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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Tips for road-trip with Yorkies leads to a happy life on the road
A drive up the California coast from southern California includes plenty of stops so the Yorkies can be exercised and kept to a routine. Traveling with pets means being sensitive to their needs, to help them adapt and enjoy the journey, too.

Christene Meyers
Aug 8, 20154 min read
Gone to the dogs and delightedly so with Nick and Nora on the road
YORKIES WILL TURN TEN THIS YEAR! PAWS UP FOR OUR FAITHFUL COMPANIONS AND ROAD WARRIORS Nick and Nora enjoy a recent trip to Glacier...

Christene Meyers
Jun 2, 20153 min read


Queen Elizabeth's world tour includes Long Beach visit to her auntie
Queen Elizabeth's pool is spacious and inviting, but understated in its artful touches. A stunning marquetry panel invites inspection as one enters Cunard' Queen Elizabeth. OLD WORLD ELEGANCE LIVES ON IN CUNARD'S THIRD 'ELIZABETH' STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Glittering chandeliers, beautiful wood,marble and tapestries adorn Queen Elizabeth's ballroom. TO BUY 'LILIAN'S LAST DANCE' THE NOVEL CLICK HERE W HEN THE QE2 retired, I was one sad girl. I'd cr

Christene Meyers
Feb 24, 20154 min read


Two Cunard Queens meet, take a bow in Long Beach
HISTORIC MEETING AS QUEEN MARY WELCOMES HER 'NIECE,' QUEEN ELIZABETH Cunard's majestic Queen Elizabeth sailed into Long Beach Harbor and spent the day, next to the venerable Queen Mary. The Queen Mary has been retired from the seas since 1967 but still draws a million and one-half visitors annually. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT WAS A GLORIOUS meeting! Two queens -- one elderly, the other a fairly new kid on the royal block -- were side by side for a d

Christene Meyers
Feb 17, 20154 min read
Casa del Zorro is a foxy find: desert get-away is five-star all the way
La Casa Del Zorro (home of the fox) encourages a peaceful and magical stay from registration until reluctant departure. The fox logo, giving Zorro its name. LA CASA DEL ZORRO: CHECK YOURSELF IN FOR AN EXCLUSIVE HIDE-AWAY DEEP IN THE DESERT NEAR BORREGO SPRINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Five-star accommodations are enhanced by a fine restaurant with terrific service. YOU KNOW you're at a class-act resort as you bask in understate

Christene Meyers
Dec 19, 20144 min read


Why visit Hollywood! Studios provide feel for film, fodder for book in Los Angeles visits
From iconic film landmarks to sweeping city views, Hollywood is more than just a name on a sign it’s the heartbeat of entertainment history. Whether you’re chasing cinematic nostalgia or soaking in California sunshine, Hollywood delivers an unforgettable blend of culture, glamour, and adventure.

Christene Meyers
Nov 28, 20143 min read


North Coast Rep - Freud meets C.S. Lewis and theater is never better
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE OPENS BRILLIANT TWO-PERSON PRODUCTION STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER (and courtesy North...

Christene Meyers
Oct 24, 20143 min read


Sacramento's Old Town offers fun, frolic, history, horses, railroad and food
Sacramento's Old Town offers fun, frolic, history, horses, railroad and food food

Christene Meyers
Jul 19, 20143 min read


'Kayak Kid' takes to the Moss Landing waters after abstaining from the sport for decades
PERFECT SETTING, CALM CALIFORNIA WATERS HELP GIRL GET BACK IN THE BOAT Pelicans at Moss Landing were part of the lure to get Cookie back in the kayak after an accident derailed her. Cookie musters her intrepid bravery chip and prepares to kayak again. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A KAYAKING KID am I now, thanks to friends who coaxed me back onto the water. They knew I'd had a kayaking accident on my one and only attempt at the sport -- hit by a wave in

Christene Meyers
Jun 27, 20144 min read


A gypsy's life for me -- I'm never so happy as when I'm roaming
Cookie at Oceanside Harbor in southern California, with Nick and Nora, beginning a recent two-week odyssey. COOKIE'S MOTHER'S MILK: TRAVEL ENRICHES, ENLIGHTENS, ENERGISES Cookie, right, age three, sister Peny with their mother Ellen. Already, she was a "seasoned" traveler. I KEEP my passport renewed and ready to go, and my bag is always packed. I could be ready to head for the airport with a half hour's notice. I don't really care where I'm going, as long as I'm on my wa

