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GOODBYE WINTER!

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous furry forecaster, failed to see his shadow, meaning spring is right around the corner, or so the folklore says. Our Modesto representatives are are feeling the warmth, craving some rain and shared these spring time ideas for shaking off the cold weather and getting back out into the sunshine. Here's a few Modesto gems you might not have visited lately. 

The McHenry Mansion is Modesto's Treasure.  It is the city's only original Victorian home and one of the few remaining reminders of the town's rich heritage.  Its restoration has proved to be the community's most visible, extended renovation project. Thousands of local citizens have participated and contributed to the restoration. A typical day at the McHenry Mansion may include a group tour for a busload of school children in the morning, docent-conducted tours for a hundred people in the afternoon, and an elegant private party in the evening.  The Mansion is used by the community almost every day, with an average of 20,000 annual visitors.  

Gallo Center for the Arts- The mission of the Gallo Center for the Arts is to enrich the quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley by providing an inspirational civic gathering place where regional, national and international cultural activities illuminate, educate and entertain. The Gallo Center for the Arts celebrates the diversity of our community by offering an array of affordable cultural opportunities designed to appeal, and be accessible, to all. The Gallo Center for the Arts will accomplish this mission through programming that:

• Provides a venue for the area's leading performing arts organizations
• Brings great performances from around the world to the area
• Offers motivating arts education programs for youth

The Modesto Certified Farmers Market runs April through December each year.  Support local farms, small neighborhood businesses and enjoy starting off the morning with a stroll down the Market's lane!  Tons of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs and cheeses are peddled...  Morning pastries, fresh bread, local honey and more fill the stalls...  It's a foodie's paradise. Saturday mornings at the Market typically include live musical entertainment and delicious food demonstrations by local chefs or vendors.  Check the calendar for more details.

The market will be opening even earlier this year: first, ease into the season, only Saturdays in April, then the market will resume its regular Thursday & Saturday morning schedule the second week of May.

Whatever seems fun to you, we hope that you take advantage of the beautiful weather that's coming and spend some time outdoors. 

GOODBYE WINTER!

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous furry forecaster, failed to see his shadow, meaning spring is right around the corner, or so the folklore says. Our Anaheim representatives are are feeling the warmth, craving the rain and shared these spring time ideas for shaking off the cold weather and getting back out into the sunshine.

Do people still say, "Duh?"

Well this one's a duh, it's a temptation to not talk about Disneyland because... well... the entire world knows that Disneyland is the main attraction in Anaheim. BUT, when's the last time you went? Have your kids met Lightning McQueen? Did you know that "The Force" is with Disneyland? This advice is short, if you haven't gone lately, it's worth scraping the money together, skipping Starbucks for a month... (wait, give me a second... 20 times $5 = $100) okay, skipping Starbucks for 2 months and giving Mickey a visit. After all, it's the happiest place on Earth, and like most attractions, the last attraction you visit is the one in your own backyard. 

Medieval Times - Join the epic battle of steel and steed - "In myth and in legend, the knight and his horse are forever linked. Few things are held in such great esteem by the medieval warrior than his stalworth horse, who possesses the bold strength of his master and the quiet strength of his ancestors." Step into this monster sized medieval castle and step back in time to a rougher, simpler time with live jousting and of course a damsel's kiss awaits the victor. Forks here are optional and kinda lame. Yelling is encouraged and a few cups of grog will have you happily chanting for your knight and pounding on the table. With a smaller price tag than a visit to see Mickey, this is an affordable splurge and one heck of a place to enchant out of town guests. Shows include a 4 course meal and before the King introduces the tournament players and the jousting begins. 

Take the kids to Billy Beez. The Anaheim location is found at the Anaheim Garden Walk, the premier outdoor shopping location, with tons of restaurants and entertainment to boot. What could make that better? Billy Beez. A safe place to drop off the kiddos. While you shop, have a date night with hubby or get in a work-out, the kids can run off all their energy, jump til their heads burst open or do a fun craft, giving you a needed break or just letting them have their own age appropriate fun. They can journey into Billy’s Rainforest for a one-of-a-kind adventure and experience in the 17,000 square foot Play Arena. It's the home of wildly twisting slides, a one-of-a-kind Ball Blaster Arena, bouncy trampolines, intricate obstacle courses and so much more! This unique indoor playground offers safe, hands-on fun for the whole family!

