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. 

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

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.
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