Wine grapes grow nearly everywhere, but they don’t all produce great wines. At the 4 JG’s Vineyards in Colts Neck, New Jersey (yes, you read it right – New Jersey) they are making wines that are competing successfully against California wines. While their wines consistently won awards in New Jersey Wine competitions, they also won in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Vino Challenge International Wine Competition, the American Wine Society National Competition, and the Los Angeles County Fair World of Wines Competition. Besides offering wines for sale, the winery also provides seminars and tastings. Offerings include Chamboursin Riserva, Cabernet Franc, Vignole, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Monmouth Blush, Seyval Blanc and Big Brook White. Appointments for tastings can be made by calling 908-930-8066.

http://www.4jgswinery.com/

If you are looking for charm, atmosphere, and outstanding food, head to La Dolce Vita Ristorante in the Heritage Square section of Oxnard, California. Oxnard is located 60 miles north of Los Angeles and provides crashing waves on the beach, plenty of fresh market produce and sunshine. The restaurant offers fantastic Mediterranean fusion cuisine including Grilled Vegetable Ravioli, Seafood Risotto, and Linguine a la Bolognese. Italian Pot Roast and Gorgonzola stuffed pork loin also make an appearance. All if these are partnered with excellent wines. The building is located in Oxnard’s Heritage Square, an area of town committed to preserving the historical and architectural uniqueness of turn-of-the-century Oxnard. The restaurant was originally built in 1901 and still has the original drawstring windows. The main floor serves as a restaurant. Upstairs provides a setting for larger groups with areas for dining, dancing, and a buffet. The lower level cocktail lounge has cozy leather couches surrounding a fireplace near a stage for entertainment and a large TV for sporting events. The outdoor patio provides a great place to enjoy the weather. Saturday night concerts in the Square keep the place hopping. Owner and Executive Chef Michelle Kenney recently released a cookbook called “La Dolce Vita – Recipes for Living the Sweet Life.” She also provides cooking classes. Go and enjoy a depth of flavors and experiences!

http://www.ladolcevitadimare.com/

http://www.oxnardtourism.com/

When I told people I would be visiting Door County, Wisconsin, nearly everyone who had ever been to Door County said that I should go to Wilson’s in Ephraim for ice cream. Wilson’s is an old-fashioned soda fountain shop where they also brew their own ice cream. They have been a landmark in Door County since Oscar and Mattie Wilson opened the shop in 1906. It doesn’t need to be Sunday to go for a Sundae Drive in Door County. You can dine in on a burger or enjoy a cone while sitting on the porch gazing at the water.

http://www.wilsonsicecream.com/main.htm

http://www.doorcounty.com/

San Francisco presents the world with a multitude of activities from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the most popular activities takes no money and very little effort. Watching the sea lions at Pier 39  captivates young and old. The sea lions, or sea-lebrities, have been hanging out at Pier 39 since 1990, shortly after the 1989 earthquake. They sleep on the docks, having taken over the pier from the boatowners. They nudge each other around on the docks and bark at one another, causing gales of laughter from the crowd. It is illegal to feed or taunt the sea lions. However, the seagulls will be happy to disarm you of your popcorn, cotton candy, or ice cream cone. During the winter, the sea lion populaton can increase to 900. During the summer the sea lions migrate to the Channel Islands. While Pier 39 has many shops and attractions, the sea lions are what you will remember.

http://www.pier39.com

http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/

On the south bank of the River Thames, just across from the Houses of Parliament is the London Eye. Hop on for a 30-minute ride and a terrific view of London. Initially built to celebrate the turn of the century, the Eye opened in 2000, and was only expected to remain open for five years. However, it soon became the most popular paid attraction in the United Kingdom with roughly 3.5 million visitors every year. By July of 2002, a decision was made for it to become a permanent attraction. From inside one of the capsules attached to the eye, a visitor can see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden. Capsules can be rented out for small weddings and private or corporate events. When I rode around, there was a bridal shower taking place in a nearby pod. The London Eye has become standard destination on the itinerary of tourists in London. Take a ride!

http://www.londoneye.com/

This is the Salt Water Beach Cafe on the newly renovated boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It used to be a Howard Johnsons. Now it is an interesting landmark placed near The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, The Paramount Theatre, Madame Marie’s, Casino Pier, and The Stone Pony, where legends Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi have appeared. While it is called a Cafe, this interesting landmark serves gourmet fare. My meal included petite heirloom tomato and house-made mozzerella, ancho-chili spice shrimp, NJ picked strawberry salad, beer braised short ribs (to die for) and white chocolate tart. The ribs were so outstanding that every time I have ribs, for the rest of my life, I will think back to that moment when I ate them here. On top of all of that, there is the view of a fine piece of Jersey Shore.

 http://www.saltwaterbeachcafenj.com/

http://www.state.nj.us/travel/

Rocky Point is what the Americans call Puerto Penasco, Mexico. Only 60 miles south of the Arizona border, it is a popular vacation destination for those living in the Southwest. The tide rolls in and out on the Sea of Cortez, providing a great place to play and relax. The active traveler has plenty of opportunites to try kite-surfing, parasailing, horseback riding, sailing, diving or riding an ATV followed by an evening of dancing. The traveler seeking ultimate relaxation can experience soothing spa treatments or just laying on the beach listening to the waves. The water is quite shallow, providing plenty of opportunity for shell seekers. Most of the accomodations are condo rentals and many visitors bring all their own food, but the downtown area provides plenty of restaurant options. Currently, passports are not required to travel from the U.S. to Rocky Point.

http://www.cometorockypoint.com/

http://www.sonoranseacondo.com/