Author Archives: Krista Simmons

This California Wine Region Is the Underrated Hidden Gem You Need to Visit

Paso Robles, long overshadowed by its famous northern neighbors, is having a serious moment—and it’s about time. Tucked between rolling golden hills and sun-soaked vineyards,… Read More

This Secret Stretch of the California Coast Is the Ultimate Spring Getaway

Summer and early fall may be peak tourist season on the Sonoma Coast, but spring transforms the area into a breathtaking landscape marked by dramatic… Read More

These Are the Pantry Staples Every Cook Needs from Trader Joe’s (Plus, the Ones You Can Skip)

The Trader has his hooks in us pretty good at this point, but there’s one area that the grocery store is absolutely essential, and… Read More

Flying Has Never Been More Stressful. These Tools Will Help You Combat In-Flight Anxiety.

Regardless of the daily news cycle, it can be anxiety-inducing to fly. And while it may seem that there’s an overwhelming number of plane incidents… Read More

These Wellness Retreats Are Like the Real-Life ‘White Lotus’ (Without the Murder Part)

Can’t make it to Thailand, but you still want a taste of the whacky, woo-woo wellness seen on HBO’s hit series The White… Read More

Big Bear’s Famous Eagles Have Finally Hatched Eggs. Here’s How to Watch.

Big Bear’s most-watched bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, are celebrating new additions to their nest as two of their three eggs have successfully hatched. Read More

National Parks Are in Crisis. Here’s What You Need to Know About the Layoffs.

America’s National Parks System is facing an emerging crisis. The parks were already in a fragile state, being drastically understaffed and underfunded. And now, with… Read More

These Stylish New Pans Are the Ceramic Answer to Non-Stick We Didn’t Know We Needed

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the toxic materials that can be found in kitchenware, whether that be the brominated flame retardants (BFRs)… Read More

This Perfume Smells Like Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream and Is the Perfect Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gift

Looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift that’ll have your date smelling like a snack? Salt & Straw’s brand-new… Read More

Here’s How the Winter Storms Will Impact Travel—and What to Do If They Mess Up Your Plans

With winter storms battering both Northern and Southern California, there are bound to be trip interruptions, especially if you’re planning to… Read More

Yes, You Should Travel to L.A. Right Now. Here’s How to Do It Mindfully.

Recovery efforts from the January wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena are underway, and the city of Los Angeles is beginning the long path… Read More

These Are the Best Plane Snacks from Trader Joe’s to Bring on Your Next Trip

Let’s face it: airport snacks have always been pricey. But these days, it’s downright unaffordable. Aside from saving yourself money, bringing your own snacks… Read More

It’s Not Too Late to Plan a Romantic Valentine’s Day Road Trip. Here’s Where to Go.

In case you haven’t noticed the heart-lined grocery aisles and end caps stocked with all things red, Friday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. And while… Read More

Train Travel Has Never Been More Popular. Here Are the Best Routes in the West.

Perhaps it’s the fact that we’re exhausted by the digital era, but there’s never been a time where travelers have leaned more into old timey… Read More

You Can Now Affordably Fly to Two Major California Cities on a Semi-Private Jet

JSX, the innovative semi-private air carrier based in Dallas, is set to enhance West Coast travel with the launch of new… Read More

These Are the Absolute Best Things to Eat Après-Ski (and Where to Find Them)

After a day carving on the mountain, there’s nothing like gathering with friends for some seriously hearty, comforting food. It seems there are some… Read More

This App Could Save Your Life in an Emergency

Those living in Los Angeles are no stranger to Watch Duty, an app run by a non-profit that has become the… Read More

10 Incredible Grassroots Efforts Providing Fire Relief That You Need to Know About

The devastating wildfires in Southern California have undoubtedly changed the lives and landscapes of our great state forever. With 40,644 acres burned, and… Read More

Here’s Exactly What You Should Pack in Your Go-Bag (Plus Where to Buy It)

If the wildfires in Los Angeles have taught us anything, it’s that things can change in an instant. That’s why it’s important to be… Read More

This Is How Hotels Make Their Lobbies Smell So Good (and How to Do It at Home) 

There’s something special about walking into a sparkling hotel lobby and taking in the subtle signature aroma of sandalwood or cedar. The experience immediately… Read More

Catastrophic Fires Are Ravaging Los Angeles. Here Is How to Stay Safe.

With fire containment essentially at zero, life in Los Angeles has taken a catastrophic turn. The Palisades Fire,… Read More

Seriously, This Is Hands Down the Most Stylish Futon Ever

There is nothing more difficult than shopping for a couch, especially as a tall human. This winter I moved up to San Francisco, and… Read More

California Just Got Two Brand New National Monuments. Here’s How to Visit.

The White House announced today that President Biden has named two new national monuments in California: Chuckwalla National Monument and the… Read More

This Secret Season Is Actually the Best Time to Travel. Here’s Why (and Where to Go)

While many travelers flock to sunny skies and white sand beaches during the cold winter months, there’s an undeniable allure to the rainy season that… Read More