Sunnylands – Rancho Mirage, Calif.

You have got to go here…Sunnylands – Rancho Mirage, Calif.

If you are into history, architecture, gardens, or art (just to name a few) – then a trip to Sunnylands is just for you!

Where to start…so much to show and tell!

Located less than 15 minutes from the heart of Palm Springs, Sunnylands has been nicknamed the “West Coast Camp David” due to all the historical meetings that have taken place behind its doors, but there is so much more to it.

Designed by architect A. Quincy Jones in the 1960′s, Sunnylands (a classic example of Mid-century Modern design) was originally built as a desert oasis for the Annenberg family, but over the years turned into a destination for not only their friends and family, but for world leaders and celebrities as well.

Up until 2012 all the historical significance was kept behind its walls, but thankfully now the public can relish in the inspiring stories and  amazing views it offers.

While the visitors center and gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m every day, don’t expect to just drive up and get on the next tour of the estate – viewing opportunities are available in limited quantities daily.  Tickets are released on the 1st and 15th of each month at 9 a.m. for the following two weeks and are $35 per person for a 90 minute tour…I PROMISE it is worth it.  Fifteen tours are offered each day, with only 7 people on each one.  The small group made it very cool – I felt like I was actually a guest in their home.

You should arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour for check-in, but come plenty early or make sure there is ample time after your tour to walk the immaculate gardens, watch a video on the history of Sunnylands, lounge in the lobby and look through countless books, or have a lunch at the gourmet cafe.

OK, now that we got through all the basics…it is time for the main event!  So hop aboard the golf cart and let’s take a tour through history…

Sunnylands sits on a 9-hole golf course and houses several lakes, a Totem Pole, Chinese pagoda, rose garden, art galore and a Magnolia tree with roots back to Andrew Jackson – just to name a few!

Sorry to say this is where the pictures stop, for security reasons photography is not allowed inside the main house.  No worries, you will just have to visit for yourself and walk through the room where Ronald Reagan sat while watching Mikhail Gorbachev speak to the American people in the 1980′s (this room also boasts some of the most impressive pictures, letters and invitations from celebrities, royalty and world leaders that I have ever seen), stand in the foyer where seven U.S. Presidents have stood, feast your eyes on an actual Picasso, and take a stroll past the table where Queen Elizabeth was served dinner.  Believe me when I say that these are just a few of the super cool things you will get to experience when you take a tour, so do yourself a favor and plan a trip.

Oh and don’t forget to sign the guest book on your way out – it’s a tradition!

P.S. – Did you know that the only state dinner held outside of the White House was held at Sunnylands?

Happy Sunnylanding,

Crystal

I want to ‘Go With Oh’ to London!

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”

– Martin Buber

You know what excites me most about visiting London?  Yes, seeing the big attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Pen, Parliament, etc… sets my heart a flutter with anticipation, but it’s the small things that bring butterflies to my stomach.

I imagine myself getting off the plane at Heathrow and shedding tears of joy due to the fact that after countless years of dreaming, my time to cross the Atlantic has arrived.  And so the adventure will begin…

I want nothing more than to squeeze my toes between fresh grass in Hyde Park while sitting in a deck chair along the Serpentine basking in the glory of where I am.  Feeling the sun hit my face while holding my husbands hand, I will give it a squeeze – an unspoken gesture signally my utter happiness.  In no rush, when we are ready, we will seek out more sites.  Where to go? Who knows, it is all up in the air and that is an amazing feeling – so freeing to have endless possibilities in front of me.

Maybe we will wander into Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese so I can finally experience what it feels like to sit in a building that has been around since the 1500′s, or perhaps my feet will take me to the Athenaeum Hotel where I will let my lips indulge in all the wonderful tasty delights that an afternoon tea brings.

What to do next…I know – act like a big kid!  Did you know there are slides at the Tate Modern and that you can actually play in them?  This is something that the 5-year-old in me will not be able to a pass up.  I can already feel my smile reaching my eyes as I am whizzing downwards in joy – dare I say it may be the best museum ever!

Speaking of museums, a trip to the The British Museum will be a must on my to see list, but not for the usual reasons.  Yes, I am sure that there are thousands of jaw-dropping relics to be seen, but the only thing I want to see are my husbands eyes as he enters the front door.  For years, visiting The British Museum has been on his bucket list and it will warm my heart to know that a dream of his is being fulfilled.

Oh dreams – that reminds me!  One year a friend brought home a purse from Harrods, you know the one with the cute bear on it.  Ever since that day I have dreamt of crossing the pond to get my own.  So to Harrods I will go. I will wander the aisles and let my fingers graze all the fine linens as I thank my lucky stars for the chance to do so.

