Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 54

Sights to See: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, San Diego, California

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park    At intersection of Hwys. 5 & 8.  Located within the six blocks bounded by Taylor, Juan, Twiggs, and Congress sts.  Free admission.  Hours vary for shops and restaurants.  Free parking.  Considered the “birthplace” of California and the site of the first permanent European settlement on the West Coast, this 12-acre park was the center of town in the mid-1800s.  Kit Carson was among the first pioneers to raise the American flag here in 1846.  The park now houses a pleasant mixture of museum displays, shops (including a working blacksmith shop), and Mexican restaurants, and five original adobes and a collection of 19th-century homes and businesses give visitors a glimpse into colonial life in San Diego. 


●Visitor Information Center and museum  4002 Wallace St., (619) 220-5422; .  Daily 10am-4pm.  One-hour ranger-guided tours daily at 11am and 2pm.  Free.  Park information and interesting exhibits are located in the circa 1853 Robinson-Rose House adobe.



● The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception   2540 San Diego Ave., (619) 295-4148.  This still-active church was dedicated in 1919.  Near here, Father Junipero Serra celebrated the first Holy Mass in California on July 2, 1769.  The first parish church was established here in 1849 and is now known as the Old Adobe Chapel (at 3963 Conde Street). 


● The Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Hote l  2660 Calhoun St., (619) 297-1874.  10 rooms.  Restaurant.  Dating back to 1827, when it was constructed as a home for San Diego pioneer Juan Bandini, this historically significant building retains many of its original features, including original adobe brick walls, a wood exterior dating back to 1869, and a wrap-around balcony that once served as the perfect place to watch local bullfights.  It is the only hotel located within the park.  Guest rooms are on the second floor, and each is uniquely furnished with antique furniture matching that in the original 1869 manifests.
A popular restaurant and saloon operates on the first floor and features antique and reproduction period furniture, period art, and chandeliers.  The menu features grilled meats, seafood, and Mexican items served al fresco on a beautiful patio or indoorx in the sala.  Drinks are available at San Diego’s oldest saloon bar.  Kids eat free (one per adult).

●Mason Street School  3966 Mason St., (916) 653-6995.  Daily 10-4.  Free.  In San Diego’s first schoolhouse, dating from 1865, kids can see what it feels like sitting in an old-time wooden desk. 


● Thomas Whaley House Museum   2476 San Diego Ave., (619) 297-9327.  June-Labor Day, daily 10am-9:30pm; rest of year, Sun-Tu 10am-5pm, Thur-Sat 10am-9:3 pm.  $6, 65+ $5, 3-12 $4; after 5 pm tours are available, adults $10, children $5; after 10pm, private tours are available by reservation for an additional fee.  Constructed in 1857, this very small, classic Greek Revival house was built on a former gallows site and was the first 2-story brick building in San Diego.  Owner Thomas Whaley made the bricks in his own brickyard.  Over the years it has been a granary, the County Court House, San Diego’s first commercial theater, a general store, a ballroom, a billiard hall, a school, and a polling place.  It is one of two officially designated haunted houses in California--the other is the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose--and reputedly hosts seven ghosts. 

● Wells Fargo History Museum   2733 San Diego Ave., (619) 238-3929.  Daily 10am-5pm.  Free.  Kids especially enjoy the seeing a stagecoach and telegraph.

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, Solvang, California

Elverhoj Museum of History & Art   1624 Elverhoy Way, (805) 686-1211. W-Sun 11-4; closed M-Tu.  By donation. 


Hand constructed by a local artist in the 1950s to resemble a brick farmhouse in Denmark, this converted residence is now a community museum devoted to Danish culture and the Danish-American experience.  It covers the history of Solvang, the colorful heritage of Denmark, and Danish arts.  In addition to answering questions and providing personal tours, docents sometimes demonstrate lacework.  The museum is freshly painted and its beautiful pale pine floors are newly refinished, making this the perfect time for a visit. 

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Things to Do: Historic Rice Mill & Taro Farm Tour, Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii

Historic Rice Mill & Taro Farm Tou r  (808) 651-3399.  By reservation.  This tour begins with a lucious little smoothie and a short bus ride to visit the taro fields, where you’ll learn how one dedicated family has worked the fields of this family farm for five generations.



Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity, if you like, to take in the beautiful jagged-mountain backdrop scenery of the Hanalei Valley and to participate in some hands-on activities among the heart-shaped taro leaves.  Farm work here is still done by hand.  Five endangered bird species are often spotted in this official wildlife refuge, coexisting with the taro farmers.  Birdwatchers are invited to bring their list and binoculars, and the guide will assist, and those with limited mobility will have plenty of opportunities to sit.  I was surprised to find how challenging this work is and about the many hardships and difficulties the farmers face. 

Later, the bus delivers you to the Hoopulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill--an agrarian museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Built by Chinese laborers in the late 1800s, the mill was purchased by the Haraguchi family in 1924 and is the only remaining rice mill in Hawaii.  It was rebuilt several times through theyears and ceased operating in 1960, when Kauai’s rice industry collapsed.  A nonprofit organization now preserves this historic site.  While here, you will view a short educational slide show, followed by a tour of the mill.  Finally, you’ll see a poi-pounding demonstration and a coconut husking, and you’ll taste these delicious fresh foods.


