Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley Wow! My view is amazing. From high on a bluff gazing across the vast Pacific Ocean – and entirety of beautiful San Luis Obispo Bay, curving along California’s Central Coast, with rocky coves, sandy beaches and magical coastal towns of Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and tiny Port San …
Big Bear Snow Play Gets a Jump Start to Winter by Making Tons of Snow! Below freezing weather conditions in Big Bear Lake have allowed Big Bear Snow Play to make plenty of snow and get a jump-start on the winter season. In fact, Big Bear Snow Play just reported one to three feet of …
By Barbara Beckley We’re talkin’ totally terrific tiki! Don your Hawaiian shirts, leis and Betty Page garb and hightail it to San Diego for Tiki Oasis, the world’s original and largest Tiki event, July 31 – August 4, 2024, at the Town and Country Resort. This year’s theme is “Way Out West” – and you …
Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley No, really. WHO? KNEW? A hip, cozy find. With just the right amount of quirky chic – in the middle of, like, nowhere. And once you experience it. You want to return again and again! “There it is!” The mid-century neon sign had a cheery look. Welcoming me to …
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 …
Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley Looking for health and wellness with your next vacay? Head to the Azure Sky Hotel in Palm Springs! General manager Angie Bettinelli has realized her deep devotion to personal wellbeing paired with ultra-stylish mid-century modern architecture. A true oasis of personal pampering. Designed for relaxing, recharging, improving our mind, …
Handel’s Ice Cream and Visit Oceanside have teamed up to offer three delicious ice cream flavors inspired by the beloved Southern California beach destination. The limited-edition partnership launched June 1, 2024 at the Handel’s Oceanside location, just in time for the summer heat. The cooling artisan series includes unique flavor profiles fit for every customer’s …
By Barbara Beckley This incredible dining room by West LA interior decorator David Levine is just the beginning of what you’ll see now that the 2024 Pasadena Showcase House of Design make-over of the1902 English Tudor Revival style Potter Daniels Manor is complete and open for tours through May 19. Levine outdid himself with layer …
By Barbara Beckley Ahh… relaxing into what looks like a recliner, I close my eyes, push a button, and let the chair do its work. Giving me a relaxing, re-energizing, head-to-toe massage – sans the masseuse. Like health magic! And easy to enjoy – no appointment needed. My magical chair is one of three innovative …
By Barbara Beckley I recently attended the 2024 Pasadena Showcase House of Design “Empty House Party” – and wow! This year’s manor do-over is going to be a must. As arguably SoCal’s oldest (founded in 1965) and easily, most interesting fundraiser, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design always delights with stylish re-dos of elegant mansions …
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 …
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 …