Make it to Mendocino  Northern California’s crown jewel has a lot to offer. By Alison Bailin Batz Just two hours north of San Francisco, Mendocino County needs to be on your bucket list. The county’s 90 miles not only includes some of the most gorgeous coastline in the world, but more than 90 wineries and 24 state/national parklands. It’s the perfect marriage of wine, waves, and wilderness. Stay The Madrone ...

What a Catch!  A Scottsdale couple runs a lodge…in Kenai, Alaska By Michelle Talsma Everson To say that local businessman and entrepreneur Terry Johnson has lived an adventurous life would be an understatement. Alongside his wife Angelyn and family, Johnson spends part of his year in the North Valley and part in Kenai, Alaska, where he owns and operates the award-winning Salmon Catcher Lodge. “I opened the ...

Modern Luxury  Inspired by history, steeped in luxury, what’s old is new again at two reimagined resorts. By Becky Antioco With approximately 450 hotels and resorts in the greater Phoenix area, totaling more than 62,000 available rooms, there’s no shortage of places to stay for visitors and stay-cationers alike, no matter your style or budget. Many have storied histories, playing host to presidents and cele ...

A Grape Winter Escape  Taste around Temecula in style. By Alison Bailin Batz Though technically winter, Temecula Valley Wine Country, which is less than an hour from San Diego Airport or a quick five-hour drive from the Valley, will spring to life in January. “Every year, we put our growth––not to mention our grapes––on display during grand Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend,” says Cori DeHore of the Te ...

Hub City The unexpected charm of Lubbock, Texas, delights writer Kristin Caliendo. In the back of a charming wine and gift shop in Lubbock, Texas, Jimmy and Christi Henderson are opening a bottle of 2015 Trilogy Cellars Reserve Merlot at The Wine Nest, a premier boutique wine and gift shop in the heart of what’s frequently referred to as Hub City. Perhaps West Texas is not considered by most as wine country ...

Hidden Gem One of Arizona’s best-kept tourism secrets, Sierra Vista delights with unexpected sights. By Alison Bailin Batz   Just three hours southeast of the Valley is Sierra Vista. To most, the area is known as a global leader in military intelligence as well as a bustling hub for cyber security research, workforce development, testing, and certification. And it’s no wonder as it’s home to Fort Huach ...

The City Different  Rich in art, artsy in attitude, and rich in culinary tradition, Santa Fe offers a lot to savor. By Alison Bailin Batz     Given its unique historical combination of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures––and the resulting influence of each of them in the art, food, architecture, and entertainment of the region––Santa Fe is often called The City Different. And while crowd ...

Sensational Sonoma  Beyond basic tasting and touring, Sonoma County offers the ultimate Wine Country destination. By Alison Bailin Batz Though Napa often gets the acclaim, the true birthplace of California wine is actually its gorgeous neighbor, Sonoma, where the first winemaking grapes were planted by Russian colonists in 1812, and then developed and truly farmed by the Franciscan mission fathers in the 18 ...

A family-friendly adventure awaits on Oahu’s fabled North Shore. By Kristin Caliendo When I passed by baggage claim at the Honolulu Airport, I had this feeling that I’d forgotten something. This trip, I was traveling lighter than usual––98 pounds lighter to be exact (the combined weight of my two young children). When the chance to take a solo trip to the North Shore of Oahu presented itself, no one had to ...

STAY-CAY We have the scoop on seven Arizona hot spots you’ll want to experience this summer––all splurge-worthy without a hefty price tag. By Nadine Bubeck       Most Luxurious: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North fourseasons.com/scottsdale (480) 515-5700 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale   Probably the most serene spot in the Valley. Ideal for romantic getaways, friend-cations, or ...

California Dreaming  Escape the desert heat and head to Orange County. By Nadine Bubeck It doesn’t take much to persuade an Arizonan to surrender the sweaty summer heat for a refreshing escape, but before you hop a plane somewhere far-far away, consider a getaway to paradise: the OC. We’ve all heard of Orange County—the place even had a TV show dedicated to the area. However, there’s more to the hot spot th ...

The Spirit of Discovery Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa is the ultimate escape for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and rejuvenation. By Sondra Barr Your starting point: Sky Harbor Airport. That’s where intrepid Arizona travelers begin their journey to one of Colorado’s best-kept (but not for long) secrets––Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa. One of the top 100 resorts in the world, according to Cond ...

Holiday Escape Celebrate the season at The Resort at Pelican Hill. By Adam Toren Photos courtesy of The Resort at Pelican Hill   The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, Calif., is the type of luxurious destination that you can visit over and over again without ever having the same experience twice. All of your stays will have one thing in common, though: They’ll all be amazing. The resort, which i ...

Getaway on the Getaway   Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship redefines the concept of cruising. By Alison Bailin Batz When a ship hires iconic Miami artist David Le Batard––commissioned in recent years by Adidas, Calvin Klein, Macy’s, the Miami Heat, and Gibson Guitars, just to name a few––as its “painter,” it is pretty clear that said ship is out to make a statement. But Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new G ...