Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 3

San Antonio, Texas: Naco 210 + Los Patios; restaurants + things to do

Naco 210  

2015 NE Loop 410, (210) 996-1033.  W-Sun 8am-4pm.  

exterior of Naco 210 in San Antonio, Texas

It is difficult to say what is the best thing about this simple Mexican spot.  The spectacular park-like area it is located within--Los Patios--or the atmospheric Naco restaurant itself, with its exceptional Mexican fare.

Los Patios:  

Diners park in a spacious lot and then walk in to the woodsy restaurant through a large park-like setting.  Set on 18 rustic acres with hundreds of mature trees, Los Patios has been a hospitality and special event venue for more than 50 years.  Yet its preserved, natural setting surprises first-time visitors.  Several health-related complexes, a few shops, and an AirBNB also operate here.  

Los Patios park area in San Antonio, Texas

Naco 210:  

Plenty of seating is available indoors, where large windows let in abundant light and a tree grows right through the dining room ceiling, and even more seating is awaits outdoors on an expansive deck surround by shade-providing  trees.  Salado Creek runs alongside the deck, which is the place to be in good weather, and grassy areas invite children to romp freely.  

dining room at Nico 210 in San Antonio, Texas


menu at Nico 210 in San Antonio, Texas

And then there is the food.  Using fresh organic and locally sourced ingredients when possible, Nico 210 is popular for its stellar oversize tacos made with flour tortillas.  My favorite is the popular Diablo version, stuffed with large grilled shrimp and avocado.  The menu offers plenty more, including chilaquiles, tortas, and enchiladas, as well as a few items with unusual ingredients like squash blossoms and huitlacoche (a fungus that grows on corn and is considered a delicacy in Mexico).  A special brunch menu additionally offers breakfast tacos as well as huevos rancheros and several omelets and Benedicts.  

dining deck at Nico 210 in San Antonio, Texas

tacos Diablo at Nico 210 in San Antonio, Texas

Place your order inside at the counter.  Servers bring items to the tables as they are ready, as well as complimentary tortilla chips to nibble on while waiting.  

Olla Express Cafe:  Plan to stop in here after your meal for an unusual coffee.

More things to do in San Antonio.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2022 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Pacific Palisades, California: Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple; things to do

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple 

Main Gate entrance to Meditation Gardens:  17190 W. Sunset Blvd.  (310) 454-4114; www.lakeshrine.org.  Admission W-Mon at 10am & 1pm.  Free.  Reservations required.  

Golden Lotus Archway at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens
in Pacific Palisades, California
Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens

Situated on 10 acres that were once a movie studio and set, this peaceful facility was created by Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950 and is open to all denominations.  I found it the perfect place to escape the outside bustle, and so did Elvis Presley and many others too numerous to mention.  Visitors to the private Lake Shrine gardens come to enjoy the beauty of the manicured grounds that include flowers and lush greenery, statues, fountains, waterfalls, and a spring-fed lake populated with koi and swans.  A flat, unpaved pathway leads around the lake.  A “wall-less temple” memorial to Mahatma Gandhi holds a portion of his ashes, attracting people from around the world who come to pay their respects. A reproduction 16th-century Dutch windmill serving as a chapel offers a peaceful indoor space for meditation and prayer where visitors can rest and reflect; services are scheduled.  Volunteers answer questions at the Visitor Center, where books and media on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda are available.  Additionally, a Gift Shop offers devotional and gift items imported from India, and an adjacent small Museum displays personal artifacts of Yogananda. 

Lake Shrine Temple

The hilltop Lake Shrine Temple on the upper level offers sanctuary for meditation and Sunday devotional services, when visitors can use the Temple Gate at 17080 West Sunset Boulevard.  

Several flights of stairs connect the two levels.  An overnight retreat facility is available.

pathway at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens
in Pacific Palisades, California

Gandhi World Peace Memorial at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens
in Pacific Palisades, California

floral display at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens
in Pacific Palisades, California

Buddha statue at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens
in Pacific Palisades, California

purple roses in rose garden at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens
in Pacific Palisades, California

Madonna and Child statue in grotto at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens
in Pacific Palisades, California

More places to visit in Pacific Palisades.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Captivating Carousels; things to do

Captivating Carousels

There is so much to enjoy about a carousel--the whimsical appeal of the animals bouncing up and down, the happy sound of organ music, the sparkling lights reflected in mirrors. Many cities have a carousel--often in a park or a zoo--that residents can enjoy, and it is great fun to experience some of the more unusual ones as you travel the U.S. and the world.  Here are a few resources to help you discover some amazing carousels to visit as you go. 

carousel in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California

8 carousels that offer a splendid spin

PHOTO GALLERY:  Carousels Around the World

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.  

