Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for a romantic weekend getaway.  Many resorts have couples packages that will spark fireworks.

Stress over work and intimacy are two of the leading causes for an unhappy partnership. Lucky for you, I have organized a list affordable deals that include relaxing spa treatments, complimentary dinners, and indulgent sweets across the United States!

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn: Sonoma, California

For $429 per night you and your significant other can spend the day wine tasting at Gloria Ferrer winery, wind down with 60-minute massages, and sip complimentary sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries on a rose petal turndown.

Hotel Vitale: San Francisco, CA

Relax in one of Hotel Vitale’s waterview guest rooms, with a 110-minute massage class, a Bathing ritual for two, and a 50-minute couples massage at Spa Vitale for $799 per night.

The Broadmoor: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Rejuvenate your romance with an intimate dinner date and a champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries nightcap for $273 per night.

Hotel Santa Fe: Santa Fe, New Mexico

For $378 per night, you and your Valentine will be welcomed with fresh flowers, a gift basket consisting of strawberries, cookies, fresh mineral water, and champagne, woken up with complimentary breakfast in bed, and pampered with one hour massages.

Chena Hot Springs Resort: Fairbanks, Alaska

Be adventurous with your loved one and swim or soak in a natural outdoor hot springs, take a geothermal renewable energy tour, and explore the Aurora Ice Museum. Then unwind with dinner for two and a welcome basket complete with champagne or sparking apple cider. Wake up slowly in each other’s arms (Chena Hot Springs extends your check out to 1pm) and enjoy a delicious breakfast for $440 per night.

Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach: Miami, FL

Enjoy an ocean-view room, a bottle of champagne, fresh chocolate-covered strawberries, complimentary breakfast, and a late check out for $469 per night.

Blantyre: Lenox, Massachusetts

Start your Valentine’s weekend with a welcome fruit and cheese plate, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne. Loosen up with a spa treatment, get snuggly on a romantic sleigh ride, enjoy the smell of a bouquet of long-stem roses, and treat yourself to a four course meal starting at $600 per night.

Four Seasons Chicago: Chicago, Illinois

For $415 per night, shop ‘til you drop with a $50 gift card to Saks Fifth Avenue, $75 to the Spa at The Carlton Club, and complimentary breakfast either in bed or at the new Deca restaurant each morning. If three nights are not enough, don’t fret; the fourth night at the Four Seasons Chicago is free!

-Emily Freeman

What’s more romantic than mountains and water, Mother Nature at her finest, and your beau by your side? Big Sur, CA located about 300 miles from Los Angeles, is the kind of place where people go to propose.

Where to Stay

Post Ranch Inn.  It’s a splurge but it’s worth it. 30 rooms. 2 private houses.  Cliff House is stunning. With a deck suspended over the cliffs, this extraordinary single structure floats.  Guests enter through an enclosed garden courtyard into the lap of luxury, and the private, glass-walled bedroom features custom-built furniture, a wood-burning fireplace and radiant-heat floors.  Sip champagne in the indoor large soaking tub, or breathe in the stars in the outdoor stainless steel hot tub.  Post Ranch Inn features an award winning spa and Sierra Mar serves delicacies from acclaimed Executive Chef Craig von Foerster who uses seasonal, local and garden ingredients to craft four-course, prix fixe menus that change daily.  At Post Ranch Inn you can’t help but feel wrapped up in romance.

What to Do

For lovebirds who like to get out in nature together, Garrapata State Park has two miles of beach front, with coastal hiking and a 50-foot climb to a beautiful view of the Pacific.  Or try Point Lobos State Reserve, yet another ideal location for sightseeing and hiking.  There are headlands, coves, and rolling meadows. In February, you might even catch migrating gray whales. Whether you want to picnic or jog, there’s love around every bend.

And finally, what’s more picaresque than a lighthouse?  Even though the last keeper left Point Sur in 1974, there are tours at Point Sur Lighthouse Saturdays and Sundays at 10am.  They last three hours and give you a breathtaking view from the top where you can survey and smooch in the company of the Pacific.

