There’s only a scant block of time left before Chicago turns unbearably summer-muggy.  Right now is a great time to visit.  The winter is
over.  The humidity hasn’t set in—you can actually walk about and experience all there is to offer.

Lay Your Head

Different pockets of the city offer a wide array of accommodations, but if you want to stay in one of the most happening areas, Bridgeport, check out Benedictine Bed & Breakfast, a monastery turned B&B.  Aberdeen Street just south of 31^st.  It definitely will be different.

Must Visit Neighborhood

This is the tattoo welcome part of the city.  Located within the West Town community area, Wicker Park is blend of popular pastimes: boutiques, art galleries, theaters, restaurants, nightclubs and coffeehouses.

Take Me Out

No, not to the nightclub, but to the ballgame.  Wrigley Field is a given, but it’s also an unforgettable experience.  There’s no parking around the stadium so the atmosphere is rife with walking excitement. Even better, be extra-extroverted, make friends in the area and get invited to a party on one of rooftops that overlook the ballpark (sometimes home-towners even set up seats and sell tickets).

Take a Breather

In the Myopic Bookstore of Wicker Park.  It’s been in the neighborhood for 20 years and it has 80,000+ books.  The mystery section… is in a vault downstairs.

Unbutton your Pants

You can’t do Chicago without the deep dish.   There’s some debate over what’s “the best”, but visit The Original Gino’s of East Chicago, and scribble your name in the wood with all the other patrons.

Walk on the Wild Side

Ask any of the students at Northwestern (if you get a chance, visit the campus), skinny-dipping in Lake Michigan is must.  Kind of ballsy, kind of cold, and kind of awesome.

-Arianna Schioldager

Once again, music festival season kicked off with Coachella.  There was sun, some rain, even a hologram.  But since our generation has the attention span of toddlers (thanks internet!) we’ve already moved on to the next.

There are plenty of music festivals to choose from, but if you are looking to revel in the muck and the music, Bonnaroo, happening this June 7^th-11^th, is a four-day, ten stage, 150+ performance festival held on 700 acres of farm in Manchester, Tennessee.  Sounds like a full-blown hippie escapist fantasy for those of us stuck behind a desk.  If that doesn’t sound like a good time to you, then I suggest you test your battery.

First things first: The ticket.

Bonnaroo is on the side of your wallet and prices its passes in levels–the earlier you buy, the more you save.  Who said it doesn’t pay to plan ahead?  However the calendar is no longer on your side, because the only option left is Price Level 5. Purchase while still available!

It’s still a bargain considering you get entry, parking, and lodging (we’ll get to that in a minute).  If you’re strapped or cash, General Admission offers a payment plan.

If you opt to upgrade to a VIP Festival Pass, split between two people, you still get your money’s worth.

Lodging

For those of you brand new to the Bonnaroo scene, aside from the music–the best part is… General Admission camping is included in your ticket price.  That’s right.  Every campground is close to bathrooms, hand-washing stations, fresh drinking water, and showers for a nominal fee.

You don’t have to camp, and are welcome to stay at an offsite hotel, but check your priss at the door, and experience the magic of the festival in the true community spirit of Bonnaroo.

-Arianna Schioldager

Last weekend I went to Las Vegas for my friend’s 22^nd birthday and let me tell you, “Viva Las Vegas!” is still the word of this booming oasis!

With new resorts, casinos, nightclubs, and top-notch entertainment shows persistently appearing, what many class as the most spectacular city in the world has grown exponentially since its birth in the early 20^th century. Las Vegas is home to nineteen of the world’s twenty-five largest hotels. The hotels’ grand ballrooms, sky-high chandeliers, panoramic views, bustling casinos, nocturnal nightclubs, and world-class shops attract thirty-seven million tourists each year. The best part about Vegas is that no two hotels are the same. Walking down the Las Vegas strip is like exploring four different cities and going back in time to Arthurian and ancient Egyptian periods. The glow of glittering city lights is infinite, so throw away your watches!

