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California Summer Camps for Adults

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Thought summer camp was just for kids? Think again… There has been a growing trend in recent years for adult only camps. The idea is that everyone can join in on the fun that was once reserved for kids and their camp counselors. Here are some summer camps for grown-ups you may want to check out.

Summer Camps for Grown-Ups

Camp No Counselors

At Camp No Counselors, guests “play like a kid, and party like a grown-up”. Seen on ABC’s Shark Tank, there are various locations around the country for adults to enjoy a few days of fun. Although no dates for 2019 have been released, the Los Angeles area location is a perfect spot for three days of all-inclusive fun in the sun. Rates begin at $575 for a single registrant and $525 for a group rate.

Guests sleep in bunk bed accommodations, complete with a dining hall for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Activities include a giant ropes course, kickball, basketball, swimming, Slip n’ Slide, arts and crafts, ultimate frisbee, zip line, and so much more. In addition to all of the outdoor activities, campers are treated to an open bar. At night, themed parties, live music, and camp-wide activities are offered.

Sonoma County Grape Camp

If you are a wine connoisseur, this camp was made for you! The Sonoma County Grape Camp offers the ultimate experience for both wine and food lovers. For $3,000, guests stay at a luxury hotel and are transported to daily activities which include plenty of wine and food pairings. There are two offerings: during Harvest season in the Fall and during winegrowing season in the Spring. 

New this year, Sonoma County Grape Camp is offering a Sustainable Winegrowing Camp in April 2019. This three-day experience allows guests to learn about sustainable grape growing, as well as taste and tour many area wineries. Additionally, other activities include cheese making, hiking, yoga, bee-keeping, and volunteering at a local non-for-profit organization. 

During the Fall, guests are immersed in a three-day tour through Sonoma County where they will have the opportunity to harvest grapes, tour vineyards, eat farm fresh meals, and of course, sample some of the area’s finest wines. In addition, guests will learn about blending wines, the California soil and climate, and the steps it takes to go from grapes to wine.  

Adult Surf Camp

Looking to learn how to surf? Endless Summer Surf Camp offers overnight adult surfing camp in San Onofre, just south of San Clemente in Southern California. The overnight camp will run you $1,095, but it includes 5 nights of tent accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks. Your surf instruction and gear are covered too.

The week-long session runs the first week of June and the first two weeks of September 2019. Topics include the basics of surfing, learning how to paddle, how to stand on the board, wave selection, turning techniques, ocean awareness, and surfing safety. For locals or those who would prefer to stay at a nearby hotel, Endless Summer Surf Camp offers week-long day sessions the entire summer starting at $495.

The Outbound’s Pursuit Summer Camp at Bear Valley

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, this 3-day adventure camp is right up your alley. Located in Bear Valley, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, the Outbound Pursuit camp is perfect for outdoor lovers in Northern California. You can choose from a 3-day pass for $420 or a 1-day pass for $230. Lodging options are also customizable. They include a tent camping spot for $85 or a luxury safari glamping tent for $1,800. All meals, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails are included in the price.

Once you have chosen the number of days and your preferred accommodation, you are free to start building your personalized schedule of activities. There are hundreds of activities and educational experiences to choose from all conducted by expert guides. Options include day hikes, morning meditation, kayaking, mountain biking, trail runs, photography lessons, base camp cooking, map and compass basics, rock climbing, and so much more. Group activities are also scheduled for those who would like to participate in sack races, game nights, and campfire stories. 

Margie de Quesada is a former teacher turned family travel blogger. She writes about the places her family visits around the USA and has a bucket list goal to visit all 50 states before her kids graduate high school. You can read Margie’s travel blog at www.dqtravel.net.

Snow Day! Fun cold-weather options for Monterey County Families

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Winter is here! If you’re asking “Where is the closest place to play in the snow?” here are eight snow play areas and resorts that cater to younger children and families and are within a 5-hour drive from Monterey.

1. Leland Snow Play

34033 Leland Meadow Rd, Pinecrest, CA www.snowplay.com

Leland Snowplay has been offering Family Fun since they opened almost thirty years ago. Many people who used to come up as children are now bringing their own kids and keeping the snowplay family tradition going. They have lifts that whisk you to the top, to either the Big Hills or the newly installed Magic Carpet to the smaller Kiddie Hills. They also have new tubes that are specifically designed for snow parks.  They are comfortable and help to keep your “backside” dry. If the snow is scarce, Leland Snowplay, the state of the art Snowmaking System installed throughout the park helps ensure the best possible snow and the earliest opening date. 

Leland offers rates for 2-hours or all day passes that range in price from $19-$39 depending on height and day of the week. The park is open from 10 am-5 pm and depending on weather, closes on occasion. The season ends sometime in March or April. The park is closed on most Wednesdays, be sure to check their online calendar for exact details. 

2. Pinecrest Lake Resort

421 Pinecrest Lake Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364, www.pinecrestlakeresort.com

Overlooking Pinecrest Lake, this woodsy resort is within the Stanislaus National Forest at an elevation of 5,600-ft elevation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Leland Snow Play is less than a 15-minute drive away.

The resort offers pared-down rooms come with cable TV and high-speed Internet for an additional fee. Cozy 2- and 3-bedroom cottages sleep up to 6 and feature kitchens and living rooms. Relaxed 2-story townhouses sleep up to 8 and have fireplaces. 

Parking is complimentary. Other amenities include a rustic-chic restaurant with a bar, as well as a coffee shop, and a marina offering boat rentals and a lakefront snack bar.

3. Dodge Ridge

1 Dodge Ridge Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364, www.dodgeridge.com

Dodge Ridge is located in Tuolumne County near Pinecrest. Pack up your ski gear and bring sleds or sliding equipment for later and get to the resort early to maximize your fun. The resort offers several learn-to-ski programs, including a two-hour, one-on-one lesson for 2-5-year-olds ($14, including equipment rentals) and a $249 Progression Pass for teens (and up), which provides season-long access to daily lessons and a season pass to the lower mountain. 

There are a few pricing options for a season pass and a day pass. An adult day pass is $78 and a half day is $68. Teens (13-19) are $59 for a full day and $52 for a half day. Youth (6-12) are $28 for a full day and $22 for a half day. Children 5 and under are free.  

There are plenty of fun activities at Dodge Ridge if skiing if not your forte.  They offer several dining experiences, including the Local’s Café, Creekside Café, Boulder Bar or North Fork Bistro. Each restaurant offers a wide selection of food and beverages.

4. Pinecrest Chalet

500 Dodge Ridge Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364 https://alumni.berkeley.edu/travel/pinecrest-chalet

The Pinecrest Chalet is a Sierra Nevada landmark founded in 1952 as a rustic three-story dorm room with a separate kitchen and an outhouse. Over the past sixty years “the Chalet” has grown considerably and has hosted thousands of guests from all around the world.

Each of the accommodations is unique and inviting. The chalets have full kitchens and sleep up to 14 people. Pinecrest Chalet also offers more intimate cottages that are perfect for a cozy two to four-person stay. All guests are invited to enjoy the community areas, including a heated pool, bear garden, and den full of literature, games, and movies. 

Many people find Pinecrest Chalet to be a great affordable option and take advantage of the proximity of nearby Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. 

5. Ebbetts Pass

www.ebbettspassadventures.com/winter/snow_play.html

One of the most intimate and untamed trans-Sierra routes, the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway is a 61-mile stretch of Highways 4 and 89, in between the towns of Arnold in Calaveras County and Markleeville in Alpine County. 

Glacially carved valleys, ancient volcanic peaks, deep river canyon, majestic Giant Sequoia and breathtaking views are just a few of the wonders of Ebbetts Pass.  

There are three Sno-Parks on Highway 4, one at the Spicer Meadow Road turnoff, another at the end of the plowed highway near Lake Alpine, and a new one, Round Valley, off Highway 207 leading to the Bear Valley Ski Resort. These Sno-Parks have two big advantages over other spots along the highway because they have bathrooms and parking.