GOODBYE WINTER!

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous furry forecaster, failed to see his shadow, meaning spring is right around the corner, or so the folklore says. Our Fontana representatives are are feeling the warmth, craving the rain and shared these spring time ideas for shaking off the cold weather and getting back out into the sunshine.

Exotics Racing is the most exciting thing you're going to find in Fontana! Is G-force your drug of choice? You have to invest in your wild side and feel the rumble of an exotic super car under your bum! 0 to 60 in the time it takes you to realize you should scream... and the speedometer is no where near redlining, and not slowing down. It's for sure the largest fleet of exotic super cars you have access to, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Audi R8, Mercedes-AMG GT S, Corvette Z06, and the Nissan GT-R. Take the wheel of these incredible machines and push their performance to the limit with one-on-one coaching from a professional racing instructor!

Center Stage - Center Stage Theater is Fontana’s newest Theatrical Event Center. Center Stage is home to TIBBIES Great American Cabaret, the Inland Empire’s finest dinner theater, multiple professional “Broadway Style” productions, touring artists, community and private events. This is also the home of Murder and Mayhem in Fontana. Participate in a 3-course meal intertwined with devilishly fun entertainment. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the quirky cast of characters who will take you on a journey back in time. The show is presented in three acts. Between courses our mysterious cast will engage you in quiet conversation about the mystery at hand. A great afternoon or evening of dining, mayhem and murder at Center Stage Fontana! If you've never been to a murder mystery meal, you have to go. It's one of the most fun things you will ever do.

This state of the art facility features some of the latest in audio, video, lighting and presentation technology. Additionally the theater boasts a complete banquet and catering menu and a full bar. You can also rent it out! 

And if you are looking for family fun on the cheap, check FREE things to do in Fontana, you'll find a list of parks, trails and inexpensive day trips already thought through for you. I find this site helpful for the lazy Saturday mornings. You work hard all week, you chauffeur little Jasmine to ballet class, Christopher to baseball and both to karate, while meeting work deadlines, doing homework and trying to get in 6 hours of sleep a night... per person even. Having "family bonding" time that includes some vitamin D can be a challenge. Let this site remind you about the batting cages. The batting cages, of course, how does one forget the batting cages, fun for all. On the other hand who has brain cells available when Saturday morning rolls around?

GOODBYE WINTER!

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous furry forecaster, failed to see his shadow, meaning spring is right around the corner, or so the folklore says. Our San Jose representatives are feeling the warmth, craving the rain and shared these spring time ideas for shaking off the cold weather and getting back out into the sunshine.

San Jose Municipal Garden – a one-time prune orchard – is today one of the most attractive of its kind in the world, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The garden is exclusively devoted to shrubs of the rose family and features over 4,000 rose shrubs with 189 varieties represented. Hybrid–teas comprise 75% of the plantings. These shrubs are characterized by a single high centered bloom per stem. 

Located just outside downtown, this is where you can see spring, spring into life. April marks the beginning of the flowering season that lasts through November. If you've never been, visit early on and then make sure to return in early May when the sweet fragrant roses peak. Nature will leave you in awe with the change just a month makes! 

The San Jose Rose garden was also voted a best location to get married. After all, wedding season comes right after spring.

Take the kids to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo connects people to nature through play! Let your little one act like a lemur. The Lemur Woods Exhibit features endangered lemurs with a parallel play area for children to hop, jump and move like a lemur! Just one of the hands on adventures to be had here. There's classes and camps and 16 acres of wildlife with the added twist of kid focus at every turn. Your little Tommy is encouraged to play doc right beside the actual veterinarian at the Doc's Critter care. And when Mommy and Daddy need a pit stop, find Redwood Lookout play area. Built for multiple age groups, there's an area for your toddler Rebecah, a bigger structure for older kids and it's all built to model a ranger lookout station. Find it nestled in the redwoods area and watch the kiddos slide, swing, climb and play on the ropes.

