Moving from Los Angeles to the tiny town of Mendocino (population 855) in the middle of a pandemic turned out to be one of the most unusual decisions I have ever made. The natural beauty and tranquility act like a balm to the world’s troubles (politics! fires!), but, it should come as little surprise, meeting people while masked up and social distancing has proven difficult. On the other hand, as the world opens up a bit, traveling in both … [Read more...]
San Francisco Hotel Review: The Newly Renovated Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Where to Stay Lodging in San Francisco varies depending on the location and season you choose to visit. It's however no secret that San Francisco is one of America's most expensive cities and it often leaves visitors wondering how to choose a hotel that fits into their budget. SF Neighborhoods San Francisco has many different neighborhoods to choose from such as: Financial District (downtown), Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Mission District, … [Read more...]
The Inn at Newport Ranch: Northern California’s Premier Adventure Lodge
The Inn at Newport Ranch, located on the craggy Pacific coastline near Fort Bragg, CA in Mendocino County is perhaps the ideal location to explore California's wild northern coast. Simultaneously remote and accessible, this unique boutique adventure lodge boasts miles of uninterrupted oceanfront vistas, upscale dining, as well as an abundance of nature and adventure tours. The Inn was recognized on the 2018 Andrew Harper Grand Award Winner list, … [Read more...]
A Remarkable Stay at Brewery Gulch Inn
Nestled among groves of pines and redwoods along the rugged northern California coast, one finds the Brewery Gulch Inn, a remarkable hotel with an equally remarkable story. On multiple occasions, it has been voted one of the top hotels in both the US and in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine as well as by Conde Naste. It is situated off California’s Highway 1, just south of the town of Mendocino, where the clear waters of the Pacific … [Read more...]
A Drive through the Avenue of the Giants
Few trees are as magnificent as the California coast redwoods - living behemoths whose size and height seem to make a mockery of other trees nearby. And while there are a handful of scattered locations around the state to see them, my absolute favorite place is the "Avenue of the Giants," an incredible 27 km (17 mile) drive through northern California's ancient redwood forest. The road is lined by some of the largest trees in the world. It … [Read more...]
Three California Roads Less Traveled
It's easy to argue that California is the land freeways and automobiles. And with its massive scale and incredible geographic diversity, there are plenty of scenic routes to explore. We've all heard of the world-famous drives, like the section of the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur or Mulholland Drive through the Hollywood Hills. While I have plenty of favorites, I'd like to share three lesser-known routes. There are, of course, many more … [Read more...]
Mushroom Madness in Mendocino County
MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIF. – As the flavors of fall arrive in Northern California's Mendocino County so does the annual crop of coveted candy cap, chanterelle, porcini and hedgehog mushrooms. Straddling historic Highways 1 and 101 with nearly 2,500 sq. miles of live oak and stately redwood groves, the region is a natural hotspot for some 3,000 mushroom varieties, 500 of which are edible. The annual haul is nothing short of historic, nurturing … [Read more...]
The Blue Lagoon Experience, Iceland
As I pulled out of the airport I saw steam in the distance - making a mental note to come back here I later realized this must be the "sign" of the infamous Blue Lagoon. I returned in the afternoon driving through what at a quick glance looks like a barren wasteland with volcanic rock strewn all about. As you glance across this stark landscape you see no trees - but if you look closer in certain sheltered rock plateaus, there are in fact small … [Read more...]
A Guide To California’s Top Natural Beauty Spots
California is pretty amazingly beautiful, so selecting the top 5 spots was pretty tough, but in the name of being succinct that's what I have done for this post. So here are my favourite few places in California - must see spots for any nature lover. 1. Redwood National Park I just love forests, so this was always going to be on my list. The national park is mostly made of dense forest and beautiful (and huge) redwood trees which are sure to … [Read more...]
Exploring Napa…as in the City of Napa
Introduction For many years the city of Napa was just a place you passed as you entered the Napa Valley - the city center is not on the main highway (Highway 29) and it was lacking in restaurants, hotels and tasting rooms. When you told people you were visiting the Napa Valley, the city of Napa was not mentioned as your final destination, rather you would have been referring to the wineries up valley; it was those wineries that long attracted … [Read more...]