Near Tucson, Arizona is the Biosphere II, a modern-day $200 million dollar tightly sealed ecosystem. It was originally constructed to determine if people could live for a particular length of time in a sealed environment. Now its used for research, education and public outreach activities. General tours are given daily except on Christmas Day - Reservations are recommended for the "Under the Glass Tour." The general tours take about 2.5 hours … [Read more...]
Kotobuki Sushi, Laguna Hills CA – June 2002
Kotobuki Sushi Laguna Hills - Next time you are in Southern Orange County, CA be sure to stop in for some excellent Sushi at Kotobuki located at 24351 Avenida De La Carlota in Laguna Hills. The restaurant is in a new looking shopping center. The "Sushi Master Chef Hiro" will probably tell you that his food is "awesome" - his praise of his own cooking isn't really needed. The food is awesome! While your eating, Hiro may even offer to entertain … [Read more...]
Pozo Saloon, Pozo CA – May 2002
Pozo Saloon is located about 40-45 minutes by car from downtown San Luis Obispo. This saloon is located in the thriving metropolis of Pozo - at last count population 52. The town's population wasn't always this low - gold was discovered in the late 1870's in La Panza (east of Pozo) and the population of the town had swelled to over 850 by 1882. The saloon is a historic landmark dating from 1858; the building is a fine example of old 'western' … [Read more...]
Fruit Yard Restaurant, Modesto CA – April 2002
Fruit Yard Restaurant Modesto - When driving between Waterford and Modesto in California be sure to stop in and grab a bite to eat at The Fruit Yard Restaurant located at: 7948 Yosemite Blvd. Phone Number (209) 577-3093. Our favorite meals are their Sunday brunches which is an all you can eat fare. Dave recommends their late Spring & Summer Sunday brunches because much of the fruit & vegetables is locally grown and freshly picked. They open … [Read more...]
Gus’s Fresh Jerky, Olancha CA – March 2002
Gus's Fresh Jerky Olancha - When in Olancha, CA be sure to stop by Gus's Fresh Jerky shop located at 580 S Highway 395. Phone (760) 764-2822. The Olancha store is Gus's flagship store and was started in 1996. He also runs stores in Needles, Ca and in Golden Valley, Arizona. Besides their normal jerky, they also have elk, buffalo and venison jerky. Their selection is fantastic with many different types of flavors. People come from miles around … [Read more...]
California Avocado Festival, Carpinteria CA February 2002
California Avocado Festival Carpinteria - Visit the California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, CA. This is a three day FREE event held in October each year and benefits local non-profit organizations and promotes the town of Carpinteria. Santa Barbara county is the 3rd largest Avocado producing county in the USA. This is three days of family fun, food, music, and of course avocados! Cool competitions include the best dressed avocado, largest … [Read more...]
Willow Steakhouse, Jamestown CA – January 2002
Willow Steakhouse Jamestown - When in the historic mining town of Jamestown, California be sure to swagger up to the bar at The Willow Steakhouse, Restaurant & Saloon located at corner of Willow & Main Street. This is an authentic looking western style (gold rush era feel) bar & restaurant with a rich history (be sure to read the history section on their menu). The building dates back to the early 1860's and was named for the willow trees growing … [Read more...]
Visit Costa Rica! – December 2001
Visit Costa Rica - Costa Rica has many natural attractions. Beautiful beaches, mountain ranges, smoking volcanoes, tropical rain & cloud forests & much more await you in this small but very unique Central American Country. Flights originate and leve from San Jose - but don't spend to much time here - the natural world of the country awaits. From the cloud forests of Monteverde containing the often shy but resplendently colored Quetzal to the … [Read more...]
Belvedere Restaurant, Beverly Hills CA – November 2001
Belvedere Restaurant Beverly Hills - If you are ever in Beverly Hills, CA and you want to have an exquisite meal in an elegant setting be sure to have dinner in The Belvedere, a 5 star restaurant located inside the 5 star The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel. The Peninsula is refined luxury, clearly evident once you arrive in their driveway. Located off of Santa Monica Blvd - the property is about a 10-45 min drive from the 405 (depending on traffic … [Read more...]
Goldstrike Jewelry, Tahoe City CA October 2001
Goldstrike Jewelry Tahoe City - If you are ever in Tahoe City, CA be sure to stop by Goldstrike Jewelry located at the Cobblestone Mall (next to Porters Ski and Sport). This store was run by a husband and wife team, Ward & Christie. Christie designed the jewelry and Ward was the goldsmith. This store contained some of the finest crystalline gold in jewelry that we have seen. View our in depth Lake Tahoe article here Update: Unfortunately … [Read more...]