The Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is not only a luxurious resort; it is a world-renowned sanctuary and wellness retreat. It is also less than an hour drive from Downtown LA. Located in the city of Westlake Village, in the Santa Monica Mountains between Malibu and Santa Barbara, the 270-room, five-diamond resort is a secluded paradise, surrounded by gardens and lawns, ponds and footbridges, a …

If you are looking to surprise that person in your life who has seen it all, traveled the globe and is hard to please. Sit down, relax, we’ve done the research for you. Here is a gift guide that has something special for all those spectacular people in your world!

Farm History. Family History. Artistry. Bursts of color. Tradition. Community. Creativity. So many different celebrations of life represented by the bountiful wooden quilts that majestically drape almost five dozen barn doors illuminating the landscape of Tualatin Valley (Twal’ i-tin), Oregon (Oar’-i-gun) – yes, the semantics DO make a difference (at least locally…). The combination of personal history and rural tradition that find voice in these quilt blocks brings to life customs, folklore and artistic expression reminiscent of the whole Valley.

As I stood in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma I was amazed by the lushness of its greenery and sense of cosmopolitism. This was my first trip to Oklahoma, and in my naiveté, I had thought the whole state was one big Dust Bowl. Perhaps I had seen John Ford’s film adaption of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath too many times, but that image had been branded in my mind.

If you want to turn your kids into travel detectives, there are tools to the trade. Travelers must be flexible, curious, observant and have a sense of adventure. They must understand transportation, be open-minded to learning about new places, cultures, people and foods. If you want to open the world and open your eyes to the beauty that surrounds us, the sky is the limit. Here are a few fun fabulous gifts that can inspire kids and even adults

Dedicated Loudoun County winemakers, working with the rhythms of time and the vagaries of Mother Nature, have created an overwhelming revelation for visitors to Washington D.C. For those in the pursuit of pleasure, Loudoun County, a short 25-miles to the east of D. C. is a leisurely laid-back alternative from the chaotic rush and jumble of the big city where vineyards and horses combine to create a lifestyle to envy.

Oceanside is more than a classic California beach town with a groovy surf vibe and a walkable downtown. The city is also full of history and fascinating architecture, while also boasting eclectic restaurants, boutique hotels, exciting waterfront adventures and more.

McMenamins Grand Lodge (Mic MIN i mins) in Tualatin (T’WAL-i-tin) Valley, Oregon (OAR-a-gun) – you get the idea – gives new meaning to the word funky – also whimsical and droll and quirky. Oh yes, and historic. But if you're looking for glitz or glamour – not to mention basic amenities such as a TV or a dresser – the hotel is not for you.

Everyone has heard of Colonial Williamsburg with its dozens of buildings from the late-17th to mid-19th centuries. But it's not real, folks! Although few people have heard of New Castle, Delaware, it has almost as many buildings from that same era and real people live there. Okay, they're not dressed up like Revolutionaries, but the history there is even more...well, historic. It’s a genuine Colonial town but without the colonists.

I had just put my head down on the pillow. The day had been a fun – but it was also long and taxing, and a good night’s sleep was in order. Suddenly, the blaring sound of a bulldozer burst into the room. I bolted out of bed. I looked at my watch – it was 1 A.M. I charged over to the hotel window and pulled open the curtain. Across a small creek, there was a man outside who was really operating a bulldozer. His family must love this, I thought.