State bird

California's state bird is the California Valley Quail. The California Valley Quail was picked because of its large numbers in May-August flocks and flocks of geese would go over Death Valley and hunters would wait in the valley to take out flocks and flocks over quail going through. Hunter usually flocked from 50 to 200. As hunting season came and went the numbers of the quail went down. Soon, only 1500 were left in the state soon as government officials found out they put them on the endangered list because of this. As this happened the number rose again and they were put off of the endangered list this is why the state decided to make it there state animal because of its determined comeback from extinction.

State Flower

The state flower is the Golden Poppy. IT was picked because of its bright golden color. People who saw it called it cups of gold of how bright it is. Most people said that it was like “Fields of Cups of Gold”. This made the government of California to make this the state flower.

Disney land

Disney Land is California's most popular attraction. Having so many guests hotels surround the area. Disney land has 8 kingdoms. There is the magical kingdom space kingdom animal kingdom and the adventure kingdom. California makes a lot of money off of this and is California's main attraction,

Monterey bay aquariam

Monterey bay aquariam is one of the largest aquariams in the United States ranking 2nd. Having its own supply of water coming in from the ocean. Monterey bay aquariam has the largest number of sea creatures in America and still rising.

Monterey bay aquariam is California's 2nd most inportant attraction, keeping tourists in California.

Agriculture

Some of California' most important crops is wheat and barley. Most fields are located in central Valley. Most crops are watered by the winter rains, in Minnesota we get snow but in California, all they get is rain. Oranges that are found in California are hand picked and shipped to stores around the U.S, but most aren't. Some other crops or agriculture is tomatoes, onion, pinapple, olives, apples, pears, walnuts, nuts, corn grapes, raspberries, berries, watermelon, squash. Some of California's livestock is cows, chickens, sheep, and pigs. All of these things play a different

Part in California's beauty and is helping California prosper into the number 1 state.

History

Some of California's most impressive history dated back about 15,000 years ago, during the ladst ice age. Most of the untied states and north America was covered with ice. A land bridge connect with Asia and North America. Hutners from asia crossed the landbridge or followed by it in boats as the Asian's found out that north America was a great hunting place they settled in California. Soon California had different mixed racies from natives to Asains. By1500 hundreds

California had over 100,000 Native American's. There lives began chagine when Eurpeans came. As more and more uropeans came so did missionaries trying to teach the native's cristianity., but they were not successful. Natives still preformed traditional seromony's at the missions in notrth California. So the missionaries gave up. Soon mexican's arrived in California looking for independence from mexico but were unsuccessful soon there was a governer in the state making California apart of mexico, but this didn't last for long. In 1821 mexico won its endependence from spain and California was now a truly apart of mexico.

In 1826, and American named Jedediah Smith reached California, he was a fur trapper from New York looking for new routes to set his fur traps. Smith was the first American to set foot in Californa. Over time more and more American's arrived im California to live. People learned that this land was excellent and they also learned it had a lot of gold. John Sutter owned land near sacremento. A carpenter building a mill for Sutter found gold on the land and soon everyone was rushing form all over north America. The gold rush changed California forever.

The united states had just won the war with mexico that statrted just 2 years before this event making California america's land.On Febuary 2, 1848 claiforinia became apart of the untied states. This gold rush attracted over 90,000 people and these newcomers were called forty-niners. Most pople thought you could be rich by mining this gold, a few people did make a fortune but most didn't, but still stayed in California. In 1850 california became a state in the U.S.

Soon most of the forty-niners agve up hope and needed food clothing and places to sleep so people who gave up on mingin worked in factories supplinying new miners tools for there beginning. The gold rush did not go on forever but California kept growing. In 1869, a transcontinental linked California with the eastern U.S. The railrad made it easier for people to reach California .people who helped bring abot the buiding of the rail lines became millionaires.

California's farmland also held jobs for a lot of people but not all of the state got enough rain to grow crops, so the state started irrigating land.In 1887 the first major irrigation system started bringing water to dry farmland, The projects helped California's population grow. By the end of the 1900's land was cheap.

In the early tentieth century, east coast movie makers realized that southern California was a better place to make movies. Soon Hollywood was created.

