Central California Wine Country ~ Santa Barbara, Paso Robles & Santa Ynez

 Visiting California wine country is one of the most beautiful & enjoyable trips this state has to offer. However, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many wineries to choose from. My best advice is visit one or two of your favorite well known vineyards & then get on the back roads and have fun exploring!!

That's what I did for an entire week straight. The Central coast & valley have a lot to offer. These were a few of my favorite stops. I'll begin with Santa Barbara and Jaffurs. The tasting room at Jaffurs is unique. It's basically in a garage where they also do all of their wine making, mostly Rhone varietals. Of the 10 or so wineries I visited in downtown Santa Barbara, this one had the best wines. I especially love their Mistress Pinot Noir & Verna's Vineyard Syrah.

As you travel further inland, the ocean disappears and the vineyards roll upon the hills for endless miles. Just past the unique village of Solvang lies my favorite Chardonnay of all time at Gainey Vineyards. There are so many things to love about Gainey. The tasting room is in the barrel room which is so much more fun than standing at a bar. The people here are fabulous! Both knowledgeable & entertaining. But the wine, especially, yes, you guessed it, the Chardonnay is out of this world delicious.

On the other side of the freeway lies the Santa Rita Hills, a distinct part of the greater Santa Ynez Valley AVA. Wineries here are a little more spaced out but worth the extra effort to get there. My favorite, Lafond. I litereally came upon this winery by chance and thank goodness I did. The vineyards were close enough to walk through and what they produce is simply amazing wine. I gotta say the Chardonnay was lovely here as well, a perfect balance of citrus & oak. Not surprised it's won 2 gold medals and received 90 points from wine spectator. Absolutely delightful!

Venture north an hour & a half and you will find yourself in the ever popular Paso Robles. There's only one place to start your wine adventure here and that's at Tobin James. Nobody does Zin like this place and their wine club has an incredible 24,000 members. The energy of this tasting room is vibrant & loud, but you can always chill on the lovely patio. The staff is amazing. Your only difficult task is choosing which of their 8 zinfandel options you want to take home with you, or just do what I did and bring them all!

Ok, remember when I mentioned back roads? Steinbeck is a very good example of why we, wine lovers, explore back roads. I absolutely love the rustic charm of this place, but even more so, I love the story of the vineyards told here. Now I have a tendency to roam perhaps where I shouldn't because I'm curious and well, the best photo opportunities do not usually present themselves, you have to search for them. When I got "caught" here doing just that, I was welcomed with a smile and was told to enjoy myself. Now that's my kind of people! I love a wine maker who loves to share his craft. But just to clarify, I always wander with respect. Now on to what those vines produce. The meritage wines are phenomenal. They have one known as "The Crash" It's a blend of Cabernet, Petit Sirah, Viognier, and Zinfandel. Whoa! The name says it all, which, by the way, is known as Steinbeck in a glass. I also enjoyed The Voice which was described to us as a "stunning expression" of the Steinbeck story. Stunning, it was, indeed. Being the literary nut I am, you know I'm closing this one with a quote from John Steinbeck ... "Two gallons is a great deal of wine, even for two paisanos"  I'll take two gallons of Steinbeck wine anytime.

After reading bit of Steinbeck, I enjoyed coming upon this beautiful place known as Halter Ranch. Imagine my excitement when I found out they have CAVE TOURS! by appt only on Sat & Sun. What?!?? And Land Rover excursion tours. There's a lot to explore here. But first, try their flagship wine, a Bordeaux blend known as Ancestor. And I think my favorite food pairing wine goes to their Synthesis, a rich blend of Cabernet & Syrah. Both are quite lovely.

I think my wine brain was active enough now for some serious education and the place to get that is at Tablas Creek. A partnership between Chateau de Beaucastel in France & the Haas family of Vineyard Brands, the vineyard is organically farmed and uses biodynamic practices. The grapes are hand harvested and fermented using only native yeast. I was so impressed with this process, the staff, & the wines. I especially loved the Dianthus Rose'.

