2023 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 14th this year, so it’s time to start brainstorming gift ideas for your mom, your kids’ mom and any other important mother figures in your life. Flowers and a card are always nice, as are gift cards in a pinch. Here are some better ideas… Brass Rain Chime Earrings […]

Places to Play: Modesto, California

Check out the Central Valley city of Modesto for the almond blossom cruise, cool downtown murals and more By J.C. Thomas [Note: This post was originally published in March, 2021 and was updated in March, 2023. Due to this year’s unusually cold, wet weather, Modesto’s almond blossom season is later than average. You might still […]

M.S. Dixie II is Lake Tahoe’s Best Four-Season Experience

The most popular activities around Lake Tahoe depend greatly on the season: snow sports in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer, and scenic driving tours when the weather’s clear. One top attraction in South Lake Tahoe that’s available all year around is the M.S. Dixie II, a 500-passenger paddlewheeler that tours the lake throughout […]

There’s No Place Like South Lake Tahoe for an Extended Winter Stay

Make a full month of memories with an extended-stay rental on the waterfront in South Lake Tahoe  Wintertime is magical at Lake Tahoe. The pristine jewel of an alpine lake becomes the centerpiece of a snow-covered wonderland. Mountain scenery that’s spectacular year-round is even more so when freshly frosted. World-class ski resorts beckon adventurous types […]

The Curious Tale of Louise Huebner, the Official Witch of Los Angeles

On July 21, 1968, a Los Angeles County Supervisor appointed Louise Huebner as LA’s Official Witch. She was presented with a signed and sealed scroll at a Hollywood Bowl celebration to kick off a summer concert series.  It reads: “This is to certify that Louise Huebner has been designated as the Official Sorceress of Los […]

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 […]

Seven Wonderful Reasons to Visit Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff, Arizona, has long been known as the “City of Seven Wonders,” referencing its proximity to an enviable number of natural treasures. The small city in Northern Arizona sits at 7,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by aspen and pine forest at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. It represents a totally different version […]

Museum Monday: Real Bodies at Bally’s, Las Vegas

Outside of studying anatomy or working in the medical field, there are few opportunities to see the real inner workings of the human body. We can learn about the ways in which our bodies work, view diagrams and imagine what it all looks like inside. We might feel our muscles ache or our tummy rumble, […]

Presidio Tunnel Tops is San Francisco’s Outstanding New Attraction

Think you’ve seen all of San Francisco? Think again! The just-opened Presidio Tunnel Tops adds an amazing new asset to the city’s visitor- and local-friendly lineup. San Francisco’s newest park – the 14-acre Presidio Tunnel Tops – opened to the public on July 17, 2022. New national park land, built over the tops of the […]

Indulge Your Senses in Santa Barbara at La Playa Inn

By Jon Bogart Life’s daily demands propel our minds to wander, as we zoom in and out of computer screens and traffic tie-ups, to a time and place where we can unwind and rejuvenate. A laid-back vibe, fresh ocean air, a taste of the Mediterranean beauty and climate , with shopping, entertainment and dining options to […]

An Unforgettable Ride on the Nenana River

Gorgeous scenery and rafting fun await with New Wave Adventures at Alaska’s Denali National Park By J.C. Thomas Imagine whitewater rafting down an ice-cold river in the wilderness of interior Alaska… are you excited or scared? Maybe both? All the best adventures start with at least a little trepidation – it’s a sign that you’re […]

London is Welcoming Vaccinated Travelers… Here How to Get There and Where to Stay

Our top hotel pick, Thistle Holborn the Kingsley, balances style, comfort and affordability in the very center of London By J.C. Thomas As the end of 2021 approaches, the pandemic and its travel disruptions are by no means over. Yet, travel is tentatively back, with many of the world’s greatest destinations eager to welcome back […]