-Arianna Schioldager

A trip to Miami can be one of the best ways the “leave” the United States without a passport.  It’s been immortalized in songs and music videos.  It’s a Latin cultural hub. And it’s an amazing place to visit, where every day can be a relaxing day and every night can be a party.  Or if you’re in the mood for a nice, quiet vacation, you can find that too.  Maybe.

Plus the humidity is significantly lower in the winter, and the climate features a mild to warm temperature.

Must Stay:

If you want flashy then there’s no hotel quite like the Fontainebleau Resort & Spa Miami Beach.

It features 11 restaurants and 3 pools. There are over 650 suites and ocean views.  It’s a place of grand proportions. And if you want to be right it the mix, there’s no better place to drop your bags and let the hotel staff take care of your every need.

Must Taste:

For a little bit of old Havana, King’s Ice Cream features guanabana ice cream, flavored with tart and custard-like tropical fruit.  Located in Little Havana, their Cuban style churros are also all the rage, covered in sugar and drizzled with mermelada de guyaba.  

Must Relax:

Florida boasts more than 1,200 golf courses. So if 18 holes is part of your dream vacation, hit the green on one of Miami’s golf courses.
If you want to go big, the Doral Resort and Spa is legendary.

Must Shop:

All those wild Miami wares get donated somewhere. In the Wynwood Arts District there are, among museums, a ton of thrift shops. Scour around for clothing, bits and baubles, and artwork.  You may go home with a few Miami treasures all your own.

-Arianna Schioldager

“Keep Austin Weird,” is a bumper sticker familiar to anyone that’s been to the countrified metropolis.  But the only weird thing about Austin is how it manages to be two cities simultaneously.

It’s urban and it’s country. It’s got old Texan charm and new hipster vibes. So if you’ve never been, pack up the car and take a weekend trip to the star of the south.

Where to Stay:

They call it the hotel with a soul. The Hotel San Jose is a garden hideaway slash chic bungalow paradise. Built in 1939, the hotel is nestled behind stucco walls at 316 S. Congress Ave.  When you stay here you’re in the thick of the hippest neighborhood in the city and walking distance from shops, restaurants and bars.

Where to Eat:

There’s a lot more to Texan food than BBQ, but truth be told, you can’t go to Austin without licking at least one meal off your fingers. Stubb’s BBQ is the place to go.

They’ve got fried green tomatoes and an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner. 801 Red River.

Where to Shop:

If you’re a shopper, Austin is the mecca of vintage. There are so many shops that you need to keep your eyes peeled.  Wander the streets and find hidden treasures on your own, but be sure to hit up:

Feathers: Everything in this store is color-coded. It’s a merchandiser’s paradise. 1700b South Congress Ave. (entrance on Milton).

Uncommon Objects: You can spend hours moseying around this store. Every surface is covered with something to marvel at. 1512 South Congress Ave.

Grab a Slice of Pie:

Because you’re on vacation and you can. The Woodland Café is the perfect pit stop for some tasty apple pie. 1716 S. Congress Avenue.

-Arianna Schioldager

At the age of twenty-two I had never been off a chair lift. I don’t know how it happened. I’d been to the snow multiple times. I always considered myself a rather sporty, outdoorsy kind of girl, but I just never joined the skiing bandwagon.

I was terrified. I was also mortified—the idea of going to ski school with a bunch of toddlers, was not the mark of a good time in my book.

But then it happened.

Deer Valley Resort is one of the most remarkable places to ski, whether you’re a newbie or a pro. They offer luxurious amenities, such as ski valets, groomed-to-perfection slopes, on-site child care, lift ticket, lesson and rental packages and an award-winning ski school (that’s where I went and rode the Magic Carpet with the kiddies).

You’ll need to refuel mid-day, and the chili at the Silverlake Lodge is the place to do it.

And unlike the lift that comes right off Main Street, Deer Valley is skiers only, so you don’t have to worry about getting steamrolled by a snowboarder.

While you’re in Park City you should also spend some time on Main Street. Plus it looks like its torn out of a storybook page from your childhood.

Grab some eggs and bacon and fuel up for your day at Main Street Deli.

