Friday, September 14, 2007

Wine tasting in Silicon Valley? REALLY!


I was reading an article of “Perfect Picnics, Santa Cruz: A rich repast under the redwood trees “ by Kacie Ratner, printed Friday May 25, 2007, in online in SF Gate this weekend and it reminded me of the great properties we have locally SOUTH of San Francisco.

These special boutique “gems” are a challenge to locate in the Santa Cruz Mountains, yet are very worthwhile to visit. The personnel behind the scenes are always very gracious, and the wines found are great, and there are so many stories to be found.

I advise that it is best to find the expertise to help “guide” you to these locations. The roads are steep and windy and with not the best of signs posted. Fortunately, there are 4-5 local companies that specialize in wine tasting tours (including Lighthouse Tours) of this area and it is best to let these people assist you.

I have cautioned many participants whether the wineries are large group friendly, or if larger motor coaches would be able to make it to the wineries themselves. And, not all wineries are open to the public or only open during weekends or on certain weekends throughout the year.

They are worth visiting – let these trained professionals assist and guide you. I have great testimonials from each group I escort to these local south bay wineries. You will be glad you went!

Tips from the FunGuru

Lighthouse Tours

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Interesting blog about the travel industry

This is an interesting article about the travel industry and I wanted to share this awareness with consumers. Yes, you need to do your homework of who to do business with. If something looks to good to be true, it probably IS not such a great deal. Yes, you may look up packages and great deals and reserve for yourself, as we all now know, the best deals are not published on the Internet. Even Internet prices are inflated - companies have to make a profit.

http://homebasedtravelagentsblog.typepad.com/

Read for your yourself and share your questions & comments. Remember, most travel professionals that I know, will work with you before, during and after. I am happy to refer you to several great travel professionals - should I not have the resources myself to assist.

Tips to ask: Seller of travel registrations needed in several states as California and Florida, Liability & errors - omission insurance, member of which travel organizations. Service provided during trip or after?

Thanks - and please share your thoughts ...... I look forward to them.

Always, have fun! the travel fun guru

September tales

September is back to school month for families and the trend for individuals is to focus on getting back to their objectives after taking deserved time off over the summer months.

Did you travel a far or stay local this year? Share with us and others your travel tales of what you did! Reply now.

The season for Art & Wine Festivals starts in the cities that compose of Silicon Valley. I recommend Santa Clara's Art & Wine Festival, held in Central Park. The outstanding Joe Sharino Band will be one of their performers and always a fun day to wander in the park. Mountain View will have their outstanding festival in their downtown area too with many great performers and vendors. You might even start picking out some gifts for your favorite friends and family. Remember, these are free!

For all of you athletes - a great event to go to this month at Santa Clara's very own Great America is Run Forest Run, 5 k on Sept 16. And, the bonus, admission to Great America and parking is free ............... all you have to do is run or walk 5k. Yes, they do have a 1k path available. There is a place to sign up on the link page.
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1469688 Join Us for the "Run Forrest Run!" 5K at Great America on 9.16.07- Click here for details

Other items may be found at
www.siliconvalleyconcierge.com in the current issue of the e-zine. Check out my column, 'Off the Beaten Path'. Or, you might pick up the fall issue of Women's Connection Magazine, 408-378-2191, wc@accesscom.com and read my latest article (tip) of Travels around Silicon Valley.

Remember, there are quite a few local wineries in Santa Clara Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains that you may visit.

Make every experience fun - starting with a smile.

Have FUN ! Ciao, the fun guru of Silicon Valley