Dine and Travel

12/02/2024

We had such a great time celebrating the holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The festivities continue through January 6, 2025. Tickets are available at https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us.

10/06/2024

Descanso Gardens newest Carved is better than ever. Here's why...
1. New whimsical pumpkin themed activations.
2. Meet and Greet Pumpkin Carvers.
3. The new Descanso Railroad with its iconic train stations from all over the U.S. Each one is made from natural materials. The Detroit Train Station is very impressive.
4. Food and beverage venues in different parts of the park with vegan brats, pumpkin spice churros and spiked hot cocoa.
5. A eery ship wreck and enormous octopus illuminated in the evening.
6. A Dia de los Mu***os ofenda (altar) where visitors can leave a hand written note to a loved one who has departed and hang it near marigolds.

As the autumn leaves start changing colors, and gourds are displayed in stores, Descanso Gardens is bedecked in pumpkins of every size and color. Carved is back and it’s better than ever! Car…

09/28/2024

Want to read my inspiring travel reviews featured in Luxe Beat Magazine? My terrific editor made this wonderful logo for my 'California Dreaming' column. Click here to read about travel, food, wine, beauty and wellness - https://luxebeatmag.com/category/columns/california-dreaming/

09/20/2024

For those who were following my Disney Cruise Line Magic-al adventures, here is my review in today's JustLuxe -

Disney Cruise passengers arriving at Disney's newest island experience, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will appreciate how clear and blue the water is everywhere one looks. Located on the island of Eleuthera, the walk along the pier from the

09/11/2024

Having lunch at the Relais & Châteaux Les Lumineres Versailles new upstairs Pierre Hermé Paris Cafe was one of the highlights of our 'Exploring France' trip -

Luxurious Lunch at Le Café Pierre Hermé at Les Lumières Versailles Posted by Jill Weinlein | Sep 10, 2024 | California Dreaming, Columns, Destinations, Epicure, Featured, Travel | Just a short 11 mile train ride from Paris, France is Château de Versailles, the hunting lodge of Louis VIII and l...

09/09/2024

Descanso Gardens CARVED opens on October 3, 2024. Here's how you can get tickets to this family fun autumn activity:

Carved offers new surprises and enhanced experiences for visitors of all ages at Descanso Gardens. “We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Descanso Gardens for Carved and Enchanted,” said Chie…

09/07/2024

I'm rooting for Taylor Fritz this weekend at the U.S. Open Championship! Go Fritz for the win! He is the first American tennis player to be in the US Open Finals since 2006.

08/08/2024

My latest review is out! Here are some of my favorite destinations that offers a similar sense of excitement, beautiful scenery and delightful culinary offerings similar to Cape Cod, but better!

1. Carmel by the Sea - Storybook cottages, boutiques, wine tasting and fine dining.

2. , Hawaii – gohawaii.com & Hideaway Beach - Kauai's Hidden Gem.

3. Visit Catalina Island Two Harbors - Catalina Island's picturesque Isthmus.

4. Victoria Beach Visit Laguna Beach - Explore the Pirate tower & 1,000 steps beach.

5. MackinacIsland.Net - Mackinac Island Michigan - The Crown Jewel of the Great Lakes.

6. Visit Ketchikan Alaska - the "Salmon Capital of the World".

7. Manasota Beach - Water everywhere you look.

Here's the link to my review:

Cape Cod is famous for its beautiful beaches, and these lesser-known beach destinations are similar in some ways and even better for a getaway.

07/29/2024

Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts Sunset Beach and Pacifica Resorts are so lucky to have Chef Anaisa Guevara at the helm at their fine dining restaurants LaFrida and Peninsula.

In the September issue of Food & Wine Spanish, her name is included in the “Best New Chefs in Mexico” 2024 list.

With a goal to earn a Michelin star, I hope her dream comes true soon when Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel del Allende opens at the end of this year.

Click here to read my review in Luxe Beat Magazine -

Recently while staying at the luxury adults-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico, I had the opportunity to meet Executive Chef Anaisa Guevara. This 33 year old, fe…

07/12/2024

Having just returned from a Swan Hellenic 'Iceland In Depth'
cruise around the Arctic Island, here are the highlights of our trip featured in today's JustLuxe -

What Swan Hellenic promises to passengers onboard their 5-star luxury voyage ships is to 'See What Others Don't." This British cruise line specializes in historical and cultural expedition tours aimed for the sophisticated cruise

07/08/2024

This summer instead of traveling by airplane, car, RV or boat....how about by Amtrak?

In my The Travel review today, read how retirees are traveling more by train to explore the U.S. on these Itineraries -
1. The Ultimate Pacific Northwest - Los Angeles to Seattle
2. Chicago to the Grand Canyon
3. New York to the Niagara Falls
4. Chicago to Glacier National Park
5. Day trips from Virginia up to Boston
6. California Zephyr Trip - San Francisco to Chicago

Why fly or drive when you can save money and enjoy comfort by taking an Amtrak train to these bucket list travel destinations during retirement?

07/05/2024

Well this is going to be a lot of fun sailing with the new Godmother of Royal Caribbean International newest ship Utopia of the Seas, GRAMMY winning artist Meghan Trainer.

She is performing live on the 3-night celebration that I will be covering just days before the new vacation’s official July 19 debut. Want to join me?

52 fans have the chance to sail and hear her perform. Beginning today, Friday, July 5, through Sunday, July 7, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fans can enter for their chance to join the celebration on Royal Caribbean’s Instagram channel - https://www.instagram.com/p/C9CyFQ1sPjB/?igsh=ZTB5Y244am1iZ2F2