When you’re done for the day and your spaghetti legs can’t ski any more, swing by No Name Saloon for a wind down drink. They’ve been around since 1903.

And the best time to Ski Deer Valley? During the Sundance Film Festival in January. The locals have cleared out, and everyone is so busy watching movies and partying that the slopes are empty and the powder is a fresh blanket of white.

-Arianna Schioldager

Whether you can see Russia from Alaska or not, there’s no question that Alaska is a beautiful place. The Kenai Peninsula is one of the more breathtaking locales, with tundra-clad mountains, glaciers you can walk on, and enough wildlife that you’ll need to keep you eyes peeled for moose crossing the road.

You’ll fly into Anchorage, but quickly make your way to Seward. If you don’t expect you’ll be back to Alaska any time soon, you ought to experience the historic Alaska Railroad. The trip between Anchorage and Seward- The Coastal Classic- is said to be the most scenic section, and you can take the train one-way. You’ll see glaciers and alpine meadows by that you can’t see by car.  Small catch—there’s only one 6am daily departure from Anchorage. Once there go for a breathtaking 7.4 round-trip mile hike to the Harding Icefield, the origin of many glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula. Watch out, this is bear country. Beyond bears Seward is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park.  You’ll also see birds nesting along Resurrection Bay, bald eagles and enjoy a pancake breakfast with fresh picked blueberries.

Spend a few nights at Brigitte’s Bavarian Bed and Breakfast located only three miles from Homer, Alaska. This adorable bed and breakfast features cottages nestled on a hillside among birch trees with a few of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains and their glaciers. Homer is the end of the road, but when the fishing fleet comes in you can watch them weigh the halibut on the wharf.

From Homer, take a boat to explore Kachemak Bay and stop by Seldovia, a little old fishing town with a boardwalk and Russian Orthodox Church.

And be sure to drive to Anchor Point, the most westerly spot on the peninsula with beautiful scenery.

-Arianna Schioldager

Most every one has been to a farmers market or two; visiting the farm is a whole different story.  In California alone there are plenty of family-run and sustainable farms that are open to the public, and they happen to provide some of the best and freshest product around.  So why not make a day-trip of it and go straight to the source?  There are some farms that even let you pick your own.

At Cal Poly Pomona they have a pretty well know Farm Store supplied with Kellogg Ranch produce.  Their School of Agriculture encourages students to “learn by doing,” and students learn everything about food production from beginning to end.  All of their hard work ends up for sale in The Farm Store.  Check them out HERE 10-6 daily. Right now they’re offering fresh carrots, cabbage, and beets for a dollar a bunch.

The Underwood Family Farm located in Moorpark offers exceptional produce—fresh fruits and vegetables that will make any mouth water.  An expert is always on hand to answer questions and it is a great, fun spot to take the whole family. Almost all picked items are priced by the pound. Plus, the best part—Pick Your Own is available on the weekends during the month of November – the weekend prior to Christmas. So round up the family and get there fast! For more information, click HERE.

The Murray Family Farm is another member of the pick-your-own-club.  Plus their farm home is situated right in the middle of our orchards where they live and raise their family, so they are available for questions year-round! They offer you dibs on the best fruit and vegetables, although U-Pick is seasonal and ask visitors to phone, 661-858-1100, for details.

-Arianna Schioldager

We’ve all experienced it, screaming kids in the back seat, arguing parents in the front seat, soda spills, soggy diapers, unmanageable pit stops, and bumper to bumper traffic. Whether you’re driving with a group of rowdy college friends, toddlers, parents, restless teenagers, or all of the above; travelling during the holidays can be a headache. Here are five traveling tips that will help you reach your Thanksgiving destination without needing a straight jacket.

1. Leave Wednesday: To avoid Thanksgiving day traffic jams, plan to leave Wednesday morning. Or, if you have kids, try leaving Wednesday night when they are more likely to fall asleep in the car.

2. Bring a travel game: Tame your rowdy friends or terrible toddlers with some travel games. The License Plate Game is one of my favorites. Try to find each letter of the alphabet, in order, on passing plates. You will avoid the bickering that usually happens when kids fight over electronic devices or when buddies get a little too loud.

