So this year, rather than rushing to get that perfect reservation, consider planning a little road trip down the California coast, complete with romantic playlists for your MP3 (the modern mix tape) and stops that include rose petals on the bed and chilled champagne.  Here are a few tips to plan a trip your honey is sure to love.

At this time of year you’ll definitely want to avoid the cold and stormy northern roads, so fun in the sun on California’s southern coastline is a great way to go, and a cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway (1) starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego is just the ticket for a relaxing and romantic road trip.

Start your adventure in San Francisco by renting a convertible.  Does it get any better than touring the coast with the top down?  Then pick up some sourdough bread and a few chocolates in Ghirardelli Square and take a punt out on the pond at the Exploratorium.  Spend a leisurely day picnicking at Golden Gate Park, riding the trolley, sampling fresh fortune cookies at Golden Gate Fortune Cookies in China Town (try the almond cookies, too), and then spend the night in Union Square (where a bevy of inexpensive establishments look down on the bustling titular square).

In the morning, head around the corner for some amazing breakfast at Dottie’s True Blue Café; the lines get long later in the morning, so go early!  Then hit the road, stopping in Monterey for a stretch and a snack at vegan-friendly Café Lumiere (try the Chai) before continuing on to the quaint town of Cambria for a stay at El Colibri Hotel and Spa (set up spa appointments ahead of time if possible).  You’re just a few miles from the historic Hearst Castle, so spend the day taking tours to see how old Hollywood lived and played (paper-man Hearst was famous for his exclusive parties).  Then tour the town on foot (it’s just a couple of blocks) stopping at kitschy antique stores and art galleries galore.  Finish off the evening with dinner at the Black Cat Bistro (reservations advisable) – the Rabbit Liver Pate is a must, and ask for a local wine pairing from one of the many area vineyards.

The next morning you’ll continue south, with a stop for lunch at Nobu in Malibu for some world-famous sushi (and practically guaranteed celebrity sightings).  Or if you like your seafood cooked, try Paradise Cove Beach Café for some tasty fried calamari and tables on the sand.   Continue on to Venice Beach for some fun and funky shopping on the boardwalk and a stay at the Venice Breeze Suites, an ocean-side hotel that has swanky, modern rooms with amazing ocean views (starting at $265/night).

Wake up to some Intelligentsia (coffee, that is…the locals swear by it) and you’re off on the last leg of your journey (San Diego, here you come!).  A couple of days in “America’s Finest City” simply won’t be enough to catch everything, but if you want to hit the highlights try a tour of Balboa Park (thanks to sunny weather you might even see a few roses), hit the San Diego Zoo (peacocks greet you at the entrance and it only gets better from there), hit the trendy shops at the Wharf, and head to the Gaslamp District in the evening for some fantastic food and drinks.  And don’t forget to book a boat tour – dolphins and whales are prevalent at this time of year and a little hand-holding while you listen to a whale song will make for the perfect finish to this indelible romantic road trip.

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About The Author:  Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Used GMC Engines where GMC engines are shipped nationwide every day
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Aulani Resort, Oahu, Hawaii
Disney Does Hawaii – The much anticipated Aulani Resort on the island of Oahu opened this past fall.  The expansive resort executed in subtle earth tones (not the usual Disney primary colors) takes center stage along a calm half-moon bay in Ko Olina, a quiet community approximately 1/2 hour from Waikiki. Highrise towers offering impressive views and comfortable accommodations sit on either side of Waikolohe Valley, the heart of the resort.

Waikolohe Valley has a rambling water park with pools, shallows, and water slides. Float through the resort in the Waikolohe Stream, and snorkel in Rainbow Reef a mini aquarium filled with tropical fish.  Keep a keen eye open for Aunty and Uncle, Disney characters that have been developed exclusively for this resort.  Aunty’s Beach House is where kids gather to learn Hawaiian culture, hear stories of the islands and learn local crafts.  This is a five-star resort designed for adults with children in mind.

Inn At The Presidio, San Francisco, California
It’s not often that a US National Park gets a new hotel, but 2012 will see Inn At The Presidio in San Francisco become the first and only hotel within the Presidio, an urban National Park at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.  The 1,492 acres that make up the Presidio were established in 1776 by Spain as their furthest outpost in North America.  The Presidio is the site of the oldest military post in the United States.   Pershing Hall, the former officer’s quarters, are being converted to a grand inn set to open on April 1, 2012.

