Last weekend, my husband and I were suppose to go to Universal Studios to celebrate his birthday on a day trip while my parents watched the children. Just our luck--my mother got sick with a cold. So, in trying to avoid wasting the ticket I purchased for my husband, we ended up bringing the kids for their first trip to Universal, a park I really feel is more for teenagers and older. That being said, my 6-year-old was thrilled. He has been wanting to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which I previously told him he couldn't see until he was 48 inches tall (he's currently around 46 1/2). My 2 1/2 year old twins? Meh, they went along for the ride.
So, Universal with kids. Well, as I mentioned, I really feel it's for older kids, teenagers, and adults. I went when I was around 6 and was bored the whole time. But, that was years ago. And, I can honestly say, while it's still definitely not completely child-friendly, Universal has made some big improvements. The Despicable Me area entertained my twins for a period while my older son and husband went on the tram tour. The water play area is especially cute and plenty of fun for the little ones. There's also a little play area adjacent to Jurassic Park, which is pretty fun for the little ones. Other than that, my twins enjoyed seeing the sights and listening to music, but not much for the little ones to do really.
My 6-year-old actually had a lot of fun. He's kind of a wimp when it comes to rides (scared of pretty much everything that moves faster than 1 mile an hour). But, he ended up loving the tram tour. Seeing King Kong ended up being one of the highlights of his day, along with seeing the famous War of the Worlds set. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter kept him especially entertained. While my husband and I took turns riding the rides, my son went to every single spell casting site to try his hand at a spell. He is very into magic and Harry Potter, so he was super excited. On an earlier solo trip, I purchased an interactive wand, so we were set to play. Warning to you, if you don't already have an interactive wand and you're kid is as obsessed as mine, they aren't cheap. Expect to spend $50+ per wand. But, it was worth it to see a wizard teach my son how to perform an alohomora on a small locked box and do a wingardium leviosa all on his own. The frozen butterbeer was also a huge hit on a hot day. All the kids loved their icy, sugary treat.
Unfortunately, I have developed a rare form of psoriasis that looks a bit like chicken pox which seems to have started up that afternoon, so our trip was cut a bit short and no pictures this time. Yet more bad luck in the health department for us. We're hoping my rash will be cleared up quickly so we can check out the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, CA next month. I'm excited to see what it's all about and will report back on their Halloween festivities as well (assuming this darned illness goes away in time).
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Labor Day Weekend at Legoland, California
This past weekend, my family and I took a rather impromptu trip to Legoland again. We hadn't made any plans for Labor Day, but work has been particularly stressful, so we loaded up the van and set out for Carlsbad for 2 days and 1 night of fun.
First off, it's a bad idea to drive from the Los Angeles area to Carlsbad on any Friday afternoon, let alone a Friday that starts a 3-day weekend. My son got out of school early, so I took a half-day at work and we all hopped in the van to leave around 1:30. I thought, okay, it might take 4 hours in traffic since it normally takes 2.5-3 without. Well...it took 5 hours to get there! We stopped at the IKEA shopping center in Carson at 3:30 when my son could not hold his bladder any longer. Ended up grabbing an early dinner there. Glad we did since we were only about half-way there at the time.
Once we actually got to Carlsbad, Legoland, of course, was already closed for the day. So, we checked in to our room at the Hampton Inn. We've never stayed at a Hampton Inn before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but the room rate was better than any other decent hotels in the area for a last minute booking. The hotel itself wasn't fancy, but it was clean, comfortable, and got the job done. There was a pool, a spa, fitness equipment, and a free continental breakfast including all the stuff we've come to expect from the modern continental: fresh waffles, fruit, yogurt, breakfast meat, eggs, etc. The room itself had 2 queen beds which were quite comfortable, a bathroom with a bathtub (a plus for the kids), a refrigerator, a microwave, a tv, and a desk. While it wasn't a room I would typically select for a longer vacation (3+ days), it was perfect for our short stay as it was close to Legoland and many places to eat.
Legoland, as usual, was pleasant but more fun for the kids than adults. It was surprisingly not terribly crowded on Saturday. We were able to ride many rides without any wait until about 2PM. My older son especially enjoyed the water play areas while the little ones were too cold, so they hung out in the duplo area for a while. The best highlight was seeing the replica of One World Trade Center, which was under construction when we were there in June. It was beautifully made and an incredible work of lego art. As an added bonus this trip, my oldest was finally old enough to go on the big kid side of the driver school ride. He loved it!
