You’ll Strike Gold in Northern California
In Northern California's gold country, the western frontier and gateway to the foothills of the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tuolumne County came to be in 1850, the same year California achieved statehood. With the arrival of the thousands of prospectors, a few sophisticated but mostly lawless settlements sprung up. These pioneers were later joined by ranchers, loggers and frontier families that...
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Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, California
Where do southern California families go for spa, fresh air and fun kids' activities with little fuss? Ojai. Shangri-La would not be too grand a name for the classic Southern California resort that continues to lure upscale families from Palm Springs to Bevery Hills seeking a poshly rustic getaway. In the Past Built in 1923 by architect Wallace Neff as an inn and clubhouse...
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Southern California Skiing Means Powder And Sun
As the warmth of winter, the huge powder dumps of 2017 and the sun of spring beckon families, the California ski resorts at Big Bear, Mammoth and the small local mountains continue to up the family amenities. Just before the ski season opened this year, our daughter Christina, broke her leg. Although she clearly wouldn't be swooshing downhill with us, we plowed ahead with plans for two ski...
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The Latest News on Disney Price Increases
On its opening day in 1955, Disneyland opened its doors to families willing to pay just $1 for adults and $0.50 for children to create their first magical memories and recreate storybook fun. It's easy to get nostalgic about the good old days where you just needed loose change to get into Disney....
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Surfing Resorts In California And Hawaii
I have been an avid surfer since I was a kid, so when my wife and I vacation with Hannah, now 2, I expect to go surfing. The Surf N' Sand Resort (877/741-5908, 949/497-4477) is at 1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. It's a very family-friendly resort not far from our home that we love. It's right on the beach and great for the...
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CityPASS Key to the City that Fits in Your Wallet!
Remember when someone did something heroic or amazing, they would be honored with a parade and the mayor handing them a Key to the City, an oversized novelty which made for great photo ops and not much else. Well, stow your cape, because your key to the city is as easy as a click away at
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7 Top Dude Ranches to Take the Kids
For any kid that ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl, a dude ranch vacation is the perfect place to try on your spurs and see what your little cowpokes are made of. Some dude ranches can be a working ranch, rounding up cattle by horseback during the day and sitting ‘round a campfire at night. However, many dude ranches cater to families with a resort atmosphere focusing more on outdoor summer...
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Lake Charles Louisiana Knows How To Party
Given a limited budget, an unlimited appetite and an interest in local culture, you can’t go wrong with a weekend escape to Southwest Louisiana, the South’s party capital. I recently spent three days in a Lake Charles casino for the annual Travel Media Showcase –- the best conference to learn...
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Coming to America: Visas And Entry Requirements
Changing entry visa regulations and exit rules for foreign nationals and American citizens require preparation if your family is planning a vacation to the United States of America. According to US Department of Commerce, 69.8 million international tourists visited the United States in 2013, generating an all-time record $180.7 billion in revenue. That reflected a 12% increase from 2012. While...
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Our 15 Favorite Mardi Gras Celebrations Outside New Orleans
Here's our top 15 places for party-lovers and Catholics everywhere to commemorate Carnival, Mardi Gras and other pre-Lenten festivals. A traditional period of celebration that begins on 12th Night in January, and culminates on Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday (also called Shrove Tuesday), it's always celebrated 47 days before Easter to mark the first day of Lent. New...
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