Travel
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort Makes a Triumphant Return with Fresh Snow, Fresh Start!
Feb 25, 2023 Jody Robinson
This has been a big year. A big one to celebrate, to recover, rebuild. A comeback year. For Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort (SierraatTahoe.com), a new chapter begins in its 75-year history as this is the first season since the devastating Caldor Fire in 2021 that the slopes have opened, making the record snowfall even sweeter. Multiple early season storms and seasonally cold temperatures have contributed to an impressive amount of powder covering the landscape - helping to renew some of the hundreds of acres that burned as multiple fires raged across California two summers ago. But the fires couldn’t destroy the long…
Usually when my husband and I travel, we’d use the verb “schlep” to describe the general disarray that accompanies our family of four. Especially if we’ve got the teens in tow - cruising in and out of hotel rooms, or fiddling with yet another key code for a private rental. Nothing could be further from the verbiage I’d use to attempt a recap of our recent stay at La Jolla’s Grande Colonial Hotel. There’s something so special about individually decorated guest rooms, a calming juxtaposition to your typical grey and orange chain stay. iPhone docking stations for the kids, flat-screen…
It’s rumored that more than 150 movies are filmed in New York City every year. I’d wager that a good portion of those are made during the holiday season, celebrating the most populous city in the country under a blanket of white. Iconic landmarks, glittering skyscrapers, and some would argue the best slice of pizza in the US. Street food vendors, Central Park, ice skating, the tree in Rockefeller Center. Easy to see why the whole family can find something to love at the most magical time of the year or all year ‘round. Madame Tussauds NY The selfsame tourist…
Sweeping ocean and verdant golf course views aren’t the only thing you can come to expect from VIEW - the gorgeously appointed restaurant at Vea Newport Beach’s floating lanai. The chef-driven menu showcases innovative California coastal cuisine with a cosmopolitan perspective, VIEW capitalizes on its locale’s “chic social sanctuary where revelry and relaxation mingle.” Other defining characteristics include an extensive, eclectic and exemplary wine list of domestic and international varietals, unique craft cocktails (think pumpkin spice martinis), seasonal margaritas and signature starters like crispy confit chicken wings (enhanced with Marshall’s farm honey, mint and togarashi) and a delicately delish tuna…
There are a few places on my winter vacation shortlist: San Diego for a surf and sand staycation, Big Apple for the holidays, Big Sur to see McWay Falls at its peak, and South Lake Tahoe for literally everything else. Boating, shopping, gaming, nightlife, hiking, biking. Dining out or cooking dinner with the family, staying slopeside or near the waterfront: there are endless combinations of fun to be had. Taking a break but staying close to the amenities that make you comfortable at home can be a tough lift, but on the shores of the lake waterfront homes often come…
Where to Eat, Stay and Play in the "City of Fountains" A friend of mine joked with me recently that Kansas City is the loudest city in the midwest. He assured me that it was strictly due to the volume of sports fans: Royals baseball and Chiefs football, Sporting KC soccer, NASCAR at the Speedway. Someone is always cheering. I can’t say we’re the biggest sporting family, but I’ll wager Kansas City can compete with the best when it comes to family-friendly activities during the fall. The free KC Streetcar, located within walking distance of all the major hotels downtown,…
Adventure Awaits in the Ozarks A few years back my teenage daughter came home from school using the phrase “beyond.” I gathered after it was expressed a few times that it meant “extra,” or “really great.” And then I felt very old. After enough time passes though, those juvenile phrases you think you’re unlikely to ever utter become part of your everyday vocabulary. I’m sure I used the phrase incorrectly more often than not, but she and I did come to an agreement that the town we vacationed in recently fit the idiom perfectly. Branson, Missouri. Mind you, it sports…
Known as one-half of the “Twin Cities,” Minneapolis is one of the most welcoming, culturally rich places to visit as a family in the country. With growing numbers of gorgeous parks, beautiful lakes, hiking trails, bike paths and verdant green spaces, this city is also home to a vibrant arts scene (think world-class museums and progressive galleries), inspired dining, destination shopping and the “Minnesota Nicest” people. Tour the Walker Art Center and get your fill of edgy contemporary works, or stroll through the Sculpture Garden - home to Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Bruggen’s iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry installation - and…