When you're ready to relax and enjoy one of the best views Paso Robles has to offer, head to Daou Vineyards. Probably one of the priciest tastings but definitely worth it. The wines here, especially the Estate Soul of a Lion rival any Napa Cabernet. It's not on the flight list but these folks were willing to share all of their wines and that's a pride I admire. The Reserve Seventeen Forty, a blend of 70% Cabernet Franc & 30% Merlot was also exquisite. We actually showed up near closing as they were getting ready for a private event but they were more than kind enough to let us stay and enjoy whatever we like. I got the instinct feeling that these two brothers, George & Daniel, are very passionate about what they do. Yes, the scenery is beyond breathtaking and well worth the curvy roads to the top, but the wine here is top notch. I was actually reminded of something my grandmother used to say to me while visiting here. "Beauty is not in what you see, it's in what you do." The Daou brothers make beautiful wine.

Central California has a lot to offer wine lovers. If you are thinking about spending just a day or two here, plan it out carefully. I had trouble with only a week! Enjoy whatever time you have, and as always, Cheers!

An apple a day ... brought to you by Julian, California

 The road to Julian is a scenic one. Approximately 2 1/2 hours southeast of Orange County, nestled in the beautiful Cuyamaca Mountains, this historical little town has made a big name for itself. Although it is part of San Diego county, Julian feels miles away from city life. It's apple picking events, Sept-Nov, have made it an annual escape for many families. What brings me here from time to time is the pure beauty of nature & a tranquility that is rare to find in southern California. Although it is a small town with a population of approx 1,500, there is plenty to do here during the day. I'll admit, the nightlife is a bit sleepy but if you make the most of your day, relaxing at night by the fire with a good glass of wine is all you'll need.

There are many quaint B&B's and lodges here. I love the ambiance at Orchard Hill Country Inn. This cozy Inn is up in the hills allowing for amazing views, especially from their dining room, which has exceptional food by the way.

Celebrating a special occasion? There is an abundance of romance to be had here. From little notes with poems, to chocolates & fresh baked cookies at your bedside, the staff here go the extra mile to make their guests feel special. As they say, the proof is in the pudding (in this case, maybe pie), their motto ~ "Where San Diego goes to say, I Love You."

Just 9 miles south of Julian, adventure awaits at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. From hiking trails & hidden waterfalls to fishing & relaxing on the lake, Cuyamaca offers day trips for every kind of traveler. Fair warning, you will not be alone floating on this lake, especially if you have food aboard. The geese around here are ultra friendly! We absolutely loved their antics and we all became fast friends.
A trip around this lake offers stunning views of nearby hills & countryside. Looking for a little quieter moment? Dock on the other side of the lake and take a hike on Fletcher Island. A fantastically fun environment with sandy shores & bridges, sure to entertain the child in all of us. Believe it or not, there are vineyards sprawled out nearby in Warner Springs and tasting rooms to prove it. After a morning in the great outdoors, pop in for a glass of vino by a fireplace to warm you up.

Another great memory is a ride in one of these carriages through the back roads of Julian. You can find them up on Main Street. We took the sunset ride and enjoyed every minute of it. Be sure to bundle up though, it gets mighty chilly in this neck of the woods!

You know you are not going to escape your lovely visit of Julian without one the baked beauties you smelled every morning while walking down Main Street. There are many choices of where you can buy your pie but you'll only find one kind ... you guessed it!

    *APPLE*

 I like Mom's because the atmosphere is just downright adorable. And what better logo to bring home to my boys?! Bet you don't leave with just one!!



One last thing, there are many boutique shops to visit during your stay here. My favorite? The Old Julian Book House. As an avid book junkie, there are rare finds here as well as many antique books. I left with six Shakespeare books from the 1800's. This little house is fascinating & a must see for any book lover.

Need a break from the city? Love apple anything?! The Historical Landmark town of Julian is the perfect getaway. Any town that boasts signs like this one gets my vote.

Mystical Monterey & Cozy Carmel, California

I went to Monterey at a time when I believed the world revolved around one thing, Love. I learned a lot while I was there. For me, it was a journey of the soul. But this part of the California coastline has much to offer for soul searchers, lovers, & families alike. Of course my journey had to begin, here, at Lover's Point, a quaint little park located in nearby Pacific Grove. The beautiful paths that wind around the coast here make this a viable place for love.