3. Pack healthy snacks: Avoid cranky, hungry children or unmanageable pit stops by packing food. Your friends won’t need to spend an hour in the gas station’s food mart and your children won’t throw a fit when you tell them “We are only an hour away to a Thanksgiving feast, just wait.” Instead, they will have handy, healthy snacks conveniently ready for them in the car.

4. Compromise the radio: If your friends, significant other, or children do not have the same music taste, take turns swapping playlists every 20 to 30 minutes. If your husband would rather listen to sports talk radio and you don’t, let him, for 20 to 30 minutes, then you can turn on your tunes of choice for the same amount of time.

5. Don’t have a talk you’ve been avoiding for weeks: Thanksgiving is about gratitude, not grudges. Leave conversations that may result in arguments for after the holiday. Save it for the ride home if it involves everyone in the car or for a moment when you and the other person involved is alone, especially if it is you and your husband’s argument. Do not involve the kids, it is their holiday too! If you have children, do not talk negatively about the Thanksgiving hosts. Children tend to inherit amazing verbal recall at holiday meals. Instead, use this time to have fun
conversations that normal daily schedules don’t leave time for. Use silly icebreakers like: What is on your bucket list? Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

-Emily Freeman

As Facebook continues to dominate our social lives, one of the many excitements of travelling is uploading those money shots to share with
friends and family. From the east to west coasts, I have the perfect scenic spots for you to play photo shoot on your vacations.

Kauai, HI: If your ideal winter get away includes sun and sand, Hawaii’s tropical climate is a perfect way to catch summer sun during the cold months. Your money shot in Kauai is on the Kalalau Trail located on the Na Pali Coast of the island. Hike the stunning 11 mile trail starting at Ke’e Beach to showcase your bronzed skin against the many panoptic views of the island’s green cliffs and aqua sea. Or, take a more relaxing boat ride to the destination and capture yourself against
the glimmering waters.

New York, NY: Immerse yourself in what many people call the greatest metropolitan city in America and capture its true bustling essence at the top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art at The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden. Your Kodak moment will feature a full view of Central Park and its seasonal trees against the city’s famous high-rises. To capture a view of Manhattan’s silhouette, travel across the Brooklyn Bridge on the East River. This classic view is well worth travelling outside the city.

San Francisco, CA: From its historical cable cars zipping down its hilly landscape to its playful “Painted ladies” houses, the city on the bay holds many opportunities for photo fanatics. However, the best of the best is actually located outside of the city. A priceless view of its infamous Golden Gate Bridge can be found from the Marin Headlands across the bridge, where beaches and hiking trails are boundless. You will be able to capture the whole entire bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown all in one shot!

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ: One of the most breathtaking views in all of America, the Grand Canyon in Arizona serves as a perfect vacation photo op. To get the best of the best, take the 13 mile Rim Trail to capture the Grand Canyon and Colorado River at their finest.

Las Vegas, NV: To go along with your pictures of Elvis impersonators, take a trip up the faux Eiffel Tower and capture you and your tipsy friends with Caesars Palace Coliseum, the new Cosmopolitan towers, the New York- New York Casino, the Luxor Pyramid, Mandalay Bay, and the Bellagio Fountains. If you go at dusk, you can capture the panorama of the strip as well as Las Vegas’ spectacular sunset.

-Emily Freeman

Charleston has a present soaked in the past: the houses, the characters, the southern drawls, and the faux-paddle wheel steamers churning down the Charleston River.

If you’re looking to have a good old-fashioned Christmas this year, and want to experience some home away from home, Charleston is the perfect place to drink some eggnog spiked with bourbon and experience old world charm.

Where to Stay:

The extravagant houses are one of the main draws of the city, and today many of the old mansions have been converted into inns and bed and breakfasts for tourists.

With views of the Charleston Harbour, 1848 Palmer Home, an 18,000-square-foot mansion known as the Pink Palace, is a quirky bed and breakfast.

The 21 rooms at Wentworth Mansion each come equipped with their own fireplace.  The hotel—originally an opulent private residence—is a pristine example of America’s Gilded Age.

If You’re Looking for Fun:

The Holiday Festival of Lights is one of the southeast’s most cherished holiday festivals.  In James Island Country Park, experience more than 600 light displays.  From November 11th – January 1st, Charleston invites you to go for a stroll down luminescent Enchanted Walking Trails, take a tour on the festival train, and discover the magic of the holidays.

If You’re Looking for History:

The Charleston Foot-Print Walking Tour is available year-round, and an esteemed tour guide will walk you through traditions and heritage, hidden crannies and harbor vistas, churches, cemeteries, Civil War and Revolutionary war sites, cobblestone streets, brilliant architecture, and more!

Fun for the Family:

Around the holidays choirs sing spirituals at Drayton Hall Plantation, one of the oldest surviving colonial houses in America.  It is the only plantation on the Ashley River to survive intact, and
house tours are available year round.

-Arianna Schioldager

One of the best parts about the winter season is snow skiing! There is nothing like the adrenaline rush of smashing down a challenging mountain, the comfort of lodge hot cocoa, and the sense of serenity in a late-night hot tub soak.

Deciding which ski resorts to adventure can be difficult. From the powdery slopes of Canada and Europe to our very own Colorado and California resorts, there are just so many great options to choose from! So, I have put together a brief guide of diverse ski resorts to help you get started on your winter wonderland plans.

Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont: These two mountains cater to both adrenaline junkies and bunny slope beginners. Mount Mansfield is home to Vermont’s highest peak with famous double black diamond “Front Four” and Spruce Peak has more beginner/intermediate trails that lackadaisical skiers will enjoy. Then, you and your family can relax after a long day of skiing on a twilight dog sledding tour!

Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe, California: Home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is the second largest ski resort in Lake Tahoe catering to all ski levels. Likewise, Squaw has great group and individual lessons for your little ones, leaving you free to roam California’s great mountain range as you please. On days that you may choose to not enjoy its powdery trails, you can go ice-skating on the Olympic Ice Pavilion, shop in the log cabin inspired Squaw Village, or enjoy a spa day at one of the many luxurious resorts around the mountain.

Summit County in Colorado: The area serves home to a large concentration of ski resorts, giving you the freedom to try out a different mountain everyday if you so please! The most popular resorts are Breckinridge, Copper Mountain and Keystone. With tons of great deals you can easily try them all.

Whistler Valley in British Columbia, Canada: Canada is known for its extensive and beautiful ski resorts and Whistler remains one of the country’s best! Besides its pristine mountain terrain, Whistler is known for its numerous outdoor activities. Go to the
extreme with heli skiing and snowboarding and cross-country skiing or have some family fun tubing on the Coca-Cola Tube Park, horse-drawn sleigh rides, or dog sledding to name just a few.

Chamonix Ski Resort in Chamonix Valley, France: Home of the 1924 Winter Olympics, the Chamonix is known as “the most famous ski resort.” Located at the base of the highest peak in the Alps, Mont-Blanc, it’s has a run with an exhilarating 9,000 foot vertical drop and another 13 mile run. Its pine forests also offer beginner runs through the trees.

-Emily Freeman

A few weeks back my family got the chance to take on the Windy City.  Being from Los Angeles I love a good big city, and was very excited to explore somewhere new and exciting with my kids.  While in town we made a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, which was a stellar attraction.  My five year old really got a lot out of the exhibits, and is currently gearing up for a career in  biology.  Awesome.  The city is also pretty darn child and stroller friendly.  This is a huge plus.  We were able to get around to all the places we wanted to go by walking or taking the train.  And frankly, what kids don’t get a thrill out of riding a train?  Mine loved it!  It was possibly the biggest event of the day.  There are so many things to do with the family in Chicago that you cannot possibly do them all in one day.  IF you make it up to explore here are somethings that my family highly recommend.

As I already mentioned, the Shedd Aquarium is a great choice.  You can spend anywhere from 2-6 hours there.

Navy Pier is absolutely stunning, and the ferris wheel is incredible.  My kids didn’t think they wanted to ride, but I imagine the next time we take the trip they will be all about it.  Also on the pier is a fantastic carousel.  It was a big hit.  Navy pier is also home to the Chicago Children’s museum.  We didn’t make it inside this trip, but I have heard wonderful things.