The Desert Tortuise

The desert tortuise lives in the sierra nevada's. eating and drinking the juices of the cactus and the catus meat inside.

The desert turtiose burrows deep under the sand is moist and cool. The desert tortuise has a thick shell that can Weigh over 700 pounds.

The Kit Fox

The kit fox lives in the desert looking for flowers to eat. The kit fox is the sammllest member of the dog family found in north America. The kit fox can weight at only 6 ounces, but when older can weigh as much as 12 pounds. The kit fox is a fery clever animal only coming out at night so it doesn't have to bear the heat.

The California condor

The California condor has a wingspan of 9 feet or more. This is one of the very known California bird on the endanged species list. The California condors usually live among the red wood tress but sometime stray out into the desert.

The condor has a picky menu but will eat inything if hungry enough. The California condor is so special it is being breeded at the zoo in California.

Thankyou for reading my report on California and I hoped you liked it.

Solvang is a city dotted with windmills, quaint Danish shops, restaurants, antique stores, and more recently wine tasting rooms from local wineries. Some shops that I have always enjoyed visiting are Rasmussens, where you can find a variety of items for your home; Berengaria, a wonderful clothing and gift store where the staff is always friendly, helpful, and informative; Edelweiss, and Jule Hus, Inc., a year round Christmas shop filled to bursting with wonderful ornaments and decorations some of them handmade. One of my great, great, great grandparents opened the first bakery in Solvang. A great place to find out about Solvang's history is the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art . While in Solvang you should visit the Hans Christen Andersen Park and the Solvang Park , take a ride on the horse drawn trolley and browse the many stores while you stroll the streets.

Solvang - the name is a Danish word meaning "sunny field" - was founded in 1911 on 9,000 acres of former Spanish land grant. To the small group of Danish settlers, refugees from Midwestern winters, the area must have looked like heaven. It was a group of Danish educators who founded Solvang and they immediately went to work building a Danish folk school.

In 1914 the school moved to newly constructed Atterdag College, where students learned the basics and a love of Danish culture. Atterdag College is gone, but it's spirit still infuses the town.

In 1936, on Solvang's 25th birthday, the future Danish king and queen visited, sparking interest in the local colony and the local annual festival known as Danish Days.

Visit Solvang Sept. 19 th through the 21 st for Danish Days where you can enjoy a parade, music, dancing, traditional foods, folk art demonstrations, singing, games, aebleskive eating contests, akvavit tasting, and more. Visit the Solvang Visitors website for more information on this wonderful place to visit. Before you leave you must stop in to Gaveaesken (The Gift Box) and get yourself a handmade Nisser. Nisser are adorable little Skandinavian elves. Ask the clerk about the story behind these little guys and then take one or two home with you! I have 12 of them, myself! You may also want to visit the nearby Santa Ynez Valley while you are staying in Solvang. Enjoy your visit and hope you come back soon!

The Beach

Image: Nataliej

Head to the beach for a day of fun in the sun. Laying out over the sand (and a towel) on a warm day is a great way to catch rays, catch up on your reading, or perhaps even catch a date. Beaches in Newport Beach city limits include Newport, Balboa, and Corona Del Mar.

Image: Bright Green Pants

Is the water more your style? Great, because Newport has some amazing surfing and body-boarding ready waves.

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Grab a board and head out to the water, it's usually warm enough to go without a wetsuit year round, so take advantage!

Balboa Fun Zone

Image: Miss Shari

This area really was great for kids of all ages. There is a merry-go-round, ferris wheel, and a whole bunch of history (it's been around since 1936). Unfortunately, they have been dismembering the Fun Zone for the past couple of years and nothing else remains besides the two rides. In its place will stand a nautical museum sometime in the future.

The Piers

Image: Ryan Wolter

The picturesque Newport Pier provides not only for lovely photographs, but also has a great little restaurant towards the end of it. It's a romantic little place, and you're best off to be seated just before sunset.

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Balboa pier is at the more southern end of the Newport Beach strip. It's a great place for fishing for smaller fish, so be sure to grab your reel and rod before leaving home. If you're lucky, you can even see some starfish at low tide. To finish off a long day, don't forget to stop into Ruby's (on the pier) for a burger and a shake.

