A surprisingly delightful attraction in the city of Big Bear Lake is the Moonridge Animal Park and Wildlife Center. Located at the base of Bear Mountain Ski Resort in the San Bernardino Mountains, this rare alpine zoo is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Los Angeles. Unlike many animal parks, the Moonridge Zoo exhibits animals […]
Tucked away on the northeast corner of the remote Azorean island of Santa Maria is the quaint village of São Lourenço. Formed by a volcanic eruption eight million years ago, the crescent-shaped bay is all that remains of the ancient caldera. Steep, rocky cliffs terraced with grapevines and dotted with charming whitewashed cottages surround this […]
Nestled between the rugged foothills of the Alps and the deep, cerulean waters of Lake Como lies the comune of Varenna, Italy. Only an hour’s journey north of Milan, Varenna’s idyllic natural setting has drawn visitors from the bustle of the big city for centuries. Evocative old buildings in shades of ochre, umber, and saffron line […]
This week’s Snapshot is of Segovia, Spain—one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever visited. Set high on a rocky hilltop, the walled Old Town of Segovia exudes all the charming character of medieval Europe. Because of its proximity to Madrid, tourists often think of it as a day trip destination, but to me it’s […]
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed attending the Tournament of Roses Parade yesterday morning. Sure, I only got about 2 hours of sleep and had to brave freezing cold temperatures, but overall it was a relatively hassle-free experience with a beautiful and memorable payoff. I took the Gold Line light-rail train to […]
I’ve lived in Southern California my entire life but have never been to the Rose Parade. Usually on New Year’s Day I catch the second re-run on TV while nursing a hangover. However, this year I’m going to check one more thing off my “bucket list” and brave the cold and crowds to watch it […]
Nothing’s more embarrassing than being “that guy” at the airline check-in counter, frantically pulling clothes out of your checked-luggage and stuffing them into your carry-on in order to avoid “over-weight” baggage fees. These days most airlines are charging exorbitant fees for bags that weigh over 50 lbs (23 kg). How ridiculous is it that my 53 […]
Just outside the town of Füssen, Germany is the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Located in Southwestern Bavaria only a few short miles from the Austrian border, this nineteenth-century fairytale castle was built by “Mad” King Ludwig II. Unfortunately the eccentric monarch died (under mysterious circumstances) before ever seeing it completed. Although the exterior is done, only […]
Whenever I travel to far-flung places I like to bring back a souvenir Christmas tree ornament to remind me of my trip. Of course, that’s sometimes easier said than done. Good luck finding a Christmas decoration in July… in the tropics! What I suggest is to buy an inexpensive keychain as a keepsake. (I guarantee […]
THIS IS AN ARTICLE FROM LAST YEAR, 2010. CLICK HERE TO SEE AN UPDATED STORY WITH DATES AND TIMES FOR THIS YEAR, 2011! Los Angeles might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ice-skating. However, several local venues will help get you in the holiday spirit with their seasonal, […]
