http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner en-us Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:29:48 -0700 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:04 -0700 BlogCFC http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m11d12-Wineries-in-Arizona?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Autumn at Page Spring Cellars, located in Arizona's Verde Valley azcomgroup.com When most people picture Arizona, it's usually visions of cactus, red rock formations, and the Grand Canyon that spring to mind. Golf courses are about as verdant as ... wine Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:01:04 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m11d12-Wineries-in-Arizona?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m10d13-Haunted-weekends-at-Calico-Ghost-Town?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Halloween comes to Calico Ghost Town. Is there anything more apropos than a ghost town celebrating Halloween? Coming off the high of its eponymous annual celebration (Oct. 9-11), the Old West town of Calico -- you've probably noticed the Hollywoodes... day trips SoCal attractions historic landmarks adventures desert Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:27:19 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m10d13-Haunted-weekends-at-Calico-Ghost-Town?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d20-Monterey-Bay-Aquariums-fifth-great-white-shark?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner © Monterey Bay Aquarium, photo by Randy Wilder There are few places in the world where you can see a great white shark, and fewer places still that you can see one safely from behind aquarium glass. So few, in fact, that there is currently on... city classics wildlife sharks Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:44:55 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d20-Monterey-Bay-Aquariums-fifth-great-white-shark?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d6-Ride-of-a-lifetime-Zeppelin-soars-over-Long-Beach?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Boarding the Zeppelin is a unique and highly structured process, due to the fact the vessel is in constant motion. When you hear that Buzz Aldrin has referred to a flying experience as "singular," you'd better put it on your bucket list. T... day trips offbeat adventures Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:44:03 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d6-Ride-of-a-lifetime-Zeppelin-soars-over-Long-Beach?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d1-Worlds-largest-Zeppelin-returns-to-Long-Beach?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner The Zeppelin Eureka soars over the Queen Mary in Long Beach. For more than three years, I've been trying to get on that darn Goodyear blimp that I always spy while running down the 405 en route to the Carson Ikea. It hasn't happened. Apparently, it'... offbeat adventures Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:04:35 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d1-Worlds-largest-Zeppelin-returns-to-Long-Beach?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d24-The-kava-ceremony-or-getting-stoned-in-Fiji?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner My Fijian host prepares to serve me a cup of high-tide kava. Before heading to Fiji a few weeks ago, I'd been warned about the less-than-desirable taste of kava, the ubiquitous drink that custom dictates a visitor must drink before stepping foot in ... adventures culture Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:31:58 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d24-The-kava-ceremony-or-getting-stoned-in-Fiji?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m6d23-Great-white-sharks-of-Isla-Guadalupe?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner A great white shark chomps on a yellowfin tuna off Mexico's Isla Guadalupe.A little more than three years ago, I stared a great white shark in the eye from no more than three feet away. Seeing my own reflection staring back from that inky orb has be... adventures ocean wildlife sharks Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:39:40 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m6d23-Great-white-sharks-of-Isla-Guadalupe?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m5d20-Belcourt-Castle-Newports-Most-Haunted-Mansion?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Ghost Hunters says one of these suits of armor is haunted. Can you tell which? While writing an assignment for ForbesTraveler.com about America's castles last year, I happened upon Belcourt. Of all the castles I researched, Belcourt had a story that... offbeat historic landmarks Wed, 20 May 2009 02:22:42 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m5d20-Belcourt-Castle-Newports-Most-Haunted-Mansion?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m4d25-Hot-springs-sauna-caves-and-kayaks-on-the-Colorado-River?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Travel Channel host Kirsten Gum takes frolics in a hot springs waterfall on the Colorado River. When I tell people I'm off on my semi-annual pilgrimage to kayak the Colorado River, I'm often praised for my bravery. What my friends and colleagues don... adventures desert kayaking Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:20:47 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m4d25-Hot-springs-sauna-caves-and-kayaks-on-the-Colorado-River?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m4d16-Spring-specials-at-Yosemite-National-Parks-Paradise-Springs-Mountain?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner The main lodge at Paradise Springs Mountain. Somehow, in my dozen years in the Golden State, I've never made it to Yosemite. But I've vowed to make that my goal within the next two years (at which point, my personal deadline of living on my own tr... mountains parks Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:47:01 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m4d16-Spring-specials-at-Yosemite-National-Parks-Paradise-Springs-Mountain?