Newport Harbor

Image: Marj K

Newport Harbor is touted as one of the finest small boat harbors in the world. Both visitors and locals take advantage of the many boat rental and yacht charter opportunities to enjoy the Harbor’s beauty.

Image: Marj K

Unfortunately for them, but fortunately for boaters, the city of Newport Beach is trying to push out all sea lions from the harbor. However, maybe you can catch one of these cuties on camera, poking their heads out from the water.

OC Museum of Art

Image: Poncho Dehesa

If you're an art and design fanatic like myself, a must is to stop over at the Orange County Museum of Art. They have a rotating collection and tons of exhibits. Check their site for more information.

Fashion Island

Image: Mine Beyaz

Who wouldn't love to spend the day at the mall. Entrapping the essence of every lady's fantasy, Fashion Island is an aesthetically beautiful and fully loaded place to indeed use up the entire day and night on. With anchor stores, like Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus and plenty of boutique shops, you're sure to find the right outfit for the occasion. As a special treat, stop into Teusher Chocolates and Cafe to enjoy one of their delicious, gourmet truffles.

Newport Aquatic Center

Image: NicaMom

Before you get ready to leave Newport Beach, be sure you checked off the Newport Aquatic Center on your list. They have classes and rentals for kayaking and rowing. I personally prefer the kayaks, but either way both are great to roam around the water in. Enjoy Newport!

Sundress or Sarong

Ladies, this is your chance to make a great first impression with that hot guy laying on the sand as you pass by. Show off those sexy legs of yours and a little cleavage too. You will want a loose fitting sundress or sarong. Comfort is as important as style and color.

Bikini or Swimsuit

The most important thing about your bikini is that it fits properly. Head to the local bikini shop or at your nearby mall. Select a design that works well with your body type. Then look for colors and patterns. Guys seem to love vibrant colors and especially when on a string bikini.

Sandals

Your shoes should compliment the rest of your attire. The beach is all about sand and water. Flats are most appropriate for this occasion. Rubber beach thongs, or leather sandals are fantastic!

Towel

Beach towels come in a large variety of colors and patterns. Lightweight towels dry faster than the thick plus ones. You will be laying on this for the good part of the day. It is your choice. Matching your swimwear never hurts.

Sunglasses

You get what you pay for, especially with sunglasses. The $5 pairs you find at the gas stations do not protect your eyes. Invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. A larger frame is especially nice for the beach.

Sunscreen for body, face and lips

Hawaiian Tropic, Tropical Blend, Banana Boat, and Coppertone, are all good brands of sunscreen. Bring a minimum of SPF 15 and apply frequently. For those hard to reach areas, ask one of the guys for assistance.

Hat

Beach hats are practical and stylish. Go neutral tones to match everything or something bright to match your outfit. We must protect our beautiful skin.

Limited cash

Stash your credit cards in the trunk of your locked car, but try to carry less than $20 cash on hand. It is easy to return to your car for more money if needed.

iPod and Cellphone

Like American Express cards, never leave home without them.

Anytime you park your car whether it is at the beach or a mall, never leave anything in plain sight. Leave your valuables at home or secure them in the trunk. Remember, “out of sight, out of mind”!

Be safe and enjoy your day at the beach!

Yosemite National Park, California

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John Muir, one of America's original naturalists supposedly took President Theodore Roosevelt camping in Yosemite to convince the president that our country needed to have designated National Parks. President “Teddy” Roosevelt was so awe struck by his experience camping in Yosemite that he set up the National Parks Service to preserve vast pieces of our country's wild and beautiful territory. Yosemite has deep valleys and waterfalls that are truly magnificent. Yosemite is one of our nation's most regal parks and over 3 million visitors from all over the world come to reign in her glory.

This is an example of just one waterfall within Yosemite National Park.

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park is home to Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in the United States.

The park itself is about 200 miles south of the Artic Circle. The park wildlife includes Dall (big horn) sheep, grizzly bears, gray wolves and moose. This area is a place where the tectonic plates of the earth continually are in motion and thus earthquakes are a part of the territory. The Alaskan Range actually rises 3 centimeters a year, due to this constant force. In the winter, the temperature in this region can drop to 95 degrees below zero.

 

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its red rock formations and unusual landscape.

