Channel Islands DECEMBER 2010

Happy New Year to all!

While it’s cold and snowy in Colorado, I just returned from a wonderful trip to sunny Los Angeles, California. While there, I was able to enjoy all of the typical LA activities: a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a quick visit to the Mann Chinese Theater, checking out the shops and characters of Rodeo Drive, cruising down the beach in Santa Monica and witnessing the quirky culture of Venice Beach. However, with all the excitement of the city I found that one of the highlights of my trip to Southern California was my daytrip to the Channel Islands.

The Channel Islands National Park (about an hours drive outside of LA) is composed of five Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. The waters surrounding the islands make up the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. To visit the various islands, one must take a ferry, as they are only accessible by boat.

There is a variety of wildlife on and around the islands including but not limited to western gulls, sea lions, gray, blue and humpback whales, dolphins and pelicans. Vegetation, too, is spectacular with landscapes of wildflowers and grasslands as well as endemic species of buckwheat, asters and sunflowers. There are no services on the islands, so all food and water should be carried on (and off) the islands by visitors.

In my trip to the Channel Islands, I chose to visit Anacapa Island, the closest to the mainland.

Beginning my journey in the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor of Oxnard, I boarded my ferry for an hour-long cruise to the island. Aboard the ship, I enjoyed the crew's educational narrative about the national park, marine sanctuary and wildlife in the area. Also on the journey there I observed an Eastern Pacific grey whale swimming through the harbor and surfacing to expel air through its blowhole. Very exciting!

Upon arrival to Anacapa, my group was greeted by a volunteer park guide that debriefed us on the history, wildlife and vegetation of the island. After settling in, she led some of us on an optional one-hour guided hike to the other end of the island.

We were afforded gorgeous views, opportunities to see sea lions and time to take pictures along the way. Once we reached a beautiful area known as Inspiration Point, the group was free to wander back to the dock at our leisure.

During our wanderings, my party enjoyed our packed picnic lunch while gazing out at the ocean and distant mountains. After exploring the island and relaxing in our beautiful surroundings, our group departed the island around 3:00 PM for our ferry ride back to the mainland.

This trip was memorable, scenic and a welcomed retreat from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. I look forward to exploring one of the remaining islands on my next trip to Southern California!

Rachel

American Pursuits

San Francisco, Spring 2010

San Francisco

Hello Everyone,

I hope all is well wherever you are. It’s been a long winter since my last blog. During that time American Pursuits (AP) grew by one staff member, started taking a huge number of bookings from European agents and moved into an office in wonderful downtown Boulder, Colorado. I then got on a plane and made a visit to one of America’s favorite cities: San Francisco (SFO)!

This iconic city is probably familiar to most so allow me to bypass statistics and cut to the chase, like Steve McQueen in “Bullitt”, to suggest some highlights and what AP offers in this great place by the Bay.

The first thing to know is that San Francisco is a city where one can park the car and utilize public transportation or explore by foot. (If you are going to rent a car for your US trip, and SFO is your first or last destination, then you may want to consider not renting the car for your time here.) This town has a lot of hills so make sure you have very comfortable shoes. You’ll always get a workout while being out and about so you’ll have no guilt about indulging in some of the city’s great ethnic restaurants, famous chowder…and Ghirardelli chocolate.

When it comes to accommodations, this town has a plethora of hotels. From high end to hostel, bayside to inner city, B&B to mega hotel chain. For many of our clients, the Hotel Mayflower is a great intimate choice in a central location. This privately owned hotel was built in 1929 and has been a family-run business ever since. From the old-world caged elevators and large closets (originally built for steam chests), to wifi throughout and kitchenette appliances, it has something to satisfy most travelers. And they are constantly updating. To add to it’s charm and convenience, it also has a small market and deli next door so you can take advantage of a light meal in your room, or just the great choice of California wines. Located on Bush Street, it’s walking distance to Union Square, the Market Street cable cars, Nob Hill and Chinatown.

One neighborhood over is an area known as “Little Saigon” where there is no limitation of great Vietnamese restaurants…and Thai. Closer to the Mayflower is Le Colonial, offering high-end Vietnamese-French Cuisine. Great food in a nice, sophisticated atmosphere.

A Must for any SFO visit is an evening drink at the Top of the Mark (InterContinental Mark Hopkins). This is located at the top of Nob Hill, near the Fairmont and Hotel Huntington (all classic hotels). The Mark offers great views, especially at night. There’s great live music after 9 PM.

Want to learn about the city’s history and it’s most famous district, Chinatown? Then we have the guide for you! Linda Lee is wonderful, enthusiastic and a knowledgeable guide who will bring your Chinatown walking tour to life. You’ll get a great insight into this district and the city’s Chinese lifestyle. I recommend the 10 AM tour which is followed by lunch at a famous Chinese restaurant (included in the tour).

Another popular destination is Alcatraz. in fact, it’s so popular that advance reservations are highly recommended. Or course, this is something that AP can arrange. You’ll need at least three hours for this activity. It’s only a 20-minute cruise to/from Alcatraz but enough time to get you out on the water for some great photos of the city. Once on the island, we recommend that you first watch the 12-minute film before starting your self-guided tour. Everyone receives a headset for this tour. Headsets are also available in Dutch, German, French, Japanese, etc.

Back on the mainland the next highlight is Fisherman’s Wharf. This is a very touristy area these days but a good place to visit after an Alcatraz cruise. There are many souvenir shops and chain restaurants but you can always find good seafood, sourdough bread and clam chowder. A lot of street performers keep the wharf buzzing.

Nearby is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. Mmm, chocolate. The Belgians may still produce the best in the world but this local company makes for great gifts or some self-indulgence.

Next is Union Square. This is just minutes by foot from Hotel Mayflower and where one will find all the trendy, American stores (Macy’s, Crate & Barrel, Oakley, Neiman Marcus, Apple, Nike, etc.). There are also a lot of bars, restaurants and world-class hotels. This is a great place to people watch.

Just nearby is Market Street, where the cable cars start and finish. Cable Cars are $5 per person each way. This is a good (and fun) way to get from Union Square to the Wharf. Expect to wait in line and the cars can be crowded. Also check out the Cable Car Museum, just near Chinatown.

For a special, big, “American” breakfast, Sears Diner is the place to go. It’s located in Union Square (and has nothing to do with Sears department stores). Try to get there before 9 AM or you’ll probably need to wait for a table since it’s very popular with tourists and locals.

Other areas of San Francisco to consider visiting are as follows:

Haight Ashbury: This neighborhood is a throwback to the 1960s Hippie-era and the Summer of Love. A cradle of the psychedelic movement and influential Rock-n-Roll it is now a neighborhood of nostalgia. There are fun shops and cafes.

North Beach: The Italian part of town offers great restaurants…and some seedy nightlife. I suggest The Stinking Rose where everything is made with garlic. Not to be missed and it probably won’t be forgotten.

Sausalito: This is a quaint, seaside town just across the Bay. It’s easily accessible by public ferry and a great place to go for a relaxed lunch, shopping and some quiet time away from the bustling city.

Finally, I want to mention another great property that we often book for American Pursuits’ clients: The Inn, San Francisco. This is a fabulous and elegant Bed & Breakfast. More like a boutique hotel, this dramatic house offers beautiful old world furnishings with a huge daily breakfast, private garden and a rooftop deck. This is an ideal accommodation for honeymooners and couples who want a more intimate experience. Although this property is farther out from the city center there is a BART station (subway) just a few minutes walk from this B&B. Guests will not be disappointed!

On my next blog I’ll describe my travels along the Pacific Coast Highway, from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Cheers,

Jeff

New York September 2009

Oh Hello,

The fall weather is upon us here in North America and the kids are back in school. So let's talk New York, a great long weekend getaway from either side of the Atlantic. This city is a huge melting pot, both with residents and visitors. There's a different language spoken at every corner and always an international representation of cuisine and art. I particularly have fun talking with the West African taxi drivers about their countries, their perspective of the US and what is their hometown beer, such as Metcaff, Guinness or ‘33’.

When looking at a map of America, the island of Manhattan seems small and contained, yet, once in New York it’s amazing how sprawling and intense it is. So the first thing to consider when planning your visit is to not get worked up about your hotel’s location. Rather, focus on the things that you want to see and do and that will help determine an ideal position for accommodation. Remember that this is not a resort destination so you won’t be spending a lot of time in your room.

You can be in New York for weeks and not get through all that it has to offer so it’s best to focus on a particular area, or two just so you’re not spending a lot of time and money getting from A to B. Another way to plan NYC is by theme such as architecture, museums, shopping or general highlights. Don’t pack too much in a daily itinerary so you allow enough time for the best way to understand this city: walking a people watching.

A great pedestrian thoroughfare that just opened up is the “High Line” (http://thehighline.org/). Once an elevated 1930s rail structure on Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line now transverses a wild, self-seeded landscape that grew on the structure. This new attraction is a great link between Chelsea Piers (for harbor sailing excursions) and Greenwich Village. When in Greenwich, don’t forget a visit to Washington Square Park!

Another wonderful “on your own” walking activity is the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s an amazing feat of engineering and a piece of history that is worthy to read (The Great Bridge by John McCullough). The pedestrian path is straight down the middle with the whirring traffic below you. Great views.

When it comes to organized walking tours, don’t forget that American Pursuits can arrange two-hour walking tours of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights and Harlem – all are casual, informative and unique in their own way.

Check back for more information on my visit to New York or feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Jeff

American Pursuits