Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

RITZ CARLTON MARINA DEL REY FOR SPRING BREAK

By Greer Wylder

March 11, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Celebrate spring break by the sea with a quick getaway and a three-nights-for-two deal at The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey. Located just minutes from LAX, Santa Monica and Venice, The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey is offering a $299 room rate for the weekend of Apr. 14-17, plus a complimentary third night for those who purchase a two-night stay during those dates. The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey is the only AAA Five-Diamond waterfront property in Los Angeles and offers a central setting close to Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Hollywood and nearby LAX. For spring, the hotel…

COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL FOR OLD WEST ROMANCE AND FAMILY GETAWAYS

By Greer Wylder

March 09, 2011

Review by Sheryll Alexander California is known for its authentic, yet quirky getaways and none may be as classic or as captivating as Old TownSan Diego and its restored-to-perfection Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant. But why would you want to stay at an old B&B in the middle of dusty Old Town San Diego? And how could this romantic or a cool family getaway? Because after pushing for 50 years to restore this stately Grande Dame of Old Town San Diego, The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant underwent an extensive three-year renovation. Although the re-construction took many walls down to the adobe…

SEE AND TASTE THE REAL ITALY IN TUSCANY

By Greer Wylder

March 03, 2011

By Joanne Tucker Have you ever wanted to experience real Italian life? Then come to San Diego native Marlane Miriello’s kitchen in Tuscany this spring where she hosts the stress-busting and delight-for-the-senses Il Campo Cucina. At this hands-on cooking school in the heart of Tuscany, you’ll taste farm-to-table produce and artisanal wines and cheeses as well as learning to cook homestyle Tuscan dishes with a real Italian “mama.” Seriously. This is not some put-on-your-white-coat cooking school. With Marlane as your guide, you help prepare delectable dishes with an Italian mama in her own kitchen. Then, you’ll sit down to dinner…

BATH STREET INN SANTA BARBARA FOR A SPRING GETAWAY!

By Greer Wylder

March 01, 2011

Review by Sue Facter It may not be the most glam spot in Santa Barbara, but Bath Street Inn is a comfortable alternative to expensive resorts. Plus, this charming small hotel offers the gracious hospitality of a European bed-and-breakfast inn and is especially well suited for a romantic weekend, girlfriend getaways, business trips and even sacred solitude. Located close to the heart of old Santa Barbara, Bath Street Inn relaxes and renews the spirit with its aromas of bright bougainvillea, soothing palm and zesty citrus. Santa Barbara’s lively State Street is just a few blocks away with its plentiful restaurants,…

SACRED JOURNEY TO TURKEY!

By Greer Wylder

February 27, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Have you ever wanted to visit the ancient sites of Turkey with a Turkish scholar and an American tour leader? Los Angeles-based author and professional traveler Karen Tate, along with an acclaimed native Turkish scholar, is taking a small group on a sacred journey to Turkey from Nov. 2-14. Between Karen Tate and Dr. Rashid, you will feel like you are on the trail of the Great Goddess to such ancient sacred sites as Catalhoyuk, Lagina, Ephesus, Troy and Sardis, among others. Why Turkey? Anatolia, the Nourishing Mother, as Turkey was called in the ancient past, is…