image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Captivating Carousels

There is so much to enjoy about a carousel--the whimsical appeal of the animals bouncing up and down, the happy sound of organ music, the sparkling lights reflected in mirrors. Many cities have a carousel--often in a park or a zoo--that residents can enjoy, and it is great fun to experience some of the more unusual ones as you travel the U.S. and the world.  Here are a few resources to help you discover some amazing carousels to visit as you go. 

carousel in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California

8 carousels that offer a splendid spin

PHOTO GALLERY:  Carousels Around the World

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.  

image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

La Mesa, California: Los Tito’s; restaurant review

Los Tito’s  5257 Baltimore Dr., near Fletcher Pkwy., (619) 466-8226.  Open 24 hours.  

exterior of Los Tito's in La Mesa, California

Situated in a strip mall, this tiny shop is famous for making the best rolled tacos in town.  This crispy treat comes in several varieties.  The regular version is simple and straightforward with the rolls topped with avocado sauce and shredded cheese, while the potato version finds the rolled-up tacos smothered in tasty and colorful salsa fresca.  I favor ordering one of each.  

menu at Los Tito's in La Mesa, California

counter at Los Tito's in La Mesa, California

customer waits inside Los Tito's in La Mesa, California

rolled tacos from Los Tito's in La Mesa, California

More things to do in La Mesa.

More things to do in nearby San Diego.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Antonio, Texas: Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos; things to do

Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos  October.  

faces painted for the Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos festival
 in San Antonio, Texas

No other city in the U.S. observes this Mexican holiday quite like San Antonio.  Observed annually here at the end of October, the traditional Day of the Dead Mexican holiday celebrating deceased loved ones dates back to pre-Columbian times.  Here, the Dia de los Muertos celebration honoring the dead is over the top.  Gifts to the deceased associated with the holiday are prevalent throughout the city, including marigolds, incense, and candles.  Also found in various places, including Pearl, are elaborate altars honoring those who have passed--created new each year by local artists--plus festivities including live music, face-painting, and Mexican cuisine.  

Many events are free, including the biggest event, La Villita, which is set right off the River Walk.  It features the largest open-air community altar exhibition in the city, to which people can contribute photos for display.  This event includes traditional mariachi musicians, Folklorico dancers, and a parade featuring puppets and stilt-walkers.  New in 2019, a Day of the Dead River Parade featured a colorful parade of catrinas on the river.  

2020 pandemic update:  This year a virtual festival will be held on October 31 and November 1.  

More things to do in San Antonio.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

7 best COVID-19 travel tips

7 best COVID-19 travel tips

I have personally tested these tips.  Recently, due to the death of my mother, I had to take two long car trips during the pandemic.  The trips were far from fun as I was dealing with my emotions about my mom as well as my fears and concerns about COVID-19.  And then, since the trips were from one end of California to the other, there was also the smoke and fires.  

on the road

1.  Pack along a kit containing disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and snacks that you can rely on when you are hungry and having trouble finding an open spot to purchase food.  

2.  Also pack plastic sandwich bags in your kit.  Use them to contain various items, including your mask when you take it off (folded inside in) and perhaps items found while beachcombing.  

3.  Finding restrooms can be a problem.  Many formerly reliable options are now closed.  When driving, plan to stop at rest stops, where restrooms are usually open but not always clean, or at a Chevron gas station, which reliably offers clean restrooms.  (Note that I just experienced a Chevron station in Livermore, California, that has closed its restrooms.)  Remember not to use the hand-dryer blowers because they move air around in a way that isn't advised.  

in a hotel

4.  If staying in a hotel, check ahead regarding safety protocols.  Best are those that keep rooms empty for 24 to 72 hours between guests.  Use some of those disinfectant wipes to wipe down light switches, door knobs, and TV remotes (see #6 below).  Open windows when possible to promote air circulation, and air out your guest room for a few hours.  Better yet, since all guest rooms do not have windows that open, book a room with a balcony or terrace.  

5.  If staying in the same room more than one day, request that your room not to be cleaned on the second and third days and that no staff person enters the room on those days.  You can request extra towels and amenities at the desk when you return for the night.  Always wash your hands as soon as you re-enter your room.  

6.  Use a plastic sandwich bag to cover a hotel’s often germy TV channel changer. Note that I had to pry the remote out of my forgetful husband’s hand to accomplish this, followed by a round of hand sanitizer.

7.  Pack along your own pillows. Doing this made me feel more secure since I smother my face in them.  

Pandemic updates.
More pandemic updates.
More ideas for travel adventures in Southern California and the U.S. and around the world.

©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

7 best covid travel tips

7 best covid travel tips

1.  Pack along a kit containing disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and snacks that you can rely on when you are hungry and having trouble finding a reliable open spot to purchase food.  

2.  Also pack plastic sandwich bags in your kit.  Use them to contain various items, including your mask when you take it off (folded inside in) and perhaps items found while beachcombing.  