I’m not going to lie. I just tried mezcal for the first time this year. It reminded me of bonfires on camping trips with family friends. The second sip was akin to the Santa Ana winds that blow through around Halloween each year: mysterious, moody. I’ve always had a fondness for fall in Southern California - it can certainly be hot and blustery for a few days, but it's also the best beach weather we get all year. In San Diego County, cities like Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Carlsbad absolutely shine. The days are barely shorter than high summer, but all of…
I’ve always had a case of wanderlust and my husband, Tim, was a seasoned traveler long before I met him, so we’ll use any excuse to explore new environs or revisit favorite vacation destinations. We love traveling so much that we have over the years made a conscious effort to impart in our children a similar desire to trek across the country or traipse around the globe. In the 15 years since our son was born, we’ve happily traveled far and wide whether for weekend stay-cations within easy driving distance or longer trips that involved a fair number of planes,…
My 14-year-old daughter has long been obsessed with all things French - its food (crepes, baguettes, macarons), fashion and the idea of one day experiencing these “for real” in the City of Light. While we’ve traveled extensively within the borders of our own country endeavoring to visit all 50 states as a family by the time our now 15-year-old son graduates high school, we’ve ventured abroad too few times for her (or my) liking. This summer we made a concerted effort to remedy that with an unforgettable family sojourn across the pond. While flying for upwards of ten straight hours…
After the past few years of waiting to again take to the skies, our family was thrilled to learn that France has lifted Covid restrictions for those flying into the country and lifted mask mandates for those who have their feet on the ground. While many moms like me find that their patience is better these days after having struggled through the past couple of years of a pandemic, I’m certain anything that makes life a little easier is a wonderful respite. One of those things is an easily bookable flight, where you don’t have to spend an arm and…
Make a Splash this Summer at the Bahia Resort and Catamaran Resort in San Diego's Mission Bay
Jun 24, 2022 Sorbet Mag
This summer, escape to the sparkling shores of Mission Bay, San Diego’s 4,600-acre aquatic playground, featuring endless recreational activities and two spectacular resorts, the Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, that were made for memorable family-friendly getaways. From sun up to sun down, there’s always something entertaining to do at the Catamaran Resort, where it’s “island time, all the time,” and the Bahia Resort featuring the very best of the beach. Island Vibes Say “Aloha!” to the Catamaran Resort, San Diego’s original Polynesian-inspired hotel, featuring a popular bayside luau that’s fun for the whole family and several…
When someone says “festival season” to me, the one of the first things that comes to mind is Coachella. But long before the annual music and arts festival began in Palm Desert, another season entirely captured America’s imagination: that of Louisiana’s favorite French city. With over 100 festivals year round, New Orleans is the prime destination for any type of vacation - but is especially friendly for families in the summer months. From art and music to food and drink, seasonal celebrations, tours and an abundance of attraction, there is always something to do day or night on the banks…
Paradise for Any Season For most of the world, sun-soaked Southern California holds a special mystique. Temperate weather year-round, and postcard worthy landscapes with rolling hills, breathtaking surf, and the cinematic charm of Hollywoodland itself. For those of us lucky enough to reside in the region, the mystique can be a bit more localized - a home beach or perfect trail out the back door. Our family loves to "stay-cation" in San Diego and Carlsbad tops the list of favorite locales. Tucked between the white capped Pacific and some of the best golf courses in North America rests one of…
So Many Reasons for (Enjoying) the Season at El Monte Sagrado in Historic Taos, New Mexico
Feb 22, 2022 Jody Robinson
There’s a popular Christmas carol recorded by Andy Williams, back in 1963, called “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Now, the holiday season may have drawn to a close, but in many places (especially in the Southwest) the most wonderful time of the year is here. Temperate weather and a rather robust list of seasonal offerings make Taos, New Mexico the place to be as colder months give way to spring. In March, outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing or relaxing in a local hot springs continue to top the charts. But for families visiting the area, outdoor recreation…
There is architecture, and then there is design. One accounts for the specifics of building - specs, features. The other drags your feelings into the picture. Any good resort combines the best of both, introducing its guests to a luxury of mind and spirit: an escape for the entire being. One of the very few hotels I’ve ever found to boast such a wedding of the two also called for the union of past and present, history and modernization. The only Four Diamond Hotel in the Village of La Jolla, The Grande Colonial Hotel has been welcoming guests to a…
