Now that I've been here about 2 and a half years, you can take my lessons learned if you want to use the most of your time in Hollywood on where to go and where not to go.

The saying goes..." it's not the destination, it's the journey". This begins my tale...

We received a lot of advice about getting to Yosemite early, parking in one of the main lots and then taking the Shuttle, which takes you to just about every popular place, or you can hike from those popular places to where you want to be. This was our plan until my 14-year-old daughter sprained her ankle literally two days before our trip and ended up on crutches.  Our plans for hiking now had to be adjusted to Plan B: driving and parking as close to the sights as possible.

What better way to explore all of the beauty Carson Valley has to offer than to have a bird's eye view? Lake Tahoe Balloons. How can something be thrilling and peaceful all at the same time? It's an unique experience like no other.

A guide to where, when and how to see the poppies.

Flamingos. Enough Said. It's the perfect combination of Flamingos, Wine and Rock and Roll. ...