Putting a bird cage next to the fish tanks did not sound like a good idea to me but it is has worked wonders for the Aquarium of the Pacific. With over 12,000 ocean animals from over 500 species, the aquarium celebrates the Pacific Ocean for the whole family. When you come up for air you can grab a cup of nectar and feed the birds at the Lorikeet Forrest, a 3,200 sq. ft. outdoor aviary located on the premises. For interactive exhibits and even a “behind the scenes” tour call: (562) 590-3100 or go to www.aquariumofpacific.org

For me, one measure of the quality of a sushi bar is the sea urchin, a Japanese delicacy; it can be the benchmark of freshness for the rest of the trawl. Everyone in town has their favorite sushi bar but frankly some of them are not fit for cat food in my opinion. One Pan-Asian place that catches two fish with one hook is Aki Sushi Bar & Bai-plu Thai Restaurant. This double bill is located on 7th Street at Walnut. You can order your tuna raw with roe and wasabi, or your trout deep fried with tangy mango sauce. Personally, I recommend the sea urchin. (562) 436-3123.

While company retailers like Gap, Banana Republic and Tilly’s bring our favorite mall selections within reach, boutiques like Body of Soul and B.B. Harris cater to both the man about town and his metro sexual counterpart. Ladies can style out at Kimberly’s, Jenny G, LaBella or Eden and even buy hot hip footwear at Herman’s Shoes. When you are done decorating you, you can adorn your living space with help from 5001 and Blue Windows or feed yourself with at least 6 ethnic food choices. From travel agents to book stores, there is almost nothing you can’t find on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore. www.belmontshore.org

Located on the magnificent bluff and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Long Beach Museum of Art includes the Elizabeth Milbank Anderson house and carriage house (built in 1912), and a two story pavilion across the courtyard, a museum store and the Muse patio café. The museum offers education for all ages along with its ever changing exhibits and Fridays are free! Information on upcoming exhibits and events: (562) 439-2119, www.lbma.org.

Did you know that the Museum of Latin American Art (molaa) is the only museum in the Western United States exclusively featuring contemporary Latin American fine art from Mexico, South America, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean? Well, you do now folks! This newly renovated museum located in the East Village Arts District has educational programs, a museum store and even more Latin flavors at their restaurant, VIVA! Molaa is located at 628 Alamitos Avenue. Phone: (562)-437-1689.

Have you ever been to Naples, Italy? Well I haven’t but I have taken a gondola ride around Naples Island and it can be just as relaxing. Gondola Getaway offers Gondola rides replete with a serenading gondolier and you can even bring wine and food. Gondola Getaway is located near Bayshore and Ocean Boulevard by the Sailing Center at 5437 East Ocean Blvd.; you can cruise the canals 7 days week from 11am to 11pm but you must make reservations. Contact: (562)433-9595.

Yes, in Long Beach. Just east of the 710 freeway, located on Carson Street, is the Rancho Rio Verde Riding Club. A little piece of the wild west, it offers boarding, training, stalls and of course riding lessons. Lessons start at $50 per hour for all levels, including the disabled, like me. Riding lessons are by appointment only, on Tuesdays thru Sundays, 6:30am to 8:30pm.

The self-sustained Long Beach Playhouse has been putting on a wide variety of works for 75 years now. The playhouse includes two theatres: the Studio Theatre, with 99-seats, offers musicals and traditional plays, and the Main Stage theatre, with seating for 200, stages comedies, classic dramas and contemporary pieces. The box office and playhouse are located at 5021 East Anaheim Street. Contact: (562)494-1616.

Whether you take the Catalina Express by water or Island Express Helicopters over to Catalina Island, you are only 22 miles away from a year round Mediterranean climate. Here you can rent a rod and reel, go golfing, horseback riding, hiking, camping, mountain biking, scuba diving or simply stroll through the botanical gardens. Whether you go parasailing or just enjoy the afternoon in a spa, you can spend the night or be back to Long Beach before the day’s end. www.catalina.com

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center includes the convention center, Arena and the Terrace Theatre. From car shows to the Ice Dogs, this massive complex offers a healthy schedule of events including the “Semana Jalisco Festival,” July 14th & 15th at the Terrace Theatre. For upcoming events and facility information go to: www.longbeachcc.com or call (562) 436-3636.

The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) named the City of Long Beach’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine the most outstanding parks and recreation agency in the country at its annual congress meeting. El Dorado East Regional Park & Nature Center offers 400 acres devoted to tennis, golf, arts & crafts, softball and the nature center. For a list of park services, youth programs and volunteer opportunities go to: www.longbeach.gov/park/

Want to see a great baseball game without driving to LA or Anaheim? You can with the Long Beach Armada. Even though no beer or autographs are allowed you can still get peanuts and Cracker Jacks while watching one of the Golden Baseball League’s finest teams. Regular season home games start in June and there are fireworks nights on July 3 and on August 10th and 18th. Tickets for the 32 home games start at $7; Blair Field is located at 4700 Deukmejian Drive, Long Beach. Call: (562) 434-7161.

There are countless benefits, both mental and physical, to practicing yoga. Yoga classes will relieve stress, increase muscle flexibility, improve breathing and most importantly, make your butt tighter. World Evolution Rudra Yoga Center at 2038 East 4th Street offers classes and instruction, workshops and character training (562) 433-9777. For those more intense yoga masters who want to be pushed to the limit I suggest Bikram Yoga Studio at 6324 E. PCH. Contact: (562) 596-6883.

Each year we close the streets down here in Long Beach for the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon. This year the marathon takes place on Sunday, October 14th and includes the marathon and half marathon; wheelchair and hand chair participants are always welcomed. If you would rather just watch, you can work as a volunteer for the event. Find out more at: www.runlongbeach.com

If you don’t feel like driving to LA for comedy shows you don’t have to. In fact, there are four nights a week you can enjoy a good laugh in the LBC. Monday night is comedy night at the Liquid Lounge with Mike Cochino and it is free; call (562) 494-7564. Tuesday night features Ricky Harris at Rhythm Lounge. Call: (562) 435-4288. Friday nights starting at 10PM, roll over to the Cotton Club West for some giggles and some waffles at Roscoe’s right next door. Call: (310) 654-1116. End the weekend with a chuckle on Sunday nights at Taco Beach with the Sunday Funnies and Matt Claybrooks, free. Contact: (562) 983-1337.

For almost 70 years, Morry’s of Naples has been serving locals and tourists alike. The wine shop has undergone a comprehensive makeover complete with a full restaurant. What has not changed is the wine tasting and beer sampling that takes place weekly. Sunday and Tuesday nights offer wine tasting and flights and on Thursday nights they host specialty beer tasting. Morry’s of Naples and the Backroom Wine Bar & Lounge is located at 5764 East 2nd Street, Long Beach. For more information, call (562)433-0405 or go to www.morrys.com

An ocean liner, museum and hotel in one, the Queen Mary is a must see Long Beach attraction. This family friendly landmark offers tours of the craft’s history, exhibits, shopping and award winning restaurants like Winston’s. Whether you spend the night in one of the 365 rooms that span 3 decks or simply take a “Paranormal Shipwalk” tour, a trip to the city is incomplete without a visit to Her Royal Highness of the seas. Location:1126 Queen’s Highway, Long Beach. Contact: (562) 435-3511 or go to www.queenmary.com.

Many years ago at the base of downtown, sunbathers, tourists and thrill seekers came to Long Beach’s version of Coney Island known as The Pike. The beach at the end of Pine was an amusement park filled with rides. Today, the renovated Pike area is filled with retail stores, restaurants and even a high tech arcade. But complex designers made a concession to enduring nostalgia by putting in a full functioning (hope you are not scared of heights!) Ferris wheel at The Pike to remind us that being a kid is timeless. Monday - Friday: 12pm-10pm; Saturday: 11am-11pm; Sunday: 12pm-10pm. Phone: (562) 436.4066

For the record, my handicap is 43 and I require alcohol on the golf cart at all times. Hopefully your game is better than mine. You can find out in at least three of the many courses right here in town. North Long Beach offers Bixby Village Golf Course, a 9-hole public course, (562) 498-7003. Across from the airport is Skylinks, an18-hole public course. Contact: (562) 421 3388, and on the 7th Street corridor is Recreation Park’s 9-hole public course. Contact: (562) 438-4012. Go get ‘em Tiger!