Visiting places that you have only seen in books or visualized are of course a highlight of any trip, but you know what is just as good?  Making new friends in foreign lands.  I can’t wait for the opportunity to talk to the locals and visiting travelers as I ride along the bus to see Stonehenge.  Sharing excitement over a common destination with other people is part of the fun and it is something that is a must do when you are on vacation.  You never know who you will meet, how many lifelong friends you will get, and what memories you will make when you are brave enough to say “hi”.

Now that I have my new friends, I am going to drag them to the one place that I know will make my trip complete and it is just a short jaunt from London – all for a photo.  Ever since I saw Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley I imagined myself at Chatsworth House having a picture taken of me kissing my husband in front of the fountains just like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.  This is a memory that I will hold dear for the rest of my life.

What makes a good trip?  Everyone has a different answer, but for me it as about the small stuff that comes out of the big stuff.  I can’t wait to visit Westminster Abbey, but I also can’t wait to find a secret door…you get the picture.  Sometimes it’s those moments that are the most magical.

You have just read about my dream trip to London, want to win your own?  Visit Go With Oh for your own chance.  Good luck and happy traveling!

Crystal

Little Italy Mercato – San Diego, Calif.

You have got to go here…Little Italy Mercato, San Diego, Calif.

Who doesn’t love a good farmers market?  I am here to tell you that in my opinion the Little Italy Mercato is the best farmers market I have been to in Southern California…

…and here’s why (in no particular order)…

Best view! Located just a few blocks from the ocean, it is blessed with an amazing spot to call home.

Samples!  Come hungry because there are tons (more than I have ever seen) of amazing fresh samples to delight in.

Local Products!  I know this may be obvious – but the variety is top-notch and so unique.

Music!  What a pleasant way to shop while listening to the sweet sounds of local artists.

Fresh fruits and veggies!  I would not be doing the market justice if I left out that fact that of course they also have hundreds of different fresh fruits, flowers and veggies to offer shoppers.

Fun (my favorite part)!  This market provides a perfect way to spend a day doing something fun with your friends and family.

With over four city blocks of fresh product, the Little Italy Mercato is somewhere you have got to go.  So, next Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., grab your besties and head to San Diego.  May I suggest making a day of it?

Happy Mercatoing,

Crystal

Beacon Hill Park – Victoria, B.C.

You have got to go here…Beacon Hill Park – Victoria, B.C.

Everyone visits Central Park when in New York City and Golden Gate Park when visiting San Francisco, but I am here to tell you that there are some awesome smaller parks just waiting to be discovered in cities all over the world.  One of those parks that is a must visit is Beacon Hill in Victoria, B.C. Located just a few minutes on foot from the Inner Harbour (where you most likely entered Canada via boat), Beacon Hill Park is worth the trip! I have to admit that the initial reason I chose to visit was so I could go to the children’s farm (more on that later). I was pleasantly surprised by how un-ordinary this park was.  To my eyes wonderment…it was like stepping into a fairytale.  The trees, the bridges, the wildlife were superb!  I was enchanted.                                                                                                                                    These are just a few examples of the wonder that was at every turn! Not only was there lush green all around, but the flowers were literally like beacons (excuse the pun) waving you over to take a closer look. It was honestly so fun imaging you were in a a different time…so spend some time dreaming and getting swept away!

When you are ready to get back to reality, head towards the Children’s Farm! The farm is a great place for kids of all ages to explore – for a small donation of $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children (CAD $), it is an extreme value.  There are peacocks, mini-horses, chickens, donkey’s and goats OH MY!  While it is not very big, there is tons of stuff to see!

Aside from the animals being so cute and cuddly, the people who worked there were so friendly and willing to answer any questions or help with anything!

Don’t let the name fool you, this farm isn’t just for children’s and I highly suggest you call your inner child and invite them to play.  On a side note, the farm closes during early fall and winter so check the website before you go.

Are you asking yourself…is that it?  NOPE, but I am tasking you with going and discovering the rest on your own. So do yourself a favor, put on your walking shoes, pack a snack and go explore Beacon Hill Park – you will be glad you did!

Happy Beaconing,

Crystal

Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach, Calif.

You have got to go here…Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach, Calif.

I am sure many of you have heard or been to Laguna Beach, Calif., but have you stepped off the beaten path and been to Victoria Beach ,or better yet seen the Victorian Tower?

