The “Lost City Celebration” is scheduled for October 6 – 8 on California’s Central Coast where the 1923 historic feature was partially filmed. Before the term ‘Blockbuster’ was invented, Cecil B. DeMille was arguably the first filmmaker to create large scale film productions with The Ten Commandments (1923). Filmed on the dunes outside Guadalupe, California, …
Take a Ghostly Tour at Historic Hotels
By Kathy Strong There may be hundreds of hotels and resorts in America that claim haunted histories, but only a handful actually offer guided tours filled with spine-chilling tales of its past and legendary ghost sightings. Too spooked to check in? No problem. Most of these tours are also open to non-guests. The Stanley Hotel, …
Celebrate 100 Years of Iconic Grand Canyon Railway
To the delight of the rail-fan world and kids of all ages, Grand Canyon Railway just announced that No. 4960 will celebrate its 100th birthday by pulling the regular scheduled passenger train from Williams to South Rim, Grand Canyon on Saturday, August 5, 12 and 19. The steam engine will also run on select days …
Hollywood Forever: Take a Self-Tour of the Resting Places of the Stars
Photos and story by Barbara Kerr Throughout history, people have made pilgrimages to burial sites: to honor and to remember. In today’s celebrity culture, many people are drawn to four Los Angeles area cemeteries which are the final resting places of stars of yesterday and today: Forest Lawn Glendale, Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills, …
Art Magic Returns to Laguna Beach this Summer
By Kathy Strong Laguna Beach has been an exclusive haven for the arts for nearly a century, as well as the sparkling jewel of Southern California’s own scenic Riviera coastline. A year-round destination, Laguna shines brightest in the summer months. Gentle ocean breezes combine with some of the cleanest beaches, water and air on the …
It’s Temecula Time! Southern California’s Wine Country — Always Fun! Always Fresh!
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 …
Time for a California Desert Road Trip
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. …
Discover Cooler Temps and Cool Jazz in SoCal’s Idyllwild
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 …
Explore London Like James Bond
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 …
Live the ‘Lavender Lifestyle’ on California’s Central Coast
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 …
Largest Cavern in Texas Opens! Tour Natural Bridge Caverns’ Hidden Wonders
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 …
The Cheech: a vibrant celebration of Chicano art in SoCal’s Riverside
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 …