“Art Tastings” will take place at participating restaurants each Tuesday evening during the month of October featuring diverse and inventive collaborations for every style, taste and budget. Each tasting will consist of a multi-course menu and wine pairing inspired by a selection of artwork that will be presented in a gallery-like atmosphere. During each event, the curator, chef and sommelier will each present their unique contributions to the menu, providing insight into their philosophies behind the evening’s art, food, and wine selections. TASTE ART will kick off with an opening gala, hosted by Los Angeles Times Magazine Design and Culture Editor Mayer Rus, on Tuesday, October 5th.
The event will feature a collaboration between Tasende Gallery and Gordon Ramsay at The London Hotel. The evening will highlight a selection of significant paintings and sculptures by celebrated contemporary artist Fernando Botero and a three-course menu and wine pairing by Chef Andy Cook and sommelier Jeremy Roberts. TASTE ART’s October series will launch a seasonal calendar of art tasting events promoting West Hollywood’s unique creative perspective and commitment to artistic and culinary excellence. A portion of proceeds for all events will go towards the West Hollywood Library Fund. More information and tickets are available online at www.AvenuesWH.com/events/tasteart.

TASTE ART OPENING GALA Tuesday, October 5 6:30-7:00 Reception 7:00-9:00 Dinner Gordon Ramsay at The London and Tasende Gallery featuring the work of Fernando Botero Tickets: $200
ADDITIONAL DINING EVENTS: Tuesday, October 12 – BLT Steak and Aboriginal Dreamtime Gallery – RH at Andaz and LLG Group Gallery Tuesday, October 19 – Comme Ca and FotoNostalgia – Sunset Marquis Restaurant and George Stern Fine Arts – Sur Restaurant and Rebecca Molayem Gallery Tuesday, October 26 – Cecconi’s and Hamilton Selway Fine Art and Trigg Ison Fine Art – Petrossian Restaurant and Martin & Lozano Gallery About The Avenues The Avenues – Art, Fashion & Design District, located in West Hollywood, California has been the West Coast’s premier shopping destination since the golden days of historic Hollywood, filled with boutiques and ateliers that catered to movie stars and the elite of the new metropolis.

Officially organized in 1996, the Avenues seek to protect this legacy of quality, style and experience. Respected brands, outstanding service, impeccable workmanship, and cutting edge design give visitors outstanding value in fashion, interior design, furniture, the decorative arts, food and spirits. Visitors can easily walk from international brands like Ralph Lauren, Waterworks and John Varvatos, to Christian Louboutin, Poliform and Fendi Casa, or to local favorites Kitson, Coco de Mer, and Alpha and then sit and enjoy the streetscape at world famous “Entourage” locale, Urth Caffé or fine dining at the latest endeavor from the Soho House, Cecconi’s. Year-round Avenues activities encompass free gallery walks, charity events, book signings, artist receptions, product offerings and demonstrations. For more information, please visit www.AvenuesWH.com.

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“It was a natural fit to partner with ValleyCrest for our Outdoor Learning Center,” says Ritz-Carlton, General Manager Bruce Brainerd. “ValleyCrest shares our desire to become advocates of protecting and preserving the planet for future generations and, just like The Ritz-Carlton, part of their mission is to embrace environmental stewardship,” he added.

The organic garden features California pepper trees and fruits trees including lemon, orange, grapefruit, plum, peach, loquat and fig. Various lettuces, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, squash, and watermelons are all planted in raised beds. Rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, mint and chives are also highlighted in the garden. Native plants, such as Evergreen Currant, Douglas Iris, Chalk Dudleya, Coral Bells and California Wild Lilac, have been incorporated into the garden and grow beside plants that were used many years ago by the Native Americans that lived in the region. These native plants include White Sage, Cleveland Sage, California Sagebrush, Lemonade Sumac, Creeping Manzanita, Spiny Rush and Deergrass. As the fruits, vegetables and herbs mature, they will be incorporated into the menus in Raya, the resort’s new restaurant concept by Chef Richard Sandoval.

