Travel Articles

Travel

Dining Guide at Great Wolf Lodge Southern California

If you’re wondering what kind of dining options are available at Great Wolf Lodge (GWL) Southern California, I’ve got the 411! Years ago, Great Wolf Lodge didn’t know much about food so they used to serve frozen burgers and fried food, but you’ll be happy to know they have come a long way from that, because GWL understands that about 25% of their hotel guests have food allergies, and it is important to them to use quality fresh locally-grown organic produce. For example, we tasted a few items during a special media preview presentation like a garden salad, mushroom risotto, and a gazpacho (cold vegetable soup). The dishes were so fresh … READ MORE >>

Waterfront Dining at Blue Water Grill Avalon

Imagine waterfront dining on your birthday overlooking beautiful Avalon Bay with a spectacular view of Catalina Casino all the while enjoying a delicious seafood dinner – that is what dining at Blue Water Grill Avalon was like. It’s one of our favorite spots to dine on Catalina Island. While we waited, we are taking it all in. Is this a dream? The kids are searching for fish in the water, because we are literally on the water. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Calamari Fritti for starters served with a sweet chili dipping sauce and cajun remoulade. They are great to share! Followed by our entrees. Our favorite item on … READ MORE >>

Escape to Island Spa Catalina

One of my most favorite thing to do when I’m on vacation is to visit a spa. Traveling is stressful as it is when you’re packing for the whole family, making sure everyone arrives on time, and making sure you don’t forget anything. I like to find time for myself to relax even if it’s for an hour. When were visiting Avalon over spring break, I explored ISLAND SPA CATALINA, and it was amazing!

Great Wolf Lodge Scooops Kid Spa (Mommy & Me)

Sometimes you need to make a little time to celebrate being a girl, wear tiaras, and feel like a princess. Needless to say, I was the best auntie of the day. Also our mani’s and pedi’s came with an ice cream treat at the end! At Great Wolf Lodge in SoCal, there’s a spa designed for kids called Scooops Kid Spa. It’s great for Mommy & Me or in this case, girl time with my niece. Hint: It’s open to the public! You don’t need to be hotel guests to experience Scooops and the first two hours of parking is free with validation. For our appointment, we all borrowed their … READ MORE >>

Catalina Island Vacation Rentals – CIVR

We go to Catalina Island a lot because it is absolutely beautiful out there, and it is a short boat ride off Southern California Coast. We have stayed over as a couple before children, a day trip with a large group for July 4th, and now as a family with kids. A great option for overnight stays with large groups and families is renting a house with a full kitchen. You can save money cooking your own meals, and it feels like home away from home. CATALINA ISLAND VACATION RENTALS (CIVR) offered to host our family while we were on Spring Break one year, and our home rental for two nights was a modernly decorated two bedroom condo centrally located to all the attractions in Avalon Harbor. As you may already know, most everything on Santa Catalina Island is within walking distance. We were steps from the water as well as from the Vons Grocery store. We walked about four blocks with our luggage to our condo which was also a block from Crescent Ave. (Note: CIVR have both houses and condos all between one and three blocks of the downtown area). We walked everywhere this weekend and all of our activities were conveniently about two or three blocks from where we stayed. Check out this property where we stayed at on Beacon St. from CIVR.

NEXT PAGE