For me, the Wild West was never something that piqued my interest. The desert, cowboys, the Gold Rush, saloons; it all seemed rather dusty and trite to me. That is until I got a chance …
January 27, 2019
Weekend Getaways
Into the West: Sedona & Grand Canyon road trip
Idyllic Idyllwild: a weekend in the woods
"Keep close to Nature’s heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir Ah, now I understand …
September 23, 2018
Loveland Reservoir: backcountry in San Diego's backyard
Loveland Lake and Dam is a true hidden gem in the backcountry about 40 minutes drive from downtown San Diego off I-8 East. The trailhead can be easily missed if you blink once while driving …
August 27, 2018
Joshua Tree glamping & the Integratron
Oh, Joshua Tree. You are unique, far-flung and downright bizarre.... I first visited the quirky desert town several years ago and took to the creative community. While brainstorming road trip ideas one weekend, I settled …
June 22, 2018
Springtime Mammoth Lakes: a travel guide
Springtime in the Western United States generally means snow melt and a lot of muddy conditions. It may seem like an odd time to visit a mountain town... but it's just the opposite for the …
May 20, 2018
The Mitchell Caverns: California's sacred caves
The Mitchell Caverns are not as large as those at Carlsbad, New Mexico, or as well known — but are local, every bit as dramatic, and come complete with a history made for movies. I …
April 22, 2018
Life goes on in Las Vegas
Heading to Las Vegas two months after the Mandalay Bay shootings – the deadliest (civilian) mass shooting in American history – you’d have to be a sociopath not to think of death. But eventually, like …
February 25, 2018
Hipster L.A.: Los Feliz, Echo Park, Silver Lake
In many different neighborhoods, L.A. is seeing a positive increase in the number of artistic and creative establishments: from hip clothing stores to shared workspaces to unique bars and cafes. Downtown, Highland Park, East Los …
December 1, 2017
Read before rolling into Baja
When the Baja 1000 races roll around next month (November 14–18), some Americans crossing into Mexico might be in for a big surprise. Recently, travelers crossing through the San Ysidro, Otay, Tecate, and Mexicali borders …
October 20, 2017
Huntington Library & Botanic Gardens: L.A. day trip
Looking for a hidden gem of a day trip from San Diego? The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, a private nonprofit organization located in tony San Marino near Pasadena, is one of the best possible …
August 26, 2017
China Lake: California's rock art library
At night, especially under a full moon, the locals say you can hear the voices of the ancient ones. They ride the wind, telling the story of their people as they glide across the rocks. …
July 15, 2017
Baja's Valle de Guadalupe on a budget
Two hours south of San Diego, around sixty miles from Tijuana, sits Valle de Guadalupe inside Ensenada, the largest municipality in all of Mexico. Dozens of wineries with tasting rooms and fancy eateries sit near …
May 9, 2017
Bishop, CA: Eastern Sierras gateway
For outdoor adventure, a dash of history, and crisp mountain air, head north to the Eastern Sierras to the small top of Bishop. Nestled between two of the largest mountain ranges in the contiguous United …
April 25, 2017
Welcome to Bear Country
Although I had only been home a month, I had irrationally hoped to get my ideal big girl job and within a few months be settled in my big girl apartment. Since I was nowhere …
March 26, 2017
Antelope Valley's fields of orange
Officially known as the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve, the rolling hills of the southern Mojave, 15 miles west of Lancaster, explode with color each spring as 1,745 acres of wildflowers end their hibernation and burst …
February 23, 2017