Category: Travel

  • California skiing: Check out China Peak

    Ever heard of China Peak Mountain Resort in the Sierra? Well, it depends on how old you are and how long you’ve been skiing.
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    Ever heard of China Peak Mountain Resort in the Sierra? Well, it depends on how old you are and how long you’ve been skiing. The resort opened in 1958, changed its name to Sierra Summit in 1982 and reverted to China Peak two years ago when new owners took over.

    Whatever the name, it’s an out-of-the-way small resort in Lakeshore, Calif., about 70 miles north of Fresno between Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon national parks. Southern Californians can take advantage of a midweek package that’s good through mid-March: $89 a night for a room at the inn plus a free lift ticket.

    The deal: The SoCal Winter Deal is available only by calling the Inn at China Peak. It costs $89 a night for an economy room, which comes with one lift ticket, and $129 for a standard room, which comes with two lift tickets (prices exclude tax and 12% resort fee). The deal is good for residents in the 90000 to 93190 ZIP codes. A valid ID that displays an address is required.

    When: The offer is good through March 14, based on availability, excluding Feb. 17-21.

    Tested: I called and found availability for an economy room for Feb. 24-26. The reservation agent told me, depending on what rooms are available, I might have to share a bathroom (but not the guestroom) with others. That made me think about upgrading to the standard room, which comes with two lift tickets. Lift tickets usually cost $65 each for adults.

    The resort gets mixed reviews on recent Yelp postings; some say the inn is a bit dated; others laud the quiet slopes midweek. Note too that road construction might cause delays or closures along Highways 41 and 180, so check before you go.

  • Weekend Escape to Chandler, Ariz.

    Golf is the big draw in this desert town near Phoenix. It’s also within easy driving of the metro area’s 11 spring training stadiums (Dodgers and Angels included).
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    You come to Chandler, Ariz., for desert deceleration — not that fast life they live in Phoenix and Scottsdale. The city of about 240,000 (www.visitchandler.com) sits about 20 minutes southeast of Phoenix, below Mesa. In the central plaza it raises a 40-foot-high tumbleweed Christmas tree every winter. Chandler’s several hotels (mostly budget chains) are easy driving from the 11 soon-to-be-active spring training stadiums of greater Phoenix, including the Dodgers (about 35 miles away in Glendale) and the Angels (about 17 miles away in Tempe). A child-related activity brought us to town, but among normal people, golf is the larger draw. Venues include the 18-hole Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, which dates to 1913; the Ocotillo Golf Resort (27 holes); and the Bear Creek Golf Complex (36 holes).

    The bed

    Holiday Inn at Ocotillo, 1200 W. Ocotillo Road, Chandler; (480) 203-2121, http://www.lat.ms/XGqUZj. No big surprises here. This 106-room property, built in 2004, has a Tuscan theme, pool and Ocotillo golf courses next door. At breakfast, we got alert, kid-friendly service.

    The meal

    El Zocalo (28 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler; [480] 722-0303, http://www.elzocalo.com) sits among the old storefronts of downtown Chandler’s historic plaza area. It has a big courtyard out back with strolling mariachi musicians and twittering birds — great for Sunday brunch. Entrees $13-$29. For dessert, there’s Paletas Betty (96 W. Boston St., Suite 100; http://www.paletasbetty.com) for ice cream.

    The find

    Two finds, really. One requires timing and the other an appetite. When we were here Jan. 19 and 20, we stumbled onto Chandler’s 18th annual multicultural festival, which took over much of the plaza. It included a performance by Mexican folkloric dancers from a group called Si Se Puede (Yes You Can), hula dancers and more. Info: http://www.lat.ms/XjvlKX. The other was Joe’s Farm Grill (3000 E. Ray Road, Gilbert; [480] 563-4745, http://www.joesfarmgrill.com), which sits just outside Chandler in semi-rural Gilbert. It’s a family farmhouse converted into a diner, both sleek and old school, with glass walls, picnic tables and a menu full of burgers, pizzas, salads and ribs. Many of the vegetables are from the neighboring fields. Joe’s opened in 2006, and crowds keep coming. By 5:30 on the Saturday night we arrived, the line was out the door. (Joe takes no reservations.) But the food made it well worthwhile. All eight in our party ate and laughed a lot, and I demolished the $14.99 barbecue sampler. After dinner, the kids ran around under the patio’s tall trees. Open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

  • Seaplane Adventures Tour

    Explore from the air the breathtaking beauty and splendor that is the San Francisco Bay Area – one of the most fascinating and scenic cities anywhere in the world!
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    From WildheartPictures.com, a very short film about seaplanes and flying with Seaplane Adventures in Sausalito, California. It’s the trailer to the 18-minute version, which can be seen here.

