Home Blog Page 148

Live “Winter on the Walk” Holiday Concert coming to Anaheim GardenWalk

Anaheim GardenWalk, a unique “eatertainment” destination just steps from Southern California’s Disneyland Resort and Anaheim Convention Center (www.anaheimgardenwalk.com), will host “Winter on the Walk,” an exciting FREE family event on Saturday, December 15th, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The highlight of the event will be a live one-hour concert presented by nearly 200 professional, community and student trombone players. The special holiday concert, which begins at 1 p.m., will feature a variety of festive songs including holiday classics like “Silver Bells,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.”

The event was started in 2010 by Douglas Grieve, a trombonist, and chairman for Bones West, an Orange County-based trombone choir when he approached Anaheim GardenWalk about hosting an all-trombone concert for the holidays. For nearly a decade, Anaheim GardenWalk and Bones West have been working together to grow the event to become the largest trombone Christmas concert in the world. The first Trombone Christmas at Anaheim GardenWalk featured about 100 players, and the number of trombonists has risen steadily over the years reaching the nearly 200 expected to participate in this year’s Winter on the Walk festivities. Event organizers are inviting both professional and community trombonists to register to perform as part of this year’s ensemble.

“With everyone rushing hurriedly through their days at this time of year, it’s rare when people can gather together and just share some good old-fashioned holiday cheer,” says Robin Weeks-Wynne, Senior Director, Marketing and Tourism, Anaheim GardenWalk.  “That’s the goal of our Winter on the Walk celebration. We want to give our visitors a chance to slow down, spend time with their friends and families, and of course be stunned by the amazing sounds of 200 trombonists playing their favorite holiday melodies in harmony.”

In addition to the concert, December 15th Winter on the Walk guests will enjoy a cascading “snowfall” that will serve as the backdrop for keepsake holiday photos. And everyone is invited to wear their most hideous holiday sweater, checking in at the stage at 12:50 p.m. to participate in the center’s Ugly Sweater Contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the House of Blues. Ugly Sweater Contest winners will be announced at the trombone concert’s intermission.

Set Sail for Christmas Cheer on the Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is ringing in the holiday season in incredible style, inviting guests of all ages to step aboard the legendary ocean liner and explore a brand new adventure filled with magic and cheer. Queen Mary Christmas is now underway, bringing a joyful celebration of holiday fun for the entire family that includes live entertainment, ice skating, gingerbread village, stocking shop, light shows, and more surprises.

Queen Mary

From bow to stern, you will find a nonstop winter wonderland, filled with colorful lights, breathtaking views, and unique photo opportunities. Prepare to wind the clock back to Christmas past, with an awe-inspiring art-deco tree centerpiece, classic Christmas tunes, and other clever nods to holiday seasons of yesteryear.

There will be plenty of family friendly activities worth exploring, from designing your own masterpiece in the Gingerbread Village, to taking a spin on the ice rink on the Sports Deck. It all leads up to the main event, an 80 foot Christmas Tree, brightly lit with over 45,000 LED lights. The tree lighting ceremony takes place nightly, bringing the spirit of Christmas front and center with the help of Santa Claus and some of his merriest singers and dancers.

The magic doesn’t stop there however, make sure to take a look at the full range of entertainment offerings while onboard, including the sweet sounds of The Bank of Harmony Quartet. From “Blue Christmas” to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, prepare for a wave of symphonic harmony that is sure to bring a smile.

Santa will await you in his Captain’s Quarters, found in the Shipyard. Here you can take a photo with the jolliest man of them all as well as decorate your own special holiday stocking in the stocking shop. Mrs. Claus will be just around the corner, waiting to share a holiday story and the best hot cocoa toppings bar this side of the North Pole. Come in and hear joyous holiday tales at the Starboard Lounge. Adults are welcome to join in the fun, as the lounge will serving holiday themed cocktails during story time.

Queen Mary Christmas is bound to become a holiday tradition. You can take part in the fun from now until January 6th, 2019. Tickets start at $22 for adults and $16 for children. Grand Passport tickets will also be on hand, priced at $40 for adults and $20 for children. The passport grants access to the ship’s additional tours and exhibits. VIP and other experiences will also be available. Make sure to check out the Queen Mary’s official website for all the details!

Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures Coming To A Galaxy Near You

Lucasfilm is bringing the world of Star Wars to young fans in a whole new way with the announcement of Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures. The new series will feature a collection of animated shorts that will introduce classic themes, groundbreaking moments, and legendary characters from the Star Wars universe. An official trailer was released along with the announcement, which you can see below.

The series will be part of a brand new initiative that will spark a new Star Wars Kids YouTube Channel as well as a dedicated website, StarWarsKids.Com. According to Star Wars’ official site, the initial six shorts will meld original dialogue, music, and sound effects with never before seen animation. The animated series will also act as a gateway for older fans to introduce their own padawan learners to the saga.

Star Wars has become a generational phenomenon, reaching out to fans of all ages for decades. Passing down the saga’s epic tales and heroic moments has become a tradition for many fans, with a personal connection that is hard pressed to find elsewhere. Star Wars is in the very fabric of popular culture and society.

Lucasfilm VP for Franchise Content and Strategy, James Waugh, voiced the inspiration, hoping this will be a lot of younger fans first step into the larger world of Star Wars. “With Galaxy of Adventures, we wanted to craft something that allowed parents to help their kids take their first step into a much larger world whether they were ready to show their kids the films or wanted to find new ways to explore the content.”

The series is planned to be the first part of a multi-pronged initiative under the Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures banner. It has been revealed to be part of a year long celebration of Star Wars storytelling, which will lead into the final chapter of the Skywalker saga, Star Wars: Episode IX next December. The saga finds new form on November 30th.

Queen Mary

 

Disney Drops Artemis Fowl Teaser Trailer

Disney has dropped a brand new teaser trailer for their latest live action adventure, Artemis Fowl, leaving plenty of room for questions, speculation, and intrigue. The film, based off the hit book by Eoin Colfer, follows the story of 12 year old Artemis Fowl.

Descending from a long line of criminal masterminds, Fowl will find himself in an epic struggle with a hidden race of fairies. The key to his father’s disappearance may also be revealed, opening the door on a brand new adventure never before seen.

The film is directed by famed actor and director, Kenneth Branagh, whose previous work includes films such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Murder on the Orient Express, and Disney’s live action adaptation of Cinderella.

The film will star Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonell, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, Josh Gad, and Judi Dench. Judy Hofflund and Kenneth Branagh are producing with Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serving as executive  producers. The screenplay is by Conor McPherson.

Disney’s Artemis Fowl will unravel a new tale in theaters on August 9, 2019.

Queen Mary

 

Relaxing at Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa

The Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa is a tropical resort on Mission Bay (photo by Greg Aragon)

There are many great sights and sounds that come to mind when thinking about my recent escape to the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa. There are ocean breezes flowing through palm trees; a crystal blue pool, sparkling in the sun; sprawling Tahitian-inspired grounds surrounded by a sandy beach, and ducks – yes ducks.

For some reason, I keep thinking of these little web-footed creatures. Maybe it’s the soothing sounds their feathers made against the water when they swam past our room. The sound was similar to a trickling fountain and went very well with a glass of wine and the sunset on San Diego’s Mission Bay.

My getaway to the Hilton began when a friend and I checked into a comfortable suite at the 357-room resort. The room overlooked Mission Bay and a sandy beach, as well as an ocean-front bike and walking path, and the resort’s sports dock, where Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, small boats, bikes, and surreys are rented.

The Southern Californian-styled room featured bright and festive hues and came with a large flat screen TV, comfy king bed, lounge chair, office area with Internet, and a big balcony. From the balcony we could scan the beautiful bay, watch kayaks and boats drift past, ducks paddle by and the sun set into the water.

When not in the room, we explored the rest of the four-diamond property. Celebrating 50 years on Missions Bay the resort is a recreational paradise on 18 acres. The resort is about one mile from Sea World, just six miles from the San Diego International Airport and 15 minutes from the Gaslamp District and La Jolla.

One of our favorite hotel spots was the pool area, where we swam in the warm water and relaxed in a big cabana with soft recliners. While lounging here we enjoyed lunch from Fresco’s Grille and Bar, the outdoor pool café, which offers a full menu of grilled favorites, snacks, and refreshing cocktails.

