Happy New Year! I started the year off with a weekend getaway to the Santa Ynez Valley, a wine region that’s about a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara. I’ve done quite a few day trips to the area, so it was nice to enjoy a more slow-paced visit. I stayed at a very cute, incredibly peaceful hotel just outside of Solvang. This property was once a motor lodge from the 1950s. It was purchased in 2019 by a company known for reviving historic hotel properties, and was renovated into a charming...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there! A couple weeks ago, I took a weekend getaway to Palm Desert and Palm Springs. I stayed at a very beautifully designed and very pink boutique hotel in Palm Desert. This spot has been on my bucket list for years now, and thankfully, it lived up to my expectations! I’ve been to the area many times, so the weekend was spent enjoying some classic spots and activities that I love. This includes doing a drive-by mid-century modern architectural tour through the Indian Canyons neighborhood...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there! When you think of California’s wine scene, Napa and Sonoma are probably the first spots to come to mind. Don’t get me wrong – I love them both. But today, I wanted to talk about two other wine-centric gems in the Golden State: Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez Valley. If you want to plan a winery weekend getaway, here’s my mini guides to each of these destinations. Quick note: this email contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the URL and...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there! The Central Coast of California is home to some of the most beautiful spots in the Golden State. For today’s newsletter, I wanted to talk about 5 of my favorite Central Coast destinations worth adding to your travel bucket list. Quick note: this email contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the URL and make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Santa Barbara Santa Barbara will forever be one of my all-time favorite destinations in California....
6 months ago • 2 min read
Hi there! Last month, my husband and I returned from a two week vacation to the South of France. I’ve started writing about it for the blog – I’m so excited to share! I have a lot more work to do, but if you want to check out the first few guides, you can find them here. – For today’s newsletter, I wanted to jump back into some California content and share my favorite day trip spots in SoCal! I’m a big day trip person. It’s a great way to shake up your routine and experience a new place...
8 months ago • 3 min read
Hi there! I’m taking a quick detour from California for a moment to talk about one of my favorite Hawaiian islands: Kauai! I re-visited for the first time in about 10 years last month, so it was nice to get to dive into the beauty of “the Garden Isle”. A few highlights: Doing a sunset cruise along the Na Pali Coast (truly a must if you’re planning a Kauai trip!) Exploring Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks Seeing sea turtles at Poipu Beach Hiking the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail on...
9 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there! Summer is just a few weeks away! If you’re still thinking through your travel plans, I put together a mini guide to six of my favorite summer vacation-worthy destinations in California. Hopefully it can inspire you to book a trip and get out and explore this summer! Quick note: this email contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the URL and make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Cambria Make your way to the Central Coast for a little getaway...
10 months ago • 3 min read
Hi there! I’ve been working on a batch of travel guides for San Diego (my hometown!). It’s been fun to look at America’s Finest City through the lens of a visitor! Writing these guides has given me a chance to revisit some of my favorite spots throughout the county, and I wanted to share a few of them. If you are thinking of making your way to San Diego (or live in the area and are looking for something to do!), here are some gems to consider adding to your itinerary. The Self-Realization...
11 months ago • 2 min read
Hi there! As a California native, it’s kind of insane that it has taken me so long to visit Hearst Castle. BUT I planned a weekend getaway to Cambria last month and finally had a chance to explore this historic San Simeon site. If you’ve been thinking of going…GO! It’s such a cool, extraordinarily opulent place. It is well-worth a visit! Here are a few things you should know before you go: You can ONLY visit the property with a tour. Tours can book up quickly, especially during peak season....
about 1 year ago • 1 min read