The facilities at the Round Valley Sno-Park are the newest. Snowmobiling is not allowed at Round Valley. A nearby slope is popular for saucers, tubes, and similar sliding activities. The Sno-Park at the end of the road at Lake Alpine has been recently upgraded.

To use a Sno-Park you must obtain a permit. You can purchase a day permit for $5 or an annual pass (Nov. 1 – May 30) for $25. They are good at any California Sno-Park.  Passes can be purchased at Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods or Sierra Nevada Adventure Co. in Arnold. In Bear Valley, passes are available to purchase at Alpine Snowmobile Center. 

6. Bear Valley Lodge

265 Bear Valley Rd, Bear Valley, CA 95223, www.bearvalley.com/stay/bear-valley-lodge

If you’re planning on going to any of the Ebbetts Pass sno-parks, a close place for lodging is the Bear Valley Lodge. Located in the village of Bear Valley, it is close to Bear Valley Mountain skiing, Lake Alpine, and other Ebbetts Pass attractions. The Lodge has 53 guest rooms, shopping, lounges, restaurants, and year-round recreation.

7. Soda Springs

10244 Soda Springs Rd, Soda Springs, CA 95728, www.skisodasprings.com

If you are looking for an extremely kid-centered snow resort, Soda Springs may be a perfect match. They have a kids only snow playground featuring tubing carousels, tubing lanes, ski/snowboard learning areas, snow volcanoes to climb, snowman building and more.  This unique facility is designed specifically for kids 7 and under to experience winter and play in the snow. One parent/guardian pedestrian ticket is included with each kid general admission ticket. 

One day ticket for child 7 and under plus adult pedestrian is $55, a two-day ticket plus adult pedestrian is $110 and an additional adult pedestrian ticket costs $10. There is also an option if you plan on visiting more than once all season. A seasonal Family Pass that provides unlimited access to skiing/snowboarding, Tube Town and Planet Kids for $499 (family of two adults/two children, additional children must be added to your family pass for an additional fee on site). 

8. Village at Squaw Valley

1750 Village East Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, https://squawalpine.com/lodging/village-squaw-valley-lodging

Less than a thirty-minute drive away from Soda Springs is the Village at Squaw Valley. Located in Olympic Valley, The Village at Squaw Valley is connected to a shopping center, within a 5-minute walk of Aerial Tram and Squaw Valley Adventure Center.

All of the 186 guestrooms feature DVD players, complimentary wireless Internet access and cable programming.  After a day on the slopes, you can relax in one of the 8 spa tubs or have some fun in the arcade/game room. Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the area shuttle (surcharge).

You can grab a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s 9 restaurants or relax with a refreshing drink at one of the 5 bars/lounges. Free self-parking is available onsite. 

Celebrate Your Besties With a Girls’ Getaway

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February is the perfect month to make plans for a girls’ getaway. You may be surprised to hear a girls’ trip will have significant benefits for your mind and body. The purpose of your trip likely depends on your life stage. If you are a young mom, you may be looking for some adventure out of your ordinary routine. Middle-aged women seek breaks from the commitments of work and family life. Even grandmas may be looking for an escape to prove they are still confident and independent. You probably have some girlfriends that were there for your wedding, pregnancy and maybe even there to support you when you sent your adolescent off to college. What better way to thank them for their gift of friendship over the years than to strengthen your bond even further in a brand new and exciting territory? We are fortunate to have three great options close to Monterey, so you do not have to go far to experience the joy a getaway with your girls brings. 

1. Las Vegas. Everything you want will be right before your eyes whether it is eating, drinking, shopping, seeing live shows, going clubbing or testing your lady luck at the casino. The Palazzo, The Venetian, and the action-packed Cosmopolitan are top hotel picks. 

Once you have checked in you will be ready to get glam and hit the town. Drybar at Miracle Mile is a fabulous time where you can sit down with a stylist as you are among a full bar, DJ and even photo booth to capture the memories. 