Thankfully, the drive back was painless. Even less traffic than normal going up the 405. It wasn't the easiest weekend ever, but it was so nice to get away if even for one night. This may be our last Legoland trip of the year unless we squeeze a short one in before Christmas. Glad we got the chance to go.
First off, it's a bad idea to drive from the Los Angeles area to Carlsbad on any Friday afternoon, let alone a Friday that starts a 3-day weekend. My son got out of school early, so I took a half-day at work and we all hopped in the van to leave around 1:30. I thought, okay, it might take 4 hours in traffic since it normally takes 2.5-3 without. Well...it took 5 hours to get there! We stopped at the IKEA shopping center in Carson at 3:30 when my son could not hold his bladder any longer. Ended up grabbing an early dinner there. Glad we did since we were only about half-way there at the time.
Once we actually got to Carlsbad, Legoland, of course, was already closed for the day. So, we checked in to our room at the Hampton Inn. We've never stayed at a Hampton Inn before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but the room rate was better than any other decent hotels in the area for a last minute booking. The hotel itself wasn't fancy, but it was clean, comfortable, and got the job done. There was a pool, a spa, fitness equipment, and a free continental breakfast including all the stuff we've come to expect from the modern continental: fresh waffles, fruit, yogurt, breakfast meat, eggs, etc. The room itself had 2 queen beds which were quite comfortable, a bathroom with a bathtub (a plus for the kids), a refrigerator, a microwave, a tv, and a desk. While it wasn't a room I would typically select for a longer vacation (3+ days), it was perfect for our short stay as it was close to Legoland and many places to eat.
Thankfully, the drive back was painless. Even less traffic than normal going up the 405. It wasn't the easiest weekend ever, but it was so nice to get away if even for one night. This may be our last Legoland trip of the year unless we squeeze a short one in before Christmas. Glad we got the chance to go.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
From Coraline to Kubo Exhibit at Universal Studios, Hollywood
Today I had the pleasure of attending the From Coraline to Kubo exhibit at Universal Studios, Hollywood. If any of you have interest in stop-motion, this exhibit highlighting some of Laika's best work is absolutely breathtaking. The exhibit takes you from the early days of Coraline and single-color 3d printing to the newest technology available for Kubo, including the largest stop-motion pupped in existence. And just think, a lot of this artistry had to be created by hand. I will just leave some photos as I think they speak for themselves.
While I was at USH, I managed to check out a few attractions, too. If you haven't been to USH in the last 5 years, now's the time to go. I wrote about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter a while ago, but it's always worth mentioning. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is by far one of the best rides in existence. It utilized the right amount of modern ride technology, animatronics, and screen-based interaction to create a truly memorable experience. And, it's easily one of the most immersive lands in southern California theme parks. The only Disneyland Resort area that comes close right now is Carsland. We'll see how this influences Star Wars Land in a few years.
I once worked on a little ride at Universal Studios called Back to the Future: The Ride. Understandably, I was more than a little upset when said ride got re-themed as a Simpson's ride. But, years later, the entire area surrounding the ride has undergone some amazing re-theming. Now, when you walk out of the Wizarding World, it feels like your headed straight into Springfield. The Duff Beer, d'oh-nuts, and Cleetus' fried chicken really make the land work.
I didn't have much time to explore, but the creative team at Universal has also done wonders with their child-based area, focused on the world of Despicable Me and the Minions. And, there's that other new thing...something to do with the Walking Dead I think it's called? The line was a bit too long for me (and I'm secretly not brave enough to explore it on a solo trip).
I'll leave you with some shots from the tram ride. It hasn't changed much recently. The newer Fast and Furious section is kind of cool, but I miss the dancing cars from Tokyo Drift. Here's the shots:
Overall, it was a good, solid summer trip. If you're trying to decide if Universal is worth the money and the time while you're in the L.A. area, I think it is. I've seen it go from barely being considered a theme park, way back when all you really had was the tram, a handful of shows, and a playground, to a point where now they are challenging Disney to keep up with them in some ways. It's a good time to be Universal.
I didn't have much time to explore, but the creative team at Universal has also done wonders with their child-based area, focused on the world of Despicable Me and the Minions. And, there's that other new thing...something to do with the Walking Dead I think it's called? The line was a bit too long for me (and I'm secretly not brave enough to explore it on a solo trip).
