Discover Our Town

Whale & Ale Receives Glowing Reviews From Zagat!!

Zagat Nightlife: Los Angeles Metro Area just released for 2007:

Whale & Ale, The
ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Appeal             Decor        Service        Cost
20                          19                 21                 $12
Order up some fish and chips, wash them down with a pint of cider and feel transported to the Thames via this classy bit of British in, of all places, San Pedro; sure, it is the only pub in the area, but many locals still assert its a wonderful place to meet your friends and hang out while playing darts, listening to the occasional live-music show or just chatting with the warm and friendly staff.

Wholesale Masque Mart Cuts the Ribbon

Wholesale Masque Mart Cuts the Ribbon

It’s a mask makers dream come true!  Rozani Designs brings original art masks to the wholesale market on a personalized scale.  Owner and costume designer, Rozani-Navas-Smith will cut the ribbon on a new location in Level Plains, Alabama.  This fun filled Masque Mart offers customers a real showroom in this local community, as well as website access. Culturally diverse, but made in America, Rozani’s production of specialty masks has contributed significantly to the cultural arts in the surrounding areas of Enterprise, Daleville and Ft. Rucker, Alabama for over 20 years. Now her creations are available nationwide.

The stage is set for September, 2007 at Wilkins Industrial Park #2 in Level Plains, Alabama, where buyers are invited preview Rozani’s latest collections in a mask market fashion.  The Masque Mart welcomes merchants and performers alike to a one-on-one shopping experience in a bazaar-like setting.  The creative lineup goes beyond feathered fantasies and seasonal selections to include papier maché and Venetian accessories.   Keeping small, but true to the tradition of the masquerade, The Masque Mart strives to place these creations in specialized shops and performance stages both locally and nationally.

Year round mask making and demonstrations are free to customers!  Buyers can register now to view this season’s line up and inquire about the hands-on mask making workshops.  Appointments are available by calling (334) 393-3417.  Curious?  The Masque Mart is approximately a two-hour drive from Montgomery, AL, Ft. Walton and Panama City, FL.  What’s at your mask market?

Two Exciting Upcoming Event Packages Available From Sharin' Nashville Tours

Sharin' Nashville Tours offers complete packages at budget friendly prices.  Experience Nashville in an easy, reliable way by letting Sharin' Nashville Tours handle all the details for you!

Two upcoming event packages offer you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best that Nashville has to offer!

* The Wilson County Fair takes place August 17-25, 2007.  Sharin' Nashville Tours offers a vacation package that includes 3 nights at the Sleep Inn with breakfast each morning, 2 Full Day admissions to the Wilson County Fair, and 2 Unlimited Ride Armbands.  Prices are $183 per person based on double occupancy and $25 for each child.

* The 2008 CMA Music Fest takes place June 5-8, 2008 in Nashville.  The package available includes 4 nights hotel accommodations, General Jackson Showboat luncheon cruise, Reserved seats at the World Famous Grand Ole Opry, a Nashville sightseeing tour including homes of new stars and legends, all hotel and sales taxes, and ticket delivery to your hotel on your arrival day.  The heart of this incredible package is CMA Music Fest admission which includes all main stage concerts, all daytime concerts, photo and autograph sessions, transportation between stages, a Nashville coupon book, an official CMA Music Fest program, admission to Sports Zone and The Family Fun Zone.  Prices for this package are based on double occupancy.  For lodging at Radisson, Drury or Springhill Suites the price is $725 per person.  For lodging at Doubletree, Sheraton or Gaylord Opryland the price is $949 per person.  Your package can also be customized to include and upgrade to floor seating, the Celebrity Softball Game, Opry Trust Fund Show, 4-day parking pass, shuttle transportation and more. 

Call today to begin planning your Nashville adventure!  800-846-0687

Visalia Marriott - Visalia, CA

After an $8.5 million renovation, Visalia Marriott, nestled in , welcomes guests to the first full-service hotel in Visalia, California. Formerly The Presidian, this hotel offers a business center, fine dining at Zhuo restaurant, 195 elegant rooms and lavish amenities complemented by first-rate service. Guests of our Visalia, CA hotel stay in luxurious rooms featuring Marriott s Revive® bedding with more pillows, softer sheets and plush mattresses, ensuring a relaxing stay at this California central valley hotel. Our Tulare CA hotel provides access to almost 114,000 square feet of space at Visalia Convention Center, tempting restaurants, quaint boutiques and unique galleries. Experience Visalia s small town charm with a visit to the International Agriculture Center or historic downtown Visalia Fox Theater. Book your stay at Visalia Marriott to benefit from a locale with convenient access to Northern and Southern California as well as a vibrant downtown area for your California getaway.