There are a number of places on Pine Avenue to go where you will hear music and feel your body moving. But there are two places on Pine that will intensify your Saturday night fever, city style. Café Sevilla, the hip and savory Spanish restaurant of San Diego Gaslamp fame has a nightclub on the third floor overlooking Pine Avenue that is brand new with a discolicious flare. At the other end of the building on the second floor is Cohiba Nightclub & Cigar Bar where it doesn’t get dimmer or dirtier for your dancing decadence. Sevilla, call (562) 495-1111, Cohiba, call (562) 491-5220.

The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra was established in 1935 and draws loyal followers to its six “Classics,” performed in the Terrace Theatre and to its four “Symphony POPS!” concerts in the Long Beach Arena. The LBSO also serves over 50,000 students per year through its educational programs. For more information on scheduling or becoming a benefactor you can contact: www.lbso.org

Two great places downtown to go for live music are the Blue Café and the Vault 350. The Blue Café, located on the promenade downtown, offers live entertainment every week: blues, hip-hop, funk, R&B, rock and soul. Go to: www.thebluecafe.com or show up, 210 The Promenade North, (562) 983-7111. The Vault 350 is a renovated bank at 350 Pine Avenue that books performances from new bands to the B52’s and Berlin, in a classy but intimate venue. Call the Vault box office at (562) 590-5566. Opening soon: Backstage – another live venue on Pine Avenue.

If you have free time, energy and the desire to help others you have a surfeit of choices and causes to choose from. Memorial Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital as well California State University of Long Beach all have volunteer programs, and in Belmont Shore the Community Action Team run by Justin Rudd handles up to a dozen community events a year you can support. Contact Justin for more information: www.communityactionteam.org

You don’t have to know any Bob Marley tunes to enjoy this gig. You can tour Long Beach harbor in the company of friends and strangers with Reggae Boat Parties. The boats come equipped with a full bar, barbeques and live music so you can dance your bathing suit off. They have Reggae Cruises, Blues Cruises and Holiday Cruises but call ahead because it is by reservation only: call (562) 799-7000 on any day or go to www.reggaeboat.com

Located right here at Long Beach Airport is Angel City Flyers. ACF puts safety first in their structured and disciplined approach available to pilots for operating either commercially or privately in the friendly skies. They use state of the art flight simulators and Diamond aircrafts for their proven performance, safety and reliability. For hourly rates and certification requirements you can contact them at: (562) 366-4806 or at info@angelcityflyers.com

If having another man sing to you in Italian while you sip wine is distracting and you want to captain your own ship then go to Bay Boat Rentals and rent a Duffy Boat. These covered electric boats have enough power to cruise around for hours on the bay and through the canals as you devour your cheese plate and bottle of Krug while listening to Sade and slow dancing. Oh yeah, they are great for the whole family too! Bay Boat Rentals is located at 186 N. Marina Drive. Call: (562) 598-2628,

On Fridays, between 4th and 5th Streets in CityPlace downtown, is the Farmer’s Market. It is so nice that we have to do it twice; on Sundays, 9am-1pm, there is an encore of the market fair in the Alamitos Bay parking lot across from Sachi nightclub. You will find fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, breads, fresh cut flowers and you can even get fresh seafood (this guy rocks!) from “Pete the fish guy”. There is no direct website or phone number for this event…C’est la vie!

Undoubtedly, one of the most community oriented events put on by the parks and recreation department every year is the Concert in the Park series. On July 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th the Long Beach Municipal Band will make the green at Marine Stadium their public stage while children and dogs happily roam around the various picnic blankets. This is great fun for the whole family! The band performs in other parks as well, so to get park schedules go to: www.lbparks.org.

