Since it takes the Earth approximately 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds to circle once around the Sun, we have a Leap year every four years to maintain our Gregorian calendar, otherwise we would lose almost six hours off our calendar every year. Here are some fun places to celebrate and interesting facts about Leap Year:

In the Los Angeles area & Catalina Island, businesses enjoy celebrating Leap Year by offering customers specials  –

1. Catalina Island – DINE, STAY & SPA for $29. The Hermosa Hotel is offering two for $29 on 2/29! This package includes Lodging for just $29 per person on Monday, February 29. Option to add-on round-trip boat transportation for just $29 per person each way. Some minor restrictions apply. Click HERE for more information or to book now. Enjoy a two course lunch or dinner on 2/29 – 3/5 for $29 at the Avalon Grille – 310-510-7494. Enjoy a $29 refresher manicure with cuticle care, exfoliation, and polish on 2/29 at the Island Spa Catalina -310-510-7300.
2. Extra patty on Leap Day at Dog Haus – Guests who order a burger at Dog Haus on Leap Day, Monday, Feb. 29 can upgrade to a double burger for free. Options include the Ringer, Holy Aioli, The Freiburger, Little Mule, The Hangover and Dog Haus’ traditional cheeseburger. 3335 S. Figueroa St., Ste. D, (213)748-4287; 3817 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, (626)796-4287; 105 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, (626)577-4287; 93 E. Green St, Pasadena, (626)683-0808. Other Southern California Locations:
   410 E. Main St., Alhambra, 626.282.4287; 3817 West Olive Ave., Burbank, 626.796.4287; 6501 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, 818.340.4287; 2555 E. Chapman Ave, Fullerton, 714.213.8265; 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.953.4287; 50 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks,  805.497.3644; 2678 E. Garvey Ave So., West Covina, 626.331.4287; 3335 S. Figueroa Street, Suite D, Los Angeles, ; 210 East 3rd Street, Long Beach, (Biergarten location)Out-of-State Locations
   12023 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80112, (720) 330-0823
   10200 S State St, Sandy, UT 10200, (801) 987-3202
   1651 S. 4th Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364, (928) 783-0967
3. Hollywood Hotel celebrates Leap Year with special packages for stays on Monday, Feb. 29, including 29 percent discounts on rooms and upgrades from deluxe rooms to superior rooms for $29, subject to availability. The packages are only available to guests on Feb. 29. Room rates start at $99 and packages range from $125 to $235. Guests can start their day with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, sit by a pool surrounded by gardens and enjoy a cocktail in the stylish outdoor bar and lounge. 1160 Vermont Ave., (323)315-1800.
4. Love & Salt offers late night their love menu this Leap Year on Monday, Feb. 29, with bar menu specials from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Diners can order chef Michael Fiorelli’s two-patty “downlow” burger with aged promontory cheese, caramelized onions and tomato aioli, or choose from six pizzas for $20. A glass of red or white wine or craft beer is served with the meal. The menu is available at the bar and chef’s counter only. 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., (310)545-5252.

   

5. Wienerschnitzel is showing appreciation to its loyal fans by offering a FREE All-Beef Dog with Chili, with ANY purchase through February 29. Wiener-lovers should present this coupon via mobile device to take advantage of this hot dog of a deal!
   To find your nearest Wienerschnitzel, visit: www.wienerschnitzel.com/locations

FUN FACTS –

1. People born on a Leap Year are called leapers. There are almost 5,000,000 with February 29 birthdays.
2. U.S. Presidential election and Summer Olympics are both held on Leap Years.
3. Traditionally, Leap Year is also a time when more marriage proposals are made, especially by women. In the good old days, if the man refused her proposal, he had to compensate the woman for turning her down. Usually this was buying her gloves to hide her embarrassment at not having a ring and paying a fine. Some say this was started in Ireland, when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about the fact that women had to wait for men to propose. So Patrick allowed women one day every four years to take the initiative. The tradition became the basis for Sadie Hawkins Day in the United States.
4. Local resident Mary Ann Brown of the city of Anthony, Texas, near New Mexico, proposed that the Anthony Chamber of Commerce host a festival centered on Leap Day. In 1988 the city self-proclaimed they are the Leap Year Capital of the World. They have a festival and a parade to celebrate.
5. It is considered bad luck to get married on Leap Year in Greece.