No matter which hotel you are staying in, make sure to take time to explore others. The foyer’s, casinos, and shops are anything but modest. To give you a brief idea of what to expect:

Caesar’s Palace fits its name; you might as well wear a toga to this hotel. Make sure to check out its Garden of the God’s Pool. You do not want to miss out on its spacious, luxurious and stately collection of watering holes, decadent cabanas, and palatial sunbathing spots.

The Palazzo welcomes you with oversized tropical flowers that make you feel like you are in the story of Alice and Wonderland. The brunch at the Morales French Steakhouse and Bistro is delicious! Try their gruyere and ham crepe or smoked salmon omelet made with organic eggs!

Walk into New York New York hotel  and you may forget you are in Las Vegas. The inside of the hotel and casino are designed to look like the streets of Manhattan. And they sure do! The cherry on top, ride the rollercoaster that zooms on top and even through the hotel. Just don’t forget to empty your pockets! The roller coaster lifts you up 203 feet and then drops you down 144 feet and leaves you coasting at 67 mph. This Las Vegas ride experience simulates a jet fighter’s barrel roll while taking you on the famous “heartline” twist!

A few tips for a Vegas vacation. Book shows in advanced, they’re hot and tickets go quickly. If you want to check out Las Vegas’ hot night clubs make sure you get to the door early or on a guest list so you don’t have to wait too long in line. Some of the clubs require that there are more females than males in a party or at least an even amount of the two, so make sure to do your research. The daytime pool parties can be more fun than after dark ones. I had a blast at the Palms’ Ghostbar Daybar party. Lastly, save up beforehand! Even the most conservative spenders seem to spend more money than they expected. There is so much to do in Vegas that budgeting can be difficult. Make sure you are careful about how many of those complimentary drinks you have while gambling!!

-Emily Freeman

Mexico City is a prime example of the old living right alongside the new, and even though the most advantageous of travelers will have a difficult time soaking up all the city has to offer, it doesn’t mean you should stop yourself from trying.

Where to Stay:

You can get chain luxury anywhere you go, so when traveling, especially to an unknown city, it’s nice to ditch the ritz and stay somewhere truly local.

Try the 40-room boutique Contessa df if you’d like to be walking distance from the Parque España, and it’s in one of Mexico City’s best neighborhoods.

The Boutique Hotel de Cortes was constructed at the beginning of the 17^th century and right in the heart of Mexico City.

If you make it to Roma, known as Mexico City’s hippest neighborhood, rest your head at the hotel Brick. Minimalist, not cheap, but oh. so. hip.

What to See:

Chapultepec Park, the largest park within a city in the world, is a fantastic hub of old and new. In places the park is as it stood centuries ago, and around the corner you’ll find plenty of entertainment.

If you do decide to stay in Roma, it’s a must for gallery hopping.

Everyone visits the National Museum of Anthropology, which boasts a magnificent collection of pre-Columbian art.

Speaking of pre-Columbian, Teotihuacán contains some of the largest pre-Columbian pyramids in all of Mexico, so you should peep that too.

What to Eat:

Mexico is famous for its just sweet enough pans dulces. To give them a taste visit El Cardenal in the Colonia Centro Histórico

El Lago de los Cisnes encourages guests to “date tu taco” which is great, seeing as it’s open until 6am on Saturdays.  Even if you’ve lost your hunny dancing, you can always have tacos.

-Arianna Schioldager

Now that spring is here, and summer is just around the corner, many families begin thinking about that special vacation. We all have our favorite vacation spots, but occasionally find the need to adventure somewhere new. If you are looking for someplace different to visit why not consider Chattanooga, Tennessee? The backdrop is stunning, and the southern charm is abundant. Not to mention the fact that Chattanooga is a fantastically kid friendly destination.

Imagine staying at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel on market street. This amazing landmark has old train cars that you actually sleep in. What little boy (or girl, really) would not love that? The area also has plenty of train facts and replicas. Also a great spot for little kids is the Creative Discovery Museum. This is a fantastic hands on museum for kids.  Art and science exhibits that will excite the kids for hours. We also cannot take a trip to Chattanooga without stopping at the Tennessee Aquarium. This aquarium is divided into fresh and salt water, and I have to tell you, I have never seen bigger catfish!

Ruby Falls is another of our favorite destinations. My kids never get tired of seeing the 145 foot waterfall, and all of the interesting land formations inside Lookout Mountain. While at Lookout Mountain, hop on the incline trollies that will take you to the top of Lookout Mountain!

In addition to all of this, there is fantastic dining, a surprisingly rich art culture throughout the city. There are many more facets to Chattanooga that my family has yet to discover, but we all look forward to going back again and again. All in all, Chattanooga is a fantastic destination full of history, fun, and beautiful nature. It is a must visit for any family with kids, and even some without!

-Stephanie Wright

Even though (supposedly) the name Joshua Tree was given to this desert get-away by a group of Mormons who crossed the Mojave in the 19th century, this probably isn’t a place you’ll find Mitt Romney.   Embrace your inner hippie and head 140 miles east of Los Angeles, for a park that encompasses nearly 800,000 acres of the Mojave and Colorado.

Stay: 

There are many campgrounds within the park, but they fill up quickly on the weekends.  You can reserve a spot in advance through the National Park Service Reservation System. Costs are totally reasonable ($5-10 per night) and the campgrounds are open year round.

If you don’t feel like camping, one of the closest towns is Twentynine Palms, CA.  It doesn’t sound like a real place, but it has real character.  The town has multiple murals painted on sides of buildings that showcase the history and personalities of its lifers. Check out Highway 62 between Smoketree Ave and Yucca Ave.

The 29 Palms Inn is quirky and rustic, built in 1928 on a beautiful California fan palm oasis in the Southern California high desert. It is an old fashioned collection of adobe bungalows and framed cottages.

Don’t expect swanky and you will leave pleased.

Must sees/must do: 

Hike! There are so many trail options ranging from moderate to strenuous, from three miles to sixteen.  The front desk at your hotel will have plenty information. The National Park Service as well, provides plenty of information for whatever your hiking shoes fancy.

And you will absolutely want to visit the Giant Rock.  Right?

Does this sound lovely enough?  It doesn’t even really matter what you do! There is so much air to breath in.  Just let it guide you where ever.  That’s the point of this little mini-vacation.

-Arianna Schioldager

If you want to relax, Costa Rica is the sweet spot.  It’s a Central American Eden of sorts that manages a quaint, romantic, and tropical balance.

The most stressful part of Costa Rica is the flight in.  There’s no direct flight in and you have to take a little island hopper from San Jose International.

There are more than a couple of great places to stay if you’re planning a visit.  Tamarindo is a smaller beach town that’s pretty spot on when it comes to what most of us look for in a relaxing vacation.  It’s authentic, but you don’t feel like you’re roughing it.  If you’ve been to Hanalei Bay in Kuai, it’s a bit like that.

Costa Rica is famous for its surf, but the stretch of beach Tamarindo maintains slow, low curling waves ideal for beginners.  A little racier, 11km right outside Tamarindo check out the Pinilla Canopy Tour, where you’ll move through the rain forest above the Arenal River Canyon on a zip line.

A little ways down the Pacific Coast (171 miles south of San Jose) are the Tulemar Bungalows located in Manuel Antonio.  The hotel is located on 33-acres known as Tulemar Gardens known for lush vegetation, plants and wildlife.  Monkeys swing outside your windows.  The hotel has its own private beach coves. Plus Manuel Antonio is considered to be the most beautiful coastline in Costa Rica.

The Pacific side also happens to be great for fishing, offering incredible selections of Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin, Snapper, and more. So grab a rod and book your fishing trip.

If you want to break up the monotony of lounging on the beach, there are plenty of outdoor activities. Try your hand at waterfall rappelling or white water rafting.

If you’re looking for it, Costa Rica has it.

-Arianna Schioldager

The recent plethora of beautiful, summer-weather days in the middle of winter have made the approaching summer months feel much closer! Summer not only means relaxing weekends tanning by the pool, a break from demanding classes (for all you students I will soon be very jealous of!), finding new love or rejuvenating an old one, or tranquil tropical and exhilarating European get-a-ways. It is the season for excessive amounts of outdoor music festivals!

