on location: west O sue arko

Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals

Lushly landscaped Balboa Park, in the heart of San Diego, abounds with specialty and cultural attractions.

he warm Mediterranean climate, for the Mid-Winter Exhibition of 1894. of an azalea-covered waterfall, sights of lingering fog and maritime breezes On four acres densely packed with water decorative lanterns and statues, and T are perfect for growth from features, groups experience an intense sweet smell of wisteria and other fra- all around the world. Tour groups awakening of the senses with the sounds grant blooms. searching for outdoor experi- A kaleidoscope of colors and scents ences, from native to creative, will find welcomes visitors to the San Francisco what they are looking for in California. (formerly known as Beginning in the northern part of Strybing ). Displaying more the state, San Francisco is the home of than 7,500 varieties of flora from around Golden Gate Park, encompassing more the world, the 55-acre garden is divided than 1,000 acres. It is larger than New into four sections. York City’s Central Park and borders The Conservatory of Flowers in the Pacific Ocean. Like Central Park, it Golden Gate Park is the oldest remain- is an expansive, approachable and wel- ing municipal wooden conservatory in come escape from the traffic and con- the United States. It features exotic- gestion of the city. Among park looking blooms, a tropical area, a water attractions, the Japanese , lily garden and a rotating collection of San Francisco Botanical Garden and potted . The distinctive Victorian Conservatory of Flowers are favorites of architecture and colorful history have tour groups. earned the conservatory a place on the The Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest National Register of Historic Places. ©e , Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens Art Library, ©e Huntington public Japanese gardens in California, In early spring, wisteria frames Los Angeles County Arboretum was created by Baron Makoto Hagiwara The Huntington’s . and Botanic Garden, located in the

54 April 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com the . The Chinese Gar- States. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad dens guided tour visits the traditional Ranch, a springtime extravaganza, con- Suzhou-style garden featuring a 1.5- tain thousands of ranunculus plants cov- acre lake, seven pavilions, a canyon ering the hillside above the Pacific waterfall and five hand-carved stone shoreline, separated into ribbon-like bridges set against a wooded backdrop bands of color. Guided tours explain the of mature oak, pines, camellias, bamboo planting process and growing cycle and and blossoming plum trees. describe the variety of flowers grown. The San Diego area’s mild Mediter- Picture paths allow groups to walk into ranean climate makes it possible to grow the fields and take breathtakingly color- more different kinds of plants than al- ful photos. Favorite features include the most anywhere else in the United American Flag of Flowers, a brilliant ©e Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens Art Library, ©e Huntington Pay tribute to the Bard at The Huntington’s Shakespeare Garden. Brighter heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia, is home to plant collections from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species. Additionally, it houses outdoor historical landmarks representative of California’s history. A narrated tram tour travels through five botanical sections: Africa, Australia, The Americas, The Asiatic and Historic Circle. Visitors travel from Madagascar Spiny Forest, a collection of succulents with twisted Where heaven and earth meet, so can you. Incredible convention and meeting facilities are only the beginning of trunks punctuated with needles, to a your experience at Inn of the Mountain Gods. From full casino action soaring vista on Tallac Knoll, displaying and award-winning dining to championship golf and unparalleled the beauty of the arboretum’s collection mountain scenery, even your keynote speaker will be speechless. of over 18,000 plants. > 273 luxury rooms > Championship > Ski Apache* Huntington Library, Art Collec- and suites golf course* > Fishing* tions and Botanical Gardens in San > 40,000 sq. ft. of fl exible > Fine and casual dining > Horseback Marino is an oasis of art and culture set meeting space > Full casino riding* amidst 150 acres of breathtaking gar- dens with 14,000 varieties of trees and plants showcased in more than a dozen principal garden areas, including Japanese, Rose, Shakespeare, Camellia, Jungle, Palm and Chinese. Like a

French Impressionist painting, the gar- InnoftheMountainGods.com dens, lawns, arbors and pathways evoke 1-800-545-6040 | Mescalero, NM near Ruidoso a feeling of tranquility. It houses the Booking Info: [email protected] FULL CASINO | CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF largest public collection of camellias and azaleas in the world in addition to *Weather permitting. Must be 21 or older to enter casino. The Mescalero Apache Tribe promotes responsible gaming. For assistance, please call 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). more than 1,200 varieties of roses in

LeisureGroupTravel.com April 2011 55 on location: west ❖ ADVERTORIAL FABULOUS American flag comprised of red, white eight gardens, including the Alcazar PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES and blue anemone flowers planted on Garden, award-winning rose garden, the hillside, and the Sweet Pea Maze, a Japanese Friendship Garden, desert he Fabulous Palm Springs Follies cel- living maze of fragrant and colorful garden and historic Botanical Building. Tebrates the music, dance and com- sweet pea blossoms. These are only a sampling of the edy of the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, with one amazing difference: Every member Located in the heart of San Diego, numerous gardens, farms and flower of the Follies cast is from 57 to 81 years Balboa Park is renowned for the lush shows that make for great inclusions on “young.” The Follies has been seen by landscaping and lovely gardens that offer any group tour itinerary. Something is nearly three million patrons and is pre- sented every November through mid-May a magnificent backdrop for its cultural always blooming in California. Come in the historic Plaza Theatre, located in attractions. The park contains more than and let your senses run free. LGT the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Each Follies edition is entirely new and features a rotating roster of renowned THE HUNTINGTON guest stars and variety acts. The Follies’ 21st season opens with television and NOW OPEN •CLASSICAL ! film star John Davidson (Nov. 2-Dec. 31, 2011). The heart and soul of the Follies are the 16 ladies and gentlemen of the cho- rus, who have spent their entire careers performing in television, film, Las Vegas showrooms and upon the Broadway stage. They have now returned to the thing they enjoy most: singing and danc- ing for Follies audiences. Riff Markowitz, Stroll through 120 acres of breathtaking gardens 1151 Oxford Road • San Marino, CA See world-class artworks • View rare literary treasures 626-405-2240 with his blend of cutting-edge satire and Indulge in afternoon Tea • Group Tours available www.huntington.org • [email protected] Old World savoir faire, is your personal guide through FolliesLand.

56 April 2011 LeisureGroupTravel.com