Those trips are day trips and take a bit of planning, but if you are sitting at home at 4pm wondering if the meatloaf could be thawed out before dinner time and wrestling with the thought of even eating meatloaf, let alone, find something to serve with it... It might be time to take an impromptu jaunt downtown. Check out the downtown San Jose Association's site, if you can imagine your heart going pitter-patter, PITTER-PATTER for something, you can find it downtown. Unless it's a Mangalitsa pig, those are truly hard to find, I bet there's a few in San Jose but probably not on that site. Other than that, you're in great shape! 

Downtown’s vibrant nightlife allows you to get to know neighbors and visitors from around the world. Pubs, cantinas, sake bars, and bierhauses appeal to everyone, not just British, Irish, Mexican, Japanese or German clientele. Upscale wine bars serve more mature crowds in cozy settings. Dance clubs, bars and restaurants offer a variety of live music that electrifies the downtown scene into early-morning hours. Visit http://sjdowntown.com/ and make your plans for tonight or just grab your keys and head out, windows down, hair flying and adventure on your tongue, you can't go wrong.

GOODBYE WINTER!

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous furry forecaster, failed to see his shadow, meaning spring is right around the corner, or so the folklore says. Our Sacramento representatives are are feeling the warmth, craving the rain and shared these spring time ideas for shaking off the cold weather and getting back out into the sunshine. Sacramento is almost dripping with history. You can scarcely walk a block in the heart of Sacramento without discovering a piece of our state or nation's history. Here's a few lesser known, but history rich options:

Visit Sutter's Fort - In the heart of Midtown Sacramento, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park captures the pioneer spirit of families arriving in wagon trains at the dawn of the California Gold Rush. John Sutter built the Fort and his agricultural empire, was critical in the rescue of the tragic Donner Party and served as a diplomat with the Mexican government until it all came crashing down in 1848. A fascinating place to visit for history field trips, kids and adults! 

The California Sutomobile Museum - In 1982, a group of volunteers met to discuss the concept of an auto museum to be located in Sacramento–the first auto museum in the West to be established in perpetuity. Before the close of the meeting, a challenge was made by an attendee, who produced a one hundred dollar bill and asked who among the group would match it. Five additional one hundred dollar bills came forth and the plan was born. The paperwork was begun to form the non-profit corporation and foundation, and the fruition was seen exactly one year later, on October 5, 1983, when the California Vehicle Foundation was established. 

The museum alone is fascinating. There is also always a great event right around the corner. Checkout the calender here.. What kind of cool stuff will you find, you ask, how about joining us (yes, us, because I'm going!) Join us April 9th and drive a Ford Model A.  That's cool, drive a piece of history. 

Fairytale Town- While Fairytale Town isn't overtly historic, many would agree that fairytales are a part of our history and social make-up. And, if you have a kid, it's a heck or a lot of fun. Let your imagination run wild at Fairytale Town, a 2.5-acre children’s play park and outdoor children’s museum that brings fairytales and nursery rhymes to life! Located in William Land Park in Sacramento, Fairytale Town has delighted millions of guests, inspiring imagination, creativity and literacy since it opened in 1959. Over 25 bright and colorful play sets give young children a backdrop to act out their favorite stories, to encourage creative discovery, and to exercise their minds and bodies on child-friendly slides throughout the lush grounds.

As a previous resident of Chula Vista, I started this blog thinking, "Wow, what is there to do in Chula Vista?" *insert bubbles that float up to and idea bubble over my me as I scratch my head.* Sooo, amazed I am. That was Yoda talk in case you missed it. But truly, I am amazed at the things I missed out on in my 2 year visit to Chula Vista! Having a California Security Pro rep around to fill me in on the goods comes in handy. If you are a short or long time resident, I hope these great attractions remind you what a cool city Chula Vista is or surprise you with something new. 

Either way, we don't visit the place in your own back yard until you are promoted to, so here's your prompt.. go rediscover your Chula Vista!

