SAN FRANCISCO PALACE

July 31, 2010

By Joanne Tucker The City by the Bay is irresistible, especially for travelers who love its sophisticated European vibe and distinctive American bravado. We returned to stunning San Francisco for a stay at the Taj Campton Place Hotel, a boutique hotel located near the Union Square in downtown San Francisco, which caters to discerning business travelers and visitors from all over the world. Located on Stockton Street just one block from Union Square, this serene retreat is a short distance from the Financial District, Theatre District, Chinatown, Nob Hill and some the city’s best known stores and restaurants. (Transportation by…

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VIBRANT SACRAMENTO

July 27, 2010

By Joanne Tucker Who says you can’t have an adventurous family vacation, romantic getaway or extended business trip in Sacramento? Not us! Rather than driving around California’s capitol city, we discovered Sacramento offers plenty of tantalizing adventures for all ages from kite boarding in the Delta to a GPS treasure hunt along the American River Parkway to the first sip of the once naught drink, absinthe, at a racy night spot. Driving through the heart of downtown Sacramento’s urban action, we stopped for a respite just blocks from California’s state capitol building at the historic Citizen Hotel. This luxury boutique…

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SPECTACULAR SANTA BARBARA

July 21, 2010

By Joanne Tucker Looking to be “wowed” this summer? Hop on Highway 101 just north of LA and drive to Montecito (Oprah’s hometown) for five-star pampering at one of the few remaining resorts in Southern California that captures the true elegance and grandeur of a bygone era: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Known as the crown jewel of Santa Barbara’s oceanfront properties, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is a classic Spanish colonial-style 1927 landmark, which showcases the essence of the opulent Roaring 20s.  It was a time when Hollywood’s A-list stars came to The Biltmore’s…

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THE RITZ PERFECTED

July 10, 2010

by Joanne Tucker and Sheryll Alexander Situated atop a 150-foot bluff, which overlooks a dramatic crescent-shaped cove, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is one of the most luxurious, yet family-friendly beach vacation destinations in OC. Why does a stay at the The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel make for a fabulous beach vacation? First off, the location is just spectacular. Located atop famed Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel has an almost unbelievable view of the cliffs, the surf and the sand below. Salt Creek Beach also has a park right next to the resort with lots…

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Napa Valley South? Paso Robles

July 02, 2010

Paso Robles is experiencing a renaissance that we never could have predicted. Just 200 miles from Orange County we found the perfect weekend getaway. As the Central Coast’s destination for wine lovers, the Paso Robles wine region boasts more than 200 wineries, as well as incredible stores, restaurants, wine lounges and upscale hotels. You’d be hard-pressed not to have an incredible visit to Paso Robles. On a whirlwind trip we checked out the historic Paso Robles Inn where guests can enjoy a private hot springs mineral spa tub in deluxe spa rooms or stay in new two-room suites. The relaxing…

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