Love To Eat and Travel - Blog

December "Fun Things To Do" & Holiday Events

Alana and Barry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Check out these December "Fun Things To Do" & Holiday Events in the San Francisco Bay Area... and beyond in our Love to Eat and Travel calendar for December 2009. Besure to check our Blog and Travel web site each month for updates throughout the year. Enjoy!

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square and Embarcadero Center in San Francisco, Jack London Square Lights Up the Holidays, Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park, Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting in New York City, Foster City Tree Lighting Ceremony, Walt Disney Christmas Holiday Screenings, London's Trafalgar Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, NASCAR Awards in Vegas, Lighted Boat Parade at Santa Cruz Harbor, Tree Lighting and Dick Bright Orchestra at California Street, Emerald Bowl 2009, Los Altos Tree Lighting, Santa Claus at Jelly Belly, Union Street "Fantasy of Lights" Celebration,Oakland Holiday Parade, Santa at Cannery Row, San Jose Holiday Parade & ParadeFest, Holiday Concerts at Davies Symphony Hall, Holiday Kwanzaa & Christmas Gift Show , Caltrain Holiday Train & Toys for Tots, Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train, New Year's Eve Galas and Celebrations... and more!

December Fun Things To Do & Holiday Events

Top 15+ Special Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Alana and Barry — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:03:00 GMT

Happy Holidays!

Chanukah - December 11-19, 2009
Christmas Day - Friday, December 25, 2009
Kwanzaa - December 26, 2009 - January 1, 2010
New Year's Eve - Thursday, December 31, 2009

Get a jump-start on your Holiday Shopping this year. Save time and money shopping online for FUN Holiday Gifts for your family, friends and business associates.

We've put together our Top 15+ Special Gift Ideas for the Holidays. Take a look and let us know if there are any Hot New products we should add to the list.

What are you hoping for this year?

Check out our Top 15+ Special Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Top 10 Fun Things To Do in New York City during the Holiday Season

Alana and Barry — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:38:00 GMT

The festive Holiday Season is one of the most exciting times to visit New York City - the lights, the crowds, the shopping, the buzz!

It's well worth a trip to New York City just to see the fabulous Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The fun Holiday musical includes our all-time favorite Rockettes' performance - the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers". Be sure to book well in advance; it's very popular with locals and tourists alike. The Christmas Show is running now thru' December 30, 2009.

During the Holiday Season, the live animals that appear in the Christmas Spectacular's Nativity scene - including camels and donkeys - are taken outside and walked around the block (Rockefeller Center) daily at 7am. Even if you're not an early riser, you may want to check this out. Be sure to bring along your camera so that you don't miss any candid shots.

New York City is one of the most romantic cities in the world. If you're looking for a memorable place to "pop the question," consider "Top of the Rock" Observation Deck - during sunset or after dark, under the twinkling stars. The views from 70 stories above the city are absolutely breathtaking - it's a great place to propose. Talking about romance, snuggle up to your honey on a romantic Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through Central Park - during the chilly winter months, blankets are available. Want to really splurge on something special? Enjoy a romantic Private Carriage Ride & Central Park Dinner (tour includes private round-trip transportation by limo, a ride in a horse-drawn carriage made for two around Central Park, and a gourmet dinner at one of New York's most dazzling restaurants - the legendary Tavern on the Green.

Take a FUN New York City Dinner Cruise and see the magnificent Manhattan skyline by night. Enjoy a superb four-course dinner at your own private table. Special Offer: Save over 10% when you book and travel by December 31, 2009 and receive one Free bottle of champagne for up to every four passengers in your party. Cheers!

New York City also offers FREE Year-Round Sightseeing Options including: Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Staten Island Ferry ride... to name a few.

Happy Holidays!
What are some of your favorite things to do in New York City during the Holiday Season?

Top 10 Fun Things To Do in NYC during the Holiday Season

San Francisco Holiday Travel - Save on Fun City Tours & Day Trips

Alana and Barry — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:30:00 GMT

Anytime is a good time to visit San Francisco, the beautiful "City By the Bay." My mom and sister came out to visit us in SF recently from London, so we were busy researching fun things to do and looking for ways to save them money . If you're planning on visiting San Francisco during the Holiday Season (or if you're a local looking for fun things to do) and want to save some money, here are a few FUN SF Bay Area sightseeing tours that we came across that offer good value (save up to 30% on selected tours) including:

San Francisco Deluxe City Tour, Muir Woods & Sausalito Day Trip
Enjoy three major attractions in one full-day tour - it's a great way to see the most popular sights of San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach and more), the world-famous Giant Redwoods (some of the oldest and tallest trees on earth) at Muir Woods., and the beautiful artsy town of Sausalito. Get your iPhones, cameras and video recorders ready for some incredible views of Alcatraz, the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco Dinner Dance Cruise
Enjoy a romantic four-course dinner as you cruise San Francisco Bay at sunset. Enjoy dancing to live music after dinner... or just take in the magnificent city views from the outdoor decks. Scenic cruise highlights include the Golden Gate Bridge,Alcatraz, Angel Island, Tiburon and Sausalito, the Bay Bridge and SanFrancisco's piers and city skyline. Thinking of popping the question? This might be the time... and place (one of the most romantic cities in the world) to do it

Monterey, Carmel and the 17-Mile Drive Day Trip
Wait until you see the views along California's spectacular coastline as your drive down Highway 1 takes you to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. Visit Steinbeck's Cannery Row and have the option of touring the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Enjoy the lovely Carmel-by-the-Sea (one of our favorite California getaways). Of course no trip to Monterey and Carmel would be complete without a drive along the scenic 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach - the landscape, vistas, ocean views and sunsets are breathtaking!

