With some of the top flea markets in the country going strong for years now, L.A. needs another flea market like it needs a hole in the head. But Southern Californians are so crazy for flea markets that too much is not enough. In fact, the only thing more popular than flea markets is food trucks. And some brilliant entrepreneur got the idea to combine the two.
The new L.A. Flea Market debuts on July 18 in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium. The grand opening will feature the Hollywood Yard Sale with items donated by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and other celebrities. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center. Read more…
Southern California flea markets have something for everyone. Whether you’re a serious collector, or just someone who appreciates one-of-a-kind items, you can find something cool for a great price, if you follow a few simple steps.
If you’re looking for something specific, do some homework in advance. Go online and get an idea of what fair market value is for the item you’re trying to find. Then, figure out which flea market is most likely to have a vendor who carries it. Read more…
Having just returned from the Cote d’Azur, we can endorse the idea that Santa Barbara is the American Riviera. Located on a gorgeous stretch of coastline where the mountains tumble down to the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
You’ll likely enjoy perfect weather and sensational food and wine during your visit. And many of the hotels in Santa Barbara have ocean-view rooms, so you can enjoy the scenery as soon as you open your eyes. Read more…
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most appealing places in Southern California. The beach itself is terrific with more than three miles of golden sand. You can surf, bike, sun, or ride the Ferris wheel. And there’s great shopping and restaurants along Ocean Avenue and at the popular 3rd Street Promenade.
You’ll find Art Deco hotels that date from the 1920s, bungalows, and luxurious, ocean-front resorts where guests want for nothing. Read more…
With some of the best views in the world, sizzling nightlife, and balmy breezes virtually all year long, Miami is one of the best cities in the world for roof bars. Once the sun sets and the temperature drops, there’s no more appealing place than a sybaritic roof-top terrace high above the city.
Many are open only at night and on weekends, but some are open in the afternoon when the view is completely different. Read more…
One of the most attractive towns on the Northern California coast, Mendocino was settled by New England loggers. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, and Mendocino looks just like a New England fishing village from the 1800s. If you watched the TV show “Murder, She Wrote,” you may recognize Mendocino as the town of Cabot Cove.
Many Mendocino hotels are actually luxury inns converted from 19th-century private homes. Read more…
Just about 40 minutes south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a delightful spot for a weekend getaway. It’s on a beautiful stretch of coastline with wide beaches, rugged cliffs, and forests of windswept cypress. And Half Moon Bay hotels are some of the most romantic on the California central coast.
In town, you’ll find lots of cute galleries, shops, and restaurants in quaint old Victorian houses. Read more…
There are plenty of the things to do in Southern California, and most visitors run out of time before they run out of attractions. Most travelers don’t know that there are fantastic flea markets in the Los Angeles area every weekend. And in addition to finding the perfect old poster, antique lamp, or vintage handbag, you may also see a celebrity.
L.A.’s flea markets are huge, varied, and fun. Some, such as the Rose Bowl, are all-day affairs, while others are a pleasant way to pass a few hours. Read more…
When most people think about river rafting trips, Colorado or Idaho immediately spring to mind. But California has some excellent river rafting and most of it’s not far from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, or Sacramento. So if you’re visiting Northern California, why not add some excitement to your itinerary.
Half-, full-, and two-day trips are available. And you’ll get to experience nature at its spectacular best. Plus, you’ll really get your heart racing. Read more…
California wine country produces a lot more than just grapes. Because of the mild climate, there are excellent local fruits and vegetables all year long. The nearness of the Pacific guarantees impeccably fresh seafood. And artisanal food purveyors are producing wonderful cheeses, salumi, and condiments.
Although wine country is best known for its French restaurants, there are also some great Italian restaurants in the valleys. Read more…
Unlike many American cities, Los Angeles never had a large Italian immigrant population. In fact, there’s no predominantly Italian neighborhood like San Francisco’s North Beach or the North End of Boston.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t terrific Italian restaurants in South California. They’re just not all concentrated in one area. Which means that no matter where you are, there’s probably one that’s not too far away. Read more…
No visit to Southern California is complete without a trip to the beach.
Not only is Santa Monica Beach one of the best, it’s also one of the most fun. In fact, it was named one of the “10 Great Public Spaces in the U.S.” by the American Planning Association.