3.  Use a plastic sandwich bag to cover a hotel’s often germy TV channel changer. Note that I had to pry the remote out of my forgetful husband’s hand to accomplish this, followed by a round of hand sanitizer.

4.  Finding restrooms can be a problem.  Many formerly reliable options are now closed.  When driving, plan to stop at rest stops, where restrooms are usually reliable but not always clean, or at a Chevron gas station, which reliably offers clean restrooms.  Remember not to use the air hand dryer.  

5.  If staying in a hotel, open windows when possible and air out your guest room for a few hours.  

6.  If staying in the same room more than one day, request that your room not to be cleaned on the second and third days and that no staff person enters the room on those days.  You can request extra towels and amenities at the desk when you return for the night.

7.  Pack along your own pillows. Doing this made me feel more secure since I smother my face in them.  

Pandemic updates.
More pandemic updates.
More ideas for travel adventures in Southern California and the U.S. and around the world.

©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Southern California: Ayres Hotels; hotel reviews

Ayres Hotels  355 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, California; reservations (800) 764-4614.

exterior of Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad in Southern California

In 2001 the parent company of the Allegretto resort in Paso Robles started a chain of hotels in Southern California.  Manhattan Beach opened as one of their finest in 2004.  Currently there are 24 hotels in the chain, with the Carlsbad location being their newest.  Decors vary, as do prices which are reasonable and competitive.  

I stayed at the exceptional flagship Allegretto resort a few years ago.  You can read about that here.  And on a recent trip to Southern California brought on by a family crisis, I had the pleasure of staying in two other Ayres Hotels.  The hotels had covid procedures in place such as mandatory mask-wearing and only one party at a time in elevators.  I felt as safe in these hotels as is possible in these trying times.  

●Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad  2100 Radiance Way, Vista, (760) 335-0035.  103 rooms.  Continental breakfast; restaurant.  Pool; hot tub; fitness center.  Free Wi-Fi.  Free parking.  Pets ok.  

guest room at Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad in Southern California

Located inland about 10 to 15 minutes from the Carlsbad beaches, in an area with business parks and tracts of new housing, this is the newest cog in the Ayres chain.  Rooms here are oversize, with a choice of two queens or a king plus a hide-a-bed couch.  The contemporary decor is simple and efficient, with triple sheeted beds incorporating a light comforter cover.  Attractive art is incorporated throughout.  Off the lobby in the morning, a breakfast box is prepared to order and includes toast or bagel, yogurt, and fresh fruit.  It can be eaten outside on an attractive patio in good weather, or taken back to your room, which is what we did.  

hallway at Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad in Southern California

breakfast bar at Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad in Southern California

2020 pandemic update:  When I entered the guest room, I did not smell bleach and forgot to use my own wipes.  This was my first hotel stay during covid.  I was understandably jumpy.  When I asked the front desk about whether there was an air filtration system, the clerk did not know.  As in many hotels, windows opened only a few inches and with great difficulty.  My intent was to air out the room.  Instead, we decided to leave on our masks for an hour.  I expected a reassuring note in the room regarding the excellent sanitation efforts that the hotel does use but did not find one, so do remember to print out the covid cleaning procedures at Ayres Hotels from the website in advance.  My fears lightened up as I went along, but erring on the side of caution I recommend that you wipe down all surfaces in any hotel room before you settle in.    

●Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne  14400 Hindry Ave, Hawthorne, 4 miles from LAX, (310) 536-0400.  173 rooms.  Pool; hot tub; fitness room.  Free Wi-Fi.  Parking $15/night.  Pets ok.  

pool at Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne in Southern California

Squeezed up against the freeway like the Little House in the children’s story book, this was one of the original cogs in what has become the Ayres chain.  Built in 2004, it was the model for the luxury Allegretto resort in Paso Robles, which was built about 5 years ago.  Inside, this hotel features the fine art, antiques, and castle-like finishes of the Allegretto and is truly an unexpected gem.  Beds are triple sheeted, and the marble bathrooms have granite sink tops.  I felt a bit like a queen while recovering here from intense driving fatigue. 

guest room at Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne in Southern California

lobby sitting room at Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne
in Southern California

lobby sitting room at Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne
in Southern California

My 3 favorite covid travel hints:  

1.  Pack along your own pillows. Doing this made me feel more secure since I smother my face in them.  

helpful covid travel hint:  pack along your own pillows

2.  Carry plastic sandwich bags in your kit. Use them to contain various items, including your mask (folded inside in) and items found while beachcombing.  

3.  Use a plastic sandwich bag to cover the germy TV channel changer. Note that I had to pry the remote out of my forgetful husband’s hand to accomplish this, followed by a round of hand sanitizer.

helpful covid travel hint:  put TV remote in a baggie

More ideas for travel adventures in Southern California and the U.S. and around the world.

