California Roundup - February 2010

SAN DIEGO – It’s the 11th. anniversary of Museum Month, so head to one of 39 area museums offering half-price admissions. Participants include the 13 world-class museums in Balboa Park, the USS Midway and Maritime Museums, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla and the new LUX Art Institute and San Diego Botanical Garden in Encinitas.  Free passes are available at any Macy’s location in San Diego County. For a complete list of participating museums, visit www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.  For all information regarding San Diego, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site, www.sandiego.org, or call 1-619-236-1212. 

                                                                                      The San Diego Automotive Museum

On Saturday, February 6th., the San Diego Derby Dolls Banked Track All-Stars have their first home bout vs. the Mitten Kittens, some of Michigan's finest skaters, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  Established in 2005, the Derby Dolls have main teams: the SD All-Stars, the Wildfires, the Swarm, the Stripes and the Hard Corps.  New this year is the Junior Roller Derby season for girls and young women, 7-17.  Basic roller skating skills, how to play the sport of roller derby (non-contact) and practices are part of the eight-week curriculum.  Girls are required to have primary health insurance coverage and all of the necessary gear. For further information and their schedule, log on to http//sd.derbydolls.com.

                                                                                               San Diego Derby Dolls

Sonoma County – The Sonoma County Vineyard Adventure Program, www.SonomaVineyardAdventures.com, is in full swing this month. Visitors and locals can take self-guided tours at four wineries in Sonoma County: Mantanzas Creek, Paradise Ridge, Balletto and Mauritson.  The free tours are appropriate for all ages and visitors will learn what goes on in a vineyard during the year, about sustainable farming practices and other interesting facts. Afterwards, participants can sample wines.  Note: There are tasting room fees but most vineyards refund the price if a purchse is made. For a complimentary visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions and dining in Sonoma County, call 1-800-576-6662 or visit www.sonomacounty.com.

Statewide - The California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) just released its 2010 California Official State Visitor’s Guide and Travel Planner.  It is an essential resource for exploring California. The free publication features California’s beaches, mountains, wine districts, agricultural areas, deserts and vibrant cities.  New this year are various website addresses to make it easier for consumers to find additional trip information. The Visitor’s Guide also includes a pullout 2010 California Official State Map which provides routes and indicates key attractions throughout Northern and Southern California, as well as localized maps of major urban areas. It also features trip ideas and itineraries with suggestions that include romantic getaways, family travel and shopping. For further information about the CTTC and for a free California Visitor’s Guide go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

                                                                Driving Distances Within California

Safe travels and enjoy the journey…

Howard Hian

www.Travels-with-Hian.com

Thanks to the various websites for information and photos.  Before you go please check details, dates, rates and availability; some restrictions may apply.   Photos courtesy of the SD Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau.