ABC Tips on Visiting France Since 1997, I have traveled to France numerous times to visit my French family. Even though I (am embarrassed to say I) have yet to visit the Louvre, I have visited France (even the Eiffel Tower) like a local. I'm sharing my favorite tips on visiting France here—in my usual alphabetical [...]
Seeing Paris by Boat or Bus It's a rare occasion that I surrender to any tour that is not preceded by the word "Food." However, I make a wholehearted exception to both the Bateaux Mouches and the double decker bus tours of Paris. Seeing Paris by boat or bus gives you a fabulous overview of the city, so you can get do a much [...]
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe While I'm one to favor the less beaten path, I would be remiss if I didn't urge you to see the Arc de Triomphe while in Paris. Even better — CLIMBING the Arc de Triomphe! You mustn't simply gaze at it from afar. Or stroll around the base. You really must climb to [...]
Best Adventurous Motorcycle Roads in the US by Kiara Wilson | Motorcycle House There’s a wide range of motorcycle roads in the US, from beach view routes, snow-peaked mountains, and open farm country to small towns and big cities. You name it! If you're a riding enthusiast, there is so much in store for you in [...]
GLAMPING IN MALIBU Murray Shares His Airstream My teenage girl and I were long overdue for a mom-daughter wander. She "requested" two simple things—a beach and no hostels. I insisted on two equally simple things—no airplanes and unique accommodations. With help from the internet, we narrowed it down to two destinations—Santa Barbara or Malibu. Toss a coin? [...]
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve LOCATION: Intersection of Camino del Sur & Park Village Road MAP + INFO: LOS PENASQUITOS CANYON PRESERVE PARKING: Free lot LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy APPX. LENGTH OF TIME: 2 hours My expectations were pretty low for a hike smack in the middle of suburbia. This was one of those times when I happily embraced my wrongness. [...]
HIKING SAN DIEGO: Torrey Pines State Park LOCATION: Off Camino Del Mar, Del Mar MAP + INFO: TORREY PINES STATE PARK PARKING: If you're lucky, you'll find street parking; $15-$20 in one of two paid lots LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy APPX. LENGTH OF TIME: 2 hours The 2,000 acre Torrey Pines State Park ("natural reserve" to be exact) is [...]
Get to Know the Eiffel Tower Anyone who simply walks, floats or busses by the Eiffel Tower, snapping a few pics along the way, has missed the essence of her soul. Take your time. Get to know her. Check her out from every possible exterior angle—from afar and close up. You'll get some outstanding views of [...]
Elfin Forest Reserve Hike LOCATION: 8833 Harmony Grove Road, Escondido, CA 92029 MAP + INFO: Elfin Forest Reserve PARKING: Free (in parking lot or on Harmony Grove Road) LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate to difficult APPX. LENGTH OF TIME: 2-4 hours Elfin Forest Reserve is home to 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, one babbling brook, [...]
Fortuna Mountain Hike LOCATION: Near intersection of Clairemont Mesa Blvd. + Rueda Drive MAP + INFO: Fortuna Mountain PARKING: Free lot or street parking near the trailhead LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate to difficult APPX. LENGTH OF TIME: 3-4 hours Mere minutes after exiting one of San Diego's busiest interstates, you'll hit the end of one of the city's busiest surface [...]
