Testimonials
Travel Stories
Morro Bay and the Sinking of the Montebello
Introduction On a recent travel writing assignment along California’s Coastal Highway 1 Discovery Route, I was amazed to uncover a piece of little known history relating to California’s role in WW II and, perhaps, a partial answer to a stain on FDR’s presidential legacy. World War II In 1940, the Navy had already established a[…]
Harrah’s And The LINQ Promenade
My latest visit to Las Vegas was an eye opener to the ongoing evolution of Sin City. Harrah’s Hotel & Casino, located at the center of the world famous Strip, recently spent over $30 million renovating their Valley Tower rooms and suites. Harrah’s Casino has it all: 80+ tables including craps, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.[…]
Chico, California – Small Town Gem
My favorite small town is a gem located 90 miles north of Sacramento. Its economic drivers are Chico State University, agribusiness, healthcare, local government, and craft beer pioneer, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Chico’s 90,000+ residents enjoy an abundance of diversions in California’s Central Valley. On the Go: Chico is a cycling enthusiast’s paradise. Bidwell Park,[…]
Musings of a Fudgeler
Sitting on my balcony at the RIU Palace in Cabo San Lucas, I’m overlooking the Sea of Cortez, watching a parade of one (sometimes two) cruise ships glide past El Arches into port. This is Baja’s version of a traffic jam. My junior suite is strategically situated for straight-line views of the pool and restaurant[…]
A River, A Dream…A Destination
Laughlin, Nevada evolved from a dream. In the early 1960s, Don Laughlin believed that an alternative destination to its neighbor 90 miles north, Las Vegas, was overdue. Perched on the banks of the Colorado River, Laughlin has grown into a full-fledged resort town in terms of outdoor activities, water sports, resorts and gaming. Keeping Active:[…]
An Explosion of Colors
Planning: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest, is putting on a dazzling display of wildly colorful plants and flowers in various stages of bloom. It’s all due to seven plus inches of rain this winter. The last show like this was in 1999, so it’s time for a visit. If you go on a weekend,[…]
Cambria and the California Highway 1 Discovery Route
Settling In: California Highway 1 is your “discovery route” to adventure. This historic road features scenic beaches, state parks, wildlife habitats, wine regions and quaint towns throughout San Luis Obispo County. Our destination was the hamlet of Cambria and the Cambria Pines Lodge. The full-service 152 room resort was built in 1927 and features 25[…]
Surprising Mesquite
Background: The Virgin River Valley is 80 miles north of Las Vegas. Nestled there, in the Mojave Desert, is the small city of Mesquite, NV (population 17,000+). First named Mesquite Flats by Mormon pioneers in 1880, its settlers farmed cash crops; cotton and grapes. Today, it is a fast-growing destination for tourists, retirees and those[…]
San Diego Restaurant Week – January, 2017
Beginning January 15 and running through January 22, over 180 restaurants throughout the county will be serving three-course, prix-fixe dinners ranging from $20 – $50 and two-course lunches for $10, $15 or $20 per person. Here are my lunch recommendations. In the $10 category, a personal long time favorite is Spice and Rice in La[…]
Sailing With Hal
There is nothing easier than cruising roundtrip from your hometown; no TSA lines or airline delays and, once onboard, you immediately begin your vacation. That’s what it was like sailing from San Diego on Holland America Line (HAL for short). The Mexican Riviera was our destination for a seven day cruise on the MS Westerdam.[…]