I recently visited Scottsdale, Arizona, and fell in love with the city’s relaxed vibe and natural connection to the Sonoran Desert. With the variety of things to do, sights to see and places to eat, …
November 13, 2022
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Stories by Elizabeth Orient
Among the Saguaros: Scottsdale, Arizona
Day Tripping in Avalon, Catalina
Under three hours' travel from San Diego, Catalina Island is truly a world of its own. Avalon, the island’s main (and only incorporated) town, offers equal parts relaxation and adventure. Here’s how to enjoy a …
March 27, 2022
Georgia on My Mind: A Southern Weekend in Savannah
Savannah, Georgia, exemplifies Southern hospitality and is known as one of the South's friendliest cities. With a winning combination of art galleries, museums, distinctive architecture, communal parks and cobblestone streets, Savannah is practically a small-scale …
January 9, 2022
Urban adventuring in Oakland
Oakland, California, is the ultimate destination for those who love urban adventure. As San Francisco’s sister city, it’s known for its amity, vibrancy, and spunk. Whenever I visit, I always learn something new about what …
September 26, 2021
How to spend a weekend in Santa Barbara
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, charming Santa Barbara exemplifies the Mediterranean lifestyle to the degree that it's often referred to as the “American Riviera.” Santa Barbara is the ultimate seaside town …
May 2, 2021
Taking it SLO on California's Central Coast
San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast epitomize California’s laid-back lifestyle. However, many San Diegans don’t consider these destinations due to the lack of direct travel options. Thankfully, Alaska Airlines offers nonstop flights from San …
February 28, 2021
Weekend in Julian: solo travel for the soul
Solitude (n): the quality or state of being alone or remote from society. The word “solitude” has a negative connotation, as if being alone equates to loneliness. Today’s society encourages overstimulation and overcommitment, even in …
November 1, 2020
Nostalgic day-cation in Los Angeles
Like most people hailing from Los Angeles, I have a healthy love-hate relationship with the city. I grew up a "valley kid" in the suburbs of the San Fernando Valley. Downtown, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, …
May 17, 2020
The road to Cádiz, Spain
Sometimes an adventure shifts your perspective and uproots your priorities. For me, that adventure was a road trip through Portugal and Spain in September. The story begins in Lisbon, Portugal: My friends picked up me …
February 2, 2020
Wine & dine Temecula "staycation"
Confession time: as a San Diego resident, it took me almost a decade to go wine tasting in Temecula. I broke the spell when my best friend celebrated her birthday at Pechanga Resort and Casino. …
September 7, 2019
Among the pines in Pine Valley, CA
As someone who has primarily lived in suburbia, I find myself escaping to small-town USA when I am in need of a change in scenery. Most San Diegans head to Julian, Palomar, or Cleveland National …
March 10, 2019
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
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
Lisbon for foodies and history buffs
Last summer, I visited Portugal to witness one of my closest friends get married. It was a short, whirlwind trip that I will never forget. I promised myself that I would return in 2018; here …
April 29, 2018