Georgian Hotel

The fantastic location and comfort are well worth the price at The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica. I stayed in a suite and couldn't have been more pleased with my stay. The staff was very helpful and were quick to fulfill any request. The Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier were a quick and easy walk away with a bus stop within a few blocks of the hotel. There's also an information booth across from the hotel.

Chicago Chocolate Tours

If you love chocolate and are looking for a chance to indulge try a Chicago Chocolate Tour. The tour includes stops at several shops with samples provided at each stop. Along the way the guide shares interesting facts about chocolate.

Morse Museum Of American Art

The Morse Museum features an amazing array of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Glass, pottery, jewelry, etc. are all featured. The two short included videos provide interesting information on how the museum came to be and how close the world came to losing so much of Tiffany's work. The museum also boasts a wonderful gift shop with a wide variety of items. Surrounding the museum is a great selection of shops and restaurants/cafes.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

This aquarium is a great stop for those with kids. Not very large, it provides a wonderful opportunity to get an upclose look at local marine life. Visitors can get their hands wet in the touch tank and see baby sharks in the shark nursery. Stop by on a Friday and join in as staff feed the residents.

Kids are free with a suggested donation of $5 for adults (minimum donation of $2 requested)

Marion Davies Guest House

The Marion Davies Guest House is the last remaining building on what was once William Randolph Hearst's fabulous ocean front estate. Built in the 1920s by architect Julia Morgan after Hearst became displeased with the original architect, the free tour offers a great peek into the history of Santa Monica.

The Annenberg Community Beach House, of which the Guest House is part, also offers beach gear rentals, a pool, playground, and sand courts for volleyball and tennis (reservations required).

Mi Chula's

I made my first trip to Mi Chula's last week and can't wait to go again! My lunch was very good, and I really enjoyed their signature prickly pear margarita. The staff was attentive and very helpful.

Queen Of Hearts Costume-Magic

As a costume is not something I usually shop for, I was very relieved to find Queen of Hearts. Costumes are available year round for both purchase and rent. I found prices to be competitive, and the staff very helpful. Whenever I need a costume, I will continue to start my search here.

John Brown House Museum

If you have an hour or so to spare in Providence, you might want to check out the John Brown House Museum. John Brown was a businessman, patriot, politician, China Trade pioneer, and slave trader who was an active participant in the turbulent times of colonial America. (While George Washingon never slept here, he did in fact visit the house.) The grand mansion is a stunning example of 18th century architecture, and the Rhode Island Historical Society has done a great job of staging the various rooms.

Landon Winery

Located in downtown McKinney, Landon Winery features locally produced Texas wines. It's a great place to indulge in a relaxing glass of wine with friends and family.

Nooks'n Krannies

Nooks'N Krannies is a wonderful place to shop for gifts with a delightful little cafe in back. I love treating myself to candles from there and found the perfect Vera Bradley purse for a birthday present. I also shop here first when looking for baby gifts. They also carry Madame Alexander dolls.