Sometimes it takes an escape from city life to rejuvenate your spirit. Carmel – also known as Carmel-by-the-Sea – is one of those idyllic California seaside towns that can make you feel worlds away from urban chaos. The air here on the Monterey Peninsula feels more oxygenated and easier to breathe, the stars shine brighter, and the ability to sense things in nature is so … Continue reading Carmel, from the coast to the valley
The cliché is that it’s what Napa used to be. But Paso Robles doesn’t seem to care for the comparisons with the long-established wine country to the north. Oh, they’re happy to provide fruit for those big “Napa Valley” Zins and Cabs, but appear happy to carve out their own distinct niche in the wine world. Less than four hours north on the 101 in … Continue reading A Paso Robles Weekender Primer
It’s not L.A. — not the climate, not the urban sprawl, not the wealth disparity, not even the jerks — that makes celebrating Christmas here such a challenge. OK, maybe those factor in. But primarily, I find it’s difficult for many of us to get into the spirit of the season simply because we live here. The city is, for us, business as usual. And … Continue reading The Christmas Market in Cambria
If iconic locations can inspire artistic majesty, then the City of Angels is pure magic. Few cities have inspired more songs about their wonders. From old school rockers to modern rappers, song mavens in all genres pay tribute to Los Angeles. These nine songs celebrate everything that makes LA unique. If it’s cold and snowy where you’re located, put in your earbuds, turn up the … Continue reading 9 Songs That Perfectly Represent LA
If your idea of Santa Barbara is limited to downtown, it’s time to expand your horizons. In fact, Santa Barbara is so much more — it’s wine country, it’s sandy beaches, it’s exciting new restaurants and cafes, and of course, it’s charming hotels designed for a weekend getaway. And if you want to stay in town or just south, in upscale Montecito, you’re going to … Continue reading Pro Tip: Santa Barbara on a Budget
The Central California Coast – situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco – provides a special lure due to its small-town charm, where time feels like it moves a little slower. Towns like Cayucos, Cambria, Nipomo, and Avila Beach along the Highway 1 Discovery Route remind me of the quaint coziness of the New England villages where I am from. For our one-year wedding anniversary, … Continue reading California’s Central Coast – Where will the road take you?
“Won’t you be my Neighbor?” While you may still see hipsters sporting cardigans, Mister Rogers’ old Neighborhood is not a far from how you might feel at this neighborly Venice garden bistro and cocktail bar. Since weekend brunches are meant to linger, this charming old house on Abbot Kinney – known as Neighbor – is the best way to waste away a Sunday. Outside by … Continue reading Get to know Neighbor over brunch
Below are 10 things not to miss when visiting Long Beach, California no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Continue reading 10 Things Not to Miss in Long Beach, California
When you think of California, you probably think of the TV famous beaches, like Venice and Laguna. But if you go to one of those beaches on any given weekend, you’ll have to fight the crowd to find a spot to sit. Luckily, with 3,427 miles of coastline, California has plenty of underrated beaches with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the waves. If … Continue reading 10 of the Most Underrated Beaches in California
There’s an entirely new reason to visit Laguna Beach, the quaint seaside town in Orange County. Not the secret coves, numerous art galleries, or tantalizing surf, not even the Pageant of the Masters, where art comes to life in the summertime. Not the fact that everything just feels cleaner in Laguna Beach. Let’s face it. Laguna Beach viewed on The Hills is why most people … Continue reading Blazing around Laguna Beach
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