Wednesday, 5 March 2014

Palm Springs Ruth Hardy Park-Where Fans Play Tennis During Indian Wells


Ruth Hardy Park Tennis Courts

It's a hang-out for the hard cores, recreational tennis players of all walks of life are found everyday at Palm Spring's Ruth Hardy Park.  It's a place where you know you'll find someone to play with each and every morning in the bright California sun.  The courts are just a stone's throw from downtown Palm Springs and they epitomize the laid back, fun vibe  of this desert city.

A few minutes down the valley at Indian Wells, the best in the world battle it out the first two weeks of March.  But here in Palm Springs the quest to be king or queen of the recreational court rages on every day of the year.  Althtough there might be the occasional disagreement on the courts, afterward at the picnic tables, it's all smiles as they re-hash the morning's results. 


Ruth Hardy Park has eight very popular public courts that are a favorite of locals, visitors and snowbirds.  You’ll have no problem picking up a game if you show up early enough in the morning. And you may even get invited for a beverage at a picnic table afterward.  The courts are lit at night, and it’s a bit easier to walk on at that time of day…and a bit cooler.


What to do After the Game

Downtown Palm Springs


There's really nowhere quite like Palm Springs.  Colorful street scenes, dramatic desert and mountain backdrops, margaritas, coffee shops and art all rolled into one low rise, modernism architecture city.  Where else can you see Marliyn Monroe and Sony Bono out on the street?


Where We Stayed

Caliente Tropics Hotel


A throwback to Palm Springs of the 1960's, but modernized for today's travellers.  The Caliente tropics has one of the largest pools in the city.  This is an affordable and fun place to stay very close to downtown.  The views from the pool and hot tub are some of the best the area has to offer...  And the cabanas offer refuge from the desert sun.


Caliente Tropics Hotel
411 E Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA USA  92264
1-760-327-1391
calientetropics.com

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Jericho Beach-Tennis with a West Coast View

Jericho Beach Vancouver
Jericho Beach Tennis Courts

Vancouver British Columbia Canada




It's difficult to concentrate on your tennis with a view like this.  Jericho has four courts and a practice wall.  Needless to say with it's magnificent setting, it is a very popular place to play tennis. 3041 Point Grey Road.






What to Do After the Game

Robson Street at Night



It would almost be wrong to visit Vancouver and not take a stroll down Robson Street.  The iconic road is a major southeast to northwest thoroughfare of the city.  It is lined with shops, restaurants, coffee shops and people.  The wide sidewalks make it a popular place to just take an urban walk.





Where to Stay

Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside



Another one of the big tower hotels that Vancouver has become so known for.  The Renaissance has a great location right in the heart of downtown Vancouver.  Close to the convention centre, shopping, restaurants and night life.  





Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside
1133 West Hastings
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
V6E 3T3
1-604-689-9211

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

California Dreaming-Places to Stay and Play during the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament

The Westin

Mission Hills

Tennis Club
Rancho Mirage, California  



For those who want to be close to the action as the Top 10 battle it out at Indian Wells, the Westin Mission Hills is a great place to play some tennis between watching the tournament.



Mission Hills features seven lit tennis courts including a tournament court with stadium seating which are set on the grounds of the magnificent Mission Hills Westin.  The club is run in a partnership with Pete Burwash International.  Courts are reserved on a first-come first served basis.  There are ball machines for rent and clinics and 
lessons are available.  



What to do After the Game
There's really no reason to leave, other than to go watch the tournament.  Three championship golf courses, two very large pools and acres of manicured grounds with relaxing spots to have a refreshment offer plenty of reasons to stick around after the game.  It really makes you wonder if a resort can get any more beautiful. 



Where to Stay
The Westin Mission Hills
The hotel is designed in the old Mission style with adobe exteriors and archways abounding.  Gardens wind through the different areas of the hotel.  Fountains and pools add a refreshing contrast to the desert landscape that lies just outside the grounds of this unique resort.
  




The Westin Mission Hills
71333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage, California 92270

1-760-328-5955

Wednesday, 19 February 2014



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Beacon Hill Park Victoria-Play Tennis There if you Dare


Beacon Hill Park

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

They call themselves the ‘Tennis Warriors’, and they hone their court skills outdoors 365 days a year.  You can drop in for free at Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park and challenge these warriors, or you can become one of them.  The Tennis Tourist checked out Beacon Hill Park on New Year’s day and found himself a rallying partner.

Beacon Hill Park Video

What to Do After the Game

Beacon Hill Park

The park is in Victoria’s historic James Bay neighborhood.  Beacon Hill sits right at Mile Zero of the legendary Trans-Canada highway.  It is Victoria’s main urban green space with over 190 acres(75 hectares) of park.  Located next to Victoria’s southern shore, it includes numerous playing fields, beautiful manicured gardens, exotic species of plants and animals such as wild peacocks.  There is a petting zoo for the kids.  The views of the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic mountain range are spectacular.  The sport of cricket has been played in Beacon Hill Park since the mid-nineteenth century.  During the summer there are outdoor concerts and festivals.  The park is surrounded by lovely old homes and you can take a horse and white carriage ride throught the park and the surrounding neighborhoods.
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Where We Stayed

The EmpressHotel
This grand old hotel majestically overlooks Victoria’s scenic inner harbor.  It’s a treat to stay in the old rooms of this stately building which was built in 1908 and has been one of Canada’s favorite destinations for well over a century.
The pool stays open late, and is lots of fun after a day of tennis and sightseeing.  Having a fancy cocktail at the Bengal lounge in the hotel, and rubbing elbows with those who want to see and be seen is a Victoria tradition that’s great fun.  The curry buffet in the lounge is pricey but highly recommended.  
The Empress Hotel
Toll Free: 1 866 540 4429
721 Government Street
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Where is your Favorite Place to Play Tennis?

