Author Archives

Love, Chaos, Dinner – My New Infatuation with Teatro Zinzanni

By: | Dec 13 2011 — 2 comments

I’ll admit it. I was a Teatro ZinZanni virgin until a recent weekend performance.

For years Sports Leisure has been escorting groups to this very impressive and very unique dinner show and for years it has been on my bucket list of things to do in San Francisco along with Beach Blanket Babylon and a host of other activities one can only find in the City by the Bay. Now I can’t wait for the next performance.

Several weeks ago we learned the Teatro tent will be pulling down its poles to make way for a massive redevelopment of the city’s waterfront along the Embarcadero between the Ferry Building and Pier 39. The project anticipates the arrival of the final sailing races of the America’s Cup Series, scheduled for the summer of 2013. Teatro ends its historic run at Pier 29 with a closing show and party on New Year’s Eve. Unsure of where the performance will be moving, and when, I resolved to head to one of the final shows along with my wife Susan and our good friends Ted and Faye – longtime residents of San Francisco and themselves Teatro ZinZanni “newbies.” A matinee to accommodate the schedules of our respective babysitters suited both couples quite well.

We arrived early and took advantage of the beautifully decorated lobby. Before show drinks were available at the lobby bar, adjacent to the show’s kitschy boutique where one can dress up in purchased hats and feathered boas in anticipation of the performance. Shortly before noon, the doors opened and our costumed wait staff, who are themselves supporting cast members, seated us at our table.

Presented “in the round” the show changes themes regularly throughout the year but maintains a stellar cast of musicians, singers, and vaudeville-style entertainers. Jugglers, gymnasts, and acrobats joined a cast of very talented dancers and singers. The theme of this version of the show harkened back to the days of old-time radio and featured some beautiful songs, catchy jingles, and a little bit of the “chaos” for which the show is known. In between the impressive acts, a four course lunch was served: a starter of crostini, brie and fresh olives, a delicious spinach salad followed by a choice of three entrees, and an exquisite chocolate dessert.

After the show I had a chance to speak to a staff member who confided in me that Teatro ZinZanni will build a new permanent home on San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront to open by the end of 2012. The new site is a triangular parcel, located where Broadway and Davis meet the Embarcadero. With any luck, Sports Leisure’s next visit to Teatro ZInZanni will be announced toward the end of next summer. I know I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed!

S.O.S. – Save our State Parks

By: | Nov 21 2011 — 2 comments

The phone call came a few weeks ago. The California State Parks Foundation was asking me to speak on the steps of the state capitol to a small rally. Comprised of concerned businesses, the folks at the rally were dropping off letters to Governor Brown supporting state parks and attending an Assembly committee meeting to discuss the impact of closing 70 state parks next year. I quickly accepted.

State parks are a tremendous resource for Sports Leisure customers and therefore, our business. We regularly visit state parks throughout California, many of which are on the closure list: Bidwell Mansion, Benicia State Capitol Park, Leland Stanford Mansion, and the Weaverville Joss House to name just a few. These parks provide not only products to sell and income for our company, more importantly they provide destinations for our customers to discover or re-discover.

Of course, they also generate income for the state through admissions and use fees. These figures say nothing about the local businesses adjacent to these parks that also rely on them for income; income that generates sales and employment taxes. In fact, the California State Parks Foundation estimates that for every dollar the state invests in a state park, it receives $2.35 back to its general fund.

Naturally these parks will never “close” in the traditional sense of the word. They will be operated under “caretaker” status. But how do you stop people from camping in parks? You can’t just erect a fence around an entire outdoor camping area. If the state has no money to keep them open how will they afford to keep out people who attempt to dismantle or deface buildings or other improvements? How will they prevent illegal activities from occurring? And what about parks that hold priceless treasures like the Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento or Bidwell Mansion in Chico? How will these parks be secured? Will their contents be climate controlled to prevent irreversible damage? And what about the buildings themselves, many of which are on the register of historic places and in need of constant care?

It’s a terrible tragedy that our government is being allowed to sell off our inheritance. If you truly care about state parks and want to preserve them for yourselves and future generations, then you need to act. Speak out by contacting your representatives in Sacramento. Visit a state park or even better, volunteer in one. And spread the word to your family and friends or through social media outlets like Facebook. Only then can we assure these parks remain open to those to whom they truly belong.

