One of the many things that I love about our new life in California is the neverending, greatly-varying landscapes that the state offers. Seriously, it's so easy to hop into a car here, drive a few hours, and explore completely different sceneries, over and over again. Last weekend we visited Catalina Island for two nights and we were blown away by this beautiful, little enclave that is only a ninety-minute ferry ride from the mainland. We truly felt a world away and I strongly suggest a visit to all those who find themselves in southern California. Avalon is the main hub on the island and is where most people tend to visit. However, on the other side of the mountain is Two Harbors, a less populated part of town that I would like to experience on our next visit. Two nights is a perfect amount of time to explore and savor Avalon. We arrived at Catalina at 11:00 am and took the 11:45 am return ferry, giving us a full 48 hours to roam, discover, eat, and relax. For those who prefer to add a Bison Tour (yes, there are wild bison on the island!), ziplining, or hiking to their agendas, a third night would be beneficial. Please enjoy my suggested itinerary below that ensures ample free time to truly get into vacation mode. Rent a golf cart. There are only two golf rental services ooptions on Avalon and reservations fill up fast during summertime. The longest you can rent a cart is for two hours. We used up every last second of our allotted time navigating up and down the steep mountainsides, soaking in the breathtaking views, and stopping to check out landmarks like Mt. Ada (the Wrigley's former mansion converted into an adult-only bed and breakfast- the Wrigley family still owns the island!). The vistas from the top of the mountain are beyond picturesque. Food! We all know that food plays a big role in a vacation. Sadly, Avalon does not offer dining that will satisfy most foodies. Set your expectations low, and you will be quite pleased. I did a lot of research to narrow down the best places to eat during our stay and although nothing knocked our socks off, the service in these restaurants was consistently fantastic and the food was solid. Blue Water Grill This restaurant is an Avalon favorite. Like most dining establishments on the island, reservations are not taken. If you don't want to wait over an hour to be seated, get there before the lunch rush. We had no problem being seated at 11:30 am. The menu is comprised of mostly seafood, and the white wine was perfectly chilled, but the views are what stand out most here. The Sand Trap This is a less-known establishment, up the mountain, away from the sea, and mostly visited by locals. It's an unpretentious and casual Mexican restaurant that makes a mean margarita and excellent nachos. We made a quick stop here while we had our golf cart. Otherwise, you'll need to take a taxi or make a long trek up the mountain on foot. Avalon Grille This is another visitors' favorite that fills up fast so it's best to get there on the early side to avoid the dinner rush. The biggest hit was the complimentary popcorn heavily seasoned with paprika- it's delicious! The menu offers classic American fare with lots of seafood and veggie options to enjoy with a beautiful view of the sea in the backdrop. The Pancake Cottage You'll likely have your best meal here although expect a long line. We were in a forty-five-minute cue for an early breakfast, but it was worth the wait! They serve everything here from Huevos Rancheros to pancakes to avocado toast, and it's all fantastic. Sailor's Delight Ice Cream Shop For an evening scoop, I can attest that this is the best ice cream on the island, perhaps even in Southern California! Their flavors are outrageously original and they let you order half scoops so you can try multiple flavors. If I had to choose, "Fat Elvis", was my favorite flavor; "peanut butter ice cream shook up with salted peanut butter ripple and rich chocolate chips"... I mean, can it get any better? There are many boutique hotels to choose from on Avalon. We chose The Avalon Hotel because of its excellent ratings and recommendations from others to stay there. It wasn't our cup of tea but I can see why others find it charming. Although we found the hotel to be a bit outdated, they offer some great perks like gorgeous views and decadent bath products. Otherwise, it's a pretty no-frills, humble lodging option in the heart of Avalon. For a more modern option, check out The Hotel Atwater or if you're traveling sans kids, splurge on Mt. Ada. Descanso Beach Club Spending an entire day at Descanso Beach Club was the highlight of my trip. We planted ourselves on our reserved lounge chairs for the entire seven hours the club is open. The modern design, isolated location, doting staff, and constant tunes playing, made us all feel like we were off somewhere exotic overseas. When we managed to pull ourselves off the lounge chair we enjoyed kayaking, swimming, having lunch at the restaurant, and playing in the sprawling, grass field. Please note- reserve your lounge chairs ahead of time, seating sells out fast. Catalina is a special place for immediate recharging. Surrounded by sea, sun, and stunning landscapes, along with charming architecture, you'll surely love strolling the island in your flip-flops. Everything and everyone is casual here and you'll also find that everyone walks around with a big smile on their face. It's practically impossible not to have a great time during this magical escape.

In November I randomly had the idea to bring people together through a drumming circle. My husband thought I was nuts, but I'm always full of nutty ideas and luckily he tends to follow my lead. I am not a drummer. Nor are the vast majority of our friends. But I do always love to try new experiences and thought a drumming circle could be fun. Boy was I right! What is a drumming circle? It's a community of people flowing together to magically create a rhythm. Since none of us are experts, we have an instructor facilitating the group who starts us off with some beats and then we all jump in when the timing feels just right and contribute whatever energetically comes out of our hands. It may sound a little hippy-dippy. I'm ok with you calling it what you wish, just know that when we're in our zone, and everyone's eyes are closed while our bodies sway to the sounds we create together, there's really no word to describe it but magic. Each month our circle evolves. There is always a handful of regulars and there are always newbies. There is also always a waitlist because space is limited. I never expected that there would be such a strong response. I'll tell you more about why I believe that these are so successful. Our monthly circles have formed a strong sense of community. Although my husband and I personally invite our friends and know all the attendees, our friends don't all know each other and they have the opportunity to musically mingle with new people every month. We not only make music and new friends, we also make monthly memories together. Many of you know that meaningful memory-making is my life mission. These monthly jams unite an eclectic group of human beings that may not normally reach out to one another. The ages range from people in their twenties to their sixties. We have a former airforce pilot, a fitness instructor, physicians and scientists in various fields, housewives, entrepreneurs, lawyers, university professors, an administrative assistant, and even a great guy that has literally been in every Burning Man-like event throughout the world. There is no barrier or hierarchy to tackle when everyone's intention is to join forces with a common purpose in mind. There is something about knowing that you are about to embark on a musical journey that sets a tone of gratitude. We all begin the evening with a sense of belonging, love, and appreciation for one another that you don't generally receive at a dinner table. Introducing others to new experiences is one of the greatest gifts you can offer your friends. I am amazed to see grownups who are open enough to be vulnerable and pick up new melodic gadgets, with names that are impossible to remember (it's quite scary playing an instrument that you don't know how to play or pronounce!). Somehow, when everyone lets their guard down, the cadence serendipitously comes together. Ironically, even though most of us don't have any drumming experience, we become so in tune with one another that the tempo we create is perfectly harmonious, euphoric really. I always end our sessions feeling high. There is a future for our circle. My goal is to encourage participants to begin thinking about purchasing their own drums, tambourines, or maracas so that when the weather gets warmer, and the days are longer, we all head to the sand and drum the sun to sleep. I envision others who come across us being inspired and joining our rhythmic group. I see this drumming circle expanding into a wider community. More joy. More love. Please remember, when you have some crazy, random idea that you are actually excited about - go for it! All it took was me searching for an instructor who can provide instruments and organize the event. People are thirsty for new opportunities. The effort it takes to set up a new experience for others is minimal, yet the return is monumental. See you on the sand!

