The history of this country inspires us to be supportive.  Not just leisure, but an opportunity to support American automobile companies, the L.A. Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center gives an experience everyone in the family can enjoy along with mountains of information and the scoop into future projects for those upcoming buyers.  Skip the flight to Detroit and attend the second largest auto show in North America.

Usually during the winter, this specific show has been pushed back for families visiting to enjoy during the Thanksgiving week.  With the sun, beaches and mountains, Southern California has a diverse terrain that draws all the automotive companies to this show.  Whether it's the excitement of seeing the newest green cars, or the marvel of exotic Italian sports cars like Maserati and Ferrari, the auto show has always been a good time for me to get inside and see my dream cars that we'll all someday have.  When you arrive in the convention center the South Hall will be upstairs directly in front of you, this is where most of the main manufactures will be.  Swing a right towards concourse hall to see exotic cars like your Lotus' Rolls Royce and the new Spyker LM85; being released exclusively at the L.A. Auto Show.  Other stand outs include the Honda Fuel Cell car that emits no emissions, and the sleek Tesla sports car that runs on electricity

Open from Friday November 21st to Sunday November 30th, 2008, the convention center and surrounding attractions in downtown L.A. will be bustling with entertainment.  Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and all children 12 and under are free.  For show hours and information on a free $2 off coupon click here.  Remember to get there early because the doors close one hour before the show closes for the night.

Also downtown adjacent to the Convention Center is the Staples Center.  This pristine modern arena is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers professional basketball teams.  The Lakers have the best record in the NBA and are arguably the most exiting team to watch this season.  The Staples Center is also home to the Los Angeles Kings professional hockey team if you prefer the ice.  These games are a great place to take dates, family or friends before you go hit the bars or restaurants of downtown L.A.  For more information on home games and tickets during the thanksgiving week see the Staples Center.

Since the driving in Los Angeles is notorious, I poked around the downtown area and found a good place with a very short walk to the Convention/Staples Center and the great surrounding culinary joints:

• Comfort Inn Los Angeles CIty Center
• 1710 W 7th St.
• Los Angeles, CA 90017

This Spanish Villa style hotel was renovated five years ago and is a great secured place to stay if you want to wake up downtown every morning.  The Inn is a half mile from the Convention Center and for those who want to get in their cars, two miles from the famous shops of Rodeo Drive.  They gave me a great complimentary continental breakfast and fitness center.  With wireless internet, (inside and outside) I could catch up on the morning without having to get up and walk right away.  From LAX Airport to downtown is one freeway change and one exit, that's it!  They gave me a single for $68 a night with cable, newspaper and all the works.  Have fun and check back to see where you can eat great American food as we approach Thanksgiving.

Blue Benn Diner- Bennington VT

Contrary to the typical retro reform dining experience with Marilyn Monroe in a hoop skirt and roller skates this sometimes referred to as "a gourmet" diner boasts all the classics and none of the fuss.  Standing proudly along its current spot on Route 7 since 1949 the Blue Ben remains a true-blue hash house.

(check out my last post for Vermont vacation ideas)

Goody Goody Diner- St. Louis MO

Connely's Goody Goody has its roots in the dark days of the depression and was originally home to the first walk-up A&W Root Beer stand.  Now in business for almost 60 years this St. Louis family run staple still prides themselves on frosted mugs and classic atmosphere.

True to St. Louis classics be sure to try the "Chicken and Waffle Supreme" with grits.

Becky's Diner on Hobsons Wharf- Portland, ME

An homage to true American spirit and drive Becky, a mother of six recognized a need for the hardworking fisherman of Maine to have a place to eat before and after a grueling day beyond the docks.  She lobbied hard and beat zoning laws and was finally awarded the ability to build a diner on the waterfront.

Full of sleepy fishing town classics like some killer "Chowdah" also be sure to crawl outside of your comfort zone and try the lobster and swiss omelet.

