I recently had the pleasure of staying in Manhattan Beach and happened upon the Second Story restaurant, located on the second floor of the newly renovated Belamar Hotel. It recently opened its doors to offer hotel guests and Manhattan Beach residents the inviting combination of contemporary American classics featuring fresh organic produce, a commitment to sustainability, warm service and a warm, inviting interior. Second Story, owned and operated by Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants, has the feel of a neighborhood restaurant and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Even those clubs who continue to attract great crowds to their home games have discovered that gate receipts cannot cover the increased costs of being competitive in football.

An increase in players’ wages effectively means that clubs have to pay more to keep their best players and/or to attract new players. A lot of clubs are not able to afford such wages and have to make the tough decision of borrowing extra funds to remain competitive. Competitiveness is even more vital when a club can get relegated at the end of the season.

While you’re checking off “fireplace in room” and “spa services” in your Web search for that perfect bed and breakfast, take time to remember the most important amenities of all: our natural resources. Many inns are energy efficient and designed to fit the surrounding landscape. Their proximity to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries remind us that traveling is neither decadent nor a luxury – it’s a reality check. A person who has spotted a whale breaching the surface of the ocean or looked at a bird’s nest from the foot of an ancient Redwood tree is more likely to be mindful of other habitats that go unseen from an office window.