Christmas in New York far surpassed even my high expectations. This vibrant city knows how to celebrate, adding lights and colorful displays to heighten the charm and give tourists and locals alike a heaping daily dose of holiday spirit. Christmas markets pop up, along with ice rinks and tall trees. Iconic shows like the Rockettes…
Touring the lobbies of historic and iconic hotels in San Francisco may not be on a visitor’s itinerary, but I accidentally discovered this is fun and free and makes for a memorable morning. On a recent trip to San Francisco, we stayed at the Hilton on Union Square and enjoyed this sunrise view of the…
Touring Alcatraz should be top of your list of what to do in San Francisco, even though it may seem strange to plan a visit to a former maximum security prison. You will find The Rock a fascinating place to explore, and the tour comes complete with a boat ride on the bay. Here’s an…
Apple Days in Julian present a festive, fun experience. Julian, a small mountain town in Southern California, sprang to life when gold was discovered here in the 1860s. Known for its pioneer storefronts, wooden sidewalks, and historic sites, Julian has an old West frontier feel. If you’re in search of a fun day trip from…
Don’t you love it when you discover something in your travels that’s generally known only to locals? We enjoyed that experience during our latest trip to Lake Tahoe. For years, I’ve been collecting information about the Flume Trail in north Tahoe. Today, it’s a well known hiking and biking trail high above the east side…
Farmers Market in downtown Los Angeles is not only a permanent food market, but it’s also a must-see attraction. Open every day, Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax is the place to grab a morning coffee, a quick lunch, or a sweet snack. The clock tower has been beckoning visitors since 1934, and you’re welcome…
On a trip to Lake Tahoe in Nevada at the beginning of summer, we found a secluded trail new to us called Skunk Harbor. This trail starts just off the highway on the east side of this pristine lake. No signage exists, so it’s a bit tricky to find. It’s about two miles north of…
Picture a balmy summer evening in the park on Coronado, a delightful island connected to San Diego, California by a curving bridge. People arrive with baskets of food and bright-colored blankets and camp chairs. Leafy trees and palms offer shade as you claim your spot on the lawn. In the Promenade, the U.S. Navy band…
The Getty Center is a sprawling campus that is enjoyable to visit. While the architecture of the campus is stunning, there’s more to explore. The buildings house permanent collections of master works and also feature changing exhibits. And the Central Garden is itself a work of art. Let’s take a look at a few of…
The Getty Center is built on a hilltop in Los Angeles, where it provides a place of beauty and space high above the homes and the busy freeway. In its prime location, you will enjoy views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. On a recent visit, I was so taken with the style of…