To learn more about the state park closures and how you can get involved, head on over to www.savestateparks.org.

 

The Russians are Coming

By: | Oct 12 2011 — 1 comment

Actually, the Russians already came and went. It was almost 200 years ago. Realizing Alaska was a good place for hunting and fishing but not growing a lot of food stuff, the Russian American Company decided it needed a new outpost; One that could grow food in support of its outposts in Sitka and along the Aleutian Islands chain. But where? Spain had everything from San Francisco Bay to the south and Britain’s Hudson Bay Company had most of the Pacific Northwest under its control. Russia, not wanting to make any of its European brethren unhappy enough to declare war, decided on a quiet, flat peninsula in between the two great world powers on California’s Sonoma Coast and named it Ft. Ross.

The Russians erected a stockade, plowed fields and fell redwood trees to build seagoing vessels. Ft. Ross was actually California’s first shipyard. They unofficially conducted trade with the Spanish and entered into hunting agreements with Yankee shipping for sea otter pelts. They formed peaceful alliances with the nearby native tribes and pretty much kept to themselves. After 40 years, the Russians decided it was time to vacate the fort. Growing food right along the seacoast had never been terribly successful and it was found to be cheaper to buy it directly from the Hudson Bay Company. The Spanish were spreading further north, establishing additional missions and granting large swaths of land to settlers in the region. The writing was on the wall. Most of the contents of the fort were sold to John Sutter and the Russian settlers left California as quietly as they arrived.

But in a fascinating way, Fort Ross has remained very much in the hearts and minds of not only the people of Russia, but the Russian-Americans who now reside in California. The fort represents an historical tie between émigrés and their homeland. Several times a year, Russian-Americans gather at the fort. They celebrate their culture with traditional food, music and dance. They celebrate mass in the fort’s chapel with assistance from Russian Orthodox priests from the Bay Area. The Russian Pathfinders Scouting organization regularly camp at the fort and help out with functions.

As the fort celebrates its 200th Anniversary next year, several special events will be held with several sponsors including the Russian Federation Consulate in San Francisco. Sports Leisure hopes to find one event we can put together with a tour. If you are interested in participating, please contact our office and asked to be put on the Priority Notification List.

Simply Charlotte

By: | May 15 2011 — 3 comments

It’s 3,000 miles away as the plane flies, which means I don’t get there very often. That said, it’s still one of my favorite places to catch a flight or make a connection.

The last time I passed through Charlotte International Airport (CLT) was a few weeks ago. I was transiting from a puddle-jumper coming from Ocean City, Maryland to a full-sized jet on my way home to Sacramento. What makes Charlotte different you may ask? In a word: everything!

The wonderful part about Charlotte is its expansive atrium; a light, bright and airy building that overlooks the “B” and “C” gates. After the beautiful view out the windows, the next thing you notice is music. Not canned “mu-zac” from hollow sounding speakers – but a piano player seated at a baby grand right in the center of the building. On this day he was playing a few jazz standards. Want to sit and listen to the live music? No problem. Have a seat in one of the rocking chairs placed strategically throughout the atrium. Rock, listen to music, connect to the free Wi-Fi or charge your electronic toys at one of the several “power stations.”

Getting hungry? Try my favorite spot for Carolina BBQ, Brookwood Farms. They have a counter within listening distance of the baby grand. Or pick up a Jamba Juice if you want something lighter. Not sure what you want? I dare you to walk through the terminal and not be pleasantly surprised by the helpful airport volunteers who stand out in their bright yellow shirts. They’re easy to get food recommendations from because they aren’t behind a desk somewhere – they’re out in the open, walking around and approaching anyone who might have a confused look on their face.

And did I mention the staff in the restrooms? Yep, just like a fancy hotel or restaurant they have restroom attendants offering towels, fresh mints and other items that come in handy in between long cramped flights. Need something a little more powerful than a mint to put a spring in your step? Visit the AeroClinic in the atrium. The clinic provides treatment for minor ailments, preventative care, X-rays and vaccinations. Prescriptions and packaged medicines are also available.

