Small-town charm in Central Valley

“EACH New Year’s, our group of 10 longtime friends goes off to celebrate at some congenial spot. This year we discovered a wonderful small-town experience in Hanford, in California’s Central Valley.

“We stayed at the Irwin Street Inn, a bed-and-breakfast made up of four turn-of-the-century Victorian homes. Interesting civic buildings, a strong sense of history and community, and a charming old inn at very reasonable prices make Hanford well worth exploring.” Doubles from $94.50.

Irwin Street Bed and Breakfast, 522 N. Irwin, Hanford, CA 93230; (866) 583-7378, www.irwinstreetinn.com.

RITA AND JERRY FRISCHER

Northridge

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A deal in Tel Aviv

“THE Adiv Hotel is two short blocks from the beach and steps from Ben Yehuda Street, where there are cafes, markets, shops and all manner of transportation. The owner, Eran Steinbach, runs a very European type of bed-and-breakfast. Amenities include a lobby lounge serving guests 24 hours a day and free underground parking. It serves the best breakfast and has the most reasonable rates for a hotel of this quality.” Double rooms from $99.

Adiv Hotel, 5 Mendele St.,

Tel Aviv, Israel; www.adivhotel.com, 011-972-3-522-9141.

MYRNA HELDFOND

Santa Ynez

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