Santa Barbara Getaway
By Ruby Elbogen, Travel Editor
While in reality, Santa Barbara is just a scant hour and a half drive north of the Westside and South Bay, with its
proliferation of tiled roofed Mediterranean influenced buildings and miles of scenic beaches it seems much more like a vacation destination somewhere far south of the border.
There are so many distinct and separate places to visit and enjoy in Santa Barbara; it would take either an extended vacation, or many shorter trips to enjoy what the entire area has to offer tourists. Each time I think I have found the absolutely perfect place to spend a few days in Santa Barbara, yet another discovery appears on the horizon, and I suddenly have a new favorite spot to visit.
My latest next best place to spend a weekend is Old Town Santa Barbara, in general, and the Hotel Santa Barbara, in particular. This completely restored and remodeled historic hotel is right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of a popular restored downtown, so if you're looking for a secluded getaway, this is not the place. However, if fun, entertainment and action are on the vacation agenda, Old Town and the Hotel Santa Barbara will be just the ticket.
Surrounded by good restaurants, elegant boutiques, great shopping, quaint sidewalk cafes, book shops, coffee houses theater, art and California history; the hotel, which was completely restored, from the inside ñ out, has been on the same spot since 1876. The original building, which collapsed in 1926 after a major earthquake, was rebuilt the same year, in 1926 state of the art, earthquake proof splendor. Completely encased in reinforced thirteen inch concrete, on a five-foot thick foundation resting on giant rollers, to allow for movement in the event of a catastrophic earthquake. The Hotel Santa Barbara is safe, quiet, and attractive, well priced, and includes a bountiful complimentary Continental breakfast in the tastefully appointed lobby.
During its heyday in the thirties and forties, the Hotel was the Santa Barbara vacation "in spot" for the Hollywood set, and hosted many major movie stars including the likes Clark Gable and his glamorous wife, Carol Lombard. Legend has it that liquor and gambling flourished during prohibition, and that Western movie idol, and famous Santa Barbara resident Leo Carrillo even rode his horse through the hotel's lobby from time to time, to impress the out of towners.
Old Town Santa Barbara is a vacation destination unto itself. It is close to the wharf, downtown and nearby beaches, and. while numerous wonderful restaurants are right outside the doors of the Hotel Santa Barbara, our new eatery of choice is Andrea's Harborside. The restaurant, which is across the street from the harbor, is a short drive or comfortable walk from Old Town. Featuring fresher than fresh fish and seafood, salads, and homemade desserts; the great food, very moderate prices, views of the water and friendly servers have made Andrea's Harborside a local's as well as a tourist favorite you won't want to miss.
So, for your next vacation getaway, do consider going north, but not far ñ to Santa Barbara, I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do.
Get Away to Mandalay Bay
By Ruby Elbogen, Travel Editor
Embassy Suites Resort-Mandalay Bay in Oxnard is the best kept vacation secret in Southern California. Located in the
Channel Islands of Oxnard, a short one-hour drive from the homes of our readers, Mandalay Bay, a complete resort, has everything any vacationer could possibly desire.
The resort is right on the beach, and sand the sea and beautiful sunsets beckon to each guest. Like many Embassy hotels, guests check into a suite rather than a single room. However, unlike most of the others, Mandalay Bay’s suites are quite spacious, and have a second bathroom. The resort’s accommodations also include two bedroom, two bath suites for larger families.
The grounds at Mandalay Bay are very lush. Exotic plants, trees, streams and bridges are built around a very large lagoon like swimming pool. Two hot tubs, a work out room, tennis courts and volleyball are all part the activities available. The only thing left for guests to decide is whether to swim in the ocean or the pool, to walk the grounds or stroll on the beach, and which hot tub to soak in. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
The Oxnard shore was serendipity, we felt like explorers discovering a new and exciting place. It had been many years since we had visited the area, and we were pleasantly surprised. Beach homes and condominiums of every size surround Mandalay Bay Resort, along with dockside restaurants, shops and marinas. It’s a good mix of residential and commercial sections, which blend but do not extend one into the other.
A very ample and sumptuous cooked to order complimentary breakfast is served every morning at the resort, and there is a Capistrano’s restaurant with inside and outside dining, which is very convenient for guests who prefer to park the car and not leave the grounds. We chose to wander around the neighborhood, and had a very pleasant lunch at Tugs on the Channel Islands Tugboat wharf, just a short walk from the hotel. The restaurant, built to look like the inside of a large tugboat is a local favorite, and for very good reason: good food, very reasonable prices and a great view. Tugs is fun for adults and most especially for kids.
In the evening, we dined at another wonderful Channel Islands Harbor eatery, The Whale’s Tail. For thirty years, this restaurant has been pleasing its patrons, and they have done a wonderful job. The King Salmon I ordered was the best ever, as was the seafood salad chosen by my dining companion. The Whale’s Tail is the only restaurant we’ve been to lately that has a choice of red or white clam chowder, and it is very tasty. If you plan to visit the Whale’s Tail, do save room for dessert, because the selection is a confectioner’s delight.
Driving to Mandalay Bay is very easy, it’s a straight shot from Highway 101 through farmland and then along the shore. If relaxing at the resort isn’t quite enough, Oxnard does have outlet shopping. The Mandalay Bay Hotel van takes guests on excursions to the outlets, as well as to nearby restaurants, marinas and to local tourist attractions.
