West Coast

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Potato Chip Rock

Potato Chip Rock Hike: San Diego’s BEST Instagram Op

“Hiking is NOT one of my superpowers,” I said to my three companions.  But it was too late to turn back; we were more than halfway up on the Potato Chip Rock hike. A week before, I had seen a photo taken at San Diego’s Potato Chip Rock – a sliver of stone hovering 2,800 […]

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San Diego to Rosarito Mexico: 2-Nation Vacation

During tight economic times, vacationers are looking for ways to pack the most punch into their vacation. Unfortunately for many, travel abroad seems out of reach. However, with some careful planning, there’s a way to combine two top-notch destinations for nearly the cost of one: San Diego, California, and Rosarito, Mexico. Did I hear you […]

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california north coast

California North Coast: 10 BEST Road Trip Stops

If you were shown unlabeled photos of the California North Coast, you might think you were looking at the New England coast. With rugged cliffs and dark blue water, the wild vistas are unlike the shimmering emerald green of Big Sur or the vibrant cerulean blue of Laguna Beach, both to the south. Still, the […]

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santa barbara day trip

Santa Barbara Day Trip: 13 Amazing Activities to Choose From

Touting itself as “the American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is where the Santa Ynez Mountains melt into the Pacific Ocean in central California.  A Santa Barbara day trip will encompass gorgeous weather, charming Spanish-Colonial architecture, a rich history, unlimited choices in restaurants and bars, and diverse outdoor activities. A picture-perfect harbor, pristine beaches, artsy Mediterranean vibe, […]

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bend oregon

Dog Sledding Oregon with Trail of Dreams

The first dog started yelping, barking and jumping wildly on his hind legs, instigating the others to join in the commotion.  “They’re really excited,” grinned Jerry Scdoris, sled dog trainer and racer.  “This cold, clear weather is exactly what they like, and they can’t wait to run!” I was excited, too.  I clambered into the […]

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Snowshoe Bend, Oregon: Blueprint for Beginners

“I am not running down that cliff!” I shouted down to Jeff my snowshoe guide, as I emerged out of the Deschutes National Forest onto the top of the awfully big… snowdrift. Unbidden, visions of my flailing body tumbling headlong downhill until the inevitable face-plant brake in the snow flashed through my mind. I could […]

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bend oregon

Things to Do in Bend Oregon in Winter

At the conclusion of a recent business trip to Portland, Oregon, I decided to extend my visit to the Pacific Northwest with a trip to Bend, in the central part of the state.  I was intrigued by all the research I had done which seemed to support the claim that Bend is the “outdoor playground […]

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bend oregon activities

Bend Oregon Activities for Solo Travelers | Washington Post

Bend Oregon activities have given it the nickname of the “outdoor playground of the West,” is the perfect destination for women traveling solo.  With outdoor pursuits like dogsledding and snowshoeing, to touring microbreweries, and boutique hotels with staff that cannot do enough for you, the friendliness of the residents is second to none. When, Where, […]

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bend oregon

Bend Oregon Events and Activities

The city of Bend, in central Oregon, often called “the outdoor playground of the west,” is renowned for its summer pursuits like camping, hiking the mountains and buttes, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on the lakes, and the myriad dog parks.  But Bend also offers a full palette of adventures and pastimes for winter fun. […]

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ice cream in venice beach

Venice Beach Ice Cream | CNN iReport

I was recently on assignment, recording a video in Venice Beach, California for the American Writers and Artists, Inc. The recording was about the perks I receive as a travel writer just by wearing my press badge, specifically Venice Beach ice cream. Read more about my Venice Beach ice cream extravaganza at CNN iReport, October 6, […]

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