There aren’t many places in Southern California that remain undeveloped, pristine. Set in a lush canyon next to a flowing stream,The Ranch at Laguna Beach is one of those places. Dating back to 1871, the original 152-acre parcel and one-room shack evolved over the years to its most recent incarnation. Retaining its original village charm is vital to the success of the secluded private luxury resort that resides there today. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is tucked into Aliso and Wood Canyons - its rustic, simple signage along Coast Highway directs visitors onto a nondescript driveway that winds its way…
There’s an Emily Dickinson poem that cites a certain slant of light, which when it comes, “the Landscape listens -/ Shadows -/hold their breath.” Many say that the poem is about a certain quality of anxiety: but I can assure you that though you’ll find a certain slant of light in Santa Barbara, anxiety will be far from it. One of the most stunning and relaxing locales I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, the seaside escape has what seems like an endless list of activities for even the most determined weekend warrior, and just as long a list for…
The Premier SoCal Destination for Multi-Generational Fun There are a few places in the world that I’ve truly relaxed outside my own home. Believe me, it is a very short list. But let me tell you - topping the charts is JW Marriott’s Desert Springs Resort & Spa. And coming into the absolutely blissful fall weather in California - well - you couldn’t pick a better time to load up the entire family for a quick jaunt out to Palm Desert get one last adventure in before the rush and bustle of the holidays hit. As a mom of two, I understand…
My husband and I like to joke that we run an after-hours speakeasy out of our home. When the kids are finally asleep for the night and the dishes are all done, we bust out the fancy cheese and crackers, open a bottle of wine, and unfurl the tin foil around a decadent bar of dark chocolate. Of course, we have to hide the evidence from prying eyes, so in the morning we don’t have to answer questions about the chocolate wrapper, wine cork, or ice cream scoop. We laughed at each other the other day while cleaning up the…
The most recent season of Netflix’s revolutionary bio-drama The Crown follows Britain’s royal family to the Queen’s Scottish estate house, Balmoral. Views of verdant, rolling hills, and moody, dark skies await its guests. As a fan of the show and an avid traveler, I’d been dreaming about a family getaway. I couldn’t have been more excited when my husband and I planned a weekend retreat to La Jolla’s atmospheric the Lodge at Torrey Pines. I’d only seen photos of the sprawling expanse, and on the drive in felt utterly transported - just to the north of the property the Torrey…
Glorietta Bay Inn a family favorite for a fun and sun “stay-cation” on Coronado Island
Oct 28, 2020 Jody Robinson
Travel for our family has always been an exciting opportunity to explore both far-flung destinations and closer-to-home hidden gems. During these unprecedented times defined by shelter-in-place and safer-at-home, we - like many families - pressed pause on several planned summer vacations and weekend getaways to destinations farther than an easy driving distance. For Southern Californians, the beaches are open, and the weather is bright and warm well into the fall and few places are as idyllic as Coronado Island to while away a couple of days in the surf and sand. Just over the bridge from San Diego, Coronado is…
There is perhaps no more educational and entertaining way to experience the La Jolla Ecological Reserve (the protected part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park) than taking part in a kayak tour to explore the gorgeous sea cliffs and renowned Seven Sea Caves. Everyday California came highly recommended as “the” tour to take and it didn’t disappoint. After getting geared up with helmets and life jackets, it’s was a quick stroll to the foot of Avenida de La Playa at the south end of La Jolla Shores. We kicked off our shoes at the “honor system” beach stand and…
I’ve lived in Orange County a long time. Without completely dating myself, I moved here for college and never left. As a then-single 20-something through the years to today as a married mom of two middle schoolers, one thing has remained unchanged: Southern California’s coastal cities were then and are now of singular beauty and amenity, recreation and attraction. One of our family’s longstanding choices for day-trip and “staycation” destinations is nearby Newport Beach - a world-renowned stretch of surf and sand that attracts tourists from all points around the globe. But these days - and certainly in these unprecedented…