To get away to Mandalay Bay, in nearby Oxnard, call the resort directly at 805/984-2500 or 1-800-EMBASSY. This is a fantastic place to vacation or to hold a special event, seminar, family reunion or a spectacular wedding.
Escape to Shelter Island
By Ruby Elbogen, Travel Editor
Shelter Island, on the Bay in the up-scale neighborhood of Point Loma in San Diego, is a lovely place for a vacation getaway. The Shelter Pointe Hotel and Marina, situated on twelve seaside acres, occupy a good portion of the most
beautiful area of Shelter Island, and is a great place for either a romantic hideaway or a family vacation. The hotel, which has fewer than 250 rooms and suites, is not a high rise "cookie cutter" building, but rather a number of sprawling haciendas, built around two pools, a full health spa, tennis courts a sand volleyball court, picnic areas and a private sunning beach. Lush gardens and the marina also surround the Shelter Pointe, giving one the illusion of being on some secluded island, instead of in the middle of San Diego.
Shelter Island was constructed from an existing sandbar in order to protect the Point Loma shoreline from devastating ocean storms, and upon its completion was deemed to be the perfect place to build a hotel. Originally named the Kona Kai Club, when it was built in 1953, Shelter Island and the Kona Kai immediately became a very popular vacation destination for boat owners from around the world.
During the last decade, new owners of the property completely renovated and expanded both the hotel, and the marina. They added additional slips in the marina, as well as a host of new boating services in order to attract more of the yachting set. They subsequently purchased and brought to Point Loma, the internationally famous yacht, "Stars and Stripes", whose crew trained there, and then accomplished the seemingly impossible task of winning the much-coveted 1987 America's Cup.
Shelter Island is a lovely and very relaxing place for a Valentine's weekend getaway. The Shelter Point Hotel is romantic in the evening, and just enough off the beaten path to be somewhat secluded. There are places to stroll and to bike ride along the bay; and the full health spa is always ready to provide a blissful massage and hot tub. The historic Lighthouse at the tip of Point Loma is a short drive away from Shelter Island, and is a very good vantage point from which to see the entire harbor and San Diego Bay.
A short hike away from the hotel, one of our favorite Italian eateries, the Venetian, in Point Loma Village awaits hungry visitors. The food is terrific, the servers are friendly and the atmosphere is fun. It's a very laid back and casual locale's hangout, where tourists are always welcome.
If you'd rather have a more festive or special dining experience, jump in the car and drive along the harbor to the Gas Lamp/Harbor District and head straight for Morton's of Chicago. In the short time Morton's has been there, the restaurant has definitely left its mark as one of San Diego's best dining establishments. The food is superb, the service is impeccable and the ambiance is very comfortable and inviting. Since the area is impossible for parking, a valet is posted just outside the door of the restaurant. Hand him the car keys and get ready for a super-delightful dining experience. We were at Morton's to celebrate a special occasion, and we weren't disappointed.
Our dining companions described their steaks and prime rib as the best they have ever eaten, and I can whole-heartedly vouch for my selection of salmon. Everything, including a "mountain" of fresh asparagus was prepared to perfection. Dessert was delectable, and the only unusual incident we had at Morton's, was when a live captive lobster, who looked like, tried to escape by jumping off the plate on which he was being exhibited. We urged him to run, run like the wind, but I am saddened to note that the ever- alert server prevailed, and alas, our new friend, the lobster was re-captured; however, I can report that he did live to see at least one sunrise.
There is so much to see and to do in San Diego, and it's all waiting for us; a mere two hours by car, a few minutes by plane, and just a short sail away. Have a marvelous and memorable Valentine's Day weekend with those you love, and do try to get out of town.
Golf Vacations on the Central Coast
For golf enthusiasts, there's no better place to play than in San Luis Obispo County. Challenging courses, spectacular coastal views and affordable lodging packages make a golf vacation on the Central coast the ideal winter getaway. Golf packages are available with varying price ranges at some of the finest hotels on the Central Coast. Select your favorite course and make plans to visit San Luis Obispo County soon.
In sunny Avila Beach, the Avila Beach Resort Golf Course offers a beautiful 18-hole championship course adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. The front nine is situated within valleys lined with oaks, and the back nine traverses a tidal estuary. Yardage 6,443, par 71. (805) 595-2307.
On the north coast, the Morro Bay Golf Course offers an 18-hole course with scenic views of the Pacific from almost every hole and has been voted one of the best public courses in California. Yardage 6,360, par 71. (805) 782-8060.
A brand new course, Dairy Creek, is located in the Chorro Valley between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo on Hwy 1. Yardage 6,548, par 71. (805) 782-8060.
Other favorites in the county include Paso Robles' Hunter Ranch Golf Course, a picturesque 18-hole regulation course totaling yardage 6,741, par 72, (805) 237-7444 and the Links Course, yardage 7,103, par 72, (805) 227-4567. Experience Chalk Mountain Golf Course in Atascadero, yardage 6,299, par 72, (805) 466-8848 and Los Osos' Best Western Sea Pines Golf Resort, a 9-hole executive length, total yardage 1,811, par 30, (805) 528-5252.
Also among the county's golf facilities is Black Lake Golf Resort in Nipomo. This resort boasts a picturesque, tree-lined course with an excellent practice area and is in perfect shape year round, thanks to its sandy foundation. Yardage 6,401, par 72. (803) 343-1214.
For more information on beautiful San Luis Obispo County, visit www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com or call (800) 634-1414 for a free Visitors Guide.
