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Hotel Casa 425 and Claremont Yoga Present Vino + Vinyasa, Free Yoga Class Plus Happy Hour, June 23

It worked so well the first two times, Hotel Casa 425 and Claremont Yoga will team up once again to present Vino + Vinyasa, an afternoon of stress relief and relaxation. The event takes place Sunday, June 23 in the hotel’s outdoor courtyard.

Casa425 The complimentary, hour-long yoga session led by Nicole Schwander Riel, co-owner of Claremont Yoga and lululemon ambassador, will start at 3:30 p.m. Vinyasa, also called flow yoga, is a style that employs synchronized postures and breathing techniques at a faster pace, thus providing aerobic benefits in addition to the increased flexibility, better posture, and stress reduction commonly associated with traditional forms of yoga.

From 4 to 7 p.m., participants will enjoy Happy Relaxation Hour in the Hotel Casa 425 Lounge, with select glasses of wine starting at just $5.

The June 23 Vino + Vinyasa is the first of four such sessions to be held at Hotel Casa 425 this summer. “What started as a one-time event was such a hit, we decided to do it again. When the second Vino + Vinyasa was even more popular than the first, we knew it was time to make them a more regular thing,” said Tara Naughtin, Manager of Hotel Casa 425. The result: Vino + Vinyasa events featuring different instructors from both Claremont Yoga and Green Tara Yoga are also slated for July 14, August 11 and September 8, 2013.

Participants should bring yoga mats and arrive 15 minutes prior to class start time, as spots are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.casa425.com.

Hotel Casa 425 is located in downtown Claremont at 425 W. First Street, in historic Claremont Village. The lounge offers a casually sophisticated venue for mingling with friends, along with signature drinks, an extensive wine and beer list and gourmet small plates. Indoor seating is available, or relax in the hotel’s central courtyard, which feels more like an outdoor living room with its canopy of trees, lounge furniture, fountains, and glass fire pits.

Hotel Casa 425 is part of the Four Sisters Inns collection, including 13 properties in California. The group includes the Blue Lantern Inn (Dana Point), Hotel Casa 425 (Claremont), Channel Road Inn (Santa Monica), Newport Beach Hotel (Newport Beach), Gosby House Inn and Green Gables Inn (Pacific Grove), West Cliff Inn (Santa Cruz), Blackbird Inn (downtown Napa), Maison Fleurie and Lavender (Napa Valley), Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza (Healdsburg), Inn at Sonoma (Sonoma) and the Gaige House (Glen Ellen).

6th Annual Mi Casa es Su Casa Wine, Spirits and Craft Beer Tasting Benefit, June 2

Delight in an evening of fine wine, select spirits and craft beer tasting at the “Inland Valley’s Best” boutique hotel and lounge in the Claremont Village, Hotel Casa 425. The sixth annual “Mi Casa es Su Casa” event will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2013, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Claremont Community Foundation and Claremont Educational Foundation.

Sip an array of special libations while tasting savory appetizers and listening to exciting flamenco music and soft jazz. Come and meet the wine makers and representatives of these exceptional offerings which include Chalk Hill, Hahn, Beaulieu, Mount Veeder, Chocolate Box, Glenlivet, Heaven Hill, Claremont Craft Ales and Dale Bros. Brewery.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.claremonteducationalfoundation.org

Hotel Casa 425 Lounge Announces Spring & Summer Live Music Schedule

Warm evenings are back, and Hotel Casa 425 is ready with a new schedule of live music to accompany the innovative cocktails and small plates menu in the 425 Lounge.

Featured performers on the agenda include jazz guitarist Lorenzo Grassi, Flamenco-jazz guitarist Vahagn Vahagni, and modern jazz guitarist Brandon Bernstein. Admission to all performances is complimentary.

Hotel Casa 425 is located at 425 W. First Street, in historic Claremont Village. The 425 Lounge offers a casually sophisticated venue for mingling with friends, along with signature drinks, an extensive wine and beer list and gourmet small plates. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. daily, with select small plates and drinks ranging from $5 to $10.

