Arizona Travel, Baseball Spring Training Starts in March

Football season is over.  On this lazy afternoon, I watch the cold, blurry white winter storms increasing across the rest of our country.  Yes, this is the time of the year I start daydreaming.  When I have this double duo distraction of baseball games while searching for local stories on my trips, I drift away completely on cloud nine. It is starting... San Francisco Giants spring training camp.
 

I came across this article today about the San Francisco Giants which makes me even more eager to go Arizona.  I miss baseball. 

I don’t know about the rest of you, I love to go to a region where I find a superb mix of activities; hanging out with other baseball fanatics on a sunny afternoon watching exhibition games, hiking (or with me, slower morning walks now), swimming, spas, art and culture, shopping, unusual architecture, and eating. 

Cowboys and upscale city life combined – it is time for those of us in the northern states to pack our bags and head south. I like to pretend I am a baseball scout and talk with players on my favorite teams about what they are doing to prepare for the regular season.

Will Buster Posey be back behind the plate?
How healthy is Brian Wilson this year?

Don’t be surprised to find out you aren’t the only one going to spring training. The Cactus League website says, “Visitor attendance has increased every year.”  You might want to call in advance and make a few reservations this year.

History of Baseball Spring Training

Official Spring Training Season started in the early 1900s.  Some people say it was as early as the late 1800s. I won't go into the details here, as you will find an excellent article outlining spring training history by Rodney Johnson, From Dust to Diamonds: The Evolution of the Cactus League, (c) 2012 - Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Origins of Spring Training, on the Arizona Cactus League website. 

People have taken this break opportunity as long as we remember for the sun, fun, and ball games.  I am drawn into reading local stories of well known baseball icons like Ted Williams and Bob Fuller who spent their spring training heydays at the modernized mid-century hotel property of Hotel Valley Ho.

San Francisco Giants and Spring Training

The San Francisco Giants, a part of the Cactus League, hold their spring training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona.  If you haven’t participated in spring training events, you should. I like to carry my camera and iPhone with me at all times as you never know when you will bump into favorite players in local business shops and restaurants after watching them at the exhibition games. 

Spring training tickets are affordable.  Check in advance with the game schedules.  Add an extra fun day trip to see your favorite team play in 8 different cities across Arizona.

 
Other Local Arizona Attractions

I was quick to discover many other things to do around this region on my last trip. I don’t really follow architecture,  I became spellbound with Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, Taliesin West tour as I listened to the well delivered docent stories.  And, you don’t have to be athletic to go on local jeep tours in the desert. 

There are multiple desert hiking trails to start the day with. I enjoy going for a s-l-o-w morning walk in the morning sunshine – be sure to keep water with you all of the time. I must say the Arizona culinary scene is incredible. Yes, I have to exercise everyday to get ready for my evening dinner tasting.

Image courtesy of Scottsdale CVB

My Insider Information tips:

My favorite hotel – Firesky Resort & Spa, with their open lobby is very affordable and within walking distance of old town Scottsdale, and stop by their restaurant for any meal, Taggia . A fabulous ~ 5 Stars to the friendly hello's you receive from all employees, everyday.  

My favorite restaurant – I love to eat original Stetson Chopped Salad at Cowboy Ciao, and was an instant fan when I found out they served my favorite Ridge Bordeaux blend from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Oh yeah, now back to my baseball spring training story..... batter up! 1 - 2 - 3 and you are out at the ol' ball game (grins)

 The Fun Tour Guru Strays off the beaten path to Arizona with Baseball Spring Training.



Trivia quiz: Can you tell me what is no longer true in the Giants Baseball Stadium in the first picture? 



 

San Francisco & Tony Bennett on Feb 14 Tribute - 50 years

First, the Grammy's 

I am melancholy today after watching the Grammy's last night.  I realize I don't even remember who won the awards ~ with one exception, Adele, with her awesome story, came away with well deserved recognition.  It was all of the performances, one after another, that simply put me under a spell!  Famous to new performers - all varieties of music - they all were fabulous.  Everyone. 

Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Adele, Taylor Swift, Tony Bennett, The Beach Boys, Glen Campbell, Katy Perry, Chris Brown ... and so forth ... you get the picture.  And, of the sad news of Whitney Houston, we need to remember life is fragile.

Next, I left my heart in San Francisco St. Valentine's Day Tribute

I know, this may be kind of corny, there is something special about this little town by the bay .... and Tony Bennett!

Today, I read an announcement of San Francisco's - to honor Tony Bennett in a a tribute of the 50th Anniversary of the song, "I left my heart in San Francisco". And, he will be there to sing in person.

When: Noon, Tuesday, February 14, City Hall, Downtown San Francisco you will listen to a free Valentine's Day Treat.

Fabulous tribute. 

Tony first sang the song in the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill in December of 1961, and Tony returns there on the evening of Valentine’s Day to sing at a sold-out benefit dinner and concert to raise money for heart research at UCSF. He recorded the song in 1962. 

Yep, I used to (and still do) always play this song when taking my groups into San Francisco after the long ride north on the peninsula from south bay.   

