Not many people go driving through northern California.  There’s not a lot going on there and it’s pretty far from any major tourist destinations, but there are lots of great camping spots in the area, and some great roadside attractions if you ever find yourself passing through.  On our recent drive from Portland to Reno, my husband and I were rolling down lonely CA-139 when we saw signs for Petroglyph Point just south of Tulelake, California.

Petroglyph Point is a really stunning rock standing in the middle of a vast plain in Lava Beds National Monument.  The plain used to be covered by Tule Lake, and this rock was an island in the middle.  The water carved some fascinating patterns on this stone.

Ancient inhabitants of this region used to canoe out to the island and carve artwork into the rock.  No one today knows the true significance of the carvings, but historians are certain that it is artwork and not writing, because the tribes that lived in the area had no written alphabet.  The age of the rock art is not known for certain, though some researchers date it at up to several thousand years old.  Their best guess is that this art tells a story of some sort, but there’s little evidence to indicate what that story may be.  Perhaps it’s something about bugs.

Walking around this rock, you can see petroglyphs stretching out all along its base — some are higher than others, and while in some spots the glyphs are very faint, there are other points where the rock is very busy with carvings.

Petroglyph Point is a spot where you can really see ancient history — both in the carvings done by humans and the patterns left on the rock from the water.  Definitely worth a detour if you’re in the area.

Lagasse’s Stadium is a new theme restaurant at The Palazzo on the Las Vegas strip.  That’s Lagasse as in renowned celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, and Stadium as in where you go to watch sports.  This is the restaurant part of The Palazzo’s sports book, and it’s like no other sports book in Vegas.

Chef Emeril, a big sports fan, has been heavily involved with every aspect of this restaurant to ensure visitors an enjoyable dining, sports, and gaming experience.  The menu choices include stadium classics like nachos, burgers, and beer, but also steaks, seafood, fancy soups, salads, and sides, and delicious desserts.  It’s the selection and quality you’d expect from a world class chef, but the prices aren’t what you might guess.  Menu items start at $6, and lots of entrees are under $15.  Next week, Lagasse’s Stadium will introduce a new menu with expanded vegetarian options.

In here, even the worst seat (I couldn’t find a bad one) offers better views than 90% of the seats at any sports book in town.  Each table in the restaurant has at least one flatscreen television to itself, or you can sit in the super comfy stadium seats that face the big screen at the front of the restaurant.  You won’t have to fight over seats with your buddies, because you can all see whatever game you want to see from anywhere in the place.  You can place sports book bets while you eat, and with the PocketCasino gaming devices available here, you can place bets from the comfort of your own seat — and more bets than you ever imagined.  In a football game, for instance, you can place a bet on every down.  Lagasse’s Stadium is the only place on the strip that has PocketCasino.  You could say that Lagasse’s takes the sports book and kicks it up a notch!  (Couldn’t resist.)

In addition to stadium, table, and bar seating, Lagasse’s has a year-round patio, with heaters for when it gets chilly, and great views of the Treasure Island show across Las Vegas Blvd at night.  Then there are sky boxes — semi-private box seats at the top of the stadium — and luxury boxes — private rooms available for group rentals.  The luxury boxes accommodate groups of 5 to 50 people, and each is equipped with televisions, an iPod dock so you can play your own tunes, and a Wii console stocked with lots of games.  Fun fact: Vanna White uses luxury boxes 4 & 5 as her dressing room when she films Wheel of Fortune in Vegas.

Inside one of Vanna's dressing rooms

Lagasse’s Stadium is still a brand new addition to the Vegas restaurant scene, but it’s already become a favorite hangout for celebs and tourists alike.  If you want seats here for a big game, you’re going to need reservations.  For really big games, you’ll need reservations way in advance.  Call 702-607-2665 to reserve your spot at Lagasse’s Stadium.  This is a must for any sports fan.

Las Vegas is one of my favorite cities on the planet.  I guess you either love it or hate it, but I’m firmly in the love it! camp.  Because cards are kind of the thing in that city, and I’m kind of a card player, I get to go a lot, but this week is the first time in a long time I’m going to Sin City and NOT playing bridge 14 hours a day.

I’ll only be in town for five days, not quite enough time to sample every craps table, night club, performance, and wine bar on the strip, but I’m going to do my best!

