Helena is the capital city of Montana. At about 31,000 people it is one of the smaller state capital cities in the USA. Helena was founded by four prospectors from the state of Georgia in 1864. The city was first named, Last Chance Gulch. The miners were tired of finding little gold on their travels and the gulch, now downtown Helena, was where they struck it rich. Helena became a territorial capital in 1875 and a state capital in 1889. The name … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is located in the northern part of Montana. Parts of Glacier border British Columbia and Alberta. The weather in Glacier Park can change drastically at any time of the year. For example, in 1992 over a foot of snow fell on parts of Glacier in August. Summer rainfall averages about 2 to 3 inches per month. An umbrella or a good waterproof raincoat is highly recommended. Temperatures listed below are in both Celsius and … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Kalispell
Kalispell is located in the Flathead Valley between the West Glacier entrance and Big Flathead Lake. The city has a population of 23,000 and is located on Montana's most dangerous road, the 93 Highway. In fact no sooner had I left Kalispell, I ran into slow traffic. I was caught in a traffic jam for only a minute or two before a firetruck came racing up from behind. After another 10 minutes, I passed the accident just as they were loading the … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Neighborhoods
Castro District is centered along Castro Street (just off of Market Street) and is one of the original gay neighborhoods in the entire country. It retains its unique heritage and gay community - rainbow flags fly proudly above the sidewalks including the tallest one at the corner of Market, Castro and 17th Streets. The world's second GLBT History Museum opened here in 2010. Harvey Milk is a name synonymous with this district - a former gay … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area is a sizable region and there are numerous attractions and activities located either in San Francisco or within a short drive. Some of these attractions list coupons in local San Francisco travel guides. These guides are usually free and many can be found at local shops, on street guide racks around select tourist destination such as at Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf. All attractions are alphabetized below. Driving in … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Accommodations
The following is only a partial list of lodging options in San Francisco. A wide range of hotels are listed that accommodate various budgets. Prices range from the low (single occupancy/off season) to the high (double occupancy/high season) and are subject to change at any time. The downtown/financial district tends to be quite expensive and crowded. For budget travelers recommended lodging is in the outskirts of San Francisco - for example a … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Restaurants
More then most cities of its size, San Francisco contains a culinary delight of restaurants specializing in cuisine's from around the world. On one block one can find a mix of Chinese and Italian. On another block in the same vicinity one may find a Thai restaurant located next to an Ethiopian restaurant. Several distinct areas in San Francisco are known for certain types of cuisine. North Beach is known for its Italian food, Chinatown for … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Napa Wine Tasting
Ever wanted to visit the Napa Valley and see the most famous wine tasting region in the United States? How about neighboring more low key Sonoma with its small personalized wineries in Dry Creek and the Alexander Valley? Look no further than our concierge services. We have an extremely unique point of view into the Napa Valley from a winery perspective as Dave has personally visited and tasted with more than 1,000 wineries/producers in Napa … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada
This article highlights parts of Washington state, and western Canadian provinces including Alberta & British Columbia. Details and travel tips about our time in the Canadian Rockies is also covered as this is clearly one of the primary highlights of Western Canada, however, the overall focus of this guide is about Vancouver, British Columbia. Seventeen days is an ideal time to see all the sites and attractions mentioned in this guide. This … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Western Canada Trip
The total trip described on this page took 17 days including transportation from one's home airport. Suggested visit times and attractions are only listed as options for someone roughly following this itinerary. Any names of hotels or motels I stayed at have been included along with contact information. Day 1 : Stay at a motel near your home airport. This saves the hassle of driving to the airport on that same day that you are flying, unless … [Read more...]