The 22 room inn will feature historic memorabilia and amenities appropriate for “top brass”.  The grounds within the national park will serve as a hidden getaway for guests with miles of walking trails and magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.  Sit for a bit in a front porch rocking chair, enjoy a blazing fire by the fire pit, or play a round of golf.  Inn At The Presidio is within walking distance of the San Francisco marina district and other popular downtown attractions.

The Fishing Lodge, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
While most Dominican Republic resorts vie for plane-loads of mid-market vacationers,  The Fishing Lodge, at Cap Cana attracts guests seeking a more secluded and pampered vacation experience.  The recently opened ultra-luxe 5 star resort features 298 Mediterranean-styled villas circling the largest inland marina in the Caribbean.  Low-rise docks and private infinity swimming pools are unique highlights to many of the villas, as well as beautifully crafted Dominican inspired furnishings.

Villas at The Fishing Lodge can be reserved on an a la carte or all-inclusive basis and vary in size from executive to 3 bedroom.  The resort which enjoys a dramatic waterfront setting, has amenities including a rustic Dominican stone chapel, secluded beach reached by water craft, boutique shopping along Maine Street and nearby famed Jack Nichlaus Punta Espada Golf Club.   Spring and summer brings a number of celebrated sports fishing tournaments attracted by the local world renowned Billfishing waters.  This is a resort where bathing beauties and sportsmen will feel right at home.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago
The island of Tobago located deep in the Caribbean is emerging as a destination to be discovered by adventurous tropical vacationers.  Recently the island saw the opening its first new hotel project in a decade.  The colonial style Magdalena Grand Beach Resort boasting 178 all ocean-front rooms and suites, is set on a sprawling former sugar plantation. Large terraces and balconies overlook a secluded  beach 2 1/2 mile beach.  The resort features 3 pools, 5 dining options, an English pub and piano bar, dive center and acres of nature trails.  Tobago itself has the oldest forest preserve in the Hemisphere, and is lush with virgin rain forests, waterfalls, pristine beaches, picturesque boating grounds and offers many opportunities for eco-adventuring.

Emakoko Lodge, Nairobi
Africa luxury camps and lodge specialists, Bush and Beyond, are introducing a new Safari Lodge that sits at the border of Nairobi National Park in Kenya.  The Emakoko Lodge sits on the banks of the picturesque Mbagathi River amidst 15 acres at the edge of Nairobi National park.  It has long been a problem for vacationers arriving by plane in Kenya to access prime safari territory without enduring harrowing transfers through Nairobi.  Emakoko Lodge solves the problem with it’s location just 20 minutes from the Nairobi airport, with the river creating a natural divide between city and park. Visitors to the Nairobi National Park can expect to see lions, zebra, hippos, rhinos, and giraffe, as the region has become home to a huge number of wildlife species.

Photo Credits: #1-TheDisneyBlog.com, #2- Artwork by Art Zendarski, #3 – Grand Resorts at Cap Cana, #4 – Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, #5 – Emakoko Lodge

January
1/09- 1/15   Washington DC Restaurant Week
1/12 – 1/22   South Carolina Restaurant Week
1/15 – 1/22   Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
1/15 – 1/31    San Francisco Restaurant Week
1/15 – 1/22    San Diego Restaurant Week
1/15 – 1/20    Ann Arbor Restaurant Week
1/15 – 1/28   Providence Restaurant Week
1/16 – 2/10     New York Restaurant Week
1/20 – 2/5     Vancouver Restaurant Week
1/20 – 1/29   Baltimore Restaurant Week
1/20 – 1/29   Newport Beach Restaurant Week
1/22 – 1/29  Amelia Island Restaurant Week
1/22 – 1/27 & 1/29 – 2/3  Los Angeles Restaurant Week
1/22 – 1/27   & 1/20 – 2/3  Philadelphia Restaurant Week
1/27- 2/5   Savannah Restaurant Week
1/28 – 2/10   Toronto Restaurant Week

February
2/12 – 2/15    Newark Restaurant Week
2/15 – 2/21    Annapolis Restaurant Week
2/17 - 2/28   Chicago Restaurant Week
2/25 – 3/9    Denver Restaurant Week
2/27 – 3/4   Sonoma County Restaurant Week