Visit Otay Lakes this winter. I know that you are thinking... it's a summer location. Yes, it is, however all of it's beauty doesn't fade and restore seasonally. BUT... it does change seasonally. Upper and lower Otay lakes is different in the summer than in the winter. You can tell by the bulging summer crowds that no one needs a summer reminder. Winter offers crystal clear views, amazing lake fishing and breathtaking beauty. Get out and stroll the luscious bronze sand under swaying trees as the water rolls over jagged rocks. 

The Chula Vista Living Coast Discovery Center is a great place  to learn about the wild life in Southern California. Touch birds and sea life up close. While it's MUCH smaller than the more commercial enterprises that exist in CA (IE Sea World, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, etc), the Center focuses on education and up close experiences. The center boasts excellent displays of sea life (sea turtles, fish, octopus, rays, sharks), snakes of the area, bird life (Raptors like eagles, hawks, owls and commonly seen marshland birds). 

Finally, The United States Olympic Training Facility is also located in Chula Vista. There are many programs to help aspiring athletes and young athletes to achieve their goals. See where famous Olympiads have trained. 

Are you moving yet? Should I grab the car keys? The San Diego area is a little chilly right now (as far as California chilly goes) but let's get out, let's fill the proverbial photo album.

Our Riverside rep always keeps me informed of what's hot to do each season. With winter on it's way out, it's a good time to brush off the chill and have some fun. Here's our suggestions for a night on the town, or a weekend in some cases, to come out of hibernation:

Visit the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. Did you know that it is one of the historic hotels of America? From its modest beginnings as a two-story adobe guest house in 1876 to its current position as an icon of breathtaking architecture, timeless beauty and old world charm, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a place where history, grandeur, and inspiration are found every corner. Not convinced? Let's just be clear that they have a museum, a spa and a cupcake shop inside that breathtaking architecture.  

Buttery popcorn wafts through your truck's windows, the couch cushion and futon mattress are in the bed and the kids are giddy. It's a drive in of coarse! Riverside houses one of the 20 drive-ins left in California. One of the few activities that's a value and a treat. Gramma tells me it's easier on her back than camping and she still gets to use a sleeping bag. If you hurry out to Van Buran Drive-in, they still have Star Wars through February. Your spouse can't complain that you're seeing it again if it's a bargain, right?

Finally, who doesn't want to be close by when someone gets murdered... as long as it's only close to real, not actually real. It all begins the moment you step into the restaurant -- Greeted and seated by the characters, you become part of the scene, as witness, sleuth and potentially accomplice to the crime. The story - a murder or murders! - is played out between courses of your three course dinner.  Our professional actors will transport you to another time and place, easing you into the story with skilled improv and period music.  You can sit back and enjoy what unfolds or jump in and play along, interrogating suspects as they pour your coffee or serve your main course. See where the Gourmet Detectives are at this week.

I know you're tempted to skedaddle on out of her now, but finish the blog first. after all, you should always finish what you start.

What's a girl (or guy) to do in Los Angeles in winter? It's a pressing question... 

Well, our Los Angeles reps weighed in and here's what they came up with. First, you should take a walk in the rain.With most of California facing the drought, LACMA Museum visitors are experiencing the downpours all day every day. The wet wonder from art collective Random International is quite literally a massive room filled with water raining from the ceiling - the twist being you stay dry while the room downpours around you. Open now through March 6th. 

Interact with the sea life of Southern California, Baja, and beyond. Touch sharks, hand feed colorful lorikeet birds, and watch penguins play at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Find their calendar of events here. Be your kids' hero and take them out to the aquarium. It's not only fun and hands on, it's an educational experience they won't soon forget. 

AND our final suggestion: Universal Studios (Remember them?) As for my 24 years of Los Angeles residency, I must say that Universal Studios flies low on my radar, something I plan to change this winter. Winter is one of the best times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. This time of year typically means less crowds – and shorter lines. From the enormous back lot, to the special effects stage, to the all new King Kong 360 3-D movie adventure, there’s lots to explore, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time. You’ll travel through working sets, learn all about cutting-edge movie-making technology, and get on board rides built to resemble your favorite blockbuster hits.