It's been exactly one year since we moved into our new home in La Jolla, CA. It's been sixteen and a half months since we left New York City, our home for twenty-two years, bringing us to now celebrating an anniversary of calling La Jolla our home. Maybe it's been even longer. We fled NYC in March of 2020, when Covid broke out, to seek safety in a secluded home in Long Island for three months and then hit the road exploring The United States for ten months, only to go back to NYC for two months, with the sole intention of packing our lives up, to relocate to La Jolla, taking another three-week road trip making our way back across the country. I know, that's a full load! When we arrived in La Jolla, we lived in a temporary home for four months, and then, finally, we moved into our current home exactly one year ago today, on December 15, 2021. What a journey! After so many beds, homes, and suitcases packed and unpacked, it felt so good to finally hang our photographs and resurrect sentimental artifacts from the past to proudly display in our new abode. After a full orbit around the sun, I contemplate what we left behind versus where we now call home. Below are my personal pros of living in La Jolla versus the pros of living in NYC. (Note: La Jolla is a small municipality within the city of San Diego so I will be referring to these areas interchangeably.) Pros of living in La Jolla: The People: The people that live in this community mark the most significant difference between the two cities. La Jollans are welcoming, happy, inclusive, and most noticeably, no matter how successful they are in their careers (and they are very successful in their careers), they just don't have the same chip on their shoulders that New Yorkers do. We literally did not know what people did for a living until we hung out with them several times, because hardly anyone inquires or cares what anyone does for a living here. In NYC, the question immediately asked when meeting someone new is "what do you do for a living?". New Yorkers size one another up, openly compete over whose life is busier, and shamelessly ask you for a dinner date four months in advance. La Jollans could care less what you do, they are confident enough behind the wheels of their Ferraris, or under surgical lights performing open-heart surgery. To sum it up, the folks in La Jolla have nothing to prove. Somehow, they are never too busy for a drink, a walk, a party, or a dinner date. Planning for something more than a month in advance here is a ludicrous concept. While New Yorkers boast about who they rub elbows with or their SoHo House memberships, they'll rarely actually make an introduction with the supposed people they are close to nor help you join the club they rave about. Yet, in La Jolla, we were immediately introduced to the most incredible network of kind, fun, accomplished people who will only mention their club memberships in the context of helping you join. People in La Jolla share their friends, their contacts, and even their money. New Yorkers are very protective of these things. The Politics: Our kids attended a very progressive private school in NYC. Over the years as parents making friends with other parents in that school, we learned that there were many in the closet Republicans in the school's community. In NYC you are often shamed for not sharing the same political views as the masses. I literally know a husband who told me in confidence that he voted for Trump in fear of retribution from his wife. New Yorkers tend to be very extreme on their political spectrum. In La Jolla, most people are centrist, normal, unaggressive, moderate folks who genuinely want to help others and support social justice programs while protecting themselves from a meddling government. In fact, I have witnessed many civil conversations between left-winged and right-winged-minded people that entailed no judgment, name-calling, or even an ounce of tension as they hashed out their differences of opinions. You are free to think and believe what you want here, openly. And what I love most of all is that no one seems to have a need to display their political thoughts on their lawns with flags or signs, or pins on their lapels, which tend to ultimately alienate and create a community of exclusion. People truly don't care if you are vaccinated against Covid, or not, or how many boosters you've had, if any. You'll find people on both spectrums of vaccination status and no one is concerned with what others' personal choices are. There is no requirement to conform here. The Weather: Ok, this one's a no-brainer. With an average temperature that hits between 62-72 degrees throughout the year, under 263 days of glorious sunny skies, it's crystal clear why most people are happier here. However, contrary to popular belief, although it does not snow in La Jolla, we do have seasons. As I type this post, it is 51 degrees, and very cold... there is a legitimate winter here (okay, not compared to New York but I swear it gets cold). Fall and Winter tend to be the rainy season, which La Jollans warmly welcome. I won't lie, there is nothing that I miss about snow in NYC. I remember getting the kids ready for school, in their endless winter gear, just to be greeted by filthy piles of snow clumped in grey sadness and adorned with yellow bursts of dog urine and not-so-artistically placed cigarette butts on our walk. Snow is beautiful...in Tahoe. The School System: Once we left the private school system and joined the public school system in NYC we quickly learned that getting into a top public school is as difficult as getting into a coveted private school. The stress that parents and students endure getting into a reputable public school in NYC surpasses the stress of getting your kid into college because in New York City you have to go through the unwieldy process three times: once for middle school and then again for high school and then finally for college. In La Jolla, there is one middle school and one high school. There is zero stress around preparing for an admission spot. Middle School kids can enjoy their middle-school years without the stress of continuously preparing for high school. There are no required test preps for entrance exams or crazy lottery systems leaving a computer to randomly assign a school to a child. Instead, your kids just get to be kids, and instead of graduating from elementary school and seeing their friends get scattered throughout the city based on the schools they get accepted to, they move on with them to the high school that is only one block away. The Food: Yes, while NYC is unsurpassable with the endless creativity of cuisine and culinary talent, and countless Michelin-starred restaurants, San Diego's produce is unequivocally the freshest I have ever tasted. I never knew what a cucumber or strawberry actually tastes like until I moved here. Side note, San Diego has an incredible food scene, and its own list of Michelin-starred restaurants, albeit way smaller than New York City's, but the main difference here is that you don't need to pull favors or set your alarm at midnight for the night the calendar opens at a restaurant to snag a table. Instead, you can pretty much get in anywhere within a month's notice. The Pace: The pace in La Jolla is unbelievably different than the one in NYC. Even though you may find yourself busy with life in La Jolla, you aren't constantly stressed out because you are sitting in a taxi for forty-five minutes for a five-mile journey, nor will you find yourself standing desperately in the rain for what seems like hours waiting for an Uber or taxi on a rainy evening. We lived in our last apartment in NYC for eleven years. I can attest that most neighbors who entered the elevator ignored one another. In La Jolla, everyone cheerfully says good morning, stops you to pet your dog, and you actually know and hang out with your neighbors. (Caveat: we do have neighbors from NYC that we have been close friends with for over ten years and they too left NYC for a west coast move to Los Angeles). In La Jolla I can post a story on Instagram offering the yields of a harvest from our garden and ten La Jollans will reply that they'd love some fruit and come by to pick up a bag. In NYC you'll have twenty people responding that they'd love a bag but none of them will actually ever pick it up, although they'd boast to all their friends about their cool friend with citrus trees. I often walk in La Jolla along the coast, I watch sunsets in La Jolla, I walk our dog in La Jolla (I would never have agreed to have a dog in NYC), I talk on the phone with friends rather than texting them, I go on weekend hikes with my girlfriends. The pace here is unarguably slower, in the best way possible. Everything is just "Twenty Minutes Away": This is so true. I can easily list a bunch of neighborhoods that are just a twenty-minute drive from La Jolla: Coronado Island, Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Ocean Beach, Balboa Park, Mission Beach, UTC, Hillcrest, etc... It's so easy to hop in your car here and arrive to an entirely different neighborhood with its own unique vibe. In New York City, what should be just a twenty-minute commute can often turn out to be way longer. Commuting in NYC requires a strategy. In La Jolla commuting just requires that you get in your car. Let's take a look at longer drives as well. In NYC the most popular local escapes are The Hamptons (which takes anywhere from 2-5 hours to get to depending on the season), and "Upstate" (which is generally a 2-3 hour drive). In La Jolla, within an hour you can drive to Laguna Beach or Rosarito, Mexico, or the wine region of Temecula Valley. Within ninety minutes you can get to Orange County/Balboa Island/Newport Beach or you can escape to Julian or Mount Laguna for some snow in the winter. In two hours you can get to Los Angeles or the beautiful deserts of Palm Springs. Despite the 25,000 miles we drove through the USA, we barely made a dent in what is accessible to La Jolla within just a two hours drive. Pros of living in New York City: It's the city that never sleeps: You can find anything you crave at any hour of the day in New York City. It is a remarkably convenient city in this aspect. La Jolla on the other hand shuts down ridiculously early. I am talking like 9:30 pm early. If you crave pizza past this time, you'll have to drive eight minutes to Pacific Beach. Even there they close by midnight. You'll be forced into living a more sedate nightlife here but then again in La Jolla, we have amazing house parties that go way into the wee hours of the morning. Just saying. A Hub of Culture: New York City is the epicenter of culture, known for its music scene, renowned museums, and of course, Broadway. Yes, this is an extremely desirable aspect of NYC but let's be honest, how often do NYC locals splurge on a Broadway show that costs a minimum of $350 per ticket? I lived in NYC for twenty-two years and visited MoMa maybe four times and the Metropolitan Museum maybe six times. What I am saying is that it's not like most New Yorkers frequent these venues so often. They just like knowing that they are there. In La Jolla, we have The Conrad, The La Jolla Playhouse, and also the Old Forge (which is not in La Jolla, but close) which I frequent just as irregularly. So unless you are an art buff or have endless supplies of cash to book orchestra seats for your family to watch a Broadway show together, I think you'll do just fine in La Jolla. Travel: Oh boy do New Yorkers like to travel. When we lived in Manhattan we hopped on a plane every chance we could, along with most of our friends and colleagues. La Jollans like to stay put. Very few of them talk about travel plans. In fact, whenever we have asked others what they are doing on a school break, they mostly stay local. Now that we have been here for a year, I realize that people actually like it here and don't dream of going anywhere else. In retrospect, although yes, we absolutely love to travel, in NYC we had to get away as much as possible for the sake of our sanity. We've been living in La Jolla since August 1, 2021, and haven't gotten on a plane since. Living here I feel like we should travel, not need to escape. Regardless, New Yorkers are more well-traveled. Sports: Okay, yes, San Diego has the Padres but I'll agree that you cannot compete with New York City in the sports department. From the Knicks to the New York Mets/Yankees or the Giants/Jets, NYC is unrivaled when it comes to the sports department. I'll be the first one to admit, if you want sports leagues in your life, San Diego is not the place for you. So, there you have it, my insider's perspective all wrapped up in one article. New York gave us an incredible couple of decades filled with wonderful memories, friends, and opportunities. I will always love it dearly. I have yet to yearn for a return for a visit although it has been almost one and a half years since we left. For now, I found a better place for me, for this chapter of my life. I don't miss the hustle, or the grind, of living in the big city. I don't miss the seasons that come with too many cloudy, cold, rainy days or extreme heat. I don't miss floating around with very busy people. Really, La Jolla truly does offer everything anyone could ever need. I guess that's why locals love to call it Paradise.