From electronic to alternative to hip hop, here are the top 10 Summer Festivals in the United States! Get your tickets as soon as possible, tickets sell out quickly!

Bonaroo 

Manchester, TN: June 9-12

Not only does this diverse festival include rock, hip-hop, and electronic musicians, it also has live comedy acts!

Headliners: Eminem, Arcade Fire, Black Keys

Electric Daisy Carnival 

Dallas, TX: June 18

Las Vegas, NV: June 24-26

Puerto Rico: August 27

One of the most famous electronic music festivals in the United States, it is known for its over-the-top neon, interactive decorations, flashy costumes, and the most ‘raved’ about international DJs.

Headliners: Tiesto, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia

Hard Summer 

Los Angeles, CA: August 6

Known for its hard, heavy-hitting electronic sounds, this festival lives up to its name.

Headliners: Chromeo, Shit Robot, James Murphy, Holy Ghost!

Pitchfork Music Festival 

Chicago, IL: July 15-17

Put a feather in your hat because this is the music festival that no hipster can ignore. It is one of the biggest indie music festivals with some of the most notable names in the genre.

Headliners: Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, James Blake, Das Racist, TV on the Radio, Cut Copy

Rock the Bells 

San Bernardino, CA: August 20

Mountain View, CA: August 27

New York, NY: September 3

Boston, MA: September 10

All you hip-hop fans, this is the festival for you!

Headliners: Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill, Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star, Raekwon & Ghostface

Lollapalooza 

Chicago, IL: August 5-7

Fulfilling all your music cravings, this festival brings you the best of rock, hip hop, and electronic artists.

Headliners: Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, DeadMau5

Outside Lands

San Francisco, CA: August 12-14

One of my favorite music festivals, Outside Lands satisfies all 5 of your senses. The festival delivers some of the best in the indie and electronic genres as well as local food and arts that will not disappoint.

Headliners: Muse, Phish, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, Deadmau5, MGMT, Girl Talk, Decemberists

Electronic Zoo 

New York, NY: September 2-4

Dance to some of the biggest names in electronic music. Tan-lines are complimentary.

Headliners: Tiesto, David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren

Coachella 

Indio, CA: April 13-15 and April 20-22

Though it is not exactly during summer, this festival must be mentioned. Featuring the greatest artists in indie, alternative, hip-hop and electronic music, the three-day music fest is one of the biggest in Southern California. If you so desire, you can even purchase a camping pass and spend all 72 hours in the midst of the action.

Headliners: The Black Keys, Radiohead, Dr. Dre & Snoop Dog

Austin City Limits 

Austin, TX: September 16-18

Wrap up the hot months with a festival filled with some of the super stars of indie rock and electronic music.

Headliners: Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, Coldplay, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes

-Emily Freeman

Spring break is just around the corner! While most college students will be headed to Cabo, Miami, or some other tropical party-town, I am excited to be spending my Spring Break in Carmel, California.

Carmel is a Northern California town that should not be over-looked. Whether you are planning a family trip with young children, a romantic get-a-way with your significant other, or a vacation with your girlfriends, Carmel has all your travel itinerary desires.

Stay at one of its many rejuvenating and humble hotels nestled in its beaches, villages, and/or gardens. Its quaint, yet bustling downtown is filled with magnificent art galleries, artisan cheese and wine shops (with ungodly amounts of samples!), scrumptious bakeries and cafes, romantic and kid-friendly restaurants, decadent chocolate shops, indulgent spas and salons , and adorable boutiques for all your fashion-desires.

The cherry on top; the downtown strip leads you straight to a soft-sand beach located right next to Pebble Beach Golf Course, one of the most beautiful golf courses in the United States. Spend a day with the kids playing in the sand and body surfing or pick up some wine, cheese, and chocolate downtown and smooch with your honey as you experience a magnificent Northern California sunset.

Here are two of my favorite Carmel restaurants and my go-to cheese shop to get your trip planning started!