The greenhouse showcases the growth of native species of plants as well as organic, healthy vegetables that are used in the organic cooking activity, Ambassadors in the Kitchen. Participants discover that organic gardening can be easy and fun, and it yields produce that is the most local that you can get. The greenhouse also serves as a perfect example of how the “greenhouse effect” works, and how it relates to our global climate and the interconnections between human action and the preservation of our environment. Rain gutters on the Greenhouse collect moisture that is used to irrigate the garden and an underground cistern collects runoff that is used in the greenhouse and the garden. On the complimentary Garden Tour, guests have the opportunity to explore the garden and learn about the greenhouse.

The Outdoor Learning Center is incorporated into several of the Ambassadors of the Environment eco-excursions. Gardening Gurus allows guests to discover the real story about organic gardening, composting, and the wonderful world of plants. A Vegetation Vacation starts with a hike in the Dana Point Preserve where guests discover the native plants and animals of the Dana Point coastal region. Upon returning to the resort, guests enjoy a gardening experience in the organic garden. Ambassadors in the Kitchen offers a tour the organic garden where guests learn about the benefits of sustainable gardening and eating organic foods. Then they don their chef hat and learn about cooking with organic ingredients.

The Center’s life-size game board is a fun and interactive way to teach guests about sustainable living. The game is divided into nine sections – energy, water, biodiversity, food, waste, toxic waste, transportation, homes and buildings, and being an Ambassador of the Environment. Guests are the game pieces and they roll giant die to move forward. They read questions from the Sustainable Living cards and if they answer correctly, they advance in the game. At the conclusion of the game, participants discuss what they learned and talk about each section and how it relates to their life and sustainable living.

“ValleyCrest is proud to support efforts to protect and improve the environment through innovative organic gardens and sustainable landscape programs such as what The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has created,” said Roger Zino, president of ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance, which has taken care of the property’s landscape needs since 1997. “These eco-conscious efforts showcase fun and relevant ways to educate guests and incorporate more sustainable practices into their travel experiences.”

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Whether you’re looking to explore California wine country on a bike or in a Bentley, there are packages to indulge your fantasy getaway no matter how big your wallet. Established or aspiring oenophiles can access great budget or extravagant getaways while saving up to 35 percent on overnight packages in premier and emerging wine regions such as Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Monterey, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and Temecula Valley.

“Whether you’re a passionate wine lover or just a dabbler in our state’s signature beverage, there’s nothing quite as exciting as visiting California wine country just before and during harvest time,” said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president & CEO. “The beautiful valleys are abundant with the fragrance and colors of grapes and vines, and the bustle of vintners getting ready to create their next great vintage. With these great California Wine Month offers, there’s no better time to visit our wine country – whether you want the ultimate bargain or luxury experience.”

California is the leading destination for wine and food travel in the U.S., producing 90 percent of American wine and nearly 400 different crops, inspiring a playground for the culinary arts, which translates to a gourmet paradise for foodies yearning for a deeper connection with California’s great wine and fresh produce. In 2009, travelers in California spent $21.3 billion on food and beverages, more than for any other spending segment and constituting 26 percent of all visitor spending last year (Source: Dean Runyan Associates). According to the Wine Institute, nearly 21 million local and out-of-state travelers visit California wine regions each year.

For information on special accommodation deals for California Wine Month, check out http://www.visitcalifornia.com/winemonth

CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $87.7 billion annually in California, support jobs for 881,000 Californians and generate $5.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about CTTC and for a free California Visitor’s Guide as well as California Road Trips 2010, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

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Whether guests have a traditional sweet tooth or a hankering for the unexpected, L.A. Creamery will have something to satisfy everyone. Creations from Goryl, a former pastry chef at such top local restaurants as BLT Steak and Café del Rey, include classics such as Roasted Banana & Peanut Butter Crunch and Rocky Road with Valrhona Chocolate ice cream filled with Roasted Almonds and Handmade Marshmallow, and out-of-the-box flavors such as Keylime Pie, Chai Tea Latte, Buerre Noisette (Brown Butter), and Caramelized Honey & Blue Cheese. Guests can even turn their visit in to happy hour with flavors such as Milk Chocolate Guinness and Cosmopolitan Sorbet.

In addition to ice cream, L.A. Creamery will offer San Francisco’s beloved Four Barrel Coffee, pastries such as Goryl’s signature Blackberry-Ginger Scones, and a selection of mix-ins, sorbets, and popsicles made in-house using all-natural and organic ingredients from local farms and farmers’ markets. “I really believe in the integrity of the ingredients,” Goryl says. “My passion is to illuminate their flavors, which is why I rarely use more than five in any one recipe.”

To complement its unique desserts, L.A. Creamery’s look deviates from the pastel color scheme and retro décor of many ice cream shops, boasting a modern atmosphere and elegant design. Kelly Architects—the team responsible for designing such L.A. hot spots as Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza, Edison Bar, and the Tar Pit—used a combination of sleek and textured materials to represent the diverse Los Angeles population from young Hollywood trendsetters to easygoing beach-goers. Staff will look effortlessly chic dressed in dark blue 501 jeans and black cotton T-shirts. “There are so many different types of people in this city, but one common thread is the desire to bring fresh perspectives to traditions,” Goryl says. “We can’t wait for guests to enjoy our take on the iconic ice cream experience.”

L.A. Creamery is located on the first level of the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center adjacent to Nordstrom and will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For additional information, please call the corporate office at 323.782.9800 or visit L.A. Creamery online at www.lacreamery.com or on Facebook or Twitter.

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“The City of West Hollywood is excited to welcome Fashion’s Night Out this September. Fashion in West Hollywood is both a business and a form of creative self-expression,” said John Heilman, Mayor of the City of West Hollywood. “What better place to celebrate fashion than West Hollywood, where fashion comes to life? From The Avenues to The Sunset Strip, West Hollywood is where the next fashion trends in the film and entertainment industry are set. I look forward to the exciting events happening throughout West Hollywood.”

An unprecedented global initiative, Fashion’s Night Out is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York that was created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy, and put the fun back in shopping. Businesses all over West Hollywood, including many in The Avenues and several on the Sunset Strip, will participate by extending hours and hosting events. Attendees can expect celebrity appearances and designer showcases along with an abundance of food, wine and fashion.

“We are thrilled many of our amazing West Hollywood fashion businesses are participating in this year’s Fashion’s Night Out,” said Ryan Farber, Executive Director of The Avenues – Art, Fashion & Design District. “Our goal is to highlight the city as the preeminent fashion destination on the West Coast.”
John Varvatos, located on Robertson Boulevard, will have celebrity rock photographer Robert Knight onsite to shoot portraits of customers who spend at least $300. 3.1 Phillip Lim will display artwork by James Jean featuring celebrities and friends of Phillip Lim. The Andaz West Hollywood will host a fashion show for renowned international designer Julia Clancey in its RH bar. Many more businesses are expected to announce their plans as the event draws closer.

The West Hollywood businesses who have signed up to participate include: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alberta Ferretti, Alpha, American Apparel, Andaz West Hollywood, Andrew Christian, ARCADE Boutique, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Bollare, Catherine Malandrino, Clothespin Gale Parker, Coco de Mer, Code C, Crossroads Trading Co., H. Lorenzo, John Varvatos, Ken Paves Salon, LASC, Le Parc Suite Hotel, Live On Sunset, Marco Pelusi Hair Studio, Nicole, Nicole Miller, Sheila, Sunset Plaza, Todd Riemer and Vera Wang.
For ongoing updates about the event and a full list of participating businesses, go to www.AvenuesWH.com/events/fno.
For one night last September, in the event’s inaugural year, designers, celebrities, models, and fashion editors staged exciting, one-of-a-kind events in stores open after-hours to the public in New York City and twelve other cities around the world. Retailers in these cities saw a surge of new shoppers and increased sales, while customers relished the street-party atmosphere. For more information on FNO visit www.fashionsnightout.com. The Avenues district will post updates about the evenings events on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheAvenues and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheAvenuesWH.

ABOUT FASHION’S NIGHT OUT
Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. On September 10, 2010, Fashion’s Night Out will return to New York City and launch in cities nationwide to put the fun back in shopping, with designer appearances, live windows, celebrity guests, and other special events. Around the world, and led by fifteen international Vogue editions (Australia, Britain, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey), each country will celebrate Fashion’s Night Out on one night between Sept 7 and Sept 16, 2010. Fashion’s Night Out will be the subject of a one-hour special on CBS on September 14, 2010. For more information visit www.fashionsnightout.com, powered by QVC, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (www.twitter.com/fnonyc).

