Enjoy the European Chateau Experience Right Here in California

VENTURA BOULEVARD MAGAZINE: January, 2023

In the world of luxury travel, there is nothing so sensuous as a chateau. The blend of art and architecture, gardens and hospitality make chateau-style inns a favorite throughout Europe. Happily, there’s no need to travel overseas for one of these fairy tale experiences. Gracious, chateau-style accommodations are waiting to be discovered right here in California.

Continue reading

One Fine Weekend in Alberta, Canada

DIABLOMAGAZINE: December, 2022

Icy-blue glaciers that gleam in the light; soaring pines framing turquoise rivers and lakes; and friendly folks who embrace winter sports like ice climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing. Welcome to Alberta, Canada, a long weekend destination that will give you goose bumps for all the right reasons.

Continue reading

Bay Area Adventures After Dark

DIABLO MAGAZINE: May, 2022

Sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge

Much has been written about the poetry of a star-studded sky and evening’s enchantment. So why not make the most of our gorgeous twilight hours? When the sun sets and the moon takes its shift as night’s guardian, awesome nocturnal adventures can unfold, especially here in the bay area. From sunset sails to exploring an old civil war fort by lantern light, we’ve compiled a list of our region’s best after-dark adventures—some spooky and all certifiably fun.

Continue reading

One Fine Weekend in Cabo

DIABLO MAGAZINE: March, 2022

Take in views of the Sea of Cortez from Sirena del Mar’s dramatic bluff-top locale.Courtesy of Sirena Del Mar

Spring break in Cabo. If your first thought is tequila shots and bikinis, you may be surprised to find peaceful hideaways near this popular destination on the Baja California Peninsula. Yes, spring break in Cabo San Lucas is a good time for adults and families to get away, too, and explore authentic Mexican villages just a short drive from the resort strip.

Continue reading

Hetch Hetchy Gate to Yosemite; Waterfalls and No Day Pass are Big Drawing Cards

MERCURYNEWS.COM: June 1, 2021

Ginny Prior/for Bay Area News Group A spectacular waterfall can be found in Yosemite National Park at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. A hiker, above, pauses on the trail to Wapama Falls (about 5 miles round-trip). During the hike, you’re immersed in the grandeur of what John Muir described as a place as beautiful as Yosemite Valley.

Nature is really growing on us. A new survey found that almost six out of 10 Americans have developed a deeper appreciation for the outdoors since the pandemic began — and the national parks are getting much of the love.

Continue reading

Happy Wanderer: Welk Resort San Diego experiences fun, innovative

EASTBAYTIMES.COM: MARCH 27, 2021

Swimmers wear virtual reality goggles at Welk Resort San Diego, which caters to a diverse group of multigenerational vacationers these days despite famed bandleader Lawrence Welk’s original vision of just having it be a respite for fans.
Swimmers wear virtual reality goggles at Welk Resort San Diego, which caters to a diverse group of multigenerational vacationers these days despite famed bandleader Lawrence Welk’s original vision of just having it be a respite for fans.

If there’s a silver lining to COVID-19 restrictions, it’s that the hospitality industry has found new ways to enjoy the outdoors. From electric bike rides in the country to virtual-reality goggles in the pool, resorts are reinventing what guests can do outside.

An industry leader in outdoor adventures is a group of properties started by famed bandleader Lawrence Welk. It turns out the folksy entertainer best known for champagne music was pretty perceptive about customer service.

Continue reading