The San Francisco Story of Green Goddess Dressing
Green goddess dressing might seem like a contemporary creation, given trending desires for photogenic fresh foods packed with a full herb garden’s worth of greenery. It’s actually almost 100 years since the sauce was invented and given its evocative name by a chef at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel. The original recipe is quite straightforward, blending […]
5 Crafty Hobbies to Try in 2021
It’s a brand-new year, but it’s hard to get excited about it when we’re still stuck at home for the foreseeable future. One way to inspire a feeling of novelty and switch up your old routine is to experiment with new crafty hobbies. Making things with your hands can be meditative and soothing, which makes […]
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 […]
2020 Holiday Gift Guide Part V: California Love
Staying close to home for so much of the year has inspired a new level of appreciation for our home state. Why not show your friends and family some California love with these delightful Golden State-themed gifts? (Prices are subject to change. Order a.s.a.p. if you need gifts to arrive before Christmas Day!) California Hoodie […]
2020 Holiday Gift Guide, Part IV: Gourmet Gifts
Delightful delicacies always make excellent gifts, especially when they’re all dressed up for the holidays in a fancy package. Gourmet gifts are a great choice for hard-to-buy-for family members and friends, and they might also alleviate concerns about needless consumption – we all have to eat, after all! This year, we invite you to consider […]
2020 Gift Guide, Part III: “Best of California” Cookbooks
Cookbooks are a go-to gift for the foodies in your life, but not all titles are gift-worthy. Don’t just grab any old recipe book! Read on for Part III of our holiday gift guide, in which we recommend some truly special books. They’re all packed with amazing recipes and gorgeous photographs, and all have a […]
2020 Holiday Gift Guide, Part II: Creative Kits
Do you have a few creative types to buy for this holiday season? We think that one of these kits might just be the perfect gift. Whether it’s a new craft you think they might enjoy or an activity that complements one of their long-time interests, these kits give your loved one the satisfaction of […]
2020 Holiday Gift Guide, Part I: Museum Gift Stores
Museum stores are the best! They tend to feature interesting, original collections of beautiful, quirky, and cool items that make fantastic gifts. This year, most museums are closed to the public or are open only in limited capacities, but their gift stores are available for online shopping. With the holidays quickly approaching, we suggest you […]
Places to Play: Copperopolis, California
In the serene Sierra foothills of Calaveras County is Copperopolis, a small town with a lot of stories to tell. Visitors come for the beautiful scenery, the lakes and rivers prime for fishing, hiking trails across rolling hills, top-notch golf courses and a burgeoning wine scene. Local attractions include Calaveras Big Trees State Park with […]
Places to Play: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Fish Camp, California
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a delightful family-friendly attraction just outside Yosemite National Park. Every day from April through to the end of October, passengers of all ages ride in open-air cars pulled by genuine vintage steam trains. The trains chug along 4 miles of narrow-gauge tracks through the scenic Sierra National Forest, […]
The Story of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
How an Italian chocolatier created the sweetest San Francisco icon By J.C. Thomas Ghirardelli, the third-oldest chocolatier in the United States, is today a beloved international brand. Contemporary consumers can’t get enough of the company’s filled chocolate squares, brownie mix and many other chocolate products. In San Francisco, Ghirardelli holds iconic status as a company, […]
Places to Play: Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California
A historic landmark, architectural masterpiece and cultural institution with the mission to bring astronomy to the people, Griffith Observatory means a lot to the people of Los Angeles. It’s a top tourist attraction too, with visitors from all over the world ascending the south slope of Mount Hollywood to take in unmatched views of the […]