Want to Get Spooked this Halloween? These are the Stories of the Seven Scariest Spots in California!
By J.C. Thomas It’s the spoooo-kiest season of all, the most weird and wonderful time of the year for visiting unnerving attractions across California. We’re not talking about your neighbor’s haunted house, however impressive it might be. No, these seven places are the real deal, shrouding sinister backstories, authentic true crime happenings and ghostly legends […]
What Could be Better Than Books? Find Out What Other Cool Stuff Your Local Library Has to Lend!
Libraries need better PR. In addition to being bastions of books for learning and pleasure, libraries are comfortable, safe and resource-rich spaces that are welcoming to all members of the public. They are incredible community resources, yet it’s easy to just, kind of… forget they exist sometimes, and then feel very silly for doing so. […]
Museum Monday: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, Santa Barbara
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 and minutes from beaches and the pier. You can’t miss the striking museum – a […]
Museum Monday: La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles
“Visit the only Ice Age fossil site in the world that’s being actively excavated in the middle of a city!” This very niche, very cool claim to uniqueness could only be an invitation to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles. Part of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, La […]
These Six Species Were Saved From Extinction in California
Are you, perchance, suffering from increasing existential dread over the climate crisis? Have you lost all faith in humanity to save our own species from annihilation? It might be helpful to review some of the non-human species inhabiting California that – through human efforts – have been saved from extinction. As a bonus feel-good factor, […]
Hitching a Ride on a Stagecoach in Paso Robles
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 in the western imagination, familiar from countless movies and TV shows, the Wells Fargo logo […]
Humboldt: The Man Behind the Name
To Californians, Humboldt is the name of a county in the far north of the state, along with many places and products of that region. There’s Humboldt Bay, Fort Humboldt, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Humboldt State University and the foodie-favorite Humboldt Fog cheese. We associate the name Humboldt with the breathtaking scenes of the Northern […]
Visit Visalia Celebrates National Parks Week with Activities for Families
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Highlight America’s Treasures April 17-25, 2021 Visit Visalia is excited to celebrate National Parks Week April 17-25, 2021, in conjunction with the National Parks Service event held annually to highlight America’s treasures. The visitors bureau has created several events and activities for anyone looking to learn more about the […]
See a Gutenberg Bible – the Printed Book that Changed the World – at The Huntington Library
Gutenberg Bible No. 36 was printed in Mainz, Germany, circa 1455 on Europe’s first moveable metal type printing press. Today it’s on public display at The Huntington in San Marino, California. By J.C. Thomas Historians estimate that on this day in 1455, Johannes Gutenberg printed his first Bible – the first book ever produced using […]
Here are 10 Virtual Exhibitions Celebrating Black History Month in 2021
Museums and cultural institutions play a vital role in Black History Month by connecting individuals and communities with educational, informative and celebratory programs. With most physical venues in California currently closed due to the pandemic, Black History Month exhibits for 2021 have gone virtual. Here are 10 remarkable virtual exhibits, tours, discussions and other presentations […]
Island Packers Seasonal Whale Watching & Excursions to the Channel Islands Now Open
Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, with daily departures to the Channel Islands from Ventura Harbor Village, has now re-opened! The family-owned company founded in 1968 is once again offering daily trips to the Channel Islands National Park as well as winter whale watching excursions. Winter Whale Watching A winter whale watch […]
These are Southern California’s Most Beloved Burger Chains
The mid-20th century was a boomtime for burgers, with Southern California emerging as an epicenter of fast-food innovation. In concert with the region’s car culture, hamburger joints featuring drive-thrus, speedy walk-up windows, and drive-in service from roller-skated carhops sprang up all across the Southland. A handful of these vintage restaurants have not only survived into […]