Southern California is well known for its gorgeous year-round weather. Truly though, there are few places with as mild and consistently lovely temperatures as La Jolla, a 7-mile oceanfront community jewel just 12 miles north of Downtown San Diego. Almost completely surrounded by beaches and bluffs, La Jolla boasts an everyday average of 70 degrees. Tide pools dot the coast, and the famous La Jolla Playhouse, founded by legendary Hollywood figure Gregory Peck, now lives on the University of California campus, just minutes from some of the best boutique shopping in the area. A perfect escape from the normal humdrum,…
Complete Coastal Comfort at a Hidden Gem on the Los Angeles Coast Just last summer, my husband and I had plans for almost every weekend with the kids. We camped, hiked, went boogie boarding, crossed off a couple of states on our family’s “50 State” adventure. Another life, it seems like now. It has been one of the most wild years on record, from start until now: heading into month nine. These past few months, we limited our travels to much-needed local “staycations” for a change of scenery when possible. Gratefully, we live in a region with an abundance of…
I don’t use the word “jewel” lightly, when it comes to California resort properties. It’s a hard word to capture with descriptions of tree-lined estates, or themed accommodations. And yet there are a few properties tucked away into the state boundaries that encapsulate the multi-faceted beauty of a cut gem. One of the most seductive is the Alisal Guest Ranch, which leans into the old west, like a charming cowboy tipping his hat: to history. To the future. The 10,000-acre property is just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, and boasts two golf courses, tennis courts, a pool, spa, and…
A Spectacular Summer Stay-cation Destination for Family Fun The world has changed over the past few months. I’m sure, if you’re like me and most of my mom friends, you’ve already had to adjust, reschedule or even cancel some of your family’s much-anticipated travel plans during these unprecedented times of shelter-in-place, and safer-at-home. Before we know it school will be back in session and our family didn’t want to let the entire summer fly by without some semblance of a “vacation.” We had our reservations about traveling too far away, but were definitely looking for a change of scenery. So…
Each year in Hawaii as the winter temperatures drop to a lovely 81 degrees, the groundswell charges the shores of Oahu with monstrous waves, sometimes reaching 60 feet tall. For many, the spectacle is overwhelming - the only chance most of us have to see the terrifying immensity of nature up close. For others, it brings the chance to enter into the annals of history by riding down the face of one of those monsters on a three inch thick piece of fiberglassed extruded polystyrene (for those of you who don’t surf, glassed EPS equals one intense wave-riding surfboard). Some…
My entire experience with North Carolina up until a few months ago consisted of a vague knowledge of the sports teams the state boasts: Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte Checkers, the Hounds, the NASCAR Cup races, and its Hall of Fame. That all changed when our family fell head over heels for Charlotte on a recent trip to cross the North Carolina off our “50 States List.” Headquarters to Wells Fargo, the city is the third-largest financial center in the United States. And to be sure, the city is chock full of bankable moments. Nicknamed the Queen City, the city…
It would be difficult to put Nashville on the list of must see places if you didn’t have some kind of appreciation for music. Dubbed the “music city,” and named one of Traveller U.K.’s “cool places,” Tennessee’s capital city is home to legendary venues, publishing houses, gorgeous hotels, vibrant nightlife, and sprawling college campuses; like Vanderbilt and Belmont University. Founded by James Robertson, John Donelson, and named for Francis Nash (the Revolutionary War hero), the city grew exponentially during the 1970’s, and then again in the 90’s, when urban renewal became the city’s priority, and a handful of urban landmarks…
Relax, Reconnect and Retreat to the Bernardus Lodge & Spa Someone once told me that Carmel was about the “same driving distance from Orange County as it is to Mammoth Lakes.” What they failed to mention was that this picturesque seaside city but is a world away from the rugged peaks of the Eastern Sierra - particularly when planning a romantic retreat defined by gourmet cuisine, fine wine, panoramic ocean views and a languorous pace. Situated on the southern bend of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is 120 miles south of San Francisco, and is an historic nod to the independent…
When I was 24 and planning a trip with a girlfriend to Cabo San Lucas, our families thought the idea sounded, well, fine. They didn’t know much about the destination other than it was resort town, and that some people they knew owned a timeshare there. So as we boarded the plane to fly down, my friend and I had little inkling that we would spend much of the next decade reminiscing about Cabo as one of our best vacations ever. Annoying, it must have been, to hear all about the pools and the sun and the hammocks and the…
