By Barbara Beckley Ultra chic. With curved architecture and glass walls opening to views of championship greens and beautiful desert mountains. The perfect backdrop for every social occasion. Sip shaken-not-stirred martinis or French champagne, with delicious nibbles and meals at the second floor VUE Grille & Bar. Golfers call it “the 19th Hole.” Arrange …
By Kathy Strong California’s equivalent to the Carlsbad Caverns was closed to the public for several years. The Mitchell Caverns have re-opened for public tours in certain months. As the only limestone caves in the California State Park system (and only one of two you can enter), the natural attraction offers fascinating stalactite and stalagmite …
Monterey County on California’s Central Coast beckons visitors to find their own paths to adventure. With a breadth of different adventures and escapes, no matter the path – wellness, family, outdoor and epicurean – it all leads to the same place—an inspirational and memorable experience. The Wellness Path: Connect Within and Find Your Center Combining …
There’s no place like SoCal’s San Diego for the winter holidays, where guests can warm up to sunshiny days, uncrowded beaches, and inviting laid-back vibes. Evan Hotels’ Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa on Mission Bay and The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla are the perfect coastal retreats to soak …
Graceful, purple-hued rows of sweet-smelling lavender transport us to romantic European destinations—the south of France or the hill-clinging villages of Tuscany. Breathtaking scenery aside, lavender has long been coveted for its pleasurable impact on nearly all the senses—from taste and aroma to its calming qualities. You don’t have to travel all the way to Provence …
Story & photos by Barbara Beckley Looking for a stylish – and affordable – new stay in Orange County? Look to the Sonesta Irvine. Newly revamped and renamed following a $20 million “extreme” make-over – this ultra-chic 339-guestroom/suite hotel is ideal for both fun and business stays. I recently overnighted and was impressed. The …
Starting in 2024, families will be able to enter the playful world of Peppa Pig for an unforgettable day of adventure at North America’s second Peppa Pig Theme Park set to open in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Designed to be the ultimate theme park experience for little ones, this all-new standalone theme park located in …
A Disney cruise is more than a vacation. It’s a magical experience, from the time you board to the very last day. During a high-seas escape, you can catch Broadway-caliber live shows, be a pirate at a deck party, watch first-run movies, play group games, share memorable meals (think all-you-can-eat soft serve), enjoy plenty of …
Sparkling snow says holiday magic, but add in elves, treats, ice skating, a forest of lights and more and you have a winter wonderland getaway at Skyforest’s SkyPark at Santa’s Village. Since the park’s opening in 1955, the holidays have always marked a special time for SkyPark at Santa’s Village, which serves as Santa’s year-round …
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 …
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 …
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 …