The San Jose Mercury newspaper was fascinated with my mission walk, so they asked me to contribute an article to a section they titled The Good Life, telling their readers about my trek. San Jose is home to one of the 21 California missions. It is one of the nicest churches/museums along the 800-mile route.
One of the largest Asian populations in America sits two hours north of San Diego, and it’s the new, hot destination. Hipsters are exploding on the scene of LA’s Little Tokyo, Koreatown, and Chinatown, opening businesses which rival their Eastern counterparts. Gentrification of the ethnic nabes has prompted a burgeoning celebrity chef food scene, restored
Recently, I laced up my Nike Pegasus and embarked on an 800-mile walk to visit California’s 21 Spanish Missions along the El Camino Real. I divided my peregrination into 10 months, taking four days each month to cover approximately 80 miles, with Amtrak as my chauffeur to and fro. Google maps and Ron Briery’s book,
As soon as we stepped off the Econoline at Esh’s Amish farm, the serenity of the setting was palpable. Two boys in black pants and bright shirts were helping their father, Jacob, milk cows in the barn. The machines and fans run off hydraulics” Jacob Esh said matter-of-factly to those of us on The Amish
Temecula has become a wine lovers’ destination. It’s no longer necessary to trek to Napa or Paso Robles for award-winning varietals. Riverside County has thrown its hat in the ring and is competing with the big boys, with much success. Grapevines, orange groves, and tasting rooms line Rancho California Road, De Portola Road, and a
Where else in America does a posse of pooches hang 10 in a surfing competition? Loews Coronado Bay Resort pioneered the annual fundraiser in 2005 after an overwhelming response their Su’ruff Camp pup package. What started with 25 salty dogs and twice as many spectators, has blossomed to more than 60 canine curl riders and their humans…
San Diegans love their pets, and rightfully so. An increase in pup pampering has fueled local businesses to roll out the red carpet and embrace Fido. Here are a few favorites: Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa: Loews was the first luxury chain to permit pooches. “Pets are family members” said Anne Stephany, Loews director
In honor of William and Kate’s royal wedding I went to the Grand Del Mar Resort for High Tea. They offer the Grand Tea or the Royal Tea; the later includes champagne. Scones, finger sandwiches, and to die for desserts are served on 18-Karat gold French china in the library. Perfect setting for High Tea.
Easter is a time when family and friends get together to catch up with each other and celebrate the day. With so many great hotel brunches in San Diego my suggestion is do not cook! The Hotel Del Coronado offers two champagne brunches, one in the ballroom overlooking the Pacific, another in the Crown Room.
Spring just arrived and so have a bounty of colorful flowers in gardens throughout San Diego’s hotels. The Sheraton La Jolla is one such place. It’s eight acres of trees, koi ponds, lily of the Nile, Mexican heather, pygmy date trees and over 100 king palms. It’s maintained four days a week by numerous gardeners.