Dining Waterside in Oxnard, California

Dining Waterside in Oxnard, California

It was a little chilly on the evening we dined at the Waterside Restaurant. However, we had been in California for several days and had yet to dine alfresco, so we requested patio seating. We wanted to experience the full ambiance of dining seaside before we started traveling inland, and the Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar was the place to do it. The view of the fishing boats docked in the Channel Islands Harbor, the sound of lapping waves and the aroma of salty sea air was the perfect setting. Our host seated us adjacent to the fire pit and set an overhead heater next to our table to ensure we’d stay warm enough while we dined. That thoughtful gesture was the beginning of a lovely dining experience.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in U.S. Long Cuts. We are merging U.S. Long Cuts with Midwest Wanderer, adding a “Beyond the Midwest” menu option.

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Ag Venture Tours: See America’s Salad Bowl

Ag Venture Tours: See America’s Salad Bowl

After you’ve toured the California coast along Monterey Bay, visited the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, shopped along Cannery Row and dined on Fisherman’s Wharf, take a drive inland a few miles to the Salinas Valley. Salinas Valley stretches a hundred miles north to south, sandwiched between the Santa Lucia and Gabilan mountain ranges. Fields of lettuce lay before you—neat rows of romaine, red leaf, green leaf and iceberg. Bright red, luscious strawberries dot other fields, or you may see celery, spinach or asparagus. You’re also bound to come across farm workers hand picking the produce and packing it right in the field. You’ve entered America’s “salad bowl,” where farmers grow over 40 vegetables and fruits, including over 80 percent of America’s lettuce. The best way to see the valley and to learn about how America’s produce is grown is on an agricultural tour with Ag Venture Tours.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in U.S. Long Cuts. We are merging U.S. Long Cuts with Midwest Wanderer, adding a “Beyond the Midwest” menu option.

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A Day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

A Day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

If there’s one attraction you visit in Monterey, California, make it the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s the number one Monterey thing to do according to Trip Advisor, and it makes every list of top U.S. aquariums. Located on Cannery Row, a series of former sardine and anchovy canning factories now housing touristy and trendy shops and restaurants, the aquarium is, ironically, in a former canning operation, as well.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in U.S. Long Cuts. We are merging U.S. Long Cuts with Midwest Wanderer, adding a “Beyond the Midwest” menu option.

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Mammoth Lakes in the Off Season

Mammoth Lakes in the Off Season

Mammoth Lakes, located in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a mecca of recreational activity. Best known as a winter ski resort, warmer weather attracts mountain bikers, campers, equestrians, backpackers and many other summer sport enthusiasts. We happened to visit in May when only a few skiers were taking advantage of what snow was left in the mountains. Summer attractions hadn’t opened for the season yet, and several of the area restaurants were closed. However, despite visiting in the off season, we found plenty to fill our time.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in U.S. Long Cuts. We are merging U.S. Long Cuts with Midwest Wanderer, adding a “Beyond the Midwest” menu option.

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Sierra Nevada Resort: More Comforts than Home

Sierra Nevada Resort: More Comforts than Home

When we booked the fireplace suite at the Sierra Nevada Resort and Spa in Mammoth Lakes, California, I didn’t think we’d actually use the fireplace. After all, it was near the end of May, well into spring. I knew the room would be nice, though. What I didn’t realize was that the room would have more comforts than home.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in U.S. Long Cuts. We are merging U.S. Long Cuts with Midwest Wanderer, adding a “Beyond the Midwest” menu option.

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Kicks on Route 66

Kicks on Route 66

Editor’s Note: Following are links to Route 66 articles that first appeared on our U.S. Long Cuts blog. We are merging U.S. Long Cuts with Midwest Wanderer, adding a “Beyond the Midwest” menu.

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