©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Tokyo, Japan: One Night in Tokyo: Shinjuku; hotel review + things to do

ONE NIGHT IN TOKYO:  SHINJUKU
The vibrant Shinjuku area of Tokyo is filled with attractions, and though it was cancelled due to the pandemic the 2020 Olympics were scheduled to be here.  The area is also a popular choice because it is centered around a busy Bullet Train station.  I checked into a hotel for just one night, and I definitely absorbed the energetic flavor of the area and managed to see quite a bit.

fall color on streets of Tokyo, Japan

check in
Shinjuku Washington Hotel   3-2-9, Nishi-shinjuku, 03-3343-3111.  Well located, this bustling hotel is just a short walk from the famous Shinjuku section of town.  Though it had the smallest room I encountered during my visit to Japan, it manages to include a deep furo soaking tub in each teeny, tiny bathroom . . . and the price is right.  I enjoyed meeting the robot valet that hangs out in the lobby in between room service runs, and many small shops operate on the floors below the lobby.  During my visit to Japan, I stayed at many sister properties, and all of them provided a white cotton nightgown that buttons down the front--something I started looking forward to each night.  And here, a buffet breakfast was served on a high floor permitting lovely area views.

Across the street sits lovely Shinjuku Central Park   as well as some of Tokyo’s tallest skyscrapers.  The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office building No.1, which is the tallest city hall in the world, offers free observation decks.

guest room in Shinjuku Washington Hotel in Tokyo, Japan

robot valet at Shinjuku Washington Hotel in Tokyo, Japan

breakfast buffet with a view at Shinjuku Washington Hotel in Tokyo, Japan

Park Hyatt Tokyo   Occupies 39th-52nd floors.  Celebrated for being designed by famous architect Kenzo Tange, this skyscraper might be even more famous for its supporting role in the movie Lost in Translation.  Even if you don’t stay here, you’ll want to stop in for a drink at the New York Bar on the 52nd floor.  Its cool 65-foot-long, four-lane indoor pool--where Bill Murray took a dip in the movie--has floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji, and a glass pyramid-shaped ceiling allows in natural light.


stroll through Shinjuku
The walk from the hotel to the train station passes an intriguing collection of shops and restaurants.  Along the way, the back alley streets are highly interesting.  Known as Golden Gai, these narrow streets are lined with small bars with just a few seats.  Some are at ground level, while others are positioned up steep staircases, and many are open only to locals.  It is on one of these streets that my companion and I found a big bank of vending machines, and the equivalent of US$2 popped out a darling miniature vinyl dog that looked just like her own at home making it the perfect souvenir.

Shinjuku streets in rain in Tokyo, Japan

bright lights on Shinjuku streets in Tokyo, Japan




dinner
Takashimaya Department Store   Located in the Times Square area adjacent to the train station, this   is considered to be the area’s best department store.  Exhibitions and Japanese goods are on floor 11, while a food hall occupies the entire basement and restaurants occupy the top three floors (12-14)  referred to as Restaurants Park.  After zipping through several of the shopping floors, I headed to the basement and zeroed in on a scrumptious almond croissant from Maison Kayser to take back to my room for dinner.  My drink was a bottle of the hotel’s Mt. Fuji spring water.

basement food hall at Takashimaya Department Store in Tokyo, Japan

if I’d had more time
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden   Near the train station.  Tu-Sun 9am-4pm; closed M.  500 yen.  Stretched over 144 acres, this former imperial garden became a national garden after World War II.  The park  holds native and traditional gardens as well as French Formal and English Landscape gardens, plus a   spectacular Taiwan Pavilion that perches beside a serene pond.

Yayoi Kusama Museum   Thur-M.  1,100 yen.  Located off the beaten path in a suburban district of Shinjuku, this slim 5-story white building is devoted to displaying the larger-than-life and avant-garde works of artist Yayoi Kusama.  Installations include her newish "infinity room" series (an Instagram sensation), polka-dot paintings, and sculptures.  Note that visitors are limited to only 200 per day.

polka dot shoes by Yayoi Kusama, displayed at SFO airport in San Francisco, California

cat cafes
In Japan living space is at a premium and most landlords do not permit pets, so cat cafes are a popular and ingenious solution.  Patrons pay an hourly fee (usually about US$10 per hour) for a cup of coffee or tea to enjoy amid free-roaming cats.

Located in the center of Shinjuku, the Calico Cat Cafe  opened in 2007 and has about 20 cats representing 17 breeds.  Rules include not waking a sleeping cat and not bringing catnip in to the cafe.

Note that the first cat cafe in the U.S. opened in Oakland, California in 2014.  
Like most U.S. cat cafes, Cat Town adopts out the cats.



More things to do in Japan.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images and video ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers