California Mishegoss #24:
Hi Friends!
This issue will be more about places to check out than food or drink. It’s especially going to feature Disney stuff, as there were some stories we thought were worth sharing.
Be Well! Stay Safe! Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!!!!
Mark & Patti
On Becoming a Wealthy Land Baron!
Do you and the kids long to go back in time, panning for gold to become wealthy land barons? Then California is the place to be.
The Golden State has everything, from Redwoods to Hollywood, from mountains to deserts, from wild natural experiences to coastal road vacations. Without some unexpected hidden wonder, tourists’ journeys would not be complete. They may have visited well-known tourist destinations and sites like Yosemite National Park, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the eerie Winchester Mystery House, but California has a lot more to offer. California is full of unexpected surprises, from its odd attractions to its unique and distinctive landmarks. One of its unusual things to do is gold panning. When James W. Marshall discovered gold flakes in 1848 at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, the California Gold Rush officially got underway. An estimated 300,000 individuals came to California in pursuit of gold between 1848 and 1855. Prospectors still visit the Golden State over 200 years later. There are not many profitable vacations, but if tourists go prospecting for gold, they never know. Here are how and where to pan for gold in California.
Central California is the New Coastal California
According to Thrillist Magazine, Central California is becoming the new Central Coast, and as one who has traveled back and forth for the past 15 years, I tend to agree with everything new popping up on the Central Coast.
Sure, there’s a lot of beauty along the California coastline. But California is a BIG ol’ state, and most of it exists far away from any ocean. Central California – as in the Central Valley, not Santa Barbara – has been slept on for far too long. Home to two of the most underrated national parks in the country – Sequoia and Kings Canyon, full of towering trees, thundering waterfalls, and sparkling alpine lakes – this part of California is due for its time in the limelight.
The House of Mouse is Offering Vegan Food!
No longer is it acceptable to offer French fries and a fruit cup and claim to have vegan options. The plant-based offerings at Disney parks have been steadily on the rise, and this year, the company took a leap by crafting an all-vegan menu at Paradise Garden Grill for a limited time. And when we say leap, we’re talking a Herculean leap.
The five-item Food & Wine menu at Paradise Garden Grill featured global flavors and a tantalizing diversity of tastes, textures, and cooking methods. Two elements unified the dishes: a heavy dose of carbs and a dominant Impossible presence.
Bubblegum Alley-Not the Alley Your Mom Told You About
Remember the day of chewing bubblegum and then wondering what to do with it after it lost its flavor? California Through My Lens has a story for you.
San Luis Obispo is a beautiful place to spend a weekend, right near the central coast. It has hiking, wineries, shopping, breweries, and a charming downtown shopping area where Bubblegum Alley is located. This small alley is almost always full of people, and its gum wall is like an ever-changing, living organism with new pieces of gum added hundreds of times a day. While the sheer amount of gum is pretty gross, this wall has a fun history and is a great place to take pictures with the kids.
A Slice of Paradise in California
The saying goes “When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade” or you could just visit Lemon Grove.
Welcome to Lemon Grove, California, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of San Diego County. Known for its warm weather, friendly community, and abundant amenities, Lemon Grove offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, local businesses, and recreational opportunities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or a history buff, this charming city has something to offer for everyone. Join us as we explore the benefits of living in Lemon Grove and discover why this picturesque city should be at the top of your travel list.
A Hike for You Late Sleepers
Do you like to sleep in on a Saturday or Sunday Morning? It's something we all do and love doing it. If you are a hiker and love to start early or late, sleeping can get in your way. This might help.
When hiking the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains, when you arrive late, you actually arrive on time.
If you hike it too early, the pesky Bay Area fog could cloud the incredible views.
The 3,137-acre preserve just off Skyline Boulevard in southern San Mateo County boasts coastal grasslands, impressive slopes, oak woodlands and a network of trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
There’s also a “showy” display of wildflowers in the springtime currently in bloom.