These rock formations are called “hoodoos” and they were craved by melting snow. This sculpting of the rocks took thousands and thousands of years. The entire park has been created by the elements of wind and rain, giving it a memorable terrain. Inside the park at 9,000 feet above sea level, there are 1,500 year old pine trees.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

 

Crater Lake National Park was created when a volcano literally blew its top over 7,000 years ago. Actually the blast was 42 times the explosion of the Mt. St. Helen's in 1980. . Half-a-million visitors descend on this park every year to see this amazing crater and lake. Crater Lake is surrounded by lush evergreen trees and scenic hills, which make it a very popular travel stop. The lake itself may be surrounded by freezing weather, but it only froze once back in 1949. The area typically receives about 44 feet of snow a year. Crater Lake is the 7th deepest lake in the world with a depth of almost 1,300 feet.

Rocky Mountains, Colorado

 

It's no wonder that John Denver wrote a song called “Rocky Mountain High” about these amazing mountains. Over 2 million people visit this inspirational place every year.

The Rocky Mountains offer the visitor a glimpse of the ancient erosion that formed these peaks. The valleys were created by glaciations back in the Cenozoic Era. Animals that call this area home are elk, deer, big horn sheep, coyote, cougars and black bears. The Rocky Mountains are home to much natural beauty and pristine lakes.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

When we think of Yellowstone National Park we all think of the geothermal geyser “Old Faithful.” “Old Faithful” is one of many geothermal geysers in the area. Yellowstone National Park is literally a “hotbed” of geothermal activity and is the location of a “super volcano.” This “super volcano” is called “Yellowstone Caldera” and is still considered to be an active volcano. The geothermal activity is fueled by the active volcanism in this part of the world. Interestingly enough, “Old Faithful” has a sister geothermal geyser that is located in Napa Valley, California.

One of the largest highly elevated lakes is also in Yellowstone Park. Most of the land of Yellowstone is located in the state of Wyoming. Although a small amount of the park drifts into Idaho and Montana,

As you can imagine this region of the world experiences hundreds of small earthquakes every year.

Haleakala Crater and National Park, Hawaii

 

Haleakala sunrise

Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii in Hawaiian means “House of the Sun.” It is 10,000 feet above sea level on the island of Maui. The mountain is actually a dormant volcano and astronauts practiced their lunar landing in the barren crater. There is sometimes snow at the top of this volcano. So you could ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon, that's Haleakala. The volcano is popular with tourists and well-known for its spectacular views at sunrise. Tourists and natives alike rent bikes and take the downhill ride of their life to the bottom of Haleakala.

 

Downhill on a bike from 10,000 feet above sea level is a rush!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

 

The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee has a larger collection of tree species than Northern Europe. The Smoky Mountains represent the culture and ways of the diverse life of South Appalachian of the past. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the park way back in 1940 and it was problematic as there were many farmers that lived in the designated park region. It was an emotional loss for many of the people who were forced to relocate, although some were allowed a lease that would extent through their lifetime. The park has a bear population of about 1,500.

 

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

 

It is hard to imagine but the Shenandoah National Park is only 70 miles away from Washington, D.C., our country's capital. This park is part of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The area has become a popular tourist destination that allows the urbanites to stay in cozy inns and pastoral settings, although wilderness does account for 40% of the park. Shenandoah National Park is full of woodland forests, wildlife and waterfalls.

 

Glacier National Park, Montana

 

Glacier National Park is called “Shining Mountains” to the Native tribes of the region.

The park is aptly named for the rugged terrain that was craved by glaciers millions of years ago. One winter night in 2005, the park was pounded by 8 feet of snow! Just a few days ago, it was announced that due to the volume of snow, a major new road won't be opened in that part of Montana until at least July 4th. Avalanches are creating havoc in the area and delaying the long awaited highway and it is summer!

 

Arches National Park, Utah

 

Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 sandstones arches that have been craved by the wind and the weather for millions of years. The unusual textures and colors make the park very unique and vibrant in some areas. The summer temperatures are over 100 degrees. The winter temperatures are often around 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Redwood National Park

 

Just two hours south of Oregon, hugging the rugged California coast is where you will find the Redwood National Park. The Redwood National park is home to ancient trees which reach heights of 367 feet into the sky. The base of the trees can be as wide as 22 feet. You will not find these extraordinary trees anywhere else in the world.