People come from all over to visit these attractions, yet many of us forget to visit these amazing locations in that sit in our own back yard. Winter 2016 might be the time to get out there and remember how great southern California is.

With winter upon us, our San Rafael reps offered us some ideas for cooler weather activities around San Rafael. The first thing they tell me is how many families they meet with that haven't ventured out to some local venues that seem like the obvious. Here's what you might be missing out on...

George's Night Club - George's is an upscale and laid back night club. An upscale fun crowd and they have an evening for everyone. There's jazz, comedy, local bands and more. If you'd like to go out for a relaxing evening at a classy place with great service and food, George's is the place. And their prices are a bonus, Amazing happy hour specials and top notch food. Try the calamari and a burger, you'll be happy you gave it a try.

The Marin County Civic Center - It seems impossible to live in San Rafael and not know this place but this is Frank Lloyd Wright's final architectural installation. Built between1960 and 1969, this amazing architectural design still stands out today as amazing. As a functional city building, you can come to register to vote, to serve jury duty, etc. or rent it out for a wedding. If you have no actual business there, grab a bite in the cafeteria, visit the library, or simply to take in the astounding views and designs from all four floors and the inside atrium. Every detail is spectacular in concept and form. Don't miss seeing the fountain garden accessible by passing through the cafeteria, or the unique views afforded by the hillside exit at the south end of the top floor. Don't forget your camera.

Marin Murder Mystery - Try a dinner theater night out. What could be more fun than having a nice dinner while being entertained! The actors perform a murder mystery play literally around you and through the restaurant while you dine. This is a super fun event to do as a group or alone and let them put you in a group. You can purchase with or without the dinner, but with the dinner puts you at a table which is a lot nicer. The no dinner option still includes appetizers. Be transported to a mysterious "who-dun-it" adventure where you spend the evening trying to guess which one of your dinner companions just committed a murder. There is an optional upgrade to be a part of the show!

With winter upon us, our San Francisco reps offered us some ideas for cooler weather activities around The City. The colder weather brings a welcome null in tourism. That means that many of the same attractions are still open, just less crowded! Winter is the best time for a San Franciscan to get out and do all the "tourist" attractions. Sometimes at off season prices too.

January is actually the natural time that the sea lions come in closer. Sure, many sea lions have made a home where they know the tourists will feed them but the numbers swell in January when nature calls them closer to the shore. Bundle up and bring a camera. 

While you are out, take in all the fun and some yummy hot clam chowder Pier 39 has to offer. Stroll around free of a thousand tourists bumping into you. If it's been a while, remember that there is ice cream, chocolate, crepes, sea food (duh!,) and every food imaginable right there in walking distance and a brisk winter walk does wonders for the soul and creates even more desire for all the amazing food available at Pier 39. There are also great shops which can be easy to forget since lost locals avoid pier 39 and it's summer crowds. 

Or go see a great film. The most popular film noir festival in the world returns to San Francisco's majestic Castro Theatre for its 14th edition, January 22-31, 2016. Its timely theme, given the threat traditional arts face from the technology revolution and its skyrocketing living costs, is “The Art of Darkness”—a collection of 25 noir-stained films exploring the pressures, pitfalls, paranoia and pain of being an artist in an indifferent and often cruel world. This time the tortured protagonists aren't felons or fall guys, they're writers, painters, dancers, photographers, and musicians.

And start planning Valentine's Day now. February is right around the corner, take a stroll down Lover's Lane. In the late 1800s, U.S. soldiers used this path in the Presidio to get into town to visit their sweethearts. What a lovely piece of history. Alongside this beautiful path, you'll also find Wood Line here. Andy Goldsworthy is an artist who makes large installations in nature and urban settings. Wood Line is a series of tree pieces that form a serpentine shape in the middle of a eucalyptus grove. To get here, take the Presidio Blvd. entrance to the park and look for a small parking area to the left. Lover’s Lane begins there; you won’t miss Wood Line to the right after just a couple of minutes.