Saturday, January 14, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Long Beach

Here is one of the largest ports in the world.
 Many people are attracted to Long Beach everyday.




I would like to share some of the hidden hot spots here.
This is my favorite little museum.
 
"Long Beach Museum of Art" is right in front of the pacific ocean and overlooks the Long Beach Harbor.
Every thursday and friday evening it is free admission to the public.

"Long Beach Museum of Art"
2300 E. Ocean  Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562)439-2119

There is a cute restaurant at the museum that is in the Historic Anderson House with an amazing ocean view patio.


2300 E. Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562)439-2119






Long Beach has many famous restaurants. Among them let me suggest "La Creperie Cafe" in Belmont Shore.

Belmont Shore is a fashion and gourmet area around 2nd street. It is fun to check out the Long Beach style from an open cafe.

La Creperie Cafe is one of the cutest French restaurants and serves yummy crepes.




4911 E. 2nd Street
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562)434-8499







Another fashionable area in Long Beach is "Retro Row" which is around 4th street. This is where you can find Long Beach vintage fashion.

During the shopping you must try the famous hand cut steak fries at the Pike.






1836 E. 4th St
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562)437-4453











I was looking for the power spot to feel a perfect evening.




The lighthouse seems to be the spot especially when you realize you can be on the island.

The entrance was right behind the aquarium, I've been having the aquarium membership for years but I've never realized there is the most gorgeous park behind there with free parking.







From here you can see Long Beach Harbor for 360 degrees.
"Shoreline Aquatic Park"
Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562)570-3100
http://www.longbeach.gov/park/parks_and_open_spaces/parks/shoreline_aquatic_park.asp


One of the highlights of the view is the Queen Mary. This is the best spot to see the ship from the other side.

The Queen Mary became a hotel, restaurants and a museum now.


"The Queen Mary"
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877)342-0742









If you want to see the whole city of Long Beach, this is the spot.



Hilltop park is another local power spot to get great energy. 

"Hilltop Park"
2351 Dawson Ave
Signal Hill, CA 90755
(562)989-7330






Monday, January 2, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Lake Arrowhead

To welcome in the new year, I choose to stay at Lake Arrowhead.
About 1.5 hours driving from LAX there is a beautiful snowy lake.

The day was very warm like 70 degrees but there was still a little snow around the lake.



The drive to the lake was clear and it had a gorgeous view.








I stayed at a fantastic lodge "Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa" for 2 nights.
This is dog and kid friendly hotel! 

There is a comfortable game room that includes air hockey, foosball and wii games all free!



The resort has 2 outside jacuzzis with a lake view. It is nice to have a hot tub in the winter season!



27984 Hwy 189
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
(909)336-1511


I had a fancy breakfast at "BIN189" in the hotel.


My Norwegian smoked salmon was delicious and our server was very professional.
at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
(909)337-4189



My biggest purpose here was snowboarding at "Snow Valley Mountain Resort" which is about 25 minutes driving from the lake.
I was here for December 31 and there wasn't any crowd. I could practice at the park without rushing and there was no wait for the lift.
It was a perfect hot day to enjoy a beer in a snowy paradise.

35100 State Highway 18
Running Springs, CA 92382
(909)867-2751




Right next to the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, there is Lake Arrowhead Village that has about 10 restaurants, a large supermarket, and many gift stores.

The holiday time at the village has pretty lighting and is very romantic with a bunch of stars in the sky.


I wanted to have a warm delicious dinner on this cold winter night so I chose "California Thai Cuisine".

I loved their coconut soup and pineapple fried rice.

28200 Hwy 189 Ste R210
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92321
(909)337-0111



The first day of 2012 was more beautiful than ever.




Steller's Jay came by to say "Happy new year".

The lakeside houses were very pretty and huge. I understand why Lake Arrowhead is a Hollywood celebrities's hide out.
I 'm feeling great to start a new year here.