These trees are about 20 million years old and began with a tiny seed. The damp environment and cool, foggy weather along the Pacific Ocean are the perfect living conditions for this rainforest of fascinating trees.

 

Our National Parks keep the wilderness of our country open and free. Long may they protect the beauty of our natural and most precious spaces!

Tito's Tacos

11222 Washington Pl.,
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 391-5780
www.titostacos.com

Although this place serves its standard Mexican fare, it's tacos that reign supreme. At $1.95 with cheese ($1.50 without), the shredded beef tacos are worth the long lines on a daily basis. Open 9 am-11:30 pm daily.

California Chicken Café

2005 Westwood Bl.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 446-1933
www.californiachickencafe.com

Excellent portions of dark & white meat chicken, salads that'll make you unsure as to what you want to order. However, it's the wraps that I go there for. The combo wrap that has chicken, avocado, jack cheese, sprouts, Italian dressing, lettuce, tomato, and mayo is the most popular one, and the one I go almost every time. Its $7.50 and it's worth the price. Open 11 am-10 pm, M-F; noon-10 pm on Sat. They're closed on Sundays.

Diddy Reese Cookies

 

926 Broxton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-0448

For the sweet tooth in me, I head to this place for some excellent ice cream cookie sandwiches. It may be a challenge trying to find a parking space and the place is near UCLA, but once I go inside, I'm in heaven, and you will be too. Call for hours.

Knott's Berry Farm

Rich in history and local tradition, Knott's Berry Farm (known simply as Knott's, or even KBF to us locals), is more than just a theme park, it is a tribute to good old-fashioned Western America culture.

Knott's for Thrill Seekers -

Start off early in the morning, ideally when the park opens its gates (at 10 a.m.). If you need, there's a nice Starbucks down the street (Beach Boulevard, north of La Palma) to pick up a coffee to start your day. Before you get too much filling your stomach, which will be easy with the delicious funnel cakes and boysenberry topping with powdered sugar, hop on all of the jolting rides first. You'll also avoid longer lines near the end of the day by going on early. This means you will be starting at the Boardwalk section of the park, running to be one of the first on Boomerang. Afterwards, go strap yourself in at the Supreme Scream station as you prepare for a crawl to the top of a 254 foot high tower and take a deep breathe before the quick and forceful drop down (said to be a mere 3 seconds). Heart pumping yet? How about a slide down “The World's Tallest, Steepest and Wettest Water Ride!” The Perilous Plunge will get you and everyone pointing at you wet... a great way to cool yourself off in the middle of the day.

Wait... we know your clothes have stopped leaving a puddle behind you. It's time to change that! Walk across the path, over to Rip Tide. Choose a seat in the middle for maximum effect as you tumble around the spouting fountain. Okay, now it is time to dry off again, for the meantime. Head over to the Xcelerator (the big, tall red one) and zoom around corners like you're racing in that t-bird. Get out of the sun and sit under a lovely umbrella in Fiesta Village... while spinning around at the Hat Dance. Your head will certainly be spinning afterwards. If all that activity has really stirred up your appetite, stomp over to the Bigfoot Broiler for a juicy burger. When done chomping that beef, it is required to go to Bigfoot Rapids (you're in the area, anyway). As they say, you will get wet, and you just may get soaked (if you sit at the seat that swerves under the waterfall). For dessert, and a quick drying off, saunter on back to Fiesta Village for Montezooma's revenge. Once that is done, relax, grab a funnel cake (it's a requirement to have it with boysenberry sauce), and catch one of the Old West shows back in Ghostown.

Knott's for Families -

Begin your day with a serving of the classic pancake breakfast at IHOP, across the street from KBF's entrance. The park will open at 10 o'clock, so it's best to get there at the time to allow yourself to maximize the day at this multi-faceted theme park. Make it a fun history lesson for the kids by pretending they're going off to work in a gold mine on Ghost Rider, a roller coaster said to be one of the longest and tallest in the world. After that little bit of exhilaration, pan for gold over at the Gold Rush Camp and possibly strike it rich! Cool down from the heat of the day on the Timber Mountain log ride, a Knott's classic.