Day 1. There are many unique shopping experiences here. I especially loved the Butterfly Shop. These little creatures always bring a "renewing" energy to life. In October each year, the Monarchs migrate through Pacific Grove and you can view them at The Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary. After spending the day in town, it was time to meander to the infamous Cannery Row where I would find my home away from home for the next 4 days, The Spindrift Inn. I have to say the guest service here is top notch. I was greeted with a glass of wine and a lovely cheese spread available to all guests. The room was decorated in hues of pink, very warm & romantic.
Nothing beats waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore beneath your window. And with breakfast delivered to your room daily, you can relax and enjoy the view. You might not always be alone though. The seagulls here are not shy and show up at any given moment. I named this guy Scooter. He came every morning and every evening to greet me. One morning I was woken by a seal barking and splashing around in the water. It's a playground of love around here! Just down the beach there are restaurants and shops to enjoy as well as the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium where you can book a romance tour and drink wine with the jellyfish!

Day 2. If you want to venture out a bit, a hike at the Point Lobos State Reserve is the perfect place to evoke your love of nature. One of the most exquisite places I've seen, the reserve is home to China Cove (pictured left) where sea otters play and the waters turn from ocean blue to transcendent turquoise. Absolutely stunning! Point Lobos also offers endless rocky shores, scenic trails, & colorful wildflowers throughout the park.

Day 3. Of course, when you are ready to shop, and who doesn't LOVE shopping, Carmel is the place to be. The streets are filled with cottage shops offering unique gifts, food, clothing, hats, tea, chocolates, wine, & even designer purses. It's a bit like Rodeo drive gone country. The town is so quaint and adorable, you won't mind breaking out your credit cards. Oh come on, you know it's worth it! I Spent my money at The Cottage of Sweets, a town favorite since 1959!

When you're feet are tired of walking the streets, it's time to hit that oh so luxurious road known as the The 17 mile drive. Now, I admit, on my crusade of love, I'm wondering just what does this expensive piece of asphalt have to offer? Oh yeah, you pay to ride this road. Well this is the perfect time to throw out an OMG! This drive is beyond scenic. It's extravagant, glorious, & downright gorgeous! Winding through the forest on narrow roads into the glamorous greens of the golf gods, I found love here at none other than Pebble Beach. I'm sure it helped that I spent the day thinking mostly about my mom...

She loves golf, I love her. It was that simple. Well, ok, the Resort had a lot to love. From stunning views to amazing shops, an exquisite spa & even a fun and friendly marketplace, this is one pit-stop I won't soon forget! Continuing on my drive, I was soon reminded of my emotional journey. Ahhh, the lone cypress tree. The irony here is how many travelers stop to photograph this majestic beauty. I don't think this tree is ever really alone! I stood and stared at the cypress for quite some time. It stood tall and proud as if being alone (at least as far as other trees go) was okay. With that, I continued my drive and my journey. Take note that the 17 miles really does take a couple of hours if you make all the wonderful stops along the way. For me, it may have been the best 17 miles I've ever driven. You can enter and exit in either Carmel or Monterey. Make sure your camera is charged & ready to go. There's no shortage of photo opportunities on this road.

Day 4. Ready for a little countryside, I headed to Mission Ranch. One of the first dairy farms in California, the Ranch sits on 22 acres of vast land overlooking the Pacific Ocean & Carmel River Beach. It is wonderfully kept and has a fantastic restaurant where the creamery used to operate. Walking the grounds here is like being miles away from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities. Many a weddings take place here so love is abundant.

What I loved here were the grazing sheep. I found it a bit unusual to see sheep so close to an ocean but it did make for a great snapshot. It would be very easy to spend time here just relaxing but you don't have to. The Ranch is home to a beautiful tennis and fitness club. There are plenty of beautiful areas for an afternoon or evening walk as well. And while it looks as if you're out in the boondocks, the city of Carmel is only a mile away.

I couldn't leave Carmel without seeing the one spot where I truly know love resides, Carmel Mission Basilica. My love for missions probably started in the 5th grade where in California, you write a report on one & build a replica. Their peaceful beauty & architectural history are unmatched by any other structure. I left here knowing love knows no boundaries.

"Absence, not long enough to root out quite
 all love, increases love at second sight"  Thomas May

"Nothing grows again more easily than love" Seneca

Fall in Love with New York City

It's kind of difficult to mention New York City without thinking of Love. Whether it's your love of the city itself, the people, the places, the possibilities, OR actually falling in love, this city has an abundance of love to share. I travel here as often as I can, but it wasn't until I visited this past Valentine's Day that I decided to finally write about it. After all, it is the most written about city so what more could be said about it? Plenty. There is something extremely enticing and intoxicating about walking the streets of Manhattan or strolling through Central Park. It didn't matter that it was cold and windy, in fact, I hardly noticed. Of course, I was dressed the part, but the warmth came from something other than my down parka.

