The Gutsy Traveler

California

Gutsy Traveler: A cozy room in a San Francisco bookstore, lined with bookshelves brimming with poetry volumes, features a central table stacked high with more literary treasures and a sign proudly announcing "Poetry Room." Near the window, two people are engrossed in their reading.

San Francisco’s literary oasis: City Lights Bookstore and the Beat Museum

In the heart of San Francisco, where echoes of the “Summer of Love” and the enduring hippie spirit still resonate, …
Child looking at jellyfish in a tank

Monterey Bay Aquarium

What to do in Monterey and Pacific Grove Jellies are one of Mother Nature’s strangest and most beautiful wonders. They …
California state park captures gold rush era.  a western version of colonial williamsburg, virginia

California state park captures gold rush era. a western version of colonial williamsburg, virginia

Main Street in Columbia State Historic Park is designated for only horse-drawn vehicles. The state park is California’s version of …
How to visit national parks and avoid crowds

How to visit national parks and avoid crowds

For years I’ve been trying to figure out how to visit National Parks and avoid the crowds. From the Grand …
Wine tasting.

Go beyond the vineyards for the sonoma county you may not know

When you think of Sonoma County, images come to mind of vineyards and vine-covered hillsides, elegant tasting rooms and fabulous …
Gold nugget on display at Ironstone Vineyards

Treasures of california gold country

History, adventure, chic western towns and gold: You’ll find them all in California’s Calaveras County. As we drove to California …
Carmel, monterey and big sur with your pet

Carmel, monterey and big sur with your pet

Carmel, Monterey and beyond with your pet. Tips for pet travel. When I was young our pets stayed in the …
Marin county. nestled between San Francisco and napa.

Marin county. nestled between San Francisco and napa.

Where is Marin County and why go? When the frigid fog rolls into San Francisco, locals head across the Golden …
Art installation at Paso Robles

Paso robles. wine tasting and concerts.

Paso Robles, mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angles, is known for wine tasting and summer concerts. Recently my husband …
Art installation at Paso Robles

Paso robles. wine tasting and concerts.

Paso Robles, mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angles, is known for wine tasting and summer concerts. Recently my husband …
IMG_1330

San franciscobest things to do recommended by locals

Click here IMG_4779 to listen to the seals at Pier 39 in San Francisco. As a San Francisco local, we …
Romantic ocean view resorts in southern california

Romantic ocean view resorts in southern california

Eat, sleep and soak in Southern California’s most romantic ocean view resorts. The Lodge at Torres Pines, La Jolla and …
If you walk across the bridge, be sure to wear a warm jacket. Wind or fog may be your companion.

Best walks in San Francisco. secrets from the locals.

The best walks in San Francisco are free.  As local residents, here are our secrets. Golden Gate Bridge Walk The …
Mendocino has a variety of dog-friendly accommodations, including the Little River Inn (pictured here).

Mellow mendocino – a favorite San Francisco getaway

There are many reasons San Franciscans drive north along the rugged, dramatic coast to Mendocino. With so may San Francisco-based …
Credit: Jermy Bell and Santa Barbara Vintners

California road trip through the vineyards

Many travelers think only of Napa or Sonoma when they plan a California wine road trip.  Don’t miss out on …
 Mesmerized, we stood at the Jelly Fish tanks in silence and marveled at nature's beauty.

Getaway to carmel and monterey bay aquarium

A shared obsession with with the ocean was the unlikely impetus for a family trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium. Our children …
IMG_5032

Romantic wine country getaway in sonoma valley

From the moment I pulled into the discrete entrance to the Kenwood Inn and Spa, I felt like I’d returned …
IMG_5032

Romantic wine country getaway in sonoma valley

From the moment I pulled into the discrete entrance to the Kenwood Inn and Spa, I felt like I’d returned …
Fort Point

Five easy hikes in San Francisco

With over 40 hilltops (and 70 by some accounts), San Francisco is the second hilliest city in the world. While …
Fort Point

Five easy hikes in San Francisco

With over 40 hilltops (and 70 by some accounts), San Francisco is the second hilliest city in the world. While …