Located just about 7 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport is Redondo Beach, California.  Redondo Beach is a family-oriented beach town that offers the California lifestyle at its’ best.  Being so close yet just far enough away to LA has its’ priviledges for visiting guests of Redondo Beach.

Since LA is so close one can enjoy the entertainment value of Hollywood’s Universal Studios, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Mann’s Chinese Theatre.  Of the 18 boutique Mann Theatres located in the greater LA area, the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is the most famous opening its’ doors in 1927 to show movies on the big screen for the people.  The opening of Grauman’s Theatre sparked the beginning of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame where famous movie stars are denoted as to have “made it” in show biz.

Dining options in Redondo Beach are varied and very good!  One must check out the Redondo Beach Pier and Fisherman’s Wharf when visiting this beach town.  Old Tony’s is a must when dining on the pier.  Ranging from shrimp, oysters and calamari for appetizers and sea bass, scallops, halibut, lobster, mahi mahi and shark for dinner, one can get their fill of fresh seafood from Old Tony’s.  Another landmark for the pier is Polly’s on the Pier which serves a hearty breakfast and lunch and with seating outside one can see the fresh catch coming into harbor.  Bluewater Grill is just another great example of California seafood dining.  Located right on the water, Bluewater Grill serves up charbroiled seafood, chowders and pastas and has an oyster bar.  In operation for over 7 years now, they have an impressive 100 + item menu of which they print out twice a day to reflect new and fresh seafood coming that day.

Hangin’ on the beach is probably the most favorite activity in Redondo Beach.  When visitors come to Redondo Beach they can stay in lodging very close to the beach.  Other beaches close to Redondo are Hermosa, Manhattan, and Venice Beach.  Hermosa and Manhattan Beaches are only 10 to 15 minutes away while Venice Beach is more like a 30 minute drive.  From surfing and boogie boarding to biking on the paved trails and fishing, the beach is alive and well with the people that call Southern California home.  

Redondo Beach & Pier by Kevin

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre by bfurlong

Redondo Beach - Tony’s Fish Market by Madrigal Photography

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My son is still too young (under a year) to go to Disney World in Orlando but I’m sure it will be on the list of places to go once he is old enough.  I have only been once and that was in high school on a spring break trip to the Orlando - Daytona area.  Walt Disney has always seemed to shine very bright through generations past and onward into the future.

One must check out the Blue Man Group and attend a show to experience the vivid colors and wild imagination of the three blue guys that put together an awesome performance.  These guys have a GRAMMY nomination they are so talented.  They go all over the world to perform their wild and lavish acts.  The show is recommended for kids age 3 and up so the whole family can enjoy a night out seeing the Blue Man Group.

The Magic Kingdom at Disney World was my favorite amusement park to visit some 20 years ago.  The Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain are some of the older rides at Magic Kingdom whereas now, kids have Pirates of the Caribbean and Monsters Inc. rides and attractions.  One can find lodging inside and outside the park so there are plenty of options.  If one prefers renting a vacation home over staying in a hotel room that can easily be arranged.  Lodging packages are available all throughout the year since Orlando is year-round destination.  

Seaworld is a must see also while in Orlando.  I have personally been to the one out in San Diego and had a great time so I can imagine the venue in Orlando is pretty awesome just because of all of the surrounding attractions.  Nearby Orlando is Daytona Beach which is home to the famous Daytona 500 NASCAR race and is a very popular vacation destination.  Where else can one drive their car on the beach and enjoy 23 miles of sandy beach to play on.

One attraction that seems to be worth checking out is called “Medieval Times” which is a dinner attraction and tournament.  There are nine castles that have been made to show 11th Century performances with knights jousting on horseback while the audience sits down to a 4 course dinner.  The castles are spread throughout the entire U.S. and Canada.  The castle near Orlando is the Kissimmee Castle that even has a medieval village with 8 cottages.  So, if you want to see some knights jousting on horses and not have to go back in time then this is the place!

Orlando is much more than Disney World as one can see and all of the attractions are specifically designed to attract all ages so nobody is left out.  So, after your kids are done with Disney there is much more to do and experience in Orlando.  Plan a trip anytime!

Blue Man Group Tour – Splashing Drums by Anirudh Koul

Magic Kingdom Fireworks by d4rr3ll

SeaWorld – Shamu Show by hyku

Medieval Times by cliff1066

As for me, seafood and coastal dining is an automatic decision when it comes to eating out while on vacation, especially in Jekyll Island, Georgia.  You wouldn’t have to ask me twice to go check out an eating establishment focussing on seafood.  When you think about it, seafood is probably the most fresh edible commodity when you are right on the coast.  Everything else (beef, chicken, veges etc.) comes from miles around and frequently flown in from very far away.  From living in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, I get very excited about making plans to go to whichever coast (east, south or west) to delve into the yum yums of coastal fare.

