A versatile weekend itinerary for art, food & fun in San Francisco
By J.C. Thomas San Francisco is such an exceptional destination that crafting a weekend itinerary can pose a real challenge. There are so many iconic things to see, do and eat in the city, and a one-night stay can only be stretched so far. Embrace the challenge, though, and the reward will be two days […]
A First Timer’s Guide to Atlanta, Georgia
Of all the awesome American cities worth flying to from California, Atlanta, Georgia, is surely among the most enticing. One of the most visited cities in the United States, it is packed with diverse tourist attractions that appeal to all ages and vacation styles. Atlanta’s communities are diverse and creative, with a vibrant, modern cityscape […]
Stay at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa for Pismo Beach Perfection
By J.C. Thomas Pismo Beach is the quintessential Central Coast beach town. Getaway perfection is found in Pismo’s setting, just off Highway 101, midway between LA and the Bay Area, with stunning oceanfront scenery and a relaxed, visitor-friendly vibe. These enticing attributes are all amplified when you stay at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa, a […]
Weekly News Roundup for Friday, July 5th, 2024
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Thompson Fire On July 3, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte County to support the response to the Thompson Fire, which has burned 3,002 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. The […]
Museum Monday: The National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, Tennessee
The third Monday in January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday to honor the life and legacy of the foremost figure of the American civil rights movement. The National Civil Rights Museum, adjacent to and encompassing the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, memorializes and celebrates Dr. King all year round. The museum […]
Weekly News Roundup for Friday, November 11th, 2022
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… Today is Veterans Day. Thank you to all the men and women who have served in our armed forces. Election Results Announced With Varying Timelines Gavin Newsom’s reelection as Governor of California was announced within minutes of the 8 p.m. closing of the polls […]
A Guide to the Scariest Spiders in California
Are you an arachnophobe? Do creepy black spider Halloween decorations freak you out far more than any witch, bat, ghost or thing that goes bump in the night? Perhaps some factual information about our arachnid neighbors here in California could ease that fear. As this guide to the most dangerous spiders in California explains, spider […]
Looking for a Place to Stay in Moab, Utah? The Gonzo Inn is Our No. 1 Pick
Moab, Utah is a very cool city. It has a trendy vibe, but in a timeless, not-actually-trying sort of way. Moab is also very good looking, with low-slung buildings and artsy accents that don’t bother trying to compete with the high-drama dazzle of its red-rock surroundings. Tourism there is built around cool-people kinds of adventures, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Places to Play: Santa Barbara Zoo
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 lowland gorillas, a flock of flamingos, and this year’s new arrivals (and brand-new parents!), African […]
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 […]