San Antonio, Texas: Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos; things to do

Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos  

End of October.  

faces painted for the Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos festival
 in San Antonio, Texas

No other city in the U.S. observes this Mexican holiday quite like San Antonio.  Observed annually here at the end of October, the traditional Day of the Dead Mexican holiday celebrating deceased loved ones dates back to pre-Columbian times.  Here, the Dia de los Muertos celebration honoring the dead is over the top.  Gifts to the deceased associated with the holiday are prevalent throughout the city, including marigolds, incense, and candles.  Also found in various places, including Pearl, are elaborate altars honoring those who have passed--created new each year by local artists--plus festivities including live music, face-painting, and Mexican cuisine.  

Many events are free, including the biggest event, La Villita, which is set right off the River Walk.  It features the largest open-air community altar exhibition in the city, to which people can contribute photos for display.  This event includes traditional mariachi musicians, Folklorico dancers, and a parade featuring puppets and stilt-walkers.  New in 2019, a Day of the Dead River Parade featured a colorful parade of catrinas on the river.  

2020 pandemic update:  This year a virtual festival will be held on October 31 and November 1.  

More things to do in San Antonio.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

7 best COVID-19 travel tips

I have personally tested these tips.  Recently, due to the death of my mother, I had to take two long car trips during the pandemic.  The trips were far from fun as I was dealing with my emotions about my mom as well as my fears and concerns about COVID-19.  And then, since the trips were from one end of California to the other, there was also the smoke and fires.  

on the road

1.  Pack along a kit containing disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and snacks that you can rely on when you are hungry and having trouble finding an open spot to purchase food.  

2.  Also pack plastic sandwich bags in your kit.  Use them to contain various items, including your mask when you take it off (folded inside in) and perhaps items found while beachcombing.  

3.  Finding restrooms can be a problem.  Many formerly reliable options are now closed.  When driving, plan to stop at rest stops, where restrooms are usually open but not always clean, or at a Chevron gas station, which reliably offers clean restrooms.  (Note that I just experienced a Chevron station in Livermore, California, that has closed its restrooms.)  Remember not to use the hand-dryer blowers because they move air around in a way that isn't advised.  

in a hotel

4.  If staying in a hotel, check ahead regarding safety protocols.  Best are those that keep rooms empty for 24 to 72 hours between guests.  Use some of those disinfectant wipes to wipe down light switches, door knobs, and TV remotes (see #6 below).  Open windows when possible to promote air circulation, and air out your guest room for a few hours.  Better yet, since all guest rooms do not have windows that open, book a room with a balcony or terrace.  

5.  If staying in the same room more than one day, request that your room not to be cleaned on the second and third days and that no staff person enters the room on those days.  You can request extra towels and amenities at the desk when you return for the night.  Always wash your hands as soon as you re-enter your room.  

6.  Use a plastic sandwich bag to cover a hotel’s often germy TV channel changer. Note that I had to pry the remote out of my forgetful husband’s hand to accomplish this, followed by a round of hand sanitizer.

7.  Pack along your own pillows. Doing this made me feel more secure since I smother my face in them.  

Pandemic updates.

More pandemic updates.

More ideas for travel adventures in Southern California and the U.S. and around the world.

©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Southern California: Ayres Hotels; hotel reviews

Ayres Hotels  

reservations (800) 764-4614.

exterior of Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad in Southern California

In 2001 the parent company of the Allegretto resort in Paso Robles started a chain of hotels in Southern California.  Manhattan Beach opened as one of their finest in 2004.  Currently there are 24 hotels in the chain, with the Carlsbad location being their newest.  Decors vary, as do prices which are reasonable and competitive.  

I stayed at the exceptional flagship Allegretto Vineyard Resort a few years ago.  And on a recent trip to Southern California brought on by a family crisis, I had the pleasure of staying in two other Ayres Hotels.  The hotels had covid procedures in place such as mandatory mask-wearing and only one party at a time in elevators.  I felt as safe in these hotels as is possible in these trying times.  

●Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad  

2100 Radiance Way, Vista, (760) 335-0035.  103 rooms.  Continental breakfast; restaurant.  Pool; hot tub; fitness center.  Free Wi-Fi.  Free parking.  Pets ok.  

guest room at Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad in Southern California

Located inland about 10 to 15 minutes from the Carlsbad beaches, in an area with business parks and tracts of new housing, this is the newest cog in the Ayres chain.  Rooms here are oversize, with a choice of two queens or a king plus a hide-a-bed couch.  The contemporary decor is simple and efficient, with triple sheeted beds incorporating a light comforter cover.  Attractive art is incorporated throughout.  Off the lobby in the morning, a breakfast box is prepared to order and includes toast or bagel, yogurt, and fresh fruit.  It can be eaten outside on an attractive patio in good weather, or taken back to your room, which is what we did.  

hallway at Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad in Southern California

breakfast bar at Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad in Southern California

2020 pandemic update:  When I entered the guest room, I did not smell bleach and forgot to use my own wipes.  This was my first hotel stay during covid.  I was understandably jumpy.  When I asked the front desk about whether there was an air filtration system, the clerk did not know.  As in many hotels, windows opened only a few inches and with great difficulty.  My intent was to air out the room.  Instead, we decided to leave on our masks for an hour.  I expected a reassuring note in the room regarding the excellent sanitation efforts that the hotel does use but did not find one, so do remember to print out the covid cleaning procedures at Ayres Hotels from their website in advance.  My fears lightened up as I went along, but erring on the side of caution I recommend that you wipe down all surfaces in any hotel room before you settle in.    

●Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne  

14400 Hindry Ave, Hawthorne, 4 miles from LAX, (310) 536-0400.  173 rooms.  Pool; hot tub; fitness room.  Free Wi-Fi.  Parking $15/night.  Pets ok.  

pool at Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne in Southern California

Squeezed up against the freeway like the Little House in the children’s story book, this was one of the original cogs in what has become the Ayres chain.  Built in 2004, it was the model for the luxury Allegretto resort in Paso Robles, which was built about 5 years ago.  Inside, this hotel features the fine art, antiques, and castle-like finishes of the Allegretto and is truly an unexpected gem.  Beds are triple sheeted, and the marble bathrooms have granite sink tops.  I felt a bit like a queen while recovering here from intense driving fatigue. 

guest room at Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne in Southern California

lobby sitting room at Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne
in Southern California

lobby sitting room at Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach Hawthorne
in Southern California

Pandemic updates.

More pandemic updates.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

La Jolla, California: Shopping along Girard Ave. and Prospect St.; things to do + restaurant review

Shopping along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla 

Prospect Street is known as “The Rodeo Drive of San Diego,” but wide, boulevard-like Girard, Fay, and Pearl streets aren’t too shabby either.  High-end boutiques have set up shop on these tony main drags, but amidst them you’ll find unique local boutiques and galleries as well.

book section at Warwick's in La Jolla, California

Warwick's  

7812 Girard Ave., (858) 454-0347.  M-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10 am-5:30 pm.  Free parking behind store.  One of San Diego's oldest stationers, this local institution offers a great selection of paper goods.  Also a bookstore, you’ll find everything from the latest novels to novel gift boxes disguised as novels to hide things in.  This is also a popular stop for top-name author appearances.  And should you have questions, the knowledgeable staff is happy to help and will even gift wrap your purchase for free.

shape cookies at Girard Gourmet in La Jolla, California

Girard Gourmet  

7837 Girard Ave., (858) 454-3325.  B-L-D daily; $.  This popular European-style bakery-deli always has a line out the door, but the delicious sandwiches made with crispy-crusted Italian bread and salads are worth the wait.  Squirmy kids start salivating and become more willing to wait when promised their choice of one of the decorated shape cookies in the window display--a whale frosted in blue, a seal topped with chocolate icing, or maybe a panda bear in black and white.  Yum.  Best scenario:  Select a picnic’s worth of goodies to go.  

2020 pandemic update:  The line here usually is out the door.  When I visited for take-out, customers were not observing social distancing.  Their excitement to get inside and see the goods seemed to be outweighing pandemic rules.  Order ahead and you will be able to squeeze through to the head of the line to pay and pick up.  My take away included a superb gigantic and colorful chicken curry sandwich topped with red beets that was large enough to share, which I took to the ocean-front walkway to eat in my car; an apricot rugulach and crispy, cinnamony, crumbly cowboy cookie for a snack; a shepherd’s pie made with ground lamb and beef and topped with mashed potatoes, along with a side of cucumber salad,  for dinner; and croissants for breakfast (they were out of almond croissants and unfortunately the regular croissants are not a high point).  

line and counter at Girard Gourmet in La Jolla, California

deli case at Girard Gourmet in La Jolla, California

More things to do in La Jolla.

Things to do in nearby San Diego.

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images ©2014 and 2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers