The latest edition (no 11) Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma is a detailed look at some of the best restaurants, wineries and experiences that the wine country in this part of the state has to offer. Written by husband and wife Peg Melnik and Tim Fish. Both are accomplished wine writers: Peg writes for the local Santa Rosa based newspaper, the Press Democrat and Tim writes for the Wine Spectator. Not a huge book but it is richly endowed with plenty of insider tips and places not to be missed […]

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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, a distinction given each year to only a few lodges in the entire world. Guests come from far and near to escape […]

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Lompoc, CA – A fall getaway to Lompoc means wine harvest season, tempting local cuisine, rich California history, and a place to unwind, relax and take in the beauty of this picturesque Central Coast town. Harvest season is underway, and Lompoc is known for its small production wineries specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and other cool climate varietals from the surrounding Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The unique coastal climate and east-west valley orientation of this appellation make an ideal location for producing incredible wines. A great spot […]

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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 the majority of the visitors to the valley. They […]

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Guided vineyard bicycle tours, stand up paddle, zip-lines and hot rods heat up summer SANTA ROSA, CA – May 30, 2013 – Sonoma County, a region predominantly known for its wine and culinary offerings, is showing visitors its adventurous side with new and exciting activities this summer. From guided vineyard bicycle tours to paddle boarding the Petaluma River, Sonoma’s summer adventures create unique experiences for travelers of all ages. To take full advantage of the al fresco season, the Green Music Center has scheduled top classical, jazz and world music […]

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(Greater Palm Springs) – Strap on your helmets, Amgen Tour of California is coming to Greater Palm Springs! For the eighth consecutive year, the Amgen Tour of California, a cycling road race that draws athletes from around the world, will be making its way along the west coast of Cali. On Sunday, May 12, hundreds of biking enthusiasts will push off from the city of Escondido, ride through 13 California cities over an eight day period, and end with a bang in Santa Rosa. The bikers will travel over 750 […]

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Dapitan became famous after the Filipino hero Jose Rizal arrived on its shores more than one hundred years ago. Jose Rizal’s colorful exile in this place from 1892 to 1896 has had a very significant role in Dapitan’s history making it the ultimate “Shrine City of the Philippines”. Perhaps, Rizal is Dapitan and Dapitan itself is eternally tied to Rizal. Without him, this place would never be known the world over and never become one of the most focal destinations in the nation. With its 750-meter white-sand “Dakak Beach” that […]

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We recently visited Francis Ford Coppola’s winery and estate (Francis Ford Coppola Winery) in northern Sonoma County which with good traffic is about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of San Francisco California. The location is a rather bucolic one, the winery is nestled against the hills surrounded by vineyards. We have visited hundreds of wineries over the years; this one is unique. While wine is the focus of their operations here, the estate offers so much more. This winery is built upon Coppola’s travel experiences; when you have travelled […]

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Recommended restaurants, San Martin de los Andes & Cordoba Argentina -The following are two highly recommended restaurants in Argentina. One is in the town of San Martin de los Andes and the other is on Cordoba. Boqueria, Vinos and Tapas Location: Cap. Drury 857, San Martin de los Andes, Neuquen 02972 425663 Chef: Pablo Doskoch Head Sommelier: Victoria Gonzalez – more than 400 varieties of wine, with select wines from Patagonia – delicious tapas! – the corresponding photo was taken from outside the restaurant La Mamma Location: Cross streets of […]

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Machu Picchu is one of those things you can’t miss, even if you hate crowds and band wagons. It is undoubtedly gorgeous and profound. However, all that ‘lost city’ stuff sounds like a cheap cliche these days. What is so lost about a shiny train, a bunch of new coaches, international cuisine, inflated tourist trap prices, tactical formations of retired Japanese and millions of North-American kids screaming for mommy? Machu Picchu is a Very Much Found City of the Inca. Peru is the land of adventure and this is why […]

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Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA ) Los Angeles, CA – Public Transportation Street Cars used to dominate the greater Los Angeles area serving many communities and locations. These were eventually phased out in the early 1960’s. Today, the (MTA) operates the second largest metro system in the country. Los Angeles has quite a large metro – but it still needs to be built out further in sections and has been and is also in the process of being extended. When you think of Metro in other big cities you think, “metro, […]

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Wagon Wheel Saloon Santa Rosa – This unique and almost historical bar is located in the midst of sprawling Urban Development in North Santa Rosa, CA. This old time bar remains despite all the development in the area including the fancy residential and business park in the Fountaingrove District in the nearby hills and tiny homes that back up almost to the bar itself. This bar is not short on character and it is worth a visit for that. To appear as if you are a local – enter through […]

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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 large photographs of select Peanuts’ characters; Snoopy with a […]

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A “little piece” of Africa is available to the general public in Sonoma County, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley. Visiting Napa for some wine tasting? Need a break? Come here! Safari West is not a zoo […]

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Audubon House & Gardens is located at 205 Whitehead Street. Phone 305 294-2116. This house was the home of a 19th century Key West Settler named Captain John H. Geiger. This building was restored in 1960. The reason it is named the Audubon House is because Mr. Audubon the naturalist visited Key West in 1832. Special exhibitions are shown in the second floor gallery. Be sure to tour the gardens where exotic plants are growing. The Audubon house is open daily from 9:30am until 5pm. Admission is $10.00 for adults. […]

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