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Del Mar - Classic California!
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg
Stretching across San Diego North County's tranquil coast, all roads lead to Del Mar, the picturesque coastal art-filled village that slopes to the sea. Lovingly known as "Carmel South," Del Mar's energy centers around the art galleries and boutiques tucked into its eclectic little corners. Flower sellers, garden shops and cozy cafes are scattered throughout the delightful village. Its two and a half miles of beaches lure surfers, swimmers and sun worshippers, while 2 beautiful beachside parks beckon families to play and picnic.
The legend of Del Mar dates back to the 1930's when crooner Bing Crosby and partner Pat O'Brien created the historic Del Mar Racetrack, "where the surf meets the turf." The bustling town soon became a favorite playground for many of the elite Hollywood stars of the day including, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Mary Martin, Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and Clark Gable. Today visitors still enjoy the grand Del Mar Fairgrounds that bring the Del Mar Fair in summer, thoroughbred racing from summer to early fall, and satellite wagering year round.
Whether your choice is for a romantic getaway or a family gathering, the newly revitalized L'Auberge Del Mar is an elegant springboard for the surrounding area. Perched on a gentle bluff with a perfect Pacific setting, this grand class resort is steps away from miles of pristine beaches.
The impressive new open air lobby is reminiscent of a welcoming private coastal estate, replete with modular doors that bring the outdoors inside. The resort's 120 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, many with private patios and balconies, showcase billowy duvets, custom beds and elegant coastal estate furnishings. There's the latest in technological advancements and high end personal amenities including I-Pod docking stations, 42 inch flat screen televisions and high speed internet access in every room
Recreational activities designed to fit the fancy of the guests include splashing down in the outdoor whirlpool spa or a swim in the pearl-bottomed pool. Several private cabanas are available to enjoy a serene environment. There are two lighted championship courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center offering weight and aerobic equipment. For those who want nothing more then to wiggle their toes in the sand, a beautifully landscaped footpath leads right to the beach. For the golf buffs, the Concierge can arrange priority tee times at San Diego's most exclusive courses.
Mild temperatures and year round sunshine makes dining at the resort's al fresco Waterfall Terrace a wonderful experience. Chef Paul McCabe presents such entrees as wild king salmon; succulent Manila clams; tender Niman Ranch skirt steak; and roasted Jidori chicken breast with artichoke ravioli. A delicious variety of refreshing desserts are presented.
A new signature restaurant with Executive Chef Paul McCabe at the helm is slated for a late fall opening. A choice of dining under the stars or in a sleek and modern dining room lined with fire places will be offered. Always on the forefront of culinary trends, McCabe will be presenting his market and farm drive menus with farm fresh produce, sustainable seafood, and hormone free meats. An inviting new wine bar that doubles as a dining counter will offer an intriguing glimpse into the energy and excitement of an open kitchen.
Prepare to be pampered at the boutique Spa L'Auberge retreat and sanctuary pleasing to mind and body. Their varied menu of services includes massages, facials, hydrotherapy treatments, and therapy revitalizing baths.
In December a new 4100 square foot luxury spa will be located outside the south wing of the hotel. The spa will offer a broad range of classic and signature services in 10 elegant treatment rooms, and multiple indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Leading the way in spa trends, 95 percent organic ingredients will be used including such exotic items as Indonesian ginger, yuchayu oil, red coral, sweet jasmine, and a signature line of products from the Pevonia line. Guests will be treated to a complimentary wine and juice bar, offering fresh fruit, hand squeezed juices and some of the best wines from around the world. The spa will include a bakery and smoothie bar, a retail boutique, and a manicure and pedicure area.
In honor of these transformations, from now until the end of the year, the historic seaside resort is presenting travelers with their enticing Sensational Stay package, so they can see the incredible makeover for themselves. The L'Auberge Del Mar is located at 1540 Camino Del Mar For information and reservations phone (800) 245-9757;(858) 259-1515 or laubergedelmar.com
Del Mar area dining
Directly across from the L'Auberge, high atop the chic Del Mar Plaza is the award winning Pacifica Del Mar which lures natives and tourists alike. The stylish Pacifica Bar is considered the local hot spot where the coastal culture gathers for lively libations and light fare around a 45 foot serpentine bar. Spectacular ocean view sunsets draw diners out to the open air deck for casual fine dining where Chef Christopher Idso delights the palate with his mouthwatering selections. Inside, the art adorned Gallery offers relaxed ocean view dining, and features an eye catching aquarium of neon colored marine life.