It’s also easy to reach. If you’re flying into LAX, Santa Monica Beach is less than 10 miles away. And you can get there without getting on a freeway, which is always an advantage in SoCal. Read more…
Palm Springs has been a popular destination since the 1920s when the clear, desert air was thought to cure all sorts of maladies. It fell into disfavor in the 1970s, when its iconic mid-century architecture just looked tired and dated. But by the 1990s, Palm Springs was cool again. And these days, it’s a popular winter getaway for Los Angelenos, affluent gay travelers, and those who love swanky piano bars, well-made cocktails, and 1950s and ‘60s-style glamour.
Read more…
If you’re expecting old-fashioned, movie-star glamour, Hollywood is likely to disappoint. Today’s Hollywood is more Target than Tiffany. But where else can you stroll along the Walk of Stars, admire Marilyn Monroe’s hand prints, and have your picture taken with Spiderman?
The heart of the neighborhood is Hollywood & Highland, where you’ll find the Kodak Theater (where the Academy Awards are handed out), Grauman’s Chinese Theater, and lots of restaurants and shopping.
Read more…
With a lovely central plaza lined with antique and kitchen shops, restaurants, and inns, Healdsburg is one of the most charming towns in the Sonoma Valley. And with numerous tasting rooms on or near the plaza — including Kendall-Jackson, Todd Hollow, La Crema, and Souverain — you can taste dozens of wines here without ever moving the car.
Most Healdsburg hotels are within walking distance of the plaza, which has concerts, and farmers’ markets in summer, and tree-lightings and holiday markets in winter. A building boom in the 1870s produced many charming Victorian mansions, and several have been turned into world-class inns. Read more…
One of the most charming towns in the Napa Valley, Yountville is named for George Calvert Yount who was the first to plant grapes in the valley. There’s just one main street, and it’s only about six blocks long. But there are several wonderful Yountville hotels. And some of the finest restaurants in America are located here. In fact, there are four Michelin-starred restaurants in this town of 3,000 people.
Uber-chef Thomas Keller’s flagship, The French Laundry, is here. As are his Bouchon and Ad Hoc. You’ll need to reserve months in advance to eat at the former, but depending on when you visit, you may be able to nab a table without a reservation and Bouchon or Ad Hoc. If you’re in town on Monday, don’t miss the fried chicken at Ad Hoc. Read more…
The northern Napa Valley town of Calistoga was named by Sam Brannan, who hoped the town would be the west coast equivalent of Saratoga Springs. It’s been a popular destination since the first mineral springs pools opened here in 1859. Today, people still come to take the waters, and many Calistoga hotels have full-service spas that provide countless ways to be pampered.
Calistoga is a low-key, unpretentious town with a laid-back main street lined with shops and restaurants. There are also several good wineries close to town. Chateau Montelena is one of the most appealing. Housed in a French-style chateau that dates from the 19th century, their 1973 Chardonnay beat the French at their own game in a 1976 blind taste test. The story was told in the movie Bottle Shock. The Chinese gardens surrounding the pond here are a pleasant place for a picnic. Read more…
Boise, Idaho is a terrific town. It provides easy access to outdoor activities like river rafting, as well as sophisticated attractions usually only found in big cities.
There’s a large Hewlett-Packard campus on the outskirts of town. And many HP executives who spent a couple of years there, return when they retire, drawn by the great weather and laid-back lifestyle.
It’s especially attractive to people who love the outdoors. It’s easy to enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding, river rafting, fly-fishing, or hiking, and then spend the evening enjoying drinks and dinner downtown. Or heading south of town for a rollicking performance at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Read more…
With incredible natural beauty, exciting regional cuisine, and a hip, inventive culture, Seattle is one of America’s most vibrant cities. And the hotels in Seattle offer everything from classic elegance to cutting-edge cool.
Sadly, everything you’ve heard about the Seattle weather is true. “Patchy morning fog with partial afternoon clearing” is a great forecast in Seattle. And even though it gets much less rain than, say, Miami, it’s still grey and misty much of the time.
All that moisture keeps everything lush and green. But if you’re determined to enjoy the sun, — and catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier — come in July or August. Otherwise, come prepared with a Goretex coat, a sturdy umbrella, and sensible shoes. Read more…