For those of you who are frugal like me, you’ll like the Lincoln Park Zoo.  It’s free, it’s huge, it is perfect for an afternoon expedition.

Then of course there is Legoland.  The only thing to be said about Legoland is that it is epic.  That’s it. Epic.

I sincerely hope you and your family can get the opportunity to visit the Windy City.  While you’re there don’t forget to try some of that Chicago style pizza.  You will not be disappointed!

-Stephanie Wright

There’s nothing like a Mexican winter, especially in Tulum, Mexico where winter temperatures never touch the light-blue waters or white-sand beaches.  In fact, temperatures in Tulum rarely drop below a soothing 70 degrees (even in February).

Tulum, Mexico, located on the southern edge of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is the perfect carefree getaway.  It’s a little off the grid, but the hot long days and moonlight nights are big hit amongst travelers of all types.

Where to Stay:

Choose from beachfront bungalows, like Hemingway, that boasts picaresque palms and perfectly placed hammocks slung between their trunks.  It’s described as a small ecological resort immersed in a lush garden and surrounded by an uncontaminated tropical forest.  Enjoy a massage or eat fresh fish at the restaurant on the beach. Sea view rooms are less than $200/night.

Ocho Tulum is another eco-resort that runs off wind power and generators.  They have a brand new yoga studio steps from the ocean, where you can om to the aqua ocean breeze.  Classes available every morning at 10am and every afternoon at 5pm.  Their spa is inspired by the 7 pillars of well being, and they boast have two palapas massage rooms situated above high tide.

Take a Day Trip:

Tulum is one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans, and remains today one of the best-preserved Mayan coastal site.  Plan to spend the afternoon moseying the 40-foot cliffs soaking in both the sun and the history of the city.

Take a Swim:  

At the Gran Cenote- the word evolved from the Mayan “dzonot,” which means “well” — are freshwater caves and underground rivers you can snorkel or dive in.

-Arianna Schioldager

As a student, I am always looking for new and exciting trips to take. Likewise, I am constantly on a budget. Despite my shallow wallet, I have been able to explore Europe, the California coast, Seattle, Mexico, and ski resorts. So how do I do it? Well, today is your lucky day, because I am exposing my most valuable travel-tips!

After studying in London this past spring, I know that cheap air-travel in Europe is seemingly at your fingertips through airlines such as EasyJet and RyanAir. However, these budget airlines can stick you with expensive fees when you least expect it. To avoid these, make sure you print your boarding pass before arriving at the airport. RyanAir can charge you up to £40, about $65, if you ask them to print your boarding pass for you! Likewise, make sure your bag fits the carry-on requirements. Checking a bag can cost you £20, about $32. Also, if your bag is over 15-20 kilos, about 40 lbs, they can charge you additionally. One time the airline tried to charge me £60, nearly $95, for an over-weight bag! Lastly, pack snacks for the flight. Even in the US, ‘short’ flights rarely offer you complimentary meals and if hunger strikes, you may find yourself spending up to $15 on a lukewarm Italian dinner or
packaged junk food.

If you are ‘stuck’ in the States, no need to fret! There still are many opportunities to inexpensively get out of dodge. Gas prices are high, but why travel alone? Bring a buddy, or better yet, four buddies to take a road-trip. The trip will be that much more exhilarating and your travel expenses will be minute. Likewise, you can all share a room, or even two rooms in a hotel or motel and pay just a fraction of what you would travelling alone.

Lastly, whether you are in the States or a foreign country, watch your food budget! Trying new cuisine is an awesome aspect of traveling, but don’t think expensive means tasty. Instead, mix-up your restaurant dining experiences with lunch at a farmer’s market or ask a friendly native for a local favorite hideout. Many times, the best food in the area is hidden on quiet side streets, looks a bit grungy, and is ultimately way affordable!

What are you waiting for? Go start packing!