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
In-Between Disney Trips: What to Do
What do you do when you have no Disney trips coming up? Whether Disney or otherwise, without a trip, there becomes a lull in life. Sure, you go through the motions of life. Work. Take care of the kids. Enjoy a hobby or two. Sleep. Cook. Clean. But, if you're like me, those trips, especially Disney trips, are what really get you going in life. So what do you do between trips?
1. Count the days until your next trip. My next Disneyland trip is approximately 3 months, 1 week, and 4 days away. I'm waiting for that magical 60 day mark when I can start making dining reservations. In the meantime, I am trying to decide where to dine since the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ is closed. Character meals are nice, but expensive and take a lot of time. I'd love to do Blue Bayou, but my kids are still a little young. Contemplating Ariel's Grotto since we haven't really done that one. But really, where would be a good place to take the kids.
2. Planning outfits for the next trip. When you have kids, dressing them for Disney can be a lot of fun. Our next trip will be 4 days, 3 nights. Day 1: Star Wars. Day 2: Frozen or Disney Jr. Day 3: Marvel. Day 4: Classic Characters. The possibilities are endless.
3. Disneybounding and Cosplay. Do you know how many ways you can create an outfit inspired by your favorite character? I kind of stink at Disneybounding. It's hard to find the elements I need. But you know what? It's still super fun. Cosplay, too. I keep seeing these aprons on Etsy that would make it really easy to be comfortable and do easy costume changes during D23 next year. I'm wondering if I'm crafty enough to make one. Maybe I should just buy one off the people who are good at doing them. My talent for sewing is also limited.
4. The Forums. OMG, the forums. If you're a hard-core Disney fan, the forums are the places to be. If you're like me, you belong to multiple forums. But, if you're just getting started, you might be startled at the differences between fan forums. DIS, for instance, tends to be the friendly forum. They are generally very welcoming to people asking for help planning trips and discussions tend to be on what your favorite restaurant for ADR or strategies for making the most out of the FP system. Micechat. Now that one's interesting. Micechat tends to be the place to talk about all the newest and craziest rumors. But, at the same time, with the devotion and discussion comes a greater chance for debate, complaint, and intensity. Micechat is not for the faint of heart. Don't be offended if people don't agree with you. It's about the passion for Disney. There's also Mouseplanet and a handful of other, less notable forums. I'm not actively engaged in these, so I can't speak on them, but from what I've seen of Mouseplanet, it again is its own universe, generally somewhere between DIS and Micechat on the continuum. Anyway, these can provide hours of discussion and entertainment while also giving you some new insight.
5. Visiting other theme parks. I'm doing this tomorrow actually. Universal Studios is a personal favorite and great for a day-trip. It's also a fantastic place to go alone since they are among the best at accommodating single-riders. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is, in fact, perhaps a bit more spectacular than even Disney properties in terms of its immersiveness. Plus, it's rarely as crowded as Disneyland.
6. Disney movies and TV shows. In my house, with my 3 children ages 6 and under, Disney rules. We watch Sofia, Mickey, Frozen, Tangled, Wreck-It-Ralph, and many others on a regular basis. So, which will it be today? Who knows? We love them all.
7. Trips to the Disney Store and other merchandising opportunities. Who doesn't love the Disney Store? Sure, it's not quite as epic and amazing as the Disney Store of the 90s, but it's still super fun. Buying new Disney themed toys, clothing, and mugs is always fun. Kohl's, Target, Children's Place, JCPenny, Walmart, and Old Navy also have some pretty cool stuff depending on the price point you're willing to spend. Even if you're not buying, it's pretty entertaining to look.
So, what do you do between trips? Because honestly, I'm going through withdrawals just a bit and kicking myself that I won't be able to get back before the 60th entertainment disappears.
1. Count the days until your next trip. My next Disneyland trip is approximately 3 months, 1 week, and 4 days away. I'm waiting for that magical 60 day mark when I can start making dining reservations. In the meantime, I am trying to decide where to dine since the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ is closed. Character meals are nice, but expensive and take a lot of time. I'd love to do Blue Bayou, but my kids are still a little young. Contemplating Ariel's Grotto since we haven't really done that one. But really, where would be a good place to take the kids.