Playa Del Carmen is a Mexican coastal resort town on the Riviera Maya, approximately one hour south of Cancun. In my opinion, you come here to plant yourself alongside the Caribbean Sea to swim, sip cocktails, soak in the sun, and do not much more. For those of you who dare get restless after a leisurely day of swimming in warm, turquoise waters and lounging by the pool, you can hit Quinta Avenida. The long, pedestrian road is jam-packed with restaurants, shops, and bars. It especially comes to life at night once everyone recovers from a day of seaside laziness. Playa Del Carmen is a perfect destination to unwind, and guiltlessly do nothing but linger in your swimsuit as the day goes by. Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen Resort: There are many excursions you can book when in the area; like a day visit to Cozumel, sunset sails, snorkeling, etc. Yet, based on my travel experiences, you'll want to book a stay at The Grand Hyatt and never step foot off the property. You can choose from a multitude of infinity pools to lounge by or just walk a few steps to connect with the sea. The onsite restaurants are quite impressive, the staff caters to the guests' every whim, and frankly, this seaside resort is stunning. There are entertaining events held throughout the day like aquatic Zumba or an evening traditional Mayan ritual dance. There is an arcade, a full-service spa, a gift shop, three fantastic restaurants, and a cafe. Mostly, there is an ambiance of ultimate relaxation as the design of the hotel is soothing at every corner. This is an unpretentious luxury hotel where you come to escape and be well-pampered. Hotel Rooms: The rooms are clean and well-appointed with especially spacious closets and bathrooms. Sitting on the large, well-furnished balconies while hearing the waves crashing is pure bliss. Onsite Restaurants: La Cocina Their buffet breakfast is the best. Not only will you dine by the sea, but you will encounter a spread of food like nothing you've seen before. There is an entire cereal bar with a variety of freshly baked bread, seasonal fruits, granola, yogurts, and a waffle station. Then there is a whole hot food station with salmon, ravioli, hashbrowns, breakfast meats, frijoles, eggs, and a scrumptious chilaquiles station. There is a taco station. There's even a station for six or seven homemade salsas ranging from mild to super hot. If this isn't enough for even the most glutenous, there is also a spread of delicious assorted pastries, cheeses, salads, cold-cut meats, lox, and spreads. La Cocina's breakfast is truly a breakfast for champions. Pool Menu Often times pool menus are "eh" but not at the Grand Hyatt. Each umbrella gets a snazzy call button attached to it so that food and drinks can be ordered at the push of a button. Their nachos are a must. You'll also love their Caprese sandwiches, Mexican salad, fried cauliflower, and smoothies. If these items don't strike your fancy you can choose from burgers, quesadillas, BLTs, ceviches, wraps, etc. The hotel really supports every craving and most importantly, they make it really easy, and tempting, to stay put by the pool. The Grill at 1 26 The menu here specializes in Italian dishes, sushi, and steaks. An interesting combo indeed yet somehow they pull it off perfectly. Everything is presented beautifully and from appetizers to desserts, you'll be more than happy that you ate here from start to finish. Sushi N Raw The sushi rolls and poke bowls served here are surprisingly tasty. I'm not a big fan of sushi abroad but I can confidently recommend that you dine here for really fresh seafood with surrounding striking views. Paseo Bar This open-aired bar is friendly and inviting. It's definitely a worthwhile stop for post-dinner drinks. I don't have much else to share about Playa Del Carmen. Honestly, it was impossible to pull me away from the pool and the ocean. Ok, except for once when I got a thirty-minute massage for $30 USD in a nearby outdoor hut with the ocean breeze hugging my body and house music pumping the air. While writing this, I almost feel like this article is more of an ad for the Grand Hyatt but rest assured that I have not been compensated for this post in any way. I am sure other blogs offer more interesting insights about what to do and see while visiting this part of the Riviera Maya. Based on my traveling expertise, specifically throughout the region, I strongly suggest you visit for three or four nights, stay at the Grand Hyatt and do nothing but indulge your every desire. There's something special to be said about flying to a destination to decompress and stare into the bluest skies and waters all day long with nothing scheduled on your calendar to distract you from the stillness.

Pronounced “hol-bosh", Isla Holbox is one of those best-kept secrets that you too can experience with just a two-hour drive north of Cancun and an additional thirty-minute ferry ride. As I write this article, I am hesitant to share with you that this magical island even exists in fear that too many of you will read about it, visit it, and fall madly in love with it, as I did. Yet, I will dutifully share everything I can about this stunning spot, because it would truly be a sin to keep it from you! Holbox is reminiscent of Tulum with the main difference being that it's a remote island that is not as easy to get to and that it hasn't been discovered by droves of tourists, yet. The restaurants, bars, and shops exude a bohemian vibe yet in an upscale sort of way. Let's call it boho-chic. This is a car-free, open-aired island where roads do not exist. The streets are made of sand and flip-flops are the only necessity. Many Mexicans, Brits, Aussies, French, and Germans gravitate to this island but you will certainly bump into some Americans as well. The food is fantastic. Like, I mean, this is truly a haven for all you foodies. There is tons to explore on the island, including nature reserves. Holbox will leave you wanting more of it and I will confidently make the assumption that most visitors make return visits. Take the Holbox Express You'll drive two hours to Chiquila from Cancun for a 30-minute ferry to Holbox. You can buy tickets at the ferry terminal stand. Be prepared, they do not accept any credit cards or one hundred dollar bills. A roundtrip ticket costs $24 per person. The fleet has both upper deck and indoor seating and leaves Chiquila every hour on the half hour. Get on the Taxi Line Once your ferry docks on the island, you will be greeted by taxis waiting to take you to your destination. The taxis on the island are golf carts and they only drive three passengers per cart. While the locals in Holbox are extremely friendly, we found the taxi drivers to be less warm and they will often try to charge you more than they should. Always ask your hotel how much a specific ride should cost so that you know how much you should actually pay versus how much they will try to charge you. Getting around the island on a golf cart is so much fun! Stay at Casa Astral You'll love your stay at Casa Astral. The hotel is not located in the center of town. Rather, it is a ten-minute walk from the bustling center which ensures that you will get great sleep. The service of the staff is wonderful. You can text the staff directly through WhatsApp with any request that you have. They will help with ordering taxis, renting golf carts, making restaurant reservations, or stocking your room with whatever you need. The rooms are clean and spacious. They have large two-bedroom units with three king-sized beds, two full bathrooms, and one-half bathroom which is perfect for a family or group. The rooftop has stunning views of the sea with an infinity pool, bar, and hammocks. If you want to be in the heart of the main square, this may not be the right choice for you. However, if you like to retreat to a quiet space at the end of the day with the beach just steps away, Casa Astral is a great choice. Where to Eat You will be amazed by the plethora of restaurants and bars that dot the sand and spill onto the town center of this tiny island. Each of the eateries below has great decor, a vibrant ambiance, stellar service, and terrific food. Make sure to couple your meal with a mezcalito, a favorite cocktail on the island. Mr. Happy (breakfast) No one can possibly leave Mr. Happy unhappy. The menu offers an extensive juice and smoothie list along with fresh and healthy dishes to be enjoyed in the retro-designed space under a beautiful palapa. Clandestino Cafe (breakfast) Their freshly baked pastries and espresso bar that whips up a mean cappuccino will win you over instantly. You'll have a hard time deciding what to order so I suggest that you order a bunch of dishes to share otherwise you may find yourself leaving with serious FOMO. Painapol (breakfast) Painapol uses the freshest fruit to masterfully create artistic bites. Every dish is served with an abundance of fruits or veggies so you can leave resting assured you hit your quota for the day. There's even a wishing well in the dining room where you'll likely catch yourself wishing you could possibly consume more of their delicious dishes. El Velero (lunch) The highlight on their menu is the Baja fish tacos that are served with a potato wedge inside the taco. This simple touch adds so much flavor you may order a second round and even make a second visit for lunch as we did. This is a perfect destination to eat with your toes in the sand, staring at the sea, while you keep repeating "this is soooo good" after each bite. Roots (lunch) Isla Holbox loves its mezcalitos but the island really takes pride in its lobster pizzas. You'll have to try this local's favorite recipe at least once during your visit and Roots is the best place to pop your cherry. The pizzas are outstanding, especially with the three homemade sauces that are served along with them to drizzle on for an extra touch of flavor. Great music lingers in the air while you dine under the lit trees and pinch yourself for finding the best lobster pizza on the island. Maizstro (lunch) Laid back eatery with reggae music and a unique menu bring together locals and tourists alike. Birria, a traditional Mexican dish of goat or beef stew, is the star of the show here and is offered in many unique ways but there are plenty of yummy vegetarian dishes to choose from too. Salma (dinner) Salma's sultry vibe makes it a perfect dinner destination. The main space of the restaurant has up close views of the masterful chefs in action in the central wood fire kitchen which pumps out insanely delicious grilled dishes. Highlights are the roasted beet salad, grilled artichoke, and squash in roasted tomato sauce. Skulls, swings, and candles lit over layers of dripped wax work well together to create a seductive scene with