Tag: US West Pacific

The Space Needle’s New Vibe

Mostly improved, but missing one thing—the restaurant The centerpiece of the 1962 World’s Fair, the futuristic Space Needle got a $100 million renovation—mostly for the better—using 176 tons of glass to achieve a lighter and brighter feel. Although, now something’s missing—actually, replaced. This time around we opted to enjoy the Space Needle from on the […]

San Diego Taste of Spain: Café Sevilla

Café Sevilla Restaurant and Tapas Bar Nestled in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is a wonderful Spanish restaurant. My husband and I enjoyed our lunch on the outdoor patio at Café Sevilla — a tapas bar, restaurant, and nightclub — which felt true to its claim for an authentic Spanish cultural experience (though at the […]

Yosemite Spring

Winter Deluge Enhanced the Beauty of this Natural Treasure Original article on Medium Yosemite Valley — photo by Caden Giaudrone Wet Winter February 2017 — according to reports, this was the wettest water season on record in Northern California. One stormy winter day, flashes of lightning filled our dimly lit sky. Daylight struggled to find its way through thick, ominous […]

Los Angeles

Our visit to Los Angeles over Thanksgiving reminded me of how fortunate I am, how grateful I feel… and how much there is to see and do in this megalopolis. With two boys who both play soccer year-round, and family in the area, we find ourselves in SoCal frequently throughout the year. Anytime we travel, […]

Brunch in Sacramento, California at Cafeteria 15L

Cafeteria 15L celebrates fresh ingredients. This is comfort food with a fresh, urban twist. Brunch has always been one of my favorite meals—a relaxed, late-morning meal—that is perfect for lounging with the family. Cafeteria 15L, a “Farm to Table” restaurant located in an urban rustic-industrial setting in Sacramento, offers a weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays […]

Hearst Castle

This lavish estate, inspired by Spanish Colonial and Mission style architecture, was the ultimate achievement of architect, Julia Morgan. The Hearst Castle remains a symbol of the extravagent wealth that peaked in the United States during the 1920s. Commissioned by media tycoon—newspaper magnate, film producer, art collector—William Randolph Hearst, this ostentatious country home was constructed in the […]

California Spanish Mission

Between 1769 and 1833, Franciscans missionaries, led by Friar Junípero Serra, established 21 settlements along the coastline of Alta California to spread the Catholic faith among the native people. Spanish missionaries who moved into Alta California in the 18th century brought elements of their architecture with them. The influence of Spanish Baroque and Moorish architecture combined […]