Thursday, May 17, 2012

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Get the best of both worlds… A trip to the gorgeous Colorado River and a glamorous weekend in a small-town Vegas-style community called Laughlin. Located next to the Colorado River, this desert town in Nevada is anything but dull and only a 5-hour drive from San Diego. The casinos, hotels, and nightlife are western-themed and considerably less expensive in comparison to the luxurious and pricey Las Vegas. Treat yourself to a little weekend vacation and relax on the river, do some gambling, or just lounge poolside at the hotels. Here are a few tips, attractions, and things to do when you’re in Laughlin:

Hotels and Casinos

Colorado Belle—This hotel has an old-fashioned all-American atmosphere that replicates a 19th century Mississippi paddle-wheel riverboat! Located in the strip of casinos on Casino Drive, the Colorado Belle features a huge selection of games and slots, a wide variety of different cuisines, a brewery/sports bar called Pints, a laid-back environment, direct views looking out on the Colorado River, and elegant evening shows. What more could one ask for!

Golden Nugget—Further down the casino strip is the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. Complete with a variety of restaurants, casino, nightclub, lounge, and pool with poolside assistance, the Golden Nugget is like staying in luxurious hotel accommodations at half the price. This hotel features more of a younger appeal as its nightclub is the hottest on the Colorado River! Be prepared for some late nights and early mornings if you plan on staying at the Golden Nugget.

Pioneer Hotel & Gamblin’ Hall—Take a walk on the wild side at Pioneer Hotel & Gamblin’ Hall! Well-known for its charming, old west atmosphere and décor, staying at the Pioneer is comforting and enjoyable with friendly staff, down-to-earth fun, and 24-hour restaurants, casino, and bars. Enjoy the boutique-style rooms with full access to the pool, Jacuzzi and beach at any time! Rooms are as cheap as $25/night so book now and save a lot!

Colorado River Attractions

Riverwalk—The Colorado Riverwalk is connected to the Colorado Belle hotel and casino and offers visitors a nice stroll along the Colorado River, covering the length of Laughlin’s signature strip. Enjoy the river without having to get wet. The Riverwalk connects to the casino as a way to enter or exit the walking path. On the riverwalk, you’ll be close to all the water activity the Colorado River experiences during its summer and fall season.

Boating, Jet Skiing, Fishing, and Swimming—The Colorado River is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you want to rent a boat, jet skis, canoes, or kayaks, all are offered by the many different rental companies available at various Laughlin Hotels or booths can be found along the Riverwalk. Watercraft Adventures rents watercrafts and jet boats at a few hotels on the strip. Boats, jet skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and water trampolines are available to rent at Invert Sports. Deals may be provided through your hotel so make sure you check to see that you have found the most satisfactory price. River water fun is a huge part of Laughlin’s township so jump in and make a splash in the gorgeous Colorado River.

Must-See Tours and Things To Do

Grapevine Canyon—Located only 10 minutes away from Laughlin, Grapevine Canyon offers hikers a 4-mile adventure (round-trip) to explore the desert’s beauty, gorgeous waterfalls, and petroglyphs dating back 1,000 years. These Native American drawings have been debated to be the first ancient petroglyphs that existed on Earth and are sought by many hikers and history buffs from around the world. The waterfalls are beautiful and the petroglyphs are a once-in-a-lifetime experience… Take a trip to this historic canyon and see one of nature’s well-preserved, ancient sanctuaries.

Laughlin Adventure Tours—Voted Nevada’s Best Tour Company of 2010, Laughlin Adventure Tours has oodles of day trips accessible to visitors. The Guided Desert Tour Company, located in Harrah’s and the Golden Nugget, offer tours of Hoover Dam, historic Route 66, a mining town called Oatman, Keepers of the Wild Animal Sanctuary, Grand Canyon Caverns, and many more nature tours! With all these special tours available to you, you will never be without things to do in Laughlin. Check their website for a full description of each tour.

Laughlin is an affordable getaway that is simply perfect for any San Diego resident. Your possibilities are endless in this small-town Vegas, wild-west community!

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Everyone loves to have a beach day. Surfing, swimming, bodysurfing, sun bathing, and relaxing are all favorites among beach bums but why not escape the usual beach scene of San Diego and go north… way north. Still on the cusp of San Diego County, San Onofre State Beach is situated south of Camp Pendleton’s Marine Corps Reserve and is the home of San Diego County’s most well-preserved beach. If you want to see a historical view of how beaches naturally looked 100 years ago, San Onofre is the place for you.

 Explore the wind-carved sandstone bluffs, beach vegetation, and tidal wetland frequently visited by wildlife such as birds and deer. The natural terrain of San Onofre creates different beach areas that are great surf spots and wonderful camp sites. Year round camping is available at San Mateo Campgrounds with great restroom facilities and a comfortable atmosphere.

The main differences of the beach areas lie within Lower Trestles, Old Man’s, and the Trail. Each is unique in its own way and popular for a multitude for reasons. Lower Trestles is notorious for its world famous surf breaks and is sought after by pro-surfers who perfect their performance surf nearly every day. Lower Trestles, located on the south side of the San Mateo creek river mouth, is more popular among teenagers and locals as tourists are not comfortable trying to surf their first waves here.

Old Man’s is more of a tourist attraction due to its easy accessibility and long, sandy beach. Locals are convinced that the water is actually warmer at Old Man’s since its location is slightly north of the nuclear plant nearby and the water is used to cool down the machines at the plant… but don’t worry; the water is definitely not radioactive! Like Lower Trestles, Old Man’s AKA San Onofre Surfing Beach, is a great surf location with softer waves to attract the beginners and old-timers alike. Long-boarders usually come here if they plan on getting in the water in San Onofre. Old Man’s is also known to be one of the first beaches to start the sport now called surfing… imagine that! Now if that’s not a reason to see the historical San Onofre beaches, I don’t know what is.

The other section that completes San Onofre’s Beach consists of three miles stretching from San Onofre’s sand bluffs to the Nuclear Plant. This stretch is used for camping and has six different trails that can take you down to unique beach spots and rock reefs. Life guards and park rangers do patrol all the areas but any water activity is at your own risk since life guard stands are non-existent here. Be safe and enjoy a fun beach camping vacation to San Onofre State Beach!

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Catalina Island: Mini Vacation Destination

July 7, 2011
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Santa Catalina Island is located 20 miles off the coast of California and is viewed by many as a great weekend getaway. If you plan on taking a vacation but can’t go too far, Catalina Island is the place for you! Whether you want to be adventurous or just explore a new town, there is [...]

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How to Entertain an Overnight Guest

April 21, 2011
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With holidays and vacation time coming soon, it may be useful to know how to make your guests comfortable and entertained during their stay. Here are a few tips to make your guests feel welcome at your home and have a great time. • The first thing

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