliner entertainment.

You may be able to find less expensive spots to stay in downtown San Francisco (I compared notes with other conference goers, and indeed, I paid more than they did for my room), but if you want to be guaranteed a clean and comfortable, classy and deluxe place to stay, check out Hotel Nikko.

Boats on Humboldt Bay

If you’re looking for a truly budget-friendly vacation in an area that is full of rivers, parks, ocean, yet no crowds, head to Eureka on the north coast of California.

Shoreline RV Park has all of the amenities needed while traveling on the road:

• WiFi
• Showers
• Gas
• Convenience Store
• Dog park
• Cable TV
• 30/50 amp
• Laundry

Nearby, there’s a public boat launch, marina, beaches, shopping, and restaurants. The North Coast is surrounded by natual beauty and the California State Park system has protected much of the land from being developed. Below is a list of local state parks for hiking and camping:

• Humboldt Redwoods State Park
• Patrick’s Point State Park
• Grizzley Creek Redwoods State Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Richardson Grove State Park
• Fort Humboldt Historic State Park

Hike the trails of the State and National Park system

Redwood National and State Parks has Hyperion, the tallest tree in the world, and Six Rivers National Forest, yet another park, has six major waterways passing through the forest: the Smith, Mad, Klamath, Trinity, Van Duzen, and Eel Rivers. Combined they produce about nine percent of California’s total runoff.

Belly dancers on Eureka Waterfront

From March through October Eureka is full of festivals and fairs, beginning with the Redwood Jazz Festival on March 26. On the first Saturday of every month, Arts Alive! fills Downtown Eureka with music, art and food while crowds mingle and meet in shops, galleries, and restaurants that all participate in displaying the work of local artists.

Plan to stay awhile at Shoreline RV Park where a full week costs only $195, less than a single night at a nice hotel.

Photos by Betsy Husband

Shoreline RV Park
2600 6th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
707-443-2222