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BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON January 28, 2021

Visit California Safely and Responsibly

San Francisco
San Francisco @Nancy Mueller Photo

A year ago this week I was enjoying the energy of New York City, catching up with travel pals and destination organizations at the New York Times Travel Show. Unfortunately, the show organizers have cancelled this year’s show due to current constraints related to COVID-19. So instead I’m joining a three-day Virtual International Media Marketplace (IMM) North America event. While we may not yet be able to drink as deeply from the travel well as we desire, we can still dream about and plan for our future travels right now.

Safe and Responsible Travel

The Lyons Steps in San Francisco
View from Lyons Steps in San Francisco @Nancy Mueller Photo

Any good traveler knows the value of familiarizing oneself with local guidelines and regulations as a matter of showing respect for the destination and its residents. From San Francisco to Ojai, from the Central Coast to Palm Springs, Visit California, a sponsor of the 2021 Virtual IMM gathering, invites visitors to read and follow the state’s Travel Code, “How to Travel Responsibly.” Together, these seven principles define R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Roam Responsibly, Educate Myself, Safety First, Preserve California, Embrace Community, Celebrate Culture, and Teach Others. For a detailed description of the guidelines, check out the Visit California website.

Joshua National Park
Joshua National Park @Nancy Mueller Photo

As COVID restrictions ease in the months ahead, visitors can expect safety protocols like social distancing to continue but vary depending on local conditions.

What’s New

Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs, CA @Nancy Mueller Photo

Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of the non-profit organization, says California has used this travel downtime to not only implement new safety guidelines but to improve visitor experiences as well. A number of new attractions have opened as well as new hotels in Napa, Annaheim, and Oceanside in the last year. In the spirit of “resilience and ingenuity,”  there has been a surge in outdoor experiences, ski resorts have gained in popularity, and travel operators have packaged specialty tours, like private or small group bikes and hikes, gondola rides, surf lessons, wine tastings, and even helicopter tours.

What Hasn’t Changed

Joshua National Park, CA
Joshua National Park, CA @Nancy Mueller Photo

While California experienced its worst fire season on record in 2020, a loss of roughly 4 million acres, the total represents but 4% of the state’s forests, according to Beteta. Wine is grown over the entire state, with the majority of vineyards untouched by the wildfires. As a result, the visitor experience remains largely intact.

Wander on!

Where are your travel dreams taking you, wanderboomers?

 

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, California Tagged With: COVID safety, responsible travel, safe travel

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON September 7, 2015

Get Away to Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast!

Sunset Savor

If savoring the pleasures of food, wine and travel are high on your list for the Fall season, why not plan a September weekend getaway to Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County? Hosted by the editors of Sunset Magazine, this year’s 6th annual event runs from Thursday September 24th through Sunday September 27th.

For this “ultimate epicurean adventure,” expect to enjoy world-class wines, delectable farm-to-table cuisine, demo sessions with culinary celebrities, educational seminars and fun entertainment in beautiful, historic surroundings.

Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

Getting There

Start your road trip of the central California coast by exploring the sleepy little beach communities along the way. On my first visit last Fall, I flew into San Luis Obispo and picked up a car rental for the short, scenic drive through the heart of central California wine country to my hotel destination, Best Western Plus ShoreCliff Pismo Beach. With spellbinding views, soft, coastal breezes, and the sound of waves kissing the shore, I could have easily spent the long weekend here from my perch above the Pacific Ocean.

View from Best Western Plus ShoreCliff Pismo Beach

But as wonderful a retreat as that might have been, I would have missed out on the fun activities ahead. My multi-day adventure had just begun . . .

Opening Night 

The 2014 opening night kicked off at the famed Hearst Castle.

