Serenely tucked above Santa Barbara and a few miles inland is lush, the secreted Santa Ynez Valley, settled by the Spaniards in 1804 with a garden-set mission and in 1911 by Danish Americans who pushed out from the boundaries of Mission Santa Inez to establish the “Little Denmark” community of Solvang. A perfect trip to …
California’s 15th official “Wine Month” is happening all September. It is that enticing time of the year when juicy ripe grapes hang heavy on the vines, and the air is filled with fruity aromas that signal harvest time. This month, those of us who delight in the harvest’s newest creations may choose from more than …
If you love freshly baked, homemade pie, this could be your ultimate “sweet dreams.” The historic Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast in New York is offering guests a slice of pie on their pillow this September as the popular turndown service returns for the sixth year in a row. The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast …
Rubbing elbows with local residents can offer visitors a unique look at a destination, but knowing where to go can be tricky, especially when locals want to keep their favorite hangouts a secret. Amid San Diego’s vast and varied landscape – ranging from a bustling city center and colorful neighborhoods to 70 miles of sparkling …
Being the most expensive anything isn’t always a selling point—unless you are talking about English tea! Brit tea-lovers are the first to brag about this time-honored experience, afternoon tea. The Rubens at The Palace hotel serves its Royal Afternoon Tea in London’s most regal location, overlooking The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Adding to this …
Formed by the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys, stretching to the far northern part of the state, California’s Inland region is home to dozens of distinct wine regions, including some of the world’s most famous destinations. Hidden among even the high-profile appellations are the wine roads less traveled featuring stunning rural scenery, delicious wines and, …
Art, history and culture are the first things that come to mind when considering a vacation in San Miguel de Allende. Named two years in a row as the Best City in the World by Travel + Leisure. However, San Miguel de Allende is also one of the best kept secrets in Mexico for wellness …
Story & photos by Barbara Beckley Sipping a michelada, Mexico’s delicious beer, Clamato juice and lime concoction, under a beach palapa on one day. Admiring a 17th century church on the next. Watching artisans at work along a country road on another. Then zipping around town in a Pulmonia, and feasting on the world’s largest …
Secret Southern California was written for all of the adventurers, those coming from both far and near, who seek truly unusual getaways. Secret Southern California is a totally updated guide that is a spin-off from the popular Off the Beaten Path Southern California, editions 1-8, by Kathy Strong. Still a guide to those hard-to-find spots, …
We’ve all been “clinging” to one of Monterey County’s craggy cliffs over the Pacific since the first season of HBO’s Emmy Award-winning mini-series “Big Little Lies” ended. However, this June, we will be able to step back from the edge and watch Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and other celebs play out more drama around the …
Pebble Beach, on Central California’s rugged and picturesque coast, will again be center stage on June 10-16 for its sixth U.S. Open. While the U.S. Open Championship Experience is the only way for spectators to stay at Pebble Beach resorts during the week of the U.S. Open, there are numerous hotel options nearby—one of the …
Summer plans for Cabo? Consider instead an all-inclusive stay just over the San Diego border at Rancho La Puerta, a 3,000-acre healthy-living paradise with flowering meadows, landscaped gardens and breathtaking vistas all nestled at the foot of Mount Kuchumaa, also known as Sacred Mountain. All this beauty and healthy living at Tecate’s original destination spa …