Valerie Was Here https://valeriewashere.com/ Thu, 21 May 2026 04:46:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 The Grand Idyllwild Lodge Review: An Honest Look ⛰️ https://valeriewashere.com/grand-idyllwild/ Thu, 21 May 2026 04:46:11 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5048 Get an honest, first-person review of The Grand Idyllwild Lodge in California, covering everything from the stunning Craftsman architecture to room tech realities. Discover the pros, cons, and essential booking tips for this unique mountain boutique hotel before planning your escape.

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]]> Spring House Resort Review: A Vintage Mineral Pool Getaway in Desert Hot Springs 🌞 https://valeriewashere.com/spring-house-resort/ Fri, 08 May 2026 04:40:26 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5008 Spring House Resort in Desert Hot Springs is a charming, vintage-style "spa-tel" that offers a peaceful, high-value escape with 24-hour access to three beautiful mineral pools.

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]]> The Iconic Cabazon Dinosaurs Roadside Attraction 🦕🦖 https://valeriewashere.com/cabazon-dinosaurs-roadside-attraction/ https://valeriewashere.com/cabazon-dinosaurs-roadside-attraction/#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 00:19:06 +0000 http://valeriewashere.com/?p=548 I have visited this iconic desert landmark countless times, and I can tell you that the Cabazon Dinosaurs remain the ultimate Southern California roadside attraction for families and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure fans alike.

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]]> https://valeriewashere.com/cabazon-dinosaurs-roadside-attraction/feed/ 36 Marina Del Rey Hotel for a California Getaway https://valeriewashere.com/marina-del-rey-hotel/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:33:00 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=3542 Whether you are a local looking for an easy getaway or an out of towner looking for a California experience, the Marina del Rey Hotel is the perfect spot. 

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]]> Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort https://valeriewashere.com/hyatt-regency-monterey-resort/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:35:21 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=3211 Monterey County has become a favorite destination and I find myself there at least once a year. My most recent trip was to the Hyatt Regency Montery and the experience was great!

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]]> Pacific Grove Day Trip from Carmel By The Sea https://valeriewashere.com/pacific-grove-day-trip/ Wed, 20 Mar 2024 07:10:10 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=3901 I love vacationing in Monterey County, and often stay in Carmel by The Sea. This time I planned for a Pacific Grove day trip, and it was wonderful!

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]]> Los Olivos Day Trip in The Santa Ynez Valley https://valeriewashere.com/los-olivos-day-trip/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 18:26:18 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4191 California's Santa Ynez Valley is a wonderful place to visit, and a Los Olivos day trip will be a fun addition to your travel itinerary. 

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]]> Indio Wyndham WorldMark Palm Springs Area Resort https://valeriewashere.com/wyndham-worldmark-in-indio-california/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:06:10 +0000 http://valeriewashere.com/?p=2443 Recently, I had a fantastic time at the Indio Wyndham WorldMark Resort! As a Southern California resident, I've enjoyed many getaway vacations

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]]> Hampton Inn Lodi – Wine Country Hotel https://valeriewashere.com/hampton-inn-lodi/ Sat, 24 Jun 2023 20:55:10 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=3444 The Hampton Inn Lodi is a great choice, since it's a perfect stepping off point for all of your Lodi Wine Country adventures.

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]]> Thousand Trails Pio Pico Resort San Diego https://valeriewashere.com/pio-pico-resort/ Sun, 13 Oct 2019 16:28:01 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4685 When you want a vacation experience that feels like home, head to Thousand Trails Pio Pico Resort east of San Diego in Jamul. 

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]]> Walking into Mexico at The Tecate Border Crossing https://valeriewashere.com/tecate-border-crossing/ Wed, 02 Oct 2019 04:07:21 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4687 I have been to Mexico many times over the years, but this was my first time to walk across into Mexico at the Tecate border crossing. 

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]]> Campo Train Ride and Museum https://valeriewashere.com/campo-train-ride/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 02:44:27 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4690 Enjoy a Campo train ride, when you want an experience that is both fun and educational. The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum has historical displays,

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]]> Visiting the California State Capitol in Sacramento https://valeriewashere.com/california-state-capitol/ Wed, 31 Jul 2019 16:36:08 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4657 I've lived in the Golden State my entire life, but this was my first time to visit the California State Capitol in Sacramento. 

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]]> Claremont Shakespeare Festival https://valeriewashere.com/claremont-shakespeare-festival/ Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:48:01 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4639 Summer and outdoor theater go hand in hand, so, of course, I had to attend the opening nights of the Claremont Shakespeare Festival. 

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]]> Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove https://valeriewashere.com/point-pinos-lighthouse/ Thu, 13 Jun 2019 07:11:55 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=3899 I've always been fascinated by lighthouses, so I made plans to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove. It's in Monterey County and is just north

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]]> California Super Bloom – Poppies, Poppies, Poppies! https://valeriewashere.com/california-super-bloom/ Thu, 02 May 2019 21:57:05 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4508 I always look forward to Spring flowers, but this year's California super bloom is a truly spectacular display! Poppies, California's state flower,

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]]> SOFIA NASA Social in Palmdale, California https://valeriewashere.com/sofia-nasa-social/ Mon, 29 Apr 2019 01:57:07 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4506 I've been a NASA fan, since I first watched the moon landing in 1969. When I was invited to attend the SOFIA NASA Social at NASA Armstrong in Palmdale, I

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]]> Soledad Canyon Resort – Thousand Trails Acton https://valeriewashere.com/soledad-canyon-resort/ Sun, 28 Apr 2019 01:57:09 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4504 When you are looking for a getaway outside of Los Angeles, head to the Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon Resort in Acton. I am

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]]> Salvation Mountain Slab City, USA https://valeriewashere.com/salvation-mountain-slab-city/ Mon, 15 Apr 2019 11:46:53 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4386 In the California desert near the off-grid community of Slab City you'll find Salvation Mountain. It is a one of a kind folk art experience, so it is

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]]> Galleta Meadows Metal Art Borrego Springs https://valeriewashere.com/galleta-meadows-borrego-springs/ Sun, 14 Apr 2019 05:46:30 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=4388 When you drive through the desert west of the Salton Sea to Borrego Springs, you'll come across the most magical art in Galleta Meadows. 

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