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 …
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 …
Story & photos by Barbara Beckley So. I’m driving through Mission Beach in San Diego… Predictable oceanfront apartments, quirky clapboard beach houses, corner bars. Then I turn right – Oh My Gosh! I’m in Polynesia! Behind the “Bamboo Curtain” Entering the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, I truly am in another world. High-beamed Fiji-style …
Article and photos by Barbara Kerr The Laguna Beach Festival of Arts was created to lift depression. Literally. It was established in 1932 during some of the darkest days of the Great Depression. Ninety years later, this vibrant event has been named one of the top art festivals in the nation, attracting tens of thousands …
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 …
The 2022 Palm Springs International ShortFest has come to a close, but the excitement goes on looking at Oscar season. When Festival winners were announced on the fest’s Closing Night, five Academy Award® qualifying awards were presented to the winners. The winners were selected from the 300 short films that were part of the Official …
The 29th annual Palm Springs International ShortFest, one of the largest showcases of short-form cinema in North America, is back, with screenings June 20-26. Kicking off on Tuesday, June 20, ShortFest will screen a full slate of films at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This year’s festival will screen 50 curated programs and showcase 299 …
A short trip from the SoCal desert floor leads to the tiny forested town of Idyllwild, always a welcome departure on a scorching summer day. Your journey up Highway 74 climbs and curves, then glides past horse pastures and ranches on the way to the mountain retreat, embraced by the San Bernardino National Forest. The …
Get your wine glasses ready. aha!, powered by ExpressJet Airlines, is waiving baggage fees for wine from its popular wine destinations. More specifically, for a limited time, aha! passengers can bring one wine box as free checked baggage “Your vacation doesn’t have to stop when you land at home,” said Tim Sieber, head of ExpressJet’s …
Kids and San Diego go together like sand and surf. Constantly rated one of the top family destinations in America, San Diego offers 70 miles of coastline, seemingly endless outdoor recreation opportunities and an ever-growing list of offerings for families to enjoy together or even apart. Parents can relax at the spa, indulge in culinary …
About an hour’s drive from the Palm Springs desert, not far from the designer outlets and casinos, is a modest city brimming over in late-1800’s California architecture at every turn. Take a perfect summer daytrip to discover vintage California history, then toast the day with a concert under the stars. In Redlands, summer nights are …