AUGUST 2007

LIFESTYLE

When people think of summer, they think of swimming pools and barbecues and vacations. Especially vacations. And who couldn’t use a good one (just to escape this relentless heat, if nothing else)? But vacations require free time—a precious commodity that most Real Estate agents don’t have an abundance of. When it’s hard to take a weekend off, let alone a whole week or two, you may think that a summer sabbatical is out of the question. Good news: it isn’t! We live in a prime location for short trips. Whether you have one day or one weekend, there are plenty of places within close proximity to “recharge your batteries.”

Temecula, California
Drive time: Approximately 4 hours (270 miles)

If you’re a wine lover who doesn’t have the time to make the trek to Northern California’s Napa Valley, consider making the much shorter drive to Temecula instead. Although not yet as well-known as the Napa, Sonoma and Santa Ynez Valleys, it’s an up-and-coming addition to the famous wine-growing regions of California, and is quickly making a name for itself in enological circles. The Temecula Valley boasts over 30 wineries and vineyards, where you can take advantage of “tasting rooms” (some charge a small fee, from $5 to $10) and indulge in an intoxicating variety of offerings.

The small, intimate wineries aren’t the only attraction; Temecula is also a popular destination for hot air ballooning. It’s home to the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, and although this year’s festival has already passed, it’s never too soon to plan a trip to next year’s (in early June). There are always opportunities to soar over the gorgeous countryside, whether it’s festival time or not; there are more than a handful of regional hot air balloon companies offering rides year-round. What could be better than taking in some of California’s most beautiful scenery from an absolutely amazing vantage point? For an exhilarating combination of all Temecula’s must-do activities, try the “Up, Up & Get Away” package offered by South Coast Winery and Resort (866-994-6379; ). For $435 per couple, per night ($515 Friday through Saturday), you get a one-night stay in a luxurious villa in the vineyards, a bottle of wine at check-in, and a hot air balloon ride for two with a champagne toast and continental breakfast at the end.

For an alphabetical listing of Temecula Valley wineries, check out
http://temecula.winecountry.com/wineries/alphalistings.html.

Cedar City, Utah
Drive time: Approximately 2.5 hours (170 miles)

Whatever the season, Cedar City is the ideal place to get away—just a hop, skip and a jump from here, nestled in the picturesque foothills of Southern Utah. Its high elevation (over 6,000 feet!) makes it 15 to 20 degrees cooler on average than Las Vegas in the summer, making it a welcome reprieve from the heat. In winter, it is home to the Brian Head Ski Resort—at 9,600 feet, Utah’s highest—which generally opens in mid-November and averages an astonishing 450 inches of powder a year. Any time you go, it’s easy to see why tourism is Cedar City’s main industry; it combines a quaint small-town atmosphere (the Historic Downtown Shopping District is a can’t-miss) with lots of activities for any energy level.

If you’re a fan of Shakespearean theatre, you’re in for a treat; Cedar City is home to the summer-long annual Utah Shakespearean Festival (there are also several contemporary-style shows if the Bard isn’t your bag). And that isn’t the only festival; there’s a good reason why this town’s nickname is “Festival City.” There’s always something going on.

For a list of things to do, area events, and restaurant suggestions, check out
http://www.utah.com/cedarcity/.

Big Bear Lake, California
Drive time: Approximately 3.5 hours (215 miles)

Big Bear Lake is the perfect getaway to satisfy any taste, whether it’s a couples-only retreat or a family outing, a high-energy outdoor adventure or a low-key romantic rendezvous. Surrounded by the breathtakingly scenic San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear is a great place to stay cool (like Cedar City, its summer climate is considerably cooler than Vegas—a comfortable 72-degree daily average). For the outdoorsy types, there are activities such as trout fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding (and if you’re really feeling rugged, plenty of nice campsites). If it’s quiet relaxation you crave, there are a variety of day spas, fine dining restaurants, cozy B&Bs and private lakeside cabins.

As if all that weren’t enough reason to go, how about free gas to get there? The Big Bear Lake Resort Association has teamed up with over thirty area lodges to offer visitors a free $25 Arco gas card upon check-in (through November 18 of this year). You can find details of the promotion at http://bigbear.com/tankaway.php.

For more information about Big Bear Lake, check out http://bigbear.com/index.php.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Drive time: Approximately 2.5 hours (155 miles)

If you haven’t got the time to hop across the pond to England—and who does?—you can get a taste of it just a few hours away in the most unlikely-sounding place: Lake Havasu City, Arizona. It is home to the actual famed London Bridge! In the 1960s, London Bridge really was falling down, sinking into the Thames River. Chainsaw magnate Robert McCulloch seized the opportunity and placed the winning bid of $2.46 million to have it dismantled and rebuilt, brick by brick, in Lake Havasu City. Those who may have laughed at it then certainly aren’t laughing now; the bridge is a huge tourist attraction. To add to the British flavor, there’s an “English Village” at the foot of the bridge, where shops, restaurants and breweries are done in traditional Tudor-style architecture. (Just try not to notice the decidedly un-English palm trees.)

Summers are pretty hot in Lake Havasu City, but nothing you aren’t used to; it’s about on par with Las Vegas weather. However, the warm, sunny climate makes it a perfect venue for all sorts of cool water sports and activities, from fishing to kayaking to regattas. And golf enthusiasts will be in heaven; Lake Havasu boasts five different courses, including The Refuge, an Arnold Palmer Signature Design PGA Course.

To find out about what’s going on in Lake Havasu City, check out http://www.golakehavasu.com/.

Palm Springs, California
Drive time: Approximately 4 hours (279 miles)

Palm Springs was once known as the “Playground of the Stars.” Its secluded location, settled at the base of the majestic Mt. San Jacinto, made it a good place for the legends of Old Hollywood to escape the city. These days, Palm Springs is a city in its own right, but still a far cry from the frenzied conglomeration that we call Los Angeles (about 100 miles away). The city prides itself on offering all the amenities and cosmopolitan culture of a larger metropolis, while still maintaining that “getting away from it all” feeling. Since it is in a more rural location, surrounded by beautiful scenery, it’s an ideal place for outdoorsy-type activities such as rock climbing, hiking and horseback riding. But for those seeking a less rugged vacation, there’s certainly no shortage of ways to enjoy a refined weekend. Palm Springs is renowned for its premiere golf courses (there are more than 120!), its one-of-a-kind boutiques, galleries, antique and consignment shops, and for anyone wishing to get a bit of pampering, spas and salons abound. If you’ve got kids in tow, the Knotts Soak City water park is a wet and wonderful treat.

For $250-$450 nightly, you can stay in the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, a Mediterranean villa which once housed the likes of Albert Einstein, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. It has been elegantly restored to capture the ambiance of its prime days when it was the preferred spot of the rich and famous. See the rooms and make reservations at http://www.thewillowspalmsprings.com/.

If you’d like to know more about Palm Springs, check out http://www.palm-springs.org/.

You don’t have to carve out a big chunk of time to have a fabulous, fulfilling vacation. With prime spots like these just hours away, even a weekend can turn into a memorable and revitalizing excursion. Bon voyage!