Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps – unless, of course, you’re in a post-White Castle food coma. Join us for a 3-day whirlwind of glitter, glamour, and gambling in the heart of the Nevada desert! Pre-Trip Gambling Our voyage to Las Vegas was no ordinary trip; it was a celebration of our dear friend’s fabulous birthday. The last time we graced this city, it was for the union of these two beautiful souls at a Vegas wedding, a memory etched in time. While Vegas remains a quick getaway from the SF Bay Area, a dash of planning is now in order. How to get to Las Vegas from the…
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Las Vegas Off the Beaten Strip
What is it like to live in Las Vegas as a local? Tourists flock to the Entertainment Capital of the World, bedazzled by the sparkling lights of Sin City, its promises of quick fortunes, and spectacular shows. We are no exception since it’s such an easy weekend getaway from the San Francisco Bay Area, just under a 1.5-hour flight, or under eight hours by car. We’ve done both, but never ventured off the Strip. So, enjoy this guest post by our friend Tom “Frilock” Tozier, who lived in Las Vegas for four years and is happy to share some of his favorite places in Las Vegas as a local! I wouldn’t…
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Gold, Ghosts, Gems, and Giants of Calaveras County, CA (Part 2)
We love visiting Calaveras County, located in California’s Sierra Nevada region, and want to share our second post highlighting some of the best things to do there! In this follow-up article to Part 1, we’ll walk among the Giants in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, sip local wine, grab the perfect bite to eat, and shop in the picturesque town of Murphys. Plus, we’ll also try our hand at gold-panning on a side trip to the historic town of Columbia! Calaveras Big Trees State Park Driving out of Angels Camp, an easy two-line road takes us to the Land of Giants. Weaving gently through the towering redwoods basking in the…
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Gold, Ghosts, Gems, and Giants of Calaveras County, CA (Part 1)
We all have those special getaway spots that we enjoy revisiting every so often. One of ours is Calaveras County — an easy 3-hour road trip from our home in the SF Bay Area, California, to the heart of the Sierra Nevada’s Mother Lode. It has everything — from Giant sequoia forests and underground caverns to fine dining and local wine tasting. And, with its rugged Wild West vibe, you might also catch a small case of gold fever and try your luck at gold panning. Load up the mule, grab yer hat, and join us on this trip back to the mid-1800s! Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County This small town…
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Asian Art Museum: Tips for the First-Time Visit
Located across the lush lawn of the Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is a museum not to be missed! Its thirty galleries display 2,000 objects from the Museum’s permanent art collection of over 18,000 items. Also, the museum hosts a variety of temporary, traveling exhibitions, special events, and classes throughout the year. If you enjoy learning about Asian culture and art — this place is for you! Tag along on our first-time visit to the Asian Art Museum! The First Floor The First floor of the Asian Art Museum is home to special exhibitions, classes, a boutique, and a cafe. We started with the Continuity experience.…
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San Juan Bautista – The City of History
What do Alfred Hitchcock, the grim tale of the Donner Party, and a historic Catholic Mission have in common? Visit San Juan Bautista, California, and discover this curious connection! Cruising along Highway 101 in the Greater SF Bay Area, some of you might be familiar with Highway 156 WEST going through Castroville (The Artichoke Capital of the World) and out to the coastal villages of Monterey County. But just 3 miles EAST on Hwy 156 you’ll find San Juan Bautista, a town where 19th century California comes to life! Once upon a time (1850-1880), San Juan Bautista was a bustling town. Home to The Coast Line Stage Company, it was…
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Alum Rock Park: Outdoor Adventures in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum Rock Park in San Jose, California is one of our recent outdoor adventures we’d love to share with you. Can’t believe we’ve lived in the SF Bay Area for years, and this was our first visit! Don’t make our mistake. If you are near San Jose and looking for a beautiful hike in a historical setting, Alum Rock Park is a great place to start. Alum Rock Park History and Curiosities Founded in 1872, Alum Rock Park is the oldest municipal park in the entire state of California! Modeled after European spa retreats, the park boasted close to 30 mineral hot springs, baths, pavilions, Tea House, and even a…
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Kauai — The Garden Isle of Hawaii (Part 1)
Dreaming of Hawaii always conjures up images of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and sipping Mai Tais out of coconut shells with little umbrellas. Though each island possesses the same endearing Hawaiian charm, their personalities are quite different. There is Oahu’s popular Waikiki beach and Honolulu’s nightlife, and big city energy. If you are in Maui, you can enjoy the lively little town of Lahaina and world class golfing. But Kauai, with its lush rain-forests and laid-back attitude, in our opinion, best fits the description of a tropical paradise. If you are debating which Hawaiian island to visit first, we recommend Kauai, the most beautiful island in Hawaii. After several…
