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Jack London State Historic Park: Hike and Wine Tasting in Sonoma Valley

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I don’t know about you, but my ideal hike ends up at a gorgeous winery with rolling hills of grapevines in beautiful wine country.

Jack London State Historic Park and neighboring Benziger Winery celebrate Jack London’s birthday with a special docent led hike and tasting. Jack-with-bookshelf-1The special docent led tour of Beauty Ranch will focus on Jack London’s pioneering experiments in sustainable agriculture. Jack London began this innovative work in 1911, truly ahead of his time and sowing seeds for the sustainable concepts that have since become a natural part of life and work in Sonoma Valley, including Benziger Family Winery, a leader in biodynamic viticulture and farming.

Barns.3-1Jack London, famous adventurer and writer traveled all over the world but came to settle in Glen Ellen at his Beauty Ranch, which is now part of the 1400-acre Jack London State Historic Park.

Jack described Beauty Ranch: ‘When I first came here, tired of cities and people, I settled down on a little farm…130 acres of the most beautiful, primitive land to be found in California.’

Hike and Wine Tasting:

For more information, please call (707) 938-5216

San Francisco: Hotel Union Square Kid’s Suite

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Untitled-1Looking for a place to stay with the kids in the heart of Union Square in San Francisco?  Then park your car, stay at the Hotel Union Square, enjoy the city on foot, and let you’re kids have a blast in the kid’s suite!

Mom and dad’s side of the room, complete with mini-bar, fridge, and Keurig machine!hotelunionsquare

Kid’s side with trundle beds!hotelunionsquare3

Toys and books galore!hotelunionsquare4

Computer loaded with games.hotelunionsquare2Nintendo Wii with games plus movies for the DVD player.hotelunionsquare5

Board games for parents and kids.
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So many little things to make this place a kid’s heaven and mom and dad happy too!hotelunionsquare7For more information check out Personality Hotels, http://www.personalityhotels.com/.

Our stay was hosted.  All fun was our own!

Orange County, CA: Ayres Hotel & Suites, Costa Mesa Review

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ayres7A fabulous option for lodging when heading to Orange County is the Ayres Hotel & Suites in Costa Mesa.  Located in the tourism and business district of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Irvine, the hotel is just a half mile from John Wayne Airport and less than 2 miles from amazing shopping at South Coast Plaza!  We were in the area for a Disneyland press trip and just about 10-12 minutes from the park, we found the drive an easy one.

ayres6We were attracted to the immediate beauty of the landscape, dramatic entrance on the second building where our room was, and the courtyard beyond the lobby.ayres3

The lobby hosted a beautifully decorated Christmas tree as did the second building with a hot roaring fire and plenty of room to relax and unwind.ayres5Our room was comfortable with gorgeous European style furniture (the armoir is stunning) and decor, and the vanity just outside the restroom was perfect for us ladies to get ready.  The Dream Sleeper beds were like sleeping on a cloud, I think this was the most comfortable bed that I can remember!  I’m still dreaming of that bed and how I woke with NO back pain like most mornings.

The room was quiet at night and though we could watch planes take off each morning, there was no noise or distractions.ayres2Had we had a little more time, the pool beyond the lobby was welcoming and the private cabana areas surrounding looked enticing.  We found a hidden Mickey in the hot tub and realized this was one of two pools and spas on the property.  ayres4The first morning (a Saturday), we had a complimentary full breakfast buffet in our building that offered scrambled eggs, french toast, all being made before us by the chef along with muffins, cereal, oatmeal and more!  Sunday morning we dined in the restaurant beyond the lobby with a similar menu.  Both meals were filling and fit to please the whole family!  The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner.

With nearly 2 dozen Ayres hotels in Southern California, I think this will be our new go-to chain, we were so pleased with the stay, the amenities, and the staff!

Our stay was hosted, opinions and gratuities all our own.

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