Summerton Diner- Summerton, SC

Just a stones through from interstate 95 off exit 108 this small town slice of classic americana doesn't need any fancy schtick, elaborate signage or market study driven prices, Summerton' s keeps it real.  From the greasy skillet, Southern fried chicken, Sunday specials, Ocra and never ending refills of iced tea this family run establishment has its priorities straight.  With dinner specials starting around $6.95 Summerton serves as a reminder of whats really important.

66 Diner- Albequerque, NM

This nostalgia driven diner seeks to bring back the former glory of the classic Route 66 ideology.  With thick malts, full grease traps, impossible to finish burgers and enough neon lighting for a modern day rave; the mom and pop 66 Diner dedicates itself to the preservation of a quickly vanishing aspect of US history along Route 66.

Rudfords Restaurant- San Diego, CA

Along El Cajon Boulevard this once common place diner now stands as a San Diego novelty and reminder of times past.  With a south of the border influence Rudfords sets itself apart by successfully combining potato dominant dishes with rustic Mexican Chili's, peppers and Tamales to complete these maritime meals.  And with breakfast starting around $4 you may never want to leave.

Rosies Diner- Rockford MI

Arguably one of the most famous diners in the world Rosie's colorful Americana history makes this roadside staple one of the most recognizable classics out there.  Probably best known for Nancy Walker as "Rosie the Waitress" in the much loved Bounty Paper Towel commercials, Rosie's Diner is a familiar image in a veritable cornucopia of well known photographs.  Tie that in with classic styling, neon lights, charming retro-cool, classic American fare and a newly built bar to entertain Sunday football; there's really no reason to ever leave.

The Avalon Diner- Houston, TX

With a tagline "Justly Famous Since 1938" and blue plate specials it doesn't get more classic.  Consistently serving up rave reviews in major publications the Avalon's Texas sized portions and Delaware sized prices keep 'em coming from all around.

Peggy Sues Diner- Yerma, CA

Nestled outside a little ghost town in between Los Angeles and Las Vegas Peggy Sue's Diner is often overlooked.  Another historic gem set along the quickly dissolving Route 66 the real Peggy Sue was originally a young Hollywood starlet with over 100 movies and commercials to her credit.  Straying from the limelight in search of a simpler life she took her piece of Hollywood and embedded it in Yerma with her lovely blast from the past diner "Peggy Sue's."

Mickey's Dining Car- St. Paul, MN

One of the first original American diners making its mark in 1939 has been recognized in films and TV for decades from the "Mighty Ducks" to "The Food Network".  Designed as a classic railroad dining car from the period Mickey's Diner mixes nostalgia with aesthetics and succeeds in a fully rounded experience.  Oh, and the classic Americana dishes that has kept Mickey's famous for nearly 60 years and featured in countless write-up's isn't all that bad either.

Now is that time where Summer is quickly fading into the horizon and the cool crisp air of fall begins to slowly overcome us and nothing says Autumn like the dramatic colors that blaze through the fall trees. So courtesy of ShermansTravel here are the top 10 foliage destination of Fall.

Aspen, CO
While Colorado’s aspens don’t offer the vibrant fall color spectacle of say, the Northeast, the yellows, golds, and bold oranges that cover the mountainsides here, against a backdrop of intermittent evergreens, are still reason enough for a visit. Mid- to late-September is the ideal time to catch the show.
Hotels in Aspen

The Catskills, NY
Dubbed “America's First Wilderness,” this beautiful region harbors a variety of trees – maple, oak, birch, and beech among them – that come into their prime during the last two weeks of September or early to mid-October. Historic towns boast charming B&B's that make great bases for discovering the family-friendly harvest festivals, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own orchards, crafts fairs, and antique shops that define the region at this time of year.

Hotels in Catskill

Columbia River Gorge, OR
A geological wonder, the gorge itself weaves its way through the Cascade Mountains, forming the border between northern Oregon and southern Washington, and is loaded with lush fir forests and twisted pines, big-leaf maple, cottonwood, Oregon ash, and vine maple trees that show their colors from mid-September to mid-October. The area is also known for its dazzling waterfalls, the remarkable 620-foot Multnomah Falls chief among them.