Take a break from all of the excitement of the Old West and enjoy a delicious burrito or other Mexican fare at La Victoria Cantina in Fiesta Village. Once the food settles, be prepared to discover ancient mysteries on the always adventurous Jaguar ride. Don't worry, Camp Snoopy is next! Great for kids of all ages (but still best for the young ones), this offers many cute attractions for the family. I remember around the age of 5 having my picture taken on the Huff and Puff mining cars, while pumping and moving the car all by myself.

Near the end of your day, take a tour on the Ghost Town Calico Railroad... just be sure to watch out for flying bullets, as handkerchiefed bandits may board your train. Finish off with a supper at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Just be sure to make the reservations in advance, otherwise the wait is destined to be terribly long any day of the week. For a map of the park's location, please check here.

So, what else is there to do here? There is also the Knott's newer sister park, Soak City, which is mainly used by locals to cool off from the Southern California heat and nothing I would particularly recommend going out of your way to visit.

Don't pack your bags just yet, Buena Park still has more to offer than a family themepark.

Dinner and a Show

Medieval Times -

A classic in its own right, Medieval Times is the ultimate place for "chivalry, rivalry, and revelry."  Feast on a meal fit for royalty while watching, and perhaps even taking part in, a medieval tournament. Located on Beach Blvd. in between La Palma and the 91.

Pirate's Dinner Adventure -

A result of the late pirate-craze, the old Wild Bill's Dinner Theater was renovated into the Pirate's Dinner Adventure. A stunning show accompanies a decent dinner, and preceeded by a reasonably-sized appetizer buffet, pre-show. Just be sure you practice your swordsmanship before entering this territory. Also located on Beach Blvd, just south of the 91 freeway.

No Dinner, but a Bit of a Freak Show

Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum -

Get weirded out by this museum full of real (or not?!) oddities recorded throughout history and throughout the world by Robert Ripley. This is a good stop for some fun if you have an extra hour or two in your agenda. The boys will love all the exhibits meant to gross you out. Located on Beach Blvd, north of La Palma.

Buena Park is a great down filled with the necessities for suburban life and more. The historic, but entirely renovated Buena Park Mall, now known as the Buena Park Downtown (on La Palma, between Stanton and Dale), hosts a variety of stores, eateries, and a huge new movie theater. At Beach and Orangethorpe sits Golden Nights Restaurant, a fun Middle Eastern dining experience. This city is also filled with a variety of lodgings at your service (searchable on any travel site). Enjoy your stay!

Welcome to Anaheim. The one-time Bavarian delight along the Santa Ana River and previously filled with great citrus and walnut trees is now nearly half Hispanic and an established center of a metropolitan region in its own right.

Disneyland

Yes, it is a staple of visiting the Southland and you are obligated to visit if you're in the area and haven't been before. California Adventure is adjacent to the park and is just a pretty waste of time, so I recommend saving your money and going to see the real things the state has to offer. If you're limited on time and want the best of the rides, head first to the Matterhorn to wake you up and help get you pumped for the remainder of your day. Run over to Space Mountain and soar through the stars … and try to think of Michael Jackson when he wasn't so odd.

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Stop off at the Café Orleans for a yummy crepe or sandwich. Mosey on down to the Pirates of the Caribbean cruise and relax, enjoy a boat ride while your food settles. Don't move too fast, you can take a fascinating show of outer space while sitting in the theater in Star Tours… be careful, your seats do move in correspondence with the show. You'll come outside and the difference between an air-conditioned theater and the Southern California heat will hit you. Skip over to Splash Mountain for a refreshing cool down… and be careful, you will get wet!

Cruise through Autopia and let a breeze dry you off a bit, and then hit the Indiana Jones adventure for a shaky Jeep ride. It's now time for a little meet and greet with some characters, which is best done in Toon Town (my favorite part as a child). Minnie's house is a little girl's dream and the boys should really enjoy the Chip n'Dale Tree House.