After sitting by the pool I liked working out at the fitness center or hitting tennis balls on one of the resorts championship courts. Next to the tennis and gym is the hotel’s renowned full-service Spa Brezza.

Signature indulgences at the spa include the Tranquility Massage, a gentle, relaxing massage that improves circulation and vitality; the Sacred Stone Massage, an innovative full body rub using warmed basalt stones that helps in achieving a greater sense of relaxation; and the Noble Massage, a personalized experience, where you orchestrate the message exactly how you want it. Your therapist combines Pedisage, Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques focusing on the specific areas of tension in your body as you direct.

For dinner at the hotel, we experienced Acqua California Bistro, a casual waterfront restaurant overlooking Mission Bay. Offering a creative mix of classic traditional dishes with a European twist, Aqua brings together innovative flavors combined with a complete social dining experience. Recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award, Acqua’s extensive wine list boasts more than 3,000 bottles from world class winemakers of the old world and the new world. For the beer enthusiast, guests are treated to a selection of rotating award-winning craft beers.

Our dinner began with Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, with avocado, cucumber, and chili vinaigrette. The menu suggested we pair the appetizer with a Pinot Gris from the Adelsheim vineyard of  Willamette Valley, Oregon. We did and it was amazing.

For the main course, my friend enjoyed grilled filet mignon with cauliflower puree, roasted seasonal vegetables, and port wine reduction. I devoured seared diver scallops and pancetta wrapped jumbo shrimp with lobster potato puree, roasted yellow-red tomatoes, and lobster beurre blanc. We paired our food with Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.

After dinner, we took a moonlit walk along the shore past crackling fire pits and through a park located next to the resort.

The San Diego Hilton Resort and Spa also feature a gift store, coffee shop, a 9,600 sq-ft Garden Pavilion that can accommodate groups up to 1,100, and a 9,600 sq-ft Ballroom, divisible into six separate meeting rooms. The resort is located off the 5 Freeway, at 1775 East Mission Bay Drive San Diego, 92109. For more information, current specials and reservations, call 619-276-4010 or visit: www.sandiegohilton.com

Six Flags Brings Holidays in the Park

The wintery forecast over Six Flags Magic Mountain brings glittering lights, heavenly snowfall, and delicious delights.  The park prepares for the drop temperature in Southern California weather with seasons greetings.  Be prepared for lots and lots of twinkling lights and a blizzard of snow every few minutes at each of Holiday in the Park’s seven festive areas.

Queen MaryQueen Mary

Queen Mary

Your first stop Holiday Square as soon as you step foot past the turnstile and into the park’s entry plaza.  The buildings are covered in snow with the trees shimmering in a colorful spectrum of dazzling lights.  A troupe of stilt-walking toy soldiers marches and greet with guests by oversized ornaments and gift boxes.

Queen MaryQueen MaryQueen Mary

For the party-like celebration, head towards Snowy Nights where you’ll find a live band and spirited dancers.  The rockin’ stage in front of Full Throttle decks the halls and airwaves to the sound of holiday cheers.  A DJ host spins a yuletide beat that will even get the most stubborn Scrooge to tap their toes to the engaging rhythm.

Queen MaryQueen Mary

Time to pull your sled into Santa’s Cottage to meet with the big guy in red himself!  Bring your kids to get a photo with Santa and cherish the memories.  Mrs. Claus is also around for arts and crafts with the merry elves.  A fire pit has also been constructed outside to provide a warm and welcoming glow.  You’ll want to be sitting by the campfire with loved ones making delicious hot schmoes.  I mean… s’mores…

Queen MaryQueen MaryQueen Mary

Next on the list is Gleampunk District.  This is a holiday overlay of the park’s year-round steampunk area when Twisted Colossus was created.  A popular photo spot will be a sleigh your whole family can sit in that’s being pulled mid-air by flying reindeers.  Thousands of sparkling lights also brighten your path amongst the landscape on your way through the area.  Beware of Tinker Toy Silt Walkers as they have been eager to tinker with you.