sensational cuisine. Luuma (dinner) Luuma offers a clubby atmosphere in its dimly lit, open-aired courtyard complete with a sandy floor and jungle music vibes all tucked in what can be mistaken for a secret garden. This tapas eatery artistically presents its internationally influenced bite-sized foods. The onion croquettes are a must! K'u' (drinks) K'U' is the epitome of boho-chic and tends to draw a beautiful crowd of well-dressed patrons. This beachfront bar and restaurant is uber-alluring and cannot be missed during your visit. Viva Zapata (drinks) Viva Zapata has a long, lively bar lined with swings and tall stools. The bartenders are chatty and take pride in serving craft cocktails. You'll find it on the more casual side as the owners don't seem to be aiming for chic. This is simply put a fun and vivacious bar for afternoon drinks. Fun Things to Do: Obviously, if you're in Holbox you'll want to swim in the pristine waters as much as possible. Let's say you hit some rainy days, like we did, during December's dry season, or should you find yourself needing an escape from the sun, here are fun some ideas to give you the full island experience. Volunteer at Refugio Animal Hospital Ever dream of having an adorable pooch for the day while you are on vacation? At Refugio you can fulfill this dream while actually helping out this animal rescue shelter. You can take one, or more, of their dogs for as long as you'd like to give them some love and long walks by the beach and through town. Volunteering will never feel so good! Rent a UTV or Golf Cart for the Day (Especially a Rainy Day) While December is known as the dry season in Holbox, we still got stuck with two pretty wet days on the island. It is important to know that the island does not have any drainage systems so when it rains, large lake-sized puddles are formed making it practically impossible to walk anywhere unless you want to trek through almost knee-level mud. Golf-cart rentals, which offer the most popular form of transportation, shut down on rainy days in fear of renters getting stuck in the muddy waters. In the rain, your only alternatives will be to hire a taxi, walk through the muck, or rent a UTV. With a UTV you can explore the entire island, with the added thrill of driving through deep water. It's quite an adventurous way to roll through Holbox. Walk along Yum Balam Coast to Punta Cocos Look up the tide schedule, ditch your flip-flops, and walk along the Yum Balam coast towards Punta Cocos for a piece of Paradise. You'll barely see humans in sight but you will instead come across an abundance of wildlife. Explore Punta Cocos at Low Tide Exploring Punta Cocos may possibly be the highlight of your visit to Holbox. This part of the island is pristine, untouched, and really breathtaking. During low tide, you can wade through the aqua waters towards a sand bar and fully experience what it's like to have no care in the world. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour to Search for Murals Isla Holbox has more than ninety vibrant murals scattered throughout the island. Embark on an artistic journey and see how many you can find. HERE is a self-guided tour we used. You'll want to plan for at least three nights in Holbox, ideally five. The laid-back island vibe is contagious and will overtake you instantly. This is a magical island that you will dream about visiting again and again. It forces you to conform to its rules: be happy, eat well, reenergize, repeat. Holbox is simplicity at its finest. Just make sure to pack your rain boots because those muddy lakes post-rain may set you back from enjoying everything the island offers. Yet even in the rain, it's perfection. As I write this last sentence, I am already planning our next visit.

Mayakoba is a private resort comprised of four luxury hotels (The Fairmont, The Andaz, Banyan Tree, and Rosewood), that were built around channels of water that are surrounded by a tropical jungle. Mayakoba is known as the "Venice of Mexico" because of all the bridges and canals that connect the four properties to one another. Once you enter the massive, heavily secured gates of Mayakoba there is no need to step foot off the property. After entering the vast, lush land, you won't want to leave. Everything you need is located on this massive property and guests can charge their room at any hotel on the resort. Golf cart shuttles run regularly throughout the hotel transporting guests around the grounds. This is not a walkable property and you'll need a shuttle or bike to get around. Mayakoba, located on the eastern side of Mexico, on the Riviera Maya, along the Caribbean Ocean, is just a thirty-minute drive from Cancun Airport. You'll find yourself reveling in ultimate levels of luxury and leisure at every moment of your stay. The Fairmont Mayakoba Located inside the private resort community of Mayakoba, The Fairmont maintains 401 guest rooms nestled in a tropical forest with beachfront access to the pristine beaches of this side of Mexico. There are five pools including one massive, 10,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar and slides. There are several fine-dining restaurants, a gorgeous spa, and tons of activities that can keep you happy here for weeks. You'll need to hop on the complimentary shuttle to get around this massive property as everything is super spread out adding to the exclusive and seclusive vibe that permeates the grounds. You'll also need to snag beach chairs and umbrellas early (during the season) because they are a little competitive to find. The service stands out as impeccable. The staff is incredibly well-trained to take care of each and every guest. The restaurants are consistently fantastic. Staying at The Fairmont is the definition of a luxury vacation at its finest. The rooms are well-maintained and immaculate. You'll love the little touches like robes and slippers, largely built-in closets, deep soaking tubs, glass water bottles, and opulent bath products. I especially loved the bottle of insect repellant, which you'll need no matter what time of year you'll visit. Canal Ride The Fairmont offers guests a private, complimentary, forty-five-minute boat ride through the canals. Just make sure to reserve the tour in advance. Miguel is one of the knowledgeable guides who eagerly shares his knowledge about how the developers of Mayakoba helped bring the underground natural rivers to the surface when they used dynamite to break the limestone caves. He is also well-informed about the wildlife- you'll leave learning about many of the 150 species of birds, tons of turtles (we spotted dozens), caves with stalagmites, and ten resident crocodiles (we got to get up close to one!) that live on the nature reserve. The reflections of the lush vegetation in the water are so picturesque and the continuous flow of bridges you'll drive through will transport you to Venice just momentarily because you'll quickly realize you don't want to be anywhere else but Mayakoba. Snorkel Mayakoba has easy access to the second largest reef in the world, second to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a marine region along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. I strongly recommend that you book a tour with your Mayakoba hotel for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our guide led us to a section of the reef on a small sailboat, a few hundred feet from shore. You can't imagine the underwater world you'll witness. Thousands of colorful fish will swim alongside you as your guide points out hard-to-spot lobsters, the names of rare fish, and even jellyfish. This will be one of those magical memories that you will treasure forever. Make sure not to miss this rare opportunity. Where to Eat: Fuego at The Fairmont Mayakoba This beachfront property will tantalize your tastebuds. Toes in the sand, tequila in hand, and fresh Tlayuda in a basket with three dips... what else can you ask for? Be prepared for Fuego to deliver the most delicious Mexican-inspired dishes made right in front of you on an open flame. The menu is rather small but it delivers big flavors. You'll love it. Casa Amate at The Andaz Mayakoba Casa Amate is consistently ranked as one of Mexico's Top 120 Restaurants by Guía México Gastronómic. This Latin American fine dining establishment creatively prepares dishes with outstanding flavors. You won't be able to stop eating. Some must-tries are the celery root salad, the Totoaba sashimi, marinated octopus, red snapper wrapped in banana leaf, and the short rib proudly cooked for eight hours. Each dish has added heat with hints of serrano peppers and Morita chili and each recipe include unique vegetable preparations like fried corn and roasted oranges. Make sure to leave room for their exceptional desserts. Not only is every bite divine, but the artistic presentations are also equally captivating. Reservations are required. Saffron at Banyan Tree From the moment that you are greeted by the bellmen at Banyan Tree you know that a unique experience lies ahead. The team at Banyan greets you by name, without you mentioining this information to them, and nonchalantly mention that your private boat is awaiting to escort you to Saffron, known as the best restaurant in Mayakoba. To further set the mood, before entering the restaurant your hands will be washed with rose water and ladies will have an orchid placed in their hair. The setting is truly spectacular. You'll dine among the mangroves, under the stars, on a deck overlooking the water. Needless to say, the Thai inspired cuisine is sensational as well. Each dish bursts with exotic flavors; make sure to try plenty of the dishes for a comprehensive idea of what exceptional culinary talent tastes like. Hix Bar and Lounge at The Fairmont Mayakoba For great cocktails and pre-dinner Japanese-inspired snacks, hit this chic and cozy bar in the main lobby of The Fairmont. La Laguna at The Fairmont Mayakoba A beautiful breakfast buffet will await you at La Laguna. There is a delicious spread of freshly-baked pastries, juicy local fruit, cheeses, salmon, freshly squeezed juices, and several hot items including, chilaquiles, of course. Brisas at The Fairmont Mayakoba An open-aired beachfront restaurant, Brisas is the perfect lunch destination for fresh seafood. The ceviches are outstanding and so are the sea views. Mayakoba is designed to cater to every guest's whim ensuring that there is no need to leave the resort. For the ultimate relaxation and foodie experience, you need to search no further. Rooms aren't cheap but the hotels honestly don't gouge you for drinks, meals, and activities like other five-star resorts often do. You won't want to travel here to explore Mexico. Instead, this is where you'll want to plant yourself for an optimal vacation of fun in the sun and sea.