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The Residences
Each two-bedroom Lodge offers nearly 2,500 square feet of indoor-outdoor living space, including a master suite with bath that opens to an outdoor shower and garden, an indoor living room, and an expansive kitchen with wine storage. At the heart of each Lodge is an outdoor living room complete with a fireplace. The placement of each Lodge is unique, depending on the topography of each site. Some Lodges appear to float over streams, while others are protected under a canopy of native oak trees or elevated high into stands of pines.

Ownership in The Residences at Calistoga Ranch
Ownership at Calistoga Ranch is realized through the purchase of a perpetual equity share in the Calistoga Ranch Club. Ownership can be acquired on a fractional basis, with list prices starting at $475,000. Use of the 23 Owner Lodges is unlimited, based on availability, and provides owners with the flexibility and ability to tailor use to their individual needs each year. Reservations can be booked at the beginning of the year, a month or two in advance and even with as little notice as 24 hours.
At its essence, ownership at Calistoga Ranch provides its owners with a spectacular home in Napa Valley without any of the hassles normally associated with a vacation property. Club amenities and services include Lakehouse dining, Bathhouse spa services, a vineyard and wine cave, heated outdoor pool, indoor/outdoor exercise room, concierge and housekeeping services, reception court, event lawn and walking trails, all managed by world-class Auberge Resorts.

Vinter Member Program
The Vintner Member Program offers owners unique access to the storied winemaking lifestyle of the Napa Valley and an exclusive insider relationship with the families and iconic wineries in this world-renowned area. This group of handpicked Vintner Members includes some of the larger, more recognizable wineries in the country, as well as small, award-winning artisan winemakers. Vintner Members include Far Niente Winery, Grace Family Vineyards, Quintessa, Silver Oak Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. Vintner Members Nils and Kirk Venge are the highly respected winemakers behind Calistoga Ranch’s private label. The celebrated and diverse Vintner Members provide owners with a wide range of unique, entertaining and educational experiences. In addition to providing private tastings and dinners at Calistoga Ranch throughout the year, Vintner Members host new release celebrations, harvest festivals, wine blending parties and pairing classes that are exclusive to owners. In addition, owners are invited to special dinners at Vintner Member estates and could be among the first to purchase limited edition releases.

Amenities
True to the Auberge promise, service for owners is attentive to every detail. Prior to arrival, owners can request customized preparations, including lighting fireplaces, shopping for food, or turning on soothing music. Owners can also ask for meals to be catered and delivered to their residence, or for their individual wine selection, stored in the resort’s wine cave, to be delivered, chilled, and/or opened.

In a move to further enhance each guest’s and owner’s personalized experience, Calistoga Ranch offers innovative daily activities that incorporate both physical and spiritual programs and classes that are complimentary to all its guests.

The schedule of activities, designed to capture the pristine setting of Calistoga Ranch, includes such unusual classes and programs as:

• Woodland Haiku: An outdoor class where students of all ages are encouraged to connect with nature and express themselves in words and on paper in this easily-learned poetry form. Participants receive a parchment with their favorite haiku hand-lettered in beautiful calligraphy, which makes a wonderful keepsake.

• Ai Chi: This popular 30-minute moving meditation class takes place in the water at the Bathhouse Spa (in the Private Soaking Pool) where guests are taught how to experience peace and serenity in this flowing movement class, while focusing on the breath. Guests are assisted with slight movement while working through this very relaxing meditation class.

• Photographer’s Eye: The activities team works with guests on composition and the art of photography rather than the technical aspects of photography. Students are encouraged to see and photograph the world with a fresh perspective. (Guests must provide their own camera equipment.)

• Bike & Hike Hill Climb: One of the most popular activities at Calistoga Ranch – this adventure starts on bike by heading to Bothe Napa Valley State Park where guests hike along Ritchey Creek among majestic redwoods, then hike back to the property.

• Yoga: Conducted outdoors on the Observation Deck, in the clubhouse or wine cave, classes are currently taught twice weekly.

