Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley On Sunday, December 4, 2022, Coachella Valley hometown hero, UFC Hall-of-Famer Cub Swanson, flipped the switch! And, wow! The towering Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Holiday Tree came to life, illuminating the night sky with glorious color and cheer. A beloved tradition since 1976, the Tramway’s Tree Lighting Ceremony marks …
Story and photos by Barbara Beckley We’ve been celebrating Palm Springs’ incredible architecture for 18 years now. Like the buildings that continue to look futuristic –even though they’re long standing: the Kaufmann House built in1946; the Edris House, 1954; the House of Tomorrow, 1960, to name a few – Modernism Week is forever ahead of …
Twice voted among the top five favorite holiday resorts by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Tenaya at Yosemite is approaching the 2022 holiday season with glee — bringing back its pre-pandemic lineup of fun, plus a few new traditions to ensure the season is merry and bright. From 75 beautiful, forested acres blanketed with …
Story and photos by Barbara Beckley Carmel-by-the-Sea is charming anytime. But even more so in October, when, since 2008, the picturesque hamlet welcomes more than 500 carefully, and often whimsically, coifed poodles – parading down the streets, posing for pics, frolicking on Carmel Beach, and sipping water “cocktails” at private parties while their people enjoy …
Fall is a special time to visit San Diego, a perfect few months to escape crowds and discover new reasons to love the SoCal city from Halloween attractions to family-friendly events and new restaurants. Monstrous Halloween Fun For the first time, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular is coming to Sesame Place San Diego this year on …
The locals don’t like sharing, but we give you permission to uncover some hidden experiences in SoCal’s Orange County. This bucket list has something for everyone from cruising scenic harbors, hiking to breath-taking vistas and getting sworn in as a pirate to discovering hidden restaurants and splashing around one of the longest water park’s lazy …
As the leaves turn gold and a brisk chill returns to the to the alpine forest of the San Bernardino Mountains, it can mean just one thing: the return of Pumpkins in the Pines! In fact, colorful leaves, apple cider, cozy sweaters and Pumpkins in the Pines just belong together. To get in the fall …
By Barbara Beckley It’s true. There always seems to be something new at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. At least, whenever I visit. What’s the Latest? The JW Garden! Described as a “kitchen garden with a twist,” this lush collection of edible native plants and a budding olive …
SoCal’s Oceanside may be straddling more than three miles of northern San Diego’s summer-perfect coastline, but you have to admit that it is the less glitzy counterpart to nearby beach-going communities—a casual, grittier throwback to California’s authentic beach spirit. Oceanside continues to hit its stride as SoCal’s coolest, under-the-radar beach town with a host of …
By Kathy Strong Those who know me aren’t surprised that I have a special affection for bed & breakfasts. I owned one of the first ones on California’s Central Coast and I authored the state’s first bed & breakfast guide book, Recommended Bed & Breakfasts: California. Part of my adoration of this sector of hospitality …
One early winter morning in 2012, in a sleepy train station in Guadalajara, the Jose Cuervo Express redefined the “Tequila Sunrise” experience. Along some 40 miles of restored train tracks and over two hours, travelers were transported back in time with tastings and music before arriving in the heart of Tequila for a full day …
It just wouldn’t be Halloween in SoCal without LEGO® Monsters running wild at LEGOLAND® California Resort. And this year, Brick-or-Treat presents the all-new Monster Party. Every Saturday beginning September 17 through October 29, the Park transforms into the ultimate family Halloween celebration, complete with treat stations, new LEGO® Monster characters, new family-friendly entertainment and the …