2. Planning outfits for the next trip. When you have kids, dressing them for Disney can be a lot of fun. Our next trip will be 4 days, 3 nights. Day 1: Star Wars. Day 2: Frozen or Disney Jr. Day 3: Marvel. Day 4: Classic Characters. The possibilities are endless.
3. Disneybounding and Cosplay. Do you know how many ways you can create an outfit inspired by your favorite character? I kind of stink at Disneybounding. It's hard to find the elements I need. But you know what? It's still super fun. Cosplay, too. I keep seeing these aprons on Etsy that would make it really easy to be comfortable and do easy costume changes during D23 next year. I'm wondering if I'm crafty enough to make one. Maybe I should just buy one off the people who are good at doing them. My talent for sewing is also limited.
4. The Forums. OMG, the forums. If you're a hard-core Disney fan, the forums are the places to be. If you're like me, you belong to multiple forums. But, if you're just getting started, you might be startled at the differences between fan forums. DIS, for instance, tends to be the friendly forum. They are generally very welcoming to people asking for help planning trips and discussions tend to be on what your favorite restaurant for ADR or strategies for making the most out of the FP system. Micechat. Now that one's interesting. Micechat tends to be the place to talk about all the newest and craziest rumors. But, at the same time, with the devotion and discussion comes a greater chance for debate, complaint, and intensity. Micechat is not for the faint of heart. Don't be offended if people don't agree with you. It's about the passion for Disney. There's also Mouseplanet and a handful of other, less notable forums. I'm not actively engaged in these, so I can't speak on them, but from what I've seen of Mouseplanet, it again is its own universe, generally somewhere between DIS and Micechat on the continuum. Anyway, these can provide hours of discussion and entertainment while also giving you some new insight.
5. Visiting other theme parks. I'm doing this tomorrow actually. Universal Studios is a personal favorite and great for a day-trip. It's also a fantastic place to go alone since they are among the best at accommodating single-riders. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is, in fact, perhaps a bit more spectacular than even Disney properties in terms of its immersiveness. Plus, it's rarely as crowded as Disneyland.
6. Disney movies and TV shows. In my house, with my 3 children ages 6 and under, Disney rules. We watch Sofia, Mickey, Frozen, Tangled, Wreck-It-Ralph, and many others on a regular basis. So, which will it be today? Who knows? We love them all.
7. Trips to the Disney Store and other merchandising opportunities. Who doesn't love the Disney Store? Sure, it's not quite as epic and amazing as the Disney Store of the 90s, but it's still super fun. Buying new Disney themed toys, clothing, and mugs is always fun. Kohl's, Target, Children's Place, JCPenny, Walmart, and Old Navy also have some pretty cool stuff depending on the price point you're willing to spend. Even if you're not buying, it's pretty entertaining to look.
So, what do you do between trips? Because honestly, I'm going through withdrawals just a bit and kicking myself that I won't be able to get back before the 60th entertainment disappears.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Road Trip to Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Part 3
Ah, Santa Cruz, California. Known primarily for progressive thinking, the hippie lifestyle, amazing beaches, and even better surfing, Santa Cruz has been near and dear to my heart for some years. I had the pleasure of attending college at UC Santa Cruz and living in the area for 3 years. As such, I was excited to show my children a little bit about the place that helped shape me into who I am today.
Before even visiting Monterey, just after arriving at our hotel after our long drive up, my husband and I took our kids straight to Santa Cruz for a little taste of beach life. We headed to West Cliff Drive, a beautiful road on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's a path here for bike riders, roller bladers, walkers, and joggers. Parking at one end, you can easily walk to the other end in about 1 hour's time. The road is lined with small beaches, gorgeous beach houses, and a cute little lighthouse that doubles as a surf museum.
At the northern end of the approximately 2 mile walk is Natural Bridges State Beach. While not the easiest beach to access (the walk down to the beach is significantly easier than the schlep back up the massive sand dune), this is perhaps one of the most beautiful. Here, you can picnic, explore the tide pools, wade through the waves, and check out local wildlife, including occasional sightings of whales, sea lions, otters, and more. In the winter, monarch butterflies also make this park their home. To park onsite, you need to pay, but your money will go directly to supporting our state beaches. As an alternative, you will see that some people choose to park on a nearby road and walk in, but please be cautious as many roads do not allow parking without a permit. There are very few exceptions.
