Happy Wanderer: L.A.’s West Third Street a perfect ‘pet-cation’

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A group of hikers and a dog take a break while trekking above Hollywood in Runyon Canyon, one of the most popular dog destinations in Los Angeles, which in turn is possibly one of the planet’s most pet-friendly places for travelers. (courtesy of Danny Roman)

EASTBAYTIMES.COM: April 18, 2019

In Travels with Charley, author John Steinbeck takes his wife’s poodle, Charley, on a soul-searching journey and discovers what many of us know today — that traveling with pets is rewarding. A survey of travelers by TripAdvisor found that 53 percent of us sojourn with snorkies, schnauzers and other pets — unbred and not. Continue reading →

Happy Wanderer: S.F.’s Tenderloin not for all but worth a visit

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EASTBAYTIMES.COM: February 14, 2019

Famed columnist Herb Caen once said “Any city that doesn’t have a tenderloin isn’t a city at all.” But the San Francisco’s Tenderloin District as a tourist destination? It sounds like a contradiction in terms until you start to explore this oft-overlooked neighborhood. Continue reading →

Happy Wanderer: Yosemite offers classic holidays ambience Archetypal winter images abound at Mariposa Grove in the Sierra

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Courtesy of Tenaya Lodge

EASTBAYTIMES.COM: December 7, 2018

It’s early December and the search has begun for the picture-perfect, Currier-and-Ives holiday experience. You know the scene — the horse-drawn sleigh gliding through snow-covered meadows, the mirrored skating pond and the pines draped in twinkling lights. John Muir knew where to find the magic. It’s still here today — in Yosemite. Continue reading →

Happy Wanderer: Oysters steal the cuisine scene in Morro Bay

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Ginny Prior/for Bay Area News Group Autumn is called the “secret season” in San Luis Obispo County’s Morro Bay, above.

EAST Bay Times: October 19, 2018

New Orleans, New York, Morro Bay. When it comes to oysters, the coastal town with the famous Morro Rock wins, hands down. Autumn is called “secret season” in San Luis Obispo County’s Morro Bay. The warm sun and mild coastal breeze are perfect for dining seaside al fresco. And for foodies, the choices are impressive. Continue reading →

Happy Wanderer: Seattle’s music scene not slowing down anytime soon

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One of more than 200 musical acts takes the stage in June at Seattle’s Upstream Music Fest + Summit. Photo by Ginny Prior

EAST BAY TIMES: July 5, 2018

Austin, Nashville, Seattle — these cities are defined by their live music scenes. But before you dismiss the Puget Sound “sound” as being too grunge, consider this. Seattle is a hot spot for all kinds of live music, in walkable neighborhoods with majestic views and cutting-edge cuisine. Continue reading →

Happy Wanderer: Child of Alcatraz describes spectacular trail on ‘The Rock’

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HILLS NEWSPAPERS: December 19, 2017

One of the Bay Area’s most spectacular trails is open to hikers, but just till the seagulls return to their rookery. It’s the little known Agave Trail along the backside of Alcatraz island, and it’s open during a time when Alcatraz Cruises is offering two-for-one tickets to locals. (More on that later.) Continue reading →

Happy Wanderer: Winter in Napa Valley full of things to do

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St. Helena’s Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer was named No. 47 on the Condé Nast Traveler list of the world’s top 50 hotels in 2016. (Courtesy of Paige Green)

EASTBAYTIMES: January 17, 2017

Winter in the Napa Valley: Locals call this Cabernet season — when new vintages age gracefully in their barrels and vines await the first buds of spring. There’s nothing to see here — or is there? My husband and I booked a night in St. Helena recently to find out. Continue reading →

Happy Wanderer: Emotional exploration triggers ‘dream trip’

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pie-artstravel-1209-022EASTBAYTIMES.COM: December 9, 2016

Who says you can’t go home? That adage (more recently, the refrain to a Bon Jovi duet) is just wrong. There’s no place like home when it comes to emotional exploration. With the benefit of hindsight and a dusting of memories, “home” can be a dream vacation, as I recently discovered on a weekend getaway to the Conejo Valley. Continue reading →