Recommendations (or not so much) From the Road in California

If you want to experience Yosemite's great outdoors overnight, but don't want to pack up all of your camping gear (and The Ahwahnee is a little over budget), glamping at this auto camp is a fabulous option.  This property has a beautiful, two story clubhouse (includes a small store, indoor and outdoor tables, fireplaces, swimming pool, and even a bar), tents, Airstreams, cabins. and even an onsite lake.  Each sleeping option is hotel quality, comfortable, and contemporary styling. Bikes and outdoor games are available.  There are even wagons for transporting luggage and items (because parking is separate from lodging, but not too far).  WiFi and TVs are available for those that just can't, or don't know how to, fully shut down.  The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, the grounds are clean, and you are only 5 minutes from the closet town.

1850 is a yummy little restaurant in the heart of the town of Mariposa (and gives a clever reminder of when the town was founded). They have a pub style menu (including vegetarian and vegan, shocking, but impressive), and an extensive local wine list, as well as microbrews.  There is indoor and outdoor seating (that was closed due to hazardous smoke conditions from the California fires).  The wait staff was extremely sweet to Titus (which adds brownie points with this dog owner), and had no problem with him eating inside because of the smoky conditions outside.  Titus and I went classic with two styles of cheeseburgers (which we shared, of course), and a side of fries.  Kept it simple the first visit, but enjoyed it so much that we returned to try something else later in the week.  

Added bonus: The restaurant is a literal hop, skip, and jump away from the Tourist Information building.  A resource that I will always recommend using during travels.

Even with horrible visibility, Yosemite is jaw droppingly gorgeous.  A crown jewel of the U.S. national parks, Yosemite is a must see, no matter what the air quality.  Rivers, open field, waterfalls, towering mountains, hiking and biking trails, campsites, hotels, shops, dining, it has it all.  Don't be like this lame California girl. Try to get there before your mid-40s, if possible, not that age should stop you.  I look forward to my next visit (fingers crossed for clear skies). 

I will definitely be saving my pennies to stay at this place.  Beauty, luxury, grounds on Yosemite National Park, and bears right outside, make this a must stop spot.

A darling restaurant right in the middle of the main street of Mariposa.  Titus has deemed it "Best Burger So Far." 

Just say, "No."  Sorry Bakersfield, but if I can avoid you in the future, I will.

The south end of the Las Vegas strip is undergoing massive expansion.  One of the early adaptors has been The Grandview.  It's an RCI property, consisting of several Owners style accommodations, pools, hot tubs, a beach style cafe, a small shop for necessities and souvenirs, and a connection with the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, next door.

Red Rock Canyon is a a National Conservation Area filled with breath taking views, hikes, camping sites, and wildlife sitings that will make for a memorable experience.  

 Needing a little break from the heat of the Vegas desert?  Lake Mead is the man made answer to that prayer.  There are great trails to hike around, and above Lake Mead.  The hike along the old railroad line is not only a great hike, but full of history information, too.

Miles of trails meander through this wetlands park.  

Very few places in the world are as well known, and iconic, as The Las Vegas Strip.  You have to go see it at least once in your life.  The lights, glitz, and over the top accommodations are unlike any other in the world.

Set your eyes on the new Raider Football Stadium.  Yes, the Raider Nation has moved from Oakland, CA to Sin City (shocker).  Having been to many Raider games in Oakland, I think that the loyal fans will be impressed with the new digs.  Let's go Raiders!