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Embassy Suites Hotel - Mandalay Beach Resort - Oxnard

Highland Hall Waldorf School - Children are not rushed, but encouraged

A unique medi-spa specializing in Botox, Lasers, LipoSlim, IPL, Fillers and cosmetic surgery
www.dermatiqueskinspa.com 

Dr Kerner'
Specializing in Head and Neck Surgery, Sinus Surgery, Sleep Apnea and Facial Cosmetic Surgery www.Marckernermd.com 


Hawaii Snorkeling Tours
Hawaii Sunset Cruise

Observe Hawaiian Humpback whales while sailing the waters of the famous North Shore, the least crowded whale watching spot on Oahu. Our Small groups give you a personal and up-close experience

www.sailingcat.co




EEG INSTITUTE
22020 Clarendon St. Suite 305
Woodland Hills, CA
818.373.1EEG (1334)
www.eeginstitute.com







TO FLY L.A.
16303 Waterman Drive
Van Nuys, CA 91406
877.863.5952
www.toflyla.com

Timeless Charm and Unbridled Luxury on an Island
By Patricia Bradford Rambo II

There are undoubtedly a quantum of exquisite resorts that ply the Southern California coast, however none even come close to having the history, both architecturally and socially that the Hotel Del Coronado exudes. This magnificent artifact eludes itself to both the culture of the past, the present, and the future. Preserved throughout the years, it stands for everything that is elite.

The hotel's lobby is a daunting expression of the architecture of the late 1880's and for the most part has remained intact from the original formidable structure. The coned shaped tower which can be seen from miles around is a beacon of its' royal distinction. The original mahogany front desk has an eerie presence that makes one feel welcome, but at the same time intimidated. The antique brass elevator in the lobby of the main building has been kept in working order, complete with an independent operator who commands his post with a boisterous, "Going up!" Indeed, once you have entered this historic monument, you feel as though you have embarked into another realm, almost hearing the whispers of the guests from another era throughout the wooden corridors that are ribboned around the property muddled by the sounds of the waves crashing on the nearby coastline.

The Hotel Del Coronado has one of the most intriguing histories of any resort in the United States, not to mention one of America's top ten beaches. Eleven presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Bill Clinton, the latter of whom has often flown in on Air Force One, have visited or stayed at The Del over the years. Hollywood celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and John Wayne dined in the hotel's historic Crown Room with President Lyndon Johnson and his wife as well as then Governor and Mrs. Ronald Reagan.

Today, the hotel continues to transcend time with all of the virtues of excellence for which it has been known for since its inception. The 120-year-old Victorian resort has been given a $150 million dollar facelift in luxury enhancements, which include an enclave of 78 ocean front guestrooms and suites that contain amenities such as 400-thread count bedding, flat screen televisions, spa style baths, and enormous ocean-view balconies. The renovation even allowed a more modern state of the art hangout for teens, perfectly named "Vibz," to ensure a safe haven for ages 13-17 to have a place to take a break from the family. This hotspot just opened this past spring and has already proven to be a huge success, offering billiards, darts, karaoke, computers, movie-time media, and ultimately a chance for teens to meet other people of their own age. The resort even offers spa treatments specifically designed for teens as well as surf camps, pool parties and a profusion of other activities to make this a teen dream travel destination.

As expected, the hotel is bedazzled with first rate shops and eateries. Gentlemen can indulge themselves at the Babcock & Story Bakery, with a well appointed bar menu, specialty cocktails, and an exotic list of beers from which to choose. The atmosphere lends itself to any sports enthusiast with flat paneled televisions at every angle, so that a base hit, a putt, or touchdown is not to be missed. Meanwhile shopaholics can enjoy the day at the Shops at The Del offering the latest styles for the sophisticates wanting to indulge in boutiques displaying the latest styles and brands of sunglasses, shoes and apparel as well as euphoric bath and body products.

When couples and their families meet up for dinner after a relaxing day, the ultimate dining choice is undoubtedly 1500 OCEAN. With a knowledgeable and professionally seasoned staff, you immediately sink into a dining luxury not to be forgotten. The menu tantalizes the palate with appetizers such as Artisan cheeses, chilled oysters, and duck confit accompanied with market cherries and arugula just to name a few, which are suggestively paired with a vintage champagne or wine taken from their 2,800 floor to ceiling tower selection. The main courses include Maine diver scallops, prime Angus beef as well as other market selections, which change by season. The deserts are hand crafted by the industry's best and top off an incredible dining experience.

The Hotel Del Coronado is an experience in of its' own any time of the year. You can check in anytime you like, but you will never want to leave.

The Hotel Del Coronado is located just outside of San Diego, at 1500 Orange Avenue in Coronado, California 92118. For reservations or more information, 800-HOTELDEL or on the web www.hoteldel.com

Life's a Beach - in Pismo Beach
By Pam Froman

Nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, lies a sleepy little beachside community known as Pismo Beach. With cute shopping, a beach view, and tons of great food, this little vista is a perfect place to eat yummy clam chowder and watch the sun set over the ocean.

