by élite Magazine | Mar 23, 2015 | April/May, Great Escape
The classic California beach town of Pismo Beach, situated on California’s celebrated Central Coast, offers 26 miles of uninterrupted, pristine ocean-side views. With a population under 8,000, Pismo Beach is one of San Luis Obispo County’s most sought-after vacation...
by Stephanie Struyck | Jan 24, 2015 | February/March, Great Escape
Located in the beautiful mountains of San Bernadino is a majestic little town called Big Bear. Just a few hour scenic drive from the SCV, escape to the mountains for its charming wonders, fresh air and warm hospitality. Big Bear is one of southern California’s most...
by élite Magazine | Nov 22, 2014 | December/January, Great Escape
Camarillo Camarillo is home to one of So Cal’s hottest shopping destinations. It’s also a place where its history is celebrated on the streets of Old Town and in the impeccably restored Camarillo Ranch House. The vast agricultural influence around Camarillo...
by élite Magazine | Sep 24, 2014 | Great Escape, October/November
It’s hard to imagine that a short two hour drive from Santa Clarita, hidden in the majestic mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest, widely known as the Alps of Southern California is the best kept secret on the West Coast – Lake Arrowhead, a stunningly...
by Stephanie Struyck | Jul 23, 2014 | August/September, Great Escape
Just a short hour and a half drive from the SCV, off Route 58, is a little town known as Tehachapi. Sitting at an elevation of 4,000 feet, it only took but one visit to fall in love with all the city had to offer and a few more visits thereafter to discover the true...
by Stephanie Struyck | May 27, 2014 | Great Escape, June/July
Just a few months ago, I made my way to Mobile, Alabama with a team of writers from all over the country. Little did I know, I was in for the experience of a lifetime. I took a trip on a pontoon, kayaked with the alligators, got stuck in the middle of a storm,...
by Stephanie Struyck | Mar 24, 2014 | April/May, Great Escape
The term ‘dude ranch’ typically brings to mind images of cowboys and cattle drives, a la the popular 1991 comedy, City Slickers. While dude ranches still evoke those same memories and are rooted in American tradition, they are much, much more. There is a broad...
by Stephanie Struyck | Jan 28, 2014 | February/March, Great Escape
It was just last month when my love affair with San Antonio, Texas began. Despite the frigid weather, (San Antonio was experiencing an excruciating cold front), I fell in love. Deep. In the Heart is its city’s motto. From San Antonio’s rich culture to its historic...
by Stephanie Struyck | Jan 28, 2014 | February/March, Great Escape
A trip to the Napa Valley is the perfect getaway for wine-loving couples. But that doesn’t have to mean mud baths and hot air balloon rides: PURE CRU: Long-time Napa winemaker Mitch Cosentino may have started making wine in his own kitchen, but over the years he has...
by Stephanie Struyck | Nov 25, 2013 | December/January, Great Escape
Marina Del Rey is a 40 minute drive from Santa Clarita, so if you are looking for a perfect getaway without the hassle of planes, boats and trains, this is the place! Located four miles north of LAX and about a mile from the very popular Venice Beach and...
by élite Magazine | Jul 25, 2013 | August/September, Great Escape
Carmel-by-the-Sea, often called simply Carmel, is a small city in Monterey County, California, founded in 1902. Situated on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history. In 1906, the San Francisco Call devoted a full page...
by Stephanie Struyck | May 24, 2013 | Great Escape, June/July
Photos by Stephanie Struyck Elgin With my cowboy hat in tow, I packed my bags, put on my boots and headed on over to the land of good ol’ country music…Nashville, Tennessee. And while most country crooners are known to get their start in the city, I...
