DEEP Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati’s

Get Lost on Amtrak! A profile of the deep dish craze and the two main contenders: Lou Malnati’s & Giordano’s.

The Food Experience at Wente Vineyards

Not only is the wine superb, the food here is a marvel in it’s own right. Much of the produce is grown in Wente gardens, tended by Dianne, the hardworking, organic gardener. Chef Matt Greco works wonders from lunch, brunch or dinner. He uses the local riches of the Livermore Valley to create mouthwatering appetizers, like the Lamb Pastrami, to succulent vegetable side dishes, to wine-fed cattle and housecured salamis. The homemade breads and desserts are top notch and the wine is the icing on the food experience here.

The Wine Experience at Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards is one of the oldest and most famous in the US, so I went to the source, their stunning property in the Livermore Valley of California to find out how they make such good wines. I profile the vineyard and the signature wines of the Wente, from grape to glass style. Don’t miss one of the several Tasting Rooms or the Winemaker’s Studio where you get to play a winemaker and learn about blending wines. Special highlights include interviews with the family owners, Carolyn Wente and winemaker, Karl Wente.

A Perfect Day at Wente Vineyards

One of the most storied vineyards in the US, the Wente Vineyards property in Livermore, California is a delight to visit. From golfing during the day, grabbing lunch at the Grill to tasting in the afternoon or catching one of their legendary concerts in the evening, Wente has everything you are looking for, even if it’s just a good glass of wine or a great view.
Special highlights include interviews with the family owners, Carolyn Wente and winemaker, Karl Wente.

Santa Monica: Best Things to do on the Beach

Get Local in California
I’m a new Cali local and I’m bringing you my tips for top things to do in my ‘hood–Santa Monica. Of course, I had to show you all the things you can do on my favorite part of this town, the BEACH!

Best Eats: The Newes from America Pub, Martha’s Vineyard

This tavern is pure history–one of the oldest buildings in Edgartown, the locals and visitors pack this charming New England pub for the fresh food and variety of beers. You MUST add it to your list when you visit MV!

Best Eats on Martha’s Vineyard: Water Street & Henry’s

It’s not often that you get a fabulous hotel that also has some of the town’s best food, but here at the Harbor View Hotel, you get it all. Whether you are looking for a decadent brunch, a scenic lunch spot or an unforgettable fresh, dinner, The Water Street restaurant is for you.
And Henry’s Hotel Bar is a nautical pub that serves above average pub food in a homey setting. Be sure to swing by for one of their cocktails as the sun goes down!

Sleeping on the Rails

Episode 12: Our final stop! Get Lost on Amtrak Series. Kelley takes the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Think you wouldn’t be comfortable sleeping on a train? Think again. The Roomette Cars on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief are actually quite comfortable. They convert from seat to bed, with comfy pillows and space to store your things and move around. Plus you are going somewhere as you are counting sheep!

Stop & GO: Los Angeles

Episode 11: Our final stop! Get Lost on Amtrak Series. Kelley takes the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles.

From Chicago, across the snowy midwest, through the red sands of New Mexico & Arizona, we completed our journey by pulling into Union Station, Los Angeles. The trip had come full circle but it wasn’t over yet! This train traveler was ready to see the sights of Los Angeles and since I was invigorated by my relaxing train ride, I was ready to take Los Angeles, Santa Monica & Venice by storm. Check out this fast-paced 24-hour adventure through the beaches and hills of LA.

Vlog: Kelley’s 7 MUSTS for Enjoying the Train

Episode 10: Get Lost on Amtrak Series. Kelley takes the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles.

After finishing the train trip here’s 7 tips that helped make my Amtrak journey the most enjoyable that it could