It all started here, in the south end of Central Park. I was joined by many critters on my morning walks here. Squirrels are scattering about, birds are chirping from above, & the branches of trees whistle in the wind. This park is nature at its best. I was so taken in by it all, that I realized I was nearly at the opposite end before I stopped to take notice of how far I'd gone. Along the way, I had chatted with a musician playing the saxophone, said hello to a few runners, & met a couple from England admiring one of the many fountains.

People. I have nothing but positive things to say about the people who reside in this city. There is an obvious love for each other, a real camaraderie among NYers. And yes, you should absolutely do as the locals do and take the subway everywhere! What a brilliant form of transportation & if you get lucky, you'll get an amazing free concert by folks like these.

History. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge into lower Manhattan is like walking through time. One of the oldest suspension bridges in the U.S., the Brooklyn Bridge has withstood the test of time. Construction of the bridge started in 1870 & was completed in 1883. Today, more than 4,000 pedestrians & 3,100 cyclists cross the bridge daily. Since it's just over a mile long, it's a walk almost anyone can do. Probably the most scenic walk I've had in the city with views of the Manhattan skyline that not even a camera lens can capture. What may have been the biggest surprise to me, however, was the beauty I found on the other side, in Brooklyn.

New. I had never been to Brooklyn before. I loved the coziness of it. It has a real homey feel but I think what I loved most of all was this extraordinary find ~ Jane's Carousel. There's nothing quite like riding around on a white horse with views of the city whisking by you. Not to worry, there is a clear plastic shield that protects you from the wind & cold without missing a thing.

Tradition. There are the typical highlights of this city, & yes they are worth taking in. What would a visit to NYC be like without Times Square & Broadway? I chose Cinderella in keeping with the theme of my weekend. Fran Drescher was amazing! Oh, and this was the first time I actually got to be seen ON a billboard in Times Square thanks to AT&T and the Olympic Games!


Spirit. This city has so much Americana in it. I LOVE how proud I feel when I'm here. From the Statue of Liberty to the new Freedom Tower, New York is filled with national spirit & pride. I can really feel the sense of "United we Stand" almost everywhere I go here.

Unity. The world comes together here at Rockefeller Center. Every flag pole is represented by a United Nations member Country. On U.S. holidays, such as Memorial Day, every pole hoists the U.S. Flag. What's not to love about people coming together. Of course, there's the famous ice skating rink & Christmas tree spectacular each holiday season. No matter what time of year (and I've visited during them all), Rockefeller Plaza bursts with pride & joy.

All of these great things showed me a true meaning of love. But it was Valentine's Day and despite the storm (a.k.a. Pax), a myriad of flight changes & train detours, I did manage to share some LOVE in the most romantic way. We've all seen it in movies, probably made most famous in "Sleepless in Seattle," the light of love that is present for one day only.... it shines bright on the Empire State building but is most visible from my favorite spot, Top of the Rock.

This year, it glowed a beautiful pink. The views from up here are undeniably phenomenal. It is purely breathtaking and a MUST see. By day or by night, with a loved one, a friend, your family, (I've taken them all here) this place rocks! But for the romantic at heart, Valentine's Day at the Top of the Rock is host to live music, a champagne bar, professional photo ops, red roses galore, & the beauty of LOVE.

“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” 
― Tom Wolfe

Desert Views ~ An adventure through Zion, the Grand Canyon, & Sedona

There's nothing quite like driving along a scenic highway. To me, the all American road trip is an honored family tradition. And it's hard to complain about all the the hours spent in a car when the view out your window is as majestic as this. Welcome to Zion National Park, a photographers paradise, in the heart of Utah. Hundreds of thousands of people come through here each week to catch a glimpse of all the beauty and wonder that Zion has to offer. My suggestion? Plan to stay at least a few days. It takes at least an entire day to clear the awe and grasp that you are still in reality. Honestly, trying to describe Zion in words is like trying to catch a fish with your hands, it just gets away from you every time.

