A Familiar Hotel in Sunnyvale, CA - Silicon Valley - is now Dust

Today's travel tip ... are online hotel guides as up-to-date with reviews as we may think?

Silicon Valley – History is Going, Going, Gone to Dust

I love tradition.  Unfortunately, we must clear the paths of tradition and get ready for the next stage coming through.  At least that is what it is like in Silicon Valley.

As I was driving on Highway 101 last week, I saw this new change. I took the time to turn off the highway and investigate. Yes, it is true. The once familiar hotel landmark in Sunnyvale, Four Points Sheraton Hotel, some people may even remember it as the Sunnyvale Hilton has disappeared to dust. 

1250 Lakeside Drive, Sunnyvale - Hotel to Dust

Located on 5 acres near Lawrence Expressway and Highway 101, people will remember this property surrounded by a small lake as a popular corporate meeting and event place – and with a nice restaurant, bar lounge, and meeting room space.  I remember attending quite a few monthly association meetings and events at this hotel.

Is this your hotel room tonight?

Online Information on Hotel Buildings

It is interesting when I do a quick Google research about the current status of this hotel, I wasn’t able to find out too much about the change and disappearance of this hotel in articles. And seriously, how many of us take the time to research something like this? Please know the actual hotel website or corporate site (Sheraton) has been updated.   

It can be confusing to find many active postings from familiar online hotel guides which have not been updated.  I saw reviews posted as recent as 2010.  I did take the time to update Yelp and Trip Advisor myself through this research. (I noticed my Trip Advisor review is still pending).  How many people update real information like this?  The reviews I read were about service and how clean the hotel is. 

I know it is easy for local people to get information about this - what if you are on business from out of town - even international visitors, and looking for a place to stay from these hotel guides?   How current are hotel guides and travel articles ratings? Who returns back to articles and ensures they are updated after one or two years?
 

Do you know of any hotels that have disappeared? And, if you live in Silicon Valley, south bay area, do you know what is the new plans are for this property?

Please post your comments below.

Insider tip: 

Nearby, the Faultline Brewery is still very active (as seen from the number of cars in the parking lot at happy hour this same day) and is located on the opposite side of the small lake adjacent to this former hotel property, still with the lake view.  

Out and About ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Kiss the Blarney Stone on St. Patrick's Day in Santa Cruz CA

Are we going to Ireland? 

Today’s travel tip, we will drive over the mountain back roads to see our local redwood forest rise up before us in search of our pot of gold. This is what Silicon Valley and San Francisco residents call going “over the hill” to escape into our leisure fantasies. Prepare to stop before you get even get to the ocean. 

Kiss the Blarney Stone, March 17, Skov Winery

Now let’s start planning for our trip. Please remember a few things with pre-planning of this trip ... and watch for part 2 of my story on or shortly after March 17. 

Okay, I admit, there are quite a few wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains for people to choose for tasting and wine clubs.  How do you pick one?

As an insider, I recommend after you visit most wineries using the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Association Passport, get on their mailing list, and start looking at the different fun events that happen throughout the year.

On the way to the Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries

As you already know from my stories, I am eager and ready to explore these local wineries. And, I still have not been to all of these wineries yet. Be careful and do your homework before heading out the door the day of the event.

• Don't just look at a map, ask a local about directions
• Are you prone to car sickness?
• No other restaurants or convenience stores nearby

Many of the winery locations are on very windy, mountain roads. I am not surprised to hear frequent comments from other people not familiar with this region, “We got lost on our way last weekend” or “We enjoyed, however someone got car sick”.

Yes, the wineries are actually ‘tucked’ away up and down roads you may be hesitant to drive on. I have had to describe what these roads are like quite a few times as people forget about mountain driving.  These roads are great for horse back riding, a larger vehicle like a motor coach may not always be able to navigate them. It actually feels like you are driving for miles and miles around the curves, and without any convenience stops.

On the way to Santa Cruz CA

I remind people there are two routes you may choose, and sometimes what appears on the map the straightest way, may not be the best route. An example, if you are driving to Skov Winery, even though looking at a map it appears that you may take Bean Creek Road from Highway 17; I tell people it is faster to drive to Scotts Valley first and follow the directions to their winery.

The second tip if anyone is prone to car sickness, take advance precautions for them. Be sure to communicate about the mountain roads and let your friends choose their best remedy for the day.

Remember there are not many other stores and restaurants readily available near some of the wineries. Eat your favorite breakfast, coffee or whatever your morning treat is before your day trip. Bring along your picnic supplies and/or include a plan to drive into Scotts Valley or Santa Cruz later after the event. And, choose someone to be a designated driver.

Get Acquainted with our Newest Winery, Skov Winery

Next, start reading up about the variety of wines and history of where you are going to visit. 

I have known Annette Hunt, owner of Skov Winery, for several years.  I became acquainted with the Hunts when they bought the well known Roudon Smith Winery before this recent venture which they have embarked on last year, with Skov Winery. 

