The Savvy Tourist

Wine Tasting in Temecula

My originally planned trip to San Francisco got scrubbed due to an illness in the family...mine!!! The flu caught up with me and changed my plans drastically.  So, no long distance travel for my savvy little family this time, but we did find a few day trips that were quite enjoyable and close by.

Wine tasting is one of our main attractions here in the Temecula Valley, whether you are a local or a tourist, it never gets old. We are known as Southern California's Wine Country and we are quite proud of it. There are over 25 wineries tucked away in our beautiful little valley and they each have something special to offer. So, we took a day and checked out a few of them, actually just three of them to be exact.

Our day started off with lunch at The Ponte Family Estate Winery in their very quaint all-outdoor dining restaurant, The Smokehouse. The warm Autumn day could not have been more perfect for outdoor dining, but then again, that's why we live in Southern California. The service was exemplary and generous. I say it like that because not only did our waiter take great care of us, he allowed my "Savvy Aunt" to leave with all of the wine glasses on the table...and the menu...and the dessert menu...and the napkins...only kidding, she didn't take the napkins. Lunch gave us the opportunity to do a little wine tasting with our food so we didn't do any official wine tasting in the Tasting Room as much as we just enjoyed the views of the vineyard and the mountains and the beautiful countryside. We also enjoyed the gift shop with all of it's specialty items including more incredible food and wine. The Ponte Winery is one that I highly recommend to anyone whether you are in the valley for a long visit or just passing through. I for one can't wait to try their Sunday Brunch Buffet one of these days soon.

Our next stop was going to be what I thought was Van Roekel Vineyards. I have lived in the valley for over 12 years now and knew this winery existed. I saw their wine in the local grocery stores, but couldn't for the life of me find them on "winery row". I thought they had been affiliated with another winery once so we went there instead.

Maurice Car'rie Vineyard and Winery was one of the first vineyards planted here in our region back in 1968. The actual winery was founded by Budd and Maurice C. Van Roekel in 1986. Hence the affiliation I had heard of!  The Maurice Car'rie Winery is gorgeous as well as warm and inviting. Buddy and Cheri Linn are the current owners of this award winning winery known for it's sweet and fruity varieties of Chenin Blanc and Riesling, along with the traditional greats of Chardonnay and Merlot.

While my savvy hubby and savvy auntie were partaking in the wine tasting passport offered at this establishment, I did a little asking around. I found out that I wasn't losing my mind after all and the so called Van Roekel Winery is now known as La Cereza Winery, the sister winery to Maurice Car'rie. Just so happens there is a combo wine tasting passport that can be purchased so that wine lovers can sample wines at both establishments for one low price.

La Cereza Winery is also run by the Linn family and shares the talents of the same veteran winemaker, Gus Vizgirda. Both wineries have their own distinctive label, identity and wine list. La Cereza Winery has received a little bit of a face lift since being known only as Van Roekel. Although still very European, they have added some personal pizzaz with their new signature series "Girlfriends" wine and cigar products.

Maurice Car'rie and La Cereza are both on my list of places to revisit, maybe for the upcoming holidays!!

San Fran or Bust

In a few weeks I will be traveling to the city of San Francisco for a short visit with my Aunt. She has never been to San Fran and I would really like to show her a wonderful time. The trick is...it is only for a few days so it has to be an abbreviated wonderful time. As a travel agent, I do realize the millions of things to do in San Fran. My question to my savvy readers is......what are the BEST things to do that you wouldn't want to miss no matter what? We aren't marathon runners so we can't exactly cram in 20 things a day (much to my Mom-In-Law's chagrin). I would like to actually enjoy this trip and leave her wanting more, maybe for next year's visit. So, bring on the suggestions folks.......I'm all ears!

 

My Mom-In-Law sent me a book to carry along with me on my trip and I have to admit it is the coolest little travel tool ever. It is called The Little Black Book of San Francisco. I highly recommend that you check out Amazon for a Little Black Book of Anywhere you are thinking of traveling!!!!!

Erma Tells it Like It Is....

When I was growing up I used to love to read all of Erma Bombeck's books, thinking at the time that she made all that funny stuff up. She talked about marriage, children, housework, neighbors, pets, shopping, fashion (or lack thereof), entertaining, friends, family...you name it...life is what she was always talking about in the most humorous of ways.  As I grew older, these things I thought she was making up started to become my actual life. She wasn't kidding!! As crazy as Erma Bombeck sounded I think she was the sanest person on the planet. Looking back and applying what I learned from Erma, I know I am normal, even when I feel a little nuts.