March
3/1 – 3/10     Maine Restaurant Week
3/4-3/11      Santa Fe Restaurant Week
3/6 – 3/13     Santa Fe Restaurant Week
3/18 – 3/23 & 3/25 – 3/30     Boston Restaurant Week
3/18-3/25    Albuquerque Restaurant Week
3/25 – 4/1     Taos Restaurant Week

Here are a few inn to inn tours offering up holiday cheer this season:

 15^th Annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie and Candy Tour – White Mountains of New Hampshire
Enjoy the sweetness of the holiday season in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on the 15^th Annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie and Candy Tour. From December 10 – 11 you can make your through a candy land of cookies and other treats while admiring the inns’ festive décor. Recipe cards are available along with the Best of 15 Years Cookie Tour Cookbook. Participating BnBFinder inns include:

Darby Field Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/DarbyField)
Riverbend Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/RiverbendInn)
Brass Heart Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/BrassHeart)
Covered Bridge House (www.BnBFinder.com/CoveredBridge)
Inn at Ellis River (www.BnBFinder.com/InnatEllisRiver)
Eastman Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/Eastman)
Old Red Inn & Cottages (www.BnBFinder.com/OldRedInn)
Wildflowers Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/WildflowersInn)

5^th Annual Sweet Treats Tour – Eureka Springs, AR
If you can’t make it to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, how about enjoying some holiday cheer on a getaway to a quaint Victorian town surrounded by the Ozark Mountains instead? The Bed and Breakfast Inns of Eureka Springs located in Arkansas is hosting the 5^th Annual Sweet Treats Tour on December 10^th. You’ll get to make your own way along the cookie-covered paths connecting inn to festively-dressed inn. That’s not all. While on the tour, you can enter to win a $100 gift certificate towards a future stay at one of the inns. Participating BnBFinder inns include:

1884 Bridgeford House B&B (www.BnBFinder.com/BridgefordHouse)
Heartstone Inn and Cottages (www.BnBFinder.com/Heartstone)
Main Street Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/MainStreet)
5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/5Ojo)
Rock Cottage Gardens B&B (www.BnBFinder.com/RockCottageGardens)
1908 Ridgeway House Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/1908Ridgeway)
1881 Crescent Cottage (www.BnBFinder.com/CrescentCottage)
Red Bud Manor (www.BnBFinder.com/RedBudManor)

Napa B&B Holiday Tour & Taste Event – Napa Valley, CA
It wouldn’t be the holidays in Napa Valley (or any day for that matter) without a tall-stemmed glass of wine. Pair it with a gourmet dish and some musical entertainment and you’ve got the Napa B&B Holiday Tour & Taste Event on December 3^rd. Local wineries and top chefs from the area combine to make this event a holiday extravaganza. Participating BnBFinder inns include:

Arbor Guest House (www.BnBFinder.com/Arbor)
Beazley House (www.BnBFinder.com/Beazley)
Candlelight Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/Candlelight)
Cedar Gables Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/CedarGables)
Churchill Manor (www.BnBFinder.com/Churchill)
Hennessey House (www.BnBFinder.com/HennesseyHouse)
Napa Old World Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/NapaOldWorld)

2^nd Annual Bed & Breakfast Holiday House Tour – Baltimore, MD
‘Tis the season for giving, and on the 2^nd Annual Bed & Breakfast Holiday House Tour in Baltimore, MD, you’ll do just that and much more. While making your merry way from inn to inn, you’ll not only sip-and-taste from a selection of food and wine offerings but you’ll also help support Moveable Feast, an organization that provides meals, weekly groceries and nutritional counseling to homebound people living with HIV/AIDS. All proceeds from the tour will benefit the organization. Participating BnBFinder inns include:

Celie’s Waterfront Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/Celies)
1840’s Carrollton Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/Carrollton)
Blue Door on Baltimore (www.BnBFinder.com/BlueDoor)

The holidays are a magical time filled with gifts, giving and sugary sweetness. And you can find all that, and then some, on an inn to inn holiday tour. Freshly baked goodies, gourmet meals paired with world-class varietals and Victorian homes gift wrapped in ribbons and bows all will be waiting for you along the sugar-coated cookie trail.