Orick Residents and Visitors Celebrate National Trails Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Orick Residents and Visitors Celebrate National Trails Day

Inaugural National Trails Day at Redwood Adventures creates awareness of
the many outdoor recreational activities available in and around
the Redwood National and State Parks boarding Orick, California

ORICK, Calif. - June 4, 2007 - As part of a local celebration of National Trails Day, more than 100 tourists, vendors and event staffers enjoyed a day of guided biking, hiking and kayak tours, gear demonstrations, food and music at Redwood Adventures, a vacation resort boarding the Redwood National and State Parks.

"I spent the day with local scout troops on Lost Man's Creek trail and watching tourists from as far away as England get their first intimate taste of the redwood forest - I couldn't be more pleased," said John 'Johnny Redwood' Russavage, chairman and chief executive officer of Redwood Adventures. "Thank you to all the local businesses and the Orick Chamber of Commerce and we hope tourists, families and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the country will look forward to National Trails Day every year."

Sponsored by the Orick Chamber of Commerce and hosted at Redwood Adventures Events Center, the National Trails Day celebration is designed to inspire the public to discover the trails in and around the Redwood National and State Parks and learn about and celebrate the area while participating in numerous outdoor activities.

Exhibitions and demonstrations were presented by the Adventure's Edge, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Biologists Rob Hewitt and Pablo Herrera, Fisheye Jewelry, Herbalife, Humboldt Handmade foods, Jewelry by Georgia, Kahish Cafe, Kayak Zak's, Enterprises, Orick Arts, Orick Chamber of Commerce, Orick Rodeo, Piersons Building Center and Nursery, Pro Sports Center, Ray Hillman, Redwood Adventures, Redwood Art by Alvin, Redwood Trails Horseback, Tim Duncan Woodcarvings and The Tumbleweeds.

Event sponsors include the American Hiking Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouts of America, Merrill Footwear, National and State Parks Service, Orick Chamber of Commerce, Pro Sports Center and REI.

"We are extremely pleased with the number of local businesses who supported the National Trails Day event," said Donna Hufford, secretary/treasurer president of the Orick Chamber of Commerce of the Orick Chamber of Commerce. "Along with the guided tours of the area, we also had more than 20 booths and demonstrations at the Redwood Adventures Center for visitors to enjoy."

The American Hiking Society's National Trails Day aims to join more than one million hikers, bikers, equestrians and others in celebration of America's trails. While the American Hiking Society helps to promote events nationally, the majority of events are planned and carried out at the local level by conservation and recreation organizations, trail clubs and land management agencies.

Redwood Adventures is located on Valley Green Camp Road at mile marker 124, approximately three miles north of Orick, California on Northern California's scenic Highway 101. For more information about Redwood Adventures, please visit  http://www.redwoodadventures.com/, or call (866) 733-9637.

For information about the American Hiking Association and National Trails Day, please visit http://www.americanhiking.org/.

About Redwood Adventures
Redwood Adventures is a business unit of Redwood Parks Lodge Company. Situated on a 40-acre parcel of land in northern Orick, California, Redwood Adventures borders the Redwood National & State Parks system. With the development of seven acres as Redwood Adventures Vacation Village and the remodeling of six existing structures into luxurious, 1,200-square foot vacation cabins featuring three bedrooms, 1.5 baths, full kitchen and an attached garage, Phase I of Redwood Adventures is nearly complete. Future plans call for the development of the Redwood Adventures Campground, Redwood Adventures Center and the Redwood National Parks Lodge, which will be the only commercial lodge adjacent to the Redwood National and State Park. For more information, please visit    http://www.redwoodadventures.com/.

Special Event Information from The Whale & Ale

The 19th Annual Taste in San Pedro will be held at Pt. Fermin Park on Saturday and Sunday, August 4th and 5th from 11am to 7pm. More details to follow as they become available.  Pt Fermin Park is located at 807 West Paseo del Mar, San Pedro.

