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Monterey's craft breweries can scarcely produce enough to meet demand, local chefs regularly concoct beer-themed dinners, and premium drafts flow from a record number of taps. How the world of beer has changed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

If you're on the hunt for holiday gifts, the Monterey Peninsula offers many discoveries for discriminating shoppers - from new ideas about lighting up the holidays, literally, to going greener year-round. Browsing the area's cozy, mostly family-run shops in their picturesque settings is a present worth giving yourself. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Billionaire Larry Ellison may have made headlines in June when he picked up virtually the entire island of Lanai for pocket change of $500 million to $600 million, but he's far from the first Bay Area tycoon to add a piece of Hawaii to his portfolio. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With two kids in college on the Mainland, Oahu-born interior designer Linda Ueda decided to leave her island home 14 years ago to relocate to the Bay Area. Yet her roots in Hawaii have flowered into a new line of work that also maintains family ties: She and daughter Akemi, 33, are co-creators of Paradisus Jewelry, an elegant collection of silver pieces inspired by tropical flora, Asian plants and ancient Hawaiiana. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Now that the Hawaii regional cuisine movement is 21 years old - legal dining age, if you will - it's only appropriate that a new generation of chefs is tossing its toques into the ring, pairing the best of food trends common to the Bay Area with approaches reflecting the islands' unique history. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For a place that claims to have the longest-running wine festival in the United States, Hawaii doesn't spring to mind as an oenophile oasis - and those souvenir bottles of pineapple wine haven't exactly helped, either. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For those who no longer want to go with the Lava Flow, or perhaps turn green at the thought of another Blue Hawaiian, not to worry: The artisanal cocktail movement has made inroads in the islands. Drawing from resort gardens and local farms for fresh ingredients, creative mixologists also tap into a growing number of Hawaiian-crafted spirits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As the fall season of Aloha Festivals and athletic competitions - all designed to attract offseason visitors - approaches, here's a look at news in lodging, dining and activities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Signs of death and destruction were everywhere: scarred landscapes, buried towns, plumes of smoke and the glow of fire smoldering in the distance. Still, there was a truth facing us more sobering than the brutal scene: [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Once grunge-rock god Eddie Vedder recorded a solo album of ukulele songs (2011's creatively titled "Ukulele Songs"), and Zooey Deschanel started uking it up on YouTube, it became clear that Hawaii's musical icon had more than just souvenir status on the mainland. Last summer Vedder picked up two more ukuleles at San Francisco's Aloha Warehouse, but the West holds a wide range of destinations for uke enthusiasts. Here are a few high notes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Keep the holiday spirit (and calorie count) going by joining the Chefs' Holidays series at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. Each of the eight two- or three-day sessions features a top chef (some even from "Top Chef") and two other culinary experts who offer demonstrations and tastings, a kitchen tour and a candlelit, five-course dinner with wine pairings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Before the Pasadena Tournament of Roses passes you by, stop and smell the roses - so to speak - at one of several eye-catching events leading up to the Jan. 2 parade. Observe float decorators' final preparations, watch marching bands perform on the field, and enjoy equestrian drills with a chance to meet riders and horses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Christmas Island: Almost two-thirds of this remote Australian territory - "the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean" - is a national park, in part to preserve the burrows of some 47 million Christmas Island red crabs. In early winter they create a giant scarlet swath as they cross the island to lay eggs in the ocean, then return inland. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As soon as the sweaty guy next to me cooled off, we could leave. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

After an extended economic winter, Hawaii is seeing tender shoots of visitor growth. Here are some springlike signs for travelers: [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

