Travel
This convenient hotel offers a
Yosemite
If you have taken your family to
Yosemite, you already know how
magnificent this original National
Park is. If you haven’t been yet
or it has been a while, it is time
to start planning! Yosemite is not
just a natural wonder, but a shrine
to human foresight, the strength
of granite, the power of glaciers,
the persistence of life, and the
tranquility of the High Sierra.
First protected in 1864, Yosemite
National Park is best known for
its waterfalls, but within its nearly
1,200 square miles, you can find
deep valleys, grand meadows,
ancient giant sequoias, a vast
wilderness area, and much more.
Yosemite has inspired generations
of people for thousands of years.
On June 30, 1864, Congress
enacted the Yosemite Grant Act,
establishing Yosemite Valley as
the first protected wild land for
all time. This grant marked the
first California State Park. Early
conservationist John Muir’s
persuasive words to President
Roosevelt and state authorities
led to combining Yosemite
Valley and Mariposa Grove with
Yosemite National Park in 1906.
activities, ziplining, and of course,
When you are planning a trip to
Yosemite, first decide when to visit
(each season has its advantages),
then decide where you’ll spend
the night(s) so you can make
lodging or camping reservations.
Then, you can gather the family to
decide what to do in Yosemite.
No matter when you plan your
trip, you should consider staying
in Oakhurst; the gateway to
Yosemite National Park. Find
a great visitor’s guide at www.
yosemitethisyear.com/visitors-
guide. Lodging is usually less
expensive than the park options,
and Oakhurst is a wonderful town
for families. We enjoyed our
stay at America’s Best Value Inn
Yosemite South Gate at 48800
Royal Oaks Drive in Oakhurst.
great value for families, with clean
spacious rooms, free continental
breakfast, in-room Wi-Fi, and a
seasonal outdoor pool. All guest
rooms include microwaves, mini-
fridges, coffeemakers, and cable
TV channels with HBO. Our
two-room family suite included
comfortable beds, two large flat-
screen TVs, and a spacious shared
bathroom with jetted tub.
America’s Best Value Inn Kids
Stay Free Policy (11 and under in
parents’ room) helps families stay
within their vacation budget. Pets
are welcome (with reasonable
restrictions and a small charge).
Hotel staff was friendly and
responsive, the breakfast bar was
extensive, and rooms were quiet.
The hotel is centrally located
less than 1 mile from Oakhurst
Community Park, Purple Cow
Mall, the giant Sequoias in Nelder
Grove, and only a minute from
the Golden Chain Highway 49.
Find more information at www.
redlion.com/americas-best-value-
inn/ca/oakhurst.
Yosemite Nationl park truly has
something for everyone, including
art and photography, car touring,
backpacking, day hikes, biking,
birdwatching, fishing, horseback
riding, picnicking, camping, ranger
programs, rock climbing, water
winter sports.
Children can become a Yosemite
Junior Ranger (ages 7-13) or
Little Cub (ages 3-6)! Learn
more about Junior Rangers at
w w w. n p s . g o v / y o s e / f o r k i d s /
beajuniorranger.htm. Consider
visiting the Nature Center at
Happy Isles (summer only) or the
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
for interactive exhibits. Find an
online schedule of interpretive
programs, including special Junior
Ranger programs, in the Yosemite
Guide newspaper, as well as
information about trip planning,
activities, scheduled events, and
hours of operations for different
facilities and services. The Guide
(published several times per year)
can be found at: www.nps.gov/
yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm.
The Yosemite app (for iOS and
Android) also contains current
information, an interactive map,
and more.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine
Railroad! Located just 4 miles
from the South entrance to
Yosemite Park at 56001 Hwy 41
in Fish Camp, the steam train ride
is a one-hour narrated excursion
through the beautiful Sierra
National Forest. A brief stopover
in Lewis Creek Canyon gives riders
a chance to see the locomotive
up close, or explore the outdoors
before the return trip.
The train is open to people of all
ages, and dogs ride free! Riders
travel along the historic right-
of-way of the Madera Sugar
Pine Railroad, where mighty
lumberjacks felled timber and
flumes carried the lumber to the
town of Madera. The conductor
tells the fascinating history of the
line, the trees, and the wildlife
native to the area.
Railroad also offers gold panning!
Kids can dip their hands into
history and relive the excitement
of the California Gold Rush when
they pan for gold in authentic
sluice boxes. The adjacent
Thornberry Museum allows a
glance of logging camp life at the
turn of the century. The station
sells cold drinks, sandwiches, hot
dogs, and snacks and has a gift
and book shop. To buy train ride
tickets or learn more, go to: http://
ymsprr.com.

In 2014, the California State Parks

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine
and the National Park Service
celebrated the 150th anniversary
of Yosemite with public programs,
activities, and official merchandise
offered throughout the park and
in the surrounding communities.
Learn more about this milestone
at: www.150.parks.ca.gov.
To get the kids excited about
your trip, Yosemite webcams
offer images of El Capitan, Half
Dome, the High Sierra and
Yosemite Falls. The falls stream
live, while the others upload
every 30 seconds. Got to: www.
y o s e m i t e c o n s e r v a n c y. o r g /
webcams-videos. Come celebrate
the first state park in the world!
Travel
Weekend in Carmel-by-the Sea

by Patrice Horspool

she wanted her guests to feel We drove to Rio Grill at the

If you are looking for a couples or gruyere, and other tasty morsels. relaxed. All 38 rooms are unique- Crossroads Shopping Village for
family getaway not far from San The house red wine was robust, -some have fireplaces, some full lunch on Saturday. www.riogrill.
Luis Obispo County, how about a and we managed to save enough kitchens. The furnishings are com The restaurant has high
leisurely weekend in Carmel? Our room to share a portion of bread comfortable, yet elegant. At the ceilings and a festive, modern
family trip was unforgettable. pudding, with almond, pear, same time, the rates are among southwest décor. The staff was
chocolate and ginger. We thanked the most reasonable in Carmel- attentive but not over-bearing,
The drive up the coast is drop- the chef Brandon Miller for our -our enormous two-room suite and good blues music played in the
dead spectacular, but the scenic scrumptious meal, and he shared cost $260/night. background. The menu featured
inland route on 101 saves an hour. his enthusiasm for healthful food, creative regional California cuisine
It was raining on Friday, so we wine, Spanish culture, and his from a wood-burning grill and an
After a restful night, I joined guests
planned Big Sur for the ride down plans for Mundaka. oak wood burner. Though I had a
from various countries in the lobby
on Sunday. After a pleasant fine beer (Delirium Tremens), the
for continental breakfast. The
2-1/2 hour drive, we neared the Rio Grill’s wine list showcases the
freshly baked pastries and coffee
verdant little city of Carmel Central Coast of California, and
were excellent, along with fresh
(population 3000) and opened the stylish bar offers “signature
fruit and yogurt. We talked about
the windows to enjoy fresh air Southwestern cocktails” as
Hofsas House and the Carmel
scented with evergreens and salt well as the classics. Our dishes
community with Carrie Theis,
water. Winding from the highway arrived promptly, looked like
who owns and manages the hotel
through pine-studded hills, we pieces of art, and tasted great.
that her grandmother had built.
came to the tiny downtown area- The ample Dungeness crab cakes
She’d learned hospitality at her
-a veritable cosmopolitan oasis, with roasted red-pepper cumin
grandmother’s knee, so the inn
resplendent with boutique shops, We sauntered away happily and vinaigrette were light and crispy,
has the cozy feel of a little B&B.
art galleries, and restaurants. window-shopped on the way to with a meaty interior, and a little
our car, then drove out San Carlos kick. The prawns on penne pasta
We parked a few blocks from Street, Carmel’s hotel row. We Carrie showed us around the hotel
with pancetta and grilled peas in
Mundaka, www.mundakacarmel. easily found the Hofsas House grounds, including the heated
cream sauce had just the right mix
com, a Spanish style tapas http://hofsashouse.com within pool, saunas, and conference
of textures and savory flavors.
restaurant where we had walking distance. It is pink, with room, which can seat a dinner
The Southwest Bouillabaisse was
reservations. The décor was a charming mural by the entrance for thirty. She explained that
superb. Note well, the Rio Grill
warm and eclectic, a mix of old, that complements the classic dogs and other pets are welcome
has a kids menu, which included
repurposed, and new. The dinner Bavarian architecture. Though in certain rooms, with “waste
a plain quesadilla and ice-cream
crowd included couples and the inn does not look large from stations” outside, and even free
sundae for our less adventurous
families, young and mature. Table street level, two more stories are doggy treats. The whole town of
young diners.
conversation and the music were built up the hillside in the back. Carmel is famously dog-friendly.
lively, but not loud. The staff When our family walked on
was friendly and professional. When we walked upstairs and the beautiful white sand beach
Diners were smiling and enjoying opened the Dutch door to our nearby, we saw people running
themselves. The menu, which suite, we were astonished by how with their dogs off-leash.
includes organic fair-trade spacious it was. The kids’ room
produce, free-range poultry and had two queen beds with plenty Hofsas House offers special family
line-caught fish, features a variety of space between them, a dining packages, such as Beach Fire &
of hearty appetizers--hot and area, a kitchenette, and a divided S’mores ($60), which includes
cold tapas. With our waiter’s bathroom (tub / shower / toilet a wood bundle and starter,
assistance, we chose the seafood room with adjoining vanity area). beach blanket, s’mores supplies,
paella, preceded by a mix of Our bedroom had an open sitting Frisbee, and a flashlight. They
artisan cheeses, fig bread, bacon area, king size bed, large dressing also encourage family reunions We drove to nearby Monterey for
wrapped dates with goat cheese, area, and a divided bathroom with group discount rates on the afternoon, where we enjoyed
olives, house made sausage, and vanity. When Donna Hofsas rooms and meeting facilities and wandering through the Monterey
potato creations, cauliflower built this hotel sixty years ago, a complimentary family portrait. Mirror Maze on Cannery Row and
trying out their Laser Maze.
www.montereymirrormaze.com
This was a fun experience that
encourages family teamwork.
menu offers a thoughtful selection
of classic, healthful dishes from
southern France and the Basque
region. The wine list was extensive,
emphasizing wines from California
and France, but including superb
vintages from all over the world.
The service was excellent and
understated.

We ordered a heart of palm salad

We then crossed the street and
spent a few magical hours at the
world-famous Monterey Bay
Aquarium, marveling at exhibits
of jellyfish, seahorses, otters, and
otherworldly creatures.
and rack of lamb Provencal, a
Caesar salad, and Petrale sole.
We also requested a half bottle of
Oregon Pinot and shared plump
Kalamata olives and crusty fresh
bread. The salads were fresh with
delicate dressing. We agreed that
we had finally found the ultimate
Caesar salad. The rack of lamb
evoked a similar response. Not
only was it perfectly cooked over
a wood fire, but it was uniquely
cut with the bone on one side and
the filet left whole. The sole with
lemon butter was succulent. The
side dishes were equally refined.
For dessert, we shared Profiteroles Kaleidoscope at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
with fluffy pastry, creamy vanilla
glacé, and dark chocolate sauce.

After our meal, we were greeted

After we returned “home” to
the Hofsas House, the kids had
dinner en suite and connected to
the high-speed wireless Internet
to stream movies while we
dressed for our dinner at popular
Fandango, a French Basque
restaurant in Pacific Grove. http://
fandangorestaurant.com
by owner Pierre Bain, whose family
has owned the Grand Hotel Bain
in Provence for almost 300 years.
Inherently charming, he showed
us around Fandango, related
its history, and enthusiastically
answered our questions about the
wine cellar. Pierre even escorted
us to the small home next door that
he’d converted from a law office
into a temperature-controlled wine
storage area, giving new meaning
to the phrase “house wine.”

The next morning, we enjoyed a

leisurely breakfast before checking
out, thanked our host Carrie Theis
for a truly wonderful stay, and
then started home through Big
Sur. As advertised, the views were
incredible. Two pieces of advice for
If you’re looking for a romantic the coastal drive along Highway 1:
Old World restaurant for a special
1) If you really want to enjoy the
occasion, Fandango is a wonderful
views, make sure someone else is
choice. A charming old farmhouse
driving; and
with exposed wood beams, the
venue includes two main dining 2) If you are afraid of heights or
rooms, and five private dining a timid driver, it is better to head
rooms seating from eight to fifty. north through Big Sur, so that you
The décor is rustic elegance, are not traveling in the winding Finding our way through the Monterey Mirror Maze
reminiscent of rural France. The lane along the steep drop-offs.
Travel
Where to Stay in
San Francisco
by Patrice Horspool
Our family recently had another
opportunity to visit San Francisco.
To sample accommodations, we
arranged to stay at three different
hotels. First was the classy and
comfy Hotel Palomar. We were
instantly charmed by this wonderful
old building with elegant finishes
and artful interior décor. Without
exception, all of the staff members
that we interacted with were friendly,
warm, and helpful. A unique touch
was the loaner goldfish delivered to
our room in a globe aquarium.
We enjoyed the fruit-infused water
available 24/7 in the lobby. Other
features we appreciated include the
very comfortable pillow-top beds,
nice hot showers, and luxurious
toiletries with a light woodsy scent.
They offer an intriguing Mind Body
Spa that we didn’t have time to
explore. Even the valet parking
garage was thoughtfully furnished
with a sitting nook. Hotel Palomar
has a very convenient location in the
heart of the city.
This family and pet-friendly boutique
hotel is just steps from Moscone
Center, SFMOMA, Yerba Buena
Gardens, and multiple museums,
including Zeum: San Francisco
Children’s Museum, and staff can
recommend other nearby kid-
oriented activities and services.
Connecting rooms and suites give
everyone space (simply request
prior to arrival). Plus, the program
KimptonKids makes it easier for
families to travel by providing items
that are hard to pack, such as cribs,
play pens, highchairs, booster seats,
etc. Kids will be delighted to receive
welcome gifts and child-size robes
are available for loan or purchase.
In trbute to the 75th anniversary of
the Golden Gate Bridge in 2012, Hotel
Palomar created a new Golden Gate
Suite. From the moment guests
walk off the elevator onto the fifth
floor of the hotel and peek down the
hallway, they will catch a glimpse of
the Golden Gate Bridge tollbooth
blown up on the doors and walls of
suite 512. The eye-catching photo is
just the beginning of the experience
guests will discover during their
stay in the Golden Gate Suite. Upon
entering the suite, guests will see the
glowing and brilliant Golden Gate
Bridge across the bay windows of
the suite -- a printed opaque decal
that expands across the five bay
windows in the room.
Our next destination was the Hyatt
at Fisherman’s Wharf. Nob Hill,
Golden Gate Suite at the Hotel Palomar
Chinatown, Alcatraz and the Golden Regency San Francisco Airport on
Gate Bridge are just minutes from Bayshore Highway in Burlingame.
this hotel. You can stroll along This comfortable and convenient
Fisherman’s Wharf, explore Pier 39, hotel is a mere 15 minutes from
sample fare at Ghirardelli Square, or downtown San Francisco, or the
hop on a cable car (across the street technology corridor of Silicon Valley
from the hotel) and see famous - and only seven minutes from San
Lombard Street, or visit Union Square Francisco International Airport. It
and North Beach. The hotel features features a heated outdoor pool and
an outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi. whirlpool, bayside jogging and bike
We enjoyed the great locale, lemon path, and was recently updated
water in the lobby, inviting fitness with an emphasis on sustainable and
center, spacious rooms, wide halls, green practices.
comfy beds, and big flatscreen TVs.
Be sure to ask about the Explore
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Package periodically available at the
at 5 Embarcadero Center (our third Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Hyatt
hotel) offers wonderful views of the
bay, ferry, bridge, and waterfront,
easy access throughout downtown,
and family-friendly hospitality. We
enjoyed the spacious and spectacular
lobby, the 24-hour fitness center,
and the easy stroll to the Ferry Plaza
Farmers Market. Guests can walk
from Chinatown to Fisherman’s
Wharf and the historic Ferry
Building, shop in Union Square and
Embarcadero Center, or board cable
cars right outside the door. Bicycle
rentals, boating, sailing and tennis
are all available nearby.
Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf
We also checked out the stately Hyatt
 Travel

Hyatt Regency lobby

San Francisco, Hyatt at Fisherman’s

Wharf, and Hyatt Regency San
Francisco Airport, which currently
includes: two Muni passports good
for cable cars, buses, and Muni
underground; 15% food and beverage
discount at participating restaurants
for lunch and dinner, and a passport
book for children. Before your trip,
check out the online Muni-system
maps to begin planning your trip
around San Francisco.

For more information and links

to helpful resources, visit www.
sanfrancisco.com.