The only place you can surf and snowboard in the same day...and still be wearing no shirt :)   Hypermountain /// California from HyperMountain on Vimeo.

With all of the talk going around about Richard Sherman as the Superbowl approaches, everybody seems to be obsessed with his levels of confidence. Richard Sherman actually grew up in Compton, one of the toughest parts of LA. Good for him growing up strong, pushing through, and becoming successful. California grown and now title holder bound, what do you think about Richard Sherman? Source: Fox Sports

It may not be on top of the list for many travelers who prefer better known cities, but at a closer look California’s capital is definitely a fun, relaxing landmark on the map of holiday destinations. Sacramento offers attractions for everybody: families will be thrilled to meet cheetahs and jaguars at the Zoo, all visitors, regardless of their age, will feel the magic of the most creative chocolate shops, a train tour along the river is bound to become a lifetime memory and the culinary experience is absolutely unique in America’s ‘farm-to-fork capital’. Check out top 5 activities for the best vacation ever.    

California State Railroad Museum: travel in old times’ luxury & style

The museum draws 500.000 people every year. Need we say more? Maybe just a few words about the impressive old steam trains exhibited here, the dining carwhere railroad china are displayed and the Pullman style sleeping car. And the best part is you can actually visit the inside of several of them. After you visit the Museum, a ride in El Dorado will make your experience complete. The 1920s observation lounge car will take you in a luxurious and scenic ride along the Sacramento River.  

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: step into Hansel and Gretel’s sweet cottage

           While it is famous for the great collection of old fashioned caramel apples, granny style we might add, the Chocolate Factory has a wide range of delightful sweets: truffles, chocolate coated fruits, fudge and so much more… Once you dip into this chocolate gold mine, you won’t know what to try first: Zebra Caramel Apples, Chocolate Pecan Fudge or maybe Dark Chocolate Covered Red Licorice? Don’t buy everything at once, just grab a snack each time you come to Old Sacramento.  

Old Sacramento: where it all began

It is a pleasure to walk on the picturesque waterfront, do some shopping at the quaint specialty stores and eat an ice cream while you enjoy the live music played during the weekends. If you are a history passionate, we recommend the interesting Old Sacramento Underground Tours. You will explore excavated foundations, learn that ‘the net of tunnels’ underneath the city is just a legend and how the city was elevated 10 feet in the late 1800’s.  

Crocker Art Museum: fall in love with Art at one of the first art museums in America

Some of the visitors enjoy the oil painting collection the most. Some say the African and Oceanic art collection is highly educative. Others are fascinated with the European art exhibits. But everybody agrees on one thing: the museum is the gem of Sacramento when it comes to art, history and culture.  

The Kitchen: is it a fabulous restaurant, a theater or a socializing place?

  The Kitchen is an interactive culinary experience, where you can choose from menus with fixed prices, set in ‘acts’ and using local and seasonal ingredients. Although the menus are predefined, modifications are made if you don’t want one dish or another. The show begins with the Chef presenting himself and the dishes. That is the precise moment when your mouth starts to water. Besides eating the best trout tartare and caviar paired fabulously by the restaurants sommeliers with great wines, you interact with your ‘neighbors’ in the restaurant’s patio. By the end of the evening you will have made new friends and tasted divine sushi and sashimi, creamed blueberry tart and many other culinary delights.    

It may not be on top of the list for many travelers who prefer better known cities, but at a closer look California’s capital is definitely a fun, relaxing landmark on the map of holiday destinations. Sacramento offers attractions for everybody: families will be thrilled to meet cheetahs and jaguars at the Zoo, all visitors, regardless of their age, will feel the magic of the most creative chocolate shops, a train tour along the river is bound to become a lifetime memory and the culinary experience is absolutely unique in America’s ‘farm-to-fork capital’. Check out top 5 activities for the best vacation ever.

   

Monterey Bay Aquarium: where sea otters and penguins become your best friends

Built at the ocean’s edge, the Aquarium is a sheer delight for visitors of all ages. Luna, the cutest sea otter you’ve ever seen, will impress youwith her story: she was once an orphan, but the Aquarium staff saved her and took care of her. Now she is happy and grateful. Don’tmiss the jelly fish, the sea lions, assist the open sea feeding of turtles, tuna, sharks and many others marine animals.

Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail: breathtaking views & friendly seals

 

Maybe you want to take a walk along the coast or ride the bike in the morning, feeling the ocean’s breeze in your hair. Or perhaps you would like to sit on a bench and admire the infinite ocean, go on a romantic picnic on one of the beautiful sandy beaches or have dinner at a restaurant next to the ocean. No matter which of these options you choose, you will enjoy every moment spent there.  

Wine Tasting Tour because Monterey County wines are a blast

If you want to go on a wine tasting trip, but don’t feel like driving from place to place, then the best thing to do is to buy tickets for a wine tasting tour. You will be picked up in the morning by a trolley which will take you to several wineries and tasting rooms. Usually, the price of a trip also includes a free bottle of wine and a meal with cheese and fruits that make the wine even tastier. But besides this, you’ll get to buy fabulous quality wines to enjoy later, at home. It is almost certain the wine tasting trip will start off with a group of quiet people and end with the same group, only louder, merrier and funnier.

 Beautiful Harbor Cruise: the icing on the cake

You can choose a classical boat or a glass-bottomed boat when you take the whale watching tour. Whichever you prefer, just grab sunscreen lotion, warm clothes, a hat, a camera and GO! You’ll understand what the fuss is all about before you go on the boat, when you meet people who take the tour the second or third time. If you are lucky, you’ll see dolphins, Orca, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, birds. But true magic will occur when the dolphins or the Humpback Whales calves feel like playing, jump out of water and flap around.  

Lopez Restaurante y Cantina if you are a true fan of fresh and spicy

The Mexican culinary legacy is a blessing for locals and tourists alike. Burritos topped with tomatillo sauce, chips and salsa, of course, super combo fajitas (chicken and shrimp) are just some of the amazing dishes you can order at Lopez Restaurante y Cantina. The food portions are really big and delicious, the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxing. And we have two more tips for a PERFECT experience: try the margaritas and the fried ice cream.   California’s capital city for almost 100 years under Mexican and Spanish flags, Monterey is now famous for dazzling coastline views, golf, shopping, its highly educational and entertaining aquarium, water sports and wonderful Mexican cuisine. Choose Monterey as your holiday destination and plan your trip so you make the most of it. You can find below some of the most interesting and fun things to do in Monterey.  

Have you been to Monterey? What was a special experience for you?

Try to imagine California without Walt Disney. A world without his magic, whimsy, and optimism. Walt Disney transformed the entertainment industry, into what we know today. He pioneered the fields of animation, and found new ways to teach, and educate. Here are 9 Walt Disney quotes to remind you what's important.