The National Park system was established in 1916 by the federal government to protect our nation’s remarkable natural beauty. State parks were formed with the same concept, but on a smaller scale and run by the state in which they reside. All these parks are America’s playgrounds. While national parks have the blockbuster fame, state
Staying at Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells
- Southwest, United States
- Big Wheel Tours, Eight4Nine, Indian Wells, Miramonte Resort, Moorten Botanical Garden, Oasis Date Garden, Palm Springs, slot canyon
I recently spent a few days at my happy place…Palm Springs. This desert destination truly is magical and my stay at Miramonte Resort a few miles east made it even more so. Daily outings to nearby wilderness preserves and evenings around the hotel fire pit gazing at the stars made my mini-vacay the consummate getaway. Here’s
Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
- Southwest, United States
- Balboa Theater, Le Parfait Paris, Puesto restaurant, San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego PetCo Park, the Shout House, USS Midway Museum
In the belly of bustling downtown San Diego sits the AAA Four Diamond Westin Gaslamp Quarter hotel. It’s all about location, location, location! The Gaslamp in one of THE hottest spots in this SoCal city. Night life and day life abound! And it’s all steps away from the hotel. Balboa Theater was a vaudeville palace
Hello Palm Springs! Ace Hotel & Swim Club’s cool digs are within shouting distance of downtown; perfect for finding the top 10’s within 2 miles! Here ya go… Because this desert playground is popular with the hipsters, a few top tens are on property! Vespa n’est pas? The Italian mopeds are perfect for zipping around
Hilton Glendale/Los Angeles Hotel & Meeting Center
- Southwest, United States
- Alex Theater Performing Arts Center, Fremont Park, Moonlight Rollerway Skating Rink, Museum of Neon Art, Sugarfina, The Americana at Brand Mall, The Hilton Glendale
As someone who travels a lot, I sometimes think an upcoming destination may not have as much to offer as I’d like. But, usually I’m pleasantly surprised. Glendale, California was one of those refreshingly wonderful surprises. It’s a suburb eight miles north of downtown Los Angeles, ranked the third largest city in the sprawling SoCal
The Mad Men Life at Palm Springs Mid-Century Modernism Week
- Southwest, United States
- Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs, Home, Mid-Century Style, Palm Springs Modernism Week, Palm Springs Visitor Center
Palm Springs, California is the mecca of mid-century architecture, design, fashion, culture, and cocktails. This is celebrated annually at Modernism Week when the town showcases butterfly roofs and all-steel buildings, rattan furniture, far out wallpaper, bouffant hairdos, and martinis. In February, I along with thousands of other 1950’s enthusiast, converged on downtown to partake in
IT’S THE TIME of year when young and old give rein to their inner and outer child and head to theme parks. California offers those from the whimsical to the wild. There are rides for all ages. The following is a peek into what’s new fun, plus a look at some of the old favorites.
The holidays are fast approaching. Perhaps you haven’t had time to enjoy the special events provided during this time of year. It’s not too late. Following are just a few of the upcoming holiday happenings around Southern California. Read article here: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-holidays-happening-all-over-southern-california-2006dec17-story.html
The resurgence of urban life is prolific throughout America. Once dilapidated city buildings are being reconfigured, painted, polished and shined, resulting in uber-chic districts. Streets splayed from the heart of downtown unravel into cultural treasure-troves of trendy restaurants, exotic hotels, and unceasing activities. Los Angeles is no exception. Within a three-mile radius of Union Station,
Death Valley, California. The name is foreboding, with visions of bovine skeletons and snakes slithering between the chaparral. I am here to tell you it’s nothing like that. My neighbor, Lynn, and I decided to take a few days and check out this 3.3-million-acre national park. Sand dunes, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys, snow-covered peaks and