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California

Jerry Garcia’s Commute

Sometime in early 1973, Jerry Garcia finished whatever the day had required of him on the eastern side of Mount Tamalpais — a rehearsal, a meeting, a recording session, an hour in manager Richard Loren’s Mill Valley office, some piece of the increasingly complicated business of being the leader of the Grateful Dead — and […]

California

That Time He Met Mrs. Luther Burbank in Her Garden

I stopped at the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in Santa Rosa on my way to Calistoga, figuring it would be a pleasant way to spend a sunny morning and learn a little about the man whose name I’d known forever without really knowing why. It turned out to be one of those wonderful travel […]

California

Desert Chic! That Time Jerry Garcia Wore a Suit on Stage

Anyone who knows the Grateful Dead knows Jerry Garcia did not play dress-up. He was known for wearing identical black pocket T-shirts – often simple Fruit of the Loom crewnecks – a minimalist look meant to deflect attention onto the music. And in photographs from the mid-’70s on he favors a look best described as […]

Oregon

There’s Gold in these Waters: Why Summer Lake Hot Springs is Good for You

The feeling of restoration at Summer Lake Hot Springs starts deep beneath the surface—literally, in water that has traveled nearly a mile up from the earth’s crust, gathering heat and minerals before rising back up through ancient fault lines. The springs are artesian geothermal waters emerging from deep underground faults at temperatures of roughly 106°F […]

California

Old Hollywood Movie Ranches You Can Still Visit

Quiet on the Set! Your Guide to Discovering 10 Old Studio Ranches You might have gone hiking near Agoura Hills the Santa Monica Mountains or driven past the scrubby hills by Chatsworth and thought, “I’ve seen this before.” Or maybe you’ve gone jogging with a friend when you suddenly realized you’re maneuvering the same dusty […]

California

We Stayed at Joan Crawford’s First Home in Hollywood

Sleeping With the Stars: My Stay at the Palihotel Culver City I checked into the Palihotel Culver City expecting a chic boutique stay — colorful wallpaper, craft cocktails in the courtyard, Sony Studios just down the street. What I didn’t expect was to be sleeping in the same building where a very young Joan Crawford […]

Secret Shopper

The Secret Shopper: A Tale of Two Lazy Rivers

Which is the best $50 Resort Pass Lazy Rivers Float in the Desert – Marriott or Hyatt? There’s a certain rhythm to the desert resort experience: the slow roll of palm fronds, the glint of mountain light on tile, the whisper of circulating water in a lazy river. At the Omni Rancho Las Palmas, we’ve […]

California

Take a Look at Beyoncé’s $28 Million Rolls-Royce Boat Tail

Beyoncé, the global music icon, is renowned not only for her raw talent but also for her exquisite taste in luxury automobiles. Among her impressive collection, the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail stands out as a masterpiece of bespoke craftsmanship and opulence. This $28 million marvel is more than just a vehicle; it’s a testament to personalized […]

Secret Shopper

The Secret Shopper: Slumming It At the Flamingo Las Vegas

We checked into the Flamingo Las Vegas because – at least online – the pool looked huge and jungley. I was also interested in its history as the oldest operating casino hotel on the Las Vegas strip—the tales of Bugsy Siegel, the birth of modern Las Vegas, and the pink, kitschy charm we hoped would […]

California

It’s Something the Light: the Magic of Warner Bros Tour

You’re standing under towering palm trees, the  Southern California sun hitting your eyes, the faint hum of movie soundtracks echoing through your mind. Something is familiar and strange about this place. A vortex. Maybe it’s the polarized light on the mountains. Maybe the scent of Bay Laurels as the sun bakes their leaves. Whatever it […]

California

Searching for Alan Alda in Mendocino

As a kid growing up in the 70s, I loved going to the movies with my parents. We saw “Jaws” and “Star Wars” on opening day. I saw “Tommy” in the theater when I was still in fourth grade. But none of these films stayed with me and fed my fantasy of someday moving across […]

Architecure

Discover the Reimagined Kah-Nee-Ta: A Revitalized Oasis in Warm Springs

Imagine soaking in mineral-rich hot springs, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of Central Oregon. Welcome to the newly reopened Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, a revitalized oasis of relaxation and cultural heritage. After a stunning $13 million renovation, this beloved destination on the Warm Springs reservation has transformed into a modern retreat, perfectly blending tradition with […]

California

Palm Springs American Legion: Hollywood History Hiding in Plain Site

Tucked away on Belardo Road, the American Legion Post No. 519 might appear at first glance like any other modest, single-story building in Palm Springs. Yet, a closer look reveals a space steeped in history and architectural significance, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past and unique cultural heritage. A Storied Beginning The story […]

