By Greg Aragon While recently charting my course to California’s Eastern Sierra, I spotted a tiny town on the map called Independence. It was located off Highway 395, right along my path. And with a name like Independence, it screamed history and small-town California. I had to investigate. My getaway began at the historic 1927 Winnedumah Hotel,…
By Greg Aragon California’s Eastern Sierra is packed with incredible scenic beauty and must-see locations. From Mono Lake and Bodie State Historic Park to Mammoth Mountain and Yosemite National Park, the region is wonderland of nature. But the area also boasts smaller, less known destinations that are equally beautiful and worthy of exploration. Such is…
By Greg Aragon The 1930s was a great time for Hollywood westerns and for the city of Lone Pine, Calif. Film crews came looking for adventure in the nearby Alabama Hills, where giant granite boulders provided the perfect backdrop for hideouts, ambushes, stage coach rides, and gunfights. These movies brought big names like John Wayne,…
By Greg Aragon It was 42 steps across the grass from my suite at San Diego Mission Bay Resort to the sandy beach where ducks were playing in the water. I know because I took this memorable stroll dozens of times during my two nights at the luxurious, waterfront hotel. My recent getaway to San…
By Greg Aragon Fall is here and that means it’s time for pumpkins, apples, turkeys and scary things. This week I would like to look at a couple of my favorite Southern California destinations to celebrate the season. They are Fillmore and Oak Glen. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 75 miles east of Los Angeles,…
By Greg Aragon Paradise comes in many forms. Recently it came by way of a charming suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a secluded beach, and a delicious, 40-day aged cut of prime steak. In other words, I spent a night at the historic Grande Colonial in La Jolla and dined at the property’s renowned Nine-Ten Restaurant & Bar. A friend…
By Greg Aragon One of my favorite spots to getaway on the California Central Coast is Morro Bay, where a surprisingly small beach town hides beside an iconic, 576-foot-tall, dome-shaped rock jetting from the harbor. Located halfway between L.A. and San Francisco, the village has tons of laid-back charm and beautiful scenery. Last fall I escaped to Morro Bay for a couple…
By Greg Aragon If you are looking for an outdoor getaway with lots of fascinating history and incredible old vehicles, I’ve got an idea for you. It’s the American Military Museum in South El Monte. It’s inexpensive, located outdoors in case you want to social distance, and it has tons of tanks, Jeeps, amphibious vehicles,…
By Greg Aragon Sonoma County is known for its beautiful wine country, but the fertile region is also rich with farms, restaurants, unique and luxurious hotels, and lots of fun things to do. The area has been on my radar the past few months and now as more destinations reopen, I would like to plan…
By Greg Aragon I’ve stayed in lots of luxurious and unique hotel rooms around Southern California, but I’ve never stayed in one that sits amongst lush vineyards. That is until this past weekend when I experienced South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Situated on 63 lush acres in Temecula’s burgeoning wine country, South Coast Winery…