Hotels in the Columbia River Gorge

Eastern Townships, QC
This section of Quebec stretches as far east as Maine, perhaps explaining why some consider the region to resemble neighboring New England, but with the French influence you’d expect of the province. It is probably no surprise that the maple leaf is the star of the show here, and visitors can enjoy a fiery display on horseback or on foot, particularly from mid- to late-September when the foliage season reaches its peak.

Hotels in Eastern Townships

Great Smoky Mountains, TN & NC
Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, the most-visited National Park in the United States is home to 100 species of trees with an awesome display of turning leaves. Peak fall colors are predicted for mid-October through early November; the most memorable foliage coming courtesy of sugar maples, scarlet oaks, sweetgums, red maples, and hickories.

Hotels Near the Great Smokey Mountains Nat'l Park

Litchfield Hills, CT
The Litchfield Hills is a spectacular sight each autumn when the maple, oak, aspen, beech, and birch trees are ablaze with color. You can take in the splendor on one of the many driving itineraries available or see it from the sky on a hot-air-balloon ride. Whatever your pleasure, try to visit in mid-October, when the colors are at their most vivid.
Hotels Near Litchfield

Lost Maples Natural Area, TX
While many think cacti is the main source of green in Texas, the Lone Star State is in fact home to the Lost Maples State Natural Area, which welcomes a beautiful flush come autumn, thanks in no small part to the relatively uncommon uvalde bigtooth maples, whose reddish blush is most spectacular from mid-October through mid-November.

Hotels Near the Lost Maples Natural Area (San Antonio)

Pennsylvania
Move over Madison County, Pennsylvania rules when it comes to covered bridges – the state boasts more then any place in the world. If you’re an admirer, you’re in luck – covered bridges figure heavily on several different driving itineraries worth doing through the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia countryside. Pine, hemlock, and maple trees dominate, and the colors (think gold and flaming red) reach their peak in early October.

Hotels in Philadelphia

Washington County, ME
For hard-core foliage enthusiasts looking to escape the crowds that plague much of New England each fall, Washington County, in Maine, is paradise for a leaf-peeper seeking solitude. The fall colors range from burnt orange to blazing red to golden yellow on the region’s birch, maple, oak, aspen, and ash trees, and are most vibrant from early to mid-October.

In my writing and random perusing of assorted blogs, travel logs, inspirational quips and so on I have derived great pleasure out of the massive amounts of high quality and breathtaking photography of my fellow online contributors. With that in mind I went on the hunt for a quality trade show that may benefit you masters of lighting and lenses. Granted this isn't my forte so if you know of any additional events by all means pass them along. And without ado, I give you the Photo Plus Expo in New York at the Jacob Javits Center Oct. 23-25.



This Photog dream come true is one of the 25 largest events in New York turning out an impressive 27,000 attendees last year in their massive 20,000 square foot expo floor filled with exhibits and galleries. An expo this size of course boast a varied cornucopia of leading industry technology, services and products. And for all of you budding photographers looking to go a step further Photo Plus is a networking extravaganza.( go ahead, read more )

Summer is in full swing and the concerts are starting to heat up. If your thinking about heading to the Los Angeles area anytime soon nows the time to stop dilly dallying and to take a weekend get away.

For all of you music lovers the JVC Jazz Festival Tour is coming to a close and their grand finale is going to be hosted at the Legendary Hollywood Bowl on August 17th. If you don't know much about jazz or you're just looking for an easy going concert you should definitely check this out. Full of unique sets and and enigmatic performances you wont regret this musical experience.( Check out this vid )

Seattle Washington, the birthplace of Grunge and Starbucks is one of my favorite cities with a cool and laid back urban landscape that is never too far from nature. This culturally rich city offers, of course, some of the best coffee in the country along with a wide variety of art and museums such as the Seattle Art Museum and my personal favorite the Museum of Glass. The Museum of glass is technically in Tacoma but is well worth it with massive exhibits, hands on art studio, glass blowing demonstrations and even the building is a work of art itself.