Indoor seating is available, but many prefer to relax in the hotel’s central courtyard, with its canopy of trees, lounge furniture, fountains, and fire pits. The small plates menu represents a blend of American and Latin flavors, tempting patrons with offerings ranging from Cajun Calamari with ginger lime aioli and Pulled Pork Sliders to Champagne Chevre Salad.

The Casa 425 Lounge live music schedule includes:

Wed, May 1, 6-9 pm: Lorenzo Grassi (solo)

Sat, May 25, 7-10pm: Vahagni (trio)

Wed, June 5, 6-9 pm: Brandon Bernstein (solo)

Sat, June 22, 7-10pm: Lorenzo Grassi (trio)

Wed, July 3, 6-9 pm: Lorenzo Grassi (solo)

Sat, July 27, 7-10pm: Vahagni (trio)

Wed, Aug 7, 6-9 pm: Vahagni (solo)

Sat, Aug 24, 7-10pm: Brandon Bernstein (trio)

Wed, Sept 4, 6-9 pm: Brandon Bernstein (solo)

Sat, Sept 28, 7-10pm: Lorenzo Grassi (trio)

Wed, Oct 2, 6-9 pm: Vahagni (solo)

Sat, Oct 26, 7-10pm: Brandon Bernstein (trio)

For more information, visit www.casa425.com.

Hotel Casa 425 is part of the Four Sisters Inns collection, with 13 properties in California: Blue Lantern Inn (Dana Point), Newport Beach Hotel (Newport Beach), Hotel Casa 425 (Claremont), Channel Road Inn (Santa Monica), Gosby House Inn and Green Gables Inn (Pacific Grove), West Cliff Inn (Santa Cruz), Blackbird Inn (Napa), Maison Fleurie and Lavender (Yountville), Inn at Sonoma (Sonoma), Gaige House (Glen Ellen) and Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza (Healdsburg).

Claremont Restaurant Week Coming July 9-16, 2013

Claremont is hosting its first-ever Claremont Restaurant Week – running for eight nights, July 9-16, 2013 – to showcase the City of Tree’s many pubs, grills, sandwich shops, bakeries, and fine dining restaurants. Many of the city’s more than 80 locally owned eateries will participate by offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus highlighting their cuisines.

Claremont restaurants already confirmed to participate include Casa de Salsa (Mexican), Casa Moreno (Mexican), Eddie’s New York Pizzeria (Italian), Kazama Sushi (Japanese), La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana (Italian), Loving Hut Claremont (Vegan), Pita Pit Claremont (Greek), The Press Restaurant (American), and Tutti Mangia Italian Grill (Italian).

“Claremont Restaurant Week will showcase the stellar chefs, delicious menus and outstanding restaurants that make up the Claremont culinary scene,” said Maureen Aldridge, CEO, Claremont Chamber of Commerce.

More details and a growing list of participating restaurants can be found at http://www.ClaremontRestaurant.com. Visitor information and a complete listing of restaurants, hotels, boutiques, day spas, events and more can be found at www.discoverclaremont.com.

Discover Claremont to Find Fair Trade Gifts and Getaways

Claremont, the first Fair Trade Town in Southern California, is offering an opportunity for visitors to “save green” when they “stay and shop green”. Now through April 30, 2013, the Claremont tourism board is offering its popular “Discover Claremont” stay-and-relax package that includes $100 in gift cards, which can be used to shop Claremont’s collection of shops, markets and restaurants offering Fair Trade products.

Shopping in Claremont, California, includes a number of boutiques that carry Fair Trade Certified merchandise.

Claremont made history in April 2012 when its city council approved a resolution to become a Fair Trade Town. The designation means Claremont encourages its merchants to support small producers locally and worldwide that adhere to environmental standards to protect the planet, safe working conditions, fair prices and no forced child labor.

Claremont visitors will find dozens of locally owned boutiques that carry Fair Trade Certified™ merchandise and products, including The Bath Workshop, Buddhamouse Emporium, Cloud Nine, Colors 91711, Folk Music Center, Heirloom, On A Mission, Phebie’s Needle Art, Rio de Ojas, Studio Claremont and Tintura Salon. Eateries serving Fair Trade coffee or tea include Espiau’s, Euro Café, The Motley, Pit Stop Café, The Press Restaurant, Sage Hen Café, Some Crust Bakery, The Spot and Wolfe’s Market.