Stay tuned for a week of updates from the Entertainment Capital of the World!

When that little groundhog told us we were in for a long winter, was anyone prepared for all the snow, snow, and more snow that’s been falling?  Everyone dreams of a white Christmas, but come mid-February, we’re back to dreaming of flowers blossoming, green trees, and warm rays of sunlight, right?  It might be a while before you see any of that at home, but it’s all waiting for you at Grand Cayman island in the Caribbean Sea.  The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is offering a special Stingray Splash vacation package with a complimentary fifth night at the luxury hotel.

The package includes accommodations at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, a trip for two to Stingray City, and a free fifth night of your vacation.  What is this Stingray City?  According to ocean explorer and preservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau, it is one of the best snorkeling sites in the world.  To get there, you’ll board the Intrepid motor yacht at the resort’s dock with a group of no more than 8 total visitors.  It’s a 15-minute boat ride to the shallow sandbar in Cayman’s North sound known as Stingray City.

In crystal clear, 3-foot-deep waters, guests can snorkel, play with and feed the gentle stingrays which are accustomed to human visitors.

When you’re not communing with friendly rays, there’s plenty more to enjoy at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman:  Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment family program, Blue Tip, a 9-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman, and of course all the fine dining options you’d expect at any Ritz-Carlton property.

The Stingray Splash package starts at $609 per night for the high season.  Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.

I never did outgrow water parks.  Offer me a day of swimming, sliding, and splashing, and I’m there.  I love adventure and speed and I don’t mind getting soaked, but even I am a little apprehensive about the AquaLoop, a new gravity defying water slide that takes riders on a roller coaster-style loop.

www.WhiteWaterWest.com

You enter the slide standing straight up on a trap door.  It drops out from under your feet and you plummet in a 40-foot free fall to gain speed entering the loop at 2.5 g’s and speeds of up to 40mph.

WhiteWater, the company that makes the AquaLoop, has sold over 20 of these slides worldwide, and thrill seekers at water parks in Europe and Asia are crazy about this crazy slide.  At least two American water parks will debut the AquaLoop in 2010 — Jay Peak Resort in Vermont and Noah’s Ark Water Park in Wisconsin hope to open their AquaLoop slides on Memorial Day weekend next year.

Do you have the guts to try a looping water slide?  What do you think — more awesome, or more terrifying?  Maybe the fact that it’s terrifying makes it more awesome!  Check out this video to see what it’s like to ride the AquaLoop:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44JieSKX464[/youtube]

Starting today, you can enter the lottery to get free tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington, DC.

The United States Marine Corps Band and several world famous performers will provide entertainment at the event, which takes place on the Ellipse just south of the White House in our nation’s capital.  President Obama will deliver a message of peace as the National Christmas Tree and 56 smaller trees, representing each of the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia, are illuminated for the first time this year.

The ticket lottery will distribute 2800 seated tickets and 7000 standing room tickets.  You can enter the lottery now through 11:59pm EST by visiting www.thenationaltree.org or calling (877) 444-6777.  Ticket winners will be notified by email or by phone and tickets will be mailed by November 15.  The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

It’s been a month now since I enjoyed an awa and cacao lomi wrap at the new Kapalua Spa in Maui, but if I close my eyes and meditate, I can still smell the soothing chocolate aroma that covered my body that morning.

Awa plant

The treatment began with an awa ceremony.  Pat, my therapist, explained that Hawaiians use awa, a plant that grows on the islands, as a way to relax at the end of a long day, or they may drink it together with others and then air and resolve conflicts.  The light intoxicant takes confrontation out of these kinds of exchanges.  Pat explained how he can share an awa drink with anyone, then they each speak honestly to one another with complete respect, and put any issues behind them.  What a nice idea.

Pat first presented me with a bowl of awa to drink.  It didn’t have much taste to it, just a slight grainy texture.  I immediately felt myself start to unwind.  I then presented a bowl to Pat, and then the treatment began.

I’d never had a wrap before and had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I was told that this was the signature treatment of the new Kapalua Spa — a truly Hawaiian experience — and that’s what I wanted.  Hawaiians could teach the rest of America a thing or two about how to relax.

