San Diego There are two notable events this month. On November 3 & 4, the Del Mar Racetrack hosts the Breeder’s Cup, the Super Bowl of horse racing. This two-day event features 13 races with over $28 million in purses and awards. Launched in 1984, it marks the unofficial end of the thoroughbred racing season[…]
After Labor Day, the tourists have headed home, the weather is ideal, and there’s plenty of parking. What a perfect time to visit San Diego’s favorite “village,” La Jolla. Vacationing in my hometown was very appealing. Where To Stay I jumped at the chance to stay at the Pantai Inn. It has earned a prestigious[…]
This month gives San Diego’s locals and visitors two excellent opportunities to sample the area’s best restaurants. The Taste of Downtown is San Diego’s longest running neighborhood food fest. It takes place Thursday, September 14 from 5 PM – 9 PM in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, Financial District, East Village, Headquarters, and Horton Plaza. There is[…]
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[…]
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.[…]
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,[…]
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[…]
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:[…]
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,[…]
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[…]