Tag: california
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Yosemite National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring California
Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most majestic, and breathtaking valleys on Earth. It is more than a place to camp and hike; Yosemite is a special place to recharge, to be grateful that you are alive, and are spending time in its valley. There are no words to truly describe the…
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Redwood National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring California
I remember the first time I read about the Redwood National Park in elementary school, and how even back then I felt that traveler’s pull that I often speak about. I can still recall those photos of the giant ancient redwoods, and as a child I was struck by their enormous size and peaceful energy.…
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The City of Avalon – Catalina Island | Discovering California
As born and raised Southern Californians, we locals always knew about Catalina Island. Even throughout elementary school in the city of Glendale, we all looked forward to the 6th grade when we would spend a weekend at Catalina’s Camp Fox. This little island, which is just 22 miles from mainland Los Angeles, has been a…
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Musso & Frank Grill | A Hollywood Legend
In a city where they say anything over 40 is old, Musso & Frank Grill seems to be the great grandfathers of L.A. restaurants. This place is legendary with plenty of A-Lister history from Hollywood’s golden age. Musso & Frank still stands even after many iconic Hollywood restaurants, such as the Brown Derby, have sadly…
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Calistoga’s Geyser and Petrified Forest | Exploring Napa Valley, California
There are a lot of interesting sights in the Napa Valley beyond the grapevines and fine restaurants. Although those are a few of my favorite Napa sights. If you find yourself in Napa Valley with younger family members or looking for interesting natural sights, I suggest driving a few minutes to Calistoga. There you will…
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“The Rock” Alcatraz Island – San Francisco | Exploring, California
Alcatraz Island, AKA “The Rock”, has been many things over the past couple of centuries- from a Native American territory to a tourist destination. This small island located in the bay of San Francisco was initially developed with a lighthouse, which is considered the oldest lighthouse on the west coast. It was also a military fortification,…
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The Watts Towers of Simon Rodia – State Historic Park | Exploring Los Angeles, California
The first time I read about Watts Towers, I was in grade school and living in Glendale, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. Even at a young age I was intrigued by this public art work display, and the artist behind it, Simon Rodia. Although I am not an artist, I have always had…
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Death Valley National Park | Exploring California
Living in Las Vegas has given me great opportunities to visit many national parks. We are a few hours from the magnificent parks in Utah, and less than two hours away from Death Valley National Park in California. Over the past decade, I have taken various road trips visiting many of the wonderous natural sites…
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Scotty’s Castle – Death Valley National Park | Exploring California
Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley, California is an intriguing look into the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy during the roaring 20’s. What is even more intriguing is the story behind this classic Mission Revival style home in the midst of nowhere. It was the secluded winter hideaway for Chicago millionaires Albert and Bessie Johnson, from…
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Tijuana “TJ”, Mexico | A Quick Trip Over the Border
It was not until I moved out of Los Angeles later in life,that I learned the only people who call Tijuana, “TJ”, are those who grew up in California. When people asked me if I had ever been to Mexico, I would say “Yeah, TJ”, and no one knew what I was saying. Not even…
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Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve | Exploring California
Wish you were here! If this surreal landscape of azure skies, peaceful blue waters, and white rocky towers seems familiar, it is familiar. This is Mono Lake, and it was featured inside of Pink Floyd’s 1975, “Wish you were here” album cover. The Diver, which was a photo taken by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosissh, features what…
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Bodie State Historic Park | America’s Best Ghost Town
Bodie, California– When I say the words “Ghost Town”, what thoughts come into your mind? A piece of the American Old West that sits in decay, barren, and dilapidated. A once thriving mining community with gun fights, bar brawls, and brothels that now sits idle in the middle of nowhere, with an occasional tumble weed…
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Osetra Seafood & Steaks | San Diego, California
San Diego, California– Since 2006, Osetra Seafood & Steaks has been providing a sophisticated wining and dining experience in the heart of the Gaslamp District. This fine restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy the gastronomic facets of wine, craft cocktails, exceptional seafood, and steakhouse quality beef. Additionally, Osetra has the only wine tower and…
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Dinner, Friends & Wolfgang Puck | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
I have appreciated Chef Wolfgang Puck ever since he made his Los Angeles culinary introduction with Spago on Sunset, back in the 1980s. Thinking on those days, my friends and I would spend our whole ‘part-time mall job paycheck’ for dinners at upscale or trending restaurants. Spago was one of them, and made a huge…
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What I Ate & Drank in TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA – A Food & Wine Journal
I had just returned from an almost month long trip to Greece and Egypt when a few friends and I rolled into Temecula, California for a ‘Girl’s Wine Weekend’. I believe that weekend was what they call a “Live Hard – Play Hard” trip. I added one more verse to that slogan and ‘Crashed Hard’…
Trixie Navarre 