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour
If you're a wine-lover, you won't want to miss a visit to the picturesque Napa and Sonoma Wine Country. Enjoy a fun day of wine-tasting as you visit a mix of boutique and large-scale wineries and learn how the wines are made. Whether you're a first-time visitor to the Bay Area, a local who loveswine-tasting, or entertaining out-of-town guests/clients, a Guided Wine Country Tour takes all the hassle out of planning where to go and how to getthere... not to mention all the traffic. And having a guide who is knowledgeable about San Francisco, NapaValley, Sonoma, wineries and wines, is priceless.

Find more FUN San Francisco Bay Area Tours

Holiday Party Tips

Alana and Barry — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:57:00 GMT

Celebrate the Holidays!

Can you believe the holidays are almost upon us? Seems just like yesterday we were basking in the sun - guess we're a little spoiled living in San Francisco

Have FUN celebrating the holidays this year. Invite your friends over for a festive "Holiday Party" at your house. We've put together a few tips and ideas for a Fun Holiday Party - decorations, invitations, themes, menus, gift ideas... and more!

What are some of your favorite Holiday Party Tips? Do you have any funny Xmas "family" stories or holiday recipes that you'd like to share? What are your favorite Xmas destinations and why? The picture above was taken during a trip to South Beach, Florida - nothing like spending the holidays on a warm, sunny beach

Wherever your travels take you, we wish you and your family Happy Holidays!

Fun Holiday Party Tips

How to Host a Tree Trimming Party

Alana and Barry — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:27:00 GMT

Kick off the Holiday Season. Invite your friends and family over for a FUN "Tree Trimming Party." It's a good excuse to have a party, see your friends... and save you hours decorating the tree, especially if it's a big one!

Have each guest or family member bring a Holiday Ornament - most people like to bring "something" and it's a great way to add to your tree every year. You can even choose an ornament theme to make it more interesting (travel, food, animals) - there are some really fun ornaments out there!

Tree Trimming Parties are fun for kids and big kids too! We've put together some ideas for party decorations, invitations, music, munchies and beverages. Whatever you do... have FUN!

Check out our "Holiday Tree Trimming Party" tips and ideas

November Events and "Fun Things To Do" including upcoming Holiday Festivities

Alana and Barry — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:59:00 GMT

Can you believe the Holiday Season is almost here? Find Fun Things To Do in November in the San Francisco Bay Area... and beyond in our Love to Eat and Travel November 2009 Calendar of Events. Be sure to check out our Blog, Tweets, and Travel web site each month for updates throughout the year. Enjoy!

Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, San Francisco International Auto Show, Macy's Union Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, Embarcadero Center Holiday Building Lighting Ceremony & Winter Carnival, Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center, Macy's Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, American Indian Film Festival, Star Trek Exhibit at San Jose Tech Museum, Nightlife at the Academy of Sciences, San Rafael Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland, Holiday Traditions at Filoli, Great Wine Escape Weekend in Monterey, Friday Nights at the de Young, San Francisco World Music Festival, Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, California Stanford Football Game, Santana Row "Annual Light Up the Row" and Tree Lighting, Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremony, Jack London Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, Yountville Festival of Lights, SF Christmas Crystal Fair, Jelly Belly Tree Lighting Ceremony, 31st Annual Celebration of Craftswomen, Napa Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony, Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show, Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair... and more!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

More Info on November Events and Upcoming Holiday Festivities

Fun Tree Lighting Ceremonies in SF Bay Area & Wine Country

Fun Tree Lighting Ceremonies - SF Bay Area, Napa Valley, New York City...

Alana and Barry — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:35:00 GMT

Celebrate the start of the Holiday Season with your family and/or friends at a fun Tree Lighting Ceremony. Our favorite San Francisco Tree Lighting Ceremonies include Macy's Union Square Tree Lighting and Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting. Last year, we went to both!

Be prepared for crowds at both locations, especially at Union Square. By the time we made our way over there from Ghirardelli Square, there were thousands of people overflowing into the streets. It was a beautiful clear night and the crowds were out in full force. With only minutes to spare before the actual tree lighting, there was no way we were going to get close enough to see anything. So, we made our way into Macy's and headed up to one of the higher floors where we found a space on the floor by the windows, overlooking the square. We weren't alone! If you're thinking of going to see the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Union Square this year, get there EARLY. Both Union Square and Ghirardelli Tree Lightings take place on a Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping after the tree lightings - many of the shops are open late.

