I visited San Diego’s US Grant Hotel because I love the history. Native American’s once owned the land. They were relocated to in the early 1800’s when development began in the area. U.S. Grant, Jr. built this opulent hotel. In 2003, Kumeyaay Indians purchased the hotel & land, reclaiming what once belonged to their ancestors.

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter will be rockin’ at this years St. Patty’s Day ShamROCK festival. Proceeds from the shin-dig will benefit the Gaslamp Historical Foundation. Promotors are rolling out 60,000 square feet of green astroturf. Free rides home are offered to keep partiers off the roads. Or, check into one of San Diego’s downtown hotels.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa is one of San Diego’s premier stays. Click here to see all this beauty has to offer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P73R9NvwGx8

Old Town San Diego has one of the coolest historic hotels in the city. Click here to check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROW-FyuRKIs

My four-legged friend, Marcel, and I tried out the Loews Coronado Bay Resort pet amenities. A goodie bag is given to guests at check-in; even a pet menu is offered to the furry guests. Click here to see what fun things you and your hairy heartthrob can do at Loews. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8epMZeYHY_g

Just in time for holiday travel, Monica Dean welcomed Marcel I on air to share pet travel tips with NBC viewers. My furry friend and I discussed the pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, activities, and shops outlined in my book The Privileged Pooch: Luxury Travel With Your Pet in Southern California. Copies on sale at Barnes & Noble

It’s Here !! The Privileged Pooch; Luxury Travel With Your Pet in Southern California is published! Hitting the road with Rover has gone upscale. Now you can share Southern California’s celebrity lifestyle with your furry friend. The days of staying at substandard hotels and dining at drive-thru’s when traveling with the family pet are over.

One of my “crazy adventure”, as my friends lovingly refer to my trips, was to the top of California’s Mt. Whitney…14,495 feet. After spotting a tour company on the Internet called Sierra Wildness Seminars who offered guided hikes, I wrangled three buddies together, and reserved the July spot immediately. (www.swsmtns.com. Phone: 888-797-6867. Toll free from Canada: 877-797-6867. Address: 210-A East Lake

The last thing many Americans need is more stuff. Contrary to the popular notion that those with the most toys win, it isn’t necessarily so. Experiences, not things, often can be more meaningful.  With the major gift-giving season upon us, perhaps it’s time to rethink the piles of tchotchkes we bestow upon our loved ones

FIVE MOTELS on the Southern California coast recall beach vacations of the past, when stopping at a motor inn was part of the journey. There aren’t many of these old places, but there are a few — lovingly maintained and still welcoming company the old-fashioned way. Outside, a neon sign flickers whether there is a