The word ‘omni’ is the root of a great many words in the English language. From Latin, it means ‘all, every, the whole’, and can be attached to both ‘omnis’ and the more simple root: ‘op’. Abundance. Wholeness. What a magnificent pair of adjectives to describe a weekend away. Omni La Costa Resort and Spa takes those adjectives very seriously, as well as the root word they came from. An all-inclusive location in gorgeous, sun-kissed Carlsbad, California, the property has everything one might need for a girlfriends retreat, family vacation, or romantic getaway. You name it, Omni provides it: all…
All the stars were in alignment in early April. Our kids and our family friends’ children (who live in Napa) ended up with the same spring break schedule AND all the grownups were able to arrange time off of work to spend a few days away in one of the prettiest places on the planet: Lake Tahoe’s South Shore. Since we’ve been back, our children haven’t been able to stop raving about the trip. In fact, they’ve been talking it up so much that friends here at home joked that someone must have put them on retainer while they were…
You don’t have to have been born and raised in Southern California to appreciate its laid-back surf culture … and tell me that when you envision the quaint, coastal town of Carlsbad, it doesn’t immediately conjure images of sun-kissed adults and kids of all ages frolicking in the ocean. On the sand, in and out of sparkling pools, riding the easy peeling waves that curl toward Tamarack Surf Beach. All the classic golden glow that comes to mind when one imagines the beach communities of Southern California greet you in an instant when you step through the doors of Carlsbad’s…
If you like wine, you’re my kind of person. If you like wine and you’ve seen the 2008 flick Bottle Shock, we’re well on our way to becoming best friends. Though the film certainly took artistic license in its explanation of the famed Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, the feat remains the same in history regardless. A vintage made in California became a winning symbol to the world of the premier scene that would emerge from the States’ golden coast shortly thereafter: wine. Since the seventies, the Napa region has undergone a remarkable transformation. From scrappy hippie to simply luxurious,…
At elementary schools all over California, fourth graders have been making missions from craft supplies for years. My son constructed Mission San Diego Alcala (the first of 21 established in the state) last year, which made our visit all the more exciting and impactful. The city’s first downtown area and the true birthplace of California, San Diego is now famous for its pristine stretches of sandy shore and hip shopping and bar crawls through Pacific Beach. But once upon a time, San Diego was known for the historic sites, cultural lore, and the nearby Mission San Diego de Alcala. The…
My first introduction to the city of Chicago was the 1995 film While You Were Sleeping. B-roll of the city’s skyline flashed through the movie, and the clickety-clack of the “L” ran through its soundtrack. A silver caterpillar cruising over bridges, past the Chicago River. Home to two and a half million people, the city boasts some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Parks, hotels, river walks and cruises: enough to fill a day, a weekend, or even a couple weeks of fun filled romping around The Windy City. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Millennium…
Staying close while getting away at Orange County’s most luxurious resort With all the preparation and waiting that travel requires, sometimes vacationing can be more exhausting than relaxing. After planning an itinerary, arranging papers, booking tickets, prepping sundries, hauling luggage and staying “alert” per the TSA, CHP, FRA, the PA and all the other acronyms – not to mention your better senses – by the time vacation ends it is not uncommon to feel as though you need a vacation from your vacation. When your goal is to unwind, there is always a strong case for a stay-cation, which means…
Full service is a tough term to adequately define. The breadth and scope of it is so far reaching that in certain situations, it can be overwhelming to imagine all the possible combinations playing out: especially when it comes to travel. The variables involved in planning a family trip can often add up to an unbelievable amount of stress - all in order to find a safe haven far from your stresses. Picking a destination, drawing out a budget, deciding on points of interest, museum tours, airline tickets, travel visas, or railway passes, eating out or eating in, grocery shopping,…
180blu offers inventive dishes, hand-crafted cocktails and unparalleled, awe-inspiring views Here in South Orange County, we’re pretty lucky to live so close to the coast and have an abundance of wonderful dining destinations to choose from. But for inventive cuisine coupled with awe-inspiring ocean views, there are few establishments that rival 180blu. Located in The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel - the aptly named 180blu boasts an outdoor lounge/deck situated 150 feet above Salt Creek Beach, defined by breathtaking 180 degrees of blue sky and clear blue ocean water. 180blu’s culinary offerings showcases Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce,…
More...