Instead of regular massage oil, this treatment incorporates a mixture of various natural substances, primarily awa and cacao, but Pat also said there was some sandalwood and other ingredients as well.  It smelled like warm chocolate.  He massaged the solution into my skin, all over my body.  The grainy texture made it feel like I was getting my back scratched as well — one of the most pleasant sensations in the world, amplified by the incredible massage.  I was instantly relaxed, and for the duration of my treatment, I lingered at the edge of consciousness.

Awa and Cacao Lomi Wrap

Once the awa and cacao mixture was thoroughly massaged into my whole body, Pat began the wrap portion of the treatment.  He draped a series of warm blankets and towels over me until I was in a very thick cocoon.  He massaged my neck and scalp while the wrap worked its own magic, and I’m pretty sure that time stood still and the rest of the world ceased to exist for those few minutes.  Next, Pat unwrapped me and exited the room so I could rinse off and get back under clean sheets for more massage — the pampering just went on and on.  When my treatment was done, I couldn’t remember what stress felt like.

Enjoying the view from the Kapalua Spa lap pool. Photo by Johnny Jet (www.johnnyjet.com)

After my massage, I hung around the spa to enjoy the beautiful ocean-themed facilities.  I was in no condition to walk back to my room, anyhow.  After some time in the hot tub, I swam for a while in the gorgeous lap pool before reluctantly hanging up my robe and leaving.  A person could easily spend a whole day at the Kapalua Spa, without a moment of Hawaiian vacation wasted.  Start with a to-die-for breakfast smoothie at the spa’s juice bar, then head down to the brand new, state-of-the-art gym.  You’ll find every kind of cardio and weightlifting equipment you can imagine, and trainers there to help you make the most of your workout.  It’s the perfect way to get your juices flowing and prepare your body for the relaxation to come with your spa treatment.  Clean off with signature Kapalua bath and body products in the spa showers, and then hang out in the hot tub until your therapist comes to get you for your treatment.

The Kapalua Spa is a truly unique, authentic Hawaiian experience.  You’re not cooped up in some windowless room getting the same kind of massage you can get at your neighborhood spa.  Kapalua is all Hawaii, all the way — and Hawaiians know a thing or two about how to feel good.  Try one of Kapalua Spa’s traditional Hawaiian treatments next time you’re in Maui — and ask for Pat.

This year, summer skipped town like it was running from the law — suddenly it was gone without a trace.  That’s good news for winter sports enthusiasts, though — the snow has made a very early appearance this year, ushering in what promises to be a long and fun-filled ski season.

Thanks to a mean snowstorm in the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Mountain, California’s premier winter resort, will be opening for skiing and snowboarding this Friday, October 16th.  Opening day is a full four weeks ahead of schedule, and to celebrate the 2nd-earliest opening ever at Mammoth, all guests will ski and snowboard for free on the first day of the season.

Broadway Express will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily providing access to Broadway, Forest Trail, Mambo, St. Moritz, and Main Park with assorted rails and jibs.  More chairlifts and runs will be opened as soon as possible, as more winter weather reaches the resort.

Broadway's first grooming of the 2009-2010 season

In addition to free opening day skiing and snowboarding, the resort is also offering First Tracks lift and lodging packages for as low as $99 per person per night based on double occupancy.  Now through December 16th, stay two or more nights and receive one lift ticket per person, per night.  You’ll have four lodging options:  The Mammoth Mountain Inn, located at 9,000 feet, The Village Lodge, Mammoth’s home base and social center, Tamarack Lodge & Resort, an historic lakeside retreat with lodge rooms and cabins, and upscale townhomes and condos at Juniper Springs ski-in, ski-out resort.  There’s something for every taste — book soon for the best rates.

I love walking through Portland on a clear day, looking to the east, and seeing Mt. Hood standing guard over my city.  It’s a spectacular sight, and I never really give much thought to what’s going on beneath the surface of my favorite mountain.  On those same clear days, I can look to the northeast and see the flat top on a mountain that used to look a lot like Hood.  That flat-topped giant is a beautiful reminder of the blast that happened nearly 30 years ago.

I wasn’t around when the 1980 eruption happened, but I recently visited Mount St. Helens for the first time.  I went up for a day hike on a pretty mountain, but it turned into a really educational experience for me — the information available at the Johnston Ridge Observatory was really captivating.  I definitely recommend seeing this mountain in person, but as a preview, I’ll share some highlights from my visit.

My group and I started our day at the visitor center at Seaquest.  We asked the rangers where to go for the best hikes, and they directed us to the Johnston Ridge Observatory, closer to the mountain.  Driving to the observatory, I was really struck by the landscape.  You can see very clearly where the largest landslides carved out a canyon that extends many miles from where the eruption began.  The eruption wiped out most of the old growth forest around the mountain, and today the drive up takes you through a beautiful young forest comprised almost entirely of young noble fir trees.  Their branches are practically perfectly parallel, making the forest look almost computer generated, but at the same time totally natural.  It’s a beautiful view, unlike any other landscape I’ve ever seen.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory offers a ranger talk every hour and an informational video every half hour.  We checked out both and I absolutely recommend them.  Some of the things the ranger told us blew my mind.  For instance, Mount St. Helens is already well on her way to rebuilding herself.  There’s constant seismic activity inside the crater, and she showed us photographs that illustrated just how drastically the mountain has already changed since the eruption.  You think of the formation of a mountain as something that happens over millions of years, but the ranger told us that Mount St Helens will likely look like her old self, tall and pointy, within just a few hundred years.

Mount St. Helens before and after the 1980 eruption

She also talked about how scientists have taken advantage of the eruption and subsequent activity at Mount St Helens to learn more about volcanoes.  I am in no way scientifically inclined — I like nature, but I often don’t really get it — but everything I learned on my trip to Mount St. Helens was completely fascinating.

In addition to the science, there’s some pretty interesting folklore, too.  One legend I particularly enjoyed (but I may not be remembering the details completely accurately; forgive me) was that Mount St Helens was one of two wives of Mount Rainier.  The other wife was Mount Baker, I believe — anyhow, the other wife became jealous, and launched a fireball at St Helens, causing the 1980 eruption that knocked her top off.  Pretty juicy, huh?

After about a 90-minute visit at the Johnston Ridge Observatory, there was still plenty of time left in our day to enjoy some great hiking and spectacular views.  Mount St. Helens is an easy day trip from Portland or Seattle — you should definitely put it on your agenda for your next trip to the Pacific Northwest.  I can’t wait to go back and explore some more.

By the way, you know what footwear would be perfect for a day of hiking and exploring at Mount St Helens?  KEENS!  Read my review of their latest style and enter to win a free pair here.

The candy isn’t very tasty, and the dispenser doesn’t make much of a toy, but somehow, Pez dispensers have become one of the most commonly collected items there is.  Maybe it’s because I’ve only ever seen the candy sold in gas stations, or maybe it’s due to a vague recollection of an old Married…With Children episode where the Bundy family goes on a vacation and Ed eats a lot of Pez, but I’ve always associated the candy with road trips, and my limited collection of Pez dispensers is like a kind of scrap book of my own travels.

Everyone knows I love weird roadside attractions, so of course I love that the Museum of Pez Memorabilia exists — it’s in Burlingame, California, just south of San Francisco.  It started as a simple display in the computer repair shop the museum owners used to operate, but their Pez collection quickly became the main attraction, and has been open to the public as a museum for almost 15 years.

Calling it the Pez Museum didn’t fly with Pez Candy, Inc., so owners Gary and Nancy Doss named their tribute museum the Museum of Pez Memorabilia, which they say satisfied the candy company — at first.  In 2007, when Gary built a nearly 8-foot tall replica of Pez’s snowman dispenser, he got his little museum into the Guinness Book of World Records with the world’s largest Pez dispenser.  The Doss’ museum is also said to be the only place in the world where you can find all 550+ Pez dispensers ever manufactured by the Pez company.

The museum store sells nothing but Pez merchandise, and the museum and its website are a great tribute to Pez.  And now, Pez is suing the museum.  Sheesh.  The lawsuit complains that “the museum deceives the public into believing they are operating under the authority of Pez,” and asks that the museum destroy the world’s largest Pez dispenser.  The company also expects the museum to turn over any profits it’s made since opening in 1995.  Ouch.

Hopefully, the museum’s lawyers can convince the Pez company to stop being such buttheads and maybe instead of throwing lawsuits around, say thank you for all the positive publicity and free promotion they get from the museum.  The lawsuit is still pending, and for now you can still see the Museum of Pez Memorabilia and the world’s largest Pez dispenser in Burlingame, California.  Hopefully they’ll be there for years to come.