-Emily Freeman

Leaves change. Air temperature drops. Sweaters are pulled over t-shirts.  These are the markers of fall.  And what better way to soak in the change in seasons then with a perfectly planned drive.  No matter where you reside, you can buckle up, take a ride, and see the best of Mother and her Nature.

Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park is 105-mile tour of the best and brightest of Virginia foliage.  Check out the purple dogwoods and bright red Virginia creepers.

The highest peak in the Eastern United States is North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell State Park and the 75-year-old Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the country’s great autumn drives. From September through November color hunters can visit 31 states and drive more than 3,000 miles of national scenic byways, plus thousands of other scenic roads.

Around Lake Placid in the Adirondacks is a 45-mile stretch that can’t be beat. Drive northeast on Route 86 along the Au Sable River to take in the yellow birch, American beech, and sugar maple tree arrays of deep fall colors.

If New Mexico is more your flavor, take your wheels for a spin along The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in Taos.  Its 84-miles of aspens, gold and red cottonwoods, and the occasional black bear.

Take a jaunt to and through Lake Tahoe.  The most scenic drive to the Lake is Highway 4 to Highway 89.  They say it doesn’t have season, and granted, California doesn’t have a ton of color change, but when the aspens turn yellow and sparkle in the sunlight breeze, it’s magnificent.  The Lake itself is 12 miles wide and 22 miles long, with lots to choose from, but make Emerald Bay a must.

-Arianna Schioldager

Even though most of us eat apples year round, fall is apple season and about three hours north of Los Angeles is See Canyon, a sleepy, tree and poison-oak lined, narrow canyon once owned by the See family of eponymous Candy fame.  See Canyon is on Highway 101, about 10 miles south of San Luis Obispo.  Take the San Luis Bay Road exit and head towards Avila Beach.  On your left, you will pass a hillside cluster of new monster homes and vineyards on your right.  A cluster of trees partially hides the unobtrusive sign indicating a right turn onto See Canyon Road.  As soon as you make the turn, you know you’ve entered a different world. Soon you’ll spot orchards growing in profusion right up to the roadside.  

Apples are so close you could reach and grab one for lunch, and depending on the month, you’ll sport hundreds of apples on the ground just begging to be picked up and taken home for applesauce or a cobbler.  Off to the right, down a dirt road and over a little creek, several houses nestle among the valley oaks and apple trees on Pippin Lane.  As you drive, look for signs saying “Apples Here” and turn in at the open gates.  You can find small growers selling homemade apple butter, and plenty of fresh apple cider, cookbooks, and pie pans.  Long time apple growers and sellers include See Canyon Fruit Ranch, since 1894, and Gopher Glen Apple Farm.

Apple season runs from August approximately through November and varieties available change weekly.  Since you probably won’t have heard of most of them, be sure to ask for samples, which are cheerfully given.  And though apples are sold by the pound, try and take away just one!

-Arianna Schioldager

Safari can be pretty expensive.   The average price runs about a grand a night.  Not really the kind of chump change most of us having lying about.  It definitely doesn’t fit nicely into the budget of most Americans these days, but if you’ve been itching to check out some African wildlife, there are a few safari trips that wont have you living on your parents couch for the next five years.  Plus, while it may be fun and fancy to visit some of the most notable Kruger, Mara, or Botswana properties, who doesn’t like to travel off the map every now and again?

Plus traveling in the off-season can save you some serious dough.  South Africa is the best in the off-season because their camps stay open year round. 

This is where you start planning ahead!

Winter months—May-September—are typically the least expensive.  It tends to rain along the coasts, but the interior remains dry.  What does this mean? When the weather is cooler not only are prices lower, but animal sighting are better as well because the bush is less thick.

Check out the Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, a six-suite lodge that has all the fancy fare of the notable Kruger properties.  Their reserve has rhino, cheetah, antelope, and mountain zebra.  Rates in the off-season are significantly less.  Check out their website here http://www.samara.co.za/rates.htm.

And the Addo National Elephant Park only three hours away!

-Arianna Schioldager

The weather here has finally downgraded from scorching to merely hot again.  I cannot say I’m sad.  The change means we can get outside a little bit more and for a bit longer at a time.  And getting outside is every kid’s favorite pastime.

