A Petaluma360 Blog

Bucket List Journey

List Worthy Experiences in Travel, Food & Adventure

Starting a Grunge Band in Seattle

Friday, at 7:00 by

In grade school, we were required to learn an instrument and the gracefulness of the flute was calling my name. Apparently, not that loudly, because it was given to the popular girl and all that was left was one lonely clarinet. Nobody wants to be in a cool band with the clarinet girl. Even as an adult, the fantasy of rocking it on stage has never left. And thanks to EMP (Experience Music Project) in Seattle, Washington, my dream came true. Sort of. The EMP museum is located at the… Read More »

The Strangest Dessert is in Texas

Monday, at 7:18 by

There are not many desserts that I won’t eat…and enjoy thoroughly. A tiny bit of something sweet is the perfect finale to every meal. I even keep semi-sweet chocolate baking chips in my freezer, for a quick fix. After having foie gras at Feast Restaurant  in San Antonio, Texas, we headed over to The Monterey for the Apple and Cheddar pop-tart. I originally wanted to indulge in the Chocolate & Gingerbread Ho-Ho, but they were eighty-sixed by the time we… Read More »

“Believe It or Not” Artwork at Ripleys

Monday, at 7:00 by

In college, I took a figure drawing class. Yes. It was the one where nude models pose and everyone giggles for the first half hour of the lesson. Myself included. What I learned from this course, besides that there are some people that I do not need to see naked, was that I lack any sort of drawing ability. My canvas was littered with stick figures. But then, I had some inspiration in the oddest of places, Ripleys Believe it… Read More »

A Thank You Letter to Mayflower Park Hotel

Wednesday, at 7:00 by

Being a business owner, I am fully aware of the unbalanced ratio between good and bad customer letters. Too many people will only correspond with a company when they are harboring a grudge, instead of praising them for their favorable experiences. And that’s why I added “Write a Thank You Letter to a Company” to my bucket list. Businesses need to know when they are doing something right too. I was immediately charmed by Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle and… Read More »

Nasty Hats and Crispy Gators at Dick’s Last Resort

Monday, at 7:00 by

I will admit that I am a snobby restaurant diner. Typically, cheesy gimmicks will not work for me. Neither does a $2.99 grand slam breakfast. And that’s why it is ironic that I ended up dining at Dick’s Last Resort in San Antonio, Texas. Truly the last resort. I was lured in by the offerings of eating crispy alligator and wearing nasty paper hats. We were greeted at the door by this sign. Perfect. The menu was housed in a… Read More »

A Stinky Pig & Fried Pickles in Texas

Monday, at 7:00 by

My next mission, after seeing the Alamo at night, was going to Esquire Tavern on the San Antonio Riverwalk for deep-fried pickles. I had heard about the “frickle”, but had never partook. It was time to change that. Though I went to this establishment solely for the dill delicacy, what I also got was a stinky pig. Established in 1933, this speakeasy is the oldest bar on the Riverwalk. They also claim to have the longest bar in Texas and,… Read More »

The Alamo is Nice, But Mission San Jose Rocks

Friday, at 12:34 by

As soon as I landed in San Antonio, Texas I was on a mission.  A mission that involved racing to The Alamo while it was still lit by the night lights and the moon. I heard this was the best way to see it, sans the crowds. I barely dropped the luggage off in the hotel room before we scooted across the street to witness this well-known attraction in the late evening.  Touring a mission was on my bucket list and, even though there were several… Read More »

Watching the Salmon Run in Lake Tahoe

Monday, at 7:00 by

Even though Lake Tahoe is only three and a half hours away from my California home, I hadn't been there in over ten years. So, when Peter and I were offered a free cabin for a couple of days there was no way I was turning down this getaway. Free is good. Besides it was salmon spawning season and I had my heart set on watching salmon porn. I am a voyeur like that. Taylor Creek has many beautiful sights,… Read More »

I Won in Las Vegas! At the House of Blues.

Wednesday, at 7:00 by

I am one of those pseudo gamblers; spending a couple of bucks on the five cent slots, a single $10 bet on red at the roulette table or, when I am feeling extra lucky, I will drop 20 bucks at the Black Jack table. I am the epitome of a “low” roller. But, I did win BIG in Las Vegas this time! Or, at least I won something. Going to a Blues Bar is on my bucket list and I really can’t believe… Read More »

8 “People” I Met At Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas

Friday, at 7:00 by

Forget the gambling or late-night partying, when I was in Las Vegas my amusement was going to be posing with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds. Yes, that's how I roll. Party animal.  1. Jerry Springer We were greeted at the door by talk show host, Jerry Springer and I was ecstatic that he was wax. I wasn't in the mood for paternity tests, flying chairs or to hear about obscure fetishes. 2. Cameron Diaz Peter was hoping that Cameron wasn't made of wax. But, she certainly… Read More »