Of course, for those of you who are curious creatives ~ try entering the contest sponsored by San Francisco Travel Association. Good luck!

City of San Francisco Press Release

With hearts and smiles, Happy Valentine's Day from San Francisco! ~~ The Fun Tour Guru

Parking Services, An Advantage or Detriment for Travel Visitors?

I have been thinking about today's topic for quite some time.  I have many acquaintances (online and offline) with people in local city and community governments, tourism bureaus, city information centers, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.  And, of course, everyone's first goal is multiplying incoming visitors to their communities and businesses.  

Yet, I have seen more and more city parking meters over the past two or three years, pay parking services (private and public), and parking control strictly reinforced now by communities.  Does it make sense to spend dollars on fabulous travel marketing ideas when we nickel and dime our visitors that do come with parking management restrictions?

Parking Meters, Parking Control

Why should I explore your local community if I have to pay extra to use parking garages and or dig for extra change to park for a half hour at a parking meter? 

Do you pay more to park your car in an attraction or event venue parking lot than you pay for the actual ticket?

And, why do hotels and restaurants now add parking fees to their guest's room night or dinner?  

What happened to complimentary parking?

Parking Meter History

Okay, after my quick research using the History Channel website and Wikipedia, I found parking meters were actually invented in Oklahoma, USA, in the 1930s to eliminate the traffic congestion because of the rising number of automobiles.  And, retailers actually liked parking meters because the meters provided a fast turnover of people with cars stopping at their stores – which seemed to increase their storefront revenues.

Parking Control

What is the current purpose with parking management?  Is this a way to eliminate the traffic congestion, or is this a tax for the local government and extra business income? 

When I drive into my favorite local community on a day trip, I really want to spend the day without hassle.  I, too, want to save as much money as possible.  I would like the option spending the extra $10 - $20 that from parking my car on my lunch or purchases.  

Yes, I enjoy going with a group tour, which my coach driver will manage these details.  They have the same concern, which may increase the price of your tour ticket.  

My last thought, what do these parking meters and parking garages actually do to the skyline and sidewalks in your community? 

Parking Meters along Sidewalks

Are we attracting or chasing away our tourists and visitors from our communities, offsetting those valuable tourism advertising dollars we spend? 

What do you think?  Parking management, advantage or detriment?  Share your comments here.

Visiting local communities across the world ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Image Credits:  

Parking Meters Taken in Ardmore, Pennsyvania US 4/6/2008, Jeremy Tenenbaum (typicalgenius), Creative Commons Flickr

Parking Meters on a sidewalk, The Fun Tour Guru

Famous Address: 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, California

From searching for a lunch place to Apple Computer. My interesting day trip today. 

The story I planned to write today was to introduce readers to a south bay location of a popular San Francisco restaurant - in Cupertino - inside our local Whole Foods Market.  It is the popular vegan restaurant, Cafe Gratitude. 

On My Way To Lunch

This restaurant has been on my list of things to do for awhile. It is unfortunate to receive the information that Cafe Gratitude in the south bay, along with other locations in the Bay Area, have been closed. 

After a quick search, I found several articles of the recent closure.  Please plan ahead and call to see if your location has closed yet. I will not comment as to what happened because I do not know details.  Perhaps the Undercover Waitress will dig a little deeper into the why of the closure and what happened as this is a favorite place for many to eat.

I will recommend, like I been saying all of this time, use your iPhone to call or email a local person, like me, to verify if establishments still exist, hours, and addresses.  Especially in Silicon Valley, as there is an ever-changing business transition almost overnight which seems to happen often.  It saves time as you plan your day itineraries.  Or, even let me assist with the planning.

Tribute to Famous Silicon Valley Address 

 

Yes, I am able to change plans in the moment!  I decided December 31 is a great day to stop by the famous "1 Infinite Loop" and pay tribute the company everyone knows very well. It is the home of iPhones, iPads, iMAC Computers, etc. and the story of two entrepreneurs named Steve.  

The next question I receive is, where is Cupertino, CA?  People see this location marked on their Apple equipment and don't recognize this Bay Area city.  I didn't measure the mileage, the main Apple Campus is quite large as you drive around the whole loop.  

You will find several smaller Apple campuses throughout Cupertino. This area is quite active during the work week and a rare sight without people wandering about.  It will be interesting to see the new campus they have been planning.

   

My favorite resource telling the Apple Story is Apple Confidential, by Owen W. Linzmayer.  People still ask me if they may have my copy, with a 1999 copyright. (Of course, it is not for sale... yet)

• Remember, research and make plans of what you want to do. 
• Be flexible, if the place or restaurant you want to see is closed, there may be something around the corner to see.  
• And, call a local person to verify information first.   

Apple Company Store, 1 Infinite Loop

Insider Information:  Visit the Apple Company store which is open Monday - Friday, during business hours, it is fun to browse. 

Yes, I have been by the Garage where Apple Computer was started. Does anyone want me to go by and get a picture of it?  Hint: It is somewhere in Los Altos, CA. 


Its never to late to start new things ~ do it now. 

Happy New Year! from The Fun Tour Guru

One Week Remaining in 2011, What Will You Do?

I am in slow motion today, yet I want to publish this before Christmas Day.  

This week I have some extra time and I started my search of something to do over the holidays.  I missed the opportunity of taking a trip because of my focus with my full time work. I am grateful to have this modest income now, with work selling to groups which I really enjoy, and it is even with a great company.

Now, I sit in my chair staring at my blank monitor. I am trying to think of what to do on this last week of the year, 2011. Yes, I admit, the Fun Tour Guru who shares fun things to do off the beaten path is blank.  

I start scrolling through several of my favorite articles and websites. I search through many different local organizations for gatherings, to no avail. I don’t feel the charge I used to have as I read through traditional holiday happenings or with chances of getting free tickets this year.  I keep looking. 

I remember the things I found to share with my readers this year like one-time events to electric cars on our streets.

Yes, Another California Sunset and Kites Flying in the Distance

I was able to share our California sunset with my brother and his wife after spotting whales in Monterey Bay.

I have had fun stepping outside the box and sharing news of events which I don’t usually partake of.  I may not be an “avid” fan of everything I see and do, (yes, I used that infamous word writers hate) it was very fascinating to spend time around these unusual events for one day. I found the Annieglass Art Studio in Watsonville, new wineries, and mingled with the Santa Cruz Mayor and public during the Classic Woodies event. As a volunteer, I drove guests in miniature GoCars through San Francisco who were in town for the International Pow Wow (US Travel Association) after taking one of my own groups on a tour in March. (The crooks and curves of Lombard Street will never be the same!)

Favorite posts of mine last year ~ How to Travel to other Local Regions during the Off Season and sharing a Shortbread cookie recipe from Scotland . I had an impromptu introduction of a well known hospitality industry icon, CEO and Author, Chip Conley, whom (or is  it who) I follow.  And, I was inspired by and talked to Tory Johnson, at the Spark and Hustle LA event. It is never to late to start again.

 

How do I end this year? 

I finally find the website tugging at me.  And, it is a familiar one. Broadway San Jose. I read through the musical shows and there is one I have never seen and is in town next week.  Yes, when I used to volunteer as a regular on the SVCA (Concierge) Board, and we would receive tickets randomly, to different musicals.

This time it is different.  I clicked the button and purchased a ticket as a gift to myself to see CATS.  I remembered one of my friends telling me many years ago, "the benefit of buying a single ticket to shows is getting fantastic seats in the front rows of the theater." It is only 10 miles away in downtown San Jose.  Remember, you don’t talk to people during the show. You have friends to see during the intermission.  Pick an afternoon matinee to attend. And, go.

I purchased my ticket and will get to see Cats, as a ViP, in a front row seat.  This is a good tip for everyone,  as solo travelers, and you find old acquaintances to bump into or meet new people.  Practice going solo in your home town and when you make plans for your special long vacation trip next year, you will have some techniques worked out.

For me, it is not always about going on the most trips, or the cheapest, or even free items you might find.  Follow your instinct and choose something that intrigues you and purchase a gift to yourself. Save your money and treat yourself. This special item will be different for everyone. What will you DO on the last week of this year?

If you are in San Jose, will I see you at Cats next week?

Happy Holidays! And, Merry Christmas! ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Something New for Silicon Valley Tours

I know I have been absent for a short time. Please forgive me. I do want to send a thank you to all the readers that have been visiting this blog in November. I appreciate the traffic, and it is a great feeling that I don't even need to announce my posts. 

Anyway, my next trip out and about I need to drive to Menlo Park and check out the new Facebook campus. Below is a link to the Mercury News article (12/08/2011) about a permanent feature on their campus now. 

Aha, something to add to sightseeing tours in Silicon Valley, Facebook's 'Like' sign in Menlo Park becomes permanent.  Link to picture in the Mercury News

Post here if you want to go see it!

Finding the unusual in Silicon Valley, The Fun Tour Guru

A Free Thanksgiving Gift to Everyone from Silicon Valley/San Francisco

A USA Holiday 

"Tis the night before Thanksgiving. With a hustle everywhere.  Yes, people are on the go, actively stirring in places like grocery stores, airports, shopping centers, and kitchens. They are finalizing plans for a huge feast and fun activities with friends and family tomorrow.  And some may even be volunteering to help others in need. "  ~me

I want to write something different tonight as I wish everyone a fabulous Thanksgiving this year.  When I saw this house in Silicon Valley decorated for Thanksgiving, I knew immediately this is a "sign" this year.  Let's not wait for the December holidays.  We need this now.

It is time to join together and give a free gift to everyone. I know this has been an action-packed, suspenseful year for everyone. We are all busy. No time to call people.  No time to write letters. But wait! Let's find the time to do something for someone.

Stop and shake someone's hand. Call someone. Around the world.  Please let me know with your comment below what you are doing. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Friends. Family. Everyone! Not in USA? I hope you have wonderful week.

Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road. Let's have fun now with our journey through life!  The Fun Tour Guru

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