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All the sugar and candy is done (and don't forget to buy some edible and non-edible treats at the Gag Factory before you leave), dusk should be hitting, and there's some sort of eerie feel as the breeze of the Santa Ana winds hit you and you wonder where the sun has gone. Well, it's the perfect timing for the trip to the Haunted Mansion. Will you see a ghost? Once you get over being spooked, run to Fronteirland for a place close to the water to get the best view of the Fantasmic special effects show performed on the lake. The showing should be at about 9, and following it will be a spectacular firework show. You should head back to your hotel room after this… get some rest and instruct the baby sitter… because now it's time to party!

Map of the park's location

Nightlife

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The Grove - This is a hot event venue, located on Katella east of State College. Its stunning exterior architecture and generally fabulous feel will make you feel like a movie star as you saunter in here. For upcoming events, go to their event schedule page.

House of Blues - The famous spot for some amazing live performances, located in the Downtown Disney District. You'll find all sorts of music being played here, and even though food is served, you'll likely find yourself moving those hips the entire time. For more information, head to the House of Blues website.

J.C. Fandango - Thespot to hit for a fun night of moving to the Latin groove. This is now technically in the city of Garden Grove, located on Chapman (west of Harbor… this is for your taxi driver), but it was previously in Anaheim so I'm including it… Anyway, they have all the best Latin music, a vibrant crowd, excellent DJs and even offer Salsa lessons. Check out their website to find out more.

Sports

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The Concourse Entertainment Center (Bowling) - For some reason, I think us Anaheim folks love to bowl. Well, this is the place to try your luck at a strike. They even have fun theme nights to enjoy. Located on La Palma, east of Kraemer.

California Angels - (had to be old school with the name) This is the baseball team that hadn't one a game for decades, and out of the blue took the World Series by storm in 2002. They play a great game, and if you have a chance, you should take the opportunity to see one. Go here for their schedule and watch them play at the Angel Stadium.

Anaheim Ducks - Are you Canadian and bored by the prospect of being without your beloved hockey while on vacation? Don't be! You can watch the Ducks play with the sticks and the puck (when it's the season). Schedule available here to see them play at the Arrowhead Pond.

Anaheim Hills Golf Course - Anaheim Hills is for sure the most beautiful part of this city. If you're seeking a relaxing afternoon and want to take a swing, The Hills golf course is a lovely spot to play a round of golf at. Phone 714-998-3041

Mammoth Lakes resides on the edge of the Long Valley Caldera, a large area that subsided after an enormous eruption 760,000 years ago. In fact the same magma chamber that was the source of the heat that eventually caused this great eruption. Mammoth Lakes enjoys unique opportunities as the Town is entirely surrounded by the Inyo National Forest and is home to the world renowned winter recreation facility of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and the beauty of the Eastern Sierra. With so many great attractions such as biking, camping, skiing, hiking, swimming and lots more. Mammoth is a great place for a vacation.

Some interesting facts I found out is that the highest peak is 11,053 feet. The town is 24.8 square miles, with a population of 7,093 people. An average snow fall per year is around 395 feet.

Of course some of the great hot spot in San Diego are the beaches. Everyone goes to the beach and even if you are single you are bound to meet other singles. There are surfer beaches where you can learn to surf and ride the big waves. Some beaches also have bars and dancing towards the evening. There are several of restaurant's to check out along with various Bar and Grill's.

The Altitude Sky Bar is located on the 22nd floor of the Marriott's Gaslamp which is the rooftop. It has a great view of the city nightlife.

Stingaree is a large restaurant mixed with a club and lounge included. It is a large place that can hold up to 1200 people and there is a cover charge of $20. This is definitely one of the hottest spots in San Diego for singles.

Pacific Beach Bar and Grill has 60 televisions sets including plasma tv's and various cable stations to watch. There are mostly sporting events that are aired for large crowds since the place is able to hold a good amount of people with a comfortable amount of room. There is an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for those that stay very late into the morning. It is known for its great tasting food.

Johnny V plays classic rock and 80's music. It is geared towards an older than college age crowd. You can play pool and have some drinks during happy hour. By 10pm the dance floor is crowded.

Finally, there are a few more places to mention.The Open Bar has a DJ and dancing mostly towards the evening. Cass Street Bar and Grill has the most activity between 8-11pm. It is a sport event viewing place that offers great food and drinks. If you are going to stay in San Diego there are a number of cottages and motels that are all nice and economical. Always plan ahead and prepare yourself to have great fun.