Travel With your Canine in California

Can’t wait for your next trip, but are miserable at the idea of leaving your best friend behind?

After all, who better to experience long walks on the beach with — or snuggling up on the terrace to watch the sunset with — than your pooch (especially when no meaningful conversation is expected)?

If you’ve got to get away, but can’t bear the sad look from those puppy dog eyes, maybe it’s time for a little getaway that includes Fido, too. The following are some canine-friendly cities that offer more unusual treats to lure both of you for a visit.

NAPA, CALIFORNIA

“But my dog doesn’t drink,” you argue. No worries. While you’re lapping up

the region’s top-notch wine, your canine pal will have plenty of things to

do.

WINERIES

Cuvaison Winery

4550 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, California

707-942-6266

Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed to join you in the small tasting

room and in the three outdoor picnic areas.

Clos Du Val Winery

5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, California 94558

800-993-9463

Dogs on leashes are allowed in the enormous tasting room and on the property

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hillcrest Country Inn

3225 Lake County Hwy, Calistoga, California

707-942-6334

Host Debbie O’Gorman runs this country home with her three dogs, Taz, Debo

and Bamboo, who are friendly and welcoming to other canine friends. The

antique-filled home is located on a hilltop with an unbeatable view of Napa

Valley. You and your pup can romp around the 36-acre property where there is

swimming, hiking and fishing, and then he has the option of staying in your

room or in a large outdoor kennel.

Beazley House Bed & Breakfast Inn

1910 First Street, Napa, California

707-257-1649

You’ll be able to play with resident Golden Retrievers Sissy and Autumn

Beazley in this downtown Napa inn, and you’ll even receive a doggie welcome

basket with a bowl, doggie beer, bones and cleanup baggies. Three rooms open

out into the gardens, and there is a $25 per day per dog charge, with a

maximum of two dogs per room.

RESTAURANTS

Angele

540 Main Street, Napa, California

707-252-8115

This gourmet French restaurant allows dogs on leashes in their outdoor

patio, and will provide water and treats while you dine.

Bistro Don Giovonni

4110 Saint Helena Hwy, Napa, California

707-224-3300

This laid-back Mediterranean restaurant (it’s the sister to San Francisco’s

Scala Bistro) allows dogs in their outdoor tables, but please call ahead to

inform the staff.

Los Angeles already has a reputation for being a dog-friendly city, but its neighbor down south is making steps to become the next hot dog spot in

Southern California. Long Beach is a coastal city that has recently opened three acres of its beach in Belmont Shore as an off-leash area. “The

Dog Zone” visitors must follow the rules— only one dog per adult, and pooper-scoopers are a must. The Dog Zone starts at 4800 E. Ocean Blvd., between Roycroft and Argonn streets.

Also in Long Beach is the very active Haute Dogs organization, which

arranges several doggie-centered events in Belmont Shore all year long. The

Haute (pronounced “hot”) Dog Easter Parade features hundreds of dogs

marching along in bonnets and Easter outfits, while the Howl’oween Parade

and Canine Costume Contest that includes an adoption fair, a bulldog kissing

booth; and a dancing dog demonstrations. If that’s not doggone wacky enough,

stick around Long Beach for the Haute Dog poetry contest and bulldog beauty

contest.

Several restaurants and shops along the busy Second Street in Belmont Shore

offer water bowls to welcome pets. Pet-friendly accommodations are rather

scarce (you may be better off making Long Beach doggie festivities part of a

day trip), but you can try the following:

Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, a luxury hotel that welcomes dogs of any size

for a $75 non-refundable fee. 111 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, 562-437-5900

Why Sacramento Must Be In Your California Itinerary

Gold! Gold! Gold! Opportunity has always been abundant in California’s capital city. From the miners of 1849 who arrived seeking gold, to politicians wielding clout, to the farmers tilling its fertile soil, people have flocked to this city of rich history and golden promise. In 1848, when James Marshall discovered gold near Sacramento, it triggered off the famous Gold Rush in California. Many people seeking gold arrived here by boat, entering the city, which is now called Old Sacramento. Today, this beautiful destination is a must-see for the visitors who come to California.

This beautiful city is situated in the middle of the greatest wine producing regions in the United States, and if you are planning to visit Sacramento then you should not miss Old Sacramento, or Old Town, as the locals call it. This place has a Wild West look. With the buildings from the Gold Rush period being restored, Old Sacramento now has many upscale restaurants, museums and shops.

As a tourist, you will be enticed by the aromas that linger in the air, hinting of recipes that are a mix of many cultures such as Asian and Chinese fare, Mexican delicacies, Southwestern American dishes, delicious seafood, which are tempting and take you to a different world of culinary delights. The restaurants and pubs offer diverse ambience.

It also has many events and festivals, including the worlds largest Dixieland jazz festival, the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, and the Gold Rush days, which metamorphose Old Sacramento, back to its 1850s era.

Sacramento also has some of the worlds best wineries in Amador, Sonoma County, Napa Valley and Lodi or El Dorado, which can make your trip there a memorable one.

There are also the historical sights that can enthrall you such as Sutters Fort, the former home and business center of Sacramentos founder, John Sutter. This fort was built in the year 1839, and it still retains its charm and grace.

Then there is the California State Military Museum, which is located at 1119 Second Street in the Old Sacramento State Historical Park. Governor Pete Wilson opened this beautiful museum for public viewing in the year 1991, and it is the historical research center of the State of California. Governor Arnold Schwarznegar amended the Government Code on 13th July 2004, thereby making this museum the official military museum of the state.