Isla Mujeres is a lively, magical, five-mile-long island, that's just a thirty-minute ferry ride from Cancun. There are very few cars on this island, with taxis making up the majority of automobiles. The most popular form of transportation on the island is with mopeds or golf carts that zoom through the narrow, colorful streets of the island. During the day, it's the clear, turquoise waters you'll find yourself spending most of your time with. Nightime transforms into a big party with bustling bars and with live music pumping the island with a constant festive feel. It's quite a spectacular island, mostly because it is so unpretentious, utterly laid back, and surrounded by some of the most stunning water you will ever encounter. Three nights is a perfect amount of time to immerse yourself into island mode and soak in all that the island has to offer. Make sure you come with cash. Most places here accept cash only, in either pesos or dollars. As soon as your flip flops hit the sand, you will be instantly propelled into tropical island mode. The locals are as colorful as the buildings on the island and they will greet you warmly at every opportunity. You will inevitably encounter many reminders that you are in a third-world country; the poverty among some of the locals becomes quickly apparent. We learned that the minimum wage in Mexico is $11.00 per day. While you visit, bring some cheer into the locals' lives too, and slip them a twenty dollar bill whenever you can. Hire the mariachi bands who request just $10.00 per song. Support the economy here so that it continues to thrive and blossom. Isla Mujeres is truly a special place so please consider being the type of tourist who brings color and joy to the island with you. Take the Ultmar Ferry round trip thirty-minute ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. Round-trip tickets are approximately $24.00 per person on this clean and spacious fleet that has three decks including indoor and outdoor options. The ferry leaves pretty much every thirty minutes. Stay at Aruma Isla Mujeres. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home is beautifully appointed with decorative touches throughout the house. While its location couldn't be better in terms of its proximity to the heart of the island, it's the staff that manages this villa that makes the house most noteworthy. They helped us make reservations for everything on our itinerary, including our transportation, and they did it so cheerfully. The team here stands out as one of the best we have encountered in all our travels. The house is spacious, described as large enough for seventeen people, and has a plunge pool for those who want to cool off on a hot day. Daily housekeeping is included and for those who want to be further pampered, a private chef and masseuse can be arranged. I strongly recommend booking this villa for your family or group. It is a lovely place to retreat after a long day of exploring. Where to Beach Club OCEANVS You'll have many beach club options to choose from. My recommendation is that you choose one on Playa Norte, known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico for its white sand, palm trees, and crystal clear water. OCEANVS is a great option because it's on the end of the beach stretch and is less crowded as a result. Ask for Sunny to be your attendant, he will make sure you are well taken care of and that your day at the beach is just perfect. Also, their nachos are so delicious, you may want to order them twice like we did. Others: As you walk around you'll pass dozens of other beach club options, each with its own unique character. There are beach clubs on all sides of the island. Make sure you plant yourselves at one of the clubs for at least one full day of relaxation in the warm waters that may be the clearest you'll ever dip yourself into. Must-Do Excursions: Punta Sur Renting a golf cart for the day is a the best way to truly get to know the island beyond the main hub where the tourists flock. A golf cart will get you to the local neighborhoods as well as to the secluded part of the island where newly built mansions are perched on top of cliffs. Most importantly, a golf cart will also get you to Punta Sur, the islands most southern tip, which is approximately a thirty minute ride on a golf cart. There you will find endless photo opportunities, breathtaking views, and even Mayan ruins. There is a fee of $6.00 per person to enter the park which is totally worth it. Isla Contoy A private tour led by Wicho and Mosko from Espartaco Tours to Isla Contoy will be one of the most unforgettable excursions you will ever experience. After a friendly introduction Captain Wicho will embark your journey into the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. About thirty minutes from Isla Mujeres your captain will park the boat in the middle of the ocean, with literally no one else around, to snorkel in the coral reefs. Mosko will lead you through the colorful reefs and check on your group often to make sure everyone is doing well. Despite the occasional thoughts of sharks that may creep into your mind, you'll quickly get distracted by this incredible experience. After some snorkeling fun you will make your way further towards Isla Contoy. As you approach this untouched island you'll immediately recognize that you are about to step foot on Paradise. The glistening, transparent waters reveal a sea life filled with sea turtles, barracudas, and nurse sharks. While you splash in the sea Wicho and Mosko will prepare an incredible meal for you on the island's grill. They quickly whipped up freshly caught grouper rubbed in a Mayan seasoning, grilled chicken, potatoes, rice, coleslaw, and salsa, served with a chilled beer of course. Lunch is so good and so fresh and coupled with its dining location that is less than ten feet from the shore, you may hit sensory overload because this is seriously too much perfection most people can handle. Post lunch, Mosko will lead you to the lagoon, and look for crocodiles while teaching you about the wild life. From here he'll guide you to the highest point of the mountain for a panoramic view of the surrounding sea. To preserve this pristine island the Mexican government only permits two hundred people to enter each day. In efforts not to disturb the ecosystem, no sunscreen of any kind is permitted. There are also no bathrooms with running water. This is simply an uninhabited, secluded, island with a natural beauty that is hard to fathom unless you see it for yourself. As you head back to Isla Mujeres you'll enjoy one more dip into the sea and then you'll just lean back, take in the views, and smile your way back to land. . Where to Eat: Xantolo The popular dining destination, in my opinion, caters to American tourists too much. Rather than serving authentic Mexican food, Xantolo serves more Tex-Mex-style meals. Our most memorable dinner was not at this Mexican restaurant. However, people seem to love it. The only thing we loved about dining here was the two-for-one happy hour, the setting, and the wonderful service. The food, not so much. Mama Rosa You'll be very surprised to find an authentic Italian meal on this little island. Mama Rosa does not disappoint. From the bruschette to the contadina salad, to the gnocchi and the spaghetti aglio, everything on the menu is really good. They even make pizza that you'll be sure to like. Service is attentive, decor is charming, and the wine menu has a nice selection to choose from. Limon Limon is approximately a ten-minute drive from the main town center. You'll need to get there by taxi or golf cart. Since this will certainly be your best meal on the island, it's worth venturing out to dine here. Limon takes dining to the next level. Every single item on the menu will blow you away by the fresh ingredients, creative seasonings, and love that goes into preparing each plate. Some dishes you may want to experience are the hibiscus tacos, the bruschetta, Limon house salad, tortilla soup, coconut shrimp, four cheese pasta, and gnocchi- all perfectly prepared. The filet mignon in port, however, deserves its own mention. One of the unique features of Limon is that beef ordered is grilled per order in the center of the restaurant. This steak will even have the vegetarians at your table grabbing a bite, they did at our table! Finally, end your meal with the banana foster and pineapple "Sergio's way". You'll be talking about this meal for months. Just note, Limon is a cash only restaurant. Aroma Isla For fresh smoothies and juices stop by Aroma Isla. This is the only place on the island we went to that actually accepts American Express. The service is friendly, the menu is healthy, and you may want to make several visits like we did. The Coffee Break I just love the hand written note on my latte. This personal touch is enough to win me over. The cafe itself is really cute with a full coffee menu and breakfast pastries. Stingray This bar surrounded by swings is always full and bustling with people looking for a good time. You'll want to stop here at least once to have a drink, people watch, and listen to those confident karaoke folks who just love to belt out tunes. Make sure to add Isla Mujeres to your travel bucket list. The stunning beaches, serene island vibe, friendly locals, great food, international crowd, and colorful streets are just meant to be enjoyed by all who can make there way here.

San Diego has access to many beautiful day trips, including a visit to Temecula's wine region just an hour's drive away. Temecula Wine Valley produces over fifty different varieties of wines throughout the region, many of which are award-winning. Along with the forty family-owned wineries in the area, you'll find fantastic restaurants, charming inns, and even several spas. The majority of the wineries are open to the public for tastings throughout the week. Some, like, Lorimar, offer live music even on weekdays. The views in the area boast endless, rolling, hillside vineyards with Mount San Jacinto and Palomar Mountain on the horizon. Hop in your car, and get ready to sip and eat your day away! Somerset Winery This winery is the hallmark of two brothers, their wives, and a group of friends who banded together to make their lifelong dream of owning a vineyard come true. Named after their childhood street, they aim to evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia in those who come to visit. Somerset specializes in wines made from the Rhone varieties, and I can attest that their Viognier is perfectly dry, and crisp, with the right amount of fruit notes. The tasting menu offers sparkling, white, red, and dessert wines with catchy names like "Fuzzy Bunnies". Wine lovers stand along the bar as they sip and chat away with the knowledgeable bar staff. It is also one of the few wineries that offer a snack menu. Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery The views from this restaurant are enough to win me over and the outstanding lunch menu just wraps up the entire experience perfectly. In just a few moments, you'll be swept away to the Tuscan hillsides of Italy. The mushroom soup on the menu will have you over the moon. In fact, our friends dropped their Covid concerns and each tasted the soup with equally emphatic raves of the delicious, creamy concoction. The Salmon Toast, Ray's Famous Angus Burger, Pasta Puttanesca, Chef's Caesar Salad, Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Fried Egg, and the Roasted Cornish Game Hen, were all a hit with our crew. Lorimar Winery and Vineyard This laid-back vineyard is named by combining the brothers-in-law's names, Lawrie and Mark, who opened the winery in 2009. Lorimar not only produces exceptional wines but also offers live music every day of the week. This winery wins as not only my favorite wine producer in Temecula, but also the most fun! The 2017 Meritage here was a hit and we made sure to snatch a bottle to bring back home with us. I also especially loved the 2021 Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc which I now love having nearby in my wine cooler. Churon Winery While Falkner Winery takes you away to Tuscany, Churon will mentally place you in the South of France with breathtaking views of sprawling grape vines surrounding the charming Chateau that triples as an inn, spa, and winery. The views of Temecula Valley here are magnificent. You'll also love their tasting room which exudes a French vibe to all who sip their beautifully presented flights of wine laid on a wooden board in order from "most light" to "most bold". Bolero at Europa Village Once you hit Italy and France, make your way over to Bolero for this Spanish-inspired winery in the heart of Temecula that has an incredibly authentic tapas restaurant, Bolero Restaurante, on its premises. Even on a Tuesday evening, this place was packed, reservations are highly encouraged. After a full day of sipping wines, you'll want to end your day here and embark on a delicious food journey, with more wine of course! Some of the highlights of our meal included the Fried Cauliflower with Marcona almonds, the Fire-Roasted Eggplant and Blistered Shishito over a Chickpea Puree, the Patats Bravas, the Autumn Vegetable Paella, and the Striped Seabass; all perfectly prepared to please every palate. Temecula Wine Valley is truly Southern California's version of Napa Valley. There is no need to make your way over four hundred miles North to sip on excellent wines. I promise that you will find the landscape, wineries, and food equally marvelous in Temecula.

Since we moved to San Diego we've heard locals rave about the slopes of Mammoth Mountain, located along the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in eastern California. The seven-hour drive from La Jolla was rather easy. Surprisingly, cellular service was available during the entire two-hundred-mile stretch of remote, desert roads. To make our getaway even more exciting, the mountain was sprinkled in fresh snow with an expected twelve inches of virgin powder the day we arrived. The base of the mountain is at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet reaching 11,000 feet in height at the mountain's summit. Although my family has traveled to elevations even higher than the ones here, both my husband and I unexpectantly experienced altitude sickness at Mammoth for the first time. Our symptoms included shortness of breath and headaches. For those of you who are not accustomed to high elevations, make sure to stay extremely hydrated to prevent any altitude sickness. Besides this uncomfortable hiccup, let's take a look together at why San Diegans and beyond love escaping here for their winter getaways. Below I'll highlight some of the wonderful features offered in this charming ski resort. The Slopes Let's face it, in the winter Mammoth Mountain is all about the slopes. With 175 trails, 25 lifts, 10 terrain parks, 300 days of sunshine per year, and a wide range of trails for all levels, Mammoth is an obvious choice for both skiers and snowboarders. Of course, the mountain offers many other fun winter activities like tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. What most impressed us about the mountain was the modern ski lodge at its base, which offers ample seating and loads of delicious food - for those of you who have skied at various mountains, you know this is not a common setup. There is plenty to enjoy here during your ski vacation beyond the trails, including great food and fun shopping. In/Out Ski Lodging: We booked our stay at The Village Lodge Mammoth. The lodge offers fully stocked two-bedroom apartments in the heart of the village with the gondola just a few feet away, making hitting the slopes super convenient. The hotel room was extremely clean, the service was friendly and professional, and the location is unbeatable. The rooms have two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, a sleeper sofa, and a dining room which was spacious enough for our family of five. The only downside to the room amenities is that the televisions are really old, ruining our plans of huddling around the sofa to stream a movie. I can't remember when the last time I watched cable television was, although we got a kick out of watching old episodes of classics like COPS and Criminal Minds. The Resort: The ski resort is reminiscent of the resorts in Telluride and Snowmass. My family kept mentioning that it didn't feel like we were in California; what a different experience to be in the snow-kissed Northern mountains of the state than the sunny coast in the south! The village center is small and quaint with a solid balance of retail shops and restaurants. While my husband and kids were on the slopes, I enjoyed perusing the shops and exploring on my own. You'll find everything you'll need available here from an ice-cream shop to outdoor communal firepits; retail stores with mountain gear to massage spas; and dining options ranging from Mexican cuisines to crepes and everything in between. If you love chocolate as much as I do, you'll be thrilled to have Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at your doorstep. This decadent shop will leave you in an indecisive dilemma so just take a deep breath and order everything that catches your eye. It's all delicious. We noshed on birthday cake truffles, macadamia nuts in dark chocolate clusters, dark chocolate pecans swirled in caramel, creamy peanut butter logs dipped in dark chocolate, peanut butter rice Krispie treats... and more! Every bite is heavenly and personally, I made sure to make a daily visit to this sweet shop! For your daily dose of caffeine, head over to Vida Coffee for a perfect cup of Joe. This unpretentious cafe serves a creamy latte at a perfect temperature along with some yummy sandwich options. I loved starting my day with a Vida cup in hand. No vacation is complete without an awesome scoop or two. Hugs Ice-Cream makes premium craft ice-creams in a variety of delicious flavors. They're a bit on the pricey side but well worth the yummy flavors and discussions around the many hug references they post throughout the shop. Where to Eat: Morrison's truly surprised us with their consistently delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients and served in an expansive dining room that captures a warm, lodge feel. With a fire roaring and panoramic windows capturing the falling snowflakes, this spot is a quintessential ski resort experience. We started with the Hamachi Tostadas served with cucumber cilantro relish and serrano peppers, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Smoked Matsu Sauce Chicken Wings, and Muenster Cheese Asado topped with an heirloom tomato bruschetta served on soft grilled crostini. The appetizers were unbelievably tasty and instantly devoured. The cheese bruschetta was such a hit we ordered a second round. For our mains, we savored the half-pound burger (which the kitchen so kindly split in half for sharing purposes), the grilled barramundi filet, a caesar salad, and the baby greens salad. Everything was SO good. I was a bit leery eating at Gomez's Mexican Restaurant because of their low 3.9-star reviews on google. Honestly, I had low expectations of the food scene at Mammoth Mountain entirely as, despite a lot of research, very few restaurants have solid reviews. Yet, Gomez's surprised us all. With a lively dining room, enormous tequila bar, and a delicious Mexican menu coupled with fantastic service, I can confidently recommend this restaurant to you. We started our meal with the nachos grande and the coconut lime shrimp, which were both outstanding and left behind no trace that they ever existed on a plate. My jalapeno sting tequila made with mezcal was a perfect accompaniment to my meal. Few places can properly balance a margarita ensuring that it is not too sweet or not too sour, and Gomez's perfectly prepares this cocktail. For our main entrees, four of us opted for a bean, cheese, and rice burrito served with enchilada sauce and sour cream on top. My kids practically ate the giant burrito in one bite. Despite how delicious it was, I couldn't finish the entire thing and saved half for lunch the next day (which I ended up eating for breakfast because I couldn't wait until lunch!). My husband ordered the chicken and shrimp sizzling fajitas and truly enjoyed his dish as well. We all left extremely satisfied with the quality of the food and the fresh ingredients. Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is yet another example of the many poorly reviewed restaurants in Mammoth that deliver really good food. Although this BBQ joint caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike, it's not for those counting their calories. We noshed on their crispy rock shrimp tossed in spicy aioli, mozzarella sticks with a chipotle dip, a vegetarian bowl of chili, butternut squash soup, a couple of orders of macaroni and cheese, and a half-smoked chicken. Food-wise, all the dishes were fantastic. Service could use some tweaking. Our main meals came out at the same time as our appetizers and we needed to wait quite a while to get our credit card back from the waitress. I would imagine that the service is the main reason for their low ratings because you'll have zero complaints about the food itself. I hope that by now you are tempted to book your winter escape to Mammoth. Get ready to enjoy endless trails, blue skies, relatively warm temperatures, great dining options, and mostly wonderful memory-making in this spectacular region of California.

