A river runs through it
The historic Big Sur River Inn has welcomed visitors along California's Hwy. 1 since 1934, and the 20-room inn has long been famous as "the place with the chairs in the river." These iconic Adirondack chairs, plunked down smack in the middle of the river are emblematic of the laid-back and rustic charms of this picturesque hotel. Stay in one of the two-room suites, where a deck offers river views, or choose one of the motel-style rooms for a heightened feeling of privacy. No matter which you choose, there's an inviting sense of folksiness and fun about the place that's irresistible for families. There's a very kid-friendly heated pool, but most folks can't resist a chance to splash in the waters of the Big Sur River that snakes through the property. Tubing is a must here, as is sipping cocktails while listening to the rushing water or the live bands that play on weekends (from $150-$395; bigsurriverinn.com).
Mercury NEws
Disney to sail seven ships
Disney Cruise Line has announced that its fleet will grow to seven ships by 2023. While the line had previously announced two new ships were coming, a third is now on order. The three ships are expected in 2021, 2022 and 2023. "We decided two ships wouldn't be enough to hold all of the exciting new experiences we have been dreaming up to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level with immersive Disney storytelling, world-class family entertainment and imaginative innovations that are fantastically fun and uniquely Disney," said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Disney currently sails four ships: the smaller 2,713-passenger sister ships Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and the larger 4,000-passenger vessels Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Where the line plans to deploy its new ships has not been revealed.
Orlando Sentinel
Hawaiian fare in San Fran, without the pineapple
Aina, a modern Hawaiian restaurant in San Francisco whose brunch has spawned a mania, opened last year in a small light-flooded corner space in Dogpatch, on the city's east side. "The only thing anyone knew about Hawaiian culture out here," said 30-year-old chef Jordan Keao, "was pineapple and ham on a pizza." Aina's menu is both international and uniquely Hawaiian. Influences include Portuguese, Japanese and American (artisanal "Spam" from Stone Valley Farm). But there are plenty of native Hawaiian dishes, like pipikaula or taro root. There is one ingredient you will not find: pineapple. That it came to be so associated with the island "is infuriating," said Keao, a Big Island native. For Hawaiians, pineapple has a painful colonial history. (Average dinner for two $75; 1-415-814-3815; ainasf.com).
New York Times
Family deal in Orlando
Save 30 percent on a family-friendly package at the Orlando World Center Marriott in central Florida. The Slide Through Summer deal starts at $1,200 for a family of four and includes two nights in connecting guest rooms at the world's largest Marriott; choice of a round of golf at Hawks Landing Golf Club, 50-minute spa treatment or two-hour golf lesson; daily breakfast; Mermaid or Shark Academy for two children; half-day at the Kids Club for two children ages 4 to 12; premium poolside seating for the laser light show; and parking. Add about 13 percent tax. Stay through Sept. 4; use promo code SPU (1-800-380-7931, worldcentermarriott.com).
Washington Post
