California – Page 3 – Kelley Ferro

What to do for the 4th of July in Los Angeles

June 27, 2015/in Blog, California, Destinations, Explore, Los Angeles, Nightlife, North America, United States of America /by Kelley

July Fourth is one of my favorite holidays (#2 on the list to be exact.) I mean, what’s not to love about a holiday that a). includes a day off from work, b.) involves hanging out all day with friends & family, c.) every American, regardless of religion, can participate and d.) promotes barbecues, cocktails and being outside. To me, it also marks that it is full blown SUMMER season. Oh, and Fireworks are just a cherry on top.

As an LA transplant, I scoured this little town for the best goings on this Fourth of July. Take your pick.

1. In a Pool

This partyparty pool at Mondrian will definitely make your Fourth one to remember (albeit hazily). The Skybar is hosting all day DJs, cocktails, fun pool floaties and jaw dropping LA views–what’s not to love? Tickets are reasonable at $25 and available here. I was sold by the photos of their recent Memorial Day party.

2. On the Water

Hit up Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park, make a reservation at a waterfront restaurant or find a friend with boat. You won’t get better sunset or fireworks views and as the nearest host of the fireworks on the beach, the atmosphere will be festive to say the least. If you are going the picnic in the park route, get there EARLY. Spots are usually filled by 6pm for the 9pm fireworks.

Whiskey Red’s, located right along the scenic marina, is hosting a buffet barbecue and reservations are being taken now for patio ($62.95) or indoor seating (52.95)–but come on people, you want the patio.

3. On a Roof

High, the rooftop of Venice’s funky hotel gives you unobstructed views of the fireworks, the sunset and the pretty people that are sitting at the tables next to you. A table reservation gets you 2 beers, a cocktail, a gourmet sausage and DJ to complete the perfect summer evening. What’s more American than that? Additionally, consider adding a retractable roof systems Melbourne to help you protect yourself from the sun.

4. On a Boat

The Queen Mary is welcoming revelers on board for a day filled of events–from a circus to a Great Gatsby party, each decade from the 1940s will be represented, letting attendees party through the ages. If you want to play various casino games during your vacation, you may look for online slot gacor games.

The ticket gets you on board and access to the events, plus prime viewing of the Long Beach fireworks from the deck. Purchase your tickets here for a hefty discount ($26 vs $44 on their website).

The Parker Palm Springs

June 26, 2015/in California, Explore, Hotels, Lifestyle, Luxury, Palm Springs, United States of America /by Kelley

The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.

Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara

June 26, 2015/in California, Destinations, Explore, Food, Hotels, Luxury, Santa Barbara, United States of America /by Kelley

Oceanfront views: check. Stunning grounds: check. Fantastic restaurant: check. Croquet: check.
The Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara ticks off a lot of boxes–watch the full review to find out if it’s worth the splurge for getaway.

Kona Kai Resort & Spa

June 20, 2015/in Beach, California, Destinations, Explore, Hotels, North America, San Diego, United States of America /by Kelley

The Hotel Snob heads to San Diego for a weekend of fun in the sun. Shelter Island’s Kona Kai Resort & Spa has marina views, a private beach, lively pool scene and a recently renovated restaurant, Vessel. With a their brand new Spa Terre with famed treatments–which is why this casual beachy boutique full of laidback San Diego charm was a must stay for the Hotel Snob.

Parker Palm Springs

March 23, 2015/0 Comments/in Blog, California, Hotels, Luxury, Palm Springs, United States of America /by Kelley

The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.

Top 10 Best New Restaurants of Los Angeles

February 2, 2015/in Destinations, Food, Los Angeles, United States of America /by Kelley

With all the restaurants popping up in Los Angeles, it’s no wonder that the Los Angeles Magazine’s Top Ten Best New Restaurant nomination is a coveted honor. I attended this buzzworthy evening where all the top 10 honorees restaurants brought their best bites forward and us LA foodies got to taste, play and dance under the moonlight of downtown LA.

Restaurants included: République, Smoke.Oil.Salt, Union, Night + Market Song, Faith & Flower and Scopa Italian Roots.

A Foodie’s Roadtrip in California

November 2, 2014/in Beer, Wine & Cocktails, Brand Partnerships, California, Destinations, Food, Malibu, North America, Solvang, United States of America, Videos /by Kelley

There’s some incredible food in California and I decided to find the top spots along the California Coast. From Malibu to Solvang, I chowed down on the most delicious lunches, scrumptious breakfasts, tastiest dinners and best vineyards. And it was all the most easy because I was in my Jucy Campervan–it had everything including the kitchen sink on board. Let’s go for a ride!

Roadtrip the California Coast: From Malibu to Solvang

November 2, 2014/in Active, Beer, Wine & Cocktails, Brand Partnerships, California, Destinations, Food, Malibu, North America, Solvang, United States of America, Videos /by Kelley

Join me on an adventure, Cali style. I drive my Jucy Campervan up the coat, from Malibu to Solvang and miles of pretty shoreline, dramatic mountains and charming towns in between. I spend the night at Flying Flags RV Park and sleep right on top of my camper, and cook my meals out of my trunk! Convenient & Efficient!

The Food Experience at Wente Vineyards

October 2, 2014/in Beer, Wine & Cocktails, California, Cooking, Destinations, Food, Livermore, North America, United States of America, Videos /by Kelley

Not only is the wine superb, the food here is a marvel in it’s own right. Much of the produce is grown in Wente gardens, tended by Dianne, the hardworking, organic gardener. Chef Matt Greco works wonders from lunch, brunch or dinner. He uses the local riches of the Livermore Valley to create mouthwatering appetizers, like the Lamb Pastrami, to succulent vegetable side dishes, to wine-fed cattle and housecured salamis. The homemade breads and desserts are top notch and the wine is the icing on the food experience here.

The Wine Experience at Wente Vineyards

October 2, 2014/in Beer, Wine & Cocktails, California, Destinations, Livermore, United States of America /by Kelley

Wente Vineyards is one of the oldest and most famous in the US, so I went to the source, their stunning property in the Livermore Valley of California to find out how they make such good wines. I profile the vineyard and the signature wines of the Wente, from grape to glass style. Don’t miss one of the several Tasting Rooms or the Winemaker’s Studio where you get to play a winemaker and learn about blending wines. Special highlights include interviews with the family owners, Carolyn Wente and winemaker, Karl Wente.