In the late 1800s, the proprietor of the Mountain House Hotel in what is now known as Yosemite National Park decided to fling red-hot embers off a cliff to create a spectacle for a group of tourists. Onlookers were so taken with the glowing cascade that the “Firefall” became a regular occurrence. The Firefall ceased…
Neon lights bring to mind the glitz and glamour of show business, seedy late nights on the Las Vegas Strip, and retro businesses doing their best to get customers through the door. In 1981, a collection of artists decided that the neon lights of the world were an underappreciated art form that deserved their own…
San Diego is generally known for its sunny beaches, delectable Mexican food, and world-famous zoo. Aside from ample places to have fun in the sun, San Diego is also known as a hotspot for paranormal activity. With a local history that includes a cursed house, a celebrated racetrack, and some very unlucky sailors, there are…
In terms of coastal living and active community, Del Mar is a state of mind and a state of being that defines our area. Dazzling landscapes, the most excellent eateries, and an array of outdoor explorations are things that make this place vibrate with life in the hearts of all its travelers. In Del Mar…
San Francisco, California, has long been celebrated as a haven for writers, musicians, and artists in search of a creative community. When beatniks started to drift into Northern California in the 1940s, some of them crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and landed in Sausalito, where a community of bayside floating homes that they helped popularize…
Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, but America’s most celebrated highway lives on in songs, movies, and the imaginations of travelers embarking on the Great-American Road Trip. In John Steinbeck’s Great Depression-era novel The Grapes of Wrath, Route 66 serves as a symbol of the euphoric highs and crushing lows of the pursuit of…
Lake Tahoe—which spans the border of California and Nevada—is one of the most beautiful lakes in North America. Over 1 million visitors per year flock to Lake Tahoe to kayak, water ski, and sunbathe on the lake’s sandy shores. In recent years, a distinctive boulder with 3 small yet determined trees growing out of it…
In 1934, the RMS Queen Mary was launched as a state-of-the-art cruise liner. The majestic Queen Mary catered to elite travelers wishing to experience the pinnacle of luxury. However, when World War II began in the 1940s, the Queen Mary was painted grey and repurposed to transport Allied soldiers and weapons to various battlefronts. Once…
