Indian Canyons are a must visit during any trip to Palm Springs. These canyons are located just south of downtown Palm Springs. From the 111 (called Palm Canyon Drive) take South Palm Canyon drive past Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, past a number of apartment like complexes until you come to the toll both (marking the entrance to Indian Canyons). If you drive south on Palm Canyon drive, South Palm Canyon drive will simply veer off to … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Independance
Like Big Pine, Independence is a good starting point for various attractions in the surrounding area. This is the quintessential Eastern Sierra Nevada town - small, laid back and full of history. Oh and surrounded by the gorgeous Eastern Sierra Nevadas. Town features quiet residential neighborhoods with homes that date back decades. And some very historical buildings. It is also the county seat for Inyo. And was the home to noted author Mary … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Sonora
Sonora (the queen of the southern mines) is the heart of the southern gold mining towns. Sonora was first established by miners from Sonora, Mexico. This town was important during the mining days and remains so even today. Sonora was established during 1848 and has been the county seat of Tuolumne since 1950. Even though Sonora was established in 1848 people have traveled through and settled here since the late 1820's. During its early mining … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Attractions
Spokane offers such a wide diversity of attractions and experiences, that even the most vanilla type personality will not be bored. Those who simply want to visit Spokane in the summer and read books can do so in numerous park. Shopping is plentiful. Intriguing architecture. Plenty of museums. Family attractions including for children. Manito Park is well worth a visit, especially for those who enjoy plants and formal gardens however beware … [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 – Shopping
There are an incredible array of shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts in San Francisco. There are vast tourist shopping areas selling everything from electronic equipment to post cards. When I play tourist south of Union square, Chinatown, and south of Market street, I am often amazed by the great number of shops all selling similar items. As you walk through these shopping sections soon every store almost looks the same. You will … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Vancouver City
Vancouver was founded in 1886; today this very cosmopolitan city anchors the west coast of Canada and attracts visitors from around the world. Those who have never been to Vancouver will be surprised by its size when viewed from a distance. Vancouver can be defined by its surrounding natural beauty but more so by its international population. Vancouver is thriving and continually pursuing the future. This is evident when one sees all the modern … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Attractions
Bloedel Conservatory is located on a hill overlooking the entire city of Vancouver. The observatory is surrounded by lush gardens. This is a great spot to bring the family for a picnic lunch. The observatory contains a diverse garden of tropical plants and birds. During the dead of the winter months this can be an enjoyable outing to escape the frigid temperatures. For example, one can come up here and dream they are in Costa Rica or some other … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Victoria
Victoria is accessible via ferry from Vancouver or from select areas in the state of Washington. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. It is a very quaint city. It also has among the more mild climates in Canada, and often times when the rest of Canada is covered with snow, Victoria is cold, but free of snow. The ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria takes about 2 hours. It is a beautiful ride especially in the summer months and on a … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – More Info
This is an important section. We cannot possibly cover all that there is too see in Vancouver or what we saw on the rest of our 17 day trip, however the following websites describe the locations we visited in Western Canada and Vancouver in particular. The Vancouver Convention and Visitor's Bureau can be reached at 1-800-888-8835 or (604) 683-2000. For more travel information about traveling in British Columbia call Phone Number … [Read more...]