Christene Meyers
Jun 24, 20143 min read


Farm to table Point Arena California with James and Kelle
PURPLE MARTIN'S MAJESTY GROWS FINE ORGANIC FARE James Walker Hayes washes freshly picked produce at the organic farm he and his partner, Kelle Martin, run. The historic Point Arena Lighthouse, above, is a few miles back toward town from the farm, then up the road a bit. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE APPROACH to a gardener's Eden is a good half hour outside of Point Arena, Calif., down a winding country road dense with fir, cedar, pine and redwoods. Yo

Christene Meyers
Jun 20, 20145 min read


Spanish explorer sailed into San Diego Bay 50 years after Columbus met the New World
Cabrillo Monument is a lovely day trip. CABRILLO DISCOVERED LAND WHERE TIDE POOLS NOW ATTRACT VISITORS Cabrillo National Monument and its...

Christene Meyers
Apr 11, 20143 min read


San Diego's theater offerings A glorious glut of riches in
Trio of venues about relationships offers home run for buffs of the boards San Diego's gorgeous location between sea and mountains is fertile ground for cutting edge theater. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER SAN DIEGO THEATER's March offerings are as fresh, varied and welcome as our recent weather. Translate coastal sun, imposing skyline and rejuvenating breezes to the stage. You have a hint of the pleasures awaiting theater buffs. Our theaters deliver -- f

Christene Meyers
Mar 4, 20143 min read


San Diego theater moves, challenges, enlightens, amuses, engages
The colorful Lyceum Theatre houses San Diego Rep in Horton Plaza. A PLAY-LOVER'S BRAVO! SALUTING FOUR RRIFIC SAN DIEGO COMPANIES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS ART By BRUCE KELLER & THEATER COMPANIES SAN DIEGO'S year-round growing season produces more than lush landscaping. Our city offers a lively and varied theater crop. San Diego theater can't be beat for quality and diversity. I spend time in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, St. Louis, San Francisc

Christene Meyers
Jan 22, 20143 min read


Sail on Jada a delightful yacht - San Diego's jewel for a magical time
A delightful San Diego experience. Sailing onboard Jada a classic sailing Yacht

Christene Meyers
Jun 15, 20134 min read


Tasting the treats of tango: San Diego keeps sexy dance form alive and well
Expert tango dancers move with the music at Pampas Argentine Grill. STORY: CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Is there a dance more...

Christene Meyers
Jun 8, 20132 min read


San Francisco and Playing tourist means leaving a little heart there
San Francisco: Where Every Hill Leads to a Story
Few cities capture the imagination of travelers quite like San Francisco. Perched between the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean and the vast expanse of the San Francisco Bay, the city offers a blend of history, culture, and iconic scenery that feels almost cinematic. For visitors arriving for the first time, the moment the red towers of the Golden Gate Bridge appear through the morning fog is unforgettable—a welcome to one

Christene Meyers
May 8, 20136 min read


Alcatraz Island Tour Guide: Why Visiting San Francisco’s Famous Prison Is a Must-Do Experience
A visit to Alcatraz Island is more than just a trip to a former prison—it’s a journey through history, mystery, and unforgettable views of San Francisco. From the scenic ferry ride across the bay to the immersive cellhouse tour, discover why Alcatraz is one of the most unique and essential stops for any San Francisco itinerary.

Christene Meyers
May 1, 20134 min read
Bring on the blooms: Flower power dates back to the Greeks
Pansies are perennial favorites in Ashland, Oregon, and this one was part of a shop windowbox display. STORY by Christene Meyers ...

Christene Meyers
Mar 27, 20133 min read


San Diego waterfront itinerary
Planning the perfect San Diego getaway? This San Diego waterfront itinerary highlights sun-soaked coastal adventures, must-see attractions, and unforgettable experiences along one of California’s most beautiful shorelines.

Christene Meyers
Mar 2, 20135 min read
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