There’s something relaxing and almost mystical about boats bobbing on the water with the sounds of docks creaking and halyards clanging. The Kona Kai Resort & Spa and its marina, on San Diego’s secluded Shelter Island, provides safe harbor for a couples or family getaway. In 1953, C. Arnholt Smith built a marina on a[…]
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[…]
“Mile High” Idyllwild (altitude 1.6 km) and Tahquitz Rock, often called Lily Rock, have received world-wide recognition from rock climbers since the 1930s. In 1947, a “difficulty of climb” scale, based on Tahquitz Rock, was established. After the ascent of Half Dome in 1957, the Sierra Club tweaked the values and the ratings became known[…]
What an excellent way to start the new year; great values and unique dining experiences. The 14th annual San Diego Restaurant Week features almost 200 of the county’s best dining establishments. It’s designed to allow you to try new places at different price points. Prix-fixe three-course dinners range from $20 – $50 per person. Two-course[…]
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 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,[…]
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,[…]