MUSIC BY THE SEA!!!!  Celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer at Pt. Fermin Park!  Admission is FREE! Performances will be on Sundays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.  This Sunday come out and enjoy Bad Boyz & Co. and Cynthia Manley.   Be sure to bring your sunscreen, and a comfortable beach chair, and some spending money.  There will be vendors at the park and its also nice to tip the bands. For more information, you may call the city at 1-310-548-7705 or email angelsgaterc@rap.lacity.org or contact Mike Caccavalla at 1-310-856-7927 at Downtown Subs & More. Pt Fermin Park is located at 807 West Paseo del Mar, San Pedro.  Next Sunday, July 8th, will be Blu Shadowz and The Jerry Butera Band.
The 2nd Annual Hot San Pedro Nites will be held over 3 days this year. A Doo-Wap concert will be at The Warner Grand Theatre on Thursday, August 16; the Car Cruise and Festival will be on Friday, August 17 and the Reunion Bash will be on Saturday, August 18 at the Port Promenade. Ill send out a separate email with more details and there is a great website you can visit, too, www.hotpedronites.com. You'll get hooked enjoying all the pictures from last years event.
12) Learn to play the Pipes or Drums, here on the peninsula!
Bagpipe or Drumming Class, here in July.... A Week in Paradise!

Bagpipes or Drumming School July 9th to July 14, 2007.

St. Peters By the Sea Presbyterian Church 6410 Palos Verdes Drive S., Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275

Spend a week at the beach with Murray and Ian studying the great highland bagpipe!

Ed Best will be conducting classes on Scottish Drumming! Don't miss
the concert of piping and drumming on July 14^th at the church!
Drumming classes include:
1. Technique exercises
2. Rudiments
3. Skill building
4. Practicing skills, corps and band
5. Playing techniques
6. Solo contest playing
7. Music theory
8. Composition9 .ear training/drum tuning

Included in the school for piping will be:

The study of piobaireachd

The language of canntaireachd will be covered in detail along with a history of Scottish music and traditions.

The art of setting up the great highland bagpipe to produce the best possible sound and how to maintain it.

Murray Henderson Master Musician and one of the worlds greatest players will talk about the art of reed and bagpipe making.

Competing in solos and bands

Extensive MSR training

All types of reed manipulation

Hours of Classes: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Spectacular Concert held July 14^th, 2007 at 8:00 PM

For more information contact: Ian Whitelaw at: (310) 634 - 9726 ian@aceltictraveler.comwww.aceltictraveler.com

Tuition: $500; Accommodation @ Marymount College (if wanted): $300

The Hot Spot for Art

For the traveler or new resident, the next Chapel Hill / Carrboro 2nd Friday ArtWalk will take place in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, NC on Friday evening July 13th, from 6:00-9:00 pm.. Many of the galleries will have live music and other art related entertainment and admission is free!

Over seventy 2nd Friday Artwalk’s have been held on the second Friday in the last six years with growing community involvement and national interest. This popular once-a-month event draws residents and visitors from all over the Triangle who enjoy the opportunity to see a large variety of artwork during a single evening while socializing with their fellow art lovers.

Chapel Hill/Carrboro 2nd Friday ArtWalk maps and information are available at any participating art location. Additional information may also be viewed online at: www.2ndfridayartwalk.com . Please contact the individual venue listed below for more specific exhibition, special event or parking information.

PARTICIPATING ART LOCATIONS:

Ackland Art Museum - S Columbia St.& Franklin St. Chapel Hill 919.966.5736 www.ackland.org

Practicing Contemporaries May 26, 2007 thru September 9, 2007 Works by the distinguished studio art faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill, including: drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture, and more.  Live jazz by local musician William Darrity.

Animation & Fine Art Galleries  University Mall, Chapel Hill 919.9688008 www.animationandfineart.com

Robert Motherwell, Abstract Expressionism July 13 thru August 9. Works from one of 20th century's premier and most prolific abstract expressionist artists. His works are valued for their energetic imagery and their attempt to create a pure emotional response made real in paint.

Archer Graphics 206 E. Main St  Carrboro 919.929.7522 www.archergraphics.net

House artists:  Ronnie Parks, Mary Mendell, Jenifer Padilla, Trey Mainwaring prints and paintings

ArtsCenter 300-G East Main Street Carrboro 919.929.2787 www.artscenterlive.org

Amanda Barr: “Summer Rock” July 1 thru July 31. Sculptures and mixed media collages .: Fun, interactive art about summer, rock, fun, sea monsters and innocence.