Hearst Castle

Once the summer residence of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst and his mistress, actress Marion Davis, today the Hearst Castle is a California Historical Landmark and State Park. Named “La Cuesta Encantada” (Spanish for “The Enchanted Hill”) by Hearst, the lavish estate epitomizes the romance of the 1920s and 30s, showcasing magnificent gardens, premier art, grand rooms within and patio settings with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Limousine Coach Hearst Castle

For a glimpse of what it must have felt like to be a guest here, we arrived via our limousine coach for the 5 mile winding drive to the hilltop.

Hearst Castle Drive

Upon arrival, we sampled Sunset’s Gold & Silver winning wines paired with international cheeses and charcuterie as we watched the sun slowly slip from sight behind the hills of San Simeon.

Hearst Castle Sunset

This year, the all-new Strings at Sunset, promises to be an equally exciting evening with the opening gala held at Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where legendary Beach Boys’ co-founders, Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, rocked the house in 2014.

Enjoy an evening featuring award-winning 2015 wines together with tasty appetizers. Meet and greet California cuisine personalities Mary Sue Milliken, co-chef/owner of Border Grill Restaurants & Truck and Louis Maldonado, Executive Chef of Spoonbar. Then plan on dancing the night away to musical performances by String Theory and Spags.

Adventure Tours

Pismo Beach Clambake

Thursdays and Fridays are all about adventure at Sunset Savor the Central Coast. I opted to go with an authentic clam bake at SeaVenture Beach Hotel and Restaurant in Pismo Beach. Visitors quickly tossed flip flops aside, feeling the warm sand squish between our toes, simply soaking up the ocean view on a spectacularly sunny Central California Coast day.

The Soul Sauce Band

While The Soul Sauce Band kept us entertained nearby, SeaVenture’s Chef Casey Walcott began prepping for the day’s main event: a traditional clambake beachside.

Chef Casey Walcott

For this year’s options, head seaside again, this time to Avila Beach, or visit Bristols Cider House in Atascadero to tour the facilities before enjoying your cider-paired lunch – unless you’d rather have an exclusive tour of Hearst Castle, followed by lunch and wine tasting at Hearst Ranch Winery.

Next, enjoy your free evening exploring downtown San Luis Obispo. Stroll down Higuera Street, the main area for boutique shopping, artisan crafts, dining and entertainment to unwind before resting up for the next day’s star attraction.

Historic Santa Margarita Ranch

Set on one of California’s oldest, continuously working cattle ranches, Santa Margarita Ranch, our two-day Main Event opened with a ribbon cutting, Chumash Indian blessing, photo op and hosted breakfast.

Santa Margarita Ranch Steam Train

For an overview of the ranch and its history while enjoying the stunning scenery, be sure to hop aboard the on-site steam train that includes original coaches from Disneyland. Enjoy unlimited rides as you listen to a narrated tour by train conductors.

Over the next two days we wandered the grounds, chatting with food and wine purveyors in the Marketplace while sampling wines paired with small sweet and savory bites.

Wine Tastings Sunset Savor the Central Coast

We stopped in at Winemaker Central for wine-tasting and Riedel wineglass seminars with the region’s leading wine experts.

Chefs Tanya Holland and Fabio Viviani

And at Chef Central, celebrity chefs Fabio Viviani and Tanya Holland provided culinary entertainment and wizardry while demonstrating how to make our own duck sausage (Viviani) and creole shrimp and grits (Holland).

Chef Tanya Holland's Creole Shrimp & Grits

Many thanks to my host, Sunset Savor the Central Coast, for the chance to explore the wonders of San Luis Obispo County at this fun event.

Want more information on how you, too, can plan your perfect September getaway? Visit Sunset Savor the Central Coast for details.

Taste. Sip. Indulge. Sunset Savor

Wander on!

Nancy

Tip: Be sure to bring your appetite!

What about you wanderboomers? What are your favorite spots and events on California’s Central Coast?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, California, Food & Dining

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON December 31, 2014

2014: Oh, the Places I’ve Been!

How to capture an entire year of phenomenal travel experiences in one post? Impossible. Instead, here’s a photo montage of a few favorites, reminding me what a lucky gal I am . . .

Quebec

February and August . . . I fell in love with Quebec . . .

San Francisco

March . . . Stopped by San Francisco, the City by the Bay . . .

Okanagan B.C. Wine Country

May . . . Wandered through Okanagan, B.C. wine country  . . .

Kenmore Air Over Seattle and Spokane

May . . . Flew high with Kenmore Air over Seattle . . . and Spokane . . .

Ohai California

May . . . Took a mini-retreat in Ohai . . .

Whales watching in the San Juans and Glacier Bay

Spring and summer . . . Went whale watching in the San Juans and Glacier Bay . . . Imagining what I could have captured with the right camera lens!

Carson Kressley and Kym Johnson

July . . . Danced with the Stars, Carson Kressley and Kym Johnson, on a Holland America cruise to Alaska . . .

Blue Angels

August . . . Got buzzed by the Blue Angels at the top of the Space Needle, prompting the guy standing next to me to say, “Time for a change of underwear.”

Evelyn Hannon

Played Seattle tour guide and made friends with the pioneer Journeywoman herself, Evelyn Hannon, and her friend Marilyn . . .

Mount Rainier

September . . . I reacquainted myself with our favorite mountain, Mount Rainier . . .

Jetty Island

Summer . . . Discovered two new treasures close to home – Jetty Island and . . .

Birch Bay

June . . . Birch Bay . . .

State Cross Country Championships

November . . . Witnessed these phenomenal young women bring home the State Cross Country Championship – Woo hoo!!

Pacific Northwest

Happy New Year from the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Wander on!

Nancy

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Holland America
Kenmore Air
The Oaks at Ojai
Quebec Tourism
Snohomish County Tourism
Thompson Okanagan / Destination BC
Visit Rainier

Thanks to my hosts for covering part, though not all, of my travel expenses.

Where have your travels taken you in 2014, Wanderboomers? I’d love to hear.

Filed Under: Activities, British Columbia, California, Cruising, Destinations, Pacific Northwest, Québec, San Juan Island, Seattle, Travel Experiences, Washington State Tagged With: 2014, Blue Angels, Carson Kressley, Dancing with the Stars, Happy New Year, Holland America, Kenmore Air, Kym Johnson, State Cross Country Championships

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON October 31, 2014

Ojai California: 7 Reasons to Stay and Play

Why do I love Ojai California? And when should you plan your own SoCal getaway, for a day, a weekend or longer retreat?  Whenever you’re in the mood for:

1) Creative Inspiration

Let’s face it. Sunshine and balmy breezes soothe the creative soul,

Ojai Palm Tree

as does the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape,

Ojai Valley Museum

 and leisurely strolls through art museums and galleries, like the Ojai Valley Museum . . .

Ojai Valley Museum Sculpture

  or the collection at The Oaks at Ojai . . .

The Oaks at Ojai Oneness Sculpture

The Oaks at Ojai Sculptures

2) Culinary Pleasures

Ojai serves up tantalizing tastes in food and wine from locally grown organic ingredients. Visit the Sunday Certified Farmers’ Market to mingle with the locals. Pick up your favorite produce, flowers or small gifts to bring home.

Stop by the Casa Barranca Winery Tasting Room in downtown Ojai to enjoy a flight of organic wines. Hint: For your wine tasting experience, take three full sips of each to get the wine’s full flavor.

3) Parks & Recreation

Parks abound in Ojai and rumor has it that Ojai resident rocker Eric Burton (“House of the Rising Sun,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”) celebrated his birthday with a performance at Libbey Bowl inside Libbey Park just before my arrival.

Ojai Park

Outside of the parks, go biking or hiking along the Ojai Valley Trail for fitness fun.

4) Bart’s Books

Here’s a place to wile away the day, browsing the bookshelves, finding old favorites, discovering new treasures. I didn’t find a hammock, but no matter. The outdoor courtyard was delightful nonetheless.

