When a vacation is more than a tick mark on your bucket list or the excitement of exploring a new destination, but a sensory awakening that lingers with you long after your return to life as usual — that’s what I experienced in Washington’s San Juan Islands. This “gourmet archipelago” delights the senses, captivates your […]
Summer is Here! Bring on the Barbecue Ribs and Canned Cocktails!
Who’s ready for summer?! Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer vacation with many a barbecue, party or weekend trip. But, lest we forget the true reason for this federal holiday, many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects to those who gave their lives while serving […]
Gems of the South: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Enjoy the power of art and the beauty of nature at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, nestled in the forest of a most unexpected destination — Bentonville, Arkansas. What? You’ve never heard of Crystal Bridges, or Bentonville, for that matter. You’re probably not alone, but let’s change that right here and now. Here’s a bit […]
Make It Memorable: Treat Mom to Bourbon Steak for Mother’s Day
Forgo the brunch crush on Mother’s Day! Instead, plan what’s sure to be a memorable dinner at Bourbon Steak, a Michael Mina restaurant, newly opened at the luxurious Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, CA. Mother’s Day is the biggest brunch day of the year — all the more reason to avoid brunch, on this […]
City of the Arts: Costa Mesa Couples Weekend Getaway
Continuing your fun couples weekend getaway in Orange County’s City of the Arts — Costa Mesa… The former backyard to the beach cities, populated by acres of farmland, Costa Mesa has evolved into the center for commerce, culinary, art and entertainment and the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa hotel is within walking distance to […]
Best of Orange County: Couple’s Weekend Getaway in Costa Mesa
If family vacations leave you wondering what happened to having a little R & R, the answer lies in carving out adults-only time with an occasional fun couple’s weekend getaway. Staying local helps make planning your getaway less complicated and Orange County’s culinary, shopping, and arts capital, Costa Mesa, is the perfect destination for achieving […]
Lighthouse Cafe Offers Dock + Dine Delivered to Your Boat
Cruising Newport Harbor in an electric boat is a quintessential Newport Beach outdoor experience. Bask in the warm sunlight while leisurely tooling along or, later in the day, take in a brilliant sunset on a relaxing cocktail cruise as you drift by myriad sea-worthy vessels and the mega mansions and charming houses that line the […]
Spring Refresh at Montage Laguna Beach
Celebrating its 15th year anniversary, Montage Laguna Beach unveils a newly refreshed Lobby Lounge with a bright and breezy palette designed to frame and accentuate the myriad blue hues of sea and sky that beckon you to behold nature’s infinite beauty. Add to this, fresh modern Coastal Craftsman furnishings that beg you to sit and stay awhile […]
Pearl Couscous with Greens, Cranberries and Pine Nuts
Bored with potato or pasta salads? Why not try a grain bowl recipe for a change of pace! I guarantee this flavorful couscous grain salad is a delight for the eyes and your palate and will have your friends and family begging for the recipe! Jump to Recipe In the past few weeks, I’ve made […]
It’s Baaaack! Firkfest Tiki Cask Beer Festival – March 24, 2018
Firkfest Tiki Cask Beer Festival, presented by OCBeer Blog, returns to Anaheim’s Farmers Park at the Anaheim Packing District on Saturday, March 24th from noon to 4:00 p.m. Over 50 casks of beer from 30 of SoCal’s best breweries will be tapped in Anaheim’s Farmers Park! Sample unlimited tastes for $45. Designated driver tickets are […]