Years later when I became a travel agent, someone introduced me to Erma's book "When You Look Like Your Passport Photo, It's Time To Go Home". I feel as though this would be the perfect gift for all of my travel clients, because once again, Erma tells it like it is. Even the savviest of travelers will appreciate the humor that she has found in traveling all over the world.

Here is a little excerpt where Erma talks about preparing to leave on a trip...

My husband said, "When you are leaving town, it is wise to tell as few people as possible." I hate it when he talks down to me. What does he think I am? Stupid? The only people I told we were leaving town were:

Tim, our paperboy, who had to tell his branch manager and his sub. Ralph, our postman, who is not only going to hold our mail, but offered to put a note on the post office bulletin board for someone to cut our grass. Helen, who has our house key. My aerobics class and instructor, hairdresser, and dentist. The entire waiting room at the kennel where I made arrangements to board the dog. Marj at the bank, who made out our traveler's checks. Shirley at AAA, who routed our trip. The saleswoman who helped me with a bathing suit and the nice man who sold me a new piece of luggage. The water softener deliveryman whom I told about the key I keep under the white rock at the end of the drive. The dry cleaners...in idle conversation. Sam, our druggist, who prescribed something for extreme exposure to sun and children. The Little League coach and the team. Evelyn, who was giving a birthday party for Stef and needed to know why we weren't coming. The society editor, Marjabelle Mix, who wanted a little paragraph for her weekly column.

I may not be the most sophisticated traveler whoever hit the road, but I know enough to sneak out of town.

So, if you are interested in reading more Erma and her witty humor,here is a quick link to this wonderful book and a few of her others that I highly recommend:

The Windy City

" Most cities have a smell of their own. Chicago smells like it's not sure."

- Alan King

This quote could also be true for the Chicago O'Hare International Airport. After being stuck in said airport for the better part of last Wednesday, I must say I have no actual idea what kind of food Chicago is famous for. I thought it was pizza, or maybe hot dogs, but I think Chicago is famous for "Jazz" food. They have Jazz Kitchens and Jazz Bistros and Jazz Cafe's and also the Jazz Food Court. So, I guess any food related to Jazz is what is famous in Chicago. So what exactly is jazz food? I always associated it with New Orleans style southern cookin'. A little bit of everything with a lot of spice and character. I didn't find any of that in the airport, but rather a junk food aroma that when combined with the gentle smell of fresh jet fuel made me realize I could wait until I get home to eat.

I think this holds true for most airports. Why can't they actually go through the trouble of creating an experience for passengers while they are stuck in an airport and can't get to the actual city? Even though I spent all day in Chicago, I wouldn't actually know Chicago and I can't truly say I've been there. I could've been in Philadelphia for all I really know. The more I think about it...that is not true, Philadelphia has it's very own distinctive smell.

Pink's...A Hollywood Legend Since 1939

If you are a regular reader here at The Savvy Tourist, you already know that food is something we always check out no matter how far from home we travel. Well, just recently one of us had the opportunity to visit Pink's in Los Angeles, CA. so I thought I would share a little information about this special little Hollywood icon.

Pink's is probably the most famous hot dog stand in the country...certainly in LA! Located near the corner of Melrose and La Brea, Pink's can be found by looking for a crowd of people and following the fresh aroma of fresh chili and soft hot dog buns.

Pink's, unlike any other hot dog stand in America, has it's own parking lot attendant, although parking is free. It has been in the same location for almost 70 years now and it is not unusual to see a Rolls Royce pull up to Pink's.  Movie Stars, well-known dignitaries, famous musicians, businessmen, housewives, school children...all have savored Pink's Famous Chili Dogs.

Paul Pink started his hot dog stand in 1939. It was only a large-wheeled push cart back then. The depression was on and the money was scarce. Pink's Chili Dogs, complete with a large warm bun, oversized hot dog, mustard, onions and thick chili sold for 10 cents each. His hot dog wagon was located in "the country" among the weeds, rolling hills and open spaces...that was the corner of La Brea and Melrose almost 70 years ago!

In 1946, Paul Pink traded in his hot dog wagon for a small building, constructed on the very same spot. The quality and service remain the same at Pink's even after all these years, so go check them out and order up a famous chili dog and see if you don't get it served hot in less than 30 seconds. The menu has expanded quite a bit through the years, but Pink's Hot Dog stand is still a quick lunch, a nostalgic trip into the past, and a delicious experience.

Air France

Due to the tragedy involving Air France Flight 447 this week, all affiliate banners have been removed from this site per the request of the airline. This is one of the world's worst civil air disasters in history. I am asking all of my readers to extend their prayers to the friends and family members affected by this horrible tragedy.

New Home for Disney's Wonder

Disney Cruise Line has announced that it will be repositioning the Disney Wonder to Los Angeles from it's home port in Port Canaveral, Florida. Disney Cruise Line did a "trial" run during the last two summer seasons operating cruise itineraries to the Mexican Riviera from the West Coast on the Disney Magic. The ship always sailed full.
From a travel agent's point of view, I really understand the need for a Disney Cruise option that will include our Disneyland Parks out here in California. Paying airfare for a large family to travel to Florida before beginning their cruise can be the deal breaker for many savvy tourists here on the West Coast.
 Since Disneyland is not nearly as large as Walt Disney World in Florida, it will be nice to be able to add a cruise after 3 days of Disneyland Adventures. Disneyland is currently undergoing a major renovation in it's California Adventure Park and from what I understand, all will be revealed just about the same time as the Disney Wonder makes it's debut out here in sunny Southern California.

How to be a good customer

I have mentioned several times about the need for a good travel agent when planning a vacation. What I may have neglected to mention is the need for a good customer when planning a vacation. It can be difficult planning just the right vacation for yourself, but it is even more difficult for a travel agent to plan it for you if you don't have at least some idea as to where you want to go and what you want to do.

Patience is a tool we as travel agents must come fully equipped with, along with a huge sense of humor and a lot of imagination. Over the years I have actually had people call me to book their vacation and they had absolutely no idea what they wanted to do. The family had not discussed it among themselves, nor did they know how many family members would be participating in said vacation. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand knowing that you just need a vacation, but aren't sure where. You would think that the discussion would start within the family before you ask a travel agent to decide for you.

For the first few desperate years in the industry, I was foolish enough to fall for the "what do you have available?" type of customer. Well guess what? Everything is available!! Would you like to go on a cruise? Would you like to spend a week on a sandy beach? Would you like to spend a long weekend at a Dude Ranch? How about an African Safari? Or perhaps going over Niagara Falls in a barrel? If you really want to leave it all up to me, well then you and your whole family are going to Disney World, because that is my personal favorite!!

The point I am trying to make is that a travel agent is to be used to get you the best deal for your money, the best accommodations, the best seats at shows, the best connections in airports, the best travel insurance and the least amount of hassle from your planning experience. We need to know what your family likes to do, the ages of all your kids, the amount of money you plan to spend, and how much time you have to spend it. We work very hard for our clients, and we try to get them the best value from their hard earned dollar.  We need to know if you have frequent flier miles on Delta Airlines before we put together a package that includes air on United Air Lines. We need to know if you are taking elderly parents or anyone that might require special assistance. We need to know if you get sea sick on boats and if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary. We also need to know if you don't have a passport or if you have been extradited from another country. It would certainly help if you already knew at least which hemisphere you are interested in traveling to.

So in short, give your travel agent the tools to do their job!!! You will be glad you did!

Jumbo Hostel

Here is an innovative new concept when it comes to the "all-nighter" on an airplane...the Jumbo Hostel. Now you can sleep in luxurious accommodations on an airplane without ever leaving the ground. You can actually spend the night on board a real jumbo jet and never leave the airport. To some, this may sound like an incredible waste of time, but to others it could be quite the novelty in sleep-overs.

The airplane, a decommissioned model 747-200 jumbo jet was built in 1976 and was last operated by Transjet, a Swedish Airline that went bankrupt in 2002. It was originally built for Singapore Airlines and later flew for Pan Am. The airplane is now located at Arlanda Airport on it's permanent concrete foundation after undergoing a complete conversion. Over 450 seats were removed to make room for what is now a unique sleeping experience for guests. The hostel is built like any house, subject to regulations and standards. It now serves as a spectacular and (not so) original landmark at the Arlanda Airport.

There are 25 rooms on board this newly renovated Jumbo Hostel with a total of 85 beds in all. The rooms are configured with 3 bunk beds in most rooms. There are also quad dorm options, all with separate shared shower and bathroom facilities. There is one luxury suite in the converted cockpit with a panoramic view of the airport.

If sleeping in an airplane (when you don't really have to) is not exactly your cup of tea, well then, you can just stop by for...well, a cup of tea! There is a cafe' where you can purchase breakfast, coffee, cookies and snacks. You can also walk along the left wing observation deck and experience the feeling of standing on top of a real Jumbo Jet's wing.

In the travel industry convenience is a big plus, so if you have an early flight to catch, staying right at the airport (literally) may be the solution for you.

He who hesitates is not only lost, but miles from the next exit...