Latest News
Memorialcare Saddleback Medical Center Leads The Way In Minimally Invasive Heart Care
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center’s John Bahadorani, M.D., is a leader in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Rep...
Bistango. Wine + Dine Artfully
I try not to use the word “staple” too much, when I’m talking about dining, or the community, a coffee sh...
PUBlic Legacy. Chef-driven dining experience defines this Orange eatery
Valentine’s Day was right around the corner when I booked a reservation to sample the culinary offerings at P...
Healing Hearts. Emergency Animal Hospital
Business Showcase Jody Robinson
In writing this editorial, I recalled a friend once asking me to explain the premise of a book called “All Cr...
Can You Trust Your Gut?
By Sunao Gilbert, MD, FAARFM, ABAARM Do all of your joints hurt? Does every movement cause you to experience p...
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort Makes a Triumphant Return with Fresh Snow, Fresh Start!
This has been a big year. A big one to celebrate, to recover, rebuild. A comeback year. For Sierra-at-Tahoe Res...
Service with a Spark
Business Showcase Jody Robinson
Like a lot of kids, Mike Parks daydreamed about saving the day - “For as long as I can remember,” he says. ...
Dare to stay young!
By Sunao Gilbert, MD, FAARFM, ABAARM Do you ever wonder why a 70-year-old person may not look a day over 40? C...
Painting for Patriotism: Keeping the Prado Dam Mural Alive
Business Showcase Jody Robinson
There’s a certain mystique that comes alongside the signs which state “National Register of Historic Places...
Why Work With An Interior Designer?
Southern California is not just a location in which we reside, but a lifestyle that we live. Longtime Orange C...
Renew Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Health & Wellness Jody Robinson
The first time I heard of Ketamine was a few years ago from a friend in nursing school. Then again recently fro...
Grande Colonial Hotel Superior Staycation on California’s Golden Coast
Usually when my husband and I travel, we’d use the verb “schlep” to describe the general disarray that ac...
What to Consider when Choosing Hospice!
Health & Wellness Pamela Mangen MSN, MBA, RN, PHN, PCCN-CMC, LSSGB
Hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient’s pain and s...
What to Consider when Choosing a Caregiver!
Health & Wellness Pamela Mangen MSN, MBA, RN, PHN, PCCN-CMC, LSSGB
When considering a Care Giver, it is important to know the specific type of care you require; for example, Skil...
It’s all about dem BONES!
Health & Wellness Pamela Mangen MSN, MBA, RN, PHN, PCCN-CMC, LSSGB
There’s a common misconception that a high-protein diet is bad for bone health but nothing could be further f...
Morena Tile & Stone. Your Local Resource from Concept to Completion
Morena Tile and Stone, in San Juan Capistrano, is a 5000 square foot store showcasing one of the largest select...
Dare to stay young!
Do you ever wonder why a 70-year-old person may not look a day over 40? Conversely, we have all met the 40-year...
BUBBLES MOBILE AUTO DETAIL
Business Showcase Jody Robinson
There is a specific type of business person I particularly appreciate when utilizing his or her services. One w...
VIEW restaurant at the Vea Hotel in Newport Beach
Sweeping ocean and verdant golf course views aren’t the only thing you can come to expect from VIEW - the gor...
The Somm's STASH
Business Showcase Jody Robinson
Purposefully designed to make great wine uncomplicated One could venture to say with Micah Sampson, what you s...