The Bathhouse: Situated on the banks of the spring-fed Lake Lommel, The Bathhouse is designed to pay tribute to Calistoga’s centuries-old legacy as a site for healing mineral waters, and features a natural mineral pool and quiet treatment rooms with outdoor garden showers and private soaking tubs. A variety of unique mud treatments and baths reflect the true Calistoga soak/bath/heat ritual, but in an environment of pure relaxation, privacy, and nature. The foundation of the spa services offered consists of exceptional bodywork and treatments indigenous to the region, with a menu that rotates seasonally, and the use of only the purest ingredients.

Swimming: The outdoor pool features dramatic views of the vineyard, oak groves and Mayacama Mountains.

Hiking: One hundred forty acres of land are dedicated to active pursuits, with a hiking trail available to guests and owners on property, as well as numerous hiking areas within a 10-minute drive of the hotel.

Fitness Center: A beautifully equipped indoor/outdoor fitness center overlooks the pool and the vineyards, with a selection of the latest cardiovascular and strength training equipment.

For more information about The Residences at Calistoga Ranch, visit www.calistogaranchliving.com or call 800-411-1003.

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Celebrate the history of music on the Sunset Strip and live like a rockstar this August 26-28 at the Chamberlain West Hollywood. During the last weekend in August, the newly redesigned hotel is offering special packages in honor of the Sunset Strip Music Festival. Sip on Jack Daniels or Handbanger Rock N Red Wine and listen to Slash’s debut solo album before heading out to the Saturday street festival- all of which are included in the hotel’s two night or three night packages.

When: August 26-28 during the Sunset Strip Music Festival

Where: Chamberlain West Hollywood
1000 Westmount Drive
West Hollywood
310.657.7400
www.chamberlainwesthollywood.com

Pricing: Suite accommodations with tickets and special amenities start from $820-$1150, Room and ticket package in a one bedroom suite starting at $720.

Additional: The Third Annual Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) will rock West Hollywood Aug. 26-28, 2010. The three-day event will kick off on Thursday, Aug. 26 at the House of Blues with a tribute to this year’s honoree, Slash, for his contributions to the history of The Strip as well as the music industry. The culmination of the SSMF is a street festival on Saturday, which will be headlined by the world-famous band, The Smashing Pumpkins.

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Themed hotel suites are not new to the Triton, a boutique Kimpton hotel in San Francisco’s bustling Union Square. The hotel was one of the first to invite celebrities to design their own suites. However, the Haagen-Dazs “Sweet Suite,” launched in 2007, stands apart as the first room to be stylized by a brand.

“The Haagen-Dazs ‘Sweet Suite’ is the most unique and one of the most popular,” says Melinda Macfarlane, General Manager of the Hotel Triton. “The room’s main attraction is a custom designed ice cream cabinet filled with both classic Haagen-Dazs flavors and new releases such as the new Haagen-Dazs Five flavors, available anytime.”

Imbued with classic and simple sophistication and bathed in vanilla and caramel colors, the true artistry of the “Sweet Suite” is in the details, from “flavored” candles in chocolate, vanilla and dulce de leche, to the bed’s handcrafted headboard shaped like the Haagen-Dazs cartouche, to a waffle-textured bed throw and a specially-made plush Haagen-Dazs bath robe.

The room was designed by Stephanie Filbrandt, owner of Marsh & Clark Design, and her innovative design team. “Our challenge in bringing the Haagen-Dazs ‘Sweet Suite’ to life was to incorporate the simple and classic style of the iconic Haagen-Dazs brand, as well as use colors and textures throughout the design to evoke the comfort and coziness associated with enjoying ice cream,” says Filbrandt.

Appropriately called the “Sweet Spot,” the ice cream cabinet is stocked with bowls, scoops and spoons and, best of all, guests can enjoy as many complimentary cartons as they desire.

A portion of each “Sweet Suite” guest’s tab is donated to the Haagen-Dazs brand’s charity of choice, Delancey Street Foundation. Guests can also purchase the custom Haagen-Dazs bathrobes and ice cream scented candles, with all proceeds benefiting the charity.

About Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream

Crafted in 1960 by Reuben Mattus in his family’s dairy, Haagen-Dazs is the original superpremium ice cream. True to tradition, the Haagen-Dazs brand is committed to using only the purest ingredients in crafting the world’s finest ice cream. Truly made like no other, today Haagen-Dazs ice cream offers a full range of products from ice cream to sorbet, frozen yogurt and frozen snacks in more than 65 flavors. Haagen-Dazs products are available around the globe for ice cream lovers to enjoy. For more information, please visit www.haagen-dazs.com.

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Image courtesy of Seemonterey.com

If you are planning to attend this great event, the good people at See Monterey have helped make your hotel-search easy, by providing a list of really fair hotel deals. For the full list of “Deep Blue Deals” at www.SeeMonterey.com.

TOP 10 DEEP BLUE DEALS

From Lover’s Point to Pebble Beach, an enticing escape is on tap September 1 through November 30, 2010*. Here is a snapshot of the top 10 hotel deals.

Pacific Grove Inn – Cuddle up in an ocean view room with a gas fireplace in this historic 16-room Victorian inn combining two buildings — the Buck Mansion and Tuttle Cottage. Queen Anne meets modern as guests unwind with afternoon wine, evening cookies and a full hot breakfast for as low as $102.00/double. Pop for a weekend suite for just $144.00/double. www.pacificgroveinn.com.

Tally Ho Inn – Everything about this hidden gem reflects luxury, from the stellar views to the heated bathroom floor, 42″ plasma television, fireplace, Jacuzzi tub and Bose Wave radios. Add a private deck with views of Point Lobos Nature Reserve and Pebble Beach, complimentary breakfast and parking and this city by the sea never looked so alluring. Deep Blue Deal starts at $199.00/double including a $20.00 per person credit at adjoining Il Fornio restaurant. www.tallyho-inn.com. Call 800-652-2632 and mention “Deep Blue Deal.”

Martine Inn – The sweeping ocean views of this 100-year old mansion on Monterey Bay are just the start. Add museum-quality antiques – like a signed Chippendale Revival bedroom set – fine linens, claw foot tubs, wood burning fireplaces and fresh florals and a stay at this inviting bed & breakfast is the perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can peruse the 1000-book library, wander amidst the collection of vintage MG cars and enjoy daily gourmet breakfast on a selection of stunning Sheffield silver. Whale watching tour for two is in included in the ocean view guestroom Deep Blue Deal (new bookings only) starting at $339.00/double, two night minimum. www.martineinn.com/deepbluedeals.html.

Monterey Bay Inn – Film buffs can’t get any closer to the deep blue ocean than contemporary Monterey Bay Inn, overlooking the national Marine Sanctuary, one of the world’s richest marine regions. Otters, seals, whales and seabirds are on view from the sleek-styled inn’s guestroom decks, and the roof top hot tub is the spot for stargazing in the evenings. This 49-room gem complete with feather beds, expansive bathrooms and evening turn-down offers a Deep Blue stay by the bay starting at $219.00/double with complimentary continental breakfast. www.montereybayinn.com.

Spindrift Inn – For a romantic romp, the Spindrift Inn is an ideal getaway. Completely renovated in fall/2008, this distinctive 45-room inn on Cannery Row overlooks the Pacific. Gracious appointments, including custom-designed canopied feather beds, wood burning marble fireplaces, polished hardwood floors and 37-inch flat screen TVs make for a restful stay. Other perks include nightly turndown and silver-tray continental breakfast served in-room starting at $259.00/dbl. Cannery Row view rooms start at $179.00/double. www.spindriftinn.com.

Hofsas House – Tuck away in a quiet residential area of Carmel-by-the-Sea surrounded by fragrant Monterey Pines at the charming 38-room Hofsas House. Here, European-style design and hospitality set the stage for a restful retreat, including guestrooms with prime ocean views, fireplaces, a heated pool, continental breakfast and a view deck to catch the sun sizzling into the sea. Pack the poodle, just eight short blocks away lies one of the state’s most dog-friendly beaches, Carmel Beach, with views of Pebble Beach and beyond. Doubles start at $139.00. www.hofsashouse.com. Call 831-624-2745 and mention “Deep Blue Deal.”

