The coolest spots to visit in the United States!
I checked into the Crowne Plaza Palo Alto expecting an afternoon of poolside leisure. Ellie and the hotel’s pet policy had other ideas. Fortunately, a lovely balcony, room service, and an unexpected connection to the Beatles made the stay considerably more interesting than I’d planned.
9 Silicon Valley towns, what each one is good for, where to eat and where to stay, and which tech campuses you can actually walk into. From someone who has lived here the whole time.
I stayed at the newly opened Pacific Point Resort in Pismo Beach with my golden retriever and came away impressed by the ocean views, easy beach access, and dog-friendly setup. Here’s what the rooms, fees, food, amenities, and very enthusiastic seagulls were really like.
I always thought CordeValle was private. Turns out, the winery is anything but. Here’s what I found when I finally went up the hill.
Morgan Hill wine country is full of surprises. I visited five very different wineries, from a fairytale hillside estate and a century-old Italian winery to a luxury resort vineyard, a working farm, and a stylish downtown tasting room. Here’s how to find the one that matches your vibe.
I was going to make a foofy, fruit-laden charcuterie tray. I showed up with a container of watermelon. That turned out to be a preview of the whole afternoon: four friends, one $60 cabana, and an honest look at what the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center actually is.
I drove to Dorrington for scrambled eggs and got a full tour of an 1880s hotel out of it, plus a look inside A-frame cottages you can’t book online yet. What’s not to like?
I booked the Shashi Hotel in Mountain View solo for one night and would go back tomorrow. Here’s the full rundown: the pool, the free bikes, the corner-room upgrade worth every dollar, and the one bar policy that earned some side-eye.
Three miles, 95 degrees, one evening in downtown Salt Lake City. What I found: a 1909 train station with a second act, a chocolate case worth a return trip, and the best-informed tour guide I’ve walked behind.
I stayed at La Bahia Hotel Santa Cruz to see if the city’s newest luxury hotel lived up to the buzz. Here’s my honest review of the rooms, restaurants, spa, amenities, and whether I’d stay again.
Watch these movies before your LA trip and arrive understanding the city’s vibe, history, and rules. The complete pre-trip film guide.
If you spend any time in Hollywood, you know the parking situation is designed to financially ruin you. But the Max Factor Hollywood Museum, housed in an original Art Deco building on Hollywood Boulevard, is worth every penny of the $15 admission fee. Here’s what you’ll actually find there.