Downtown Seattle is also renown for their fresh seafood caught from the bordering Pacific and the legendary Pike Place Fish Market. You know, the massive fish market where they chuck full size salmon across the market yelling the whole time, its quite the experience and inevitably someone usually gets hit with a fish which is hilarious providing you're not the one getting hit( Go ahead read on, dont be shy )

The closest most of us get to Olympic glory is huddled in our living room and tuning into the opening ceremonies. This season with the Olympics only being a hop, skip and a jump away in Beijing China (sarcasm) the chance of any of us getting to partake in the excitement of watching the worlds best athletes live is more than likely not going to happen. However, if you are a track and field fan then fret no more. The U.S. Olympic team trials for Track and Field are being held in Eugene Oregon at the legendary Hayward Field. Get your tickets to witness one of the most prestigious pre-Olympic events and be a part of history in the making as the roster for team USA is selected for the 2008 Olympic Games.( Read more about Eugene, wineries, and other stuff to do! )

So that special day is coming up where we cast aside our whining, do the dishes and take out the trash without being told and make sure that the lovable lug in our life has quick access to a fresh cold one and of course the remote. The conundrum thus far unanswered of Fathers Day is; "what the hell should we do?" Well, frett no more my esteemed colleagues as I will present to you some ideas that are sure to keep the big man happy and pre-occupied.( Read more about the fest of fests )

So Lollapaloolza is quickly approaching and even though its still 2 months away this highly anticipated concert fest sells quick and hotels go quicker.

Starting August 1-3 in Grant Park Chicago this musical, cultural community experience is a one of a kind sensory blowing must see adventure. Grant Park takes the center stage to host this massive event and provides the perfect atmosphere for this music extravaganza.

Due to the massiveness of this event tickets go fast and rooms go faster so its best to book early. I took the privilige of checking out a few places to recommend because lets face it, you were probably going to procrastinate, not get a room and end up sleeping in the Clarence Buckingham Fountain in the middle of grant Park. So without further hubba-baloo heres some good stays.( I know you wanna see daft punk jam one out )

"Ah Me ee me ah MIAMI!" Ok all you travel going beach perusing concert fanatics, heres a good one. Modest Mouse will be in Miami at the wonderful and spectacular Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater. I found pit tickets for 36 bucks which is not a bad deal and for Modest Mouse the pit is definitely the place to be. The concert is June 23 only a month away so for all you procrastinators (myself included) get on the ball and go have some fun.

Not a huge concert fan? Too short of notice? Well, Jerry Seinfeld will be performing at the Jackie Gleason Theater July 26. "So what's the deal with you not going?" Ok sorry, that was a poor execution of an even worse reference but nevertheless had to be done. You can also check out a full list of upcoming performances here.

So the moral of the story is; if you are looking for a cool get away with some awesome entertainment then don't delay and get yourself to one of the hottest travel destinations, Miami beach.

Now for the tricky part, where to stay? There are of course about a billion places to stay in Miami so I am going to try to find balance between the "neato and the cheapo."

First pick (the neato): "Livin' on the Ritz" The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
This immaculate get-away avg. around $350-$600 a night is set directly on the beach located in the Art Deco district in Miami Beach. The hotel is one block from the pedestrian shopping mall and Lincoln Road. Guests are within one-half mile of the famous Ocean Drive and the Miami Convention Center. The hotel also features a multi-million dollar original art collection featuring established and emerging artists at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.





Second pick (the cheapo): Special Deal on the Haddon Hall Hotel
If you catch the deal this normally $115 a night stay will knock down to around $70 which is a darn good deal if you ask me. Also well located the Haddon Hall Hotel is located in the Art Deco District about a half-block from the beach and walking distance to all the shops, restaurants and clubs your little heart could desire.








