CHRISTMAS IN LOS ANGELES

Christmas in Los Angeles


You won't find snow-covered trees and just because the weather is absolutely wonderful and warm doesn't mean you can't have the Holiday Spirit.  Los Angeles shows there Christmas Spirit no matter the weather.  There are many different Holiday experiences throughout the Los Angeles area you won't even notice that the weather isn't dipping much below 70.


Kicking off the Holiday Season is the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Every year they have wonderful Grand Marshalls and Hosts.  And of course a cavalcade of stars.  Complete with a Red Carpet....It Screams Hollywood!







The Grove Christmas....You like shopping and strolling then The Grove is for you.  They even have fireworks as a finale.  I lived 15+ years in Los Angeles and I personally have never visited The Grove....now I am just going to have to take a trip back there to visit.



Beverly Hills Holiday Lighting Ceremony.  I spent a lot of time in Beverly Hills and even though I could never afford to get a mani-pedi there at the time.  I loved walking around and window shopping.  As well as Star Spotting....However, when it comes to the Holiday, nothing says BLING like Beverly Hills and their 16 chandeliers with accompanying 42 iridescent palm trees.  Even the Beverly Wilshire will be bathed in twinkling lights and no good Winter wonderland would be complete without a confetti "Snow" shower.




If you love a good Ukulele Concert, how about an all Ukulele Christmas Orchestra.  Amateur musicians 18 years and older come together to perform for you in this free program...


Of course Holiday Markets abound and you can meet Santa and his real reindeer in Malibu.


I have been talking about spots around Los Angeles and as we complete our visit to L.A.  We need to stop and see the LA County Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Sip on a free cup of Hot Chocolate while listening to festive favorites.







It's All Christmas L.A. Style 







If you like Christmas music.  Check out www.zmaxradio.com for an incredible mix of Christmas and Holiday music

NEW YORK CITY CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY

New York City Christmas/Holiday


With the Holidays quickly approaching we are going to focus on some of the United States Holiday Fun Spots. 


New York is my home town.  I still remember walking the cold streets smelling the Chestnuts roasting.  The Corner Santa's ringing the bell and the hustle and bustle of everyone doing their Christmas shopping.


New York doesn't disappoint when you are looking for Holiday Fun.  Let's start with Rockefeller Center.  The Center it truly is.  You have the amazing Christmas Tree.  The Ice Skating rink, the Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall and of course with Radio City Music Hall you have the unbelievable high kicking Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular.


Early in the year a Christmas Tree is hunted down for just the right elements.  Not just any tree is chosen.  A lot goes into picking this tree that towers over the Ice Rink.  They have a star studded tree lighting ceremony that is televised.  So if you can't make it down for the lighting...cook up some hot cocoa and watch it on tv. 

Before


After
Let's not forget the Ice Rink





But if you want some fantastic entertainment....yes I said FUNtastic...go to
Radio City Music Hall and check out the Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes.
I have seen the show several times but it always leaves me in awe.  These shows do sell out so I recommend getting your tickets well in advance.





Of course the Holiday kicks off with The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade a Holiday Tradition for many years and one I had the pleasure of seeing in person one year.  The parade route is long but I advise that you get there early to get a good spot. The Parade is known for its Balloons and all the different floats and celebrity turn out.  It is a fun day.  It can be very chilly so dress warmly.  At the end of the Parade Santa Arrives!







Old and New


and of course Santa



Let the Shopping Begin!  You can meet Santa inside Macy's at his home away from home during the season.


Take time to stroll the Avenue....5th Avenue....no I will not break into song...but the store windows are remarkable.  It brings out the Kid in all of us.


Macy's Window



Bloomingdale's Window


Lord and Taylors



Sak's



So just go and enjoy and become a Kid Again!