Whet your appetite with zesty appetizers such as Maine lobster ravioli, Tequila steamed clams, house-smoked salmon and white corn-leek soup. Sumptuous fresh seafood entrees include Pacifica's classic sugar-spiced salmon, grilled local white bass with hon Shimeji mushrooms, sautéed northern halibut with home made petite gnocchi, and the irresistible butter poached Maine lobster with lobster mascarpone ravioli and orange-chive gremolata. There is also the classic presentation of house cured ribeye, filet mignon, and pan roast free range chicken breast. Melt in your mouth seasonal desserts are presented by your server. In addition to the rainbow palette of cuisines, Pacifica is an honored recipient of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. For reservations phone (858) 792-0476 or pacificadelmar.com
For general information contact the San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 848-3336, or visit their website at sandiegonorth.com
Scandinavia: A Part of Europe Worth Seeing
By Sheila O'Connor
What do you know about Scandinavia? Well if you're like most people, you'll have heard of the Little Mermaid, the Vikings, and the Nobel Peace Prize. But there's more to Scandinavia than that. A lot more.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo has been the capital for over 700 years. In Norway's capital city, you'll find the Government buildings, the parliament and, at the end of Karl Johan's Gate, the Royal Palace.
Vigeland Park
Green is what you'll see at Vigeland Park, the most visited tourist attraction in Oslo. This park, which took 40 years to build, has over 200 naked sculptures, created by Gustav Vigeland. Don't miss The Angry Little Boy, pictured on many a postcard. The fountain in the middle of the park denotes the circle of life.
Nobel Peace Center
In Oslo you'll find the Nobel Peace Center. The Nobel Peace Prize is one of five Nobel prizes given by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel. According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." The Peace Prize is awarded annually in Olso while the other four Nobel prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden on Dec-ember 10th every year
Kon-Tiki Museum
If you love anything to do with the ocean, you'll love a visit to the Kon-Tiki Museum. The Kon-Tiki was the raft used by Norwegian explorer and writer Thor Heyerdahl when he crossed the Pacific in his 1947 expedition from South America to Polynesia. Kon-tiki is the name for the Inca sun gold. Heyerdahl believed that people from South America could have settled Polynesia in pre-Columbian times and he set out to prove his theory. He sailed for 101 days across 4,300 miles with five companions
Viking Museum
A visit to Oslo would not be complete without seeing the Viking. Did you know that the Norwegians went to America 500 years before Columbus? Check out a 1904 ship found in 2,000 pieces in the Oslo fjord. It also has a burial ship found with 2 elderly ladies and a younger lady in it. Twelve horses were also found in the ship with the ladies.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm boasts 14 islands and nearly 60 bridges. Check out the old city which is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The city of Stockholm was founded in 1252. Holm is the word for "island" while Stock means "log". Logs surrounded the island to protect it in the old days. Stockholm was built on 14 islands all connected by 15 bridges.
City Hall
Be sure to visit the City Hall, made of 8 million bricks. It was built between 1912-23. The bricks came from a medieval palace and the City Hall is a mixture of architecture styles. The symbols on the walls and ceilings include stories from Greek mythology.
The Grand Hall is called the Blue Hall and all the bricks are chiseled by hand, and though the bricks are not actually blue, the name has stuck. The hall contains the biggest organ in northern Europe with 10,000 pipes. This hall is used for the Nobel Prize dinner. For the guests the best part is the ice cream parade! The walls around the room of the Golden Hall depict Swedish history and one is in gold.
Vasa
The Vasa Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions yet ironically it was once a great embarrassment to the city. The Vasa was a top heavy warship which sank in 1628, just 20 minutes after it set sail on its maiden voyage to Prussia. It was knocked over by wind. It stayed under the sea for 333 years before being brought to the surface. It boasts being the only 17th century warship in existence in the world. Over 17,000 objects were found in the mud with the ship, along with 25 skeletons. The water that it sank in is brackish, not salty and doesn't have the clams that eat wood, so the ship remained preserved.
Sigtuna
Just 20 minutes from Stockholm airport is the picturesque town of Sigtuna on Lake Maelarne. Sigtuna was founded in 970 when Eric the king took it over and gave plots of land to those who were loyal to him. It is the oldest town in Sweden and almost everyone who lived here worked for the king. The first coin of Sweden was even minted here. Check out some of the beautiful old buildings in this quaint little town which makes a great daytrip from Stockholm.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Take note of some of the tourist attractions in Copenhagen:
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843 and sits on 20 acres of land. It's like a mini Disneyland. The park is actually the oldest amusement park in the world and the only one in a city center. The NIMB Palace in the gardens was founded in 1909 as a restaurant. Its design is a combination of the Taj Mahal and a Moorish palace.
Castles
Amalienborg Palace is the home of the royal family and the palace is open for tourists. The Rosen-borg Castle built in 1606 by the country's most famous king, King Christian IV and is another must see, especially for the view of the royal crown jewels. See the silver lions of Denmark which are put in front of the casket when a monarch dies. They are part of the biggest silver collection in Europe.
Little Mermaid
Of course everyone knows this famous sight. The statue was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's story and was added to the city scene in 1913. Hans Christian Andersen wrote the story when he was 35. After his death, the endings to his stories were changed to soften them and not frighten children. His stories have been translated into 166 languages.