Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 78

Sights to See: Wyland Galleries, Laguna Beach, California

Wyland Galleries  509 S Coast Hwy., (949) 376-8000.  Famous for his paintings of whales and marine life, artist Robert Wyland is also an activist and philanthropist.  He painted his first Whaling Wall here in 1981.  Titled “Gray Whale & Calf,” it is on the side of the building and was redone a few years ago in tile.  Wyland’s goal of painting 100 whaling walls in various locations is now

Sights to See: Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Laguna Beach, California

Pacific Marine Mammal Center  20612 Laguna Canyon Rd., (going east, look for the dog park on the south side of road just before), (949) 494-3050.  Daily 10-4.  Free.  See rescued seals, sea lions, and elephant seals being rehabilitated for release in this very small facility.  It is hands-off of these pinnipeds for everyone, even staff, though Sage, because she is an unreleasable orphan sea

Good Eats: Poquito Mas, Santa Monica, California

Poquito Mas  2025 Wilshire Blvd./21st St., (310) 828-1700.  This popular fast-food spot serves delicious Mexican fare with plenty of vegetarian options.  The chips are not salted, and you need to ask for your portion when you place your order at the counter.  My favorite item is the sopitos, which are small sopes made with a round masa base topped with refried beans and shredded lettuce.  Wet

Great Sleeps & Good Eats: Hotel Fifty, H50 Bistro & Bar, Portland, Oregon

Hotel Fifty  50 SW Morrison St., S of the Morrison Bridge, downtown, (503) 221-0711.  141 rooms; 5 stories.  Restaurant; bar; room service.  Pass for fitness facility.  Dogs ok.  Self-parking $22, valet $27; valet bicycle parking is free.  Situated south of the Morrison Bridge and across the street from the Willamette River, this pleasant boutique hotel is just a few walkable blocks from

Sights to See: Museo Soumaya/Soumaya Art Museum, Mexico City, Mexico

Museo Soumaya/Soumaya Art Museum  Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Col. Amplicación Granada,. 55/5616-3731.  Daily 10:30-6:30.  Free.  Opened in spring 2011 and owned by Carlos Slim Helu, the world's richest man, this $70 million museum is named after his late wife and is a labor of love for him.  Its sparkling exterior is covered with 16,000 hexagonal aluminum plates that reflect

Good Eats: Zinc Cafe & Market, Laguna Beach, California

Zinc Cafe & Market  350 Ocean Ave., (949) 494-6302.  Daily 7am-6pm; $$.  No reservations.  Order at the counter of this all-vegetarian cafe, then pick a table in the cozy indoors or outside on the popular patio.  Particular good items include the quiche, the pastries (especially the almond cake and the frosting-topped pecan cookie).  A small adjacent deli purveys take-away food and some gift

Things To Do: Crafty Wonderland, Portland, Oregon

Crafty Wonderland  808 SW 10th Ave./SW Yamhill, across from Central Library, (503) 224-9097.  M-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5.  This creative collection of handmade jewelry, prints, clothing, and more comes from more than 130 local artists and designers.  You’re sure to find just the right gift, or maybe something for yourself. 

More things to do in Portland.
 

image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: Andina, Portland, Oregon

Andina  1314 NW Glisan St., (503) 228-9535.  L-D daily; $$$.  Reservations advised.  Specializing in contemporary Peruvian cuisine, this popular and sophisticated spot features a menu with shared plates in three sizes.  The servers are adept in advising how much food is enough for your party, and the more the merrier because you get to try more items.  Among the dishes my quartet liked best

Sights to See: Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Mexico City, Mexico

Museo Nacional de Antropologia  Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi s/n, 55/5553-6266.  Regarded as one of the top museums in the world, this anthropology museum offers an excellent introduction to the culture of Mexico.  It has 23 exhibit halls and displays an impressive collection of Maya and Aztec artifacts.  The well-designed ground-floor rooms are the most popular and include dioramas

Things to Do: Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California

Fashion Island  401 Newport Center Dr., betw. MacArthur Blvd. & Jamboree Rd., across from the Marriott and Four Seasons hotels, (800) 495-4753, (949) 721-2000.  This immense outdoor shopping center is not a true island but is encircled by towering palms.  Beautifully landscaped, with fountains and koi ponds and plenty of benches, it hosts branches of many of Southern California’s most