The “Discover Claremont” package includes a one-night stay and $100 in Claremont gift cards redeemable at more than 100 participating retailers, including locally owned shops, day spas and salons, and restaurants and pubs. A limited number of “Discover Claremont” packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis through April 30, 2013, to guests who book directly through participating Claremont hotels, including Hotel Casa 425 (909-624-2272) and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont (909-626-2411).

A complete list of Claremont merchants participating in the gift card promotion can be found at http://discoverclaremont.com/giftcards/.

About Discover Claremont

Discover Claremont is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Claremont, California. Known for its seven nationally renowned colleges, Claremont is a hidden gem in greater Los Angeles – an ideal destination for intimate, relaxing days and nights. Visitors who “Take Time to Exhale” under Claremont’s urban canopy will discover inviting guest rooms, relaxing day spas, more than 80 restaurants and pubs, dozens of locally owned boutiques, and an abundance of outdoor activities from bicycling to skiing to golf. Claremont is also the first Fair Trade Town in Southern California, reflecting the community’s commitment to using ethically sourced products; many local retailers and eateries carry Fair Trade Certified™ merchandise and foods. Whether by car or Metrolink, Claremont is “the getaway that’s only a few miles away.”

Henry Rollins, David Lindley Announced For 30th Annual Claremont Folk Festival

For the first time, the Folk Music Center and Museum and Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden have joined forces to present the Claremont Folk Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2013.

The 30th annual event includes live music, an artists’ village, music and art workshops, food trucks and children’s entertainment.

The 86-acre Garden, which is the largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants, will be open to event ticket holders. Attendees can visit the Butterfly Pavilion for the standard admission fee, $2 per visitor, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Gourmet food trucks, local microbreweries and area caterers will provide food and drinks. Local artists will be selling art, musical instruments and more.

The musical entertainment line-up includes David Lindley, Henry Rollins, Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys, Leon Mobley and Da Lion Moira Smiley and Voco, Round Mountain, Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, Black Tongued Bells, Tremoloco, Ross Altman, Peter Harper and Phoebe Bridgers.

Workshops will be held throughout the day. The schedule includes: African Drumming, Cajon Drumming, Songwriting, European and American Folk Songs, Gypsy Guitar, Ukulele, Mosaic Making Studio, Drum Circle, Slide Guitar, Print Making, Puppet Theater, Didgeridoo, Harmonica and Protest Songs.

This is a rain or shine event; no refunds. Garden will not be open for general admission. Claremont Folk Festival tickets are required for entry. RSABG members are eligible for a 20 percent discount on tickets. Tickets available online http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/338849

About RSABG

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, founded in 1927 by Susanna Bixby Bryant, is the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California native plants. The Garden is located on 86 acres in Claremont, approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles. RSABG, a private, nonprofit organization, brings conservation applications to the public through horticultural education, scientific research and sales of native plants at Grow Native Nursery.

Visitor information

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, located at 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont, California, is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., except Jan. 1, July 4, Thanksgiving and Dec. 25. Free parking; accessible paths throughout the Garden. Standard admission (does not include special events): free for RSABG members; $8 adults; $6 seniors and students; $4 children 3-12. For more information please call (909) 625-8767 or visit www.rsabg.org.

Vino Y Vinyasa at Hotel Casa 425 Featured on LATimes.com

Great LA Times feature on the Vino Y Vinyasa event at Hotel Casa 425, this coming Sunday.

For Boutiquers: Maple Boutique Opens in Claremont

Maple Boutique has relocated to the Claremont Village from Wrightwood. First established in 2008, Maple brings women’s apparel and accessories for all ages, carrying lines such as Alternative Apparel, BB Dakota, It Jeans, Silver Jeans, See Thru Soul and Kut to name a few.

