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 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 …
Since 1990, Verde Canyon Railroad has carried nearly three million passengers through a wild and scenic canyon, on its historic route completed in 1912. The breathtaking journey fills all the senses (and every camera) all while leaving no trace. A stone’s throw from the hillside mining town of Jerome, Verde Canyon Railroad’s Clarkdale depot is …
No one can argue the fact that al fresco fun and San Diego go together in the summer. From open-air movie and music venues to an array of outdoor dining options and recreational offerings, there is no shortage of ways to revel in the sunshine while safely enjoying all that SoCal’s San Diego has to …
New O’side Sips Trail Shows Off Oceanside’s Booming Craft Beverage Scene Oceanside is a quintessential California coastal escape that boasts wide sandy beaches, a quaint New England-style harbor, historic wooden pier and charming bungalow neighborhoods. O’side (as locals affectionately call it) is a destination of discovery where visitors can explore everything from California history at …
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is June 3 – 12, 2022 Story and photos by Barbara Beckley Boba tea topped with cotton candy! Cocktails served in a pink flamingo! Gourmet sushi – in a hotel lobby. Dining is always different and delicious anytime you eat in Greater Palm Springs. But it’s extra special during Greater …
Dramatic, rocky cliffs that rise steeply above the swirling surf below welcome you to Mendocino County on California’s northern coast. Starkly beautiful, the coastal and inland area are filled with charming villages and unequalled natural landmarks—from the stately redwoods and trails lined with pygmy cypress to rolling hills draped in vineyards. This low-key paradise awaits …