Editor's choice (the in-betweeno): "Ta Da" The Royal Palm South Beach Resort!
Weighing in at around $171 a night (if you catch the specials) The Royal Palm is probably the way to go. This oceanfront hotel in the Art Deco District consists of two restored 1930s Art Deco buildings and two modern towers. The ocean-view Britto Restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch, prepares continental and American fare, while the Sunset Bar serves poolside cocktails and snacks. The hotel provides 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. The hotel's manicured grounds include two outdoor pools, while a half-moon spa tub overlooks the ocean. The pool area features exterior fireplaces and a small shop that offers beach toys and tanning products. The beach concierge provides lounge chairs, radio headsets and facial towels. Ocean breezes cool the covered outdoor fitness facility. Other on-site recreational amenities include table tennis, an oversized chessboard and a play area. The hotel schedules children's supervised indoor crafts and outdoor activities. Pets are permitted with restrictions. The Royal Palm also occupies an ideal location for shopping and nightclubbing. Lincoln Road boutiques and nightclubs, and the shops along Espanola Way are located one block from the hotel.



Not what you're looking for? Check out some more Miami Hotels
So there you have it. And as usuall if there is anything you would like to add or bring to my attention then drop me a line!

So I am continuing the search for fun and unique events across the country and soon across the world and I have always been a fan of garden exhibits. From the unparalled beauty of the Classical Chinese Gardens in Portland, Oregon to the neighborhood green thumb there isn't much else like a zen stroll through a lush garden full of vibrant colors and sweet smells.

"Most cherished in this mundane world is a place without traffic; truly in the midst of a city there can be mountain and forest."~ Wen Zhengming (1470-1559)

This time though I gotta hand it to the mecca of Disney World Epcot and their International Flower and Garden Festival. Their multitude of gardens range from the nostalgic flower sculptures of childhood heroes to the "Sculpture Garden" filled with wonderful works of art on loan from some of Florida's most prestigious collections.

A unique theme in this years festival is the practice of conservation in gardening. A very relevant theme in this time of seemingly perpetual waste and environmental doom and gloom. There are several gardens that exemplify tips to eco friendly gardening and water conservation including their "Green Garden (low input gardening)," "Lush Xeriscapes (minimizing water), " and my personal favorite the "Water Garden Wonders," a creative and beautiful water garden which uses rainwater. Pretty cool huh?

Venue: Epcot Theme Park
Date Range: 03/19/08 - 06/01/08
Schedule: Daily
Event Type: Festival- Arts Festival
Event Cost: Included with admission to Epcot

Great Deals on Great Spots
My Pick: The Skinny on the Wyndham Resort

Locale:
Orlando is sunny, tropical and perfect Resort atmosphere which is why my Orlando pick this week is the Wyndham Resort. This gorgeous 42 acre resort sits on a lush an tranquil lagoon-laced oasis a stones throw from major attractions and includes a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Wet 'n Wild.

Hotel Specs:
Augustines Bar and Grille serves buffet style breakfast and a la carte meals which I particularly enjoy because I can get up, eat what I want and bail to enjoy the day.  Also at Gatorville, tropical bevs and unique fare is served poolside which is a nice touch, especially if you like to start early.  The hotel has three gorgeous heated pools a fitness and a fitness center for you body buffs.

Guestrooms:
It's nice to have a little insight about the rooms your in so here ar the basics.  These classic Florida-style guestroom's feature madras fabrics and bamboo furniture that tropical feel.  They are also equipped with high speed internet access and feature several amenities including Golden door toiletries and in room massages by appointment.

If you have any other advice, tips, tricks, hotels events or travel ideas be sure to drop me a line or leave a comment and let me know!

The Amazon Jungle Comes Alive in the Concrete Jungle When Diverse Cultures Meet...

Looking for a Summer vacation or just a reason to get away for a unique experience. Quit putting it off and finally book that lifelong dream trip to New York.