The bus then returns to the Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. food truck for lunch—a sandwich or plate lunch--which is included.  This enterprise makes taro products found nowhere else:  taro-coconut mochi, taro hummus, luau rolls, and kalo koolers (taro smoothies). 


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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Things to Do: Hanalei Center shops, Kauai, Hawaii

The Old Hanalei School Building dating to 1926 has been converted into a small shopping strip within the

Hanalei Center (at 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy.).  You'll find art galleries, restaurants, and shops, most of which are locally owned and sell Hawaiian items.


● Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art   4884 Pepelani Loop, (808) 826-7606.  Named after the legendary homeland of all Polynesians, this shop stocks the work of artisans and carvers throughout Oceania. 

●Hula Beach Boutique & Sarong Shop  (808) 826-4741.  Daily 9:30am-8pm.  Casual island wear. 

●Rainbow Ducks Toys & Clothing  (808) 826-4741.  You’ll find toys and swimwear for children in this little red house.  They stock everything from a zippered coconut purse, to bean bag collectibles, to a rubber gecko. 


 ● Sand People   (808) 826-1008.  M-Sat 9:30am-8pm, Sun 10-8.  Great gift items are augmented by beachy house accents and nautical décor.

● Tropical Tantrum   5183 Kuhio Hwy., (808) 826-6944.  The clerk claims that everything in this store is all rayon and hand-colored.  Long dresses and aloha shirts are among the goods. 


●Yellowfish Trading Company  (808) 826-1227.  Protected by a guard cat, this unique shop sells 1940s and 1950s memorabilia as well as antiques and home furnishings.

down the road
●Hanalei Trading Co.  5-5134 Kuhio Hwy., (808) 826-1373.  Located in the historic Tahiti Nui Building, this shop’s diverse collection includes aloha wear, hand-carved wood sculptures, black pearls, and plenty more.

More things to do in Kauai.

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

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Hanalei town, Kauai, Hawaii

Hanalei town


 Before arriving here, stop at the scenic Hanalei Valley Lookout to admire the lushly pastoral landscape of the Hanalei Valley--home to the legendary magical, musical dragon Puff.  Continue on, driving the winding road that is very much like the famous Road to Hana on Maui, with many one-lane bridges.


 Just before the end of the road, you’ll see houses on stilts and the Dry Cave (described by one unimpressed kid as “just a big dry cave”) and the Wet Cave (which contains a lake).


At the end of the road is Kee Beach, where a reef-protected lagoon makes this the island’s best beach for swimming, but be aware that strong currents and dangerous waves break out on the rocks.  Scenes from the TV mini-series Thorn Birds and the movies South Pacific and Lord of the Flies were filmed here, and the sunsets can be magnificent.  Bring a picnic lunch or dinner. 
    The end of the road is also the beginning of the spectacularly scenic and green Na Pali Coast and the infamous 11-mile-long Kalalau Trail that is popular with back-packers. 

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: The Garden Cafe at Common Ground, in Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii--CLOSED

The Garden Cafe at Common Ground   4900 Kuawa Rd., Kilauea, (808) 828-1041.  Located on the grounds of the old Guava Kai plantation, this organic farm now provides its cafe with fresh produce and as well serves beef and lamb from named ranches.  Prices are high, but so is quality.  It is especially nice to enjoy brunch or lunch on the serene outdoor patio.


I am fond of the sandwich wraps and the Vanilla Thrilla smoothie consisting of coconut milk, pineapple, bananas, mac nuts, dates, vanilla bean, hemp protein powder, and oat milk.  Yum!


Order at the counter, find a table, and you’ll be called when your prepared-to-order food is ready.  Many items are vegan, vegetarian, and/or gluten-free.


Before or after, you can take a hike out to the old stone dam or stroll past fields and along the river.

More things to do in Kauai.

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: The Garden Cafe at Common Ground, in Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii

The Garden Cafe at Common Ground   4900 Kuawa Rd., Kilauea, (808) 828-1041.  Located on the grounds of the old Guava Kai plantation, this organic farm now provides its cafe with fresh produce and as well serves beef and lamb from named ranches.  Prices are high, but so is quality.  It is especially nice to enjoy brunch or lunch on the serene outdoor patio.


I am fond of the sandwich wraps and the Vanilla Thrilla smoothie consisting of coconut milk, pineapple, bananas, mac nuts, dates, vanilla bean, hemp protein powder, and oat milk.  Yum!


Order at the counter, find a table, and you’ll be called when your prepared-to-order food is ready.  Many items are vegan, vegetarian, and/or gluten-free.


Before or after, you can take a hike out to the old stone dam or stroll past fields and along the river.

More things to do in Kauai.

More information about Kauai.

More gardens around the world.

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

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: Duke’s Kauai, in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii

Duke’s Kauai  At the Kaua’ Marriott Resort & Beach Club, 3610 Rice St., at Kalapaki Beach, (808) 246-9599.