Of course, there is shopping and a business center and a few other standard airport amenities. But I think you’ll agree that Charlotte goes above and beyond a “standard” airport. I can only hope that when our new terminal in Sacramento opens, they will take a lesson from “Simply Charlotte.”

 

Wild About Harry

By: | Mar 09 2011 — No comments

It’s rare to figure out a way to go on vacation for next to nothing. Thanks to a couple of voluntary bumps my wife and I took on United Airlines recently and some hotel points, our family of four enjoyed a memorable week in Miami and Key West over winter break. Our first few nights were spent in Key West at a lovely hotel removed from downtown and across from a popular public beach. The kids swam and we met several East Coast ex pats escaping their harsh winter season. Drew, my ten year old, and I visited Truman’s Little White House, his primary residence of escape when Washington DC was getting overwhelming. The small house, then situated on a naval submarine base, has been lovingly restored and offers informative guided tours.

When not conducting the business of state, Harry enjoyed swimming, reading, playing poker and the piano, and had his staff participate in what he called “loud shirt” contests – he who wore the most outrageous tropical shirt won. Of course when Mrs. Truman and daughter Margaret came for a visit, a few things had to be put away. The custom made poker table had a top cover that instantly concealed what was underneath. The bar was generally closed down when Mrs. Truman was present, except for the President’s morning “heart starter”: a fresh squeezed glass of Florida orange juice and a shot of bourbon. Of course the President, who didn’t care much for fishing, nonetheless had to accompany the First Lady out on the water to indulge one of her favorite pastimes.

While the former President died when I was very young, his life as it was outlined by our guide reinforced my belief in just how much a man of the people he truly was, especially in Key West. He didn’t relax in a palatial mansion or private home far from the watchful eyes of the press or the public. He walked through town. He talked to people. He caroused with the press. He genuinely enjoyed the company of the servicemen and officers who shared this vacation home with him. Truly, he was exceptionally unique among other men who have held the office, but then again, those were different times.

I think the most touching story the guide told our tour group was about a small satchel the President always carried with him when traveling to and from Key West. The President never had it out of arms reach and never permitted anyone to carry it for him. His aides always believed the satchel carried important papers. While the contents were important to the President, it didn’t carry anything terribly important to country. It simply carried the President’s classical music records that he loved listening to in the evening hours as the sun set in Key West.

After my visit it was easy to see why our tours to this unique destination continue to sell out each January. I can only hope that someday, I might be able to wrestle the tour away from Mark so I can begin planning my return visit!

 

Morgan’s Wonderland

By: | Dec 28 2010 — No comments

On a recent visit to San Antonio, I was introduced to a truly wonderful place. Morgan’s Wonderland, an amusement park just north of the city, is the first designed specifically for families with physically and mentally challenged children. The park, which opened just this year, was built by the father of a special needs child. During a family vacation, he noticed his daughter wanting to play with some other children in a swimming pool but she was unsure of how to communicate her wishes to them. Likewise, the children seemed to want Morgan to play with them as well, but they were unsure of how to approach her. Today, Morgan’s Wonderland is a father’s realization of a promise to himself to create an atmosphere where children and adults of all abilities and their families can come together and play.

During a short guided tour, myself and several other Tour Operators from the Travel Alliance Partnership were shown several accessible attractions, including a merry-go-round that was lowered so the platform with the animals is level with the ground. In this way, a wheelchair can simply roll onto the ride. Additionally, the merry-go-round features an apparatus that can accommodate a wheelchair, which itself will go “up and down,” just like the animals. No more simply going around in circles in a non-moving spot. Other rides included a fully accessible train and “off-road” vehicle. There were also play gyms, sand boxes and play tables, along with full-size swing sets, that could accommodate wheelchairs and other special needs as well.

What’s really amazing about Morgan’s Wonderland is how its staff takes care of families that visit. Reservations are highly encouraged as the park maintains a strict maximum attendance each day. This helps keep the crowds more manageable and provides a level of comfort to children with special needs who may be anxious in large numbers of people. Families are also provided unique radio wrist bands. If a parent feels comfortable allowing a child to explore the park on his/her own, the parent can locate the child at any time by using special kiosks throughout the park. Here’s the best part – admission for those with special needs is free to Morgan’s Wonderland. Attendants of special needs visitors are only charged $5 and others are admitted for only $15.