Operation Jump Start (California Non-Profit) is a Long Beach community-based mentoring program devoted to supporting needy youth who show strong academic promise to stay in school and improve their lives through education. If you would like to volunteer your time, money or tutelage, you can contact OJS at (562) 988-2131 or opjumpstrt@aol.com

In 1924 it opened as The Carter Theatre and had an orchestra pit and a pipe organ. It became The Lee in 1935 and then adopted its present namesake in the 1940’s. The Art Theatre is only one of a few independent theatres from this era enduring in the Los Angeles area. Showcasing obscure foreign and independent works, you won’t find “movies” here, but you will find “films” and you get to watch them in a real film house. 2025 East 4th Street. Phone: (562) 438-5435.

Just down the way from that great theatre is a small collection of privately owned retail stores that are off the beaten path. Located between Junipero & Cherry on 4th Street you will find virtual superfluity of vintage and retro furniture, clothing and accessories stores. All privately owned and next door to one another, this one block will make old feel new again.

The 2007 ViewSonic Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival will be held at Marine Stadium in Long Beach on July 28-29, 2007. You can see traditional Chinese art demonstrations, Chinese acrobats, martial arts performances and music in addition to the Dragon Boat Festival. This cultural treat is fun for the whole family. Go to http://www.lbdragonboat.com

If you have nothing to do on Tuesday nights at 5pm, you can put your thumb on the pulse of the community by attending a City Council Meeting. Air your gripes, compliments and ideas or just sit and listen to other speakers as they debate how to better our community, at present and in the future. Call (562) 570-6555 or go to: www.ci.long-beach.ca.us

Take the whole family, a picnic basket and a chair and relax on the front lawn at the Long Beach Aquarium for the 9th Annual Shakespeare Festival’s performance of Romeo and Juliet. It is free to the public and runs through July 15th. Pre-show festivities start at 6pm. For bard information call (562) 862-1779 or go to www.lbshakespeare.org.

Long Beach is a Mecca for water activities and clearly one of the most popular is sailing. United States Sailing Center - Long Beach is a true training center for sailors of all levels. Developmental clinics, Youth At-Risk activities, Learn-tosail classes and even their own Disabled Sailing Association are the core of their mission: helping to advance, expand and cultivate the sport of sailing. The “Kids Sailing Camp” and the “Teenage Sailing Program” are available this summer. Call for details. (562) 433-7939.

If you want to take in the spectacular and explosive patriotic pyrotechnics for the 4th of July, there is no better place to do it than on the shores and bluffs of Long Beach. The Queen Mary will light up the night sky starting at 9PM for a sure to please show that will commemorate the 230th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I suggest you put your blanket or tent out early that morning because it will be standing room only along the bluffs. P.S. Fireworks are illegal in our city limits.

Serving students, educators, researchers and the general public, The Historical Society of Long Beach promotes the city’s history through development, exhibits and their gallery located at 110 Pine Avenue. The society’s collection includes 3,000 photographic images, 27,000 photographic prints and 3,000 slides. Viewing Polaroid snapshots, volatile nitrate negatives from the 1930’s and fragile glass plate negatives enables you to see our city’s history though different lenses. Phone: 562-495-1210 for hours.

Souvenir stores, restaurants, eccentric vendors line this popular waterfront boardwalk. Shoreline Village at 419 Shoreline Drive has a fun zone for kids, live entertainment, bike rentals and most importantly, city and sunset views. Play in the arcade, have a “yard” of beer at the Yard House or maybe have your caricature drawn--there is fun for every age group in the village. Phone: (562)435-2668.

Did you know that Long Beach is the only LA county city with an “off-leash” dog beach? Located at the end of Granada in Belmont Shore, the city has dedicated the value of 3 acres of sandy beachfront for our pet pooches. So when you want to feel the sand between your paws come to the Dog Beach Zone…but don’t forget baggies.

Whomever you pray to, this fair city offers a temple, church or meeting hall for people of your faith. Jainists, Buddhists, Taoists, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Protestants and even members of the Church of Latter Day Saints can find the appropriate place to worship within our city limits. This long internet address at Long Beach Religion Directory will give you a lengthy list of choices and blessings: www.losangeles.com/religion/business-directory/south-east-la/long-beach

Dedicated in 1981, the Earl Burns Japanese Gardens, located at CSULB, is a prime location for events such as the upcoming Origami Art Festival on July 15th or even a special family function. Imagine: three peaceful acres of flowers, foliage and a winding path that has you hovering over Koi fish while you inhale nirvana. How pretty is this place? Pretty enough to get married in…I did 20 years ago. (562) 985-5930.