Thursday, 6 February 2014

Romance on the Courts-Three Sweet Valentines Tennis Destinations


In our tennis circle, there are many couples, including my partner and myself, who met on the tennis court. Tennis continues to be one of the places where we are happiest, and there's nothing we like more than taking our game on the road.  Here are three destinations that we would consider perfect for a romantic tennis getaway.

#1 Koh Chang Island, Thailand

We  managed to find one tennis club on this tropical island paradise. The Koh Chang Tennis Club is well maintained, lit for night play and very reasonably priced. It's located in central Khlong Proa on the west coast of Thailand's second largest island.

The staff is very friendly and they can provide you with racquets, balls and cold towels if you need.  Give them a call to make a reservation, or have your hotel front desk arrange it for you.  Koh Chang Tennis Club is open from 0700 to 2200 everyday.

Call them at 084-892-6992 or email at a7lek@mail.ru





Koh Chang Tennis Club


What To Do After Tennis

 Motorcycle Trip around the island

We rented a motorcycle and toured this island that is lined with white sand beaches.  After tennis, we hung out at a little roadside Thai restaurant, cooled off and enjoyed some hot Thai cuisine.  Then we hit the open road (a narrow windy one) and took a look at the island's west shore.  A beautiful national park offers some spectacular viewpoints and Lonely Beach almost at the end of the road attracts hippies, backpackers and those who want the no-frills Thai beach experience.  We hung out there, taking in the unbelievable view while enjoying cool beverages on the lay-down ocean front deck.



Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Chai Chet Resort, about 4 kilometres to the south of the courts. An elegant and reasonably price resort overlooking the bay and a large stretch of white sandy beach. All down the beach are cottages and hotels.  At night you can stroll down there and check out the action at different beach restaurants and bars.  We took in a fire show with dinner one night.
The staff at the Chai Chet is very helpful and welcoming.  The pool is amazing, not to mention the swim-up bar.  It's a great place to enjoy a cool Chang Beer after a hot tennis workout.
Our sea-view room was very nice with an unique bathroom and shower that had the effect of a rocky stream running through it. 


Chai Chet Resort






#2 

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Tennis Center Hilton Head Island, South Carolina




Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort labels themselves the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to improve their tennis skills.  Ranked amount "The 50 Greatest US Tennis Resorts" by Tennis Magazine  Palmetto Dunes offers tennis packages and vacations for players all skill levels and a top notch family resort destination. The resort's Tennis Centre features 23 clay and two Nova ProBounce courts(six of which are lighted for night play).  There is also a full schedule of seasonal activities, daily round robin tournaments and a wide array of instructional programs.

What to Do After the Game

Hilton Head Beaches



Miles of pristine beach, sun drenched, wind-swept.  You can enjoy the sound of the surf or get right in it and take a lesson on riding it.   The ocean one of the most wonderful features of  Hilton Head Island.  But if that isn’t enough, Hilton Head boasts more than 20 golf courses, over 50 miles of paved bike pathways and an 11-mile lagoon network for paddling.   

Where We Stayed

Palmetto Dunes Resort

One of the world’s finest tennis facilities is a definite reason to stay here, but so is the location.  It is set on 3 miles of the beaches that Hilton Head Island is so famous for.  The resort has 3 18 hole golf courses, an oceanfront pool, bike rentals and more.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina


1-866-380-1778
#3 Key West Florida Bay View Tennis Courts

Bay View Tennis Courts

You’ll never forget playing tennis at Bay View in Key West.  Like everything else in this unique tip of the United States, it seems to have a flavor of its own.  There are a group of regular KeyWesters and guests, and a sign up sheet to get on these free courts.  They make you feel very welcome, and after a few rounds of tennis, you can see why some people choose never to leave.  The facility has five courts that are also lit for night play.

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What to Do After

The sunset is a reason for celebration every night in Key West.  Once you’ve seen one, you’ll understand why.  The city’s Mallory Square sets the stage for the sun’s always dazzling exit from the day over the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting the solar spectacle with art and street performers, all watched by thousands of people.
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Where We Stayed

The most laid back way to stay in Key West has to be camping.  This southernmost tip of the continental United States is only about 90 miles from Cuba and shares with it a balmy climate that makes sleeping outdoors comfortable most of the year.  Boyd’s Campground is an interesting mix osnowbirds, young campers, regular  folks who have Key West on their itineraries, and even tennplayers.  Besides being on the ocean, the campground has a great pool that is one of the social centers of the resort.

Boyd’s Campground, Key West

Have a wonderful Valentines Day!