But beyond all these attractions there is more to Sacramento. This beautiful place is blessed with year round pleasant weather and an abundance of art, which makes Sacramento a tourist paradise. With its plethora of opulent villas, this capital city of California attracts the affluent and the rich. It has an extensive range educational and historical sites that can entertain people from all walks of life.

Thus, blessed with beautiful sightseeing attractions, it also makes an ideal destination for lovebirds. Whether it is wine tasting, exploring the verdant gardens and vineyards in a limo, or roaming around the surrounding mountains, everything can be planned. The beautiful Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry summers add an extra charm to Sacramento. Apart from honeymooning couples, it also draws many singles to it. Recently, Sacramento has been ranked thirteenth among the best cities for unmarried people in the United States of America.

If you would like to visit this beautiful city or add it to your Northern California itinerary, you can seek the help of many travel agencies who can guide you through a memorable trip.

Travel California: Certainly The Golden State

California is a giant-sized wonderland of preserved wilderness, world-class cities, famous beaches, tantalizing cuisine and unparalleled wines. Be close to the action from any destination in California, whether it is Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego or Bakersfield! Travel within California is fantastically scenic and simple; with the largest network of state highways that bring all of the Golden State’s wonders to your car door, you can surf, ski and enjoy fine dining all in one day… but you might want to make it two or ten!

A California for Every Kind

California is the third largest state in the United States, as well as the most populous state in the country. Consequently, California attracts visitors for all kinds of reasons. National Parks such as Joshua Tree in the expansive Mojave Desert, Pinnacles National Monument in the Central Coast, and Ansel Adam’s famously photographed Yosemite are rocky havens for rock climbers and hikers alike. The Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east boasts California’s premier ski resorts, including Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe.

North of the easy-going Sacramento capital lies California’s world-class wine region. Enjoy a trip through Napa Valley for some of the most exquisite restaurants and wine tastings the country has to offer. Lose yourself in quaint luxury at a Bed & Breakfast along the Carmel coast after spending a day at the Hearst Castle. Get star struck during a visit to Hollywood or wonder-struck at Southern California’s Disneyland Resort and California Adventure theme parks, across the street from each other. Don’t forget to explore California’s coastline with a trip to the historic Channel Islands or a whale watching expedition off of San Francisco’s Pacific shores.

The Platinum State

When you book your airfare to California, you will soon discover why this massive and diverse region along the Pacific Ocean is more precious than gold. The 48 state’s tallest peak resides in the Sierra Nevada region of California. Mt. Whitney welcomes thousands of climbers and hikers each year to its 14,505 feet of serene wilderness. Giant Sequoias, the largest living organism in the world, reside in Sequoia National Park and the tallest organisms on Earth, the California Redwood trees, grace the shores of California’s rugged northern coastline. California’s Death Valley is the largest National Park in the country as well as the hottest place on earth (in the summer) and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Treat yourself to Death Valley’s spectacular wildflower bloom in March and April.

California also offers one of the most superb collections of luxury resorts, celebrity chefs and nightlife. It is not surprising, considering the state is home to America’s entertainment, music and tech industries as well as one of the largest economies and ports in the world. Don’t wait another minute to book your airfare to California; you could be tanning on the beach or summiting a mountain tomorrow!

Restaurant reviews: Angele restaurant, Napa Valley

Napa Valley is host to a delicious collection of superb dining. We sampled many, but found only one that stood out in our minds. Our choice of the finest dining in Napa Valley is “Angele Restaurant” in the city of Napa. It is located at 540 Main Street. Their phone number is (707) 252-8115. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 1:30 to 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 1:30 to 10:00 PM. They offer dining inside or outside along the Napa River where we enjoyed their South of France ambiance and cuisine.

The location is like shadows in the sand, somewhat obscure. It is at the end of Main Street where the road kisses the river. Although there was no trembling of the earth, the atmosphere was reflected in the pleasures of a candle lit room. It is a secret, exclusive hide-away. To begin our day, we ordered some Voss, refreshing and cool as the water from the ocean blue. We chose to test the waiter’s fluency in French so we ordered fromage du jour, salade de champignon, salade de boeuf, poulet roti, paella et du vin. Hesitantly, the inviting waiter, Talani Moranda, smiled and said, “You’re having a cheese plate, mushroom salad, beef salad, roasted chicken, paella and some wine?”

The cuisine, prepared by a home-grown Napa Valley chef, Aaron Meneghelli, retained less than three months ago, trained at Robert Mondavi, was more than agreeable to the taste and sufficient in portion. The cheese plate offered a diverse selection of ripe cheeses. The salads were a choice selection of fresh organic greens coupled with gourmet mushrooms and razor sharp beef. The chicken was roasted to perfection with crisp skin that secured the moisture. The paella was authentically made with saffron, clams, mussels, jumbo shrimp and assorted vegetables steamed al dente.

To be of fine taste, the “Angele Restaurant” offers wines from both Napa Valley and the South of France. The restaurant has a flamboyant and personable sommelier, James Darden. He has a surprising repartee surpassed by only the finest in France. Our first choice of wine was a full-bodied Coho, Pinot Noir from Napa Valley, California. Our next selection was secured by the sommelier, his choice an herbal bouquet Bruno Colin, Pinot Noir from the village of Chassagne Montrachet in France. We topped the night off with a cab from “Black Tie.” To have the taste of the day, do not miss “Angele Restaurant” in Napa, California.