 Famous for its fresh fish


and expansive salad bar (the potato salad is really good), this always-bustling restaurant features a 30-foot waterfall that splashes into a koi pond


and it displays a 40-foot outrigger canoe and three of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku’s surfboards.  The menu is not extensive but manages to squeeze on coconut shrimp with spicy ilikoi dip, a cheddar burger, and mango barbecued baby back ribs.


Described as “what the sailors swam to shore for in Lahaina” (on Maui), Kimo’s Original Hula Pie is rich and delish.


And you won't want to miss the mai tai.

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Great Sleeps: Hanalei Colony Resort & Good Eats: Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant, in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii

Hanalei Colony Resort   5-7130 Kuhio Hwy., 5 mi. west of Hanalei, in Haena, (800) 628-3004, (808) 826-6235.  48 condos.  Pool, hot tub.  Free parking.  No resort fee.  Located on beautiful Kepuhi Beach in secluded Haena, Kauai’s northernmost town, this resort is unspoiled and unplugged.  It features a restful atmosphere, with units blessedly free of  televisions and telephones.  Guests can unwind and relax and enjoy the area’s natural beauty, including hanging out at the beach and watching sunsets.  Jet-lagged, I also watched a gorgeous sunrise.  The resort is made up of thirteen rustic two-story buildings, each with four units.  All are attractively decorated island style and get twice-weekly maid service.


They have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and dining area, a private lanai, and a fully equipped kitchen.  The best rooms are on the point with an ocean view.  Barbecue/picnic areas and a coin-operated guest laundromat are available.


Guests staying two-plus nights are greeted by a  gift of fresh flowers, locally-made cookies, a recyclable shopping bag, and a deck of playing cards, and all guests are invited to a complimentary continental breakfast and an afternoon mai tai party once each week.  Free in-room WiFi is provided, but I tried to stay unplugged and not use it.  Personal concierge service assists in arranging dining, activities, and special requests.  Beach mats and towels, books, toys, puzzles, and games are available for loan.  In summer, a variety of cultural and craft activities are scheduled for both children and adults.  For a small fee, “Keiki Kamp” is offered several days and evenings each week, and babysitting can be arranged.  From morning until sunset daily, a free shuttle van transports guests to and from safe nearby beaches and to and from Hanalei Town.  Evening shuttle service is available at $10/unit and goes to and from Hanalei Town, Princeville Shopping Center, and the Westin and St. Regis resorts in Princeville Resort.  This resort is at the top of my list for a return visit. 


Currently, a special fall rate of $240 per night for an Ocean View suite is available for stays through November 23.  The rate represents a 1/3 discount off the usual Ocean View rate of $356 per night.  This special is applicable to Ocean View category suites only and requires a two-night minimum stay.  In addition, a seventh night is offered free after six consecutive paid nights.

● Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant   (808) 826-9875.  L-D daily; happy hour daily 4-6pm; live entertainment 5 nights/week; luau Tu 6-8:15pm, reservations required.  Of Lebanese ancestry, owner Imad Beydoun was born and raised in Beirut.  He moved here with his family in 2005.  His surprising restaurant features both traditional Mediterranean dishes and island cuisine, so you can enjoy fresh fish with a Mediterranean twist.


While others in my group opted for heavier fish and meat plates, I enjoyed a lighter dinner featuring a Greek salad and a plate of hummus and babaganush with housemade pita.  More exotic items include grilled kafta, stuffed grape leaves, hand-rolled fatayer, gyro and falafel wraps, garlic chicken, and various kabobs, but the menu also offers quesadillas, Caesar salad, rack of lamb, and New York strip steak.  Desserts include cheesecake, housemade baklava, and Turkish coffee or French-press teas.


The restaurant has an ocean view from every table and a full bar--don’t miss the colorful and tasty Blue Crush cocktail made with silver rum, pineapple juice, and blue Curacao. 
          The beachfront family-style luau features a buffet dinner of traditional Hawaiian food, hula dancing, and Hawaiian music. 


● Hanalei Day Spa   (808) 826-6621.  Located adjacent to the resort, this independent business offers a variety of therapeutic massages, spa services, rejuvenation programs, and customized yoga and Ayurvedic retreats.

● Napali Art Gallery & Coffee Shop   (808) 826-1844.  Daily 7am-5pm.  This cozy spot offers morning coffee, espresso, and pastries as well as mid-day snacks to go.

More things to do in Kauai.

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

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Things to Do: Ocean Beach Antique District, San Diego, California

Ocean Beach Antique District   4800-4900 blocks of Newport Ave., (619) 233-9020.  A large concentration of shops in this two-block area specializes in American antiques, glassware, jewelry, and collectibles.  Parking is plentiful and free, yet it is very difficult to find a space because this area is also close to the beach. 



● Newport Avenue Antique Center   4864 Newport Ave., (619) 222-8686.  More than 100 dealers are part of this large cooperative.  A coffee bar in the back provides rest and refreshment, and an adjacent customer parking area here is almost worth its weight in antiques. 

● Ocean Beach Antique Mall   4926 Newport Ave., (619) 223-6170.  Open daily.  The area’s longest-lived antiques shop, this spot specializes in jewelry. 

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers