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RSSCategory: USA Western States

My Favorite Santa Barbara Hotel (by far)

My Favorite Santa Barbara Hotel (by far)

My favorite Santa Barbara hotel? That’s easy. Belmond El Encanto won my heart with gracious suites in historic cottages, beautiful gardens, and a panoramic ocean view. Spread over seven acres, the hotel feels more residential than commercial. This isn’t surprising, since the bungalows here started out as lodging for students and faculty when a state […]

September 14, 2016 | Updated: September 14, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Shell Beach – Best Central CA Vacation Spot

Shell Beach – Best Central CA Vacation Spot

Shell Beach: What makes this area the perfect spot for a summer vacation? Great weather and a relatively laid-back atmosphere. Further north, coastal fog can be a problem, and in some areas to the south, beach resorts are packed in cheek-to-jowl. But Shell Beach, which is the upmarket resort area of Pismo Beach, feels quiet […]

July 30, 2016 | Updated: August 1, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Restaurants in La Jolla Shores – Part 2

Restaurants in La Jolla Shores – Part 2

Restaurants in La Jolla Shores are my favorites, and this isn’t just because they are close to our house. What I really enjoy is the sense of community that I feel when I’m there. As I think you know, La Jolla is San Diego’s favorite beach area, and there are plenty of places to eat […]

June 15, 2016 | Updated: June 15, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
La Jolla Shores Restaurants Rock

La Jolla Shores Restaurants Rock

La Jolla Shores restaurants have a special place in my heart – and not just because they’re walking distance from our house. What I really love is their casual, beachy atmosphere. San Diego tourists tend to dine a mile away on Prospect Street (AKA “restaurant row”), but locals and authentic travelers prefer the neighborhood feel […]

June 7, 2016 | Updated: June 15, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Seattle – in Two Bookstores and a Library

Seattle – in Two Bookstores and a Library

Seattle is one of my favorite cities, so I was happy to receive this guest post from Karen Adams, a talented local writer. I love her focus on a side of Seattle that tourists don’t see, but authentic travelers can really appreciate. If you’re planning a trip to the Emerald City, this post is a […]

May 24, 2016 | Updated: May 25, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Catalina Island – An Insider’s Guide

Catalina Island – An Insider’s Guide

Catalina Island – the place that’s “26 miles across the sea,” has a reputation as being touristy, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s also an authentic side to Catalina. On my last visit, I found a charming inn, a great place to eat, and a spa that truly reflects the island’s heritage – all […]

May 4, 2016 | Updated: July 28, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 5 Replies More
Best La Jolla Shores Hotels, San  Diego

Best La Jolla Shores Hotels, San Diego

La Jolla Shores Beach is a long stretch of sand about a mile from La Jolla’s popular shopping and dining areas in the “village.” The Shores is where San Diego locals and visitors head for walking, kayaking, surfing, sunning, SCUBA diving, and playing in the waves. In short, La Jolla Shores is pretty much paradise. […]

March 16, 2016 | Updated: March 18, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
El Camino Real, Maggie’s 800-Mile Mission Walk

El Camino Real, Maggie’s 800-Mile Mission Walk

El Camino Real, the Royal Road, is a route that links California’s 21 iconic missions and provides an authentic view of the state’s colonial history. I’ve visited many of these landmarks and enjoyed the serenity they offer – and that was enough for me. In contrast, my friend and fellow travel journalist Maggie Espinosa felt compelled […]

November 17, 2015 | Updated: November 18, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 2 Replies More
Denali National Park – Musings on the “Great One”

Denali National Park – Musings on the “Great One”

Denali – the tallest peak in the U.S. – has been in the news a lot lately because of its recent name change. What’s the fuss about? In 1896, a gold prospector labeled the mountain “Mt. McKinley” when he heard that Ohioan William McKinley had just secured the Republican presidential nomination. In 1975, the state of Alaska officially changed […]

October 19, 2015 | Updated: October 19, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Best Hotel Suites Near La Jolla Cove, San Diego

Best Hotel Suites Near La Jolla Cove, San Diego

La Jolla Cove is easily the most recognized spot in my hometown – and for good reason. The lovely little beach is a mere dollop compared to the long stretches of sand in the rest of San Diego. And – because it’s sheltered by low sandstone cliffs – La Jolla Cove feels cozy. Snorkelers and […]

October 8, 2015 | Updated: October 9, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Coasterra – New San Diego Restaurant Stays Classy

Coasterra – New San Diego Restaurant Stays Classy

Coasterra – the vibrant restaurant, bar, and event space that opened on Harbor Island in mid-August – is getting good reviews for its Modern Mexican food. However, when I joined other San Diegans for lunch there recently, I was equally impressed with the setting, architecture, and interior design. Authentic San Diego dining On this site, […]

October 7, 2015 | Updated: October 9, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 3 Replies More
Monterey, CA – Wildlife, Great Food & More

Monterey, CA – Wildlife, Great Food & More

Monterey is a mixed bag. At first glance, it’s not very exciting. The commercial district is chockablock with the predictable chain stores, and nearby lodging and dining options are also ho-hum. So why am I writing about this Central California city? Because the flip side is that Monterey is home to some of the best food, most authentic wildlife […]

September 29, 2015 | Updated: September 30, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Seattle – Have Fun Like a Local

Seattle – Have Fun Like a Local

Seattle. When you think of The Emerald City what pops into your mind? The Space Needle? Salmon? Bill Gates? Seattle is chockablock with iconic images – each suggesting something to do or something to eat or drink. I’ve lived in Seattle and visit frequently and know that – as in any big city – some […]

September 17, 2015 | Updated: September 18, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
California Road Trips With Kids – LA to San Fran

California Road Trips With Kids – LA to San Fran

California road trips are the best – especially ones along our long, beautiful coast. I’ve lived here most of my life, and I’m still amazed at the sights I see when I travel along Highway 101 and Highway 1. Because I love coastal California road trips, I was alarmed when I heard a mother of […]

September 3, 2015 | Updated: March 13, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 2 Replies More
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