North Lake Tahoe's giant winter carnival, the 30th anniversary SnowFest, continues this week with unique contests, themed parties, ski races and a parade on Main Street in Kings Beach on Saturday. Competitions include a "dress up your dog" show in Kings Beach and the Poker Run, in which skiers and snowboarders collect cards from dealers at the Diamond Peak Ski Area, on Saturday, followed by a snow sculpting contest, sled dog race and a stand-up Arctic paddle race (brr) on March 13. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For a taste of the future, head to Healdsburg's 33rd annual Barrel Tasting. During the two-weekend festival, more than 130 wineries - including Clos du Bois, Rodney Strong and Hawkes - will pour samples of wines that won't be released in bottles for another year or more and will host winemaker talks. Those who book stays at a Healdsburg Lodging Coalition member receive free passes if they let innkeepers know at time of booking; designated drivers are also encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Whale of an Art Show celebrates the return of the migratory cetaceans, but the 50-odd Northern California artisans in the 22nd annual event at Monterey's Custom House Plaza, right, go beyond marine themes. Booths will include photography, paintings, weavings, pottery, jewelry and hats, as well as demonstrations of classical guitar and other musical instruments. Patrons can also tour the Custom House and Pacific House museums, which, due to state cutbacks, are now open only 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Join 7,500 bicyclists for the 13th annual Tour de Palm Springs and you won't worry about calories from any Valentine's Day candy. A fundraiser for Coachella Valley nonprofits, the ride includes a flat 5-mile route, mostly flat 10- and 25-milers, and 56- and 102-milers with rolling hills, traversing urban and desert landscapes. Rest stops offer food and drinks, bike support and shuttles, while the expo features live entertainment and a food court (in case you can't wait for candy.) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Bald eagles are the main attractions of the seasonal guided hikes through Lake County's Cache Creek Natural Area, but tule elk, osprey and many other wildlife species may appear during the 4-mile trek. Led by Bureau of Land Management naturalists, the weekly hikes (limited to 25 participants each) include a 600-foot climb in the first mile; wear hiking boots and warm clothing, and bring water, lunch and binoculars. The Feb. 5 and 12 tours are already full, but call for possible cancellations. Self-guided hikes also are an option. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

What's warmer than Sundance and closer than the Oscars? The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, an 11-day event that also includes Film Feast, discounted prix fixe menus at local restaurants timed to be enjoyed before or after the movies. Film Sleeps - hotel packages with film passes and dinners - are available, as are wine tasting discounts; see www.SBFilmFeast.com for details. Thursday-Feb. 6. Varying times and locations in Santa Barbara. Film tickets start at $57 for four screenings. (805) 963-0023, www.sbiff.org. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

If fresh Dungeness crab cioppino and crab cakes (not to mention a nice glass of wine) sound good for what ails you, you'll appreciate these events in Fort Bragg benefiting the nonprofit Mendocino Coast Clinics. Locally made bread, coffee, wine and beer are also served at the family-style Cioppino Dinner, while Mendocino County chefs and vintners vie for judges and guests' favor at the Crab Cake Cook-Off and Wine-Tasting Competition. Countywide Crab & Wine Days events continue through Jan. 30. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Multicourse meals for $20.11, half-off wine lists and discounts on seasonal menus are Napa Valley's way of marking its first-ever Restaurant Month. The Grill at Silverado Resort, Auberge du Soleil and Tra Vigne are just some of the dining rooms from Napa to Calistoga offering prix fixe specials, while Bouchon, Bistro Jeanty and Ad Hoc are among Yountville restaurants participating in the Moveable Feast, another opportunity for gourmet savings. Check out the Napa Valley Visitors Bureau Web site below to sort out the savory details. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Champagne is finished, now how about a martini? The Season of the Olive ( www.olivefestival.com) celebration in Sonoma Valley kicks off its second month of special events and travel packages with the 10th annual Martini Madness, in which the region's top restaurateurs and bartenders vie for best martini honors. The spirited competition, which includes live jazz and hearty appetizers, is an aperitif for the Jan. 22 Feast of the Olive Dinner at Ramekins Culinary School ($150; (707) 996-1090, ext. 108.) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With most kids out of school for two weeks, it's good to know the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk arcades and bowling lanes are open daily (including Christmas), and the Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train makes round-trip runs from the Boardwalk through Thursday. The evening ride through city streets includes caroling, hot cider, live music, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Weather permitting, at least six rides on the Boardwalk will also be open next Sunday-Jan. 2 - until young riders head back to class. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The newly opened holiday ice rink at Yountville's V Marketplace gives Wine Country visitors another reason to linger. Open till 11 p.m. most nights, the Vintage Winter Pavilion includes a clear-top tent guarding against inclement weather, holiday music, sales of hot and cold refreshments, and (after 6 p.m.) hot toddies and holiday cocktails. Santa also visits for shoot-your-own photos from noon to 4 p.m. today and Dec. 18-19, while horse-drawn carriages offer free rides along illuminated Washington Street from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 31. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Given the early start to the Sierra snowfall, now's a good time for novices to discover what to do with it. During the 11th annual Learn to Ski and Board Weekend, seven North Lake Tahoe ski resorts charge just $25 for an all-day beginner lift ticket, group lesson and gear rental for schussing or snowboarding down the slopes. Reservations are not required, but arrive early to purchase the package at one of the following resorts: Alpine Meadows, Boreal, Granlibakken, Homewood, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley and Sugar Bowl. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

