There is something special about Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. The moment I walked through its colorful, luxurious lobby I felt a calm come over me, like I was suddenly on a carefree vacation. This feeling magnified as I walked past a flowing stream and serene garden courtyard.

I love visiting a place where you can check into a hotel, park the car for a couple days, and then explore on foot and walk to everything you need. Such is the case with Ventura Harbor Village in the seaside city of Ventura, California. This charming little enclave has great restaurants and shops, quaint hotels, and incredible ocean views.

It was 42 steps across the grass from my suite at San Diego Mission Bay Resort to the sandy beach where ducks were playing in the water. I know because I took this memorable stroll dozens of times during my two nights at the luxurious, waterfront hotel.

I’ve stayed in lots of luxurious and unique hotel rooms around Southern California, but I’ve never stayed in one that sits amongst lush vineyards. That is until this past weekend when I experienced South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.

In early 2015, a group of my friends decided to hike up Mt. Whitney, a peak of 14,505 feet in the Eastern Sierras of California. The idea came from our buddy John Marsden. He often was the catalyst of our adventures, and he liked it when his friends could join him on these trips. Many of us in this circle of friends were hikers, and have even done hikes together.

While recently charting my course to California’s Eastern Sierra, I spotted a tiny town on the map called Independence. It was located off Highway 395, right along my path. And with a name like Independence, it screamed history and small town California. I had to investigate.

California’s Eastern Sierra is packed with incredible scenic beauty and must-see locations. From Mono Lake and Bodie State Historic Park to Mammoth Mountain and Yosemite National Park, the region is wonderland of nature.

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan are set to play the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, California on Saturday night, October 26th. A momentous occasion that marks the 40th Anniversary in the duo’s life of ‘Good Time Blues.’ Truly a phenomenal achievement; 40 Years!

A pompous linguistics professor was lecturing her class one day.

I hit the jackpot recently at Pala Casino Spa & Resort in San Diego County. I didn't win any money, but I did stay in an awesome hotel room, dine at a couple great restaurants, and experience the resort's stunning, new pool area.