Beaches and Santa Cruz in general can be unpredictable in terms of weather, so wear layers. For example, when my family and I were here this past trip, it was at least 85 degrees outside and undeniably hot, especially combined with higher humidity. When I was there alone a month before, I was almost cold as the temperatures never got above 65. By layers, for those of you not from California, I mean a t-shirt or tank top (possibly both) covered by a light hoodie, and in the winter possibly even a jacket. On the bottom, you can wear shorts, but depending on how easily you get cold, maybe bring some pants in the car. Definitely wear long pants in the winter.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, or UCSC, is also a great place to explore. While the university itself is much like any other university in terms of buildings, lecture halls, and dorms, UCSC is something special. Built on roughly 2,001 acres, UCSC makes use of the nature around it. From sprawling fields to lush forests, there's a little bit of everything here. If you can get to campus early in the morning before the masses of students awaken from their slumber, you can enjoy quiet walks and hikes along the paths between colleges, areas of campus housing and lecture halls themed based on 10 core concepts, such as social justice, globalization, and environmental awareness. The campus also back up to a wildlife reserve, giving you plenty of chances to become one with nature. It's common to come across deer, a variety of birds, and yes, even banana slugs (the campus mascot).
Our other main point of exploration on this particular trip was the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If you come in the summer, plan to spend at least one day here. There is plenty to do. In the winter, depending on weather, consider only half a day. There are indoor activities including a miniature golf course, pool tables, and a truly massive arcade, but the real fun is outside at one of the best seaside amusement parks in the United States, if not the world. Highlights include the Loof Carousel, built in 1911, and the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the United States, which opened in 1924. Both are historical landmarks and both are must-ride attractions. The carousel is one of few remaining with opportunities to reach for the brass ring. The roller coaster, though old, is one of the most thrilling wooden coasters in existence. For Disneyland enthusiasts, compare this classic to California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure. While I cannot find any evidence to support my claims, I swear some elements were taken straight from the Giant Dipper. Other interesting rides include the classic Cave Train, great for the kids, a standard Ferris wheel, and other rides you would typically see at a carnival. The food offerings at the Boardwalk are generally pretty typical carnival foods such as garlic fries, funnel cake, hot dogs, and even deep fried Twinkies. But, if you're looking for something special, Marini's will satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly pulled saltwater taffy and other delicious candies. On this past trip, I think I even spotted a Dole Whip cart, again, for all of the Disney fans out there.
In the summer, the Boardwalk offers free movies on the beach every Wednesday night, free concerts on Fridays, and bargain nights with cheaper prices. If you're going to this area, there's really no better place to be. If I sound like a commercial, I apologize. I worked there once upon a dream.
In terms of food, there are about a million fantastic little places in Santa Cruz and the surrounding area. While we were there, we ate 2 meals at Las Palmas Taco Bar, one of our favorites from when we lived in the area. Everyone has a different opinion on Mexican food, but to me, this place hands down has the best tacos I have ever had. The burritos, enchiladas, and other items on the menu are also quite good. As an added bonus, this is one of the few places I know of that sells RC Cola instead of the mainstream soda brands.
We did not have enough time on our trip to visit any of our other favorite places to eat. If you're looking for a great diner, check out the Santa Cruz Diner on Ocean Street. Their menu is huge and they have everything from typical diner food to pho. Some of you might have even seen them some years ago on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. If you're looking for some vegetarian/vegan diner food, Saturn Cafe is the place to be. While the food is nothing spectacular, except the desserts which are to die for, the place is quirky and sums up everything there is to know about Santa Cruz in one small restaurant. Erik's Deli has some of the best sandwiches and soups in town. Go there. If you're a sandwich fan, you shouldn't be disappointed. For amazing hot chocolate, make a stop at Chocolate, down on Pacific Avenue. The food is great, too, but drinking their hot chocolate is like drinking a melted chocolate bar. Finally, for a classic ice cream shop experience, check out Marianne's, where they have been making homemade ice cream for over 50 years.
So, that sums it up. Everything we did on our brief tour of Santa Cruz and Monterey and then some. I hope you enjoyed it and that it inspires you to take a road trip, either here or to some other distant location. Explore with your children. There is so much fun to be had.