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m3d7-March-Meet-historic-Bakersfield-drag-race-returns-for-51st-year?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner The March Meet drag race is Bakersfield's largest event of the year. The Long Beach Grand Prix isn't until next month, but until then, you can get your motor humming out in Bakersfield. This weekend marks the annual March Meet, a historic drag race,... day trips city classics sports events Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:20:43 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m3d7-March-Meet-historic-Bakersfield-drag-race-returns-for-51st-year?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m3d5-Band-camp-for-rockers-and-gamers?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Rockin' out at Power Chord Academy, the band camp for rockers and gamers alike. "This one time, at band camp, I, like, totally rocked out on Guitar Hero. Majorly." That's what you might overhear young'uns boasting to each other these day... offbeat Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:37:49 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m3d5-Band-camp-for-rockers-and-gamers?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d25-To-live-and-die-in-LA--the-tour?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Scott Michaels and his Dearly Departed tour van, with the iconic Capitol Records behind. I've already reported on one alternative tour company operating in Los Angeles (see Esotouric). Here's another that'll put to rest the cliche that the City of... offbeat historic landmarks Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:47:15 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d25-To-live-and-die-in-LA--the-tour?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d5-Superlow-fares-from-LAX-to-Boston-and-New-York?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner AP Photo/Jin Lee, file At least there's some good news in this economy. The LA Times is reporting that JetBlue is currently offering flights to Boston and New York for $105 one way. Dang. That means you can fly roundtrip for under $250 -- an almost ... travel deals Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:18:53 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d5-Superlow-fares-from-LAX-to-Boston-and-New-York?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d4-More-Coachella-survival-tips?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Sculpture at 2007 Coachella Music & Arts Festival I've been to my share of Coachellas. But even though I won't be able to make this next one, I thought I'd share a few extra tips, beyond those that I laid out two years hence. Got your own to s... desert music festivals coachella Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:23:55 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d4-More-Coachella-survival-tips?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d1-Upclose-whale-encounters-in-Baja-California-Sur?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner A kayaker in the Sea of Cortez With tourism in Rosarito and Tijuana going to hell in a handbasket, you might think you should avoid Baja altogether. Claro que no. There are still plenty of peaceful pockets to be found on the peninsula, even if the... adventures ocean wildlife Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:48:27 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d1-Upclose-whale-encounters-in-Baja-California-Sur?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d30-Coachella-2009-lineup-announced?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File It's official: The lineup for this year's Coachella Music Festival is absolutely stellar. There's even a frakkin' Beatle on the roster. My heart weeps that I already have travel plans for that weekend, otherwise I'd once aga... desert music festivals coachella Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:50:57 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d30-Coachella-2009-lineup-announced?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d30-Glider-planes-over-Warner-Springs?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Soaring over Warner Springs, California, in a glider plane. Ever since my brother was forced to land a plane when our pilot got drunk, I've wanted to learn to fly -- not just because it was cool, but because you never know when the knowledge might... day trips adventures Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:44:08 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d30-Glider-planes-over-Warner-Springs?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d28-Rustic-relaxation-at-Warner-Hot-Springs?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Learning to pack a mule at Warner Springs Ranch Sometimes, I just need to get out of town, even if that means I'll be off the grid. Before I got to Warner Springs Ranch, located in the rustic terrain of East County San Diego, I was warned that the... mountains spas horseback riding hiking historic landmarks Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:13:59 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d28-Rustic-relaxation-at-Warner-Hot-Springs?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d21-Tour-company-delves-into-the-twisted-side-of-Los-Angeles?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner Esotouric is one of those things that makes me love LA. When I first moved here, I knew little about my adopted city, relying mainly on the oddball L.A. Bizarro to fill the gaps in my knowledge. But my guidebook of choice didn't get updated after it... day trips offbeat Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:43:14 -0700 http://www.examiner.com/x-1849-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner~y2009m1d21-Tour-company-delves-into-the-twisted-side-of-Los-Angeles?cid=exrss-Southern-California-Travel-Examiner