You might not know that Laguna Beach has more beachfront lodging properties, from cozy inns to luxury resorts, than any other California coastal city. That means more breathtaking panoramic ocean views backed by waves to soothe the soul. And, you may not know that Laguna is constantly adding more hotels and restaurants to love. Check …
The West’s Best Polar Express Trips
It is already magical when you have the opportunity to travel aboard one of the West’s historic rails with steam locomotives tracing some of the nation’s most beautiful scenic valleys and mountain ridges. Combine such a journey with a holiday tradition that makes little ones wide-eyed and you have pure holiday magic. Just hop aboard …
World’s Largest Cheese!
I may not want to travel to Connecticut just to get a grilled cheese sandwich, but this is very impressive! Norwalk, Connecticut Mayor Harry Rilling joined Stew Leonard, Jr. in unveiling the soon-to-be Guinness Book of World Records’ Largest Cheese Statue today. The 3,500 lb. brick of sharp cheddar will be on display for the …
Lots to Love in Lompoc
For wine-lovers like me, Lompoc’s stellar location – at the base of the award-winning Santa Rita Hills wine region – makes it a perfect base of operations for wine tasting. It is also a great place to find a few secrets to discover! I arrived on a recent weekend, checked into the year-old Hilton Garden …
California Travel ‘Begins’ in Sacramento
The city that settled between the Sacramento and American rivers. was founded in 1849, and the historical reminders of Sacramento are everywhere, from Sutter’s Fort to Old Sacramento. The city is well known as California’s state capitol, but did you know that it is also the “Tree Capital of the World?” Fall in the Capitol …
Harvest the ‘Secret Season’ in Sonoma
It’s that time of the year in Sonoma when harvest season is about done and the number of visitors filling tasting rooms has become more intimate. Locals call this relaxing period the “secret season” because they know it is the perfect time to enjoy everything Sonoma Valley has to offer without the crowds—from idyllic weather …
Trick or Treat Travels? Head to Oregon!
CandyStore.com’s “Most Popular Halloween Candy by State Interactive Map” is a result of an 11- year (2007-2017) study of exclusive sales data to determine the #1 best-selling Halloween candy in each state, as well as the runners up, in pounds of candy sold. The candy experts also offer some interesting facts surrounding this candy-centric holiday: …
Enjoy ‘Breakfast with a View’ at California Inns
Each of these 10 California B&Bs gifts guests with a spectacular “breakfast with a view”—whether its wave-crashing action, wildlife spotting or panoramic vistas of a city skyline. Seven Gables Inn, Pacific Grove Every room of the opulent Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove—including its oceanfront dining room—offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The dining …
‘Mine’ Autumn in these Top West Spots
You can “mine” your autumnal treasure in these former gold mining destinations, brimming over in mountain-high natural beauty and recreation. Just remember to pack a warm jacket and don’t forget your camera! Lake Arrowhead Gold You may not know that Southern California’s largest gold mining boom was located close by in Holcomb Valley, about an …
Cheers to California’s Wine Month!
The state’s 14th official “Wine Month” happening right now is that time of the year when juicy ripe grapes hang heavy on the vines, basking in golden fall sunshine, and the air is filled with fruity aromas that signal harvest time. The crush that ensues is a dizzying process of picking and harvesting, selecting, pressing …
5 Fun & Funky Fall Stays in Mesa Verde Country
You’ll need lots of time to take in the fall beauty and fun of Mesa Verde Country, near the entrance to glorious Mesa Verde National Park. The nearby towns of Cortez, Dolores and Mancos provide an array of accommodations, dining and outdoor recreation. Named the “Number One Historic Monument in the World” by Conde Nast …
Enjoy Scenic California for Less!
One of the best ways to enjoy America’s stunning beauty is by train. And, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight that transports passengers from Los Angeles, winding up the West Coast to Washington with spectacular views of nature, is one of country’s most beautiful train rides. It’s also a very reasonable way of catching the beauty with rates …