Tag Archives: California

by Steven Doyle | January 9, 2026 · 12:47 pm

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa: A Sonoma Weekend Destination

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa sits on a six-acre property just a short walk from Sonoma Plaza, making it easy for visitors to explore the town while staying somewhere peaceful and private. The grounds are filled with gardens, stone pathways, and seating areas where guests can relax with a glass of wine or enjoy the quiet morning air. The hotel has a mix of rooms and suites, many with fireplaces, private patios, or balconies. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with soft linens, stylish furniture, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, giving visitors everything they need for a restful stay.

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Tagged as California, Chef, Hotel, MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, restaurants, Sonoma Valley, Travel, Travel writer, Vacation, Where to Stay in Sonoma, wine, Winery

by Steven Doyle | January 7, 2026 · 2:59 pm

Top Food at Disneyland & Where to Find

If you think Disneyland is just rides and fireworks, think again. This place is a full-on theme park for your taste buds, and 2026 is no exception. Let’s start sweet: Dole Whip. That pineapple soft-serve is tangy, icy, and somehow magic in a cup. Grab one at the Tiki Juice Bar or Tropical Hideaway and try not to wear it. Spoiler: you’ll probably fail.

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Tagged as California, Disneyland, Dole Whip, Food, fun, Monte Cristo, Where to Eat at Disneyland

by Steven Doyle | September 4, 2025 · 3:57 pm

Exploring Sonoma: Where Wine, Food, and Charm Collide

Sonoma, California, is the kind of place that slows you down in the best way. Rolling vineyards stretch across sun-dappled hills, historic plazas invite leisurely strolls, and the air carries the subtle fragrance of oak, earth, and freshly baked bread. Visiting Sonoma isn’t about checking items off a list—it’s about savoring experiences, whether that’s a quiet morning among the vines or a sunset glass of Pinot Noir on a hotel terrace.

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Tagged as California, Fall Travel, Inns, restaurants, Sonoma, Thr French Laundry, Travel, Travel writer, Vineyards, wine, Wineries

by Steven Doyle | July 25, 2025 · 1:25 pm

Legend Cole’s French Dip in LA Closing after 117 Years

Cole’s French Dip opened its doors in 1908, back when Los Angeles still smelled like horse sweat and the newspapers were full of train times and oil claims. The bar sat at the base of the Pacific Electric building, back when red cars ruled the city and the idea of “downtown nightlife” meant whiskey and card games, not rooftop DJs. Cole’s was the kind of place built to outlast fashion. And for more than a century, it did.

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Tagged as Bar, California, Cole's French Dip, French Dip, Los Angeles, Old Fashioned, Restaurant

by Steven Doyle | June 18, 2025 · 12:17 pm

The Ultimate Getaway at Casa Palmero in Pebble Beach, California

Beneath the pines and along California’s storied coastline, Casa Palmero is more than a resort—it’s a sanctuary for those seeking meaningful connection, restoration, and a heavy dose of indulgence. This Mediterranean-style estate offers just 24 rooms and suites, each curated for maximum serenity with cozy gas fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs, and secluded patios. Recently redesigned by the acclaimed Hirsch Bedner Associates, the interiors strike a rare balance: the comfort of an Italian countryside villa paired with the polish of a luxury retreat. And while it’s perfect for couples and solo travelers alike, Casa Palmero truly shines as a destination for girlfriends seeking a luxurious escape that’s equal parts glamorous and grounding.

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Tagged as California, Carmel-by-the-sea, Casa Palmero, Gold, Pebble Beach, Spa, Travel, Travel Stories, Travel Witing

by Steven Doyle | June 9, 2025 · 3:26 pm

The Ultimate San Francisco Experience; Where to Eat, Drink and Play

San Francisco is a city that refuses to be defined by a single category. It’s a tech capital and a culinary mecca, a coastal playground and a cultural powerhouse, a place where Victorian charm meets cutting-edge design. Each neighborhood tells its own story—from the painted homes of Alamo Square to the bustling alleys of Chinatown—and together, they form a vibrant, living mosaic of West Coast history and innovation. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo food pilgrimage, or a family adventure, San Francisco has something for everyone—at every budget.

Here’s a curated guide to the best of the city, from inviting hotels and unforgettable meals to legendary bars and must-do experiences.

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Tagged as California, fun, Great Escape, San Francisco, Tourism, Tourist, Travel, Travel writer, Vacation

by Steven Doyle | April 24, 2025 · 4:37 pm

A Tale of Two Buns: The Great American Lobster Roll Tour

The lobster roll is a dish that stirs coastal nostalgia and regional pride, but its appeal has long since escaped the New England shoreline. Once a niche summertime treat, this seafood sandwich has become a nationwide staple — and a subject of passionate debate.

At its core, the lobster roll is simple: chunks of sweet lobster meat, cradled in a split-top bun. But the devil is in the dressing. The two primary schools of thought are Maine-style (cold, tossed in mayo) and Connecticut-style (warm, drenched in butter). Beyond that, chefs across the country have taken liberties, introducing new textures, spices, and even tacos into the mix.

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Tagged as California, Florida, Lobster Roll, Maine, Massachusetts, Texas, Where to find a good losbter roll

by Steven Doyle | November 7, 2013 · 9:58 am

A Good Value Zinfandel

by Andrew Chalk

The 2012 XYZin, Old Vines Zinfandel, California ($16) is a good value, typical California Zinfandel. The nose has notes of plum, blueberry, blackcurrant and some French oak. In the mouth the wine is dry with good acid and the effusive fruit that is typical of young California Zinfandel. The fruit flavors repeat the fruits in the nose. Tannins are soft and supple. A very appealing style. This wine goes well with barbecue and burgers. Crave Recommended.