San Jose, California

This story begins like most adventures I go on—with the Google search “creepy abandoned places in San Francisco”.The sensible reader might ask…Um Why? My honest answer is that I’m a fool who will most likely find herself in a real life slasher film murder situation just because I like to take art...

About a week ago it was 85 degrees in San Francisco. In April. And in two months it will be 50 in the middle of the afternoon. No-one knows who said “the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” but it is as true today as it was then.From June to September the blustery winds blo...

There's nothing wrong with a good old fashioned dinner and a movie date. We love movies. And we definitely love dinner. But occassionally--or very frequently--it's nice to take your date outside and maybe even get a little exercise. San Francisco is one of the best cities in the world when it com...

Camping is heaven for kids - dirty hands, non-stop exploration, staying up past bedtime, and campfires. But as a parent, it can be a different story. There are a ton of things to consider based on the age of your kids. How long is the drive? Are there bathrooms? Is there running water? Do we need...

If you live in the Bay Area, you’ve probably seen Mt. Diablo looming over from the far stretches of Contra Costa County. As isolated as it is impressive, Mt. Diablo boasts one of the widest reaching views in California. From its summit you can see the Sierra Nevadas to the east and even Mt. Shast...

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of women’s climbing pants for years. Though many brands have tried, and some have gotten close, none that I’ve been exposed to (thus far) have gotten it completely right, for me. So I’m calling on you now, climbing apparel brands! I’m looking for climbin...

I’ve spent the past couple of weeks testing the Black Diamond Women’s Credo Pants both outside and at the gym, and they hold up well in both scenarios. While they're a different direction than my normal go-to yoga pants, and definitely not as stretchy, I find I can move around in these pants comf...

If you’ve ever explored San Francisco, one thing you might have noticed are all those brutally steep hills. When you’re just trying to get to a friend’s place or grab a bite, they sure are an unwanted pain in the calves. But if you’re looking to get a workout in, the hills all over the Bay Area a...

The fog is just as much a part of life in San Francisco as unbikeable hills, third-wave coffee, and the International Orange peaks of the Golden Gate Bridge. Which is why filmmaker Simon Christen set out to make Adrift, a love letter to the fog.Released in 2013, Christen spent more than two years...

Let me begin this review by saying that I wouldn't exactly call myself a photographer, but I took photo classes in high school with film cameras and my old, super cheap DSLR and I always loved it. Earlier this year I finally decided to get back after by picking up a decent camera, the Sony a6300....

Looking for a spot to cozy in for the holidays by the sea? Look no further than Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds, a 107-acre property whose lodges and cabins shine during the festive winter months. Go solo, go with your special someone, bring the whole family, meet a group of friends. No mat...

Beautiful beaches, whales, forested hills, and famous writers all converge at Monterey Bay in central California. Just two hours south of San Francisco, Monterey Bay feels a world apart from the fast-paced life of the city. When a break from the everyday grind is what you need, book yourself a st...

Asilomar translates to “refuge by the sea,” a phrase that accurately depicts the Asilomar Conference Grounds. The area started as a YWCA women’s empowerment camp in 1913 and has since transitioned into a well-preserved state beach. It is located in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. 1. Bird Watchi...

Pebble Beach, Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are some of the first things that come to mind when Monterey County is mentioned, but those who truly know it, understand Monterey is home to a massive and ever-growing collection of public land and outdoor adventure assets. From Pinnacles...

To make the most of a trip to Monterey, you don't need to go overboard on the gear. With beautiful weather, easily-accessible adventures, and so much good food to eat (see what I'm talking about here), you really just need a few go-to's to take advantage of all this area has to offer. Here are fi...