Colorful, powerful, majestic, inspiring, and absolutely freeing are what come to mind the most. The towering rocks of Zion can be compared to that of Yosemite & Sedona (the latter I will touch on later) but there is a major difference here in Zion and it's one that is hard to explain. From a photography point of view, I would say it's the lighting. The position on which the sun hits the rocks is soothing, almost poetic. There is a story being told here and if you stay from sunrise to sunset, you will hear it in its entirety.

Of the many hikes available at Zion, I chose the emerald pools. First and foremost, because I wanted to see the natural flow of the waters and their contrast among the rocks. As you can see, they certainly did not disappoint. Secondly, the pools have three elevations, one of which, the lower pools, was closed due to a slide and of course, I found that intriguing. I spent much of my time admiring the lay of the land, where the rocks lye, how they got there, and the interesting formations they make all on their very own.

I cannot express how happy I am that I finally made it to this glorious place. There are two nods I have to give that made our stay here so enjoyable. One is the Hampton Inn & Suites at Zion National Park. I stay at many Hilton facilities but this place surprised me in the best of ways! The room was exquisite, the free breakfast was so much better than expected, & the location was creme of the crop, not to mention the impeccable service. Now for the best and most unique hole in the wall (and I say that with the utmost respect) meal you've ever had, you must go to Oscars Cafe. I had the pesto quesadilla, a fabulous mix of Italian & Mexican cuisine. Watch out Zion, I shall be back to hike the Narrows!!

Now whats a view of the desert without a visit to the world famous Grand Canyon. Yes, we were fortunate enough to get into the Grand Canyon before the government shut it down & thankfully this is a blog on travel and not politics! We started at the North Rim and I'm just going to say it right off the bat, it was by FAR my favorite view of the 277 miles of canyon that lay stretched out along Arizona.

There are several reasons for this preference. One, it's much less crowded than the South Rim. Two, it's more approachable (which might not be best for those who are faint at heart). Three, it's more photogenic. My camera lens simply loved the angles here. You are higher up here on the North Rim which sits at an elevation of approx 8,500 ft. and don't forget, you can't visit here year round like the South Rim. The weather doesn't accommodate visitors between Oct 15th & May 15th. And yes, it's a bit harder to get to as it's not close to any major cities but in my opinion, the North Rim is worth the travel and the seasonal wait.
The drive from the North to the South Rim is about five hours but the scenery is rich in history. My favorite stop was crossing the Navajo Bridge. The original, built in 1929, is still used for pedestrians, while the newer version, an identical replica built in 1995 with up to code standards is host to all the vehicles. The crossing of the Colorado River from Utah into Arizona made huge headway in connecting visitors between the two rims of the Grand Canyon.



The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is definitely more tourist oriented. The lookout tower located near the East entrance was a highlight. The views from above were outstanding but it was the native drawings and paintings inside that make this place a must see! My biggest complaint here was the signage and mapping of the area. Since there is a village and lots of hotels & restaurants, not to mention thousands of daily visitors, it would be nice if I didn't have to spend an hour going in circles only to find out that there is no place to park ANYWHERE! That didn't stop me of course and eventually I found a solution but I would warn anyone planning to visit here to allow a fair amount of time just getting situated.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Okay, all that hassle was worth this incredible view and now comes the good news. The South Rim of the Canyon goes on for what seems like forever! If you're looking for panoramic, you've found it. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to see this magnificent beauty like helicopter, train, mules, & kayaks. We didn't partake in any of these ventures on this trip. I simply walked the upper rim and took it all in. Oh, and the best part? You guessed it, sunset. Unbelievable. It's hard to leave this place without believing that Life itself is truly Grand.

Last but not least on my desert hot list is none other than the gorgeous town of Sedona, Arizona. Known for its riveting red rock formations and eclectic vibe, Sedona's beauty & romance has made it a top destination for weddings and honeymoons. We decided to take Sedona by storm in quite a different way....

Enter Sedona Offroad Adventures. The most exhilarating, intoxicating, albeit bumpy ride ever across the real desert roads in the bareback of red rock country. Who knew what these beasts were capable of climbing?! This was absolutely fantastic!! Well worth every penny. If you want to see the REAL Sedona, buckle up and get out exploring in a Hummer. There's no better way.

Happy Desert Trails to ya!!


"Life is either a great adventure,
or nothing."  Helen Keller