Located off Victoria Drive and Pacific Coast Highway, Victoria Beach is dubbed “The most private public beach in Laguna”.  Parking is hard to come by (pay extra attention to signs to make sure you don’t get a ticket or get towed), but trust me when I say this beach is worth the extra time to find a space or the extra walk you may need to take.

Here is a sneak peek to keep you interested…

OK, so the first adventure – the staircase!  Just kidding, it really isn’t as bad as it looks.  It is quite pretty and there is a bench along the route to stop and take a breather.

Once you get to the bottom, make a right.   You will see amazing tide pools (remember this is a natural habitat so please don’t touch).  Luckily the tide was low and I saw the most amazing starfish ever!  Be on the look out as you never know what you may see…

Take your time to explore – you have all day.  Once you are ready, head towards the castle (you can’t miss it)…you heard me!  OK, so it isn’t really a castle, but it sure looks like one.  Built in 1926, this Rapunzelesque Tower is something straight out of a fairytale.  Originally it was used as a staircase to the beach by the owner above, but now it sits as a beautiful piece of scenery to enjoy.

It’s really an awesome structure and to think it is still standing almost 90 years later.  You can walk around it and take in all the sights it has to offer.  I loved sitting next to it, just gazing out at the ocean – dreaming of what it was like in 1926…

Want to see more?  Well, then you will have to go here!  Grab a towel, some lunch  and head on down! Another secret, this beach is hard to find so there are rarely crowds.  It is a nice place to spend a relaxing day with your friends and family.  It can be your little secret hide-a-way (wink, wink)!

Happy Castling,

Crystal

El Paca Pastures – Ojai, Calif.

You have got to go here…El Paca Pastures – Ojai, Calif.

Looking for something new to do?  Why not visit an Alpaca farm?

Located just a few minutes from beautiful Ojai, El Paca Pastures is a family run Alpaca farm that is a pure delight for any animal lover!

Upon arrival you can’t help but be drawn to the Alpacas and their guard Llama – yes, you heard me right!

Not only were the animals super friendly (I got to pet one and was so excited), but the family who runs an owns the farm were as well.  They took the time to give us a tour of the farm and taught us all there was to know about these beautiful creatures.  I asked question upon question and they were always happy to answer them.

My favorite part of the day was taking photographs of the Alpacas, they were so majestic and made for a great subject.  After hundreds of shots I was able to something else that I love…SHOP!

The Ranch store has hundreds of products to choose from.  Everything from scarves to purses to socks to toys.  I never realized how soft their fur was.  This is a great place to find a unique and one-of-a-kind gift.  There is something for everyone!

I love to find hidden gems and this is one of them…I mean how many people can say that they have been to an Alpaca farm?

A few other things about this destination – it s FREE to visit and the family who owns it seems to truly love what they do and that makes me happy and want to support them.

So, if you find yourself in the Ojai I highly suggest you stop over to El Paca Pastures and pay them a visit.

Happy Alpacaing,

Crystal

P.S. – Don’t forget to ask them what the name of all the animals are!  Can you figure out what they all have in common?

Tom’s Farms – Corona, Calif.

You have got to go here…Tom’s Farms – Corona, Calif.

Need a romantic date idea or just something fun to do with the whole family?  Well, look no further than Tom’s Farms in Corona, Calif.

Don’t let the name fool you, there is so much more to be discovered than just food.  Since 1971 this family destination has been pleasing all who enter its doors.

You will enjoy Tom’s Farms if…

…you love to eat!

With restaurants, snack stands and ample space to picnic after you grab some yummy delights from the Wine and Cheese Shop - there is something for everyones taste buds!

Fresh Salsa!

…you love fresh food!

Tom’s Farms has a produce market, wine and cheese shop, sweet shop , and a gourmet popcorn /fudge factory.  With thousands of local products from strawberries, to jams, to breads, to dried fruits, to cheese, to wine – you get the picture – you are sure to leave with your arms full!

…you love to shop!

No, I’m not just talking about food.  A huge home store filled with hand-crafted furniture, art and country goods is also located on the property.

…you like to have fun!

There are attractions for both kids big and small.  Trains, mining, magic, tractor rides, photo opportunities…the list goes on and on!

…you like to spend the day getting away from it all.

The thing I like best about Tom’s Farms is that it feels like you are out in the country, in a small town, where there isn’t a big city for miles……………

Happy Farming,

Crystal

Hold on, I’m not done yet.  Located just a few miles from Tom’s Farms is a hidden oasis – Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa.

You will only like it here if you enjoy relaxing.  The price of admission includes usage of numerous pools, saunas, mud baths, exercise classes, and yoga just to name a few.  If you have a whole day,  plan on visiting both places – you won’t be disappointed!