Travel Beyond Texas at Tillie’s Restaurant

September 21, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

I was invited to this dinner as press but no other compensation was provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own. Photos are mine unless otherwise noted. A short distance off 290, past the town of Dripping Springs, you’ll find one of the state’s premier wedding venues. But the inspiration for the venue came from much […]

Hills and Valleys-Pt. 4-Vista Hills Vineyard

September 18, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

{This is part 4 in a series of our visit to the Willamette Valley last summer.} It can be challenging to visit wineries with a big group. It can be challenging to visit with children. It can be challenging to visit with aging parents (mine, at least.) So, what to do when you check all […]

Hills and Valleys-Part 2-Willamette Valley

July 6, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

{This is part two in a series documenting our trip to the Willamette Valley last year. The previous post highlights the coast and McMinnville, Elizabeth Chambers.} The house we rented was located in Sherwood, an immaculate equestrian property fully stocked for a large group and entertaining. When we arrived in early August of 2017, the […]

Hills and Valleys-Oregon-Part 1

July 5, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

We gathered in the golden hills to celebrate a golden anniversary. Fifty years of commitment and compromise. Fifty years of trials and triumphs. Fifty years of love. We chose the Willamette Valley because we wanted a place with beautiful views, temperate climate, and a comfortable home to gather. After my experience at Pinot in the […]

An Artistic Perspective-Clos Pegase

July 17, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

A well made wine captures an essence. Wine, as with art, leaves an impression. One painting may capture your attention, but a study of a series, of a period paints a more complete picture. So it is with a winemaker, a brand. Bottle by bottle, stroke by stroke, the wines leave an impression. One bottle hints, but […]

Summer Adventures

August 18, 2016.Reading time 6 minutes.

You may or may not have noticed my absence this summer. I’ve started to draft an explanation and gone back and forth about how much I want to share. But in the meantime, the reviews are piling up. The topics I want to cover keep growing, and the desire to write is returning. Suffice to say, more will come. […]

Love at First Sight-Sonoma County

April 7, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

We arrived at nearly midnight, weaving up Plum Creek Road, the canopy above blocked our view below. We entered through a porte-cochere, hidden again, and after a brief tour of the essentials, gave in to pull of the pillow after a long day of travel. As I went to sleep, I wondered what I would see […]

A Magic Thing-Surf Chateau

February 25, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

“A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself.” ― Laura Gilpin River rocks chosen from the Arkansas that bubbles by. Cedar shingles and arched entries to the courtyard. Claw-foot tubs and beadboard, crisp white sheets and cozy couches. The Surf Chateau in Buena Vista, Colorado is like […]

Secrets and Privileges on Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2015.Reading time 10 minutes.

If you were hoping for margarita recipes, I’ve got you covered over here. This Cinco de Mayo, I am reviewing two hotels from our recent stay over the border. We made it. Ten years is big milestone and to celebrate we went on our first trip alone since having the littles. We headed south to […]