Amateur Traveler
Oceanside CA Things To Do: Surfing, Shopping, History and Food

Oceanside CA Things To Do: Surfing, Shopping, History and Food

World class surfing, craft beers and many outdoor activities are just a few things to enjoy in Oceanside, California. Located about 40 miles from San Diego International Airport in the North County of San Diego. It’s the perfect area to get your Southern California dreaming underway. I must admit, when I think of Oceanside, what comes to my...
7 San Diego Hidden Gems

7 San Diego Hidden Gems

San Diego is a top tourist destination and these 7 informal and friendly activities need to be on your radar. Sure, there are many popular tourist spots but these chosen places around San Diego County may surprise you. In fact, you’ll want to return and explore more in the uncrowded and inexpensive attractions. Take in...
Barrio Logan, San Diego-Food and Arts with Mexican Roots

Barrio Logan, San Diego-Food and Arts with Mexican Roots

Las Cuatro Milpas Get there early and forget your diet, my friend told me. Lunchtime at Las Cuatro Milpas on Logan Avenue is known for long lines and authentic Mexican food in San Diego. Waiting in line is worth it because once inside, aromas of home-cooked Mexican food take over the senses. The menu is...
Knott’s Berry Farm and the Boysenberry Festival

Knott’s Berry Farm and the Boysenberry Festival

A Southern California berry is celebrated at Knott’s Berry Farm with a sweet annual festival. The boysenberry is one of a kind which makes juicy jam and pies, so it’s fitting to honor this prized fruit. The Boysenberry What really is a boysenberry? The berry may look like a blackberry, but it’s a cross between...
Restaurants in Rural California-Santa Barbara, Nipomo, Carmel Valley

Restaurants in Rural California-Santa Barbara, Nipomo, Carmel Valley

California is a trend setter for modern and cutting-edge eateries which garner lots of attention, especially in celebrity studded Los Angeles. However, when it’s time to drive north from Los Angeles, these detours will take you back in time and no one leaves hungry or disappointed. One of the most scenic roadways is the 101...
Dining at the James Beard House, New York City-A Culinary Travelers Dream

Dining at the James Beard House, New York City-A Culinary Travelers Dream

When you are a guest in someone’s home, you try to be respectful. When you’re in the distinguished James Beard’s House, you are very respectful. It was nearly 7 p.m. and we were led into a plain brownstone with a simple plaque at the entrance stating it was the James Beard House. James Beard was...
King's Hawaiian Bread and Bakery-Los Angeles

King’s Hawaiian Bread and Bakery-Los Angeles

King’s Hawaiian bread is easily recognized with its orange lettering and sweet rolls sold by the dozen, and its humble beginnings started in a small bakery. The family has been a big part of the business’ success from day one and continues to this day. Let’s go back to the 1950’s when Robert Taira opened...
Big Island Local Food Favourites-Kailua-Kona Hawaii

Big Island Local Food Favourites-Kailua-Kona Hawaii

I’ll admit I like staying in 5-star resorts in Hawaii but when it comes to eating food, I want the local and family owned places. While visiting the west coast of the Big Island and around Kailua-Kona, don’t miss these authentic Hawaiian eateries and soak in the local flavor. Drive 20 miles south from Kona...
Lively Dining on Coronado Island

Lively Dining on Coronado Island

Times have changed on the island.  Coronado, used to be known as a place Navy Admirals retired to and visitors put their toes in the water at one of the best beaches in the USA.  A slow pace of life and a beautiful shoreline, the town was predictable.  Now there is change in the air...
Wine River/Rhine River Cruise on AMAWaterways

Wine River/Rhine River Cruise on AMAWaterways

  Rhine river castle and vineyard Passionate about wines, this was just the right river cruise.  And I learned, it’s not about red or white wines and how to pair with food, it’s drinking what you like.  That’s a refreshing concept. I boarded the AMAWaterways ship in Basel, Switzerland on a chilly November afternoon but...
The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar-tiki everlasting

The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar-tiki everlasting

Almost cult like, there is a serious following with no pretense and images of little grass skirts. Welcome to tiki bars, and this one hasn’t lost momentum in seventy years. Located in the famous and internationally known Fairmont hotel high on Nob Hill, San Francisco, the Hurricane Bar and Tonga Room are wildly popular. A...
Visit the Flower Fields in Carlsbad

Visit the Flower Fields in Carlsbad

I had to wonder if I was in Holland or really in Southern California basking in the enormous flower field.  Known for top rated beaches, cool surfing spots and snappy Legoland, Carlsbad, just north of San Diego city, is the motherlode of blossoming Ranunculus flowers. On a hillside just one exit from the Interstate 5...
MLiss Travels

MLiss Travels