See Windmills (Really) Close Up Not long after the dinosaurs “welcome” you to the Coachella Valley along Interstate 10, another landmark signals your arrival in Greater Palm Springs. You are soon greeted by the more than 2,000 towering “ambassadors” that make up the wind-powered energy farms of the region. Even if you’ve never been to …
Soar (backwards) over Snowy Big Bear
Skiers and snowboarders at Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, may or may not be in for the record snowfalls, but that’s not a problem. Although the most recent storm dropped a respectable amount of snow, the $12 million investment in snowmaking equipment a few years ago guarantees snow buffs non-stop powdery …
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 …
Discover the Secrets of Death Valley
As the scorching heat of summer turns Death Valley nights to cool and starry and days to perfection, it’s a perfect time to uncover the Secrets of Death Valley, and, as winter turns to spring, the hope of wildflowers adds to the discoveries at every turn. Design your own fascinating nature exploration filled with history, …
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 …
Innsbruck’s Magical Christmas Markets
A favorite destination for those looking for a truly magical yuletide getaway, Innsbruck offers one-of-a-kind shopping experiences in these six enchanting Christmas markets. This year, a new LIGHTSHOW MAX 500 invites visitors to embark on a sparkling journey through time, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the death of Emperor Maximilian I. The audio-visual 3D light …
Treat Yourself to a ‘Luxpedition’
Who says you can’t combine luxury with adventure? Or perhaps your idea of luxury is taking a vacation while your holiday shopping is being done for you. And, we all want to take a flight without all the hassle of navigating security and walking down long corridors to your terminal. It’s time for your next …
Want to Spot Stars?—Head to Corsicana, Texas
The rural city of Corsicana, population 25,000 and about 45 minutes south of Dallas, is ready for its Hollywood close-up. Warning Shot, a movie filmed on location in Corsicana with an all-star cast opened mid-September and is keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Inspired by true events, the movie features David Spade, Tammy …
See Chicago in 3 Days!
Smart Destinations’ Go Chicago Card allows entry into all of the attractions listed in this suggested 3-day Chicago itinerary that allows you to do it all with one single pass. Buy one ticket instead of several to save money and make this whirlwind tour in the Windy City easy to do! DAY 1 Stop #1: …
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: …
Underwater Pumpkin Carving in the Keys
Divers can compete to wow judges with jolly jack-o-lanterns during the anticipated “2018 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest” on Saturday, Oct. 14 in the idyllic waters off Key Largo. Strapped with dive knives as tools and creative ideas in their heads, crafty carvers are to descend 30 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National …