California – Nevada Roundup August 2013
Our guest post and monthly column comes from Howard Hian who was recently awarded a Gold Medal/First Place Award from the North American Travel Journalists Association’s annual international writing contest.
California: San Diego – The 40th Anniversary Fan Favorite IMAX® Film Festival runs through September 5th. in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. Here’s the lineup: Beginning August 1 – Mysteries of Egypt; August 9 – Everest; August 16 – Coral Reef Adventure; August 23 – Lewis & Clark and August 30 – Grand Canyon. There’s even more at the Fleet; over 100 interactive permanent and traveling science exhibits can be found in eight galleries. Drop into their gift shop; it features unique and interesting games and toys. For information regarding tickets, show times and special events, call 1-619-238-1233 or visit their website at www.rhfleet.org.
La Jolla – Concerts by the Sea, www.ljconcertsbythessea.org, celebrates its 30th. annual season this summer. Each Sunday, from 2 – 4 PM, at ScrippsPark overlooking the Cove, this free, family friendly event features a wide range of music. The August calendar starts with big band sounds, followed by Zydeco, then rock & roll and finally the sounds of the 80’s. The final concert, a swing band, performs September 1. It’s great fun and this year they’ve added food trucks, including one of my favorites from Chef Deborah Scott, Chop Soo-ey.
Del Mar – Race season is in full swing “Where the surf meets the turf.” It’s been the social event of the summer since Bing Crosby first welcomed guests in 1937. There are 37 action filled days, with the final race September 4th. The largest purse, the million dollar TVG Pacific Classic, is on August 25th. An estimated 650,000 people will visit the track this year. Call 1-858-775-1141 for the stakes schedule, post times, daily results, etc., or logon to www.dmtc.com.
Nevada: Las Vegas – Lots going on at the MGM Grand. They’ve recently completed a remodel of all 4,000 plus rooms and suites with a renewed commitment to the environment, including LED lighting, upgraded temperature controls, solar shades and, in the bathrooms, upgraded showers and 100 percent biodegradable toiletries. They’ve also dedicated an entire wing in the Main Tower to 42 STAY WELL rooms and suites, a first for the Strip. Those accommodations include aromatherapy, special lighting, vitamin c-infused water in the shower, enhanced filtration and air purification systems, EMF protection, an in-room Wellness Channel, access to the Cleveland Clinic’s wellness software and VIP check-in. The resort also offers a new Wi-Fi system with 30% faster connectivity. For information, specials and reservations go to www.mgmgrand.com or call 1-877-880-0880.
Safe travels and enjoy the journey…
Howard Hian
Thanks to the various websites for information, photos, etc.