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Step things up a notch this fall at Monterey’s only Forbes Four-Star rated property. Draped along the Pacific with clean Mediterranean-style decor and a stunning “you’ve arrived” lobby, this 290-room Cannery Row classic with two restaurants and gracious guestrooms perched over Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is offering a two-night escape along with a $100.00 resort credit which can amply be applied to the rooftop Vista Blue Spa starting at $189.00/double. www.montereyplazahotel.com

Asilomar Conference Grounds – Set on 107 acres of natural forest, sand dunes and coastline this is the stop for architectural buffs and outdoors enthusiasts with its direct access to the 17-Mile Drive, Asilomar State Beach, Point Pinos Lighthouse and miles of biking and hiking trails. The 313-room property offers the simple comforts of rustic historic structures designed by acclaimed Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan. Tap into this timeless escape for $144.00/double including a day car pass to all four Big Sur state parks and a box lunch for two. www.visitasilomar.com/deepbluedeal.

Green Gables Inn – Step back in time with a stay in this classic Queen Anne Victorian, built in 1888, standing front and center overlooking Monterey Bay. Spend the morning tucked next to the fireplace — binoculars in hand — for the show of the season in one of 11 antique-appointed guestrooms. As the afternoon unwinds, pop onto Monterey Recreation Trail fronting the hotel for a ride to Cannery Row, enjoy a $50.00 certificate for dinner at Fandango or Passionfish restaurants, a signature Four Sisters Inns breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres starting at $195.00/double. http://www.greengablesinnpg.com/deepbluespecial.htm.

Pine Inn – This classic Carmel property has a rich history, from the days of Upton Sinclair opting for his morning juice here to the hotel’s legendary relocation in 1903 by being rolled down Ocean Avenue on logs. Built in 1889, all 49 guestrooms have been carefully restored yet retain the charm of an era gone by. Rooms feature pillow-top beds, antiques, marble bathrooms, free Internet and when the sun rises, guests can dive into a full American breakfast buffet. Doubles start at $169.00, including a $20.00 per person credit at adjoining Il Fornio restaurant. www.pineinn.com. Call 800-228-3851 and mention “Deep Blue Deal.”

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Leading contemporary lifestyle brand JOIE and iconic Santa Monica beach resort, Shutters on the Beach, have joined forces to create the quintessential California-chic beach bag. This limited edition white canvas bag has a lightweight wooden bottom and functional, water resistant pockets making it a summer essential. Designed and produced in the heart of Los Angeles, only 300 bags will be available exclusively at the Shutters hotel boutique, online at Shutters on the Beach and the JOIE boutique in Paris and will retail for $175. Très chic!

About JOIE
The JOIE collection is understatedly chic. Constantly inspired by Southern California, its casual yet sophisticated way of life is translated directly into JOIE designs. The JOIE girl enjoys wearing casual, comfortable clothes, accented by luxurious fabrics and details inspired by her travel throughout the world. The JOIE brand holds a global presence in prestigious department stores, specialty shops, as well as a free standing JOIE boutique in Paris’s esteemed Galeries Du Palais Royal which opened October 2009, in addition to ten licensed boutiques in Japan.

About Shutters on the Beach:
Independently owned and operated by the Beverly Hills-based Edward Thomas Hotels, Shutters on the Beach is an elite hotel located on the beach of Santa Monica Bay. In addition to being a savvy business destination, the hotel is known for its inspiring interiors by celebrated interior designer Michael S. Smith, expansive panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and California Coastline, comfortably elegant and intimate atmosphere, dedication to guest services and a strict policy of protecting the privacy of its “who’s who” guest list. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Shutters offers two signature restaurants, One Pico and Coast Beach Café & Bar, both boasting views of the Santa Monica Beach and Pacific Ocean. ONE, the Spa at Shutters, provides the coveted services of Ole Henriksen, Hollywood’s hottest skincare specialist. As the arbiter of beach living, the hotel is also the inspiration for Shutters Beach Style, a print and online catalog for purchase of gifts and accessories. Conveniently located at One Pico Boulevard, within 20 minutes of the Los Angeles Airport, Beverly Hills and Hollywood, Shutters is also within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier and many fashionable shopping districts, fine restaurants and art galleries. For more information call (310) 458-0030; toll-free at (800) 334-9000; or log onto www.shuttersonthebeach.com.

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