29 Aug 2014
WHAT'S NEW IN CALIFORNIA THIS FALL
Hotels news, restaurant openings, coming events and more
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - There is always something exciting happening in California. With many new and recently renovated hotels, fresh places to enjoy food and drinks, thrilling attractions and memorable anniversaries, California invites visitors to dream big this fall in the Golden State.
HOTEL UPDATES
Andaz Hotel's Upgraded Rooftop Lounge Complete
Location - San Diego, CA
Renovations are now complete at the Andaz San Diego's new rooftop lounge and meeting space, RoofTop600. New features include an ultramodern retractable roof and new cabana and rooftop lounge furnishings that complement the existing pool, multiple private cabanas and two full-service bars. At night, the space transforms into the city's largest rooftop social venue with seasonal craft cocktails and bottle service.
http://sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Awarded AAA Four Diamond Rating
Location - Oxnard, CA
The Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort located on the waterfront in Oxnard recently received the prestigious American Automobile Association (AAA) Four Diamond Rating. The AAA defines Four Diamond properties as upscale, refined and stylish with many amenities and “a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.” Only 5 percent of the more than 29,000 properties evaluated by AAA's professional inspectors achieve this distinction. The Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort contains 250 two-room suites set in a tranquil ocean location.
http://www.embassysuitesmandalay.com/
Hotel G Now Open in Union Square
Location - San Francisco, CA
Now open in Union Square, Hotel G brings a fresh, re-imagined perspective to the innovative San Francisco lodging scene. The new lifestyle hotel combines residential sophistication, a laid-back, authentic local vibe and tailor-made services in a central location. Comprised of 153 guest rooms on 13 floors, the hotel was originally built in 1908. Much of the property's recent transformation by Hun Aw Studio was about complementing the historic design and restoring original features. In addition, Hotel G has partnered with San Francisco-based Creativity Explored, a nonprofit arts center for developmentally disabled adults, to curate a diverse mix of abstract paintings, intricately detailed pen and ink drawings, colorful ceramics, folk textiles, digital prints, collages and mixed-media sculptures that adorn the guest rooms and lobby. All of the artwork is available for sale with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the artist. http://hotelgsanfrancisco.com/
Kimpton's The Goodland Hotel Now Open
Location - Goleta, CA
Now open in Santa Barbara County, the Kimpton-helmed The Goodland hotel is a 158-room property that features a variety of nostalgic Americana amenities including: a house car, vinyl LP concierge, curated art program, lobby photo booth, and Mexican Coca-Colas and Coronitas upon arrival. Under the direction of Executive Chef Derek Simcik, the hotel's main restaurant, Outpost at The Goodland, and the hotel's lobby bar, Good Bar, will feature menu items inspired by the diversity of the Southern California coast. In addition, the hotel's poolside service will include specialty crafted cocktails, buckets of beer and spiked aguas frescas. The Goodland will also feature a spa, movement studio and more than 4,500 square feet of indoor meeting space as well as pre-function space and an event lawn for weddings, musical performances and other social events.
https://www.kimptonhotels.com/stay/the-goodland-santa-barbara
North Palm Springs Experiencing Hotel Development
The Palm Springs Hotel offers a new twist on desert-modernist architecture, bold interior flair, and 21st century appointments like Apple TV – all evoking an unforgettable sense of storytelling and design. It's mid-century tradition infused with a new-century passion.
http://thepalmspringshotel.com/
Renovation Complete at the Hotel Santa Barbara
Location - Santa Barbara, CA
Upgrades at Hotel Santa Barbara are now complete, with all new guest rooms featuring classic custom furnishings and contemporary amenities, along with design details that pay homage to the boutique hotel's rich history. The renovations were orchestrated to create a stylish urban retreat within the city's bustling downtown, and the hotel now features free Wi-Fi throughout as well as a re-designed Mediterranean lobby area that serves breakfast each morning. http://www.hotelsantabarbara.com/
Renovations Nearly Complete at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Location - San Francisco, CA
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, expects to complete the renovation of the hotel's Grand Ballroom, conference rooms and board rooms by mid-September. Designed and implemented by Hirsch Bedner Associates and inspired by couture fashion, fine tailoring and the architecture of San Francisco, the re-imagined spaces will feature a modern twist to the classic feel and encompass more than 23,000 square feet. Once complete, the new space will be able to accommodate everything from a 750-person gala celebration to a private board meeting of 12.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SanFrancisco/Default.htm
Renovations Underway at the Ranch at Laguna Beach
Location - Laguna Beach, CA
Formerly the Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course, the Ranch at Laguna Beach is being completely renovated with a nostalgic, beach cottage design. The original 64 guest rooms set amidst the property's organic gardens and orchard have been expanded to 97 units, including nine studios, three massive suites, 20 1,125-square-foot cottages, and a separate, two-story home known as The Treehouse.
http://www.theranchatlagunabeach.com/
Sheraton Downtown Los Angeles Rejuvenation Project
Location - Los Angeles, CA
The Ratkovich Company, in partnership with National Real Estate Advisors and the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel, has announced a $45 million transformation of the hotel as part of the massive development of the Bloc mixed-use urban development. With expected completion in spring 2015, the hotel will be completely renovated with a modern design inspired by downtown Los Angeles' glamorous and elegant Art Deco architectural past. Led by award-winning New York City design company McCartan, the hotel's new guest rooms will feature rich color palettes, graphic patterns and clean lines resulting in a sophisticated and classic look.
http://www.sheratonlosangelesdowntown.com/
The Simpson House Inn Unveils Extensive Upgrades
Location - Santa Barbara, CA
Located in downtown Santa Barbara within an acre of English gardens, the Simpson House Inn has recently completed major renovations to its guest rooms, main house and reception area. The newly upgraded Inn offers 15 uniquely designed accommodations featuring an upscale British colonial design theme including five Garden Cottages and four Carriage Suites designed by Rrivre Davies that feature new furniture, paint, carpet, artwork, fixtures and equipment. Six Manor House Rooms are surrounded by a wrap-around veranda and open to a reception area with a living and dining room; they also boast new bedding and in-room sound systems. Built in 1874, Simpson House Inn has been honored with a Structure of Merit Award and a Historic Landmark status by the Santa Barbara Landmarks Commission for its architectural design. http://www.simpsonhouseinn.com/
Yosemite Lodge at the Falls Completes Extensive Eco-Friendly Renovation
Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, operated by Delaware North Companies (DNC) Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., recently completed a $10 million dollar multi-phase renovation of the hotel's guest rooms and lobby. Highlighting eco-friendly updates, renovations to all 245 guest rooms include: low or zero VOC paints; new carpet and tiles made from recyclable materials; renewable wood furniture made from U.S.-based Old Hickory Furniture Company; eco-friendly refillable amenity dispensers; water-efficient bathroom fixtures; and energy-efficient flat-screen televisions. Additionally, all former guest bathroom fixtures were donated to Habitat for Humanity. Situated near the base of Yosemite Falls, this iconic Yosemite property is open and accepting reservations.
http://www.yosemitepark.com/Yosemite-Lodge.aspx
New Day Club Opens in Palm Springs and Coachella
Location – Palm Springs, CA
The Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club is a new concept to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. This new day club offers a pool that is open to the public with no swim club fee or additional admission charge to use the pool, except when ticketed events are taking place. Visitors and residents can join in daytime activities of lounging in the pool, listening to top entertainment acts programmed by Goldenvoice, or enjoying the restaurant's regional Mexican cuisine menu and three bars.
http://www.haciendacantina.com/
WINE & FOOD UPDATES
Jack's Oyster Bar & Fish House Coming to the Oakland Waterfront
Location - Oakland, CA
Chef/owner Rick Hackett of Jack London Square's Pan-American restaurant, Bocanova, will be opening Jack's Oyster Bar & Fish House just in time for fall 2014. Located on the waterfront in a contemporary-coastal space, the frequently changing menu features local, seasonally inspired dishes with a focus on sustainable seafood. Offerings include lobster rolls, innovative chowder, ceviche and crudo, whole fish of the day, and non-traditional fish and chips, as well as an impressive raw bar. The beverage program highlights cocktails made with white spirits, Northern California beer and wine, and a wide selection of sparkling wines and Champagne available by the glass and bottle. A central marble raw bar, high ceilings and hand-painted, water-themed murals by local artists are just a few of the design elements featured at the restaurant.
http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/
Oakland's Jack London Square Welcomes plank Restaurant
Location - Oakland, CA
The latest addition to the expanding dining and entertainment options at Oakland's Jack London Square, plank is an energetic new restaurant, beer garden and entertainment destination located just steps from the picturesque waterfront setting of the Port of Oakland. With more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, plank features over 50 handcrafted local beers, 18 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling, and 40 flat-screen HDTVs for sports viewing, with a menu of fresh, diverse cuisine including char siu burritos and braised short ribs.
http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/plank-oakland/333375080152779
Odys & Penelope Coming to the La Brea District
Location - Los Angeles, CA
Chef/restaurateurs Quinn and Karen Hatfield, the culinary power couple behind the award-winning Hatfield's and popular neighborhood eatery Sycamore Kitchen, are opening Odys & Penelope this fall in Los Angeles' La Brea district. The inspiration and heart of the restaurant will be its wood-fired smoker and impressive open and churrasco grills. Using these elemental live-fire cooking methods, the restaurant will offer an eclectic menu of California fare consisting of locally sourced meats, fish and seasonal vegetables.
Olio Crudo Bar Now Open in Downtown Santa Barbara
Location - Santa Barbara, CA
Olio Crudo Bar is now open in downtown Santa Barbara featuring a sleek, modern design paired with down-to-earth, friendly service. The new restaurant and bar is the latest addition to Alberto and Elaine Morello's Olio group, which also includes Olio Pizzeria and Olio e Limone Ristorante. Menu highlights include crudo (raw) Italian seafood and meats, as well as cotto (cooked) selections, all of which are highly ingredient-driven to showcase fresh, seasonal products.
http://www.olioelimone.com/olio-crudo-bar/
Santa Barbara Public Market Now Open
Location - Santa Barbara, CA
The LEED-certified Santa Barbara Public Market recently opened in the Alma del Pueblo mixed-use development in the heart of Santa Barbara to offer visitors handcrafted, regionally sourced and sustainably made food and wine with a focus on local farms and artisanal ingredients. Gourmet vendors include Crazy Good Bread Co., Empty Bowl Noodle Bar, Enjoy Cupcakes and others. The Market also offers a commissary kitchen that features programs such as cooking classes and winemaker dinners.
Sottomarino Winery Tasting Room Now Open on Treasure Island
Location - San Francisco, CA
An urban winery in San Francisco's Wine Country on Treasure Island, Sottomarino's new tasting room is housed in an original World War II submarine-like training vessel with extensive views of the San Francisco Bay waterfront and the Bay Bridge. Focused on all Italian varietals, the winery is currently releasing the following wines: 2013 pinot grigio, 2013 muscat canelli, 2013 primitivo and 2013 lagrein, with a sangiovese, dolcetto and super Tuscan blend scheduled for release later this year. The Sottomarino tasting room is open from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
http://sottomarinowinery.com/treasure-island
South Lake Tahoe Welcomes New Dining Options this fall
Location – South Lake Tahoe, CA
South Lake Tahoe's dining scene is bustling with the addition of several new restaurants schedule to be open this fall season. Azul Latin Kitchen, a new Mexican restaurant, will be joining Heavenly Village in late summer. Located in the heart of town, the Cold Water Brewery will open this fall and join the ranks of local favorites Blue Dog Pizza and Scusa Italian Ristorante. Meanwhile, the lakefront Beach Retreat & Lodge is currently undergoing renovations to remodel the lobby and add a new on-site restaurant. The property already owns and operates The Boathouse restaurant, which is walking distance from the property and boasts a prime location – it's the only place where you can dine on the pier. The Boathouse has recently revamped its menu to offer creative cocktails, a variety of hearty appetizers, seafood entrees and classic favorites.
Terrazza Restaurant Now Open at Hotel Casa del Mar
Location - Santa Monica, CA
Terrazza, the new seaside dining lounge from designer Michael S. Smith and Chef Sven Mede, recently opened inside the iconic Hotel Casa del Mar. The new café and lounge features two-story floor-to-ceiling windows and offers guests the opportunity to drink and dine while enjoying Terrazza's prime location along the Santa Monica coast. The restaurant offers an Italy-meets-California menu with dishes that include house made pastas and thin-crust pizzas alongside farmers market-inspired small plates and salads, fresh daily seafood dishes and more.
http://www.hotelcasadelmar.com/santa-monica-lounge
Three New Restaurants Debut in Laguna Beach
Location - Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach in now home to three new restaurants: Tortilla Republic, Driftwood Kitchen and Slapfish. Serving a modern take on Mexican comfort cuisine, Tortilla Republic's recipes feature farm fresh ingredients and organic products, and are free of lard and processed additives, with all sauces made in-house. Driftwood Kitchen is a new seafood restaurant and bar right on the Pacific Ocean that offers classic cocktails with an emphasis on bourbon and whiskey. Helmed by Executive Chefs Andrew Gruel and Jethro Naude, Slapfish elevates the fish shack experience with a focus on sustainability. Previous Slapfish locations have been featured on the Food Network.
http://www.slapfishrestaurant.com/
New Lifestyle Experiences for Visitors to Napa Valley
Location - Napa, CA
Verve Napa Valley Events and Destination Management Company has recently launched many new visitor experiences, including: Legends of Sabrage, Craft Beer Trail Tour, Yoga in the Vineyards and Tee Time. Legends of Sabrage offers hands-on instruction in the art of opening Champagne bottles with nothing but a saber, plus tricks-of-the-trade demonstrations, exclusive wine country knowledge, safety precautions and more. The Craft Beer Trail Tour introduces visitors to myriad handcrafted local beers, beer gardens, microbreweries and gastropubs in the Napa and Sonoma area. Yoga in the Vineyard is an hour-long session of vinyasa flow yoga held at local vineyards and picturesque private residences, taught by Yogi Annie Appleby of YogaForce with refreshments and healthy seasonal fare served during cool down. Tee Time is a guided tour by a PGA golf professional that offers access to exclusive members-only clubs and courses enabling visitors to mix and mingle behind the scenes at some of the region's finest historic golf hotspots.
http://www.vervenapavalley.com/
MAJOR ANNIVERSARIES
California Wine Month Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
Location - Throughout California
This September, California is celebrating the 10th anniversary of California Wine Month, a month-long celebration of festivals, events and demonstrations showcasing California's wine bounty. While California's wine harvest season occurs every fall, this September marks a decade of statewide collaboration, making this year the year to visit. Kicking off Labor Day weekend and running through September, winegrowers and winemakers are pulling out all the stops, offering visitors even more opportunities to explore California's vast wine country. From personalized wine making and bottling experiences to weekend-long wine-and-dine festivals and events, destinations up and down the Golden State are joining forces to offer visitors the “best of” wine experiences. California certainly knows its wine, boasting more than 3,500 wineries and accounting for roughly 43% of all wineries in the U.S. Whether visitors decide to CRUSH the weekend away or simply SAVOR the Central Coast like a native, California's immense wine scene is calling. So raise a glass – of California wine, of course – and plan your next wine-inspired getaway.
http://www.discovercaliforniawines.com/californiawinemonth/
Centennial Celebrations Continue at San Diego's Balboa Park
Location - San Diego, CA
As part of Balboa Park's 2015 Centennial Celebration, the San Diego Natural History Museum just announced the debut of three major exhibitions. The new exhibits kick off Oct. 11 with the debut of the “Discovery of King Tut” exhibition, which recreates Howard Carter's remarkable finding of the lost tomb of Tutankhamun. The second exhibit, “Coast to Cactus in Southern California,” opens Jan. 17, 2015, and will be an 8,000-square-foot permanent exhibition of the unique habitats of southern California. The last exhibit, “Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed,” opens June 12, 2015, and will explore the social, natural and spiritual realms of the ancient Maya through the eyes of both rulers and subjects.
