Valerie Was Here https://valeriewashere.com/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 22:46:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Nortiv 8 Hiking Boots Review – Budget-Friendly Outdoor Trail Footwear 🥾 https://valeriewashere.com/nortiv-8-hiking-boots/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 22:34:41 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5425 Discover impressive trail performance without breaking the bank with Nortiv 8 hiking boots! Explore how durable waterproof construction, cushioned arch support, slip-resistant soles, and true-to-size fits make these budget-friendly boots rival options costing twice as much.

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]]> Benchmade Adira Mini Knife Review – Premium Travel Knife 🏕️ https://valeriewashere.com/benchmade-adira-mini/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:15:37 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5384 Upgrade your outdoor gear setup with the Benchmade Adira Mini folding knife! Discover how corrosion-resistant materials, a secure ergonomic grip, and legendary Benchmade craftsmanship make this compact blade the ultimate travel companion for boating, fishing, and camping.

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]]> Dream Pairs Hiking Sandals Review – Comfortable & Practical Travel Footwear 🏕️ https://valeriewashere.com/dream-pairs-hiking-sandals/ Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:21:43 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5240 Step into effortless outdoor adventures with Dream Pairs Hiking Sandals! Learn how zero break-in time, excellent arch support, versatile water-friendly designs, and lightweight packing make these affordable sandals a travel staple.

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]]> 500 Stickers: California Review – Fun Travel Stickers for All Ages 🌞 https://valeriewashere.com/500-stickers-california/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:18:19 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5297 Celebrate Golden State style with 500 Stickers: California! See how 16 pages of high-quality, vibrant stickers make this easy-to-use book perfect for travel journals, luggage decorating, and road trip keepsakes for kids and adults alike.

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]]> Moon Best of California State Parks Review – Top 50 Golden State Parks Guide 🌞 https://valeriewashere.com/moon-california-state-parks/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:01:37 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5331 Embark on an unforgettable Golden State adventure with Moon Best of California State Parks by Jenna Blough and Kayla Anderson! The detailed itineraries, expert local tips, and practical travel guidance make this guidebook an essential road trip companion for active explorers.

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]]> Route 66: 100 Years Book Review – The Ultimate Road Trip Coffee Table Guide 🛣️ https://valeriewashere.com/route-66-100-years/ Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:45:28 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5312 Embark on the ultimate American road trip with this review of Route 66: 100 Years by Jim Hinckley! Take a look inside to see how stunning photography, fascinating historic lore, and classic roadside kitsch make this coffee table book an inspiring tribute to the Mother Road.

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]]> The Belamar Hotel Manhattan Beach Review: Boutique Vibes & Beach Convenience 🏖️ https://valeriewashere.com/belamar-hotel-manhattan-beach/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:56:45 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5098 Experience coastal boutique charm with The Belamar Hotel Manhattan Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Explore how comfortable rooms, a heated pool, delicious on-site dining, and easy beach transit make this property a standout choice for both leisure and business stays.

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]]> Residence Inn Salinas Monterey Review: Spacious Suites Near Coastal California Destinations 🛏️ https://valeriewashere.com/residence-inn-salinas/ Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:38:10 +0000 https://valeriewashere.com/?p=5103 Experience spacious, apartment-style living in Monterey County at the Residence Inn Salinas Monterey. Explore how fully equipped kitchens, easy freeway access, and proximity to Carmel and Big Sur make this Marriott property ideal for extended business trips and family getaways.

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]]> 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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