Reflecting its first location in the San Gabriel Mountains, Maple’s interior incorporates natural materials to create a spare yet welcoming space. They have incorporated reclaimed wood, suspended manzanita tree branches, tree stumps and logs to display the merchandise and all of their clothing are hung on recycled hangers.

Maple Boutique is located at 456 W First Street. For more information please visit www.mapleboutique.com.

Hotel Casa 425 Offers California Wine & Cheese Exploration

Wondering what to pour when you serve that delicious wine-soaked cheddar you bought at the local gourmet shop? Get some tips on Tues., Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m. when Hotel Casa 425 presents a California Wine & Cheese Exploration.

Participants will taste up to 10 different wines, paired with an array of select cheeses ranging from C.G. Bermuda Triangle goat cheese to, yes, Fiscalini Soaked Cheddar. As the evening progresses, you’re sure to pick up enough knowledge to get you through the upcoming holiday entertaining season.

Cost for the California Wine & Cheese Exploration is $20 per person, and reservations are required. Call Hotel Casa 425 at 909-624-2272 to reserve your spot.

Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge is located in downtown Claremont at 425 W. First Street, in historic Claremont Village. The lounge offers a casually sophisticated venue for mingling with friends, along with signature drinks, an extensive wine and beer list and gourmet small plates. Indoor seating is available, or relax in the hotel’s central courtyard, which feels more like an outdoor living room with its canopy of trees, lounge furniture, fountains, and glass fire pits. For more information, visit www.casa425.com.

Hotel Casa 425 is part of the Four Sisters Inns collection, with 14 properties in California. The group includes the Blue Lantern Inn (Dana Point), Hotel Casa 425 (Claremont), Channel Road Inn (Santa Monica), Newport Beach Hotel (Newport Beach), Gosby House Inn and Green Gables Inn (Pacific Grove), Seal Cove Inn (Moss Beach), West Cliff Inn (Santa Cruz), Blackbird Inn (downtown Napa), Maison Fleurie and Lavender (Napa Valley), Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza (Healdsburg), Inn at Sonoma (Sonoma) and the Gaige House (Glen Ellen).

Hotel Casa 425 and Claremont Yoga Present Vino & Vinyasa: Free Yoga Class Followed by Happy Relaxation Hour

Hotel Casa 425 and Claremont Yoga are teaming up Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, to present Vino & Vinyasa, an afternoon of stress relief and relaxation. The event takes place at the hotel’s outdoor courtyard.

Participants will start at 3 p.m. with a complimentary, hour-long yoga session led by Nicole Schwander Riel, co-owner of Claremont Yoga and lululemon ambassador. Vinyasa, also called flow yoga, is a style that employs synchronized postures and breathing techniques at a faster pace, thus providing aerobic benefits in addition to the increased flexibility, better posture, and stress reduction commonly associated with traditional forms of yoga.

From 4 to 7 p.m., the class wraps up with Happy Relaxation Hour in the Hotel Casa 425 Lounge, with select glasses of wine and small plates starting at just $5.

Participants should bring a yoga mat and arrive 15 minutes prior to class start time, as spots are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.casa425.com.

Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge is located in downtown Claremont at 425 W.First Street, in historic Claremont Village. The lounge offers a casually sophisticated venue for mingling with friends, along with signature drinks, an extensive wine and beer list and gourmet small plates. Indoor seating is available, or relax in the hotel’s central courtyard, which feels more like an outdoor living room with its canopy of trees, lounge furniture, fountains, and glass fire pits.

Hotel Casa 425 is part of the Four Sisters Inns collection, including 14 properties in California. The group includes the Blue Lantern Inn (Dana Point), Hotel Casa 425 (Claremont), Channel Road Inn (Santa Monica), Newport Beach Hotel (Newport Beach), Gosby House Inn and Green Gables Inn (Pacific Grove), Seal Cove Inn (Moss Beach), West Cliff Inn (Santa Cruz), Blackbird Inn (downtown Napa), Maison Fleurie and Lavender (Napa Valley), Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza (Healdsburg), Inn at Sonoma (Sonoma) and the Gaige House (Glen Ellen).