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Rich Rodriguez is the PR & Marketing Coordinator for BnBFinder.com, one of the world’s most comprehensive B&B directories. You can read more about B&Bs and travel at the BnBFinder blog. Follow along on Twitter at @BnBFinder and Facebook.
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Photo Credits: #1 Elizabeth Campbell Photography – Inn at Ellis River, #2 Covered Bridge House, #3 Alliance of Better BandBs

Book your winter vacation at a participating Rock Resorts property by November 20th, you’ll receive the coveted Epic Ski Pass for free.  The Epic Pass is valid for 7 days of skiing during the 2011/2012 ski season at 7 premier ski resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado as well as Heavenly and Northstar at Tahoe in California, and is valued at $519 each.  And while you will find lots of gorgeous Rock Resorts in the mountains, there are also inviting luxury resorts to choose from in the Caribbean.

Plan your beach vacation at the legendary Half Moon Resort in Rose Hall Jamaica.

Here are some specials worth gobbling up:

South Court Inn, Luray, VA:
If you book a 3 to 4 night stay and arrive on Wednesday evening or Thanksgiving day the South Court Inn will treat you to Thanksgiving dinner at Circa ’31, the main dining room at the restored historic Mimslyn Inn. The multi-course menu includes roast turkey with all the trimmings; you also can choose from a special roast beef or seafood menu.

And, at the South Court Inn, more really is merrier: For each room booked, you’ll receive a dinner gift certificate for two, tax and tips included.

The Addison on Amelia Island, Amelia Island, FL:
If your idea of a perfect Thanksgiving Day involves shorts, sandals and a walk on the beach before diving into dinner, you may want to think about visiting The Addison on Amelia Island. The big day begins with a delicious breakfast followed by a 2-hour narrated tour of Cumberland sound where you’ll observe wildlife and learn the history of Amelia and Cumberland Islands. After enjoying lunch, courtesy of the inn, you can grab one of their bikes and tour the Victorian neighborhoods or relax with a good book. Then, without any work on your part, the day ends with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner prepared by your innkeepers.

Gillum House, Shinnston, WV:
Thanksgiving is about remembering a period of history and the Gillum House is adding a historical touch to their Thanksgiving special. The staff will be outfitted in their best 18^th century garb while serving an exquisite dinner including homemade noodles and Gillum house rolls. You’ll even visit a log house built circa 1778 during your stay. Family group rates are available.

 Emerson Inn By The Sea - Rockport, MA
There’s nothing like the fresh sea air in a traditional New England setting to whip up an appetite and bring nostalgic memories of Thankgiving gatherings.  The Emerson Inn with its spectacular view of the Atlantic coastline celebrates the day with a lavish Thanksgiving Buffet that includes Roast Prime Rib, Grilled Salmon, Roast Turkey in their Grand Gafe that has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 5 years running.  Their Thanksgiving Package includes Thanksgiving Dinner for two on Nov. 24th, two night’s accommodation and deluxe continental breakfast each morning.  Packages are priced from $299 for two.  And after your fabulous dinner, there’s nothing better for a full tummy than a stroll beside the sea.

Arnold Black Bear Inn – Arnold, CA
Arnold Black Bear Inn is talking turkey – in a good way. Two nights (including Thanksgiving Thursday) is all it takes, and the inn will provide a traditional feast at no additional cost if you book two nights at the inn.

Thanksgiving tradition calls for much planning and preparation for the big day. It’s enough to make you want to pack up you bags and hit the road. With B&Bs providing fabulous Thanksgiving packages this year, why not grab a getaway? You can have your turkey and eat it, too.

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About Author:  Rich Rodriguez is the PR & Marketing Coordinator for BnBFinder.com, one of the world’s most comprehensive B&B directories. You can read more about B&Bs and travel at the BnBFinder blog. Follow along on Twitter at @BnBFinder and Facebook.
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• With Disney now boasting 4 cruise ships, the Mouse is definitely out and about!  Disney Cruise Line is bringing their cruise ships to new home ports all across the United States.  New itineraries are in place for Disney Cruise Line to sail from New York City to Disney World in Florida plus private islands in the Bahamas, as well a coastal New England journeys  to Atlantic Canada.  There will also be weekend getaway cruises from New York for 2 days at sea filled with Disney magic.  Disney Cruises will also depart from Galveston Texas on itineraries through the Western Caribbean.  Los Angeles will see a Disney ship sail away to Hawaii for a four island grand exploration.  And Seattle will host Disney sailings for journeys up to Alaska.  Finally, let’s not forget Europe!  What better way to introduce your kids to Rome, Barcelona and Cannes than with the Disney characters their guides!
• Disney Does Paradise! Hawaii is also welcoming a new Disney Hotel – the  Aulani Disney Resort and Spa is scheduled to open on August 29, 2011, and the reservation desks are open.  The resort will also be a much anticipated addition to the Disney Vacation Club offerings.  The Disney “Imagineers” have created a vacation property that ‘celebrates Hawaiian history, culture and artwork’.  And I’m sure they haven’t forgotten the fun!
• Disney has a pet project! Walt Disney World in Florida opened a new luxury pet care hotel last August where your pet can be pampered just like other guests.  Located by the Port Orleans, the Best Care Pet Care Resort offers your favorite dog or cat a luxurious stay.  Pets can visit for the day or check-in as an overnight guest.  There are water parks for them to play, kitty condos, orthopedic mattresses, cuddle-time and of course playgroups!