Where to Stay:

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is an elegant all-villa resort. Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is centrally located and ideal for romantic trips or family vacations where guests stay anywhere from two nights, to two weeks, and even two months. With 63 spacious one and two bedroom villas featuring full gourmet kitchens, Lido Restaurant, La Bonne Vie Spa, and an array of activities, guests have all the comforts of home amidst the elegance of a resort. Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, 2727 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach. (800) 516-0112, www.thedolphinbay.com

Where to Eat

Founded over 20 years ago, the Splash Café in Pismo is an excellent place for homey atmosphere and great food. Their clam chowder has been rated the best in California for the past 10 years. All the food is awesome and patrons are constantly hanging out the door. The walls are painted with colorful murals depicting what else, clams! And the chowder is so good that people often go there and order it for breakfast! The Splash Café has two locations, one in Pismo and one in San Luis Obispo, and bread is baked fresh everyday at the San Luis Obispo location and then trucked over to the Pismo restaurant. Yummy is this restaurant's name. Last year alone they produced over 300,000 bread bowls and served more than 18,000 gallons of clam chowder. The Splash Café, 197 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach. (805) 773-4653, www.splashcafe.com.

Steamers in Pismo is a beautiful restaurant with stunning ocean views. An upscale atmosphere, punctuated by soothing music makes this restaurant a wondrous romantic destination.

Specializing in California Coastal cuisine, the menu features seafood, pasta, fresh salads, and steaks. Fresh seasonal fish, steamed clams, mussels and awarding winning clam chowder. Lovers of the sea’s catch of the day will be especially pleased by the kitchen's abundant selections of daily lunch and dinner specials. Try the delicious King crab, which is big enough for two, or the succulent lobster. Happy Hour is offered from 3:30-6pm, which includes daily drink and appetizer specials. Steamers of Pismo, 1601 Price St.,
(807) 773-4711, www.steamerspismobeach.com.

Escape to a slice of Europe with Old Vienna restaurant. In the Old Town Shell Beach, area of Pismo Beach, Old Vienna Restaurant, and Beer Garden has been a gathering spot for locals and tourists for over 35 years. Enjoy a quiet family dinner or a rambunctious night out with friends, a visit to Old Vienna is a happening you won't soon forget. Traditional German and Austrian cuisine with a cold German beer or a glass of wine will hit the spot. Celebrate or unwind with the band on Friday nights. Satsfy your taste buds with a crisp salad or warm bowl of soup, followed by a plate brimming with schnitzel, bratwurst or braten, potatoes and fresh vegetables. And don't forget the potato pancakes. They are homemade and delicious! Old Vienna, 1527 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, (805) 773 - 4521, www.old-vienna.com.

Things to do:

A half hour up the coast sits the majestic Hearst Castle. Take a tour, and you will see many parts of the home. First, the Esplanade and Gardens, which features marble sculptures and flowers in season. Next is Casa Del Sol, which is an 18-room guesthouse facing the majestic Pacific Coastline. This guesthouse is bigger than most homes! The pools are stunning. The Neptune Pool is a magnificent Greco-Roman style pool that features coastline views from the hilltop. The Roman Pool is an indoor pool decorated from ceiling to floor with 1" square mosaic tiles. And finally, the main house itself, Casa Grande. Five rooms are shown including: the Assembly Room which is the largest of the four sitting rooms and was once a gathering place for guests, the Refectory, the single dining room, the Morning Room, a magnificent sitting room filled with Spanish antiques and Flemish tapestries, the Billiard Room which features two 1920's billiard tables and a Gothic "millle fleurs" tapestry, and the private Theater. There also used to be a zoo on the property, so look out for cows...and (can you believe it?) zebras! 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, (800) 444-4445, www.hearstcastle.org

Ocean Dune State Vehicular Recreation Area has 1,500 acres, featuring beach and sand dune riding. Thousands of off-highway vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the beach dunes of this SVRA most weekends during the summer. It is a motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle, and dune buggy use area. Camping is allowed on the beach and in the open dune area. Oceano Dunes District Office, 340 James Way, Ste. 270, Pismo Beach. (805) 773-7170, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207

The Pismo Pier, provides good fishing without the need for a license. Pismo Beach is the most heavily fished (an estimated million and a half people visit the pier per year) and second most productive of all Central Coast piers. Schooling species make up much of the summer catch and if the schools move in, steady action can be enjoyed. The Pier is 1,370 feet long and has several cantilevered fishing decks. It is built over one of the finest sand beaches in the state. .

Some other activities are horseback riding along the dunes, playing a fantastic round of golf, kite surfing and paragliding and singing karaoke at Harry's Nightclub (try their otter pop shot!).

Visit Pismo and enjoy all aspects of this surf style paradise.

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