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[…]

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[…]

The Historic Harris Ranch

A Surprising Discovery  Located in California’s sparsely populated San Joaquin Valley is “an unexpected oasis,” the Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant.  It’s much more than a way-stop along a stretch of Highway 5 between San Francisco and Los Angeles.   History: The Harris family has been farming in California for over 100 years. They established[…]

La Jolla Getaway

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[…]

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,[…]

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[…]

Perfect Combo! The Latin Food Fest & Five Star Tours

As if there’s not enough to do in August in San Diego, here are two to add to your “must do” list. The ¡Latin Food Fest! is one of my favorite events in San Diego. This fourth annual spectacular culinary celebration will be at the Embarcadero Marina Park North in San Diego, August 12 –[…]

Pechanga – Jewel of the Temecula Valley

My wife and I decided on a quick getaway to Temecula, California, to try out a spot getting good buzz, Pechanga Resort & Casino. After a speedy check-in, we headed to Kelsey’s, one of 11 restaurants. It’s a sleek American pub specializing in hand-cut, barbecued meats and craft beer. It was our first of three[…]