One of the things that I love most about living in California is the unlimited access to breathtaking national parks. Death Valley is one of those places you don't want to miss, except in the summer when the scorching heat reaches temperatures over one hundred degrees. Plan your trip in the cooler winter months; we went on Martin Luther King Weekend and loved the brisk early mornings and evenings that hugged the sunny, and warm days. Below I share with you some useful tips when planning your trip to Death Valley as well as our itinerary, which I personally think is perfect! I hope this comes in handy as you plan your adventure! Tips: As mentioned, avoid this area like the plague during the summer months. When exploring the region during the winter months, dress in layers. The temperature changes drastically from morning to afternoon and then to evening. Book a hotel inside the park. It will save you tons of driving time. Load up on sunscreen, the sun shines bright in Death Valley, even in the winter. Make sure your tank is full. There are long stretches of roads with no signs of civilization in sight. You don't want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere stuck without gas. Download maps in advance. Cellular service is non-existent throughout the park. Make sure you know how to get to where you're headed without relying on your GPS. You must purchase a park pass at either of the park's main entrances and display it on your dashboard when parking throughout the park. Buy LOTS of water bottles and store them in your trunk so that you have a constant supply in between hikes. Our Itinerary (coming in from the California entrance): Day One: We embarked on our journey at 7:00 am, with a packed breakfast, lunch, and plenty of snacks. The drive to Death Valley from San Diego is quite striking. Depending on what direction you come from, be prepared to drive through ghost towns and perhaps see wild mules close up as we did! Just a few miles past Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where you will purchase your park entrance ticket which is valid for seven days, head over to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for mountain-sized dunes comprised of the softest sand. The grains are so minuscule that you barely feel them in your hands. The landscape here is a playground for all ages with tons of dunes to roll down, sand peaks to climb to absorb the views, and hundreds of tarantula dens! Look for their burrowed homes throughout the rolling dunes - you won't miss them. If you're brave, get close enough to sneak a peek and spot these critters in their homes. For those who need more action than just roaming countless acres of dunes, you may want to bring a sled since the park does not rent any. Next on the agenda was Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Here you'll truly encounter an other-worldly experience. During the winter, the surrounding mountain peaks are kissed with snow and the expansive salt flats trick your brain into thinking that you are walking on snow when you're actually walking on salt. As you head back to the parking lot make sure to look out for the sign hidden in the mountain ahead marking sea level to gain a strong appreciation of exactly where you are standing at that very moment. Devil's Golf Course is just a quick drive from Badwater Basin and will drive your brain bonkers with the surreal, vast terrain made of salt formations. Many of these are super sharp so please consider avoiding the urge to walk far into the Mars-like land. The stones are hard to navigate and we saw many people fall and get hurt by spiky structures. To be safe, and to protect the landscape, stand back and soak in the miles of endless beauty that has taken hundreds of thousands of years to form into a truly remarkable and unforgettable sight. After lots of driving and exploring, we headed to the hotel (an hour before check-in time) to unwind a bit. The Inn at Death Valley is one of four hotels inside the national park and offers the most lux accommodations. Truly a desert oasis, the hotel's bright green palm trees add a pop of color to the natural dirt landscape. In terms of aesthetics and convenience to popular trails and spots in the park, this hotel is the best choice. Guests who book one of the newly built casitas are provided a personal golf cart to get around the property. The rooms are also great for families. They boast a small kitchenette, outdoor seating area, and multiple sleeping areas. If you decide to book a casita, make sure to drive around the sprawling property. We spotted a wolf less than fifty feet away from us! My only complaint about this hotel is the limited dining options. The restaurant is so absurdly expensive for incredibly untasty food. The slow service takes it to a whole new level and the staff is not the most helpful. For example, they didn't know how to answer whether the $49 salmon was wild or farm-raised and couldn't ask the chef because he was not working in the kitchen on that day. Hmmm...I skipped the salmon. In any case, on our second day, we tried our luck at the hotel lounge which offers better service, and although their menu is even smaller, the cocktails, and nibbles were by far better than the main restaurant. After refueling with an afternoon glass of wine and some snacks, put your explorer hats back on and follow Mother Nature's bountiful beauty. We didn't want to miss the famous sunset at Zabriskie Point, so we decided to get there at 4:00 pm to wander and get ready for the skies magic show. The breathtaking panorama here overlooks canyons and gulches that change colors by the minute as the sun prepares to call it a day. I think Zabriskie Point is a must-stop while in the park and I'd even dare to say a must on your bucket list. This place on our planet is heavenly in all aspects. If you need a refresher course on humbleness, this is the place to grab a free lesson. Notes: After dinner, we drove across the street to The Inn at Death Valley's sister property, The Ranch at Death Valley to check it out. This hotel is geared towards families and offers buffet-style restaurants, a convenience store, and an ice-cream saloon. If you find yourself craving a scoop while you're in the middle of nowhere, rest assured your craving will be satiated. We also took a seven-minute drive to Harmony Borax Works which is known for exceptionally dark skies and incredible stargazing opportunities. Unfortunately, the moon was full, and it lit up the sky on both nights we drove over but you should give it a try when you are in the area! Day Two: Death Valley has loads of trails for all levels. Make sure that everyone in your group packs their bags with a couple of water bottles, snacks, a cap, a layer, and sunscreen to ensure you have everything you need for a wonderful day ahead! Start your day with an unforgettable sunrise at Zabriskie Point. I can't suggest a more exhilarating way to begin your day than watching the sun paint the sky in the most striking hues of pinks and oranges. Should you wish to begin your day with the utmost feeling of gratitude, look no further than waking up with the sun at this spectacular location. Next, drive over to the Golden Canyon Trailhead. This is one of the more popular trails in the park so I highly suggest heading over as soon as the sun rises. Not only will you beat the heat, but you'll also beat the crowds. We had the entire trail to ourselves. This trail is aptly named Golden Canyon as the canyons remarkably resemble gold when the sun hits them. It's a fairly easy 2.5-mile hike; make sure to continue the hike onto the Red Cathedral path where you'll be greeted by some fun rock scrambling and slot canyons and a very cool naturally occurring amphitheater. Let loose and release some howls to hear your voice bounce back off the rocks and then find some taller areas to safely climb up to a magical lookout point. At this point, you'll probably get hungry so head back to the hotel for a carby breakfast that will hold you over until lunchtime. One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Inn at Death Valley is the proximity to everything so you can easily drive back to the hotel to re-energize and refuel. Following breakfast head on over to The Natural Bridge Trail for a moderately difficult but short two-mile hike that offers constant changes in terrain which will keep you wondering what to expect next. From dried-out waterfalls to gorgeous stone colors, huge boulders to a beautiful, naturally occurring bridge, your eyes will be wild with excitement. My biggest suggestion here for you is that you'll reach a point that will make you think the trail has come to an end because of the tall, smooth rock formations that form a barrier but keep going. Many fellow hikers turned back around at this point. However, one of the most fun parts of this trail is figuring out how to climb these rocks and to challenge yourself to keep climbing up until you truly hit a point where you cannot possibly climb any higher. Just be careful, the rocks are slippery! Next, rest your legs and drive through two strikingly scenic routes: Twenty Mule Team Road (2.5 miles) and the better-known Artist's Drive (9 miles). You'll find yourself hopping out of your car often. The vistas are so stunning you'll want to not only see them, you'll want to get out and be in them. Artist's Drive takes you to Artist's Palette which are mountains that Nature decided to use as her canvas and paint in various hues of color from mineral deposits that have been made over the centuries. There's so much to see and do in the park but we decided to head back to the hotel for a late afternoon snack. I'm so glad we did! That's when we spotted the wild wolf while we were riding in our golf cart. We ended the day with one last sunset at Zabriskie Point, this time, we walked the trail into the valley which gave us an entirely different perspective than when we were above looking down. You can easily find this trail to the right of the viewpoint entrance. There is so much more to explore in Death Valley and we plan to return one day to dive into the other sides and sites of the park. If you're looking for a visit that balances some relaxation and eliminates driving time while also immersing yourself in a great itinerary, I think you'll find this post quite helpful. It's always great when you leave a place wanting more of it, giving you good reason to return for a second visit!