They don’t call it Long Beach for nothing. The bike path runs from Alamitos Bay to 54th Place. This flawlessly flat 3.1 mile path is perfect for walking, running, biking or blading and our south facing beach will tan you perfectly in both directions. Take in the views of the Queen Mary and Catalina Island as you get fresh air and work out.

At the 18th Annual Car Show in Belmont Shore you don’t have to know how to change your oil to appreciate the hot rods, vintage rides, imports and all that gleaming chrome. Daddy loves chrome! Sunday, September 9th from 10am to 3pm, over 70,000 people and over 700 cars will fill the 2nd Street strip and its 14 side streets with one of the largest annual car shows on the West Coast. www.belmontshore.org

Let’s start with a kayak. Kayaking around the bay is a blast and it’s cheap too! For about $10 an hour you can get sun and exercise on the water while having a good time with family or friends. We could not find a name or phone number for this seasonal Kayak Rental outlet but it is located at Alamitos Bay - 5437 East Ocean Blvd. and is open every day of the summer, weekends and when the weather is nice.

For over 10 years on the 2nd Saturday of the month, the 2nd Saturday Art Walk has been a community venue for live entertainment and art exhibits for local artists and performers. Located in the East Village Arts District downtown you can enjoy cafés, art openings and even fine dining at this distinctive monthly destination. The Art Walk helps artists of all levels and encourages business growth downtown. BUY ART!

V.I.P. Records at 1014 East PCH is the epicenter of counter culture music in Long Beach and one of the most iconic privately owned record stores in California. This store, one of Snoop Dogg’s favorites, with the old school sign from his music video and oversized airbrushed album covers, gratifies all tastes with what is fresh and newly released. Hip Hop, Neo Soul, R&B, Classic Funk, Rap are all available and you can pick up some of it in “vintage vinyl” while supporting a local business. (562) 591-2349.

Or, you can learn how to swim in an Olympic pool. The Belmont Plaza Pool has swimming lessons and Belmont Junior Aquatics Camp, as well as local and regional events and meets. Granted, if you just want to swim laps you can do that too. The pool is located on the beach at 4000 Olympic Plaza. Contact: (562)570-1806.

On the air! Host your own internet radio program at Long Beach City College on KCTY.org and be as bad as you wanna be…well kinda. Take the required class to learn the logistics of the radio booth and you could be spinning the classics like Ryan Seacrest or howling like Wolfman Jack. Get details from the direct station phone line, (562) 938-4300.

“People watching” is the number one pastime in Long Beach and any doubt of it will be erased in the summer time at Horny Corners. Bay Shore Avenue along the bay has a beach from 2nd Street to Ocean Boulevard, and in the summer time the street is closed to cars. The street and sand becomes an eye candy extravaganza with bronzed and toned bodies rolling by on blades, bikes and beers. The name “Horny Corners” was not my invention; see for yourself how this part of the Shore earned its lofty title.

In anything but my humble opinion, the best place in town to enjoy Sunday Brunch is Khoury’s Restaurant on the bay. Sure you have your typical omelet station with eggs cooked to order, but that’s just for starters. From Chicken Palitos to Cajun Salmon to an entire station of Mediterranean cuisine there is not a fruit, vegetable or flavor you can’t find as you sit on the glimmering bay watching the good life that you are part of. 110 Marina Drive. Phone: (562) 598-6800.

Okay, so I didn’t mention the Grand Prix or the place you go on the bay where you can see hundreds of jellyfish. I am certain I left many things out — but that is because the city is constantly growing, rejuvenating itself with new events, sites and attractions for all ages. Readers and residents alike are fortunate to have so many choices here in Long Beach; we really do live the “good life” here. I haven’t revisited Iowa in many years. If I ever do go back, I will be sure to tell them all about “Iowa by the sea”.