When I think of fall, I think of the changing colors in the vineyard as the lush green grape vines turn yellow and orange. It is the perfect time for a weekend escape to Santa Maria Valley. Not only is it the ideal time to enjoy the wineries, but it is time to enjoy the
If you want a change of scenery, enjoying a weekend escape to Solvang, CA, offers a fantastic option with its Danish flair, good wine, and burgeoning dining scene. My recent visit included tasting wine at Coquelicot Estate Vineyard, dining at the Michelin Plate restaurant First & Oak, and staying at the Mirabelle Inn. This same
The terrain of the Santa Ynez Valley is diverse, with its green pastures dappled with horse ranches and vineyards. The landscape is studded with oak trees that signify one has landed in Chumash country. It is an agricultural area surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains on the south and the San Raphael Mountains on the
Every city has an attraction that delineates them from other cities. In many cases, it is murals; in others, it can be a style of architecture. When visiting Concord, California, the defining feature is the Concord Taco Trail; for people like me who have dietary restrictions, it is the Naked Taco Trail. Several years ago,
The best time to travel to Palm Springs begins in the fall when the weather cools and continues through May. The days are glorious with the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains and it is the ideal time to partake in the numerous outdoor activities Palm Springs offers. This timeframe is also perfect for bringing
This post is an excerpt from an article I wrote on Gilbert Arizona for FWT Magazine. Gilbert Arizona has become the fastest-growing city in the Phoenix area. Its popularity can be seen as one walks down Gilbert Rd in the heart of Gilbert’s Heritage District. Not only is the town popular with snowbirds, especially those
The Willamette Valley spans 150-miles from Portland to Cottage Grove, with the Willamette River flowing along its entire length. Most people think of the Willamette Valley as the area between Salem and Portland, but this article will delve into the South Willamette Valley that includes the cities of Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield, and Cottage Grove. Recently
Ramona Valley is one of Southern California’s secrets. Most people are not aware that this is one of our state’s wine regions. Ramona Valley’s topography can be described as the old west meets Tuscany. The area reminds me of Maremma a portion of Tuscany known for its wine and cowboys, the Butteri, who work the
If you’re tired of the clogged dining scene in downtown Culver City, there are many other options just a few blocks away. A recent discovery, the colorful Casa Oaxaca is a hidden gem on Venice Blvd. serving authentic Oaxacan cuisine. Helmed by the charming Rogelio Martinez, the restaurant has been around for about four years.
Visiting Portland, the scenic town that lies along the Willamette River, I found the lushness in the landscape very appealing, whether strolling in Portland’s many parks, walking along the waterfront viewing the bridges or nearby on a drive up the Columbia River Gorge. Recently after finishing a wine tour of the Tualatin Valley my husband