Pismo Beach is one of my favorite Central California locations. Set on the ocean, with perfect weather, miles of sandy beaches, an historic pier, unique shops and dining, nearby wineries and tons of classic vibe, the city has everything I look for in a weekend getaway.
A spectacular trumpet section anchored by John Fick is flying high, the tightly knit harmony electrifying a room packed with music aficionados and the timeless and earthy ambience of a hard-swingin’ 18-piece big band. Cherished sidemen, who should each have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, sit elbow to elbow, each with a tale to tell. Johnny Vana’s …
This book is Sam McManis’ collection of newspaper columns for the Sacramento Bee, written while he was on the road searching for the “real California”. Instead of finding one state of California, he found many, and after reading all 61 entries I concluded that they all echo the subtitle as being weird and wonderful. This book is the result of …
California's majestic Central Coast is speckled with hidden gems lining the Pacific Ocean and none shine brighter than the tiny town of Cayucos by-the-Sea. This is especially true in Spring, when the temperature rises, flowers blossom along the hillsides and the city hosts its annual Sea Glass Festival.
I know it's late notice but a friend of mine has two tickets for the Super Bowl in Minneapolis, MN at the new U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, February 4th.
Traveling Boy Photographer Allan Smith Focuses His Camera on Washington State’s Stunning Mount Baker Every UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK Courtesy Ferne Arfin, TripSavvy UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has been identifying and listing World Heritage Sites of special cultural, scientific and natural importance to humanity for more than thirty years. Today, of the …
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a postcard village of shady, tree-lined streets, charming hotels and inns, unique shops, gourmet restaurants, and a big, beautiful beach at the end of town. It is slow-moving, Northern California paradise. A friend and I recently snuck away to Carmel for a couple nights and the memories are still swaying in my head like leafs on the town’s …
Paradise comes in many ways. Recently it came in the form of a charming suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a secluded beach, and a delicious, 40-day aged cut of prime steak. In other words, I spent a night at the historic Grande Colonial in La Jolla and dined at the property’s renowned NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar. A friend and I recently …
I always dreamed of staying in a French chateau, sipping wine beside a serene lake. And while I knew this day would come, I didn’t think it would be in the Palm Springs desert. But this is exactly what I discovered on a recent getaway to The Chateau at Lake La Quinta, the only lakefront hotel in the Palm Springs …
One of the most anticipated projects in recent Los Angeles history is finally complete. On July 2 the hotel portion of the new $1.2 billion Wilshire Grand Center mixed-use development opened for business, joining the project’s other components, which completed last month. The $1.2 billion Wilshire Grand Center is the new tallest building in Los Angeles (picture courtesy of Wilshire Grand Center) Located …