Caffe Driade 1215A E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919.942.2333 www.caffedriade.com artist: Constance Pappalardo, watercolor & mixed media landscapes. 7/1/07 thru 7/31/07 "Its all about imagination, really. I am aware that many of my images evoke a landscape or an ocean or a sky, but I must confess that all these pictures the viewer experiences are totally subjective."
Live music: the Watercallers at 8pm.

DeWitt Law, PLLC. 118 E. Main St Suite A, Carrboro  919.338.8200 www.dewitt-law.com.

Photos by Geneva July 1-July 30. Please come see the photographs by Geneva during the Artwalk.

Fifth Season Gardening Co. 106 South Greensboro St, Carrboro 919)932.7600 www.fifthseasongardening.com. Jenn Halter Prenda, Photography of Jenn Halter Prenda
July 13 thru August 10. Jenn Halter Prenda is a self taught photographer who enjoys shooting with both a digital SLR and a medium format, 120mm Holga camera. She's been recognized with prizes at the Carrboro Arts Center community photography contest, including Best in Show in 2005 and has exhibited locally in Chapel Hill and Raleigh.

Fleet Feet, Inc.-Bleecker Gallery 406 East Main St. Carrboro 919.942 3102 Contact the venue for show information

North Carolina Crafts Gallery 212 West Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510 919.942 4048 www.nccraftsgallery.com Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sundays 1-4

Leslie Goodrich: mixed media July 1 thru July 31 media: wood, metal, painting, found objects NC Crafts Gallery introduces new artist, Leslie Goodrich of Asheville, NC. Meet Leslie during the artwalk and see her wide range of mixed media creations.

Open Eye Cafe - 101  South Greensboro St., Carrboro 919.968.9410 Jennifer Hutchins
Oil Paintings 7/1/07 thru: 7/31/07
Local artist, Jeniffer Hutchins captures serene and peaceful landscapes in oil paints. These are quiet reflections of the artist's own travels. Hutchins' current company through which she teaches expressive art programs and private art lessons. For additional information on her art programs and artwork, visit www.JoyfulArtsStudio.com . Live music by singer / songwriter Jonathan Hepner, at 8pm .

Sizl Gallery 410 Market St. Lobby and Suite 312. 919.960.0 www.sizlgallery.com Popular abstract painter, Jason Cardenas will be featured in the Lobby of 410 along with oil and encaustic paintings by Anna Podris. Please also visit the new gallery/studio in Suite 312 where Karen Shelton will have new oils on display.

Studio 91 606 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill 919.933.3700 www.studio91fineart.com

Opening of the Studio 91 Wine Lounge featuring the Chicago Art of Robert Brasher. Join Studio 91 in opening their 2nd phase...a wine lounge in the middle of the gallery.  Come & enjoy great boutique wines and plates to nibble from. Brasher will be on hand for the opening.

Thimble Pleasures – 205 West Main St., Carrboro  919.968.6050 M-F 10-6, SA 10-5, SUN 1-4

Addison Paige will be presenting her newest body of work, dynamic small scale framed art quilts, for the first time in this area. Addison shows and sells several different groups of work through galleries and high end craft shows across the country.

Turning Point Gallery - University Mall, Chapel Hill 919.967.0402 www.harmonyfineart.com

Wilfred “This Side of Abstract” showing July 3- July 31.  Twenty all new originals for this show - acrylic on canvas.  Exhibiting in Hawaii , New York, Hong Kong and Europe. During the last years Amsterdam has become Wilfred's second home, the gate way to bring his art to the world.  His work contains elements of both Eastern and Western culture and inspiration.

Weaver St. Realty 116 E. Main Street, Carrboro, NC: 929.5658

Lynne Clarke New stuff & some old favs!! 7/12/07 thru 8/6/07 Weaver Street Realty invites you to stop in to see a new show by featured artist Lynne Clarke, showing portraits and other work in the style of Modigliani and Picasso.

Big Mill Now Has a Blog!!

Big Mill Bed and Breakfast proudly announces a brand new blog.  This is the perfect way to keep up with what's happening at this Williamston, NC property!  Subscribe to this blog to get cool recipes, "green" tips and keep up with the charming proprietors.

