Garibaldis, Leopard Sharks, and Seadragons…Oh My!

Visitors and locals usually think San Diego’s top family attractions are its beaches, Balboa Park, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo, and Wild Animal Park.  Missing from the list is the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.  All ages will enjoy the exhibits and hands-on activities, including watching the little blue penguins, experiencing tide pools, and[…]

8 Days Left!

Psst, want a deal?  How about 50% off admission to 60+ San Diego County museums, historic sites, gardens, zoo/aquariums and more.  BTW, 16 are located in Balboa Park.  It’s San Diego Museum month and reminder, “the days are swindling down to a precious few.” The event is coordinated by a partnership between the San Diego[…]

The Greenhorn Ranch from A – Z

The Greenhorn Ranch is one of the few places I’d like to visit again.  Think of it as the definitive dude ranch experience crossed with the daily activities of a landlocked cruise.   Let me tell you 26 things about this magical place. All-inclusive, featuring casual, family style dining in the Chuckhouse; snacks and freshly[…]

When a Tree Isn’t a Tree

The small desert town of Twentynine Palms is the gateway to Southern California’s iconic Joshua Tree National Park.  The 1,200 square mile park straddles two distinct ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado deserts.  Its landscape features craggy rocks, jumbles of stacked boulders, and stark barren terrain dotted by Joshua Trees. The “Joshua Tree” was named[…]

Where and What Is the Lost Sierra?

Hidden between the larger Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges, the region’s “Lost Sierra” name was coined at the time the Pony Express riders galloped through Northern California to deliver the mail. Today the area encompasses Plumas County and of the town of Quincy, home to Greenhorn Ranch, Lost Sierra’s crown jewel.

Hay Is For Horses

When I was growing up, my Mom would correct me whenever I said, “Hey.”  Her retort was, “Hay is for horses.”  Hey and hay are homophones; they sound alike but are spelled differently and have unrelated meanings. When I learned that the Greenhorn Ranch had 55 horses, hay came to mind.  We’ve all seen bales[…]

Balboa Park – San Diego’s Crown Jewel

Balboa Park’s inception was in 1868 when land was set aside for a city park.  A master plan was created in the early 1900s when taxes were levied leading to water systems and roads being built. To further promote San Diego’s commercial possibilities as the first US port of call for ships transiting the Panama[…]

Pechanga Resort Casino

Pechanga Resort Casino There’s nothing better than a quick getaway destination with good food, amenities galore, reasonable rates, and a casino.  Since I had read about Pechanga’s $300 million expansion last year, I decided to give it a try. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t disappointed.    History The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians has called the[…]

California’s Central Valley’s Gem: Chico

Recent History:  Chico, CA has been in the news a lot since the devastating fire that destroyed its neighbor, Paradise.  It became the the staging ground for Cal Fire and volunteers from around the state and country.  Chico was also inundated with almost 20,000 displaced persons.  The community was impacted greatly but is slowly recovering.[…]

Staying and Playing in La Jolla

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer.  If a beach vacation is in your plans, head to San Diego’s “jewel,” La Jolla.  Although it has an upscale reputation, there are lots of ways to enjoy inexpensive meals and free things to do.  I’ve lived in La Jolla for 45+ years, so I’ve shopped around[…]