secret places #2

One of the best secret places in the country lies in northern Los Angeles County, in the Antelope Valley. This sleepy little area of California is my hometown, and boasts an area that even many of the locals have never set foot in: the California Poppy Reserve.



From spring to late summer, the reserve explodes in the vibrant colors of the state flower of California, the Golden Poppy. The rolling fields provide both an incredible backdrop for photos as well as some of the best views for hiking that the United States has to offer.




Though picking the flowers is against the law, passing the time in this visual oasis in the desert is not, and as the temperatures warm a visit to the Poppy Reserve is a must do trip for anyone living in, or traveling to, beautiful Southern California.

- TM

secret places - #2

In my second secret places post, I am going to introduce you all to one of the best kept secrets in the greater Los Angeles area - the restaurant called Casablanca (Though I know I am 2/2, I promise not EVERY secret place will be a restaurant).




Hidden away off of a busy street in the Venice Beach region, Casablanca was first introduced to me by my-then girlfriend back in 2002. She had raved about it repeatedly, as her mother (an executive with Robinsons-May), had taken her throughout the fall. At first glance from the outside, there really isn't much to look at. A simple restaurant on the corner of a busy intersection, Casablanca could be the local mexican eatery in any suburb in America. However, once you step inside you can begin to see what makes it special: the food. From seafood to tacos and everything in between, Casablanca has the best of Spanish food coupled with a full bar to celebrate the good times.

My recommendation for lunch or dinner is simple: carne asada with beans and rice, along with as many fresh tortillas as you can eat. These tortillas are THE reason to go to Casablanca. Hand made right in the middle of the restaurant by a delightful older woman, they are hands down the most amazing tortillas in the world. No hyperbole here, they are just unreal. Couple them with the great food and perhaps a margarita or an ice cold Dos Equis for one of the best meals in Southern California.

From the nods to the movie that is it's namesake, to the plethora of seating, to the delicious (and moderately priced) food and friendly staff, Casablanca is just one great restaurant, and one more secret place for all. Enjoy it and let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Casablanca Restaurant

220 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

Phone: (310) 392-5751 (Reservations accepted for groups of 5 or more)

the world's most amazing views

quick post today, but a good one. yahoo!travel has put out the 8 best views in the world.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-31237028

some of these views are absolutely breathtaking, and I thought that I would share the link with all of you. please let me know some of your favorites in the comment section!

here's one view that is very special to me (and is one of my secret places)



- TM

secret places - #1

Many times when traveling, we find ourselves off the beaten path and stumbling onto our own little pockets of paradise. Whether its a hidden cove, a refreshing spring, a fantastic hidden restaurant or even just a bench with a killer view, it is these small surprises that make a getaway go from good to amazing.

In Atlanta, I have discovered several of these little places, and I will share one with you today.

Atlanta is a a microcosm of our United States. From hustling and bustling downtown Atlanta to the tranquil expanses of Suwanee, the region offers the best of a fast paced city life with an available option of country living. One of the best kept secrets of the Peachtree city is a Japanese steak and sushi restaurant nestled in Dunwoody, just north of downtown (there is also a branch in Norcross). The Happy Sumo is found in a small shopping complex, surrounded by the likes of an LA Fitness gym, a multi-screen movie theater and the hallmark of the south: Chick-Fil-A.

The first time I checked out The Happy Sumo I was exploring the area, waiting for the start of a movie (though I don't remember what it was, I do remember it was quite bad). I was on a bit of a health kick, so I decided I would try the funky little sushi place that stuck out like a sore thumb.

From the friendly, ethnic waitstaff to the eclectic decorum (including a japanese drum that all patrons are encouraged to strike as they leave after completing their meal), walking into The Happy Sumo is a a feast for your senses; with a well placed trip to the sushi bar, a feast for your pallet is soon to follow. I highly recommend the spider roll, as well as an order of the volcano roll, coupled with a nice big bottle of Kirin Light. The sushi chefs are authentic, quick and hard working. Don't forget to save a few dollars to tip them directly at the bar!

After stumbling onto The Happy Sumo in Dunwoody, I couldn't help but to make it one of my regular places to eat while in Atlanta. The sushi is incredible, the staff is extremely friendly, and the beer is ice cold, perfect to offset the city of "Hotlanta."

http://www.happysumorest.com/