Go Retro to a Palm Springs Polynesian Paradise: Caliente Tropics Resort
By Jon Bogart A getaway is always a good thought and, now more than ever, that thought is uppermost in mind. The world is opening up once again to indulge in sensory experiences that satisfy, refresh and rejuvenate. Nature, sunshine, warmth, fresh air and beauty all rank at the top of the list and, of […]
Happy Trails to Your Palm Springs Destination: Old Ranch Inn
By Jon Bogart The character of Palm Springs, California has strong historical roots as a desert sanctuary for the rich and famous. Hollywood celebrities and politicians have always found Palm Springs to be an easily accessible great escape from the lights, camera and action. As the world has become more technologically connected, so has stress […]
Where to Stay in Pacifica, CA: Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites
Book a night in a restful room just a stone’s throw from Pacifica’s Rockaway Beach We’re always eager to sing the praises of Pacifica, a delightful little beach town just a few miles south-west of San Francisco. With its sleepy small-town vibe, rugged natural landscapes, hiking trails and beaches galore, Pacifica is an ideal spot for […]
Where to Stay Near Legoland: Pelican Cove Inn Bed and Breakfast
By J.C. Thomas With the Legoland California resort as its major tourist attraction, plus beautiful beaches and a walkable downtown “village,” the coastal city of Carlsbad is an exceptional destination. Its proximity to San Diego’s countless attractions adds even more to Carlsbad’s appeal. As such, it has plenty of accommodation options including luxury resorts, well-known […]
A Trio of Treasures at Torrey Pines
In one prized pocket of La Jolla are three glorious landmarks: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. By J.C. Thomas The Torrey pine tree (pinus torreyana), the rarest pine species in North America, is an intriguing natural treasure. It’s very finnicky about its home, existing only […]
Make Yourself at Home at the Beach House Inn, Santa Barbara
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 a home – somewhere like the Beach House Inn in Santa Barbara. This boutique hotel […]
Stay at South Coast Winery for a Complete Wine Country Experience
South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa in Temecula, California offers luxury accommodations, farm-to-table cuisine, a full-service spa, and an award-winning winery all in one scenic spot By J.C. Thomas As the first and only full-service winery resort in the Temecula Valley, South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa checks all the boxes on any visitor’s must-do […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Lovely and Luxurious L’Auberge Del Mar: A Review
By J.C. Thomas The seaside village of Del Mar, just north of San Diego, is surely one of the loveliest spots in all Southern California. More than 2 miles of sandy beaches bound Del Mar, encompassing coastal parks, playgrounds, top-notch surf spots and a dog-friendly beach. The bluffs abutting those beaches are high and craggy, […]