doggy doo, given' it up, jet away, mmm...tasty, Palm Springs, topFAVs

Perry’s Fine Wines and Liquors Unveils New Chardonnay Collaboration with Palm Springs Art Museum

In 2024, Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquors expanded to Palm Springs from Provincetown, Cape Cod, MA, a cornerstone of the community since 1934. This past week (March 19, 2025) Perry’s announced the release of Perry’s new Chardonnay, created in support of Palm Springs Art Museum. Launched to celebrate the union of fine wine and fine art in Palm Springs and the wider Coachella Valley, Perry’s will donate $1 from each bottle sold to Palm Springs … Continue reading Perry’s Fine Wines and Liquors Unveils New Chardonnay Collaboration with Palm Springs Art Museum

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment
given' it up, soLA, topFAVs

Give Back and Rebuild: 9 Environmental Volunteer Opportunities in LA

Explore environmental volunteer opportunities in and around Los Angeles — they can be life-changing. If you’re a passionate Angeleno and want to give back to your environment, consider participating in volunteer opportunities with one of the following nine organizations. Whether you like hiking, fire management, lobbying or bird-watching, there’s a volunteer opportunity out there for you, so roll up your sleeves and sign up today! … Continue reading Give Back and Rebuild: 9 Environmental Volunteer Opportunities in LA

Unknown's avatarMia BarnesLeave a comment
jet away, mmm...tasty

Gorge Yourself in the Galapagos on Ecoventura’s Relais and Chateaux Expedition Yacht

The article Taste of the Galapagos was first published in Taste and Travel Magazine (Jan. – March 2025) on Pages 48 – 53. A black torpedo zoomed by my snorkel mask as my eyes widened to witness a Galapagos penguin, one of the smallest types of penguins in the world and the most surprising endemic resident of the islands. Just a few seconds earlier, I … Continue reading Gorge Yourself in the Galapagos on Ecoventura’s Relais and Chateaux Expedition Yacht

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment
breathe, calm, juicy pop, Malibu, soLA

4 survival stories written by everyday people that might inspire your next life decision

I always think it’s incredibly brave when someone writes a book, especially a memoir. These real-life tales share deeply personal information; and as the writers share their stories and reflect, their musings might just inspire your next big life decision. Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty Lisa Niver overcomes deep fears and tackles remarkable feats over the course of a BIG … Continue reading 4 survival stories written by everyday people that might inspire your next life decision

Unknown's avatarMelissa Curtin1 Comment
jet away, mmm...tasty

Montenegro Moments – Make the most of this Balkan country in a few days

Perched above the Bay of Kotor, standing on my Airbnb’s ancient terrace above red tiled roofs, I watch in awe as the sunset hues splash over the calm waters of Perast, in view of the islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. The stillness eases my mind as only the sounds of church bells and birds can be heard. If I have … Continue reading Montenegro Moments – Make the most of this Balkan country in a few days

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment
awake, breathe, jet away, mmm...tasty

More than outdoor adventure, eat and drink your way in and around Banff, Canada

The article Banff Bites and Sips was first published in Taste and Travel Magazine in the Jan. – March 2025 issue (Pages 54-57). While the Northern Lights unexpectedly streamed in surreal colors during my visit to Banff in October and the stunning turquoise glacial lake and mountain view setting felt like stepping into a postcard at every turn, the thriving culinary scene is another reason … Continue reading More than outdoor adventure, eat and drink your way in and around Banff, Canada

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment
jet away, mmm...tasty

Memorable Wines to Discover at Santa Barbara’s World of Pinot

We were thrilled to be invited to the 25th Anniversary of the World of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara for a weekend-long seaside celebration of this delicious and storied wine. The event was hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara over 4 days, from February 27 – March 1, 2025. Attendees included wine aficionados, sommeliers, winemakers, and those who just love outstanding food and wine. A Thursday … Continue reading Memorable Wines to Discover at Santa Barbara’s World of Pinot

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment
awake, breathe, jet away

This new boutique hotel is reason enough to visit Jackson Hole

Relish in cozy luxury at a boutique hotel and spa In this quintessential western town, dressed up in holiday lights, an archway of antlers from the National Elk Refuge frames the Town Square. The Boy Scouts are exclusively allowed to collect them on National Park land, often fetching up to $14/pound at the Elk Fest auction, last year earning around $218,000 for their finds. Most … Continue reading This new boutique hotel is reason enough to visit Jackson Hole

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment
breathe, calm, jet away

Laguna Beach’s New Casa Loma Beach Hotel in photos

The new Casa Loma Beach Hotel, perched on Laguna Beach’s craggy coastline, overlooks Main Beach and the Pacific Ocean and is just a 5-minute walk to the center of town. Perfect for couples or a girls’ getaway, this newly rebranded chic boutique hotel boasts a 15-million-dollar transformation with stunning oceanfront room views with private balconies and patios, prime access to the beach, and a Pacific Terrace … Continue reading Laguna Beach’s New Casa Loma Beach Hotel in photos

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment
jet away, mmm...tasty

Like a mini Paris, Europe’s most underrated city deserves your time

This article on Ljubljana was first published in Taste and Travel Magazine (January – March 2025) on Page 13. Ljubljana’s Old Town feels like a mini Paris. Spend a few captivating days in Slovenia’s small fairytale capital filled with Medieval and Baroque buildings standing side by side and an illuminated river with a romantic stretch of outdoor cafes, restaurants, and bridges. Dine on local dishes … Continue reading Like a mini Paris, Europe’s most underrated city deserves your time

Unknown's avatarMelissa CurtinLeave a comment