By Alison Bailin Batz While often confused as one city or region, Sonoma is actually a large county spanning nearly 1,800 square miles across northern California. Within its borders are valleys, rivers, coastline, and 18 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) with more than 425 wineries and vineyards. Each of these AVAs, and sometimes a group of them together, has its own unique climate, attractions an ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Nestled below the majestic Mogollon Rim and just a short walk from the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, Creekside Cabins, Tavern and Tours offers a rustic coziness set amid the beauty of the Ponderosa pines. “We like to think of ourselves as the best-kept secret in Payson because there’s really nothing like Creekside anywhere else in the area,” Creekside co-owner Jere ...

By Allison Brown Nestled under the majestic ponderosa pines surrounded by Flagstaff’s natural beauty sits Little America Flagstaff — a welcome sight for weary Route 66 travelers, a home away from home for returning families or a romantic getaway for couples. No matter the reason for the stay, the Little America Flagstaff hotel can provide the rest, relaxation, hospitality and luxury guests are looking for. ...

By Scianna Garcia Home to the most renowned tourist attractions and the biggest major league sports teams, is Downtown Los Angeles. DTLA has diverse neighborhoods, each with its own personality and community, featuring a number of local businesses and attractions. From its historic theaters on Broadway to the famed murals, there are an endless number of attractions and places to discover when visiting DTLA. ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Langham Huntington, Pasadena, is an oasis among lush landscaping. Kindness and beauty exude from the Spanish Mission Revival-style resort. Attendants readily share facts about the resort, which is peppered with Pasadena’s trademark roses. Wedding parties rush around the Langham Huntington, as brides and grooms are photograph ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Dana Mule traveled the world with New Kids on the Block providing security for singer Jonathan Knight. Screaming girls, autograph hounds and concerts filled his days. When he met his wife, he quit traveling. So, he, in time, opened a restaurant — Hula’s Modern Tiki. “The only thing more insane with more hours than the restaurant business is the event business,” Mule says with a ...

By Carol Boles Far from ordinary” or “one-pump town” are perhaps the best ways to describe the town of Crown King, located 1 1/2 hours north of Phoenix. This mountaintop community was established in 1888 as a bustling mining town with famous mines such as the Tiger, Gladiator, Grey Eagle and Silver Prince. While the gold fever slowly broke, the town has survived. Crown King is now a popular year-round desti ...

Exploring two destinations in the Caribbean Story and photos by Eric Twohey The Caribbean paradise island destinations of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have much to offer. Those who choose to come relax, explore and embrace the wealth of natural wonders, exclusive cultures and luxurious accommodations are rewarded with lifelong memories. Negril, Jamaica If you’re into warm, tropical water with stunning ...

A big deal small town Story and photos by Niki D’Andrea   Known as “The Heart of the Verde Valley,” Cottonwood packs a lot of culture into a so-called small town (pop. 12,000). Art galleries, antique shops, book stores, wine tasting rooms and restaurants line Main Street (aka the commercial historic district), and parks populate the surrounding Verde Valley, from state parks to out-of-this-world animal ...

Find paradise in the Pacific Northwest By Alison Bailin Batz   Earlier this year, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) made international news by launching Bliss, the largest ship ever to cruise through Alaska. Embarking and disembarking from Seattle — with a bevy of options to enjoy beforehand in the Emerald City and/or right after sailing — the NCL Bliss visits three must-see Alaskan cities as well as British ...

Rooms with a view...and so much more. It's no secret that Arizona boasts some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Here's the insider's guide to some of the most jaw-dropping, sweetest suites at our favorites: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa This nearly 2,300-square-foot presidential suite offers some of the most stunning views-and the most luxurious balcony-in the Valley, not to mention oc ...

A foodie, foliage, and fun lover's paradise.    By Alison Bailin Batz Photos courtesy Flagstaff Convention and Visitor's Bureau It will be well into October before the Valley has seen the last of its 100-degree days for the year. For those yearning for a true fall, this can be the most frustrating time of the year. But it need not be. Less than two hours north of the Valley is Flagstaff, and while ofte ...

Wander Around Willcox Summer is for sipping down south. By Alison Bailin Batz Less than two years ago, Willcox Wine Country, a consortium of Arizona Farm Wineries located in southeastern Arizona, was federally recognized as a unique and distinctive wine-growing region in the United States. The Willcox area leads the industry’s grape production by growing nearly three fourths of the state’s wine grapes, and ...

Old West Charm For an authentic western experience, head to Tucson’s Tanque Verde Ranch. By Sondra Barr Looking for the West’s most authentic western experience. Hint, you’re not going to find it in Scottsdale or Cave Creek. If it’s a truly immersive cowboy adventure you’re seeking, grab your boots, don a Stetson, and head to Tucson’s Tanque Verde Ranch, one of America’s old-time cattle and guest ranches. E ...

Visit “The Hood”  Mesmerizing Moments to be had in Mt. Hood Territory. By Alison Bailin Batz This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail. We mean the actual trail that helped populate the western half of the country, not the iconic computer game of the same name that helped every child of the 1980s learn how to use technology. Though at times treacherous, the reward for making it to the end of ...