As the first of its kind, Morgan’s Wonderland is fighting to get the word out about the unique experience it offers. More parks are hoped for in the future with the possibility of franchising the idea so that like-minded individuals and non-profits can bring similar parks to their regions sooner. In the meantime, Morgan’s Wonderland continues to serve families from not only the greater region around San Antonio, but from all over the United States. For more information about the park and its mission, please visit www.morganswonderland.com.

Mystery Solved!

By: | Nov 09 2010 — No comments

Chesterfield PubI expected the reactions I received from each traveler as I passed out the boarding passes on the curb at Sacramento Airport: A few raised eyebrows, a few expressions of surprise, and a few downright disappointed glares. No one wanted to think that a Sports Leisure Vacations Mystery Tour was headed for Ontario, California! But Ontario we were bound. Just the airport, mind you – our jumping off point for a four day tour exploring California’s Inland Empire on the Not An Oktoberfest Mystery Tour. I knew I had a big job ahead of me. Fortunately I had the tools to get it done – a list of solid attractions and restaurants I had scouted myself several months ago. Even though I hadn’t escorted a group of this nature in over ten years, I figured I was the natural choice to lead it – and to deal with those disappointed looks on the morning of our departure!

We started in the city of Redlands in San Bernardino County. Famed as the hometown of so many successful ranching and farming families, the community is filled with beautiful homes and architecture. One of those homes, Kimberly Crest, was our first stop. With it’s steep, one-lane approach, I immediately put the driver of our motorcoach through his paces. Lee Webb, one of our favorite drivers from Transportation Charter Services in Southern California, took it all in stride and drove beautifully throughout the tour. After exploring Kimberly Crest and its tiered gardens, lunch was included at Martha Green’s Eating Room in Downtown Redlands. Martha, who has a fair reputation as a cookbook author, chef, and television host, has put together a great menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. Of course, you can’t leave her place without stopping at the bakery counter for a cookie or other treat! Our final stop of the day was the Abraham Lincoln Shrine, just a few blocks away. It’s hard to believe that Redlands is the home of the largest depository of artifacts and papers about the Civil War and the former president west of the Mississippi.

After a restful night at the Hilton Hotel in San Bernardino, our home for all three nights, we paused at the California Welcome Center and learned a bit about the history of the city and Route 66, which passes right through the area. Next, a slow climb up the highway known as The Rim of the World to Lake Arrowhead. Of course, with the dense fog that surrounded us, there wasn’t much of a world to see. That said the sun made a guest appearance at the lake just in time for a paddle-wheel cruise and lunch and a little time for shopping in the village.

Our third and fourth days found us in and around Alta Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Glen and Riverside. A visit to the home and studio of Sam Maloof, the famous woodcarver and furniture maker who passed away just last year, was an unexpected pleasure for many. We also had fabulous colonial-themed dinner at Riley’s Farm, complete with costumed servers and hosts and traditional music of the time. Along with John Adams, Patrick Henry made an appearance and, with a little prodding, he recited his famed speech that ended with the immortal words, “Give me Liberty or give me death.” Sunday brunch at the historic Mission Inn was followed by a ranger-led walk among the groves of California Citrus State Historic Park and a visit to family-owned and operated Graber Olives before returning to Sacramento.

While the tour’s evaluations will have the final say, I am confident that all enjoyed the tour and everyone, including the two travelers who grew up in Riverside, learned more about the sites this region has to offer than they had ever known. I hope to put a similar tour together for next fall that will include another visit to Sam Maloof’s home and studio in conjunction with a retrospective of his work that is being hosted by the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino in September 2011. If you are interested in joining us, call the office and ask to be put on the Priority Notification List!

Disneyland is Still Special

By: | Jul 28 2010 — 3 comments

It’s been 55 years since Walt Disney opened his Magic Kingdom in Southern California. It’s been over 30 years since I first traveled there myself as a young child. After high school, I didn’t spend too much time there but since being married and having children, I have been fortunate to visit every year for the past ten. There have been countless changes just in those last ten years. A new hotel, The Grand Californian Resort, has opened. An entirely new theme park, Disney’s California Adventure, has been built and is now undergoing a significant transformation as it redesigns several areas and expands. Downtown Disney, a separate attraction in itself with many restaurants and stores, has also opened. With all this evolution, it’s no wonder the area is now referred to as Disney’s California Resort.