  • Caribbean Islands You Don’t Know

    We rounded up 2 islands to visit now before they’re completely taken over by crowds.
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    Saba

    Known for a stomach-wrenching runway built into its cliffs, Saba is nothing like sister island St. Martin. There are only 1,800 residents, a small harbor, 4 villages and not much more. In fact, there are no beaches, shopping centers, casinos or, thankfully, mass tourism. The beauty of the volcanic island is its sprawling nature; no wonder it was nicknamed “Unspoiled Queen.” European travelers abound due to the Dutch commonwealth, and the island is becoming a favorite for the LGBT community.

    The island’s commissioner, director of tourism and one member of the island council are all openly gay. Couples of all orientation like to shack up at Queen’s Resort (again, “queen” is a curious coincidence), a 12-suite property that is notorious for its timeless appeal, with suites averaging 1,200 square feet. Known mostly for hiking and diving, Saba is all about truly getting away and disappearing in the rolling green hills for much-needed R&R.

    Dominica

    Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is all about mountains, rainforests and natural attractions. The “Nature Island” is only 298 square miles and home to Morne Trois Pitons National Park. What makes Dominica unique is the 365 rivers that flow throughout the island. One of the most peaceful excursions is a boat tour on the Indian River, which is flanked by mangroves and lush foliage, with its unexpected stop for a cold beer at the Bush Bar.

    Due to the geothermal activity, plenty of hot springs abound, whether at Wotten Waven or Papillote Wilderness Retreat, which has a garden featuring more than 200 plant species woven into the tropical setting. Snorkelers can head to the black-sand beach at Champagne Reef for exciting underwater adventures or take the 3-mile hike to Boiling Lake, a hot, flooded fumarole at the bottom of a sinkhole. Well-heeled travelers make a beeline to Rosalie Bay Resort, a 22-acre eco-resort that feels like a small village, with 28 spacious, cottage-style accommodations (many oceanfront) and a new, pampering spa.

  • Airline VIP Club Cheat Sheet

    American Airlines’ erstwhile chairman C.R. Smith launched the first VIP airport lounge in 1936 to reward his best customers and supporters.
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    American Airlines’ erstwhile chairman C.R. Smith launched the first VIP airport lounge in 1936 to reward his best customers and supporters, upon whom he bestowed the honorific “Admirals.” Back then, membership was at the discretion of the sales force. Today, however, anyone with enough money can join. They’re expensive, but considering the chaos of the typical airport terminal, especially when flights are delayed or cancelled, well worth it–a definite step up from sitting on the floor next to the gate, fighting over the last available power outlet. In addition to comfortable workstations and cushy chairs, they offer perks like free beverages and WiFi, and civil reservation agents. But is that worth the price of admission? It might be if you travel often.

    Annual Memberships

    You can buy annual club memberships using money or frequent flyer miles. Memberships cost $450 with Delta, US Airways and Alaska; $500 at United and American. There are also “spousal” memberships and multi-year options; however, it looks like the lifetime membership is a thing of the past.

    “Initiation fees” (always with the fees, these airlines) may also apply (typically $50 for first time members), but there are discounts if you’re an upper tier member of the airline’s frequent flyer program. There are also short-term memberships, applicable to full-year dues, for less (for example, a 30-day pass might cost $90 with Delta, or a 90-day pass $120 on US Airways).

    Day Passes

    However, if you’re an infrequent flyer, but still want to wait comfortably and work productively, the best solution is a day pass, which costs $50 per person for Delta’s Sky Club, American’s Admirals Club and United’s Red Carpet Club, or $29 with US Air if bought on line in advance ($50 at the door). Delta offers discounted passes for $25 with the Delta-branded Gold or Platinum American Express card.

    Airlines also offer access to passengers traveling in the premium cabins on a same-day international (considered transoceanic or intercontinental) flight, plus customers traveling in first class or on full-fare Y class tickets on specific routes to/from JFK (Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Denver, and Las Vegas) can enjoy access at JFK or one of the eight aforementioned airports. Passengers booked on United’s p.s. (premium service) flights in business and first class between JFK and SFO or LAX get free access on the day of travel.

    Alaska Airlines grants access to full-fare first class passengers at any of its Board Room clubs.

    Reciprocity

    As an added bonus, some airlines offer reciprocal admission to other facilities although there are a few fine point restrictions. For example, Delta Sky Club members enjoy access to Alaska Board Rooms and vice versa when traveling on the other carrier. Although this could change when and if US Airways merges with American Airlines (since USAir will presumably join the OneWorld alliance), as of this writing United and US Airways offer reciprocal privileges with each other and with Star Alliance lounges throughout the world.

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