This weeklong road trip covers two of my favorite places on the planet: Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. I’ve visited both these mountain regions countless times, yet each time I’m nonetheless awestruck by their beauty. The trip starts in North Lake Tahoe, winds its way to South Lake Tahoe, and then veers southeast along Hwy. 395 to Mono Lake. From there, it cuts westward on Hwy. 120 and heads up, up, up to the famed Tioga Pass and into Yosemite National Park. Just reading about it will make you want to drop everything and start packing. Read full article »
Mind, Body & Spirit
7-Day Dream Getaway: Lake Tahoe & Yosemite
Sunday, August 29th, 2010The 7 Natural Wonders of Northern California
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
Sometime we need to remind ourselves how lucky we are to be living in Northern California. We have it all: beaches, mountains, volcanoes, coastal forests, and a host of natural wonders—the world’s tallest and largest trees; the country’s highest peak, tallest waterfalls, and largest alpine lake; and even the continent’s deepest submarine canyon. So consider this week’s theme a wake-up call to everyone who loves the outdoors but has yet to explore all of The 7 Natural Wonders of Northern California. Read full article »
8-Day Dream Getaway – Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway
Sunday, June 27th, 2010
Because the California Coast is so vast and geographically varied—from misty redwood forests to gold-sand beaches and rugged mountain ranges—it would take weeks to see all its major attractions. I’m guessing your summer vacation days are limited, so I’ve put together this recommended itinerary to help you make the most of your time.
This 8-Day Dream Getaway begins with a scenic coastal drive to Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz, then continues south to Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel before ending in beautiful Big Sur. And on this getaway the journey is half the fun: The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the nation’s most thrilling drives, twisting and turning, climbing and descending along Highway 1 as it takes you past coastal redwood forests, ocean cliffs, and secluded coves battered by the dazzling Pacific Ocean. Read full article »
Historical California – The Missions That Made California
Sunday, May 30th, 2010
If you consider yourself a Californian then you owe it to yourself to discover the roots of your identity, and ground zero on this journey are the historical Spanish missions of California. The original chain of 21 missions stretched from Baja California to Sonoma Valley, and all were situated a day’s travel apart on horseback along El Camino Real, or “The Royal Road.” Read full article »
Mother’s Day Getaways
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010
If anybody deserves a weekend of blissful indulgence, it’s all the moms out there. As if giving birth wasn’t hard enough, then they had to rearrange their entire world to take care of you. So for all those sleepless nights she spent making sure you were safe and warm, here’s what you should do in return: Treat her to a Mother’s Day getaway to a really nice hotel where she can relax with a good book and enjoy some quality quiet time. Mother’s Day is just a week away, so to help you out, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite getaway gift ideas that I guarantee any mom will enjoy. Read full article »
Earth Day Getaways
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
Thursday, April 22, marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a nationwide movement designed to create awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. With an abundance of charitable events taking place on and around this day, there are fantastic volunteer opportunities available throughout Northern California that only require a few hours of your time, yet do a world of good. Check out the Earth Day getaways below, then grab some friends and family members and help make a difference. Read full article »
Romantic Road Trips
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
If your Valentine’s Day weekend wasn’t exactly the whirlwind of romantic wonderment you hoped and dreamed it would be, it’s not too late to take a do-over. Spring is right around the corner and plenty of hotels are offering heavily discounted rates and packages to lure local lovers on a romantic weekend getaway. Of the dozens of deals and events that have come across my desk this week I picked a few of my favorites, all of which are guaranteed sure-things for couples in need of an extension on their Valentine’s Day intentions. Read full article »
Garden Getaways
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
I have a confession to make. If I didn’t have to visit Northern California’s botanical gardens and preserves to review them for my travel guides, I probably never would have learned how amazing the places are. Until I actually visited the spectacular Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park and the mind-blowing Cornerstone Festival of Gardens in Sonoma Valley, I never realized how… entertaining the world of botany can be.
If you’re already a fan of gardens, you won’t need encouraging, but for all you too-cool-for-tulips types, trust me: A getaway to any of these five botanical gardens will turn your thumbs green in no time. Read full article »
Romantic Getaway: A romantic 2-night Santa Cruz getaway package to 
