California and Nevada, a road trip to remember

Anna Sperry • 13 June 2023
Home to Silicon Valley, the birthplace of iPhone, where fortunes are made. The first stop on this Californian adventure is San Jose! Only an hour and a half away from San Francisco and with a blend of different eating options for a diverse population. This amazing place has so much to look at and see. Home to the San Jose Sharks, San Jose Giants and where the 49ers are based, if sports is what you are after look no further! 

There are a vast number of culinary opportunities for visitors, from iChina to the farmers markets. if you're looking for a set menu, iChina has covered or whether you are looking for a lazy Sunday have a look at the farmers' market and see the local produce. This spectacular place also has a winery called Alamitos to take yourself and your party for a wine tasting session to soak in the sun and experience. While you are here have a look at the surgical museum where you can explore the extraordinary. This is the perfect place to start your journey. 

From San Jose to Santa Cruz, we meet a blend of surf, sand, and fun. Mainland surfing was invented here by three Hawaiian princes where the sport has only grown in popularity and for good reason. This amazing place has so much to offer from marine sanctuaries, massive redwood trees to dance and arts festivals like Bay Area Dance Week with 6 routines being performed at the same time! This festival is every year in April as well as the Watsonville strawberry festival every August. The eclectic feel of the warm and friendly atmosphere that envelopes the area is electric and creates a wonderful holiday environment.


The amazing range of food is cater’s for everyone. From Mexican to bar and grills, it has it all. Start the day with freshly baked goods. With local and handmade options to choose from you know that you are getting the best. Have a look at the local pizza place where you get a free shirt to commemorate the occasion. For a sweet treat during there is a conveniently placed Cookie Company!


Choose the right accommodation location and you can be steps away from the beach. With the sand between your toes and the calming sea perfect for relaxation. Within the area lies Seabright State Beach, Seacliff State Beach and Sunset State Beach and Santa Cruz Harbour. This is along with countless others that stretch as far as the eye can see. With the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, you have an opportunity to view sea lions, otters, and many varieties of seabirds. Set sail on a chardonnay cruise for the day to get the best views of the coastline. 

The capital of Nevada, you guessed it, Carson City! In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Carson City offers natural hot springs and mural festivals. With natural hot springs that were recently renovated, relax in the pools, and enjoy the beautiful mountain view. 

Welcome to the mining town of Virginia City! take a train up the mountain and let the area take you back in time, Welcome to 1859. From bloody marys at the local saloon, to a visit at the opera house, the highlight of this area is the Mark Twain festival. This is from April 21-23 every year, dress up and get involved in the festivities all around Carson City such as art, music, treasure hunts, costume contests and the Twain "Cocktail" Train from Carson City.

With a friendly atmosphere and gorgeous mountains, Lake Tahoe is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for the outdoors. With plenty of accommodation ranging from rentals and hotels near the area, you can find a lovely place to stay whether you are a solo traveller or travelling with your family. The clear water will take your breath away and you can let your worries go, paddle a clear bottom kayak and explore the water with a fantastic perspective or take a boat ride and sit back and enjoy the views. Emerald island Is amazing to view and has fantastic history behind it, including a Viking castle! enjoy the massive mountains that surround you which are fantastic any time of year. With 14 ski resorts you are also able to ski and snowshoe in the winter and bike and hike in the summer. This is the perfect all-around destination. After a day in the outdoors visit Walley’s Hot Springs. You will find a large, heated swimming pool and five separate mineral spas with temperatures ranging from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. 

To the oldest bar in Nevada, we go! Founded in 1851 Genoa is just 20 minutes away from Carson City. From mountain ranges to wild horses, this is a four-season visual paradise. With rocks to mountains, experience hiking to biking and hit the trails! Take a fantastic hot air balloon ride and gain a new perspective with views stretching for miles. There are many events to attend while passing through the areas as well, including the Genoa Candy Dance. Learn about snowshoe Thompson and the interesting mail delivery service! And learn all about the history of the area with the Mormon Station State Park and Museum, relax and head to the local bar and hear about the area from a local’s perspective. 

An hour away from Carson City, Lake Tahoe and Virginia City we arrive in Reno! Casino's, 24-hour entertainment and a marina, you are spoilt for choice. Are you an automobile fan? Welcome to the National Automobile Museum pretend to be a superhero for the day with the batmobile or go back to the future and be Marty McFly, Let your imagination go wild. See the example drill with a nod to Reno’s mining history at the Silver Legacy Casino. Looking for a bit of relaxation? check out the Atlantis Spa with a range of treatments you are sure to love. Are you a daredevil? Have a look at Whitney Peak climbing wall, be warned not for the faint of heart! With the wall on the side of the building, you can enter even of you are not staying at the hotel. 

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.

Hidden Gems of Mississippi

by America As You Like It • 10 February 2026
Mississippi is a destination that combines the charm of seaside relaxation with cultural and historical richness. Quiet beaches and vibrant towns, boutique shopping, freshly caught seafood, and scenic landscapes. Mississippi is steeped in history, from Native American heritage to Civil War landmarks, and is renowned for its musical legacy. Its architecture includes impressive antebellum mansions, particularly in Natchez, providing a glimpse into the state’s elegant past. Amtrak rail services along the coast stop in Biloxi and Bay St. Louis, making it easy to explore without hiring a car. For those who do wish to venture further, a fly-drive holiday through the state reveals a wealth of attractions.

Our Guide to Cleveland, Ohio

by America As You Like It • 26 January 2026
Cleveland, Ohio is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, close to the Canadian border and approximately 60 miles west of the Ohio–Pennsylvania state line. Enjoy its beautiful waterfronts, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and a range of family-friendly experiences. Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the West Side Market and catch the excitement of an NBA Cavaliers game, NFL Browns match or an MLB Guardians game.

Savour Oregon: Explore the State Through Its Flavours

by America As You Like It • 21 January 2026
Tucked into the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a place where breathtaking landscapes meet warm, welcoming communities. From rugged coastlines and fertile valleys to creative cities and small town charm, the state’s beauty is matched only by its vibrant food and drink culture. Oregon is celebrated for its world-class wines and renowned wineries, fresh coastal seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and iconic food truck scene. In this blog, we invite you to savour these flavours and discover the tastes, stories, and experiences that make Oregon an unforgettable destination.

Neighbourhoods & Districts: Discovering Oklahoma City

by America As You Like It • 8 December 2025
Welcome to Oklahoma City, a vibrant destination that blends Western heritage, modern culture and lively urban energy. Whether you are planning a fly-drive adventure or a weekend getaway, the city offers a rich mix of attractions, from historic stockyards and Route 66 landmarks to thriving arts districts and bustling nightlife. This blog will take you through the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods, helping you plan a truly memorable visit.

Oklahoma - Cowboys, Music And Culture

by America As You Like It • 5 December 2025
In this blog, we introduce you to the rich spirit of Oklahoma , a south–central state deeply rooted in Native American heritage and Old West tradition. Here, you can explore world-class Indigenous museums, historic tribal sites and vibrant powwows that celebrate centuries of culture. Oklahoma also offers striking landscapes, from rolling plains to dramatic cliffs, providing the perfect backdrop for a journey through America’s storied past. Make Oklahoma your next fly drive holiday destination, where history, culture and wide-open adventure come together.
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