JOSHUA TREE, CA
Sometimes life just calls for a little adventure … and thats exactly what we did. I met this group of girls only just last year, but I feel like I have known them for a lifetime. This trip was by far one of those trips that will never leave my soul. Filled with laughter, adventure, good conversation, lots of photo taking, being silly, and just deep down being free out in the desert.
Photography submitted by Amy Lynn Photography
Sometimes life just calls for a little adventure… and that's exactly what we did! A group of us women (all female photographers) meet last year in San Diego, but I feel like we have known each other for a lifetime. This trip was by far one of those trips that will never leave my soul. It was filled with laughter, adventure, good conversation, lots of photo taking, being silly and just that deep down "being free" feeling that you get from being out in the desert. We decided to stop in the town of Joshua Tree to get a little Peace + Love from the little hippie town in the middle of nowhere. Here are some of our favorite shots from our trip.
If you're headed to Joshua Tree, don't forget to stop in the little town, you never know what little gems you might find!!
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These photos are the product of a collaboration by Ashley Williams, Amy Lynn, Shannon Baily, Renata Amazonas, Kim Egle - Photography submitted Amy Lynn Photography for Established California.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL GIRL'S TRIP TO NAPA VALLEY
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of exploring the well know California Wine Country, put it on your bucket list now! It is absolutely gorgeous and really appeals to all walks of life. California makes up 90% of the wine produced in the country. In the entire state of California there are over 1200 wineries, in the region known as “Wine Country” just north of San Francisco there are over 400 wineries!
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of exploring the well known California Wine Country, put it on your bucket list now! It is absolutely gorgeous and really appeals to all walks of life. California makes up 90% of the wine produced in the country. In the entire state of California there are over 1200 wineries, in the region known as “Wine Country” just north of San Francisco there are over 400 wineries. Now, some of you are lucky enough to call this your backyard, but for us in Los Angeles, I sadly have to admit that in the past few years I have only just begun to dabble in it. I am by no means a conosiour (although I have a hard time drinking cheap wine now because of it) but I did fall in love with the culture, experience and the novelty of it…oh and of course, the wine!
I am currently a member at five wineries. What I didn’t know before I started was that you can taste at a winery for free if you are a member. The memberships don’t cost anything until you get your shipments (either quarterly or bi-annually for the most part). This is a perk in my eyes. You get discounts on great wine, surprise shipments throughout the year and you get to have access to and visit the locations and taste for free whenever and however much you want.
Which finally brings me to my most recent trip to Wine Country. My sisters, mother and I finally (after being of legal drinking age for too long to even discuss) booked a mother/ daughters weekend getaway. We ended up finding an amazing house in Sonoma through AirBNB that was perfect. Great outdoor space, comfortable beds, an incredible chef’s kitchen and style that made me want to live there full time. I come from a family that loves to cook so it was great, we made the most amazing meals the whole weekend.
Because I had the most experience out of us all I ended up taking on the planning for the most part once we got to Sonoma.
First step – transportation. The most important thing and is key to having a stress free and safe wine tasting experience is figuring out how you are going to get around responsibly. Generally these places are pretty spread out too so even though you think you are “just tasting” often these wineries have a bit of a heavy pour and by the second or third stop you really shouldn’t be driving and let’s be honest, you don’t really want to stop there! There are many ways to get around this; booking a car service, party bus, limo or a genius service called Designated Drivers. Designated Drivers are fully insured drivers and will drive your own car which is great for groups of four to six (or less) depending on your car. Additionally – if you don’t have an itinerary already made up they will build one out for you specific to what your likes are. Get you access into places that may not normally be able to take you in. They can drop you and look for parking, call ahead to make sure there is availability and no appointment needed, feed you and show you some hidden gems and definitely the most cost effective way to get around.
We started our day at Domain Chandon which is primarily known for their champagne, or sparkling wines. It seemed like an appropriate way to start the day since we got going at 10:30am. The tastings are a bit on the pricey side, but if you join their club (which I did after the tasting) it ended up being free for all of us. They also have a restaurant there so if you wanted to go earlier for brunch as long as you make reservations ahead of time it would be a great way to start the day. A tasting anywhere usually ranges from three to five different types of wine.
