California

Explore the glamorous Golden State

Propose here

Walk your loved one to the northern viewing point on Golden Gate Bridge and pop the question in full view of the splendid San Francisco skyline.

To get you in the mood

Music wise, you're spoilt for choice. California is the home of Guns 'n' Roses, Los Lobos, The Doors, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac. But the ultimate Californian sound is surely the Beach Boys, especially their classic CD, Pet Sounds.

As for films set in California, the list is endless. But for a rare Hollywood movie that shows the industry like it really is, try Robert Altman's The Player, starring Greta Scacchi, Tim Robbins and Richard E Grant. And for a truly Californian reading experience, take a look at Jack Kerouac's Big Sur, the not exactly un-autobiographical tale of a retired Beatnik idol in search of peace and seclusion.

Language of love

Happee annivershree

Luv yah babe! (Response: Right back attcha)

Cool, dude! (plus high five) = Congratulations!

Let's tie the knot

Stags and hens

Just about anything you want to do is possible in California, but a good start is a wine tour of the vineyards of Napa Valley. Needless to say, a great deal of wine-tasting goes on. Go trekking through forests of towering redwood trees on the north coast of California, or do some deep-sea fishing or fly-fishing in one of the state parks.

Soak in a hot mineral spring in Marin County (after some mountain-biking), or luxuriate in a mud bath. If you are looking for something a little darker, take a ferry to the Alcatraz prison where Al Capone was holed up, and check out the concrete cell block for lifers.

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