After the wine harvest, Sonoma Valley gives thanks for the Season of the Olive, a three-month celebration of the savory crop now in its 10th year. It begins with the Blessing of the Olives ceremony in Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, which includes music, short speeches and thanksgiving for the harvest. Afterward, enjoy refreshments, sales of heritage Mission olive trees and, across the plaza at Junipero & Co. (115 East Napa St.), free tastings of local olive oils and from 4 to 7 p.m. a holiday party. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mainland images of the fall harvest may not apply to Hawaii, where the growing season is year-round. But after the islands' busier summer than 2009's and before a Christmas break that's expected to be even more robust, travelers may find that quieter autumn is the peak period to reap the benefits of new and renewed activities and accommodations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

RATING: (ALERT VIEWER) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As you duck the flying salmon at the Pike Place Market, or saunter down Bourbon Street, trying not to slosh your daiquiri out of your "go" cup, pause for a moment and pat yourself on the back: You're helping get the U.S. economy back on its feet. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It's been a tough week for Hawaii, with the shutdowns of 62-year-old Aloha Airlines and Molokai Ranch, the primary hotel and tourism concern on the island it's named for. One can only hope that out of such end-of-an-era cataclysms, new life will eventually emerge - perhaps in a way no one now can yet imagine. The cycle of creation and destruction, after all, is what formed the islands and shaped their unique culture. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hawaiian music fans suffered a death in the family last week: "Aunty" Genoa Keawe, a beloved falsetto singer and recording artist for almost 70 years, died Feb. 25 at age 89. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Since I was on a shop-and-sightsee trip with my out-of-town-sister, I booked an upper-level executive room (best city views) with two queen beds - fairly comfy, with Egyptian cotton linens, two pillows, two bolsters and padded headboards. The modern decor comes in a warm palette: dark woods with fabrics/accents in cream, slate, oxblood and burnt orange. We had plenty of room to lounge, although only one nightstand, and no need to use the R2-D2-like standing air conditioner, ceiling fan or wall-unit heater. Heavy curtains block light and noise from the tall, east-facing windows, while a windowlike mirror increases the sense of spaciousness. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Kauai is famous for its red dirt, but an unprecedented wave of construction in the Poipu area is kicking up an unusual amount of it - along with concern among residents and visitors at the rate of growth. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rainbows are free. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For some instant aloha spirit - and possibly an instant audience - just strum a few chords on the ukulele, or pick out a slack-key guitar tune. Learning how to produce the signature sounds of Hawaii is a good way to share your vacation back home. And learning how to play while on vacation is a great way to share time with some of Hawaii's top musicians. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rooms are a colorful blend of rustic and posh, Californian and European, colonial and modern motifs that somehow all come together. The living room in our suite included a green velvet couch, bamboo-shaped floor lamps and a stucco hearth with a TV on one side and a gas fireplace on the other; a green velvet drape served as the closet door. The bedroom featured a paisley cushioned headboard, an olive chaise longue and a plump satin duvet in wine and coral. Harlequin prints (just some of the suite's artwork) over the dark wood desk matched the boldly striped drapes, which opened to a small curved balcony with rattan armchairs and a mosaic-top table. Bedroom lighting was just adequate, with a palm-motif lamp on a side table and a hard-to-work metal desk lamp. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To prepare a Bay Area foodie getaway, pick a scenic Wine Country village. Add a multi-Michelin-starred restaurant, sprinkle with gourmet stores, and finish with a stylish boutique hotel to sleep off the evening's excess. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

RATING: (ALERT VIEWER) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

"Pick your battles" is sound advice. "Pick your battleships," even better. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The new year is already a banner one for Hawaii in the headlines, with Sen. Barack Obama (who attended Honolulu's elite Punahou School) running for president and the University of Hawaii football team running and passing its way into the Sugar Bowl earlier this week. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

RATING: (WILD APPLAUSE) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Editor's note: Although Follow the Reader's primary focus is independent travel, especially affordable lodgings, occasionally we receive recommendations of unique tours and programs. In these cases, the prices are somewhat higher than what we would normally include, but the experiences are distinctive enough that we thought it appropriate to share them. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, which operates tall-ship voyages in the Caribbean and Costa Rica, won't be sailing this week or next, due to a financial crisis that may also jeopardize future trips. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Time doesn't stand still on Kauai so much as slide back and forth: One part of the island may be mired in the past - in some cases, delightfully so - while another constantly moves forward with new construction - or promises thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]