The Exploratorium's Artist-in-Residence Program Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Location - San Francisco, CA
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Exploratorium's Artist-in-Residence program, the Exploratorium is collaborating with the San Francisco Public Library to present “Light Walk,” an investigation of the work of Robert Miller, from Oct. 29, 2014, through Feb. 5, 2015. An acclaimed artist, inventor, self-titled “natural philosopher” and expert on light and vision, Miller was the Exploratorium's first artist-in-residence in 1974 and the creator of many of the museum's most iconic exhibits. Drawn from the rich archives of the museum, “Light Walk” will feature a display of Miller's papers, letters, photographs and public programs, including guided light walks and film experiences.
EVENTS AND UPCOMING EXHIBITS
“@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz” Exhibit Coming This Fall
Location - San Francisco, CA
Alcatraz Island will feature “@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz” beginning Sept. 27 and run through April 26, 2015. The exhibit will feature a series of seven site-specific installations by the Chinese political activist and artist Ai Weiwei, offering a new cultural lens through which to experience the notorious military and federal penitentiary turned national park. Presented by the FOR-SITE Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the exhibition explores urgent questions about human rights and freedom of expression while responding to the potent and layered history of Alcatraz as a place of detainment and protest. The large-scale sculpture, sound and mixed-media works will be installed in the two-story New Industries Building, where privileged inmates were permitted to work; the main and psychiatric wards of the hospital; the A Block cells, the only remaining section of the military prison that was constructed in the early 20th century; and the dining hall. With the exception of the dining hall, these spaces are usually off-limits to visitors, but all will be open to the public throughout the run of the exhibition.
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
“China's Lost Civilization” at the Bowers Museum
Location - Santa Ana, CA
Starting Oct. 19, the Bowers Museum will feature “China's Lost Civilization,” an exhibition of 120 mysterious Sanxingdui bronze, jade and gold objects and statues from archeological sites near Chengdu, China, that were unearthed in 1929, 1986 and 2001. This exhibition is making its U.S. debut and will only be shown in one other domestic venue before returning to China. “China's Lost Civilization” was organized by the Sichuan Cultural Bureau in conjunction with the Bowers Museum and will run through March 15, 2015.
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive's New Home to Open in Early 2016 Location - Berkeley, CA
The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAM/PFA) is halfway towards completion of construction of a new building in downtown Berkeley, scheduled to open in early 2016. The building was designed by the award-winning architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, responsible for New York City's High Line elevated park; The Broad, a modern art museum currently under construction in downtown Los Angeles; and the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art. When completed, the museum will feature a collection of over 19,000 works of art, ranging from Neolithic Chinese ceramics to contemporary video, and a film archive containing over 16,000 films and videos, including the largest collection of Japanese cinema outside of Japan.
http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/
California's Great America Launches New Pavilion and 49ers Event
Location - Santa Clara, CA
Now open at California's Great America, the Great America Pavilion is an 18,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility that will host the Red Zone Rally pre-game event for San Francisco 49ers home games. On home game days, the Red Zone Rally will open three hours prior to kickoff with flat screen televisions, San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush cheerleaders and alumni, and an array of live entertainment, interactive activities and dining options. The Great America Pavilion is also available for corporate meetings, catered events, holiday parties and product launches. It can be utilized as a single facility or divided into three distinct areas, which include a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, complete audio and visual capabilities and high-end catering amenities.
https://www.cagreatamerica.com/what-s-new/ga-pavilion
The Exploratorium to Debut “Science of Sharing”
Location - San Francisco, CA
This October, the Exploratorium will debut “Science of Sharing,” a dynamic exhibit collection that explores the phenomena of human social interactions by giving guests the opportunity to collaborate as they play hacked versions of classic video games, explore shared values through words, and more. “Science of Sharing” will also include social experiments and activities to prompt investigation of cooperation, competition and collaborative problem-solving. http://www.exploratorium.edu/
ATTRACTION AND TOUR UPDATES
Early Morning with Pandas Tour at San Diego Zoo
Location - San Diego, CA
The San Diego Zoo is now offering Early Morning with Pandas, a new tour that allows guests to visit the giant panda viewing area before it officially opens for the day. The two-hour adventure includes the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Xiao Liwu, Bai Yun, and/or Gao Gao enjoying their breakfast and a tour around the zoo in a VIP cart with stops to visit other animals up close. Tours run from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday through Sunday and tickets are $80 per person. http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/
New TCM Movie Locations Tour in Hollywood
Location - Hollywood, CA
Starline Tours has recently launched a year-round TCM Movie Locations Tour in partnership with Turner Classic Movies. Based on a tour developed for TCM's 20th anniversary celebration, this new excursion brings movie history alive by pairing modern and classic film clips with visits to the locations where they were filmed. Some of the featured movies and locations include “Chinatown” in Echo Park, “Terminator” in the 2nd Street Tunnel, “Blade Runner” at the Bradbury Building and “Catch Me If You Can” at Union Station. Along the way, tour guides provide expert commentary and behind-the-scenes insight while passengers ride in a bus with a 65-inch HDTV for viewing movie clips.
Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park Now Open
Location - Richmond, CA
Befitting its place as one of the 10 most influential cities in the world during World War II, Richmond is now the home of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. The new park has special exhibits and programs that tell the story of the home front effort, especially the roles played by women and minorities, and explore what life was like during the war. Permanent exhibits include life-cast figures, films and videos, interpretive panels, and taped interviews with the women whose work and sacrifice inspired the Rosie the Riveter icon.
http://www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm
The Palm Springs Art Museum Unveils New Architecture and Design Center
Location – Palm Springs, CA
The Palm Springs Art Museum will open its new Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, in downtown Palm Springs on Nov. 9, 2014. The building will be the hub of the museum's exploration of architecture and design, and will house related exhibitions and educational and community programs, as well as research space and a storage area for the museum's growing architecture and design collections and archives. When completed, the A+D Center will be the country's first historic structure to be transformed into a free-standing architecture and design museum that is housed in a modern building.
New Model Train Museum in Oceanside
Location - Oceanside, CA
Oceanside's Heritage Park is now the home of the new Model Train Museum. The North County Model Railroad Society has partnered with the City of Oceanside to provide the public with a place to view and operate a unique model train exhibit. While the main exhibit is still under construction, families can visit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays to view and operate a “trains for kids” model.
http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Kayak Nature Tours Now Available in San Luis Obispo County
Location - Santa Margarita, CA
Zipline tour company Margarita Adventures is now offering guided kayak nature tours of San Luis Obispo County's Santa Margarita Lake Natural Area, which spans several thousand acres and is home to a variety of wildlife including eagles, hawks, herons, pelicans, deer and more. The four-hour, three-mile tours are designed to be vigorous yet relaxing excursions appropriate for all ages. The tours include kayaking instruction and a picnic lunch at the midway point. Tours are offered Friday through Sunday starting at 10 a.m. and cost $79 for adults and $59 for children 14 and younger.
http://www.margarita-adventures.com/
New Cross Country Ski Center Planned for 2014-15
After three years of planning, Tahoe Donner recently broke ground on a new $4.5 million cross country ski center scheduled to open this 2014-15 winter season. This new, expanded facility will be able to accommodate more people and is designed to meet the growing needs of the community. The new facility includes: energy efficient and environmentally conscious design; improved level of service for both winter and summer operations; improved usage for school teams, young children and educational programs; enhanced rental facility and new public locker room; improved parking lot design and protection of adjacent wetlands; improved food and beverage service; and an architectural vision that contributes to this mountain community. The vision for the new center is to create a traditional mountain lodge featuring timbers, stone and wood siding, but with modern amenities.
Trek Inn Marin Launches Unique Hiking Tours
Location - Mill Valley, CA
Now open in Mill Valley, Trek Inn Marin offers hikers the opportunity to explore the best of the Marin coastal region by foot without the hassle of research, planning or on-trail coordination. The company curates five- to seven-day treks with expert naturalists and guides that include dining at favorite local eateries and accommodations at unique local inns throughout Marin County.
For more information on what's new in California this fall visit:
http://media.visitcalifornia.com/Story-Development/Whats-New/
Visit California (formerly known as the California Travel & Tourism Commission) is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with the state's travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to Visit California, travel and tourism expenditures totaled $109.6 billion in 2013 in California, supporting jobs for 965,800 Californians and generating $7.1 billion in state and local tax revenues.
For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to www.visitcalifornia.com.
For story ideas, media information, downloadable images and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com.