Before even visiting Monterey, just after arriving at our hotel after our long drive up, my husband and I took our kids straight to Santa Cruz for a little taste of beach life. We headed to West Cliff Drive, a beautiful road on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's a path here for bike riders, roller bladers, walkers, and joggers. Parking at one end, you can easily walk to the other end in about 1 hour's time. The road is lined with small beaches, gorgeous beach houses, and a cute little lighthouse that doubles as a surf museum.
At the northern end of the approximately 2 mile walk is Natural Bridges State Beach. While not the easiest beach to access (the walk down to the beach is significantly easier than the schlep back up the massive sand dune), this is perhaps one of the most beautiful. Here, you can picnic, explore the tide pools, wade through the waves, and check out local wildlife, including occasional sightings of whales, sea lions, otters, and more. In the winter, monarch butterflies also make this park their home. To park onsite, you need to pay, but your money will go directly to supporting our state beaches. As an alternative, you will see that some people choose to park on a nearby road and walk in, but please be cautious as many roads do not allow parking without a permit. There are very few exceptions.
Beaches and Santa Cruz in general can be unpredictable in terms of weather, so wear layers. For example, when my family and I were here this past trip, it was at least 85 degrees outside and undeniably hot, especially combined with higher humidity. When I was there alone a month before, I was almost cold as the temperatures never got above 65. By layers, for those of you not from California, I mean a t-shirt or tank top (possibly both) covered by a light hoodie, and in the winter possibly even a jacket. On the bottom, you can wear shorts, but depending on how easily you get cold, maybe bring some pants in the car. Definitely wear long pants in the winter.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, or UCSC, is also a great place to explore. While the university itself is much like any other university in terms of buildings, lecture halls, and dorms, UCSC is something special. Built on roughly 2,001 acres, UCSC makes use of the nature around it. From sprawling fields to lush forests, there's a little bit of everything here. If you can get to campus early in the morning before the masses of students awaken from their slumber, you can enjoy quiet walks and hikes along the paths between colleges, areas of campus housing and lecture halls themed based on 10 core concepts, such as social justice, globalization, and environmental awareness. The campus also back up to a wildlife reserve, giving you plenty of chances to become one with nature. It's common to come across deer, a variety of birds, and yes, even banana slugs (the campus mascot).
Our other main point of exploration on this particular trip was the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If you come in the summer, plan to spend at least one day here. There is plenty to do. In the winter, depending on weather, consider only half a day. There are indoor activities including a miniature golf course, pool tables, and a truly massive arcade, but the real fun is outside at one of the best seaside amusement parks in the United States, if not the world. Highlights include the Loof Carousel, built in 1911, and the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the United States, which opened in 1924. Both are historical landmarks and both are must-ride attractions. The carousel is one of few remaining with opportunities to reach for the brass ring. The roller coaster, though old, is one of the most thrilling wooden coasters in existence. For Disneyland enthusiasts, compare this classic to California Screamin' at Disney's California Adventure. While I cannot find any evidence to support my claims, I swear some elements were taken straight from the Giant Dipper. Other interesting rides include the classic Cave Train, great for the kids, a standard Ferris wheel, and other rides you would typically see at a carnival. The food offerings at the Boardwalk are generally pretty typical carnival foods such as garlic fries, funnel cake, hot dogs, and even deep fried Twinkies. But, if you're looking for something special, Marini's will satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly pulled saltwater taffy and other delicious candies. On this past trip, I think I even spotted a Dole Whip cart, again, for all of the Disney fans out there.
In the summer, the Boardwalk offers free movies on the beach every Wednesday night, free concerts on Fridays, and bargain nights with cheaper prices. If you're going to this area, there's really no better place to be. If I sound like a commercial, I apologize. I worked there once upon a dream.
In terms of food, there are about a million fantastic little places in Santa Cruz and the surrounding area. While we were there, we ate 2 meals at Las Palmas Taco Bar, one of our favorites from when we lived in the area. Everyone has a different opinion on Mexican food, but to me, this place hands down has the best tacos I have ever had. The burritos, enchiladas, and other items on the menu are also quite good. As an added bonus, this is one of the few places I know of that sells RC Cola instead of the mainstream soda brands.
So, that sums it up. Everything we did on our brief tour of Santa Cruz and Monterey and then some. I hope you enjoyed it and that it inspires you to take a road trip, either here or to some other distant location. Explore with your children. There is so much fun to be had.
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