Next we hit up Silverado which is the very first winery in Wine Country I had ever been to and will always hold a special place in my heart. If there is a wine tour to do it's the private wine tasting under the oak tree in their vineyard. You really can’t go wrong though at most of these places and it really is all about your personal preference. We also stopped at Reverie which also has a fun quick tour and Markham.
There is so much to share about Napa and this trip and so many potential trips that can come in the future but at least for this first post I will keep it simple with this check list.
1. Place to stay
2. Designated driver service (bonus to this if you don’t know much or don’t have friends to help you plan is they will customize the tour for you)
3. Friends, family or loved ones you want to have a blast with
4. Food and water!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Woods is a California native who has worked in the entertainment industry for sixteen years. She is an internationally traveled entertainment executive by trade, yet a California woman at her core. California identifies who she is; down to earth, successful, beautiful (inside and out), positive and always looking for more.
With a passion for finding her own journey and a love for all categories this publication includes, now, no matter where she is in the world, she can always have a part of home with her and a community to share it with.
GRIFFITH PARK: HIKING IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Living in Southern California, there is an abundance of hiking trails from the Santa Monica mountains all the way down to San Diego. I happen to live in the center of Hollywood so I frequent the trendy and popular Runyon Canyon (which is fun for celebrity spotting and chatting with friends) but I wanted to get a little running in. Plus, it was a Sunday and Runyon would be super crowded.
Last Sunday morning, I woke up feeling a little groggy and hazy. It definitely was those few drinks I had at Megan's engagement party coming back to remind me that I am no longer in my early 20's. I made a mental reminder: implement a glass of water between drinks in the future. However, this is definitely not the first time I've told myself this but somehow I convince myself that one day it'll actually stick. But guess what? That's wasn’t keeping me down! It was absolutely beautiful outside and I planned on taking the bull by the horns and running with it (that's how the saying goes, right?).
Living in Southern California, there is an abundance of hiking trails from the Santa Monica mountains all the way down to San Diego. I happen to live in the center of Hollywood so I frequent the trendy and popular Runyon Canyon (which is fun for celebrity spotting and chatting with friends) but I wanted to get a little running in. Plus, it was a Sunday and Runyon would be super crowded.
So, I got my bum off the couch and I put some of my favorite running gear on. I decided to head over to Griffith Park Trails. The trails are wide and the inclines are not too steep which gave me the perfect opportunity to work on my cardio and interval runs. Plus, hiking is a great way to work on building those leg and booty muscles.
Aside from the running trails, Griffith Park is also home to the famous outdoor music amphitheater, The Greek (which if you missed Monday’s post, click here to read more about it), the Griffith Observatory, a Golf Course, pony rides, an abandoned Zoo.. even, a Merry-Go-Round. It’s the perfect place to bring the little ones to run around and play - or - a place to lay a blanket out with your beau and snack while reading a good book. Or you can try the cute Trails, a cute cafe located off Ferndale, surrounded by huge oak trees. You’ll forget you are in Los Angeles.
Don’t live in California? That’s okay! Jump on the interweb and do a search for some local hiking trails in your city. i bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised all the hidden trails you’ll find. Just pack a small bag and grab a good friend and get out and enjoy the sun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Vacek has a passion for style, details and design. As a Fashion Editorial Photographer, she's worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 10 years and has a love for adventure and travel. She spends her spare time globe-trotting her way through foreign countries and loves new cultures, food, music and the arts.
Being a California Native, Lindsay loves meeting new people and sharing her version of life with others. With an infinite list of things-to-do, places-to-go and sights-to-see - she believe everyone can have a little more California in their own lives.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
LA'S BEST MUSIC VENUE: THE GREEK THEATRE
California has an abundance of unique buildings and structures. From beautiful bridges to abandoned zoos, there is always something the satisfy an adventurous soul. During the summer months, we always love to take in the warm 80 degree weather. Pair it with live music, a picnic of red wine and sharp cheeses and you can understand what it’s like to be a Californian on any Summer evening.
California has an abundance of unique buildings and structures. From beautiful bridges to abandoned zoos, there is always something the satisfy an adventurous soul. During the summer months, we always love to take in the warm 80 degree weather. Pair it with live music, a picnic of red wine and sharp cheeses and you can understand what it’s like to be a Californian on any Summer evening.
Los Angeles is home to three popular outdoor music amphitheaters: The famous Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theatre and the Ford Theatre. Musicians, both newcomers and famous, have played on their stages to audiences waiting to drink up the experiences. My personal favorite is The Greek Theatre.
The Greek is situated in Griffith Park (3,000 acres of land left to the city by Griffith J Griffith back in 1896). The theater was built in 1929 and holds 5,900 people. The canyon site was chosen because of its good acoustics and has been home to many concerts, stage shows and graduations since.
If you find yourself in Los Angeles, The Greek is definitely a must-see venue. Be sure to pack a picnic and eat on the park grass or picnic tables prior to a show. Make sure leave all glass bottles at home and throw away any trash when you are finished. You won’t be able to bring the food inside with you but they offer bottles of wine for sale which is great to sip on during a show. But, if you can’t make it to The Greek Theatre, why not pack a picnic and head to your local park on a Saturday night with a loved one. Bring a portable speaker and your iPod and have your own musical night under that stars. You’d be surprised how relaxing it is to lay down and listen to your favorite music outdoors.
For more information about upcoming shows at the Greek Theatre, check out their official website at www.greektheatrela.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Vacek has a passion for style, details and design. As a Fashion Editorial Photographer, she's worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 10 years and has a love for adventure and travel. She spends her spare time globe-trotting her way through foreign countries and loves new cultures, food, music and the arts.
Being a California Native, Lindsay loves meeting new people and sharing her version of life with others. With an infinite list of things-to-do, places-to-go and sights-to-see - she believe everyone can have a little more California in their own lives.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
SWANTON BERRY FARM, the first Organic Strawberry Farm in California
It was early Friday morning, summer was approaching, the sun was out and I couldn’t have been more excited for a three-day weekend! Since I live in Los Angeles, I saw this as a perfect excuse to road trip it up to San Francisco to surprise my parents and spend some time with Bay Area friends.
It was early Friday morning, summer was approaching, the sun was out and I couldn’t have been more excited for a three-day weekend! Since I live in Los Angeles, I saw this as a perfect excuse to road trip it up to San Francisco to surprise my parents and spend some time with Bay Area friends.
I convinced my childhood friend, Abbie, to come along for the ride. With time on our side, a partner in crime and a fresh playlist to help “Spring into Summer” we had the perfect ingredients for an adventurous weekend. We cruised down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway with the windows rolled down and the wind in our hair until we arrived at one of my favorite destinations, Swanton Berry Farm.
Located just after Santa Cruz near the small town of Davenport, you’ll find the local organic berry-picking field and indoor farm stand. Whether you’re on foot, bike or in a car, this farm’s homestyle strawberry jam, Ollallieberry cobbler, lemonade and berry picking make it a worthwhile detour or adventure all of its own.
Originally founded in 1983, two men shared the same dream to build the first successful organic strawberry farm in California. At that time no one in the farming industry had successfully grown strawberries organically on a commercial scale. By 1987, Swanton Berry Farm became the first certified organic strawberry farm in California. Their hard work shows when you bite into one of there sweet strawberries.
When you arrive at the farm, go ahead and pick your favorite treat and sit and play a board game. Payment is provided using the honor system with the old fashion till (scratch paper provided), You can even grab a journal to read about other roadies who journeyed thru Swanton and share your own story. Swanton Berry Farm invites you to stay, play, and fall in love with the local California culture.
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Swanton Berry Farm
25 Swanton Rd.
Davenport, CA 95017
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eleni Hopkins grew up in a home where art and fashion were always the forefront of conversation. A Native to San Francisco, her passion for style, color and texture have made her fearless to take risks in order to stay on the cutting edge of fashion and beauty trends. It was her craft with palettes of color and make-up brushes that prompted her move to Los Angeles and her love for clothing, designers and street trends that have kept her here. With a creative but critical eye, Eleni is excited to share her love for dress up and show readers how to spice up their wardrobe and enjoy their time in front of the mirror.
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Rooftops, abandoned buildings, glorious lighting, fire escapes (complete with almost horribly gone moments with an all too clumsy friend), adventure and exploration at its finest—which you can confirm when, by day’s end, your already ripped boyfriend jeans are actually completely frayed to a point of no return.