Portabella Restaurant 

Awarded First Prize for Beautiful Flowerscaping from the Carmel Garden Club, this historic and romantic restaurant serves specialties from France, Italy, and Spain. Indulge all your senses in the rich aromas and flavors of their colorful dishes.

La Bicyclette 

With a new menu each day, this European inspired restaurant will not disappoint. Their creative and comforting cuisine is crafted from local ingredients using old world techniques. In addition to their changing menu, the restaurant also features thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas. When you eat at La Bicyclette you are also supporting the Carmel Middle School habitat which teaches local children the importance of living and eating sustainably. Some of their menu items even feature produce grown in the school’s gardens! Just make sure you make a reservation because this intimate restaurant fills up quickly.

The Cheese Shop 

Founded in 1973 by John and Nancy McCormick, this cozy shop is known for its enthusiastic employees, creative cheeses, and expansive wine selection. From Boschetto al Tartuffo, a sheep’s milk  with a semi soft texture and infused with truffle, giving it a rich complex flavor with hints of garlic, from Italy, to its Cave Aged Gruyere, a raw cow’s milk cheese with a light crunchy texture and deep nutty taste from Switzerland, your taste buds will be fully satisfied.

-Emily Freeman

Planning a Disney vacation seems to be something that everyone I know with kids plans to do at one point or another.  Having grown up in southern California, I went to Disneyland often.  I even worked there for a while.  But now that I’ve grown up and moved away, going back seems to be something special.  After all this time of taking it for granted I get to take my kids back to share in the magic that I grew up with.

Planning your vacation really shouldn’t be a chore.  Lot of people think that it’s too much work to really find the best deals and plan the whole deal.  It’s not honestly that bad though, and things cost less than I imagined they did.  Your first step is to go to the Disney websites.  Check out what offers they have.  This will give you a basic idea on the cost.  The good news is that is your starting point, and you might very well be able to get your trip for less.  Check out websites like http://www.mousesavers.com/ for up to date discounts on everything mouse related.  They do a great job on finding the details of the discounts for you and put them all in one place.

If you are planning a whole vacation package type of trip consider getting in touch with a Disney authorized travel agent.  My personal favorite is http://www.smallworldvacations.com/.  Their agents are super nice, and knowledgeable.  It’s their personal job to find you the best way to save a dollar or two.  There is never any charge for their services so you don’t have to worry about that.  Don’t get me wrong, it will still cost you some green to get there, but if you shop smart, and plan ahead every penny will be worth it.  As for us, I can’t wait to go.

We are all booked up and ready to fly!

-Stephanie Wright

After exploring the streets of London Town last year and its fabulous jazz music scene (epitomized at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s), I found my love for some ra-ta-ta-tatting.

For your own listening pleasure, and maybe my own some day, I have compiled a list of jazz hotspots in America. Go ahead, put on your dancing shoes!

Yoshi’s: Oakland, California

Get an authentic essence of the 1960’s jazz scene at Yoshi’s. There’s live music every night and sushi for your dining pleasures. Best part, the tables are arranged on different tier levels and then fanned out, which makes every seat the best seat in the house.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro: New Orleans, Louisiana

Let the sounds of young jazz-playing hopefuls entertain you while you nosh on Snug Harbor’s tasty fried oyster sandwiches. Complete with a dining room, bar and a music room, its no wonder why Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro has been known as the best in live jazz and regional cuisine in New Orleans for 30 years.

Green Mill Jazz Club: Chicago, Illinois

Though alcohol is now legally served here, you will still feel as if you’ve travelled back in time to Prohibition days at the Green Mill. You won’t see Al Capone, who had a table here, or his fellow gangsters, but the art-nouveau interior, including the original banquettes, still hold strong. Most importantly, the music will be sure to impress.

Tula’s: Seattle, Washington

Avoid the rain and get cozy in this quaint jazz club. Tula’s is the place for local talent in an emerald city bustling with musicians to showcase their talents. Any night of the week you can snap your fingers to the groovy beats and enjoy authentic American and Mediterranean cuisine prepared by an Iraqi cook.

-Emily Freeman

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