California | Wander With Wonder

LEGOLAND Hotel to open in California

Mar 05, 2013 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Hotels and Resorts, Vacations 0

I generally don’t write about places I haven’t visited. How are you supposed to know a place and “feel” it …

Thanks for the memories: a year of travel photos

Nov 22, 2012 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Destinations, Dude Ranch, Hotels and Resorts, Photographs, Vacations 2

Here in the US, today is Thanksgiving — a time to stop and reflect on the things in life that mean …

Travel news: Orient Express, cell phones on airplanes and vodka on ice

Jul 31, 2012 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Culinary, Hotels and Resorts, News, Restaurants, Travel Products, Wines and Spirits 0

There is always something crazy and new in the restaurant world. How about a vodka bar with an actual ice …

Shorebreak Hotel Exterior Huntington Beach

Top hotel room: Shorebreak Hotel Huntington Beach

Jan 26, 2011 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants 2

Staying at Shorebreak Hotel, on the Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the ocean and the Huntington Beach, California pier is like living the American Dream.

Top hotel room: Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive

Jan 23, 2011 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Hotels and Resorts 0

Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills, California, is in the heart of Rodeo Drive, sharing the street with Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Michael Kors, Chanel…

Top hotel room: Emerald Iguana in Ojai

Jan 10, 2011 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Hotels and Resorts 0

Emerald Iguana in Ojai, California reminds me of a fairy tale land, a magical place you’d dream up in a children’s story, remodeled with modern conveniences.

Top hotel room: Canary Hotel

Jan 06, 2011 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Hotels and Resorts 0

The boutique Canary Hotel, just a block from Santa Barbara’s famed State Street, is housed in a beautiful building, the epitome of California wine country inn.

Luxury candles spoil the senses

Dec 17, 2010 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Gifts, Product Reviews 0

The perfect gift is an all-natural, organic candle from Baroness von Neumann. This signature line of candles is as intriguing as the woman who created them.

Paulette Beverly Hills creates little Parisian macaroons

Nov 29, 2010 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Culinary 0

Paulette Beverly Hills creates handcrafted, delicious almond cookies wrapped around scrumptious ganache fillings. You can even order online to enjoy at home!

Emerald Iguana: Ojai’s Hidden Treasure

Nov 10, 2010 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Hotels and Resorts 3

I found a little slice of paradise at the Emerald Iguana in Ojai, California. Tucked under towering century-old oaks, Emerald Iguana is one of Ojai’s treasures.

10 things to love about Beverly Hills

Nov 01, 2010 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Culinary, Destinations, Lifestyles 4

Beverly Hills. 90210. Rodeo Drive. California. The pinnacle of the American dream. My top 10 list of things to love about Beverly Hills.

Dolphin discovery on Catalina Island

Oct 09, 2010 | Susan Lanier-Graham | Destinations 1

Catalina Ocean Rafting hosted me for a two-hour, 20-mile dolphin discovery excursion to explore the Catalina coast. I had an unforgettable dolphin encounter.