Here’s an easy way to feel like you’ve cleansed your soul, just a little bit – take a stroll around your local botanical gardens.  There are around 100 botanical gardens in California that are open to the public, according to…
A clearing and dry creek bed under a shady oak tree at Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens in California
Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens
If you’re exploring Santa Barbara with kids, a visit to MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a must. This interactive science museum is in a prime location on lower State Street, right next to the train station…
The white wall exterior of MOXI museum in Santa Barbara, California, with a giant color mixing machine visible in the entrance
By Jon Bogart Life’s daily demands propel our minds to wander, as we zoom in and out of computer screens and traffic tie-ups, to a time and place where we can unwind and rejuvenate. A laid-back vibe, fresh ocean air, a…
The Santa Barbara, California coastline as seen across the ocean from the pier
The coast of Santa Barbara, California, seen across the ocean from the pier
Looking for fun things to do for the whole family in Paso Robles? You’ll never forget the unique experience of a stagecoach ride and ranch tour and at Harris Stage Lines.  By J.C. Thomas The stagecoach has a prominent place…
Tom Harris dressed in western wear walks under a sign reading Happy Trails Ranch in reverse, part of a tour and stagecoach ride in Paso Robles, California
And a Spotlight on Four Fantastic Paso Robles Wineries As the world’s fourth-largest wine producer, California has no shortage of destinations promising a world-class wine-tasting experience. The state boasts 142 AVAs, federally recognized American Viticultural Areas. Claiming no fewer than…
rows of large wooden wine barrels in the cellars of Eberle Winery in Paso Robles, California
It’s always fun to imagine living full-time in a destination you’re only visiting, no matter how realistic or far-fetched the idea might be. The fantasy feels especially real when you find a place to stay that evokes the feeling of…
the flower-filled courtyard of the Beach House Inn in Santa Barbara, California
Since its founding in 1926, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has been one of the city’s top attractions. It feels safe to say that locals and visitors have never been so appreciative of such a safe, scenic and peaceful outdoor space.…
A small child in the distance approaching a redwood tree at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
As a destination blessed by an abundance of loveliness, it’s no surprise that Santa Barbara has a superb zoo. The AZA-accredited Santa Barbara Zoo covers 30 acres and is home to more than 500 animals. Among them are giraffes, western…
Giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo, one of the best attractions for kids in Santa Barbara
Eat, stay and play at San Luis Obispo’s kitschiest icon The Madonna Inn, a famous hotel, restaurant and bakery just off Highway 101, is a whimsical icon of California’s Central Coast. Dating to 1965, the delightfully wackadoodle property holds a…
Madonna Inn Steakhouse San Luis Obispo Gold Rush Steakhouse
By J.C. Thomas San Luis Obispo is well established as a fantastic destination for foodies. Its Central Coast setting means the city is surrounded by agricultural riches including local wines and a world of fresh, seasonal produce, along with the…
Rotisserie porchetta, roasted vegetables and romesco at SLO Provisions
A review of the beautiful, brand-new Hotel Cerro in SLO upon its mid-June reopening By J. C. Thomas In January 2020 – a lifetime ago – Hotel Cerro celebrated its much-anticipated grand opening in downtown San Luis Obispo. It is…
The Mission Fig Patio at Hotel Cerro, San Luis Obispo
By Jon Bogart Good news is always welcome! Here is some… We have discovered that some of the finest boutique wineries from glorious California wine-making regions are shipping directly to consumers – right to their doorstep.  Given the times that…
(Image by Gordana Stanisic from Pixabay )