Queen Mary

The best is yet to come with a live steampunk-inspired circus show.  Located inside the Gearworks Theatre, the Kwerkmas shows invites you inside a steampunk toy and candy factory full of visual spectacle of acrobatics and choreographed dance numbers.  You may spot a clever detail in the cogs as they are shaped into snowflakes for the holiday season.

Queen MaryQueen MaryQueen Mary

This high-energy cirque-style show will leave you breathless and in awe.  The vaudeville performances feature juggling with legs, aerial silk dance, and trampolines.  Who would have thought you’d find a not to miss fun-for-all-ages Vegas style show in a Six Flags amusement park?!

Queen MaryQueen MaryQueen Mary

For those interested in the choreography of the bright and colorful lights category, Six Flags has you covered.  DC Universe becomes Rockin’ Universe for the Clark Griswold in all of us.  An endless blanket of lights covers the entrance and facade of this area to bring you dancing lights alongside holiday rock and roll music to go with the backdrop.  We recommend taking a stroll up and down the street and under the canopy with some hot chocolate to fully enjoy the pageant.  Simply standing in one place would not do the light display justice (pun intended).

Queen MaryQueen MaryQueen Mary

Speaking of justice, let’s fly down across the way and into Merry Lane.  Located in the plaza in front of Justice League: Battle for Metropolis and Riddler’s Revenge, oversized ornaments light up the wide-open place with its own set of the choreographed light show.  The ornament-shaped display is so massive, guests are able to step inside and take a selfie with a colorfully bright backdrop.  Don’t forget about the blizzard of snow every few minutes.  This, of course, brings to mind a quote from Batman: “Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it.  But a kiss can be even deadlier if you mean it.”

Queen MaryQueen MaryQueen MaryQueen MaryQueen MaryQueen MaryQueen Mary

Now for probably the most lit offering Magic Mountain has to offer can be found in Winter Wonderland.  Follow the path of showering lights and dripping icicles to scattered animal friends.  These snow sculptures depict a whirlwind selection of leopards, owls, beers, and deers.  A second location to satisfy that craving for s’mores comfort snack can be found in front of Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen.

Queen Mary

Speaking of snacks, it’s now time for the newest Holiday in the Park from Six Flags coming in the second half of December to ring in the new year.  Taste of the Holidays Food Festival will offer delectable treats in a smattering of dishes to have your taste buds cheering to match the sights and sounds already enjoyed by your senses from the park’s festivities.

Queen Mary
Cranberry Walnut Pin Wheel.  Tangy Peach Ribs in the background.
Queen Mary
Peppermint Brownie
Queen Mary
Cherry Pie Nacho
Queen Mary
Souvenir Travel Mug

Don’t forget to wash down all the yummy goodness with hot chocolate in a keepsake mug.  Light but delightful morsels include cranberry walnut pinwheel and mesquites.  The cherry pie nacho tastes better than what one may expect.  Just spread out the toppings among the crispy chips and you are golden.   You can be sure peppermint sweetness will fill your palate with pudding parfait and brownies.  Joining the sugar-heavy dessert is the pudding and the slice of a refreshing root beer cake.  There is also the savory side of the plate with peach ribs, spicy cranberry BBQ pulled pork slider, prosciutto mac n cheese, bacon and pecan yam, and Guinness sloppy joe.

Queen Mary
Peppermint Pudding Parfait
Queen Mary
Root Beer Cake
Queen Mary
Roasted Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
Queen Mary
Pudding

With all of these dishes making our mouths water, we had to contempt with a couple items that either turned out bland or too unique for the most audience.  The chicken and waffle was underwhelming with the chicken being more like nuggets and the waffle literally tough to chew on.  For the more adventurous foodie, there’s the rice pudding with holiday trimmings sprinkled on top.  Others may like this option more compared to others.

Queen Mary
Chicken and Waffles
Queen Mary
Rice Pudding with Marshmallows and Chocolate Chip

Overall, Holiday in the Parks at Six Flags Magic Mountain is enjoyable addition the celebration for those already making their way to the park for some festive fun.  Guests get a little bit of everything from meeting Santa Claus, roasting s’mores, dazzling light shows, rock concert, tasty bites, and a magical snowfall.  The event occurs December 1, 2, 8, 9, and 15-30 with the celebration beginning at 5 pm.  Santa’s Cottage opens at noon on event days until Christmas Eve.  Kwerkmas are weekends only with the first showtime at 2 pm.  Taste of the Holidays Food Festival is every day December 15-30.

Queen Mary
Happy Holidays!

The Magic of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It’s Christmas at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. as Universal Studios Hollywood decorate the halls with a calendar of festive holiday experiences and an array of delectable treats that families and friends far and wide can enjoy.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Magic of Christmas at HogwartsTM Castle” will illuminate Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with colorful imagery and impressive dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies.

[videopress ZnzZECPB]

This year, the addition of nightly glistening snowfall to “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will enhance the yuletide spirit that resonates throughout the land and the town of Hogsmeade village shines brightly with décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts.

[videopress XxhLay3o]

The a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, return to entertain guests with their harmonized holiday-themed songs.

A wide selection of custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will also be available. Collectibles include a variety of decorative Hogwarts castle snow globes, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland. They are sure to please muggles of all ages.

Newly introduced holiday-themed fare and hot Butterbeer will further complement the overall experience.

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will take place daily from November 17, 2018, through January 6, 2019.

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission.  More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

AFTER Teaser Trailer and Poster

Based on Anna Todd’s best-selling novel which became a publishing sensation on social storytelling platform Wattpad, AFTER follows Tessa (Langford), a dedicated student, dutiful daughter, and loyal girlfriend to her high school sweetheart, as she enters her first semester in college. Armed with grand ambitions for her future, her guarded world opens up when she meets the dark and mysterious Hardin Scott (Tiffin), a magnetic, brooding rebel who makes her question all she thought she knew about herself and what she wants out of life.

AFTER
Release: April 12, 2019
Director: Jenny Gage
Writer: Susan McMartin, based upon the book “After” by Anna Todd
Cast: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Producers:  Courtney Solomon, Mark Canton, Jennifer Gibgot, Anna Todd, Aron Levitz, Meadow Williams and Dennis Pelino
Queen Mary

Disney’s “The Lion King” Teaser Trailer and Poster

From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king must overcome betrayal and tragedy to assume his rightful place on Pride Rock.

The film is a photorealistic, computer-animated movie featuring very talented voice actors, which includes, Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé as Nala, and James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa. Hans Zimmer is also returning to score the film, while Elton John is coming back to rework some of his original songs.

In the trailer, it looks like the opening moments of the movie, in which Rafiki presents a young Simba to the animals of the Pride Lands, with a shot of Simba being hoisted above the rock. All the while, James Earl Jones’ narration as Mufasa plays while the original film’s opening track, “Circle of Life,” can be heard in the background.

Disney’s “The Lion King” will be coming to theaters July 19th, 2019.

Queen Mary

WIDOWS Movie Review

When a director like Steven McQueen teams with a cast like Viola Davis, Liam Neeson, and Colin Farrell, everyone’s eyes immediately start watching that project, because it’s a powerhouse film in the making. We start to build up the idea of what we’re hoping to see, or what it could be, which is never a good thing, sure, but you still have the hope for something worthwhile to come out of it. Unfortunately, Widows is a case of a film that has all the talent in the world to make a knockout film – – both behind the scenes and in front of the camera – – but none of the drive to get it there. Instead, we’re left with a middling film experience that offers nothing more than a few good performances, but nothing else of substance.

After a heist goes wrong, leaving the husbands and lovers of a group of women who don’t know each other dead, the women’s lives are quickly turned upside down. Seeking retribution for the money stolen from him, a local crime lord puts the pressure on Veronica (Viola Davis) to return the money her husband stole in full. Against the wall and desperate to hang on what she has left, Veronica turns to the widows of the late criminals to plan a heist that would benefit all of them, while putting the past of their lovers behind them.

While that all sounds like it could make for an interesting film, Widows squanders most of its potential by making a film that lacks any sense or urgency, while also trying hard to make a film that is desperately wants to have a social commentary on politics and race relations, but having no real voice to get there. There’s a lot going on without any real sense of why, making the film feel like it’s going through the motions for something we ultimately don’t really care about. The film is set in modern Chicago, and uses a tense political election as the backdrop, but instead of using those things to make a thought provoking film, it seems to want to do the bare minimum of work to make the audience care. Greedy politicians are a dime a dozen in film, and even more so those that lie and cheat groups of people to get their way, so what makes this film’s any different? Really not much of anything, because they don’t try and make it unique. It just feels so paint by numbers approach, it’s incredibly frustrating for the viewer.