Bart's Books of Ojai Bart's Books of Ojai CA

5) Boutique Shopping

With so many artists in residence, it’s easy to find unique jewelry, small gift items, house decor and fashions for everyone on your list.

Ojai CA Shopping

6) Rest & Relaxation

Unplug and unwind poolside for total rest and relaxation.

The Oaks at Ojai Pool View

7) Friendly Ojai Residents

Still searching for more information on Ojai? Friendly Ojai residents like 94-year-old Lerie Bjornstedt at the Chamber of Commerce are standing by to help and offer sage advice. After sharing travel tales (her favorites included Alaska and New Zealand), I asked the secret to her longevity. She replied without hesitation: “Optimism!”

Ojai Chamber of Commerce

Wander on!

Nancy

Love Heals Ojai Shop Sign

Thanks to my host for the chance to stay and play for the day in Ojai California!

What’s your favorite way to stay and play in Ojai, wanderboomers?

Filed Under: Baby Boomers and Travel, California Tagged With: art, Eric Burton, SoCal, The Oaks at Ojai

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON October 17, 2014

The Oaks at Ojai: Southern California Oasis

Santa Barbara Airport

Oh my, Ojai. Seeking new adventures and respite from my crazy-busy schedule, I headed to sunny southern California for a quick escape last May. A good friend had recommended The Oaks at Ojai as the perfect getaway sanctuary for rest, relaxation and exploration.

Santa Barbara

After a connecting flight in San Francisco, I arrived at the Santa Barbara Airport for my reserved shuttle to Ojai. Any trip that begins with sunny blue skies, warm breezes, palm trees and a welcoming driver is off to a promising start. Meandering the backroads to our destination showcased the stunning local landscape against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez mountain range.

The Oaks at Ojai

Upon arrival, just a brief glance and walk around the premises convinced me that I’d be very happy here for the next few days.

The Oaks at Ojai Entry

From the spa resort entry, to my own private courtyard . . .

The Oaks at Ojai Courtyard

that opened to my quiet haven . . .

The Oaks at Ojai Accommodations

After reviewing the wide range of activities offered during my stay, I opted to start off the next day with the 7:30AM morning stroll. An early riser, I’m used to starting my day anytime between 4:30AM and 5:30AM so I saw no need to set my alarm the night before. Oops. I woke up at 7:45AM. Happily off the hook for my walk, I chose to lounge a little longer in my cocoon before heading off to breakfast.

The Oaks at Ojai Swimming Pool

After my unintended sleep-in, I could easily see why so many guests of The Oaks at Ojai are repeat visitors. Such peaceful, unpretentious surroundings create a mindful approach to self-care. Whether you want to unplug, relax and recharge, shed stress and soak up the sun, or boost fitness through rigorous activity, the destination resort offers total comfort and support.

The Oaks at Ojai Salad

Owner Sheila Cluff founded The Oaks at Ojai to inspire guests on a path of healthful living based on her own successful career in figure skating, motivational speaking and entrepreneurship. Her mantra is “Keep moving” because “What’s the point of becoming successful and retired if you’re not fit to enjoy it?” Cluff says. Still, “Chronologically enriched guests only have to go as fast as your slowest part here.”

As a fitness expert and trailblazer in the spa industry, Cluff advocates a holistic approach to health and well-being as evidenced by the quality of programming on site.

The Oaks at Ojai Fitness Equipment

Activities range from gentle morning stretches, yoga and aqua classes to cardio, Pilates, hiking and dance. Life classes cover fun topics like handwriting analysis or thought-provoking discussions of personal journeys, reinvention and nutrition.

Wondering how you, too, can enjoy a wellness week/weekend at The Oaks at Ojai? Check out the Calendar of Events to explore the options for planning your own solo adventure, mom/daughter, girlfriend or his and her getaway.

Wander on!

Nancy

Some, though not all, of my costs were covered by my host.

What’s most appealing about a stay at The Oaks for you, wanderboomers?

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Activities, California, Health & Wellness, Spa & Wellness Tagged With: California, ojai

Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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