If you like Christmas Music check out www.zmaxradio.com for a wonderful blend of Christmas and Holiday Tunes

HISTORIC HIGH COUNTRY OF GEORGIA

Blue Ridge (Historic High Country)


If you love to hike and horseback ride and love whitewater rafting you should be thinking Blue Ridge which is in the North west region of Georgia. 



Mountains abound and are beautiful.    You may want to stay a few days in a cozy cabin or perhaps a luxurious vacation home is more your style. 



Blue Ridge is known as the where the city sophistication meets small town charm.  You have upscale restaurants, shops and galleries.  But there are plenty of orchards and farm wineries.  You can go apple picking! But know as Fruit Loop...you may find Cherries, Strawberries and peaches even blueberries.  Don't forget to take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.



Love the water.  Rent a pontoon and head out onto Lake Blue Ridge.  Do a little fishing and catch a few trout in the crystal clear Toccoa River.  Nothing says fresh fish like a trout frying up in a pan. 



Want to go shopping...Wrapsody in Blue has lots of rustic and elegant furnishing.  Even Oyster Bamboo Rods.  For the Gourmet in you check out Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company with 65 olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
If you are getting the grumbellies check out Harvest on Main where they dish up Southern fare from the North Georgia Mountians.




Lookout Mountain(Historic High Country)


The name says it all.  Beautiful/Picturesque Lookout Mountain.  It enjoys cool summers and majestic autumns for all of you leaf peepers out there.  If you are in the area during the Holiday season you may want to check out the Enchanted Garden of Lights. 


Talking Rock (Historic High Country)


Now in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains is Talking Rock.  Why Talking Rock you ask...well there are few different stories.  Some say it's from the noise of the water rolling over the rocks in the creek.  Then there are those that say its because you can sit on the rock for a spell and talk with you neighbor.  And of course we can also find out the name may have been originated with the Local Native Americans. 


Whatever the names origin the town is the third smallest town in the state and hasn't changed much since 1883.  The town history is steeped with stories about the Trail of Tears, The Civil War and the Great Depression. 


These are just a few of the towns/cities in the Historic High Country.  Make a plan, map out your journey and stay a while.  You will love what you see, hear, smell and eat.


Thanks for Re-Discovering America with me and feel free to check out some of  my other podcasts by just clicking on Stitcher and type in my name Zee Michaelson Travel
Don't forget when driving listen to Zmax Radio for great music and fun travel tips.

Georgia

Georgia


Georgia is a state located in the Southeastern United States.  One of the original 13 Colonies it was established in 1732.  And believe it or not was named after King George II of Great Britian. 



Georgia is known as the Peach state and believe me a well deserved name for the peaches are delicious.


You can divide Georgia in quadrants.  There is the Atlanta Metro, the Historic Heartland,
The Classic South the Presidential Pathways, Magnolia Midlands, Plantation Trace and the Coast.  Each area more unique than the other and all must be seen. 


Georgia is bordered by Florida to the South, the Atlantic Ocean and South Carolina on the east and Alabama to the west and in the North it touches both Tennessee and North Carolina.  This allows Georgia a wide range from southern feel of the Spanish moss hanging from the trees to skiing and snow top mountains to the north west.


      






Would you believe there are 250 different species of trees and 58 protected plants.  If its wild life you like then Georgia has a variety.  White tailed deer , the northern mockingbird and brown thrasher, 160 bird species makes it a perfect place to visit for those bird watchers.



However some of the wild life that I prefer not to run into are eastern diamondback rattlesnake and cottonmouth.    Of course there are alligators...79 species of reptile and 63 amphibians all call Georgia home.


       


Like to fish...you won't be disappointed with the freshwater fishing, trout, bream, bass, and catfish....Don't forget it borders the Atlantic so saltwater fishing is great as well with flounder, spotted seatrout and tarpon.   I enjoy crab and blue crabs are found inshore and offshore.  Yum Yum!.







So as you Re-Discover America make plans to visit Georgia.  Also you can tune in to my podcast at Stitcher  just type in Zee Michaelson Travel.