It also doesn’t help that the characters just aren’t likable across the board. While Viola Davis gives a great performance, it doesn’t make up for the fact that in a lot of ways Veronica is just not a likable character. The audience is never really given a reason to want to stand behind her, or the rest of the cast for that matter, outside of the fact that they were all in different types of abusive relationships before meeting. But you can’t coast on that alone to make your audience feel for the characters, and every time it feels like it’s going to take a step to make us actually care about these characters, it quickly walks back from it. There’s no real character moments to define them, making it all just feel like a ho hum affair. It doesn’t help that actors like Daniel Kaluuya, Colin Farrell, and Robert DuVall are just wasted, cast because of who they are, not what they can bring to the film. Cynthia

Erivo’s Belle is the closest we get to actually liking a character in the film, and she’s the only one who seems to want to be on this heist for a good reason, to help out a local business owner who has been pushed around by the local politicians. If the film spent more time building these women up to be a modern day Robin Hood equivalents who wanted to do this for the greater good, the film would have at least been more interesting to watch. But every step the film takes works against that idea of making these women vigilant heroes, and maybe that’s the point that these ordinary women are pushed to extreme circumstances to survive. Unfortunately, that narrative just isn’t driven in any way that works for the audience throughout, making the film just feel empty in the end. Why should we care if any of these characters live or die, or get this debt paid off in the end, if the movie never makes a case why we should?

Widows should have been a sure fire success, but instead it just feels like a paint by numbers heist film that wants to be more than it is, but never has anything to say. It’s constantly at war with itself in a way that just leaves you feeling cold when it’s all said and done. While the cast give some truly great performances, it’s all for not if you don’t care about their characters or their plight. Steve McQueen is a great filmmaker, and he’s surrounded himself with a great cast, it’s just too bad the film never lives up to the potential they all collectively share.

Day Tripping Around Wrightwood and Jackson Lake

Located near Wrightwood, CA, tiny Jackson Lake offer fishing and fun

I love going to the mountains, but sometimes I don’t want to deal with all the narrow, winding roads. For these times I like to visit Wrightwood, a hidden gem in the Swarthout Valley, at the eastern end of the San Gabriel Mountains. Located at an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet, the small town can be reached via the freeway and a couple of highways.

A friend and I recently took a Sunday drive to Wrightwood and experienced cool mountain air, tasty home cooking, a tiny picturesque lake, and lots of incredible scenery.

Our getaway began when we took the 210 Freeway in Pasadena east to Rancho Cucamonga, where we transferred to the I-15 north, to CA-138 and then to CA-2, which led us into the town of Wrightwood. When we got there it was a brisk and sunny 46-degree November morning and the surrounding mountains were a giant postcard speckled with towering pine trees, topped with puffy white clouds.

Queen Mary
Wrightwood is a hidden gem at the eastern end of the San Gabriel Mountains

Wrightwood is probably best known for Mountain High, its popular ski resort, but the place is also a charming little town with quaint shops and restaurants and a host of outdoor activities at hand. And no traffic lights!

Once in Wrightwood we drove down Park Drive, the main drag, and walked around town, which was bustling with locals and motorcyclists and day trippers like us. One of the busier places on the street was Zip Lines at Pacific Crest (www.ziplinespc.com). The company offers two different zipline courses that are literally built in the trees, which enables guests to “truly be in the environment, zipping from one platform to the next.”

The Canopy Tour is a thrilling zipline course that offers heights of up to 300 feet off the forest floor and lengths of over 1,500 feet. The Mountain View Tour provides another unique zipline experience, featuring a free-fall experience from a tree platform.

Near Zip Lines at Pacific Crest we found Evergreen Café, with smoke floating from the chimney and the aroma of home cooking wafting through the mountain air. We took this as signal to pop in for lunch. We did and were treated to a hearty home-cooked meal of hot chili and chicken-fried steak.

After lunch, we drove up Angeles Crest Highway, which cuts through town. In a few minutes, we came to Mountain High Ski Resort (www.mthigh.com), which is currently making snow and preparing for the upcoming 2018-2019 winter season. “All signs point to cold weather and possibly natural snow starting Sunday, November 18,” says the Mountain High website. “We could open the West resort as early as Saturday, November 24th, if everything goes well.” Mountain High consists of three separate mountains: Mountain High East, West, and North.

About three miles past Mountain High we found Jackson Lake. Covering roughly seven surface acres, the tiny lake is in Angeles National Forest and surrounded pine forests and oak thickets. Fishing is popular at the lake, as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks it with rainbow trout for summer and spring. There is also a bluegill population swimming year-round in the lake. Because of the lake’s altitude and size it can easily freeze in winter, making it a miniature skating rink for ducks and other birds.

When we got to Jackson Lake there was a half dozen people fishing along the shore. There were also families having picnics and barbecuing, and a few hikers taking advantage of the nearby trials. The picnic area offers plenty of parking, tables and barbecue grills, and public restrooms, which are primitive but usable.

For those wanting to stay overnight near the water, there are a couple campsites nearby, including Mountain Oak Campground and Appletree Campground. More information on these campsites can be found at www.recreation.gov.

For hikers, Angeles National Forest boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails and Jackson Lake isa good place to begin. There is a trailhead at the picnic area which winds about 2.5 miles of through the forest until it connects to the legendary Pacific Crest Trail (www.pcta.org). The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) follows the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges from Southern California the Canadian border.

For more information on visiting Wrightwood and Jackson Lake and the surrounding area, visit: www.wrightwoodchamber.org

LA Zoo is Lit: Zoo Lights and Reindeer Romp bring holiday fun through January 6

Back for 2018 and bigger than ever, LA ZOO LIGHTS illuminates the wilds of Griffith Park on select nights now through January 6, 2019. The LA Zoo invited us to sample all of their holiday offerings, and we have to say…we had a wild time.

Queen Mary

During the day, REINDEER ROMP brings the magic of the North Pole to Angelenos, while at night thousands of lights illuminate the Zoo. Keep in mind that LA ZOO LIGHTS is separately ticketed event, meaning a day time ticket won’t get you in – you need a ticket just for ZOO LIGHTS to experience it.

The premiere evening for ZOO LIGHTS kicked off with Julie Chang (Good Morning LA), who alongside Zoo Ambassador Carolyn Hennessy (General Hospital), Chris Sullivan (This Is Us), Justin Turner of the LA Dodgers, threw the switch to light up the Zoo.

It’s a perfect time to grab a hot cocoa (or an adult beverage – they’ve got ’em) and stroll with loved ones. A disco ball forest, projection mapping elephants, a wild water show, and tons of other surprises wait around each corner. Take a look at just some of the gorgeous displays!

Tickets for LA ZOO LIGHTS start at just $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for kids under 13. Adults-only theme nights that include dinner & drinks are on offer for December 6 & 13 at $75 a head, and a special Family New Year’s Eve Party is available for $70 for adults and $45 for kids under 13. Grab discounted tickets on the official website here.

During the day, REINDEER ROMP brings zoo guests up close and personal with Santa and his real live reindeer. Crafts, activities, and of course the big man himself add to the already fabulous animal experiences available at the LA Zoo. Daytime tickets for the LA Zoo are $21 for adults and $16 for kids under 13.

On select days, you can watch animals around the zoo open their “gifts.” On opening day, a tiger was the lucky holiday recipient.

Queen Mary

Grab the full schedule and your family’s tickets on the Zoo’s official site.

There’s nothing like the magic of animals during the holidays – don’t miss REINDEER ROMP and LA ZOO LIGHTS!

DLR Hotels offer

-Advertisement-LEGO Brand Retail
-Advertisement-

Latest Posts

Simpsons

The Simpsons “Yellow Planet” Now on Disney+

Disney+ has announced that an all-new episode of “The Simpsons” is now streaming exclusively on the streaming service. The full-length episode, titled “Yellow Planet,”...