I stumbled across a pretty amazing event in Manhattan at the South Street Seaport; "Amazonia Brazil" where the mystical environment of the Amazon is re-created in an astonishing 13,000 sq. ft. walk-through experience of the sights, sounds and wonders of life in the Brazilian Amazon including its biodiversity, people villages and cities. There is also special set ups where visitors can interact directly with communities living in the heart of the forest via internet and live interactions with true local Amazonian Shamans and Artisans.

The event also aims to create awareness of ongoing positive initiatives in the Amazon region including the prevention deforestation and global warming. Local Amazonian designers and artisans will have authentic work for sale and donate all proceeds to the Fundo de Apoio as Comunidades da Amazon (Support for Amazonian Communities Fund).

Admission Prices:

• Adult: $16.00
• Child (age 2-12)/Student: $11.00
• Senior: $13.00
• Family Discount: groups of 3 or more: $11.00 each
• FRIEND of Brazil Foundation: $ 13.50 each
• Member of New York Botanical Garden: $ 14.50 each

Event Dates
April 22-July 13, 2008

Hotels, Motels, the best place to stay: The Roosevelt

The Skinny on the Roosevelt and Special Deals:
When it comes to New York I like the classics which is why the Roosevelt is such a great stay.
The Roosevelt Hotel is located on Madison Avenue at 45th Street, where the business, couture and cultural districts of New York City, N.Y., convene in midtown Manhattan. This hotel stands three blocks from Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal.

The Roosevelt Hotel reflects Neo-Classical style with Tiffany crystal chandeliers, gilt trim, coffered ceilings, marble floors and a life-sized statue of Teddy Roosevelt. Artistic renderings of the hotel's namesake, Theodore Roosevelt, grace the walls of the Roosevelt Grill that serves elegant American-style buffets, breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Guy Lombardo and Lawrence Welk began their illustrious careers at The Roosevelt Grill. The Madison Club Lounge features a glowing fireplace, a rich mahogany bar, leather seating and late-night bar service. A limited-hour business center offers three computer stations with high-speed Internet access, whereas the 24-hour Web Zone contains two computer stations. Wireless Internet access is available in the lobby, and 30,000 square feet of event space accommodates small- and grand-scale functions. The hotel's 24-hour fitness center features cardiovascular equipment, weight machines and free weights.

Memorial Day always sparks the need to get away and inspires hopes for the Summer ahead. What better way to forget all your worries and jump start the season than a weekend full of fun and debauchery in the hottest destination spot in the U.S., Viva Las Vegas!

There are about a million different amazing places to stay in Vegas all of which have a an allure of their own from the $5000 a night ultra luxurious MGM Grand Mansions to the more subdued travel on a dime Tropicana at around $40 a night. So before you go you really just have to ask yourself what is it you want to do? Do you want to gamble, see shows, be at the hottest clubs or lay in the lap of luxury for a little R&R. I recommend a little bit of everything







Where to Stay:
If you want a well rounded stay at a decent price I would suggest the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Centrally located on the strip the Luxor is home to one of the hottest nightclubs LAX. From the creators of Pure, this 26,000 modern experience is one of the top night spots with A list celebrities, social jet-setters and top industry DJ's you can be sure a night at LAX won't end early.

For the morning's recovery head to the spa "Nurture" and enjoy a revitalizing eucalyptus steam bath and take soak in the whirlpool. Once you're back up 100% hit up the casino and win back some cash (since you probably lost your pride the night before) and use it to go see Cirque de Soleil's Mystere, an incredible display of athleticism and acrobatics with splashy costumes, live music and guarantees a unique experience.

I made a trip down to Santa Barbara CA for the last couple days and stayed at the beautiful Harbor View Inn. I was lucky enough to find a decent deal that saved me about an extra $40 a night which was nice because its a little pricey but well worth it. Situated on the white sands of Santa Barbara this picturesque ocean front get away offers spectacular views and luxurious accommodations perfect for a romantic get away or just some old fashion R&R.

While I was there I headed inland just over a mile to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. One of the exhibits, "Over Rainbows and Down Rabbit Holes" was a beautiful presentation of works created specifically for children's books. These creative pieces gave me a strong sense of nostalgia as it brought me back to my young school days sitting "criss cross applesauce" while the teacher read from an oversize book filled with images that challenged my imagination. It was interesting to look back on these images and see how each piece could represent a work of art on its own but yet mystically wove into the story providing a surreal vision of the authors words.





I began talking to various individuals about the art, memories and so on and came to hear of a great event hosted by the museum. For the 5th year the Santa Barbara Art Museum is hosting "Nights" an outrageous and hip event where people can enjoy the SBAM art exhibits while sipping (or aggressively downing) martinis, wine tasting, dance to live music, taste local food and participate in interactive art stations.

Starting Thursday May 15th from 5:30pm to around 8pm this unique art experience will be rockin the 3rd Thursday of every month until June. Be sure to check their schedule for dates, times, and exhibits.

For all you art goers, a must see event! The art-a-fair in Laguna Beach in Southern California, June 7th-August 31 brings artists from all over featuring an array of works and styles. For all the budding artists who want to participate submissions may be closed but get your work ready for the next year and be sure to submit early!

Have an Art-A-Fair
The Art-A-Fair Festival is the ultimate destination for lovers of art to visit this summer! Nestled in a colorful garden setting in romantic Laguna Canyon. the Festival is an enjoyable place to spend a summer day in the historic art community of Laguna Beach

Open seven days a week, visitors are offered the opportunity to view and acquire art directly from the artist exhibitors, finalists of a national juried competition. An exciting variety of two and three dimensional art is represented including oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, drawings, mixed media, photography, sculpture, jewelry glassworks, pottery, and furniture...Read More

Where to Crash:
Staying in Laguna can be a little pricey but certainly worth it with beautiful hotels such as the Casa Laguna Inn and Spa. If you're looking to stay within a budget and want to explore a little more of Southern California take a look at the surrounding cities such as Anaheim. There are some amazing and inexpensive rentals near great attractions such as Disney Land, Universal Studios and of course for you sports fans Anaheim Stadium home of the Angels. I found some great deals on a wonderful vacation rental the Hotel Pepper Tree only 16 mi. from Long Beach, 45 min to Laguna, an easy ride to San Deigo and Hollywood and quick access to a plethora of SoCal Beaches. Situated next door to the Dan Miller Golf Course this exotic Spanish style get-away sets you in prime location to experience all Anaheim has to offer.

If you have any suggestions please feel free to send me a message or comment to share your advice!

Thinking about getting out of town for some fun in the sun and high octane excitement then check out the "Red Bull Air Race" in San Diego, CA.

The Red Bull Air Race World Series features the world’s best pilots in a motor sports competition based on speed, precision and skill.

Using the fastest, most agile and lightweight racing planes, pilots navigate a low-level aerial race track made up of air-filled pylons, reaching speeds of 400 kilometers per hour while withstanding forces of up to 10 Gs.

Touching down in ten cities worldwide in 2008, each Red Bull Air Race is unique. From the heart of the city to the open countryside, over land or water, a Red Bull Air Race can take place almost anywhere. Spectacular backdrops and jaw-dropping action guarantee that spectators experience one of the most innovative and exciting new sports competitions around today.

The action will take place over the San Diego Bay between Embarcadero Park and Coronado Island on Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4.

There will be two main ticketed viewing areas on the San Diego site, each equipped with all necessary amenities and services. We have one viewing area on the north of Embarcadero island and another on the south Embarcadero island.

Where to Stay
Price: $70-$80
If your looking for inexpensive, hip and fun check out this modern European style hotel, the 500 West. Ideally located in central downtown with views of the harbor the 500 West puts the finest shopping, dining and entertainment options all within walking distance including prime location for the Air Race. This is a unique Hotel that promises good times and good stories.
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