Looking for more guidance on planning your Disney visits?  Here are some great online resources:

• World of Walt
• WDW Info
• Mouse Savers
• All Ears
• Theme Park Insider

Here are three well respected companies that specialize in exciting and adventurous summer camp programs that your teens will remember for the rest of their lives.

Send your inquisitive teenager on an exciting expedition with top National Geographic Society scientists.  National Geographic Student Expeditions specializes in summer adventures for teens completing grades 9 through 12.  Nat Geo invites them to ‘Explore, Engage & Create’ with noted National Geographic photographers, writers and scientists.  Student Expeditions follow the footsteps of legendary explorers in exotic locations across the globe from the Galapagos Islands, to  New Zealand, Barcelona, Costa Rica and Yellowstone National Park, where students learn to view landscapes and cultures with new appreciation.  Programs are offered in varying lengths from 10-12 day workshops to 2 or 3 week in-depth expeditions.  Send your inquisitive teenager on an expedition Indiana Jones would have been excited to participate in. 

Last month as Clint and I were sitting in a sunny cafe in the seaport town of Fernandina Beach Florida, in strolled a merry group of seafaring buddies who turned out to be the Captain and crew of the Spirit of Massachusetts, a beautiful two masted schooner that serves as an ocean-going classroom for much of the year. The ship and crew were making their way northward along the east coast heading back to New England from a winter of sailing in Caribbean waters.  Captain Greg and First-Mate Matt filled us in about the wonderful sailing adventures available for middle and highschool students.  The Ocean Classroom Foundation offers one and two-week sailing adventures each summer aboard three traditional New England sailing Schooners, the Westward, the Harvey Gamage and the Spirit of Massachusetts. Aboard one of these proud sailing ships, seafaring campers explore coastal marine environments and learn “time-honored skills of sail handling, steering by compass, knots and splices and navigation”.  Just over 20 students make fast friends as they sail to protected marine environments such as the Studds-Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary to observe Humpback and Finback Whales in their summer feeding grounds.  If your son or daughter has always wanted to sail away into the sunset, here’s an adventure they won’t soon forget.

What kid wouldn’t love to have a summer adventure in California at Hollywood Stunt Camp, Secret Agent Camp, Rock Star Academy, Motorsports Camp or Acting Academy. All these adrenaline filled Hollywood centric camps and more are offered by Pali Adventures in the Lake Arrowhead area of California.  Pali Overnight Adventures offer 16 completely unique summer camps filled with extreme challenges that include 50+ activities for campers to choose from.  Kids aged 9 to 16 are invited to experience some of the most entertaining action adventures imaginable, all in the company of campers from over 17 countries.  They are sure to come home grinning from ear to ear!

Up & Away Ballooning, who has been thrilling travelers with soaring balloon ascents for over 17 years, will donate a portion of every accessible balloon flight to the International Wheelchair Foundation.  The new equipment as well as all of their pilots are fully F.A.A. certified.   The folks at Up & Away Ballooning pride themselves in offering an experience that is longer and more scenic than other balloon operators in the region and limited to their tours to fewer passengers per flight.  They have a number of hot air balloons in use and can accommodate groups of varying sizes.   Give them a call at 800-711-2998 or visit them online (Up-Away.com) with all your questions.

We’ve found a terrific website to help you “ski more and pay less” at Liftopia.com. A click around the Liftopia site will reveal substantial lift ticket discounts at ski resorts all across the USA and Canada.  We did a quick check and found discounts in the 30% range during February and March, and some over 50% off in April when the sun is high and everyone is in a party mood.  The site is easy to navigate, and you’ll be able to find great deals by location or date (or both).

Happy sussing!