Of all the past travel writing contests, this was the most difficult year to narrow down the entries to the top three winners. We initially selected 11 from over 100 entries. One entry stood out from the others and was the unanimous choice for our top spot. After discussion among the three judges - the three top entries are: Bring Adventure Back to Europe, by Richard Bangs Without An Address, You Can’t Go Home, … [Read more...]
Finding the Flavors, Spring in West Sonoma County
The allure of wine tasting at family owned boutique wineries of West Sonoma County is calling. The romance of several nights tucked away in Guerneville - away from crowds, hidden in the gentle fog of west county is downright appealing. Located only about 25 minutes from Santa Rosa and under 90 minutes from San Francisco this region of Sonoma County makes a great multi-day destination/weekend getaway. In order to avoid the summertime crowds … [Read more...]
Peter Mondavi Sr: Longtime Napa Winemaker, Industry leader
We recently had the honor and rare privilege to sit down with Peter Mondavi Sr., long time proprietor of Napa's oldest winery, Charles Krug. Mr. Mondavi is 98 years young. We talked about history of course because when you've been in Napa as long as Peter Mondavi Sr. you have plenty to discuss. But we also covered the types of wines being produced today and how they differ from the wines he started out producing in the 1940's, not to mention his … [Read more...]
Ready to Fly
I was thankful for the break in the rain as I loaded my old Volvo station wagon and headed south towards the desert. My mind was heavy with questions about relationships, my job, my future. The car was packed to the roof with enough food for a small nation, and barely enough room for my two kids and a tent. I drove without a real agenda, with only a general idea of places we wanted to see. I had no idea where we would stay, only that we would … [Read more...]
Spring has Sprung in “Green” Mendocino County!
MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA - (March 26, 2010) - Mendocino County comes alive during the spring season, when vineyards awaken with new leafy canopies, goats and sheep are hard at work grazing and tilling in the pastures, and the bright yellow patches of daffodils and wild purple iris dot the landscape. It's a great time for nature walks, bird and whale watching, kayaking along the Noyo River, and taking in the warm days & cool nights. Spring … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Random Attractions & Activities
Alpine Village California Polo Club Graffiti Shepherd's Grove LA River Magic Castle Miracle Mile Oakley HQ Spadena House Wayfarers Chapel The following are activities or attractions that perhaps you normally wouldn't initially consider visiting in Los Angeles or Orange County (especially for first time visitors). Often are secret locations or off the beaten path. Alpine Village Alpine Village - is located at … [Read more...]
Schulz Museum
The following is an article that first appeared in the April 2003 issue of Upbeat Times, a regional newspaper which is published once a month in Sonoma County, CA. I had just arrived at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center and was waiting in the front lobby when a young girl skipped in and the first excited words out of her mouth were "Mom, look its Snoopy!" I immediately saw what attracted her attention. On the wall were several … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Attractions
A Short Walk One day I decided to walk due west and see where I ended up. I left the phone at the hotel, I didn't research anything. I just began walking. I passed by Mercado de Abastos (a market) and then drifted by an extremely polluted river, an ecological disaster so to speak. I spent some time watching people wade back and forth through the water. I witnessed several people use the soil behind small bushes as a bathroom. I watched the wind … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Calaveras Big Trees
For beauty similar to the redwood forests on the north coast of California I recommend the Calaveras Big trees. These giant Sequoias (Sequoiadenderon Giganteum) are not quite as tall as the redwoods but they are more massive. For instance some of the lower trunks of the larger trees are incredibly thick. Thirty people could stand next to each other in a circle with their arms extended and the first and last person would still not be able to touch … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA
** Click here for significant photo coverage of the Tubbs Fire October 2017, Santa Rosa ** Typical California guide books have approximately one page about Santa Rosa. We offer much more than that! Read on... The Highlights Santa Rosa, California is a city of about 175,000 (and growing fast) located about 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, just off of the 101 freeway. Santa Rosa has seen tremendous population growth in the … [Read more...]