In March of 2020, we abruptly left our home in New York City for three months to escape to Long Island in hopes of dodging the uncertain beginnings of the Covid pandemic. We eagerly sought to tuck ourselves in a safe haven away from the anticipated looming dangers of the pandemic outbreak. After this escape to the burbs, we returned home for two weeks before packing our bags once again to embark on a road trip that unexpectedly carried us for ten glorious months as we explored the USA. After this unforgettable experience, we returned to our New York City apartment for three months before hitting the road once more for three more weeks as we made our way to California, our new home state. For our first four months in San Diego, we stayed in a temporary rental. Last week, we moved again. This time, I anticipate planting ourselves for quite a while. When I look back at how much we bounced around for the past twenty-one months I am left in disbelief by how often we moved, how many beds we slept in, how many homes we called home, and how many times we packed and unpacked our suitcases. For almost two years we lived free-spirited lives, ignoring all social constructs and defying the norms. Still, no matter where we slept, we always felt at home. Together we redefined how "home" is defined by most. For us, we learned, that home is wherever we were together. Slowly reality began to trickle in. Schools resumed normal operations. Businesses were beginning to operate as usual. As parents, we began to believe that it was time to give our children stability. But what is stability? I struggle with this concept. I continue to vacillate between wanting to plant our roots in order to resume a "normal" life again while yearning to continue living an unscripted life with just my husband and children. When it was just the five of us, I felt more stable than ever. However, eventually, we succumbed to normalcy and here we are, almost two years later, establishing one central place to call home. I miss our days on the road; five pioneers discovering new territories together as we saught daily adventures. We had no distractions but the calls of nature which mesmerized us on a regular basis. We had time. So much time. I have never felt so liberated. We were free to wander as we pleased with no major restrictions because the world was too busy trying to figure itself out. I never found myself missing our daily routine or even our NYC apartment that was our home for eleven years. Instead, I quickly fell into the groove of having zero attachments. I didn't need closets full of clothes, or dozens of shoes, or a house full of stuff. All that mattered during our escapades on the road was keeping our children safe, healthy, and making the best of a grim global situation. We were able to master this goal out of one suitcase for months at a time. Here we are almost two years later in a new city, across the country, and in a new permanent home. Don't get me wrong, I love our new home. I spent the last three months completely immersed in building this home so that we could make new memories in it. But with this home comes attachments and responsibilities that I really could do without. I find myself staring into my new walk-in closet, wondering how I went from being perfectly content living out of a suitcase to designing a spacious closet that can hold more clothes than I'll ever need. Our new home is beautiful. Every corner has been touched by my creative input to make it ours. I am grateful to live in this home. Honestly though, despite all these realizations, I find myself conflicted. Being without a permanent home for two years proved to be more empowering and fulfilling than any plot of land you can dangle before me. I miss the road. I miss breaking boundaries and living an unordinary life. How we went from living like gypsies (ok, maybe more like glam gypsies) to living like the Joneses I haven't quite figured out. The past three months have been spent with laser precision focused solely on getting this house ready for our children. Nature's call has been a faint whisper, one I have repeatedly ignored. Time slipped through my grasp over these past few months with days melting into nights. I take pride in what I have accomplished in such a short period of time. Many have told me it was an impossible undertaking. Despite all the accolades and beautiful design of our new abode, I sorely miss our days floating around, when each day was a new adventure, a new experience, a new beginning. It's been one week since we moved into our new, permanent home. I am thrilled to see the results of all our hard work and executed vision slowly unfold. I must be transparent though - I often see our car parked in the driveway and fantasize about throwing our suitcases in the trunk, filling up the tank, and just driving for countless miles. Home is where you are, in your heart and mind. You can be anywhere and everywhere and be home. I am having a hard time shifting from the evolution of home being everywhere to being confined to a home inside these walls we have built. Something about owning a home makes me feel ordinary again. That's a word I don't like being associated with. So, if I am not on the road, I guess my next step is to live an unordinary life within the home we built. That's a whole other blog post. Our children have been exceptionally resilient. They love the new space we created yet have expressed that it doesn't feel like home so far since we have not been in it long enough. So is "home" defined by units of time? To me, home is anywhere as long as I am with them. To them, home is anywhere that you settle in for a long period of time. I wonder, years from now, how they will reflect back on their experiences for the past two years. Do they secretly miss life on the road as much as I do? Or do they crave comfort in long-term housing? Thus far, they have only expressed positive feedback on the aesthetics of our new house. Do they want to plant themselves in one space again for a long period of time? I have asked them, they seem to be as confused as I am. Two years is a long time, but we all know how quickly it passes. Twenty-one months of bed-hopping throughout cities has become a blur in my mind but the euphoric feeling of regular explorations and daily encounters with the unknown remain crystal clear. We shared unforgettable experiences that can never be relived. Is it really better to rest our heads on one pillow for years? My honest response is no. And yes. When you have children in their teens, who are changing at lightning speed pace and crave social interactions, there is a need to hunker down and let them experience relationships, challenges, and routine. But, if you have toddlers or elementary school-aged children, or no children, I say, pack your car and drive for as far and long as you can until life pulls you back to your driveway. For me, it's a no-brainer; when our children are off to college, my husband and I will return to a life of living like Airbnb groupies, jumping from house to house and city to city. The calling is too hard to ignore. In fact, I hear its calls every day as I sit back attempting to admire our new home. For now, I'll stay put for my children and focus on creating a warm, loving environment for them in this one space. However, when they are off to their adult lives, I'll be off to Route 66 with the wind in my hair, music blaring, with no plan, and mostly, no attachments. Yet, even then, I'll be home.

It took me thirteen months, and thousands of miles on the road, to bury the many obstacles that kept me from evolving into the person I wanted to become. Once we finally parked our car in our new hometown of San Diego, I felt recharged, at my healthiest mental and physical state, and ready to take on new career roles and accomplish new goals. Little did I know that the tasks ahead of me would challenge me more than I was prepared to be. Quickly falling into entirely gutting our new home has left me dazed and confused more often than I'd like. Everyone is asking me whether I am obsessed with San Diego. I honestly answer them that I am actually miserable. Gone are the days of beachy weekends, extended hikes, morning routines that begin with a workout, and a clear and focused mind. For the past two months, I have been sleeping for four hours a night, waking up at the crack of dawn with a racing mind and heart. There is something that I find deeply traumatizing about breaking walls that remain exposed for a couple of months. Can someone please patch the walls already? In my personal life, I have strategically built walls that often kept me feeling safe and protected. Being completely exposed has never been a place that I have found comfort in. Like my open ceilings and walls, I have been feeling very raw and vulnerable lately. I keep wondering how I got to where I am. The biggest challenge has actually not been the construction itself. Instead, the most stressful aspect has been dealing with the people I count on to build my home. I have been forced to bite my tongue, give up sleep, and not say a word in fear of upsetting the equilibrium that seems to only stay intact when contractors are not asked questions or told what to do. Regardless of our GC's resistance (actually, we have two GC's but that's a whole other blog post), I continue to be the self-appointed project manager of the construction of my home, knowing fully well that it makes my team angry. I'm not trying to spite anyone, I reasonably want an active role in decision making, alleviating mistakes (and boy have I caught some serious errors), and moving the timeline along to its target date of completion. Personally, I am baffled that my general contractors are surprised that I would like a role in the decision-making and scheduling of my home. Yet I have learned through this process that ego is a far greater disease than we think. Here is a glimpse of how communication has changed since construction began and specific examples of how my questions have transformed over the last couple of months: Me (month one): When is the tile crew coming in, to tile the bathroom? Me (month two): I am not asking you this to challenge you, I know that you are completely in control of everything. I am just wondering for my own knowledge, when is the tile crew coming in, to tile the bathroom? Where am I? How did I get here? I am aware that I am fully responsible for the choices that I made leading us into this re-gut. But how did I get to the point where I have allowed myself to feel weak, dismissed, and scared to ask a fucking question? Mostly, how did I consciously allow myself to throw away thirteen months' worth of personal healing in just two months? It's one thing to deal with the predictable delays in scheduling and excessive costs that come with construction. Everyone expects that. I guess what I didn't expect is the drama, machismo dudes, and egoism that I'd face every time I just have a simple question. It's been exhausting. Draining. Unhealthy, in fact. My only hope lies in what others keep assuring me: "that it will all be worth it in the end". Leisurely kayak rides with new friends, coffee dates near the seals, dates with my husband, even time with my kids have all been on hold so that I can give every ounce of my energy to miraculously make an eight-month project happen in three months. My team constantly reminds me of the time limitations, yet I repeatedly remind them that if we stay on task we will get it done. They hate when I say that. But it's true. I have always been a firm believer that if we say we will, we just will. Although they would hate to admit it, they are keeping up brilliantly. I just have to manage temper tantrums in between the progress. So, where am I? I am no longer waking up at 5:00 am to journal and meditate, nor am I taking surfing lessons as I hoped to when we moved here. Instead, I awaken at 4:00 am to place orders, send status emails, write checks, respond to emails requiring my input and then spend the next eight hours of my day at the house meeting with electricians, plumbers, contractors, etc... This is just where I am these days. It's not where I'd hoped to be when we moved to San Diego, but it's where I ended up. My husband and I have always consciously avoided the "system" of homeownership that everyone seems to gravitate towards. Yet here we are. Please trust me on this, if there was a rental to our liking, we would have grabbed it in a minute. Apparently, everyone wants to live in La Jolla these days and the real estate market is pretty much non-existent, for sales or rentals. Despite the headache, I'm actually grateful that we found a home to live in at all! Last night, during one of my regular dates with insomnia, I decided to stop pussyfooting around the people on "my team" who make me feel bad about being invested in my home. I also convinced myself to stop self-victimizing. People are tough. Their layers are thicker than the drywall, beams, AND insulation that compose my ceilings. Human beings are complicated. Perhaps I am too. All I want is to get this house completed without a nervous breakdown, a complete deterioration of the strength I mustered during our road trip or a health scare from all the stress I've been enduring. I just want to move in. I aim for the day when people ask me whether I am loving San Diego and I proudly answer "I am exactly where I want to be".