Traveling Like the Rich & Famous in Southern California
(On a Beer & Hot Dog Budget)

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, USA -- Lounging in bubbling hot mineral pools, indulging in mud baths and massages, sipping champagne before leaving on a breathtaking hot air balloon flight, or sampling the latest vintages from some of the world's top wineries, doesn't fall in the financial realm of most of us. In Southern California, however, you can live the life of "champagne wishes and caviar dreams" on a beer and hot dog budget. If you know where to go.

Spa Treatments
Corona's Glen Ivy Hot Springs or "Club Mud" as they it's affectionately called, is known for their rich rose clay mud baths. Usually this type of treatment is reserved only for the face, but here decadence reigns supreme. You can wallow in the pool and slather the mineral rich clay over your entire body. The clay is then allowed to dry in the sun before being showered off with naturally hot mineral water. The results are ultimately wonderful for your skin and complexion, but while waiting for the rust colored mud to dry, you could be mistaken for a participant in an ancient exotic primitive ceremony, or an alien being from another planet. When you stop and survey the lush tropical surroundings, however, you realize that these exotic beings are human just like the rest of us, they are merely covered in mud!

In addition to the mud baths, Glen Ivy offers unlimited use of it's thirteen hot mineral pools, an olympic size swimming pool and inviting sauna, all for the amazing price of about $25.00 per day. Massages and other spa and beauty treatments are available as well.

For those who really want to live like the rich and famous, check out The Oaks in beautiful Ojai, California, or The Palms in the desert paradise of Palm Springs. For as little as $125.00 a day, guests get complete use of these full service spas.

You could actually end up rubbing elbows with some of the rich and famous. Carrie Fisher, Teri Garr, Gena Rowlands and Cassandra "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" Peterson were in residence during some of our stays.

Spectacular Views and Fabulous Wines
After relaxing at Glen Ivy, drive south to the town of Temecula, conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Diego. This region is host to thirteen wineries and offers a smorgasbord of sites and activities including horseback riding, antique shops, world class golf courses and an historic old town district.

The most exciting activity this area has to offer, however, is it's spectacular hot air balloon rides. As the earth is left behind a panoramic vista of the awe inspiring Temecula Valley unfolds. Hot air ballooning is an incredible, and an incredibly affordable experience in which the trip is everything, the destination secondary. A peaceful feeling comes over passengers as they become one with the wind. The flight is as gentle as being rocked in a mother's arms for there is no actual feeling of movement while aloft. With the exception of the occasional sound of the burner, pristine silence surrounds you.  

Following your flight you'll be treated to a sumptuous champagne brunch and will receive an official "first flight" certificate suitable for framing. Some of the balloon companies, such as Sunrise Balloons, offer wonderful tie in packages with nearby golf courses and charming bed & breakfast inns.  

More great Wines
If your plans take you north of Los Angeles, take a leisurely two hour drive up the gorgeous California coast to the charming , rustic wineries of Santa Barbara county, one of the most versatile growing regions in the state.

All the classic grape varieties are produced here on more than 10,000 acres of rolling vineyards. Driving down a scenic country road, you're taken in by the abundance of produce being offered by the very farmers who grew it.

The best bet is to stop at some of the twenty three friendly and inviting wineries which dot the region. Upon entering the winery, you'll pass by the very grapes that will become the wines of the future. All are welcomed into the tasting rooms by the accommodating staff who are more than happy to answer any questions and pour some of their latest releases.

The Firestone Vineyard, largest wine producer of this region, offers the most fascinating tour. The wine makers describe how the ancient art of wine making is combined with high tech modern methods and machinery. Giant stainless steel vats stand side by side with classic french oak barrels, each imparting it's own unique flavor to the wine.

The best part of a trip to the Santa Barbara wine country is that tours and most tastings are completely free! Occasionally you will be asked to pay for tastings (about $2.50) but you do get to keep the souvenir wine glass.

Many connoisseurs consider California wines to be the best in the world. You'll find an enticing selection at very moderate prices at the wineries of both the Santa Barbara and Temecula regions.  

It's easy to see how in Southern California, the land of champagne wishes and caviar dreams, it isn't necessary to be rich or famous to make your travel dreams come true.

If You Go

All of the locations described in the article are easily accessible from Los Angeles, which is serviced by all major airlines. The Temecula Valley and Glen Ivy Hot Springs are also great getaway spots from San Diego.

From Los Angeles
Santa Barbara County Wineries: For a scenic drive along the coast, take Hwy. 1 north through Oxnard, to where it meets up with Hwy. 101. Once in Santa Barbara take Route 154 towards Lake Cachuma, turn left at Hwy. 246. Your first winery will be on the left side of the road. For a complete map of the Santa Barbara wine country contact: The Santa Barbara County Vintners Association at (805) 688-0881.

Temecula Valley: From the Los Angeles airport, take the 405 Fwy. south to the 110 Fwy. North for one exit only. Transfer to the 91 Fwy. East which will take you most of the 1 1/2 to 2 hour trip. Take this through the town of Corona, where you will pick up the 15 Fwy. South to Temecula. Glen Ivy is on the way and there are signs for it on the freeway.

• Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce - (909) 676-5090
• Sunrise Balloons - (800) 548-9912
• Glen Ivy Hot Springs - (909) 277-3529
• The Oaks - (800) 753-6257
• The Palms - (800) 753-7256

For more information on The Oaks and The Palms, as well as great spa cuisine recipes, read our profile of owner Sheila Cluff at our sister site, FabulousFoods.com.