By Barbara Beckley Wine tasting. Hot air ballooning. Tasty cuisine. Stylish accommodations. Now you can add “Wine-Bottle Art” and “blend-your-own-wine” to the list of reasons to visit Southern California’s award-winning wine region, Temecula. Sitting under a grape vine-covered arbor, I thought “outside the lines;” wielding my paintbrush with care to create wisteria blossoms circling …
California’s vast desert region is a land of hidden oases and canyons, towering snow-capped mountains, and sweeping panoramas that conjure visions of early California and the Old West. Unlike anywhere else in the world, the California Deserts feel like one giant natural theme park—connected by scenic open roads and a network of character-rich lodging properties. …
The short trip up Highway 74 from the Palm Spring California’s desert floor leads to the tiny forested town of Idyllwild, a truly seductive drive on a scorching summer day. Make the trip July 3-15 to enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances and workshops in the 29th Jazz In The Pines. Your journey up …
Looking for a new, imaginative experience on your next European vacation? Imagine Experiences is offering three unique “Hero” adventures which allow travelers to walk in the footsteps of the renowned James Bond. Choose the 3.5-hour Essential Bond—Nobody Does it Better; the 6-hour Bond for a Day, including a session at a select London gun club …
Graceful, purple-hued rows of sweet-smelling lavender transport us to romantic European destinations—the south of France or the hill-clinging villages of Tuscany. Breathtaking scenery aside, lavender has long been coveted for its pleasurable impact on nearly all the senses—from taste and aroma to its calming qualities. You don’t have to travel all the way to Provence …
After years of careful development and millions of dollars invested in design, engineering, technology, construction and guest experience, Natural Bridge Caverns will open its latest and most ambitious tour: Hidden Wonders. Already the state’s largest and most visited commercial cave, this new multi-million-dollar tour experience features state-of-the-art lighting, a sound and light show and expansion …
Oceanic Enterprise hotels is excited to Celebrate National Pet Month at some of their incredible properties that will make it possible to visit throughout 2023 by booking in May. National Pet Month May is National Pet Month, an annual celebration dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership, encouraging pet adoption and celebrating the special bond between …
Story & Photos by Barbara Kerr Most people probably know Cheech Marin from his work in the 1970s and 1980s as part of the comedy act Cheech & Chong and as Don Johnson’s partner on the tv series “Nash Bridges.” But Richard Anthony “Cheech” Marin is an American comedian, actor, musician, activist – and one …
Without heading your car from the desert floor to the mountain community of Idyllwild, residents and visitors in Palm Desert have the opportunity to view exciting students’ artwork. It is equally exciting for students to get their work into a professional gallery for the first time and in front of the prestigious desert audience. The …
Story & photos by Barbara Beckley Looking for a stylish – and affordable – new stay in Orange County? Look to the Sonesta Irvine. Newly revamped and renamed following a $20 million “extreme” make-over – this ultra-chic 339-guestroom/suite hotel is ideal for both fun and business stays. I recently overnighted and was impressed. The …
Just in time for spring getaways, the San Diego Tourism Authority has partnered with Tripadvisor in a first-of-its-kind immersive mural art campaign that captures the SoCal destination’s sunny optimism and positivity. Running now through April 30, “The Sunny Side of Things” mural art campaign will appear in three of the largest U.S. cities: New York, …
Travel season is here. Time to explore. To check off that bucket list and maybe unearth a few secrets from those who know best. The internet has put a dent in the travel book market, but not for those books that are filled with personal adventures, history and unknown treasures. Consider some of these books …