Vegas offers restaurants galore. Lago at Bellagio has a fountain show and plates big enough to share so you will be able to get a sample of everything your heart desires. If you are looking for a more feminine vibe, check out the Italian eatery Giada at the Cromwell which is run by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentis. 

If you have been bogged down with households tasks and work obligations and want to see what it is like living in the fast lane, stop by SPEEDVegas. It is one of a kind attraction and probably the most thrilling thing you will do on your trip. Get your gals together to race one another around the track in a dream Ferrari or Lamborghini and try to beat one another’s speed.

History buffs can get to know the background of this wild city at Neon Museum where you can see signs from old casinos and other quirky Vegas memorabilia.  

2. Healdsburg. In 3 hours you can find yourself in this charming small town with big offerings. You can take in the breathtaking scenery of Sonoma County while sipping your favorite wine. 

Accommodations range from quaint bed and breakfast Haydon Street Inn to echo-friendly H2 Hotel to Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites. All are conveniently located near the downtown plaza which is filled with shopping, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. 

Healdsburg has become a dining mecca over the past few years and there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. For a big splurge, have one dinner at Valette. You can’t go wrong with any entree choice but be sure to leave room for Bread, Butter and Jam–toasted brioche with homemade jan and salted brown butter ice cream

You do not need to travel to Italy to treat your palette to the finest wines and visit the vineyards. Some favoritenot to be missed wineries are Reeve Wines, Davero Farms, and Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves where tastings are performed in a cave. If you’re going to put together your own winery list, plan on a stop at Dry Creek General Store for lunch. You can eat there or take it to go and have a picnic at one of your winery stops. You can also do a guided wine tour to make life easier–there are plenty of options available. 

The Healdsburg area is a biking paradise so you will want to rent a bike and hit the trails. 

3. San Francisco. Whether you are a first-time or seasoned visitor, the Golden City is sure to have something for every girl in your pack. Shoppers, foodies and art gurus may find themselves busy from morning until night. 

For all the pampering your heart desires the InterContinental, the Four Seasons or the W San Francisco would be great picks for accommodations. 

You can begin by walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge and snapping photos of the incredible views. For shopping, dining and street performers, stop by Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and Ghirardelli Square for a chocolate sensation. For the artsy at heart, a walking tour of Mission Streets colorful murals or taking in a movie at the classic Castro Theater should be on your itinerary. 

For the ultimate tourist experience, you can hop on and off a cable car and check out all of the attractions at your own pace. You can even take a ferry to historic Alcatraz. When you are looking to kick back and relax, try afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel, a float spa or Thai massage. 

You’ll find awesome restaurants in every neighborhood ranging from the inexpensive (La Taqueria on Mission Street, the perfect late evening stop) to the decadent (Restaurant Gary Danko).

When you are ready to put your party shoes on there is no shortage of places to go. Some local favorites include Harry Denton Starlight Room and Top of The Mark at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. There is so much to do here that you will likely be planning next winter’s girls trip back once again. 

Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (www.getpinkpower.com), is dedicated to providing information on women’s and pediatric health topics (and the occasional travel article). She can be reached at jamie@getpinkpower.com.

Paso Robles For Family Fun

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If you are looking to escape the gloom and fog of the Peninsula, Paso Robles is the place to go. Located less than 2 hours from Monterey, Paso Robles offers warmer temps, sun, and fun for the whole family. 

The Ravine Waterpark. Your kids will love the opportunity to wear their swimsuits and splash around at this fantastic water park. Located right off Highway 46, it is easily accessed from downtown Paso Robles and many hotels. The park has a lazy river, wave pool, several slides and a tadpole, perfect for little ones. Daily admission tickets are less than $30 per person and children under 2 are free. The park is open from May-September. Visit their website, www.ravinewaterpark.com for a daily schedule, discounts and to purchase tickets. 

