The greater Palm Springs area has been a popular vacation spot for Hollywood movie stars and California’s elite society for decades, and it’s no surprise why. Its natural hot springs, 5-star resorts, 90+ golf courses in the surrounding area, and year-round sunny weather. This perfect vacation spot has evolved from a playground for the rich and famous into a year-round destination for everyone. But let’s take a little time to explore that old-world Palm Spring era with a stop at Sunnylands in Palm Springs. History of Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage Sunnylands is the former estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg and was built as their winter retreat in Rancho Mirage, California.  Walter and Leonore built a vacation home in the Palm Springs area, like many others, but they wanted their home to be more than just floors and walls. They […]

Bobbleheads are more than just toys, they have become collectibles, and are usually a type of figurine depicting a notable person or character. Sometimes they are created for publicity (as you often see for sports teams or sports figures), sometimes to honor an important person or celebrity (presidents or movie stars). The Milwaukee Bobblehead Museum and Hall of Fame holds the world’s largest collection of bobbleheads, and I couldn’t wait to visit on a recent trip to Milwaukee. The museum is also one of the quirkiest museums in the city, and that always holds appeal for me. Let’s start with the basics. What are Bobbleheads? Bobbleheads, nodders, or “yes men”, are a type of small action figure collectible item that is well known for, well, having a bobbly head. Usually, bobbleheads are designed so the head is much larger than […]

During a time of turmoil and unrest during the first World War, you would never have expected two adventurous women to take on a groundbreaking adventure. Riding motorcycles was stereotypically considered a man’s sport, especially during the early 1900s when vehicles had not long been on the road. But in 1915, just thirteen years after the first Harley Davidson motorcycle was manufactured in America, two women set out to do what society told them they couldn’t.  Known as the pioneers of female adventure motorcycling, Avis and Effie Hotchkiss took their motorcycle cross country to see the scenery. Little did they know that their journey would inspire other women Harley riders, not just in picking up the sport, but in fighting for political justice. Who are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss? 52-year-old Avis Hotchkiss, and her 26-year-old daughter Effie, were the first female […]

Here are 15 cities, full of things to do, see, and eat, that may be overlooked when you are sitting around planning a vacation or weekend getaway. And that’s a real shame, because, in the emerging pandemic travel era, these destinations may be just what the doctor ordered. We’ve included small towns from across the United States, along with larger cities that seem to get passed by (and shouldn’t). These are destinations full of outdoor activities, scenic drives, vibrant art scenes, rich history, fine dining, museums, and lots of wonderful attractions. I have a few more underrated – or perhaps merely overlooked – cities that are on my to-visit list. We recently went to San Luis Obispo, read about our stay there, and it’s possible to get to one more before the end of the year. It’s so great to […]