Escape Your Concrete Jungle for a Secluded Getaway in the Trees Be sure to check out my Itinerary for a Romantic Weekend Getaway in Chattanooga When I was a kid, I used to love going over to my cousin’s house to play. We would pack up our sack lunches and supplies in backpacks, head to the back yard and jump in the inflatable raft floating at the edge of the pool waiting for our arrival. We would each grab an oar and head across the waters – a whole ten feet to the other side of the yard. The adventure would continue across land, a walk down a windy path and a short stretch of freshly mowed ..read more

Arabella Sedona Resort Nestled amid stunning red rock and sandstone formations in Northern Arizona lies the vibrant art community of Sedona. There are few places that provide such panoramic breathtaking views everywhere you look. The dramatic desert landscape is dotted with endless vistas, towering rocks and sandstone buttes in dramatic shades of red that contrast against its deep blue skies. Last month I celebrated my birthday (let’s just say it was a tad north of 50). I’d been reading a lot about a new travel trend called astrocartography where you allow your astrological chart to guide wh ..read more

Santa Barbara Inn As the vibrant colors of autumn fade into winter gray, there’s a reason so many snowbirds flock to Southern California in search of warmer temps chasing the sun. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and cerulean Pacific coast, Santa Barbara Inn beckons visitors with its historic charm and views of the Channel Islands. Just steps from the sand, this boutique hotel anchors the southern end of iconic Cabrillo Boulevard, just a short stroll from the infamous Stearns Wharf. The hotel’s design embodies the spirit and soul of Santa Barbara with its Spanish architecture and Me ..read more

Southern California is home to some of the most charming cities in the country. From coastal communities set along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean to vibrant mountain communities, orchards and farms. Here is a list of 5 So Cal cities you won’t want to miss. Balboa Island Balboa Island is a quaint little beach side community in Newport Beach, California. It’s an absolute gem. You can access the island by public bridge or the Balboa Island Ferry which transports cars, bicycles and pedestrians for a nominal cost. Since 1936, the island has been home to The Fun Zone at Balboa Villa ..read more

The Sacred Navajo Tribal Park Have you ever seen an episode of Looney Tunes Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner? They’re a cartoon duo who run around red rock cliffs and buttes, the constantly hungry coyote trying to catch the cunning and clever road runner who never ceases to outwit him. When you visit Monument Valley, you will feel as if you have stepped into one of those fun-filled animations as you find yourself surrounded by red sandstone mesas, colorful massive buttes, spires and pillars that look completely unworldly. Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is one of the mos ..read more

One of the Best California Desert Vacations From Late Fall Through Early Spring There is truly no better time to visit California’s unique desert landscapes than from the late fall through early spring. The scorching summer temperatures give way to warm, breezy days with cool, crisp nights. Evenings are filled with clear, star-studded skies and the silence of the desert envelopes you in a land of mystery and mystique. If you’re looking for a park to visit, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is probably one of the most underrated, unique desert landscapes around, just 80 miles north west of San Di ..read more

Step Back in Time to the Heyday of the California Gold Rush - An Exciting Weekend Getaway Nestled in the basin region of California’s Eastern Sierra off a lonely stretch of historic Highway 395 lies Bodie State Historic Park, quite possibly the most impressive ghost town in existence anywhere in the world. It’s the perfect road trip destination for those wanting to experience the Old West up close and personal.   [This article may contain affiliate links.] Literally frozen in time, Bodie is full of rust, weathered buildings and decay.  The California State Park System that manages ..read more

Where the Earth Gives Way to an Expanse of Endless Vistas & Breathtaking Views Located in northwestern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is by far one of the most impressive parks in the country.  There is no better place to gain perspective as to how small and insignificant we truly are in this vast world than standing at its rim. As you approach the edge, the earth literally falls to the way side beneath you as you stare out into an endless expanse of jaw-dropping views. Although the Colorado River flows through 7 states, it is here that it has left its most incredible mark on th ..read more

Luxury Glamping that Will Rekindle Your Soul & Spirit I have always been an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, and not the RV type. I actually enjoy roughing it in a tent on a paper thin mat, showering every few days, leaving the luxuries of home behind. Even 4-degree weather at night won’t stop me as long as there are views that last for days and nobody around for miles. Something about the tranquil solitude of nature always manages to heal my soul. It never even bothered me that by week’s end, I’d come home with a rat’s nest for hair hidden under a ball cap, dirty broken nails, in des ..read more

A County Full of Incredible Extremes Inyo County is located in California between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the state of Nevada. It’s one of the most incredible areas for outdoor adventure and exploration in the state and completely underrated. The name “Inyo” is a Native American word meaning dwelling place of the great spirit and you’ll come to understand how it got its name once you’ve spent some time exploring its unique and amazing landscape. The county is truly a place of extremes. The lowest point in all of North America, Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, lies within ..read more