Places to Play: Temecula, California
Fantastic wine, food and outdoor fun await in Temecula, Southern California’s wine country Temecula, known as Southern California’s wine country, occupies a scenic, sun-drenched valley amid rolling hills in Riverside County. The historic city and its rustic surrounds are approximately 60 miles north of San Diego, 85 miles from Los Angeles and 22 miles from […]
Escape to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, a Glorious San Diego Golf Resort and Spa
By J.C. Thomas Much like San Diego itself, every element of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar golf resort and spa is eminently appealing. In any season, for every kind of vacation – family fun, a romantic weekend or getaway with friends – the luxury resort and its spectacular surroundings promise perfection. Top among the resort’s […]
Places to Play: The Madonna Inn
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 place in the imaginations of all generations of Californians. Those of a certain age remember […]
A Historical Glimpse on the Centennial of Wilsonian Armenia
— OPINION — By Rachel Melikian A landmarked historical map carrying the Great Seal of the United States of America, affixed with the signature of the U.S. President, is 100 years old as of November 22, 2020. It was created under the Treaty of Sèvres, signed on August 10, 1920. President Woodrow Wilson arbitrated the […]
Yosemite in Summer 2020, a Dreamlike Experience
A Review of Yosemite Dreams: Rustic and Refined Lodging Near Oakhurst By J.C. Thomas In 2020, visiting Yosemite National Park in the peak of summer feels like a dream. Weird and lovely, almost eerily serene in the absence of big crowds, experiencing the park in this way is a privilege offered only by the extraordinary […]
Discover Incredible Eats in SLO
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 freshest fish and seafood from nearby Morro Bay. SLO embraces artisanal food culture and has […]
Places to Play: Molokai Plumerias, Molokai, Hawaii
On the leeward side of Molokai, one of the smallest and most tranquil of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, is the 10-acre Molokai Plumerias. The farm is dedicated to the beautiful, sweet-smelling plumeria flowers that are an icon of Hawaii, adorning many a souvenir-store trinket and a popular choice for flower leis. The company ships fresh […]
The Stylish, Luxurious Hotel Cerro (Re-) Opens in San Luis Obispo
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 no exaggeration to say the world was different then, before covid-19 and social distancing requirements […]
The Four Unseen Pillars of Father’s Day
By Rachel Melikian Something can stand on three pillars, but a house needs four. In the home, the father represents all four pillars, without which the home would collapse. Fathers often work silently and without expectation of praise for their sacrifices. This is the work that sustains the pillars and goes unseen on the shoulders […]
The Week in Politics
A weekly roundup of the biggest news in California… Governor Newsom Issues Proclamation Declaring Juneteenth Day of Observance Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring June 20, 2020, as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State of California. The text of the proclamation can be found here. The Latest on COVID-19 […]
Sip, Savor and Stay Safe
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 we’re in, focus is on good health, peace, and harmony. We reach out for ways […]
Elevate Your Las Vegas Experience at The STRAT
The STRAT, the thrill ride-focused rebirth of Vegas’ iconic Stratosphere Hotel, is open for business again! By Ariel Johns January 2020 marked the start of the new year. It also marked the start of the Stratosphere Hotel being rebranded as The STRAT, Casino and SkyPod. After a 140-million-dollar remodel from owners Golden Entertainment, the newly […]