In 1937 Frank Capra used a long shot of Ojai Valley to represent the mythical paradise of Shangri-La in the classic film Lost Horizon. Ojai (pronounced O-hi) is a small, artsy community nestled serenely near …
January 7, 2011
Central California stories & travel reviews
Ojai, California: Searching for the Pink Moment in Shangri-La
Danish Days in Solvang, California
The rolling green hills in Santa Barbara County wine country provide little clue as to what awaits the visitor approaching the little town of Solvang. Also known as the "Copenhagen of the Pacific," Solvang is …
November 28, 2010
The Land Where Giants Dwell: Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is home to the largest living thing on the planet. The tree, General Sherman, is tucked away along Generals Highway, about five hour’s drive from San Diego. Although not the tallest tree …
October 14, 2010
Morro Bay, California
“The sun was shining on the sea, Shining with all his might... ‘O, Oysters, come and walk with us!’ The Walrus did beseech. ‘A Pleasant walk, a pleasant talk, Along the briny beach...’” – from …
February 23, 2010
Winter Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, California
It’s no wonder the movie Sideways chose Santa Ynez Valley as the setting for its whirlwind wine-tasting tour. In the middle of winter, this area greets the road warrior with a promise of spring and …
February 2, 2010
Santa Barbara: The American Riviera
Santa Barbara has always been one of my favorite day trips in Southern California. The Spanish architecture and beautiful setting between the mountains and ocean creates an atmosphere that never fails to regenerate my spirit. …
January 21, 2010
Avila Beach, California
We recently returned to a Central California beach town that’s changed significantly since our first visit about 20 years ago. Avila Beach is located in San Luis Obispo County between the county seat and Pismo …
December 27, 2009
The Bay Area's Best Kept Secret: Capitola-by-the-Sea
What? Never heard of Capitola? If you haven’t yet ventured that far north, you’re missing one of the Bay Area’s well-kept secrets. A quaint, colorful village, Capitola-by-the-Sea, ten minutes south of Santa Cruz, is slightly …
December 16, 2009
Phil's Fish Market, Moss Landing, California
Catch this! If you’re on a constant search like I am for tasty cioppino, head to Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing, Monterey County, for delicious seafood using old-world family recipes. Phil’s Fish Market, in …
December 13, 2009
Highway 1: San Simeon through Big Sur to Carmel
Fill up the car with gas and travel up the coast through Big Sur on Highway 1 to Carmel, one of the most scenic drives in the country. Starting at San Simeon, site of the …
December 8, 2009
Bloodless Bullfights in Gustine, California
Gustine, in California’s San Joaquin Valley, can transport you to Old World Portugal. Matadors, cavaleiros and forcados donned in colorful old-fashioned garb along with the fiesta atmosphere preserve the culture of this distant land. Keeping …
November 20, 2009
Highway 1: San Francisco to L.A.
After visiting family, my daughter and I decided to take the Old Highway 1 that runs along the coast from the Bay Area south to L.A. It takes you along the edges of cliffs, twisting …
September 27, 2009
Forestiere Underground Gardens, Fresno
If I’d been living in Fresno in the early 1900s, I’d have visited Baldasare Forestiere often, especially in August. To beat the scorching heat, this Sicilan immigrant spent nearly forty years creating an underground dwelling. …
September 22, 2009
Pit Stop in Avenal, California
On a quest for a better alternative to fast food and gas station cafes, and armed with a curiosity for old California towns, I came across the small city of Avenal during a recent road …
September 17, 2009
The Garden Song in Elkhorn, California
Visiting the Garden Song in Elkhorn, California, halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz, is like meandering through a five-acre hidden treasure. Dahlias in every imaginable color burst forth like the grand finale of a Fourth …
September 3, 2009
Central Texan BBQ, Castroville, California
I’ve heard Central Texan BBQ restaurant, 10500 Merritt Street, Castroville, referred to as a “vegetarian’s nightmare.” If you do have any carnivorous tendencies, they serve the best smoked turkey and brisket I’ve ever had. Meats …
August 28, 2009