Subscribe to receive automatic updates in your email inbox whenever something new is added.  It’s easy -- go to www.ChloesBlog.com and look for the “Subscribe” box on the left side of the page.  You can also find specific things that interest you by clicking on the specific categories in the left column.

New Release Information from The Whale & Ale

1) Please note that The Whale & Ale is not open on Wed. July 4; but for ideas of what to do that day, look below at para. # 6

The Whale & Ale 327 West 7th Street, San Pedro, 1-310-832-0363. San Pedros only authentic British Pub and Restaurant.  Check out our web site at www.whaleandale.com for more information: (like gift certificates, special meals for theater nights, etc.).  Plan your group (family, friends, etc.) get together here! The staff is always friendly and the food is marvelous, and you will probably see someone you know, too.  Friday nights at 7 prepare to be entertained by the piano man, Rob Klopfenstein on the Grand Piano along with local guest musicians. Don't be shy, Rob and his guests love requests! On Saturday nights from 6.30, you can enjoy some smooth jazz sounds from Hugh von Kleist & his jazz artists performing while you dine/visit the bar.

2)  I need to hear back from you.... would you prefer to see Smithwick's Irish Red Ale on tap, or Fuller's Extra Special Bitter?
Whichever garners the most votes from email club members before July 12 midnight, that's the tap beer we will be serving!

3) Have you visited Yelp, yet?  It has a lot of up-to-the-minute stuff. You can have a look at: http://www.yelp.com/home.
Even without registering, you can find out a lot.
If you register there (no charge), you can see what others are saying about dining, hotels, etc. and you could post a restaurant review for your favorite place!

4) First Thursday of July 2007, is July 5, in honor of Bastille Day (see number 5, below)

Our $25 fixed price French three-course menu:
Vichyssoise: pureed leeks, onion, potatoes & chicken stock; traditionally served cold, but you can order it warm or chilled! then
Slow Roasted Cod filet in beurre blanc, with ratatouille or
Grilled Whale & Ale 10 ounce rib-eye: shallot sauce & pommes frites and
dessert included: Mousse au chcolat, a la mode du quatorze juillet

5) Saturday July 14 is Bastille day (le quatorze juillet) 2007. At The Whale & Ale. 7.30 sharp.
5 course wine dinner $57.00 per person, includes wines/liqueur listed below...
Pbti de campagne en croute served at the bar with Champagne Charles Lafitte 1834 Tete de Cuvee
Bouillabaisse: Fresh shellfish simmered in light tomato & vegetable broth
Roast Cod over Savoy cabbage, lemon-parsley sauce: ling cod roasted, sauteed Savoy cabbage & garlic crostini
Lirac Blanc; Domaine Devoy Martine 2003
Boeuf a la ficelle, creme de raifort: Filet mignon poached in broth to medium rare, bitter greens & horseradish cream
Morgon; Domaine de Gry-Sablon 2005 fut de chene (unfiltered)
Warm Chocolate truffle, merlot sauce with almond Ice cream
Mathilde; liqueur des fruits de France

6) Family Fair and Farmers Market in the Historic Downtown area held every Sunday, from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm (through August),.  This event takes place on 6th Street between Pacific and Nelson.  Certified Farmers Market, artisans, arts and crafts, boutique-like merchandise, commercially-produced merchandise, hot food vendors, childrens amusements live entertainment.

Cafe Kandahar has offered a premier dining experience to residents and visitors of Whitefish, MT for over two decades.  Located in the beautiful Kandahar Lodge, the stunning interior of this restaurant showcases black and white photographs detailing the first years of the proprietors and skiing legends that helped build the Ski Resort in the 1950's.

Chef Andy's style is Modern American with roots in French and Creole cuisines. The exquisite menu includes appetizers like Oven Roasted Mississippi Quail and Bronzed Sea Scallops.  Dinner entrees range from succulent Roasted Rack of Lamb to Grilled NY Strip to Shrimp and Crawfish Linguine.  Don't forget to try the tempting desserts like Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee or Molten Chocolate Souffle.

To complement your meal, Cafe Kandahar offers an award-winning wine list showcasing unique and rare wines, many from organic and family owned vineyards.  Cafe Kandahar has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 1998.  Additionally, they are the only restaurant in Montana to have received the Wine Enthusiast's Award of Distinction, an honor they have held since 2004.

Treat yourself to a distinctive meal while in Whitefish, MT.  Cafe Kandahar strives to provide each guest with a truly unique and exquisite dining experience.