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 …
SoCal’s Oceanside Serving up Summer-Perfect Original Ice Cream
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 …
Discover Cooler Temps and Cool Jazz in SoCal’s Idyllwild
The short trip up Highway 74 from the Palm Spring California’s desert floor leads to the tiny forested town of Idyllwild, a truly seductive drive on a scorching summer day. Make the trip July 3-15 to enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances and workshops in the 29th Jazz In The Pines. Your journey up …
Live the ‘Lavender Lifestyle’ on California’s Central Coast
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 …
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 …
It’s a wonderful world: the 2022 Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach
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 …
Family Fun Awaits in SoCal’s San Diego
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 …
Free this Summer in SoCal’s Historic Redlands
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 …
Go Al Fresco in San Diego this Summer
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 …