California

This Woman Is Bathing in Volcanoes

An Oregon Company is Enabling Volcano Bathing: Harnessing the Power of Lava to Detoxify Heavy Metals Such as Mercury and Lead Ready to detox? Lava Love detoxifying clay bath products are infused with Bentonite and Zeolite—volcanic ash that carries a negative charge. This is crucial because many toxins, like heavy metals, are positively charged. When […]

Architecure

Treasure Trove Rebirth: Mike Sauls Dazzles in Rancho Mirage

Nestled within The Shops at Rancho Mirage, a vintage emporium named Dazzles has found its new home. This isn’t just any store; it’s a vibrant capsule of the mid-century era, a treasure trove of retro jewelry, Tiki culture artifacts, and mid-century furnishings that have captivated the hearts of Palm Springs’ residents and visitors alike. Behind […]

Celebrities

Jimmy Stewart Plunged Here: The Swim Gym 80 Years Later

It’s one of the most memorable moments in the 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life: Newly infatuated high schoolers George Bailey and Mary Hatch share a dance in at their senior graduation party. Little do they know, mischievous teens have tampered with the mechanized gymnasium floor, causing it to divide and reveal the pool beneath. […]

Architecure

An Architectural Gem in the Desert You Can Rent

Did you know you can rent the iconic Lykes House, designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright? Nestled in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, with incredible views from just about every angle, this remarkable residence stands as a testament to Wright’s visionary genius and his profound impact on the world of architecture. Today we […]

California

Discover the Culinary Genius of Molé: A Beautiful Restaurant on El Paseo

Right in the heart of Palm Desert’s El Paseo, Molé Comida is a nice stop for a weekday lunch. Not only is the food delicious – with standout authentic made-from-scratch sauces – but it’s also one of the most beautiful newer restaurants in the area.   From its remarkable interior design to the culinary creations […]

California

Shadow Mountain Resort: A Historic Gem in the Middle of Palm Desert

We discovered this place quite by accident when we recently booked a last-minute trip to Palm Desert to get out of the late-winter gloom of Portland, Oregon. Although our condo was inexpensive (about $100 a night, which is highly suspect at that time of year) and predictably shoddy for that price point, we soon discovered […]

California

It Happened One Night in La Quinta: Frank Capra Wrote These Films Here in the Desert

La Quinta, Calif., with its breathtaking sun-draped mountains and fragrant orange blossoms, served as a muse for one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Frank Capra. The Academy Award winning director and screenwriter found solace and inspiration in this magical area, often referring to it as his “creative haven.” One of the places that […]

California

We Touched Giraffe Lips: Our Perfect Day At the Living Desert

My friend and I just paid $6 for four pieces of romaine lettuce. This is the kind of thing you will do when you are determined to get up close and personal with a giraffe. By the time we realize that $6 gets you about a tuna sandwich’s worth of lettuce from the nice lady […]

California

Actor William Powell’s Palm Springs: Exploring His Low-Key Life in the Desert

I admit I’m a William Powell super fan. He had me in the first moments of the 1936 film “My Man Godfrey” where he played a scraggly “lost man”- turned-butler opposite his equally charming ex wife and best friend Carole Lombard. With his penetrating blue eyes, intelligent yet suave manner, perfect comedic timing and physical […]

Luxury Automotive News

Why Are Rolls-Royce Seats So Special?

Rolls-Royce has some of the best seats in the luxury car world. If you’ve spent time inside a Rolls-Royce motor car, you already know that the cabin of this British cruiser is a luxurious home away from home – with every luxury at your fingertips – and that the spine-supporting seats have a lot to […]

California

The Playground of Presidents: Exploring Rancho Mirage’s White House Connections

Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley in Southern California, Rancho Mirage has earned the nickname “The Playground of Presidents.” This desert oasis has long been a favored destination for presidents seeking relaxation, recreation, and respite. In this blog, we will delve into the reasons behind Rancho Mirage’s presidential allure and explore the notable […]

Luxury Automotive News

The Most Iconic Bond Car of all Time

When it comes to James Bond cars, there is one vehicle that stands above the rest – the Aston Martin DB5. This iconic car has appeared in several James Bond films and has become an enduring symbol of the series. But what makes the DB5 so special? Let’s take a closer look. The Aston Martin […]

Luxury Automotive News

The Most Private Car in the World

The Rolls-Royce Phantom has always been synonymous with luxury, class, and style. However, the latest version of the Phantom, set to be released in 2023, takes things a step further. In addition to its stunning design and unparalleled comfort, the 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom offers more privacy than any other luxury car on the market. But […]