This past week we decided to take our kids on an adventure and take them fishing.

My husband grew up in the south and as a fantastic southern boy he loves fishing.  He might have been more excited than the kids.  Good thing too, I grew up in southern California, and well, never went fishing.  I went to Disneyland, which turns out isn’t very outdoorsy despite being all outdoors.  Not even Frontierland counts.

This trip, being our first fishing excursion we didn’t put any hooks on the kid’s lines

At Walmart we were able to find child sized fishing poles for around $10 each.  They were absolutely perfect; my two year old son was actually able to cast his own line without any help.  He also had no difficultly reeling it all back in.

This trip, being our first fishing excursion we didn’t put any hooks on the kid’s lines.  Mostly we just wanted them to practice and get the feel for what fishing is.  My daughter was a touch disappointed that she didn’t catch anything, but Big Daddy explained that if you were guaranteed to catch a fish it would be called catching, not fishing.  It was great to see both of the kids interests peaked by such a simple adventure.

Since we have gone all they talk about is fishing, and every game they play involves a river or lake.  Who knows, maybe we have created a life long love of fish for our kids?  They were both so fascinated with watching the fish swim, and seeing what would happen when they threw bread crumbs in the water.

I can actually say I can’t wait to go again.

-Stephanie Wright

You may not be able to live feet from the sand.  And your house may not be filled with beachside trinkets—carved pieces of driftwood, jars of sea glass, or bathrooms filled with seashell décor, but that doesn’t mean that a cozy, beachside escape is out of your realm of possibility.

In fact, there are plenty of beach cottage destinations that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

If you wish for the ocean at your doorstep and are down for a little rugged, but roofed, getaway, then the Steep Ravine Park Cabins, located 2 miles from the crowds of Stinson Beach at the base of Steep Ravine Canyon in Mount Tamalpais State Park. These ten, rustic and all wood cabins offer sweeping views of the Pacific and are one of the best deals for an oceanfront stay. You can be as secluded as you please, immerse yourself in books, wine, or other pleasures, and leave all your troubles a world away.

You can reserve The Steep Ravine cabins up to seven months in advance through Reserve America; they cost $75 per night.

If you’re prone to the slightly more luxurious side of beach life, check out newly restored Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. You can choose to stay in Individual or Dorm-Style cottages, but all offer ocean views, preserved historical details and a charm of a Southern Californian beach town. You will be greeted every morning by Crystal Cove’s 3.5 miles of gorgeous coastline. It’s quaint and possibly just what the doctor ordered.

You can reserve Crystal Cottages through Reserve America; prices vary based on chosen accommodation.

-Arianna Schioldager

We may not hunt and gather, or forage for our food quite like we used to, but there is something to be said catching your own dinner.  All you need is a fishing pole, some good bait, and a little bit of patience.  Cast aside your Old Man and the Sea notions, and get ready to cast a rod into the water.

Baja California is an ideal fishing spot.  Baja Norte in particular is a ripe fishing town, bordered by the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez.  Famous anglers like Hemingway used to venture south of the border to try their luck catching black and blue marlin and sailfish.  Steinbeck even called this area of the Pacific “tuna water—life water.”

While a fishing trip isn’t always quite as romantic as one might hope (it’s hard work!), the fishing game in Baja is considered some of the world’s best and if you’re able bodied and willing, there are several companies happy to take you for a jaunt on the sea.  Try Pisces Sportfishing & Luxury Yacht Charters, one of the most trusted charter fleets in Mexico.  They offer a variety of packages- starting at $112—as well as weeklong luxury yacht trips sailing the Sea of Cortez.

If a boat isn’t your speed, channel A River Runs Through It and head to Bighorn River in Eastern Montana.  This is one of North America’s prime fly-fishing spots for large trout.  The crowds ease up in the fall so if a peaceful cast is what you’re hoping for, plan a trip when the summer travelers have since returned home.  They say the average catch runs about 17 inches.

Book a room at Bighorn River Lodge, where the rooms are spacious, there’s a fly shop on the premises, and professional instruction is available.

-Arianna Schioldager