Latitude 31 sits on the Jekyll Wharf on Jekyll Island and has some mouth watering edible delights.  Oysters Rockefeller, seafood crepes, and Grouper fingers (deep-fried Atlantic Grouper) are just some of the choices you get at Latitude 31.  For those of you more grounded on terra firma there is Chicken Piccata and a delectable Bourbon Peach and Pecan Glazed Pork Tenderloin.  I am looking for available flights to the south as I type…

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is a must see and do as it is one the oldest historical attractions on the island.  With names, like Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, the Jekyll Island Club holds quite the ambiance.  Built after the Civil War around 1888 the club exudes the “old south”.  One of the dining options at the club is Courtyard at Crane.  Dining either inside or out, one can enjoy the Italian Renaissance architecture from which the cottage was modeled after and built around 1917.  Enjoy the Shrimp Bisque, Cottage Calamari, and the Grilled Salmon Alfredo in a relaxing casual atmosphere.

Located in the Jekyll Harbor Marina is Seajay’s Waterfront Cafe & Pub.  For those of you looking for down home flavor in a real casual setting, Seajay’s just might do it for you.  Famous for their Low Country Boil, which is a tasty combination of shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob and bitesize potatoes all cooked in a tasty aus jus.  The restaurant has a great view of the sunset from its’ deck and therefore offers “Sunset Deck Specials” ranging from crab cakes to barbequed bacon-wrapped scallops. 

So after a big day of exploring Jekyll Island from a canoe or on foot, one can be satisfied with the coastal cuisine that can be found on the island.  So if you are looking for that unique island getaway without going way down south, discover Jekyll Island, Georgia and all of its’ history and wildlife preservation. 

Southern Seafood Boil by 23am.com

Bacon-wrapped Shrimp by Southern Foodways Alliance

Oysters Rockefeller by foodistablog

Just south of Brunswick, Ga about 7 miles and north of Jacksonville, Fl about 75 miles lies Jekyll Island, Georgia.  This island is very primitive in the fact that its’ inhabitants in the form of wildlife are protected and studied by young and old.  The island is 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide but boasts of 20 miles of trails to explore.

Bird watching is among the top most favorable activities on Jekyll.  The Atlantic Flyway just so happens to run parallel to the island so seeing a lot of different birds is quite common.  The Audubon Society has recognized Jekyll as an IBA or important birding area.  The island is part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail of which there are three birding sites located on the island for public viewing and observation.  Every year in October Jekyll Island hosts the Birding and Nature Festival where bird lovers come from all over to take field trips to over 25 different locations. 

Kayaking and canoeing the inland waterways of Jekyll is also among the top activities on the island.  With the wildlife being protected, one can see a lot from a kayak or canoe.  From native birds and fish to alligators, it’s like being in a zoo/acquarium with no walls.  Take a guided kayak tour through the marshes and tidal creeks of the island and see as well as learn about Jekyll’s ecological system. 

Nature walks are a great way to experience the primitive wildlife of Jekyll Island.  There are 10 miles of tidal beaches that one can walk and explore marine life.  Probably the most popular activity to do on Jekyll’s beaches is the Turtle Walk, where one can see turtles from May through August.  A nightly walk on the beaches in search of Loggerhead sea turtle nests are conducted by a trained guide so that you can see and learn everything about this amazing migration from ocean to land and back to ocean.  These guided and non-guided walks are perfect for the whole family to have an ecological experience during their vacation to Jekyll Island. 

 Whether you are interested in a educational vacation or just a getaway to the beach, Jekyll Island can accommodate you in both.  From playing rounds of golf and enjoying modern lodging amenities to observing and learning about the marine coastal environment, guests of Jekyll Island, Georgia can leave appreciative and relaxed.   

Jekyll Island by hyku

Wood Storks by willyk

The Marshes of Glynn by moultriecreek

The great thing about Vail, Colorado is the accessibility.  Located right off of I-70 in the center of the Rocky Mountains is Vail, just a couple of hours west of Denver.  With I-70 being the “bloodline” connecting Denver to Grand Junction and beyond into Utah, motorists from the front range have to go by Vail.  Lucky for them since Vail is a ski destination.

The skiable terrain of Vail Mountain is HUGE and one should spend at least a week on the slopes to explore its’ expanse.  I, personally, have skied Vail several times and find that I could keep going and going and going without skiing the same run twice.  With the addition of Blue Sky Basin a few years back, Vail Mountain definitely becomes a playground for the die-hard skier and snowboarder.

Before I moved out to Colorado, I visited Vail one time and that’s all it took to make an incredible impression on me.  Just two years later I found myself driving to Colorado with dreams of powder skiing in the winter and hiking, biking and fishing in the summer.Tourists coming to Vail to play have many options for lodging.  Over the years, the town of Vail has been built up with hotels, lodges and private home and luxury condo rentals. One can find lodging right at the base of the ski area all the way to the ridge across the valley.  Vail sits in a steep valley so renting a vacation home high up on the ridge will afford a nice view of the Gore Mountain range or one can be down in the town close to all of the action and night life.