On a recent trip we followed our usual modus operandi: one day Disneyland, one day California Adventure, one day back at Disneyland. In between we enjoyed good food, good shopping, and great rides and shows. Want to enjoy a 50 minute Broadway show in a theater that would rival any on Broadway? See “Aladdin” in the new California Adventure theme park. Hankering for great food and maybe some wine? While the original park still doesn’t sell alcohol, the new park does and has wonderful meals at the Wine Country Trattoria. Want to learn more about the parks and the famous Mr. Disney? Take one of several personally guided tours of the parks including the popular “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps.” Of course many of the old favorites are still at Disneyland including the recent return of one of its signature attractions, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which Disney created for the World’s Fair in 1964.

What motivates me to travel to Disneyland year after year? Honestly, it’s the faces of my children and my wife as we spend several days with each other. It’s the small town feel of walking down Main Street USA and exploring the western rivers of Frontierland by steamboat. It’s the clean walks and pathways, the beautiful landscapes, and that fact that there is always something old and something new to see. And it’s the food – Murphy Family tradition dictates a great breakfast at the Carnation Café on Main Street, lunch at the Wine Country Trattoria, and a fantastic dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant, adjacent to the water of the popular ride Pirates of the Caribbean.

It’s been years since Sports Leisure visited the Magic Kingdom. Any takers?

Culinary Classics in LA

By: | Dec 27 2009 — 1 comment

On a recent vacation to Southern California, my wife and two children and I explored Los Angeles. I’m not impartial when it comes to “LA.” While many think of the City of Angles as just an endless spider web of gridlocked freeways, I love everything about it: the arts, the culture and, especially, the food. Los Angeles is a true melting pot of the world’s cultures. Where else can you find such neighborhoods as “Little Ethiopia,” “Little Armenia,” “Koreatown,” and “Little Tokyo?” This recent trip included visits to two new favorites: Canter’s Delicatessen and Clifton’s Cafeteria.

Canter’s is located on Fairfax Avenue near Hollywood and is one of several “24-hour” deli’s spread among the neighborhoods of LA. Opened in 1931, Canter’s is one of the only delis in the US that brines its own pickles in house every morning. It’s most famous for its signature sandwich “The Fairfax,” piled high with pastrami and corned beef. During a late dinner, we dove into sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and fresh made desserts. Next door in the lounge, the sounds of a jazz trio wafted into the restaurant and complemented the already friendly atmosphere. Really, jazz and corned beef…what could be better than that? Look for a stop at Canter’s on an upcoming Sports Leisure Vacations tour.

Clifton’s Cafeteria is located on Broadway, just east of the core of downtown LA. Long before Rainforest Cafes, Hard Rock Cafes, and other themed-based restaurants, there were Clifton’s Cafeterias, each with its own theme. Clifton’s coincidentally also opened in 1931. Downstairs there are a few tables surrounded by a mountain atmosphere including a moose, redwood trees that cover the steel columns of the dining room, and a 20-foot waterfall that becomes a meandering stream on the main floor. Tiered seating leads you to the second level including a bridge over that waterfall. On the third level, a large dining room holds the display cases containing many pieces of history including mementoes of a sister restaurant, Clifton’s Pacific Seas, which had a tropical setting, and closed in 1960.

One of the unique items I saw in a showcase upstairs was a small personal-sized pewter teapot next to a letter recently written by a woman who had passed through LA on her honeymoon in 1945. The woman described eating at Clifton’s as her husband was preparing to return to the Pacific Theater during the war. She told him how much she loved the teapot. After they left the restaurant he pulled out the teapot, which he swiped when no one was looking, from underneath his coat and presented it to his wife as a wedding gift. Years passed and the teapot from Clifton’s remained a cherished part of the couple’s teapot collection. After her husband passed away about a year ago, she decided to return the teapot to Clifton’s. She closed the letter with a final sentence asking if her husband was forgiven!

Clifton’s is indeed a true “cafeteria-style” restaurant that requires you to take a tray through the selection of 100 items available daily. Might be a fun lunch stop while on tour in LA someday soon, or a place to take friends next time you are in southern California.


AWSOM Powered