Other popular Tree Lighting Ceremonies take place at Pier 39, Santana Row in San Jose, Los Altos, Cannery Row in Monterey, San Rafael, Jelly Belly Co. in Fairfield, Napa and Yountville. Fun Holiday Parades also take place in San Rafael and Napa.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony signals the beginning of the Holiday Season in New York City - it's one of the most exciting times to be in the Big Apple. The tree lighting always takes place on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. The fun event draws a huge crowd, so be sure to get there early for a good viewing spot. Enjoy star-studded entertainment and classic holiday tunes. For those of you watching the event this year in the comfort of your own home (that would be us) check your local TV listings. FYI, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be on display until January 7, 2010.

Where are your favorite Tree Lighting Ceremonies?

Fun Tree Lighting Ceremonies in SF Bay Area and Napa Valley Wine Country

Macy's Union Square Tree Lighting and Pictures

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting and Pictures

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting and Pictures

Top 10 Fun Things To Do in NYC During Thanksgiving Weekend

Alana and Barry — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Thanksgiving Weekend in New York City s very special. There's so many fun things to do and see in the "city that never sleeps." We've narrowed down some of our favorites: Top 10 Fun Things To Do in NYC during Thanksgiving Weekend.

It's well worth a trip to New York City just to see the fabulous Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The fun Holiday musical includes our all-time favorite Rockettes' performance - the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers". Be sure to book well in advance; it's very popular with locals and tourists alike. Christmas Show runs November 13 - December 30, 2009.

During the Holiday Season (Oct-Dec), the live animals that appear in the Christmas Spectacular's Nativity scene - including camels and donkeys - are taken outside and walked around the block (Rockefeller Center) daily at 7am. Even if you're not an early riser, you may want to check this out. Be sure to bring along your camera so that you don't miss any candid shots.

New York City is one of the most romantic cities in the world. If you're looking for a memorable place to "pop the question," consider Top of the Rock - during sunset or after dark, under the twinkling stars. The views from 70 stories above the city are absolutely breathtaking - it's a great place to propose. Talking about romance, snuggle up to your honey on a romantic Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride thru' Central Park. FYI, during the chilly winter months, blankets are available. Want to really splurge on something special? Enjoy a romantic Private Carriage Ride & Central Park Dinner (tour includes private round-trip transportation by limo, a ride in a horse-drawn carriage made for two around Central Park, and a gourmet dinner at one of New York's most dazzling dining restaurants.

See New York's beautiful skyline from the water. Enjoy a fun 2-hr New York City Highlights Cruise down the Hudson, around Battery Park, up the East River, past South Street Seaport and under the Brooklyn Bridge. Special Offer: Book by December 31, 2009 and get 10% off.

New York City also offers FREE Year-Round Sightseeing Options, including: Exploring Central Park, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, Touring Greenwich Village, riding the Staten Island Ferry, getting TV Show Tickets, people-watching in Rockefeller Center and Times Square... to name a few.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!
What are your favorite things to do during Thanksgiving Weekend?

Top 10 Fun Things To Do in New York City during Thanksgiving Weekend

Ultimate Las Vegas Nightclub Hopping Package - 20% Off - No Line, No Cover

Alana and Barry — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:10:00 GMT

Have FUN partying and club hopping in Las Vegas with the "Ultimate Las Vegas Nightclub Hopping Package." Get access to the hottest Las Vegas nightclubs with NO cover charge and NO waiting in line! Lines at Vegas nightclubs can be as long as 2-3 hours at the best clubs. With the Vegas Nightclub Hopping Package, you can spend more money on drinks and less on cover charges because they are included. And bypassing the long lines are priceless!

Whether you're visiting Vegas alone on business, traveling with friends, celebrating a special occasion, getting away with the Girls... or the Guys for a long weekend, planning a Bachelor or Bachelorette Party... or whatever - with the Ultimate Las Vegas Nightclub Package, you get VIP treatment and no queuing at more than 20 of the Hottest Clubs in Vegas. Just think of the stories you'll have telling your friends when you get home!

Club hopping has never been easier. It's definitely worth it, especially if you plan to visit a couple of clubs/lounges per evening during your stay. And that's not all - you'll also enjoy discounts and special offers at a variety of local restaurants and retailers.

Book the Ultimate Las Vegas Nightclub Hopping Package before your trip to Vegas, so when you get there, you don't waste valuable time waiting in lines and paying cover at each nightclub.

Note: Most Las Vegas Nightclubs have a strict dress code, so dress appropriately - the last thing you want when you're at the front of the line is to be told to go back to your hotel to change! Play it safe - wear something Smart/Casual: No Shorts, T-Shirts, Sandals, Flip-Flops or Sneakers. Dressy Jeans are OK. Clubs, venues and offers are subject to change without notice. Minimum age is 21.

See ya in Vegas! What are your favorite Clubs?

Book Ultimate Las Vegas Nightclub Hopping Package NOW and receive a 20% Discount

Special Offer (20% discount) expires December 15, 2009