Family Friendly Wineries. Yes, you read that correctly. Paso Robles has several family-friendly wineries. Sculpterra Winery offers a beautiful backdrop for your tasting experience, with amazing gardens and beautiful sculptures. They also have a game area that your kids can enjoy free of charge including chess, foosball, table tennis and bocce ball. Pistachios are also grown on site. Tooth and Nail Winery is another great option. Your kids will feel like prince and princesses at this winery, as the main building for tastings is a castle, complete with a moat around the outside. Tooth and Nail has a great outdoor patio with corn hole boards. They even have french fries on their menu. Eberle Winery is located on 38 acres and in addition to a complimentary wine tasting, you can also tour their caves as well. They have bocce ball and corn hole, too. At Castoro Cellars, your kids will have the opportunity to have their own complimentary grape juice tasting. They also provide coloring books and have a large grassy area for the kids to play in. 

Paso Robles Children’s Museum at the Volunteer Firehouse. Don’t come to Paso Robles without a stop at this museum, which is a non-profit organization that encourages learning through play and honors the heritage of the volunteer firefighters. There are several interactive exhibits, with kid favorites being El Mercado, where kids can shop and check out in the grocery store while learning Spanish and the Grape Stomp with its fun ball pit. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for children (1-13) and $5 for grandparents (65+). The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Visit www.pasokids.org for more information.

Breweries. There are two local brew houses to visit in Paso Robles. The first is Firestone Walker Brewing Company, famous for their “805” beer. The Brewhouse Tour is for kids 12 and up, but the Barrel Room and Evening Tour is strictly 21 and up. The Taproom Restaurant, located across the street from the brewery, is family friendly and has an excellent kid’s menu. Menu favorites include the Tator Tots, Buffalo Cauliflower and the Crispy Brussels and Spinach Salad. Visit  www.firestonebeer.com for more information. Barrelhouse Brewing Co. is another brewhouse, complete with a half-acre beer garden, live music, and food trucks. Visit their website for their live music and food truck schedule at www.barrelhousebrewing.com. 

Jack Creek Farms. This fifth-generation family farm is a must see on your visit to Paso Robles. The farm features cider and honey tasting, a seasonal u-pick garden complete with sweet onions, garlic, blackberries, olallieberry, lavender, apples, pumpkins, peach and plums, farm animals with goats, rabbits, chicken, and ducks, too. The farm also has a wooden train play structure, tractor tire garden and old water pump for your kids to play with. Visit www.jackcreekfarms.com for a current harvest listing. 

Hearst Castle. If you are up for short drive to San Simeon, Hearst Castle is a must-see and an excellent opportunity to share a piece of history with your children. You may even see zebras on your drive in. Tours book up quickly, so be sure to check out their website and book yours in advance. A tour reservation is required to get on the bus for the 5-mile ride up to the castle. Strollers are not permitted, but carriers are great, and the castle provides them on a first come, first served basis. For more information and tickets visit www.hearstcastle.org.

Allison Chance is a military spouse and mom to Charlotte, 4, and Hux, 4 months. She is a Realtor and has been lucky to call Florida, Hawaii, and now California home during her family’s military adventure.

Holiday Travel Tips From Military Mom

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‘Tis the season to go to the airport! Whether you are traveling via plane, train, or automobile, adding children to the itinerary makes everything more exciting. Military families are often separated from extended family and our Monterey military community is no exception. The benefit that many service members have here is additional time away from the job to make travel back home easier. 

Here are a few tips to make your trip an enjoyable part of your vacation.

Road Trips

If you are gearing up for a road trip with your kids, start by planning on a longer trip time. Build in plenty of stops, including scheduled stops for food and stretching, as well as as-needed restroom visits. Since you have to make all of those stops anyway, consider finding fun things to see along the way. If you go into your trip having made peace with the frequent stopping that comes with kids in the car, you’ll be able to stay relaxed and enjoy the journey.

Audiobooks are a great option for long car trips with older children. With a library card, you can even download books from the library’s Hoopla database. Check out their selection of movies, TV shows, and music to keep your road trip going. Snacks are also your best friend. Have some on hand that are easy to eat in the car and some that require you to stop for a break. An impromptu family picnic may just end up being a special memory for years to come.

Airplane Travel 

Trips by airplane come with their own challenges. It can be especially stressful to travel with young children on a plane, as they can be impacted by delays, confined quarters on the plane, and changes in pressure during the flight. Nursing or bottle feeding during take off and landing can help them deal with changes in pressure. If you are still in the diaper stage, try to board each flight with a fresh diaper to minimize the chance that you will have to use the tiny airplane bathroom. If you do have to do a mid-flight diaper or outfit change, know that you have now joined an elite club of super moms and dads. Trust me, it will be a funny story very soon.

For older children, embrace the technology available to you. Involve your child in choosing a movie or show to watch together on the flight. If there is ever a time to extend your child’s allowable screen time, a long flight is it. Pick up a cheap headphones splitter to allow you both to listen to the audio while bonding over a new movie.

If you’re staying in town . . . 

If you are unable to be with family and friends this holiday season, join your military community and participate in the fun events happening on base this month. Highlights include the Annual Tree Lighting at NPS, Corks & Forks wine tasting, Teddy Bear Tea, and Christmas Dinner Buffet. 

Happy holidays and happy travels!

Katie Begley is a Navy veteran and military spouse. Katie is an advertising sales executive for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine. She is the mother of a 1 year-old son and expecting her second child this month.

A Wine Weekend in Healdsburg, Sonoma County

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Healdsburg in Sonoma County offers everything you need for an awesome adult getaway. If you can sneak away early on a Friday afternoon, you may be able to avoid the worst of the 101 traffic.

There are several excellent boutique hotels in Healdsburg but if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll also find a Best Western and Travelodge that are reasonably priced. Once you arrive in Healdsburg Friday evening, check in, drop your bag, and head out for wine and dinner. If you stick to the Healdsburg Plaza, you won’t need your car. 

There are a variety of tasting rooms situated around the Plaza. You can find suggestions at http://business.healdsburg.com/list/ql/wineries-tasting-rooms-26. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the Plaza and a glass of wine or two before dinner. The Plaza is home to a variety of shops that make souvenir shopping really enjoyable.

For dinner, you’ll find delicious options that range from casual and inexpensive to well-known restaurants that boast Michelin stars. Again, research your options ahead of time and make reservations for anything beyond the very casual. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, walk around until you find a spot that seems like a good choice. You really can’t go wrong.

Saturday is all about vineyards and scenery. Depending on the time of year, you can usually find rolling hills filled with seasonal color. Even if you will be doing a wine tour later, consider taking a drive on your own in the morning. Just follow Alexander Valley Road and you’ll find plenty of beautiful scenery at every turn that is Instagram-worthy. 

Make a stop at Dry Creek General Store a priority during your drive. The breakfast burrito is delicious and their sandwiches are legendary. Grab a cold drink or cup of coffee and eat on the porch or at the communal table inside. Dry Creek General Store also has unique gift and household items. The last time I was in, I found an old silverplate tray for $20 that now sits on my dresser. Don’t leave without checking out the bar adjacent to the store, even if it’s closed, it’s a great setting for photos. http://www.drycreekgeneralstore1881.com

In the afternoon, pick out a few wineries for tastings. If you’re interested in a tour and want a splurge, consider Healdsburg Wine Tours. You’ll have your own knowledgeable driver and guide and the tours are tailored to each client. http://www.healdsburgwinetours.com/healdsburg-wine-tours-rates/

Or, you can do a walking tour with Wine Country Walking Tours. The 4-hour tour includes stops at 3 tasting rooms plus 3-4 other stops including a tea room and bakery. The tour is $89 per person and begins at 11:00 a.m. https://winecountrywalkingtours.com/tours/healdsburg-wine-and-gourmet-lovers-tour/

On Sunday, sleep in and then head to The Parish Cafe for brunch. Breakfast is served all day and you can enjoy beignets and coffee while you wait for your meal. http://www.theparishcafe.com

Whatever your agenda, a weekend in Healdsburg is an adult-only getaway that you’ll love anytime during the year.

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