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 …
Explore 13 Hidden Gems in SoCal’s OC
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 …
Don’t Be ‘Latte’ for SoCal’s PUMPKINS IN THE PINES!
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 …
Top 5 Fall Happenings in Boise, Idaho
Autumn in Boise marks a canopy of fall foliage and harvest season, including wine grapes, apples, pumpkins and so much more. It’s hard to be bored with a never-ending roster of festivals and events, wine trails and scenic hikes. Follow the locals to this fall’s hottest happenings: Hike or Bike the Foliage From mid-October on, …
More to Love in SoCal’s Oceanside
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 …
Bed & Pool, Anyone? BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch is Making a Big Splash!
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 …
Jump on the Tequila Train: 10 Years Aboard the Jose Cuervo Express
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 …
Bucket List Alert! Visit the Pacific’s Last Frontiers with Crooked Compass
There are bucket list trips and then there are bucket list trips! Boutique tour operator Crooked Compass is once again paving the way to experience the Pacific’s last frontiers in its unique style. A maximum of seven guests will be transported by private aircraft through the remote areas of the history- laden Solomon Islands and …
5 ‘New’ Reasons to Visit Mykonos This Summer
Do you really need five more reasons to visit Mykonos? The answer is probably ‘no’ unless you are looking for an A-list way to experience it—at Kenshō Ornos. Undoubtedly one of the most famous Greek islands, Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches, cosmopolitan vibe and vibrant dining scene. Vacationers flock from all corners of …
Fiji? Tahiti? No – It’s the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in SoCal’s Mission Beach!
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 …
‘Travel the World’ in 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 …
Going to Yellowstone? Consider a Tour
If you’ve tuned into the news recently, you’ve probably seen footage of the devastating flooding in and around Yellowstone National Park. As all five entrances to the world’s first national park shut down within a mere matter of hours and all visitors were evacuated to the surrounding communities, the team at Austin Adventures got down …