It's a vast paradox... a landscape breathtakingly beautiful yet unsparingly harsh; a climate equally bucolic and brutal; a community simultaneously insular and warmly welcoming; a spirit both ruggedly realistic and dreamily ethereal. It’s Big Sur. If ever a region were appropriately named, this is it. It’s huge, encompassing some 75 miles of California coastline extending … [Read more...] about Big Sur Magic
Travel
It’s Always Sunny in Carmel Valley
There’s a buzz in Carmel Valley. Not too many years ago, that buzz would probably have emanated from the flies hovering around the horses on one of the Valley’s numerous working ranches. Now, in the early years of the twenty-first century, that sound is the vibrant hum of commerce, the buzz of business, the happy hum of people having fun. And it is a happy place; a place of … [Read more...] about It’s Always Sunny in Carmel Valley
Destination: Holman Ranch
A collection of photographs and media clippings hang in the great room at Holman Ranch, chronicling the property's rich past as a working farm, guest house and centerpiece of the Carmel Valley social scene. Portraits recall past visitors Charlie Chaplin, Vincent Price and Clark Gable, along with actresses Cybill Shepherd and Theda Bara. There's also a blackand- white of Joan … [Read more...] about Destination: Holman Ranch
Destinations
The recent renovation of Carmel Valley Ranch included the addition of a 10,500-square-foot spa, the restoration of hiking trails, the expansion of fitness and swimming facilities at the new River Ranch complex, and the creation of a fire pit where busy days wind down with s'mores under the stars. But even with all these whimsical, wonderful new activities, it's one of the … [Read more...] about Destinations
Destination:*
There is service, and then there is Peninsula service. Attentive, yet discreet, the first-class touches of the upscale worldwide hotel chain make everyone feel like a movie star. Especially, perhaps, at The Peninsula's Beverly Hills location, located near Rodeo Drive, where actual celebs often frequent the hotel. (But don't expect the staff to point them out to you. Paparazzi … [Read more...] about Destination:*