(I loved the history of two Silicon Valley engineers packing up their desks and starting a winery and even got to meet June Smith, former owner and Travel Writer)

They named this newest winery Skov (pronounced "skô") which means "forest" in Danish, and combines their Danish background with the Santa Cruz mountain redwood forest.

Cheese and Wine Tasting at Skov Winery

Transitioning to their own one-year old winery now, I already know Annette’s events are well designed, fun, simply-elaborate to attend. Annette really does know how to seek out other vendors to pair up with their wines and events she is organizing. Annette and David Hunt are serious with their wines and always ready to share information with people.

I am anxious to find out all I can and see all of the new changes as I explore myself.

Irish Cheese & Wine Tasting at Skov Winery on St. Patrick’s Day

Yummy, I can't wait to sample the assortment of spring cheeses from the British Isles and paired with Skov wines this year.

And of course there will be many of their favorite scrumptious local honey, chocolate, baked goods and salmon-jerky makers out to introduce their products to you for sampling. This is great place to try out some of the best and local Santa Cruz products! As I mentioned above, Annette has a curious eye for picking out just the right match for these events. 

Leprechauns at Skov Winery

Let's kiss the Blarney Stone, and play with the leprechauns at Skov Winery on Saturday, March 17 from 12-4:30 p.m.

Where: Skov Winery, 2364 Bean Creek Rd, Scotts Valley

Contact:  Annette Hunt 831.438.4374

Ticket Price: $15pp or $10pp for Skov Wine Club members. No advance ticket purchase needed

Let’s have fun wine tasting while searching for our pot of gold!  

To be continued after March 17 ...The Fun Tour Guru  

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Point Pinos Lighthouse, Monterey CA - Leap Day Travel Tip

February 29, 2012

Today’s travel tip: 
Drive the Monterey and Pacific Grove coastline on the Monterey Bay when you go to Carmel.  This will be an adventure as you never know what type of weather you may encounter – sun, fog, rain. The views are fabulous. 

Be sure to stop, get out of your car and explore – watch the sea otters play in the kelp beds and hear the sharp crack of an abalone being opened for lunch by one of these creatures.

When I turned around from watching the sea otters, I found this special image of Point Pinos Lighthouse. I remember a professional photo image from Monterey CVB website of this ~ I found the exact spot to add to my own collection.

Point Pinos Lighthouse, Monterey Bay, with smiles DWest

Point Pinos Lighthouse (stands for point of the pines) is a perfect name for this rugged area of the Monterey coastline and was named by the Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602.  This cape-cod style lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the west coast (Since Feb. 1, 1855) and is a National Historic Landmark.

The Lightkeepers

A not so common and different profession is that of a Lightkeeper. I found this website with fun stories of all of the Lightkeepers.  The first lightkeeper was Charles Layton, appointed to the post at $1000 per year.   The most famous lightkeeper was Mrs. Emily Fish, who served from 1893 to 1914. She was called the "Socialite Keeper" due to her love of entertaining guests at the lighthouse.

On the way to Point Pinos Dwest

Point Pinos Lighthouse, 831.648.3176, is available to the public, call before you go for the most current information.

Hours of Operation:
Thursday-Monday 
1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Suggested Donation:
$ 5 - Adults
$ 2 - Youth


Do you want to see the California coast? Come with me...

Celebrating this Leap Day going off the beaten path ~ The Fun Tour Guru 



Many thank you's of travel sources for this article which I get detailed background information from some favorite travel writers below.  I do wander through this region quite often.  I prepared our Monterey E-Guide that you may download or print and take with you on your trip.  

Writers
Northern California Off the Beaten Path, Mark R. Williams
Best Places Central California Coast , Judith Babcock Wylie

By DWest

Arizona Travel, Baseball Spring Training Starts in March

(Please find updates to this post. 2017 My Suite101 article is not available).

What do we do when Football season ends?  For some there is basketball.  And baseball.

"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. I drift away on cloud nine with this distraction of watching baseball games while searching for local my next trips. It is starting... I see the San Francisco Giants playing at their spring training camp."

I came across this article about the San Francisco Giants - I am excited about going to Arizona.  I miss baseball. 

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 of course culinary delights available. 

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?

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 to relax with sun, fun, and ball games.  Remember the 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.  You should participate in the spring training events.  Don't forget to keep your camera and iPhone close at all times for the surprise 'bump into favorite players' at 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

There are many excellent activities to engage in.  I am not an architect student,  I became spellbound with Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, Taliesin West tour as I listened to the well delivered docent stories.  And, the local jeep tours are easy should you not be as athletic as others to see the desert. 

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

Image courtesy of Scottsdale CVB

My Insider Information tips:

My favorite hotel – Scott 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. A fabulous ~ 5 Stars to the friendly hello's you receive from all employees, everyday.  

The chopped salads at Cowboy Ciao Restaurant are great finds, and with an extensive wine menu to choose from.

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

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

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Trivia quiz: What is the change in the sign at the Giants Baseball Stadium in the first picture? 

A fun coffee table book is (Ad)

 

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